Here on The LDS Mission Podcast, Episode 247 – Stop Fighting Yourself, I'm sharing a powerful mindset shift for missionaries, returned missionaries, and missionary moms who feel like they're constantly battling their own thoughts, emotions, or motivation. So many of us have been taught that growth requires fighting ourselves—battling the natural man, conquering weakness, or pushing through fear with sheer force. But in this episode, I challenge that idea and explain why internal war with yourself actually slows growth instead of creating it. When missionaries shame themselves for normal human emotions like anxiety, sadness, fear, or exhaustion, they often end up feeling divided, discouraged, and exhausted instead of empowered. I talk about how our lower brain is wired for survival—seeking pleasure, avoiding pain, and conserving energy—and why compassion toward that part of ourselves is actually the key to emotional resilience and personal growth.

In this episode we explore the difference between intentional growth and internal aggression, and why beating yourself up isn't the same thing as discipline. I explain how fighting your thoughts and emotions often makes them louder, drains your energy, and splits you into "good" and "bad" versions of yourself. Instead of living in a constant tug-of-war with your lower brain, I teach how to drop the rope and bring your higher brain and lower brain into harmony. Through self-compassion, awareness, and intentional self-leadership, missionaries can move out of the boxing ring with themselves and begin creating peace, confidence, and emotional strength. When you stop shaming yourself for normal human experiences and instead lead yourself with kindness, you actually accelerate growth and create the mission experience—and life—you truly want.

You are not meant to live at war with yourself. You are meant to become whole. By learning to approach your thoughts, fears, anxiety, and emotions with compassion instead of hostility, you create the internal peace that allows real progress to happen. If you've ever felt frustrated with yourself, overwhelmed by your thoughts, or stuck in a cycle of self-criticism, this episode will help you step out of the tug-of-war and move forward with clarity and self-trust. Episode 247 – Stop Fighting Yourself reminds us that growth doesn't come from conquering ourselves, but from learning to lead ourselves with compassion and harmony.

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help LDS missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

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5 Ways to Process Any Less-Than Happy Mission Memories Article: HERE

Get the Full Show Notes and Text/PDF Transcripts: HERE

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Here on The LDS Mission Podcast, Episode 246 – Reclaiming Purpose, we talk about what to do when you feel like you've lost your purpose on the mission, after the mission, or even as a missionary mama. If you're currently serving and struggling with anxiety, rejection, comparison, or discouragement, or if you're a returned missionary feeling directionless and wondering what's next, this episode is for you. I share why purpose is not something assigned externally through a calling, leadership role, or title—but something you intentionally create. When life feels hard, when you're on the "struggle bus," or when your lower caveman brain tells you something has gone wrong, you are not broken. Highs and lows are part of the plan.

In this episode, we explore how to reclaim purpose by shifting from "this is happening to me" to "this is happening for me." I teach how to reframe rejection, conflict with companions, anxiety, post-mission transition struggles, and unmet expectations into resilience, growth, compassion, and future leadership capacity. We talk about consecrating our afflictions for our gain (2 Nephi 2:2), giving meaning to difficult experiences, and choosing empowering purpose instead of victim energy. Through stories like David and Goliath, Romans 8:28, and real coaching examples, I show you how your struggles can become preparation—not proof that you're failing.

You may not control what happens on your mission or after it, but you do get to choose the meaning you assign to it. Ask yourself: What is happening? What purpose am I currently giving it? What purpose would I like to give it instead? When you intentionally reclaim your purpose, even anxiety, rejection, loneliness, or transition seasons can become fuel for growth, momentum, and becoming more like Christ—because that is the ultimate work and glory. Episode 246 – Reclaiming Purpose reminds you that purpose isn't discovered… it's created.

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help LDS missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

5 Ways to Process Any Less-Than Happy Mission Memories Article: HERE

Get the Full Show Notes and Text/PDF Transcripts: HERE

Free PDF Download: Podcast Roadmap

Free PDF Download: Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet

Free Training for Preparing Missionaries: Change Your Mission with this One Tool

RM Transition Free Video Series: 3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home

Free Guide: 5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

Schedule a Free Strategy Call: Click Here

Here on The LDS Mission Podcast, Episode 245 – A Leadership Framework, we explore what Christlike leadership really looks like on the mission and in everyday life. In this episode, I share a simple but powerful framework that has been on my mind ever since a stake leadership training: identity before instruction, worth before correction, and belonging before belief. Whether you're a district leader, sister training leader, zone leader, trainer, missionary companion, returned missionary, or missionary mama, this leadership mindset will change the way you approach growth, correction, testimony building, and influence.

