Navigating a Broken Vessel

David Harris
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Finding real peace in the middle of the storm shouldn't feel like a solo voyage. Hosted by David Harris, PhD, Navigating a Broken Vessel is a podcast for Latter-day Saints managing the complexities of Major Depressive Disorder, ADHD, and Anxiety. We move past simple "Sunday School answers" to explore the intersection of clinical science and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Whether you are a "high-achiever" struggling to unmask or a loved one seeking understanding, join us as we navigate faith and mental health with honesty, hope, and purpose. You aren't sailing alone.

  1. 7h ago

    027 - Cancer Three Times, One Lung, One Kidney, and Unshakable Faith

    In this powerful episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, we sit down with Jourdyn Pitcher to share her extraordinary journey of faith, resilience, and survival. Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at just 14 years old, Jourdyn faced cancer not once, not twice, but three separate times throughout her teenage and young adult years. Through 64 weeks of chemotherapy, radiation, a bone marrow transplant, 100 days in hospital isolation, and the loss of both a lung and a kidney, Jourdyn refused to put her life on hold. Instead, she chose to live fully—pursuing her education, working multiple jobs, and serving a full-time mission, against all odds. In this episode, we discuss: A Three-Time Battle: Jourdyn’s medical journey from her initial diagnosis at age 14 through eight years of maintenance chemotherapy. Miracles & Burning Bushes: The profound spiritual moments, tender mercies, and unexpected kindness from loved ones and strangers that sustained her family. Overcoming Limits: How she navigated college, career goals, and a church mission while managing aggressive medical treatments. Beauty for Ashes: Finding deep gratitude in battle scars, navigating infertility, the joy of building a family through adoption, and celebrating over a decade cancer-free. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about finding purpose in pain, leaning on faith when the path ahead is uncertain, and discovering that what is gained spiritually can far outweigh what is lost physically. Connect with Navigating a Broken Vessel: Email: Dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.com Socials: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @NavigatingABrokenVessel

  2. 3d ago

    26 -- Perfection vs Perfected

    Are you carrying the weight of having to be perfect? In Episode 26 of Navigating a Broken Vessel, Dave Harris dives into scrupulosity, religious OCD, and the distinction between LDS culture and doctrine. Learn why we aren't expected to be flawless in this life, how grace actually works, and why pre-sin guilt only fuels anxiety. Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

  3. Jul 13

    25 -- He Doesn't Waste Our Trials with Kimberly Villalta

    Host Dave Harris sits down with guest Kimberly Villalta to broach a topic as vital as it is heavy: surviving severe marital trauma, navigating systemic abuse, and finding the ultimate path back to light. Kimberly opens up with incredible vulnerability about her 15-year marriage, mapping out the slow, subtle shift from emotional manipulation to severe domestic and sexual abuse. She shares the harrowing reality of recognizing the danger she and her four young sons were in, the complex role her faith played in her survival, and the absolute courage it took to finally listen to the spiritual prompting that told her it was time to leave. What We Discuss in This Episode:     •    The Boiling Frog Analogy: How psychological and physical abuse subtly escalates over time without the victim realizing the danger.     •    Survival & Coping Mechanisms: The unique, real-time strategies Kimberly used to protect her household and find moments of safety during the darkest years.     •    The Turning Point: The undeniable spiritual prompting that finally gave Kimberly the clarity and strength to safely exit the marriage.     •    Navigating Complex Grief: Processing the overwhelming waves of both trauma and profound relief following her ex-husband's tragic suicide.     •    Restitution and Rebuilding: How deepening her relationship with the Savior allowed Kimberly to find true healing, piece her family back together, and step into a beautiful, supportive new chapter. Content Advisory: This episode contains honest, detailed discussions regarding emotional abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and suicide. We believe these stories of survival are vital to share, but discretion is strongly advised. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). If you are struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US). Lastly, please note: The content of this episode should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, we highly recommend working with mental health professionals.

  4. Jul 7

    24 - Technology is Destroying My Life

    Dave Harris takes us on a nostalgic trip down tech memory lane—from the era of pagers and "dumb phones" to the dawn of the smartphone. While the iPhone felt like absolute heaven when it first arrived, Dave poses a heavy question we all secretly ponder: Has the smartphone secretly destroyed our lives? Frustrated with the constant pull of the digital world, Dave decided to fight back using the very weapon that trapped him. He locked down his device using the iOS Screen Time feature, leaving only talk and text active. The result? A spectacular, miserable failure. From easily bypassed restrictions to accidentally locking himself out of his remote work tools, Dave shares a hilarious and relatable look at why tech-based solutions rarely solve tech-based problems. Key Highlights From This Episode: The Digital Evolution: Tracking the personal journey from late-90s video production pagers to the modern pocket supercomputer. Technological Determinism: Exploring the theory that technology drives human behavior and dictates our morning routines, rather than the other way around. Unintended Consequences: A look at how noble inventions (like highway cable barriers or smartphones) can create completely unforeseen detriments to society. The Attention Economy: Breaking down the psychological traps of social media and the age-old truth: "If you aren't paying for the service, your attention is the product." Lifting the Digital Weight: How Dave successfully reclaimed some peace of mind by radically altering his notification settings. Dave's Takeaway: We cannot depend on technology to cure a problem caused by technology. True digital freedom doesn't come from a new app or focus mode—it requires personal responsibility and the willingness to simply step away. Connect With the Show: Do you feel like your smartphone owns you? Have you found a way to successfully outsmart your screen time? Dave wants to hear your solutions! Email:dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com Social Media: Find Navigating a Broken Vessel on Facebook and Instagram Web:navigatingabrokenvessel.com Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

  5. Jun 29

    023 - Trusting the Process: Jaycee's Infertility Journey

    Dave Harris sits down with a very special guest—his daughter, Jaycee. Jaycee opens up completely about her raw, emotional, and grueling five-year journey with infertility. Diagnosed with both endometriosis and PCOS as a teenager, she candidly shares the physical pain, mental exhaustion, and unique heartache of trying to grow a family when your own body feels like a "broken vessel." In this episode, Dave and Jaycee discuss:     •    The Power of True Support: How Jaycee's husband, Brandon, stood by her side without ever making her feel broken, and why she felt an overwhelming pressure to apologize for her diagnosis.     •    The Emotional Rollercoaster: Navigating the heartbreak of three failed IUI cycles, shifting to IVF, and the agonizing suspense of the "two-week wait."     •    Grieving the Invisible: The devastating impact of a false positive pregnancy test and learning to heal from a loss that was never visibly there.     •    A Shift in Perspective: Reframing life's heaviest trials not as punishments, but as profound spiritual "learning experiences." Whether you are currently walking the difficult path of infertility, have experienced the complex world of IVF, or want to understand how to better support a loved one, Jaycee’s vulnerability, humor, and resilience offer a powerful beacon of hope. Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

  6. Jun 22

    022 - Hard and Smart Work

    Dave Harris dives deep into the complex paradox of possessing a lifelong, iron-clad work ethic while simultaneously battling the frustrating grip of procrastination and executive dysfunction. How can someone with three Master’s degrees, a PhD, and a successful career training global teams on high-level AI and Big Data still struggle with the motivation to start new projects? Dave gets candid about his own experiences with neurodivergence, looking past the label of "laziness" to find out what is really going on beneath the surface. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: The Backstory: Childhood memories from Orange County to Southern Utah, from avoiding 6th-grade sink-cleaning duties to milking goats and learning the true meaning of an honest day's work. The "Hard Worker" Trap: Why being the reliable person often means you get tasked with the jobs nobody else wants to do. Defending Capitalism in a Marxist Class: A look back at Dave's time at the University of Utah and how his foundational belief in "hard and smart work" took shape. Overcoming the Inertia: A deep dive into the practical strategies Dave is using to fight execution paralysis, including the psychological power of body doubling and leaning on an accountability "sponsor." Connect with the Show: Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.com (Check out the Episodes page!) Email: dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com Socials: Find us on Facebook and Instagram at Navigating a Broken Vessel If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review or sharing it with a friend who might need a little motivation today! Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

