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.