We talk about how our "lower brain" reacts when we lead with instruction, correction, or pressure to believe before someone feels secure in their identity as a child of God. I break down how identity stabilizes a person, worth secures the heart, and belonging calms the brain so that real transformation can happen. Using examples from missionary life—training a greenie, working through obedience struggles, supporting homesick missionaries, helping RMs navigate awkward transitions—I show how this order creates emotional safety, deeper testimony, and lasting growth.

If you want to lead like Jesus Christ—with love, calm confidence, compassion, and clarity—this episode will give you a practical leadership framework you can apply immediately in your companionship, district, ward, or home. Episode 245 – A Leadership Framework will help you anchor identity, restore worth, create belonging, and lead in a way that truly transforms hearts.

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help LDS missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

5 Ways to Process Any Less-Than Happy Mission Memories Article: HERE

Get the Full Show Notes and Text/PDF Transcripts: HERE

Free PDF Download: Podcast Roadmap

Free PDF Download: Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet

Free Training for Preparing Missionaries: Change Your Mission with this One Tool

RM Transition Free Video Series: 3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home

Free Guide: 5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

Schedule a Free Strategy Call: Click Here

Here on The LDS Mission Podcast, Episode 244 – Creating Clarity, we talk about what to do when you feel stuck, confused, directionless, or unsure about your next step on the mission, in college, or in life. I share in real time what it looked like for me to create clarity while recording this very episode, and why clarity rarely comes before movement. Whether you're deciding if you should serve a mission, navigating a hard transfer, choosing a major, or wondering what's next after you come home, this episode explores faith, agency, uncertainty, growth, discomfort, and how to trust God while stepping into the unknown.

We dive into the powerful analogy of stepping into the forest before you can find the clearing, and why your lower brain's discomfort is not a red flag—but often a sign you're on the verge of expansion. I talk about how clarity comes through momentum, why discomfort doesn't disqualify you, how to stop letting "I don't know" shut you down, and how Joseph Smith's First Vision models movement before revelation. We also explore the difference between advice and tools, internal preparation through Mission Prep Plus, and how practicing faith one step at a time builds confidence, peace, and direction.

If you've been waiting for certainty before taking action, this episode will remind you that you only need the next step. Discomfort isn't proof you're on the wrong path—it may be proof you're growing. Join me here on The LDS Mission Podcast, Episode 244 – Creating Clarity, as we learn how movement creates the clarity we've been searching for.

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help LDS missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

5 Ways to Process Any Less-Than Happy Mission Memories Article: HERE

Get the Full Show Notes and Text/PDF Transcripts: HERE

Free PDF Download: Podcast Roadmap

Free PDF Download: Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet

Free Training for Preparing Missionaries: Change Your Mission with this One Tool

RM Transition Free Video Series: 3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home

Free Guide: 5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

Schedule a Free Strategy Call: Click Here

LDS Mission Podcast Episode 243: Relationship Strategies with Mike Dildine is a Valentine's-week conversation with my favorite human—my husband, Mike—and it's packed with real-life relationship strategies that apply to marriage, companionships, family relationships, roommates, and mission culture. We talk about what coaching has taught us about thoughts, emotions, agency, and how to stop living like a victim of your circumstances and start becoming the author of your own story—especially when relationships feel messy, intense, or confusing.

In this episode, we dive into mindset tools that have strengthened our relationship over the years: being careful about adding meaning to everything, learning to give love and respect to people who are different from you, and creating a safe space for the full range of emotions instead of trying to "fix" everything. Mike shares how coaching helped him feel more empowered in relationships, and we talk about the truth that you can't "make" someone feel loved—love is created internally through thoughts, self-awareness, and emotional ownership, not flowers, date nights, or perfect behavior.

Mike also shares an unforgettable story from a spontaneous Penn State White Out trip that becomes the perfect mission and marriage analogy: you can't control everything, but you can embrace the journey—the good, the bad, the uncertainty—and still have an incredible experience. LDS Mission Podcast Episode 243: Relationship Strategies with Mike Dildine will help you build stronger relationships through compassion, maturity, agency, and Christlike love—no matter what stage of the mission experience you're in.

Mike Dildine is a custom home builder and entrepreneur based in Eagle, Idaho, known for his leadership at Highland Homes. With a passion for building both beautiful homes and meaningful relationships, Mike balances a thriving business with family life and personal growth. He brings his strategic mindset and wise insight into everyday relationships, offering a thoughtful perspective on connection and growth. Whether in business, family, or faith, Mike's focus is building a legacy of trust and purpose.

