Janey Nielsen - Early Mission Return and The Power of Small Kindnesses: How Charity and Community Helped Janey Heal

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

Chloe Evans - Teaching to Service Mission: Why Leaving Her Assigned Mission Unexpectedly Was God's Perfect Plan for Chloe's Next Chapters

In this heartfelt episode, former missionary Chloe Evans shares her journey of faith, resilience, and rediscovering purpose after health challenges during her mission, and future reassignment to a Service Missionary. Her story is a powerful testament to trusting divine guidance and finding joy in every chapter of life, especially after service. Listeners will be inspired to embrace their next chapters with hope, humility, and joy. Key Topics * Chloe’s early life and frequent moves across Hawaii, England, Washington, and Utah — how adaptability prepared her for a mission. * The importance of attitude and perspective in handling change and adversity. * Chloe’s spontaneous decision to serve a mission after a divine prompting. * The development of her health issues in Arizona and her journey through diagnosis and recovery. * Transitioning from a mission to new service and educational pursuits after returning home. * How her faith helped her navigate health crises, transfers, and the emotional transition out of her mission. * Lessons in joy, service, and finding purpose beyond the mission. * Practical advice for missionaries facing health struggles, fear of early exit, and post-mission challenges. * Embracing the next chapter with love for life, faith, and ongoing service. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and Chloe’s diverse background that prepared her for change 02:30 - The lessons learned from frequent moves and embracing flexibility 03:50 - Maintaining long-term friendships despite geographical shifts 05:14 - Chloe’s initial thoughts on serving a mission and divine prompts to serve 06:10 - How her health challenges began in Arizona and the impact on her mission 08:00 - The process of diagnosis, hospital visits, and her determination to stay engaged 11:53 - Transitioning from a mission with health issues and the support she received 12:23 - Overcoming stereotypes and biases about transferring and health setbacks 13:48 - Living in a small household during renovation and adapting to new living situations 16:14 - The variety of service opportunities in Hawaii and choosing to serve with joy 18:24 - Chloe’s positive attitude and finding joy in service even in challenging circumstances 19:18 - The emotional and spiritual transition after mission end — from tears to acceptance 20:18 - Reflections on the first days after removing her mission tag and starting a new life chapter 21:35 - The importance of support systems and prayer in navigating transitions 22:32 - How her mission influenced her current path in public health and disability care 23:01 - Her educational pursuits and commitment to serving individuals with disabilities 26:23 - Practical advice for missionaries struggling with health, fears, and transition 28:20 - Cherishing the present and moving forward with faith, joy, and purpose

Mikayla Yuen - Teaching to Service Mission -- How Listening to Heavenly Guidance Led to a Mission Reimagined—And a New Path Forward

In this episode, we explore the inspiring story of Mikayla Yuen, a missionary who faced delays, health challenges, and difficult decisions — and who found hope and purpose in her next mission chapter as a Service Missionary. Her vulnerability and faith offer inspiration for others navigating similar transitions, emphasizing that God's love and purpose extend beyond the mission field. Key Topics: * The impact of mental health concerns on mission planning and calling * How prayer and spiritual confirmation guided her decision to return home * Navigating feelings of failure and societal stigma around leaving a mission early * The emergence of service missions as a meaningful alternative * Balancing family responsibilities with spiritual growth during transition * The significance of temple experiences and divine guidance in making tough choices * How sharing talents, like hula, symbolizes gratitude and cultural identity * Studying psychology in relation to personal growth and helping others * Encouraging hope and resilience for missionaries who return early or face health challenges * The importance of self-worth and Heavenly Father's love, regardless of mission duration Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: The journey from mission delay to hope 00:15 - Mikayla’s experience with mental health concerns before her mission 00:39 - Spiritual reassurance through prayer and divine confirmation 01:36 - Deciding to serve and her call to Riverside, California 02:34 - Discovering San Bernardino and the unique landscape 04:07 - Feelings of anxiety and physical sickness during her mission 04:28 - Conversations with family and the importance of open communication 05:38 - Recognizing patterns of illness and mental health struggles 06:26 - The role of prayer and priesthood blessings in coping 07:22 - Divine experiences in the temple and receiving confirmation 08:12 - Talking with mission leaders and the decision to go home 09:29 - The significance of temple insights in her decision 10:15 - Her feelings about leaving and the divine reassurance received 12:00 - Concerns about stigma and societal perceptions 13:21 - Transitioning back home and what that felt like 14:27 - Examples of service missionaries and their impact 15:20 - The power of shared service and leadership in her next chapter 16:45 - Overcoming fears of stigma and embracing her story 19:20 - The "best of both worlds": a hybrid of service and family 20:32 - Sharing culture through hula and expressions of gratitude 23:27 - Reflecting on her mission experience and its sacredness 24:50 - The value of facing challenges and the sacredness of hard things 27:27 - Advice for missionaries who feel they've failed 28:24 - The importance of covenants and trusting God's plan 29:01 - Mikayla’s testimony of Jesus Christ and His love