Finding Our Way: Stories of Faith and Resilience

In this special mid-season update, host Chris Kittle checks in to share major shifts happening behind the scenes at Finding Our Way: Stories of Faith and Resilience. As the season progresses, we pause to express heartfelt gratitude to outgoing leaders who served faithfully over the years and warmly welcome incoming leadership stepping up to guide the way.

Tune in for a preview of what’s ahead in the studio, upcoming guest announcements, and recommended episodes from our archive to revisit during the brief General Conference break.

• Welcoming New Leadership: Chris announces upcoming conversations featuring incoming leaders President Sasha Savage and President Adam Broderick.

• Recommended Archive Listening: Prepare for the new interviews by catching up on foundational past episodes with President Withers, Heather Savage, and Bethany Broderick.

• Studio Break: The podcast takes a brief recording pause for General Conference before returning with brand-new episodes.

In this episode of Finding Our Way: Stories of Faith and Resilience, we sit down with Andrea Klopf—a wife, mother of eight, foster parent, youth coach, and passionate gardener.

Andrea shares the twists and turns of her journey to the gospel of Jesus Christ, from exploring various Christian denominations to spending two years investigating The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before her baptism. She opens up about the trials that tested and refined her faith along the way, including facing a serious sarcoidosis diagnosis, navigating family struggles, and experiencing the heartbreak of miscarriages. Through each season, Andrea reflects on learning to hear the promptings of the Holy Ghost, opening her heart and home to foster care, and trusting God’s timing.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The massive 15-foot LEGO city built by Andrea’s sons.

• How a background in different faith traditions ultimately led Andrea to find answers to her deepest gospel questions.

• Overcoming health crises, navigating marriage trials, and feeling the tangible witness of the Spirit.

• Why coaching youth sports and fostering children have deepened Andrea's understanding of love and patience.

• A fun lightning round covering family traditions, teen parenting, and church callings.

In this episode of Finding Your Way: Stories of Faith and Resilience, host Chris sits down with Dr. Jonathan "Jon" Murdock—a vascular surgeon, father, talented vocalist, and devoted disciple of Jesus Christ.

John shares his non-traditional path to medicine, reflecting on how early life experiences, various career detours (including massage therapy and forklift driving), and his passion for music all contributed to the compassionate physician and father he is today. Together, they explore how trusting God's plan through life's unexpected turns prepares us for our true calling.

What happens when you look at life’s scariest, most confusing chapters through a camera lens of faith? In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker and storyteller Nick Pilon to explore how a life filled with rare physical trials, unique family dynamics, and a passion for media was ultimately framed by a higher purpose.

Nick opens up about his rich family legacy—from his father's immigration journey from Argentina to his parents' unexpected interfaith romance that began at a California disco. At the heart of the conversation is Nick’s childhood battle with Paroxysmal Nonkinesigenic Dyskinesia (PNKD), a rare neurological disorder that he navigated side-by-side with his identical twin brother, Chris. Nick shares how standing strong through terrifying physical "attacks," experiencing the powerful priesthood blessings of his community, and watching his Catholic grandmother pray faithfully by his bedside helped him zoom in on what matters most.

From the mission fields of Texas to his current work as a father, husband, and documentary filmmaker, Nick reveals how the Master Director has used every single frame of his life to develop deep empathy and capture stories that inspire.

In the Season 2 premiere of Finding Our Way, James Connolly shares how a series of small and simple decisions led to some of the most meaningful changes in his life.

From his search for truth and purpose to his journey of faith and eventual membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, James reflects on the experiences, relationships, and commitments that shaped his path. He discusses how seemingly small choices—including changing long-established habits—became important steps toward a life centered on faith, family, and personal growth.

This conversation is a reminder that lasting change rarely happens overnight. More often, it comes through consistent actions, quiet faith, and the courage to take the next step.

In this episode of Finding Our Way: Stories of Faith and Resilience, we are joined by Micali Peless, a 19-year-old from Michigan who is preparing to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Juiz de Fora, Brazil. Micali opens up about her journey from growing up in a faith-filled home to developing her own independent testimony.

We discuss the exciting (and nerve-wracking) process of preparing for a mission, from medical exams to learning Portuguese on Duolingo. Micali also shares her advice for other youth on building trust in God through the "little things" and reveals her hidden talent for solving Rubik's cubes. Join us for an uplifting conversation about the optimism and dedication of the rising generation.

In this episode of Finding Our Way: Stories of Faith and Resilience, we sit down with Jenny Lowe—a powerhouse community leader, mother of five, vocal coach, and theater director based in Midland, Michigan. Jenny shares her dynamic journey, from growing up as an only child in Holt, Michigan, to becoming a driving force in the local arts scene.

We discuss how music became the heartbeat of her life through her grandparents' influence, her path to forging an unshakable testimony as a teenager, and the charming story of meeting her husband (who won her over while carrying groceries!). Jenny also gets real about the hustle of raising five children with a twenty-year age gap and how she redefined her purpose—realizing her true calling wasn't just inside the church, but leading out in the community. Join us for an empowering conversation about owning your talents, building resilience, and serving with passion.

In this episode of Finding Our Way: Stories of Faith and Resilience, we sit down with Bethany Broderick—a wife, mother, teacher, and former missionary currently living in Midland, Michigan. Bethany takes us through her journey from growing up in a gospel-centered home in Oregon to serving a mission in Uruguay, and how she navigates the busy life of raising four children today.

We discuss the pivotal moments that shaped her testimony, from "rebellious" teenage years to finding peace through repentance. Bethany also clears the air about her "cliff jumping" adventures (it was actually rappelling!) and shares touching stories about her work teaching English as a second language. Join us for an inspiring conversation about making God a priority amidst the chaos of daily life.

In this special edition of Finding Our Way: Stories of Faith and Resilience, we sit down with Jessica Larsen, the Stake Communications Director for the Midland Michigan Stake. Jessica shares the exciting details regarding the 2025 "Light the World" initiative in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

This year brings a shift from the traditional "Giving Machines" to a wholistic "Giving Experience" located at the Midland Mall. We discuss how the community is coming together through a month-long music festival—featuring everything from choirs to "Just Trombones"—and how you can support four incredible local non-profits. We also cover the beloved 29th Annual Nativity Exhibit and the various ways you can volunteer your time and talents this Christmas season.

Featured Non-Profits:

• Reece’s Endeavor: Housing for disabled adults.

• Aaron’s Gifts from Home: Care packages for soldiers overseas.

• The Children’s Grief Center: Grief support and resources for children.

• Isabella County Restoration House: Homeless shelter in Mt. Pleasant.

Key Dates:

• Dec 1: Calendar release for small acts of service.

• Dec 2: Launch Party at Midland Mall (6:00 PM).

• Dec 2–23: Music Festival at Midland Mall.

• Dec 5–7: 29th Annual Nativity Exhibit at the Stake Center.

• Dec 20: Kids Day at the Mall (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM).

Connect & Volunteer:

• Website: www,MidlandNativity.org

• Social: Look for "Light the World Great Lakes Bay" on Facebook and Instagram.

Join us for a fantastic conversation with Seth Boss, a recently returned missionary from Saginaw, Michigan, who just got engaged! (and now married since this episode was recorded)

Seth shares what it was like growing up in a large family (as one of eight boys) and how he always felt an expectation to serve a mission, though he hadn't yet developed his own personal testimony.

Seth opens up about his personal faith journey, including the pivotal moment he finally decided to serve and the specific, powerful spiritual experience he had at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) that solidified his faith. He discusses the unique experience of starting his MTC training at home before heading to Arizona, the cultural barriers he faced, and the one piece of advice he wishes he'd known before he left. This episode is a powerful story of personal conversion, overcoming doubt, and the joy that comes from taking a leap of faith.