Do you find yourself doing anything possible to avoid pain? If so, you're not alone. The problem is that happiness does not come from avoiding pain, rather it comes from trying to find meaning in the pain that we inevitably experience in life. Join us as we talk about how to transcend pain and suffering through Jesus Christ with therapist Ron Squire. Ron uses his extraordinary story of falling off a cliff while on a p-day excursion on his mission in Puebla, Mexico and its aftermath to...

How are your efforts to continue to gather Israel since you have been home from your mission? Are you finding that it is harder than you thought it would be? Join us as we talk with Matt Conway and Kiah Muramoto (two returned missionary young adults at the Utah Valley Institute) about how young adults can use the principles of love, share, and invite to continue to share the gospel and minister to others in natural and normal ways, even without the black badge!

“Often, we women don’t realize that the power through which we accomplish ‘much good’ in our callings and in our homes is an expression of priesthood power. As a matter of fact, all the good that is done in the world is done through God’s power. . . . Knowing that women have access to that priesthood power strengthens us to be able to do what is asked in whatever responsibilities or assignments are ours.” Jean B. Bingham, “Endowed with Power” (Brigham Young University Women’s Conference, May...

As Latter-day Saints we begin giving talks when we are three years old, but do we ever stop to think about the principles that make for an inspiring talk that helps the members of the congregation come unto Christ? Dr. Stephan Taeger (BYU Religion Professor, co-host of the RVVL podcast with David Butler, and author) is passionate about homiletics, which is the study of the art of preaching. He has done extensive research into the techniques and principles that make for a powerful sermon....

In the mission field it can seem like 80% of your life is in order and 20% is in chaos. When you get home those percentages often flip and you find yourself trying to re-discover a life of order in all the new chaos. TJ Faamausili (Seminary teacher, This.is.Kingdom co-host) joins the podcast after being home from his mission for 6 years. He tells his story of a difficult initial transition home and how he was able to eventually create order, live in purpose, and be intentional about building...

Have you ever struggled with what seemed like repeated failure in your life? Has coming home from your mission brought less immediate success than you hoped for? Ben Lomu (Host of BYU TV's Come Follow Up, actor (King Lamoni in BofM Videos, Faith of Angels), and teacher at the Utah Valley Institute) joins the podcast to talk about finding success through failure. Ben talks about his difficult mission to Italy, broken engagements, being rejected for several jobs and how focusing on his true...

Guy Johnson (teacher and leader at the Utah Valley Institute) joins Brian and Sean to talk about being an instrument in the hand of God. He uses the statement in Alma 26:3 "And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work" to remind returned missionaries that God made them into instruments while on their mission and wants to continue to use them throughout their lives to do His work. RM's, don't...

"You and I, however, are agents We have the power in us to act, not simply to be acted upon" (David A Bednar) Dallas Pruitt (Podcaster, Creator of the Growth Guide Journal and founder of the LIVE LIFE Mission) joins the podcast to talk about developing a growth mindset and a pattern of lifelong learning when you come home from your mission. You can conquer life's daily distractions by having a vision for your life and living intentionally throughout the day. Dallas teaches the powerful...

Join us for part 2 of our discussion on lifelong discipleship with Jared Halverson. In this episode Jared talks about the three pillars of eternity (Creation, Fall, and Atonement) as a model of faith progression. He shares his insightful analogy of the three shelves, which will help you sort through the complexities of life and remain focused on the saving grace of the Savior Jesus Christ. Don't lose hope if you find yourself in a "fall" or "complexity" stage. There is hope and new level of...

This is part one in a two-part conversation with Jared Halverson (Associate professor of Ancient Scripture at BYU, Host of the Unshaken Saints podcast and You tube channel). In this episode, with his signature humor and profound insights, Jared talks about how to navigate the transition home from a mission and apply what you have learned into every aspect of your life. After this one, you'll be excited to tune in next week for his thoughts on dealing with faith complexity. Enjoy and share...

Have the scriptures lost their sweetness to you since coming home from your mission? Mike Harris (teacher at the Utah Valley Institute of Religion, scripture scholar) shares how honey is used throughout the scriptures to represent the word of God. Drawing upon that analogy, he and the hosts, discuss 4 tips that will transform your scripture study. To subscribe to the podcast and to interact with the hosts, offer topic and guest suggestions, and provide feedback, please click on the...

As a full-time missionary, you learned to live the Savior's invitation to "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16) Steven Lund, General Young Men's President said, "Anything we do , to distract from or diminish or camouflage or hide that light frustrates the purposes of being born at this time." Since you've been home from your mission, have you ever been tempted to blend in with the crowd, go with the...

Julianna Jenkins (student at Utah Valley Institute) joins Brian and Sean to tell her unique story about coming home earlier than she expected from her mission to Texas for mental health reasons. The hosts and Julianna explore principles that will help those who come home earlier than expected to continue to trust the Lord and serve Him throughout their lives. Be sure not to miss Julianna singing a song that she wrote that sums up her journey! To subscribe to the podcast and to interact...

Many missionaries, for various reasons, find themselves coming home from their missions earlier than expected. Despite having given their best effort, difficult things happen, and it becomes necessary for the Lord to change the context of their service. (D&C 124:49) Whether returning to a service mission or a life of continued discipleship back home, these returned missionaries have an opportunity to do much good. They face many challenges and obstacles in the transition, but with the...

Have you ever had a hole in your heart that you didn't know how to fill? Have you ever tried filling that hole with things like drugs, alcohol, pornography, sex, or selfishness? If so, you may have found yourself in a dark, empty place with no easy way out. Mark Miner found himself in such a place and ended up serving time in prison for 14 years due to his addictions. 9 of those years came following a successful 2-year mission to California. It was in prison that he found the answer to the...

Recent feedback from a student after hearing TJ Moore teach about the sacred power of procreation and sexual intimacy: "I've never wanted to live the law of chastity more in all my life!" This comment prompted us to invite TJ on to talk about how the returned missionary can deepen their appreciation for the human body, the power of procreation, and the sacred opportunity to live their temple covenant of chastity. Come listen as TJ, Brian, and Sean tie this subject into the great plan of...

“Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you” (Exodus 31:13). Understanding this powerful scripture changed President Russell M. Nelson and can change you too! Jared Danis (a successful businessman who leads teams of young adults for summer sales and teacher of a returned missionary class at the Utah Valley Institute) joins the podcast to explore the question: What sign do you want to give God? Together, Jared and Brian share their own conversion to the Sabbath day...

Aaron Shamy, the 1999 X-games gold medalist in Speed Rock Climbing, loves to climb mountains. His love of climbing has taken him all over the world, including summiting the Matterhorn in Switzerland. Now a teacher at the Utah Valley Institute of Religion, Aaron joins Brian and Sean to talk about the mountains that returned missionaries and all disciples of Christ have to climb on their journey through life. Aaron relates the many resources that a rock climber has (carabiner, rope, harness,...

In a world that is becoming increasingly anti-family, disciples of Christ understand that the family is at the heart of Heavenly Father's plan. Listen in as Sean and Brian chat with Mark Ogletree (BYU Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine, marriage and family therapist, author, and podcaster) about the importance of marriage and family. Mark discusses many of the myths surrounding marriage in our society, why disciples should seek for a celestial marriage, and tackles the...

How can you grow into the principle of revelation and learn to be spiritually led at this critical time of your life? Listen in as Sean and Brian discuss a pattern outlined in President Russell M. Nelson's talk "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives" (April 2018). "Follow the example of the Prophet Joseph: 1. Find a quiet place where you can regularly go. 2. Humble yourself before God. 3. Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Turn to Him for answers and for...

How is your study of the Book of Mormon going post-mission? How has the Book of Mormon helped you draw closer to Jesus Christ? Have you shared the Book of Mormon with someone lately? Steve Barton (former institute student council president, MBA student, RM from the California Los Angeles Mission) joins Brian and Sean to talk about how the power of the Book of Mormon continues to transform their lives. Steve shares how the Book of Mormon helped him gain strength as he dealt with heart...

The Love of God changes everything! Reyna Aburto (Former 2nd Counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency, Current teacher and coordinator at the Utah Valley Institute) talks about her experiences as a convert to the church, single mother, re-marriage and eventually traveling the world as a general officer of the church and interacting closely with Prophets, Seers, and Revelators. She shares what she has learned about the love of God for all of his children, how to gain strength...

Join us for part 2 of our conversation with Gary Little and Ryan Bennett about the Divine Gift of Forgiveness. Learn how to overcome the bullies of fear and pride through uncompromising honesty and embracing our three friends on the path of repentance- Godly sorrow, a broken heart, and a contrite spirit. Using the story of Adam and Eve we discuss the difference between "fig leaf" repentance and "coat of skin" repentance. As we let the Lord cover us through his Divine Gift we will receive...

Utah Valley Institute teachers Gary Little and Ryan Bennett join Brian and Sean to discuss powerful insights about joyful, Christ-centered repentance that they teach in their Institute class called "The Divine Gift of Forgiveness." The class is based on the book by the same name authored by Elder Neil L. Anderson. Learn how repentance is all about building a relationship with God and when done with a focus on turning to Jesus Christ it brings peace and joy. Beware of the two bullies and look...