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. 4d ago

    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!

    34 min

  2. Jun 1

    019 - Remembering Emily

    In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris sits down with Eric Dyches to discuss a topic that is too often shrouded in silence: postpartum depression, anxiety, and maternal mental health. Eric opens up about his late wife, Emily, who developed severe postpartum anxiety and depression following the traumatic birth of their fifth child. He candidly shares the confusion of navigating her diagnosis, the heartbreaking loss of Emily, and his subsequent journey through grief, faith, and rebuilding a life. Now remarried to his wife, Leslie—who also lost a spouse to mental illness—Eric talks about the beautiful, complex reality of blending a family of eight children and finding joy after trauma. This episode is a powerful testament to resilience, the critical importance of maternal mental health resources, and the reality that there is always hope, even in the darkest valleys. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: The Reality of Postpartum Anxiety & OCD: Understanding that maternal mental health struggles can look like hyper-vigilance, panic, and worry, rather than just sadness. Grief as a Lifelong Journey: Eric shares how he handles the ongoing process of healing without trying to "move on" from Emily’s memory. The "Tossed Salad" of Blended Families: Navigating the shifting identities and challenges of blending five children and three children into one household. Post-Traumatic Growth & Empathy: How experiencing profound loss completely shifts how we view human suffering and extend compassion to others. Advocacy & Action: Turning pain into purpose through foundations and clinics dedicated to women's maternal and hormonal health. Resources & Support Mentioned This Episode: If you or a loved one are struggling with postpartum mood disorders, please know you are not alone. Reach out to the professional resources discussed by Eric: The Emily Effect: A foundation dedicated to raising awareness, erasing the stigma of maternal mental health dysphoria, and letting mothers know they are not alone. Serenity – A Healing Center for Moms: Offering intensive outpatient and general therapy support tailored specifically for mothers in Utah (Draper & Provo locations).Website: serenityrw.com Auri Medical: A clinic co-founded by Eric and his sister (a nurse practitioner) focusing heavily on women’s health, hormone replacement therapy, and perimenopause/menopause care.Website: ⁠aurimedicalutah.com Connect with Navigating a Broken Vessel: Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.com Email Dave: Dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com Social Media: Find us on Facebook and Instagram at NavigatingaBrokenVessel Disclaimer: The host and guest of this podcast are not medical professionals. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or severe postpartum symptoms, please consult a licensed medical professional or contact the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.

    37 min

  3. May 25

    018 - Imposter Syndrome and Suicide Prevention with Rowdy Reeve

    Dave sits down with his lifelong friend of 35 years, Rowdy Reeve, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC). Rowdy shares his fascinating career pivot from law enforcement and owning an indoor shooting range to dedicating his life to community mental health and suicide prevention. Together, they dive into the complex realities of mental health, unpacking what it really means to find a way out when life feels entirely overwhelming. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: The Power of Pivoting: Rowdy opens up about how a tragic suicide at his indoor shooting range, Rowdy’s Range, served as a profound turning point that ultimately led him into clinical therapy. Conquering Imposter Syndrome: Even professionals feel like phonies sometimes. Rowdy discusses his own battles with imposter syndrome and explains how the DBT skill "Check the Facts" can ground you when you feel like you don't fit the mold. De-stigmatizing Suicide Prevention: Dave and Rowdy bust common myths surrounding suicide—including the false belief that talking openly about it plants the idea in someone's head. Rowdy explains that suicidal ideation is rarely about wanting to end life, but rather a desperate desire to end unbearable pain. Crucial Advice for Parents: How to establish a non-judgmental, open-door policy with your children so they never feel "stuck" or isolated in their struggles. Healing with Equine Therapy: A fascinating look into Rowdy's current work using horses to help clients process deep-seated emotional challenges, alongside an exciting preview of his private practice, Reevive Counseling. Important Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges or thoughts of suicide, please know that you are not stuck and you are not alone. Reach out to a professional, talk to someone you trust, or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately at 988. Help is always available.

