In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris steps away from childhood reflections to give an honest, "here and now" look into his current daily life, personal struggles, and the unique frameworks he uses to manage them.

Dave opens up about his busy dual callings within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—serving as a Stake Technology Specialist and as a Service Missionary alongside his wife at the St. George Tabernacle. Drawing from his 35-year background in audio and video production, he explains the logistics of setting up live events from scratch and how a lifetime on the road taught him the critical value of a good checklist.

The conversation goes much deeper than microphones and cables, however. Dave dives into how his neurodiversity—navigating both autism and ADHD—shapes his daily habits and spiritual journey. While religious counsel often warns against treating faith like a mindless checklist, Dave explains why rigid structure is exactly what his brain requires to fight procrastination and actively "do" the things that bring him closer to God. From his robotic morning routines to breaking scripture study down to just one single verse to get started, this episode offers a refreshing look at adapting spiritual habits to the way your brain is wired.

Inside this episode:

• Behind the Scenes at the Tabernacle: What it takes to run audio production for community performances and large stake conferences.

• The Neurodiverse Balancing Act: How Dave manages the structure-loving needs of autism alongside the novelty-seeking tendencies of ADHD.

• The Power of the "Bare Minimum" Checklist: Why micro-goals are a highly effective workaround for chronic procrastination.

• "Bring Everything for Anything": Taking a golden rule from an old production boss and applying it directly to mental health and spiritual preparation.

• Email: Reach out directly at dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com.

• Social Media: Find the community on Facebook and Instagram by searching Navigating a Broken Vessel.

Task completed. Enjoy the episode!

In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris sits down with Eric Dyches to discuss a topic that is too often shrouded in silence: postpartum depression, anxiety, and maternal mental health.

Eric opens up about his late wife, Emily, who developed severe postpartum anxiety and depression following the traumatic birth of their fifth child. He candidly shares the confusion of navigating her diagnosis, the heartbreaking loss of Emily, and his subsequent journey through grief, faith, and rebuilding a life. Now remarried to his wife, Leslie—who also lost a spouse to mental illness—Eric talks about the beautiful, complex reality of blending a family of eight children and finding joy after trauma.

This episode is a powerful testament to resilience, the critical importance of maternal mental health resources, and the reality that there is always hope, even in the darkest valleys.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

• The Reality of Postpartum Anxiety & OCD: Understanding that maternal mental health struggles can look like hyper-vigilance, panic, and worry, rather than just sadness.

• Grief as a Lifelong Journey: Eric shares how he handles the ongoing process of healing without trying to "move on" from Emily’s memory.

• The "Tossed Salad" of Blended Families: Navigating the shifting identities and challenges of blending five children and three children into one household.

• Post-Traumatic Growth & Empathy: How experiencing profound loss completely shifts how we view human suffering and extend compassion to others.

• Advocacy & Action: Turning pain into purpose through foundations and clinics dedicated to women's maternal and hormonal health.

Resources & Support Mentioned This Episode:

If you or a loved one are struggling with postpartum mood disorders, please know you are not alone. Reach out to the professional resources discussed by Eric:

• The Emily Effect: A foundation dedicated to raising awareness, erasing the stigma of maternal mental health dysphoria, and letting mothers know they are not alone.

• Serenity – A Healing Center for Moms: Offering intensive outpatient and general therapy support tailored specifically for mothers in Utah (Draper & Provo locations).Website: serenityrw.com

  Auri Medical: A clinic co-founded by Eric and his sister (a nurse practitioner) focusing heavily on women’s health, hormone replacement therapy, and perimenopause/menopause care.Website: ⁠aurimedicalutah.com

  
  

• Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.com

• Email Dave: Dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com

• Social Media: Find us on Facebook and Instagram at NavigatingaBrokenVessel

Disclaimer: The host and guest of this podcast are not medical professionals. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or severe postpartum symptoms, please consult a licensed medical professional or contact the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.

In this poignant episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris sits down with longtime friend Melissa Barney to explore the often-overlooked perspective of the person behind the struggle.

