Rebecca Woolf was raised in Provo, Utah, the daughter of John and Shawna Edwards, with four brothers. She met her husband Landon at Brigham Young University. After graduation they lived in four different states as Landon studied and trained to become a pediatric anesthesiologist, and Becca studied and trained to become a mother of four incredible boys. They have now settled in Spokane, Washington. Becca has served in the Church as a counselor in Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society, as a Sunday School teacher, and as a Relief Society and Young Women president. Links When Being Released Hurts There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Becca vulnerably shares her experience as a Relief Society president in a new ward where the sisters embraced each other and she grew by striving to love as Jesus did. Highlights coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Robert Ferrell recently returned from serving with his wife Lori Ann as mission leaders in the Peru Lima Central Mission. Prior to that service he was a dental surgeon/periodontist for 25 years in Ogden, Utah. He is currently a partner at [ACCEPTED], a full-service mental health clinic, and president of "Awaken”, a humanitarian foundation providing service at home and around the world for businesses, schools, families and youth. Robert's church leadership experience as a young single adult bishop, YSA stake president, and mission president—along with his professional careers—has given him unique experience and perspective to inspire young adults through some of the most important moments and difficult challenges of their lives. He has been a mentor/coach to thousands of young adults, a professional and inspirational speaker with over 500 presentations, and a presenter at BYU Education Week since 2017. Links Aspire: Discovering Your Purpose Through the Power of Words Seekers Wanted There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Robert Ferrell discusses the importance of fostering a culture of trust and open communication, encouraging leaders to help those they work with to focus on strengths and talents rather than their weaknesses. He shares anecdotes about his interactions with missionaries, emphasizing the need for leaders to be approachable and to create an environment where it is safe to discuss struggles and failures. Throughout the episode, Robert reflects on the significance of connecting people to Jesus Christ, advocating for a shift in focus from mere mechanics to building genuine relationships with the Savior. He urges leaders to learn from those who struggle rather than solely focusing on those who succeed. The discussion also touches on the importance of time, training, teamwork, traditions, and theology in effective leadership. Ultimately, the conversation reminds us of the need for compassion, understanding, and a focus on personal growth in both leadership and discipleship. The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Devin Pope was raised in Springville, Utah, and studied Economics at Brigham Young University before earning a PhD in Economics from University of California, Berkeley. He worked at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and is now a professor of Behavioral Science and Economics at the University of Chicago. Devin and his wife Linda have four children and have held a variety of callings in the Church. He is currently the bishop of the Hyde Park 2nd Ward in Chicago. Links The Power of Everyday Missionaries Rallying the Ward Around Sacrament Meeting | A How I Lead Interview with Ryan Webb There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Bishop Devin Pope leads the fastest-growing and most-baptizing ward in North America, located in Southside Chicago. He discusses his experiences and innovative approaches to missionary work, particularly in a diverse and densely-populated area with over a million residents. Devin recounts his journey from serving as a ward mission leader to becoming bishop, emphasizing the importance of community engagement through events that welcome families into the church without a proselytizing agenda. He describes various successful community events, such as movie nights, indoor carnivals, and a popular haunted house that attracts thousands of attendees each year. These events aim to create a sense of belonging and familiarity with the church, ultimately leading to increased interest in church attendance. He also addresses the challenges of retaining new converts, highlighting the need for the church to provide meaningful support and assistance to families, particularly single mothers and migrants, who often face significant struggles. Devin emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment during sacrament meetings and adapting the format to engage attendees better. He shares strategies for making church services more dynamic and inclusive, such as varying the types of talks and encouraging participation from all members, regardless of their background. The discussion culminates in a focus on the recent influx of migrants to Chicago, with Devin advocating for compassion and support for these new neighbors, regardless of political views. This conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the church's mission to love and serve all individuals, fostering a sense of community and belonging within the church. 00:02:39 - Introduction with Bishop Devin Pope 00:04:57 - Devin's Background and Calling 00:06:40 - Missionary Work and Community Dynamics 00:08:43 - Community Events: Engaging the Local Population 00:11:45 - Creative Community Event Ideas 00:14:40 - No Proselytizing Zone: Building Relationships 00:16:04 - Frequency and Planning of Community Events 00:17:22 - Popular Community Events: Haunted House and More 00:20:01 - Utilizing Church Facilities for Community Engagement 00:21:02 - Learning from Failed Events 00:22:10 - Involvement of Missionaries and Ward Members 00:23:56 - Budgeting for Community Events 00:24:34 - Shifting Focus to Community Outreach 00:25:29 - Organic Growth: Inviting People to Church 00:27:18 - Pizza Nights: Informal Introductions to the Church 00:29:39 - The Role of Missionaries in the Ward 00:30:00 - Retaining New Converts: Importance of Community 00:31:04 - Enhancing Sacrament Meetings for Engagement 00:34:22 - Providing Value to New Members 00:36:14 - Long-Term Welfare Support for Families 00:39:25 - Balancing Welfare Needs and Community Support 00:40:17 - Creating a Welcoming Church Environment 00:44:19 - Addressing the Needs of Migrant Families 00:45:40 - Engaging with Local Migrant Communities The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be bette...

Greg Trimble is the Founder of Lemonade Stand, an Inc. 5000 company and one of the fastest-growing digital marketing agencies in the United States. He also founded Build Then Bless®, a fintech platform that improves the world through one micro-interaction at a time, and Yalla, a team management and collaboration tool that is 100% dedicated to helping companies and organizations work better together. Greg is an author of five books and has served on the editorial board for BYU Studies, the Board of Directors of Faith Matters, the Advisory Board for Scripture Central, the Board of Directors for Millennial Choirs & Orchestras, the Board of Directors for Gifted Music School and assists many other faith-based organizations in their various missions to improve families and strengthen faith in God. He currently serves as a bishop in his ward and as a service missionary working with the General Young Men Presidency with his wife Kristyn. Most of all, Greg enjoys spending time with his family while surfing, skiing, golfing, and playing almost every other sport imaginable. Links Having a Game Plan for Sunday School | An Interview With Greg Trimble Millennial Choirs & Orchestra: Millennial.org Faith Matters The Future of Missionary Work In The Church There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Greg shares his experiences over nearly four years of serving as a bishop in a Utah ward, highlighting the unique approach he has taken to engage youth in missionary work. 00:03:00 - Greg's Background and Experience as a Bishop 00:06:00 - Insights from Four Years as a Bishop 00:08:00 - The Unique Demographics of the Ward 00:09:00 - Engaging with the Youth Program 00:10:00 - Preparing for a Typical Sunday as a Bishop 00:12:00 - Greg's Involvement with Millennial Choirs and Orchestras 00:14:00 - The Future of Missionary Work Article 00:16:00 - Creating a Mini Mission in the Ward 00:19:00 - Benefits of Ward Missionaries 00:22:00 - Structure of the Ward Missionary Program 00:23:00 - Connection with Ministering Efforts 00:24:00 - Building Connections in the Ward 00:26:30 - Expectations for Youth in Missionary Work 00:28:00 - Long-Term Vision for Missionary Preparation 00:42:00 - The Importance of Service in Missionary Work 00:45:00 - Integrating Service Principles into the Program 00:47:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Missionary Work The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Find tickets for the movie Faith of Angels HERE Joshua Dennis works as a designer for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the For the Strength of Youth Magazine and the Gospel Living App. He graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting and Drawing. He has served as a bishop and currently as a stake president. Josh lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife Johana and their four children. Links The Best Five Years | A How I Lead Interview with Kirby Heyborne There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Joshua Dennis shares his remarkable story of being lost in an abandoned mine as a young boy and miraculously found. Joshua, now serving as a stake president, reflects on the experience and the impact it has had on his life. The conversation also touches on the upcoming movie "Faith of Angels," which portrays Joshua's story and the miraculous events surrounding his rescue. Joshua emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus Christ, being the person you want others to become, and maintaining a loving and kind demeanor in leadership roles. He shares insights on the challenges and blessings of serving as a stake president, drawing on personal experiences and lessons learned from his journey. 00:06:15 - Joshua Dennis recounts being separated in the mine 00:13:20 - Reflections on his experience and the role of angels 00:19:10 - Experience of the story resurfacing 00:21:05 - How the story became a movie 00:23:40 - Where the movie title came from 00:27:05 - Sealing of the mine after his rescue 00:28:00 - Serving a mission in Honduras when his story was told in a conference talk 00:30:46 - Sharing experiences with others 00:34:30 - Service as a stake president 00:36:30 - Service in a Spanish-speaking ward in Utah 00:40:00 - Focus on Jesus Christ in leadership 00:42:10 - Be the person you want others to become 00:44:20 - When you don't know what to do, be loving and kind 00:46:10 - Reflections on the first year as a stake president 00:51:00 - Perspective on tragedy and the absence of miracles The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Taysom Hill is an American professional football utility player and quarterback for the NFL's New Orleans Saints. He is the youngest of four children and grew up in Pocatello, Idaho, where he lettered in football, basketball, and track. Taysom served a mission to Sydney, Australia, and played college football at Brigham Young University where he was a starting quarterback. He married his wife Emily while at BYU and their family now splits their time between New Orleans and Provo, Utah. Links Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Taysom shares insights from his experiences in football and leadership, drawing parallels between sports and church leadership. He discusses the impact of his mission on his life, the importance of routines, and the power of belief and empowerment in leadership. Taysom reflects on his role as a captain at BYU and how he approached leadership in the locker room, emphasizing the need for consistency and resilience in challenging situations. He also highlights the significance of being genuine, available, and empowering in leadership roles, both on and off the field. Taysom's experiences offer valuable lessons on leadership, faith, and personal development in various contexts, showcasing the importance of belief, empowerment, and consistency in effective leadership. 02:50 - Taysom Hill's Unique Career Journey 05:25 - Taysom's Faith Development 10:20 - Taysom's Mission Experience 16:20 - The Importance of Routines 22:18 - Balancing Family Life and a High-Demand Career 26:54 - Taysom's Experience as a Church Member in the NFL 30:34 - Insights on Connecting with Youth 32:28 - Impactful Leadership Lessons from NFL Coaches 39:34 - Taysom's Experience as a Captain at BYU 42:33 - Taysom's Leadership Approach in the Saints Locker Room The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

In March 2024, Jacob Hansen joined us on the Leading Saints Podcast to talk about how we can combine values and people’s interests to create a great experience. He believes this is a powerful way to build Zion by creating community and human connection between the saints. Jacob is back with a conversation about interest-based groups in the Long Beach East Stake, where they are changing the game in bringing together the Lord's children both inside and outside the Church. In this rebroadcast of a recent Thoughtful Faith podcast, Jacob talks with leaders from that stake about what they are doing to literally gather Israel. Links Part 1: Changing Church Culture by Gathering the Saints | An Interview with Jacob Hansen Thoughful Faith on YouTube The original video about stake activity groups: "Could This Revolutionize The Church?" Stake Activity Group Linktree (Note that the “Scripture Buddies” groups are open to men and women anywhere in the US.) Stake Bulletins Talent & Interest Survey There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Jacob Hansen is back with a follow-up to his previous podcast interview about interest-based groups at Church. In this podcast episode, Jacob talks with leaders from the Long Beach East Stake and emphasizes the value of connecting individuals with similar interests to strengthen relationships and combat loneliness. The stake has successfully implemented over a dozen interest-based groups, ranging from yoga classes to scripture study groups. These groups have provided a platform for members to bond over shared passions and activities, fostering a sense of community and friendship. The stake has seen significant success in organizing these groups, with members actively participating and engaging in various activities. The conversation highlights the grassroots approach taken by the stake leadership, allowing members to initiate and lead these groups based on their interests. The episode also addresses concerns about control and the necessity of providing a framework for organizing these activities within the Church. Overall, the podcast showcases the positive impact of interest-based groups in building relationships, promoting unity, and creating a sense of belonging within the Church community. 03:10 - Impact of interest-based groups in strengthening relationships 07:05 - Formation and success of a yoga group in the stake 10:05 - Involvement in various interest-based groups 12:40 - Organizing groups in the stake 17:04 - Importance of shared interests in building relationships 22:19 - Organizing groups through surveys and communication 26:04 - Overcoming initial hesitations to start groups 29:38 - Benefits of interest-based groups in reducing loneliness and isolation 34:07 - Encouraging grassroots initiatives for groups 36:42 - Building relationships through shared interests 40:42 - Utilizing stake resources to promote interest-based activities 44:35 - Participation and success of groups in the stake 47:24 - Balancing top-down guidance with bottom-up initiatives 50:18 - Emphasizing the importance of individual talents and interests 52:13 - Gathering saints through shared values and interests The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson,

Tami Harris is Chaplain Services Manager for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, part of Military Relations in the Church's Priesthood and Family Department. Tami was the first female chaplain in the modern era of the Church. She is a licensed board certified clinical chaplain and studied at the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy and The Institute for Clinical Pastoral Training. She also earned a masters in Human Services Counseling Crisis Response and Trauma from Liberty University. Tami has served as a clinical pastoral education supervisor at ICPT and previously as director of spiritual health and wellness at The Heritage Community in Provo, Utah, and as a chaplain at Provo Canyon School. Links “I Literally Washed Her Feet” | A How I Lead Interview with Sierra Larson There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Tami shares insights into the role of chaplains, emphasizing the importance of listening and empathy in providing pastoral care. She highlights the unique training and experiences chaplains bring to their work, including facilitating various religious services and supporting individuals in times of crisis. Tami also discusses the recent approval of female chaplains in the military and the historical context of chaplaincy within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She emphasizes the value of chaplains as assets to local leaders and provides a deeper understanding of the role of chaplains and their impact on individuals in need of spiritual support. 02:04 - Introduction of Tami Harris and Military Relations 05:26 - History of Military Relations in the Church 10:19 - Role of Chaplains in the Military 15:47 - Approval of Female Chaplains in the Church 23:22 - Training and Support for Chaplains 32:24 - Advice for Bishops and Stake Presidents from a Chaplain 40:00 - Role of a Chaplain in Interfaith Settings 43:11 - Importance of Chaplains in Wards and Stakes The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in April 2021. Judge Thomas B. Griffith is an expert in constitutional law. He has served as chief counsel for both the U.S. Senate and for Brigham Young University, and was appointed to a judgeship by George W. Bush on the Washington, D.C., Court of Appeals, from which he retired in 2020. In his church experience he has served as both a bishop and a stake president. He currently lectures on law at Harvard Law School and serves as a fellow at the Wheatley Institution at BYU, as special counsel to the international law firm of Hunton Andrews Kurth, and as senior policy advisor to the National Institute for Civil Discourse. Links FaithMatters.org A Mormon Approach to Politics, by Thomas B. Griffith Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution, by President Dallin H. Oaks Beyond Politics, by Hugh Nibley Handbook links: 38.8.30 Political and Civic Activity 38.8.40 Seeking Information from Reliable Sources Liberals, Doctrine, & Apologetics at Church | An Interview with Blair Hodges Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights In this collaborative episode, Kurt Francom and Faith Matters co-founder Bill Turnbull talk with Thomas to explore President Oaks’ 2021 General Conference address, "Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution". President Oaks spoke passionately about the U.S. Constitution and ended with an urgent admonition to end political tribalism and division, insisting that we address this in our wards and stakes. They also discuss what lies behind those divisions—the rapid erosion of goodwill and trust in the American body politic—including among Latter-day Saints. Thomas believes Latter-day Saints can and must play a critical role in healing today’s divides. Leaders especially have a role in helping ward members follow President Oaks’ counsel. 2:10 Quote from President Oaks' talk: "On contested issues, we should seek to moderate and unify. … There are many political issues, and no party, platform, or individual candidate can satisfy all personal preferences. Each citizen must therefore decide which issues are most important to him or her at any particular time. Then members should seek inspiration on how to exercise their influence according to their individual priorities. This process will not be easy. It may require changing party support or candidate choices, even from election to election." 3:45 The thought never occurred to him that his political views were driven by his faith commitments Quote from President Oaks' talk: "Such independent actions will sometimes require voters to support candidates or political parties or platforms whose other positions they cannot approve. That is one reason we encourage our members to refrain from judging one another in political matters. We should never assert that a faithful Latter-day Saint cannot belong to a particular party or vote for a particular candidate. We teach correct principles and leave our members to choose how to prioritize and apply those principles on the issues presented from time to time. We also insist, and we ask our local leaders to insist, that political choices and affiliations not be the subject of teachings or advocacy in any of our Church meetings." 6:40 What can leaders take away from this: How does this apply to me? How can I change and be a better disciple of Christ based on this counsel? 8:30 Rigid identification with one political party has been a long-time concern with the general leadership of the church 9:45 Polarization is complicated: we sort ourselves with like-minded people and have less interaction with people who think differently, and those interactions are increasingly hostile 11:15 Media, social media, and confirmation bias: living in an echo chamber 13:45 Be introspective and thoughtful, always questioning your own assumptions; Jesus is always challenging us

Rebecca Buffington is a credentialed ADHD coach, helping others see where Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder affects their lives and how they can create a game plan to overcome obstacles and move toward their goals. She studied at Brigham Young University and is the parent of four children—three of whom have been diagnosed with ADHD. Seeking to help her own family, Rebecca began learning more about ADHD and trained at the IACT Center in both individual and parent/family coaching. She now works to eliminate misunderstanding about this neurodevelopmental disorder and help guide others toward making lasting changes that will lead to greater success in their lives. Links RebeccaBuffington.com There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights The podcast episode delves into the topic of ADHD providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals with this disorder, especially in a church context. The discussion highlights the impact of ADHD on executive functions, time management, and task completion. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of understanding ADHD as a neuropsychological disorder rather than a character flaw. She also addresses the need for leaders to approach individuals with ADHD with compassion, patience, and a willingness to provide support tailored to their needs. The episode underscores the significance of positive reinforcement, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and fostering a supportive environment for individuals with ADHD to thrive. Additionally, the conversation touches on the role of medication and the importance of seeking professional help when necessary. Overall, the episode offers valuable insights for leaders in understanding and supporting individuals with ADHD within a religious community. 03:32 Understanding ADHD and its Impact 06:03 Difference Between ADHD and ADD 06:40 ADHD in Adults and Children 09:10 ADHD as a Superpower and Explanation, not an Excuse 11:34 Religious Context and ADHD 13:06 Diagnosis and Importance of Diagnosis for ADHD 15:11 Medication and Treatment for ADHD 17:02 Impact of ADHD on Reverence and Behavior 19:37 ADHD in Women and Girls 22:06 Dopamine and ADHD 23:57 Executive Functions and ADHD 26:28 Approaching ADHD in Leadership Roles The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Bennett Borden is a lawyer and the chief data scientist of a large international law firm. He has made significant contributions to the field of AI governance and algorithmic bias testing, has extensive experience in the U.S. intelligence community, and is a trusted AI counsel to major generative AI companies and dozens of Fortune 500 companies. Bennett is a graduate of George Mason and New York Universities, and earned his juris doctorate from Georgetown University. Links Why We Married in the Temple After 20 Years in Same-Sex Relationships | An Interview With Bennett & Becky Borden Guiding Principles for the Church of Jesus Christ’s Use of Artificial Intelligence There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights This podcast features a discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the faith tradition of Latter-day Saints. Guest Bennett Borden, an AI lawyer, delves into the topic and explores the transformative nature of AI, comparing it to the advent of electricity in terms of disruption and transformation. Bennett explains the difference between classical AI and generative AI, highlighting the potential of generative AI in various applications, including education and healthcare. The conversation touches on the ethical considerations of AI, such as deep fakes, and the need for regulation to prevent misuse. The discussion also delves into the implications of AI on content creation, creativity, and community dynamics within the church. Bennett emphasizes the importance of using AI as a tool to enhance human creativity and connection, while also being mindful of its potential negative impacts on mental health and social interactions. 00:05:30 - Overview of Artificial Intelligence 00:11:38 - Understanding Classical AI vs. Generative AI 00:17:35 - Potential Impacts of AI on Latter-day Saints 00:23:52 - Church Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence 00:26:50 - Disclosure and Responsibility in AI Content Creation 00:33:34 - Discussion on Deepfakes and Their Implications 00:38:13 - Impact of AI on Content Creation and Creativity 00:43:13 - Emphasis on Community and Human Connection in Church Experience 00:45:06 - Concerns about AI Manipulation and the Loneliness Epidemic The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Andy Rosas was born in Argentina and his family lived in Utah and Italy before moving to Dublin, Ireland. He served in the France Lyon mission, and currently lives just outside of London, England. He has served as a YSA ward clerk, YSA bishopric counselor, on the high council, and as a YSA elders quorum president. Links God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life's Little Detours There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Andy provides insights into the Young Single Adult experience in the UK, highlighting the intimate and family-like atmosphere due to the small church community. He discusses his leadership roles in the YSA ward, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and building transformational relationships. Andy shares leadership principles and stresses the value of creating a safe and welcoming space in church, allowing individuals to share and teach in a supportive environment. He also touches on the concept of lowering expectations and focusing on building relationships rather than rigid structures in church settings. The episode concludes with a reflection on the power of giving space for others to speak and share in church settings, fostering a sense of community and connection among members. 00:03:43 - Andy Rosas' Background and YSA Experience in the UK 00:08:35 - Andy's Leadership Roles in the YSA Ward 00:26:36 - SPARC: Smile, Present, Admire, Represent, Christ 00:32:07 - Growing a Personality, Not Just a Testimony 00:42:24 - Let People Lead Themselves The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife is a Latter-day Saint relationship and sexuality coach with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. Her teaching and coaching focus on helping LDS individuals and couples create greater connection and passion in their emotional and sexual relationships. In addition to her private practice, Dr. Finlayson-Fife has created five empowering and highly-reviewed online courses. Each course was designed to give LDS individuals and couples the tools requisite to creating healthier lives and stronger intimate relationships. Dr. Finlayson-Fife also offers many workshops and retreats where she teaches these life-changing principles in person. Dr. Finlayson-Fife is a frequent guest on LDS-themed podcasts on the subjects of sexuality, relationships, mental health, and faith. She is also the creator and host of Room for Two, a popular sex and intimacy coaching podcast. Links Finlayson-Fife.com Conversations with Dr. Jennifer Room for Two Dr. Finlayson-Fife's Online Courses Dr. Finlayson-Fife's Workshops and Retreats There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights In this podcast, Dr. Finlayson-Fife emphasizes the importance of normalizing sexual feelings and desires, especially among youth, and highlights the need for individuals to take ownership of their sexuality in a healthy and self-authoring manner. The conversation also addresses the complexities of sexual dynamics within marriages, shedding light on the impact of societal messages and gender roles on sexual relationships. The episode explores the concept of betrayal trauma and the nuances of sexual desire and fulfillment within relationships, offering insights into navigating differences and fostering a mutually satisfying connection. Additionally, the discussion touches on the role of Church leaders in addressing sexuality and promoting a more open and understanding approach to sexual intimacy within the Latter-day Saint community. 00:05:30 - Importance of Normalizing Sexual Feelings 00:15:37 - The Role of the Church in Healthy Sexual Development 00:25:43 - Addressing Sexuality in Adulthood 00:35:49 - Betrayal Trauma and Gender Dynamics in Relationships 00:44:18 - Gender Dynamics and Expectations in Leadership The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Aaron Osman is a leadership coach and facilitator, hailing from Tahawai, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. He believes true empowerment and effectiveness are achieved when people align their thinking and behavior with correct principles, and he helps leaders gain a deeper perspective of their complex challenges and clarity with decision-making. Aaron has served in the Church as a branch president. Links Leader Expectation Pain | An Interview with Jody Moore Connect with Aaron Osman on LinkedIn There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights In this conversation, Aaron and Kurt talk about managing expectations as leaders and the importance of surrendering to God's will. Aaron emphasizes the need to focus on what truly matters in leadership, such as strengthening relationships with Christ, making and keeping covenants, and prioritizing time with family. He shares personal experiences as a branch president, highlighting the importance of surrendering to God's will and trusting in His guidance. The conversation also touches on the principle of agency and accepting the consequences of others' choices. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights on leadership, faith, and the power of surrendering to God's will in navigating challenges and responsibilities as a leader. 00:02:18 - Introduction to Aaron Osman from New Zealand 00:09:33 - Understanding Expectations as a New Leader 00:15:24 - It Always Works Out 00:25:31 - Surrendering to God's Will 00:34:40 - Thy Will Be Done 00:45:31 - Overcoming Overwhelm and Surrendering to God's Will The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Clate W. Mask Jr. served in the U.S. Army Reserve before attending Brigham Young University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish, then worked in construction sales in Los Angeles, California. He taught early-morning Seminary and loved it so much he chose to leave his job to work full-time for the Church Educational System. He later earned his master’s degree in education from California State University, Northridge. He helped establish Institute classes in Spanish in Arizona and Southern California and loved bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to life for his thousands of “star students” over the years. Elder Mask was a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy. Prior to his call, he and his wife, Carol, were mission leaders of the Spain Barcelona Mission. Following his release as a general authority he and Carol served as president and matron of the Guatemala City Guatemala Temple. He has also served as bishop, branch president, stake Sunday School president, and high councilor. Clate and Carol are the parents of six children and 28 grandchildren and spent much of their married life in Arizona. They both served as missionaries in the Central American Mission and have a life-long love for the people and culture of Central America. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Elder Mask shares insights and experiences from his time teaching Seminary, leading missionaries, and serving as a general authority. 00:02:23 - Elder Clate Mask's Background and Career as a Seminary Teacher 00:11:11 - Call to Serve as a Mission President 00:18:30 - Leadership and Connection with Missionaries 00:26:55 - Overcoming Discouragement and Developing Christ-like Attributes 00:36:43 - Teaching the Pollyanna Principle and Other Object Lessons The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Garret Shields has a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s degree in Religious Education, and is currently working on a Ph.D. in History, researching issues and questions related to race and the priesthood in Brazil. He works in the Church Educational System as a Seminary teacher. Garret served in the Brazil Rio de Janeiro Mission and has since served in many callings in the Church including ward mission leader, high councilor, elders quorum president, bishopric counselor, Sunday School president, and nursery leader. He currently serves as a priest quorum advisor. Garret lives in Spanish Fork, Utah, with his wife and four energetic, adorable, and amazing children. Monica Fell has worked as a registered nurse for almost 20 years, where she has had the privilege of loving and serving in many capacities from hospital settings to home health and hospice, and working with struggling youth in group homes. At church, Monica has also served in many callings, including nursery leader, librarian, Relief Society counselor, girls camp director, Primary president, Young Women president, and currently as a Young Women 1st counselor. She served as a "teaching advisor" while Garret was Sunday School president in their ward, working alongside the presidency to support teaching both in the home and at church. Monica is a single empty nester who calls Spanish Fork home. She had the privilege of raising two boys and identical twin girls, is grateful for a son- and daughter-in-law she loves like her own, and can't believe how much fun it is to be a "Nana" of an adorable, spirited, 3-year-old granddaughter. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Recognizing that most gospel teaching at home and even at church in their ward was done by women, Garrett decided to include women in the Sunday School presidency. Monica, one of the teaching advisors in the presidency, highlights the success of their approach, especially in addressing the challenges faced by women in implementing Come Follow Me at home. The podcast delves into the structure of their meetings, the proactive nature of their leadership, and the emphasis on Teaching in the Savior's Way. The dynamic and collaborative nature of their presidency meetings fostered a strong bond among the members and led to better teaching in the ward as a whole. 00:03:06 - Garret's Background and Role as Sunday School President 00:07:40 - Monica's Perspective on Serving in the Sunday School Presidency 00:10:19 - Structure and Dynamics of the Sunday School Presidency 00:14:10 - Importance of Being a Difference Maker in Leadership 00:19:22 - Implementation of Teacher Council Meetings for Parents 00:25:13 - Emphasizing Christ-Centered Teaching 00:29:05 - Structure of Teacher Council Meetings for Parents and Teachers 00:34:11 - Importance of Building Relationships and Camaraderie in Leadership 00:36:38 - Proactive Approach to Leadership and Ministry The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences,

Paul McHardy was raised primarily in Columbus, Ohio, and moved to Utah to earn a bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism from Brigham Young University and eventually a master's degree in Professional Communication from Weber State University. Paul has managed multiple omni-channel marketing teams (SEO, PPC, email, social, and affiliates), and has experience with branding, market research, user experience, and product development. In 2021 he took the opportunity to specialize in search engine optimization by joining Church employment as the Head of Global SEO. Paul currently lives in Eagle Mountain, Utah, with his wife, Aleta, and three young daughters. He loves athletics, collecting trinkets, music, and BYU sports. He has served in various callings over the years, but has spent most of his adult life as either a Sunday School teacher or in a Sunday School presidency, and currently serves in his stake Sunday School presidency. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights This conversation delves into the importance of search engine optimization (SEO) in ensuring accurate and positive information about The Church is easily accessible online. Paul explains how The Church's shift from using the term "Mormon" to has impacted their online visibility and search rankings. The conversation also explores the intricacies of local search optimization for Church buildings, including the transition from using the Angel Moroni icon to a cross icon on map listings. Paul details the challenges of managing phone numbers for Church listings and the efforts to improve data accuracy and visibility for local congregations. He also emphasizes the significance of engaging with online reviews and maintaining consistent and up-to-date information across various platforms to enhance The Church's online presence and accessibility for individuals seeking to connect with local congregations. 00:02:07 - Discussion on SEO and Church Communication 00:17:44 - Importance of Local Search Optimization for Chapels 00:22:02 - Various Platforms for Local Listings 00:28:03 - Transition from Angel Moroni to Cross Icon on Listings 00:35:18 - Importance of Reviews and Responses for Listings 00:40:55 - Integration of Meetinghouse Locator with Local Listings The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in November 2019. Barbara Morgan Gardner is an associate professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University, and the author of The Priesthood Power of Women. Her research interests focus primarily on women in religious leadership, international education, and religious pedagogy. She holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Foundations and a PhD in Instructional Psychology, and did post-doctoral work at Harvard University. Barbara was Institute director in Boston, Massachusetts, serving more than 100 universities and colleges in the area and acting as chaplain at Harvard and MIT. She continues to serve as the chaplain-at-large in higher education for The Church, and on the BYU Interfaith Outreach Council. She and her husband, Dustin Gardner, live in Highland, Utah. Links The Priesthood Power of Women: In the Temple, Church, and Family Grounded Podcast with Barbara Morgan Gardner Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 05:40 - Why was the book written? To help women and men understand what priesthood is. 09:25 - Barbara realized that many members and leaders didn’t separate the hierarchical structure of the priesthood and the patriarchal structure of the priesthood. She wanted to help women to understand the prophet has been asking us to learn more about the priesthood. 10:00 - Barbara became more frustrated with women who are not interested in learning about the priesthood than those who are and who may even be unhappy. 11:45 - Is this information on the priesthood power of women new, or would someone historical like David O. McKay be aware of it? 13:00 - Are we shoehorning this doctrine into today’s culture because more women are asking questions? 14:45 - Russell M. Nelson has been asking women to study and know this doctrine. 16:50 - What is the difference between the hierarchical and patriarchal structure of the priesthood? 19:10 - Why don’t we talk about the patriarchal structure of the priesthood? 21:05 - Elder and Sister Renlund’s notions of Big Earth and Little Earth priesthood ties in 23:40 - What are priesthood keys and who holds priesthood keys? 28:50 - How are keys different relating to the hierarchical and patriarchal priesthoods? Who is “in charge” in a family? What does presiding mean in a family vs the church structure? Who has keys in a temple? In a mission? 38:55 - What does it mean that keys will be revealed? 39:20 - General priesthood keys vs keys of presiding 41:15 - What priesthood keys do women have? 43:10 - What can a key holder do in a ward to highlight and enable the priesthood power and authority of women? 48:20 - List of questions that are found in the book 49:30 - Who outranks whom when men and women have disagreements at church? 50:35 - Someone has to preside, right? 53:00 - One way priesthood holders diminish authority of women in their homes 55:00 - How can we better understand and improve the revelatory process of submitting names for callings? 1:02:10 - Women of this time have been prophesied about 1:03:00 - It’s never a competition. Men can do more in partnership with women to save souls than they could alone. The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman,

In this podcast episode, Nate and Marla Christensen discuss the concepts of codependence and enmeshment in relationships, particularly in the context of addiction recovery. They emphasize the importance of being enmeshed with Christ rather than with other people, highlighting the need for individuals to focus on their relationship with the Savior for healing and support. The discussion delves into the idea that the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) is not just for addicts but can benefit anyone seeking to strengthen their connection with Jesus and find peace amidst chaos. Marla shares her personal journey of realizing the need to lean on Jesus rather than being overly dependent on her partner's actions or behaviors. The couple reflects on the transformative power of surrendering to the Savior and finding solace in the midst of life's challenges. They also touch on the importance of maintaining individuality and self-care within relationships, even when faced with difficulties like addiction. Overall, the episode underscores the significance of seeking spiritual guidance and support in navigating personal struggles and relationships. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights How Nate and Marla's Journeys Led to Becoming Therapists 00:03:31 - Nate's Background and Struggles with Mental Health 00:10:13 - Marla's Background and Transition to College The Importance of the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) 00:24:21 - The Benefits of the ARP Program for Both Addicts and Partners 00:25:02 - The Role of Spiritual Leaders in Supporting ARP Participation Understanding Codependence and Enmeshment 00:33:35 - Exploring the Concept of Codependence and Enmeshment 00:37:31 - Applying the Principles of Surrender and Enmeshment with Christ Navigating Relationships and Dependency 00:40:13 - Marla's Reflection on Codependency in Past Relationships 00:41:45 - Marla's Shift in Perspective Towards Nate's Struggles The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Emma Smith's previous church callings include serving in the nursery, Primary, Relief Society, and as a Young Women president. She currently serves as the second counselor in the Thames Valley Stake Young Women. Emma has a degree in Acting and Performing Arts, and works in infant, primary, and secondary schools delivering mental health, anti-bullying, and resilience drama workshops for a theatre company. She is a parton for the Child Bereavement UK charity, and most grateful for being a mother and raising her 9- and 14-year-old sons. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Emma shares her experiences and insights on leadership in her local Young Women organizations. She emphasizes the importance of pondering and praying for the young women she served, taking time to understand their needs and interests. Emma also highlights the significance of building relationships with the youth and recognizing their talents to create meaningful connections. She recounts a touching story where the young women surprised her with cards of love and support during a vulnerable moment, showcasing the reciprocal nature of service and love in leadership roles. Throughout the interview, Emma reflects on how her time as a leader has taught her patience, love, and the value of serving others. Her journey as a leader in the Young Women organization exemplifies the transformative power of service, connection, and faith in leadership roles within the Church. 00:02:53 - Background and Experience in the Church 00:05:08 - Serving in the Young Women Organization 00:10:36 - Activities and Events for Youth 00:15:39 - Importance of Pondering and Praying for Youth 00:18:31 - Engaging Youth through Vision Boards 00:22:00 - Sunday Meeting Approaches 00:23:36 - Giving Time to Study and Pray 00:24:07 - Personal Story of Vulnerability and Support 00:28:01 - Reflection on Leadership Experience and Personal Growth The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Larry Richman retired in 2022 after working as a Church employee for 45 years. He was a project and product manager for many of the Church’s programs, such as Sunday and weekday programs for adults, youth, and children as well as leader training and tools. He was the director of LDS.org and the Church’s social media efforts from 2003–2008. Larry has authored over a dozen books and thousands of articles in magazines and websites. As an entrepreneur, he has started several businesses and provided leadership training and consulting for several companies. He has also served as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for non-profit organizations. From 2022–2023, Larry served a full-time mission as the executive secretary for the Africa South Area Presidency. Links LDS365.com There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Larry shares insights into his career working behind the scenes at the Church and collaborating with general authorities. He discusses the balance between following the handbook and allowing for flexibility in leadership roles. Larry also highlights the importance of utilizing resources like the Life Help section, Gospel Topics, and My Calling in the Gospel Library app. He emphasizes the principle-based approach in the current handbook and the For the Strength of Youth guide, focusing on teaching doctrine and letting individuals govern themselves. Larry also touches on his experience running the LDS 365 blog and the importance of staying updated on handbook revisions. He shares his recent mission experience in South Africa and working with the area presidency. Larry's insights provide valuable perspectives on leadership and resources within church structure. 00:02:18 - Larry Richman's Career in the Church 00:09:19 - Working with General Authorities 00:15:52 - Implementing Church Initiatives 00:30:39 - Larry Richman's LDS 365 Blog 00:33:08 - Resources in the Gospel Library App 00:40:43 - Understanding and Using the Handbook 00:45:20 - Flexibility and Guidance in the Handbook 00:46:19 - Updates and Changes in the Handbook The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

We are thrilled to announce an exclusive Leading Saints live interview event at Thanksgiving Point featuring our most-listened-to podcast guest, Robert Ferrell! (Here’s that episode) Recently returning from his service as a mission leader in the Peru Lima Central Mission, Robert is ready to share his incredible experiences and leadership insights with you once again. We will cover topics like... What have you learned over the last 3 years about the rising generation? What was most difficult about leading in the context of a mission? How did you and your wife find success working together? Join us for an engaging evening as Kurt Francom interviews Robert Ferrell, delving into his mission experiences and the leadership principles he employed as a mission president. This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights and be inspired by one of our most impactful leaders. Seats are limited! Date: Friday, July 19th Time: 7:00 PM Location: The Amber Room at Thanksgiving Point, second floor of the Museum of Ancient Life No Live Stream Available Portions of the recorded event will be made available at a later time How to Register: To reserve your spot, CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to register early to ensure your attendance. We look forward to seeing you at Thanksgiving Point for this unforgettable event. Thank you for being a part of the Leading Saints community and for your continued support. Links Registration for the event Being an Advocate for Those You Lead | An Interview with Rob Ferrell The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Elder Alvin F. "Trip" Meredith III is the president of Brigham Young University–Idaho and a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Prior to his call as a General Authority, Elder Meredith served as president of the Utah Salt Lake City South Mission. He also served as an Area Seventy in the North America Southeast and Asia Areas, and previously served as a missionary in the Utah Salt Lake City Mission, as an elders quorum president, bishop, and stake president. Elder Meredith received a bachelor of science degree in Psychology from BYU, and a master of business administration in Finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. In his professional career, he worked as a Six Sigma black belt for GE Capital, as a consultant for Boston Consulting Group, and as a senior vice president at Asurion in Tennessee, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Elder Meredith was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and married Jennifer Edgin. They are the parents of six children. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights In this podcast conversation, Elder Meredith shares insights on his approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of listening and seeking revelation. He highlights the significance of focusing on individuals and fostering spiritual momentum in leadership roles. The episode also touches on the challenges and joys of working with the rising generation, particularly in the context of YSAs. Throughout the interview, Elder Meredith reflects on the lessons learned from various leadership positions, including serving as a stake president, mission president, and Area 70. He emphasizes the importance of pointing individuals to the Savior, aligning with the counsel of living prophets and apostles, and conveying the joy of living the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:03:30 - President Alvin F. Meredith III's Background and Name 00:08:58 - Transition to BYU-Idaho 00:13:19 - Approach to Leadership at BYU-Idaho 00:22:21 - Leadership Lessons from Tennessee 00:28:12 - Transition to Mission President 00:36:22 - Leadership Journey in Utah 00:41:49 - Focus on the Rising Generation 00:45:29 - Encouraging Joy in Living the Gospel The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Ryan Webb grew up in Tremonton, Utah, and has been married to his wife, KaDawn, for 22 years. They have six children. He has taught within Seminaries and Institutes in Orem, Utah, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Raleigh, North Carolina. He also spent 10 months as the Raleigh Temple Recorder. Ryan has served as a Young Men president, elders quorum president, stake high councilor, bishopric counselor, and currently serves as bishop of his ward. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Ryan discusses his approach to enhancing sacrament meetings by involving the ward council and focusing on creating a worshipful and edifying experience. He shares various creative ideas implemented in sacrament meetings, such as having musical numbers every week, incorporating different languages, and allowing members to share their testimonies on specific topics such as "Why I Believe"—all with the purpose of to strengthening the ward members' connections to Jesus Christ. 00:03:26 - Ryan Webb's path in Church education 00:06:24 - Description of Ryan Webb's ward 00:07:23 - Ryan Webb's initial approach as a bishop 00:08:34 - Focus on improving sacrament meetings 00:10:27 - Implementing changes in sacrament meetings 00:15:32 - Musical numbers in sacrament meetings 00:17:50 - Unique sacrament meeting ideas 00:19:11 - Involving ward council in sacrament meeting planning 00:23:09 - Language meeting in sacrament 00:25:07 - All music service in sacrament 00:27:01 - Youth-led sacrament meeting 00:28:27 - "Why I Believe" testimony meeting 00:35:33 - Mother's Day sacrament meeting 00:36:28 - Establishing a cadence for sacrament meetings 00:37:18 - Involving elders quorum and Relief Society in sacrament meeting planning 00:40:13 - Challenges and lessons learned in fast and testimony meetings 00:42:12 - Impact of leadership on personal discipleship The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Brad Agle is a professor of Ethics and Leadership and holds the George W. Romney endowed professorship in the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University. Brad recently published The Bishop Book, talking about the experiences of serving as a bishop and using quotes from interviews conducted over the past 30 years with former and current bishops, their wives, and stake presidents. © BYU PHOTO 2010 All Rights Reserved Links TheBishopBook.com The Bishop Book - Insights from LDS Bishops, Wives, and Stake Presidents Ethical Dilemmas in Church Leadership | An Interview with Brad Agle There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Timestamped highlights coming soon This podcast reveals the profound impact of being a bishop, with bishops often feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities and emotional toll of the role. Brad shares personal anecdotes and stories from the book, highlighting the unique challenges faced by bishops and their families. The discussion also touches on the transition from being a bishop to being released from the calling, a process that can be emotionally taxing and challenging for many individuals. One of the key themes that emerge from the conversation is the importance of family support and the strain that the bishopric role can place on personal relationships. Brad recounts stories of bishops who struggled to balance their calling with family life, leading to moments of reflection and growth. The conversation provides a candid look at the complexities of serving as a bishop and the impact it can have on individuals and their loved ones. Brad offers a deep dive into the experiences of bishops, shedding light on the sacrifices, joys, and struggles that come with the calling. His insights and the stories shared in The Bishop Book serve as a valuable resource for current and future bishops, offering guidance, empathy, and understanding for those navigating the challenges of leadership within the Church.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in March 2020. Jacob Hess, Carrie Skarda, Kyle Anderson, and Ty Mansfield are the authors of The Power of Stillness: Mindful Living for Latter-day Saints. In this interview they discuss where mindfulness and meditation fit into the gospel and how we can better approach our service and our practices with the balance of mindfulness. Jacob Hess, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) instructor trained through the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Carrie Skarda, PsyD, is a psychologist in private practice. She has provided individual and couples therapy with particular interest in attachment trauma and mindfulness, and has studied and practiced mindfulness and formal meditation for over ten years. Kyle Anderson, PhD, is a professor of Chinese and Asian Studies, currently an administrator in Global Learning, International Partnerships and Initiatives at Clemson University, and came to mindfulness meditation through his studies in Asian literature. Ty Mansfield, PhD, is a practicing marriage and family therapist, an adjunct instructor in Religious Education at Brigham Young University, and is in the process of certification with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach in their Mindfulness Meditation Teacher training program. Links The Power of Stillness: Mindful Living for Latter-day Saints Jesus: The Perfect Leader, by Spencer W. Kimball The Council for Sustainable Healing Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 5:40 Jacob was exposed to meditation in graduate school and began to see where it fit into the gospel tradition 7:00 Backgrounds of the authors 9:00 Definitions of mindfulness and what it means to Christians and to Latter-day Saints: compassionate presence in the moment 11:10 Christ was meditative and present in the moment 12:25 Being busy vs. mindfulness 14:00 Looking for words in our own tradition: reverence, peace, stillness, pondering 15:45 Advice for a busy leader: Christ had a practice of punctuating his doing with non-doing; the rhythm of action and pausing is already built in to our practices 19:40 It’s not the gospel that people struggle with, but an impoverished experience of it 20:55 David O. McKay quote: “I think we pay too little attention to the value of meditation, a principle of devotion. In our worship there are two elements: One is spiritual communion arising from our own meditation; the other, instruction from others, particularly from those who have authority to guide and instruct us. Of the two, the more profitable introspectively is meditation. Meditation is the language of the soul.” 22:10 Example in a ward council: not praying as a to-do, but sitting with the Savior 23:30 Clarity and priority come through pausing between action 24:25 Centering the attention on the inspiration in the moment and not on the calendar: Am I interruptable? 26:20 The Savior was interruptable in his task at hand and could pivot to what was most needful in the moment 28:35 The Savior was willing to build in his time with His Father, the foundation of His work 29:35 We can meditate on the person in front of us by giving them our full attention in that moment 31:30 The order in which the Savior did what he did: communion with the Father, surrounding himself in community, then going out to minister 33:45 C.S. Lewis (in Mere Christianity): “It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on, all day. Standing back from all your natural fussings and frettings; coming in out of the wind.”

In this podcast, Kurt Francom sits down with four Evangelical Protestant pastors, Jeff McCullough of Hello Saints, Curtis Gilbert—a senior pastor in Shiloh, Illinois, Kyle Beshears, —pastor of a nondenominational church in Mobile, Alabama, and Nate Fox—pastor of Lightstone Church in Herriman, Utah. This conversation is part of the Hello Saints Summit, happening June 11-20, 2024, which involves two dozen Latter-day Saint and Protestant presenters—all FREE to watch! Links Watch the Hello Saints Summit Transcript coming soon Highlights 00:02:06 - Introductions of the four evangelical pastors 00:07:11 - Unexpected call to serve as a bishop 00:15:38 - Pastors sharing their unique stories of being called into ministry 00:26:08 - Typical week in the life of a pastor 00:28:40 - Discussion on burnout and validation in pastoral roles 00:35:49 - Importance of humility and avoiding self-validation in ministry 00:43:46 - Involving and supporting pastors' spouses in ministry The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Maria Duncan was raised in the San Francisco East Bay area where she learned the gospel from sister missionaries and joined the Church as she entered her teens. She moved to Cache Valley, Utah for high school and college, graduating from Utah State with a bachelor's degree in Technology Systems, then worked in the professional media market and has since transitioned to project work. In the Church, Maria has served in Young Women and Relief Society, worked with the stake youth, and been a Public Affairs (now Communication) director for the most recent six years. She serves on boards for non-profit organizations in her community while coaching middle school sports and raising seven children with her loving husband, Tom. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Maria Duncan, a stake communications director in the greater Sacramento Valley area, shares insights into her unique calling, which involves internal and external communications for the stake, including interfaith work and community outreach. She emphasizes the importance of aligning her efforts with the priesthood objectives of the stake presidency and building strong relationships with other faith communities. Maria discusses her approach to visiting various churches in the community, where she focuses on building connections. She highlights the power of genuine relationships in fostering unity and mutual respect among diverse religious groups. Maria also shares her experiences with temple open houses and the impact of inviting community leaders to tour the temple. - Explanation of the role of a stake communications director - Misconceptions about the role of a stake communications director - Involvement of youth in stake communications work - Attending different churches in the community and building relationships - Composition and roles of the stake communications team - Involving youth in stake communications activities - Importance of networking and building relationships with other faith communities - Focusing on connections and relationships rather than conversion - Reflection on the experience of temple open houses - Gratitude for the stake communications work and its impact - How leadership in stake communications has enhanced following Jesus Christ The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Dan Gray is an author, licensed psychotherapist, and lecturer. He co-founded the LifeStar Network, an internationally-known program designed to help individuals, couples, and families who have been impacted by a family member’s unwanted compulsive or addictive behaviors. Dan mostly loves being a husband, dad and grandpa, while helping other men become stronger and more loving leaders and mentors in their homes. Dave Gray has an entrepreneurial spirit and has enjoyed careers in the real estate and mental health fields. He believes in the symbiotic connection between the relationships we have with those around us, and the choices we make in our lives. He passionately cherishes his relationships with others, especially his close family and friends and specifically with his kids. Dave couldn’t be more excited to create powerful and unique opportunities for parents and their kids to make deep and meaningful connections with one another through Bridgecamp. Links Bridgecamp.com Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 4:30 Introduction to father and son Dan and Dave Gray 7:15 Dan mostly works with people struggling with pornography and other addictive behaviors. 9:24 Dan's therapy work and the genesis of Bridgecamp 13:45 Overview of Bridgecamp. A place for parents and their kids to connect. 16:01 Components of Bridgecamp: Adventuring, learning, and serving 18:45 The power of experiential activities 19:30 Dan shares how experiential activities with his dad created a strong relationship between them. These activities also gave his dad opportunities to teach him. 23:15 Experiential activities for the youth and church leaders. These activities help leaders connect with the youth and give opportunities for the kids to grow in different areas. 24:50 Bridgecamp is a one-on-one experience for kids 12 to 17. Now that the Church isn’t associated with Boy Scouts it's a great opportunity to get out and camp and be mentored. 28:00 The best way to describe Bridgecamp is that it’s a relationship-, trust-, and connection-building program. It’s not a therapy program but it is a therapeutic environment. 29:00 Bridgecamp can be an alternative to therapy for a struggling teen. An opportunity for parents to break down their teen’s walls and connect with them. 32:00 How can we be more intentional when it comes to girls camp, high adventure, or doing parent and child activities? 35:00 When you are self aware you are also aware of what’s going on in your relationships and building them. 39:20 Addressing parental issues at Bridgecamp 42:35 Discussion and learning components at Bridgecamp 45:30 The mentoring aspect of the camp is important also. The staff are there to mentor, and give examples of healthy interactions. 46:00 We were created to connect. In Genesis it says that it’s not good for man to be alone. We all long for bonding and the love and connection with others. The camp plants the seeds to create a better relationship that you can continue to develop when you go back home. The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences,

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Sierra Larson serves as a stake Relief Society president in Brandon, Florida, and previously served as a ward Relief Society president. She served a mission in Santiago, Dominican Republic, earned a master's degree in Social Work, and is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma. She recently joined the Chaplain Corp in the United States Air Force and graduated with a second master's in Divinity, with a focus in spiritual leadership. Sierra and her husband Joe Larson have three children. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Sierra shares her journey of transitioning from being a ward Relief Society president to a stake Relief Society president, emphasizing the importance of seeking revelation, reading the handbook, and having a clear vision to guide her leadership. 00:05:10 - Sierra's background and military experience 00:12:14 - Sierra's leadership roles 00:17:02 - Sierra's unique approach to leadership 00:25:20 - Sierra's stake Relief Society conference 00:27:39 - Leadership Principle: Lead Yourself to Christ 00:29:17 - Leadership Principle: Be a Servant Leader 00:33:37 - Leadership Principle: Have an Inspired Vision and Plan The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Todd McLauchlin served a mission to Japan and studied philosophy at Brigham Young University. In this conversation, Todd and Kurt delve into the concept of magnifying one's calling in the priesthood, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice and obedience, and discuss how leaders can magnify redemption to others. Links Shattering Triangles YouTube channel There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Scriptures related to this podcast: Doctrine & Covenants 88, 112, 109, 61, 1 Nephi 12, Mosiah 2-5 (King Benjamin's address), 2 Nephi 9, Jacob 1-2 Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 00:05:30 - Exploring the intersection of leadership, theology, and priesthood 00:09:57 - Understanding the concept of belief and repentance in the scriptures 00:13:14 - The significance of the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood 00:20:26 - The covenant of the priesthood and becoming clean from the blood and sins of the generation 00:26:53 - Magnifying one's calling and the connection to priesthood theology 00:36:40 - Sacrifice, leadership, and the impact on relationships and redemption 00:41:52 - The consequences of breaking covenant and the role of priesthood in delivering Christ's message 00:45:47 - Applying covenant principles to leadership roles like Relief Society and elders quorum presidents The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Over the last 45 years, Jim Ritchie has been the founder or principal of multiple business adventures, including serving as senior vice president for Franklin Quest (now Franklin Covey). He is a member of the Brigham Young University President’s Leadership Council for both Provo and Hawaii campuses, a member of the National Advisory Council for the Marriott School of Business, and has served as an adjunct professor at Provo. He has also served as a board member and NAC advisor to Southern Virginia University. Jim and his wife Carolyn Orton have spent over 20 years serving full time in Church service on four continents, including as bishop, stake president in Simi Valley, mission president in Roanoke, Missionary Training Center president in Ghana, Institute director in New Zealand, CES area director in Africa, regional representative in the Provo Region, director of the Willes Center at BYU-Hawaii, and most recently as the young single adult specialists for the Washington DC South Mission. The Ritchies have eight children and forty grandchildren. He is also the principal founder of the Ritchie Enterprises LLC which began in the late '60's, and part of The Ritchie Group, of which he says he is "the gray hair". Links Launching a Rising Generation of Leaders | An Interview with Steven Hitz and Michael Leonard Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Ganel-Lyn is a popular motivational speaker, known for inspiring others with her unique honesty, authenticity and spirit. She is dedicated to her family, faith, and inspiring others and loves teaching through speaking and writing. She has experienced healing from a major chronic illness and is the mother to two miracle children. After the heart-breaking suicide of her 40-year-old sister, Ganel-Lyn is constantly working towards prevention. She lives with an open heart and feels passionate about sharing principles that will empower others to live life with more joy. She is a regular television/radio guest and hosts the popular shows “Talk of Him” and “The Middle.” Links Why God Calls Some as Relief Society Presidents and Others as Cancer Survivors | An Interview with Ganel-Lyn Condie There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Dr. Steven G. Rogelberg, an organizational psychologist, holds the title of Chancellor’s Professor at UNC Charlotte for distinguished national, international and interdisciplinary contributions. He is an award-winning teacher, has over 200 publications, been cited well over 12,000 times in the academic literature, and was recipient of the very prestigious Humboldt Award for his research on meetings. Dr. Rogelberg is the author of two highly-praised leadership books, Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings and The Surprising Science of Meetings: How You Can Lead Your Team to Peak Performance. He has been interviewed or featured on major TV and radio broadcasts, podcasts, and in most major newspapers and magazines. His keynotes on meetings span the globe and occur at the world’s leading organizations. He was the inaugural winner of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) Humanitarian Award and just finished his term as president of SIOP, the world's largest professional organization for organizational psychology. Links The Science of Church Meetings (including Ward Council) | An Interview with Steven Rogelberg Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings The Surprising Science of Meetings: How You Can Lead Your Team to Peak Performance StevenRogelberg.com There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Kirby Heyborne is an accomplished actor, narrator, musician, and comedian. He is best known for his roles in Saints and Soldiers, The Singles Ward, The R.M., The Best Two Years, Sons of Provo, and The Three Stooges. He has also starred in numerous television series and national commercial campaigns. Kirby currently hosts the popular BYUTV show, “Making Good.” As an audiobook narrator, Kirby has been nominated for a Grammy, received two Odyssey Awards, and countless Earphones Awards for excellence in narration. He has narrated over 2000 audiobooks, including SAINTS: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days. At church, Kirby has served as a Primary music leader, Sunday School teacher, and bishopric counselor, and is currently the bishop of his ward. He loves spending time with his wife and kids. Kirby Heyborne, photographed by Justin Hackworth Links When Leaders Accidentally Limit Their Effectiveness | An Interview with Dustin Peterson Build an A-Team in Your Calling | An Interview with Whitney Johnson Are Leaders “The Chosen One”? Bearded Bishops, Rated-R Movies, & the Honor Code | An Interview with John Hilton III There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Jennie Blaser is the ninth of 11 children and has lived all over the world: Hawaii, Utah, California, Arizona, Argentina, Slovenia, and Hong Kong. She served an 18-month mission in one branch in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and speaks English, Spanish, and Slovenian. She graduated in International Finance with a minor in Spanish from Brigham Young University, returning to earn an MBA. Jennie has taught early morning Seminary, Marriage and Family Relations, Relief Society, Sunday School, and Gospel Doctrine. She has also served as a second counselor in a Young Women presidency twice and second counselor in a Relief Society presidency five times. Jennie is currently the second counselor in her stake Young Women presidency. Dave Blaser grew up in an Air Force family and also lived all over. He served a mission in Mendoza, Argentina, graduated from BYU in Construction Management, and has worked in commercial construction management for 24 years. He is currently the executive vice president of operations for Layton Construction in Arizona. Dave has served as an elders quorum president, Young Men president, in a bishopric, and as a stake executive secretary. He currently serves as the bishop of his ward. Jennie recently published her first book, a short novel entitled One Plus One Equals Three. She was an adrenaline junkie until her body literally stopped producing adrenaline—one of the health challenges she deals with daily. Dave runs nearly every day and has finished multiple marathons. He is a parrot-head (Jimmy Buffet fan) and a Swiftie. The Blasers live in Gilbert, Arizona, and have three children. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 2:00 Kurt introduces Jennie and Dave and their callings. 3:20 Jennie shares how and why she got started researching the Church handbook. She has been on a journey of learning and has written a few articles about the youth programs. 6:30 Dave was a previous priesthood quorum advisor before he became bishop. He shares what he learned from the handbook and tried to apply it in his calling. 8:15 Always start with the handbook when beginning a calling. 9:20 Helping the young women have more interactions and feel comfortable with the bishop. The bishopric needs to be spending regular time with the young women. 10:40 The bishopric is not the Young Men presidency. Since Doctrine & Covenants 107 was written they have always been the presidency over the Aaronic priesthood and nothing has changed. 12:40 There are four different people that are critical to buy into the new system for the youth to make it a success. The first is the bishopric. They need to balance focus between Young Men and the Young Women programs. 16:10 The responsibilities of the bishop have changed in the past five years with the new focus on the youth. To help him focus on the youth, the Relief Society president and elders quorum president can step in and help with people that need help in their organizations. 18:30 Dave’s ward has begun support groups in the Relief Society for people struggling. It helps take some of the load off of the bishopric and allows them to do more with the youth. 19:40 Empowering the elders quorum president and Relief Society president and delegating to them. Dave shares how he does this. 20:40 When the new handbook now states that the bishop's role is to be over both Young Men and Young Women. With the release of the Young Men presidencies it allows the young men to step up and take on more leadership and responsibility. There needs to be training done to help get this done. 26:30 Helping the young women feel more welcome, more needed, and like they have a place in the Church. 28:30 There are numerous trainings in the handbook and those trainings should happen twice a year.

Kayla Shields works as a Certified Personal trainer and Nutrition Coach. She earned an associate's degree from LDS Business College and is now headed back to Ensign College to finish a Finance degree. Her church callings have included Primary teacher, Activity Days leader, Relief Society counselor, and Relief Society president. She recently accepted the best calling in the Church: Primary music leader. Despite Kurt and Kayla's recommendation, we did not title this episode "When Salmonella Forms Friendships". You're welcome. Links “The Atonement Works for Me”: One Couple’s Recovery from Sexual Addiction Unashamed/Unafraid When Being Released Hurts There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Scharman Grimmer serves as a member of the Young Women General Advisory Council for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has served as stake and ward Primary president; ward Young Women president, Primary and Relief Society counselor, stake Young Women camp director, Sunday School teacher, Seminary teacher, and in Primary as a music leader, teacher, and Nursery leader. Scharman and her husband, Matt, have five children and live in Alpine, Utah. Scharman earned a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in Child and Teen Development from Syracuse University. She currently works as a child and teen development specialist, consulting parents on best developmental and relationship practices and healthy habits in families. Scharman is proud to be from Humble, Texas! Growing up in an area with few members of the Church, she learned valuable lessons as she watched her parents faithfully lead in their ward and stake. Her own experiences as an adult in Texas and New York have given her an appreciation that every member can contribute and is needed. Links Finding Strength in the Lord: Emotional Resilience There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here. Transcript coming soon Scriptures referenced in this podcast: Acts 8, Acts 3, Doctrine & Covenants 104 Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Bryan Murray was born and raised in Long Beach, California, served in the Japan Sendai mission, and met his future wife, Kristine Clawson, while attending Brigham Young University when they went skiing together with their home evening group. Bryan attended medical school at the University of Kentucky then completed an internal medicine residency with the UCSF San Joaquin Valley Program. He worked with a small group practice in Payson, Utah, before moving the family to Anacortes, Washington, where he joined a small internal medicine group and helped start a hospitalist program at Island Hospital in Anacortes. Bryan has served in five bishoprics and as bishop of the Anacortes Ward. He retired from medicine in February 2022 and two short months later he and Kristine began a full-time mission as Area Medical Advisor to the North America Northeast Area. They also filled a mission assignment as support to a Young Single Adult branch in the Hingham, Massachusetts Stake. Bryan currently serves as the ward music chairman and Kristine serves as the Relief Society president in the newly-created Fidalgo Island Ward in Anacortes. Bryan and Kristine enjoy spending time with their six children, five in-laws, and 15 grandchildren. As a family they enjoy skiing, kayaking, biking, hiking, sailing, and camping. Links Why Your Ward Needs a Podcast There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 3:10 Kurt introduces the guest, Bryan Murray. He served as Area Medical Missionary Advisor in Boston, Massachusetts. 5:30 Bryan explains his mission as Area Medical Advisor and some of his responsibilities. 7:40 What led up to Bryan serving a mission with his wife. 11:00 Bryan shares a behind-the-scenes view of what it's like to be a medical advisor for missionaries. What kinds of issues he dealt with. 15:15 When does a missionary need to go home? Can they stay if they have a medical problem? 16:15 Who helps with the missionaries’ mental health? 18:30 A service mission is great for missionaries that are struggling with mental health or medical problems. 19:40 Advice to bishops and stake presidents sending out missionaries that have medical issues. Helping them prepare missionaries for the field. 21:40 Some of Bryan’s wife responsibilities. They had an area assignment as medical advisors but they also had a mission assignment in the Boston mission in a Young Single Adult ward. 23:30 Bryan encourages other medical professionals to do a medical mission. You will have a lot of other experiences beyond medical. 25:30 What Bryan is doing now 26:30 Bryan has created a podcast for his ward. Even though we go to church with each other we really don’t know each other. A ward podcast can help ward members share their lives and stories. 31:00 How leading has brought Bryan to Christ The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission,

Brett and Kristin Walker are a dynamic couple, each thriving in their professional and personal lives while deeply committed to their family and community. Brett is a seasoned marketing consultant specializing in professional development and deep technology sectors. He currently serves as a Young Single Adult bishop and is deeply committed to helping others grow. He’s an award-winning writer and loves the outdoors. Kristin is a professional interior designer known for her innovative designs and attention to detail. She currently serves as a YSA Institute teacher, where she passionately teaches and shares her deep faith in Jesus. Kristin finds joy in traveling, reading, and spending time outside, cherishing every moment with her family and friends. Together, Brett and Kristin embody a life full of adventure, faith, and continuous growth, always eager to explore new places and help others achieve their potential. Links Healing through the Savior: The Addiction Recovery Program 12-Step Recovery Guide There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here. Transcript coming soon Scriptures referenced in this podcast: Philippians 4:13, 2 Nephi 25:23 Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in February 2020. Dr. Steven G. Rogelberg is a professor of Organizational Science, Management, and Psychology at UNC Charlotte. The author of The Surprising Science of Meetings: How You Can Lead Your Team to Peak Performance, he is a distinguished scholar addressing issues such as team effectiveness, leadership, engagement, health and employee well-being, meetings at work, and organizational research methods. The book is a culmination of 15 years of research and thousands of surveys and interviews. It’s a collection of evidence-based insights and represents a strategic approach that leaders and organizations can take that’s highly practical and accessible, but also strongly based in science. In this interview, Steve talks with Kurt about applying the insights from his book to improving meetings in the Church environment. This presentation of this episode was originally included in the Meetings With Saints Virtual Conference, which is now part of the Core Leader Library. Links The Surprising Science of Meetings: How You Can Lead Your Team to Peak Performance StevenRogelberg.com There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Watch on YouTube Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 5:00 We know one thing but tend to do a different thing, but there is no formula for meeting success. Instead the key is making good choices, which is more empowering.7:00 Steve’s experience with members of the Church8:15 The cost of meetings is underestimated11:00 Being self-aware as a meeting leader: stewardship and making changes13:40 Things to reflect on that are signs that there needs to be improvement14:30 Start with a quick survey, then work on the little things and assess later17:00 Talking as the leader vs. leading the discussion20:00 Transparency and honesty allows you to lead from the back or the front in a genuine way21:10 Three phases of the meeting: planning/designing, facilitating, and post-meeting activity21:50 Planning a meeting is not time consuming and has a high return on investment23:45 Taking a “pre-mortem” moment before the meeting25:00 Agendas are a hollow crutch: what matters most is what is on that agenda and how it is facilitated Frame the agenda as a set of questions to be answered Allow other people to different agenda items Put the most important/compelling issues first 30:10 Parkinson’s Law: Work expands to fill whatever time is allotted How much time should it take? Dial it back a bit and create time pressure Volunteer time is a precious gift: build trust by respecting it 35:00 Combating minutiae in meetings by making meeting time incredibly purposeful38:00 Councils and update meetings What is a good update? Decide and then put people on the clock Silent updates via a shared document 41:20 Silence in a meeting is a way of engaging people44:25 Technology in a meeting: multitasking is a symptom of a bad meeting Keep meeting minutes in real time on the screen instead of a powerpoint People focused on their phones is actually feedback 47:00 Avoiding the meeting that should have been an email Recording your voice with the message you want to give and sending it out Start the meeting with questions about the message(s) you sent out 49:30 Presentations in meetings: have the person write their ideas in a document, then discuss it in the meeting51:30 Where to find his book and research on the science of meetings The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox,

Links The Unique Opportunity Local Leaders Have to Encourage Faith Among Latter-day Saint Millennials | An Interview with Jana Riess Josh Coates articles at Deseret News Stephen Cranney articles at Deseret News BH Roberts Foundation Mormonr.org LDSBot There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Sahr Doe found the Church when he was eight years old but could not be baptized until he was 13. His mission was delayed due to the Sierra Leone civil war, and at age 21 he was called into his Young Men presidency. He was then among the first missionaries to attend the Accra Ghana Missionary Training Center, and served in the Nigeria Lagos/Ibadan mission where he was an assistant to the mission president for 12 months. Two weeks after his mission he returned to the Ghana MTC as a tutor and driver for 18 months. Sahr served as district high counselor in the Freetown Sierra Leone district before being called as counselor in the district presidency. He then served as administrative assistant to the mission president of the Ghana Accra mission, Sierra Leone zone, while working as physical facilities manager for Sierra Leone. On his release from the district presidency, Sahr was called as the elders quorum president in his branch, then as branch president. He left to attend Brigham Young University-Hawaii for one semester, without his wife and son, but had an accident while working at the Polynesian Cultural Center and returned to Sierra Leone. He then started a construction company and was called as the secretary to the mission presidency, then as counselor to the mission president. When the 2014 Ebola virus outbreak sent the mission president, senior couples, and missionaries to Ghana, Sahr stayed as acting assistant to the president. He later assisted with orienting new mission leaders to the country and was called again as counselor to the president. In 2016 he was involved in a serious accident that left him partially paralyzed, and in in 2017 was released from the mission presidency and called as secretary to the Area Seventy. He currently serves on the Kossoh Town stake high council. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Dr. Nate Sharp is a scholar and academic leader who currently serves as Dean of the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, served in the Korea Seoul West Mission, then taught Korean at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, while attending Brigham Young University. Nate graduated from BYU’s Marriott School of Business with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting and later completed a PhD at the University of Texas at Austin. During his time at Texas A&M, Nate has served in multiple leadership positions, received multiple awards recognizing excellence in research and teaching, and been widely published in business magazines. Nate married Holly Carroll, they are the parents of five children, and their oldest daughter is currently serving in the Peru Lima Central Mission. Nate has previously served as an elders quorum president, ward Young Men president, ward executive secretary, bishopric counselor, high councilor, and bishop. He currently serves as stake president in the College Station Texas Stake, a calling he has held since 2016. Links Linking Every Sacrament Meeting to Christ | An Interview with Thomas Griffith Thomas Griffith's BYU Speech: The Very Root of Christian Doctrine Why Every Ward Needs Digital Ward Missionaries There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here. Transcript coming soon Scriptures referenced in this podcast: Doctrine & Covenants 45:3-5, John 5:38-40 Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 2:30 In a previous episode, Nate talked about having digital missionaries for the ward and the blog they created and the impact it made. 4:30 Getting called as stake president 8:40 Their stake has a large number of single adults. The recent changes to put singles and students in leadership has created lots of positive change in the singles ward. 10:45 Nate currently works for Texas A&M and is the dean of the Mays Business School. 12:30 The role of being a dean is about building relationships, selfless service, and elevating the school. The values they have on campus have created an environment similar to BYU. 19:30 Stimulating a positive culture as a stake president. They set a vision of creating a culture and doctrine of belonging. Including more students in leadership opportunities even if they won’t be there very long. 22:50 Approach to mentoring bishops and helping them establish culture in their wards 25:30 The bishop has the opportunity to demonstrate to the youth hopeful repentance. 28:15 How can bishops apply this idea of hopeful repentance? Let the youth know you are proud of them for coming forward with their sins. Share hope filled conference talks about repentance. The more modern resources the better. 35:00 Creating a Christ centered sacrament meeting. Helping people feel lifted up and not weighed down after sacrament meeting. 45:00 Christ is our advocate and pleads our cause. Nate shares Doctrine & Covenants 45:3-5. 50:00 Overcoming our view that our relationship with God is transactional. 55:00 John 5:38-40. Getting over the checklist mentality. The scriptures are an instrument to lead us to Jesus Christ. 1:00:40 Seeing how Jesus changes people’s lives and brings back their testimonies The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner,

Julie McAllister Hillyard was raised in Vancouver, Washington, served in the Philippines Bacolod Mission, and graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Psychology. She taught classes to male inmates and mentored female inmates at the Utah State Prison before and as she launched her career. Julie had the privilege of working and traveling with Dr. Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and worked with him as he developed and wrote The 8th Habit. She joined him as he consulted with leaders of countries and companies and helped him prepare and deliver presentations to audiences around the world. Julie has served in various teaching callings, including as an Institute instructor, Relief Society teacher and president, Sunday School and Gospel Doctrine teacher, and Young Women leader. She currently teaches a stake adult religion class and the high school seniors Sunday School class in her ward. Julie is married with three fabulous kids, owns a pickleball paddle company with her husband, and does consulting work in leadership and communications. She is also a host on the Teaching Restored podcast. Links Teaching Restored Podcast Teaching Sunday School with Questions | An Interview with Kevin Jones The Power of Learner Councils | A How I Lead Interview with Russell Rigby The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, by Pria Parker There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Kempe Nicoll is the campus director at Eagle Gate College in Layton, Utah. He also manages the social media channels for Declare My Word. These accounts post gospel-related content intended to share light and truth, making it easy for social media users to share positive messages on their own feeds. Kempe served as a missionary in Estonia in 1996 and currently serves as a new Bishop in Bountiful, Utah. Previously, he served many years as a young men’s and Stake Mission Prep leader. He and his wife, Rachelle, are the parents of six children. Links Instagram: @declaremywordDeclareMyWord.orgInstagram reel with the sister missionariesAppointlet schedulingThere is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here. Read the transcript of this podcastGet 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 4:50 Kempe is very well known for his social media platform, Declare my Word. Started with the idea of helping the young men he was over and it has grown into something much larger. 7:40 The more we can project the voices of our prophets the better. We live in a time of social media and we have to take advantage of it. Amplify their voices. 9:50 We need to flood the earth with positive messages. We need to have the courage to share. 11:30 You don’t need 10,000 followers. That's not the goal. Share your positive message to the 100 that do follow you. That’s being a digital missionary. 13:40 Share and do things in normal and natural ways. If you are already on Facebook or Instagram you can share them but don’t need to go out of your way to create new accounts. Stop scrolling and start engaging. 14:40 Share moments not just messages. Be balanced with what you share. 15:30 With his experience, Kempe has found what messages resonate the most. Quotes on kindness, family, parenting. He likes to create content that is easy to share and that brings hope. 17:20 Do non members engage with Kempe’s content? 19:00 Kempe shares some cool experiences of how his platform has made an impact. 22:10 We need people to teach the rising generation how to use social media and how to share the gospel. Youth leaders need to be talking about it. 25:20 Kempe shares his experience meeting Elder Stevenson. He asked him “In the church, are we supposed to be encouraging people to engage in social media?” 28:30 We are all influencers on social media. We don’t need to have a big account. 31:20 Kempe has been a bishop in Bountiful, Utah for the past year. He shares his experience so far. 34:00 Kempe served his mission in Estonia, only 19 members at the time. There is strength in 19 members getting together and 100 people getting together. 35:00 Something that they have started doing is having youth go with stake and ward leaders for visits to people that have served missions. 37:00 Technology and apps that they use as a bishopric. They have loved using a scheduling tool for appointments. People can make their own appointments 38:00 The scripture behind the name of his account, Declare my Word. 39:30 Tips on sharing messages and being a digital missionary The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences,

Hailing from the heart of Utah, Joe Speredon's diverse background and experience led him into leadership within men's work. Having embarked on his own path of crisis and self-discovery, Joe discovered the healing nature of brotherhood and masculine support. From that place he founded the Utah Men's Circle and later the Algiz Guard. Working with Sacred Sons and many other influential leaders and groups, Joe has had the opportunity to travel all over the world, meet men from diverse backgrounds, and guide them through their own healing and evolution as a coach, leader and inspirational speaker. Joe currently serves in the Church as a Sunday School teacher and as a stake emergency preparedness specialist. Links UtahMensCircle.com Instagram: @utahmenscircle Facebook: Utah Men's Circle AlgizGuard.com Instagram: @thealgizguard Facebook: The Algiz Guard The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in April 2020. John Hilton III was born in San Francisco and grew up in Seattle. He served a mission in Denver and earned a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, where he met his wife, Lani. They have lived in Boise, Boston, Miami, Mexico, Jerusalem, and China. Currently they live in Utah, and have six children. John has a master's degree from Harvard and a PhD from Brigham Young University, both in Education. John is a professor of Religious Education at BYU. John has published several books with Deseret Book, including Considering the Cross and his latest book, Voices in the Book of Mormon. He is also the author of the podcast and video series, “The Book of Mormon: A Master Class.” John loves being with his family, doing humanitarian work, learning Chinese, and performing magic. ©BYU PHOTO 2011 All Rights Reserved Links The Founder of Our Peace: Christ-Centered Patterns for Easing Worry, Stress, and Fear John's article discussing this topic: A Fence Around the Law – Safety Net or Beam in Our Eye John Hilton III books John's education research There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 7:04 John quotes President Uchtdorf addressing the many “shoulds” and “should nots” that become a challenge in our lives. We can lose peace in our lives when we focus on admittedly good ideas, but aren’t grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 8:50 What are “Fence Laws”? Imagine an unfillable hole in your backyard, which poses a threat to children who may fall in. You therefore put a fence around this hole, which represents sin. The fence represents the protective effort against anybody falling into the sin. 9:45 We are already protected from sins by commandments, which John refers to as “core laws”. Yet some still feel the need to add additional “fence laws”. E.g.: Core Law: The law of chastity, i.e., no sexual relations outside of marriage Fence Law: No kissing until the fourth date, and kiss will last no longer than five seconds Fence Law: No going into the bedroom of a member of the opposite sex 10:47 Some fence laws have prophetic sources, like those found in the For the Strength of Youth, etc. There is a goodness to fence laws as guided by the Spirit or other divine sources, like prophets. 13:57 Examples of positive fence laws 15:22 Dangers of focusing on the fence laws while forgetting the commandments: “I didn’t go into the bedroom of a member of the opposite sex, but I still broke the law of chastity.” Children need fences, but the choices should shift away from extrinsic fences to self-imposed fences. 16:50 Too many good fences can become a burden. 22:58 “Take my yoke upon you” meaning 25:49 Ward traditions that become fences 28:56 Allowing the Spirit to fill in the details around prophetic direction 30:14 Anecdotes where a personal fence laws caused harm: Unrighteous judgment Offending others Teaching others incorrectly 43:20 Fences should help us feel the Holy Ghost 45:50 Leading Saints’ contribution to fence laws: learning by seeking to understand the purpose behind a fence 48:14 How to step back from the rush to judgment 51:48 When to correct and when to ignore as leaders 53:10 Did we become members of Christ’s church in order to argue with others what true discipleship looks like? Paul, when using dietary habits as an example of arguing over something inconsequential, said “For meat, destroy not the work of God.” (Romans 14:20) 55:14 “The work of God” and your role, the bishop’s role, and our common goal. 58:01 Trusting prophets as “seers”, even if we can’t “see” the point of their counsel 1:00:08 Review of four key points: It’s good to have spirit-driven fence laws Some fence laws can be burdensome Know the mark: loving God and loving our neighbors

Jacob Hansen grew up immersed in and passionate about ideas about the world. He grew up near Sparks, Nevada, in a blue-collar family with parents who now serve as a State Senator and in the Nevada State Assembly. He served a Church mission to Argentina and attended both Brigham Young University and BYU-Hawaii, graduating with a degree in Operations/Supply Chain Management. He then partnered with another recent-grad to start a company that continues to grow. Jacob married his college sweetheart, Erica, and they have four children. He loves just about anything that takes him on an adventure. Links YouTube @thoughtfulfaith2020 "Creating Genuine Belonging: Could This Revolutionize the Church?" Thoughtful-Faith.com Facebook Thoughtful Saints group There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Doug McKinlay has a masters degree from Brigham Young University in Mass Communications, ran his own successful $35MM company for 17 years, and won national awards for advertising results and creativity. He has also taught as faculty at Brigham Young University for 16 years. Doug loves serving his fellow beings. In the Church, callings have included service as an elders quorum president, ward and stake Young Men president, stake executive secretary, stake high council, stake president and counselor, Regional Representative of the Twelve, mission president, and bishop. Links BYU Devotional: "The Approachable Master" There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Highlights 3:10 Introduction and background to Doug McKinlay 4:30 Doug shares his background of growing up in Utah. His career and leadership experience in the Church. He has served numerous callings such as stake president, counselor in the stake presidency, regional representative, and mission president. He is now 82 years old. 16:00 Getting called as stake president and calling counselors 20:20 Back in the day they used to fly stake presidencies into Salt Lake for leadership meetings in the Tabernacle. President Packer taught that the handbook is the what of church leadership and the scriptures are the how of church leadership. 21:50 When he was released as stake president he was called as a Regional Representative of the Twelve. Douglas explains the responsibilities and duties of this calling. 28:15 In the 80's and 90's they had regional conferences for all members and a member of the twelve would be there. As regional representative he would organize it. 29:30 As part of his calling, Doug was always there when a stake president was called and he also helped with training. 32:20 Doug helped President Hinckley find temple sites. 33:40 He served as regional rep for five years and then was called as mission president. Douglas describes the process and interviews he had before getting called. President Faust was the one who called him. 37:40 Doug was mission president in Tucson, Arizona. The mission was quite disobedient at the time and it took about a year to turn the ship around. 40:15 Shifting the mission culture. Making obedience cool. 42:15 Doug created doctrinal diagrams. Creating these diagrams helped with visual learning. 45:40 Get out from behind the desk and do what you proclaim. When Doug was stake president he figuratively released himself and called himself on a stake mission for a month. Focusing on mission work they were able to finally not only reach their baptismal goal but go over it. 49:50 What is your advice on having to get up and speak to an audience? Be timely and topical, as President Hinckley was. 52:00 He skipped being bishop and went straight to being stake president but in his sixties he was called as a bishop. 55:00 Doug is now 82 years old and is in a new phase of life. He gets to let others lead. 55:40 Doug’s final thoughts on being a follower and being a leader The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles,

Ashly Leavitt has an associate degree in theatre and music, a bachelor's degree in broadcast communications, and a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. After a 10-year career as an educator, Heavenly Father made it clear that He wanted her to shift to counseling and specialize in betrayal trauma recovery, relationship repair, and divorce recovery. Ashly loves helping those who have experienced betrayal trauma to discover and reconnect with themselves again. As a co-founder of Rejoice! Recovery, she enjoys using her educator and counselor experiences together to create classes on healing and relationships, leading discussions on boundaries, and co-hosting the podcast, Phoenix Forte: Connecting to Healing and Joy After Divorce. You can catch Ashly presenting at conferences and retreats. On Sunday, you'll find her serving in her all-time-favorite calling as a Relief Society instructor. Ashly has previously served in Primary and Young Women's Presidencies, but she's been honored to serve by teaching Relief Society in multiple wards over the last 12 years. However, Ashly’s biggest accomplishment is managing to survive as a single mom of two. During her free time (if such a thing exists) you would find Ashly supporting the local theatre scene, playing board games with friends and family, participating in the Lamb of God Easter production on Temple Square, and laughing with her kids while they dance in the kitchen together. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Aaron Jaussi grew up in Riverton, Utah, in "the best family that someone could ask for." He is the second of five children and grew up an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He earned a bachelor's degree in Plant Science/Horticulture from Utah State University and currently works for Intermountain Farmer's Association (IFA). Aaron and his amazing wife, Christa, have been married for nearly 14 years, have five great kids ranging in ages from 12 years to 10 months, and currently live in Payson, Utah. His church leadership has included service as a Young Men president, bishopric counselor, high councilor, and currently as elders quorum president. Links SonsofThunderProject.com There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Watch on YouTube Read the transcript of this podcast Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

In this solo episode, Kurt reflects on his suggestions from a series of newsletter messages for stake presidents. Links Read the newsletter messages related to this episode How I Lead as the Bishop’s Wife | An Interview with Alanna Francom Join the Leading Saints Community Watch on YouTube There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Transcript coming soon Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Clint Argyle has served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since his youth, in several quorum presidencies. He served a mission in Calgary, Canada, and more recently he and his wife served as full-time senior missionaries and director at the Oakland California Temple Visitors' Center. He has also served as first counselor in a stake presidency, on stake high council, as a bishop, and scoutmaster/NYLT leader. Clint received his associates degree from Utah Valley University, bachelors from Brigham Young University's Marriot School of Business, and is a humanitarian, investor, and entrepreneur, and enjoys doing good. He and his wife have four children and seven grandchildren and enjoy spending time with family and friends. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Highlights The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Joy McCullough is a Protestant, Evangelical with a background in professional counseling. She is the wife of Pastor Jeff McCullough, the creator of the YouTube channel Hello Saints. She has four children and recently relocated to Utah from St. Louis. Joy spends a lot of time doing photography, thrifting, and playing violin, along with staring at the Wasatch Mountains. She completed her undergraduate degree in speech communication from Greenville University and received a Masters in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in Virginia. Joy is not afraid of her own or other people’s brokenness. She has a heart for creating space for people to come as they are and to find true healing and hope through authenticity and honesty, free from shame. Her faith in Jesus informs this passion and approach. Links YouTube @HelloSaints There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Highlights 3:50 Introduction to Joy, a therapist and wife of Pastor Jeff from Hello Saints 4:50 What moving to Utah has been like as someone that isn’t LDS 6:30 Joy’s faith development and journey 10:00 The stigma of being a pastor’s wife and high expectations of other people 11:10 Advice to a pastor’s or bishop’s wife 14:15 Journey to becoming a therapist 17:00 Religion and shame. We don’t experience God’s love and grace through shame. 21:40 Helping someone through their shame 26:40 There is no shame in having a need or desire. You deserve to have your needs met and don’t need to feel shame. 28:30 When we feel broken we often feel shame. When people feel shame it’s because they have some sort of need. However, brokenness is an opportunity to receive and feel God’s love and grace. 32:30 How can a bishop help someone buried in shame? 34:00 Joy shares an experience she had as a teen with an abusive pastor. She carried shame from the experience for many years. However, she was able to heal by instead of saying what is wrong with me? But what happened to me? 36:00 We focus so much on the sin and behavior but we should ask what happened? Why are we going towards sin? What led to the addiction? 38:00 Sin destroys our identity. Knowing and feeling the love of God. Do you understand and feel your belovedness? 39:45 Even with grace our lives will not be pain free. We can experience grace but we are going to have to experience grief and sorrow. 41:00 Wounding and brokenness. We have to allow our pain to lead us to Jesus and not sinful behavior. 44:00 When we hyperfocus on the behaviors we bypass our hearts, we bypass our feelings and our emotions and try to achieve certain behaviors and what looks good on the outside but inside we are still a mess. We haven’t truly healed. 51:00 Showing up for people and lamenting with them. How can we do that when we haven’t experienced what they have experienced? 53:30 We shouldn’t try to pull people out of their pain but sit with them in their pain. We have to feel discomfort in order to heal. 54:30 Where there is shame there is also self hatred or contempt for others. One thing that transforms shame is compassion. 57:00 Joy shares how she has experienced Jesus in her life through trauma, wounding, and healing. “Jesus has held me together.” The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III,

Jeff McCullough is a Protestant, Evangelical Pastor with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He is the creator of a YouTube channel called Hello Saints where he chronicles his journey learning about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from a Protestant, Evangelical perspective. He’s married with four children and recently relocated to Utah from St. Louis He completed his undergraduate degree in Digital Media from a Free-Methodist school called Greenville University and received a masters in Biblical Studies from Moody Theological Seminary in Chicago. He has worked in pastoral ministry for over 15 years. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Richie T. Steadman is a radio host, producer, actor, and founder of the Latter-day Saint podcast, “The Cultural Hall”, where he has been entertaining and informing since 2011. Richie worked for 16 years as the producer of the popular Utah radio show, “Radio from Hell”. He served a mission in Cleveland, Ohio, and lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Richie T’s interests extend far beyond the studio—he’s passionate scholar of Mormon history and a dedicated husband. In this podcast, Richie T interviews Kurt Francom about his book, Is God Disappointed in Me?, and they talk about how we can teach and lead without creating shame. The Lisa Show, photographed by Justin Hackworth Links Is God Disappointed in Me? The Cultural Hall Never Giving Up on the Lord (Even When You Want to) | An Interview with Richie T. Steadman There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Highlights Coming Soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Kevin Jones currently serves as a bishopric counselor and has served as a stake executive secretary, high counselor, stake young single adult advisor, elders quorum president, Young Men president, Seminary and Institute teacher, and just about any other teacher calling in the Church. To help members become more effective gospel teachers, he co-hosts the Teaching Restored podcast and video series. He is also in the finishing stages of writing a book about how to use questions when teaching the restored gospel. Professionally, Kevin is a professional speaker, advisor, and entrepreneur, having worked with all sizes of businesses on their culture and employee engagement. He lives at the mouth of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge outside of Vancouver, Washington, with his wife and eight kids (although there are only two left at home). Links Teaching Restored podcast Liz Wiseman: The Power of Not Knowing Liz Wiseman interviews with Leading Saints There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Marjorie Nelson Lowder grew up as the 9th of 10 children of President Russell M. Nelson and Sister Dantzel White Nelson, surrounded by music, books, art, faith and lots of love. She loves to spend time creating, being in nature and gathering with her family and friends. She is an artist, vocalist, and the author/illustrator of a book based on a favorite lullaby her mother used to sing. Links Pudding on the Moon Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in September 2019. In this episode, Leading Saints Executive Director Kurt Francom, shares his closing session from the Liberating Saints Virtual Summit. He approaches the subject of supporting and mentoring someone through a difficult struggle with pornography, from a doctrinal standpoint. This concept eventually became Kurt’s book, Is God Disappointed In Me? Links Is God Disappointed In Me? “The Atonement Works for Me”: One Couple’s Recovery from Sexual Addiction Brené Brown TED talk: Listening to Shame James' story on the Unashamed, Unafraid podcast The Heart of Man movie clip The Heart of Man movie Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 3:00 Approaching the topic from a doctrinal standpoint 4:20 Behaviors vs doctrine/heart 5:15 “The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. Preoccupation with unworthy behavior can lead to unworthy behavior. That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel.“—Elder Boyd K. Packer 6:40 Change the heart, leading to a change in behavior 8:00 How Satan tempts us, catching us in our own traps by creating contention in our hearts (Doctrine & Covenants 10:12, 10:26, 10:63) 11:10 Satan’s attack on our identity causes contention (Moses 4:11, Matthew 4:3) 14:00 Setting our own trap (example from The Lion King) 17:15 Steve’s story of overcoming addiction 19:40 Satan uses shame to alter identity “As a shame researcher, I've learned that wherever perfectionism is driving us, shame is riding shotgun.”—Brene Brown 22:20 “What does that say about you as a person?”—Sam Tielemans 23:15 The adversary’s work and glory is to destroy the agency of man. Shame leads to altered identity which leads to a lack of agency. 24:55 “I am an addict” “No one wants to be defined by their hardest struggle, and so we have to find this really interesting space between owning it and identifying it but reject being labeled by it and reduced by it.”—Brene Brown 27:00 Does this reduce or expand the individual’s identity? 29:50 Examples of Tom and Tim in the bishop’s office 33:10 A change of heart leads to good behavior Offer hope Explore doctrines (especially mercy and grace) Admit you can’t “fix” them Define the purpose of the behaviors (CPR: church, prayer, read scriptures) Turn them towards their Father Overwhelm them with connection 44:20 Story of James 47:45 Disappointment: another tactic of the adversary The principal’s office, the dentist’s office, and the bishop’s office 51:10 Contention created when we believe God is disappointed in us 52:30 Can God be disappointed? Can God be surprised? Doctrine & Covenants 3:1-3 Doctrine & Covenants 10:67 “Repentance isn’t His backup plan in the event we might fail. Repentance is His plan, knowing that we will.”—Elder Lynn G. Robbins 57:10 Example of learning to walk and falling down “This shepherd, our Good Shepherd, finds joy in seeing His diseased sheep progress toward healing.”—Elder Dale G. Renlund “A car is made to run on gasoline, and it would not run properly on anything else. Now God designed the human machine to run on himself. He himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other.”—C.S. Lewis 1:01:15 Kurt’s scripture study shame cycle example: “You could _______ and I’d still love you.” 1:05:45 “The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”—C.S. Lewis 1:06:20 John 14:16 1:07:50 The Heart of Man movie clip: Think of the violin as commandments and covenants 1:10:10 If ye love me, hold on to my commandments Abraham 3:26, Doctrine & Covenants 78:18 Alma 33:16 Romans 8:38-39

Grant Collins graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a degree in Accounting and is the director of People Operations at Nimbl. At Church he is currently an elders quorum instructor and has previously served as first and second bishopric counselor, Sunday School teacher, and elders quorum president. Links "Giving is a Skill" podcast on Apple and on Spotify. Offering Love & Acceptance to All | A How I Lead Interview with Dave Olsen There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Dean Andersen has served as a counselor in a stake presidency, high councilor, Seminary teacher, scoutmaster, and bishopric counselor, among many other callings. He was recently released as a stake president. He speaks Japanese, French, and Spanish after serving a mission in Japan, living in France while working for a French company, and serving with three Spanish-speaking wards in his stake. Dean and his wife Colleen live in Houston, Texas, where he works as a CPA/CFO. They have eight children and 28 grandchildren. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Thomas Wirthlin McConkie is an author, developmental researcher and meditation teacher. As a teenager, he met his first teacher and has been practicing for over 25 years under masters in the traditions of Sufism, Buddhism and Christian contemplation, among others. Thomas is the founder of Lower Lights School of Wisdom, a nonprofit organization committed to sharing ancient and modern teachings from the world’s Wisdom traditions. He is currently researching and writing on the topic of transformative spiritual practice at Harvard Divinity School. He lives with his wife, two kids, and rescue dog. Links Atonement: Embodying the Fullness of Human-Divinity (Deseret Book) Atonement: Embodying the Fullness of Human-Divinity (Kindle) Where to Start When Members Doubt | An Interview With Thomas Wirthlin McConkie Creating Space for Those We Lead | An Interview with Thomas Wirthlin McConkie There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Shawn Edwards has spent nearly 25 years in brand marketing, including roles at Kraft, Clorox, and Microsoft. He currently manages a marketing consulting firm he founded in 2012. His work with both small and Fortune 500 companies alike has helped him find his love for a good brand, a good logo, and a good t-shirt. Shawn currently serves as a bishop and has previously served as bishopric counselor, stake high counselor, elders quorum president, and ward mission leader, among others. He has been trying to be called as a Primary teacher for over 30 years, but that remains elusive. Shawn currently resides just outside of Denver, Colorado, with his better half, Carrie, and their three children. He loves to wakeboard, snowboard, and has never met a pint of Haagen Dazs he didn’t like. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming Soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Bryan Summers was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He served a mission in Carlsbad, California, and earned a Master's Degree in Library Science at the University of Wales-Aberystwyth. He was a county librarian in Yuma, Arizona for 12 years, and is now a mortgage broker in St George, Utah. Bryan has served in the Church as a nursery leader, ward mission leader, elders quorum president, and bishop. He is currently a teachers quorum assistant. He and his wife have been married 24 years and are the parents of three boys and three girls. Bryan enjoys backpacking—especially the Timberline Trail on Mount Hood—and once spent three weeks wandering around the Kurdish areas of Northern Iraq and Eastern Turkey. Links Acts of the Apostles: @actsofapostles_ The Talmage Story There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Angela Okada earned a Bachelor of Arts from BYU and a Master of Arts from the University of Utah, both in Speech Language Pathology. She worked as a speech language pathologist in a northern Virginia school district lived for six years before moving back to Utah, where she continues to work as a school-based SLP. Angela has four nieces and a nephew who she absolutely adores, and she enjoys reading, watching college sports, and trying new restaurants with friends. She has served as a missionary in the Georgia, Atlanta mission, a Young Women counselor, temple ordinance worker, and as a Relief Society counselor and president in both a young single adult ward and a family ward. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Bryan Hurd earned a Bachelor's of Science in Accounting from Utah State University and has been a realtor for almost 20 years. He lives his motto, "Be the most positive person I know," and attributes much of his success to a positive, can-do attitude and surrounding himself with "A" players. Bryan and his wife, Chandi, have four amazing boys and you can find the Hurd family at an RSL soccer game, the swimming pool, out on hiking trails, the library, or in the backyard enjoying life together. Links The Evolution Project Warrior Heart BHurd in Utah There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 1:45 Introduction to Bryan Hurd. Kurt’s realtor and friend. Kurt’s moving miracle! 6:30 Bryan has great relationships and connections with his clients. He makes everyone feel like they are his best friend. He takes time to listen and ask questions. He makes people feel important. 9:45 There are 3 types of guys in the elders quorum. Connecting with the guy that you don’t normally see. The dude I never see The dude I see but he’s checked out The dude that’s there and trying to do the best he can. 13:30 The blessing of being with a youth. A youth leader can be as influential to a youth member as their parents or maybe in some cases more so. That is sacred. 14:10 What’s sacred about elders quorum? Most men don’t have more than 3 friends. We have the opportunity to create that connection. 15:45 Bryan felt the call to help more of the men around him and in his ward. Bryan shares his story and where this call came from. 19:45 A common fallacy is that external success creates internal happiness. Having divine discontentment. 22:15 The best way to heal a broken heart is to put it to work. Working on yourself. 28:30 What is The Evolution Project? How did it start? Bryan’s job is to organize everything and God takes care of the rest. If a man goes in nature then God will find him. The Evolution Project isn’t therapy but about providing men experiences that are transformational. 36:00 Bryan shares an experience of one of the men at one of The Evolution Project events. 38:45 Three principles or rules that The Evolution Project focuses on. Have a safe environment. Don’t share people’s personal stories outside the group. I statements: Own your story. When someone speaks, you don’t have the right to cross-coach them. Ask first. 43:20 Men just need to talk it out. Someone to listen. They don’t necessarily need therapy or coaching. 44:30 Seeing the 3 evolution project’s rules in your next elders quorum meeting. Noticing when there is cross coaching and not using I statements. We need to create rules and boundaries in these meetings to create safety so that people feel safe to open up in front of others. 47:00 What do we need to understand about grace? 49:40 More on the next The Evolution Project events and Warrior Heart events. 52:45 You can’t lead people where you haven’t been. We have to go through hard times to help others. The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts,

Sisters, step into your positive influence era! Leave the self-doubt, insecurities, and perfection behind so you can have the impact you were always born to make. Join us for a 7-week live online discussion series with Jessica Johnson, where we discuss ways you can feel better prepared to lead in all aspects of your life, including callings, career, and in the home. Classes start Thursday, February 1st at 7:30 pm (Utah time) and continue each Thursday until March 14th. Reserve your spot in the Women's Discussion Series now! In this Series, Jessica Johnson will lead you and others through discussion points related to the following: How the Savior leads (and how to emulate it) How to deal with conflict How to have crucial conversations How great women in church history have led How to be resilient How to improve communication and influence And so much more! You get to meet and discuss with other women each week and have the chance to practice what you’ve learned between the sessions. It will help to increase your positive influence wherever you are. Get ready for weekly check-ins on your goals and the opportunity to meet and interact with other outstanding women, just like you. Clear your Thursday nights for a discussion series that has the opportunity to make a deep impact you and those around you. Trust me. This isn’t something you’ll want to miss. So invite your sister your mom your relief society for an enriching 7 weeks of life-changing discussions on leadership for life with Jessica Johnson. Reserve your spot in the Women's Discussion Series now!

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in June 2020. Skye Fagrell lives in Queen Creek, Arizona, but grew up in Los Gatos, in the San Francisco Bay Area. He and his wife, Jacque, met at Brigham Young University, where he studied Visual Arts and coaching & teaching physical education. They moved to Arizona when he was offered a position teaching Seminary in Tempe. Skye is the author of More Fit 4 The Kingdom. At the time of this podcast he was serving as a bishop. Links More Fit 4 The Kingdom: Gain the Spiritual Strength the Savior Emphasized by Following the Training Program He Utilized Skye Fagrell's Leading Saints articles: Becoming More Fit – Strategies for Growth in the 4 Youth Areas of Focus Inspired Counsel Includes Strategizing for Success Overcoming Crashes Through Christ There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Listen on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader LibraryHighlights 6:40 Skye’s journey to becoming a seminary teacher 9:20 Where the book started: measuring and quantifying fitness 13:55 Story of Milo of Crotan and the bull: the overload principle and how he translates it to spiritual concepts Elder Bednar’s story of the tires spinning in the snow until the heavy load was in the truck 16:55 Striving How the concept of striving has been incorporated in the temple recommend questions Taking a productive pause so that we can progress We need to have confidence in the grace of Christ, but we gain that confidence as we are striving 23:00 Analogy of the course of life and running a race Elder Renlund quote: “Once back on the path, it’s as if we were never off.” Comparing ourselves to others leads to low spiritual self esteem 26:55 Story of snowboard cross athlete Lindsey Jacobellis’ first showing at the Olympics 31:30 Fusing the motivation of striving with grace Luke 2:52 — The four areas of the Savior’s growth D&C 93:12-13 — Grace for grace and grace to grace: an exchange and progress D&C 45:3-5 — Christ is the advocate and when He represents us it becomes about Him, not about us 43:10 We need to focus on balancing all four areas: wisdom (intellectual), stature (physical), in favor with God (spirituality), in favor with man (social)—work/life balance 53:50 Goal-setting strategies MOREFIT: a goal-setting funnel 1:09:10 Overcoming plateaus: story of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and changing the frequency of his stroke Change either the duration, frequency, or intensity to break out The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Jeff and Jami Downs are the authors of Streaking: The Simple Practice of Conscious, Consistent Actions That Create Life-Changing Results. Both have served in numerous leadership callings, Jami as a Primary president, Young Women president, and currently as a Relief Society president. Jeff has served as a Seminary teacher, in every role in the bishopric, and on the stake high council. Jeff and Jami speak regularly to youth groups, young single adults, single adults, married couples, and many more on the power of consistency in increasing your faith, strengthening your relationships, and excelling in your profession. Jeff and Jami have seven children, and you can see what they do in their life every day, week, and month, by downloading and following them on the Streaking app. If you want to join them in streaking the scriptures, click here to download the Streaking app and start your own scripture reading streak. Links Streaking: The Simple Practice of Conscious, Consistent Actions That Create Life-Changing Results The Streaking App The Streaking Podcast There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Scriptures referenced in this podcast: Alma 37 Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 1:50 Introduction to Jeff and Jami and the story behind their book Streaking. Setting different streaks. 8:40 There are a lot of books on habits but Jeff couldn’t find that the suggestions were helping him. He explains the difference between an intentional decision and a habit. 12:00 Why does streaking work? The ways it activates the brain 12:45 The 3 laws that helped Jeff and Jami as they were streaking Make it laughably simple Keep a record of it Create a community 17:00 Jami set a ministering streak. Some streaks are more private and some more public. She tried to do something with ministering everyday and she did it even without an assignment. 19:50 “Ministering isn’t this grand thing that I do all the time. It’s a journey and it’s a journey of how I treat other people and how I’m changing inside.” 21:45 We have to be careful that shame and guilt isn’t the driving reason for trying to change our behavior. Jami talks about ways that she addresses the guilt and shame and has worked to change it. 24:00 Jami had been very unsuccessful at journaling. She tried year after year and couldn’t make it stick. She found that committing to a single sentence everyday and making it laughably simple helped she stay consistent. 26:40 Overcoming the natural man by yielding to the prompting of the Holy Ghost. The promptings are small and subtle things normally. Creating streaks helps us overcome the natural man by helping us feel like we are winning and succeeding instead of losing. 30:15 We can apply the idea of streaking for the individual that is in the bishop’s office trying to repent. Stop focusing on the sin. For example, don’t look at pornography. It actually makes us think about it more and feel guilty when we mess up. 31:40 Sometimes we just need something to get us started and then we end up keeping going. We don’t want to get started because the mountain seems too big to climb. 32:45 The brain science behind streaking and creating habits 33:40 What do you do when you miss a day after doing it over a thousand days? How do you overcome shame and guilt? 40:10 Setting a ministering streak. Small ways you can focus on ministering every single day. 40:45 Creating a streak with family history. Just opening the app and understanding how it works can be your daily activity. Jeff talks about how the streak drastically changed his contributions even though he only did something very small everyday. 42:15 Jami talks about creating a streak for family history and how it helped her reconnect with her biological grandfather. 45:40 The scriptural basis of streaking is in Alma 37.

Travis Hunt is the founder and creative director at Madeby, IPER, and Explanimate!. He has a degree in Screen production and a master's in Digital Design. In the Church, Travis has served as a Seminary teacher, Gospel Doctrine teacher, bishopric counselor, and bishop. He currently serves on his stake high council. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 2:30 Introduction to Travis Hunt 5:00 The church in Brisbane, Australia and some of the struggles they see 7:20 Serving as bishop and what Travis’ ward was like 10:50 Principle 1 - What you bring you will eventually see in the ward. Creating a more welcoming ward. Travis brought his own energy and personality to his calling. 21:20 Principle 2 - Kindness. People feel welcome and wanted no matter what. This can happen in so many ways but as a leader sitting with people empathetically. 23:30 Putting aside the administrative side of the calling and making sure you see people and talk with them 25:00 Anxiety peaks for a lot of people on Sunday. They feel overwhelmed and Travis really wanted to change that. Is church a place that is worthy to receive everyone in whatever state they are in? 27:30 What Travis’ ward did in sacrament meeting to manifest their vision of creating a more warm and welcoming ward 30:00 Leadership needs to make their vision very very clear. All the leaders in the ward need to understand and see the vision. 34:20 Principle 3 - Propinquity. After covid, Travis’ ward needed to grow back together and they would get together as much as possible. Find the beautiful in other people. 41:30 Principle 4 - Lower the bar and increase participation. It might be controversial but let’s make the bar so low that it’s impossible not to reach it. People feel like the bar is so high that they are afraid to participate. So in some cases we really need to lower the bar. 44:30 We can also lower the bar with callings. Do people need to be perfectly worthy to have a calling? So many people are sitting on the sidelines that want to participate but aren’t given the chance. How can we enable people to serve instead of limiting them? 46:40 There is a temple standard of worthiness and a chapel standard of worthiness. Chapel worthiness is if you walk through the door then you are worthy. 47:20 When you are called as a leader you inevitably stretch. Being refined as a person. The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Simon Fagg lives in Colchester, England, and runs his own leadership development consultancy. He is an executive coach where he helps his clients lead their teams more purposefully. For the last 25 years he has been facilitating learning and strategy workshops to some of the world’s leading companies, enjoyed working in nearly 40 different countries across the globe, and has learned so much from different national and organizational cultures. A lifelong member of the Church, Simon's service includes a full-time mission to England Birmingham, bishop, stake president, stake Young Men president, and FSY director. He currently serves alongside his wife as an assistant national director for communications in the UK. Simon loves to learn, sing, read, walk, ski and play volleyball. He and his wife Leah are the blessed parents of six daughters and one son, and grandparents to three wonderful granddaughters. Their youngest daughter was stillborn 20 years ago and this bittersweet experience was transformational for their family and faith. Links LinkedIn: Simon Fagg With Leadership After Dinner Leadership There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 3:45 Introduction to Simon Fagg, his professional experience, and experience in church leadership 9:20 Simon’s perspective on the dynamic of church leadership. The differences between leadership in the church and in business. 12:30 How do we motivate people to get their ministering done or serve more? 16:30 Infusing individuals with purpose to help motivate them. Hearing vs. doing. 21:20 Come Follow Me was announced and we assume that everyone was on board but there is a lot more to be done and steps in between hearing about something and then actually doing it. 22:20 Identifying barriers that prevent you from achieving a goal. You have to take your foot off the break to be able to accelerate. 25:30 We have a great purpose in the church but sometimes we forget that individuals are finding purpose outside of it. These individuals aren't doing as much in the church. How can we help these people? 30:00 Think of what you are going to bring instead of what you are going to get. For example, instead of wondering what you are going to get out of sacrament meeting you should bring an open heart and mind. Reach out to someone new. 32:00 Building others to be able to serve in your capacity when you are released. How can we prepare our replacement? 36:45 The handbook says, “Being a faithful disciple in order to help others become faithful disciples is the purpose behind every calling in the church.” 38:20 Having tough conversations to help others in their discipleship and leadership 44:45 Jesus Christ sees people deeply. We need to figure out how to do this too. 49:00 Challenging others to change in a loving way. Seeing people with an eye of faith. 53:10 Simon shares a story of inviting someone to change. 56:50 Preparing the rising generation 1:07:00 Three leadership principles that Simon wished he knew sooner. The first is quiet leadership. 1:09:30 Simon shares his final thoughts on leadership and service. The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson,

John Walters grew up in Utah after moving there when he was eight years old. His parents are converts and one of his earliest memories is being sealed as a family when he was six years old. John joined the Marines and served for six years, including two one-year-long deployments. He served a mission in Peru and earned a BA in Psychology and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Utah. John now lives in Houston, Texas, where he works as a sales leader for a large oil and gas company. His greatest joys come from his wife Angela and their four kids. John has served in many callings, including as a Primary teacher, in a Young Men presidency, in several elders quorum presidencies, as a high councilor, and currently as bishop. Links The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts in the community HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 2:30 Introduction to John and leading the youth as a bishop 5:00 It all starts with mindset 6:30 A youth leader needs a vision for what they are looking toward as they usher the youth along in their own journey. The youth program is a preparatory phase. 7:00 What is the Aaronic Priesthood actually preparing you for? 9:50 Having a mindset and vision of how you are preparing the youth for their future. John shares his mindset and vision for the youth in his ward and talks about the importance of articulating the vision. 12:00 John shares a personal experience of working with a young man that was struggling. Instead of focusing on getting him to go on a mission, he focused on him having special experiences with Jesus Christ. 16:00 There are some common misunderstandings with the youth program. What does it really mean to let them lead? 20:20 An integrative approach to the youth program. The four intentional questions: Know - What do we want them to know by the time they leave the youth program? Do - What do we want them to be able to do or skills do we want them to have? Be - What kind of person should they be? Experiences - What kind of experiences do we want them to have had by the time they graduate the youth program? 21:55 Some examples of applying the four intentional questions 24:55 As youth leaders in the ward you can build as much or little structure into the youth program as you need. Use the four intentional questions to help cover the touch points that you have. 27:00 John shares some examples of using the four intentional questions in his ward. One of the skills they have identified the youth needed was to be able to interact and talk with other people appropriately. They plan activities and conferences to focus on this need. They plan with intentionality. 29:50 Customizing the youth program especially for the youth in your ward. You can change things up. John’s young women didn’t do a traditional five-day camp because they couldn’t find a week where everyone could be there. They broke it up into five one-day camps. 34:30 Leadership is a journey and collaborative effort. It takes time to gain some traction in your new calling. 37:15 Meetings between the bishopric and the young women’s presidency. John explains what they discuss and focus on in their meetings. 38:40 How do you focus on the youth and not get caught up with other things in the ward? 41:00 John shares his final thoughts on how leadership has changed him and made him a better follower of Jesus Christ. The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway,

Let's look back at 2023, look forward to 2024, and answer some commonly-asked questions about Leading Saints and its future. This is Part 2 of a two-part podcast. Listen to Part 1 here.Links The Leading Saints Community Subscribe to the Leading Saints Newsletter About Leading Saints 5 Reasons Negative Church Culture Exists Unashamed Unafraid podcast episode with Kurt Francom The Cultural Hall Podcast This Week in Mormons Podcast The Art of Manliness Podcast Faith Matters Podcast Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret to a Man’s Soul by John Eldredge Warrior Heart Boot Camps There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Scriptures referenced in this podcast: Doctrine & Covenants 128:9 Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Let's look back at 2023, look forward to 2024, and answer some commonly-asked questions about Leading Saints and its future. This is Part 1 of a two-part podcast. Listen to Part 2 here. Links The Leading Saints Community Subscribe to the Leading Saints Newsletter About Leading Saints 5 Reasons Negative Church Culture Exists Unashamed Unafraid podcast episode with Kurt Francom The Cultural Hall Podcast This Week in Mormons Podcast The Art of Manliness Podcast Faith Matters Podcast Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret to a Man’s Soul by John Eldredge Warrior Heart Boot Camps There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Russell Rigby was born and raised in Vancouver, Washington, served in the Mexico City South mission, and helped open the Cuernavaca Mission. He attended Western Washington University where he majored in Accounting and met his wife. He later received a master's in Taxation from the University of Washington and currently works as a tax manager for Paccar. Russell has two sons, ages twelve and ten, and has served in Primary, the Young Men program, a Spanish branch presidency, and as a financial clerk. He is now serving for the first time as a Sunday School president. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 03:20 Introduction to Russell Rigby and getting called as Sunday School president. 05:30 Starting his new calling by picking really great counselors to work with and dreaming up big ideas. Going beyond the normal. 06:40 Making a difference as the Sunday School president. They expanded the idea of teacher councils and identified certain groups that needed help, not just the teachers. 08:20 The scripture that has inspired Russell in his calling is Alma 31:5. The word of God has a more powerful effect on people than anything else. 10:30 Stimulating discussion in presidency meetings. Russell talks about how they structure their meetings. 14:45 Russell and his presidency did counsels with different groups in the ward. They didn’t just focus on teachers but also on presidencies and some of the youth. Very isolated counsels to get to know the needs of each organization and make the discussions more relevant. They got a lot of positive feedback from all groups. 16:45 Meeting with all the different groups was a little overwhelming but they manage by doing four groups a month and dividing it between two Sundays. They split up their presidency to do the different discussions. Basically they meet with each group once a quarter. 19:00 How they approach the councils. They are there to be facilitators and stimulate the ideas and discussions. Build off each discussion and check in to see how things are going. 26:00 Creating a safe space to bring up concerns. That is one of the reasons they decided to meet as small groups in their learner councils. 28:00 Finding ways to engage with members in the ward through scriptures They send out a weekly email with a scripture plus a ward bulletin. 30:25 Creating group councils where meaningful and relevant discussions can happen 31:30 Russell and his presidency are trying out a new idea with google docs where groups can add to the google doc and share ideas between meetings. 36:00 Russell shares the impact that serving has had on him and made him a better follower of Jesus Christ. The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Kyle Turner is a pharmacist and clinical faculty member at the University of Utah where he researches and teaches courses in leadership. He spends much of his time as a consultant and trainer in leadership development for Intend Health Strategies, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing leadership team dynamics in health care settings. Kyle is currently serving as a counselor in a bishopric and has served previously as a stake Sunday School president, branch presidency counselor, in a ward Young Men presidency and Sunday School presidency, and as ward clerk. He and his wife Katelyn have three children. Links Teaching Through Better Stories in Sacrament Meeting Talks & Lessons | An Interview with Matthew Dicks Intend Health Strategies Contact Kyle There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Emily Poaletti grew up in southwest Wisconsin, went to Brigham Young University-Idaho and got a vocal music degree, then moved with her husband to Northwest Arkansas. She has taught private voice lessons for eight years and has been the music director for five different children’s musicals. Emily has served as a ward choir director, ward music coordinator and stake music coordinator, as well as in Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society presidencies. She loves having the chance to sing with others of faith, and served on the music committee for the Bentonville temple open house and dedication this year, also directing one of the dedicatory session choirs. Emily is the parent of five boys. She loves to be in nature with them and convinces them to sing with her at least once a day. Links Putting Jesus at the Center of Your Ward | An Interview with David Butler Music Library: Hymns How to Send Mass Text Messages on iPhone There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Jim Kasen has degrees in Organ Performance and Interpersonal Communications from Brigham Young University, a Master of Social Work from the University of Utah, and a Masters in Choral Conducting from BYU. He is a licensed social worker, recently retired as Director of University Relations at BYU, and is the author of the book To Belong to Him. Jim first served as a branch president in the Philippines Manila Mission, and has served in branch presidencies at the Provo Missionary Training Center, in elders quorum presidencies, in a bishopric, four times as a high councilor, and as a music director, choir director, and organist many times on the ward and stake levels. He has also served on the Church Music Committee, as a guest organist at Temple Square, a member of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, and in many other assignments such as directing choirs for general conference and on the hymnal submission review sub-committee. Links To Belong to Him There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Scriptures referenced in this podcast: Ether 12:27 Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Wilson Wu was born and raised in New Zealand, a convert to the Church, and served in the China Hong Kong mission. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in International Business and works as a claims manager for a public health insurance company, Accident Compensation Corporation. Wilson currently serves in his bishopric and has previously served as a Young Men counselor, branch clerk, counselor in an elders quorum presidency, ward executive secretary, elders quorum president, stake executive secretary, and assistant stake clerk. He and his wife have one daughter. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 02:40 Introduction to Wilson Wu from New Zealand. He shares his conversion story. 05:30 Wilson tells about how Leading Saints helped him through a dark time in his life during 2021 08:00 What the Church is like in Wilson’s ward and stake in New Zealand 10:00 Wilson’s advice to someone that has been called as a counselor in the bishopric 12:30 Principle one - Be where the Spirit guides. Wilson shares his own experience of being where the Lord wants him to be and accepting that. 19:20 Wilson shares an experience he had being where the spirit wanted him to be when he was the elders quorum president. 22:30 Principle two - Being willing to serve in the invisible callings. Serving quietly and giving the glory to God. 27:00 Principle three - Loving the people that you serve 34:40 Principle four - To be a great leader you need to be a great follower The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Dr. Steven C. Wheelwright is the Edsel Bryant Ford Professor of Management, Emeritus, Harvard Business School. Since his retirement from Harvard, he and his wife, Margaret Steele Wheelwright, have presided over the England London Mission, served at Brigham Young University-Idaho, presided over BYU-Hawaii, and presided over the Boston Temple. Steven taught at INSEAD—a private business school in Fontainebleau, France, the Stanford Graduate School of Business where he also served as the chair of the Strategic Management Dept., and the Harvard Business School where he also served as a senior associate dean overseeing the MBA program, then overseeing faculty planning and development, and concluding as chairman of HBS Publishing. He has held endowed professorships at both the Stanford Graduate School of Business and at the Harvard Business School. Steven and Margaret reside in Oakley, Utah, and have five children, 20 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Links The Wilford Woodruff Papers Images from The Wilford Woodruff Papers: Wilford Woodruff, Mar 8, 1849, Boston, Massachusetts, Wilford Woodruff, Apr 16, 1894 Latter-day Saint MBA Society Podcast: Steven Wheelwright Wilford Woodruff's Witness: The Development of Temple Doctrine There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 2:00 Introduction to Steven. He explains how he is involved with the Wilford Woodruff papers. 2:50 What are the Wilford Woodruff papers? He wrote 10 times what Joseph Smith wrote. He kept better notes than anybody else. 8:50 Wilford gave about 4,000 discourses but never wrote them down. He believed to only teach by the spirit. 11:40 Missionary work and consecrated service. He joined the Church when he was 26. His first mission was Zion's Camp, soon after he got baptized. 20:50 He felt called to record everything that took place. He said that he felt like a fish out of water until he got something recorded in his journal. The Wilford Woodruff papers are very important to Church history. 21:45 The impact that the Wilford Woodruff papers has had on FamilySearch. There are about 20,000 people mentioned in his journals. There are about 53 million descendants of these people that have been found so far. 24:00 Another thing that is unique to Wilford Woodruff is that he wasn’t afraid to open his mouth. Steven tells the story of when Wilford taught at an inn. 28:30 Stories of when Wilford goes on his mission to England. He was always willing to do and say what the Lord wanted of him. 31:30 He was an amazing example of exact obedience. More stories of Wilford’s mission. 34:00 Recap of Wilford’s service, mission, and marriage 40:20 Wilford and his work in the temple. He became the steward of everything that went on in the temple and helped write down all of the ordinances. There was a continual refinement of the temple ordinances thanks to Wilford. 43:30 When John Taylor died and Wilford was to become prophet. It took two years to organize the first presidency because they were not unified. Wilford was patient and waited for everyone to be unified in the decision. He wanted things to be done in the way of the Lord. 48:10 2,500 pages of the Wildord Woodruff papers have been published. For those that want to get involved: You can help with transcription, verification, and getting the papers published online. It can be done remotely on your computer. Sign up for the newsletters to get updates. You can donate to help pay the interns and make the work go faster. 53:00 How has learning about Wilford Woodruff helped you become a better follower of Jesus Christ? The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in July 2019. Wendy Ulrich is a psychologist, educator, and writer. She holds a PhD in Education and Psychology from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles. A former guest on the podcast, Wendy is the founder of Sixteen Stones Center for Growth and has been a practicing psychologist for over 25 years. She is a former president of the Association of Mormon Counselors and Psychotherapists and a visiting professor at Brigham Young University. Wendy and her husband Dave Ulrich presided over the Canada Montreal Mission and have three children and eight grandchildren. Links Live Up to Our Privileges: Women, Power, and Priesthood The Why of Your Calling | An Interview with Wendy Ulrich Sixteen Stones Center for Growth There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 00:48 Wendy’s background as a psychologist 01:21 Her book Live Up to Our Privileges discusses “What does it really mean for women to have priesthood power”? How do we get it in our lives and use it effectively? 03:49 How can leaders better understand the experience of women in the Church? What can Wendy share about the female experience of feeling dismissed at church? 04:47 The work of women is often invisible and misunderstood. 05:05 Women and men have different styles of communication. Women may find being talked over (a male communication pattern) to be dismissive. 06:21 Women can feel dismissed by the structure of the Church or even the text of the scriptures. 07:02 The book is structured after the organization of priesthood offices. Why? 07:44 The work of women is also captured in the work of priesthood offices. 08:39 In many cases women do more of the work of priesthood offices during the natural course of their lives than men. 09:12 Christ was not a priest. He did not hold the priesthood of his day. 09:50 Women who may not see themselves as holding priesthood may find something to learn from the Savior’s example and authority. 10:39 Women can say I am doing what I’m doing because of the authority I’ve been given in my calling, my temple endowment, my home, my assignments … I have been given authority. 11:17 We sometimes project secular perspectives on women and the priesthood and fairness. What can we understand about this topic? 12:49 We are not going to be the same or have the same opportunities. 13:33 Wendy believes Church doctrine emphasizes the reason we are here on this earth is to become empowered with the power that God has. We believe the most important thing God is trying to do is to create eternal relationships. 14:45 What women do and goes unseen may be just as important as what men do in the eternal scheme of things. Even in secular society family is essential, and women are the key “resource” for keeping society functioning 17:17 The Lord’s priority is raising the next generation of gods. 17:20 We think God is someone who gives power away. We believe he wants to empower us to be joint heirs—to give us all He has. 18:59 At times it does seem like some roles are inflated. Kurt shares his experience while all three of his brothers were serving as bishops and the difference in attention his sister received, who was serving as a Primary President at the time. As we consider this, women will have less of that experience of being dismissed. 20:40 Chapter 8: Governing with Power and Compassion. How to rise to power in organizations. 22:00 Kachner’s research shows how people get into power, but once they get into power people actually lose the skills that got them there. They become more self-serving, less empathic. They are less likely to listen to others, less able to read other’s emotional states. 23:40 Research shows teams with women are more effective because women naturally have skills that lea...

Jared Olsen is a father, husband, entrepreneur, workplace culture enthusiast, millennial, and Nacho Libre lover. His days are spent at JobNimbus in People Experience (PX). He is also the president & co-founder of REYFYA—the first outsourced culture consulting business in the Silicon Slopes—and a board member at Disrupt SLC. Jared was named by Utah Business Magazine as the first-ever "HR Disruptor of the Year". He has an MBA and is SPHR & SHRM-SCP certified. Matt Brown is a mentor and coach specializing in leadership, learning, project management, and more. He has worked in real estate and as a police officer, eventually retiring before embarking on a new adventure and earning an MBA. Matt is certified in Strengthfinders and RESPECT styles, and works at JobNimbus as a People Success Coach. Links Get 14-day access to the Core Leader LibraryJobNimbus It's Not About the Nail OwlHub.com Connect on LinkedIn with Jared Olsen and Matt Brown There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Highlights 2:10 Kurt introduces the episode’s topic and conversation with Jared and Matt. A coaching framework called RESPECT. 4:20 Introduction to Jared and Matt. 5:40 Coaching is about creating culture. The origin for the word "culture" in Latin, and means to care. So culture really is caring about people. 6:50 What is coaching? 7:45 Both Jared and Matt are certified in RESPECT coaching styles. There are 7 different coaching styles you can use. You can use many styles with the same person. 12:50 R in RESPECT stands for the RALLIER style of coaching. This style is the driver. Setting goals and measurables. Ways to move the coachee forward. 16:30 The E in RESPECT is the EDUCATOR. It’s a lecture or education to teach a skill or fill in knowledge. General conference is all about educating. Parenting your child is teaching them and making sure they are learning. 19:20 The S is for the STRATEGIST style of coaching. It’s finding solutions to problems. They are addressing a problem. 21:10 The P stands for the PROVOCATEUR. This style of coaching makes people squirm the most. It’s poking a hole in someone’s logic and it’s often speaking the unspeakable truth. Jesus was a great example of a provocateur. 26:00 The second E in RESPECT is EXPLORE. Asking questions that even you as the coach don’t know the answer to. 29:20 The C in RESPECT stands for the CONFIDANT. The opposite of the provocateur. They ask about feelings and how the coachee interprets things. It’s like a warm blanket and validation. It’s about listening to work things out. 32:30 The T stands for TRANSFORMER. You can use this when somebody has gone through something difficult and you can have them reflect on that. This style of coaching can be used to help people see either how far they’ve come or where they could be in six months. 36:00 When you are coaching, you have to ask questions instead of making statements. 38:00 For the leader that wants to use these styles of coaching but feels overwhelmed: You don’t have to be an expert. 41:50 Jared and Matt coach Kurt as an example of the different styles of coaching and questions that you can use. 50:00 When picking a style of coaching, ask yourself, what do I know about the coachee and their circumstance? Start with a style and if it doesn’t work then pivot to a different style. Explorer can be a great style to start with. 52:20 What would be a good Provocateur question to use as church leaders? These questions are hard questions that come from a place of love. 57:45 Another thing that we can do in coaching is make questions direct or indirect. 59:00 A style that people struggle with is Transformer. However, Transformer can be a way that we turn the hard things that we are going through in life and learn to see them as blessings. 1:05:40 Resources for learning more about RESPECT ...

