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In this episode, Shawn is joined by Lauren (Lolo) and Chase Routson, a missionary "power couple" who met while serving in the Brazil Goiânia Mission. Their narrative explores a profound spiritual transition: the move from being "acted upon" by circumstances to exercising the god-like power of agency. The core transformation highlights how a missionary must graduate from passive participation to an intentional, proactive choice to follow the Savior, even in the face of intense personal trauma.

The Field is Ripe: Chase’s Journey to an Open Mouth Chase reflects on the early months of his mission when a language barrier left him feeling "rock bottom". This frustration drove him to a sincere prayer and a providential encounter with Alma 26: "Rejoice... ye did thrust in your sickle and did reap with all of your might". This revelation provided the spiritual "rest" and joy necessary to transition from frustration to work.

Embracing Principle Three: An Open Mouth Finds Listeners, Chase and his companion used their native English skills as a tool for service. After boldly walking into a local news station in the city of Patos (Duck Country), they were featured in a broadcast that resulted in 250 people reaching out for English classes. This creative outreach opened doors that traditional proselyting could not, eventually leading to the baptism of multiple individuals, including a family of four. Chase also details a powerful manifestation of Principle Five: Miracles and Angels, where he felt a distinct prompting to make a bold promise in the name of Jesus Christ to an investigator named Jessel. By promising that the man’s lifelong smoking addiction would be removed through faith and baptism, Chase witnessed a literal fulfillment of prophecy as the man’s desires were entirely changed.

Jesus Can’t Drive a Parked Vehicle: Lauren’s Choice at the Crossroads The episode reaches a turning point with Lauren’s harrowing account of witnessing a violent shooting while riding a bus halfway through her mission. The trauma left her "darkened" and paralyzed by anxiety, leading her mission president to offer her a choice: return home or transfer to a "safe" mission in the United States. In a state of spiritual "limbo," Lauren felt indecisive and overwhelmed.

The epiphany came during a late-night phone call with her father, who reminded her that her presence in Brazil was not a cultural requirement but a personal choice. "It's not up to anybody else. It's up to me," she realized. This transition from a "lukewarm" or indecisive state to a "100,000% choice" allowed her to reclaim her agency. Lauren teaches that "Jesus can't drive a parked vehicle"—it is only when we put our foot on the gas and choose a direction that the Lord can steer us. By choosing to stay, she found a deeper identification with the Savior, who was "amazing" because He chose to overcome suffering through obedience.

Conclusion Lauren and Chase reinforce the principle that discipleship is an active ingredient in a missionary's life. Lauren’s experience eventually fulfilled a promise in her patriarchal blessing that she would use her experiences to teach and empathize with other missionaries facing their own trials. The episode concludes with an invitation to move beyond being "parked" in fear or indifference. When we choose to be proactive, we invite the Savior to sit in the passenger seat and guide us toward a "mighty change of heart" and a life of intentional joy

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In this conversation, Shawn is joined by Jacob Woodward, who recently returned from the Washington Tacoma Mission. Jacob shares a powerful account of moving from a state of spiritual "lukewarmness" and reactive discipleship to a life of proactive, consecrated faith. The episode explores the foundational principles of conversion, illustrating how a single sincere choice to seek revelation can transform a mission from an obligation into a "marvelous work and a wonder".

The Poverty of a Lukewarm State

Jacob admits that upon receiving his mission call, he experienced a significant "halt" in his spiritual momentum. Having dreamed of serving in Washington, D.C., he felt a profound sense of disappointment when his call read "Washington Tacoma". This unmet expectation, combined with the looming reality of a two-year sacrifice, led him into a "lukewarm" state characterized by indifference and passivity. Shawn highlights that this "halted" state is often more dangerous than open rebellion, as indifference prevents a soul from hungering after righteousness or seeking a personal witness.

The "Hot or Cold" Decision in Iowa

The turning point for Jacob occurred while he was at a national debate tournament in Iowa. Realizing he was about to depart for two years to testify of a book he didn't truly know was true, he reached a state of being "fed up" with his own indifference. Exercising his agency (Principle One), he chose to move from a "lukewarm" state to a "hot or cold" one: either the Gospel was true and he was all in, or it was false and he would walk away.

In a hotel room, he offered a sincere prayer and opened the Book of Mormon to Alma 39:16, which speaks of the "ministry unto which thou wast called". This encounter was not merely logical; it was a visceral, spiritual witness that entered "the fiber of his being," leaving him in what he describes as "checkmate". He realized he could no longer deny the truth and remain an honest man, marking the moment his faith moved from cultural habit to personal revelation (Principle Two).

From Reactive to Proactive Discipleship

Upon entering the mission field, Jacob found himself in a mission culture struggling with a lack of work ethic and "massive disobedience". Initially, he fell back into a reactive state, allowing his companions and the surrounding environment to dictate his level of commitment. However, through the influence of powerful role models—zone leaders and a senior companion—he learned that a disciple must "set the stage" rather than merely reacting to it.

Jacob transitioned into a proactive missionary who focused on obedience and charity, realizing that he couldn't do "the Lord's work, the world's way". This shift led to miraculous experiences in his area of Lacey, such as challenging a Buddhist woman named Joanne to pray in the moment and feeling the room fill with the Spirit, and conducting a transformative baptismal interview for a Catholic man who needed to square his lifetime of tradition with a modern sign from God.

Conclusion: God Answers Teenagers

Jacob concludes that the joy of a mission—where your "feet aren't even touching the ground" after a lesson—is available to anyone who chooses to take action. He reinforces the truth that "we worship a God who answers teenagers," and that the most powerful being in the universe is ready to communicate with anyone who will simply open their ears and look. His story serves as a clear invitation to move beyond a "halted" state and engage in the "scientific process" of conversion through faith, repentance, and sincere prayer.

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Claire Peterson from Kyle, Texas, joins Shawn to discuss her transition from a faithful but "casual" teenager to a "red-hot" missionary in the Hawaii Laie Mission. The conversation centers on Principle One: Choose Ye This Day, and the vital necessity of moving from a lukewarm state to one of intentional, bold discipleship. Claire shares how she overcame the "indifference" of spiritual passivity by making a definitive choice to serve after a "lightning strike" experience with the Book of Mormon at FSY.

The body of the episode explores the critical concept of "setting the stage" in a companionship. Claire reflects on her early transfers where she was reactive to her companions' patterns—one who focused strictly on the letter of the law and another who was lax with mission standards. She teaches that a missionary will either proactively set the stage for work ethic, miracles, and obedience, or they will be forced to react to the stage their companion sets. Claire describes the pivotal moment in her sixth transfer when she finally seized control of her mission's destiny, graduating from being "antsy" to becoming a powerhouse who established a reputation for being bold and miracle-seeking.

Claire provides a masterclass in Principle Two: Revelation Leads to Conversion, specifically through her work at the Laie Temple Visitor Center. With only 15-minute windows to teach visitors from all over the world, she learned to rely entirely on the Spirit to discern exactly which person in a crowd of thirty was prepared to hear the message. Standing before the Christus statue, she would boldly testify of the Savior’s mission and then ask the crucial identifying question: "How do you feel right now?". This intentional approach helped visitors spiritually discern the peace they were feeling as a witness of the Holy Ghost.

The episode reinforces that a missionary’s true calling is to lead souls to Christ, which is fulfilled primarily by planting seeds of faith and helping others identify revelation. Claire concludes with a powerful witness of Jesus Christ, testifying that when we choose to look for Him, He is already there, ready to change our intentions and desires from the root.

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In this conversation, Shawn is joined by guest Kay Frazier and co-host Lauren to explore the profound transition from a life of self-reliant perfectionism to a heart-centered reliance on the Atonement. Kay’s story is a masterclass in Principle One: Agency and the healing power of Jesus Christ, illustrating how unprocessed trauma can be transformed into spiritual strength when we choose to become "active ingredients" in our own lives.

The Weight of Perfectionism and Unprocessed Trauma

Growing up as the oldest of ten children, Kay developed a "perfectionist" personality, viewing herself as the primary example-setter and burden-bearer for her family. This self-reliance was put to an extreme test during her senior year of high school when her father was kidnapped in Haiti. Instead of processing the fear and trauma, Kay stepped into "mother mode," tucking her emotions down deep to support her family. She moved through graduation and her first semesters at BYU in a state of subconscious "floating," ignoring the poison of the trauma that was parked in her soul.

