Returning Stronger Stories

About Returning Stronger Stories

Real stories from LDS Early Returned Missionaries and their parents. Each episode features an honest conversation about what happened, what helped, what didn't, and the spiritual experiences that shaped their journey home. Guests share the advice they wish they'd had, offering hope and practical support for anyone walking a similar path. Hosted by Jon Larsen, LMFT, and peer mentor Brooklyn Larsen of Returning Stronger Coaching. Learn more at https://returningstronger.com

Publisher

Returning Stronger

Category

religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 Jun 2026

Latest episode

2 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Nov 2026

   “God Will Use the Pain of Your Mission in a Way That is Redemptive” | Episode 17 with Dr. Jenae Nelson

   This episode features Dr. Janae Nelson. She is a developmental psychologist in the psychology department at Brigham Young University, where she studies faith development in adolescence and emerging adulthood. She is also the mother of an early returned missionary. Janae shares her son's story. He was a high-level athlete who came home after nine months, on the same day she defended her dissertation. His health problems, later diagnosed as sleep apnea, were made worse by the limits of mission life and the COVID lockdowns. He then served a service mission, faced stigma, and learned that a policy change meant he couldn't go back out. She also describes a spiritual impression she had 20 years earlier, and how it helped her trust that God had not forgotten her son. In this episode you will hear: How she questioned missions after one son's hard experience, and how a second son's mission in Brazil helped her heal Why she compares missions to marriage: the institution can be good even when individual experiences are painful Research suggesting early return missionaries often report empathy, forgiveness and deeper faith in the years afterward Why it's okay to say "I don't know," and how doubts and questions can show faith Why rigid ideas of success and failure cause pain, and how "the mission is life" Janae closes with a message for any early return missionary who feels lost: you aren't being punished, God still loves you, and he can use your pain in redemptive ways.

2. 

   26 Oct 2026

   “A Detour Doesn’t Mean the Destination Has Changed” | Episode 16 with MaKinley

   A mission call to Poland, a sudden early return home, and a painful breakup can feel like proof that everything is falling apart, until you realize the detour may be the point. MaKinley shares the raw, unfiltered story of coming home from the Provo MTC as a “solo sister,” navigating anxiety, self-doubt, and a patriarchal blessing that felt impossible to reconcile with the life she was actually living. Jon Larsen guides a deeply honest conversation about what it means when the path you planned disappears overnight. MaKinley opens up about the loneliness of serving without a companion, the shock of receiving spiritual confirmation that her mission was not where she needed to be, and the emotional fallout of returning home sooner than expected when she thought her future was already set. You'll discover: -How a teacher's quiet prompting and an Elder Gong devotional added unexpected clarity -What made the return home emotionally harder than the actual decision to leave -How President Nelson's “detour doesn't mean the destination has changed” insight reframed everything -Why journaling, prayer, service, and temple worship became the tools that helped her heal MaKinley also shares the inner battle of feeling like she was failing God, the negative thoughts she had to confront head-on, and the scriptures that helped her remember she was chosen long before her plans fell apart. Her story is a reminder that life rarely moves in a straight line, and that heartbreak, confusion, and unexpected turns do not disqualify you from God's love.If you have ever felt embarrassed by your story, trapped by expectations, or unsure whether your detour can still lead somewhere good, this episode will meet you right where you are. Essential listening for anyone learning how to trust God when the roadmap no longer makes sense.

3. 

