One Fold

In One Fold's last episode, I (your host, Kyrie Papenfuss) share my story.I chat with my cousin Dillon about trials I've faced, blessings I have been the recipient of, and my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.Happy listening! Thank you for all the support this past year!

Lauren Howell was 6 years old when she decided that she wanted to lose weight.This mentality stuck with her ever since, lending to disordered eating and exercise, anxiety, and depression. After experiencing serious panic attacks, Lauren found help through professional resources, friends and family, curated media, and an increased understanding of her Heavenly Parents. She can now confidently say she loves her body. 

As the oldest of 8, Tavin Clarke is the only Hispanic member of his family. Growing up, he always wanted to be white like the rest of his family. When people would ask him what his race was, he would tell them he was white and that he was just super tan. Hence, his name on his high school basketball team was "Super Tan" and that's how he was known to all of his teammates.In this episode, Tavin shares how he came to accept, love, and embrace his Mexican heritage.

On a cold February night in 2007, a devoted father of four and a 17 year old drunk driver both faced life sentences. In one violent, devastating instant, both faced a drastically different future.But as Chris Williams sat in his demolished vehicle, staring at the car that had just caused the death of his wife, unborn baby, 11 year-old son and 9 year-old daughter, he committed to do something extraordinary: he would forgive.In this episode, Chris shares how choosing to forgive brought him closer to His Savior, Jesus Christ. 

After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Levi Martial's mother passed away, and he was adopted by a family in Utah. During this time, receiving personal revelation was key.In this episode, Levi discusses the miracles he witnessed before, during, and after the earthquake, and how personal revelation and God's hand as a whole has completely altered his life for the better.

While serving her mission in Boston, April Morris had several experiences that urged her to come out of the closet to her friends and family as bisexual. After much thought, April later left the church. While listening to her experience, I was so impressed by April's humility and kindness. Not once did she say anything negative about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—she had nothing but loving, kind words to say about members and how they have treated her. Although April's experience is not the same as every LGBTQ+ member, this is a great opportunity to listen full-heartedly to her experience and try to understand. Big thank you to April for being so willing to share her story.

While on her mission, Miranda Larsen experienced constant feelings of unworthiness, leading her to believe that she needed to repent over and over again for everything she could think of. She questioned her decision to serve a mission and go through the temple, convinced she wasn't good enough and God was angry at her.It was at this time that she received an email from her mom, who suggested she may have a manifestation of OCD called scrupulosity, or religious/moral OCD.Over the course of the next year, Miranda began seeing a therapist and taking medication. This completely changed her understanding of herself and God, and enabled her to begin her path to recovery.Learn more about OCD here:https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/

When Kate Nelson was 8 years old, her dress caught on fire from a candle, and she suffered from third degree burns on 40% of her body.Doctors took skin from her thighs, back, and head to put onto her stomach, and Kate endured significant pain from countless surgeries, skin grafts, and blood transfusions.She now looks back at her experience with gratitude; however, there are still hard days. In this episode, Kate shares her experience learning to appreciate her body and embrace her scars.

From a young age, learning about the dramatic and rapid changes of the polar regions of earth was inspiring and a little worrisome to Ryan McFadyen. It is what has driven him to be a good steward of the earth. Living in California, Guatemala, Fiji, Minnesota, New Mexico and Utah has shaped how he sees the importance of nature in his life, and the lives of others around him. Growing up thinking like an environmentalist, in college, Ryan then learned how to view the world also as an economist. Now, he remains curious and open to contributing to a slightly better world however he can. See what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says about being environmental stewards here:https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/environmental-stewardship-and-conservation?lang=eng

5 weeks into her time in Mexico, Kate Giles was evacuated and sent home to quarantine for 2 weeks (which turned into 2.5 months) before she could return to the mission field. Upon returning to her original assignment, one Monday about two months in, Kate was playing spikeball and landed funny on her left foot, heard a pop, and blacked out. 4 weeks later, Kate returned home. She adds her perspective on what it's like to come home early from a mission, and how physical injuries can affect us both emotionally and spiritually.

Bruce Johnson was born and raised in Washington until his parents were divorced at the age of 9. He then moved with his mom and siblings to Utah, where his mom met & married Ray Flake. Our other guest on the podcast is Spencer Flake, Bruce's stepbrother. Bruce and Spencer's family then moved in together in Tennessee.Spencer Flake's parents divorced when he was 14. He was born and raised in Tennessee, but after the divorce, his mom moved to Utah, so he split his time going back and forth.Bruce and Spencer now share their story to help those that have been affected by divorce and are navigating the process.

Despite her seemingly perfect life, Cassandra Hulse always felt like she was living a lie. It wasn't until after her first year of college that she found the courage to tell her branch president that she had been struggling in a lonely battle with pornography since she was 11 years old. Since then, Cassy has worked with multiple bishops to overcome pornography. She was able to serve a mission, but afterwards, founds herself in the thick of pornography once again. One year after her mission, Cassy decided to publish a blog that was all about her struggle with porn and letting women know that they were not alone.Shortly after, she started learning about recovery, therapy, and other mental health resources. Today, Cassy is a strong advocate for those struggling with pornography and sharing hope that recovery is possible through Jesus Christ. Resources for those struggling with porn:https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/addressing-pornography?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/collection/family-conversations-talking-about-healthy-sexuality-video-collection?lang=enghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO1Fq3yXaOU&list=PLAYgY8SPtEWHfaVvDlZvMEvSO2OnfzXXb

Did you know that October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month? According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.Kellie Christensen is passionate about helping others through their struggles, as she experienced many of her own, living in an abusive relationship for about six years. By the grace of God, she was able to escape the abusive relationship and believed she would never marry again. Kellie simply believed that she was not worthy of love.Then, Kellie met the love of her life. Together, they have created a wonderful life helping others struggling with addiction. They now own a long-term recovery program called Mountain Valley Recovery, which helps men struggling with addiction.

Originally from Mexico, Andrea Cabrera has a deep passion for learning about new cultures and helping others. Living in Mexico and Germany with her family at a young age opened her eyes to the world and was part of shaping her character.  In this episode, listen to Andrea's experience as she came to understand her identity growing up.

Jyles Datoon served a mission in the islands of Fiji and was surrounded by beautiful beaches, delicious food, and the most loving people. Despite serving in a “paradise," Jyles faced the most devastating experience in his life while serving there. About 4 months into his mission, Jyles received news that his mother was dying. Not knowing how much time she had left, and how he could move forward, he looked to the Savior for peace and guidance. In this episode, Jyles shares his experience during that tragic time of uncertainty and grief. 

Wendy Gagnon was born in Austell, Georgia and went to 7 different schools in her K-12 years.With her husband and children, Wendy moved from Georgia to Düsseldorf, Germany. Her fourth child dramatically entered the world in Germany by way of an emergency C-section with the help of a Russian doctor that spoke no English.  Since that first move from Georgia, they've moved every 3-5 years to Germany, Japan, Ohio, and now as empty nesters, they live just outside of Austin, TX where she continues to enjoy adventure, traveling and exploring.

When Jennifer Randle was 16 years old, she was sexually assaulted. Quickly after the assault, she saw her mental health rapidly decline, causing her to feel estranged from the gospel.After harboring feelings of anger for a long period of time and cutting herself off from many relationships, Jennifer was finally able to realize she needed help. Eventually, she received diagnoses of depression and PTSD. Through her recovery, Jennifer realized the feelings of estrangement she had felt were not coming from her Heavenly Father. She now shares her story to support others on a journey similar to hers.

As a first-generation college graduate, Maryorie Delgado graduated from BYU's Marriott School of Business, and started her own used car dealership business at the age of 21.Leaving behind everything in Peru in hopes of a better future, Maryorie's family moved to Utah about 16 years ago. In middle school, Maryorie began recognizing the role of income status, as she experienced financial instability at home and constantly compared herself to her peers.Growing up in an upper-middle class community as a lower class individual, Maryorie has since worked hard to find success both in her career, as well as the gospel of Jesus Christ.

About 1 in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime. In this episode, Andre Johnson shares his experience battling PTSD and other mental health issues, while also finding deeper purpose and meaning in life. When Andre was 5 years old, he and his family drove to a relative's for Thanksgiving dinner, but on the way, were hit by a semi truck traveling at high speed. Andre broke both of his legs, his siblings were all injured badly, and his parents both passed away. 

Sam Cahoon's story is one of growing up with ADHD, coming out as gay this past January, and seeing the effects of kindness throughout his journey. Knowing what it was like to grow up as the kid who didn't feel like he fit in, Sam utilized empathy and compassion to become a friend to all.After graduating in December of 2020 from BYU, he came out publicly as gay. Sam now lives in San Diego and will be attending UC Berkeley for his MBA in 3 years—a feat he worked extremely hard for, especially while navigating his ADHD.

In recent years, Emma Schow acknowledged and accepted that that she was sexually assaulted and manipulated by past boyfriends. She was diagnosed with PTSD, and is working to be in the present rather than letting the past control her. Emma married her husband Colin in 2020, and has had to carefully navigate intimacy amongst her PTSD and memories of her previous assaults. 