Melissa shares her deeply personal journey as the spouse of Derek Barney, whose transformation from opioid addiction to becoming a professional therapist was featured in a previous episode. Melissa opens up about the isolation, fear, and sheer exhaustion of holding a family together while a loved one faces their darkest trials.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The loneliness of being a caregiver and the feeling of being forgotten by the community during a crisis.

• Why self-care is vital—yet seemingly impossible—when you are juggling the safety of your children and the survival of your spouse.

• How a timely blessing from a Church leader and a commitment to constant prayer provided the strength to endure.

• The healing that comes from the Church’s Addiction Recovery Program and realizing you are never as alone as you feel.

• Choosing a proactive path of discipleship and compassion rather than succumbing to anger or blame.

Melissa’s story is a testament to the refining power of trials and the incredible empathy that grows from surviving the fire. Whether you are currently in the middle of a trial or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers a grounded, honest look at finding hope on the other side.

Connect with us:

• Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.com

• Social Media: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @NavigatingABrokenVessel

• Email: Reach out to Dave at dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com

Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris takes listeners on a deep dive into his personal ADHD world and what he calls "The Lazy Perfectionist."

Dave shares a story from his 6th grade days when he tried to woo a girl named "Sally" by telling her to "Shut up!" This funny and relatable anecdote sets the stage for a discussion on how perfectionism and a fear of failure can often lead to a mental paralysis that keeps us from taking the first step.

Throughout the episode, Dave explores:

• The Planning Trap: How over-planning can feel like progress while actually preventing action.

• Mental Paralysis: The feeling of being physically unable to start a task, even when you know it's important.

• Breaking the Cycle: Dave's practical strategy of focusing on just the very first step, like sitting in a chair or opening a computer.

• The Power of Medication: How understanding ADHD and using appropriate tools can help manage symptoms like rumination and procrastination.

Whether you struggle with ADHD yourself or just find yourself stuck in a cycle of planning without doing, this episode offers a humorous and insightful look at how to overcome the hurdles of your own mind.

Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

For Kristi—known to some of her friends as "Cute as a Button"—a sudden, massive seizure was the beginning of a life-altering medical odyssey.

In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, Dave Harris sits down with his long-time friend, Kristi, to discuss the terrifying discovery of a golf ball-sized brain tumor that had likely been growing since birth. Kristi opens up about the missing months of her life, the grueling process of learning to walk and catch a ball again, and the heavy mental toll of being "stuck in her head" while recovering at home.

It’s a story of survival, but more importantly, it’s a story of community. From envelopes of cash to a town-wide benefit dinner, Kristi shares how a "broken vessel" moment revealed the incredible strength of the people around her—and the new perspective she’s found while watching the sunrise over the Idaho mountains.

Join the conversation at www.navigatingabrokenvessel.com

Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

"I was the kid who got bullied, and I was the kid who did the bullying."

In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, Dave Harris opens up about the messy, complicated reality of middle school social dynamics. From the "Indian burns" at the kindergarten crosswalk to the lonely shifts as a junior high "hall monitor," Dave explores the isolation of being the "nerdy" kid and the misguided attempts to find "coolness" by literally tearing down chain-link fences and acting out.

But this isn't just a story of being a victim. With refreshing candor, Dave reflects on the guilt he still carries 40 years later for the times he was the one causing pain to others.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Kindergarten "Wrong Bus" Incident: A lesson in being book-smart vs. street-smart.

• The Dual Perspective: What it feels like to be on both sides of the bullying cycle.

• The Power of One Friend: How meeting Rowdy changed the trajectory of Dave's life.

• Scriptural Strength: Finding perspective in Doctrine & Covenants 122 and the trials of Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail.

• The Path to Peace: Why returning kindness is the ultimate way to navigate a broken vessel.

Whether you are currently feeling the weight of being mistreated or looking back on your own past mistakes, this episode offers a message of hope: It gets better, and there is always a "Rowdy" out there for you.

Connect with us:

• Email: dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com

• Socials: @navigatingabrokenvessel on Facebook and Instagram

• Subscribe: Don't miss an episode—hit the follow button on Spotify!

In this deeply personal and moving episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris sits down with his sister-in-law, Ashley Harris, to explore a journey of sudden joy followed by unimaginable trial.

Ashley shares the whirlwind story of meeting and marrying Dave’s brother, Ken—a man known for his quick wit and infectious humor. Their "blended" life was a beautiful chaos of nine children and a 16-passenger van with a very unique license plate. However, their happiness was soon met with a series of grueling health crises. While Ashley battled a life-threatening pregnancy, Ken was fighting a silent, worsening battle with ulcerative colitis.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Rabbits" Van: The humor and lightheartedness that defined Ken and Ashley’s relationship, even in the middle of a hectic household.

• A Season of Suffering: The physical and emotional toll of simultaneous medical emergencies, leading up to the birth of their son, "Giblets," on Thanksgiving.

• The Chinese Farmer Parable: A profound story Ken shared from his hospital bed that reframes how we view "good" and "bad" events in our lives.

• The Power of Proactive Service: Ashley reflects on the friends and neighbors who didn't just ask "what can I do?" but stepped in to carry her through the darkest days of grief.

• Refinement Through Fire: How Ashley’s experience with loss has shaped her new path toward becoming a marriage and family therapist.

Join us for a conversation about the exquisite pain of loss and the exquisite joy that eventually follows. This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength found in the communities that surround us when our vessels feel most broken.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• ⁠The Parable of the Chinese Farmer⁠

• ⁠The Parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant⁠

Connect with us:

• Website: ⁠navigatingabrokenvessel.com⁠

• Facebook/Instagram: @NavigatingABrokenVessel

• Email: dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com

Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

In this deeply personal episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, Dave opens up about a staggering seven-year stretch that has fundamentally altered his family’s landscape. From the sudden loss of his father in a freak accident to the passing of two brothers and the life-altering injuries of another, Dave reflects on a series of tragedies that would leave anyone asking, "Who’s next?"

But this isn't just a story of loss—it’s a roadmap for survival. Dave shares the specific mental health tools and spiritual foundations that keep him from slipping into the pit of clinical depression and anxiety.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Story of the Ladder: A tribute to Dave’s father and the unexpected nature of grief.

• Family Dynamics: Remembering Ken’s humor and Brian’s legacy.

• The "Who’s Next?" Syndrome: How to handle the hyper-vigilance and fear that come after multiple family tragedies.

• The Crumpled Paper Technique: A practical visualization tool Dave uses to stop intrusive, negative thoughts in their tracks.

• The Triumph of Showing Up: Why recording this very episode is a victory over ADHD and depression.

Whether you are walking through your own "broken vessel" moment or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a candid look at how faith, thought control, and celebrating small wins can help you navigate the heaviest of trials.

Connect with us:

• Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.com

• Facebook/Instagram: @navigatingabrokenvessel

• Email: Dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris sits down with Derek Barney, a Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor and owner of A Way Back Counseling.

Derek opens up about his powerful personal journey, from battling a severe pain pill addiction and a life-altering arrest to finding healing through the support of others. Now a professional counselor, he shares his "three pillars" approach to wellness—physical, mental, and spiritual—and offers compassionate advice for those struggling with depression, ADHD, and the stigma of seeking help.

• The Turning Point: Derek discusses how an injury led to addiction and how a supportive therapist helped him reclaim his life.

• The Three Pillars: Why nourishing your physical, mental, and spiritual health is essential for alignment.

• Overcoming Depression: Practical first steps for those finding it hard to get out of bed, including the power of routine and "baby steps".

• Learn About Bowie: How Derek’s therapy dog-in-training provides emotional support and comfort to clients.

• A Way Back Counseling: Learn about Derek’s clinic in Washington, Utah, and their mission to provide affordable, expert therapy.

Whether you are navigating your own "broken vessel" or supporting a loved one, this episode serves as a reminder that small successes are worth celebrating and that nobody has to walk the path to recovery alone.

Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

Have you ever felt the crushing weight of unmet expectations? In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris dives deep into a phrase that has echoed throughout his life since seventh grade: "Capable of doing better".

Dave shares a vulnerable and honest look at his journey from being a "study hall" regular in elementary school to struggling with a 1.87 GPA in high school. He reflects on the psychological toll of perfectionism and how setting the bar at "perfect" can lead to a cycle of perpetual disappointment.

• The Mid-Term Trauma: How four simple words from a teacher in 1990 became a lifelong internal critic.

• The "Study Hall" Cycle: Memories of Mr. Oldoerp and the fear of falling short in the fourth grade.

• The Perfectionist’s Trap: A look at Dave’s career in live television and the stress of "post-mortem" meetings where anything less than flawless was a failure.

• Finding the "Game": How Dave learned to navigate higher education—earning multiple degrees by turning the challenge into a competition with himself rather than a quest for perfection.

• Be Ye Therefore Perfect... Eventually: A reflection on Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s 2017 talk and learning to embrace the "eventually" in personal growth.

Dave offers practical, grounded advice for anyone struggling to get out of bed or feeling "stuck" in their career or mental health journey. Learn why celebrating minuscule successes and "turning off the brain" to let the body take over can be the first step toward becoming unstuck.

"If we set the bar at perfection, we will always be disappointed because every single one of us is capable of doing better." — Dave Harris

Listen now to reframe your failures and find peace in the pursuit of "better."

Link to talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland:

Be Ye Therefore Perfect -- Eventually

Connect with the Show:

• Our web site: https://www.navigatingabrokenvessel.com

Listen to Navigating a Broken Vessel

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingABrokenVessel
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-a-broken-vessel/id1871965350
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AhjZOhsDA97bJkUjLUuI9
• Amazon/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8044ee2c-27fd-49af-b3e4-deac81905161/navigating-a-broken-vessel
• iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-navigating-a-broken-vessel-319371772/

Social:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/navigatingabrokenvessel
• Instagram: @navigatingabrokenvessel

Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris is joined by a very special guest: his wife, Shelly. Together, they pull back the curtain on their 26-year journey, starting with the (highly debated) story of how they first met at an Institute of Religion "Dating and Courtship" class.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of maintaining a marriage while managing mental health challenges. Shelly shares her perspective on the first decade of their marriage—before Dave’s ADHD diagnosis—and how his cycle of "losing interest" in projects and careers created a pattern of frequent moves and professional shifts.

In this episode, Dave and Shelly discuss:

• The Power of Love Languages: How Shelly learned to support Dave through depressive episodes using physical touch and acts of service.

• The "Broken Vessel" Mindset: Dave’s honest reflection on feeling "broken" by his ADHD diagnosis and how he reframed it as a growth process.

• The Academic Grind: The grueling story of Dave’s 300-mile commute to finish his PhD in just four years.

• Spiritual Strength: Finding meaning in the scripture Ether 12:27 and the idea of turning weaknesses into strengths.

Join us for a candid, witty, and heartwarming look at how two people can navigate the choppy waters of life and mental health to build a stronger vessel together.

Our web site: https://www.navigatingabrokenvessel.com

Listen to Navigating a Broken Vessel:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingABrokenVessel

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-a-broken-vessel/id1871965350

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AhjZOhsDA97bJkUjLUuI9

Amazon/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8044ee2c-27fd-49af-b3e4-deac81905161/navigating-a-broken-vessel

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-navigating-a-broken-vessel-319371772/

Social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/navigatingabrokenvessel

Instagram: @navigatingabrokenvessel

Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

Links to references in the episode:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/Ether 12:27 (Book of Mormon scripture): https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/ether/12?lang=eng&id=p27#p27 Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk titled "Like a Broken Vessel": https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/10/like-a-broken-vessel?lang=eng

Welcome to the maiden voyage of Navigating a Broken Vessel. In this introductory episode, host Dave Harris opens up about his lifelong journey with mental health, including his experiences with Major Depressive Disorder, ADHD, and anxiety.Dave explores the complex intersection of faith and mental wellness, specifically within the context of being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He shares a pivotal story from his mission in New Zealand, where he first realized that "healing" might not mean the total removal of a struggle, but rather learning how to sail through the storm.

What to Expect from This SeriesNavigating a Broken Vessel isn't about finding a "cure" or waiting for clear skies. It is a candid, authentic look at:

• Real stories of struggle and success.
• Interviews with others to provide insights.
• Practical ways to "progress toward the port of your choice" even when your vessel feels like it's taking on water.