    40 min

  4. May 20

    017 - Ask Us Anything

    In this highly requested episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris is joined by his absolute favorite guest—his wife, co-adventurer, and the show's producer, Shelly Harris! Instead of our usual deep-dive interviews, Dave and Shelly are pulling back the curtain to answer listener-submitted questions. Together, they open up about the raw, day-to-day realities of managing mental health, neurodivergence, and relationships. Inside the Episode: The Secret to a Resilient Marriage: How they have navigated decades of stress, anxiety, and depression together while staying happily married (hint: it’s all about communication). Practicing Metacognition: Dave shares a powerful perspective shift from his therapist on how to look at yourself from the outside in to stop a negative downward spiral before it starts. Social Anxiety vs. Outgoing Personality: How Dave manages social anxiety (even around family) and why "faking it till you make it" is sometimes part of the journey. The ADHD Revelation: Shelly breaks down how discovering Dave's ADHD and utilizing tools like "body doubling" completely transformed how they support each other. What a "Bad Mental Health Day" Actually Looks Like: Dave shares a powerful metaphor of what depression feels like and how he relies on "treading water" routines to make it through. A Sneak Peek at What's Next: Shelly previews upcoming, deeply powerful episodes featuring Dave's best friend Rowdy, Eric Dyches, and Kim Dellis. A note from Dave: "Life is not designed to be easy or perfect. By experiencing these trials, we become better people. Trust your past self, take it one day at a time, and remember—you are doing better than you think you are." Connect with Us! We want to hear from you! If you have a question or a topic you want us to unpack in Part 2, reach out: Email: Dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.com (Listen to all past episodes here!) Socials: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @navigatingabrokenvessel Watch on YouTube: Prefer video? Subscribe and watch our full studio video podcast! Disclaimer: We are not medical or mental health professionals. This podcast is based entirely on our personal perspectives and lived experiences and should not be taken as medical advice.

    55 min

  5. May 11

    016 - A Transformative Mental Health Treatment

    Dave welcomes back Kody, a nurse practitioner with over six years of experience, to dive deep into the world of ketamine infusions and their role in modern mental health. This conversation explores ketamine’s transformative shift into the mental health space over the last ten years. Kody breaks down the science behind sub-anesthetic dosing, explaining how it targets NMDA receptors and glutamate to help the brain form new neural pathways and "reset" from conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. In this episode, we discuss: The "Kids in the Car" Analogy: A unique look at the dissociative state and how it allows the mind and body to heal independently of one another. Treatment Methods: The differences between IV infusions, injections, and the FDA-approved nasal spray, Spravato. The Patient Experience: Dave shares his personal journey with treatments, describing the visual and spiritual clarity often found during the process. Preparation & Intention: Why coming in with an intention rather than an expectation is crucial for a successful session. Safety & Accessibility: Addressing the financial aspects, insurance hurdles, and the importance of professional medical supervision. Whether you are a skeptic or someone looking for new hope in your mental health journey, this episode offers a grounded, expert perspective on one of the most promising tools in clinical psychology today. Our web site: https://www.navigatingabrokenvessel.com Listen to Navigating a Broken Vessel: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingABrokenVessel Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-a-broken-vessel/id1871965350 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AhjZOhsDA97bJkUjLUuI9 Amazon/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8044ee2c-27fd-49af-b3e4-deac81905161/navigating-a-broken-vessel iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-navigating-a-broken-vessel-319371772/ Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/navigatingabrokenvessel Instagram: @navigatingabrokenvessel Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or therapist before beginning any new treatment.

    36 min

  6. May 4

    015 - How to Differentiate Faith from Obsessive Thoughts

    Dave Harris sits down with Lennon Jones, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety, to tackle one of the most confusing intersections of mental health and religion: Scrupulosity. Have you ever found yourself paralyzed, wondering if a thought was a prompting from the Spirit or just an intrusive, obsessive doubt? This conversation dives deep into how Religious OCD manifests as an extreme intolerance of uncertainty, often turning faith into a cycle of fear rather than a source of peace. In this episode, we explore: Why OCD is less about perfectionism and more about a relentless cycle of intrusive thoughts and temporary relief through compulsions. Scrupulosity: How members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints might struggle with black-and-white thinking regarding commandments and repentance. Spirit vs. OCD: Learning to distinguish between the calm, encouraging nature of the Spirit and the negative, relentless, obsessive thoughts that come from some other source. The Reassurance Trap: Why telling someone to "just stop worrying" doesn't work and why seeking constant reassurance can actually feed the OCD cycle. Tools for Recovery: An introduction to Exposure Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as paths to reclaiming your mental and spiritual well-being. Living with OCD can feel like trying to have a meaningful conversation while a smoke alarm is blaring in the background. Join us as we discuss how to turn down the noise and find genuine peace. Connect with Navigating a Broken Vessel: Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.com Socials: @navigatingabrokenvessel Email: Dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional healthcare or therapy.

    29 min

  7. Apr 27

    014 - My Breakthrough

    Host Dave Harris shares a major personal breakthrough that has been a week in the making. What started as a return to therapy to tackle a food addiction turned into a life-altering revelation about how his brain actually works. Dave leans into his expertise in Artificial Intelligence to navigate this new territory, using AI to bridge the gap between a professional observation and a deeply personal understanding of neurodivergence. Inside the Breakthrough: The Reveal: After a three-year hiatus, Dave’s therapist drops a "lightbulb" observation: he likely fits the profile for AuDHD—a combination of ADHD and autism. AI as a Mirror: As an AI professional, Dave uses Gemini to decode the tug-of-war between his ADHD’s craving for novelty and his autistic need for routine. The Project Graveyard: A look at why Dave is "Mr. 80%," from unfinished sweaters and oil paintings to a double bass that’s currently more of a bedroom ornament than an instrument. A New Map: Understanding the analogy of using a map of London while in Tokyo—realizing he isn't a failed version of a "normal" person, but a perfectly functional version of a different kind of person. "I spent years trying to use a map for London while I was trying to drive in Tokyo. Both are great cities, but the directions just don't work if you've got a map for the wrong city." Connect with Dave: Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.com Facebook/Instagram: @navigatingabrokenvessel Email: dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com If this episode resonated with you, check out the previous episode, "The Lazy Perfectionist," for more context on the "80%" struggle. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and personal storytelling purposes only. Dave is not a medical professional. If you are exploring neurodivergence or mental health concerns, please consult with a qualified professional.

    21 min

  8. Apr 20

    013 -- Anchored in the Storm

    What happens to a marriage when the foundational beliefs of one spouse begin to shift? Following our conversation with Tifani Holt, we sit down with her husband, Kody Holt, to hear the other side of the story. In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris explores the emotional and spiritual journey of a husband navigating his wife’s faith crisis within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kody opens up about the moment he realized Tifani’s questions were moving beyond simple curiosity into a deep-seated crisis of faith. He shares the struggle of fighting his natural "fixer" instinct and how he learned to replace judgment with unconditional love. The "Toolbox" vs. the "Trash Can": Why Kody had to stop trying to "fix" Tifani’s doubts and start simply listening. A Stake President’s Profound Advice: The specific counsel Kody received during a temple recommend interview that sustained him through the darkest months. Parenting Through Transition: How the Holts navigated church attendance and spiritual education for their three children while holding different beliefs. Setting Boundaries with Love: The difficult conversations regarding lifestyle changes, new social circles, and maintaining the sanctity of their home. The Turning Point of Counseling: Why taking divorce "off the table" was the most critical step in their healing process. "If I would have tried to control that situation, we would not be together today. She needed to go through this... and if I would have tried to control the situation, it would have pushed her away 100%." — Kody Holt Kody’s story is a testament to the idea that a marriage can not only survive a faith transition but emerge stronger, more honest, and more deeply rooted in love than ever before. Our web site: https://www.navigatingabrokenvessel.com Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/navigatingabrokenvesselInstagram: @navigatingabrokenvessel 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.

    39 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

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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