Rachel Bayles - Finding Peace in the Journey and Trusting in the Lord when it seems you are at your lowest

Rachel Bayles - Finding Peace in the Journey and Trusting in the Lord when it seems you are at your lowest

In this episode Rachel Bayles shares about her journey through unexpected life changes, including being a performer's wife and dealing with mental health and faith transitions. Rachel, an artist and mother of five, talks about her journey into the unknown and the need to follow the promptings of the Spirit. Rachel also shares about finding peace in her creative pursuits. Timestamps: * 0:01 - Introduction to Rachel Bayles * 0:54 - Growing Up and Early Influences * 4:35 - Deciding to Serve a Mission * 11:29 - Marriage and Career Decisions * 19:29 - Family Life and Challenges * 24:15 - Supporting Children with Unique Challenges * 29:13 - Returning to Creative Pursuits * 32:29 - Finding Peace and Joy * 36:04 - Advice for Returned Missionaries

Sephora Giraud-Carrier - Finding Purpose for Self and Women

In this episode, Séphora Giraud-Carrier shares her transformative journey from a frustrated teen in Lyon to a passionate advocate for women's health and an inspiring future scholar. Her story highlights resilience, faith, and the power of embracing life’s unexpected turns, offering valuable lessons for anyone navigating post-mission life and beyond. Key Topics * Growing up French in Utah: cultural identity and the impact of international moves * The emotional challenges of moving to France as a teen and feeling out of place * How confinement during COVID-19 brought her closer to family and deepened her faith * The evolution of her desire to serve a mission, despite initial resistance * Lessons learned from her mission about expectations, standards, and living authentically * Her academic shift from pre-med aspirations to a focus on family health and global women’s studies * Passion for empowering women through sexual health education and advocacy * Applying her international experiences and faith to her future marriage and career * Advice for returning missionaries: embracing authenticity and purpose in the next chapter * Reflection to her 16-year-old self: accepting life’s unexpected detours as divine Timestamp Highlights (00:01) - Introducing Sephora’s journey from France to Hawaii and beyond (01:20) - Growing up French in Utah and feeling caught between cultures (02:48) - The emotional weight of moving to France as a teenager (04:29) - Social challenges and cultural clashes in Lyon (08:06) - How COVID-19 confinement strengthened family bonds and faith (11:24) - The unexpected calling to serve a mission and reflections on independence (14:42) - Lessons on expectations, standards, and communication with Heavenly Father (19:32) - The overwhelming transition back to normal life and post-mission adjustments (23:47) - Embracing life's messiness and applying gospel principles authentically (24:33) - The academic shift from dreams of becoming an OBGYN to global women's health (29:19) - Discovering her passion for sexual violence prevention and empowerment (33:22) - How her international upbringing influences her future marriage and career (36:35) - Advice to her 16-year-old self: embracing life's detours and divine timing (38:32) - Words of wisdom for recent return missionaries: live authentically and actively

Isaac Hadley - Faith, Prayers, and a Food Truck Explosion: Turning Setbacks into Success

In this episode, we explore Isaac Hadley's inspiring journey of resilience, faith, and perseverance after returning from his mission. He shares heartfelt stories of challenges, the importance of relationships, and the power of following divine promptings to build a life full of purpose and joy. If you're navigating your own new chapter, Isaac's story offers real, vulnerable insights and motivation to keep moving forward. Key topics: * Isaac’s early life in Hawaii and decision to serve a mission * The emotional reality of returning home and adjusting post-mission * How mission experiences developed his people skills and resilience * The faith-driven decision to start Cocoa Shrimp food truck * Overcoming setbacks like engine failures and regulatory hurdles * Establishing a family-centered business culture of trust and fairness * The importance of following spiritual promptings for life's big decisions * Living big: embracing struggles and finding joy in the journey * Building partnerships in entrepreneurship with family * The role of prayer, clarity, and divine guidance in decision-making * Lessons learned about pride, pride in work, and enjoying the process Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction: From mission to business success  01:14 - Isaac’s background and early family influences  02:39 - Returning home from Fresno mission; the struggle of reintegration  03:51 - Mission lessons that shaped his ability to connect with anyone  07:10 - How mission work prepared Isaac for customer service and leadership  09:42 - Spirit-led decisions: The story behind starting Cocoa Shrimp  11:10 - The impact of prayer and divine guidance on critical life choices  12:50 - Facing setbacks: Engine blowouts and industry challenges  18:23 - The importance of community, prayer, and divine help in adversity  19:53 - Living big culture: joy, struggle, and embracing life's challenges  28:24 - Maintaining fairness and honesty in family business relationships  29:30 - Living big: finding joy in the journey and struggles  33:04 - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: go for it, enjoy the process  32:12 - Building a family partnership: working with brother-in-law Jordan  37:48 - The importance of following promptings and choosing joy

