Return Missionary Next Chapters

Sid Bassett
  • 5.0 (1)
  • 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. Dr. Hailie Gill - First International Sister in India: A Journey of Heritage and Healing

    1d ago

    Dr. Hailie Gill - First International Sister in India: A Journey of Heritage and Healing

    In this inspiring episode, Hailie Gill shares her authentic story of serving in India as the first foreign woman in her mission. She faced significant health challenges and discovered her true calling in medicine and service. Hailie's journey highlights the resilience, faith, and purpose that can emerge when life doesn’t go as planned. Her experiences offer inspiration and tangible lessons for others stepping into their next chapter after a mission. From navigating cultural barriers and unexpected health crises to finding a renewed sense of purpose, Hailie's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and faith.Main Topics Covered: The impact of a global upbringing and family legacy in shaping service-oriented resilienceThe emotional and spiritual weight of carrying a family and community legacy while forging a personal testimonyNavigating culture shock and language barriers in India as the first and only foreign sister missionaryHow faith was strengthened through unexpected health crises, including Christmas Eve in the ERLessons learned from medical experiences abroad—empathy, sacrifice, and callingTransitioning from mission life to post-mission recovery, education, and calling in medicinePractical advice for return missionaries struggling with purpose and purposefulness in the next chapters Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Hailie’s rich family history with the Church in India 02:09 - Preparing for the mission: family legacy as a source of strength and pressure 03:06 - The emotional weight of representing a family legacy during the mission 04:26 - The significance of spiritual testimony rooted in constant, small experiences 07:11 - Discovering her call to serve in New Delhi and opening her mission call 08:35 - The moment Hailie learned she was going to India amidst family disbelief 09:45 - Training in Provo with a unique group bound for India, facing culture shock 10:22 - First impressions of Delhi, language, and the overwhelming urban landscape 15:29 - Serving on Christmas Eve in the ER and passing out Light the World cards 17:34 - Managing long-term illness in India and contemplating returning home 18:55 - Miraculous recovery and finishing her mission with two transfers left 21:07 - Family visit, engaging with early church members, and family history in India 22:17 - Reflection on health setbacks post-mission and how they refined her empathy 28:34 - Lessons from her service influencing her medical path—sacrifice, compassion, and resilience 31:32 - Advice for return missionaries: sustaining routines, faith, and purpose in the next chapters 33:21 - Closing thoughts: Lighting the world through service and the importance of next chapters

    35 min
  2. Rachel Bayles - Finding Peace in the Journey and Trusting in the Lord when it seems you are at your lowest

    5d ago

    Rachel Bayles - Finding Peace in the Journey and Trusting in the Lord when it seems you are at your lowest

    In this episode Rachel Bayles shares about her journey through unexpected life changes, including being a performer's wife and dealing with mental health and faith transitions. Rachel, an artist and mother of five, talks about her journey into the unknown and the need to follow the promptings of the Spirit. Rachel also shares about finding peace in her creative pursuits. Timestamps: 0:01 - Introduction to Rachel Bayles0:54 - Growing Up and Early Influences4:35 - Deciding to Serve a Mission11:29 - Marriage and Career Decisions19:29 - Family Life and Challenges24:15 - Supporting Children with Unique Challenges29:13 - Returning to Creative Pursuits32:29 - Finding Peace and Joy36:04 - Advice for Returned Missionaries

    39 min
  3. Sephora Giraud-Carrier - Finding Purpose for Self and Women

    Jun 2

    Sephora Giraud-Carrier - Finding Purpose for Self and Women

    In this episode, Séphora Giraud-Carrier shares her transformative journey from a frustrated teen in Lyon to a passionate advocate for women's health and an inspiring future scholar. Her story highlights resilience, faith, and the power of embracing life’s unexpected turns, offering valuable lessons for anyone navigating post-mission life and beyond. Key Topics Growing up French in Utah: cultural identity and the impact of international movesThe emotional challenges of moving to France as a teen and feeling out of placeHow confinement during COVID-19 brought her closer to family and deepened her faithThe evolution of her desire to serve a mission, despite initial resistanceLessons learned from her mission about expectations, standards, and living authenticallyHer academic shift from pre-med aspirations to a focus on family health and global women’s studiesPassion for empowering women through sexual health education and advocacyApplying her international experiences and faith to her future marriage and careerAdvice for returning missionaries: embracing authenticity and purpose in the next chapterReflection to her 16-year-old self: accepting life’s unexpected detours as divine Timestamp Highlights (00:01) - Introducing Sephora’s journey from France to Hawaii and beyond (01:20) - Growing up French in Utah and feeling caught between cultures (02:48) - The emotional weight of moving to France as a teenager (04:29) - Social challenges and cultural clashes in Lyon (08:06) - How COVID-19 confinement strengthened family bonds and faith (11:24) - The unexpected calling to serve a mission and reflections on independence (14:42) - Lessons on expectations, standards, and communication with Heavenly Father (19:32) - The overwhelming transition back to normal life and post-mission adjustments (23:47) - Embracing life's messiness and applying gospel principles authentically (24:33) - The academic shift from dreams of becoming an OBGYN to global women's health (29:19) - Discovering her passion for sexual violence prevention and empowerment (33:22) - How her international upbringing influences her future marriage and career (36:35) - Advice to her 16-year-old self: embracing life's detours and divine timing (38:32) - Words of wisdom for recent return missionaries: live authentically and actively

    40 min
  4. Isaac Hadley - Faith, Prayers, and a Food Truck Explosion: Turning Setbacks into Success

    May 29

    Isaac Hadley - Faith, Prayers, and a Food Truck Explosion: Turning Setbacks into Success

    In this episode, we explore Isaac Hadley's inspiring journey of resilience, faith, and perseverance after returning from his mission. He shares heartfelt stories of challenges, the importance of relationships, and the power of following divine promptings to build a life full of purpose and joy. If you're navigating your own new chapter, Isaac's story offers real, vulnerable insights and motivation to keep moving forward. Key topics: Isaac’s early life in Hawaii and decision to serve a missionThe emotional reality of returning home and adjusting post-missionHow mission experiences developed his people skills and resilienceThe faith-driven decision to start Cocoa Shrimp food truckOvercoming setbacks like engine failures and regulatory hurdlesEstablishing a family-centered business culture of trust and fairnessThe importance of following spiritual promptings for life's big decisionsLiving big: embracing struggles and finding joy in the journeyBuilding partnerships in entrepreneurship with familyThe role of prayer, clarity, and divine guidance in decision-makingLessons learned about pride, pride in work, and enjoying the processTimestamps:  00:00 - Introduction: From mission to business success  01:14 - Isaac’s background and early family influences  02:39 - Returning home from Fresno mission; the struggle of reintegration  03:51 - Mission lessons that shaped his ability to connect with anyone  07:10 - How mission work prepared Isaac for customer service and leadership  09:42 - Spirit-led decisions: The story behind starting Cocoa Shrimp  11:10 - The impact of prayer and divine guidance on critical life choices  12:50 - Facing setbacks: Engine blowouts and industry challenges  18:23 - The importance of community, prayer, and divine help in adversity  19:53 - Living big culture: joy, struggle, and embracing life's challenges  28:24 - Maintaining fairness and honesty in family business relationships  29:30 - Living big: finding joy in the journey and struggles  33:04 - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: go for it, enjoy the process  32:12 - Building a family partnership: working with brother-in-law Jordan  37:48 - The importance of following promptings and choosing joy

    40 min
  5. Will Simmons - Why Mentors, Networking, and Small Acts of Kindness Shape a Life of Leadership and Service

    May 29

    Will Simmons - Why Mentors, Networking, and Small Acts of Kindness Shape a Life of Leadership and Service

    In this episode, Will Simmons shares his story of transitioning from a humble missionary in Chile to a successful entrepreneur and community builder. His experiences highlight the profound lessons learned through faith, service, and perseverance—lessons that continue to shape his life and his dedication to helping others. This episode is a call for return missionaries (and everyone) to embrace their ongoing journey with vulnerability, purpose, and a spirit of giving. Key Topics: Will’s early roots in Texas and childhood experiences inspiring his valuesThe journey to serving in the Santiago North Mission in Chile and lessons learnedThe transformative power of service and focusing on others during hard timesHow missionary work deepened his understanding of the love of God and self-worthThe importance of asking questions and inviting others, both in missions and lifeTransitioning from mission life to academic success and embracing challenging environments like LSE and HarvardThe value of humility, delegation, and doing the quiet work that nobody noticesMentorship and network building that have supported his career and personal growthThe “Learn, Earn, and Give Back” philosophy rooted in service and purposePractical advice for returning missionaries navigating life’s next chapters with faith and resilienceTimestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Will Simmons’ inspiring journey 02:22 - Growing up in Houston and balancing faith with community involvement 05:52 - Decision-making moments about serving a mission and the role of bold invitations 08:46 - Lessons learned from serving in Chile, including joy through service and spiritual growth 09:42 - How missionary service deepens perspective on Christ and relationships 11:55 - Reflecting on the significance of the mission and God’s love for us 14:59 - Early days back home with Paige and the rapid pace of life post-mission 16:24 - Balancing school, love, and service: lessons from academic pursuits 19:04 - The rigorous experience at London School of Economics and the value of multicultural environments 21:00 - Pursuing an MBA at Harvard and lessons on leadership and humility 23:39 - Transitioning to the energy industry and navigating economic cycles 25:12 - Gaining real-world experience through government and private sector roles 27:52 - Lessons about the importance of mentorship and giving without expectation 30:25 - The impact of small acts — treating everyone with love and respect 33:15 - Words of encouragement to new return missionaries and embracing hardships with faith 34:50 - Trusting in God's plan for your next chapters and moving forward with purpose

    37 min
  6. Mayumi Namgur - From Japan to Mongolia to the US, this former mission leader overcomes extreme set-backs and challenges - loss of child, infertility, family stepping away from the church, cancer, and more, while keeping the Lord first in all she does.

    May 26

    Mayumi Namgur - From Japan to Mongolia to the US, this former mission leader overcomes extreme set-backs and challenges - loss of child, infertility, family stepping away from the church, cancer, and more, while keeping the Lord first in all she does.

    In this episode, we hear a heartfelt and authentic story of Mayumi Namgur who navigated the profound challenges of seeing her family step away from the gospel of Jesus Christ, infertility, cancer, loss, and faith—yet emerged stronger, more compassionate, and deeply anchored in her spiritual journey. Her story highlights how life's toughest moments can become catalysts for growth, service, and greater understanding of divine love. We aim to inspire former missionaries and others to see their "next chapters" as opportunities to continue evolving and loving. In this episode we cover: Growing up with influences of Buddhism, Shintoism, and the introduction to Christianity in JapanThe transformative power of faith in the face of familial and personal struggles The significance of missionary work in shaping life choices and spiritual resilience Navigating the post-mission transition and seeking meaning after returning home Overcoming infertility, grief, and feelings of betrayal, while finding hope through faith Living intentionally through service, dedication, and devotion to God's will How the experience of living and serving abroad continues to inspire leadership and compassion Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Embracing the "next chapters" after missionary service  02:15 - Early spiritual influences in childhood: Buddhism, Shintoism, and family teachings  03:34 - Coming to faith: Encountering the missionaries and the plan of salvation  05:08 - Challenges in faith: Family contention and the decision to be baptized  06:56 - Moving away from childhood faith during teenage years  09:11 - Returning to the gospel: Serving a mission in Japan with heartfelt commitment  11:46 - Post-mission life: Returning home and family dynamics  14:29 - The journey through infertility, personal loss, and emotional pain  23:37 - Developing hope and understanding God's timing through prayer and prophetic promises  24:34 - Facing the reality of infertility: Surgeries, grief, and feelings of betrayal  27:23 - The deep pain of not having children and feelings of inadequacy  29:37 - Finding spiritual reassurance in patriarchal blessings and divine promises  30:36 - Moving forward: Commitment to God's plan despite uncertainties  33:24 - Living through loss: How spiritual growth emerged from tragedy  36:03 - Living servicefully: Serving in Mongolia and the influence of experiences abroad  38:55 - Embracing "next chapters": Leadership, teaching, and global service  43:53 - Guidance for returning missionaries: Navigating new life phases with faith and resilience  44:12 - The importance of daily scripture study for spiritual strength  46:14 - Concluding thoughts: Dedication in everyday tasks as service to the Savior  47:41 - Final reflections: Living intentionally and trusting divine guidance

    49 min
  7. Chloe Evans - Teaching to Service Mission: Why Leaving Her Assigned Mission Unexpectedly Was God's Perfect Plan for Chloe's Next Chapters

    May 22

    Chloe Evans - Teaching to Service Mission: Why Leaving Her Assigned Mission Unexpectedly Was God's Perfect Plan for Chloe's Next Chapters

