Episode 178: Growing Up Deaf Taught Me How to Hear with Emily Burraston

Today I have the boss lady of Joa with me. Not really—just kidding. But Emily, you do a ton behind the scenes, and I know you do. So thank you for coming on and sharing your story with us today.

Yeah, I’m so glad to be here, and to be able to share my story is an honor. So thank you for having me.

Absolutely. And I know you’re more than a team member—you’ve also written through Joa as well, and we can get to that.

So first, let’s just start off with you telling us a little bit about you and your background and your origin story.

Alright, like you said, I’m Emily Burraston. Life has been one big, fun, messy, joyful up-and-down roller coaster, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I met my husband when I was 16, we got married when I was 20, and we’re going to celebrate our 23rd anniversary in May.

I have two children—a daughter who’s 19 and moved out her senior year (I don’t think she’ll ever come back, although I hope she would) and a son who’s turning 16 next month. They are the light of my world. They are why I do what I do. I love my children and my family so much.

I’ve been a school teacher in the school system for 20 years. I’ve taught every grade except junior high—7th and 8th—because I just don’t think we’d be a good match. Other than that, I’ve had lots of different roles and titles. In my Mosaic book chapter in Volume 2, I talk a lot about that.

I grew up with a rare hearing loss. I was deaf for 36 years of my life. I had a severe hearing loss, and I didn’t know what I didn’t know. The technology back then couldn’t get the prescriptions right, so it was better to not have the hearing aids than to use them.

Six years ago, I found a hearing doctor who got my prescription right, and for the last six years I’ve been able to hear.

I did not know this about you.

Funny, because I read your chapter over the weekend. In my world, being deaf, I learned to listen and communicate differently. I didn’t know what people were saying, but I learned to read body language and other cues. It was a different world—kind of lonely—and my family helped me a lot.

The last six years, being able to hear, have been a journey in themselves—good and bad. I’m still navigating this world of hearing, but I’ve learned and grown so much. I can’t believe I’m here right now on a podcast with you and can hear you.

I’m honored to be your first interview. Wow, I didn’t know this part of your story. Thanks for sharing it.

Yeah.

Another topic we talk about here is faith. Did you grow up in a certain faith or tradition?

I grew up in Utah, which means there’s a church and a soda shop on every corner. My parents raised us based on what they knew from the LDS religion. I don’t remember going to church that much—maybe only during hard times. I knew a little about LDS growing up, but it wasn’t forced on us.

When I got married, my kids were blessed in the church by their grandfather, just because that’s what we did. I didn’t know better at the time. But as time went on, I knew that’s not what I wanted to teach my kids. I didn’t really know God, except for one time when I prayed for something and He delivered.

I wanted to teach my kids good values, so I taught them: treat others like you want to be treated, be respectful, be kind, be loving, and not judgmental. That’s worked out for us.

I met Kira in February last year. Before that, I often went alone to my parents’ mountain property for days at a time. It’s magical there. I remember being on top of the mountain, struggling, and asking God, “I need something bigger. Show me my next step.”

I found Kira through an email. Learning from her about asking, listening, and doing has led me to witness more miracles than I have in my entire life. I’ve always known there’s something bigger, but now I’m seeing what that really looks like—finding joy in small moments, being present, getting clear on what I want and need.

What I love about that is you stayed true to yourself. You basically taught the golden rule to your kids—pretty universal and a great foundation. You’re being honest about where you’re at. And Kira’s community opens people up to new ways of seeing their relationship with the divine.

Exactly.

So, you’ve also written a chapter in Mosaic Messages. Was that a teaser for a future full book?

I would love to write a full book. I originally thought I’d write in one more Mosaic volume first, but now I think maybe I should just start the book. Mosaic has been powerful for me—trusting myself, being seen, telling my story. Many people didn’t know I was deaf because I kept it secret. I didn’t want to be judged or labeled. Writing helped me reclaim my voice.

If you did write your book, what would be the theme?

It would be about stepping fully into the present without needing all the answers first. Trusting that my path will unfold as I walk it. Choosing curiosity over certainty, connection over control, and freedom over fear—finding faith that evolves alongside me.

Where does that come from?

Probably because I’ve always sought a spiritual journey, but I no longer want to seek external answers. I want to deepen into my own knowing. I don’t need to name it—I just need to live it.

Tell us about your role behind the scenes with Joa.

Before an event, Kira called me and asked if I wanted to be part of the team. The night before, I had prayed, “God, if I’m meant to go to this event, show me a way.” I’m a homebody, so I probably wouldn’t have gone otherwise. She called the next day.

Being behind the scenes was a dream come true. I could be part of everything without being overwhelmed by the noise. It was perfect for me.

On any journey, there are struggles. But leaning into uncertainty can bring joy, insight, and experiences you wouldn’t get otherwise. What moments have brought you joy?

I’m always amazed—when I ask, listen, and do, miracles happen. Things I can’t explain, things that feel almost too good to be true. It’s so simple: ask, listen, and act.

In Volume 2, my chapter is about redefining life’s purpose. We wait for a big purpose to land in our laps, but really, we create it by doing what matters to us.

So, what does it mean to you to live beyond the shadow of doubt?

It means being in the moment, choosing curiosity and joy, letting go of control, breaking generational patterns, and releasing fear and doubt.

Control is really an illusion, and letting go allows you to be present.

Exactly.

Let’s end with some quick fun questions. Favorite book?

Louise Hay’s You Can Heal Your Life.

Introvert or extrovert?

Introvert.

Favorite artist?

My dad—he paints pictures for me, and they’re my favorite.

Morning or night person?

Morning.

Celebrity crush?

Kelly Ripa, Heidi Klum, and Kevin James—combined.

Drink of choice?

Diet Coke and coffee. I need to drink more water.

Furthest place traveled?

Arizona for the event—that’s the farthest I’ve gone.

If people want to connect with you?

Instagram at @emilyburraston. My Linktree is there with everything.

Thank you for being here.

This was so fun! Thank you for having me.