Andelin Mbaki is originally from South Africa but now lives in Southern Utah. She attends Southern Utah University and is double majoring in Dance Education and Exercise Science. Andelin is also a dance instructor, a nanny, and a huge advocate for diversity, faith, and empowerment.

In this episode of Common Threads, I sit down with Andelin to talk about what it means to take up space, speak up, and refuse to shrink yourself for the comfort of others. Andelin shares her deep desire to “be the voice when others feel silenced,” and how her experiences in sports taught her that hard work, discipline, and perseverance truly pay off. We talk about the importance of diversity and why learning to see broader perspectives—without stereotyping or judging people based on where they come from—is essential to building stronger, more compassionate communities.

One of my favorite moments from this conversation is Andelin’s reminder to stop making ourselves “bite-sized so someone else can swallow us whole.” Instead, she encourages all of us, and women especially, to shine our light fully and unapologetically. We discuss her program, S.H.I.N.E. (Standing Higher in New Environments), which was born from her own experience navigating new spaces and learning to show up as her full self. This episode is a powerful reminder that we don’t grow by shrinking—we grow by shining.

Ways to Get Involved:
With the holidays here, it’s a great time to give back if you’re able. Andelin highlighted a few organizations doing meaningful work in the community that you can support through donating, volunteering, or simply learning more:

• Canyon Creek Services – A women and children’s shelter providing safety, resources, and support for those experiencing domestic violence and homelessness.
  https://www.canyoncreekservices.org/
  
  
• Miss Beauty of America (Andelin’s platform) – Follow along with Andelin’s advocacy, leadership work, and S.H.I.N.E. initiatives.
  https://www.instagram.com/missbeautyofamerica.usa/?igsh=MTBnNm01OHUwdWFi&utm_source=qr#
  
  

Supporting organizations like these is one small way we can all help make a difference and lift others up during this season and beyond.

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Caleb Ence grew up in Santa Clara, Utah as a member of Mormon church and served an LDS mission in Botswana and Namibia. Upon returning, they attended Brigham Young University and graduated with a degree in accounting. Caleb identifies as bisexual and nonbinary and is very passionate about appreciating the beauty of the world, helping people learn about queerness, and LEGOs.

In this episode, Caleb shares what it was like growing up in a deeply religious and politically engaged home where staying informed and involved was part of daily life. We talk about their LDS mission to Botswana and Namibia—a formative experience that completely reshaped how they saw the world. Caleb opens up about navigating religious OCD, learning how to identify what they were experiencing, and the healing that come from understanding your own mental health.

We also dive into Caleb’s journey of expanding their worldview through podcasts, books, and conversations that introduced them to perspectives outside their own. They reflect on their time at BYU, listening to stories from students whose experiences differed greatly from what they’d known, and how that shifted their understanding of equity and belonging. Caleb shares their personal journey of learning about queerness, exploring gender and sexual identity, and discovering their own (bisexual, trans, and nonbinary). We explore the importance of proximity to different communities, the power of empathy, and the joy they and their partner have found building their LEGO Instagram page to spark learning and connection within the LGBTQ community. It’s a conversation about curiosity, growth, and becoming who you truly are.

Be sure to check out Caleb’s LEGO Instagram page (linked below) to learn more about their work. If you’re looking for resources on LGBTQ+ education or support, you can also visit national organizations like The Trevor Project or A4TE.

• https://www.instagram.com/buildingbeyondthebinary/
• https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
• https://transequality.org/

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Christine Lin was a special education teacher for 23 years and currently works as a healthcare provider. She was born with Neurofibromotosis and is a huge believer in kindness & treating people with love & respect.

In this episode, Christine shares her powerful story of growing up with Neurofibromatosis (NF) and the resilience it taught her from a young age. We talk about what it was like navigating school while facing bullies, and how the encouragement of kind, supportive teachers helped shape her into who she is today. With 23 years of experience as a special education teacher and her current work as a healthcare provider, Christine brings a unique and deeply compassionate perspective to every part of her life.

Christine also opens up about leaning on her faith during difficult times and what it truly means to stay strong when life feels overwhelming. At the heart of our conversation is her unwavering belief in kindness—why treating people with love and respect is essential, and how you never really know the battles someone else might be fighting. It’s a reminder that a little compassion can change everything.

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Tanner Vario works in higher education, where he focuses on building meaningful connections through events and community programs. He is originally from Tooele Utah and is openly pansexual/bisexual.

