The LDS Mission Podcast

In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of thoughts and opinions and how they influence our beliefs and actions. Afterall, opinions are really just thoughts too. We will have a discussion about the different sources of thoughts, including the brain's problem-solving function, past experiences, and external influences. I will teach you that thoughts are not necessarily facts and that we hav...

In this podcast episode, we discuss emotional waves and how to handle them effectively. Emotional waves are when emotions like anxiety or stress rise within the body in response to new opportunities or challenges. Maybe you have those waves in moments like, opening your mission call, going to college, returning home from your mission, leaving your family for 2 years, or watching your child struggl...

Hey there! So, I recently had some interesting conversations with a few of my clients, and it got me thinking about a common theme that kept popping up. It seems that a lot of people tend to downplay their thoughts and feelings, believing that they're silly or not important. But here's the thing: they're not silly at all! Let me give you a couple of examples. One of my clients recently got engaged...

Peacemakers Needed...Are you ready to become a true peacemaker? Maybe you are needing peace within yourself, your companionship, your workplace, or your home. In this episode, Jennie teaches us how we can cultivate peace within ourselves and truly become instruments of peace in the world through Christ's Atonement. Using President Nelson's talk "Peacemakers Needed", Jennie shares how we must first...

This step is mission critical... It's a step that often gets overlooked but is absolutely essential: rest. Yes, you heard me right. Resting is mission critical, not just for serving an LDS mission, but for any mission or purpose we have in life. When our Heavenly Parents created us, they designed us to constantly grow, expand, and transform. We have this inherent desire for change and improvement....

Create a "What I Like About Me" list... Too many missionaries, moms, and rm's are creating lists of all their weaknesses, shortcomings, and imperfections. This is never a good idea. Not only is this an unhelpful practice, but it also has negative effects on our self-esteem and mindset. Let me explain why... Our brains operate like filing cabinets, with multiple rooms containing boxes of thoughts a...

The power of awareness is real. In this episode, we explore the concept of awareness and its impact on personal growth and change. As you know, our Heavenly Parents created us with two brains - one that is constantly seeking problems and protecting us from pain, and another that can reason, plan, and imagine the future. Using our higher brain, we can observe and bring awareness to our thoughts, em...

Sneaky thoughts...what are they? In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of "sneaky thoughts" - thoughts that sound great on the surface but actually make us feel terrible. Before we dive into that, it's important to understand how thoughts and feelings are connected. Thoughts are simply sentences in our minds that our brain uses to try to address what's happening in the world around us. W...

Feeling like you're back at square one in old ways of being or stuck in the same spot?  In this podcast episode, we will dive deep into the concept of old ways of being. We discuss the initial progress made by individuals who start observing their thoughts and emotions. However, we also examine the common setback many face that leads them to feel at square one, once again. We dissect why this happ...

This episode discusses the concept of "when two worlds collide", referring to brief interactions between people where their lives intersect. Jennie uses the metaphor of two lines on a graph that meet at a single point to illustrate this.  She argues that in those moments of intersection, we should: • Refrain from making that moment a "sticking point" that alters our course. Others' behavior in tha...

Thriving is a buzzword that's been thrown around a lot lately. We're all searching for ways to improve our lives, to be happier, to be healthier, to be more successful. You hear missionaries say that they are thriving on their mission. Or you hear return missionaries say that their dating lives are thriving...But what does it really mean to thrive? Is it about achieving external goals or manifesti...

Are you someone who constantly feels like your life is a never-ending rollercoaster ride? Maybe your mission has felt that way or schooling or being a parent. Do you often wonder why you feel this way when you are taking steps toward achieving your goals? Well, let me tell you something - it's completely normal to seek progress and growth in life. However, it becomes detrimental when you place you...

Are you tired of being the shy or overly sensitive person? Maybe you feel like it's holding you back from being a "successful missionary". But what if the way to be a successful missionary was to tap into that shy or overly sensitive part of you? What if the best results and way of living actually came from using those "weaknesses" as your strengths?    Listen in to Learn: How to no longer feel sh...

Are you starting your mission soon? Or maybe transferring to a new area? Did you just return home? Or maybe about to start college? Many people may try to advise or give tips to you for the new chapter you're entering. All you can really do though is make it up as you go...   Listen in to Learn: How to make the most of your next chapter The best advice to give or take What you can do to feel confi...

Today we are celebrating our 100th episode of the podcast. And to celebrate, I'm having a conversation with my friend and mentor, Jody Moore. If you are a missionary or an RM you may struggle with setting goals or taking your life or mission a little seriously.  When things feel heavy and it all feels "high stakes" we actually do less in moving towards what we really want. In my conversation with...

Being the "best" at ____ shouldn't be your number one priority. Realizing that it's okay if you are the mediocre friend, parent, or missionary can transform you in ways you never would expect.    Listen in to Learn: Mediocracy can actually be the "best" status How the not-so-great things in life can be okay Why you deserve to give yourself more compassion, understanding, and love   Website | Insta...

"I don't belong here" can turn into "I'm right where I belong". But how? Start with thinking about the last time you did feel like you belonged. What were the circumstances? What thoughts did you have? Why is now any different? Listen in to Learn: How to fit in... Why is a sense of belonging vital to life? Do you get to choose if you belong? Is it up to you?   Website | Instagram | Facebook   Free...

Sometimes our circumstances make us feel stuck; stuck in thoughts and feelings that we don't want to have. Our thoughts do create our feelings, but sometimes we will want to change our circumstances.    Listen in to Learn: How to gain more motivation When to know to change your circumstances Why you have more power than you think   Website | Instagram | Facebook Free Training for Preparing Mission...

Feelings of shame, disappointment, and fear often fill missionaries who come home earlier than expected. Choosing how you want to feel about an unexpected outcome can bring the relief and comfort needed during those times.    Listen in to Learn: Why coming home earlier than expected is totally fine How you still can grow and learn even at home What kind of thoughts and feelings may help the anxiet...

Do you feel like your mind is constantly coming up with the worst possible outcomes? Lucky for you, you aren't alone. What if you started to feed your brain thoughts that were more hopeful? Ones that felt more exciting, successful, and confident? Like what if he actually will ask you on a second date? What if your friend actually will get baptized? What if you really will get that dream job?.... L...

"I need to work on ___ " may not be the way to becoming perfected in Christ. What if it all started with just trusting Him enough that He will help you become perfect? What if it isn't about doing ___ to be a more consecrated missionary but instead it was about just being in Christ? Listen in to Learn: How to be partners with the Lord A different perspective on how to become Why we must belive in...

What you do or don't do isn't as important as who you are. As a missionary, it is easy to base your values on expectations from many different sources. However, when you hone in on your values, the values at the core of you, it can be the biggest confidence boost that you need. Listen in to Learn: How to prioritize your wants Why you should tap into your internal compass What your true core values...

Has it felt like an emotional rollercoaster ever since your missionary left? I was there too when my first son left on his mission. Months went by and I felt no difference. It all changed when I learned these three tips...   Listen in to Learn: Why it's okay to feel grief while they are gone How to be there for your missionary What you can do to let go of the stress and overwhelm regarding their m...

I'll be lucky if I get that companion...Categorizing the things that happen to us as good or bad, lucky or unlucky, blessed or cursed, sometimes can shut out the idea of possibility. It can diminish belief and even hope.  Listen in to Learn: What luck even means When to just trust the process Why you may be feeling unlucky, not blessed, or even hopeless How you can create anything you want   Websi...

Sometimes we do things because we think we should. Sometimes we do things because we're trying to be obedient missionaries. Sometimes we do things because people have told us that that's what we should do. But what if the reason why you do things changes into just because you want to?   Listen in to Learn: How to make the decision for your next big step What it looks like to make decisions confide...