Why We Stay Podcast

Kalyx Christensen-Bell
  • 5.0 (10)
  • SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Why We Stay explores the reasons people choose to stay in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while navigating questions, history, personal wrestles, and modern complexity. Hosted by Kalyx Christensen-Bell and Hannah Walstad-Kramer, the show blends scripture, storytelling, and lived experience to highlight how truth, revelation, and Christ-centered discipleship shape our spiritual paths. Whether you’ve stayed, stepped away, or are in between, we pray this podcast meets you with honesty and hope.

  1. 12/15/2025

    season 2 episode 16: CALLED ft. Lauren Willardson

    Lauren joins us to walk us through her journey as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Houston, TX. Within the first 3 months of her mission, Lauren and her companion experience unimaginable violence in their missionary apartment. By the power of God, they were spared and have made full recovery. Lauren, in gratitude to God, shares her story and encourages others to do the same to spread the light that comes from following Jesus Christ. Lauren is evidence that life is unpredictable, but the love and healing through Jesus Christ is real and inevitable. This is Why She Stays.

    55 min
  2. season 2 episode 15: GRACE ft. Hannah Walstad-Kramer

    05/19/2025

    season 2 episode 15: GRACE ft. Hannah Walstad-Kramer

    In this episode of the Why We Stay Podcast, hosts Kalyx and Hannah explore the themes of faith, vulnerability, and the complexities of church life. Hannah shares her personal journey of faith, including the impact of her family's struggles and her experiences navigating church alone. The conversation delves into the nature of God, the concept of eternal families, and the importance of love and communication in overcoming life's challenges. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own journeys and find strength in their faith amidst trials. This is Why She Stays.

    46 min
  3. season 2 episode 14: FRIENDSHIP ft. Wakana Andelin

    03/17/2025

    season 2 episode 14: FRIENDSHIP ft. Wakana Andelin

    In this episode of the Why We Stay podcast, Kalyx welcomes new co-host Hannah, who opens up about her personal faith journey and struggles. The discussion then shifts to Wakana’s compelling conversion story, exploring her spiritual transformation, the power of prayer, and a profound dream in which she encounters Jesus Christ. Throughout the conversation, the episode highlights the importance of community, friendship, and the shared experiences that shape faith. Wakana candidly reflects on her challenges, from seeking family acceptance to the joy of baptism and the unwavering support of friends. Her story underscores the strength found in faith, the resilience to overcome obstacles, and the joy of embracing the gospel. This heartfelt discussion encourages listeners to approach their own spiritual journeys with openness and courage. This is Why Wakana Stays.

    1h 13m
  4. season 2 episode 13: WORTHY ft. Allie Bills, Host of Continued Conversion Podcast (Video Episode)

    01/20/2025 · BONUS

    season 2 episode 13: WORTHY ft. Allie Bills, Host of Continued Conversion Podcast (Video Episode)

    In this episode of the Why We Stay Podcast, host Kalyx welcomes Allie Bills, a fellow podcast host and aspiring musician, who shares her journey of faith, personal struggles, and the importance of community in nurturing one's beliefs. Allie discusses her new podcast, Continued Conversion, which focuses on the experiences of believers in maintaining their faith amidst life's challenges. The conversation delves into Allie's personal battles with self-esteem and eating disorders, her transformative mission experience, and the profound impact of her grandmother's wisdom during her final days. The episode emphasizes the significance of understanding the Atonement of Jesus Christ and invites listeners to explore their own faith journeys.

    43 min
  5. season 2 episode 13: WORTHY ft. Allie Bills, host of Continued Conversion Podcast

    01/20/2025

    season 2 episode 13: WORTHY ft. Allie Bills, host of Continued Conversion Podcast

    In this episode of the Why We Stay Podcast, host Kalyx welcomes Allie Bills, a fellow podcast host and aspiring musician, who shares her journey of faith, personal struggles, and the importance of community in nurturing one's beliefs. Allie discusses her new podcast, Continued Conversion, which focuses on the experiences of believers in maintaining their faith amidst life's challenges. The conversation delves into Allie's personal battles with self-esteem and eating disorders, her transformative mission experience, and the profound impact of her grandmother's wisdom during her final days. The episode emphasizes the significance of understanding the Atonement of Jesus Christ and invites listeners to explore their own faith journeys.