   19 Oct 2026

   “The Past Is To Be Learned From, Not Lived In.” | Episode 15 with Ciriah

   One painful mission experience can make you question everything: your worth, your calling, and whether you even belong. Ciriah shares the raw story of coming home early, the spiritual moment that told her she was still exactly where she was meant to be, and how she rebuilt her confidence when shame tried to define the rest of her life. She opens up about serving in Mesa, Arizona while waiting for her visa and then in the Bogota Columbia North mission, where mental health struggles, physical exhaustion, and rapid weight loss forced her to return home sooner than expected. But the most powerful turning point comes when a companion she barely knew says things she could not possibly have known, words that matched Ciriah's patriarchal blessing and became a clear reminder that Heavenly Father was aware of her, even in the middle of uncertainty. You'll hear the real emotional cost of an early return: the fear of judgment, the feeling of letting people down, and the lie that your mission only matters if it lasts a certain length. Ciriah and Brooklyn unpack that pressure honestly, including the self-judgment that so often gets projected onto other people, and why so many returned missionaries discover they were never alone in this experience at all. Ciriah also shares what actually helped her heal: reconnecting with a friend who came home early the exact same day, focusing on future opportunities instead of replaying the past, and clinging to the truth that a mission is measured by service, not by time. If you've ever felt like a setback erased your progress, this conversation will remind you that your story is not over, your growth is real, and there is still so much ahead of you. Essential listening if you need hope after an unexpected detour, or if you love stories about faith, resilience, and finding peace when life doesn't go according to plan.

4. 

   12 Oct 2026

   “The Lord loves you, He hasn't stopped, and He knows exactly what is going on.” | Episode 14 with Grady

   A mission cut short. A brother lost in a motorcycle accident. Years of anger, depression, and feeling like nobody understood. Grady shares the story of how grief, shame, and a painful early-return experience nearly pulled him away completely and how compassion helped bring him back. Jon Larsen sits down with Grady for a vulnerable conversation about what it feels like to come home early from a mission and carry that weight for decades. Grady opens up about serving in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Minnesota, and then receiving the devastating call that changed everything. He describes the loneliness, the pressure to “just move on,” and how that pain followed him into adulthood, marriage, and fatherhood. Grady also reflects on how chronic illness, a breakup, and divorce added to the struggle and how a prayer from a hospital bed became a turning point. He shares the spiritual practices that helped him rebuild, including scripture study, temple worship, priesthood blessings, and the unconditional care of a bishop who finally saw him clearly. Together, Jon and Grady explore the difference between rules and real compassion, why many former missionaries suffer in silence, and what churches, families, and friends can do to better support someone who returns home early. Grady shares why effort matters more than perfection, and how a simple act of love can change someone’s life. This is for anyone who has felt they missed their chance, knows someone who returned home early, or is seeking hope after grief, depression, or spiritual disconnection. Grady’s message is clear: you are loved, you are not forgotten, and it is never too late to come back.

5. 

   5 Oct 2026

   “Everyone has Something to Contribute” | Ep. 13 w/ Karaline

   In this episode of Returning Stronger Stories, Karaline shares her journey of serving in Chile, coming home early to prioritize her mental health, and finding renewed purpose through a service mission. She reflects on navigating anxiety, comparison, and the fear that her experience had been cut short, while discovering that faith, support, and personal revelation can lead to unexpected paths forward. Together with host, Brooklyn Larsen, they offer encouragement for anyone whose life or mission hasn’t gone as planned: every path looks different, and meaningful service and growth can continue in new ways.

6. 

   28 Sept 2026

   “You Aren’t a Failure; You’re a Child of God” | Episode 12 with Robert

   When OCD, shame, and the fear of public failure collide with a missionary experience, everything changes. Robert @lineuponline shares the raw story of coming home early, the unseen mental health struggle behind it, and the moment that turned humiliation into a faith-building lesson he still carries nearly 20 years later.He opens up about the compulsions he hid for years, the misdiagnosis and dismissal that left him discouraged, and the painful reality of being sent home when he wanted desperately to stay. But this conversation goes far beyond the mission itself. It’s about what happens when your identity gets shaken, when other people make assumptions, and when you have to decide whether you will let shame define you or let the Savior heal it.You'll discover:• How OCD and scrupulosity can surface in highly structured, high-expectation environments• Why reassurance often fails to fix the deeper problem• The pivotal first-Sunday-back moment that changed how Robert viewed judgment, pain, and mercy• How he learned to hand his hurt to Christ instead of carrying it alone• Why being upfront about an early return became a source of unexpected ministry to othersRobert also shares the spiritual moments that confirmed he was still seen and known by God, including a powerful fulfillment of a patriarchal blessing and the response to a vulnerable Instagram reel that reached 250,000 views. If you've ever felt mislabeled, misunderstood, or afraid that one hard experience says everything about you, this episode will remind you that your story is not over and your worth was never on the line.Perfect for early return missionaries, parents, and anyone trying to help a loved one through mental health challenges, this conversation offers honesty, hope, and a strong testimony that the Atonement covers far more than we usually imagine.

7. 

   21 Sept 2026

   A Parent's Perspective: "Your Life is a Mission" | Episode 11 Featuring Mary Alice

   When a missionary comes home early, the hardest part is often not the return flight, it’s what happens next. Mary Alice Hatch shares the parent side of that story, revealing how one family faced church culture, shame, and fear while choosing unconditional love over conditional expectations. Jon Larsen sits down with Mary Alice, host of What Now Podcast, for an honest conversation about her son's early return from his mission and the ripple effects that followed. She opens up about the pressure families feel to meet the “right” mission timeline, the pain of wondering how others will respond, and the moment a prophet’s words helped reframe her fear into faith. You’ll discover: Why “checkbox culture” can damage families and faith How a parent can support revelation even when it doesn’t match expectations What to say when a missionary comes home early and what not to say Why unconditional love can be a protective factor for a struggling child How Mary Alice turned a painful experience into a podcast meant to help others feel less alone Mary Alice also shares the unexpected grace her family showed, the advice she gave another mother in crisis, and the powerful reminder that a mission is not the only measure of a life of service. For parents, returned missionaries, and anyone navigating disappointment, identity, or spiritual redirection, this conversation offers perspective, hope, and a deeply human reminder that God’s plan is often bigger than our own. If you need reassurance that coming home early is not the end of the story, this episode will meet you right where you are.

8. 

   14 Sept 2026

   “Keep the Lord in Your Heart” | Episode 10 with Remi

   When a mission ends before you planned, the hardest part is not just coming home, it is learning how to trust that God still has a purpose for you. Remi shares the raw story of an early return from the Fort Worth, Texas mission, the health crisis that sent her to the ER on day three of the MTC, and the mindset shift that helped her turn disappointment into faith. She opens up about the shock of discovering not one but two stomach parasites, the painful tests that revealed her body was shutting down, and the moment she had to accept that her mission would look nothing like she imagined. But this episode is not just about loss. It is about the miracles that still happened along the way, including a powerful connection with a youth who shared her story and a deeply moving temple experience that changed her perspective forever. You'll discover how Remi navigated the emotional toll of being judged online, what her "village" of family and friends did that helped her heal, and why she believes early-return missionaries are still full-time missionaries in every meaningful way. She also shares the advice she wishes every returning missionary could hear: give yourself grace, be proud that you answered the call, and keep serving with your heart even when the tag comes off. If you are an early-returned missionary, love someone who is, or need a reminder that your worth is not measured by how long you stayed but by how willingly you showed up, this conversation will stay with you. It is a story of faith under pressure, healing without shame, and discovering that sometimes the mission is not ended - it is simply transformed.

9. 

   7 Sept 2026

   From Early-Returned Missionary to LDS Bishop | Episode 9 with Austin

   Some mission returns feel like a setback. Austin’s story reveals why that moment may be far more important than the mission itself. After preparing to serve in the Montana Billings Mission, Austin hit a wall almost immediately in the MTC—anxiety, sleeplessness, panic, and the crushing feeling that he was failing at something he had prayed for. What followed was a painful return home, a tough adjustment to life after the MTC, and a long process of learning how to separate mental health from worthiness, shame, and spiritual identity. Austin and host Jon Larsen get honest about what early-return missionaries are rarely told: coming home does not mean your life is over, your testimony is gone, or your future is closed. Together they unpack the pressure to “just flip a switch,” the harm of being treated like a checklist instead of a person, and the difference it makes when someone actually listens, supports, and believes you. Austin also shares the moments that helped him heal, including a deeply tender priesthood blessing from his fellow elders, the support of his family and wife, and the perspective shifts that gave him peace about why he was prompted to serve at all. You’ll hear: What happened in the first 10 days at the MTC Why anxiety and self-doubt can intensify in silence How leaders and peers can either wound or help during an early return Why treatment, time, and honest support matter more than pressure The advice Austin would give anyone currently wrestling with the same feelings Austin speaks openly about faith, mental health, and recovery. Essential listening if you or someone you love is carrying the shame of an early return, wondering what comes next, or needing a reminder that there is still a future, still purpose, and still healing.

10. 

    31 Aug 2026

    “Keep Moving Forward with Faith” | Episode 8 with Kashli

    Early-return missions can feel like failure, but Jon Larsen’s conversation with Kashli shows a different story: one of faith, mental health, and finding purpose when your path changes twice. Kashli shares what it was really like to leave the Alaska Anchorage Mission after just three weeks, serve six months as a service missionary, return to the field in Fort Collins, and eventually come home again after nine months total. Along the way, she opens up about the mental health challenges behind those decisions, the pressure of other people’s opinions, and the private embarrassment that can come with an early homecoming. You’ll hear how a freezing Wyoming morning and a single shooting star became a turning point, why taking life one day at a time made the biggest difference, and how support from family helped her stay grounded when she felt overwhelmed. Jon and Kashli also unpack the emotional weight of unsolicited advice, including the pain of being sent “don’t you quit” messages when she was already making a difficult choice to prioritize her health. You’ll discover: Why sometimes the right decision is not the one you planned How to handle shame, self-consciousness, and other people’s expectations after coming home early Why mental health struggles can require more than prayer and perseverance How to stop feeling like you “ruined” God’s plan The surprising blessings Kashli only recognized later, including meeting her fiancé as a result of her service in Alaska and a best friend in Colorado Kashli’s story is a reminder that meaning often shows up in hindsight. What first looked like disruption turned into connection, growth, and a deeper trust that God’s plan is bigger than the moment you’re in. Essential listening if you’ve ever felt like you had to come home early, change course, or make peace with a version of life you never expected.

11. 

    24 Aug 2026

    “Called to a People, Not a Place” | Episode 7 with Andrew

    When a mission ends early, it can feel like everything is being taken away, but for Andrew, it became proof that God was redirecting him to the exact people he was meant to serve. His story of leaving the Cincinnati, Ohio mission, wrestling with the fear of unfinished purpose, and finding a clear spiritual answer on the plane home is a powerful reminder that a detour can still be a calling. Brooklyn Larsen sits down with Andrew for a deeply personal conversation about early return, unexpected health challenges, and the moment he realized his mission was not over, it was changing. He opens up about the anxiety of leaving something he loved, the blessing-prayer experience that anchored his next step, and the way counseling helped him carry stress he did not fully understand at the time. You'll discover: Why Andrew believed he had already served the people in Ohio, even as he grieved leaving How a spontaneous missionary blessing became the spiritual turning point that changed everything What it was like transitioning into a service mission in southern Utah Why missing a companion was one of the hardest parts of coming home early How temple service and leadership opportunities deepened his testimony and healing Andrew also shares why early return is not the end of a mission story, but often the beginning of a different kind of service. If you've ever wondered whether an unexpected change means you've missed God's plan, this conversation offers real comfort, clarity, and hope. Perfect for missionaries, returned missionaries, parents, and anyone navigating a life path that did not go the way they expected. This episode will leave you with a stronger sense that God places people, not just places, in your path for a reason.

12. 

    10 Aug 2026

    “He Was Preparing You for Something Greater” | Episode 6 with MacKenna

    Some of the hardest mission stories are the ones that end early, and McKenna’s is proof that “shorter” does not mean “less faithful.” After serving through COVID quarantines, losing her stepdad on the day she started home MTC, and wrestling with the fear of coming home before her expected date, she shares what it really looks like to trust revelation when everyone else has an opinion. Host Jon Larsen talks with McKenna about the pressure of being told she was “giving up,” the emotional toll of returning home early, and the spiritual moments that helped her recognize she was still exactly where she needed to be. From a powerful Doctrine and Covenants scripture that reached her family at the right moment to a testimony meeting centered on death and the plan of salvation, her story is full of the kind of faith that only comes after being tested. You’ll hear how a “refiners fire” mission changed McKenna’s life, why her companion became a lifeline during one of the hardest seasons she’s ever faced, and how she learned to stop measuring her mission by time and start measuring it by intention. She also shares what the backlash around early returns misses completely, especially when mental health, grief, and obedience to promptings are part of the story. We break down the difference between outside judgment and personal revelation, why support matters more than commentary, and how mission service can still shape your life long after you come home. McKenna also opens up about the unexpected doors that followed, including meeting her husband the month she was supposed to return and being sealed in the temple. If you’ve ever wondered whether coming home early means you failed, or if you’re trying to make peace with a decision that doesn’t look the way you expected, this episode will meet you right where you are. It’s a powerful reminder that God’s timing is not always our timing, but it is still His plan.

13. 

    3 Aug 2026

    “You’re Not Lost, You Are Led” | Episode 5 with Andi

    Coming home early from your mission does not mean your mission is over. Andi shares the raw, hopeful story of leaving Argentina because of chronic knee pain, then finding a completely different way to keep serving and learning why that second call mattered just as much as the first. After only three months total in the field and the MTC, Andy was sent home from the Buenos Aires North Mission, transferred into service missionary work, and forced to wrestle with disappointment, anxiety, depression, and the stigma that can follow an early return. But what unfolds next is a powerful reminder that God can still guide you when the plan changes fast. You’ll hear how Andi and her leaders quickly found service sites that matched her interests, including: Tutoring and connecting with students at New Hope Academy Helping seminary students through a Book of Mormon club Spending time with seniors through music, games, and conversation Contributing to the development of the new hymn book by helping evaluate songs, tempo, and lyrics Andi also opens up about the moment that changed everything—a Christmas sacrament meeting where music helped her feel, with absolute certainty, that Heavenly Father knew exactly where she was and why she was there. That experience reframed her entire journey and gave her the strength to see her service mission not as a lesser path, but as a continuation of the work. Brooklyn and Andi also talk candidly about the hard parts of being an early return missionary: the awkward stares, the feeling of not “deserving” the returned missionary label, the quiet airport welcome, and the pressure of watching everyone else move on without you. If you’ve ever felt behind, unseen, or unsure whether your story still counts, this conversation meets you there. Andi’s message is simple and unforgettable: be patient with yourself, rely on the Lord, and remember that whatever your mission looks like, you are still being led. Essential listening for early return missionaries, parents, leaders, and anyone trying to trust God when the path looks nothing like they expected.

14. 

    20 Jul 2026

    “Lifelong Disciple of Jesus Christ” | Episode 4 with Sister Schmutzler

    Coming home early from a mission is not the end of the story, sometimes it is the moment everything finally starts to click. Sister Schmutzler opens up about mental health, stigma, and the unexpected peace that came when she chose a service mission instead of forcing herself to stay in a place that was hurting her. If you or someone you love has ever wondered whether coming home means failure, this conversation will change the way you think about discipleship, service, and what it really means to be “full time.” Brooklyn Larsen talks with Sister Schmutzler about the pressure to compare mission paths, the painful comments that can make people feel isolated, and the words that helped most: “Welcome home.” She shares how she learned to trust the Spirit over expectations, why the “grass is always greener” mindset can be so hard to escape, and how Jesus Christ becomes the anchor when life does not look the way you planned. You’ll hear: Why the decision to come home brought immediate peace after weeks of anxiety and physical distress How a devotional on becoming a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ reframed everything What made the biggest difference in how others responded, and what still stings when people misunderstand service missionaries How serving through horses, therapy ranches, nursing homes, food pantries, the temple, and teaching missionary support has become deeply fulfilling Why breaking the mold can be a form of discipleship, not something to apologize for Brooklyn also reflects on the stigma surrounding early return and the power of self-conversion, the idea that the biggest person a mission changes may be you. Sister Schmutzler’s story is a reminder that God is not only concerned with where you serve, but who you are becoming. Essential listening if you need hope, perspective, or a more compassionate way to talk about missionaries whose path looks different than expected.

