A Little Wray Of Sunshine: Inspirational stories from everyday people
Join me each week and listen in as I interview amazing individuals who will share with you incredible stories that have come from their life's experiences. Stories that will truly uplift and inspire you! As a social worker for more than three decades, and over twenty years as a college professor in social work, I know the power that comes from sharing stories. Each one of us has a story waiting to be told. By sharing our stories of strength, courage, and perseverance, despite life's challenges, it will help us understand ourselves and the world around us much clearer. My purpose for creating this podcast is to bring your stories to life, and hopefully in the process, help others gain strength and optimism that will help them in their own life's journey. I hope you will join me in this process, and perhaps I can share your story as well!
Episodes
133 episodes since 2022
"No matter how hard, ugly, brutal, difficult, harrowing, disappointing, or frustrating life can get, there is light in this world" - Devon Marrott
Devon Marrott is a Psychology Professor at Brigham Young University - Idaho. In this episode, he addresses many different topics, including human connections, friendships, human suffering, and viewing the world through a variety of lenses such ...
September 13, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 27
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32:44
"Knowing of our divine identity truly helps us to feel our self-worth" - Chloe Prescott
In this episode, 17 year old Chloe Prescott shares about her experiences she had while spending one month in China. Chloe not only talks about that, she also provides some sage life advice, such as... "everyone has different life experiences, a...
September 06, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 26
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23:10
"Any decision you make with love in mind, is the right decision" - Chyna Hopkins
Chyna Hopkins is a young woman who has been blessed with many talents and abilities. She is a very gifted athlete who excelled in track and field through high school and at the collegiate level, and is an amazing women's pole vault coach. In th...
August 30, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 25
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37:23
"Am I fulfilling my purpose as an individual daughter of God?" - Bailee Sivley
In this episode, Bailee Sivley talks about how being successful in life, also requires involving our Heavenly Father in all that we do. Bailee shares her sweet testimony of God, and knows He hears and answers our prayers.. "When we pray for the...
August 23, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 24
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26:46
"Be more inclined to just take a chance, and have fun with things" - Rick Hale
At a very young age, a chorus/drama teacher recognized the remarkable talent that Rick Hale had for singing. As a result of this teacher noticing his talent, Rick's life would forever be changed. Rick not only has an amazing gift of singing, bu...
August 16, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 23
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31:53
PART TWO: - "No matter what happens in your world or in your day, the sun's gonna rise tomorrow, so make the best of what you can today" - Rowen Gneiting
In this PART TWO of Rowan Gneiting's episode from last week, he continues to share his wisdom of what it takes to be successful in life. I've included a few gems from this episode that are quite profound for a 19 year old...
August 09, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 22
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23:50
PART ONE: "I'm not going to stop until I know what it feels like to win" - Rowen Gneiting
In part one of this episode, 19 year old Rowen Gneiting shares his story about his journey to becoming a champion wrestler. This sport didn't come easy for him in the beginning, having to overcome numerous insurmountable hurdles along th...
August 02, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 21
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25:47
"It's the seemingly impossible dream that stretches us to new dimensions" - Layne Gneiting
Once again we are privileged to hear, feel, and simultaneously absorb the positive vibes that so readily flows from this philosophical giant of a man, Layne Gneiting. He has the ability to help us view life in a way that helps us visualize our ...
July 26, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 20
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27:57
"Live your life now, while you can, because we're not promised a tomorrow" - Grover Wray
In this episode, two of my students from BYU-Idaho (Michael Fauber and Regan Evan's) conduct the interview with me as their guest. They did a fantastic job of getting me to open up about a lot of things I've never talked about before, and some ...
July 19, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 19
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30:47
"I can't remember how bleak it got, I just remember not wanting to wake up in the morning" - Caydon Christensen
In this episode, Caydon Christensen shares his insights about how to move on in life after you've had so many trials and tribulations. Caydon is no stranger to finding a way to stay positive through such experiences. "I could kind of go do...
July 12, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 18
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25:53
"Don't dig your hole, don't keep digging" Regan Evans
In this episode, Regan Evans talks about some of her life changing experiences that have shaped her into who she is today. Despite the challenges she faced as a teenager, she was able to find a new and better path to follow through the help of ...
July 05, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 17
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30:08
"I've received more blessings than I've ever deserved" - Mike Pickett
In this episode, Mike Pickett and I visit with his son Conner who has Downs Syndrome. As you listen, you will feel the love they have for one another and the very special bond they have developed over the years. Mike wouldn't have it any ...
June 28, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 16
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22:50
"I just want everyone to know that they are worth something" - Kody Wray
12 year old Kody Wray shares his thoughts about being kind, knowing your self-worth, and helping others in any way you can. He may be young, but his wisdom goes well beyond his years. His advice is meant for people of all ages! "Know you're sel...
June 21, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 15
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20:43
"Help other people, and be there for them" - Grover Wray
Many times God places people in our paths at just the right time, and our lives are changed forever. In this short episode I share two personal stories that have helped inspire me to be a better person, and to help others in need.
June 14, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 14
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17:54
"If you pray for rain, ya gotta deal with the mud." - Mike Pickett
In this episode, Mike Pickett shares about trials in his life... He is someone that can speak from experience, as he has gone through much loss, pain, sorrow, and grief. "Never, never, never, never, never give up... ever, you can't, there's alw...
June 07, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 13
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28:25
"Attitude is everything, if you think you can do it then you can" - Jourdyn Pitcher
You'll be so glad you listened to this episode! Jourdyn Pitcher isn't just a cancer survivor, she is an absolute inspiration! She has seen her fair share of trials in her life, beginning at age 14, and she chose to place her faith i...
May 31, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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31:04
"Have open communication with your kids, talk to them about body boundaries" - Bethany DeChamps
In this eye opening episode, you will hear from a social worker at the "Upper Valley Child Development Center," Bethany DeChamps. She educates us about talking about the hard subjects with our children, and ways to help prevent child abuse of a...
May 24, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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27:17
"The things we do in our lives each and every day, we're always touching someone else's life." - Kris Boyle
In this episode, Kris Boyle shares stories about his teaching career at BYU Provo in the area of communications, sports journalism, and fictional story telling. His passion for what he does is truly inspiring and you can feel of his love for th...
May 17, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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26:54
"True happiness comes when we can forgive, and let go, and move on." - Nancy Bills
In this episode, Nancy Bills shares some of her experiences growing up in a home with eleven other siblings, recounting the abuse that took place in their home. Her message is ultimately one of forgiveness, and about loving those who have made ...
May 10, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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27:18
"I can tell you right now, no eighteen-year old is ready to die." - Michael Fauber
In this episode, Michael Fauber recounts the horrific experience he went through while serving a mission in Alabama. Michael was shot seven times by a gunman while participating in an activity at their local church building. His faith, co...
May 03, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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33:39
"It's a part of love to grieve the loss." - Terri Clark
In this episode, Terri Clark shares her story of being a cancer caregiver for twelve years, first with her son Cody, and six months later with her husband Adrian. After their deaths, Terri continues to grow and learn new ways to adjust to...
April 26, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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30:14
"Be still and know that He is God." - Kyler Hamilton
In this episode, Kyler Hamilton shares his thoughts and convictions on the importance of aligning our will with our Heavenly Father's will. He explains beautifully the concept of "and, if not..." For example, if we ask God for something specifi...
April 19, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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33:16
"God knows what is best for us, let Him into our lives and He will help" - Rod Wray/Grover Wray
In this episode, my brother Rod and I visit about letting God be a part of our lives... not just when we need something from Him, but always. There are times when we just need to give ourselves to Him and allow His presence into our lives... we...
April 12, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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20:05
"When you're a kid, it's not your fault if your life is messed up, you're given the hand you're dealt and you go from there." - Tim Everett
In this episode, Tim Everett shares his story of having an abusive father, and grandfather, and living with other family members as a result. Tim learned at a young age that he has control over how he views life and the struggles that come his ...
April 05, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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26:40
"I need to step up and get more for myself, nobody else is going to do it" - Stephanie Ortiz
In this episode, Stephanie Ortiz recalls her early years growing up in a small Idaho town, surrounded by poverty and despair. Stephanie shares her experiences of sexual abuse, and growing up with an abusive mother with a serious addiction to dr...
March 29, 2024
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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29:24