Explore every episode of the podcast Just Love Them
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conference Mash-Up - October 2026 | 19 Oct 2026 | 00:29:51 | |
What if the messages we hear at General Conference have something especially meaningful to teach us about loving someone who has stepped away from the faith? In this Conference Mash-Up, I’m bringing together powerful messages from our Church leaders that offer hope, perspective, and reassurance for some of our most tender family heartaches. Listen for the promises woven throughout these messages. Some may be exactly what your heart needs to hear right now. Connect with Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Come As You Are - With Garet Gardner | 12 Oct 2026 | 00:31:20 | |
What if the very thing we think divides us could actually become a place of connection? Guest Garet Gardner shares his deeply personal journey of growing up with an inconsistent religious experience. He shares his experience of finding a sure knowledge that God is real, only to lose his faith in later years, followed by eventually finding his way back to a belief in Jesus Christ. Along the way, he discovered something surprising: focusing on Jesus rather than religious differences can open doors to understanding, meaningful conversation, and even healing. This conversation offers hope for anyone navigating differences in faith, wondering how to talk with someone who has left, or simply trying to find greater understanding with people whose spiritual paths look different from their own. Connect with Garet:https://theinvite.org View reels from Garet on this topic: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DiKWEEZe7/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdPPoFlv6eH/ Youtube: https://youtu.be/rlK9FlWiD10 Artwork of Garet's father portrayed as Jesus: https://www.art4god.com Connect with Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| I Love You More Than I Love The Idea That We Need To Believe The Same Way | 05 Oct 2026 | 00:14:56 | |
What happens when someone you love begins to see the Church differently than you do? And what if that person is someone you have always admired and trusted? In this episode, I share two surprising experiences that challenged me to reconsider how I respond when someone I love begins to question their faith. A statement from a friend helped me recognize something important: It's not my job to convert them. It's my job to love them. Discover how listening without agreeing, praying with intention, and choosing friendship over persuasion can help us preserve the relationships that matter most. Because sometimes the most important message we can give someone is this: I love you more than I love the idea that we need to believe the same way. Connect with Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| When Faith Differences Cost Your Relationships - With Al Carraway | 28 Sep 2026 | 00:39:16 | |
When Al Carraway joined the Church in her 20's, her decision changed everything—including some of her closest relationships. In this powerful conversation, Al shares what it was like to lose friendships, face painful family opposition, and walk a faith journey that often felt lonely and difficult. But she also shares the beautiful story of how patience, grace, and making space eventually helped heal her family relationships. If you have a loved one whose faith choices have created distance in your relationship, this episode offers a hopeful reminder: relationships can heal, and love doesn’t have to require agreement. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about faith, family, grace, and what it means to simply let people be who they are—and love them anyway. Connect with Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Connect with A on Instagraml: @alcarraway | |||
| What Am I Afraid Of? | 21 Sep 2026 | 00:17:51 | |
What if the thing underneath your anger isn’t anger at all? For years, Shiree didn’t realize how much fear was quietly influencing the way she thought, reacted, and related to the people she loved most. Then a counselor asked her a simple question that began to change everything: “What are you afraid of?” In this personal episode, Shiree explores what changed in her relationships when she stopped letting fear be her compass and began learning to trust God instead. What happens when we stop trying to control the outcome—and trust the One who is driving? Listen in and see if this question changes something for you, too. Connect with Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| What Are You Reaching For - With Melonie Mullen | 14 Sep 2026 | 00:31:14 | |
In this episode, Shiree and guest Melonie Mullen explore the difference between low-hanging fruit and high-hanging fruit—the thoughts and emotions that come easily versus the higher, more rewarding perspectives that often require intentional effort. It can be easy to reach for discouragement, negativity, regret, or focusing on what is missing. But reaching higher may lead us toward forgiveness, acceptance, peace, gratitude, and a more eternal perspective. Together, they discuss how shifting our focus can change the way we see our lives, our challenges, and even the choices of the people we love. Especially when someone we love has chosen a different path, learning to honor agency, let go of what we cannot control, and reach for a higher perspective can bring greater peace and joy. Sometimes the most meaningful fruit isn't the easiest to reach for—but it may be exactly what nourishes us most. Connect with Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Assumptions - The Silent Relationship Killer | 07 Sep 2026 | 00:19:37 | |
We all make assumptions—about what our loved ones are thinking, why they act the way they do, and even what God is doing in their lives. But what happens when those assumptions aren’t true? In this episode, we’ll look at how assumptions can quietly lead to judgment, misunderstanding, and damaged relationships—especially when someone we love has left the faith. You’ll discover six simple ways to replace assumptions and judgment with compassion, curiosity, kindness, and greater trust in God. Connect with Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Why People Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn - With Jeff Strong | 31 Aug 2026 | 00:44:33 | |
Why are so many people leaving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—and what can we do about it? In this episode, Shiree talks with Jeff Strong, author of Torn, about his deeply researched exploration of Latter-day Saint disaffiliation. Jeff shares what he discovered through years of research, thousands of interviews, and his own family’s experience with a loved one leaving the Church. They discuss why people leave, the role church culture can play, and how we can respond with greater understanding, faith, and love. Most importantly, Jeff offers practical hope for navigating religious differences without losing the relationships that matter most. Connect with Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Judgement | 24 Aug 2026 | 00:13:32 | |
Have you ever been absolutely sure you understood why someone made a choice—only to discover you didn’t know their whole story? Shiree shares a powerful story about a woman had a bishop she once disliked and how learning more about his story completely changed the way she saw him. Shiree also shares her own surprising discovery about judgment—and why she realized she had a blind spot she couldn’t even see. Could we be doing the same thing with loved ones who have left the faith? This episode invites us to look honestly at our own hearts, distinguish righteous judgment from unrighteous judgment, and consider what might happen if we replaced judgment with curiosity and love. Connect with Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| When They Don't Choose Your Path - With Tony Faber | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:25:08 | |
On this episode, guest Tony Faber shares his journey of learning to love his children without trying to control their choices. As a father of nine, Tony has experienced the complexity of family, faith, adoption, and watching children make decisions that differ from his own beliefs. Tony opens up about how recognizing his own need for Jesus changed the way he viewed his role as a parent. Rather than seeing his children as people he must “save,” he began to see them as Heavenly Father’s children—people he is called to love, support, and trust God with. Love doesn’t require agreement. And letting go of control doesn’t mean letting go of hope. Connect with Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Compensating Blessings | 10 Aug 2026 | 00:19:46 | |
When someone we love leaves the faith we once shared, it can be easy to focus on what we’ve lost—and wonder, “Where are my blessings?” In this episode, Shiree explores the principle of compensating blessings: the idea that when we are deprived of something we deeply desire, the Lord can bless us in other ways. Sometimes those blessings come immediately. Sometimes they are subtle. And sometimes we may not recognize them until we look back. Shiree shares personal examples of compensating blessings she has discovered in her own family, along with stories and teachings from Church leaders and scripture. Most importantly, she invites you to look at your own life with new eyes and ask: “What blessings have I been given that I might not have recognized?” If you are struggling with the choices of someone you love, this episode may help you see that God has not forgotten you. Connect with Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| When Faith Divides Families: How to Have Better Conversations - With Joseph Grenny | 03 Aug 2026 | 00:39:17 | |
What happens when someone you love no longer shares your faith? For many families, those conversations quickly become emotional, painful, and sometimes relationship-changing. But they don't have to. In this episode, Shiree sits down with Joseph Grenny, New York Times bestselling author of Crucial Conversations, to discuss what actually happens when families talk about faith differences—and why even the most devoted family members often have the hardest time getting these conversations right. Joseph shares practical tools for staying emotionally grounded, recognizing the stories we tell ourselves, and responding in ways that strengthen relationships instead of damaging them. Whether you're navigating a loved one's faith transition, family conflict, or any emotionally charged conversation, this episode offers hope and practical skills you can begin using today. Connect with Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Part 2-When a Loved One Cuts You Off | 27 Jul 2026 | 00:21:50 | |
Family estrangement can leave behind questions that never seem to have answers. In Part 2 of this series, Shiree explores two additional reasons why someone may choose to cut off contact with family—insights that emerged after conversations with listeners who have lived this painful experience. While every situation is unique, these perspectives may help you better understand what could be happening beneath the surface. More importantly, this episode offers hope. You'll learn practical, faith-centered principles that can help you grieve, find peace, and begin healing—even when reconciliation isn't possible. If you haven't already, be sure to listen to Part 1 -When a Loved One Cuts You Off, before diving into this episode. Link to Part 1 - When a Loved One Cuts You Off Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Who Are You to Say They Are Wired Wrong? - With Cherise Weber | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:22:50 | |
Have you ever wondered if you've made too many parenting mistakes? If you've ever worried that you've somehow "wired" your children wrong, this conversation is for you. Cherise Weber shares how growing up without a healthy example of parenting fueled her determination to do better for her own children. But despite her best efforts, she reached a point of deep discouragement—until a quiet, life-changing moment with God transformed the way she saw herself, her children, and parenting itself. This episode is a reminder that parenting isn't about perfection. It's about learning, repairing, and trusting that God gives us endless opportunities to love, grow, and begin again. Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Losing a Child | 13 Jul 2026 | 00:14:26 | |
When someone you love leaves the faith, the grief can feel overwhelming—almost like losing them, even though they are still here. In this deeply personal episode, Shiree shares her own experience and how that heartbreaking journey taught her an important truth: the deepest pain does not last forever. Drawing on her experiences as the mother of children who have stepped away from the gospel, Shiree offers hope to those carrying the heavy burden of faith-related loss. She explores what we know—and don't know—about God's plan, the promises of eternal families, and why trusting the Savior can bring peace even when answers are incomplete. Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| 5 Lies You Tell Yourself - With Julie Hawkes | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:28:58 | |
Why do some thoughts leave us feeling trapped in fear, anxiety, worry, and confusion? According to Christian mentor, speaker, and energy coach Julie Hawkes, it's often because we've unknowingly believed lies that keep us stuck. In this powerful conversation, Julie shares five common lies that many of us tell ourselves—lies that separate us from peace, cloud our ability to hear God, and keep us living from fear rather than faith. Julie teaches practical ways to recognize these limiting beliefs, challenge them, and replace them with truth. She explains how fear disconnects us from feeling God's love and how learning to hear God's voice more clearly can help us move forward with greater confidence, clarity, and peace. If you've been carrying anxiety, overthinking, uncertainty, or fear about the future, this episode offers hope and practical tools to help you break free from what's keeping you stuck. Julie's original episode on the 5 Lies on her Laws of Peace podcast: HERE. Link to sign up for Julie's Class: How to Stop Hurrying and Get Your Life Back Links to Julie on: Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Part 1 - When a Loved One Cuts You Off | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:28:34 | |
Family estrangement is becoming increasingly common, leaving many parents, siblings, and loved ones heartbroken and confused. In this episode, Shiree explores the difference between healthy boundaries that create safety and unhealthy boundaries that are used to control, punish, or cut people off. You'll learn some of the reasons family members choose distance. Shiree also shares a simple self-assessment to help you identify whether you are responding from fear, hurt, and control—or from acceptance, love, and personal responsibility. Most importantly, you'll discover practical ways to navigate estrangement with greater peace and wisdom. Learn the 3 things not to do, the 4 things that can help, and how to stay open, get curious, release control, and continue healing—regardless of someone else's choices. Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| How to Have an Open Heart - With Rachael Curfew | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:42:55 | |
When relationships become difficult, it's easy to close our hearts in fear, frustration, or self-protection. But what if the path to greater peace and connection begins by opening our hearts instead? In this episode, I sit down with my friend Rachael Curfew to discuss how we can move from fear to curiosity, from judgment to understanding, and from trying to control outcomes to genuinely loving people where they are. Rachael shares practical insights on keeping an open heart when someone you love makes choices you wouldn't choose, approaching challenges with curiosity and problem-solving, and following the Savior's example of loving others regardless of their decisions. Connect with Rachael HEREConnect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| 3 Ways to Respond | 15 Jun 2026 | 00:15:52 | |
In this episode, Shiree explores a powerful framework inspired by Bryce Dunford that can transform the way we navigate relationships, especially with loved ones who have left the faith. What if "telestial," "terrestrial," and "celestial" describe more than where we end up someday? What if they also describe how we respond to people right now? A telestial response focuses on self-protection. A terrestrial response focuses on fairness. A celestial response focuses on love and asks, "What would Christ do?" Through practical examples and real-life family situations, you'll learn how to recognize your own responses, give yourself grace for where you are, and take the next step toward thinking more celestial. If you're struggling with hurt, conflict, or faith differences in your family, this episode offers a hopeful path forward—one rooted in Christlike love rather than guilt, fear, or retaliation. You'll learn: Link to Bryce Dunford's Talking Scripture episode. Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com to join the Just Love Them Support Group. | |||
| Questioning Everything - With Tucker Boyle | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:55:16 | |