Paul Victor was called to serve in Bangalore, India, but while visa waiting and serving in Riverside, CA, was hazed by a group of missionaries and sent home due to mental health concerns. In this episode, Paul shares his experience being reassigned to serve in Morristown, NJ where he learned how to navigate bipolar disorder. Paul currently attends BYU and will serve as the 2021-22 Student Body President. 

Jenn Blosil is a singer/songwriter that is classically trained on the piano, and was a finalist on the farewell season of American Idol. For Jenn, choosing the gospel of Jesus Christ has been easy; however, she has realized that choosing it means accepting that it will shape you—which has not been easy. Jenn shares her story in hopes of helping others recognize how, despite the inevitable suffering that will come through choosing the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, it is well worth the choice.

Kylee Kenning is a licensed associate marriage and family therapist at Balance Health and Healing. She is also an adjunct faculty instructor at Brigham Young University. Kylee became personally aware of mental health as a teen, when her father passed away. In this episode, she shares her experience with therapy from both sides of the couch, as she has been in therapy for her own difficulties, and now works as a therapist.

Jesse Craig Bailey grew up in Orem, UT, and graduated from the University of Utah with a double major in Economics and English. She was crowned Miss Utah 2018 and competed at Miss America 2019. For Jesse, the Miss Utah role helped her see people as Christ sees them. Beneath the glitter and ball gowns, she found much substance and strength in the role, and in this episode, shares how she was able to rely on and trust in her Savior through the challenges she faced during this time.

Sara Barlow was born and raised in Honduras. After many years of not attending church, Sara had a strong desire to stop knowing about Heavenly Father and Christ, and start knowing Them personally. This led her to come back to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serve a mission in her late 20's, and meet her husband in the process. In this episode, Sara shares how her life has been richly blessed by her decision to follow the Spirit and seek for truth in the right places.

Dallyn Vail Bayles is a professional actor, singer, recording artist, and teacher. Notable roles & credits include understudying the roles of Phantom and Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera, playing Enjolras in Les Misérables, and portraying Hyrum Smith in the film Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration. Dallyn has performed numerous times with the Tabernacle Choir and other distinguished musical artists and has recorded several albums. He and his wife Rachel are the parents of five children. In this episode, Dallyn shares how we can better use our God-given talents.

About 1 in 6 adults will have depression at some time in their life. Alisa Pierce is one of those people. Growing up in a comfortable home by the beach, she never struggled with mental illness and was content with her life; however, just days into her mission in Paraguay and Argentina, Alisa realized that the mission was not like the glorified stories of miraculous baptisms that she had heard. She found herself in some of the darkest moments of her life while serving a mission. In this episode, Alisa shares her struggle to apply the Atonement of Jesus Christ to her life, and how it has been a process of pain, healing, and hope. 

Heather Sundahl is a writer and editor for the Utah Women and Leadership Project, the BYU ARTS Partnership, and helps run the Op-Ed Lab for Mormon Women for Ethical Government. Her passion is women's stories. In pursuit of this she has worked with Exponent II for 24 years as a contributor, blogger, editor, retreat presenter, and president. She has also been published in many venues including Dialogue, Sunstone, and BYU Magazine. Heather has traveled to Botswana and South Africa to interview and collect the stories of the sister saints with the Mormon Women Oral History Project. In this episode, she shares the importance of sharing your story, and how you can develop your own narrative.

Around 20% of American males have been the victim of sexual violence. In high school, Ben Byers was sexually assaulted by, at the time, a trusted friend. For a while, Ben turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as pornography, for fear of opening up about his sexual assault. Finally, after utilizing the Atonement of Jesus Christ, opening up to his parents, and serving a full-time mission, Ben found healing and was able to recognize that the sexual assault was not his fault - as he had struggled to accept for so long. He now shares his story in hopes of empowering others who have also experienced sexual assault. 

Senah Park was born in Utah, where she was raised for most of her life. After serving a mission for 10 months in  Busan, South Korea, she was unexpectedly sent home. About her experience, Senah said: “My mission was everything I needed, nothing like I expected, and I will never be the same. I know my time was divinely planned, as it led me to my now-husband Christopher, and I was able to come to understand and honor my identity as an Asian-American.”

After searching for the meaning of life throughout most of her childhood, Shana Clemence joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on her 16th birthday, changing the entire trajectory of her life and preparing her for what was to come in her 30's: a traumatizing divorce after years of marital betrayal. Shana successfully navigated life as a single adult in a place where she was the only divorced person she knew of. She made up the rules as she went, and looks back on that period of time as one of the most important, spiritual, and tender times of her life so far. 

