Just Love Them

Shiree Best

If you have searched to understand loved ones who have left their religious faith, this show is for you. As a mother of six out of seven children who have chosen a different path from the one they were raised in, I intimately understand the profound struggle this journey entails.

On this compassionate exploration we share moments of laughter, tears, and resilience. Through insightful interviews, we unravel the personal struggles of individuals whose loved ones have ventured away from their initial beliefs, and how they emerged on the other side with newfound understanding and peace.

Play

Open in

21 episodes
weekly
Avg 28 min
English

Episodes 21

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

S3 · E38
Monday · 17 min
What Am I Afraid Of?
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 Join the⁠ "Just Love Them" Facebook group⁠
S3 · E37
September 14 · 31 min
What Are You Reaching For - With Melonie Mullen
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 Join the⁠ "Just Love Them" Facebook group⁠
S3 · E36
September 7 · 19 min
Assumptions - The Silent Relationship Killer
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 Join the⁠ "Just Love Them" Facebook group⁠
S3 · E35
August 31 · 44 min
Why People Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn - With Jeff Strong
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 Join the⁠ "Just Love Them" Facebook group⁠
S3 · E34
August 24 · 13 min
Judgement
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 Join the⁠ "Just Love Them" Facebook group⁠
S3 · E33
August 17 · 25 min
When They Don't Choose Your Path - With Tony Faber
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 Join the⁠ "Just Love Them" Facebook group⁠
S3 · E32
August 10 · 19 min
Compensating Blessings
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 Join the⁠ "Just Love Them" Facebook group⁠
S3 · E31
August 3 · 39 min
When Faith Divides Families: How to Have Better Conversations - With Joseph Grenny
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 Join the⁠ "Just Love Them" Facebook group⁠
S3 · E30
July 27 · 21 min
Part 2-When a Loved One Cuts You Off
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
S3 · E29
July 20 · 22 min
Who Are You to Say They Are Wired Wrong? - With Cherise Weber
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
S3 · E28
July 13 · 14 min
Losing a Child
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
S2 · E27
July 6 · 28 min
5 Lies You Tell Yourself - With Julie Hawkes
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. The Laws of Peace podcast Link to sign up for Julie's Class: How to Stop Hurrying and Get Your Life Back Links to Julie on: Instagram Facebook Connect with Shiree at ⁠shireebest.com⁠ Join the⁠ "Just Love Them" Facebook group⁠ Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com
S3 · E25
June 29 · 28 min
Part 1 - When a Loved One Cuts You Off
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
S3 · E25
June 22 · 42 min
How to Have an Open Heart - With Rachael Curfew
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
S3 · E24
June 15 · 15 min
3 Ways to Respond
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: • The difference between telestial, terrestrial, and celestial responses • How these patterns show up in family relationships • What it means to "think celestial" in difficult situations • How to move forward with greater peace, grace, and love 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.
S3 · E23
June 8 · 55 min
Questioning Everything - With Tucker Boyle
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
S3 · E22
June 1 · 18 min
Cleaning Out
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
S3 · E21
May 25 · 34 min
Your Feelings Matter Too - With Alysia Humphries
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
S3 · E20
May 18 · 27 min
Your Story Isn't Over
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
S3 · E19
May 11 · 38 min
Peacekeeping vs. Peacemaking - With Kathie Christensen
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

Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes