In The Master's Hands

Kyle Arcurio, a former Air Force aerospace engineer and father, shares his journey from a promising career and family life into addiction, arrest, and incarceration. He describes the consequences of his choices, the heartbreak of losing his marriage, and the reality of serving time in a correctional facility. Through prayer, immersion in scripture, music, journaling, and support from faith communities, Kyle explains how his faith deepened, how he found humility and empathy, and offers encouragement to others struggling to trust God during their darkest moments.

Kaiya shares a powerful, honest story of addiction, abuse, and repeated arrests, and how she found recovery through rehab, therapy (including EMDR), and profound spiritual experiences. She describes being embraced by her Heavenly Father, receiving her patriarchal blessing, and finding strength in the temple and the gospel. Now sober and a devoted mother, Kaiya speaks about healing, forgiveness, and using her story to help others, offering hope to anyone struggling with addiction, trauma, or fear.

Chaplain Darron Fletcher shares his journey through prolonged back pain, recovery, and caring for the elderly as a hospice chaplain. He reflects on how trials teach resilience, deepen faith in Christ, and reveal the power of kindness and service. The episode offers candid stories—from backpacking metaphors and hospice encounters to practical advice on enduring hardship, seeking divine help, and finding peace through service and spiritual practices.

Bishop Ammon Lockwood joins us to discuss his experiences serving as a bishop, focusing on guiding youth and adults through repentance, the importance of compassion, and practical ways families and leaders can support those seeking forgiveness. The episode covers interview practices, parental involvement, handling sensitive issues like pornography, sacrament participation, and how the atonement and small consistent improvements help people come closer to Christ.

Link to President Eyring's Conference Talk https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/04/mountains-to-climb?lang=eng Lara Wright shares a candid life story of sudden loss, chronic illness, divorce, surgeries, and a suicide attempt, and how faith and the comforting influence of the Holy Ghost helped her persevere. She reflects on tender mercies, small acts of kindness, and the spiritual promptings that guided her through the darkest moments. The episode also covers loving and supporting family through hard choices, finding purpose in service, and how Laura found new love and renewed hope. It highlights resilience, compassion, and the belief that Christ’s love is constant even amid great trials.

In this unique episode, we delve into the compelling story of Justin Elswood, a current inmate at the Utah State Prison. Despite the challenging circumstances Justin shares his profound journey from a troubled youth to finding redemption and purpose within the prison walls. Raised in Utah, Justin struggled with substance abuse from an early age, which led to a series of unfortunate events, including a turbulent first marriage and incarceration. Yet, through the trials of prison life, Justin discovered a renewed sense of self and faith. He speaks candidly about his battles with addiction, the pivotal moments that shaped his recovery, and his transformative experiences with faith and community within the prison. Listen as Justin recounts not only his personal battles but also the powerful encounters with others who helped him realize his self-worth and the unwavering presence of a higher power. 

Join us in this powerful episode as David Wright shares his incredible journey from a life of struggle and despair to coming back to feeling the love of The Lord in his daily life. Listen to David tell the story of his battles with addiction and depression and how a series of spiritual experiences led him back to the Church and a newfound purpose in life. Through his testimony, David imparts a message of hope for anyone feeling lost, reminding us all that it is never too late to seek forgiveness and embark on the path back to Christ. His story is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the importance of never giving up.

In this episode, we delve into the life of Gene Garate. From his roots on a secluded cattle ranch in Northern California to facing one of the most perilous moments as a member of a firefighting crew on "The Dude Fire", Gene's journey is nothing short of inspiring. We explore his transition from a remote childhood to the life-altering events that tested his faith and resolve. Gene recounts the terrifying wildfire ordeal and its impact on his spiritual perspective, showcasing the trials that shaped his life. Gene also shares candid insights into his family's battles with health challenges, emphasizing the unwavering support from his community and the inner strength found through faith.

Episode Overview: Follow Sione Fisi'ipeau as he takes us through his remarkable life journey from Tonga to Hawaii and eventually Utah. Sione faced a turbulent childhood marked by cultural transitions, family strife, and struggles with personal identity. A "fierce" Mother, hard working Father,  Divorce, Marriage, and remarriage , all added unique challenges that the street didn't solve for him through his teens. From "making our way" to "giving away our will" is a journey to family and faith that stemmed from a singular moment where God showed who he was and what he can do for us all.  Family and Education: Fisi'ipeau candidly opens up about his large family with his wife, navigating education as a nontraditional student, and finding meaningful work as a truck driver. His journey from dropping out of high school to earning a degree taught him about perseverance and the importance of self-improvement. Trials and Faith: Despite facing numerous challenges, including substance abuse and family instability, Fisi'ipeau discovered solace and guidance through his faith. He recounts how trusting in divine timing has led him to a more fulfilling life, emphasizing the importance of patience, spiritual resilience, and submission of our will to God.

In this episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation with Brendon Elswood, who shares his incredible journey of faith and resilience. Brendon opens up about his struggles and triumphs. He discusses how his early doubts about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were changed by personal experiences and relationships, leading him to convert to the church. Brendon reflects on the challenges of running a business, dealing with depression, and supporting his family, always grounded by his faith. His story is a testament to the power of patience, prayer, and the unexpected blessings that arise from life's trials.

Join us in this episode as we venture into the life of my Mission President, Leitoni Tupou, a man of deep faith and resilience. Listen as he shares his experiences from his early life in Tonga, the challenges faced, and the profound lessons learned. Discover how his perspective on trials, nurtured by a faith-centered upbringing, has shaped his outlook on life. Leitoni Tupou offers an inspiring narrative of viewing trials as opportunities for growth and emphasizes the significance of maintaining a close relationship with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. This heartfelt conversation offers valuable insights into spiritual strength, seeing beyond adversities, and focusing on helping others.

Mara walks us through the hardest years of her life and the lessons she gained from hanging on "just a little longer". God teaches us with love and guides us through a better life than we could have planned for ourselves, when we let him. Her gratitude for adversity is her super power. Enjoy pure inspiration as she closes the podcast with the beautiful poem "Who Understands Me But Me" by Jimmy Santiago Baca.