Aaron Bujnowski is a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Chile Concepción Mission and has served as a bishop, stake high councilor, stake Sunday School presidency member, and Seminary teacher. He’s currently his ward’s elders quorum president (for the fourth time) and is an ordinance worker in the Dallas Texas Temple. Aaron works as a healthcare consultant. He has bachelor and master of science degrees in Chemical Engineering from Brigham Young University Provo, a Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Texas at Austin, and is currently a candidate to receive a Doctor of Science degree in Healthcare Leadership from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He and his wife, Julie, are the co-authors of Discovering Your Temple Insights. They have two adult children and live in Frisco, Texas. Links Ministering is Love Discovering Your Temple Insights Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Highlights 02:40 Kurt introduces Aaron and their discussion on approaching and shifting elders quorum culture through simple, thoughtful questions. 04:45 Aaron introduces himself and shares his leadership experience. He wrote an article recently on ministering. 06:20 Ministering should be something natural and normal. How can we make it simple and show love for our God and neighbor? Ask questions about how they show love in the ward and how they need to be loved. Do this instead of asking if they need anything. 10:15 Great questions for ministering interviews In what ways did your families need love over the last quarter? How did you find ways to show those families love? 11:00 Typical answers that Aaron hears as he does ministering interviews and asks about how people show love and connect with the families they serve 17:00 By changing our questions and having more authentic concern and love, the minister's heart changes and the person who is being ministered to changes also. We want to actually get to know people and not just check the box. 18:30 The best success you can have is just to show up for people. Be there for them. There is a cultural shift that happens when we consistently show up for people. Can people trust that you are going to be there for them? 22:00 Creating an equally-yoked elders quorum and Relief Society. Set the standard that the elders quorum knows the needs of the ward just as much as the sisters do. Meet with the Relief Society president outside of ward council to talk about the needs of the ward. 24:50 Helping the bishop focus on the youth, and how Aaron as elders quorum president supports him by taking care of the adult concerns in the ward along with the Relief Society president 27:00 Other leaders in the ward can create relationships with the members to take the burden off the bishop. Instead of calling the bishop, people feel more comfortable to go to their Relief Society president, elders quorum president, or ministering brothers and sisters. 29:00 Approach to elders quorum meeting every other week. Before the lesson they have a council to discuss needs in the ward. 33:40 Inviting people to the table. Ask people that don’t come as often or don’t participate very much to give prayers and other small things. 37:30 Aaron and his wife wrote a book about the temple. It’s about how to learn from the temple. 38:30 Aaron’s testimony on leadership and what he has learned from it The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto,

Steven Shields, ACMHC CET1, is a therapist who acts as a guide to help others heal from trauma and addiction. As founder of Unashamed Unafraid, a non-profit organization, he hosts the podcast that shares hope for sexual addiction recovery. Unashamed funds scholarships for people to go to retreats and receive therapy. Steve works in his private practice in Salt Lake City, at OnSite in Nashville Tennessee, and at The Oaks in San Diego California, doing trauma intensives and workshops. His favorite event to speak at is the Warrior Heart Bootcamp. Steve Shields Links The Therapy Buffet: Helping Individuals Heal Through Therapy Warrior Heart Unashamed Unafraid Accepted NF: Happy There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Steven Shields, ACMHC CET1, is a therapist who acts as a guide to help others heal from trauma and addiction. As founder of Unashamed Unafraid, a non-profit organization, he hosts the podcast that shares hope for sexual addiction recovery. Unashamed funds scholarships for people to go to retreats and receive therapy. Steve works in his private practice in Salt Lake City, at OnSite in Nashville Tennessee, and at The Oaks in San Diego California, doing trauma intensives and workshops. His favorite event to speak at is the Warrior Heart Bootcamp. Steve Shields Links The Therapy Buffet: Helping Individuals Heal Through Therapy Warrior Heart Unashamed Unafraid Accepted NF: Happy There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 01:45 Introduction. Can mental illness be healed? 04:40 I’m not just a therapist but a guide. 06:10 What Steve is seeing most in his office. What are people dealing with the most? 13:00. When did we quit believing people can be healed? Why do we not believe that mental illness cannot be healed? People are led to believe that they just need to manage their mental health and it’s just something they will always struggle with. 20:20 Steve shares an experience he had working with a burned out therapist. You can’t give something that you don’t have. 26:00 As leaders we have to do things in the spirit of healing and love. We have to get back to what makes us feel alive and with the Spirit of God. You have to do your own work so you have something to give. 28:00 The weight that the bishop has to hold. Just to hold all the weight of everyone else's trauma you need God’s help and His healing. None of us are just all good. 29:30 We have example after example in the scriptures of mental health problems and the healing. Do we not believe that anymore? We don’t believe that we can be healed? It’s true that some things we have to endure but most things can be healed. 36:45 Therapy doesn’t heal you. Medication doesn’t heal you. The bishop, yoga class, friend, or a 12-step meeting don’t heal you. God does. He heals you through His son. 38:30 The bishop doesn’t have to know everything and be everything for everyone in the ward. The bishop can refer members to other leaders in the ward to support them and refer them to programs. The bishop is there to share resources and find the appropriate help. 46:30 It’s mind blowing that we look for answers everywhere except for Christ. We look for problem solving everywhere except Christ. 47:30 How does a bishop help people find good therapy that actually leads them toward healing? There are two things that the bishop needs to do. Let people know that Christ can heal your addiction, marriage, etc. Show empathy and provide resources. If one therapist doesn’t work then try another. If one book doesn’t help then try another. 1:01:10 As a leader, the weight of everyone’s problems and unwillingness to do things is not your problem. Give it God and be yoked with Him. If people don’t want to do ministering then give it to God. It’s His church and He will deal with it. 1:04:50 Steve’s top secret tips for therapists. He says to new clients, “I actually believe healing is possible and my goal is to fire you as fast as possible and the greatest moment that I’m going to have with you in this journey will be the day that we are done.” 1:09:00 Invitation to leaders. Ask God if he has a better life for you. 1:09:30 Delegate the spiritual burden to Jesus. 1:10:15 You have full permission as a leader to offer hope and healing. 1:11:25 Be the leader that doesn’t have the answers but is there. Go on the journey with them. 1:14:30 Steve shares how this concept of healing has changed him and what it means to him. The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts...

Christiane Lauener was born and raised in Switzerland to a Canadian mother and a Swiss father—both the only converts in their families. She has served as a ward Relief Society president, in Primary and Young Women presidencies, Sunday School, public relations, and probably every other calling a woman can have. She is currently serving as the stake Relief Society president for the second time. Christiane served in the Canada Winnipeg mission and later earned a bachelors degree in English Literature. She is married and the mother of four grown sons, including one with severe disabilities, and works as an assistant to a patent engineer. A recurring highlight is her weekly visit to the temple, and she counts her faithfulness to God and His to her as the greatest blessing in life. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 02:30 Christiane shares her background and what the church is like in Switzerland. Navigating church with multiple languages. 07:10 Christiane was surprised to be called a second time to be stake Relief Society president. She shares her leadership experience. 09:00 Visiting the wards in her stake and how they do meetings as a stake 11:15 What are the main concerns of Relief Society presidents right now? 14:50 One of the most important principles for Christiane is personal conversion. 19:40 Stepping up and speaking in stake council. Christiane has been bold in sharing her ideas but they aren’t always well received. However, she keeps going and keeps speaking up. 23:00 Women need to be more seen in our wards and stakes. There is conflict over women leaders sitting on the stand. It’s important for not only the women to be seen but so that they can also see the ward and who might be struggling. Also having young women contribute in sacrament meeting. 27:20 There seems to be more balance seeing men and women serve in the temple than in our Sunday meetings. People visiting our church aren’t seeing the women and probably don’t know that there is a whole organization for the women in our church. 29:30 Switzerland is the motor of Europe. For many years Switzerland had the only temple in Europe. Many of the members of Switzerland emigrated to the US and the growth of the Church there has been slower. 33:30 Do members understand the depth of the changes that President Nelson has made since becoming prophet? The importance of the work of the family and home. 36:15 Christiane shares the people and books that have changed her and inspired her life. 38:45 What motherhood and leadership have taught Christiane and made her a better follower of Jesus Christ The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Christiane Lauener was born and raised in Switzerland to a Canadian mother and a Swiss father—both the only converts in their families. She has served as a ward Relief Society president, in Primary and Young Women presidencies, Sunday School, public relations, and probably every other calling a woman can have. She is currently serving as the stake Relief Society president for the second time. Christiane served in the Canada Winnipeg mission and later earned a bachelors degree in English Literature. She is married and the mother of four grown sons, including one with severe disabilities, and works as an assistant to a patent engineer. A recurring highlight is her weekly visit to the temple, and she counts her faithfulness to God and His to her as the greatest blessing in life. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 02:30 Christiane shares her background and what the church is like in Switzerland. Navigating church with multiple languages. 07:10 Christiane was surprised to be called a second time to be stake Relief Society president. She shares her leadership experience. 09:00 Visiting the wards in her stake and how they do meetings as a stake 11:15 What are the main concerns of Relief Society presidents right now? 14:50 One of the most important principles for Christiane is personal conversion. 19:40 Stepping up and speaking in stake council. Christiane has been bold in sharing her ideas but they aren’t always well received. However, she keeps going and keeps speaking up. 23:00 Women need to be more seen in our wards and stakes. There is conflict over women leaders sitting on the stand. It’s important for not only the women to be seen but so that they can also see the ward and who might be struggling. Also having young women contribute in sacrament meeting. 27:20 There seems to be more balance seeing men and women serve in the temple than in our Sunday meetings. People visiting our church aren’t seeing the women and probably don’t know that there is a whole organization for the women in our church. 29:30 Switzerland is the motor of Europe. For many years Switzerland had the only temple in Europe. Many of the members of Switzerland emigrated to the US and the growth of the Church there has been slower. 33:30 Do members understand the depth of the changes that President Nelson has made since becoming prophet? The importance of the work of the family and home. 36:15 Christiane shares the people and books that have changed her and inspired her life. 38:45 What motherhood and leadership have taught Christiane and made her a better follower of Jesus Christ The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

In this solo episode, Kurt talks about how to transform the culture in elders quorum and the entire ward by focusing on the heart of the men. Links Is Elders Quorum Working? Warrior Heart Retreats Cwic Show: The Problem with Men and Masculinity in the Church - feat. Kurt Francom Thoughtful Faith: Are We as a Church Failing Men? (With Kurt Francom) When the Bishop is Too Nice | An Interview with Dr. Robert Glover How I Lead with Priesthood Blessings | An Interview With Mike Novakovich One Couple’s Journey Through Sexual Addiction | An Interview with Chris & Autumn Bennett Former Bishop, Recovering Addict | An Interview with Evan Hathaway Wild at Heart Waking the Dead: The Secret to a Heart Fully Alive No More Mr. Nice Guy The Alter Ego Effect The Heart of Man (streaming) Questions? Want to discuss this further with Kurt? Contact him here. There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 2:40 Introduction to the episode’s topic: men at church 7:15 If we could crack the code with men to help them and strengthen them so that they can strengthen their own families. Turning to porn and other things for coping. 9:30 The media and social platforms attack masculinity and call it toxic. What does healthy masculinity look like? Does society know what to do with men? Does the Church know what to do with men? 11:50 When we unknowingly send the wrong message at church. Men hiding behind the perfect ironed suit and the huge smile. Unfortunately someone in the elders quorum is the most at risk of suicide. 14:00 How can we help men find brotherhood and connection at church? Kurt makes suggestions on things we can do. We need to offer more for men after they age out of Young Single Adult and mission programs. 17:20 If you want to fix the youth then walk down the hall and fix the elders quorum. Think of the impact that the elders quorum can have on the youth and their own children. 19:00 The nice guy vs. masculine man. Kurt dives into toxic masculinity and passive masculinity. 24:00 What does healthy masculinity look like? 27:45 What does the Church attempt to offer men? These are things that are offered on paper and with good intentions but sometimes seem more like assignments. Saving ordinances Spiritual development Community and brotherhood Service opportunities Leadership opportunities 32:15 What do men need from the church? What do they need from their quorum? While it's important to remind them of their duty and responsibility you have to start with a foundation. You have to start with heart. 34:00 There is no laziness in elders quorum, just a lack of fulfillment. How to help men turn back to their heart instead of duty. 39:50 According to author John Eldridge, every man has 3 core desires: A battle to fight An adventure to live A beauty to love 43:40 How to stimulate brotherhood We need to provide mentorship Pray together and for each other Invite people to share their story or share your own Offer men adventure. Organize activities for men to get out 50:00 Kurt shares resources: books, events, podcast talks 54:00 How has ministering to men made you a better follower of Jesus Christ? The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III,

In this solo episode, Kurt talks about how to transform the culture in elders quorum and the entire ward by focusing on the heart of the men. Links Is Elders Quorum Working? Warrior Heart Retreats Cwic Show: The Problem with Men and Masculinity in the Church - feat. Kurt Francom Thoughtful Faith: Are We as a Church Failing Men? (With Kurt Francom) When the Bishop is Too Nice | An Interview with Dr. Robert Glover How I Lead with Priesthood Blessings | An Interview With Mike Novakovich One Couple’s Journey Through Sexual Addiction | An Interview with Chris & Autumn Bennett Former Bishop, Recovering Addict | An Interview with Evan Hathaway Wild at Heart Waking the Dead: The Secret to a Heart Fully Alive No More Mr. Nice Guy The Alter Ego Effect The Heart of Man (streaming) Questions? Want to discuss this further with Kurt? Contact him here. There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 2:40 Introduction to the episode’s topic: men at church 7:15 If we could crack the code with men to help them and strengthen them so that they can strengthen their own families. Turning to porn and other things for coping. 9:30 The media and social platforms attack masculinity and call it toxic. What does healthy masculinity look like? Does society know what to do with men? Does the Church know what to do with men? 11:50 When we unknowingly send the wrong message at church. Men hiding behind the perfect ironed suit and the huge smile. Unfortunately someone in the elders quorum is the most at risk of suicide. 14:00 How can we help men find brotherhood and connection at church? Kurt makes suggestions on things we can do. We need to offer more for men after they age out of Young Single Adult and mission programs. 17:20 If you want to fix the youth then walk down the hall and fix the elders quorum. Think of the impact that the elders quorum can have on the youth and their own children. 19:00 The nice guy vs. masculine man. Kurt dives into toxic masculinity and passive masculinity. 24:00 What does healthy masculinity look like? 27:45 What does the Church attempt to offer men? These are things that are offered on paper and with good intentions but sometimes seem more like assignments. Saving ordinances Spiritual development Community and brotherhood Service opportunities Leadership opportunities 32:15 What do men need from the church? What do they need from their quorum? While it's important to remind them of their duty and responsibility you have to start with a foundation. You have to start with heart. 34:00 There is no laziness in elders quorum, just a lack of fulfillment. How to help men turn back to their heart instead of duty. 39:50 According to author John Eldridge, every man has 3 core desires: A battle to fight An adventure to live A beauty to love 43:40 How to stimulate brotherhood We need to provide mentorship Pray together and for each other Invite people to share their story or share your own Offer men adventure. Organize activities for men to get out 50:00 Kurt shares resources: books, events, podcast talks 54:00 How has ministering to men made you a better follower of Jesus Christ? The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III,

Rebecca Smart is currently on her third career. She spent a decade working for the Government of Alberta in Tourism and Communications, chose to be a stay-at-home parent for several years, retrained, and is now working as a registered psychotherapist. She considers it a blessing to bring her skills together to help build the kingdom of God in many different ways. Rebecca serves as stake Primary president and was a counselor in the stake Primary presidency for almost three years prior to that call. Rebecca finds joy serving in the Church. Other callings have included Relief Society president, Relief Society counselor, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and Primary secretary. Rebecca lives in Ottawa, Canada with her husband, three children and Labradoodle. In her spare time she loves travel, baking, and spending time with family and friends. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 2:20 Rebecca talks about her area in Ottawa, Canada. 4:30 Getting called as stake Primary president. She transitioned into the position after being the first counselor in the stake Primary for three years. 6:00 Growing leaders and Primary presidents 9:15 How leadership meetings go in her stake 10:00 Working together as a presidency 11:15 The power of listening 13:20 The strength of combining personal knowledge and personal revelation 15:00 Rebecca shares her own personal experience using gospel learning and working to teach our children. 17:00 Seeking and using spiritual gifts. Bring your gifts to the people that you serve. There are a lot of spiritual gifts and it's our responsibility to seek them. 20:40 When it comes to seeking and using our gifts, it's a process and it can take a lot of time. The gifts that we need might change over time. Pray to know what gifts you need at that time. 21:50 Rebecca shares her approach to stake council meetings. 23:50 Thoughts on Primary programs. One of the most powerful things is the Primary children showing what they have learned and their testimonies. 25:30 The importance of counseling with counselors 27:50 Taking the time for needs assessments. Find out the needs of not only the adults but the children too. It’s easy to get bogged down in administration or in the way we have always done something but are those things meeting the needs? 29:15 How has being a leader made you a better follower of Jesus Christ? The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Rebecca Smart is currently on her third career. She spent a decade working for the Government of Alberta in Tourism and Communications, chose to be a stay-at-home parent for several years, retrained, and is now working as a registered psychotherapist. She considers it a blessing to bring her skills together to help build the kingdom of God in many different ways. Rebecca serves as stake Primary president and was a counselor in the stake Primary presidency for almost three years prior to that call. Rebecca finds joy serving in the Church. Other callings have included Relief Society president, Relief Society counselor, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and Primary secretary. Rebecca lives in Ottawa, Canada with her husband, three children and Labradoodle. In her spare time she loves travel, baking, and spending time with family and friends. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 2:20 Rebecca talks about her area in Ottawa, Canada. 4:30 Getting called as stake Primary president. She transitioned into the position after being the first counselor in the stake Primary for three years. 6:00 Growing leaders and Primary presidents 9:15 How leadership meetings go in her stake 10:00 Working together as a presidency 11:15 The power of listening 13:20 The strength of combining personal knowledge and personal revelation 15:00 Rebecca shares her own personal experience using gospel learning and working to teach our children. 17:00 Seeking and using spiritual gifts. Bring your gifts to the people that you serve. There are a lot of spiritual gifts and it's our responsibility to seek them. 20:40 When it comes to seeking and using our gifts, it's a process and it can take a lot of time. The gifts that we need might change over time. Pray to know what gifts you need at that time. 21:50 Rebecca shares her approach to stake council meetings. 23:50 Thoughts on Primary programs. One of the most powerful things is the Primary children showing what they have learned and their testimonies. 25:30 The importance of counseling with counselors 27:50 Taking the time for needs assessments. Find out the needs of not only the adults but the children too. It’s easy to get bogged down in administration or in the way we have always done something but are those things meeting the needs? 29:15 How has being a leader made you a better follower of Jesus Christ? The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Dr. CK Bray is a cognitive behavioral researcher who specializes in change/adaption, human performance and potential, and their impact on organizations and individuals. Dr. Bray has a Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Learning, and a second Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology with an emphasis in the Cognitive Sciences (ABD). He bridges the gap between science, research, and organizations and is known for his ability to take complex research and make it understandable and applicable to clients. In the Church, Dr. Bray has served as a Young Men president, bishopric counselor, and stake executive secretary, and is currently the elders quorum president in his ward. Links The Adaption Institute The Dr. CK Bray Show How To Raise Remarkable Kids Without Talking To Them There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 04:40 Dr. Bray talks about his brain research, what he does, and why. 06:00 Brain research and how it relates to the gospel. They work together. 10:00 Where do we begin with brain science? What happens in our brain when we experience change? Threat or reward state. When we want to create change it needs to be small. 15:45 Can leaders get people to change? Change has to come internally vs externally. We can get external motivation and rewards but really the change has to come from our own wanting to do it to make it something that will last. 19:20 Doing lessons a little differently and helping people have the 'aha' moment and create change. They start with sharing wins and struggles they had that week. It opened up the quorum to help each other outside of the walls of the church. 28:50 As leaders we need to create aha moments and a community that is sharing those moments. It's really about helping people change their perception and how they show up. 32:50 We need to learn how to be more resilient in a world that is trying to tear us down. 35:45 How can a leader stimulate resilience? Helping people have a reset. Find moments of silence. Self reflection is one of the best things that we can do to become a better human. Stop focusing on doing but becoming! 42:40 This is a gospel of change. It’s about doing smaller things more regularly. Then resilience gets us through the hard times that we all have. 46:30 One thing that Chris started doing in elders quorum is to change how they do lessons. It's more of a discussion and getting to know other men in the quorum. 50:00 Feeling uncomfortable changing old processes and ways of doing things. Elders quorum needs to change for us to grow. Chris shares tips on how to create these changes. Remember it's about small changes. 55:25 Monthly men's community activities. Things that Chris’ ward does. 59:10 Once-a-week presidency ministering. They have informal visits on the doorstep that are more about getting to know people and creating friendships. 1:04:20 Let go of perfection and use your talents to do what you can. 1:06:50 Chris’ final thoughts and testimony on leadership and becoming a better follower of Christ The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler,

Dr. CK Bray is a cognitive behavioral researcher who specializes in change/adaption, human performance and potential, and their impact on organizations and individuals. Dr. Bray has a Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Learning, and a second Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology with an emphasis in the Cognitive Sciences (ABD). He bridges the gap between science, research, and organizations and is known for his ability to take complex research and make it understandable and applicable to clients. In the Church, Dr. Bray has served as a Young Men president, bishopric counselor, and stake executive secretary, and is currently the elders quorum president in his ward. Links The Adaption Institute The Dr. CK Bray Show How To Raise Remarkable Kids Without Talking To Them There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 04:40 Dr. Bray talks about his brain research, what he does, and why. 06:00 Brain research and how it relates to the gospel. They work together. 10:00 Where do we begin with brain science? What happens in our brain when we experience change? Threat or reward state. When we want to create change it needs to be small. 15:45 Can leaders get people to change? Change has to come internally vs externally. We can get external motivation and rewards but really the change has to come from our own wanting to do it to make it something that will last. 19:20 Doing lessons a little differently and helping people have the 'aha' moment and create change. They start with sharing wins and struggles they had that week. It opened up the quorum to help each other outside of the walls of the church. 28:50 As leaders we need to create aha moments and a community that is sharing those moments. It's really about helping people change their perception and how they show up. 32:50 We need to learn how to be more resilient in a world that is trying to tear us down. 35:45 How can a leader stimulate resilience? Helping people have a reset. Find moments of silence. Self reflection is one of the best things that we can do to become a better human. Stop focusing on doing but becoming! 42:40 This is a gospel of change. It’s about doing smaller things more regularly. Then resilience gets us through the hard times that we all have. 46:30 One thing that Chris started doing in elders quorum is to change how they do lessons. It's more of a discussion and getting to know other men in the quorum. 50:00 Feeling uncomfortable changing old processes and ways of doing things. Elders quorum needs to change for us to grow. Chris shares tips on how to create these changes. Remember it's about small changes. 55:25 Monthly men's community activities. Things that Chris’ ward does. 59:10 Once-a-week presidency ministering. They have informal visits on the doorstep that are more about getting to know people and creating friendships. 1:04:20 Let go of perfection and use your talents to do what you can. 1:06:50 Chris’ final thoughts and testimony on leadership and becoming a better follower of Christ The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler,

In August of 2015 I was released as bishop, but my second counselor didn't show up to be release. I was concerned about what he was going through.

In August of 2015 I was released as bishop, but my second counselor didn't show up to be release. I was concerned about what he was going through.

Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Listen on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

George Wootan is a retired physician living in Port Richey, Florida. He is 87 years old, the parent of 11 children, and very active in his ward. George and his wife recently served a mission in the Tampa, Florida mission office, and are currently serving as ward missionaries. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Listen on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 2:00 Introduction. Kurt is speaking at the Zions camp retreat with a live audience and introduces guest speaker, George. 5:20 George talks about how he spent his life living outside the box while trying to convince people that he's inside the box. 7:40 George has severe dyslexia but still made it through med school and has what he calls an interesting brain that comes up with solutions. He loves creating solutions and sharing ideas, especially in his ward. 8:30 Even though George is 87 years old he still wants to be a part of leadership and have a role in the ward. He just barely retired from being a doctor last year and he still has a lot of life to give. 12:40 George’s leadership experience and the mission he and his wife went on in the Tampa mission office. 17:00 George speaks on ward unity and implementing ideas. He talks about how he organizes activities and even though it’s not technically his calling he takes initiative to plan things in the ward. 21:40 George talks about how he met his wife and the dynamic in their marriage. 27:00 Setting up a new program so that people that can’t afford to feed the missionaries can still feed them with help of the bishops storehouse. George also sets up less active families to help feed the missionaries too. 28:30 Maintaining engagement in the ward. Learning people’s names. One of the traits of leadership is that Christ knew people’s names and changed their names. 30:00 Another one of George’s ideas is baking bread for the ward with the help of the youth. Each week ministers will be assigned to deliver the bread. 31:15 Did you ever have an idea that wasn’t taken well by a bishop and how did you handle it? The difference between the gospel and church policy. 33:00 Starting a men's group for single men over 40 35:20 Advice to future leaders Focus on learning names. Use first names instead of last. We call our friends by their first names. 37:50 Reaching out and finding people who are on the records but the bishop doesn’t know about. George talks about how he is going about finding those people and reaching out to them. 40:50 How can we elevate women’s voices in our wards and stakes? 42:00 Final thoughts on leadership 45:40 How 87 years of leadership has made him a better follower of Jesus Christ. Be a disciple not just a follower. The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Georgia Travers joined the Church in 2014 and has served in ward Young Women, Primary, and Relief Society presidencies, as Primary Activity Day leader, and currently as ward Relief Society president. She holds a BSc in Physics from the University of Bristol and a PGCE and MSc in Learning and Teaching from the University of Oxford. Georgia is currently raising three small children (including twins) and working part time as a secondary school Physics teacher—teaching ages 11-18—and as a national examiner for Physics GCSE qualifications. Links This Week in Mormons There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 04:00 Introduction to Georgia Travers 07:00 Georgia’s conversion story 12:30 Getting called as Relief Society president 13:30 Bringing her unique perspective to her calling as Relief Society president 15:20 Georgia loves combining science and religion. There has to be a place for both and they are more similar than most people think. 18:25 While Georgia loves the Church, she finds it a little rigid and she feels we could do things a little differently to make the church more inclusive to all. She shares a few things that have surprised her in our church. 21:00 There are small things that we can do in our leadership that can make a big difference. Georgia shares some ideas that she has gathered and feels that are important. For example, more worship music and ways to be more inclusive. 24:40 It’s important to come as we are and be able to show up at church as our true selves. Georgia does this by being very open in her church talks about her weaknesses and experiences and this allows others to also be authentic. 28:20 Georgia talks about trying to have more community outreach in their area in England, but it’s difficult because of people’s perceptions of our church. How can we show the community that we are a Christian church and not as scary as they think? 32:20 Georgia shares ways they are doing more community outreach. 34:10 Implementing Relief Society counsels at the beginning of Relief Society meetings. 39:00 Being Relief Society president has taught Georgia perspective and that everyone has their own battle and struggles. 40:00 Georgia's final thoughts on leadership The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Georgia Travers joined the Church in 2014 and has served in ward Young Women, Primary, and Relief Society presidencies, as Primary Activity Day leader, and currently as ward Relief Society president. She holds a BSc in Physics from the University of Bristol and a PGCE and MSc in Learning and Teaching from the University of Oxford. Georgia is currently raising three small children (including twins) and working part time as a secondary school Physics teacher—teaching ages 11-18—and as a national examiner for Physics GCSE qualifications. Links This Week in Mormons There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 04:00 Introduction to Georgia Travers 07:00 Georgia’s conversion story 12:30 Getting called as Relief Society president 13:30 Bringing her unique perspective to her calling as Relief Society president 15:20 Georgia loves combining science and religion. There has to be a place for both and they are more similar than most people think. 18:25 While Georgia loves the Church, she finds it a little rigid and she feels we could do things a little differently to make the church more inclusive to all. She shares a few things that have surprised her in our church. 21:00 There are small things that we can do in our leadership that can make a big difference. Georgia shares some ideas that she has gathered and feels that are important. For example, more worship music and ways to be more inclusive. 24:40 It’s important to come as we are and be able to show up at church as our true selves. Georgia does this by being very open in her church talks about her weaknesses and experiences and this allows others to also be authentic. 28:20 Georgia talks about trying to have more community outreach in their area in England, but it’s difficult because of people’s perceptions of our church. How can we show the community that we are a Christian church and not as scary as they think? 32:20 Georgia shares ways they are doing more community outreach. 34:10 Implementing Relief Society counsels at the beginning of Relief Society meetings. 39:00 Being Relief Society president has taught Georgia perspective and that everyone has their own battle and struggles. 40:00 Georgia's final thoughts on leadership The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Stephen Jones hails from Tallahassee, Florida, and served his mission in the Brazil Porto Alegre North Mission. He is a bishop in Springville, Utah, and has previously served in various leadership callings, including ward choir director, elders quorum president, in a Young Men presidency, first and second bishopric councilor, ward mission leader, and executive secretary. Stephen holds a bachelor's degree in Physiology with an emphasis in Social Physiology and a master's degree in Public Administration, both from Brigham Young University. He's best known as an American actor, comedian, host, and educator. Stephen's entertainment journey began as a university mascot and a headlining standup comedian, and he gained nationwide attention when he starred in a viral Old Spice parody video. Stephen has cohosted the television series Random Acts and featured in other television shows and commercials. After almost a decade of teaching, Stephen is currently the director, producer, editor and host of "Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones," an original podcast on Scripture Central. Links Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Stephen Jones hails from Tallahassee, Florida, and served his mission in the Brazil Porto Alegre North Mission. He is a bishop in Springville, Utah, and has previously served in various leadership callings, including ward choir director, elders quorum president, in a Young Men presidency, first and second bishopric councilor, ward mission leader, and executive secretary. Stephen holds a bachelor's degree in Physiology with an emphasis in Social Physiology and a master's degree in Public Administration, both from Brigham Young University. He's best known as an American actor, comedian, host, and educator. Stephen's entertainment journey began as a university mascot and a headlining standup comedian, and he gained nationwide attention when he starred in a viral Old Spice parody video. Stephen has cohosted the television series Random Acts and featured in other television shows and commercials. After almost a decade of teaching, Stephen is currently the director, producer, editor and host of "Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones," an original podcast on Scripture Central. Links Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 02:05 Introduction to Stephen and what he hopes to accomplish with his podcast. How to apply the principles of the gospel and stories of how people live the gospel. 04:30 Getting called as Bishop during covid and while he was finishing his master's degree 10:20 Learning how to be a bishop and getting his footing. Picking the brains of other leaders, choosing counselors, and receiving revelation. 14:15 Partnering with God to make decisions. We can’t totally rely on God to give us all the answers. We work with Him to make decisions and we have to own those decisions. 19:00 The restoration is not just about restoring the church. It’s about restoring people. God wants to build you through experience. 23:50 Stephen talks about his ward council. Meeting one to one makes ward council more effective. 30:30 How Stephen sees the bishop’s office. It can be for more than just the bishop. Other leaders can have access. 34:00 How Stephen works with the youth in his ward and the things he has learned. Inviting the youth to minister with him and take part in leadership. 40:00 We need to be better at helping people understand where repentance really is. Stephen shares how he helps people with repentance and how he teaches it. 47:15 When it comes to repentance, have more conversations and ask more questions about understanding and belief instead of focusing on the behavior. Get to the base of the problem. 51:15 Repentance is not a straight line. It’s not just a process but a constant and daily turning to God. It's a lifestyle. 59:15 Resources and where to find more about Stephen and his podcast 1:00:20 The best way to lead is to follow Him. The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership,

Jim West has a master's degree from Brigham Young University in Civil Engineering and has worked in the private sector for over 22 years. He is now the Project Delivery Manager for the Oregon Department of Transportation. Marla West has a bachelor's degree in Family Living, also from BYU, and has taught part-time at several schools. Jim and Marla are active volunteers in the Salem, Oregon area. They belong to Willamette Riverkeepers and clean up local rivers in their canoe. They also volunteer every Sunday evening in their local hospital emergency department, and Marla volunteers in the local elementary school third-grade classroom. In the Church, Jim has served in a variety of roles including bishoprics, the Young Men's organization, and as a Primary teacher and Nursery leader. Marla has served in Primary and Nursery, and in Relief Society. They have been married 42 years, have five sons and three grandchildren, and love gardening, home improvement, biking, hiking, and playing badminton. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 04:20 Introduction to Jim and Marla 06:45 Jim and Marla’s advice for new nursery leaders. Remember to start with the basics and read the manual. See the vision that the church has for nursery. 08:00 Nursery is more than toys and snacks. The vision for nursery is a moment to introduce the children to structure and a formal class. 10:20 Marla suggests visiting the children in their home with a little game or a treat. She has found that the children are more eager to come to nursery. 11:10 Part of church culture is seeing nursery at the bottom and the prophet at the top. 13:30 Jim and Marla prepare the nursery room before sacrament with an activity set up on the table, music, and anything else they need prepared. They have found play doh is a great ‘draw you in’ activity. They leave the door open to help the children not feel trapped. 17:00 They play spa-like music while welcoming the children to nursery. They have found that it’s more calming to the children not to have music with voices until they do an actual singing activity. 17:45 They spray a natural scent like orange oil to help connect the children to nursery and bring familiarity. 19:00 These tips are useful for elders quorum or any other class at church. We can start class with environmental cues. 21:20 Most Sundays they don’t even get the toys out. 22:30 While all parents are welcome to come into nursery but they don’t allow the parents to talk with them. They have found that the children are much more peaceful, focused, and interact with them better when there aren’t adults visiting together. It’s a real classroom and it’s about the children and not the adults. 25:15 Marla shares the schedule that they use in the nursery that gives nursery a routine and structure. The children know what's coming and they love it. 25:50 The transition to snack and story time. The child’s parents can bring in a special snack and book on their birthday to help highlight each child. 28:30 The importance of transitions between activities. 29:30 Tips for lesson time. They always bring an object or a picture as an attention getter to start the lesson. 31:00 Art projects are a moment to learn skills. Knowing the difference between markers and crayons. Working a pair of scissors or a watercolor brush. Sitting in a chair for a longer period of time. All these things prepare them to go to sunbeams. 34:20 Marla talks about how she created her binder for nursery. She brainstorms activities to teach each topic and get the materials and pictures. 36:30 It’s best to have under 10 kids in the nursery. It’s good to split nurseries that are bigger than this. 38:50 The art project is a time to wind down from nursery. It’s a great time to learn skills.

Jim West has a master's degree from Brigham Young University in Civil Engineering and has worked in the private sector for over 22 years. He is now the Project Delivery Manager for the Oregon Department of Transportation. Marla West has a bachelor's degree in Family Living, also from BYU, and has taught part-time at several schools. Jim and Marla are active volunteers in the Salem, Oregon area. They belong to Willamette Riverkeepers and clean up local rivers in their canoe. They also volunteer every Sunday evening in their local hospital emergency department, and Marla volunteers in the local elementary school third-grade classroom. In the Church, Jim has served in a variety of roles including bishoprics, the Young Men's organization, and as a Primary teacher and Nursery leader. Marla has served in Primary and Nursery, and in Relief Society. They have been married 42 years, have five sons and three grandchildren, and love gardening, home improvement, biking, hiking, and playing badminton. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 04:20 Introduction to Jim and Marla 06:45 Jim and Marla’s advice for new nursery leaders. Remember to start with the basics and read the manual. See the vision that the church has for nursery. 08:00 Nursery is more than toys and snacks. The vision for nursery is a moment to introduce the children to structure and a formal class. 10:20 Marla suggests visiting the children in their home with a little game or a treat. She has found that the children are more eager to come to nursery. 11:10 Part of church culture is seeing nursery at the bottom and the prophet at the top. 13:30 Jim and Marla prepare the nursery room before sacrament with an activity set up on the table, music, and anything else they need prepared. They have found play doh is a great ‘draw you in’ activity. They leave the door open to help the children not feel trapped. 17:00 They play spa-like music while welcoming the children to nursery. They have found that it’s more calming to the children not to have music with voices until they do an actual singing activity. 17:45 They spray a natural scent like orange oil to help connect the children to nursery and bring familiarity. 19:00 These tips are useful for elders quorum or any other class at church. We can start class with environmental cues. 21:20 Most Sundays they don’t even get the toys out. 22:30 While all parents are welcome to come into nursery but they don’t allow the parents to talk with them. They have found that the children are much more peaceful, focused, and interact with them better when there aren’t adults visiting together. It’s a real classroom and it’s about the children and not the adults. 25:15 Marla shares the schedule that they use in the nursery that gives nursery a routine and structure. The children know what's coming and they love it. 25:50 The transition to snack and story time. The child’s parents can bring in a special snack and book on their birthday to help highlight each child. 28:30 The importance of transitions between activities. 29:30 Tips for lesson time. They always bring an object or a picture as an attention getter to start the lesson. 31:00 Art projects are a moment to learn skills. Knowing the difference between markers and crayons. Working a pair of scissors or a watercolor brush. Sitting in a chair for a longer period of time. All these things prepare them to go to sunbeams. 34:20 Marla talks about how she created her binder for nursery. She brainstorms activities to teach each topic and get the materials and pictures. 36:30 It’s best to have under 10 kids in the nursery. It’s good to split nurseries that are bigger than this. 38:50 The art project is a time to wind down from nursery. It’s a great time to learn skills.

Emily Cushing was raised in South Jordan, Utah, and met her husband in their middle school math class. Her love of learning led her to become a teacher. She earned a master's degree in Teaching and Learning at Brigham Young University and has taught—among other places—in Tonga, England, and Myrtle Beach. She currently teaches in the Education Department at Utah Valley University. She has served as a Relief Society president, Primary president, and stake Primary president, and currently teaches the Emotional Resilience course to a remarkable group of teens. Emily enjoys reading, running, traveling, living in foreign places, and above all, spending time with her family. Links She Did: Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Faith Life Sketches; Of Orson Spencer and Others, and History of Primary Work There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saint podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Emily Cushing was raised in South Jordan, Utah, and met her husband in their middle school math class. Her love of learning led her to become a teacher. She earned a master's degree in Teaching and Learning at Brigham Young University and has taught—among other places—in Tonga, England, and Myrtle Beach. She currently teaches in the Education Department at Utah Valley University. She has served as a Relief Society president, Primary president, and stake Primary president, and currently teaches the Emotional Resilience course to a remarkable group of teens. Emily enjoys reading, running, traveling, living in foreign places, and above all, spending time with her family. Links She Did: Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Faith Life Sketches; Of Orson Spencer and Others, and History of Primary Work There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 01:30 Who is Aurelia Rogers? She is the founder of the Primary. 03:45 Emily talks about her new book, She Did: Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Faith. 05:50 The Primary organization didn’t come from the revelation of a prophet or apostle but the grassroots effort of Aurelia Spencer Rogers. In 1778 the Primary began but it was in 1880 the Primary was officially organized. Within 10 years Primary was a part of all the settlements. 18:20 Aurelia’s background and family. 14:40 How did Aurelia’s idea even begin to gain momentum? 15:10 Initially Aurelia got the idea to start the Primary because of a bunch of rowdy boys and they needed to be taught manners but Aurelia also wanted to include girls too. She got permission to start it in her town of Farmington, Utah. 17:30 How Primary was in the beginning. It was a weekday activity and not part of the Sunday block. Aurelia really struggled in the beginning, feeling overwhelmed with everything she was starting. Eventually she felt peace. 21:30 The Primary presidency was formed in 1880 and Aurelia was a part of it. 25:10 Emily shares pieces of Aurelia’s autobiography and some of the trials and struggles that she had. 27:10 Additional resources for those that would like to learn more about Aurelia. She has an autobiography. It’s a primary source and shows what Utah was like at the time, and contains so much history. 30:30 Did Aurelia understand the role she played in starting and developing the Primary? Aurelia understood that she had a bigger mission. 33:30 A message for all the Primary teachers. 37:20 Emily has a background with child development and teaching children. She advises teachers and Primary leaders to connect on a personal level with each child. Really get to know them and let them know you love them. 41:00 Emily’s book is about 23 women, Aurelia being one of them. She shares the process of how they chose the women for the book. 42:40 Emily highlights another women from her book, Carmen O'Donnell. She was from Guatemala. She voiced a need and a whole policy changed because of her. It’s because of her the the three hour Sunday block was formed and also the gospel essentials class. 44:20 There are many leaders that are positive deviants. They deviated off the traditional path but not in a bad way. They see a need and try to create change. 44:50 Martha Ann is another woman in the book. She was African American and lived during the time of slavery. She was a leader within her own family. 46:50 Emily shares her final thoughts on leadership and creating positive change. Jump in and help the one that you see needs it. 52:00 Emily shares how researching these women and sharing their stories has changed her. The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saint podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes ...

Research suggests that it is not uncommon for YSA’s to feel a lack of purpose and belonging within the Church. In this episode, renowned author and psychologist Wendy Ulrich shares insight on how leaders can best minister to YSAs who may be struggling with a sense of purpose and belonging. At the Table is a new podcast series produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find podcasts. Please give us your feedback about this episode by filling out this short questionnaire: https://research.churchofjesuschrist.org/jfe/form/SV_3Dza9x3tD4YBjzE Highlights 01:30 Introduction to Wendy Ulrich. Wendy is a psychologist. She has served on the Relief Society General Advisory Council. She is the author of many books and has taught at BYU. She now teaches institute with her husband in Provo, UT. 02:25 Is there apathy in the YSA wards? Apathy can come from not feeling engaged or that what you are doing has meaning. 06:10 For a lot of people apathy is more about fear. Fear of getting involved. 08:50 Do you feel like you could answer if someone asked you what your purpose and goals are? A lot of times apathy comes from not knowing our purpose. 12:20 Dating your dreams. We have to explore our dreams and it takes time. 13:50 Where does your deep enthusiasm for the gospel come from? Grappling with the question of not "what do I want now?", but "what do I want most?" 22:20 Harvard research shows that relationships are the most consistently important things in people’s lives. Relationships help them find meaning, well-being, and purpose. Wendy speaks about how we find meaning and purpose. 27:00 How can leaders help YSA members to find meaning and purpose? 33:30 The parable of the talents. Doing something small is better than doing nothing. It's OK to take risks and fail rather than sitting around doing nothing. We have to get over our fears of doing hard things. 35:30 Where do you start when you are trying to find your divine identity? We can ask ourselves what we’ve learned from the difficult things that we have gone through. Can you tell a redemptive story about your life? We decide what the meaning of the story is. 40:30 Christ has promised us a redemptive power through his atonement. We can change horrible events and hard stories into redemptive stories through Him. 42:10 What is the relation between redemptive stories and grit? What meaning are you giving your experiences? 46:00 Failing forward. It’s not about failure, it’s about redemption. Seeing your failure as a learning experience and getting up again. Leaders can help YSA members by asking more questions instead of trying to give all the answers. 48:00 The story of the Brother of Jared. The Lord asks him what he wants to do about the problem of having light. Then the Lord steps in and helps him with the rest. The Lord and Christ don’t just give us answers. They ask questions and try to empower us.

Research suggests that it is not uncommon for YSA’s to feel a lack of purpose and belonging within the Church. In this episode, renowned author and psychologist Wendy Ulrich shares insight on how leaders can best minister to YSAs who may be struggling with a sense of purpose and belonging. At the Table is a new podcast series produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find podcasts. Please give us your feedback about this episode by filling out this short questionnaire: https://research.churchofjesuschrist.org/jfe/form/SV_3Dza9x3tD4YBjzE Highlights 01:30 Introduction to Wendy Ulrich. Wendy is a psychologist. She has served on the Relief Society General Advisory Council. She is the author of many books and has taught at BYU. She now teaches institute with her husband in Provo, UT. 02:25 Is there apathy in the YSA wards? Apathy can come from not feeling engaged or that what you are doing has meaning. 06:10 For a lot of people apathy is more about fear. Fear of getting involved. 08:50 Do you feel like you could answer if someone asked you what your purpose and goals are? A lot of times apathy comes from not knowing our purpose. 12:20 Dating your dreams. We have to explore our dreams and it takes time. 13:50 Where does your deep enthusiasm for the gospel come from? Grappling with the question of not "what do I want now?", but "what do I want most?" 22:20 Harvard research shows that relationships are the most consistently important things in people’s lives. Relationships help them find meaning, well-being, and purpose. Wendy speaks about how we find meaning and purpose. 27:00 How can leaders help YSA members to find meaning and purpose? 33:30 The parable of the talents. Doing something small is better than doing nothing. It's OK to take risks and fail rather than sitting around doing nothing. We have to get over our fears of doing hard things. 35:30 Where do you start when you are trying to find your divine identity? We can ask ourselves what we’ve learned from the difficult things that we have gone through. Can you tell a redemptive story about your life? We decide what the meaning of the story is. 40:30 Christ has promised us a redemptive power through his atonement. We can change horrible events and hard stories into redemptive stories through Him. 42:10 What is the relation between redemptive stories and grit? What meaning are you giving your experiences? 46:00 Failing forward. It’s not about failure, it’s about redemption. Seeing your failure as a learning experience and getting up again. Leaders can help YSA members by asking more questions instead of trying to give all the answers. 48:00 The story of the Brother of Jared. The Lord asks him what he wants to do about the problem of having light. Then the Lord steps in and helps him with the rest. The Lord and Christ don’t just give us answers. They ask questions and try to empower us.

As stated in the November 2022 announcement, "Young single adults lead YSA efforts" and "YSA committee members work to help all young single adults participate in the work of salvation and exaltation." In this episode, two YSAs serving on a YSA Institute Council share their experiences, feelings, and best practices. At the Table is a new podcast series produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find podcasts. Please give us your feedback about this episode by filling out this short questionnaire: https://research.churchofjesuschrist.org/jfe/form/SV_cvkd2ulK8jG9Zyu

As stated in the November 2022 announcement, "Young single adults lead YSA efforts" and "YSA committee members work to help all young single adults participate in the work of salvation and exaltation." In this episode, two YSAs serving on a YSA Institute Council share their experiences, feelings, and best practices. At the Table is a new podcast series produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find podcasts. Please give us your feedback about this episode by filling out this short questionnaire: https://research.churchofjesuschrist.org/jfe/form/SV_cvkd2ulK8jG9Zyu

With the counsel to consider YSAs for stake and ward leadership callings, leaders are curious to know how this change has been received. In this episode, two YSAs who are serving in ward and stake leadership callings share their perspective on the changes. At the Table is a new podcast series produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find podcasts. Please give us your feedback about this episode by filling out this short questionnaire: https://research.churchofjesuschrist.org/jfe/form/SV_aVuVz2g9nAE9fNQ Highlights 01:30 Introduction to Tamsin and Alex 04:30 Alex has lived in many different places. He shares his experiences in his different YSA wards and the evolution that he has seen with the YSA. Tamsin also shares her experiences in different YSA wards and how her experience has changed in different stages of her life. 09:45 Tamsin shares her experience serving on the stake relief society advisory council. 11:15 Alex feels blessed that he has had the opportunity to serve in many different callings in the YSA. He shares things that he has gained through mentorship. 14:15 Tamsin has sometimes seen that there is a general attitude that YSA are not as capable or fully adults because they are not married. However, they are fully participating members of the church. 16:05 Alex has felt that sometimes in a YSA ward that you are in a holding pattern. Waiting to get married or get that job. However, spiritually they need progression and mentorship in the gospel. YSA members have the need to feel like they are part of the church as a whole and not separated. 20:15 Helping other YSA members to feel capable and trusted 24:40 In YSA wards there aren’t as many callings, as in primary and nursery. Some callings are created but there isn’t much guidance or follow up after. It’s important to give callings that have meaning and help them feel part of the effort. 27:00 How have you seen yourself change in different leadership positions? 31:00 Around the world there are different YSAs but what they have in common is that they need to feel valued, loved, and a part of something. 33:45 Working with older leaders as YSA members

With the counsel to consider YSAs for stake and ward leadership callings, leaders are curious to know how this change has been received. In this episode, two YSAs who are serving in ward and stake leadership callings share their perspective on the changes. At the Table is a new podcast series produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find podcasts. Please give us your feedback about this episode by filling out this short questionnaire: https://research.churchofjesuschrist.org/jfe/form/SV_aVuVz2g9nAE9fNQ Highlights 01:30 Introduction to Tamsin and Alex 04:30 Alex has lived in many different places. He shares his experiences in his different YSA wards and the evolution that he has seen with the YSA. Tamsin also shares her experiences in different YSA wards and how her experience has changed in different stages of her life. 09:45 Tamsin shares her experience serving on the stake relief society advisory council. 11:15 Alex feels blessed that he has had the opportunity to serve in many different callings in the YSA. He shares things that he has gained through mentorship. 14:15 Tamsin has sometimes seen that there is a general attitude that YSA are not as capable or fully adults because they are not married. However, they are fully participating members of the church. 16:05 Alex has felt that sometimes in a YSA ward that you are in a holding pattern. Waiting to get married or get that job. However, spiritually they need progression and mentorship in the gospel. YSA members have the need to feel like they are part of the church as a whole and not separated. 20:15 Helping other YSA members to feel capable and trusted 24:40 In YSA wards there aren’t as many callings, as in primary and nursery. Some callings are created but there isn’t much guidance or follow up after. It’s important to give callings that have meaning and help them feel part of the effort. 27:00 How have you seen yourself change in different leadership positions? 31:00 Around the world there are different YSAs but what they have in common is that they need to feel valued, loved, and a part of something. 33:45 Working with older leaders as YSA members

Dustin Peterson is the founder and president of Proof Leadership Group, a leadership consultancy that works with organizations to train leaders and help develop their company culture. He is also the author of three books—Find Your Fit, Talented, and Reset—and coaches individuals to help them get unstuck in their careers. He currently serves as the stake president in the Friendswood Texas Stake and has served as a branch president, stake presidency counselor, and counselor in the Texas Houston South Mission. He lives in Houston with his wife and four children and loves bacon and Dallas sports teams. Links Article: Elevate your next sacrament meeting talk with a few easy tips Self-assessment in Teaching in the Savior's Way Self-assessment in Preach My Gospel DustinPeterson.org ProofLeadership.com Previous podcast interviews: —Clarifying Purpose to Guide Your Calling, Work, & Family Life | An Interview with Dustin Peterson —Leading‎‎‏‏‎ ‎with Your God-Given Talents | An Interview with Dustin Peterson Dustin's books: —Find Your Fit: Three Steps to Choosing a Best-Fit College Major and Career —Talented : Discovering and Using Your God-given Talents to Find More Joy in Life —Reset: How to Get Paid and Love What You Do There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Scriptures referenced in this podcast: Doctrine & Covenants 84:106 Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces Dustin and this episode’s topic of the law of the lid. 04:00 Dustin talks about his journey in leadership the last few years. He shares what it was like to serve as a counselor to a mission president and his responsibilities. 07:30 Getting called as stake president, which is his current calling 9:50 Finding balance with work and being stake president 11:15 The law of the lid. The organization will rise no higher than the effectiveness of its leadership. If you aren’t getting leadership training then you will become the lid to that organization’s growth. 14:00 The hardest person that you will have to lead is yourself. Focus on how you can grow, not the other people in your organization. How can you be more effective? 16:00 The law of the lid trickles down to every individual. A family can rise no higher than the effectiveness of the parents. The individual will rise no higher than their own personal effectiveness. If we are not improving then we are flatlining. 17:00 How can we begin to apply the law of the lid? Dustin shares an experience he had as a branch president trying to solve everyone’s problems when they weren’t his to solve. Christ solves the problem. When leaders think that it’s up to them to solve people’s problems then they are the lid. The Savior is the only one that doesn’t have a lid. 20:40 As leaders we have to point people to the Savior. Oftentimes we point people to the mechanism or the vehicle that is going to help them heal. Things like: prayer, scriptures, and the temple. It’s not actually those things that bring healing. It’s Him that is going to heal not the vehicle. We do all those things to hear Him. 22:30 Talk to God about your problems; only He can solve them. It’s not the job of the leader to solve problems. Leaders are to point people to the Savior in order to receive His power and grace. 25:00 People oftentimes know the answer to their problems but they just need someone to talk to and someone to support and lift them. Leaders can ask questions like: What promptings have you received? How do you think you can solve this problem? 26:40 Besides pointing people to the Savior, it's important to develop our personal effectiveness as leaders. Dustin shares some ways that we can do this. 31:00 Dustin shares some examples of how he, as a stake president with his high council, have tried to develop their personal effectiveness and raise the lid in their stake....

Dustin Peterson is the founder and president of Proof Leadership Group, a leadership consultancy that works with organizations to train leaders and help develop their company culture. He is also the author of three books—Find Your Fit, Talented, and Reset—and coaches individuals to help them get unstuck in their careers. He currently serves as the stake president in the Friendswood Texas Stake and has served as a branch president, stake presidency counselor, and counselor in the Texas Houston South Mission. He lives in Houston with his wife and four children and loves bacon and Dallas sports teams. Links Article: Elevate your next sacrament meeting talk with a few easy tips Self-assessment in Teaching in the Savior's Way Self-assessment in Preach My Gospel DustinPeterson.org ProofLeadership.com Previous podcast interviews: —Clarifying Purpose to Guide Your Calling, Work, & Family Life | An Interview with Dustin Peterson —Leading‎‎‏‏‎ ‎with Your God-Given Talents | An Interview with Dustin Peterson Dustin's books: —Find Your Fit: Three Steps to Choosing a Best-Fit College Major and Career —Talented : Discovering and Using Your God-given Talents to Find More Joy in Life —Reset: How to Get Paid and Love What You Do There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Scriptures referenced in this podcast: Doctrine & Covenants 84:106 Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces Dustin and this episode’s topic of the law of the lid. 04:00 Dustin talks about his journey in leadership the last few years. He shares what it was like to serve as a counselor to a mission president and his responsibilities. 07:30 Getting called as stake president, which is his current calling 9:50 Finding balance with work and being stake president 11:15 The law of the lid. The organization will rise no higher than the effectiveness of its leadership. If you aren’t getting leadership training then you will become the lid to that organization’s growth. 14:00 The hardest person that you will have to lead is yourself. Focus on how you can grow, not the other people in your organization. How can you be more effective? 16:00 The law of the lid trickles down to every individual. A family can rise no higher than the effectiveness of the parents. The individual will rise no higher than their own personal effectiveness. If we are not improving then we are flatlining. 17:00 How can we begin to apply the law of the lid? Dustin shares an experience he had as a branch president trying to solve everyone’s problems when they weren’t his to solve. Christ solves the problem. When leaders think that it’s up to them to solve people’s problems then they are the lid. The Savior is the only one that doesn’t have a lid. 20:40 As leaders we have to point people to the Savior. Oftentimes we point people to the mechanism or the vehicle that is going to help them heal. Things like: prayer, scriptures, and the temple. It’s not actually those things that bring healing. It’s Him that is going to heal not the vehicle. We do all those things to hear Him. 22:30 Talk to God about your problems; only He can solve them. It’s not the job of the leader to solve problems. Leaders are to point people to the Savior in order to receive His power and grace. 25:00 People oftentimes know the answer to their problems but they just need someone to talk to and someone to support and lift them. Leaders can ask questions like: What promptings have you received? How do you think you can solve this problem? 26:40 Besides pointing people to the Savior, it's important to develop our personal effectiveness as leaders. Dustin shares some ways that we can do this. 31:00 Dustin shares some examples of how he, as a stake president with his high council, have tried to develop their personal effectiveness and raise the lid in their stake....

Nate Kimbler is currently serving as the stake president for the Ridgecrest, California stake. He has served as a bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, and other callings such as scoutmaster, assistant scoutmaster, elders quorum counselor, ward missionary, and Gospel Doctrine teacher. He served as a full-time missionary in the Peru Lima Central Mission and a short time in the Sacramento California Mission while waiting for a visa. Nate graduated from Brigham Young University with a BS in Physics and is married to Rachel Handly Kimbler. They have five children. He is an avid runner and has run 13 marathons to date, and also enjoys hiking and backpacking in the mountains with his children. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Listen on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 02:40 Introduction to Nate Kimbler and getting called as stake president 05:15 Starting out as stake president and being terrified 06:30 Stake demographics and an earthquake hitting their area 11:15 Following the Spirit. It’s impossible to be a stake president without God’s help. Focusing on the Spirit is essential. 15:30 Nate shares a personal experience that illustrates the principle of following the Spirit. An impression that came to him was, don’t let the high council be a retirement calling. 19:45 Nate talks about how he mentored and guided members of the high council. 24:40 After a meeting with Elder Holland, Nate felt inspired to stop holding high council meetings and only have stake council meetings. It made it more inclusive for the sisters involved. 26:30 They hold stake council twice a month. The first one they council about something important in their stake. The second council of the month is a very brief council subject and then they split into committees. 29:45 Another thing that Nate felt inspired to do in his stake was to invite the stake Relief Society president to all of their stake presidency meetings. Sisters sometimes see things that are going on in the stake that the men don’t. They can share a unique perspective. 32:50 The sisters' involvement in their stake. The sisters can do so much and we need to empower them. 35:10 What Nate has learned about counseling others. It’s not so much about counseling them but listening to them and sitting with them in their pain. 40:15 Seeing miracles in his calling as stake president. Sometimes it’s not always clear to see God working but eventually you realize He was always there. Even just receiving words that someone else needs to hear. 48:40 Being a leader has helped Nate see people in a different light and see people as they really are, cherished sons and daughters of God. The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Nate Kimbler is currently serving as the stake president for the Ridgecrest, California stake. He has served as a bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, and other callings such as scoutmaster, assistant scoutmaster, elders quorum counselor, ward missionary, and Gospel Doctrine teacher. He served as a full-time missionary in the Peru Lima Central Mission and a short time in the Sacramento California Mission while waiting for a visa. Nate graduated from Brigham Young University with a BS in Physics and is married to Rachel Handly Kimbler. They have five children. He is an avid runner and has run 13 marathons to date, and also enjoys hiking and backpacking in the mountains with his children. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Listen on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 02:40 Introduction to Nate Kimbler and getting called as stake president 05:15 Starting out as stake president and being terrified 06:30 Stake demographics and an earthquake hitting their area 11:15 Following the Spirit. It’s impossible to be a stake president without God’s help. Focusing on the Spirit is essential. 15:30 Nate shares a personal experience that illustrates the principle of following the Spirit. An impression that came to him was, don’t let the high council be a retirement calling. 19:45 Nate talks about how he mentored and guided members of the high council. 24:40 After a meeting with Elder Holland, Nate felt inspired to stop holding high council meetings and only have stake council meetings. It made it more inclusive for the sisters involved. 26:30 They hold stake council twice a month. The first one they council about something important in their stake. The second council of the month is a very brief council subject and then they split into committees. 29:45 Another thing that Nate felt inspired to do in his stake was to invite the stake Relief Society president to all of their stake presidency meetings. Sisters sometimes see things that are going on in the stake that the men don’t. They can share a unique perspective. 32:50 The sisters' involvement in their stake. The sisters can do so much and we need to empower them. 35:10 What Nate has learned about counseling others. It’s not so much about counseling them but listening to them and sitting with them in their pain. 40:15 Seeing miracles in his calling as stake president. Sometimes it’s not always clear to see God working but eventually you realize He was always there. Even just receiving words that someone else needs to hear. 48:40 Being a leader has helped Nate see people in a different light and see people as they really are, cherished sons and daughters of God. The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D. is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. Ryan is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of Success Mindsets: The Key to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership and The Elevated Leader: Leveling Up Your Leadership Through Vertical Development. He is also a leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube What Every Leader Should Consider About Community in Their Ward | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson Is Your Mindset Limiting Your Leadership? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson The Research Behind Becoming Christlike | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson Ryan's articles at leadingsaints.org Success Mindsets: The Key to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership The Elevated Leader: Leveling Up Your Leadership Through Vertical Development Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Summary coming soon

Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D. is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. Ryan is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of Success Mindsets: The Key to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership and The Elevated Leader: Leveling Up Your Leadership Through Vertical Development. He is also a leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton. Links Newsletter message: "Moving" to Inactivity There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube What Every Leader Should Consider About Community in Their Ward | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson Is Your Mindset Limiting Your Leadership? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson The Research Behind Becoming Christlike | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson Ryan's articles at leadingsaints.org Success Mindsets: The Key to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership The Elevated Leader: Leveling Up Your Leadership Through Vertical Development Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 2:00 Kurt introduces Ryan, his background, profession, and books. 4:40 A lot of people step away from the church and do it after a move. They don’t do it in front of people they know. The ward they were in had no idea they left the church. 11:40 How as leaders can we make sure there is life in our congregations? Is there a way to see when people are disengaging and will be leaving soon? Assume there is a problem in your ward even if you can’t see one. 13:40 How can we create a community where people can voice their doubts and concerns? Our church culture can get in the way of people asking questions and sharing their doubts. Our typical meetings don’t leave much room to have these types of discussions. 16:00 Bishops should just assume there are people in their ward that are struggling with their faith. Creating space apart from our regular meetings to have conversations about doubts and concerns. 19:00 It can be difficult to create a community at church that is open because there are different kinds of members with different perspectives. Some members might get up to give a talk and ruffle a few feathers. However, we have to create opportunities for everyone to be heard and feel like they belong. 21:30 Focusing on numbers isn’t bad but it's misguided. The more that leaders focus on numbers and outcomes the more they resist changing things for the future. Instead of focusing on results they should focus on how much life there is in the system. 24:30 Is your ward/stake growing in life and optimism or is it slowly dying? Are your church meetings lacking? Are the activities and church meetings something people actually want to attend and are excited about? 28:30 While you might love your ward, you can’t project your experience on someone else. There are probably people in your ward that don’t like it or feel like they don’t belong. 30:45 Identifying the slow-dying testimony. What do we do when we see people stepping back? Normally those that are stepping away feel like they don’t have a voice and don’t belong. 37:15 We have ministering but we haven’t learned to turn the key on. Is the engine even on in your ward? 39:10 We have a lot of "managers" but not a lot of leaders. Managers make sure that things run smoothly but leaders step out of their comfort zones and create change and new culture. 43:45 Questions to ask in your own ward council: Is there life in your ward? Does healing occur here? Does change occur here? 45:30 Ryan’s final encouragement and counsel to ward councils The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be be...

Originally from Los Angeles, California, Natalie Cox currently lives in Gilbert, Arizona. She is the mother of five kids ages 10, 14, 16, 18, and 19, and a new missionary mom. Her son left for the Columbus Ohio mission last month and her daughter will leave for the Scotland Ireland mission next month. She is an entrepreneur at heart and has started a few businesses over the years. In 2019 she launched Māedn Bags and running that keeps her pretty busy during the week. At church, Natalie has served in many capacities in Primary, as the first counselor in stake Primary and then as the stake Primary president. She is currently serving as ward Young Women president and considers it an honor to work with the young women. She loves the youth and spending time with them on Wednesdays and Sundays is the highlight of her week. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 02:15 Kurt introduces Natalie and her background. 03:40 Getting called as Young Women president in her ward. Natalie felt very strongly that she needed to serve in Young Women even though she was the stake Primary president. She discussed it with her bishop. 09:20 Natalie started her calling terrified and unsure what to even say to the girls. 12:10 Establishing a relationship with the young women. Natalie describes what it looked like for her as she tried to build these relationships with each girl. 15:50 Silent ministering. No one knows who is ministering to whom. Not everyone had a silent minister but some girls that were struggling did. None of them knew the term silent minister because then they would question if it was authentic or not. 21:45 While it’s not allowed, Natalie personally believes in texting individuals. She says that there is nothing more powerful for her relationship with them. She sends encouragement, that she misses them, and asks them how school is going. 23:40 Should we always stick with the rules? What if we feel inspired to go against the rules? 26:00 Natalie takes some of the girls on one-on-ones. It started because a mother reached out to her and asked her to take her daughter on one. It’s an incredible way to get to know them, tell them why they matter, tell them what you see in them. 28:20 The positive development of any young person requires three additional adult influences other than their parents. 29:10 There are rules and we want to keep everyone safe but the things Natalie is trying to do are for the benefit of the youth and are deepening the relationships there. Maybe the best way is for leaders to always ask parent permission. 32:10 Natalie’s ward has a lot of girls. There have been 28 girls in just the oldest class (31 next January) and it’s nearly impossible to connect with all of them without taking extra steps. 33:10 Leaders are terrified of teenage girls. Just remember that it’s not about you and it’s all about them. 35:40 Some youth are so hard to reach. Natalie shares an experience she had with a girl in her young women. Natalie kept reaching out to her but never got a response until six months later. The girl sent her a heartfelt message thanking her. The moral of the story is that you might not be getting a lot of feedback but what you are doing matters. 38:30 Working together as Young Women and Young Men organizations 43:00 Natalie really wanted the young women to be greeters and help them have purpose and interact with the adults. The bishop said no but the feeling kept nagging her. She gave it some time and the bishop finally agreed. Remember that impressions can be different for each leader and to give it time. 46:45 Natalie explains how they involve the young women in ministering. They call it ministering bread. 49:00 Natalie shares her final thoughts on leadership and how serving has blessed her.

Originally from Los Angeles, California, Natalie Cox currently lives in Gilbert, Arizona. She is the mother of five kids ages 10, 14, 16, 18, and 19, and a new missionary mom. Her son left for the Columbus Ohio mission last month and her daughter will leave for the Scotland Ireland mission next month. She is an entrepreneur at heart and has started a few businesses over the years. In 2019 she launched Māedn Bags and running that keeps her pretty busy during the week. At church, Natalie has served in many capacities in Primary, as the first counselor in stake Primary and then as the stake Primary president. She is currently serving as ward Young Women president and considers it an honor to work with the young women. She loves the youth and spending time with them on Wednesdays and Sundays is the highlight of her week. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 02:15 Kurt introduces Natalie and her background. 03:40 Getting called as Young Women president in her ward. Natalie felt very strongly that she needed to serve in Young Women even though she was the stake Primary president. She discussed it with her bishop. 09:20 Natalie started her calling terrified and unsure what to even say to the girls. 12:10 Establishing a relationship with the young women. Natalie describes what it looked like for her as she tried to build these relationships with each girl. 15:50 Silent ministering. No one knows who is ministering to whom. Not everyone had a silent minister but some girls that were struggling did. None of them knew the term silent minister because then they would question if it was authentic or not. 21:45 While it’s not allowed, Natalie personally believes in texting individuals. She says that there is nothing more powerful for her relationship with them. She sends encouragement, that she misses them, and asks them how school is going. 23:40 Should we always stick with the rules? What if we feel inspired to go against the rules? 26:00 Natalie takes some of the girls on one-on-ones. It started because a mother reached out to her and asked her to take her daughter on one. It’s an incredible way to get to know them, tell them why they matter, tell them what you see in them. 28:20 The positive development of any young person requires three additional adult influences other than their parents. 29:10 There are rules and we want to keep everyone safe but the things Natalie is trying to do are for the benefit of the youth and are deepening the relationships there. Maybe the best way is for leaders to always ask parent permission. 32:10 Natalie’s ward has a lot of girls. There have been 28 girls in just the oldest class (31 next January) and it’s nearly impossible to connect with all of them without taking extra steps. 33:10 Leaders are terrified of teenage girls. Just remember that it’s not about you and it’s all about them. 35:40 Some youth are so hard to reach. Natalie shares an experience she had with a girl in her young women. Natalie kept reaching out to her but never got a response until six months later. The girl sent her a heartfelt message thanking her. The moral of the story is that you might not be getting a lot of feedback but what you are doing matters. 38:30 Working together as Young Women and Young Men organizations 43:00 Natalie really wanted the young women to be greeters and help them have purpose and interact with the adults. The bishop said no but the feeling kept nagging her. She gave it some time and the bishop finally agreed. Remember that impressions can be different for each leader and to give it time. 46:45 Natalie explains how they involve the young women in ministering. They call it ministering bread. 49:00 Natalie shares her final thoughts on leadership and how serving has blessed her.

Loren Grant Dalton graduated from the Harvard Business School and has served as the President or CEO of five different companies. One of his greatest loves is missionary work and he has served in a full-time mission for over 16 years of his life—as a missionary, president, or in a mission presidency, both in the U.S. and Brazil). While serving as mission president, Loren saw far too many missionaries and members who felt that they had never had a prompting through the Spirit. They wondered what was wrong with them. Although he didn't consider himself to be a writer, this was a book he knew needed to be written. Loren married his high school sweetheart, Annette Nielsen, and they are the parents of four children. Highlights 03:20 Loren speaks on being in a mission presidency and a mission president. 05:50 Speaking at Stake Conference and how he prepared to speak 08:00 Loren recently came out with his first book, You Are Receiving Revelation: Now Act on It. He talks about why he felt inspired to write it. 11:00 We all receive revelation in different ways. Many feel like we aren’t hearing the spirit because we don’t have these huge revelatory moments. We need to teach the youth how the spirit typically talks to us. 13:30 Kurt shares his own personal experience receiving revelation and how he doesn’t have these huge overwhelming moments. 14:20 The Holy Ghost is speaking to us spirit to spirit but as physical beings we’ve forgotten how the Spirit communicates. We have to relate to it as a physical being. A lot of times we miss the promptings we are having because we think it’s our own thought. 15:45 Was that the Spirit or was that me? Maybe it wasn’t the Spirit but we can still act on our promptings. Each time we act on the first prompting it’s like we are tuning in our celestial radio and each time we act on a prompting it gets easier to recognize. 17:00 Kurt shares his struggle listening to content constantly, such as a podcast or book. There is always something playing and he forgets to let his spirit and brain breathe and actually be able to listen to the Holy Spirit. 18:15 One thing that Loren used to tell the missionaries is not to just pop up after saying amen after your prayer. Take a minute and actually let God respond to you. 19:20 Teaching those that we lead how to receive revelation. How can we better teach this principle? 23:00 We also need to keep in mind that Satan is also a spirit and he can give us promptings. We need to recognize the difference between the Spirit and Satan. Follow your FIRST prompting. Satan will normally come second. 29:45 Even if they have sinned, God will still talk to them. Satan makes us feel like we are out of the reach of God because we sinned. 31:40 Kurt shares an experience that he had as a bishop helping a member know that God still loved him and wanted to speak to him even though he had made some bad choices and had been disfellowshipped. God doesn’t give anyone the silent treatment. 32:50 Well-intentioned family members and church leaders can accidentally be the voice of the adversary. 33:30 Remember that Satan is the second voice that comes and tries to convince us not to follow the first voice. Another way to recognize Satan is that he talks in the first person. Negative self talk is not us. It’s the adversary. 38:10 God doesn’t need logic but Satan uses logic to try to convince us not to follow God’s promptings. It didn’t make sense to build an ark on dry ground or cross the red sea but in the end people were able to see. 43:30 Act on a prompting right way because you never know how urgent it is. 43:45 Basketball analogy. Loren believes that God uses bank shots. The shots that are so far away that you are sure they will miss but then they don’t. Sometimes God sends you a way that just doesn’t make sense but then you see how God knew exactly what he was doing and makes the shot.

Loren Grant Dalton graduated from the Harvard Business School and has served as the President or CEO of five different companies. One of his greatest loves is missionary work and he has served in a full-time mission for over 16 years of his life—as a missionary, president, or in a mission presidency, both in the U.S. and Brazil). He is married to his high school sweetheart, Annette Nielsen, and they are the parents of four children. While serving as mission president, Loren saw far too many missionaries and members who felt that they had never had a prompting through the Spirit. They wondered what was wrong with them. He was determined to help and wrote You Are Receiving Revelation: Now Act on It. Highlights 03:20 Loren speaks on being in a mission presidency and a mission president. 05:50 Speaking at Stake Conference and how he prepared to speak 08:00 Loren recently came out with his first book, You Are Receiving Revelation: Now Act on It. He talks about why he felt inspired to write it. 11:00 We all receive revelation in different ways. Many feel like we aren’t hearing the spirit because we don’t have these huge revelatory moments. We need to teach the youth how the spirit typically talks to us. 13:30 Kurt shares his own personal experience receiving revelation and how he doesn’t have these huge overwhelming moments. 14:20 The Holy Ghost is speaking to us spirit to spirit but as physical beings we’ve forgotten how the Spirit communicates. We have to relate to it as a physical being. A lot of times we miss the promptings we are having because we think it’s our own thought. 15:45 Was that the Spirit or was that me? Maybe it wasn’t the Spirit but we can still act on our promptings. Each time we act on the first prompting it’s like we are tuning in our celestial radio and each time we act on a prompting it gets easier to recognize. 17:00 Kurt shares his struggle listening to content constantly, such as a podcast or book. There is always something playing and he forgets to let his spirit and brain breathe and actually be able to listen to the Holy Spirit. 18:15 One thing that Loren used to tell the missionaries is not to just pop up after saying amen after your prayer. Take a minute and actually let God respond to you. 19:20 Teaching those that we lead how to receive revelation. How can we better teach this principle? 23:00 We also need to keep in mind that Satan is also a spirit and he can give us promptings. We need to recognize the difference between the Spirit and Satan. Follow your FIRST prompting. Satan will normally come second. 29:45 Even if they have sinned, God will still talk to them. Satan makes us feel like we are out of the reach of God because we sinned. 31:40 Kurt shares an experience that he had as a bishop helping a member know that God still loved him and wanted to speak to him even though he had made some bad choices and had been disfellowshipped. God doesn’t give anyone the silent treatment. 32:50 Well-intentioned family members and church leaders can accidentally be the voice of the adversary. 33:30 Remember that Satan is the second voice that comes and tries to convince us not to follow the first voice. Another way to recognize Satan is that he talks in the first person. Negative self talk is not us. It’s the adversary. 38:10 God doesn’t need logic but Satan uses logic to try to convince us not to follow God’s promptings. It didn’t make sense to build an ark on dry ground or cross the red sea but in the end people were able to see. 43:30 Act on a prompting right way because you never know how urgent it is. 43:45 Basketball analogy. Loren believes that God uses bank shots. The shots that are so far away that you are sure they will miss but then they don’t. Sometimes God sends you a way that just doesn’t make sense but then you see how God knew exactly what he was doing and makes the shot. 44:10 Loren shares inspiring stories of following the ...

Jennifer Roach is a licensed mental health counselor living in American Fork, Utah. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints four years ago after being in the Protestant church her whole life. She currently serves as a Gospel Doctrine teacher in her ward. Jennifer is the recipient of this year's "John Taylor Defender of the Faith" award and the BH Robert's Research Grant. Her research primarily focuses on issues that arise when sexual abuse happens in churches. Jennifer does a weekly podcast for FAIR Latter-day Saints that focuses on questions that arise about our faith from Evangelicals. She also teaches as an adjunct for Brigham Young University-Idaho. Highlights 01:50 Kurt introduces Jennifer Roach and her background as a therapist for sexual abuse. 03:30 Jennifer will speak on four specific claims pertaining to the Church and sexual abuse and seven things that the Church does to go above and beyond what most churches do to help and protect youth. 7:00 Jennifer addresses some of the biggest questions that people have. One big question that people have is, “Is there more sexual abuse in our church or not?” Sometimes the media twists things to make it seem that way. 8:30 Boy Scout records data on abuse. Jennifer reviewed and researched all these cases from the past 80 years and was able to find how cases the Church of Jesus Christ has compared to other churches. Around 5.6% of the abuse cases were Latter-day Saint related. 19:10 Why doesn’t the Church do background checks? Jennifer explains the three issues with background checks. The issue of delayed disclosure. Most people don’t disclose the abuse they received until they’re in their 50s to 70s. Background checks are not thorough. It’s not a deep dive into someone's past. It only shows convicted crimes but not accusations. It only covers the past 7 years. 29:30 The danger of telling people that someone has been background checked. We believe that means this person is squeaky clean and they can be trusted. It really means that they don’t have convictions and they aren’t on the sex offenders list but it does not mean they are safe. 32:20 Jennifer talks about the case from the previous year. The man passed the federal background check every year despite doing horrific things to his own children and none of it was on his record. 34:20 The Church’s helpline. There have been a lot of claims accusing the Church’s helpline of hiding abuse but if we look deeper into the case we find most of these claims are untrue. 38:00 Why do we need a helpline? It helps leaders know what to report. Each state's laws are different. The helpline helps bishops fulfill their legal responsibilities and get the correct help for the victim. 48:00 There are standard best practices when working with youth and the Church follows all of them. They are all in the handbook. Another concern is there isn’t always a window in the bishop’s office. However, a youth can take a parent, leader, or friend into the bishop’s office. It’s in the handbook. 53:10 What is the Church doing that goes above and beyond those gold standard things in child protection? The helpline Disfellowshipping Gender specific leaders for young women The member number system Existing associations (go to church with your neighbors who know you) Being sustained Being called 1:10:50 How can we be better at detecting abuse that is currently going on? Most of the time kids disclose abuse by accident. They normally aren’t going to disclose it to you directly. 1:22:50 Is there anything else we can do to help stop abuse? Links Jennifer's Presentation Slides: PowerPoint format | PDF format 4 Reasons Why Bishops Should Be Meeting with Youth | An Interview with Jennifer Roach Reporting Abuse, Church Helpline, & the Bishop | An Interview with Jennifer Roach Jennifer's work at Public Square TRANSCRIPT coming soon Watch on YouTube

Jennifer Roach is a licensed mental health counselor living in American Fork, Utah. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints four years ago after being in the Protestant church her whole life. She currently serves as a Gospel Doctrine teacher in her ward. Jennifer is the recipient of this year's "John Taylor Defender of the Faith" award and the BH Robert's Research Grant. Her research primarily focuses on issues that arise when sexual abuse happens in churches. Jennifer does a weekly podcast for FAIR Latter-day Saints that focuses on questions that arise about our faith from Evangelicals. She also teaches as an adjunct for Brigham Young University-Idaho. Highlights 01:50 Kurt introduces Jennifer Roach and her background as a therapist for sexual abuse. 03:30 Jennifer will speak on four specific claims pertaining to the Church and sexual abuse and seven things that the Church does to go above and beyond what most churches do to help and protect youth. 7:00 Jennifer addresses some of the biggest questions that people have. One big question that people have is, “Is there more sexual abuse in our church or not?” Sometimes the media twists things to make it seem that way. 8:30 Boy Scout records data on abuse. Jennifer reviewed and researched all these cases from the past 80 years and was able to find how cases the Church of Jesus Christ has compared to other churches. Around 5.6% of the abuse cases were Latter-day Saint related. 19:10 Why doesn’t the Church do background checks? Jennifer explains the three issues with background checks. The issue of delayed disclosure. Most people don’t disclose the abuse they received until they’re in their 50s to 70s. Background checks are not thorough. It’s not a deep dive into someone's past. It only shows convicted crimes but not accusations. It only covers the past 7 years. 29:30 The danger of telling people that someone has been background checked. We believe that means this person is squeaky clean and they can be trusted. It really means that they don’t have convictions and they aren’t on the sex offenders list but it does not mean they are safe. 32:20 Jennifer talks about the case from the previous year. The man passed the federal background check every year despite doing horrific things to his own children and none of it was on his record. 34:20 The Church’s helpline. There have been a lot of claims accusing the Church’s helpline of hiding abuse but if we look deeper into the case we find most of these claims are untrue. 38:00 Why do we need a helpline? It helps leaders know what to report. Each state's laws are different. The helpline helps bishops fulfill their legal responsibilities and get the correct help for the victim. 48:00 There are standard best practices when working with youth and the Church follows all of them. They are all in the handbook. Another concern is there isn’t always a window in the bishop’s office. However, a youth can take a parent, leader, or friend into the bishop’s office. It’s in the handbook. 53:10 What is the Church doing that goes above and beyond those gold standard things in child protection? The helpline Disfellowshipping Gender specific leaders for young women The member number system Existing associations (go to church with your neighbors who know you) Being sustained Being called 1:10:50 How can we be better at detecting abuse that is currently going on? Most of the time kids disclose abuse by accident. They normally aren’t going to disclose it to you directly. 1:22:50 Is there anything else we can do to help stop abuse? Links Jennifer's Presentation Slides: PowerPoint format | PDF format 4 Reasons Why Bishops Should Be Meeting with Youth | An Interview with Jennifer Roach Reporting Abuse, Church Helpline, & the Bishop | An Interview with Jennifer Roach Jennifer's work at Public Square There is already a discussion started about this podcast.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in October 2018. Scott Braithwaite has a PhD in Clinical Psychology and specializes in marriage counseling. He is a professor of Psychology at Brigham Young University, has a busy private practice, and also enjoys working with the BYU men's basketball team. Scott is a popular presenter at BYU Education Week, where he has taught about supporting loved ones through a faith crisis. He previously served as bishop of his ward and is currently serving on his stake high council. Highlights 10:10 The difference between sadness and depression 13:40 Leaders should ask for recommendations for good qualified counselors 14:15 You choose who to marry. God gives you agency. 17:40 Scott shares his experience going through a faith crisis 22:40 James Fowler’s Stages of Faith can be helpful in understanding what someone may be going through. Stage three faith identifies as a group, has rules, and is concrete. Most fall under this level of faith. Things also appear black and white. 29:00 During a faith crisis the bottom falls out, they can leave the faith and find community elsewhere. 30:35 Going through the stages of faith are not linear 33:00 Perfectionism shows up in our minds as rules, as all or nothing. 33:40 Doctrinal Latter-day Saints vs. Cultural Latter-day Saints 34:50 Sometimes struggling with faith comes from cultural issues 36:50 The idea of organic evolution showcases the different thought processes of doctrinal vs. cultural Latter-day Saints 38:10 You can’t go back to stage 3 40:30 Stage 5 is accepting the complexity of faith 40:50 Faith allows room for doubt 42:00 All faith allows room for wrestling 43:00 Stage 6 examples, such as Mother Teresa. Most people fall between stages 3, 4, and 5. 46:40 We can act as a midwife and help while people are in a faith crisis 48:30 Help others going through a faith crisis by listening to them. Listen more than talk. 50:50 Elder Ballard: Leaders ought to know and be able to address the difficult questions 56:00 There is a progression from stage 3 to stage 4 57:00 We should be able to talk about doubt at church 59:45 Help create a culture of faith 1:02:00 Elder Hafen's stages of faith Links "Like a Broken Vessel", by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith, by Linda King Newell Stages of Faith, by James Fowler Planted, by Patrick Mason "On Dealing with Uncertainty", by Bruce C. Hafen "Help Build 'Unwavering Faith' in Students’ Lives, Elder Ballard Tells CES Teachers" Scott Braithwaite BYU Bio TRANSCRIPT coming soon Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in October 2018. Scott Braithwaite has a PhD in Clinical Psychology and specializes in marriage counseling. He is a professor of Psychology at Brigham Young University, has a busy private practice, and also enjoys working with the BYU men's basketball team. Scott is a popular presenter at BYU Education Week, where he has taught about supporting loved ones through a faith crisis. He previously served as bishop of his ward and is currently serving on his stake high council. Highlights 10:10 The difference between sadness and depression 13:40 Leaders should ask for recommendations for good qualified counselors 14:15 You choose who to marry. God gives you agency. 17:40 Scott shares his experience going through a faith crisis 22:40 James Fowler’s Stages of Faith can be helpful in understanding what someone may be going through. Stage three faith identifies as a group, has rules, and is concrete. Most fall under this level of faith. Things also appear black and white. 29:00 During a faith crisis the bottom falls out, they can leave the faith and find community elsewhere. 30:35 Going through the stages of faith are not linear 33:00 Perfectionism shows up in our minds as rules, as all or nothing. 33:40 Doctrinal Latter-day Saints vs. Cultural Latter-day Saints 34:50 Sometimes struggling with faith comes from cultural issues 36:50 The idea of organic evolution showcases the different thought processes of doctrinal vs. cultural Latter-day Saints 38:10 You can’t go back to stage 3 40:30 Stage 5 is accepting the complexity of faith 40:50 Faith allows room for doubt 42:00 All faith allows room for wrestling 43:00 Stage 6 examples, such as Mother Teresa. Most people fall between stages 3, 4, and 5. 46:40 We can act as a midwife and help while people are in a faith crisis 48:30 Help others going through a faith crisis by listening to them. Listen more than talk. 50:50 Elder Ballard: Leaders ought to know and be able to address the difficult questions 56:00 There is a progression from stage 3 to stage 4 57:00 We should be able to talk about doubt at church 59:45 Help create a culture of faith 1:02:00 Elder Hafen's stages of faith Links "Like a Broken Vessel", by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith, by Linda King Newell Stages of Faith, by James Fowler Planted, by Patrick Mason "On Dealing with Uncertainty", by Bruce C. Hafen "Help Build 'Unwavering Faith' in Students’ Lives, Elder Ballard Tells CES Teachers" Scott Braithwaite BYU Bio Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Tom Roberts, PhD, DD, holds a BTh from Triune Biblical University, a MTh from Covenant Bible College and Seminary, as well as an MDiv and PhD in Theology from Hellenic Orthodox University in Athens, Greece, and is currently pursuing doctoral studies at EUCLID University. Dr. Roberts has published two books, From Sacral Kingship to Sacred Marriage – A Theological Analysis of Literary Borrowing, and Divorce and Remarriage – A Middle Eastern View. His articles have appeared in Ancient American, Convergent Streams, and other professional publications. Dr. Roberts has presented at Kent State University’s Communal Studies Group conference, and the Society for Mormon Philosophy and Theology, and reviewed books and articles for The Interpreter Foundation. Tom is also the co-author with Brent Schmidt for the BYU New Testament Commentary volume on Romans and recently taught at BYU Education Week. He and his wife reside in Big Piney, Wyoming. Highlights 01:40 Tom joined the Church in 2017 but has been familiar with the Church since the 1960's. Tom shares his faith journey. 12:00 The moment in 2017 that led him to be baptized. He read the Doctrine and Covenants thinking he was going to disprove it but it led him to be converted. 17:45 Tom’s cultural experience in the Church after being a Catholic Priest. 23:00 The importance of knowledge in the church. It’s important to gain the skills necessary to minister to others. We need to do better preparing people for callings instead of just handing them a handbook. 31:0 The guides and curriculum are there for us but we need to take advantage of them. Tom sees a lot of misinformation in gospel doctrine. 36:00 The effort of leadership development begins by acquiring a strong theological foundation of our beliefs. It’s not just for the sake of intellect. It’s to inform your heart and your growth. 39:15 People are afraid of intellectual pursuits in our culture. While doing seminary, come follow me, and going on a mission are all great, there is more. Giving youth powerful spiritual experiences is important but there is also the piece of gaining deep spiritual knowledge. 42:30 The church focuses more on a very young-oriented spirituality. We go through different spiritual spiritual steps throughout our lives. 44:00 Joseph Smith didn’t have a corporate view of the church. Tom explains what he means by ‘corporate.’ 45:30 Local leaders are afraid to step out of line from the 'corporate' church to also pursue more academic and theological information. We need to broaden LDS worship. Everything in our church is so streamlined and almost too much so. 53:10 Tom shares what he would share with a new bishop or Relief Aociety president that wants to move forward with some of these ideas. Tom recommends beginning with Friday or Saturday fireside to talk about more academic subjects. We want to mature the tradition of the church, not attack it. 55:30 Leaders that push the boundaries and create change. 1:03:10 Pushing this movement forward isn’t about any particular person or for self aggrandizement. It’s about unifying in the spirit within our faith and with other faiths too. We need a revolution of the heart. 1:06:00 The more you understand others, the more you understand yourself. Tom believes that this is what the saints need to do. We need to be asking more questions. Having questions is not a bad thing. We cannot question our faith in a faithful way. 1:10:00 Tom shares his final testimony and thoughts on his time as a leader. Links YouTube channel: Sacral Kingship of Christ BYU New Testament Commentary Facebook: Sacral Kingship of Christ Tom Roberts at Academia.edu TRANSCRIPT coming soon Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead.

Tom Roberts, PhD, DD, holds a BTh from Triune Biblical University, a MTh from Covenant Bible College and Seminary, as well as an MDiv and PhD in Theology from Hellenic Orthodox University in Athens, Greece, and is currently pursuing doctoral studies at EUCLID University. Dr. Roberts has published two books, From Sacral Kingship to Sacred Marriage – A Theological Analysis of Literary Borrowing, and Divorce and Remarriage – A Middle Eastern View. His articles have appeared in Ancient American, Convergent Streams, and other professional publications. Dr. Roberts has presented at Kent State University’s Communal Studies Group conference, and the Society for Mormon Philosophy and Theology, and reviewed books and articles for The Interpreter Foundation. Tom is also the co-author with Brent Schmidt for the BYU New Testament Commentary volume on Romans and recently taught at BYU Education Week. He and his wife reside in Big Piney, Wyoming. Highlights 01:40 Tom joined the Church in 2017 but has been familiar with the Church since the 1960's. Tom shares his faith journey. 12:00 The moment in 2017 that led him to be baptized. He read the Doctrine and Covenants thinking he was going to disprove it but it led him to be converted. 17:45 Tom’s cultural experience in the Church after being a Catholic Priest. 23:00 The importance of knowledge in the church. It’s important to gain the skills necessary to minister to others. We need to do better preparing people for callings instead of just handing them a handbook. 31:0 The guides and curriculum are there for us but we need to take advantage of them. Tom sees a lot of misinformation in gospel doctrine. 36:00 The effort of leadership development begins by acquiring a strong theological foundation of our beliefs. It’s not just for the sake of intellect. It’s to inform your heart and your growth. 39:15 People are afraid of intellectual pursuits in our culture. While doing seminary, come follow me, and going on a mission are all great, there is more. Giving youth powerful spiritual experiences is important but there is also the piece of gaining deep spiritual knowledge. 42:30 The church focuses more on a very young-oriented spirituality. We go through different spiritual spiritual steps throughout our lives. 44:00 Joseph Smith didn’t have a corporate view of the church. Tom explains what he means by ‘corporate.’ 45:30 Local leaders are afraid to step out of line from the 'corporate' church to also pursue more academic and theological information. We need to broaden LDS worship. Everything in our church is so streamlined and almost too much so. 53:10 Tom shares what he would share with a new bishop or Relief Society president that wants to move forward with some of these ideas. Tom recommends beginning with Friday or Saturday fireside to talk about more academic subjects. We want to mature the tradition of the church, not attack it. 55:30 Leaders that push the boundaries and create change. 1:03:10 Pushing this movement forward isn’t about any particular person or for self aggrandizement. It’s about unifying in the spirit within our faith and with other faiths too. We need a revolution of the heart. 1:06:00 The more you understand others, the more you understand yourself. Tom believes that this is what the saints need to do. We need to be asking more questions. Having questions is not a bad thing. We cannot question our faith in a faithful way. 1:10:00 Tom shares his final testimony and thoughts on his time as a leader. Links YouTube channel: Sacral Kingship of Christ BYU New Testament Commentary Facebook: Sacral Kingship of Christ Tom Roberts at Academia.edu Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to ...

YSAs often have questions and potential concerns regarding the Church’s history. In this episode, two church historians discuss how YSA leaders can respond to questions about church history and what resources are available. At the Table is a new podcast series produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find podcasts. Please give us your feedback about this episode by filling out this short questionnaire: https://research.churchofjesuschrist.org/jfe/form/SV_bqG61EEsAqjJ9n8

YSAs often have questions and potential concerns regarding the Church’s history. In this episode, two church historians discuss how YSA leaders can respond to questions about church history and what resources are available. At the Table is a new podcast series produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find podcasts. Please give us your feedback about this episode by filling out this short questionnaire: https://research.churchofjesuschrist.org/jfe/form/SV_bqG61EEsAqjJ9n8 Highlights 1:50 Introduction to Clair and Matt, church historians 2:45 Clair explains what they hope to accomplish by speaking on church history. They hope to be able to provide helpful tips, guidance, and resources. 5:10 Leaders should seek to cultivate trust before they go to counsel someone. Trust is first and with trust comes influence. 11:20 Asking a question is a position of vulnerability for the questioner. Leaders should validate that vulnerability. Leaders should be a continual resource for people and not just give people a one-time quick answer. They should also be careful of making assumptions about the questions that people have. 14:50 What questions can leaders anticipate about church history? Church history questions can get complicated. Set the expectation that it might not be a quick answer. Some questions are going to come with a lot of study and prayer. 16:45 A lot of people have questions about translation and how revelation is received. There are also a lot of questions on the priesthood and temple ban and race restrictions. Not easy to answer. 18:10 The church has taken the time to create resources to answer difficult church history questions. Leaders don’t need to feel like they need a masters in history. You just need to be aware of the resources and where to point people. 20:30 When it comes to church history, it’s easy to go down a rabbit hole until all the questions snowball. It’s easy to lose perspective. It’s like when you hold a small rock close up it looks like a boulder. Help people take a step back and see the bigger picture. 22:45 How has learning about church history strengthened your faith? 29:00 The church historians have been working on the Joseph Smith papers for 20 years now. Matt shares what he has been able to learn while working on this project. 31:20 We are in the day and age where people are googling everything. Sometimes the things that we come across on the internet are only a tiny portion of a much bigger topic. We have to have the spirit and search out answers in the right places. 35:00 Where are you getting your information? Is it reliable? Are there biases? Who can we trust when everyone is saying something different? We have to be careful where we are learning about church history along with asking the spirit to help us. 40:30 What about the church’s resources? The church historians are very careful with all the information put out. They provide sources on everything. 43:40 When it comes to asking questions and for the leader that is answering, the most important thing is to foster an environment where the spirit can be present. Kindness, empathy, understanding, and humility are important on both sides. 47:20 Matt talks about why it’s so important to have humility as we approach questions on church history. People in church history had a much different experience than us that we might not understand. 51:10 The Lord does his work with complicated, imperfect humans. We have to approach the people of the past with love and understanding.

Gary C. Laney is CEO of Success Masters, #1 bestselling author, former high-tech software executive, former co-Founder and CEO of Trustegrity, a startup investor, and a serial entrepreneur for 20 businesses. Gary has been recognized as a top presenter, motivating tens of thousands of entrepreneurs, professionals, and salespeople. Prior to his entrepreneurial run, Gary spent 25 years as an executive in corporate high-tech and commercial publishing, including for a public company where he was VP of Sales and one of four members that made up the office of the president. He is known for his ability to turn around sales organizations, struggling businesses, and create dramatic revenue growth. Gary has a triple major MBA from Northwestern Kellogg in finance, marketing, and policy. He served a mission in Seville, Spain, and is the author of The Power of Strategic Influence! 10 Success Factors of Highly Influential Leaders. Highlights 01:45 Kurt introduces Gary and his professional background 03:10 Early on in his career, Gary has received mentorship from some very influential people, such as Steven Covey and President Monson. 06:00 The impact of Steven Covey 07:00 Principles that Gary learned from Steven Covey and President Monson 09:10 Begin with the end in mind. Sticking to tasks and finishing them. 11:00 Gary talks about his book, The Power of Strategic Influence. It’s about helping people solve problems and maximizing your potential as a person. 15:00 In callings in the Church we need to start by thinking of what we want the end result to be. The principle of beginning with the end in mind. 19:45 Influence takes work to really earn it. The title of influence cannot be self proclaimed. The same goes for the title of leader or bishop. It’s bestowed on you by the people. 21:30 If you want to have influence then give first. 23:40 How do we find balance in giving? Gary shares a story from his mission. They focused first on making people’s day better instead of only focusing on a lesson or people joining the church. 27:00 Servant leadership. A true leader is someone that is barely noticed. There is a lot of ego in leadership and we want to be noticed. We have to be ok with not being recognized for our work. 29:30 Gary shares an experience from his mission in Spain. Not pushing someone into baptism but holding space for them until they were truly ready. 34:00 Gary’s six spheres Sphere 1 - Perspective - Counting the costs up front, committing, and not looking back Sphere 2 - Accountability - People trust you Sphere 3 - Relationships - People trust and want to follow you Sphere 4 - Become a leader - You accept the role Sphere 5 - Opportunity to influence people Sphere 6 - Give back - Not just physical things but consoling, listening, and loving others 37:15 The two successful factors of accountability are 1. Accepting personal responsibility. 2. To become responsible and self reliant. 41:30 How to help with apathy and stimulate accountability in an elders quorum 46:30 Gary talks about the new book he is working on. 51:50 What Gary has learned from being a leader Links The Power of Strategic Influence! 10 Success Factors of Highly Influential Leaders GaryCLaney.com TRANSCRIPT coming soon Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III,

Gary C. Laney is CEO of Success Masters, #1 bestselling author, former high-tech software executive, former co-Founder and CEO of Trustegrity, a startup investor, and a serial entrepreneur for 20 businesses. Gary has been recognized as a top presenter, motivating tens of thousands of entrepreneurs, professionals, and salespeople. Prior to his entrepreneurial run, Gary spent 25 years as an executive in corporate high-tech and commercial publishing, including for a public company where he was VP of Sales and one of four members that made up the office of the president. He is known for his ability to turn around sales organizations, struggling businesses, and create dramatic revenue growth. Gary has a triple major MBA from Northwestern Kellogg in finance, marketing, and policy. He served a mission in Seville, Spain, and is the author of The Power of Strategic Influence! 10 Success Factors of Highly Influential Leaders. Highlights 01:45 Kurt introduces Gary and his professional background 03:10 Early on in his career, Gary has received mentorship from some very influential people, such as Steven Covey and President Monson. 06:00 The impact of Steven Covey 07:00 Principles that Gary learned from Steven Covey and President Monson 09:10 Begin with the end in mind. Sticking to tasks and finishing them. 11:00 Gary talks about his book, The Power of Strategic Influence. It’s about helping people solve problems and maximizing your potential as a person. 15:00 In callings in the Church we need to start by thinking of what we want the end result to be. The principle of beginning with the end in mind. 19:45 Influence takes work to really earn it. The title of influence cannot be self proclaimed. The same goes for the title of leader or bishop. It’s bestowed on you by the people. 21:30 If you want to have influence then give first. 23:40 How do we find balance in giving? Gary shares a story from his mission. They focused first on making people’s day better instead of only focusing on a lesson or people joining the church. 27:00 Servant leadership. A true leader is someone that is barely noticed. There is a lot of ego in leadership and we want to be noticed. We have to be ok with not being recognized for our work. 29:30 Gary shares an experience from his mission in Spain. Not pushing someone into baptism but holding space for them until they were truly ready. 34:00 Gary’s six spheres Sphere 1 - Perspective - Counting the costs up front, committing, and not looking back Sphere 2 - Accountability - People trust you Sphere 3 - Relationships - People trust and want to follow you Sphere 4 - Become a leader - You accept the role Sphere 5 - Opportunity to influence people Sphere 6 - Give back - Not just physical things but consoling, listening, and loving others 37:15 The two successful factors of accountability are 1. Accepting personal responsibility. 2. To become responsible and self reliant. 41:30 How to help with apathy and stimulate accountability in an elders quorum 46:30 Gary talks about the new book he is working on. 51:50 What Gary has learned from being a leader Links The Power of Strategic Influence! 10 Success Factors of Highly Influential Leaders GaryCLaney.com Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat,

In this episode, licensed therapist Sheldon and YSA Xochitle discuss approaching mental health issues with YSAs.  At the Table is a new podcast series produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Listen and subscribe on Spotify. Please give us your feedback about this episode by filling out this short questionnaire:  https://research.churchofjesuschrist.org/jfe/form/SV_7Q9IfqfY2fzvmcK

In this episode, licensed therapist Sheldon and YSA Xochitle discuss approaching mental health issues with YSAs.  At the Table is a new podcast series produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find podcasts. Please give us your feedback about this episode by filling out this short questionnaire:  https://research.churchofjesuschrist.org/jfe/form/SV_7Q9IfqfY2fzvmcK

Previously U.S. Senate legal counsel and general counsel of Brigham Young University, Judge Thomas B. Griffith was appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit by President George W. Bush. President Biden later appointed him to the President’s Commission on the Supreme Court. Judge Griffith authored Lost, Not Stolen: The Conservative Case that Biden Won and Trump Lost the 2020 Presidential Election along with former federal appeals court judges Michael McConnell and Michael Luttig. He is currently a lecturer on law at Harvard and Stanford, a fellow at the Wheatley Institute at BYU, and active in rule-of-law projects in Central and Eastern Europe. Inspired by the scholarship of Elder Matthew Holland, Judge Griffith devotes a great deal of his time to speaking and writing about the need to emphasize “civic charity” in American political life. After graduating from BYU and before beginning his legal studies at the University of Virginia, Judge Griffith was a full-time employee of the Church Educational System, directing Seminary and Institute of Religion programs in the Baltimore, Maryland area. His service in the Church includes a full-time mission to southern Africa, bishop of a family ward in northern Virginia, president of a campus stake at BYU, and teaching young single adult Institute. He also serves on the advisory board of the Faith Matters Foundation. A convert to the Church, Brother Griffith married fellow-convert Susan Stell Griffith. They live in rural northern Virginia and are the parents of six and the grandparents of eleven. Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces the episode and Thomas Griffith. 04:20 Thomas introduces himself and his professional and religious background. 07:00 Thomas’ conversion story 13:30 His first career was in the church education system. He later became a lawyer and judge. 15:00 Speaking at the BYU devotional and his popular talk, The Very Root of Christian Doctrine and his time as a stake president. Every talk and every lesson given in the stake needed to have a direct link to the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 23:30 After one year of getting everyone in the stake to make the Atonement the main focus of every single talk and lesson they saw amazing results. The bishops reported back with excitement. 27:15 What it actually means to focus on and teach doctrine at church. 28:00 The most important thing that a bishop can do is put on a GREAT sacrament meeting! When Thomas was bishop he sat down with each speaker to discuss the topic and how to link it to the atonement. It was a lot of work but he focused on the details. 32:15 Where the idea and vision came from to focus more on Christ at church 35:45 The hard work that goes into establishing a culture and vision in our wards and stakes. They had to be persistent and repetitive with their messages. 38:00 Refocus the core message on Jesus and redemption so that people leave feeling uplifted and not bogged down. Speakers should be told that they aren’t there to call people to repentance. “Refresh” people’s hearts and make them feel encouraged and nourished. 43:45 Additional tips for making sacrament meeting great. Everything ought to flow out of the experience that we have partaking of the sacrament. You don’t just take it and then move on. 45:45 Thomas’ time as a judge 47:30 Lessons learned from being a judge that can also be applied to church leadership. We should also always use the counsel system and not make decisions alone. Decisions should be made through the process of discussion and disagreement. This is where revelation happens. 52:20 Thomas shares principles that he learned while serving as stake president at BYU. They wanted a pure religion community instead of the activities committee. Every ward was to form a partnership with a service provider and those would be the church activities. 58:10 You can’t do everything.

Previously U.S. Senate legal counsel and general counsel of Brigham Young University, Judge Thomas B. Griffith was appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit by President George W. Bush. President Biden later appointed him to the President’s Commission on the Supreme Court. Judge Griffith authored Lost, Not Stolen: The Conservative Case that Biden Won and Trump Lost the 2020 Presidential Election along with former federal appeals court judges Michael McConnell and Michael Luttig. He is currently a lecturer on law at Harvard and Stanford, a fellow at the Wheatley Institute at BYU, and active in rule-of-law projects in Central and Eastern Europe. Inspired by the scholarship of Elder Matthew Holland, Judge Griffith devotes a great deal of his time to speaking and writing about the need to emphasize “civic charity” in American political life. After graduating from BYU and before beginning his legal studies at the University of Virginia, Judge Griffith was a full-time employee of the Church Educational System, directing Seminary and Institute of Religion programs in the Baltimore, Maryland area. His service in the Church includes a full-time mission to southern Africa, bishop of a family ward in northern Virginia, president of a campus stake at BYU, and teaching young single adult Institute. He also serves on the advisory board of the Faith Matters Foundation. A convert to the Church, Brother Griffith married fellow-convert Susan Stell Griffith. They live in rural northern Virginia and are the parents of six and the grandparents of eleven. Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces the episode and Thomas Griffith. 04:20 Thomas introduces himself and his professional and religious background. 07:00 Thomas’ conversion story 13:30 His first career was in the church education system. He later became a lawyer and judge. 15:00 Speaking at the BYU devotional and his popular talk, The Very Root of Christian Doctrine and his time as a stake president. Every talk and every lesson given in the stake needed to have a direct link to the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 23:30 After one year of getting everyone in the stake to make the Atonement the main focus of every single talk and lesson they saw amazing results. The bishops reported back with excitement. 27:15 What it actually means to focus on and teach doctrine at church. 28:00 The most important thing that a bishop can do is put on a GREAT sacrament meeting! When Thomas was bishop he sat down with each speaker to discuss the topic and how to link it to the atonement. It was a lot of work but he focused on the details. 32:15 Where the idea and vision came from to focus more on Christ at church 35:45 The hard work that goes into establishing a culture and vision in our wards and stakes. They had to be persistent and repetitive with their messages. 38:00 Refocus the core message on Jesus and redemption so that people leave feeling uplifted and not bogged down. Speakers should be told that they aren’t there to call people to repentance. “Refresh” people’s hearts and make them feel encouraged and nourished. 43:45 Additional tips for making sacrament meeting great. Everything ought to flow out of the experience that we have partaking of the sacrament. You don’t just take it and then move on. 45:45 Thomas’ time as a judge 47:30 Lessons learned from being a judge that can also be applied to church leadership. We should also always use the counsel system and not make decisions alone. Decisions should be made through the process of discussion and disagreement. This is where revelation happens. 52:20 Thomas shares principles that he learned while serving as stake president at BYU. They wanted a pure religion community instead of the activities committee. Every ward was to form a partnership with a service provider and those would be the church activities. 58:10 You can’t do everything.

In this episode, a YSA stake presidency and a bishop discuss what they have seen work best with listening to and working with YSAs.  At the Table is a new podcast series produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Listen and subscribe on Spotify. Please give us your feedback about this episode by filling out this short questionnaire:  https://research.churchofjesuschrist.org/jfe/form/SV_6R51KSPKmVd17VQ

In this episode, a YSA stake presidency and a bishop discuss what they have seen work best with listening to and working with YSAs.  At the Table is a new podcast series produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find podcasts. Please give us your feedback about this episode by filling out this short questionnaire:  https://research.churchofjesuschrist.org/jfe/form/SV_6R51KSPKmVd17VQ Highlights 1:30 Introduction to the speakers 1:50 Thoughts and impressions on a new document released by the church, Strengthening the YSA. 5:00 The youth give their perspective on the church’s initiative to come out with new material for their growth and leadership skills. 8:10 We need to increase the collaboration between the YSA leadership and the geographic wards and stakes. 10:20 YSA should be included in stake and ward council. The key principle is for leaders to listen to YSA members and learn to collaborate with them and understand what they need. 11:50 President Bigelow shares his experience from when he was a bishop over a YSA ward. He shares what they would do in ward council and how they planned together. 14:30 Bishop Wesel shares his experience as a bishop over a family ward and how he has worked with the young single adults in his ward. 16:00 President Po’ahu shares his thoughts on strengthening the young single adults, the power of counsel, and listening. 18:15 Adapting to the new changes the church put in place for the single adults and giving them more responsibility. The shift in the paradigm. 21:10 It’s very easy to overlook young single adults in the geographic wards. However, they are there and will be more willing to participate by leaders taking the time to listen to them and creating more space for them. 23:45 Building trust and collaborating with members of the YSA. It’s not su vs them. Age, single or married or what type of ward you are in shouldn’t separate us. 26:45 The way to empower and build capability in young single adults is to step back and support them. The members of the stake presidency are in more of an advisor role while the young single adults do the planning. 29:30 Bishop Wesel has found that sometimes the roles are flipped where the young single adults have played in the advisory role and helped him out in his calling. They helped him see things from their point of view. 33:15 The Lord’s pattern is to call who is ready. It’s not about age. This new initiative isn’t a new concept but God is trying to help us dial it in a little more. 34:30 Lift where you stand. You might be ready for a calling or more opportunities to serve but aren’t being called or ideas not implemented. Show that you are a ‘profitable servant.’ Do what you can now. Make an appointment with your bishop and tell him how you feel and want to serve. 44:00 Inspired questions for young single adults. Stop asking young single adults, who are you dating and when are you getting married? Try to start a conversation in a more meaningful way. Avoid questions focused on differences. 52:25 Aspects that build trust 57:15 Leaders share their final thoughts and ways to share and begin to implement this new initiative to strengthen the young single adults.

Monte Holm spent his early years working on a farm in Idaho, and at age 17 moved himself to St. George, Utah, where he worked odd jobs in construction, finished high school, joined the Church, and chose to serve a two-year mission in North Carolina. Following his mission and studying at Dixie State University, Monte co-founded and built a successful financial services business with hundreds of offices across North America. He has served as elders quorum president, bishop, and stake president, and with his wife Lisa served as leaders of the South Carolina Columbia Mission, and have also served on corporate boards and as trustees for charitable organizations. Monte authored the book Expect to Win and he and Lisa are often asked to speak at conventions, universities, and at business, church and charity events. They currently live in St. George, Utah, and have six children and 23 grandchildren. Highlights 02:10 Monte grew up in a fundamentalist community but joined the Church when he was 17 years old. He talks about his conversion story. 06:50 He served a mission at age 19 and was called to North Carolina. He later served as mission president in South Carolina. 08:10 After getting home from his mission he was mentored by a man that he met on the mission in the financial services industry. 09:30 Monte talks about his first leadership experiences in the Church shortly after joining. His Bishop gave him a calling right away and has been one of the most influential people in his life. 12:00 Monte has had the opportunity to serve as an elders quorum president, bishop, and stake president. One of the things that he learned about the most is love. When it’s about the people you serve and not about you, you lose yourself in their lives and not your own. 13:30 Examples of showing love 17:45 Transitioning from being a bishop to stake president. One thing that he learned and that he really felt in this transition was that duty is more important than pleasure. 21:40 Monte served as stake president for seven years due to moving out of the area. He felt like it was his duty to stay for the nine years but had a very instructional calling with a general authority. The Lord has also prepared others to take our place. It’s okay to have changes. 26:50 Transitioning out of being a stake president. 28:30 Monte was called to be a mission president before he was a bishop and stake president. He tells the story of getting called by Elder Holland. 31:00 How being a mission president before being a stake president impacted how he served as a stake president. 33:15 How he handled meetings with young people that were preparing for a mission. Things he did to make sure they were prepared. 35:50 Starting out as mission president in South Carolina. Monte talks about the process of getting prepared and trained beforehand. 38:10 Casting a vision on his mission and missionaries. Aligning your vision with the Lord and the first presidency. 43:40 Reflections on being a mission president for three years in South Carolina. Things that he taught his missionaries. Setting culture through mottos and sayings. 50:00 There are really only two things that inspire people: things that they see and things that they hear. When people see you and hear you being a great leader they will be inspired to do the same. 51:30 Monte’s final thoughts on leadership Links TRANSCRIPT coming soon Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg,

Monte Holm spent his early years working on a farm in Idaho, and at age 17 moved himself to St. George, Utah, where he worked odd jobs in construction, finished high school, joined the Church, and chose to serve a two-year mission in North Carolina. Following his mission and studying at Dixie State University, Monte co-founded and built a successful financial services business with hundreds of offices across North America. He has served as elders quorum president, bishop, and stake president, and with his wife Lisa served as leaders of the South Carolina Columbia Mission, and have also served on corporate boards and as trustees for charitable organizations. Monte authored the book Expect to Win and he and Lisa are often asked to speak at conventions, universities, and at business, church and charity events. They currently live in St. George, Utah, and have six children and 23 grandchildren. Highlights 02:10 Monte grew up in a fundamentalist community but joined the Church when he was 17 years old. He talks about his conversion story. 06:50 He served a mission at age 19 and was called to North Carolina. He later served as mission president in South Carolina. 08:10 After getting home from his mission he was mentored by a man that he met on the mission in the financial services industry. 09:30 Monte talks about his first leadership experiences in the Church shortly after joining. His Bishop gave him a calling right away and has been one of the most influential people in his life. 12:00 Monte has had the opportunity to serve as an elders quorum president, bishop, and stake president. One of the things that he learned about the most is love. When it’s about the people you serve and not about you, you lose yourself in their lives and not your own. 13:30 Examples of showing love 17:45 Transitioning from being a bishop to stake president. One thing that he learned and that he really felt in this transition was that duty is more important than pleasure. 21:40 Monte served as stake president for seven years due to moving out of the area. He felt like it was his duty to stay for the nine years but had a very instructional calling with a general authority. The Lord has also prepared others to take our place. It’s okay to have changes. 26:50 Transitioning out of being a stake president. 28:30 Monte was called to be a mission president before he was a bishop and stake president. He tells the story of getting called by Elder Holland. 31:00 How being a mission president before being a stake president impacted how he served as a stake president. 33:15 How he handled meetings with young people that were preparing for a mission. Things he did to make sure they were prepared. 35:50 Starting out as mission president in South Carolina. Monte talks about the process of getting prepared and trained beforehand. 38:10 Casting a vision on his mission and missionaries. Aligning your vision with the Lord and the first presidency. 43:40 Reflections on being a mission president for three years in South Carolina. Things that he taught his missionaries. Setting culture through mottos and sayings. 50:00 There are really only two things that inspire people: things that they see and things that they hear. When people see you and hear you being a great leader they will be inspired to do the same. 51:30 Monte’s final thoughts on leadership Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay,

Anna Rast is a service missionary for the Disability Services division of the Priesthood and Family Department at Church headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. She loves serving as the stake disability specialist in the American Fork East Stake, and she previously had the honor of serving as the stake disability specialist for the Valencia California Stake. She lives with her wonderful husband, her two fantastic and brilliant children with autism, and her tiny dog, Daisy. Highlights 02:20 Anna shares her background as a service missionary at Church headquarters in the disability department. She is also the disability specialist for the American Fork East Stake. 03:15 Disability specialist is a new calling and most people don’t know about it because there aren’t many called. 04:10 Anna has two kids on the autism spectrum and that is how she got into disability work. She shares stories of them growing up with these issues. 09:20 The power of a disability specialist is to have an advocate and to make sure that there is a place for everybody. 11:10 There are five things that a disability specialist does They serve as a resource for ward leaders, stake leaders, families and individuals. Get to know and reach out to families that are touched with disabilities. Research all of the members' disability-related questions and concerns. Identify meaningful ways to serve people with disabilities. Identify community resources to help church members. 14:40 Working with Primary-age children. The specialist can work with Primary leaders, do trainings, and classroom observations. The Church also has online trainings available. 19:00 Calling classroom helpers and working one on one with kids that might need a little extra help. 20:20 Other resources that are available. Facebook group - Disability Specialists The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is where people can ask questions and post scenarios. 22:00 Some needs are obvious to identify. Some wards might think they don’t have any disabilities but really there are always extra needs and struggles in every ward. Some families might need extra ministers. Some people might have a problem that isn’t diagnosed. 28:30 You don’t have to have a disability to work with the disability specialist. Maybe you have a temporary need that you need help with or a struggle that you need some extra support. 30:40 The number one thing that Anna sees that adults are struggling with is anxiety and depression. 33:00 We need the gifts and talents of each member. Every member needs a friend and a calling. Be prayerful on how someone with a disability can help and be included. Don’t just mark their name off the list. 35:50 The Church recently released some new guidelines for service animals. 37:00 Helping the elderly and people struggling. If you don’t have a disability specialist, ask for one! 39:50 There is a facilities manager for every building. So if you have someone with mobility issues you can contact the manager to fix mobility problems in the buildings and make them more accessible. Also think about what activities you are doing to include the needs of all the members. 42:10 How to find out if your stake has a disability specialist or not. 43:00 Ways to support families that are touched with disabilities. 47:40 Anybody can be a disability specialist. You don’t have to have any work experience or degree. You just have to be willing to serve. 48:30 Anna shares how her calling has blessed her and taught her. Links Handbook: Disability Specialist Calling Disability Resources Facebook: Disability Specialists - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Policies and Guidelines Related to Disabilities To contact Anna, use our Contact Page and we will pass on your message TRANSCRIPT coming soon Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent...

Anna Rast is a service missionary for the Disability Services division of the Priesthood and Family Department at Church headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. She loves serving as the stake disability specialist in the American Fork East Stake, and she previously had the honor of serving as the stake disability specialist for the Valencia California Stake. She lives with her wonderful husband, her two fantastic and brilliant children with autism, and her tiny dog, Daisy. Highlights 02:20 Anna shares her background as a service missionary at Church headquarters in the disability department. She is also the disability specialist for the American Fork East Stake. 03:15 Disability specialist is a new calling and most people don’t know about it because there aren’t many called. 04:10 Anna has two kids on the autism spectrum and that is how she got into disability work. She shares stories of them growing up with these issues. 09:20 The power of a disability specialist is to have an advocate and to make sure that there is a place for everybody. 11:10 There are five things that a disability specialist does They serve as a resource for ward leaders, stake leaders, families and individuals. Get to know and reach out to families that are touched with disabilities. Research all of the members' disability-related questions and concerns. Identify meaningful ways to serve people with disabilities. Identify community resources to help church members. 14:40 Working with Primary-age children. The specialist can work with Primary leaders, do trainings, and classroom observations. The Church also has online trainings available. 19:00 Calling classroom helpers and working one on one with kids that might need a little extra help. 20:20 Other resources that are available. Facebook group - Disability Specialists The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is where people can ask questions and post scenarios. 22:00 Some needs are obvious to identify. Some wards might think they don’t have any disabilities but really there are always extra needs and struggles in every ward. Some families might need extra ministers. Some people might have a problem that isn’t diagnosed. 28:30 You don’t have to have a disability to work with the disability specialist. Maybe you have a temporary need that you need help with or a struggle that you need some extra support. 30:40 The number one thing that Anna sees that adults are struggling with is anxiety and depression. 33:00 We need the gifts and talents of each member. Every member needs a friend and a calling. Be prayerful on how someone with a disability can help and be included. Don’t just mark their name off the list. 35:50 The Church recently released some new guidelines for service animals. 37:00 Helping the elderly and people struggling. If you don’t have a disability specialist, ask for one! 39:50 There is a facilities manager for every building. So if you have someone with mobility issues you can contact the manager to fix mobility problems in the buildings and make them more accessible. Also think about what activities you are doing to include the needs of all the members. 42:10 How to find out if your stake has a disability specialist or not. 43:00 Ways to support families that are touched with disabilities. 47:40 Anybody can be a disability specialist. You don’t have to have any work experience or degree. You just have to be willing to serve. 48:30 Anna shares how her calling has blessed her and taught her. Links Handbook: Disability Specialist Calling Disability Resources Facebook: Disability Specialists - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Policies and Guidelines Related to Disabilities To contact Anna, use our Contact Page and we will pass on your message Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Dr. Ben Erwin received his master's degree from the University of Hawaii, and his PhD from Brigham Young University. His clinical specialties include marriage counseling, addictions and working with adolescents. Ben is currently the program manager for the Addiction Recovery Program for the Church and is also adjunct faculty for Utah Valley University's Marriage and Family Therapy program. He has served as a member of the Utah Governor’s Behavioral Health Workgroup and a board member of the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Behavioral Health Advisory Council. He and his wife Sarah are the proud parents of five children. Highlights 03:40 Ben Erwin's background. He's a project manager for the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He helps oversee the worldwide Addiction Recovery Program that the Church sponsors to help people find recovery through Christ. He has a varied educational background. Eventually he got a Masters degree and interned with Family Services. He has worked with Family Services ever since. He still meets with clients. 7:40 People ask Ben if it isn't difficult to be a therapist and walk through difficult issues with clients. He does walk through darkness with clients, but they don't stay there. He watches them grow and move towards the Savior. 9:30 There's not a better program to help people find hope and healing than the Addiction Recovery Program. 10:00 History of the ARP. Alcoholics Anonymous was founded by two Christian men who were suffering from alcoholism. They turned to the Bible for teachings to help themselves in their recovery. 11:00 What are the most important doctrines and principles to help someone recover and repent from addiction? Ben believes it is "the twelve steps" [of the AA program or the Church's ARP]. The twelve steps are the application of the principles. In the 1970's and 1980's, many church members were attending AA meetings and asked church leaders if they could have AA meetings at the church. That is where the Addiction Recovery Program was born. Last year, there were 400,000 "seats filled." 14:20 Ben is contacted by church leaders across the world. One of the frequent questions they ask is "What kind of help can I get?" Ben first refers the leader to a local Family Services counselor, even before he suggests the Addiction Recovery Program. 15:30 A leader can reach out to a local Family Service counselor at any time with a question about helping a member. The counselor will, for free, counsel with the church leader to develop a plan to help the member. The counselor won't tell the church leader what to do. But they will help the church leader see the issues from a therapeutic, social, or emotional point of view. 19:00 When a church leader is counseling with a member, the church leader may "prescribe" Family Services. However, even before referring the member to Family Services, the church leader can counsel with the Family Services counselor to help the church leader in their discussions with the member. Performing the consultation up-front avoids the disconnect and gives the church leader more ideas of what they can do as the spiritual minister. For example, when bishops consult with the Family Services counselor, it can help the bishop see the things the therapist can do that may be different from what the bishop can do. 22:20 There can be a misconception of what Family Services is. We frequently understand it as "the Church's therapists." Family Services' primary mission is to assist leaders to assist members to develop emotional self-reliance and overcome obstacles to keeping covenants. Therapy is part of what Family Services does, but consultation with church leaders is the primary duty of Family Services. 25:00 Some leaders may not utilize Family Services because there is not a location near them. That's fine. Even if the leader doesn't use Family Services for therapy,

Dr. Ben Erwin received his master's degree from the University of Hawaii, and his PhD from Brigham Young University. His clinical specialties include marriage counseling, addictions and working with adolescents. Ben is currently the program manager for the Addiction Recovery Program for the Church and is also adjunct faculty for Utah Valley University's Marriage and Family Therapy program. He has served as a member of the Utah Governor’s Behavioral Health Workgroup and a board member of the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Behavioral Health Advisory Council. He and his wife Sarah are the proud parents of five children. Highlights 03:40 Ben Erwin's background. He's a project manager for the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He helps oversee the worldwide Addiction Recovery Program that the Church sponsors to help people find recovery through Christ. He has a varied educational background. Eventually he got a Masters degree and interned with Family Services. He has worked with Family Services ever since. He still meets with clients. 7:40 People ask Ben if it isn't difficult to be a therapist and walk through difficult issues with clients. He does walk through darkness with clients, but they don't stay there. He watches them grow and move towards the Savior. 9:30 There's not a better program to help people find hope and healing than the Addiction Recovery Program. 10:00 History of the ARP. Alcoholics Anonymous was founded by two Christian men who were suffering from alcoholism. They turned to the Bible for teachings to help themselves in their recovery. 11:00 What are the most important doctrines and principles to help someone recover and repent from addiction? Ben believes it is "the twelve steps" [of the AA program or the Church's ARP]. The twelve steps are the application of the principles. In the 1970's and 1980's, many church members were attending AA meetings and asked church leaders if they could have AA meetings at the church. That is where the Addiction Recovery Program was born. Last year, there were 400,000 "seats filled." 14:20 Ben is contacted by church leaders across the world. One of the frequent questions they ask is "What kind of help can I get?" Ben first refers the leader to a local Family Services counselor, even before he suggests the Addiction Recovery Program. 15:30 A leader can reach out to a local Family Service counselor at any time with a question about helping a member. The counselor will, for free, counsel with the church leader to develop a plan to help the member. The counselor won't tell the church leader what to do. But they will help the church leader see the issues from a therapeutic, social, or emotional point of view. 19:00 When a church leader is counseling with a member, the church leader may "prescribe" Family Services. However, even before referring the member to Family Services, the church leader can counsel with the Family Services counselor to help the church leader in their discussions with the member. Performing the consultation up-front avoids the disconnect and gives the church leader more ideas of what they can do as the spiritual minister. For example, when bishops consult with the Family Services counselor, it can help the bishop see the things the therapist can do that may be different from what the bishop can do. 22:20 There can be a misconception of what Family Services is. We frequently understand it as "the Church's therapists." Family Services' primary mission is to assist leaders to assist members to develop emotional self-reliance and overcome obstacles to keeping covenants. Therapy is part of what Family Services does, but consultation with church leaders is the primary duty of Family Services. 25:00 Some leaders may not utilize Family Services because there is not a location near them. That's fine. Even if the leader doesn't use Family Services for therapy,

Max Hall is a former quarterback for Brigham Young University and later played in the National Football League for the Arizona Cardinals and in the Canadian Football League for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Over the course of his football career, Max sustained multiple concussions as well as other injuries that led to an opioid addiction. Today he is the varsity offensive coordinator at American Leadership Academy High School in Queen Creek, Arizona, and co-owner of Victory Recovery, an addiction recovery program. Highlights 2:15 Max Hall played as a quarterback at BYU. Later he played professionally for the Arizona Cardinals. 6:20 Max felt his faith was strong and his testimony grew at BYU. But he began to be consumed by his identity as a football player. He began to lose focus on his callings as a husband, father, and in the Church. Football became his focus and his identity. In his first few games, he was knocked out twice with concussions. A few games later he dislocated his shoulder. Dislocating his shoulder changed him. He felt that his NFL career was over, and consequently that he was losing his identity. At the same time, he was given a 30-day supply of percocet to manage the pain of the shoulder injury. The Percocet made him feel better. He took the 30-day supply in three days. The drug hooked him, and he became physically addicted. 9:30 Max started losing focus on everything other than the drugs. The drugs became more important than recovery and than being a good father. 10:15 Max had previously tried Percocet in high school. He gave in to peer pressure and tried some with friends. It was an amazing feeling. In high school, he didn't get addicted to it. He'd try it on weekends for fun. After his shoulder injury, when he finished his 30-day supply in three days, he called up his high school friend, who supplied him with oxycontin. 12:00 The following year, Max played again. But he dislocated his shoulder again. His addiction continued to grow. He turned to other drugs - heroin, cocaine, meth. Over the next five years, Max did have times of sobriety. He failed an NFL drug test, and a doctor put him on suboxone. Max started coaching at BYU, and it started out well. But come spring, he started using again. He played for two years in the CFL, where he didn't use hard drugs. When he came back to Arizona, he had a bad relapse. He was arrested for possessing cocaine. When it hit the press, he considered suicide. His mom called him, he entered rehab, and he started on his path to sobriety. 17:45 Addiction is hell. It takes your soul. It makes you a different person. He was a manipulator, a liar, and a cheater. He would do anything he had to do to keep his addiction going. It takes the soul of the addict and breaks the hearts of those around them. In rehab, he was wondering how he could ever fix everything that was wrong. He's been fortunate to have a strong support system. 18:40 Max does EDD's (every day drills) to keep himself right. He gets up with the alarm, goes to the gym, does meditation, and reads a book to set himself up for the day. He's been doing it for over 8 years. Without a program and discipline, it won't work. A lot of recovery is the things you do on a daily basis to make yourself a better person. 20:30 During his addiction, Max could not look up. He had lost his connection with the Spirit and with Christ. It got to the point where he was mad at God - "Why did this happen to me?" It took a lot of searching and prayer and relying on the Savior to regain that connection. Without Christ, Max wouldn't be where he is at. 22:00 Max considers getting arrested to be a blessing. His secret was out. He wanted to die. He wanted to disappear. But he had to make a decision to own it and to fight. Max's wife told him that if he was willing to fight, she would fight alongside him. 23:00 Max's wife learned of his addiction about a year into it. He lied about being sober and he convinced her to k...