    43 min
  6. season 2 episode 12: RECOVERY ft. Lexi Bloom (Video Episode)

    01/12/2025

    season 2 episode 12: RECOVERY ft. Lexi Bloom (Video Episode)

    Lexi shares her journey of addiction and recovery within the context of her faith. She discusses her early experiences in the Church, her struggles with various addictions, and the support she received from loved ones and priesthood leaders. Lexi emphasizes the importance of living a recovery lifestyle and finding healing through the Atonement. She also highlights the significance of the temple in her life and the love she feels there. Despite setbacks, Lexi remains committed to her faith and continues to fight for sobriety and spiritual growth. In this conversation, Lexi shares her journey of overcoming addiction and finding healing through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. She discusses the challenges she faced, the role of religion in her recovery, and the importance of vulnerability. Lexi also highlights the Addiction Recovery Program offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the impact it has had on her healing process. The conversation emphasizes the power of prayer and developing a personal relationship with Heavenly Father. This is Why She Stays.

    47 min
  7. season 2 episode 12: RECOVERY ft. Lexi Bloom

    01/12/2025

    season 2 episode 12: RECOVERY ft. Lexi Bloom

    Lexi shares her journey of addiction and recovery within the context of her faith. She discusses her early experiences in the Church, her struggles with various addictions, and the support she received from loved ones and priesthood leaders. Lexi emphasizes the importance of living a recovery lifestyle and finding healing through the Atonement. She also highlights the significance of the temple in her life and the love she feels there. Despite setbacks, Lexi remains committed to her faith and continues to fight for sobriety and spiritual growth. In this conversation, Lexi shares her journey of overcoming addiction and finding healing through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. She discusses the challenges she faced, the role of religion in her recovery, and the importance of vulnerability. Lexi also highlights the Addiction Recovery Program offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the impact it has had on her healing process. The conversation emphasizes the power of prayer and developing a personal relationship with Heavenly Father. This is Why She Stays.

    47 min
  8. season 2 episode 11: fertility ft. Aubrey Dubois

    11/03/2024

    season 2 episode 11: fertility ft. Aubrey Dubois

    Aubrey shares her journey of love, faith, and infertility. She talks about meeting her husband, who was not a member of the church, and how they navigated their different beliefs. Eventually, her husband joined the church and they were sealed in the temple. They then faced challenges with infertility and Aubrey was diagnosed with endometriosis. Despite the difficulties, they remained hopeful and continued to trust in God's plan. Aubrey shares her journey of struggling with infertility and the emotional, physical, and spiritual toll it has taken on her. She emphasizes the importance of sharing sacred experiences and being open about trials to help others feel less alone. Aubrey also discusses the support she has received from her husband and the importance of their partnership throughout this journey. She shares her perspective on faith and why she chooses to stay in the Church despite the challenges she has faced. The conversation ends with an invitation for listeners to develop the superpower of vulnerability and share their experiences to build one another up.

    58 min
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Why We Stay explores the reasons people choose to stay in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while navigating questions, history, personal wrestles, and modern complexity. Hosted by Kalyx Christensen-Bell and Hannah Walstad-Kramer, the show blends scripture, storytelling, and lived experience to highlight how truth, revelation, and Christ-centered discipleship shape our spiritual paths. Whether you’ve stayed, stepped away, or are in between, we pray this podcast meets you with honesty and hope.

Information

  • Creator
    Kalyx Christensen-Bell
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kalyx Christensen-Bell
  • Show Website
    Why We Stay Podcast