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help LDS missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

Learn more from Mike - Highland Homes:

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Get the Full Show Notes and Text/PDF Transcripts: HERE

Free PDF Download: Podcast Roadmap

Free PDF Download: Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet

My Free Training for Preparing Missionaries: Change Your Mission with this One Tool

RM Transition Free Video Series: 3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home

Free Guide: 5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

Schedule a Free Strategy Call: Click Here

LDS Mission Podcast Episode 242: How to Know If You're Making Progress is all about answering a question I hear all the time from missionaries, returned missionaries, and missionary moms: How do I know if the internal work I'm doing is actually working? When growth is emotional, mental, and spiritual—like confidence, anxiety, fear, perfectionism, or self-trust—it can feel invisible. In this episode, I talk about why progress isn't about making fear or insecurity disappear, but about changing your relationship with it.

I share a powerful reframe that applies on the mission, after the mission, and throughout life: progress is not the absence of fear—it's how you respond when fear shows up. I walk you through four clear indicators of internal progress, including having less self-judgment and more compassion, increased willingness to feel emotions, faster emotional recovery time, and the ability to interrupt old mental patterns before they spiral. These tools help you measure real growth when goals aren't easily trackable.

If you've ever felt stuck, discouraged, or worried that you "should be further along by now," LDS Mission Podcast Episode 242: How to Know If You're Making Progress will help you recognize the meaningful internal shifts you may be overlooking and trust the work you're doing—even when growth feels slow or unseen.

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help LDS missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

5 Ways to Process Any Less-Than Happy Mission Memories Article: HERE

Get the Full Show Notes and Text/PDF Transcripts: HERE

Free PDF Download: Podcast Roadmap

Free PDF Download: Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet

Free Training for Preparing Missionaries: Change Your Mission with this One Tool

RM Transition Free Video Series: 3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home

Free Guide: 5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

Schedule a Free Strategy Call: Click Here

Here on The LDS Mission Podcast, Ep. 241 - Flavors of Motivation, is all about changing the way we think about motivation—especially when it feels like it's "on" one day and completely gone the next. I share why motivation isn't actually black-and-white, and how judging yourself for feeling unmotivated usually makes everything heavier. Instead, I teach a simple framework that helps you identify your unique "flavor of motivation," so you can create forward momentum in a way that actually works for your brain, your personality, and your mission experience.

In this episode, I break down six different motivation styles: the strategist, the visionary, the builder, the provider, the refiner, and the observer. We talk about what each one looks like, what it's good at, what can trip it up (hello, perfectionism, overthinking, rigidity, comparison, burnout, or shutting down), and how to use your motivation flavor to get unstuck—whether you're preparing for a mission, trying to meet goals while currently serving, rebuilding after your mission, or supporting a missionary as a mom. I also share a simple fill-in-the-blank prompt you can use to quickly pinpoint what motivates you: "I'd be down to do this if…"

If you've been feeling stuck, heavy, or like you "should" be more motivated, The LDS Mission Podcast Episode 241: Flavors of Motivation will help you understand what makes you tick, motivate yourself with more compassion, and even better understand what might motivate your companion, your district, or the people you're teaching.

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help LDS missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

5 Ways to Process Any Less-Than Happy Mission Memories Article: HERE

Get the Full Show Notes and Text/PDF Transcripts: HERE

Free PDF Download: Podcast Roadmap

Free PDF Download: Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet

Free Training for Preparing Missionaries: Change Your Mission with this One Tool

RM Transition Free Video Series: 3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home

Free Guide: 5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

Schedule a Free Strategy Call: Click Here

In Episode 240, "Advice vs. Tools," I talk about something I feel deeply passionate about right now—especially as I work with younger preparing missionaries and get ready to launch Mission Prep Plus again—and that is the powerful difference between receiving advice and learning actual tools. Advice often sounds helpful and well-intended, but it's usually based on someone else's experience, personality, timing, or mission culture. Tools, on the other hand, are designed to help you decide what works best for you, based on your emotions, leadership style, background, and the kind of mission (and life) you want to build.

In this episode, I break down why advice is often subjective, inconsistent, and hard to apply long-term, especially in emotionally intense missionary experiences like anxiety, rejection, leadership changes, or coming home from a mission. I explain how tools are skill-based, objective, internally grounded, and transferable—meaning they work on the mission, after the mission, in school, marriage, and beyond. Using analogies like building a house or learning how to fish, I show why having a full tool belt gives missionaries confidence, agency, and freedom instead of relying on someone else's blueprint.

