Why We Stay

Lauren joins us to walk us through her journey as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Houston, TX. Within the first 3 months of her mission, Lauren and her companion experience unimaginable violence in their missionary apartment. By the power of God, they were spared and have made full recovery. Lauren, in gratitude to God, shares her story and encourages others to do the same to spread the light that comes from following Jesus Christ. Lauren is evidence that life is unpredictable, but the love and healing through Jesus Christ is real and inevitable. This is Why She Stays.

In this episode of the Why We Stay Podcast, hosts Kalyx and Hannah explore the themes of faith, vulnerability, and the complexities of church life. Hannah shares her personal journey of faith, including the impact of her family's struggles and her experiences navigating church alone. The conversation delves into the nature of God, the concept of eternal families, and the importance of love and communication in overcoming life's challenges. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own journeys and find strength in their faith amidst trials. This is Why She Stays.

In this episode of the Why We Stay podcast, Kalyx welcomes new co-host Hannah, who opens up about her personal faith journey and struggles. The discussion then shifts to Wakana’s compelling conversion story, exploring her spiritual transformation, the power of prayer, and a profound dream in which she encounters Jesus Christ. Throughout the conversation, the episode highlights the importance of community, friendship, and the shared experiences that shape faith. Wakana candidly reflects on her challenges, from seeking family acceptance to the joy of baptism and the unwavering support of friends. Her story underscores the strength found in faith, the resilience to overcome obstacles, and the joy of embracing the gospel. This heartfelt discussion encourages listeners to approach their own spiritual journeys with openness and courage. This is Why Wakana Stays.

In this episode of the Why We Stay Podcast, host Kalyx welcomes Allie Bills, a fellow podcast host and aspiring musician, who shares her journey of faith, personal struggles, and the importance of community in nurturing one's beliefs. Allie discusses her new podcast, Continued Conversion, which focuses on the experiences of believers in maintaining their faith amidst life's challenges. The conversation delves into Allie's personal battles with self-esteem and eating disorders, her transformative mission experience, and the profound impact of her grandmother's wisdom during her final days. The episode emphasizes the significance of understanding the Atonement of Jesus Christ and invites listeners to explore their own faith journeys.

In this episode of the Why We Stay Podcast, host Kalyx welcomes Allie Bills, a fellow podcast host and aspiring musician, who shares her journey of faith, personal struggles, and the importance of community in nurturing one's beliefs. Allie discusses her new podcast, Continued Conversion, which focuses on the experiences of believers in maintaining their faith amidst life's challenges. The conversation delves into Allie's personal battles with self-esteem and eating disorders, her transformative mission experience, and the profound impact of her grandmother's wisdom during her final days. The episode emphasizes the significance of understanding the Atonement of Jesus Christ and invites listeners to explore their own faith journeys.

Lexi shares her journey of addiction and recovery within the context of her faith. She discusses her early experiences in the Church, her struggles with various addictions, and the support she received from loved ones and priesthood leaders. Lexi emphasizes the importance of living a recovery lifestyle and finding healing through the Atonement. She also highlights the significance of the temple in her life and the love she feels there. Despite setbacks, Lexi remains committed to her faith and continues to fight for sobriety and spiritual growth. In this conversation, Lexi shares her journey of overcoming addiction and finding healing through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. She discusses the challenges she faced, the role of religion in her recovery, and the importance of vulnerability. Lexi also highlights the Addiction Recovery Program offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the impact it has had on her healing process. The conversation emphasizes the power of prayer and developing a personal relationship with Heavenly Father. This is Why She Stays.

Lexi shares her journey of addiction and recovery within the context of her faith. She discusses her early experiences in the Church, her struggles with various addictions, and the support she received from loved ones and priesthood leaders. Lexi emphasizes the importance of living a recovery lifestyle and finding healing through the Atonement. She also highlights the significance of the temple in her life and the love she feels there. Despite setbacks, Lexi remains committed to her faith and continues to fight for sobriety and spiritual growth. In this conversation, Lexi shares her journey of overcoming addiction and finding healing through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. She discusses the challenges she faced, the role of religion in her recovery, and the importance of vulnerability. Lexi also highlights the Addiction Recovery Program offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the impact it has had on her healing process. The conversation emphasizes the power of prayer and developing a personal relationship with Heavenly Father. This is Why She Stays.

