Return Missionary Next Chapters

Sid Bassett
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Christianity

Return Missionary (RM) Next Chapters is a podcast sharing inspiring, honest stories of life after the mission. Through candid, vulnerable, and deeply human conversations with returned missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the show explores how mission service and cumulative life experiences shape faith, identity, and the direction of both the chapters already lived and those still being written. These are stories for anyone navigating the questions, growth, and hope that come after the name tag comes off.

  1. 1d ago

    Austin Bunkall - AWOL from Perfectionism: How an Acute Mission Panic Attack led to Seeing God's Hand in His Life

    In this episode Austin Bunkall shares his experience serving a mission in Argentina, including the pressure he felt to be perfect, the panic attack that led him to return home early, and the emotional recovery that followed. It also explores how grief, therapy, family support, and a stronger personal relationship with God helped him rebuild his life. We discuss Austin’s upbringing, his missionary call, the mental health crisis that changed his mission, and how he later found stability through church service, work, marriage, and fatherhood. Key topics Austin grew up in a sports focused family in Utah and played football and wrestling, including as an offensive left tackle.He explains that his mission call to Argentina was exciting but also overwhelming, especially with the pressure to live up to others’ expectations.The MTC experience was intense because he was learning Spanish, preparing to teach the gospel, and adjusting to a new environment with many missionaries around him.Once in Argentina, he felt increasing pressure to be perfect and responsible for others’ spiritual progress, which became emotionally exhausting.Near the end of his mission, Austin experienced a severe anxiety attack, left his apartment without telling his companion, and spent hours wandering alone before returning.Mission leaders responded with compassion, brought him to the mission office, and helped him decide to return home.After coming home, Austin struggled with shame and guilt, even when his family welcomed him with love and celebration.He received mental health support after returning and describes therapy as a major part of learning self awareness, emotional maturity, and self acceptance.Austin reflects on grace, self love, and the idea that loving others is much harder when you cannot accept love for yourself.He shares how the suicides of two family members deeply affected him, especially after reconnecting with his brother before his death.Despite early return and grief, Austin stayed active in the church, served in leadership roles, and focused on helping others rather than turning away from faith.••He now works as a sports massage therapist, is married, and has a young son, which he describes as one of the most meaningful parts of his life.

    Austin Bunkall - AWOL from Perfectionism: How an Acute Mission Panic Attack led to Seeing God's Hand in His Life

  2. 4d ago

    Ellie Johnson - From Influencer to Missionary: Dropping Your Nets for Christ, and Picking Them Up Again With Christ

    Episode Summary In this episode we sit down with Ellie Johnson—creator and host of The Guide Podcast—to talk about faith, timing, and what happens when you step away from your own plans to follow a prompting. Growing up in Texas as one of five daughters, Ellie was hyper-aware of representing her faith. Although she initially swore she would never serve a mission, a persistent prompting at age 15 eventually led her to serve in the Hawaii Laie Mission. Ellie opens up about the tough decision to pause a rapidly growing podcast that had already reached over a million downloads worldwide to focus entirely on full-time missionary service. We dive into her time serving at the Laie Hawaii Temple Visitors' Center, the profound perspective shifts she gained about connection and storytelling, and the honest reality of transitioning back to everyday life at BYU. If you’re navigating a post-mission transition, trying to hear divine direction amidst the noise, or waiting on your next "green light," Ellie’s grounded wisdom will leave you inspired and encouraged. Key Messages & Takeaways  Promptings Take Time to Unfold: A spiritual nudge received at age 15 became the foundation for a life-changing mission call four years later.  Surrendering Your Own Platform: Laying down a successful project to focus on spiritual growth often opens the door to deeper purpose and transformation.  Reframing Inadequacy: Moving from the mindset of "I can't do this" to "God can" shifts how we face daunting assignments.  Finding Christ in the Everyday: God isn't only found in the temple or on a mission; He speaks in stoplights, ordinary classes, daily drives, and quiet waiting periods.  Navigating the Post-Mission Shift: Returning home and finding your footing in college, dating, or a career is rarely a straight line—patience with God's timing is essential when you feel stuck between chapters. In This Episode, We Discuss:  Growing Up in Texas: How an upbringing among horses, five sisters, and being a visible representation of her faith shaped Ellie's storytelling.  The Mission Decision: Moving from "I'm never serving a mission" to accepting a call to the Hawaii Laie Mission Visitor Center.  Pausing The Guide Podcast: What it felt like to walk away from a platform with over a million downloads to serve the Lord full-time.  Transformative Encounters in Hawaii: Specific experiences at the Visitors' Center that reshaped her understanding of the Savior, His church, and authentic connection.  The BYU Transition & Post-Mission Life: Honest reflections on the highs, lows, and social adjustments during her first years back home.  Trusting God's Timing: Practical ways Ellie includes Jesus Christ in her day-to-day decisions today compared to before her mission.  Advice for Returned Missionaries: Words of encouragement for anyone currently struggling to figure out where they fit in after a major life chapter. About the Guest Ellie Johnson is the creator and host of The Guide Podcast, an inspiring show that has surpassed one million downloads and reached listeners worldwide. She is currently studying American Studies at Brigham Young University. Through her platform and story, Ellie blends authentic faith, relatable humor, and grounded wisdom to help others stay connected to Jesus Christ in everyday life.

    Ellie Johnson - From Influencer to Missionary: Dropping Your Nets for Christ, and Picking Them Up Again With Christ

  3. Aug 14

    David Sturt - It is About Great Work: A Former Mission President Explains how Greatness Starts With Ordinary People Doing One Thing Well

    David Sturt shares his life shaped by faith, hard work, and unexpected turns, from childhood in Cape Town to mission service in Texas and Kenya, and throughout his leadership at O.C. Tanner. Along the way, he explains how his book The Great Work grew out of research on thousands of award-winning employees and the simple habits that help ordinary people do extraordinary things. We discuss how early experiences in nature, mission culture, marriage, leadership, and career uncertainty all connect to one central idea - the value of showing up faithfully and making a difference where you are. Key topics David shares his childhood in Cape Town, South Africa, including farm visits, river fishing, strict school discipline, and learning to respect wildlife like baboons.He explains how growing up around missionaries shaped his desire to serve a mission and why it never felt like a burden.He describes being called to Texas unexpectedly and how his mission president’s question, “How’s your faith?” became a defining theme of his mission.He talks about returning home exhausted, recovering, and channeling mission habits into school and career preparation.He reflects on studying at BYU and earning an MBA, even though he once thought he would never go there.He tells the story of meeting Stacy, realizing quickly that she had a kind of “light,” and building a relationship through conversation, friendship, and shared values.He explains what O.C. Tanner actually does, focusing on employee appreciation, recognition, and research-backed ways organizations honor great work.He walks through the origin of The Great Work, including the data set of 10,000 award write-ups, 250 interviews, and the search for patterns in how people make meaningful contributions.He shares one standout example from the research: Marty, the engineer who helped invent the cell phone by asking better questions and challenging the original assignment.He describes his mission call to Kenya Nairobi, the intensity of leadership there, and the miracles, risks, and growth that came with supervising a large and rapidly expanding mission.Timestamps (00:00) Pre-show setup and correcting the guest bio  (00:56) Introduction to David and his early life in Cape Town  (01:24) Growing up around farms, rivers, fishing, and strict schooling  (03:08) How to safely handle baboons in South Africa  (04:03) Solitary outdoor time, dogs, and formative childhood memories  (05:46) Why David always planned to serve a mission  (07:25) Family conversion, gratitude, and gospel-centered home life  (08:12) A father still playing golf at 98  (08:54) Surprised to be called to Texas instead of another international assignment  (09:23) Why Texas became the perfect mission field  (10:23) The mission president’s question: “How’s your faith?”  (12:52) Recovering from mission intensity and resetting at home  (13:45) Mission discipline turning into seriousness about education  (15:59) Work ethic from mission life carrying into his career  (17:23) Going to BYU after once expecting never to  (18:34) Meeting Stacy and the unexpected first date  (20:47) Recognizing character, purity, and spiritual alignment in Stacy  (24:08) Marriage as partnership, flexibility, and shared effort  (27:50) What O.C. Tanner does and why people confuse it with jewelry  (31:18) The origin of The Great Work and the research question behind it (33:39) Coding 10,000 award write-ups and finding patterns in extraordinary work (35:36) Interviewing Marty, inventor of the cell phone (38:16) Why everyone can make a difference in ordinary work (39:53) Bringing leadership and recognition ideas into mission leadership (41:41) Giving missionaries the book only at the end of their service (43:38) The unexpected call to serve as a mission president in Kenya Nairobi (45:05) Arriving in Kenya during elections, riots, and rapid church growth (45:29) The scale of the mission and why it eventually had to be split (46:15) Feeling overwhelmed and learning to rely on the Lord (47:59) A life-threatening riot situation and the rescue of missionaries by motorcycle (48:45) Advice for returning missionaries and anyone facing a major life transition (51:01) Why you should follow your interests, pray, and take life step by step

    David Sturt - It is About Great Work: A Former Mission President Explains how Greatness Starts With Ordinary People Doing One Thing Well

  4. Aug 11

    Borey Sem - From Buddhist to Baptism: An Amazing Journey from Cambodia to Faith, Mission, and New Beginnings

    In this interview, Cambodian born and raised Borey Sem opens up about her difficult upbringing, unlikely conversion, missionary service, mental health struggles, family tensions, and the choices that led her to a future in communications. Key topics Borey grew up in a rural Cambodian village in a Buddhist family, but says religion was often practiced more as tradition than deep belief.She describes an abusive home, limited technology, no electricity in parts of childhood, and a community that gathered around shared television viewings.At 14, she was looking for free English classes and found missionaries through a flyer her mother received.The missionaries taught English and introduced the gospel, which Borey says felt very different from the negative stories she had heard about Christianity in her village.She explains that the doctrine of the Atonement helped her understand repentance as release from guilt, not just punishment for mistakes.Family and neighbors strongly discouraged her from joining the Church, and she faced social pressure, fear, and isolation as a young convert.Borey shares a memorable story about her father agreeing to baptism only if she could speak English well, leading to a humorous moment where she improvised enough English to convince him.After high school, she struggled financially, worked multiple jobs, and eventually left church activity for a time during a period of family crisis, debt, and emotional burnout.A friend and a temple conference experience helped her begin returning to Christ, even while she felt unworthy and ashamed.Serving in FSY and later on a mission strengthened her testimony, and she especially loved helping people through online teaching because she understood what it felt like to be hesitant about in-person meetings.After her mission, she found purpose in nonprofit work serving Cambodians, while also trying to keep missionary habits like scripture study, planning, and staying spiritually balanced.She later chose to return to BYU Hawaii instead of staying in full-time work, believing education would help her serve her people more effectively in the future.Borey also shares the joy of seeing family progress toward the Church, including cousins and younger relatives who chose to learn from missionaries and be baptized.Timestamps (0:00) Setting the stage for the interview and what Borey will share  (2:01) Borey’s welcome and growing up in Cambodia  (4:36) Life without much technology or electricity  (7:41) The free English class that led to meeting missionaries  (8:58) Family and village concerns about Christianity  (9:11) Why the gospel felt different from what she had heard before  (10:59) Understanding guilt, repentance, and the Atonement  (11:18) The baptism request and her father’s English challenge  (12:45) Church membership in a small village and community pressure  (14:13) Working to pay for church travel and family hardship  (18:58) A prayer for help and the friend who called her back  (20:24) Seeing President Russell M. Nelson in Cambodia  (24:31) FSY leadership and the desire to serve a mission  (27:22) Preparing for a mission without family support  (31:41) Serving through online teaching on the mission  (33:43) Returning home, nonprofit work, and keeping mission habits  (38:36) Culture shock and deciding between work and BYU Hawaii  (41:21) Family members beginning to accept the Church  (43:33) Advice for people in dark, lonely, or overwhelming seasons  (44:42) Borey’s closing thought: hard times can lead to something beautiful

