PODCAST · religion
Returning Stronger Stories
by Returning Stronger
Real stories from LDS Early Returned Missionaries and their parents. Each episode features an honest conversation about what happened, what helped, what didn't, and the spiritual experiences that shaped their journey home. Guests share the advice they wish they'd had, offering hope and practical support for anyone walking a similar path. Hosted by Jon Larsen, LMFT, and peer mentor Brooklyn Larsen of Returning Stronger Coaching. Learn more at https://returningstronger.com
Episodes
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“The Past Is To Be Learned From, Not Lived In.” | Episode 15 with Ciriah
One painful mission experience can make you question everything: your worth, your calling, and whether you even belong. Ciriah shares the raw story of coming home early, the spiritual moment that told her she was still exactly where she was meant to be, and how she rebuilt her confidence when…
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“The Lord loves you, He hasn't stopped, and He knows exactly what is going on.” | Episode 14 with Grady
A mission cut short. A brother lost in a motorcycle accident. Years of anger, depression, and feeling like nobody understood. Grady shares the story of how grief, shame, and a painful early-return experience nearly pulled him away completely and how compassion helped bring him back. Jon Larsen…
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“Everyone has Something to Contribute” | Episode 13 with Karaline
In this episode of Returning Stronger Stories, Karaline shares her journey of serving in Chile, coming home early to prioritize her mental health, and finding renewed purpose through a service mission. She reflects on navigating anxiety, comparison, and the fear that her experience had been cut...
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“You Aren’t a Failure; You’re a Child of God” | Episode 12 with Robert
When OCD, shame, and the fear of public failure collide with a missionary experience, everything changes. Robert @lineuponline shares the raw story of coming home early, the unseen mental health struggle behind it, and the moment that turned humiliation into a faith-building lesson he still…
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A Parent's Perspective: "Your Life is a Mission" | Episode 11 Featuring Mary Alice
When a missionary comes home early, the hardest part is often not the return flight, it’s what happens next. Mary Alice Hatch shares the parent side of that story, revealing how one family faced church culture, shame, and fear while choosing unconditional love over conditional expectations. Jon...
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“Keep the Lord in Your Heart” | Episode 10 with Remi
When a mission ends before you planned, the hardest part is not just coming home, it is learning how to trust that God still has a purpose for you. Remi shares the raw story of an early return from the Fort Worth, Texas mission, the health crisis that sent her to the ER on day three of the MTC…
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From Early-Returned Missionary to LDS Bishop | Episode 9 with Austin
Some mission returns feel like a setback. Austin’s story reveals why that moment may be far more important than the mission itself. After preparing to serve in the Montana Billings Mission, Austin hit a wall almost immediately in the MTC—anxiety, sleeplessness, panic, and the crushing feeling…
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“Keep Moving Forward with Faith” | Episode 8 with Kashli
Early-return missions can feel like failure, but Jon Larsen’s conversation with Kashli shows a different story: one of faith, mental health, and finding purpose when your path changes twice. Kashli shares what it was really like to leave the Alaska Anchorage Mission after just three weeks, serve...
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“Called to a People, Not a Place” | Episode 7 with Andrew
When a mission ends early, it can feel like everything is being taken away, but for Andrew, it became proof that God was redirecting him to the exact people he was meant to serve. His story of leaving the Cincinnati, Ohio mission, wrestling with the fear of unfinished purpose, and finding a clear...
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“He Was Preparing You for Something Greater” | Episode 6 with MacKenna
Some of the hardest mission stories are the ones that end early, and McKenna’s is proof that “shorter” does not mean “less faithful.” After serving through COVID quarantines, losing her stepdad on the day she started home MTC, and wrestling with the fear of coming home before her expected date…
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“You’re Not Lost, You Are Led” | Episode 5 with Andi
Coming home early from your mission does not mean your mission is over. Andi shares the raw, hopeful story of leaving Argentina because of chronic knee pain, then finding a completely different way to keep serving and learning why that second call mattered just as much as the first. After only...
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“Lifelong Disciple of Jesus Christ” | Episode 4 with Sister Schmutzler
Coming home early from a mission is not the end of the story, sometimes it is the moment everything finally starts to click. Sister Schmutzler opens up about mental health, stigma, and the unexpected peace that came when she chose a service mission instead of forcing herself to stay in a place…
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“There’s Work To Be Done Wherever We Go” | Episode 3 with Juliet
"You do not owe anybody an explanation." That simple sentence became a lifeline for Juliet from Latter Day Bridge Builders after a devastating early return from her mission, and it may be exactly what you need to hear too. Juliet shares the real story behind leaving the Missouri Independence...
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“All is Well Because of Your Temple Covenants” | Episode 2 with Neleah
The hardest part of coming home early from a mission might not be the decision, it might be the fear, the pressure, and the silence that follow. Neleah shares how one clear spiritual message helped her trust an unexpected return and believe that, even when everything felt uncertain, “all will be...
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"Give Yourself Grace." | Episode 1 with Cara
What happens when a mission you thought would heal you instead leaves you in unbearable pain, questioning your faith, and wondering if you failed? Cara shares the raw story of returning home early from her mission with invisible illness, and the moment that showed her God had not abandoned her at...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Real stories from LDS Early Returned Missionaries and their parents. Each episode features an honest conversation about what happened, what helped, what didn't, and the spiritual experiences that shaped their journey home. Guests share the advice they wish they'd had, offering hope and practical support for anyone walking a similar path. Hosted by Jon Larsen, LMFT, and peer mentor Brooklyn Larsen of Returning Stronger Coaching. Learn more at https://returningstronger.com
HOSTED BY
Returning Stronger
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Returning Stronger Stories have?
Returning Stronger Stories currently has 15 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Returning Stronger Stories about?
Real stories from LDS Early Returned Missionaries and their parents. Each episode features an honest conversation about what happened, what helped, what didn't, and the spiritual experiences that shaped their journey home. Guests share the advice they wish they'd had, offering hope and practical...
How often does Returning Stronger Stories release new episodes?
Returning Stronger Stories has 15 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Returning Stronger Stories?
You can listen to Returning Stronger Stories on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Returning Stronger Stories?
Returning Stronger Stories is created and hosted by Returning Stronger.
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