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Sex Therapist, Braxton Dutson is a clinical director at The Healing Group in Salt Lake City, UT. Clients primarily seek him for issues pertaining to feeling “out of control” with their sexual behaviors or emotions. In this episode, Braxton shares how members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can dismantle shame surrounding the topic of sex by promoting and teaching healthy sexuality. 

Brittia Grandstaff has battled substance use and addiction about half of her life. After going through treatment, as well as utilizing the gospel of Jesus Christ as a source of strength and healing, Brittia was able to escape her addiction and live a life free of substances. Brittia shares her story to help fellow addicts, as well as those with a loved one struggling with addiction.  

TW // OCD and Eating Disorders // Growing up, Brooke Taylor didn't notice issues with mental health until high school, when anxiety hit - which then turned into an eating disorder.  After many miracles, she was eventually diagnosed with OCD & received treatment for it. In this episode, Brooke opens up about OCD, and shares lessons learned from many valuable therapy sessions.

Fatma Luka was born in Sudan, and moved to Egypt, where she lived before receiving refugee status and coming to the U.S. at 9 years old. She, her father, and sister converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when she was 15. In this episode, Fatma shares these experiences, and the challenges and blessings that have come with them.

In 2019, Dillon Papenfuss came out to his bishop, and then to his parents one year later. On both occasions, he came out as bisexual, but expressed a stronger orientation. After months of prayer and contemplation, Dillon came out publicly as gay over Thanksgiving in 2020. In this episode, Dillon shares his journey coming out as gay, and how he has navigated belonging in the church.

After graduating high school, Emma attended BYU, but had to postpone her education in order to take care of her mental health. This included two inpatient hospitalizations and many academic struggles. While it has been challenging, Emma has found much joy, and loves sharing her journey with others in order to help people feel less alone, and help herself recognize the earthly and heavenly help that has gotten her thus far.

As a kid, Christopher Belnap was first exposed to pornography on his new phone, while innocently looking for something on Google. This started a cycle of shame that persisted for several years of progressively seeking out more severe forms of pornography. In this episode, Christopher talks about the cycle of shame, how he is breaking out of it to overcome pornography, and how turning to Christ has assured him that he is loved, despite his struggles. 

As a survivor of the earthquake in Haïti in 2010, Williamson Sintyl shares his near death experience, as well as the story of his conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shortly after. He now owns his own business and is the founder of a nonprofit that empowers youth in Haïti called ARISE Project For Humanity. Haïti is #3 in the world for trafficking, kidnapping, and exploitation. Williamson's nonprofit addresses this issue by educating youth so that they never fall into trafficking.

When Carson Clark was in high school, she tried dieting and exercises that she believed would help her achieve maximum health, but in the end, led to an eating disorder. She shares her story of overcoming an eating disorder so that others can be aware of skewed body ideals that exist in our culture today, and how the gospel of Jesus Christ helped her maintain perspective through her trial.

Austin Pugmire grew up in Idaho Falls, and is the oldest of 6: 3 boys, 3 girls. About halfway through his mission in San Diego, CA, Austin got a call from his mission president. Speaking of his experience, Austin said: “My mission president asked me to meet him at the closest church building and to not look at my iPad until my president got there. Upon arrival, the mission president and wife told me that my younger brother, Braydon had taken his life early that morning.”

In 2007, Jan Sanders and her husband welcomed their fourth child, Kathryn, into their home. Life quickly changed as later that year, Kathryn passed away unexpectedly. Ten years previous, Jan lost her father unexpectedly when she was 21. Knowing the feelings of grief & loss, these same emotions would surface again when a nephew passed away unexpectedly in 2012. In this episode, Jan shares her experience losing loved ones, tender mercies of the Lord, and how we can better "mourn with those that mourn."

Nada Almassry grew up as a practicing Muslim in Cairo, Egypt. She currently attends Brigham Young University, where 99% of the students are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this episode, Nada shares both negative & positive experiences, basic principles of Islam, and how members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be "one fold" with those of other faiths.

Despite being on two opposite sides of the political spectrum, Alex Bybee & McKay Tucker find commonality in their goal of striving for empathy & understanding. Alex, founder of Disagree Better, an organization designed to help individuals navigate difficult conversations, shares in this episodes why he identifies as a pragmatic progressive. McKay, a law student at Sandra Day O' Connor College of Law, shares why he identifies as a conservative. Learn how both stay informed on politics, and why they believe disagreeing is not synonymous with disunity.