Max Hall is a former quarterback for Brigham Young University and played in the National Football League for the Arizona Cardinals and in the Canadian Football League for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Over the course of his football career, Max sustained multiple concussions as well as other injuries that led to an opioid addiction. Today he is the varsity offensive coordinator at American Leadership Academy High School in Queen Creek, Arizona, and co-owner of Victory Recovery, an addiction recovery program. Highlights 2:15 Max Hall played as a quarterback at BYU. Later he played professionally for the Arizona Cardinals. 6:20 Max felt his faith was strong and his testimony grew at BYU. But he began to be consumed by his identity as a football player. He began to lose focus on his callings as a husband, father, and in the Church. Football became his focus and his identity. In his first few games, he was knocked out twice with concussions. A few games later he dislocated his shoulder. Dislocating his shoulder changed him. He felt that his NFL career was over, and consequently that he was losing his identity. At the same time, he was given a 30-day supply of percocet to manage the pain of the shoulder injury. The Percocet made him feel better. He took the 30-day supply in three days. The drug hooked him, and he became physically addicted. 9:30 Max started losing focus on everything other than the drugs. The drugs became more important than recovery and than being a good father. 10:15 Max had previously tried Percocet in high school. He gave in to peer pressure and tried some with friends. It was an amazing feeling. In high school, he didn't get addicted to it. He'd try it on weekends for fun. After his shoulder injury, when he finished his 30-day supply in three days, he called up his high school friend, who supplied him with oxycontin. 12:00 The following year, Max played again. But he dislocated his shoulder again. His addiction continued to grow. He turned to other drugs - heroin, cocaine, meth. Over the next five years, Max did have times of sobriety. He failed an NFL drug test, and a doctor put him on suboxone. Max started coaching at BYU, and it started out well. But come spring, he started using again. He played for two years in the CFL, where he didn't use hard drugs. When he came back to Arizona, he had a bad relapse. He was arrested for possessing cocaine. When it hit the press, he considered suicide. His mom called him, he entered rehab, and he started on his path to sobriety. 17:45 Addiction is hell. It takes your soul. It makes you a different person. He was a manipulator, a liar, and a cheater. He would do anything he had to do to keep his addiction going. It takes the soul of the addict and breaks the hearts of those around them. In rehab, he was wondering how he could ever fix everything that was wrong. He's been fortunate to have a strong support system. 18:40 Max does EDD's (every day drills) to keep himself right. He gets up with the alarm, goes to the gym, does meditation, and reads a book to set himself up for the day. He's been doing it for over 8 years. Without a program and discipline, it won't work. A lot of recovery is the things you do on a daily basis to make yourself a better person. 20:30 During his addiction, Max could not look up. He had lost his connection with the Spirit and with Christ. It got to the point where he was mad at God - "Why did this happen to me?" It took a lot of searching and prayer and relying on the Savior to regain that connection. Without Christ, Max wouldn't be where he is at. 22:00 Max considers getting arrested to be a blessing. His secret was out. He wanted to die. He wanted to disappear. But he had to make a decision to own it and to fight. Max's wife told him that if he was willing to fight, she would fight alongside him. 23:00 Max's wife learned of his addiction about a year into it. He lied about being sober and he convinced her to keep it...

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Kevin Asher is the bishop of a young single adult ward in Far West, Missouri, and has previously served in an elders quorum presidency, Young Men presidency, as a ward mission leader, and as a counselor in a YSA bishopric. He holds a degree in Psychology from Menlo College, studied to be a Catholic priest in the Capuchin Franciscan Order, and has has traveled to numerous countries exploring culinary traditions and cultures. He and his wife own a business—The Asher Family Table—cultivating connection through food and experiences. Kevin won the Silos Baking Competition Holiday Cookie Episode in 2022. Highlights 02:40 Introduction to Kevin, the YSA Bishop and chef 07:40 Getting called as a YSA bishop. He refers to himself as Jesus Christ’s nurse. Christ is the true physician. 13:30 The Savior is the perfect example of leadership. Being a servant leader. “To be a good leader is to be an even better servant.” 17:20 How do you offer servant leadership? Remember that it's not about you, it's about them. It’s their journey. 19:40 Kevin shares a personal story on helping someone come to Christ. Questions to ask yourself when trying to help someone: What key can I be for this individual? What is binding them up or constricting them? How can I be a key for them to unlock that lock to feel the Savior more? 24:00 Stop talking at people. Stop going in as a fixer. That’s not your job. What questions can we ask people to figure out where people are at? 27:20 Discovering God is at the root of all questions 28:20 Be careful with why questions because they invite the adversary. Ask questions with a sincere heart. 29:30 Compassion is sitting down with any person from any background and seeing them as a child of God. Even within our faith we all have different views and perspectives and we have to show compassion. 33:10 From Catholic to LDS Bishop. Kevin shares some of his spiritual journey. Links The Asher Family Table Silos Baking Competition: Holiday Edition TRANSCRIPT coming soon Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Kevin Asher is the bishop of a young single adult ward in Far West, Missouri, and has previously served in an elders quorum presidency, Young Men presidency, as a ward mission leader, and as a counselor in a YSA bishopric. He holds a degree in Psychology from Menlo College, studied to be a Catholic priest in the Capuchin Franciscan Order, and has has traveled to numerous countries exploring culinary traditions and cultures. He and his wife own a business—The Asher Family Table—cultivating connection through food and experiences. Kevin won the Silos Baking Competition Holiday Cookie Episode in 2022. Highlights 02:40 Introduction to Kevin, the YSA Bishop and chef 07:40 Getting called as a YSA bishop. He refers to himself as Jesus Christ’s nurse. Christ is the true physician. 13:30 The Savior is the perfect example of leadership. Being a servant leader. “To be a good leader is to be an even better servant.” 17:20 How do you offer servant leadership? Remember that it's not about you, it's about them. It’s their journey. 19:40 Kevin shares a personal story on helping someone come to Christ. Questions to ask yourself when trying to help someone: What key can I be for this individual? What is binding them up or constricting them? How can I be a key for them to unlock that lock to feel the Savior more? 24:00 Stop talking at people. Stop going in as a fixer. That’s not your job. What questions can we ask people to figure out where people are at? 27:20 Discovering God is at the root of all questions 28:20 Be careful with why questions because they invite the adversary. Ask questions with a sincere heart. 29:30 Compassion is sitting down with any person from any background and seeing them as a child of God. Even within our faith we all have different views and perspectives and we have to show compassion. 33:10 From Catholic to LDS Bishop. Kevin shares some of his spiritual journey. Links The Asher Family Table Silos Baking Competition: Holiday Edition Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Joseph Grenny is a lifelong student of social science whose writings are references in major universities around the world. He is a New York Times bestselling author of eight books, including leadership, influence and communication classics Crucial Conversations, Influencer, Crucial Accountability, and Change Anything. His books are available in over 30 languages and have sold over six million copies. Joseph is a co-founder and current board chair of Unitus Labs, an international nonprofit that has helped over 15 million of the world’s poorest to move toward self reliance. In 2015 he and his colleagues started The Other Side Academy, a 2.5-year school for those with long histories of crime, addiction and homelessness. The Other Side Academy is free, requiring only a desire to change for admission. In April 2021, Joseph and the leaders of The Other Side Academy announced their intention to build The Other Side Village, a 400-home community for those who are chronically homeless based on principles of self-reliance and peer accountability. Joseph is married to the former Celia Marie Waldron. They have six children and eight grandchildren and live in Salt Lake City. Highlights 02:45 Introduction to Joseph Grenny 04:20 Moroni’s war on addiction 06:10 Joseph’s work with addicts. Satan makes addiction look so attractive that all of us are falling to it. 10:30 The definition of addiction and modern addictions that interrupt our ability to feel the Spirit 11:30 The word of wisdom isn’t so much about substances but the evil designs of conspiring people. People that manipulate us in order to invade our agency. 13:00 Joseph’s son Seth’s story. His addiction to heroin. 19:50 Even with Joseph’s background he couldn’t help his son with his addiction. He couldn’t understand it. He turned to the scriptures and learned profound truths from Moroni. Saving Principles from Joseph’s book, Moroni’s War on Addiction. 26:30 Satan wins when you hide the problem so rally your troops. 32:00 It’s ok to make mistakes. You are a small-s savior not the capital-S Savior. 35:10 Victory has nothing to do with the strength of the enemy. 40:40 The best way to motivate the rebellious is to get out of God's way. 50:00 You are commanded to feel joy while the war is raging. You do this by looking for tender mercies and practicing gratitude. 54:10 A lot of us at one point heard the phrase, “No good parent is ever happier than their least happy child.” If this is true then Heavenly Father must have a miserable life. The truth is that Heavenly Father is the happiest person. 1:01:00 Joseph shares his final testimony and how his son is doing now. He now works with hundreds of addicts at The Other Side Academy. 1:05:10 You never know how many attempts it’s going to take to overcome an addiction. There is no key. As a loved one you just have to surrender and let them deal with the consequences. It’s not your responsibility to fix or save someone. 1:08:40 What do people need from their ward or bishop that are going through addiction? 1:10:10 Showing up authentically. “I've sat in far too many priesthood meetings where we’re talking about abstract concepts when people are dealing with concrete problems in the room…” 1:11:10 A lot of rehabs just don’t work. The Other Side Academy isn’t your typical rehab. It’s a 2-year program, not just a 30-, 60-, or 90-day program. It’s a long-term program for long-term problems. 1:14:14 Parents of a teenage addict. What is the approach there? Links Recovering Saints Virtual Conference Moroni's War on Addiction: A Scripture Hero's Strategy to Win Today's Battle for Souls The Other Side Academy Are we Losing?: A Gospel Perspective on Imperfect Families Jacob's Answer to Parental Despair: The Olive Tree and the Antichrist TRANSCRIPT coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saint...

Joseph Grenny is a lifelong student of social science whose writings are references in major universities around the world. He is a New York Times bestselling author of eight books, including leadership, influence and communication classics Crucial Conversations, Influencer, Crucial Accountability, and Change Anything. His books are available in over 30 languages and have sold over six million copies. Joseph is a co-founder and current board chair of Unitus Labs, an international nonprofit that has helped over 15 million of the world’s poorest to move toward self reliance. In 2015 he and his colleagues started The Other Side Academy, a 2.5-year school for those with long histories of crime, addiction and homelessness. The Other Side Academy is free, requiring only a desire to change for admission. In April 2021, Joseph and the leaders of The Other Side Academy announced their intention to build The Other Side Village, a 400-home community for those who are chronically homeless based on principles of self-reliance and peer accountability. Joseph is married to the former Celia Marie Waldron. They have six children and eight grandchildren and live in Salt Lake City. Highlights 02:45 Introduction to Joseph Grenny 04:20 Moroni’s war on addiction 06:10 Joseph’s work with addicts. Satan makes addiction look so attractive that all of us are falling to it. 10:30 The definition of addiction and modern addictions that interrupt our ability to feel the Spirit 11:30 The word of wisdom isn’t so much about substances but the evil designs of conspiring people. People that manipulate us in order to invade our agency. 13:00 Joseph’s son Seth’s story. His addiction to heroin. 19:50 Even with Joseph’s background he couldn’t help his son with his addiction. He couldn’t understand it. He turned to the scriptures and learned profound truths from Moroni. Saving Principles from Joseph’s book, Moroni’s War on Addiction. 26:30 Satan wins when you hide the problem so rally your troops. 32:00 It’s ok to make mistakes. You are a small-s savior not the capital-S Savior. 35:10 Victory has nothing to do with the strength of the enemy. 40:40 The best way to motivate the rebellious is to get out of God's way. 50:00 You are commanded to feel joy while the war is raging. You do this by looking for tender mercies and practicing gratitude. 54:10 A lot of us at one point heard the phrase, “No good parent is ever happier than their least happy child.” If this is true then Heavenly Father must have a miserable life. The truth is that Heavenly Father is the happiest person. 1:01:00 Joseph shares his final testimony and how his son is doing now. He now works with hundreds of addicts at The Other Side Academy. 1:05:10 You never know how many attempts it’s going to take to overcome an addiction. There is no key. As a loved one you just have to surrender and let them deal with the consequences. It’s not your responsibility to fix or save someone. 1:08:40 What do people need from their ward or bishop that are going through addiction? 1:10:10 Showing up authentically. “I've sat in far too many priesthood meetings where we’re talking about abstract concepts when people are dealing with concrete problems in the room…” 1:11:10 A lot of rehabs just don’t work. The Other Side Academy isn’t your typical rehab. It’s a 2-year program, not just a 30-, 60-, or 90-day program. It’s a long-term program for long-term problems. 1:14:14 Parents of a teenage addict. What is the approach there? Links Recovering Saints Virtual Conference Moroni's War on Addiction: A Scripture Hero's Strategy to Win Today's Battle for Souls The Other Side Academy Are we Losing?: A Gospel Perspective on Imperfect Families Jacob's Answer to Parental Despair: The Olive Tree and the Antichrist Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit ...

Jill Johnson was born and raised in Cache Valley, Utah. She graduated with a dual major in Elementary Education and Special Education from Utah State University and taught both high school resource classes and fourth grade before beginning a career as full-time mom. She is a self-taught graphic designer and designs for several companies including Snapfish and Swivelhead. Jill served in the Venezuela Valencia Mission and has had a variety of ward and stake callings, including Gospel Doctrine teacher, ward Relief Society president, ward Young Women president, stake Young Women president, and stake Primary secretary. Her favorite calling of all time is stake Young Women camp leader. Jill currently serves as the Primary president for her stake. She lives in South Jordan, Utah with her husband, three children and a puppy named Ginny. Highlights 04:20 Jill’s background and her experience at the Leading Saints women’s retreat. 07:50 The story behind Jill getting called to be the stake Primary president. 08:30 Stepping into her role as stake Primary president. The difficulty of starting. 12:00 Elevate Primary and elevate yourself. 15:30 #1 Elevate Jesus in Primary. Four ways to invite Jesus into Primary. Begin with Jesus - more pictures of Jesus up front Center on Jesus - saying His name more often. Focus teaching on Him. Focus on the children End with Jesus - always ending Primary with a testimony of Jesus 20:40 #2 Elevate leadership of Primary Model a clear vision Model clear communication 28:30 #3 Elevate Stake Primary calling What does the stake Primary even do? How would Jesus serve if He was in your calling? Be more present in the wards so that people actually know you The stake is the guardian over the structure. Making sure the organization is running according to the handbook. 34:00 Issues that seem to come up in Primary over and over again. Jill shares ways to help with these conflicts and issues. Teachers feeling lonely and forgotten Issue of conflict between Bishoprics & Primary presidents 40:00 In the Church we used to lose our youth at 14 or 15 years old but now we are losing them at 10 or 11. There is a need to elevate Primary and really focus on the children at a young age. 43:40 Jill shares her testimony on leadership and how it has changed her. Links TRANSCRIPT coming soon Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Jill Johnson was born and raised in Cache Valley, Utah. She graduated with a dual major in Elementary Education and Special Education from Utah State University and taught both high school resource classes and fourth grade before beginning a career as full-time mom. She is a self-taught graphic designer and designs for several companies including Snapfish and Swivelhead. Jill served in the Venezuela Valencia Mission and has had a variety of ward and stake callings, including Gospel Doctrine teacher, ward Relief Society president, ward Young Women president, stake Young Women president, and stake Primary secretary. Her favorite calling of all time is stake Young Women camp leader. Jill currently serves as the Primary president for her stake. She lives in South Jordan, Utah with her husband, three children and a puppy named Ginny. Highlights 04:20 Jill’s background and her experience at the Leading Saints women’s retreat. 07:50 The story behind Jill getting called to be the stake Primary president. 08:30 Stepping into her role as stake Primary president. The difficulty of starting. 12:00 Elevate Primary and elevate yourself. 15:30 #1 Elevate Jesus in Primary. Four ways to invite Jesus into Primary. Begin with Jesus - more pictures of Jesus up front Center on Jesus - saying His name more often. Focus teaching on Him. Focus on the children End with Jesus - always ending Primary with a testimony of Jesus 20:40 #2 Elevate leadership of Primary Model a clear vision Model clear communication 28:30 #3 Elevate Stake Primary calling What does the stake Primary even do? How would Jesus serve if He was in your calling? Be more present in the wards so that people actually know you The stake is the guardian over the structure. Making sure the organization is running according to the handbook. 34:00 Issues that seem to come up in Primary over and over again. Jill shares ways to help with these conflicts and issues. Teachers feeling lonely and forgotten Issue of conflict between Bishoprics & Primary presidents 40:00 In the Church we used to lose our youth at 14 or 15 years old but now we are losing them at 10 or 11. There is a need to elevate Primary and really focus on the children at a young age. 43:40 Jill shares her testimony on leadership and how it has changed her. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Brant Hansen is an author, nationally syndicated radio host, and advocate for healing children through CURE International. He’s won national “personality of the year” awards for his work on his offbeat and quirky radio show, which airs on more than 200 stations. His podcast with his friend and radio producer, Sherri Lynn (“The Brant and Sherri Oddcast”) has been downloaded more than 10 million times. Brant's first book, Unoffendable, has prompted a national discussion on the idea of forgiveness, and our culture’s embrace of self-righteous anger. Brant and his wife Carolyn have been married 30 years and have two grown children. Highlights 03:40 Introduction to Brant Hansen 09:50 Brant’s message on his radio show is a message of encouragement. Humans are forgetful. We need constant reminders of Jesus and what we are supposed to be doing. 13:50 Why Brant wrote his book, Unoffendable 15:40 We all think our anger is righteous. We aren’t taught enough about anger growing up. 21:30 There are constantly things to be angry about, especially when you are constantly on the news and social media. You can be angry and bitter or be different and take action. 24:15 Stop pointing at other people and observe yourself. The way to constantly force yourself into humility and gratitude is through forgiving people. 27:40 The dopamine hit we get from being right or having that victim mentality 29:00 Responding kindly literally lowers our blood pressure. It calms us and changes our hearts. Choose to forgive. 30:30 Social media is almost set up to create anger and offense. It might be best to take a step back from it. 34:00 “What if Christians were known as people that you can’t offend?” 38:00 We have to forgive but we also aren’t boundary-less pushovers. 40:15 Confronting difficult conversations as a leader 44:00 Forgiveness is freedom. Freedom from the abuse or wrongdoing you may have experienced at the hand of someone else. You have to forgive them in order to let it go. 47:00 How can leaders help those in their congregation that are struggling to forgive? 50:30 “We are displeased with others because we are convinced that God is displeased with us.” Links BrantHansen.com Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better The Men We Need: God’s Purpose for the Manly Man, the Avid Indoorsman, or Any Man Willing to Show Up TRANSCRIPT coming soon Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Brant Hansen is an author, nationally syndicated radio host, and advocate for healing children through CURE International. He’s won national “personality of the year” awards for his work on his offbeat and quirky radio show, which airs on more than 200 stations. His podcast with his friend and radio producer, Sherri Lynn (“The Brant and Sherri Oddcast”) has been downloaded more than 10 million times. Brant's first book, Unoffendable, has prompted a national discussion on the idea of forgiveness, and our culture’s embrace of self-righteous anger. Brant and his wife Carolyn have been married 30 years and have two grown children. Highlights 03:40 Introduction to Brant Hansen 09:50 Brant’s message on his radio show is a message of encouragement. Humans are forgetful. We need constant reminders of Jesus and what we are supposed to be doing. 13:50 Why Brant wrote his book, Unoffendable 15:40 We all think our anger is righteous. We aren’t taught enough about anger growing up. 21:30 There are constantly things to be angry about, especially when you are constantly on the news and social media. You can be angry and bitter or be different and take action. 24:15 Stop pointing at other people and observe yourself. The way to constantly force yourself into humility and gratitude is through forgiving people. 27:40 The dopamine hit we get from being right or having that victim mentality 29:00 Responding kindly literally lowers our blood pressure. It calms us and changes our hearts. Choose to forgive. 30:30 Social media is almost set up to create anger and offense. It might be best to take a step back from it. 34:00 “What if Christians were known as people that you can’t offend?” 38:00 We have to forgive but we also aren’t boundary-less pushovers. 40:15 Confronting difficult conversations as a leader 44:00 Forgiveness is freedom. Freedom from the abuse or wrongdoing you may have experienced at the hand of someone else. You have to forgive them in order to let it go. 47:00 How can leaders help those in their congregation that are struggling to forgive? 50:30 “We are displeased with others because we are convinced that God is displeased with us.” Links BrantHansen.com Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better The Men We Need: God’s Purpose for the Manly Man, the Avid Indoorsman, or Any Man Willing to Show Up Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Daniel Brown currently serves as bishop of the Searcy Ward in Searcy, Arkansas. He has previously served as a counselor in the bishopric, elders quorum president, Young Men president, and a counselor in the stake Young Men presidency, among other callings. He served in the Nevada, Las Vegas mission and has been married to Lacey Brown for 20 years. They are the parents of five children. Highlights 03:00 Introduction to Daniel Brown and leveraging the Justserve app 05:00 Daniel shares the background of his area in Arkansas. 07:50 The story of Daniel getting called as bishop and his awesome beard 09:40 What he focused on when starting out as bishop. He was called right after covid and during social distancing and it was a struggle to get back into ministering. 12:00 Why should we be using JustServe? Working with other churches to use JustServe too. 22:00 How Daniel’s ward is using the Justserve app 24:15 The easiest way to feel the love of Christ in our lives is to serve His sons and daughters. 25:00 The missionary effort in Arkansas 25:40 The lesson Daniel’s dad taught him when called as bishop 26:50 Handling youth dynamics as a bishop. They try to do one service activity a month with a youth. They use JustServe to help with these activities. 29:00 There is no role in the church that can’t be covered by the JustServe website. 30:10 Daniel’s testimony of how leadership has brought him closer to Jesus Christ Links JustServe.org TRANSCRIPT coming soon Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Daniel Brown currently serves as bishop of the Searcy Ward in Searcy, Arkansas. He has previously served as a counselor in the bishopric, elders quorum president, Young Men president, and a counselor in the stake Young Men presidency, among other callings. He served in the Nevada, Las Vegas mission and has been married to Lacey Brown for 20 years. They are the parents of five children. Highlights 03:00 Introduction to Daniel Brown and leveraging the Justserve app 05:00 Daniel shares the background of his area in Arkansas. 07:50 The story of Daniel getting called as bishop and his awesome beard 09:40 What he focused on when starting out as bishop. He was called right after covid and during social distancing and it was a struggle to get back into ministering. 12:00 Why should we be using JustServe? Working with other churches to use JustServe too. 22:00 How Daniel’s ward is using the Justserve app 24:15 The easiest way to feel the love of Christ in our lives is to serve His sons and daughters. 25:00 The missionary effort in Arkansas 25:40 The lesson Daniel’s dad taught him when called as bishop 26:50 Handling youth dynamics as a bishop. They try to do one service activity a month with a youth. They use JustServe to help with these activities. 29:00 There is no role in the church that can’t be covered by the JustServe website. 30:10 Daniel’s testimony of how leadership has brought him closer to Jesus Christ Links JustServe.org Implementing JustServe.org in Your Area | An Interview with Autumn Stringam Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Emily Belle Freeman has written more than a dozen books and spoken at a variety of conferences, workshops, and gatherings. She taught for many years in the Church Educational System and has served in numerous callings in the Church, including in Young Women, Sunday School, Relief Society, and fourteen times as girls camp director. She was called to be the next Young Women General President at the April 2023 general conference. Emily has a deep love of the scriptures, which comes from a desire to find their application in everyday life, and her greatest joy comes from spending time with her family. Highlights 01:15 Introduction to Emily Belle Freeman 03:15 Emily’s calling experience 04:00 What Emily learned as a girls camp director. She has been girls camp director about 14 times. She explains how she let the girls lead girls camp. 10:15 Emily gives tips to structure girls camp. She involves the girls and they brainstorm all the activities, food, etc. together. 12:00 One thing Emily learned as a Relief Society president 14:40 What should a leader do or say going to visit someone in the hospital? Just be there. 20:30 Emily and Kurt discuss grace and how we can give grace as leaders The difference between grace and the Atonement Jesus will meet you where you are as you are with grace You don’t have to qualify for grace. It’s not after all you can do. 24:45 The different types of grace Saving grace helps us overcome sin and death Exalting grace helps you become like Him. It transforms us and lifts us up. 26:30 As leaders we need to begin by meeting people where they are as they are (acceptance stage). It’s then that we invite Jesus in and lift. 28:25 Grace in the context of the bishop’s office. Meet them where they are first and then see how they need to be lifted Love needs boundaries 31:45 Kurt and Emily discuss giving people grace but also having expectations for them. Emily shares a personal story of grace. 37:15 Bishops should acknowledge that people dealing with addictions and other problems are going to mess up and that’s ok. They shouldn’t set high expectations right off the bat. Expect them to mess up for a while as they go through the healing and changing process. 40:20 What is grace? Making space for growth and mistakes 41:50 Repentance: to turn again or turn back to. Repentance and grace work together as we turn to God for enabling strength. 44:45 What should bishops do to help people repent or turn back to God? 47:50 How does grace work when dealing with someone who has experienced a withdrawal of membership? Links emilybellefreeman.com Books by Emily Belle Freeman Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Emily Belle Freeman has written more than a dozen books and spoken at a variety of conferences, workshops, and gatherings. She taught for many years in the Church Educational System and has served in numerous callings in the Church, including in Young Women, Sunday School, Relief Society, and fourteen times as girls camp director. She was called to be the next Young Women General President at the April 2023 general conference. Emily has a deep love of the scriptures, which comes from a desire to find their application in everyday life, and her greatest joy comes from spending time with her family. Highlights 01:15 Introduction to Emily Belle Freeman 03:15 Emily’s calling experience 04:00 What Emily learned as a girls camp director. She has been girls camp director about 14 times. She explains how she let the girls lead girls camp. 10:15 Emily gives tips to structure girls camp. She involves the girls and they brainstorm all the activities, food, etc. together. 12:00 One thing Emily learned as a Relief Society president 14:40 What should a leader do or say going to visit someone in the hospital? Just be there. 20:30 Emily and Kurt discuss grace and how we can give grace as leaders The difference between grace and the Atonement Jesus will meet you where you are as you are with grace You don’t have to qualify for grace. It’s not after all you can do. 24:45 The different types of grace Saving grace helps us overcome sin and death Exalting grace helps you become like Him. It transforms us and lifts us up. 26:30 As leaders we need to begin by meeting people where they are as they are (acceptance stage). It’s then that we invite Jesus in and lift. 28:25 Grace in the context of the bishop’s office. Meet them where they are first and then see how they need to be lifted Love needs boundaries 31:45 Kurt and Emily discuss giving people grace but also having expectations for them. Emily shares a personal story of grace. 37:15 Bishops should acknowledge that people dealing with addictions and other problems are going to mess up and that’s ok. They shouldn’t set high expectations right off the bat. Expect them to mess up for a while as they go through the healing and changing process. 40:20 What is grace? Making space for growth and mistakes 41:50 Repentance: to turn again or turn back to. Repentance and grace work together as we turn to God for enabling strength. 44:45 What should bishops do to help people repent or turn back to God? 47:50 How does grace work when dealing with someone who has experienced a withdrawal of membership? Links emilybellefreeman.com Books by Emily Belle Freeman Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Do you feel called to be there? See all the details for these retreats at: https://leadingsaints.org/gathering

Jeanette Bennett is a mother of five, magazine publisher, cancer survivor, current Relief Society president, and former ward and stake Young Women president. She is a frequent emcee, moderator, and speaker along the Wasatch Front. Jeanette was named Top Entrepreneur in Media in 2018, along with Martha Stewart. She sits on the Board of Trustees for Utah Valley University, Thanksgiving Point, and United Way. Jeanette loves coming up with themes for girls camp but can't cook or tie cute ribbons. Highlights 02:30 Introduction to Jeanette Bennett 04:55 Jeanette explains why she and her husband started the Utah Valley magazine and their mission to contribute to the community. 7:30 The power of telling people’s stories in the community. Communicating helps create community. 9:40 Jeanette’s tips and advice to the newsletter specialist or someone that is trying to stimulate community in their ward Make it about people Make it fun. Add humor. Highlight different people and things happening in the ward 12:00 How does ward culture and personality get formed? It’s important to know that one person can impact the culture of the ward even without a title or calling. 13:00 Jeanette’s leadership style Acknowledge people one by one. Remember their names and their kids’ names. Remember things about them or significant things in their lives. Creative leadership. Having themes, colors, and ideas. 14:00 Being a busy Latter-day Saint and juggling all the things. Having faith to say yes to opportunities. 17:00 Saying no to things. Being intentional with your time. What things do and don’t bear fruit in your life? 21:00 Jeanette’s advice to mothers of young children that want to have an impact but are also balancing the dynamic of work, callings, and kids. 26:00 God is a God of miracles. Our faith to say yes and keep trying brings miracles. Give what you have and witness the miracle. 29:40 The temptation for perfection. Getting things done is better than having things perfect. 33:00 Delegation isn’t always the answer to every busy person’s problems. As a leader, you also have to take ownership and be the one to create the vision and framework. You can’t delegate that. 36:45 Leadership as a young women’s president 40:00 Girls camp tips. There are lots of great ideas out there but every brainstorming session needs to start on your knees. Your girls' needs are going to be different from other wards. Connect to heaven first instead of copying and pasting what other wards are doing. 44:00 Helpful ways to communicate with those in your organization. Use all your avenues. 45:30 When Jeanette started her calling as Relief Society president she sent out a survey to help her understand the needs and wants of her Relief Society. 50:20 Engaging with the people that are not so engaged in the ward. Suspend all judgment and understand where they are at. They have their reasons and if they don’t show up that's ok. 54:30 Things that Jeanette really felt that she needed to do when she started as Relief Society president. Help the women document their spiritual experiences To get a pink golf cart. She goes to visit people on it and has them jump on. Links Utah Valley Magazine BusinessQ Magazine Utah Valley Bride TRANSCRIPT coming soon Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander,

Jeanette Bennett is a mother of five, magazine publisher, cancer survivor, current Relief Society president, and former ward and stake Young Women president. She is a frequent emcee, moderator, and speaker along the Wasatch Front. Jeanette was named Top Entrepreneur in Media in 2018, along with Martha Stewart. She sits on the Board of Trustees for Utah Valley University, Thanksgiving Point, and United Way. Jeanette loves coming up with themes for girls camp but can't cook or tie cute ribbons. Highlights 02:30 Introduction to Jeanette Bennett 04:55 Jeanette explains why she and her husband started the Utah Valley magazine and their mission to contribute to the community. 7:30 The power of telling people’s stories in the community. Communicating helps create community. 9:40 Jeanette’s tips and advice to the newsletter specialist or someone that is trying to stimulate community in their ward Make it about people Make it fun. Add humor. Highlight different people and things happening in the ward 12:00 How does ward culture and personality get formed? It’s important to know that one person can impact the culture of the ward even without a title or calling. 13:00 Jeanette’s leadership style Acknowledge people one by one. Remember their names and their kids’ names. Remember things about them or significant things in their lives. Creative leadership. Having themes, colors, and ideas. 14:00 Being a busy Latter-day Saint and juggling all the things. Having faith to say yes to opportunities. 17:00 Saying no to things. Being intentional with your time. What things do and don’t bear fruit in your life? 21:00 Jeanette’s advice to mothers of young children that want to have an impact but are also balancing the dynamic of work, callings, and kids. 26:00 God is a God of miracles. Our faith to say yes and keep trying brings miracles. Give what you have and witness the miracle. 29:40 The temptation for perfection. Getting things done is better than having things perfect. 33:00 Delegation isn’t always the answer to every busy person’s problems. As a leader, you also have to take ownership and be the one to create the vision and framework. You can’t delegate that. 36:45 Leadership as a young women’s president 40:00 Girls camp tips. There are lots of great ideas out there but every brainstorming session needs to start on your knees. Your girls' needs are going to be different from other wards. Connect to heaven first instead of copying and pasting what other wards are doing. 44:00 Helpful ways to communicate with those in your organization. Use all your avenues. 45:30 When Jeanette started her calling as Relief Society president she sent out a survey to help her understand the needs and wants of her Relief Society. 50:20 Engaging with the people that are not so engaged in the ward. Suspend all judgment and understand where they are at. They have their reasons and if they don’t show up that's ok. 54:30 Things that Jeanette really felt that she needed to do when she started as Relief Society president. Help the women document their spiritual experiences To get a pink golf cart. She goes to visit people on it and has them jump on. Links Utah Valley Magazine BusinessQ Magazine Utah Valley Bride Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B.