  7. Jun 15

    021 - Beyond the "Why": Faith and Healing After Tragic Loss

    Host Dave Harris sits down with his cousin-in-law, Kim Delis, for an intimate and vulnerable conversation about navigating profound grief, unexpected tragedy, and the evolution of faith. In December 2002, just days before Christmas, Kim’s world was completely upended when a sudden car accident during a Utah snowstorm claimed the lives of four of her immediate family members—her mother, her father, and her two younger brothers, Bryson and Tyler. Kim opens up about the raw aftermath of experiencing a multiple loss, learning that it is okay to "grieve unequally," and how a powerful priesthood blessing freed her from the paralyzing question of "Why?" She also shares how she navigated the years that followed, finding unexpected moments of spiritual elation amidst heartbreak and eventually "flipping the script" to focus on the blessings she still had. Whether you are currently walking through your own valley of grief or looking for inspiration on how to keep your testimony anchored during life's hardest storms, Kim’s story is a beautiful testament to resilience, grace, and hope. Connect with the Show: Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.com Facebook: NavigatingABrokenVessel Instagram: @NavigatingABrokenVessel Email: dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com Reminder: Those on this podcast are sharing personal experiences and are not professional therapists or psychiatrists. If you are struggling with severe grief or trauma, please seek professional medical or psychological advice.

  8. Jun 8

    020 - Task Completed

    In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris steps away from childhood reflections to give an honest, "here and now" look into his current daily life, personal struggles, and the unique frameworks he uses to manage them. Dave opens up about his busy dual callings within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—serving as a Stake Technology Specialist and as a Service Missionary alongside his wife at the St. George Tabernacle. Drawing from his 35-year background in audio and video production, he explains the logistics of setting up live events from scratch and how a lifetime on the road taught him the critical value of a good checklist. The conversation goes much deeper than microphones and cables, however. Dave dives into how his neurodiversity—navigating both autism and ADHD—shapes his daily habits and spiritual journey. While religious counsel often warns against treating faith like a mindless checklist, Dave explains why rigid structure is exactly what his brain requires to fight procrastination and actively "do" the things that bring him closer to God. From his robotic morning routines to breaking scripture study down to just one single verse to get started, this episode offers a refreshing look at adapting spiritual habits to the way your brain is wired. Inside this episode: Behind the Scenes at the Tabernacle: What it takes to run audio production for community performances and large stake conferences. The Neurodiverse Balancing Act: How Dave manages the structure-loving needs of autism alongside the novelty-seeking tendencies of ADHD. The Power of the "Bare Minimum" Checklist: Why micro-goals are a highly effective workaround for chronic procrastination. "Bring Everything for Anything": Taking a golden rule from an old production boss and applying it directly to mental health and spiritual preparation. Connect with the Podcast: Website: Explore the full back-catalog of episodes at navigatingabrokenvessel.com. Email: Reach out directly at dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com. Social Media: Find the community on Facebook and Instagram by searching Navigating a Broken Vessel. Task completed. Enjoy the episode!

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5
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About

Finding real peace in the middle of the storm shouldn't feel like a solo voyage. Hosted by David Harris, PhD, Navigating a Broken Vessel is a podcast for Latter-day Saints managing the complexities of Major Depressive Disorder, ADHD, and Anxiety. We move past simple "Sunday School answers" to explore the intersection of clinical science and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Whether you are a "high-achiever" struggling to unmask or a loved one seeking understanding, join us as we navigate faith and mental health with honesty, hope, and purpose. You aren't sailing alone.

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