If you're preparing for a mission, currently serving, a returned missionary, or a missionary mom trying to support your missionary, Episode 240, "Advice vs. Tools," will help you rethink what actually creates emotional resilience, confidence, and long-term growth—and why learning the how of doing hard things is what truly changes everything.

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help LDS missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

5 Ways to Process Any Less-Than Happy Mission Memories Article: HERE

Get the Full Show Notes and Text/PDF Transcripts: HERE

Free PDF Download: Podcast Roadmap

Free PDF Download: Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet

Free Training for Preparing Missionaries: Change Your Mission with this One Tool

RM Transition Free Video Series: 3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home

Free Guide: 5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

Schedule a Free Strategy Call: Click Here

Episode 239 – Six Super Skills is all about the mindset and emotional tools that help missionaries (and humans) keep going when things feel hard. This episode was inspired by a powerful coaching session and a simple question: What skills do superheroes use that actually help them win in the end? Whether you're preparing to serve, currently serving, recently returned, or a missionary mom supporting from home, these six "super skills" apply directly to mission life, post-mission transitions, and everyday challenges.

In this episode, I walk through six essential skills: moving forward instead of getting stuck in the past, adapting to constant change, supporting others without drowning yourself, holding onto dreams with patience, embracing discomfort as growth, and practicing humility. We look at real missionary examples—transfers, companions, post-mission letdown, dating, careers—and connect them to how emotional resilience, confidence, and agency are built over time. Growth doesn't require superhuman effort; it requires consistency, self-trust, and willingness to feel uncomfortable.

I also share a powerful reminder from Elder Uchtdorf that growth happens gradually, patiently, and consistently—and that Jesus Christ already did the superhuman part. If you're feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, or unsure of yourself, Episode 239 – Six Super Skills is here to help you reconnect with your inner strength, develop emotional maturity, and remember that you already have what it takes to keep moving forward.

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help LDS missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

5 Ways to Process Any Less-Than Happy Mission Memories Article: HERE

Get the Full Show Notes and Text/PDF Transcripts: HERE

Free PDF Download: Podcast Roadmap

Free PDF Download: Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet

Free Training for Preparing Missionaries: Change Your Mission with this One Tool

RM Transition Free Video Series: 3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home

Free Guide: 5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

Schedule a Free Strategy Call: Click Here

Hey there! Today, Episode 238 – Fear + Christ = Change is a deeply meaningful conversation I had with my friend Erin Ropelato from the Seek This Jesus Summit, and it's been sitting with my heart for a while. In this episode, we explore a simple but powerful truth I've been teaching missionaries, missionary moms, and leaders for years: fear plus fear only creates more fear, but fear plus Christ creates change. We talk about anxiety, sadness, shame, self-doubt, and discouragement—and why the real struggle often isn't the emotion itself, but what we add to it.

We walk through how Jesus Christ consistently brought something different to human suffering—compassion instead of judgment, love instead of shame, confidence instead of fear—and how that shift created healing, miracles, and transformation. I share real missionary coaching examples, gospel stories, and practical emotional tools that help you stop fighting your feelings and instead partner with Christ to transform them. This episode is especially powerful for missionaries navigating anxiety, missionary moms supporting struggling kids, and anyone who feels stuck in emotional overwhelm.

If you've ever wondered why trying harder, fixing yourself, or judging your emotions hasn't brought peace, this episode will offer a new framework rooted in Christlike compassion, awareness, and emotional maturity. Episode 238 – Fear + Christ = Change is an invitation to meet yourself where you are, add what Christ would add, and allow real change to unfold.

Erin Ropelato is the owner of Seek This Jesus Study and host of the Seeking Jesus Summit. A former kindergarten teacher, Erin helps women discover their unique learning styles and use them to study the scriptures in simple, grace-filled ways. She loves teaching that connecting with Jesus Christ can look different for everyone, one small and simple step at a time.

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help LDS missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

Learn more from Erin:

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Learn more from Jennie:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Get the Full Show Notes and Text/PDF Transcripts: HERE

Free PDF Download: Podcast Roadmap

Free PDF Download: Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet

My Free Training for Preparing Missionaries: Change Your Mission with this One Tool

RM Transition Free Video Series: 3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home

Free Guide: 5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

Schedule a Free Strategy Call: Click Here