Mission Stories
Get insights on having a powerful and successful full-time LDS mission. This podcast shares inspiring stories and practical principles for embracing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, overcoming challenges, and building a strong foundation for lifelong discipleship. Faith-promoting stories and lessons from real full-time LDS mission experiences to inspire and teach. Based on The Mission Prep Series by Shawn Record.
Episodes
67 episodes
“God, If There is a God”: The Atheist Coal Miner’s Prayer in Ukraine – Sister Leila Tyltina
In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn welcomes Olya (Leila) Tyltina, a witness to the "genesis" of the Church in Makiivka, Ukraine. Their conversation explores the profound spiritual awakening that occurred as the Iron Curta...
“It’s Brighter in Here”: The Visible Transformation of Leydi Castro – Sister Elle Dorney
In this episode, Shawn welcomes Sister Elle Dorney, a "happy powerhouse" who recently returned from the Austin Texas Mission. Elle’s journey is a vibrant witness of how the Holy Ghost transforms a "lukewarm" high school exp...
The News Interview in Brazil: How an Open Mouth Found 250 Listeners & Choosing Faith Over Trauma – Lauren and Chase Routson
In this episode, Shawn is joined by Lauren (Lolo) and Chase Routson, a missionary "power couple" who met while serving in the Brazil Goiânia Mission. Their narrative explores a profound spiritual transition: the move from being "acted upon" by ...
You Can't Do the Lord's Work the World's Way. From a "Tacoma Truck" to the Best Mission in the World – Elder Jacob Woodward
In this conversation, Shawn is joined by Jacob Woodward, who recently returned from the Washington Tacoma Mission. Jacob shares a powerful account of moving from a state of spiritual "lukewarmness" and reactive discipleship...
Red-Hot and Bold: Setting the Stage in Hawaii & Testifying at the Christus Statue – Sister Claire Peterson
Claire Peterson from Kyle, Texas, joins Shawn to discuss her transition from a faithful but "casual" teenager to a "red-hot" missionary in the Hawaii Laie Mission. The conversation centers on Principle One: Choose Ye This Day, and the vi...
"I Want to Be an Amazing Missionary”: Choosing Joy in the Boonies/kidnapped in Haiti – Sister Kay Frazier
In this conversation, Shawn is joined by guest Kay Frazier and co-host Lauren to explore the profound transition from a life of self-reliant perfectionism to a heart-centered reliance on the Atonement. Kay’s story is a mast...
"He'll Meet You There": Trusting Christ in Your Inadequacy - Elder Thomas Harris
In this episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn sits down with Thomas Harris, a missionary preparing to serve in Santiago, Chile, to discuss the vital transition from a "halted" or lukewarm state to a 10/10 com...
Russia/Kazakhstan Mission - Beyond the Russian Smile: Finding Warmth and the Savior in a Soviet Block - Elder Nick Spear
In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn sits down with Nick Spear, who served a unique and challenging mission "laboring in the country of Kazakhstan under the direction of the Russia Yekaterinburg Mission". Nick’s expe...
By Study and Also By Faith: The Scientist’s Path to Conversion – Elder Nick Smithson
In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn sits down with Nick Smithson, who recently returned from serving in the Argentina Buenos Aires South Mission. Nick’s journey is a profound masterclass in moving from a stat...
Waking Up the Sleepers: From Casual Belief to Consecrated Disciple in Mexico - Sister Lauren Allred
Sister Lauren Allred recently returned from serving in Puebla, Mexico, carrying a fire that only comes from a deep, personal encounter with the Savior. In this episode, Shawn and Lauren explore the transition from being a "good kid" who simply ...
"Just Do It": Swallowing Pride in the Manchester England Rain – Elder Brady Hoggan
In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn welcomes Brady Hoggan, who recently returned from serving in the England Manchester Mission (2024–2026). The conversation explores the vital transition from possessing a "h...
He Had Me in His Mind: The Personal Power of Gethsemane – Sister Mackenzie Pyatt
In this episode, Shawn sits down with Sister Mackenzie Pyatt, who is currently in the home MTC preparing to serve in the Calgary, Canada Mission. Her story is a powerful testament to the transition from a passive, cultural "lukewa...
I Only Have Two Years: Finding the Fire for the Work – Elder AJ Luekenga
In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn is joined by AJ Luekenga, who served in the Bolivia Cochabamba Mission. The conversation centers on a powerful mental shift required for every missionary: graduating from the passive feeli...
You’re a Son of God and I Have a Work for You: The Refiner’s Fire in North Dakota – Elder Carson Brown
In this episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn welcomes Carson Brown, a recently returned missionary who served in the North Dakota Bismarck Mission. Carson shares a powerful, vulnerable account of his journey...
The Spirit of Truth in the Slums: Edification and Joy in São Paulo - Elder Sam Warner
Sam Warner, a musician and skater from Encinitas, California, joins Shawn to reflect on the spiritual stretching he experienced while serving in the slums and favelas of São Paulo, Brazil. The core theme of this episode explores the transition ...
Finding a Family of Four: Specific Prayer and Miracles in Mexico City – Sister Anna Gray
In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn is joined by Sister Anna Gray, who recently returned from serving in the Mexico City North Mission. Anna shares how a mission transformed her from a "routine" churchgoer in...
The Field is White: Miracles, Angels, and Basketball in Peru – Megan Roberts Thomas
In this episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn welcomes Megan Roberts Thomas, who served in the Trujillo Peru Mission. Once a self-described "punk kid," Megan shares her transformation into an ambitious and co...
"You Are Forgiven": Hearing the Voice of the Lord in the Wrestle of Repentance - Elder Trent Stock
In this powerful episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn welcomes his best friend of 35 years, Trent Stock, to share a story decades in the making. While many episodes focus on recent returnees, this conversation dive...
The Pallbearer of Ukraine: Opening Hearts Through Heavy Service - Elder Matt Miles
In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn is joined by his long-time friend and former mission companion, Matt Miles. Having served together in Ukraine nearly 30 years ago, they reflect on the foundational principles that...
The Covenant to Baptize: Faith & Five Souls in Arcadia - Baden record & Brook O'Brien
In this episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn sits down with his nephew, Baden Record, and Baden’s fiancée, Brook O’Brien, to discuss their respective missions in California Arcadia and Minnesota Mi...
"Dear Heavenly Father”: The Miracle of a First Prayer in the Australian Bush – Sister Ashlyn Solano
In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn is joined by recently returned missionary Ashlyn Solano and her sister, co-host Laura Solano. Ashlyn, home just two weeks from the Australia Melbourne Mission, shares how the weig...
Keeping Back Nothing: From Fleas in Honduras to Miracles in McAllen - Sister Jamie Pyatt
In this episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn, guest Jamie Pyatt, and co-host Lauren explore the transformative power of Principle One: Choose Ye This Day and Principle Two: Revelation Leads to Conversion<...
"My Enos Moment": Moving from Lukewarm to On Fire in Chile - Sister Reese Wren
In this episode of the Mission Stories podcast, shawn interviews his niece, Reese Wren, who recently returned from serving in the Chile South Mission. Reese describes her mission as a "magical" place characterized by...
"I Choose to Go On My Mission!" Agency and Personal Growth Serving Others - Sister Brynlee Brown
In this episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn sits down with Brynlee Brown, a BYU student from Carlsbad who is preparing to serve in the Bahía Blanca Argentina Mission. The conversation dives deep into the ...