Down in the Valley

Get me to the hospital

At the beginning of this year my Grandpa was diagnosed with Liver Cancer. Upon finding out that this would be the last year of his life, I gathered some recording equipment and drove to Ephraim, Utah to sit in his front room and record the stories and learnings of his life so we could forever cherish it in his own words, in his own voice. For the last episode of Down in the Valley, I am honored to share with you some of my favorite stories of my Grandpa's life. I hope you enjoy this ...

Love is really strength

We know that death is part of life. But what about when it happens too soon? In this episode you'll hear from Sue who has a very visceral relationship with death. From the loss a daughter in law who was a young mother, a grandchild who never took his first breath, a brother overcome by addiction, and parents who lived full, beautiful lives. She recounts her experiences and feelings, along with the beautiful wisdom that comes with heartbreak.

Just hold on, it'll get better

Immigration has played a key role in America, we are the melting pot, the American dream is sold all over the world, we cherish our freedoms here in the land of opportunity. In this episode, you'll meet MayEllis who is an immigrant to the U.S. from Venezuela. She shares her experience that brought her to the U.S., she talks about motherhood, mental health, as well as a pathway to citizenship and how that will positively impact humans globally as well as the economic benefits here in...

Women and Politics

The nineteenth amendment was passed by congress in June 1919 ratified on August 18th 1920, granting women the right to vote. Utah had granted that right to women long before it was a national right, and even before statehood. In 1870, while still considered a Territory, Utah women were the first to cast ballots in the United States. Women finally had the power to cast a vote more than 140 years after the white, land owning male had been practicing using their voice through the ballot...

This is my chance

Earlier this week we heard from Dolly who recounted her childhood and challenges that shaped her. This episode is catching up to where she is today. She followed the pad that was set out for her! She arrived at a good career, a lot of money, notoriety in her job title. When she got to the top she looked around and realized this is not what she wanted at all! This part of her story is way too important to not share. We hope that you feel inspired as you listen to her walk us through t...

Are we going to make it?

In this episode you'll meet Daulton who discusses her parents divorce and the role it played in shaping who she is. She talks through her family dynamics and how it impacted her relationship with her sister and how she recovered that relationship. She also reflects on what "Family" means to her, and how her parents continued to make family a priority.

Best Friend Soul Mate

Earlier this week you heard from Shelby who shared her journey with mental health. In our conversation she also talked about an experience with her best friend. This part of her experience is rich with deep understandings, and we feel compelled to share this part of the conversation as well. Please enjoy our first bonus episode, Shelby talking about her best friend soul mate.

Everybody needs a Therapist

In this episode you'll hear from Shelby and learn about her journey with Mental Health. She shares her story of what brought her to her rock bottom, the lessons she learned, and her continued rising and becoming more of who she has always been.

All in this together

This very special episode includes the stories and experiences of a few people in Utah as they have experienced the pandemic 2020 and the social distancing order that has been placed on us. Some people sent in their words and we read them on their behalf, and others sent in their own voices their experience. The first person you’ll hear from is Natalie who is a local Podcaster and you can access her podcast from this link here: https://anchor.fm/natandchat/support The next portion...

Thank you’s and bloopers

The last episode in season one! This is a short conversation thanking everyone who helped make Down In The Valley possible. We also discuss what we have learned, season two, and bloopers! We hope you laugh and enjoy the last conversation of season one!

It is what it is

Heidi opens up about the pain she endures throughout the day, the complications and illnesses she has been diagnosed with, the reality of mom guilt, and raising a 9 year old son with Autism.

I’m just like everybody else

This episode is less a telling of a story, and more of a sharing of a perspective, which is equally important given the moment in time we find ourselves here in the Valley. Bly is the second interview from our LBGTQ community, and we are honored they share their insight with us on how to be loving and accepting!

Horrible Freak Accident

Between 2006 and 2012 America’s largest pharmaceutical companies flooded our country with over 76 billion opioid pain pills. This is just ONE story of a young boy who was caught as collateral damage in this heartbreaking epidemic. Matt shares his story of addiction and hope. We hope you find value in his brave telling of his story and experiences of the opioid epidemic.

Million Dollar Man

When he was seventeen, Jeremy fell off a cliff. 160 feet down. He survived! Jeremy has an incredibly optimistic outlook on life, and he recounts his near death experience with us. We are so glad that he recovered, and lives to tell us about it.

Tough Nut

We sat down to talk about the impact our mothers have had on our lives, and what we really admire about them. And our guest this week is Goose, who discusses the things in his life that inspire him which includes the great outdoors, and of course his mother! He shares about the pain and of watching his mother endure a terminal illness.

I’m Not Really A Wimp

This weeks episode is honoring our friend Todd. He passed away shortly after the time of this recording, and we are honored to share his story and insights on life. We discuss child abuse, the death of his father, falling in love, and how he raised his own family.

#MeToo

Two brave women join Carissa and Kali in an open and raw conversation about their experiences with sexual violence.

It happens

Carissa and Kali discuss our experiences and feelings regarding religion and the impact of the culture on our lives. We share our conversation with Jasmine who shares her experiences through deep inner struggles followed by the power of finding love and self acceptance. http://www.queermeals.com http://www.provopride.com https://www.facebook.com/PFLAGprovo/ https://www.usgabyu.com/ https://www.facebook.com/uvuspectrum/ https://affirmation.org http://mormonsbuildingbridges.org...

Sarah Sunshine