15. 

    13 Jul 2026

    “There’s Work To Be Done Wherever We Go” | Episode 3 with Juliet

    "You do not owe anybody an explanation." That simple sentence became a lifeline for Juliet from Latter Day Bridge Builders after a devastating early return from her mission, and it may be exactly what you need to hear too. Juliet shares the real story behind leaving the Missouri Independence Mission after just five months, what happened when her mental health reached a crisis point, and why the way her return was handled left lasting questions. This is a raw, deeply honest conversation about depression, suicidal ideation, shame, and what it feels like to be measured by a timeline you did not choose. In this episode we break down the language people use around returned missionaries, the pressure families feel when others ask questions, and why the best response is often the simplest one: love, normalcy, and no forced explanation. Jon and Juliet also discuss how leaders, friends, and family can create a healthier environment for someone coming home. Juliet is a convert to the Church who joined at 16 and entered the mission field full of excitement. Her perspective is powerful because she speaks not just from pain, but from healing—and from the kind of clarity that comes after surviving a season that did not work for her. If you or someone you love has ever felt the sting of leaving early, carrying a mental health burden in silence, or wondering whether you still count, this conversation is essential listening. It is an honest reminder that a shortened mission is not a diminished one and that sometimes coming home is the bravest thing you can do.

16. 

    6 Jul 2026

    “All is Well Because of Your Temple Covenants” | Episode 2 with Neleah

    The hardest part of coming home early from a mission might not be the decision, it might be the fear, the pressure, and the silence that follow. Neleah shares how one clear spiritual message helped her trust an unexpected return and believe that, even when everything felt uncertain, “all will be well.” Her story will resonate with anyone facing a painful pivot, a mental health setback, or the kind of life change that makes everyone else ask, “What’s next?” This conversation is honest, specific, and deeply reassuring for missionaries, parents, leaders, and anyone supporting someone through an early return. You’ll hear how Neleah wrestled with anxiety, worried about what other people would think, and found strength through personal study, blessings from her mission president and zone leaders, and support from her mom. She also opens up about the part that surprised her most after coming home, the well-meaning pressure to have a plan immediately, when what she really needed was time to decompress and heal. We break down what actually helped: trusting God’s timing, letting people talk, and remembering that your path is personal even when it doesn’t look like the one you expected. Neleah also shares what life looks like now, from returning to temple work to coaching tumbling and stepping into a new chapter with peace. If you need hope that an unexpected ending is not the end of your story, this episode offers exactly that. Essential listening for anyone navigating change, disappointment, or the courage to keep going one faithful step at a time.

17. 

    29 Jun 2026

    "Give Yourself Grace." | Episode 1 with Cara

    What happens when a mission you thought would heal you instead leaves you in unbearable pain, questioning your faith, and wondering if you failed? Cara shares the raw story of returning home early from her mission with invisible illness, and the moment that showed her God had not abandoned her at all. Host Jon Larsen guides a deeply honest conversation about the pressure missionaries feel to “push through,” the stigma around coming home early, and why a short mission can still be spiritually meaningful. Cara opens up about years of migraines that escalated into daily vomiting, emergency transfer, and the diagnosis of autoimmune disease that changed everything. You'll discover: Why invisible illness is so easily misunderstood by people on the outside How guilt, shame, and judgment can make coming home harder than the mission itself The surprising spiritual experience that confirmed Cara was exactly where she needed to be What it looks like to rebuild your relationship with God after anger, grief, and disappointment The simple habit that helped her keep going when she no longer wanted to pray or go to church Cara also shares the hardest part of coming home early, the assumptions people made about her, and the advice she wishes every struggling missionary could hear: give yourself grace, and stop measuring your worth by whether you finished on the timeline you expected. This episode is for anyone navigating chronic illness, mental health struggles, faith questions, or the pain of a life plan that changed without permission. If you've ever felt like you were “less than” because your story didn't go the way you hoped, this conversation is a powerful reminder that your struggles are not who you are. Essential listening if you need reassurance that God sees the full story, even when everyone else only sees the ending.

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