What happens when someone deeply rooted in faith begins to question everything they once believed? In this powerful conversation, seminary and institute teacher Tucker Boyle shares his personal journey through a faith crisis—what led him there, what he learned along the way, and how that experience now shapes the work he does helping others navigate their own spiritual questions through healing retreats. Tucker offers compassionate, practical insights for anyone who has a loved one experiencing doubts, wrestling with difficult questions, or who has stepped away from faith altogether. If someone you love is questioning, doubting, or has stepped away, this episode offers hope, perspective, and practical guidance for staying connected through it all. Here is a link for the event with Tucker and Joseph Grenny: https://luma.com/faith-morl It’s a live event but will also be recorded. Connect with Tucker on Instagram Tucker's WEBSITEConnect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Cleaning Out | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:18:15 | |
What if healing begins by clearing out the “dusty rooms” of our minds? In this interactive episode, Shiree shares a simple three-step exercise to help you identify painful memories, recognize your good intentions, receive God’s forgiveness, and extend grace to yourself. As we release shame and self-judgment, we create more space for God’s peace, guidance, and love—allowing us to show up more compassionately in relationships, especially with loved ones who have made different religious choices than we would have wished. This practical episode offers a path to greater self-forgiveness, emotional healing, and deeper Christlike connection. Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Your Feelings Matter Too - With Alysia Humphries | 25 May 2026 | 00:34:21 | |
In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with life coach and light therapist Alysia Humphries to talk about something many parents and loved ones quietly carry: tying our sense of peace and worth to how someone else is doing. Alysia gently shares why making our emotional well-being dependent on another person can unintentionally place a heavy burden on the relationship. We discuss the importance of remembering that we are not anyone else’s savior—that role belongs to Jesus Christ—and why our healing matters too. This conversation is a tender reminder that caring for ourselves is not selfish. There is a difference between being self-centered and honoring our own needs, emotions, and stewardship. God cares deeply not only about our loved ones, but about us as well. If you’ve been exhausted from carrying the weight of someone else’s choices or struggles, this episode offers wisdom, hope, and permission to begin healing yourself too. Free workbook pages at NurtureMyLight.com Connect with Alysia on Instagram Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Your Story Isn't Over | 18 May 2026 | 00:27:21 | |
In this deeply personal episode, I share pieces of my family’s journey navigating faith differences, heartbreak, strained relationships, and the fear that things may never heal. Like many parents, my husband and I raised our children with love, faith, values, and the hope that they would embrace the beliefs that meant so much to us. Over time, many of our children chose very different paths. Some stepped away quietly. Others left dramatically. Some relationships became painful, distant, or deeply complicated. But this episode is not ultimately about loss. It is about hope. It is about learning that relationships can heal even when beliefs differ. That hearts can soften over time. That love can grow deeper when judgment fades. And that God’s love for our children never changes. Support group contact form: shireebest.com Listen to episode: Refined By My Daughter | |||
| Peacekeeping vs. Peacemaking - With Kathie Christensen | 11 May 2026 | 00:38:46 | |
What is the difference between being a peacekeeper and a peacemaker? In this powerful and perspective-shifting conversation, I’m joined by Kathie Christensen—a remarkable woman, master teacher, and someone who has spent decades in the trenches of human relationships. As a mother and highly trained foster parent for the state of Utah, Kathie was entrusted with some of the most challenging children in the system. Through those experiences, she developed a deep understanding of behavior, connection, and what it really takes to create peace. In this episode, Kathie shares the profound difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking—and why that distinction matters more than we might think. While peacekeeping often looks like avoiding conflict or smoothing things over, peacemaking requires something deeper, braver, and far more transformative. Through heartfelt stories and hard-won wisdom, Kathie illustrates how true peace is not about control or silence, but about leaning into conflict with honesty, and love. Together, we explore the Savior’s invitation to “be peacemakers” and what that actually looks like in our everyday relationships—especially when things feel complicated, painful, or divided. Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Conference Mash-Up | 04 May 2026 | 00:33:10 | |
In this episode, I’ve pulled together powerful quotes from recent General Conferences of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—all centered on one question: How do we stay close to people who believe differently than we do? The answers aren’t found in fixing others—but in turning more fully to Jesus Christ. These messages gently challenge us to rethink love, patience, prayer, and what it really means to be a light. If you’ve ever felt stretched in your relationships, this episode offers a perspective shift that can bring more peace than you might expect. Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Where Can I Turn for Peace - With Molly Christianson CSW | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:32:29 | |
When life doesn’t unfold the way you expected, where do you turn for peace? In this episode, Molly Christianson shares her journey through some deeply personal challenges—including divorce and navigating the complex emotions that come when children choose a different spiritual path. Rather than becoming bitter or fearful, Molly has learned to approach these experiences with greater compassion, perspective, and trust. In this honest conversation, she shares the hard moments, what helped her move forward, and the wisdom she’s gained along the way. If you’ve ever wondered how to hold on to love and peace when family relationships get complicated, this episode will speak to your heart. Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Between Justice and Mercy | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:31:24 | |
What do you do when your deeply held beliefs seem to clash with the way you want to love and honor others? In this episode, we explore the tension that can arise between knowing eternal truths—especially those taught in scripture about returning to God—and navigating relationships with people whose choices or values differ from our own. How do we stay grounded in what we believe without becoming rigid, judgmental, or disconnected? In this episode, we dive into the delicate balance between justice and mercy, and what it really means to embody both. While justice often feels clear and defined, mercy invites us into a more nuanced, compassionate space—one that requires humility and trust. A central theme of this conversation is remembering that God is the only one who sees the full picture. He alone understands each person’s heart, journey, and circumstances. When we release the need to “figure out” where others stand, we create more room for love, connection, and peace. Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com Episodes with Misha Baca: | |||
| Staying in the Room, part 2 - With Jeff McLean | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:45:25 | |
In last week’s episode, we heard from Michael McLean. Jeff shares his deeply personal story of growing up in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while quietly carrying a truth he didn’t yet feel safe to live: he is gay. For years, Jeff tried to fit into a framework that didn’t align with who he knew himself to be. He talks openly about the exhaustion of pretending… the ache of wanting to belong… and the internal conflict of loving his faith, his family, and yet feeling there was no space for his whole self. Eventually, Jeff reached a breaking point. In this powerful conversation, Jeff shares:
Today, Jeff and his parents are not only close in their relationship — they are collaborators. Together, they have written a new book, "Stay in the Room", about what it means to remain present with each other through disagreement, hurt, faith transitions, and identity differences. This episode is tender. Honest. Hope-filled. Whether you are a parent of a child who has left your faith, someone navigating your own identity, or simply a human wanting to build deeper connection across difference — this conversation will move you. Jeff’s vulnerability is a gift. And his story is one that will stay with you. 🎧 Listen now to this brave and beautiful episode of Just Love Them. Link to "Stay in the Room" on Amazon Link to "Stay in the Room" on Simon and Schuster Link to song, "Broken Healer" by Jeff McLean Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Staying in the Room, part 1 - With Michael McLean | 06 Apr 2026 | 01:02:02 | |
What happens when the story you’ve built your life around begins to unravel? In this deeply personal and courageous episode, beloved singer-songwriter, performer, filmmaker, and author Michael McLean opens up about one of the most painful and transformative chapters of his life. Known for his inspiring music and messages of faith, Michael shares what happened behind the scenes when his son left the Church and came out as gay. What followed were years of confusion, heartache, distance, and a faith crisis Michael never expected. He vulnerably walks us through:
This is not a polished stage story. It is raw. It is real. And it is hopeful. If you have a loved one who has left your faith… This conversation will meet you in that tender space. Michael’s journey reminds us that healing doesn’t come through control, fear, or winning arguments—it comes through humility, listening, and a deeper kind of love. This is a rare look into a very private struggle—and a powerful testimony of what can happen when love becomes bigger than fear. Song: Safe Harbors Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| There is No Agency in the Past | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:17:48 | |
You’ve apologized. So why are you still punishing yourself? In this episode, we explore: Why we get stuck in cycles of guilt and ruminationThe difference between healing guilt and destructive shameHow the adversary uses the past to keep us stuckWhy your power is only in the present momentWhat it actually looks like to receive Christ’s grace How to finally let go of the “dark closet” of past mistakes This episode might change the way you see your past—and your worth—forever. Apply for the support group at shireebest.com Send the message "interested". Link to episode: God's Guilt vs. Satan's Guilt Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Love is the Answer, Now What Was Your Question? - With Joy Allen | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:29:57 | |
What happens when four of your five children leave the religion you raised them in? In this powerful conversation, Joy Allen shares how turning to God brought a profound spiritual shift in the way she views agency, motherhood, and faith. Instead of clinging tighter in fear, she learned to lean into love. Grounded in her mother’s simple wisdom — “Love is the answer. Now what was your question?” — this episode offers hope, perspective, and peace for parents navigating faith differences in their families. Gratitude Challenge: Rachaelcurfew.com Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Hyper-focusing Your Prayers | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:20:25 | |
What if the way you’re praying is missing one key element? In today’s episode, I share a spiritual “aha” moment that completely reframed how I understand prayer — especially when we’re asking God for miracles. After reading the book The Circle Maker and wrestling with some questions, I decided to write God a letter. The answer I received changed everything. We’re talking about:
I’m sharing this in real time — not as someone who has it all figured out, but as someone learning alongside you. If you’ve been praying for change… this episode is for you. ANNOUNCEMENT: Details about a new online support group for those navigating the pain of a loved one leaving the Church. To get on the support group list, click on shireebest.com , fill out the contact form at the bottom of the home page, with the word "Interested". Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Faith or Attachment Issue? - With Lindsay Schiess | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:29:16 | |
This week’s guest is Lindsay Schiess—speaker, therapist, and professor at the University of Utah—who brings both professional expertise and deep compassion to one of the most tender experiences families face. As a therapist, Lindsay has worked with individuals on both sides of faith transitions. She offers thoughtful insight into why it feels so painful when a loved one leaves their religion—and explains how, at its core, it’s often an attachment wound. In this powerful conversation, Lindsay shares practical tools to help you navigate the swirl of emotions that can surface: grief, fear, anger, confusion, and even shame. She teaches how to honor your own experience without dismissing it, so you can create enough internal safety to truly hold space for others. If you’ve ever felt torn between staying true to yourself and staying connected to someone you love, this episode will help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface—and how real healing begins. Connect with Lindsay: Lindsayschiess.com Podcast: Therapist Question Box Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Letters to God | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:18:54 | |
Why does it seem like God speaks so clearly to some people… but not to you? In this episode, I share a powerful and unconventional way I’ve learned to receive clear, loving direction from God—especially during seasons of confusion, heartbreak, and strained relationships. When a loved one leaves the faith… We plead for answers. We want clarity. We want peace. Today I talk about:
This practice has softened my heart, strengthened my relationships, and brought answers when I desperately needed direction. God is not silent. If you’re seeking clearer direction and deeper peace, this episode is for you. To receive updates/information about the upcoming support group, go to shireebest.com Fill out the form on the home page with the word "interested" in the message box. Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| The Story Isn't Over - With Karen Smith | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:23:08 | |
What do you do when one child leaves and later returns… another passes away from the effects of drug use… and a third relationship feels distant? In this deeply moving conversation, Karen Smith shares her journey as a mother navigating all three realities. With remarkable grace and honesty, she opens up about addiction, grief, hope, disappointment, and the steady love of God that carried her through it all. Karen reflects on:
Through unimaginable pain and uncertainty, Karen discovered a powerful truth: God’s love for our children is deeper, more personal, and more redemptive than we often understand. This episode may gently shift your paradigm—from fear to faith, from striving to surrender, from worry to trust. If you’ve ever wrestled with heartbreak in your family, felt helpless watching a child struggle, or wondered how to keep loving when it hurts, this conversation will meet you there. You will be inspired. And you may never see your children and other loved ones—or God’s love—the same way again. Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| How to Love and Be a Light | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:23:42 | |
When someone you love steps away from the faith you cherish, it can be hard to feel love. It can be hard to be a light. It may be more likely that you feel devastated. Rejected. Afraid. Angry. Sad. So how do you truly love and be a light when your heart is hurting? In this episode, I share three life-changing shifts that helped me love my children who left the church—without compromising my faith or values. You can’t control another adult’s choices. But you can control your heart. And when you change, the relationship changes. If you’re tired of tension, walking on eggshells, or feeling rejected… this episode will give you a path forward. Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| When "Just Love Them" Feels Like Being Taken Advantage Of | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:35:31 | |
Returning guest and family relationship therapist Emil Harker joins the podcast to tackle a question many of you quietly wrestle with: What do you do when “just love them” feels like “let them take advantage of me”? In true, animated Emil-style, he breaks down what healthy boundaries actually look like—not walls, not ultimatums, but respectful limits that protect connection and self-respect. Emil shares practical communication strategies that help you stay loving without losing yourself, and shows how honoring both sides can lead to relationships that feel safer, stronger, and more balanced. Connect with Emil: emilharker@gmail.com Emil's podcast, The Emil Show Website: EmilSpeaks.comConnect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| When the Enemy Sounds Like You | 02 Feb 2026 | 00:17:48 | |
Sometimes the most dangerous lies aren’t loud or obvious. In this episode, Shiree shares a powerful realization that came while sitting in the temple—one that changed the way she understands how the adversary works on faithful, covenant-keeping people. Rather than pulling us off the path outright, Satan often works quietly, whispering discouragement, shame, blame, and defeat in ways we don’t even recognize as deception. This episode explores:
If you’ve ever felt worn down, blamed yourself for things you couldn’t control, or struggled to feel peace despite doing your best—this conversation is for you. You are not alone. Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| A 4-Step Grief Protocol for When Life Goes Off Script - With Lindsey Shumway | 26 Jan 2026 | 00:36:07 | |
Grief doesn’t only come from loss we can name or explain. Sometimes it comes from shattered expectations—especially when someone we love chooses a path different from the one we imagined for them. In this episode, life coach Lindsey Shumway joins me to share a powerful and compassionate grief protocol she has taught to many of her clients—and recently used herself as her daughter took a direction Lindsay didn’t expect. Lindsey opens up about her own experience with honesty and tenderness, then walks us through a simple but deeply meaningful 4-step process designed to help us move through grief rather than get stuck inside it. This protocol honors both love and disappointment, allowing space for pain without letting it define the relationship—or us. If you’re grieving what could have been, what you hoped for, or what didn’t turn out the way you planned, this conversation may offer exactly the support you’ve been looking for. Lindsey's books: I Chose You, 101 Creative Dates for Latter-day Saints, Teeny Tiny Talks, What Baptism Means to Me are available at www.cedarfort.com The FREE Heart-Centered Breathing Meditation: https://meditation.hello-bliss.com The Emotional Guidance Scale: https://thejoywithin.org/authors/abraham-hicks/moving-up-the-emotional-guidance-scale Connect with Lindsey at: www.hello-bliss.com, @helloblisslifecoachingConnect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Getting Rid of Pain | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:12:36 | |
In this episode, I share a powerful journaling method that helped me move through a season of deep emotional pain—and has the potential to ease both emotional and physical pain. After learning this approach from my friend and past podcast guest Julie Hawkes, I discovered a simple but profound truth: unresolved emotions can keep our nervous system stuck in pain. When those emotions are safely expressed and released, the pain no longer needs to stay. If you’re carrying pain—grief, anger, fear, heartbreak, or even unexplained physical symptoms—I invite you to listen with an open heart and consider giving this “medicine” a try. Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Bonus! Meditation to Accompany Junk Journaling | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:08:59 | |
This beautiful bonus episode is a meditation that can be used to accompany the "Junk Journaling" method for the last 10 minutes, or can be used as a stand-alone meditation any time you want to use it. This meditation is a gift for you. | |||
| A Chaplain’s Journey Through Loss, Love, and Healing - With Alyce Jeppesen | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:38:02 | |
Alyce Jeppesen is an interfaith chaplain, devoted wife, and mother to a beautifully blended family of seven. Her life story includes seasons of deep pain and profound growth—abuse, divorce, remarriage, blending families, cancer, having multiple family members leave the church, and courageously questioning her own faith. In this tender and honest conversation, Alyce shares her journey through heartbreak and healing, what it has meant to stay present in uncertainty, and how her heart has been restored along the way. Her story offers gentle wisdom and “golden gems” of insight that bring hope, compassion, and peace—no matter where you find yourself on your own path. Connect with Shiree at: Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| God Loves Us - No Matter What | 05 Jan 2026 | 00:19:25 | |
Welcome to Season 3 of Just Love Them. This season is an invitation to find peace, heal relationships, and learn to trust God with the people we love—especially those who have stepped away from our faith. In this episode, we explore a powerful truth that brings deep comfort: God’s love and help are not reserved for just the obedient or the “faithful.” God is aware of every one of His children and is actively involved in all of our lives—regardless of belief, behavior, or church attendance. This episode gently challenges the belief that God withdraws His love or help when someone steps off the covenant path. Instead, it offers reassurance that God never abandons His children. He is present, aware, and working for good in the lives of all whom He loves—including your loved ones. God is not an all-or-nothing God. His love is constant, inclusive, and relentless. And on this truth, you can rest. Peace is possible. Scripture References
Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Faith and Hope - With Melonie Mullen | 29 Dec 2025 | 00:26:38 | |
The original of this powerful episode aired on Feb. 24, 2025. Faith and hope are essential to belief—but what happens when we anchor our hope in the wrong thing? This week, Melonie Mullen joins us to share her journey, the hard lessons she’s learned, and the incredible transformation that comes when we shift our hope to the right place. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about perspective, trust, and finding true peace.Check out Melonie’s blogHERE to read about the shocking event that happened less than 24 hours after we recorded this episode—and see how she applied these very principles to find peace in the midst of it all. Connect with Shiree: Email: imlivinginjoy@gmail.com Facebook: Just Love ThemWebsite:Shireebest.com | |||
| 5 Apology Languages to Improve Your Relationships | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:22:14 | |
The original of this powerful episode aired on January 6, 2025. Understanding how people give and receive apologies differently can be a game-changer, especially when faith differences create tension or distance. We’ll discuss the five apology languages, how they can help bridge misunderstandings, and ways to use them to foster healing and connection with those you love. If you're feeling hurt, lost, or unsure how to mend a strained relationship, this episode is here to help. We’ll explore practical ideas and heartfelt perspectives to guide you toward understanding, healing, and peace. Tune in and let’s work through this together. Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Take the quiz: https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/apology-language Buy the books: The 5 Apology Languages | |||
| The Gift of Joy | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:14:57 | |
Welcome to Episode 100 of the Just Love Them podcast! At Christmastime we see the word everywhere, but real, lasting joy goes far deeper than holiday décor or happy moments. Tune in to this episode to learn how joy is different from happiness, and how to get more of this deep and fulfilling feeling into your life - regardless of what you are currently experiencing. Joy is a gift from God, and it is meant for YOU. Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||
| Powerful Promises You Have Access To - With Julie Hawkes | 08 Dec 2025 | 00:28:48 | |
Today’s episode is all about the promises you have access to right now. Did you know that the promises we read about in scripture weren’t just for ancient people—but are extended to you, personally, today? Julie Hawkes, a master scriptorian, joins me to share powerful stories from the scriptures alongside experiences from her own life. Together, we explore how God steps into impossible situations and keeps His promises in ways that are often unexpected, tender, and transformative. If you need a reminder that God is aware of you—and is already working in your story—this hopeful episode is one you won’t want to miss. Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com | |||
| Pebbles in My Heart | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:15:32 | |
We’ve all had a moment when a tiny pebble sneaks into our shoe and makes it almost impossible to keep walking. We stop, we remove it, and we move forward. In this episode, I share a deeply personal story of discovering a pebble I didn't know I still carried. A story about a niece I loved like my own daughter—our closeness, our drifting apart, and the shock of realizing that years later, I still held hurt. This is an episode about: 💛 Listening to your heart instead of ignoring the pain💛 Letting God remove what you cannot💛 Replacing hurt with love💛 Choosing compassion over resentment💛 Letting miracles begin inside you. Resources Mentioned 🔸 Write & Burn Method LINK | |||
| In the Palm of God's Hand - With Roseanne Dawes | 24 Nov 2025 | 00:30:57 | |
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Roseanne Dawes, a mother whose journey through heartbreak, surrender, and unexpected grace will stay with you long after the episode ends. Roseanne shares the deeply personal story of the eight months when her son broke all contact with her—months filled with uncertainty, fear, and the pain of not knowing how to move forward. What began as a devastating experience became the catalyst for a profound internal shift. As she wrestled with sorrow and confusion, Roseanne began to see the limitations of her own black-and-white thinking. She recognized the ways she had clung to certainty, control, and “the right way,” and how those patterns had unintentionally created distance in her most cherished relationships. With honesty and humility, she describes the moment she realized that her son’s choices were never hers to manage. Her story is tender, relatable, and full of hope. Together, we talk about:
If you’ve ever loved someone who is choosing a different direction, or if your heart aches for a child who has pulled away, this episode is a gentle reminder that God is working in ways we cannot see. Roseanne’s journey shows us that peace is possible, healing is real, and no one is ever beyond the reach of divine love. Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com
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| Why Doesn’t God Answer? Trusting God’s Timing in Seasons of Silence | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:20:14 | |
In this deeply personal and faith-affirming episode, Shiree shares tender stories of young people—and her own experience—wrestling with God’s silence. From a returned missionary praying on a mountainside for a butterfly that never came, to a young woman pleading in the celestial room for assurance, to Shiree’s teenage prayers that seemed to go unheard for months, we explore the painful question so many ask: Why doesn’t God answer when we are trying so hard to reach Him? Through scripture, personal witnesses, and sacred examples - this episode invites us to see unanswered prayers not as abandonment, but as part of God’s refining, strengthening, deeply intentional plan. This episode is a reminder that God has a plan, even when we don’t understand it. He sees what we cannot. And while His timing may feel painfully slow, He is always near, always aware, always working for our highest good. Connect with Shiree at shireebest.com Join the "Just Love Them" Facebook group Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com | |||