Aubrey shares her journey of love, faith, and infertility. She talks about meeting her husband, who was not a member of the church, and how they navigated their different beliefs. Eventually, her husband joined the church and they were sealed in the temple. They then faced challenges with infertility and Aubrey was diagnosed with endometriosis. Despite the difficulties, they remained hopeful and continued to trust in God's plan. Aubrey shares her journey of struggling with infertility and the emotional, physical, and spiritual toll it has taken on her. She emphasizes the importance of sharing sacred experiences and being open about trials to help others feel less alone. Aubrey also discusses the support she has received from her husband and the importance of their partnership throughout this journey. She shares her perspective on faith and why she chooses to stay in the Church despite the challenges she has faced. The conversation ends with an invitation for listeners to develop the superpower of vulnerability and share their experiences to build one another up.

In this conversation, Kalyx Bell and David Snell explore David's journey in creating Latter-day Saint content, the evolution of Saints Unscripted into Keystone, and the complexities of faith and belief. They discuss the process of spiritual growth, cognitive dissonance, and the importance of focusing on one's relationship with Christ amidst the challenges of church history and doctrine. David shares insights on navigating faith, embracing ambiguity, and the significance of personal experiences in shaping belief. The conversation concludes with an invitation for listeners to slow down and reflect on their own faith journeys. This is Why He Stays.

In this episode, Collin Tibbitts shares his journey of reflection and growth in his faith. He discusses the challenges he faced and how he found inspiration in the stories of others. Collin emphasizes the importance of being intentional in our relationship with God and seeking personal experiences with Him. He encourages listeners to take care of themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually, and to make time for stillness and reflection. Collin also highlights the power of keeping a record of spiritual experiences and testifying of God's love. He concludes by inviting listeners to live intentionally and seek God in their lives. This is Why He Stays.

Amy discusses her experience with Women on the Stand, a movement to have women in leadership positions on the stand during church conferences. She explains the importance of women's voices being heard and represented in all aspects of the church. Amy shares her personal testimony and belief in the doctrine of continuous revelation and the need for change in the church's organizational structure. She encourages both men and women to actively participate in creating a culture of partnership and equality within the church. This is Why She Stays.

Jayden Laursen shares his journey of leaving and returning to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He talks about his experience serving on church Seminary Council and the difficulty of leaving that calling. Jayden reflects on his life before coming back to the Church and the negative influences he had. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and finding true happiness in Christ. Jayden also discusses the challenges of being the only one in his family living the gospel standards and the support he has found in his ward family and stake presidency. Jayden Laursen shares his experience with anxiety, depression, and finding comfort in Jesus Christ. He talks about feeling the pressure to always be happy and strong in his faith, but realizing that it's okay to struggle with mental health. He emphasizes the importance of having a support system and reaching out for help. Jayden also discusses the need to be vulnerable and open about our struggles, as it can inspire and uplift others. He encourages listeners to be intentional in their actions, aligning them with Christ's teachings, and to serve and love others as He would. This is Why He Stays.

season 2, episode 7: CAMARADERIE ft. Isiah Thomas & Will Kennedy from Brothaz in the Foyer Podcast

Jayden Laursen shares his journey of leaving and returning to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He talks about his experience serving on church Seminary Council and the difficulty of leaving that calling. Jayden reflects on his life before coming back to the Church and the negative influences he had. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and finding true happiness in Christ. Jayden also discusses the challenges of being the only one in his family living the gospel standards and the support he has found in his ward family and stake presidency. Jayden Laursen shares his experience with anxiety, depression, and finding comfort in Jesus Christ. He talks about feeling the pressure to always be happy and strong in his faith, but realizing that it's okay to struggle with mental health. He emphasizes the importance of having a support system and reaching out for help. Jayden also discusses the need to be vulnerable and open about our struggles, as it can inspire and uplift others. He encourages listeners to be intentional in their actions, aligning them with Christ's teachings, and to serve and love others as He would. This is Why He Stays.

Brayden McLaughlin shares his story of growing up in an active LDS family and his decision to serve a mission in South Carolina. During his mission, his parents went through a faith crisis and left the Church, which caused Brayden to question his own beliefs. Despite the challenges, he found strength in his mission experiences and the power of prayer. He shares stories of finding people to teach and feeling the Spirit guide his words. Brayden's testimony was strengthened through these experiences and he continues to rely on them when facing doubts. This is Why He Stays

Women on the Stand Advocate

Brayden’s family all decided to leave the church while he was serving a full time missionary service mission for the church. What do you do in that circumstance?

Amy and her family struggled with managing and coping with her father’s battle with addiction.

Listen to this Easter/Holy Week Podcast Series: Why We Stay Podcast Version, Finale: Resurrection Sunday. I share my personal thoughts and feelings about the Saviors resurrection and what that means for us as his disciples.

Sariah Ash