A Light In the Darkness

A Light In the Darkness Episode 38 - Viet Le

This is a special Father's Day Episode!  Viet Le shares the story of his dad, who was born and raised in Vietnam.  He talks about what life was like for him there, how he joined the military, and married his mom.  Viet tells Carly about his large family living in a war torn country, and how his dad got his family to safety in the US.  They later found a "host family" in Utah and settled here, where Viet was eventually born.  He talks about what life was like for refugees at that time, and the good and challenging parts of family life.  He also shares his personal conversion story, how he met his wife, and all about his own experiences in fatherhood.

A Light In the Darkness Episode 37 - Ben Schilaty

June is PRIDE month for members of the LGBTQ+ community.  Many people choose to celebrate it differently, but the bottom line is that it is important to let people who may be struggling with their identity or orientation know that they are not alone, and to help others know the best way to show love and support to them.  Ben Schilaty has been helping in that space as a gay member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals. Ben talks with Carly about his experiences realizing he was attracted to men as a youth, serving a mission and hoping that it would eventually go away, and ultimately coming out to his friends as a BYU student.  Ben gives us a glimpse into what many of our family and ward members are facing in their lives, and offers a lot of advice about how we can best show them they are loved.

In 2015 Ben began blogging about his experiences as a gay Latter-day Saint. You can read it here.

He cohosts the podcast "Questions from the Closet" with his friend Charlie Bird. It is a GREAT way to learn more about LGBTQ+ individuals.  You can find it here.

Ben wrote a book that answers many of the questions people have about LGBTQ+ issues.  You can find it here.

And finally, one of the BEST ways you can learn more is at the "Gather Conference." It is "Christ-Centered support for Latter Day Saint LGBTQ+ individuals and those that love them."  You can find more info about that here.

A Light In the Darkness Episode 36 - Noelle McBride

This week Carly talks with Noelle McBride about growing up in the Pacific Northwest, getting married at age 20 and later divorced after 17 years together, how she decided to "serve a mission" as a single mom while working 2 jobs and raising 3 boys, how she has learned to set boundaries and found forgiveness, and more!  Noelle also talks about her book entitled "Beauty For Ashes: Divorce and the Latter Day Saint Woman," and Carly shares how much it helped her through her own divorce journey. Noelle is currently remarried and a mother to 6 in her blended family, and they still reside in the PNW.

Divorce is becoming more and more prevalent in the LDS community.  If you haven't experienced it yourself, you definitely know someone who has. This episode will provide strength and hope for those who have been through the divorce process, as well as provide information for those who would like to understand and minister better to those they care for. 

You can buy Noelle's book on Amazon here.

You can access Noelle's Facebook for divorced LDS women here.

You can find other gospel centered resources for those contemplating or who have faced divorce below:

 

Church of Jesus Christ topic: Divorce

 

LDS Living articles on divorce

 

A Leading Saints podcast episode on how leaders and church members can better support their divorced family and friends

 

Other Leading Saints Podcast episodes about divorce

 

LDS Divorce Coach Jenn Zingmark

 

Tanya Hale Podcast (many episodes on divorce)

A Light In the Darkness Episode 35 - Emily Cushing

Join us for a special Mother's Day conversation!  In this episode Emily Cushing shares her about her own motherhood journey and advice, and talks about the difficulties of no longer having her mom here on the Earth with her.  She teaches us a few of the ways she has tried to remember and honor her in the midst of her grief.  Emily and Carly also talk about some really great and under-appreciated women from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Emily spent a long time discovering and learning about 23 women who accomplished amazing things during their lifetime, even in the middle of their own struggles.  She complied their stories in a book she called "She Did: Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Faith."  They talk about four of these remarkable women and the things we can learn from them.

You can purchase Emily's book here.

You can find her Instagram page here.

You can find Melissa Inouye's book "Sacred Struggle" here.