    In this heartfelt episode, former missionary Chloe Evans shares her journey of faith, resilience, and rediscovering purpose after health challenges during her mission, and future reassignment to a Service Missionary. Her story is a powerful testament to trusting divine guidance and finding joy in every chapter of life, especially after service. Listeners will be inspired to embrace their next chapters with hope, humility, and joy. Key Topics Chloe’s early life and frequent moves across Hawaii, England, Washington, and Utah — how adaptability prepared her for a mission.The importance of attitude and perspective in handling change and adversity.Chloe’s spontaneous decision to serve a mission after a divine prompting.The development of her health issues in Arizona and her journey through diagnosis and recovery.Transitioning from a mission to new service and educational pursuits after returning home.How her faith helped her navigate health crises, transfers, and the emotional transition out of her mission.Lessons in joy, service, and finding purpose beyond the mission.Practical advice for missionaries facing health struggles, fear of early exit, and post-mission challenges.Embracing the next chapter with love for life, faith, and ongoing service.Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and Chloe’s diverse background that prepared her for change 02:30 - The lessons learned from frequent moves and embracing flexibility 03:50 - Maintaining long-term friendships despite geographical shifts 05:14 - Chloe’s initial thoughts on serving a mission and divine prompts to serve 06:10 - How her health challenges began in Arizona and the impact on her mission 08:00 - The process of diagnosis, hospital visits, and her determination to stay engaged 11:53 - Transitioning from a mission with health issues and the support she received 12:23 - Overcoming stereotypes and biases about transferring and health setbacks 13:48 - Living in a small household during renovation and adapting to new living situations 16:14 - The variety of service opportunities in Hawaii and choosing to serve with joy 18:24 - Chloe’s positive attitude and finding joy in service even in challenging circumstances 19:18 - The emotional and spiritual transition after mission end — from tears to acceptance 20:18 - Reflections on the first days after removing her mission tag and starting a new life chapter 21:35 - The importance of support systems and prayer in navigating transitions 22:32 - How her mission influenced her current path in public health and disability care 23:01 - Her educational pursuits and commitment to serving individuals with disabilities 26:23 - Practical advice for missionaries struggling with health, fears, and transition 28:20 - Cherishing the present and moving forward with faith, joy, and purpose

    28 min
  8. Mikayla Yuen - Teaching to Service Mission -- How Listening to Heavenly Guidance Led to a Mission Reimagined—And a New Path Forward

    May 22

    Mikayla Yuen - Teaching to Service Mission -- How Listening to Heavenly Guidance Led to a Mission Reimagined—And a New Path Forward

    In this episode, we explore the inspiring story of Mikayla Yuen, a missionary who faced delays, health challenges, and difficult decisions — and who found hope and purpose in her next mission chapter as a Service Missionary. Her vulnerability and faith offer inspiration for others navigating similar transitions, emphasizing that God's love and purpose extend beyond the mission field. Key Topics: The impact of mental health concerns on mission planning and callingHow prayer and spiritual confirmation guided her decision to return homeNavigating feelings of failure and societal stigma around leaving a mission earlyThe emergence of service missions as a meaningful alternativeBalancing family responsibilities with spiritual growth during transitionThe significance of temple experiences and divine guidance in making tough choicesHow sharing talents, like hula, symbolizes gratitude and cultural identityStudying psychology in relation to personal growth and helping othersEncouraging hope and resilience for missionaries who return early or face health challengesThe importance of self-worth and Heavenly Father's love, regardless of mission durationTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: The journey from mission delay to hope 00:15 - Mikayla’s experience with mental health concerns before her mission 00:39 - Spiritual reassurance through prayer and divine confirmation 01:36 - Deciding to serve and her call to Riverside, California 02:34 - Discovering San Bernardino and the unique landscape 04:07 - Feelings of anxiety and physical sickness during her mission 04:28 - Conversations with family and the importance of open communication 05:38 - Recognizing patterns of illness and mental health struggles 06:26 - The role of prayer and priesthood blessings in coping 07:22 - Divine experiences in the temple and receiving confirmation 08:12 - Talking with mission leaders and the decision to go home 09:29 - The significance of temple insights in her decision 10:15 - Her feelings about leaving and the divine reassurance received 12:00 - Concerns about stigma and societal perceptions 13:21 - Transitioning back home and what that felt like 14:27 - Examples of service missionaries and their impact 15:20 - The power of shared service and leadership in her next chapter 16:45 - Overcoming fears of stigma and embracing her story 19:20 - The "best of both worlds": a hybrid of service and family 20:32 - Sharing culture through hula and expressions of gratitude 23:27 - Reflecting on her mission experience and its sacredness 24:50 - The value of facing challenges and the sacredness of hard things 27:27 - Advice for missionaries who feel they've failed 28:24 - The importance of covenants and trusting God's plan 29:01 - Mikayla’s testimony of Jesus Christ and His love

    31 min
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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.

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