Will Simmons - Why Mentors, Networking, and Small Acts of Kindness Shape a Life of Leadership and Service

In this episode, Will Simmons shares his story of transitioning from a humble missionary in Chile to a successful entrepreneur and community builder. His experiences highlight the profound lessons learned through faith, service, and perseverance—lessons that continue to shape his life and his dedication to helping others. This episode is a call for return missionaries (and everyone) to embrace their ongoing journey with vulnerability, purpose, and a spirit of giving. Key Topics: * Will’s early roots in Texas and childhood experiences inspiring his values * The journey to serving in the Santiago North Mission in Chile and lessons learned * The transformative power of service and focusing on others during hard times * How missionary work deepened his understanding of the love of God and self-worth * The importance of asking questions and inviting others, both in missions and life * Transitioning from mission life to academic success and embracing challenging environments like LSE and Harvard * The value of humility, delegation, and doing the quiet work that nobody notices * Mentorship and network building that have supported his career and personal growth * The “Learn, Earn, and Give Back” philosophy rooted in service and purpose * Practical advice for returning missionaries navigating life’s next chapters with faith and resilience Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Will Simmons’ inspiring journey 02:22 - Growing up in Houston and balancing faith with community involvement 05:52 - Decision-making moments about serving a mission and the role of bold invitations 08:46 - Lessons learned from serving in Chile, including joy through service and spiritual growth 09:42 - How missionary service deepens perspective on Christ and relationships 11:55 - Reflecting on the significance of the mission and God’s love for us 14:59 - Early days back home with Paige and the rapid pace of life post-mission 16:24 - Balancing school, love, and service: lessons from academic pursuits 19:04 - The rigorous experience at London School of Economics and the value of multicultural environments 21:00 - Pursuing an MBA at Harvard and lessons on leadership and humility 23:39 - Transitioning to the energy industry and navigating economic cycles 25:12 - Gaining real-world experience through government and private sector roles 27:52 - Lessons about the importance of mentorship and giving without expectation 30:25 - The impact of small acts — treating everyone with love and respect 33:15 - Words of encouragement to new return missionaries and embracing hardships with faith 34:50 - Trusting in God's plan for your next chapters and moving forward with purpose

Mayumi Namgur - From Japan to Mongolia to the US, this former mission leader overcomes extreme set-backs and challenges - loss of child, infertility, family stepping away from the church, cancer, and more, while keeping the Lord first in all she does.

In this episode, we hear a heartfelt and authentic story of Mayumi Namgur who navigated the profound challenges of seeing her family step away from the gospel of Jesus Christ, infertility, cancer, loss, and faith—yet emerged stronger, more compassionate, and deeply anchored in her spiritual journey. Her story highlights how life's toughest moments can become catalysts for growth, service, and greater understanding of divine love. We aim to inspire former missionaries and others to see their "next chapters" as opportunities to continue evolving and loving. In this episode we cover: * Growing up with influences of Buddhism, Shintoism, and the introduction to Christianity in Japan * The transformative power of faith in the face of familial and personal struggles  * The significance of missionary work in shaping life choices and spiritual resilience  * Navigating the post-mission transition and seeking meaning after returning home  * Overcoming infertility, grief, and feelings of betrayal, while finding hope through faith  * Living intentionally through service, dedication, and devotion to God's will  * How the experience of living and serving abroad continues to inspire leadership and compassion  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Embracing the "next chapters" after missionary service  02:15 - Early spiritual influences in childhood: Buddhism, Shintoism, and family teachings  03:34 - Coming to faith: Encountering the missionaries and the plan of salvation  05:08 - Challenges in faith: Family contention and the decision to be baptized  06:56 - Moving away from childhood faith during teenage years  09:11 - Returning to the gospel: Serving a mission in Japan with heartfelt commitment  11:46 - Post-mission life: Returning home and family dynamics  14:29 - The journey through infertility, personal loss, and emotional pain  23:37 - Developing hope and understanding God's timing through prayer and prophetic promises  24:34 - Facing the reality of infertility: Surgeries, grief, and feelings of betrayal  27:23 - The deep pain of not having children and feelings of inadequacy  29:37 - Finding spiritual reassurance in patriarchal blessings and divine promises  30:36 - Moving forward: Commitment to God's plan despite uncertainties  33:24 - Living through loss: How spiritual growth emerged from tragedy  36:03 - Living servicefully: Serving in Mongolia and the influence of experiences abroad  38:55 - Embracing "next chapters": Leadership, teaching, and global service  43:53 - Guidance for returning missionaries: Navigating new life phases with faith and resilience  44:12 - The importance of daily scripture study for spiritual strength  46:14 - Concluding thoughts: Dedication in everyday tasks as service to the Savior  47:41 - Final reflections: Living intentionally and trusting divine guidance