 

A Light In The Darkness Episode 34 - Taylor Ricks Mele

On this episode Carly talks with Taylor Ricks Mele from the "To Cheer and To Bless" Instagram page.  She shares her story of how she felt prompted to be a Foster Parent, and ended up adopting a sweet little boy she named Zane.  She talks about how special he is, how much joy he brings to her family, and how he was diagnosed with Down Syndrome a week after he was born.  Taylor gives us a glimpse into what is like to "have the privilege" to raise a child with special needs, and ways we can help support our friends and families who may be in similar situations.  She also talks about the importance of helping everyone feel loved and included, especially at church.  She also shares her unique way to look at scripture stories, and a little about her book Everyday Disciples.  This was such a great conversation, full of so much information and advice!  

 

You can find Taylor on Instagram here.

You can find more information about the Ward and Stake Disability Specialist Callings here.

You can find the course that she put together with Deseret Book "Reaching Out to Members With a Disability" here.

You can purchase her AWESOME book "Everyday Disciples" here.

A Light in the Darkness Episode 33 - Brigham and Monica Bird

Brigham and Monica Bird stop by the podcast to share the scary experience they have been going through for the past 2 1/2 years.  It all started just after Thanksgiving, when Brigham was trying to study for finals during his first semester away at college.  He wasn't getting much sleep and ended up relying a lot on massive amounts of caffeine to help him get everything done.  They later learned that this, along with a genetic deficiency that can cause blood clots and a small hole he has always had in his heart, caused a life altering stroke to happen at a very young age.  They share the things they have experienced and learned as he has continued to work hard and heal from all of the effects of it.  This is definitely one you won't want to miss!!

A Light In the Darkness Episode 32 - Knudsen Family

In this episode Carly talks with Travis, Becky, and Averi Knudsen.  They share about Averi's journey with Cystic Fibrosis: the hard times, the blessings, the way has affected their family, and the miracles they have seen in her 19 years of living with CF.  Averi started an instagram account called Breathe With Averi where she shares her story, her inspiration, and information about Cystic Fibrosis.  She is an amazing young woman, and the Knudsen Family radiates the light and hope they have found through their faith.

A Light In the Darkness Episode 31 - Casey McFarland

Casey McFarland joins us on the podcast to talk about his own personal faith crisis.  He teaches us things we can do if we are experiencing one ourselves, have a family member who is facing something similar, or would like to show up better for those friends and neighbors who may be feeling the same way.  He gives us a lot of thought provoking insight in an episode I hope every Latter Day Saint would take the time to listen to.

You can find the You Tube interview I mentioned here.

You can see Casey's photography here.

You can find out more about going on tour with Casey here.

A Light In the Darkness Episode 30 - Jenny Gunnell

Jenny Gunnell stops by the podcast to share her journey with infertility, adoption, living with stage 4 cancer, and losing her mom after a short 7 week cancer journey herself.  Jenny is someone who I have always looked up to.  She radiates the Light of our Savior.  You will be blessed to learn from her through this conversation.

You can read more about Jenny's story, and find the most recent updates on her journey here.

A Light In the Darkness Episode 29 - Bostyn Moody

Bostyn Corrigan Moody stops by to share an AMAZING story of resilience and faith through some of the most difficult trials anyone has had to face.  She talks about how the murder of her dad and subsequent emotional abuse by her first step dad played a big part into her developing an eating disorder.  She is only 18 years old, but is wise beyond her years.  She teaches us how to help our teens if we think they may be experiencing something similar, and how turning towards music has helped her heal.

You can find a video of a song Bostyn wrote called "In Your Arms Again" here.

You can watch a video of Bostyn and her twin Bailey singing here.

You can find more information about her story, and her mom Ashlee Boyson here and on her instagram here.

If you or someone you know is suffering with an eating discorder, please reach out to someone you trust.  You can also find some resources here.

 

 

A Light In the Darkness Episode 28 - Todd Sylvester

We are so excited to be able to share this conversation with Todd Sylvester: Author, Speaker, and Mental Fitness Coach.  Todd shares his story of becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol at a VERY young age, the damage it did to his life, and the miraculous way he found healing and light.  Todd now uses his own experience to help others through their own struggles.

You can find more information about Todd's books, speaking engagements, coaching opportunities here.

You can listen to Todd's Beliefcast here.

You can get daily inspiration from Todd on his Instagram found here.

A Light In the Darkness Episode 27 - Mindi Barker

Mindi Barker is the wife of a “ridiculously good looking man” and mother of 6 amazing children and one incredible son in law. She was raised in Sandy, Utah by the most caring parents, who instilled in her a love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She has a zest for life that is contagious, and she loves to make people laugh. She always looks for the bright side in everything she does and you will rarely see her without a smile on her face. Mindi thoroughly enjoys music, playing the piano, singing, reading, cooking, running, kayaking, speaking, teaching seminary, serving the youth, playing basketball and pickleball, playing board games and spending time with her family. She is a BYU sports fanatic and LOVES football season! She has been married for 25 years and finds joy in just about everything.

Her life hasn’t always been easy though. Mindi will share with us her journey through her father’s murder, struggle with infertility and multiple miscarriages, battle with depression and anxiety, and the heartache of watching her teenage daughter go through cancer. There have been times she truly understood why someone would want to end their life, but she is here to tell you there are ways to find peace and hope, through the Savior, Jesus Christ, and the people He puts in your life along the way.

A Light In The Darkness Episode 26 - Has the Day of Miracles Ceased?

Moroni 7:35-37 "Has the Day of Miracles Ceased?"  Carly Robison shares the literal miracle she has experienced the past couple of months, and encourages her listeners to look for miracles in their own lives.

Podcast episode about Carly's sister can be found here.

Podcast interview with Carly's therapist can be found here.

More information about EMDR can be found here.

A Light In the Darkness Episode 25 - Life Back To Normal......But Better

It’s been a long, long time since I’ve had a new podcast episode. There have been some very difficult, excruciatingly painful things going on in my life. I’m not able to talk about them at this time. But they have made it so I haven’t been able to do interviews and produce new episodes. I promise when I’m able I will be right back here, sharing inspiring stories with you. 

 

But I have been prompted for a while to do a short episode about thoughts I have had as the world starts to open back up, and we return to our “normal” lives. It's my hope and prayer that it will be our life back to normal, but better.

 

Talks Carly refers to in the Episode:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/34eyring?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/36nelson?lang=eng

A Light In the Darkness Episode 24 - Gratitude with Carly Robison

This week Carly talks about the power of gratitude in our lives and how it can actually help you when you are going through difficult times.  She shares her own experiences, quotes from talks she loves, and the thoughts of two of her friends.  Carly hopes that this episode can help you get through your own dark times, including as we all deal with many challenges due to COVID-19.

Here are the links for Jeanette's practice and infertility group: https://www.facebook.com/RisingLotusCounselingServices/  SLC Infertility Support Group

Here is the link to Camille Johnson's podcast: Finding the Floor

The link to the talk Carly quoted: Grateful In Any Circumstances by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

A Light In the Darkness Episode 23 - Mark Davis

Mark Davis is a husband, dad, and awesome DJ.  In this episode he shares with us his experiences of growing up with a dad who had a severe form of Multiple Sclerosis, that left him physically and eventually even mentally impaired. As an adult his worst fear was realized when he was also diagnosed with MS.  Mark tells the lessons he had learned from his dad, the tender mercies and miracles that have carried him, and the wonderful people who have supported him through this journey.

Mark talked about a new treatment that put his MS into remission.  His doctor has unfortunately since retired, but you can find more information here.  He has had friends do the same treatment here with miraculous results, just like his. https://hsctmexico.com/

If you want to contact Mark you can email him at spindoctormd@hotmail.com

A Light In the Darkness Episode 22- Gina Hansen

In this episode I talk to my friend Gina Hansen.  We talk about her life, family, and a miraculous experience that they all went through just about a year ago.

Gina Gates Hansen was born in Richfield, Utah and grew up there until she was 12 and we moved to South Jordan, Ut. Gina grew up with 3 brothers and 3 sisters.  Gina tried school and different jobs after graduating high school, and her parents and some of her family moved to St. George. She decided to I moved there and attend college at Dixie, where she met her husband Paul. He joined the Army National Guard shortly after they were married. Gina’s husband has been deployed 2 times, and has come home safe and he works so hard for us. Together Gina and Paul have 7 kids.  They have had their ups and downs, but the gospel, Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father get them through them.

A Light In the Darkness Episode 21 - Heidi Swapp

Heidi Swapp is a busy wife and mom to five amazing kids ranging from 13-23 years old. She’s the creative force behind her own brand of signature craft and memory-keeping products which can be found online and in craft stores throughout the world.  In 2015 Heidi and her family suffered a devastating loss as her 16 year old son Cory died by suicide. I have been amazed at her strength and resilience as she faced this terrible heartache in the public eye, with her large social media following rallying behind her.  Heidi has continued to share and connect, becoming an advocate for suicide prevention through community events and her podcast called Light the Fight, where she talks about how important it is to have a genuine relationship with your children.  

To find resources as a parent or a teacher, or to listen to her podcast, Light the Fight, click here: https://www.lightthefight.com

To contact Heidi, learn more about her story, or find information about her memory keeping products, click here: https://www.heidiswapp.com

The website/app Heidi talked about, that is a great local to Utah resource for people who are feeling suicidal, or if you want to report anonymously that you are worried about someone: https://safeut.med.utah.edu

Click here for more resources and the national support hotline, click here: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

A Light In the Darkness Episode 20 - BONUS EPISODE, Sharing About My Sister, Brooke Jarrett

This is a bonus episode of my A Light In the Darkness Podcast.  It has been 12 long years since my younger sister Brooke Jarrett left this earthly life. This episode is airing on her Angelversary. I wanted to talk about my sister’s story for a few reasons.  First of all, she suffered through mental health challenges for a lot of her life and ended up dying by suicide. Since that time I have wanted to honor her by trying to help end the stigma of people suffering from mental health issues, and also open up about how suicide affects family members, so that hopefully if I know anyone who is feeling suicidal, they can think of me and how HARD my life has been without my sister here with me, and know that they have someone in their life who would feel the same way. Secondly, I understand that each trial that I have been through has shaped me into who I am.  As I talk on this podcast, I draw upon my experiences to relate to my guests and my audience, and also offer thoughts and advice on how to face difficult things.  So by sharing my story I hope that those of you listening will be able to face the difficult things you are going through in your own lives as well.

A Light In the Darkness Episode 19 - Zach Spafford

In  this episode I talk to Zach Spafford about his pornography use, that started when he was just 8 years old and accidentally exposed to a magazine at a playground.  Zach tells us of his own experiences, but also shares insightful thoughts and tools he has learned along the way that can help us in many areas of our lives.  Zach is a veteran life coach with years of experience helping others improve their lives, their businesses and their families. 

 

As a Certified Life Coach through The Life Coach School, a Be Bold Masters Trained and Coach Incubator inaugural class coach Zach has been able to help thousands find their way past pornography use, create the healthy relationship they want and build the confidence in his clients that they have worked for their whole lives. 

 

Born in Boise, ID, Zach is a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who served a two year mission in the Rome Italy Mission. Zach is married to Darcy, an amazing women’s coach in her own right and together they have eight beautiful children.  

 

Currently living near Milwaukee, WI, Zach coaches clients all over the world. You can set up a consult with him by going to zachspafford.com/workwithme to see how coaching can change your life. 

 

To read the article Zach talked about, discussing the Atonement, and get a handout about how to discuss pornography with your kids, go to my website here: https://carlyrobison.org/2020/10/28/1713/

 

Find out more about Zach's coaching a program, get some free tools, and even find extra support for wives who are dealing with a husband who is overcoming pornography use, click here: https://www.zachspafford.com

 

Listen to Zach's Podcast here: https://www.zachspafford.com/podcast