Released
44 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago -Coming home from a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints can be harder than the mission itself. Each Monday, join Talmage Thayne as he interviews returned missionaries and other guests who share insights and stories of mental health, heartbreak, faith crisis, LGBT issues, loss of purpose, and drastic life changes. Yet, while facing these challenges, our guests have found confidence in God's specific call to adventure for them. So if you're home from a mission or have a friend who has found home life hard, this podcast is for you.
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Episodes
From Missionary to Marine: Jackson Paul - Co-Host of The Stick of Joseph.
February 05, 2024 21:00 - 1 hour - 43.1 MBDiscover the power of transformation as we share an intimate conversation with Jackson Wayne Paul, a young man from Sandy, Utah, whose life journey took him from the valleys of repentance to the peaks of spiritual insight. In the bustling streets of Lisbon, Portugal, Jackson found his mission and, later, his calling as a United States Marine. His dedication didn't stop there; it blossomed into an endeavor to authenticate the Book of Mormon through his YouTube channel, the Stick of Joseph. We...
Growing Pains: SOLO Episode
January 30, 2024 09:00 - 13 minutes - 9.26 MBI've grappled with the growing pains that have simultaneously sculpted and tested my resolve. In this solo episode, I talk about how some of my biggest blessings have been the hardest things to bare. and I confess to moments when it felt like I was barely holding on. I recognize that growing pains are a sign of growth and I can look forward to greater capacity and strength moving forward. Douglas Malloch's poem "Good Timber" finds its way into the episode. Support the show Remember, God is ...
God In All Things, Podcast Co-Host: Tori MacArthur
January 22, 2024 07:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBTalmge sat down with Tori MacArthur, the cohost of God In All Things podcast. Her podcast looks at the gospel principles that can be found in literature like books and movies. One of her favorite episodes being The Sound of Music. Her ability to identify these principles came from both studying these classic works of art as well as looking at her own life. She shares her journey and the struggles of depression and loneliness she went through when she was RELEASED from her mission. God In A...
"I Met My Wife On My Mission": Austin Brady
January 16, 2024 16:00 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBIn this episode Talmage interviews Austin Brady. Austin is a talented videographer, entrepreneur and YouTuber. On his mission he had to learn a lot about the delicate dance between structure and the human touch in service. While Austin was never looking for love while serving he ended up meeting his soulmate. The narrative unfolds to reveal how a steadfast commitment to serving others can lead to profound personal growth, even when it means setting aside meticulously laid plans. This episode...
Unlocking Your True Purpose: Life Coach Mitch Harris
January 08, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 52.2 MBNothing will give you more energy or joy than knowing your specific purpose for why you are here. In this episode Talmage talks with a life coach, Mitch Harris. Together, we discuss the transformative power of understanding our past, the insights garnered from loved ones' perspectives, and Mitch's journey from spiritual seeker to guiding light for others in pursuit of their life's mission. We question wrong beliefs about worthiness and explore the idea that our true selves, eternally divine...
Abandoned And Found Again: Danny Garcia's
January 01, 2024 07:00 - 53 minutes - 37 MBImagine remolding your life's path from law enforcement to the lens of a videographer, all while traversing the valleys of personal challenges and rediscovering faith. That's precisely the story Danny Garcia shares in our first guest of the new season. His candid reflections on divorce, the taxing demands of his police work, and the subsequent introspection that led him toward betterment are as stirring as they are enlightening. His commitment to overcoming depression through rigorous phy...
Released Season 3: Mary, The Newest Member of the Team
January 01, 2024 07:00 - 2 minutes - 2.01 MBAfter 7 months, Talmage is back to continue Released and he's got a new addition to the team. Mary has joined to help Released stay on track and reach soaring new heights. For 2024, their goal is to post one episode every week, so they need your help to keep the content rolling in! Reach out if you would like to be a guest or know someone that has a story that needs to be heard. [email protected] Support the show Remember, God is good and is planning on your success. And though ...
Stewart Fletcher: 3rd Times the Charm, Returning To The Mission Field Thrice
May 23, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 56.5 MBStewart Fletcher is the fifth of ten kids. He promised his younger brothers that he would serve a mission but found it more complicated than the typical missionary. So after delaying submitting his papers, Stewart finally went out, only to realize he wasn't ready. Stewart came back home, rinsed, and repeated. After going out to the mission field for the third time, he was confronted with Covid, as every missionary was, but he had experience that no other missionary had. Stewart had fought so...