Join the conversation! If you've ever felt like you're sailing a "broken vessel," you aren't alone. Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes.

Listen to Navigating a Broken Vessel:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingABrokenVessel

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-a-broken-vessel/id1871965350

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1IU4OA2Cu0vPcJNUUYIxAt?si=jstc--6LSDyviJsW9OFxpw

Amazon/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8044ee2c-27fd-49af-b3e4-deac81905161/navigating-a-broken-vessel

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-navigating-a-broken-vessel-319371772/

Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

Dave sits down with his lifelong friend of 35 years, Rowdy Reeve, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC). Rowdy shares his fascinating career pivot from law enforcement and owning an indoor shooting range to dedicating his life to community mental health and suicide prevention.

Together, they dive into the complex realities of mental health, unpacking what it really means to find a way out when life feels entirely overwhelming.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

• The Power of Pivoting: Rowdy opens up about how a tragic suicide at his indoor shooting range, Rowdy’s Range, served as a profound turning point that ultimately led him into clinical therapy.

• Conquering Imposter Syndrome: Even professionals feel like phonies sometimes. Rowdy discusses his own battles with imposter syndrome and explains how the DBT skill "Check the Facts" can ground you when you feel like you don't fit the mold.

• De-stigmatizing Suicide Prevention: Dave and Rowdy bust common myths surrounding suicide—including the false belief that talking openly about it plants the idea in someone's head. Rowdy explains that suicidal ideation is rarely about wanting to end life, but rather a desperate desire to end unbearable pain.

• Crucial Advice for Parents: How to establish a non-judgmental, open-door policy with your children so they never feel "stuck" or isolated in their struggles.

• Healing with Equine Therapy: A fascinating look into Rowdy's current work using horses to help clients process deep-seated emotional challenges, alongside an exciting preview of his private practice, Reevive Counseling.

Important Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges or thoughts of suicide, please know that you are not stuck and you are not alone. Reach out to a professional, talk to someone you trust, or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately at 988.

Help is always available.

In this highly requested episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris is joined by his absolute favorite guest—his wife, co-adventurer, and the show's producer, Shelly Harris!

Instead of our usual deep-dive interviews, Dave and Shelly are pulling back the curtain to answer listener-submitted questions. Together, they open up about the raw, day-to-day realities of managing mental health, neurodivergence, and relationships.

Inside the Episode:

• The Secret to a Resilient Marriage: How they have navigated decades of stress, anxiety, and depression together while staying happily married (hint: it’s all about communication).

• Practicing Metacognition: Dave shares a powerful perspective shift from his therapist on how to look at yourself from the outside in to stop a negative downward spiral before it starts.

• Social Anxiety vs. Outgoing Personality: How Dave manages social anxiety (even around family) and why "faking it till you make it" is sometimes part of the journey.

• The ADHD Revelation: Shelly breaks down how discovering Dave's ADHD and utilizing tools like "body doubling" completely transformed how they support each other.

• What a "Bad Mental Health Day" Actually Looks Like: Dave shares a powerful metaphor of what depression feels like and how he relies on "treading water" routines to make it through.

• A Sneak Peek at What's Next: Shelly previews upcoming, deeply powerful episodes featuring Dave's best friend Rowdy, Eric Dyches, and Kim Dellis.

A note from Dave: "Life is not designed to be easy or perfect. By experiencing these trials, we become better people. Trust your past self, take it one day at a time, and remember—you are doing better than you think you are."

Connect with Us!

We want to hear from you! If you have a question or a topic you want us to unpack in Part 2, reach out:

• Email: Dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com

• Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.com (Listen to all past episodes here!)

• Socials: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @navigatingabrokenvessel

• Watch on YouTube: Prefer video? Subscribe and watch our full studio video podcast!

Disclaimer: We are not medical or mental health professionals. This podcast is based entirely on our personal perspectives and lived experiences and should not be taken as medical advice.

Dave welcomes back Kody, a nurse practitioner with over six years of experience, to dive deep into the world of ketamine infusions and their role in modern mental health.

This conversation explores ketamine’s transformative shift into the mental health space over the last ten years. Kody breaks down the science behind sub-anesthetic dosing, explaining how it targets NMDA receptors and glutamate to help the brain form new neural pathways and "reset" from conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Kids in the Car" Analogy: A unique look at the dissociative state and how it allows the mind and body to heal independently of one another.

• Treatment Methods: The differences between IV infusions, injections, and the FDA-approved nasal spray, Spravato.

• The Patient Experience: Dave shares his personal journey with treatments, describing the visual and spiritual clarity often found during the process.

• Preparation & Intention: Why coming in with an intention rather than an expectation is crucial for a successful session.

• Safety & Accessibility: Addressing the financial aspects, insurance hurdles, and the importance of professional medical supervision.

Whether you are a skeptic or someone looking for new hope in your mental health journey, this episode offers a grounded, expert perspective on one of the most promising tools in clinical psychology today.

Our web site: https://www.navigatingabrokenvessel.com

Listen to Navigating a Broken Vessel:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingABrokenVessel

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-a-broken-vessel/id1871965350

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AhjZOhsDA97bJkUjLUuI9

Amazon/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8044ee2c-27fd-49af-b3e4-deac81905161/navigating-a-broken-vessel

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-navigating-a-broken-vessel-319371772/

Social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/navigatingabrokenvessel

Instagram: @navigatingabrokenvessel

Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or therapist before beginning any new treatment.

Dave Harris sits down with Lennon Jones, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety, to tackle one of the most confusing intersections of mental health and religion: Scrupulosity.

Have you ever found yourself paralyzed, wondering if a thought was a prompting from the Spirit or just an intrusive, obsessive doubt? This conversation dives deep into how Religious OCD manifests as an extreme intolerance of uncertainty, often turning faith into a cycle of fear rather than a source of peace.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why OCD is less about perfectionism and more about a relentless cycle of intrusive thoughts and temporary relief through compulsions.

• Scrupulosity: How members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints might struggle with black-and-white thinking regarding commandments and repentance.

• Spirit vs. OCD: Learning to distinguish between the calm, encouraging nature of the Spirit and the negative, relentless, obsessive thoughts that come from some other source.

• The Reassurance Trap: Why telling someone to "just stop worrying" doesn't work and why seeking constant reassurance can actually feed the OCD cycle.

• Tools for Recovery: An introduction to Exposure Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as paths to reclaiming your mental and spiritual well-being.

Living with OCD can feel like trying to have a meaningful conversation while a smoke alarm is blaring in the background. Join us as we discuss how to turn down the noise and find genuine peace.

Connect with Navigating a Broken Vessel:

• Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.com

• Socials: @navigatingabrokenvessel

• Email: Dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com

Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional healthcare or therapy.

Host Dave Harris shares a major personal breakthrough that has been a week in the making. What started as a return to therapy to tackle a food addiction turned into a life-altering revelation about how his brain actually works.

Dave leans into his expertise in Artificial Intelligence to navigate this new territory, using AI to bridge the gap between a professional observation and a deeply personal understanding of neurodivergence.

Inside the Breakthrough:

• The Reveal: After a three-year hiatus, Dave’s therapist drops a "lightbulb" observation: he likely fits the profile for AuDHD—a combination of ADHD and autism.

• AI as a Mirror: As an AI professional, Dave uses Gemini to decode the tug-of-war between his ADHD’s craving for novelty and his autistic need for routine.

• The Project Graveyard: A look at why Dave is "Mr. 80%," from unfinished sweaters and oil paintings to a double bass that’s currently more of a bedroom ornament than an instrument.

• A New Map: Understanding the analogy of using a map of London while in Tokyo—realizing he isn't a failed version of a "normal" person, but a perfectly functional version of a different kind of person.

"I spent years trying to use a map for London while I was trying to drive in Tokyo. Both are great cities, but the directions just don't work if you've got a map for the wrong city."

Connect with Dave:

• Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.com

• Facebook/Instagram: @navigatingabrokenvessel

• Email: dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com

If this episode resonated with you, check out the previous episode, "The Lazy Perfectionist," for more context on the "80%" struggle.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and personal storytelling purposes only. Dave is not a medical professional. If you are exploring neurodivergence or mental health concerns, please consult with a qualified professional.

What happens to a marriage when the foundational beliefs of one spouse begin to shift?

Following our conversation with Tifani Holt, we sit down with her husband, Kody Holt, to hear the other side of the story. In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris explores the emotional and spiritual journey of a husband navigating his wife’s faith crisis within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Kody opens up about the moment he realized Tifani’s questions were moving beyond simple curiosity into a deep-seated crisis of faith. He shares the struggle of fighting his natural "fixer" instinct and how he learned to replace judgment with unconditional love.

• The "Toolbox" vs. the "Trash Can": Why Kody had to stop trying to "fix" Tifani’s doubts and start simply listening.

• A Stake President’s Profound Advice: The specific counsel Kody received during a temple recommend interview that sustained him through the darkest months.

• Parenting Through Transition: How the Holts navigated church attendance and spiritual education for their three children while holding different beliefs.

• Setting Boundaries with Love: The difficult conversations regarding lifestyle changes, new social circles, and maintaining the sanctity of their home.

• The Turning Point of Counseling: Why taking divorce "off the table" was the most critical step in their healing process.

"If I would have tried to control that situation, we would not be together today. She needed to go through this... and if I would have tried to control the situation, it would have pushed her away 100%." — Kody Holt

Kody’s story is a testament to the idea that a marriage can not only survive a faith transition but emerge stronger, more honest, and more deeply rooted in love than ever before.

Our web site: https://www.navigatingabrokenvessel.com

Socials:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/navigatingabrokenvessel
• Instagram: @navigatingabrokenvessel

Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

Dave Harris sits down with Tifani Holt for an intimate look at her deeply personal journey through a faith crisis.

Growing up in a strict religious household in Southern Utah, Tifani eventually found herself at a crossroads, questioning the very foundations of her beliefs. She shares the raw reality of going down the rabbit hole, the social isolation that followed, and the strain it placed on her marriage and family life.

Tifani’s story is not just about deconstruction, but about finding a personal connection with God that transcends organizational rules. Whether you are currently in the midst of your own faith transition, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for insight into the refiner's fire of spiritual growth, this conversation offers a grounded, empathetic perspective on:

• The Weight of Expectations: Navigating the shift from checking boxes to authentic belief.

• Marriage & Mixed Faith: How therapy and communication helped save a relationship on the brink of divorce.

• Finding Grace in the Grey: Learning to prioritize a personal relationship with Jesus Christ over cultural pressures.

• The Power of Empathy: Why being kind to those who are struggling is the most Christ-like response.

Connect with the Show:

• Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.com

• Email: dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com

• Socials: @navigatingabrokenvessel

Dave Harris takes us back to 1995 to explore a peculiar personal challenge: the "wall" between public confidence and private connection.

Dave recounts a trip from Logan, Utah, to an extended family reunion—the "Butt Reunion"—in Idaho. Despite driving two hours to get there and seeing his parents' car in the driveway, Dave found himself unable to walk into the backyard. Confronted by the prospect of one-on-one interactions with relatives he didn't know, he chose to turn around and drive all the way back home without ever saying hello.

Key Themes in This Episode:

• Public vs. Private Anxiety: Dave discusses the irony of being perfectly comfortable speaking to a stadium of 100,000 people or appearing on live television, yet feeling paralyzed by the intimacy of a one-on-one conversation.

• The Mission Challenge: Hear about Dave’s time as a missionary in New Zealand, where the requirement to approach strangers ("GQing") triggered deep cycles of anxiety and depression.

• A Prophecy of Faith: Dave shares a powerful memory of a dinner with his Mission President, who offered a specific "prophecy" regarding Dave's future activity in the Church and the role of home teaching (now ministering).

• The Power of Workarounds: Now 30 years later, Dave reveals the practical strategies he uses to overcome his social walls, including the vital support of his wife, Shelly, and the importance of "just doing the first step".

• Spirit Over Mortal Body: A reflection on the purpose of life’s mental health challenges, suggesting that these struggles are a design to help our spirits learn to master our mortal bodies through the Atonement.

Join Dave as he reflects on how vulnerability and persistence help us navigate our own "broken vessels" and find strength in our weaknesses.

Social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/navigatingabrokenvessel

Instagram: @navigatingabrokenvessel

Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.