The MTC and the Language of Healing

Kay’s mission call to speak Haitian Creole in Indiana forced a confrontation with the very emotions she had tried to bury. Because her father had been taken in Haiti, the language itself acted as a catalyst for her suppressed anxiety, leading to her first experiences with panic attacks and intense fear. Shawn observes that this was a divine opportunity for Kay to realize that her "perfectionist" pride—the desire to do everything on her own without bothering others or God—was an obstacle to her true conversion.

The Balm of Gilead and the Power of Agency

A turning point occurred when Kay received a priesthood blessing that introduced her to the "Balm of Gilead," a scriptural reference to the healing power of the Atonement. Through this blessing and subsequent study, she learned that Principle Four: The Word of God acts as spiritual medicine. Specifically, she was taught that "obedience is a powerful spiritual medicine" and that she was currently at the base of a spiritual mountain she had yet to climb.

Kay describes a significant shift in her perspective as she began to apply Principle One: Agency to her daily struggles with difficult companions and mission life. She realized that while she could not control her circumstances, she was an "agent to act" and could produce her own happiness. She moved from being "acted upon" by her environment to deciding exactly what kind of missionary she wanted to be. This journey from "nibbling" to "feasting" on the scriptures allowed the Holy Ghost to function as the Comforter, providing the substance and evidence of Christ’s love.

Closing: Finding Real Joy

Kay concludes that real, lasting joy is only possible through an intentional connection with Jesus Christ and His Atonement. By choosing to turn away from self-reliance and toward the Savior, she transformed her "head knowledge" into a "mighty change of heart". Her experience serves as a witness that when we choose to let the Spirit into our hearts, we are led to the very people prepared to hear the gospel, turning a mission of endurance into a mission of pure joy.

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In this episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn sits down with Thomas Harris, a missionary preparing to serve in Santiago, Chile, to discuss the vital transition from a "halted" or lukewarm state to a 10/10 commitment. The conversation centers on Principle One: Agency and Principle Two: Revelation, exploring how a young man move beyond spiritual stagnation by making a definitive choice to follow the Savior.

The Poverty of Being "Halted"

Shawn and Thomas examine the scripture from 1 Kings where the prophet Elijah asks, "How long halt ye between two opinions?". Thomas shares that during his senior year of high school and his first year at BYU, he felt this sense of being "halted" or stagnant—neither fully rebelling nor fully progressing. He admits to "dipping his toe" into the world during his senior year, which resulted in a lack of the peace and joy that the Gospel brings. However, he reflects that experiencing this "bitter" state was a necessary part of his growth, helping him to eventually prize the "sweet" joy of the Spirit.

Repentance as a Foundation for Confidence

A core transformation in Thomas’s journey was his move toward active repentance. He emphasizes that the confidence he feels today is not because he has mastered the scriptures or "knows everything," but because he has experienced the reality of the Atonement. Shawn highlights that learning to repent is one of the most vital skills a missionary can possess, as it is the very process they are inviting others to undergo. Thomas testifies that the Lord is most pleased when we use our agency to turn back to Him, and that this process fuels the faith required to serve.

Learning from "Hot" Examples

Thomas recounts a pivotal experience at Lake Powell where he was inspired by the "fiery hot" testimonies of returned missionaries. Their core message—that "you’re never really ready, but you can be fully committed"—helped Thomas shift his mindset from one of inadequacy to one of total trust in Christ. He realized that while he would never have all the answers, the Lord would make up for his deficiencies if he gave his full effort. This lesson in humility and reliance on the Savior replaced his hesitation with a deep sense of "comfort, peace, and surety".

The Fiber Internet Lesson: Rejection and Love

Reflecting on a brief job selling fiber internet, Thomas shares a practical lesson about handling rejection. He learned that some people will say "no" regardless of how perfect the offer is, a principle he now applies to missionary work. He notes that a missionary's responsibility is to serve with all their heart, might, mind, and strength, offering the Gospel with pure love while respecting the agency of others to choose whether to accept that joy.

Closing: An Invitation to Act

Thomas concludes by inviting those on the fence to stop being "halted" and to start proactively preparing through daily scripture study and temple attendance. He specifically encourages listeners to engage in the joy of repentance, promising that it will fill them with an absolute joy from Heavenly Father. Shawn reinforces that the field is "white already to harvest" and that those who serve with a "burning desire" will find salvation for their own souls as they bring others to Christ.

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In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn sits down with Nick Spear, who served a unique and challenging mission "laboring in the country of Kazakhstan under the direction of the Russia Yekaterinburg Mission". Nick’s experience is a profound example of Principle One: Agency and Principle Three: An Open Mouth Finds Listeners, demonstrating how a missionary can thrive even when traditional methods are restricted by law and circumstance.

The Call to "Figure it out"

Nick recounts the shock of receiving a call to a region that was largely closed due to international conflict. Upon arriving in Almaty, Kazakhstan, he was met by a mission president who embodied the "Russian smile"—a stern exterior that gave way to a warm, fatherly embrace. Nick and his companions were essentially dropped off at a Soviet-block apartment and told to "figure it out". With no established mission culture to lean on, they were forced to build their own consecrated environment based strictly on the standards found in Preach My Gospel.

The Heart on the Sleeve: A Two-Week Window

Due to strict local laws and shifting missionary licenses, Nick only had a brief two-week window where he was legally permitted to proselyte on the streets. He describes this time as "wearing his heart on his sleeve," delivering an "ancient message" to people who had been prepared for generations to find God. The heartbreak of rejection during this time only fueled his "insatiable joy" for the work, teaching him that the opportunity to share the gospel is a rare and precious gift.

Econometrics and the Digital Front

When street contacting was shut down, Nick used his background in economics to apply a "Moneyball" approach to the work, utilizing econometrics to measure success not just by baptisms, but by the "key indicators" that lead to them. Working from a small "box room" in Kazakhstan, he and his companions remotely managed the work for three massive Russian missions—Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, and Vladivostok. They pivoted to intensive member work, spending their days on Zoom to inspire and train Russian members. This effort led to miraculous connections, such as Brother Constantine, a member in Omsk who became so excited that he took off work early to hand out magazines and found 20 people for the missionaries to meet.

The Lesson of the Fourth Missionary

The episode concludes with a reflection on the "fourth missionary"—the one who chooses to be fully changed by the work. Nick emphasizes that the Lord's trust is the ultimate birthright and that the greatest blessing of a mission is witnessing the Lord "bring His children home". He invites all preparing missionaries to find their own conversion before they leave, so they can "run the entire time" with a desperate desire to share the peace of Christ.

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In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn sits down with Nick Smithson, who recently returned from serving in the Argentina Buenos Aires South Mission. Nick’s journey is a profound masterclass in moving from a state of hesitation and "cognitive-only" belief to a life governed by clear, personal revelation and intentional action. The conversation explores how a young man facing significant personal and family challenges learned to "seek learning even by study and also by faith" to become a powerful instrument in the Lord’s hands.

The Hilltop Witness

For years, Nick struggled with the decision to serve a mission, weighing valid concerns about his family and personal circumstances. He was torn between serving as a young man or waiting until he was part of a senior couple. The transformation began when he took the decision to the Lord with deliberate effort. While hiking a hill near his home, Nick spent time singing hymns out loud and praying. In that moment of consecrated effort, he experienced a "tangible" witness—a voice to his soul that undeniably communicated: "Hey, you need to go". This revelation provided the "substance and evidence" he needed to move forward with obedience and receive his call to Argentina.

The Skill of Seeking: Study Plus Faith

A pivotal turning point in Nick's mission occurred when he was hitting his one-year mark. Influenced by a companion who studied topically with a notebook, Nick began a deep, intentional dive into the principle of revelation. As a biologist, Nick initially relied heavily on his "cognitive" and intellectual abilities, but he realized he had hit a "skill ceiling" by separating study from faith.

By applying Doctrine and Covenants 109:7, he learned to combine his intellectual diligence with spiritual discernment. He developed a methodical approach to seeking truth: writing a specific question at the top of a notebook, praying until a thought came, and then scouring the scriptures—primarily the Book of Mormon—to build a "web" of understanding. This process taught him to discern the Holy Ghost by looking for what "tracked" as heavenly and tossing out thoughts that did not carry the Spirit.