MAY UPDATE, Leisure W. H Davies
May 18, 2023 14:00 - 7 minutes - 5.14 MBTalmage updates the Released audience on work situation and what the future of Released has in-store. Talmage will be putting a greater effort on work life balance which will help in the in consistency and frequency of episodes. He also hints at a website, blog and other resources for returned missionaries. To end this episode he shares the poem "Leisure" by W. H Davies. If you are interested in helping the podcast reach out to [email protected] Follow Talmage on all social pl...
Jameson Blosil: Diagnosed With Cancer the Day After His Wedding
May 09, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 53.2 MBJameson Blosil is an Orem native who found himself getting as far away from Utah and religion as possible. However, through some miraculous experiences, he chose to serve a mission. After coming home a transfer early due to visa problems, he met his wife, who was visiting from New York. They fell in love and got married. Basically, an RM's dream. But this is when everything fell apart. The day after his wedding, he was diagnosed with cancer. Listen to this masterful storyteller talks about h...
Anna Willden: Slow Down and Address Your Needs
May 03, 2023 12:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MBWhen Anna Willden came home to a shutdown, she was forced to slow down. This was a change from the ever-going rhythm of the mission, and it turned out to be a breath of fresh air. While on the mission, she suffered from depression, comparison, and self-sabotage. When she returned home, she invested time and effort into a life coach that helped her rewire her brain. She shares many insights that will resonate with returned missionaries and make them ask whether they can change how THEY think....
Dallin Fuller: Including the Outsider and Serving Outside the Mission
April 25, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 52.9 MBDallin Fuller was sent home due to covid when he had the impression he needed to stay home. Confused but faithful, he has found ways to serve and minister outside the usual 2-year mission. One of these opportunities was being a counselor at FSY this last year. Please reach out if you want to share your story, whether by having it read out loud on the podcast or coming on as a guest. You can reach me at [email protected]. Please leave a review, rate, subscribe and share because ...
Hope Is The Thing With Feathers - Technical Difficulties
April 18, 2023 15:00 - 1 minute - 1.11 MBThis is a quick bonus episode because I wasn't able to finish the episode for today due to technical difficulties. My computer stopped working so I will try to fix that and have this weeks episode to you guys by Thursday. I recite Emily Dickinsons poem, Hope is the thing with feathers. Support the show Remember, God is good and is planning on your success. And though you've been released from your mission, you haven't been released from your ministry.
Anna Tibbitts and Alysha Turner: Popping Perfectionism for Returned Missionaries.
April 11, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBAnna and Alysha are the hosts of the podcast Popping Perfectionism. As you can guess from the name, it is all about counteracting the stunting vice of perfectionism. They came on Released to share insights and experiences that many returned missionaries can relate with. They don't only share how perfectionism affected their experience coming home from a mission, dating, going to college, and starting their careers, but also how they became aware of it and have found success in countering its...
#1 Solo Story: I Did NOT Love My Mission (ANONYMOUS)
April 04, 2023 14:00 - 8 minutes - 5.81 MBThis episode is the first where Talmage reads a listener-submitted story. The Sister in this account wished to remain anonymous. She found it hard to love her mission both during her service and after feeling confused and lost. Everyone around her seemed to love and enjoy their missions, while she didn't. Despite loving the country, the people, and her companions, she often found herself on the verge of tears. She finally told her honest feelings about the mission to her mother. Her mom sai...
Roxanne Thayne: Jewels In Your Pocket, How To Craft Your Story
March 28, 2023 18:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBRoxanne is an expert on storytelling and marketing. Roxanne has written books on the topic and has done pieces of training for missions around the world. She shares the importance of recording your history and then crafting it into something people actually want to read or listen to. David McCullough once said, "History was never hurt by making it something people enjoy reading." Roxanne has done that and teaches other to do it with their own stories. At the end of this episode, you should ...
Tessa Savage: The Best Is Yet To Come
March 21, 2023 12:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MBTalmage interviews Tessa Savage in this episode. Tessa has a unique story because while she was raised in Utah for most of her adolescent years, she moved with her family to Saudi Arabia for her Junior and Senior years of Highschool. After Highschool she did a year of college before getting called to the Mongolia Ulaanbaatar mission. Being a Covid missionary, she got reassigned to the Missouri independence mission. After returning home, she had the opportunity to be an MTC and seminary teach...
Austin Anderson: Choose To Grow With the Live Hard Program
March 14, 2023 06:00 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MBAustin Anderson was benched most of his Highschool basketball career. Today, he is a returned missionary, 3rd year medical student, and is finishing up 75 hard despite just having a hernia surgery. This will be his 2nd time completing the program. He has gone on to do the Live Hard Program before and it wouldn't surprise me if he does it again. We discuss responsibility for your life. You are where you are because of the choices you make. And if you want somewhere different, then act differ...
Tianna Evertsen: Waking Up From a Coma With a Vision For Her Life
March 07, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 48.9 MBTianna Evertsen is a serial entrepreneur with a dramatic beginning in her life. Tianna was in a coma as a child. When given a priesthood blessing, she was given a choice to return either to her heavenly home or her earthly one. That decision has guided all her intentions for the rest of her life. Tianna has a vision of what her life could be, and her determination to realize that will make you want to make a vision board for your own. Click here if you are interested in sharing your story....
Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night
February 28, 2023 07:00 - 4 minutes - 3.09 MBThis solo episode was recorded by Talmage in Madrid Spain 2 hours before it was going to be launched. Talmage talks about the consistency of work. He shares the poem "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night." by Dylan Thomas Support the show Remember, God is good and is planning on your success. And though you've been released from your mission, you haven't been released from your ministry.
Rian Elaine: Grieving the Loss of A Child
February 21, 2023 09:00 - 58 minutes - 39.9 MBRian Elaine talks about grieving the loss of a baby girl she raised for 15 months. After experiencing motherhood Rian's foster child, Emery, went to live with her grandparents. After a long time of anger she found God's grace. If you want to share your story please reach out. https://amap.to/talmagethayne?go=HxAGNyFpGWwKWRsbWxUNJwEZVEcFBjkZISI4HiEWKh0vZgMRNjlBEwswBgYOOS08PWoQQg8fKD0CcQptPyFTJw8PSjM2CloPJAAdXgQTU30EFAAHNFknYAwMZQU7XDlUJTtfaAIDQX80BTpdUSID Talmage's Socials IG @talmagethayn...
Bob Kittell: Healing and Peace Through Authentic Connection
February 14, 2023 09:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBBob Kittell is an accomplished and very sought after motivational speaker. Having toured with some big names like Zig Ziglar, Colin Powell, Margaret Thatcher, Brian Tracey, Barbara Bush, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana, Laura Bush and Lou Holtz you can say he has been heard by thousands, maybe millions of people. Bob shares his story about trauma and how he healed from it decades later through connection to God, self and others. His entheusiasm and insights will motivate you to want to do the ...
Tautai Fano: Eldertiktok Using Social Media To Spread the Gospel and Be A Missionary Everyday
February 07, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MBTalmage interview Tautai Fano. AKA: Eldertiktok. He shares his experience about sharing the gospel through social media. They talk about love, rules, and being yourself while growing into something better. Finally, they talk about NBA Youngboy and the possibility of his conversion. There are so many great lessons that can be learned from Taitau and his take on sharing the gospel and how it has changed his life, regardless of social media. Taitau Tiktok: @eldertiktok IG: @tautai.fano Ta...
The Race: Faith Crisis, Enduring To the End, and Working As A Team. (SHORT)
January 30, 2023 08:00 - 9 minutes - 6.72 MBIn this short 10 minute episode Talmage shares about his thoughts when his friends leave the faith. Dr. D Grobergs "the Race" helps illistrate how to lovingly encourage someone to be all they can. We should be able to encourage without judging and love without condoning. You can find a place to submit your story for Released and Talmage's Socials here https://amap.to/talmagethayne/ Support the show Remember, God is good and is planning on your success. And though you've been released from...
Emily Roberts: Depression Made Her Leave, But Faith Took Her Back
January 23, 2023 17:00 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MBEmily is an Illinois native that was raised to go on a mission. However, it wasn't what she was planning, and she had to return due to depression. While at home, she found healing that eventually led her to ask God if he wanted her back out on the mission. Her story of faith and mental illness is applicable and shows that we can be great even when we feel broken. God can use us to bless people's lives even when we feel inadequate. There is a new google form where you can submit your Releas...
Vicente Pötzsch: Chile to Utah, Finding Community, Sexual Sin, and Never Giving Up
January 16, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 63.6 MBTalmage interviews Vicente Pötzsch (Vince) about his experience migrating to Utah after his mission to Brazil. Bad examples, sin and barriers were present, but his attitude is to see it through. When you understand your life and what it means you will be able to face so many of these challenges knowing they aren't eternal, but how you conduct yourself can be. If you are interested in sharing your story on the podcast reach out to [email protected] Support the show Remember, God...
Sit Down with Sky and Preston: Trauma, Same Sex Attraction, Healing and Purpose
January 09, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 77 MBTalmage Recorded this episode in 2021. He interviews Skyler Sorensen and Preston Jenkins, who both hose the podcast Sit Down With Sky and Preston. They talk about their upbringing as gay Latter-day Saints and their desire to serve a mission. Things didn't turn the way they had planned, though. Abuse, trauma, and shame accompanied their experiences. However, they share the miracles they saw, the healing, and the blessings from living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Reach out if you have a story...
Bridger Coburn: the Destruction and Rebirth of Faith
January 02, 2023 10:00 - 53 minutes - 36.6 MBTalmage interviews @Bridgethoughts (Bridger Coburn), regarding his faith crisis. Bridger began studying Anti-Mormon literature after he had gotten married. When he felt his faith shelf break, he had to decide. His inspiring story will make you consider your relationship with personal revelation and research. Bridger is known on Tiktok and Instagram for his defense of the faith and extensive knowledge of controversial subjects surrounding our religion. In addition, he is a great teacher and...
Yonela Mafundityala: A Convert In South Africa and His Counter Culture Standard
December 24, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 67.5 MBYonela is a charismatic 23-year-old South African from East London. He shares his journey of finding the church, leaving on a mission to Zimbabwe, being reassigned and locked down in Johannesburg, and facing the challenges being released. From broken engagement to feeling different from everyone around him he has a story that will motivate you to love your neighbor. If you are interested in submitting your story. Reach out to me at [email protected] Support the show Remember, G...
Ashley Jordan: Anxiously Disengaged And Learning To Accept Help
December 19, 2022 21:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBAshley Jordan is a returned missionary that came home and quickly found herself anxious to start life. Covid spread after a couple months of being home and only added to her mental illness. She shares her experience of getting help and learning to cope with anxiety provoking situations and doing it confidently. You might notice her symptoms sound familiar. After listening to this episode you'll be assured that anxiety is real but can be managed and minimized. If you are interested in shari...
Dr. Tim Thayne: Sustaining the Change After the Mission Is Not By Chance.
December 13, 2022 00:00 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MBIn this first episode, Talmage interviews Dr. Tim Thayne, his father. Dr. Thayne is a marriage and family therapist specializing in after-treatment transition to real life. He's worked in a situation similar to a returned missionary's experience his entire career. He's even written a book for parents to help their kids transition home while maintaining the change (Not By Chance). Dr. Thayne and Talmage will be teaming up to write a book for returned missionaries. Email releasedthepodcast@...
Season 2 Trailer
December 12, 2022 18:00 - 11 minutes - 8.14 MBThe second season of Released is finally here after 2 1/2 years. Talmage introduces Released as the only podcast for returned missionaries facing the challenges of post-mission life. From dating to depression, from money and making your way in the world, Released covers the topics that help you find success in life as you continue ministering. Released is to help you understand God's specific plan for you and have confidence in it. Please reach out to me if you have a story that would bene...
Talon Savage: On Knowing the Best Is Yet To Come and Knowing God NEEDS You!
June 08, 2020 16:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBTalmage Thayne interviews Talon Savage about his released story. Talon shared about how his mission changed him in some huge ways. He had a desire when he got home to keep what he had on the mission. He shares about how he was able to keep the purpose and the spirit by knowing god needs him and having a hope that the future is even greater than the best two years behind him. WARNING: you will want to do your ministering after listening to this episode. Support the show Remember, God is goo...
Research On Social Support, Purpose, and Choosing Your Path
June 02, 2020 02:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBTalmage Thayne shares some research that he has done while looking for ways to help missionaries coming home. Significant elements that help transition include having social support, direction or purpose, and general understanding from the community around them. He shares what different social studies have shown and how we can best help the return missionaries we personally know. Support the show Remember, God is good and is planning on your success. And though you've been released from your...
Tia Wilson: On Being Told She Can't Serve a Mission and Suffering from Scrupulosity
May 25, 2020 14:00 - 1 hour - 41.6 MBTia Wilson is interviewed by Talmage Thayne about her experience never being able to go on a mission. She shares about her health problems and how they kept her from serving. She also discusses a type of OCD called scrupulosity, which can be prevalent among return missionaries. Support the show Remember, God is good and is planning on your success. And though you've been released from your mission, you haven't been released from your ministry.
Ali Gull: Being On Both Sides of a Broken Engagement
May 18, 2020 14:00 - 1 hour - 43.5 MBTalmage Thayne interviews Ali Gull. She tells her story about dating after the mission and getting engaged twice. The first time she was engaged she broke it off but the second time around her fiance ended it. She shares how she knows it was right to date them at the time, but ultimately it wasn't supposed to lead to marriage. Support the show Remember, God is good and is planning on your success. And though you've been released from your mission, you haven't been released from your ministr...
Gage Parker Part 2: Returning to the Mission and The Struggle of Pornography
May 11, 2020 13:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MBGage Parker in this second half of the interview tells his story of getting back on the mission and the difference there was from the first time he left and the second time. He also shares about coming home and slipping back into some bad habits such as Pornography and how he has found healing. His story inspires people to be transparent and find strength in the people around you. Support the show Remember, God is good and is planning on your success. And though you've been released from yo...
Gage Parker Part 1: On His Dishonorable Release and Goal to Re-Enter His Mission
May 04, 2020 14:00 - 1 hour - 42.1 MBTalmage Thayne interviews Gage Parker about having to come home early from his mission because of previous transgressions. He has an incredible journey that will teach people about trusting God's plan and taking responsibility for yourself at the same time. This episode only covers the first half of his story, so be sure to hear the rest of it next week. Support the show Remember, God is good and is planning on your success. And though you've been released from your mission, you haven't bee...
Aiden Harrington: On Coming Home Early Because of COVID-19
April 27, 2020 14:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MBTalmage Thayne Interviews Aiden Harrington about coming home early due to the Corona virus. Aiden shares an amazing story about working to get out on the mission then having it taken away after 1 year. He shares a rap he wrote at the end. Go find him on sound cloud https://soundcloud.com/elder-adds Support the show Remember, God is good and is planning on your success. And though you've been released from your mission, you haven't been released from your ministry.
Bailee Merrill: On Depression and Holding On To Him
April 20, 2020 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBTalmage Get's to Interview Bailee Merrill about her story coming back from the Louisianna Baton Rouge Mission to her parents' divorce, depression and anxiety. At first, there was resistance to see the doctors about her depression, but it ultimately was an answer to prayer. She also shares about her journey in holding onto God and knowing it will all be ok in the end. Support the show Remember, God is good and is planning on your success. And though you've been released from your mission, you...
George and Christine Donaldson: Returning After Serving as Mission President and Mission Mom
April 13, 2020 12:00 - 46 minutes - 31.7 MBTalmage Interviews his mission president (George Donaldson) and mission mom (Christine Donaldson). George shares about his first mission and some of the lessons he learned and how he came home to marry his highschool sweetheart. They then share about their experiences coming home after serving for 3 years leading the Scotland and Ireland missionaries. Their stories, insights, love for the gospel and each other will make you want to interview your own mission president and mission mom. Suppor...
Terry Bailey: On Creating Adaptive Structure and Loving The People You've Served
April 06, 2020 14:00 - 48 minutes - 33 MBTalmage Thayne interviews Terry Bailey about his experience coming home and creating a structured life. Terry tells his story about how he met his wife, became a real estate agent and leaves all return missionaries with a call to action to reach out to someone they love from their mission. After hearing his story you will want to create intentional structure in your life to reach your goals even during this COVID-19. Support the show Remember, God is good and is planning on your success. An...
Chantal Simmons: Recovering from a Broken Engagement and Post Mission Advice
March 30, 2020 16:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBTalmage Thayne Interviews Chantal Simmons about her story coming home from a mission and getting engaged only to have the fairytale end before it started. She talks about her healing process as well as other really good advice for people in relationships. Support the show Remember, God is good and is planning on your success. And though you've been released from your mission, you haven't been released from your ministry.
Put the Name Tag Back On - Talmage's Story
March 13, 2020 02:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MBTalmage tells his own story of life after completing his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and how God led him to start the Released Project. With true vulnerability, he shares his slide into a loss of purpose and becoming involved in the very things he warned people of while serving a mission. His road eventually brought him back to Christ and to the surety and strength of a life built on the rock of our Redeemer. Support the show Remember, God is good and is pla...