Rise & Thrive
Welcome to Rise & Thrive, every week we dive into heart-to-heart conversations with return missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We will dive into the personal stories of these remarkable individuals. We explore the transformative power of living a healthy and purposeful life, uncovering the blessings it has brought to their lives.
We will not only explore the motivation required by missionaries but also encourage you to discover what motivates you on in your own life. Join us as we share stories, insights, and the pursuit of a thriving and purposeful life!
Episodes
40 episodes
God Can Use Your Past: Alessia Grover
In this episode, I sit down with Alessia to talk about her journey from feeling far from God and the Church to eventually serving in the Nebraska Omaha Mission at 21.Alessia shares about her challenging upbringing, the choices and exper...
When the Path Looks Different, God Is Still There: Halle Murdoch
In this episode, I sit down with Halle Murdoch to talk about her journey of coming to know that God loves her, her unique experience serving in the Temple Square Mission, and her decision to come home early due to an ED. Halle shares how she fo...
Called to a People: Rilee Sorensen
In this episode, Rilee opens up about her decision to serve a mission, what it was like serving abroad during COVID, being reassigned to the U.S., and the unexpected joys that came along the way. She shares her story and puts a special emphasis...
Finding Joy in the Field: Bria Ritchie
In this episode, I sit down with Bria Ritchie to talk about her experience serving in the Texas McAllen Mission and the lessons that shaped her testimony along the way.From being adopted to eventually marrying her high school sweetheart...
Finding Happiness in the Hard Through Christ: Kaymie Mason
In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Kaymie to talk about what it looks like to find true joy and happiness through Jesus Christ—even in the hard seasons of life.Kaymie shares her story, from growing up in Highland, Utah, sur...
Dare to Dream Big with God: Bailey Kroff
In this episode, I sit down with Bailey to talk about trusting God’s plan, even when it looks completely different from the one you had in mind. Bailey shares how she entered college planning to step away from the Church, only to eventually mak...
Accepting God's Plan: Lataya Brost
In this episode, we get to know Lataya as she shares stories from her childhood, her experience playing college soccer at both New Mexico and Utah Tech, and her mission in Brazil. Although she initially didn’t plan to serve a mission, Lataya ex...
CHARITY: Anna Kongaika
In this episode, Anna shares her story, taking us from her childhood memories on the island of Oahu to the chilly transitions of northern Utah. A central theme of charity weaves through her experiences, shaping her outlook on life. Anna opens u...
How Do You Handle Hard?: Hailey Church
In this episode, Hailey shares her powerful experiences of seeing God’s hand in her life. From stepping off a plane after a humanitarian trip only to find out that her family had decided to move from the place she grew up, to navigating the ups...
Gratitude and Grace: Kalli Harris
In this episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Kalli Harris and getting to know her vibrant and beautiful personality as she shares her life story. Kalli opens up about the profound experience of losing her dad shortly before her missio...
Joy Has Everything to Do with the Focus of Our Lives; Jared Fotu
In this episode, I sit down with my husband, Jared, for our first in-person recording. Jared shares his experience growing up in a family of 15, highlighting how his siblings have been incredible examples to him throughout his life. He also ref...
Dare to Stand Alone; Natalie Neuhaus
In this episode, Natalie shares her story of growing up in Nashville, her decision to serve a mission, and personal experiences of standing firm in her beliefs, even when she had to stand alone. She sets an inspiring example of surrendering her...
Grounded in God; Kate Anderson
In this episode, Kate opens up about the joy and hope she has found through her testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel. She reflects on her mission in Bolivia, where she experienced God's love through the people she served. However, her faith...
Set Goals & Make Plans with God; Lauren Cook
In this episode, Lauren shares the realities of both the joys and trails of serving a mission. She offers guidance on dealing with companions, managing feelings of homesickness, and staying connected with friends back home. Lauren also discusse...
Focusing More on the Savior & His Doctrine; Kaitlyn Quackenbush
In this episode, Kaitlyn shares how she relied on the Lord during her time serving in both Missouri and Sweden throughout the pandemic. She also offers advice on how to start preparing for a mission now. Kaitlyn emphasizes the importance of lov...
Involving the Lord in Every Decision We Make; Grace Evans
In this episode, Grace shares her story of being raised in LA with both parents serving in the LAPD. She opens up about her personal struggles as a young teen and offers counsel to those facing similar challenges. Grace discusses how she learne...
Trusting in God's Plan; Mason Patene
In this episode, Mason shares his personal experiences of returning home early from his mission and how he came to understand that each of us has a unique plan designed by God. He opens up about how he stayed close to the Savior and navigated t...
Rise & Thrive; Zanna Perry
In this episode, Zanna shares how her experiences in both Washington state and Peru helped her rely on the Savior. She learned to place her faith and trust in His plan. Despite the challenges her family faced while she was on her mission, Zanna...
Rise & Thrive; Mya Harbach
In this episode, we get to hear from Mya and the profound experiences that have shaped her. Growing up in Texas, she struggled with a sense of belonging within her ward , which led to gradually stepping away from her faith. It was d...
Rise & Thrive; Whitney Murdock
In this episode, Whitney discusses how any inadequacies she may have felt before her mission went away when she knew of her love for God. Offering guidance and counsel to those facing similar struggles, she encourages listeners to align their w...
Rise & Thrive; Morgan Richards
In this episode, Morgan dives into her mission experience, sharing personal stories about how she relied on and trusted in the Lord. She recounts overcoming challenges during high school, utilizing her gifts and talents to bless the lives of th...
Rise & Thrive; Avanlee Linford
In this episode, we talk about the enriching experiences of serving a mission with Avanlee. She highlights the profound lessons learned and the cherished moments shared while on serving in North Carolina. Avanlee emphasizes the importance...
Rise & Thrive; Maddy Pitt
In this episode, Maddy opens up about her life experiences, she goes into the challenges she faced during high school and how turning to God provided peace during those tough times. She reflects on the anticipation of receiving her mission call...
Rise & Thrive; Drew Wynn
In this episode, Drew shares her stories of how, when things in life don't go as planned, you can pivot and, most importantly, turn to lean on God. She speaks of mission experiences and expresses gratitude for the counsel given by her mission l...
Rise & Thrive; Brooklyn Thorpe
In this episode, Brooklyn shares her life experiences from growing up in Texas with a loving family and support system to serving a mission in Germany, during the same time as two of her sisters. However, her mission took a turn when, just thre...