Building Zion in the Pines

Nick's mission culminated in a return to an area known as Viceroy of the Pines (V), a place he felt spiritually drawn to before the transfer was ever announced. Tasked with the "daunting" mission of opening a new group, Nick shifted his focus from just "looking for sheep" to "building the pasture".

The power of this intentional work was manifest in the reactivation of a member who owned a Taekwondo dojo. Through individual ministering and building a "Zion foundation," Nick helped the members organize so the church could be brought to the people. On his final Sunday, he witnessed the baptism of the dojo owner's daughter, Maya, and left the area with a new group organized to meet in that very dojo—a literal fulfillment of his efforts to help build the kingdom.

Closing

Nick concludes that the most important part of receiving revelation is identifying "Step One"—the immediate action required to put a spiritual truth into practice. He reflects that while he was always "happy," the mission replaced his underlying sadness with a discernable "light" and a heart full of content. His story serves as a clear invitation to anyone on the fence: "Open a notebook, get out a pen, and pray".

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Sister Lauren Allred recently returned from serving in Puebla, Mexico, carrying a fire that only comes from a deep, personal encounter with the Savior. In this episode, Shawn and Lauren explore the transition from being a "good kid" who simply "tows the line" to becoming a consecrated disciple who understands that repentance is the greatest gift available to every child of God.

Waking Up the Sleepers Lauren shares the "marvelous work and a wonder" she witnessed through the story of Cesar, a technology shop owner. Cesar was contacted not by seasoned missionaries, but by two young boys participating in a youth activity. He was a "sleeper" who was ready to be awakened, diving into the Book of Mormon and immediately asking deep questions about the Lamanites and Nephites. His journey involved a direct physical struggle with opposition, which was eventually overcome by the power of a priesthood blessing that left him "overcome with peace". Cesar’s transformation illustrates how God uses humble instruments to find those He has already prepared.

We also hear about Maira, a woman who had lost her business and stability to alcohol but was found at a bus stop when the transport was delayed. Maira had been receiving "signs" from God and was ready to "arouse her faculties". Even before being formally taught the Word of Wisdom, her desires began to change; she found herself unable to drink a beer a friend had provided, feeling a "mighty change of heart". Her story serves as a witness that when we come unto Christ, our natural appetites are replaced by a desire to be more like Him.

The Gift of Repentance The heart of Lauren’s message is that repentance is not a shameful burden reserved for the "prodigal son," but is the way to feel "happy and good all the time". Using the analogy of an "ugly sweater" gifted by a grandmother, she explains that the Atonement is a powerful gift that remains useless in a drawer until we choose to "wear it" through daily repentance. Lauren teaches that even those who strive to be "righteous" must have a mighty change of heart, as the law allows no unclean thing—regardless of the size or frequency of the sin—into the presence of God.

Conclusion True conversion requires us to "view His death" and focus specifically on what the Savior suffered for us. This personal connection fuels the fire to serve with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. We invite you to make Jesus Christ your "best friend" and intentional focus, trusting that as you "wear" the gift of His Atonement, you will find a joy that is "marvelous" beyond description.

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In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn welcomes Brady Hoggan, who recently returned from serving in the England Manchester Mission (2024–2026). The conversation explores the vital transition from possessing a "head knowledge" of the gospel to achieving a deep, internalized conversion through action. Brady illustrates through his experiences that while a primary-level understanding is a start, true testimony is only forged when one chooses to act on the principles of faith, repentance, and humility.

The Fruits of the Covenant Path

Brady shares that his favorite part of his mission was witnessing converts enter the temple. While missionaries often focus on the steps leading to baptism, Brady found profound joy in seeing those he taught continue toward the temple as evidence they were "enduring to the end" on their own.

He recounts the story of Emanuel, a faithful man from Nigeria. Brady was privileged to accompany Emanuel on his first visit to the Preston England Temple just one month after his baptism. Watching a grown man become tearful while performing proxy baptisms for his father taught Brady that conversion is a literal "mighty change of heart" that radiates through a person's countenance.

