In this episode, Annette Perkins vulnerably shares her journey with eating disorders and disordered eating. She describes her internal transformation—from feeling pressured to earn her worth through performance and achievement to experiencing a deep sense of being loved, accepted, and inherently valuable simply for existing. Annette also reflects on how her relationship with food and exercise has shifted—from using physical activity as punishment for eating to discovering the joy of embodied movement, and from struggling with food to recognizing it as essential fuel. She now works as a fitness trainer and hopes to help others feel loved, empowered, and both physically and emotionally strong.

In this episode, Zachary Lifferth shares about his journey with polymyositis—a rare autoimmune disease that causes muscle inflammation and weakness. He recounts the relatively long path to diagnosis and discusses some of the physical challenges he has learned to navigate. He also reflects on some of the meaningful insights he’s gained along the way.

In this episode, Kristin Sokol shares her journey with Celiac Disease and the profound impact it had on her daily life. She talks about the initial diagnosis, the challenges of adapting to a gluten-free lifestyle, and some of the hurdles in managing the disease. Kristin also relates the unexpected toll it took on her mental health. She vulnerably reflects on the darkest moments of her journey—and how she has found healing and also discovered resilience, purpose, and the ability to support others facing similar struggles.

In this episode, Bethany and Jojo share their experience navigating Legg-Calve-Perthes, an orthopedic condition that causes avascular necrosis of the hip. Their faith has been a guiding influence throughout the process, reinforcing their beliefs and making them stronger individuals.

In this episode, Alicia shares some of the experiences she and her husband have had navigating their children’s food allergies, relating some intense and frightening moments along the way. She emphasizes the importance of doing our best while trusting God for guidance, extending grace to one another, and finding gratitude.

In this episode, Matt Anderson shares the deeply personal story of losing their son Hyrum in a tragic drowning accident. He also offers profoundly moving insights about grief, longing, love, faith, and our Heavenly Father.

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Links from the Interview:

Life After Loss Conference , 2025 Conference

Lament: A Faithful Complaint to God- Michael Huston

Tragedy or Destiny by President Spencer W Kimball

1 Nephi 1:20, Moroni 10:3

This episode features an interview with Kylie Webster, who was diagnosed at a young age with Leigh’s disease (Leigh syndrome), a genetic metabolic disorder affecting the central nervous system. Kylie shares how she has learned to live fully, embrace life’s challenges, and find purpose and meaning through her work, her faith in Christ, and the influence of family and friends.

In this episode, Lara Erekson shares the health journey of her daughter Whitney. It was only after many years of symptoms and distressing experiences and procedures and testing that she finally received the diagnosis: a rare genetic condition known as KDM5C. Their story sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with this condition, as well as the emotional and practical difficulties parents experience while seeking answers and care.

Information about the KARES foundation: https://kares.foundation

Katie Willis endured a series of aggravating symptoms and underwent a variety of treatments before ultimately discovering she had a meningioma—a tumor growing in the brain’s meninges. In this episode, she shares her journey with this diagnosis, along with deeply personal experiences she and her family have encountered while navigating complexities (including trauma and tragedy) related to mental health. Katie also offers profound insights on viewing the body as an instrument rather than an ornament, and on embracing its shifting phases and capabilities. Her reflections are insightful and impactful.

In this episode, Wes Rasmussen shares his experience living with MCTD (Mixed Connective Tissue Disease), describing it as a constant presence, like a shadow (as Aimee Mullins has discussed*). Mountain biking has been a therapeutic intervention for Wes, and has also taught him about the and body’s strength and resilience even in the face of a chronic medical condition. He reflects on the stunning vistas from tough rides and the personal growth gained through challenges, echoing Thich Nhat Hanh's** idea that you can’t have the lotus flower without the mud. Tune in to hear Wes's journey and find inspiration for your own challenges.

*Ted Talk by Aimee Mullins- the Opportunity of Adversity

**Podcast Interview with Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh