Come Towards Delight

Todd Sylvester shares his amazing journey from a Dark place lost in addiction to a soul on Fire now working full time to help others believe in themselves and gain the determination to believe in themselves and creating a great life.  Todd currently works as an Addictive Voice Recognition Counselor at an addiction recovery treatment center for those struggling with with drug or alcohol addiction, where he provides one-on-one mentoring to both local and international clients. Described as having “a unique gift to develop trusting relationships quickly,” Todd has guided hundreds to sobriety and other behavioral successes through the individualized support he offers to each client. His ability to “speak to a person’s soul and help them find their true motive to change” has been the key for inspiring others to make permanent lifestyle changes. Todd’s profound influence grew from his own personal experience — a journey from self-hatred and hopelessness to faith and recovery. At a young age, Todd was exposed to drugs and alcohol and quickly became addicted. Years of rampant drug abuse lead to devastating failures and a conclusion that his young life had nowhere left to go. Change can come from the most unlikely of places. For Todd, that place was a neighborhood lemonade stand, when he made the spontaneous decision to become one little girl’s most generous customer. This simple act – and the positive reaction that came with it – provided Todd with a sense of hope that he had never felt before. Todd’s strengthening sense of purpose sparked a fervent determination to change his life and to prevent others from enduring the physical and emotional pain that had threatened his very existence. As he moved forward with newfound faith and a desire to serve others, Todd learned that the human soul – on fire – is more powerful than any addiction. Today, Todd utilizes his firsthand fight against addiction to connect with fellow addicts on an authentic level and provide hope to thousands of teenagers, parents, and adults. His story was recently told through a popular YouTube clip titled “The Hope of God’s Light,” that received over 3 million views and has been translated into 3 languages. Todd has been married to his sweetheart for 23 years. They have four children and live a happy, busy life together. 

Check out Todd's Podcast found on all major podcast channels called, Beliefcast: https://toddsylvesterinspires.com/beliefcast/ His personal Website can be found at address: https://toddsylvesterinspires.com/ 

Todd, God bless you in your efforts to change lives. You are a great man!

Jon starts his journey by sharing the one single truth that has recognized and held onto throughout his entire life, “I am a child of God”. Through it all, good times and bad times, this single truth is what Jon has held onto and relied on to guide him in his decisions and efforts during his life on earth, and in dark times of depression and suicidal thinking. “I am a child of God”, is the message of Hope that has helped Jon not only overcome the odds to achieve the goals he set as a young boy to become an Endodontist professionally, but it is that very Hope that pulled Jon from the darkness of shame and worthlessness on the verge of Suicide, back into the Light.

Jon shares his inspiring story beginning as a young boy growing up in California, Mormon (LDS), in a family of 8. His family did not have much money and at times his Dad and Mom struggled to fill the pantry; however, what they did have... money could not buy, and that was the understanding that all people are Gods children and all people regardless of class, religious background, race, or politics are of infinite worth. Jon shares the way his parents lived and the example that they set of loving all without judgement and working hard doing good things shaped Jon into the man he is today.

At the age of 10, Jon’s father sat his children down and talked to them about his life working late night shifts for a job that he didn’t necessarily want, and that he wanted more for his children, believing a college education should be a goal for each of them. He let them know that he didn’t have the means to pay for their education and inspired them to work towards a scholarship to help pay. Jon took this to heart and graduated high school with over a 4.0 GPA, and an opportunity on the track and field team at a community college in California. As a high jumper in High school reaching a height of 6’7 he broke records at his school, but he knew that he needed to reach 7’0 to qualify for a scholarship and earn a full ride scholarship to BYU where he dreamed of going. So Jon went to work training hard which led to an opportunity to jump for a small community college, and after qualifying for the state finals he went on to reach a jumping height over 7’2 all while defeating his Nemesis, who he nicknamed “Sloppy Joe”. Jon shares and incredible experience he had with Prayer during His last two jumps which won him the championship and earned him a spot on the BYU Track and Field team with a full ride scholarship. After the match and his incredible experience during his last two jumps and prayer, Jon found a quite place near the stadium and in complete humility gave thanks to God. 