    Borey Sem - From Buddhist to Baptism: An Amazing Journey from Cambodia to Faith, Mission, and New Beginnings

  5. Aug 6

    Bitsy Tullis Cowley - Thriving after a Mission Assault: How a D1 Student Athlete Almost Missed her Mission of a Faith, Growth, and Perspective

    Join us as Bitsy shares her compelling story of overcoming trauma, accepting reassignments, embracing her mission(s), and discovering the transformative power of faith. You'll hear about her unexpected challenges on her mission, her deep spiritual growth, and her insights on gratitude and resilience. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of how faith and perseverance can turn trials into testimonies. Key Topics Covered: Bitsy's background and early life growing up in Utah with a tennis-loving familyThe evolution of her decision to serve a mission, despite uncertainties about college tennisHer experience of opening her mission call to Peru and the emotional journey involvedChallenges faced during her mission, including safety threats, personal violations, and cultural adjustmentsThe critical role of spiritual healing and the power of prayer after traumatic eventsThe profound impact of her mission in shaping her faith and understanding of Jesus ChristLessons on gratitude, resilience, and turning hardships into growth opportunitiesPractical advice for returning missionaries navigating post-mission lifeTimestamps 00:00 Introduction  00:46 Growing up in a tennis family  03:03 Why serving a mission mattered to Bitsy  05:44 Balancing collegiate tennis with the call to serve  08:01 Praying for a “red light” and choosing faith  12:41 An unexpected reassignment to Las Vegas  16:22 Arriving in Peru and facing a difficult transition  20:47 Safety challenges, recovery, and the difference between protection and preservation  28:17 Returning home, gratitude, and rebuilding through tennis  33:27 “I can’t believe I almost missed out on this”  35:53 How the mission changed Bitsy’s faith and confidence  39:46 Advice for returning missionaries: find a goal and give yourself grace

    Bitsy Tullis Cowley - Thriving after a Mission Assault: How a D1 Student Athlete Almost Missed her Mission of a Faith, Growth, and Perspective

  6. Aug 4

    Kenny Candia - Gang Life to God's Life: The Inspiring Life Journey that Lifted a Boy from "Big Boy" Jail to Serving a Mission

    Join us in this episode as Kenny Candia shares his profound story of overcoming a challenging youth marked by gangs, juvenile hall, and a tumultuous life, to embracing faith, service, and meaningful relationships. His journey underscores the transformative power of the gospel, perseverance, and surrounding oneself with positive influences. Whether you're navigating your own struggles or seeking inspiration, Kenny's story offers valuable lessons on repentance, resilience, and the importance of community. Main Topics Covered: ·   Kenny's early life in California and his complex family background ·   The influence of environment and peer pressure on his teenage years ·   His cycles of faith — going in and out of the church's gospel ·   The turning point: hitting rock bottom and the missionary visit that changed everything ·   The profound impact of his mission in Leeds, England, and ongoing growth ·   Finding love: Meeting his wife before and after his mission and their family journey ·   Lessons learned on patience, surround yourself with high-quality people, and seize opportunities ·   The power of testimony and sharing the gospel in everyday situations ·   Practical advice for return missionaries adjusting to post-mission life   Timestamps: ·   00:00 - Introduction and episode overview ·   02:30 - Kenny's upbringing in California and family dynamics ·   06:05 - Life before faith and teenage struggles ·   13:00 - Decision to serve a mission and early faith cycle ·   16:00 - Key mentors and influential relationships ·   21:12 - Gang involvement, environment, and peer pressure ·   25:17 - Hitting rock bottom, jail, and turning to prayer ·   27:34 - Spirit prompts and accepting the gospel ·   28:30 - Serving in Leeds, England, and the lifelong impact ·   29:02 - Meeting his wife, rapid engagement, and marriage ·   30:01 - Post-mission education, career, and entrepreneurial ventures ·   35:32 - Words of wisdom for teens and young adults ·   37:02 - Recommendations for returning missionaries transitioning to life after service

    Kenny Candia - Gang Life to God's Life: The Inspiring Life Journey that Lifted a Boy from "Big Boy" Jail to Serving a Mission

  7. Jul 28

    Emmie Burch & Dr. Debbie Siebert - Music Chooses You: The Story Behind the Siebert Family Music Success and Emmie's Mission Journey and Post Mission Chapters

    This inspiring episode dives into the lifelong relationship between music, faith, and family, highlighting personal stories and lessons learned from Emmie Burch and Dr. Debbie Siebert (mother/daughter). If you're curious about how music can shape character, faith, and even career paths, this conversation offers powerful insights and practical advice for all stages of life. Main Topics Covered: The role of music in family and personal developmentServing missions with a strong testimony and perspectiveHow music from heaven influences our spirituality and daily lifeLeading with faith and authenticity in various life pursuitsTips for engaging with hymnody and sacred musicIn this episode: Emmie shares her experience growing up in a musically gifted family and her decision to serve a mission despite initial doubtsDr. Siebert discusses how her family's musical heritage influenced her career and faith journeyInsights into the significance of hymnody and music's power to unify and upliftPractical advice for members on preparing and participating in sacred musicThe importance of authenticity and reliance on Jesus Christ during life's transitionsTimestamps: 00:45 - Introduction to Emmie and Dr. Siebert's family musical background 01:06 - Growing up in a musically immersed family 01:41 - The love for singing and self-expression within the family 02:28 - Reflecting on childhood experiences with family performances 03:29 - Dr. Siebert’s academic pursuits and balancing family life 03:41 - The influence of family and faith on her career choices 05:24 - Emmy’s thoughts on serving a mission and her decision-making process 06:30 - Reflection on early experiences and the unique decision to serve at a young age 07:09 - Emmie's leadership in school band and her journey to becoming drum major 08:26 - The spiritual foundation in leadership and life 09:38 - The importance of authentic faith in personal development 10:25 - Family dynamics and nurturing musical talents in children 11:15 - Using music as a developmental tool for children, including those on the spectrum 12:41 - The importance of teaching music as a language of expression for all 13:28 - Family history and the musical legacy passed through generations 14:49 - Embracing music as a calling and its role in family life 15:17 - Emmie’s emotional journey receiving her mission call and her initial disappointment 16:06 - Her perspective shift through spiritual experiences and scriptures 17:46 - The physical and spiritual readiness for missionary service 18:50 - The power of prayer and honesty with Heavenly Father about feelings 19:49 - Reflection on sacrifice and the history of those who went before us 20:53 - Parental insight on managing disappointment and trusting divine timing 22:37 - The significance of faith and perspective in life's transitions 23:49 - Embracing emotions and vulnerability in faith journeys 24:39 - Observations on her daughter’s musical and spiritual growth post-mission 25:36 - Family musical achievements and their impact on faith and bonding 26:08 - The experience of performing a recital with her mother and its significance 27:06 - The meaningfulness of family musical moments and blessings 28:03 - The role of music in spiritual and daily life, and its power to influence mood 29:07 - The divine nature of music and its capacity to uplift or darken spirits 30:53 - The importance of choosing uplifting music and guarding our spirits 31:18 - The power of hymns and collective singing in creating unity 32:07 - Hymns as spiritual pillars across cultures and generations 33:01 - Concerting faith through music and its healing power 34:15 - The importance of familiar hymns in personal spiritual experiences 35:11 - Cultivating passion and preparation for singing hymns with faith 36:03 - Practical tips for members to engage more deeply with hymns and sacred music 37:33 - Sharing a family album of hymns and their spiritual significance 38:25 - The intentional use of social media to share positive, faith-filled music 41:27 - Reflecting on the profound experiences of singing together in sacred spaces 43:14 - Guidance for missionaries and new members to rely on Jesus Christ in their journeys 43:42 - Maintaining authentic relationships with Heavenly Father amidst life's challenges 45:07 - Final words of encouragement to keep walking in faith and service

    Emmie Burch & Dr. Debbie Siebert - Music Chooses You: The Story Behind the Siebert Family Music Success and Emmie's Mission Journey and Post Mission Chapters

  8. Jul 21

    Jeffrey Redd - Mission Readiness: Former Mission President Shares Thoughts on Whether one is Ready to Serve

    In this episode, we explore the journey of a former mission president as he transitions into new chapters of his life. Jeff's stories are vulnerable, real, and rich with lessons on faith, service, and personal growth, inspiring others who are navigating similar paths. In this episode we learn:  The profound impact of serving a mission and lifelong relationships built across the globeHow missionaries prepare spiritually and emotionally for their serviceThe importance of readiness, integrity, and deepening faith during and after missionsUnique experiences serving in diverse cultural contexts like Peru, Mexico, and KenyaAdvice for return missionaries and seniors considering future servicePersonal stories of sacrifice, joy, and the ongoing influence of missionary service on personal livesPractical tips for staying spiritually engaged and embracing next chapters with purposeTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Celebrating the stories of missionaries' next chapters1:08 - Connecting audio and starting the conversation with Jeff2:11 - The importance of preparation and legal releases before recording3:12 - Sharing photos for social media and the value of authentic representation4:13 - The process of post-editing and the timeline for episode releases5:36 - Connecting with servicemen and women, including a notable contact in Chile6:45 - The influence of well-known figures and shared faith journeys8:02 - Reflecting on the first mission in Peru and Texas in the 1970s9:15 - The significance of language immersion and cultural adaptation10:12 - The importance of accepting the timing and readiness for service11:43 - Trusting divine guidance during missionary efforts12:21 - Encouragement for legal and spiritual preparations before missionary service13:28 - The role of quality audio in recording and sharing stories14:54 - Jeff’s personal mission story and reflections on faith in Peru15:48 - Lessons from serving in San Antonio, Texas16:35 - Deepening faith through mission experiences and relationships17:36 - The enduring bonds with those served in Peru18:17 - The lifelong desire to serve, inspired by family history19:30 - Key elements of readiness and spiritual preparation20:58 - The personal conversion experience during early missionary service21:23 - The ongoing process of faith and reliance on the Savior22:25 - The impact of returning home and adjusting to new realities23:42 - Lessons learned from local sacrifices and humility25:29 - How service in Africa transformed Jeff’s perspective on faith and materialism28:05 - The value of service in diverse cultural contexts and its influence29:13 - The importance of faith, faithfulness, and personal sacrifice30:03 - The unexpected call to serve in Nairobi, Kenya, and the beauty of obedience34:33 - Developing readiness: the story of a missionary who lacked a testimony but showed integrity37:45 - The importance of internal testimony and preparedness for effective service39:08 - Supporting young missionaries and emphasizing personal spiritual conviction44:03 - Practical advice: Developing the Spirit’s promptings and sharing testimony with courage45:03 - The significance of practicing and gaining confidence in sharing gospel messages53:44 - The inspiring stories of faith and miracles among the people in Africa55:08 - Seniors embarking on missions later in life and the blessings of shared purpose58:56 - Final counsel: guidance for return missionaries entering their next chapters with purpose

    Jeffrey Redd - Mission Readiness: Former Mission President Shares Thoughts on Whether one is Ready to Serve
See All (40)

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Return Missionary (RM) Next Chapters is a podcast sharing inspiring, honest stories of life after the mission. Through candid, vulnerable, and deeply human conversations with returned missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the show explores how mission service and cumulative life experiences shape faith, identity, and the direction of both the chapters already lived and those still being written. These are stories for anyone navigating the questions, growth, and hope that come after the name tag comes off.

Information

You Might Also Like