The Peace of Repentance: Roland

The episode highlights the story of Roland, a man from Slovakia who sought the missionaries after seeing a social media ad about finding peace in Christ. Roland had faced immense trauma and "darkness" in his life. Shawn and Brady explain that teaching concepts is secondary to inviting seekers to act.

They issued a specific invitation for Roland to pray and "tell God everything," holding nothing back in a sincere effort to repent. After a week of intense anticipation from the missionaries, Roland returned with a transformed spirit. He had found the "substance and evidence" of the Holy Ghost, describing a peace he had never found in any other church or worldly pursuit. Brady later learned that Roland has since been sealed to his family in the temple, completing the journey from a media referral to an exalted son of God.

Swallowing Pride: The Lesson of Elder Dinka

A central theme of the episode is the necessity of humility in maintaining the companionship of the Spirit. Brady candidly shares his struggle with his companion, Elder Dinka, a "green" missionary who frequently challenged Brady’s "alpha" personality by correcting him on trivial matters—like having his hands in his pockets or how he swept the floor.

The resulting contention chased away the Spirit until a zone leader gave Brady a difficult piece of advice: "Just do it"—to swallow his pride and follow whatever Dinka suggested, no matter how small. Brady describes the physical difficulty of "swallowing his pride," but notes that as he chose to be "meek and lowly in heart," the contention vanished. This intentional humility allowed Brady to truly love his companion, turning a power struggle into a lifelong brotherhood.

Closing

Shawn and Brady reinforce that the Spirit is withdrawn when we prioritize being "right" over being "loving". Brady concludes with a twofold invitation: first, for seekers to pray with real intent to find their own witness of the truth, and second, for missionaries and members alike to take a "pride inventory". He testifies that only by acting with a sincere heart and a humble spirit can we experience the "unrestrained peace and joy" the Savior offers.

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In this episode, Shawn sits down with Sister Mackenzie Pyatt, who is currently in the home MTC preparing to serve in the Calgary, Canada Mission. Her story is a powerful testament to the transition from a passive, cultural "lukewarm" faith to a consecrated, "hot" discipleship rooted in personal revelation and a mighty change of heart. Mackenzie candidly shares how she moved from being "acted upon" by the pressures of high school and social media to becoming a woman who proactively chooses to build her identity on the rock of her Redeemer.

The Poverty of a Lukewarm Life

Growing up in a faithful home with "G.O.A.T." parents, Mackenzie initially lived a life of passive participation. While she avoided "sins of commission" like drinking or smoking, she realized she was struggling with "sins of omission"—going years without a personal prayer or opening the scriptures. By age 16, this lack of spiritual anchoring left her vulnerable to an identity crisis. She found herself seeking validation through social media and the fickle approval of friends, eventually hitting what she calls "rock bottom" after being targeted by a mean-spirited text that left her feeling entirely alone and a disappointment to God.

The Turning Point at the Beach

The pivotal transformation occurred when Mackenzie took a California burrito and a Book of Mormon to the beach and made a deliberate choice to exercise her agency. In a moment of brokenhearted humility, she offered her first sincere, vocal prayer in six years. She didn’t just pray; she began to "seek and knock," leading her to the words of 2 Nephi 33:6: "I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell". The phrase "my Jesus" pierced her, and the Holy Ghost provided a discernable, visceral witness that defied description—a "hug in her heart" that replaced her loneliness with the presence of God.

A Personal Atonement

Through this "mighty change of heart," Mackenzie received a profound insight into the personal nature of the Savior’s suffering. She realized that when Christ sat in the Garden of Gethsemane, he didn't just feel the collective sins of the world; he had a specific image of a crying, 16-year-old Mackenzie in His mind. This revelation shifted her identity from being a "son of man" focused on social status to a "daughter of God" who knows she is graven on the palms of the Savior’s hands.

Closing: The Joy of Careful Discipleship

Mackenzie concludes that the source of her current joy—which is "night and day" different from her previous misery—is the result of living a "careful" rather than "casual" life. She highlights that when we intentionally bring our questions to God through prayer and scripture, we move beyond the "lukewarm" state and find a firm foundation that carries us through the storms of life. Her story serves as a heartfelt invitation to every listener to move from the sand of cultural habit to the rock of a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ.