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Rise & Thrive
Rise & Thrive
Author: Lucy Fotu
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© 2025 Rise & Thrive
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Welcome to Rise & Thrive, every week we dive into heart-to-heart conversations with return missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We will dive into the personal stories of these remarkable individuals. We explore the transformative power of living a healthy and purposeful life, uncovering the blessings it has brought to their lives.
We will not only explore the motivation required by missionaries but also encourage you to discover what motivates you on in your own life. Join us as we share stories, insights, and the pursuit of a thriving and purposeful life!
34 Episodes
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In this episode, we get to know Lataya as she shares stories from her childhood, her experience playing college soccer at both New Mexico and Utah Tech, and her mission in Brazil. Although she initially didn’t plan to serve a mission, Lataya explains how receiving a blessing and praying about it confirmed it was the right decision for her. She shares powerful insights about the importance of serving others and focusing outward as keys to success in life.
In this episode, Anna shares her story, taking us from her childhood memories on the island of Oahu to the chilly transitions of northern Utah. A central theme of charity weaves through her experiences, shaping her outlook on life. Anna opens up about her mission in Las Vegas, offering honest insights into the challenges of working with companions and the joy that comes from focusing on Christlike attributes. We also explore the importance of finding humor in missionary life and staying true ...
In this episode, Hailey shares her powerful experiences of seeing God’s hand in her life. From stepping off a plane after a humanitarian trip only to find out that her family had decided to move from the place she grew up, to navigating the ups and downs of serving a mission, and facing a challenging trial with her fiancé at the time, Hailey’s journey is one of faith, growth, and resilience. She offers messages of hope and challenges us to consider how we can uplift and serve "the one." Hail...
In this episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Kalli Harris and getting to know her vibrant and beautiful personality as she shares her life story. Kalli opens up about the profound experience of losing her dad shortly before her mission and how she navigated—and continues to navigate—that loss with strength and faith. She also shares the impact of two individuals who changed her life while serving in both Brazil and Las Vegas. For those seeking an eternal companion, Kalli offers thou...
In this episode, I sit down with my husband, Jared, for our first in-person recording. Jared shares his experience growing up in a family of 15, highlighting how his siblings have been incredible examples to him throughout his life. He also reflects on the pivotal role his parents and siblings have played in shaping the person he is today. Jared opens up about a life-changing car accident during his junior year of high school and how it shifted his perspective on what truly matters in life. ...
In this episode, Natalie shares her story of growing up in Nashville, her decision to serve a mission, and personal experiences of standing firm in her beliefs, even when she had to stand alone. She sets an inspiring example of surrendering her will to God’s and continually striving to focus on the Savior.
In this episode, Kate opens up about the joy and hope she has found through her testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel. She reflects on her mission in Bolivia, where she experienced God's love through the people she served. However, her faith was profoundly tested upon returning home when she faced one of life's greatest challenges—the loss of a parent. Kate shares how she not only leaned on the experiences from her mission but also deepened her relationship with God through prayer, finding...
In this episode, Lauren shares the realities of both the joys and trails of serving a mission. She offers guidance on dealing with companions, managing feelings of homesickness, and staying connected with friends back home. Lauren also discusses how she focuses on Christ's doctrine rather than culture and advises listeners to turn to the prophets and their guidance in daily life.
In this episode, Kaitlyn shares how she relied on the Lord during her time serving in both Missouri and Sweden throughout the pandemic. She also offers advice on how to start preparing for a mission now. Kaitlyn emphasizes the importance of loving others through God's eyes and focusing on your relationship with God and your covenants, rather than being quick to judge others.
In this episode, Grace shares her story of being raised in LA with both parents serving in the LAPD. She opens up about her personal struggles as a young teen and offers counsel to those facing similar challenges. Grace discusses how she learned to involve the Lord in her decision-making and how His guidance helped her through difficult times. She reflects on her mission experience in Washington, D.C., the people she came to love, and the life-changing moments she had while serving. Throughou...
In this episode, Mason shares his personal experiences of returning home early from his mission and how he came to understand that each of us has a unique plan designed by God. He opens up about how he stayed close to the Savior and navigated the challenge of avoiding judgment from others. Mason also offers tips and advice on how we can show love and support to those who return home early from their missions.
In this episode, Zanna shares how her experiences in both Washington state and Peru helped her rely on the Savior. She learned to place her faith and trust in His plan. Despite the challenges her family faced while she was on her mission, Zanna explains how she was able to navigate those difficult moments through the Atonement of Jesus Christ."
In this episode, we get to hear from Mya and the profound experiences that have shaped her. Growing up in Texas, she struggled with a sense of belonging within her ward , which led to gradually stepping away from her faith. It was during her college years in Hawaii that she created life long friends. Witnessing her friends leave on missions, she initially felt no desire to serve. However, despite those feelings, she knew God wanted her to serve. Mya's stories of her time in Puerto...
In this episode, Whitney discusses how any inadequacies she may have felt before her mission went away when she knew of her love for God. Offering guidance and counsel to those facing similar struggles, she encourages listeners to align their will with God's. Whitney candidly shares her experiences navigating challenging moments during her mission and highlights how she remained committed to serving others despite those difficulties.
In this episode, Morgan dives into her mission experience, sharing personal stories about how she relied on and trusted in the Lord. She recounts overcoming challenges during high school, utilizing her gifts and talents to bless the lives of those in California, and emphasizes the importance of embracing a life of lasting discipleship.
In this episode, we talk about the enriching experiences of serving a mission with Avanlee. She highlights the profound lessons learned and the cherished moments shared while on serving in North Carolina. Avanlee emphasizes the importance of embracing life at every stage, she touches on the essence of Southern hospitality and her deep affection for the individuals she encountered and taught. Additionally, she candidly discusses the temporary challenges encountered as a sister missionary...
In this episode, Maddy opens up about her life experiences, she goes into the challenges she faced during high school and how turning to God provided peace during those tough times. She reflects on the anticipation of receiving her mission call amidst COVID, expressing both frustration and relief upon finally receiving her assignment and the peace that followed. Throughout her life, from her freshman year at BYU Hawaii to her missions in Colorado and Italy and returning home, she shares profo...
In this episode, Drew shares her stories of how, when things in life don't go as planned, you can pivot and, most importantly, turn to lean on God. She speaks of mission experiences and expresses gratitude for the counsel given by her mission leaders. They advised her not just to play the part of a disciple of Jesus Christ on her mission but to truly learn to become one. Drew opens up about personal struggles, including dealing with weight gain during her mission, and how she found solace in ...
In this episode, Brooklyn shares her life experiences from growing up in Texas with a loving family and support system to serving a mission in Germany, during the same time as two of her sisters. However, her mission took a turn when, just three months into her mission, she got seriously sick, enduring four weeks of this debilitating sickness. Eventually, Brooklyn was to return home to seek medical help for a condition that continues to affect her life today. Throughout her life,...
In this episode, Gracie shares more about her mission and her eagerness to teach the people of Germany about the joy and blessings that come from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She discusses her decision to serve a mission and the feelings that come when trying to decide what to do with your life. Gracie also shares humbling experiences and stories about her mission and how they have shaped her testimony today.