In this episode, Tanner opens up about what it was like growing up non-religious in a community where almost everyone around him was. He shares how that sense of being “othered” shaped his early years and eventually pushed him toward deeper self-reflection. We talk about the importance of taking time for ourselves, prioritizing mental health, and learning who we truly are outside of other people’s expectations.

Tanner also talks about the power of critical thinking and why it’s essential to examine our personal beliefs—where they come from and whether they align with the kind of person we want to become. He shares his experience coming out, his perspective on LGBTQ rights, and how staying openminded can change the way we see each other. And of course, he leaves us with one of his favorite Dr. Seuss quotes: “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”

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Yamilla Lerma is from McAllen, Texas. She is an IT support generalist and is majoring in math at Utah Valley University.

In this episode, I sit down with Yamilia to talk about finding courage and conviction at a young age. Growing up in an immigrant family, Yamilia shares what it was like to live with the constant fear of loved ones being taken away and how those experiences shaped her voice and perspective today. She opens up about learning to speak up for her community, the importance of using the internet as a tool for education rather than division, and encouraging others to do their own research before forming opinions.

We also dive into what it means to stand boldly for what you believe in—especially when those beliefs clash with religion, culture, or politics. Yamilia reflects on how empathy, curiosity, and open-mindedness can bridge even the biggest differences. It’s an honest conversation about fear, resilience, and the power of speaking your truth.

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Taylor King is originally from Southern Utah, but is currently living in Denver, Colorado. She is 25 years old, a Lutheran, and she has Cystic Fibrosis. Taylor also loves snowboarding, hiking, & paddleboarding.

In this episode, I sit down with Taylor to talk about her journey living with cystic fibrosis and the lessons she’s learned from navigating the healthcare system. Taylor shares how her experiences with illness, service, and community have shaped her into the compassionate person she is today. We discuss the importance of mental health resources for youth, the need for more opportunities for people with disabilities, and the power of simply showing up for others when they need it most.

Taylor also reflects on moments that changed her perspective — from serving those experiencing homelessness to watching her best friend lose her father at a young age. These experiences have strengthened her belief in kindness, connection, and making the most of every day. We close by talking about finding peace in nature, the grounding power of the outdoors, and what it truly means to live with purpose.

For those interested in learning more about Taylor’s cystic fibrosis journey, check out her YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_inQ6_IGJk

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Britney Masciotti was born and raised in Payson, Utah but currently lives in Salt Lake City with her husband, baby boy, and their 2 dogs. She graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in Aviation Management.

In this episode, Britney shares her story of growing up in a small town, learning to embrace her culture, and realizing what it means to stand out — and stand up — for what she believes in. She opens up about finding her voice, even when it meant going against the majority, and learning that speaking up can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but it’s always worth it.

We also talk about the “sinking ship” analogy Britney uses to describe our shared responsibility in the world — that we’re all in the same boat, and it’s on each of us to help keep it afloat. From the fears surrounding immigration and family to navigating the grey areas of politics and religion, Britney’s story is one of empathy, courage, and hope.

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Religion plays a huge role in shaping how people see the world — from everyday decisions to the way we vote, serve others, and understand morality. In this mini episode, we explore how different religions align politically and how those beliefs influence communities here in the U.S. and around the world.

Drawing from varying studies and statistical evidence, we look at how religion and politics form a symbiotic relationship — one that can both strengthen and strain societies. We talk about what happens when faith and politics clash, how morality is viewed through a political lens, and the growing divide (and overlap) among religious voters in both major U.S. parties.

This episode continues my mini-series where we’ll unpack different themes and perspectives to help us better understand the people around us. If you enjoy this format, let me know—I’d love to hear your feedback and see if we should continue with more episodes like this!

Sources & Further Reading

• Pew Research Center — Religion, Partisanship & Ideology
• Pew Research Center — Religious Landscape Study / Party Affiliation
• Elizabeth Katelynn Baggett — The Relationship Between Religion and Politics in a Globalizing World (MTSU Open Access Journals)
• PMC — Why Christians Reconcile Their Personal Political Views and the Views of Jesus
• Wiley Online Library — Explaining the Relationship Between Religiosity and Political Participation
• American Academy of Arts and Sciences — The Perils of Politicized Religion
• PMC — Religion & Politics in Everyday Life
• If you're interested in the research project I assisted with in college, check out Faith and Politics: Latter-Day Saint Politicians Tell Their Stories by Dr. Richard Davis.

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