During college he met his incredible wife Dorsey and they began a family of their own, things just seemed to be going right for Jon, but during his residency Jon was upended by sudden and unjustified feelings of “Doom”, PTSD from 9/11, and feelings of no personal value, causing Shame and Depression which lead to Suicidal Thinking. Jon talks about how at his “Rock Bottom” not even caring how ending his life would affect his family, that’s when he knew that he needed help. Throughout Jon’s story you will see clearly how God put people in place and like lighthouses leading a ship to shore these people showed up for Jon to say or do something that helped Jon feel love enough to hold onto HOPE. That vey HOPE carried Jon through the Dark and into the Light, and He shares some of the valuable Gifts he received from the experiences during this painful time.

A few years later Jon achieved his Professional goal of becoming an Endodontist, and is now doing all he can to be somebody else’s “Lighthouse” by paying it forward and living in gratitude each day. Jon is the Partner of 3 Endodontist offices in Northern Colorado and Wyoming.

Jon, thank you for sharing your story. You are a hero of mine and have been a lighthouse to me and my family. Thank you for sharing your Light!

Mark Pepper spent 25+ years as an alcoholic and drug addict in the dark feeling that he had no place in the world to fit in. Mark is Jewish and growing up in Utah he didn't quite feel like he fit in, as about half of the population of Utah are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). Fitting in did not come easily for Mark growing up and as he entered his teens, he found his place with the "Stoners" which made it easy for him to access, use, and abuse, Drugs and Alcohol. Mark began drinking at 15, and it continued for 25 years. His second Divorce, due to his drinking left Mark in a place feeling very worthless, broken, and Suicidal. He literally chose his addictions over his first two marriages, but as his second wife was walking out the door with their 6 year old and baby boy in her belly, Mark had a vision of his future with no one in his life and alone, this vision gave Mark the desire to put in the work to become clean and sober, mend relationships with his Father and Family, and find Belonging. 

Mark is very involved in working with youth and others who are deep in addiction, his life is focused on helping those who are suffering from the disease of addiction. He has so much knowledge, information, and experience that he shares with us that can truly help you if you are an addict, or help even parents think about how we are parenting so that we can prepare our children and equip them so that they are educated about the destruction these substances can bring to our lives, and the damage they can do to young minds. 

Mark is an amazing man, who has been through so much. His Journey truly shows him suicidal in the dark, finding light, connecting with God, and coming to Delight.  Mark was recently married and he and his wife look forward to a wonderful life together. 

Mark you are a hero! God bless you in your sobriety since 10/10/2002, and in your efforts to help bring healing and strength to those who are lost in the chains of addiction.  

Jake is one of those guys you meet and immediately you recognize that there is something special about him. His smile and energy are contagious and you feel like he is your best friend after a few short minutes with him. From the beginning of Jake's life "all odds were against him". His birth Mother and Father never married and separated before he was born. His mom was an alcoholic and Jake had to grow up fast, remembering many nights that he had to put her to bed. At 8 years old Jake watched his mother be handcuffed and hauled of to jail which left him feeling all alone in a big scary world. He went to live with his recovering Alcoholic Dad and Step Mom, and at first it was a stable home which Jake flourished in and got a taste a Happy Life. In his Teenage years Jake's Step Mother committed Suicide without warning, which wrecked Jake because they became very close. Jake talks about how the community rallied around him at this point. He had friends reach out to him in love who helped him learn about God and his value as God's Son. Faith entered Jake's life and as it did Doors opened for him to serve a two year Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which changed him. When he came home he had some "demons of the past" that he had to face. Through the Power of Prayer and with his amazing wife, right by his side, he faced those demons head on and experienced a lot of growth as a result. Jake is brilliant, and his life is absolutely inspiring! No matter how many times life knocks you down... Get Back Up and Never Quit. Put your Faith in God, Pray and ask for guidance, and He will take you by the hand and lead you to light, love, and joy! 

Joseph Sorensen’s story is multi-dimensional and has given him the ability to love and empathize for individuals that come from very different up brings than he had. Having been raised in a family with 3 birth siblings and 5 adopted black siblings, Joe began to recognize from an early age some of the challenges and difficulties his siblings faced growing up in Utah, because of their skin color, and the burdens that they had to bear from the day they were born that they had absolutely no control over. Joe speaks of the hurt he experienced when one of his adopted brothers was killed, the powerful lesson he learned about battling feelings of Anger and bitterness, and the importance of the Black Lives Matters Movement. From his schooling at Harvard University to his experience in the Public Relations Department at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joe has had many unique opportunities to see through different “lenses” and walks of life and he shares an inspiring message about understanding and showing true love, empathy, and Compassion for others.

As a life coach who has passed through the tragedy of losing both of her parents at a young age, Rachel has passed through dark times and found effective ways to seek light in life. Rachel is a brilliant person, full of light, and she gives some tips for processing negative emotion and feelings that enter into our lives. She speaks of what she calls the skill to C.O.P.E., which is an acronym she uses to define overcoming negative emotions, it stands for 1. Catch it, 2. Observe, 3. Pin Point, and 4. Experience. She talks about how to put C.O.P.E. into practice and how to let emotions "play out" or run their course and not just trying to force them out of our lives or feel ashamed we are feeling them.  Rachel is wonderful. Enjoy!

Spencer Hall, was the creator of Salt City Hoops a blog that covers the Utah Jazz, a past writer for ESPN, and Director of KSL media.. All of this experience gave Spencer experience with people from different backgrounds. He talks about the importance of learning about all walks of life from religious, racial, cultural, etc.  Spencer shares some fun memories of conversations with the late Coach Jerry Sloan, and as a blogger for the Utah Jazz. During our conversation Spencer talks about Empathy for others, the importance of empathizing with people different from ourselves and validating the experiences and feelings that they have. He talks about giving others Grace to Grow. We discuss the reality of what we choose to put out into the world and how it will come right back to us, so we can choose to seek for beautiful and good things, which makes life so much better and fulfilling for us. Spencer, offers wonderful insight to some of the Parenting Practices used by his Mother, who has recently passed away, and how as a mother she would embrace the nonsense, letting her kids play while ignoring the clutter, and things that she would do to make sure that her children felt love and felt celebrated. One of the most powerful lessons that Spencer has learned in his life is that one’s Value does not Change to God no matter what we do, and that Grace is not earned by our efforts, but is freely offered to us all, which in return gives us the ability to turnaround and offer that same gift of Grace to the people in our lives.

Ashley's story is one of those stories that you hear and think to yourself, "No way someone could go through all of that, and still be productive and happy in their life". As a young newlywed Mom of one son and one on the way Ashley's husband, without warning, committed Suicide. Ashley share's her story and experiences of pain and the guilt she felt as a result, almost feeling in some way as if it was her fault. Once the dust from the suicide settled, Ashley was married again but because she was trying to heal fully from the loss of her first husband to suicide she ignored "red flags" with her second husband and it became a very unhealthy marriage which lead to a divorce. Now with feelings of Shame as a result of a failed marriage Ashley thought she was worthless and that her life would amount to nothing more than being a single mom. She learned to trust and rely on the promises of her Savior Jesus Christ and began to have hope again, that is when she met her husband Jeff. She is now a mother of 6, a recent college graduate and looks for opportunities to reach out and uplift anyone in need. Ashley is truly a Delight, light emanates from her and you see it in her eyes! A true story of overcoming all odds and making a beautiful life!

After living a life of unmet expectations and lies to cover the expectations that he hadn't lived up to Dan was at the end of his rope and ready to throw in the towel for his life. Darkness, shame, and loss of all self respect encompassed his life and a divorce left Dan at Rock Bottom with no hope for a better life. 

Grace entered Dan's life as he was excommunicated from his church, this caused him to look into his own soul and face himself to uncover what he truly wanted. Dan learned that by living with vulnerability, personal accountability, and honesty he could have true and lasting joy. All the hurt, pain, and resentment that had held him captive for years was finally released and Dan now lives his authentic life and now has a life full of hope, light, and passion to serve others. Enjoy!

Katie has worked in an industry for 10+ years that has given her the opportunity and ability to help youth and women facing addiction, living on the streets, growing up in broken homes etc... She has learned the power of vulnerability and its need for people looking to change their lives and find the light in their lives. She speaks about the idea of showing up, practicing empathy, and walking with people through their darkest moments to help them feel loved and personal value again in their lives. Once someone believes in their worth again, they have the ability to own their decisions, be vulnerable with their past, gather their "Team" of support and overcome their darkest hours.

Katie provides an awesome perspective of overcoming darkness and finding delight again based on 10 years working in an industry helping people in their most desperate times. We hope that some of the tools and principles she speaks about will help you do the same for someone in your life. Enjoy!

Dr. Jeff Knight ON - Jeff was introduced to tragedy early in his life, his sister Kim was killed in a tragic automobile accident and shortly after as his family was suffering through deep pain and trauma his parents divorced. Without the foundation of family and home Jeff was used to he watched another of his sisters begin to lose herself in her battle with drug addiction. Jeff was determined to learn from the mistakes of others and the tragedies that life had handed him, to do this he learned to look to and trust in God. I have known Jeff for years and seen first hand how he has dealt with and met head on pain and suffering and because of faith he held onto during the darkness he was surrounded by, Jeff is now the first person to Show Up when anyone he knows is in trouble. The empathy he now has the capacity to offer is magnetic and when Jeff shows up with love to lift another, the power of God is with him and miracles happen. I personally am a first hand witness of this as Jeff helped to rescue me from my darkness and alcoholism, bringing love and worth to me when I had none for myself. 

Jeff speaks about trusting in God, the power of prayer and direction that God brings to life when you pray, listen and follow promptings that come. He also talks about losing yourself in service to others, and surrounding yourself with people that lift you up. 

Dr. Knight is a Chiropractor and just opened a Non-Profit Organization that specializes in serving kids with Autism.

Jeff is a very wise man, he makes the choice to live with Delight each day and lives a life that inspires and uplifts those around him. His energy is contagious and his Dance moves are magical. Enjoy!!

Bailey Roquemore, blew us away. As a young 20 something fighting Glioblastoma Brain Cancer she is strong! I am in awe of the faith that she lives by and her focus on finding her "team" and surrounding herself with people who will fight this battle with her head on. Bailey's positivity and light are recognized by all she crosses paths with, which is mind blowing considering the type of Cancer she is fighting. Dan and I are proud Team Bailey Members and two of her biggest fans. Let her inspire you!

Kristin Petrucci is a public speaker who has quite a story. After having a Grand mal seizure in her sleep she faced a new reality and couldn't connect with her old, happy self, which caused fear to come into her life and even lead her on a path near suicide. Facing an uphill battle Kristin learned tools that helped her learn face her new reality with a new found confidence and passion. She began a quest in search of Gratitude, Wonder, and Connection in her personal life and now that she has regained her life and has awakened her true self she is on a mission to give back and help others who are struggling. We love Kristin's passion and energy, and hope you will too!

Mike discusses his path to finding delight in his life. After a childhood of unfulfilled dreams, ADHD and struggles in School, Depression, and the shame of not living up to unrealistic expectations, Mike’s life changed when he found God began to realize that service to others and getting outside of oneself provides peace and happiness, which lead him to a decision to serve a 2 year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Indiana. Although Mike’s mission was an incredible experience for him and he returned home “on fire” to continually serve others and live of service, Mike lost his footing, went through a divorce, began drinking and using drugs again, which lead to full blown addiction, and after years of this he found himself all alone in pure shame, guilt, and darkness. On the edge, contemplating suicide Mike had an experience through prayer that taught him his value to God and which gave him the courage to, rise up, face the life he had created. Mike decided to forgive himself and take ownership of his life and to carry no shame for past choices but rather to choose to see them as valuable experience that no allows him to serve others in their own dark places. He speaks about the “failures” of his life as his greatest blessings which now give him purpose, Shame as a dark lie, and rising each time we fall.

Welcome to Come Towards Delight the Podcast. The reason I started Come Towards Delight and what I hope to accomplish, is to find amazing people with incredible stories and giving them a platform to share with us. Throughout my life I have always been attracted to people with light and energy in their souls. These people seem to look at life with passion and energy and I see them as the one's that jump at the chance to try new things, serve someone they don't know, and wrap their arms around someone that is having a rough time. Examples of these types of people in my life have made me realize that when all is said and done and life is over, I would be happy to be defined as someone who is delightful, brought delight to others, and saw this life as nothing less than full of delights all around. As I've paid attention to people with Delight I have noticed a commonality between the majority of them, it is that they have gone through some difficult challenges, trials, tragedies, and some of them have even passed through the darkness of despair. Why is it that someone who has passed through hard things and dark times see's the world with so much more beauty, gratitude, and Delight? Join me on my quest to understand why!