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.

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.