Brooke Petersen lives in Cleveland, Utah, a rural town south of Price. Her husband, Hans, commutes to West Valley City, Utah, where he practices pediatric dentistry. Brooke and Hans have five children, and Brooke enjoys working in the yard. She currently serves in the Church as the stake young women president of the Huntington Utah Stake. Thomas Sitterud also lives in Cleveland with his wife and three children. He served a mission to Vladivostok, Russia, and then studied Russian at Brigham Young University. He graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and specializes in estate planning. Thomas currently serves as stake Young Men president and stake high councilor. His previous service includes bishopric counselor and elders quorum president. Highlights 03:10 Introduction to Brooke and Thomas and their stake callings 07:20 Stake activities for the youth that they are preparing for 08:20 Stake young women president is Brooke’s first leadership calling. Even though she was intimidated she has been able to have lots of support and shares a fresh perspective. 12:10 Brooke shares the dynamic between her and the ward young women presidencies and how she works with them. 15:20 Thomas shares his perspective on working with the wards as stake young men president. 17:50 Focus on the what. Trying to get to know each girl better by attending youth sporting events and things they are involved with and sending out birthday cards to every girl in the stake. 24:00 Thomas shares what they do as stake leaders to help connect with the one. 27:20 Feeling supported by local leaders. Don’t tell people how important they are to you but show them how important they are to you by your actions and giving them your time. 29:40 Let the youth lead. Let them be a support to the ward just like the youth in Helaman’s army. 32:20 Brooke shares ways that they invite the youth to participate and lead. Giving the youth opportunities to speak with the high council on the third Sunday. 36:30 Getting youth involved at younger ages. Sometimes they have more enthusiasm for leadership roles. 39:30 Final thoughts on leadership. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Brooke Petersen lives in Cleveland, Utah, a rural town south of Price. Her husband, Hans, commutes to West Valley City, Utah, where he practices pediatric dentistry. Brooke and Hans have five children, and Brooke enjoys working in the yard. She currently serves in the Church as the stake Young Women president of the Huntington Utah Stake. Thomas Sitterud also lives in Cleveland with his wife and three children. He served a mission to Vladivostok, Russia, and then studied Russian at Brigham Young University. He graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and specializes in estate planning. Thomas currently serves as stake Young Men president and stake high councilor. His previous service includes bishopric counselor and elders quorum president. Highlights 03:10 Introduction to Brooke and Thomas and their stake callings 07:20 Stake activities for the youth that they are preparing for 08:20 Stake young women president is Brooke’s first leadership calling. Even though she was intimidated she has been able to have lots of support and shares a fresh perspective. 12:10 Brooke shares the dynamic between her and the ward young women presidencies and how she works with them. 15:20 Thomas shares his perspective on working with the wards as stake young men president. 17:50 Focus on the what. Trying to get to know each girl better by attending youth sporting events and things they are involved with and sending out birthday cards to every girl in the stake. 24:00 Thomas shares what they do as stake leaders to help connect with the one. 27:20 Feeling supported by local leaders. Don’t tell people how important they are to you but show them how important they are to you by your actions and giving them your time. 29:40 Let the youth lead. Let them be a support to the ward just like the youth in Helaman’s army. 32:20 Brooke shares ways that they invite the youth to participate and lead. Giving the youth opportunities to speak with the high council on the third Sunday. 36:30 Getting youth involved at younger ages. Sometimes they have more enthusiasm for leadership roles. 39:30 Final thoughts on leadership. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Dr. Derwin L. Gray and his wife Vicki Gray are the co-founders of Transformation Church, just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, where he serves as Lead Pastor. They met at Brigham Young University where he played football and she threw the javelin on the track team. They have two adult children. After graduating from BYU, Pastor Derwin played professional football in the NFL—five years with the Indianapolis Colts and one year with the Carolina Panthers. During that time, he and Vicki began their journey with Christ. Pastor Derwin went on to graduate magna cum laude from Southern Evangelical Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Apologetics, and was mentored by renowned theologian and philosopher, Dr. Norman Geisler. He was later awarded an honorary doctorate from Southern Evangelical Seminary, and he received his Doctor of Ministry in the New Testament in Context at Northern Seminary under Dr. Scot McKnight. Pastor Derwin speaks at conferences nationwide and is the author of several books, including How to Heal Our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and What the First Century Christians Knew about Racial Reconciliation. Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces Pastor Derwin Gray. 03:30 What do you do as a pastor? It’s not a job. It’s a calling. 06:00 How he came to play with BYU football and in the NFL. The spiritual awakening that led Derwin to become a pastor. 13:00 Taking religious courses at BYU without much of a religious background. Derwin shares some of the experiences that he had in his classes. 16:30 Being at BYU taught Derwin to learn the story of other people that you love. It taught him a moral framework and what it means to take care of your own. 19:10 Leadership from Coach Edwards He surrounded himself with good coaches He delegated to them He empowered his staff He built strong relationships 22:30 Delegation means finding and equipping the right people to implement the vision and championing them to do it. 23:30 Tips for delegation You are clear on what you are asking them to do You are prepared to prepare them to do what you are asking them to do Celebrate them for what they do 26:45 Motivating the volunteers and people that are serving. Lovingly pushing people towards action. 32:15 The dynamic between the congregation and a pastor. They have a big staff to care for and shepherd their people. The pastor can’t do it alone. 34:40 The biggest things that Derwin sees that his congregation is struggling with: anxiety, depression, fatigue, comparison, trauma. 37:15 I can’t carry people’s hurts; I have to carry them to Jesus. Learning to have compassion without getting compassion fatigue. 39:40 Crash course on giving a sermon on Jesus. It’s not about information, it’s about transformation. 45:00 Derwin shares his insights on sharing a testimony. Many in our church testify that Joseph Smith is a prophet and that the Church is true but don’t talk about how Jesus has changed their lives. 46:00 The role of Derwin’s wife, Vicki, in the ministry. Women have a vital ministry role. 48:00 To be a bishop or pastor doesn’t mean telling people what to do. Their job is to serve the staff and congregation. 49:30 A lot of times we get our leadership style from culture and not from Christ. 52:40 Pastor Derwin shares his final thoughts and testimony on leadership. Links derwinlgray.com Books by Pastor Derwin Gray TRANSCRIPT coming soon Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox,

Dr. Derwin L. Gray and his wife Vicki Gray are the co-founders of Transformation Church, just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, where he serves as Lead Pastor. They met at Brigham Young University where he played football and she threw the javelin on the track team. They have two adult children. After graduating from BYU, Pastor Derwin played professional football in the NFL—five years with the Indianapolis Colts and one year with the Carolina Panthers. During that time, he and Vicki began their journey with Christ. Pastor Derwin went on to graduate magna cum laude from Southern Evangelical Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Apologetics, and was mentored by renowned theologian and philosopher, Dr. Norman Geisler. He was later awarded an honorary doctorate from Southern Evangelical Seminary, and he received his Doctor of Ministry in the New Testament in Context at Northern Seminary under Dr. Scot McKnight. Pastor Derwin speaks at conferences nationwide and is the author of several books, including How to Heal Our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and What the First Century Christians Knew about Racial Reconciliation. Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces Pastor Derwin Gray. 03:30 What do you do as a pastor? It’s not a job. It’s a calling. 06:00 How he came to play with BYU football and in the NFL. The spiritual awakening that led Derwin to become a pastor. 13:00 Taking religious courses at BYU without much of a religious background. Derwin shares some of the experiences that he had in his classes. 16:30 Being at BYU taught Derwin to learn the story of other people that you love. It taught him a moral framework and what it means to take care of your own. 19:10 Leadership from Coach Edwards He surrounded himself with good coaches He delegated to them He empowered his staff He built strong relationships 22:30 Delegation means finding and equipping the right people to implement the vision and championing them to do it. 23:30 Tips for delegation You are clear on what you are asking them to do You are prepared to prepare them to do what you are asking them to do Celebrate them for what they do 26:45 Motivating the volunteers and people that are serving. Lovingly pushing people towards action. 32:15 The dynamic between the congregation and a pastor. They have a big staff to care for and shepherd their people. The pastor can’t do it alone. 34:40 The biggest things that Derwin sees that his congregation is struggling with: anxiety, depression, fatigue, comparison, trauma. 37:15 I can’t carry people’s hurts; I have to carry them to Jesus. Learning to have compassion without getting compassion fatigue. 39:40 Crash course on giving a sermon on Jesus. It’s not about information, it’s about transformation. 45:00 Derwin shares his insights on sharing a testimony. Many in our church testify that Joseph Smith is a prophet and that the Church is true but don’t talk about how Jesus has changed their lives. 46:00 The role of Derwin’s wife, Vicki, in the ministry. Women have a vital ministry role. 48:00 To be a bishop or pastor doesn’t mean telling people what to do. Their job is to serve the staff and congregation. 49:30 A lot of times we get our leadership style from culture and not from Christ. 52:40 Pastor Derwin shares his final thoughts and testimony on leadership. Links derwinlgray.com Books by Pastor Derwin Gray Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck,

Meagan Patterson is studying fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise in Los Angeles. She is currently serving in her ward Young Women presidency in California. She has previously served as a ward Relief Society president and stake Relief Society president as a young single adult in Utah. She also served in the Zambia Lusaka mission. Highlights 2:40 Meagan’s background 4:30 Meagan shares her experience going from being in a Young Single Adult ward in Utah and moving as a mid-single adult to a geographical ward in California. 6:00 Previous leadership experience and mission in Zambia Lusaka 9:30 Story behind getting called to be the stake Relief Society president 12:50 Getting started as a Relief Society president and choosing counselors. Setting a foundation with the handbook. 16:20 Advice from Meagan’s dad before her mission. Let the elders serve you. It’s the same in our wards. Relief Society and elders quorum should serve one another and work hand in hand. 20:00 Coming together to work with the elders quorum. Things that Meagan did did to help the men in the ward to feel loved. 22:45 Love fuels leadership. We are leaders because we love. People recognize leadership when they feel loved. 24:40 Meagan’s experience working with young women. The unique challenges of an inner city ward. 28:20 Meagan shares her final thoughts and testimony on leadership and how it has brought her closer to the Savior. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Meagan Patterson is studying fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise in Los Angeles. She is currently serving in her ward Young Women presidency in California. She has previously served as a ward Relief Society president and stake Relief Society president as a young single adult in Utah. She also served in the Zambia Lusaka mission. Highlights 2:40 Meagan’s background 4:30 Meagan shares her experience going from being in a Young Single Adult ward in Utah and moving as a mid-single adult to a geographical ward in California. 6:00 Previous leadership experience and mission in Zambia Lusaka 9:30 Story behind getting called to be the stake Relief Society president 12:50 Getting started as a Relief Society president and choosing counselors. Setting a foundation with the handbook. 16:20 Advice from Meagan’s dad before her mission. Let the elders serve you. It’s the same in our wards. Relief Society and elders quorum should serve one another and work hand in hand. 20:00 Coming together to work with the elders quorum. Things that Meagan did did to help the men in the ward to feel loved. 22:45 Love fuels leadership. We are leaders because we love. People recognize leadership when they feel loved. 24:40 Meagan’s experience working with young women. The unique challenges of an inner city ward. 28:20 Meagan shares her final thoughts and testimony on leadership and how it has brought her closer to the Savior. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is Part 2 of a 2-part podcast. Listen to Part 1 HERE. Sara Newman Sara Newman currently serves as a member of her ward’s Relief Society service committee in whatever capacity is needed. She earned her bachelor's degree in Family Science from Brigham Young University and enjoyed raising five children with her husband. She anticipates “retiring” soon, once her youngest is launched, and is enjoying her new role as a grandmother. She has lived in four states, served as Relief Society president in three different wards, and as Relief Society counselor, pianist, chorister, Cub Scout leader, Primary teacher and counselor, Relief Society teacher, and Gospel Doctrine teacher. Highlights 0:15 Sara speaks on being released from as Relief Society president earlier than she expected. 3:30 “I cried when I got the calling; I cried when I got released. I was surprised by it.” 5:30 Something for leaders to think about is giving leaders more time to transition when a release is coming. It can be very jarring to have a calling and the next day nothing. 6:50 There was no excitement or relief getting released. Just devastation. Sara shares the reasons why she felt so hurt when released. 9:30 Part of the devastation was loneliness and loss of the community she was a part of. Also, not feeling like she was doing a good enough job. 12:30 Looking back Sara can say the time was right to get released because of health challenges that happened. She can see the Lord’s timing but at the moment it was very hard. 13:30 The first weeks after getting released were the hardest. 16:50 The bishopric and other ward council members had a small gathering to thank Sara for her service. It helped her have some closure. 19:20 Sara’s encouragement to other leaders that are also going through a transition after getting released Darren Bush Darren Bush is a husband, father, and paddler who advocates outdoor activities to feel the Spirit. Darren served a mission to southern Italy, met his wife, Stephanie, at Brigham Young University, and completed degrees in Italian and Psychology at University of Wisconsin–Madison after discovering it was the best place in the world. After completing a master’s degree at the University of Rochester the family moved back to Wisconsin where he eventually bought Rutabaga Paddlesports. He has previously served as a bishop, Primary teacher and nursery leader, elders quorum and Young Men president, ward missionary, high councilor, in a young single adult bishopric, and as an executive secretary and financial clerk. Highlights 20:11 Darren Bush, recently-released bishop 22:30 The relationships that were built over the past five years as bishop were gone. 24:00 The day Darren got released made him feel lighter. He didn’t realize how much weight he was holding. However, it was still hard. Missing the people and seeing people’s faces. 26:30 The lost puppy phase after getting released 30:00 Advice Darren was given from his uncle, a former bishop. “Don’t go inactive.” 33:00 We need to separate our personal identity from our calling in the ward. 35:15 Combating loneliness after being bishop 40:45 Darren’s encouragement to the former leader that is fighting loneliness Julie Kiser Julie Kiser is a graduate of Brigham Young University and currently works part-time as a professional organizer and as a part-time administrative assistant to her husband and his financial advising firm. She currently serves as a special needs mutual advisor and a Gospel Doctrine teacher. Past callings include stake YSA Relief Society president, YSA Relief Society advisor, counselor in Young Women, Primary, and Relief Society presidencies, Primary teacher, Young Women advisor and compassionate service leader. Julie has been married for 37 years and has five children. She loves spending time with her husband and family, reading, long walks with friends, traveling, hiking, cooking and baking,

This is Part 2 of a 2-part podcast. Listen to Part 1 HERE. Sara Newman Sara Newman currently serves as a member of her ward’s Relief Society service committee in whatever capacity is needed. She earned her bachelor's degree in Family Science from Brigham Young University and enjoyed raising five children with her husband. She anticipates “retiring” soon, once her youngest is launched, and is enjoying her new role as a grandmother. She has lived in four states, served as Relief Society president in three different wards, and as Relief Society counselor, pianist, chorister, Cub Scout leader, Primary teacher and counselor, Relief Society teacher, and Gospel Doctrine teacher. Highlights 0:15 Sara speaks on being released from as Relief Society president earlier than she expected. 3:30 “I cried when I got the calling; I cried when I got released. I was surprised by it.” 5:30 Something for leaders to think about is giving leaders more time to transition when a release is coming. It can be very jarring to have a calling and the next day nothing. 6:50 There was no excitement or relief getting released. Just devastation. Sara shares the reasons why she felt so hurt when released. 9:30 Part of the devastation was loneliness and loss of the community she was a part of. Also, not feeling like she was doing a good enough job. 12:30 Looking back Sara can say the time was right to get released because of health challenges that happened. She can see the Lord’s timing but at the moment it was very hard. 13:30 The first weeks after getting released were the hardest. 16:50 The bishopric and other ward council members had a small gathering to thank Sara for her service. It helped her have some closure. 19:20 Sara’s encouragement to other leaders that are also going through a transition after getting released Darren Bush Darren Bush is a husband, father, and paddler who advocates outdoor activities to feel the Spirit. Darren served a mission to southern Italy, met his wife, Stephanie, at Brigham Young University, and completed degrees in Italian and Psychology at University of Wisconsin–Madison after discovering it was the best place in the world. After completing a master’s degree at the University of Rochester the family moved back to Wisconsin where he eventually bought Rutabaga Paddlesports. He has previously served as a bishop, Primary teacher and nursery leader, elders quorum and Young Men president, ward missionary, high councilor, in a young single adult bishopric, and as an executive secretary and financial clerk. Highlights 20:11 Darren Bush, recently-released bishop 22:30 The relationships that were built over the past five years as bishop were gone. 24:00 The day Darren got released made him feel lighter. He didn’t realize how much weight he was holding. However, it was still hard. Missing the people and seeing people’s faces. 26:30 The lost puppy phase after getting released 30:00 Advice Darren was given from his uncle, a former bishop. “Don’t go inactive.” 33:00 We need to separate our personal identity from our calling in the ward. 35:15 Combating loneliness after being bishop 40:45 Darren’s encouragement to the former leader that is fighting loneliness Julie Kiser Julie Kiser is a graduate of Brigham Young University and currently works part-time as a professional organizer and as a part-time administrative assistant to her husband and his financial advising firm. She currently serves as a special needs mutual advisor and a Gospel Doctrine teacher. Past callings include stake YSA Relief Society president, YSA Relief Society advisor, counselor in Young Women, Primary, and Relief Society presidencies, Primary teacher, Young Women advisor and compassionate service leader. Julie has been married for 37 years and has five children. She loves spending time with her husband and family, reading, long walks with friends, traveling, hiking, cooking and baking,

Kurt Francom is the founder and executive director of Leading Saints, manages the day-to-day efforts of Leading Saints, and is the host of the podcast. Kurt graduated from the University of Utah in 2008 with a degree in Business Marketing. He ran a web development company for five years before focusing on Leading Saints full time. Kurt currently lives in Stansbury Park, Utah with his lovely wife Alanna. They are blessed to have three children. Kurt has served as a full-time missionary (California Sacramento), as a bishop, first counselor in a stake presidency, and elders quorum president. This is Part 1 of a 2-part podcast. Listen to Part 2 HERE. Highlights 01:00 Kurt introduces the episode’s topic of feeling hurt when released from a calling. 04:15 Sometimes getting released from a calling is an identity shift and is accompanied by feelings of loneliness or feeling lost. 07:30 Kurt shares his story and leadership journey. Being bishop and in the stake presidency then going back to being brother Francom. The sadness about not being as involved. 14:00 There is a transition period when being released from a big calling. Even years later it can still hurt. 16:20 It hurts not to be called, not to be chosen, not to be the leader. 18:45 It’s ok to hurt and struggle with the transition of not being in leadership anymore. 19:10 Episode takeaways: Remember that closure is crucial Reach out to others for support Surrender your impact and things you started in the ward. The next leader is probably going to change things 23:00 Minister to the bishop who just got released. Help them through the transition. Share your own story. 24:10 Kurt reads a letter from a former bishop that got released suddenly. Links Part 2 of this podcast Is Aspiring Wrong? Finding Purpose in Your Ward After a Heavy Leadership Calling | An Interview with Rob Eaton Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saint podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Kurt Francom is the founder and executive director of Leading Saints, manages the day-to-day efforts of Leading Saints, and is the host of the podcast. Kurt graduated from the University of Utah in 2008 with a degree in Business Marketing. He ran a web development company for five years before focusing on Leading Saints full time. Kurt currently lives in Stansbury Park, Utah with his lovely wife Alanna. They are blessed to have three children. Kurt has served as a full-time missionary (California Sacramento), as a bishop, first counselor in a stake presidency, and elders quorum president. This is Part 1 of a 2-part podcast. Listen to Part 2 HERE. Highlights 01:00 Kurt introduces the episode’s topic of feeling hurt when released from a calling. 04:15 Sometimes getting released from a calling is an identity shift and is accompanied by feelings of loneliness or feeling lost. 07:30 Kurt shares his story and leadership journey. Being bishop and in the stake presidency then going back to being brother Francom. The sadness about not being as involved. 14:00 There is a transition period when being released from a big calling. Even years later it can still hurt. 16:20 It hurts not to be called, not to be chosen, not to be the leader. 18:45 It’s ok to hurt and struggle with the transition of not being in leadership anymore. 19:10 Episode takeaways: Remember that closure is crucial Reach out to others for support Surrender your impact and things you started in the ward. The next leader is probably going to change things 23:00 Minister to the bishop who just got released. Help them through the transition. Share your own story. 24:10 Kurt reads a letter from a former bishop that got released suddenly. Links Part 2 of this podcast Is Aspiring Wrong? Finding Purpose in Your Ward After a Heavy Leadership Calling | An Interview with Rob Eaton Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saint podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Ben Thatcher is a life-long church member, having grown up in small wards and branches across Texas. He served in the France Paris mission and has degrees in Mass Communication (University of Utah) and Public Administration (University of North Texas). Ben has worked in local government in several cities across Texas and currently is the city manager of Boerne (pronounced Burn-nee), Texas, northwest of San Antonio. He currently serves as bishop of his ward and has also served as an executive secretary, ward clerk, Sunday School president, bishopric counselor, and high councilor. When he is not at city hall or church, Ben can often be found coaching youth baseball in his spare time. He and his wife, Summer, have been married for over 23 years and have four sons. Highlights 02:50 Introduction and background of Ben Thatcher 08:30 What it's like working as a city manager 11:30 Ninety percent of the time our problems can be solved by going and having a conversation with someone. 12:30 Tips for having tough conversations on direction of leadership 18:50 The principle of focus Focus on fewer things Understand your role from the handbook and focus on that 27:10 Ben explains extended ward councils: a yearly, 90-minute council in a new environment 30:30 The engagement principle Applying principles used with employees at church with ward council How to support your ward council Give the ward council a framework 36:00 Are you talking to your members about their progress and how they are personally? 39:15 The importance of personal talents and strengths 42:20 Ben shares an experience he had with Elder Dunn of the seventy and what he was able to learn from him to help him as a new bishop. 44:30 Ben had a rough first year as bishop but he explains how he was able to turn it around and get more help from the ward to help with the youth. 49:30 Ben applies what he has learned as a city manager in his service in the Church. 53:40 Ben’s final thoughts on leadership Links 12: The Elements of Great Managing TRANSCRIPT coming soon Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Ben Thatcher is a life-long church member, having grown up in small wards and branches across Texas. He served in the France Paris mission and has degrees in Mass Communication (University of Utah) and Public Administration (University of North Texas). Ben has worked in local government in several cities across Texas and currently is the city manager of Boerne (pronounced Burn-nee), Texas, northwest of San Antonio. He currently serves as bishop of his ward and has also served as an executive secretary, ward clerk, Sunday School president, bishopric counselor, and high councilor. When he is not at city hall or church, Ben can often be found coaching youth baseball in his spare time. He and his wife, Summer, have been married for over 23 years and have four sons. Highlights 02:50 Introduction and background of Ben Thatcher 08:30 What it's like working as a city manager 11:30 Ninety percent of the time our problems can be solved by going and having a conversation with someone. 12:30 Tips for having tough conversations on direction of leadership 18:50 The principle of focus Focus on fewer things Understand your role from the handbook and focus on that 27:10 Ben explains extended ward councils: a yearly, 90-minute council in a new environment 30:30 The engagement principle Applying principles used with employees at church with ward council How to support your ward council Give the ward council a framework 36:00 Are you talking to your members about their progress and how they are personally? 39:15 The importance of personal talents and strengths 42:20 Ben shares an experience he had with Elder Dunn of the seventy and what he was able to learn from him to help him as a new bishop. 44:30 Ben had a rough first year as bishop but he explains how he was able to turn it around and get more help from the ward to help with the youth. 49:30 Ben applies what he has learned as a city manager in his service in the Church. 53:40 Ben’s final thoughts on leadership Links 12: The Elements of Great Managing Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Bonnie Oscarson was born in Salt Lake City, Utah but her family moved and lived in several different states as she was growing up. She attended Brigham Young University and majored in commercial art. Bonnie met her husband, Paul Oscarson, when her family lived in St. Louis, Missouri. They are the parents of seven children and have 29 fascinating grandchildren. Paul and Bonnie served as mission president and companion in the Sweden Gothenburg Mission as a young couple and then returned to Sweden in 2009 to serve as president and matron of the Stockholm Sweden Temple. She finally finished her bachelor’s degree from BYU in British and American Literature 41 years after she first began. (She is glad she did it but doesn’t recommend that educational plan.) Bonnie was called to serve as the Young Women general president in April 2013 and released in April 2018. Since her release she is enjoying spending time with those grandchildren and catching up on her reading. Bonnie and Paul recently moved to Provo where they serve as ordinance workers in the Provo Temple and as ecclesiastical leaders in the Provo Missionary Training Center. Highlights 02:15 Kurt introduces Bonnie Oscarson. 03:00 Bonnie talks about her upbringing and background. 8:45 Leadership opportunities. When Bonnie was 25 and her husband was 29 years old, they were called to serve as mission leaders in Sweden. 12:20 Stepping up to a big calling at a young age 18:30 Preparation for her calling as the general young women’s president 18:50 The Lord knows what's coming. Bonnie talks about how leadership callings and going back to school prepared her for what was to come. 23:10 Being called as matron to the Stockholm temple 25:40 Her biggest takeaway from serving at the temple was, “To see the hand of the Lord so clearly.” The daily miracles. 27:30 Getting called to be the general young women's president and choosing counselors 33:00 Feeling inadequate in her new calling and how God pulled her through 34:20 Starting out as the Young Women general president. Do I change things? 40:00 Speaking in conference isn’t hard. Writing the talk is hard. 43:20 What Bonnie learned in her time traveling and visiting other places 45:00 Bonnie’s advice to a new Young Women presidency. Learn how to follow the Spirit. 48:20 Issues and things they focused on when Bonnie was Young Women general president. 54:00 Speaking up in ward council; Women struggling to feel heard in councils 58:15 What Bonnie’s up to today: Serving in the temple and MTC. 59:10 Bonnie’s final thoughts on leadership Links TRANSCRIPT coming soon Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Bonnie Oscarson was born in Salt Lake City, Utah but her family moved and lived in several different states as she was growing up. She attended Brigham Young University and majored in commercial art. Bonnie met her husband, Paul Oscarson, when her family lived in St. Louis, Missouri. They are the parents of seven children and have 29 fascinating grandchildren. Paul and Bonnie served as mission president and companion in the Sweden Gothenburg Mission as a young couple and then returned to Sweden in 2009 to serve as president and matron of the Stockholm Sweden Temple. She finally finished her bachelor’s degree from BYU in British and American Literature 41 years after she first began. (She is glad she did it but doesn’t recommend that educational plan.) Bonnie was called to serve as the Young Women general president in April 2013 and released in April 2018. Since her release she is enjoying spending time with those grandchildren and catching up on her reading. Bonnie and Paul recently moved to Provo where they serve as ordinance workers in the Provo Temple and as ecclesiastical leaders in the Provo Missionary Training Center. Highlights 02:15 Kurt introduces Bonnie Oscarson. 03:00 Bonnie talks about her upbringing and background. 8:45 Leadership opportunities. When Bonnie was 25 and her husband was 29 years old, they were called to serve as mission leaders in Sweden. 12:20 Stepping up to a big calling at a young age 18:30 Preparation for her calling as the general young women’s president 18:50 The Lord knows what's coming. Bonnie talks about how leadership callings and going back to school prepared her for what was to come. 23:10 Being called as matron to the Stockholm temple 25:40 Her biggest takeaway from serving at the temple was, “To see the hand of the Lord so clearly.” The daily miracles. 27:30 Getting called to be the general young women's president and choosing counselors 33:00 Feeling inadequate in her new calling and how God pulled her through 34:20 Starting out as the Young Women general president. Do I change things? 40:00 Speaking in conference isn’t hard. Writing the talk is hard. 43:20 What Bonnie learned in her time traveling and visiting other places 45:00 Bonnie’s advice to a new Young Women presidency. Learn how to follow the Spirit. 48:20 Issues and things they focused on when Bonnie was Young Women general president. 54:00 Speaking up in ward council; Women struggling to feel heard in councils 58:15 What Bonnie’s up to today: Serving in the temple and MTC. 59:10 Bonnie’s final thoughts on leadership Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in December 2019. Jason Coombs is a Utah native and lives in the Boise, Idaho, area with his wife and 7-year-old twins. They own a chain of substance use disorder treatment centers called Brick House Recovery. Kurt previously interviewed Jason as part of the Liberating Saints Virtual Conference, and for the upcoming Recovering Saints Virtual Conference. Brent Daines was Jason’s bishop from 2006 to 2011. Brent now serves as a stake president, lives in Centerville, Utah, and is the father of seven incredible children and 12 beautiful grandchildren. He is currently the CEO of RLL Insurance and loves to flyfish, ski, and golf in his spare time. Kurt Francom, Brent Daines, Jason Coombs Highlights 06:30 Jason’s story started with an auto accident 07:45 Jason is the grandson of President James E. Faust, and at the time attended church weekly but wasn’t living close to the Spirit. Went to lunch with a friend from work who connected him to a doctor prescribing opioids 12:30 Ignored the warnings in his head but justified his actions and saw the doctor 16:00 The physician was indicted for fraud five months later, sending 139 addicted patients to the street for drugs 22:00 Didn’t believe he had a problem, but had merely been “found out”; marriage failed and was homeless and living in a very dark place 24:30 Incarcerated and in a drug court program but couldn’t stop using 25:25 Brent received a phone call from Jason’s ex-wife and went to see him in jail 28:15 Brent had been prepared by his experience with his brother and was able to see Jason as Christ sees him 32:10 There will be a few people who are greatly affected by you during your time serving as a church leader 36:00 Called President Faust at Jason’s request and learned more about coming to this from a place of love 38:30 Weekly visits from Brent led to hope for Jason, but he was still not ready to commit to change for four years after being released from jail. Brent would still appear at critical points in Jason’s life. 42:00 Brent could still feel Heavenly Father’s love for Jason, even though it seemed his actions were not helping 44:10 Jason made the decision to change after his son was born and in intensive care, but still went through rehab five times before he was able to complete the 12 steps and fully change 47:45 Made a final confession to Bishop Daines, in spite of his fears about judgment and excommunication 50:30 Immersed himself in friendship with others who were actively recovering, made good decisions, and changed his perspective on church discipline; Brent was his advocate through all of this 55:50 The challenge of self-forgiveness and recognizing Jesus Christ as your personal Savior Links Unhooked: How to Help an Addicted Loved One Recover, by Jason Coombs Brick House Recovery Recovering Saints Virtual Conference Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library, including the Liberating Saints Conference The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary,

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in December 2019. Jason Coombs is a Utah native and lives in the Boise, Idaho, area with his wife and 7-year-old twins. They own a chain of substance use disorder treatment centers called Brick House Recovery. Kurt previously interviewed Jason as part of the Liberating Saints Virtual Conference, and for the upcoming Recovering Saints Virtual Conference. Brent Daines was Jason’s bishop from 2006 to 2011. Brent now serves as a stake president, lives in Centerville, Utah, and is the father of seven incredible children and 12 beautiful grandchildren. He is currently the CEO of RLL Insurance and loves to flyfish, ski, and golf in his spare time. Kurt Francom, Brent Daines, Jason Coombs Highlights 06:30 Jason’s story started with an auto accident 07:45 Jason is the grandson of President James E. Faust, and at the time attended church weekly but wasn’t living close to the Spirit. Went to lunch with a friend from work who connected him to a doctor prescribing opioids 12:30 Ignored the warnings in his head but justified his actions and saw the doctor 16:00 The physician was indicted for fraud five months later, sending 139 addicted patients to the street for drugs 22:00 Didn’t believe he had a problem, but had merely been “found out”; marriage failed and was homeless and living in a very dark place 24:30 Incarcerated and in a drug court program but couldn’t stop using 25:25 Brent received a phone call from Jason’s ex-wife and went to see him in jail 28:15 Brent had been prepared by his experience with his brother and was able to see Jason as Christ sees him 32:10 There will be a few people who are greatly affected by you during your time serving as a church leader 36:00 Called President Faust at Jason’s request and learned more about coming to this from a place of love 38:30 Weekly visits from Brent led to hope for Jason, but he was still not ready to commit to change for four years after being released from jail. Brent would still appear at critical points in Jason’s life. 42:00 Brent could still feel Heavenly Father’s love for Jason, even though it seemed his actions were not helping 44:10 Jason made the decision to change after his son was born and in intensive care, but still went through rehab five times before he was able to complete the 12 steps and fully change 47:45 Made a final confession to Bishop Daines, in spite of his fears about judgment and excommunication 50:30 Immersed himself in friendship with others who were actively recovering, made good decisions, and changed his perspective on church discipline; Brent was his advocate through all of this 55:50 The challenge of self-forgiveness and recognizing Jesus Christ as your personal Savior Links Unhooked: How to Help an Addicted Loved One Recover, by Jason Coombs Brick House Recovery Recovering Saints Virtual Conference Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library, including the Liberating Saints Conference The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary,

Kurt Brown hails from Sacramento, California, where his family joined the Church when he was young. He played two years of college basketball, studied Finance and Economics at Brigham Young University, and dropped out senior year to go to Wall Street, where he was a trader on the New York Stock Exchange and the co-manager of an investment fund for 13 years. He started his own firm, TownSquare Capital, in 2018 and sold it to a larger, national firm (Orion) in 2022. In the Church, Kurt's callings have included single adult ward bishop, Young Men president, scoutmaster, Gospel Doctrine teacher, elders quorum president, and ward clerk. Kurt and his wife, Katie, have been married 16 years and have four children: one biological son, an adopted daughter, and two special-needs foster children they adopted. Kurt and Katie have been called to serve as the mission leaders of the Washington Tacoma Mission starting July 2023. Highlights Summary coming soon Links TRANSCRIPT coming soon Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Kurt Brown hails from Sacramento, California, where his family joined the Church when he was young. He played two years of college basketball, studied Finance and Economics at Brigham Young University, and dropped out senior year to go to Wall Street, where he was a trader on the New York Stock Exchange and the co-manager of an investment fund for 13 years. He started his own firm, TownSquare Capital, in 2018 and sold it to a larger, national firm (Orion) in 2022. In the Church, his callings have included single adult ward bishop, Young Men president, scoutmaster, Gospel Doctrine teacher, elders quorum president, and ward clerk. He served in the Canada Halifax mission. Kurt and his wife, Katie, have been married 16 years and have four children: one biological son, an adopted daughter, and two special-needs foster children they adopted. Kurt and Katie have been called to serve as the mission leaders of the Washington Tacoma Mission starting July 2023. Highlights 03:40 Introduction to Kurt Brown, his childhood, his family joining the church, and his mission. 12:30 Working at wall street, going to college, and playing basketball. 15:20 Slipping away from the church for a time. Kurt’s faith journey and ending up back in Utah. 19:00 Coming back to Utah, getting his life back in order, got married at 35. 21:30 Kurt helped create a mid singles ward in Provo, Utah and was the bishop of that ward. He talks about what he did to start the ward. 30:00 Establishing positive culture at church. They did this by creating a space that felt like the savior was present. The first weeks they had 120 people and within 5 months they had 500 people attending. 33:30 The experience that people need at church is to feel warm and welcomed. Every Sunday after sacrament meeting they would break into visitors meeting. Kurt shares what they would share with people in those meetings. 36:30 From the very first visitor’s meeting they established the culture. Everyone got vulnerable, shared their stories. Every single meeting was focused on helping people feel hope and the holy ghost. 37:50 There is something powerful about sharing our stories. When hearing people’s stories we need to have as much compassion as the savior would. 40:00 You aren’t the gatekeeper. You are the welcoming committee. 41:30 In three years they never assigned a topic for sacrament meeting. 42:15 Kurt constantly invited people to come see him and unload their pain on him. 43:20 Kurt shares an experience with President Eyring. President Eyring taught that while we are a handbook heavy church, the handbook is not what we are doing. It’s about love, not a checklist from the handbook. 45:40 After serving as bishop, Kurt has been able to see people in a completely different way. He is no longer a harsh judge. 47:50 Creating a bishop’s office that is a place to unload pain and feel hope. 49:00 Too many bishops insert themselves too much in other people’s repentance process. You are not their parole office. You are their advocate. You help carry the baggage. 52:20 Helping people with repentance Setting the framework The people choose their own path to repentance, not the bishop Take the focus off the shame and shift it to creating better self worth 1:02:30 Letting people choose their own path to repentance. What’s meaningful and personal to people is different and that’s why a repentance checklist from the bishop isn’t going to work for everyone. They have to work with the spirit to find out what they need to do to repent. 1:05:00 Disciplinary council is the last resort. We have to lean to the side of compassion and listen to the spirit. 1:08:45 Getting in trouble as bishop because he refused to kick anyone out of the ward just because they didn’t live in the boundaries. He felt strongly about protecting ‘the one’ and giving them a home. 1:12:20 Getting called as mission president.

Tommy Wilson was born and raised in Georgia. He now lives in Crestview, Florida, and serves as first counselor in the stake presidency. He has also served in the stake Young Men organization and as a bishop. Highlights 02:40 Introduction to Tommy Wilson. He shares about getting called to the stake presidency. 09:00 Tommy describes his area and the demographic of his stake 11:15 Advice to a new bishop 14:15 The personal weaknesses that come to the surface as a bishop. Things Tommy regrets. 21:15 Being vulnerable as a bishop and encouraging others to do the same 25:20 Tommy shares about losing his baby boy. The thing that helped him the most was finding a community that had gone through the same thing. The people around you have more in common with you than you think. Open up and talk to them. 29:15 Tommy’s invitation to his ward to open up and talk. You have to learn to be okay with uncomfortable topics. 32:00 Connecting with people on a deeper level. One on one. 40:40 Not taking yourself too seriously as a bishop 43:40 Tommy shares how he gained his testimony and the first time he felt like God loved him. 46:00 An experience Tommy had feeling the love of God for a man in his ward Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, https://leadingsaints.org/connecting-the-general-with-the-individual-an-interview-with-reyna-and-elena-aburto/Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Tommy Wilson was born and raised in Georgia. He now lives in Crestview, Florida, and serves as first counselor in the stake presidency. He has also served in the stake Young Men organization and as a bishop. Highlights 02:40 Introduction to Tommy Wilson. He shares about getting called to the stake presidency. 09:00 Tommy describes his area and the demographic of his stake 11:15 Advice to a new bishop 14:15 The personal weaknesses that come to the surface as a bishop. Things Tommy regrets. 21:15 Being vulnerable as a bishop and encouraging others to do the same 25:20 Tommy shares about losing his baby boy. The thing that helped him the most was finding a community that had gone through the same thing. The people around you have more in common with you than you think. Open up and talk to them. 29:15 Tommy’s invitation to his ward to open up and talk. You have to learn to be okay with uncomfortable topics. 32:00 Connecting with people on a deeper level. One on one. 40:40 Not taking yourself too seriously as a bishop 43:40 Tommy shares how he gained his testimony and the first time he felt like God loved him. 46:00 An experience Tommy had feeling the love of God for a man in his ward Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Keyth Pankau was baptized a member of the Church about six months after joining the Navy when he was 21 years old. He spent nine years in the Navy, including deployments to Fallujah, Iraq, as a member of a convoy security team, and providing relief immediately following Hurricane Katrina. During this time he obtained a degree in Persian Studies from the Defense Language Institute and a bachelor of science. Keyth continued to serve in the Church between deployments as a youth Sunday School teacher, a Gospel Doctrine teacher, a counselor in the Young Men presidency, and a scoutmaster, along with serving while deployed as a sacrament group leader. Keyth was selected as a Direct Commission Intelligence Officer and switched over to the Coast Guard where he continued a life of travel and service with much shorter trips. He was a dual career track officer (Intelligence/Operations Ashore Response) where he specialized in crisis/emergency management. In the Coast Guard, Keyth also completed his Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University and a Master of Science in Environmental from Louisiana State University. During this time, Keyth served as a 2nd counselor in a Young Men’s presidency, scoutmaster, Young Men president, second counselor in a bishopric, ward mission leader, and a branch president. When the Baton Rouge Temple was rededicated he started serving as an ordinance worker and continues in that capacity today. He is also the bishop of his ward and has been serving for about a year. Keyth currently works as a civil servant for the Coast Guard and is pursuing a doctor of education in Applied Learning Sciences from the University of Miami. He is the producer, host, and content creator of the podcast "That ALL Might Be Edified: Discussions on Servant Leadership". Keyth and his wife Tiffany have two daughters and one granddaughter. Originally from Washington, Keyth spent about a year in Illinois and met Tiffany in California. They have also served & lived in Georgia, Alaska, and twice in Louisiana, where they now reside. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to Keyth and the episode theme 03:20 Keyth’s background in the Coast Guard, serving as bishop, and his podcast 07:15 Search and rescue and how it relates to church leadership 13:41 The indicators that we can use in the Church to search for the individuals who might need rescue 15:10 Keyth shares a personal experience he has had with a member in his ward. 19:10 Coming together as a ward council to help one individual: Keyth shares how a targeted approach can work in search and rescue. 21:00 Finding the families that need help. How do you do it? What to look for and tools to help. Your ward council is your team. 27:30 Not everyone wants to be rescued. Not everyone is excited to help either. We have to try to help them understand that the Lord wants what is best for them. 33:10 Who are the bystanders in the ward? Who is not active in the Lord’s vineyard? What invitations could we make to them to help them feel the Lord’s love? 37:40 Coming together as a ward council to find people that need invitations 39:15 Helping the bystander. It’s more than just giving them a calling. We need to invite them to do inspired things. Maybe what they need is help finding friends. 41:40 Keyth shares an analogy about boats and making sure they are seaworthy. In the same way individuals have to be ready and "seaworthy" before they can go out and rescue others. 49:20 As a council we have to learn how to ask better questions. What do you like? What works for you? What skills do you have? We have to understand who someone is and what skills they have. Then we can harness those gifts and skills to help them get active in the vineyard. 50:20 Where are you at? How are you really doing? Get used to asking these questions and create an environment where people will answer you truthfully and vulnerably.

Keyth Pankau was baptized a member of the Church about six months after joining the Navy when he was 21 years old. He spent nine years in the Navy, including deployments to Fallujah, Iraq, as a member of a convoy security team, and providing relief immediately following Hurricane Katrina. During this time he obtained a degree in Persian Studies from the Defense Language Institute and a bachelor of science. Keyth continued to serve in the Church between deployments as a youth Sunday School teacher, a Gospel Doctrine teacher, a counselor in the Young Men presidency, and a scoutmaster, along with serving while deployed as a sacrament group leader. Keyth was selected as a Direct Commission Intelligence Officer and switched over to the Coast Guard where he continued a life of travel and service with much shorter trips. He was a dual career track officer (Intelligence/Operations Ashore Response) where he specialized in crisis/emergency management. In the Coast Guard, Keyth also completed his Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University and a Master of Science in Environmental from Louisiana State University. During this time, Keyth served as a 2nd counselor in a Young Men’s presidency, scoutmaster, Young Men president, second counselor in a bishopric, ward mission leader, and a branch president. When the Baton Rouge Temple was rededicated he started serving as an ordinance worker and continues in that capacity today. He is also the bishop of his ward and has been serving for about a year. Keyth currently works as a civil servant for the Coast Guard and is pursuing a doctor of education in Applied Learning Sciences from the University of Miami. He is the producer, host, and content creator of the podcast "That ALL Might Be Edified: Discussions on Servant Leadership". Keyth and his wife Tiffany have two daughters and one granddaughter. Originally from Washington, Keyth spent about a year in Illinois and met Tiffany in California. They have also served & lived in Georgia, Alaska, and twice in Louisiana, where they now reside. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to Keyth and the episode theme 03:20 Keyth’s background in the Coast Guard, serving as bishop, and his podcast 07:15 Search and rescue and how it relates to church leadership 13:41 The indicators that we can use in the Church to search for the individuals who might need rescue 15:10 Keyth shares a personal experience he has had with a member in his ward. 19:10 Coming together as a ward council to help one individual: Keyth shares how a targeted approach can work in search and rescue. 21:00 Finding the families that need help. How do you do it? What to look for and tools to help. Your ward council is your team. 27:30 Not everyone wants to be rescued. Not everyone is excited to help either. We have to try to help them understand that the Lord wants what is best for them. 33:10 Who are the bystanders in the ward? Who is not active in the Lord’s vineyard? What invitations could we make to them to help them feel the Lord’s love? 37:40 Coming together as a ward council to find people that need invitations 39:15 Helping the bystander. It’s more than just giving them a calling. We need to invite them to do inspired things. Maybe what they need is help finding friends. 41:40 Keyth shares an analogy about boats and making sure they are seaworthy. In the same way individuals have to be ready and "seaworthy" before they can go out and rescue others. 49:20 As a council we have to learn how to ask better questions. What do you like? What works for you? What skills do you have? We have to understand who someone is and what skills they have. Then we can harness those gifts and skills to help them get active in the vineyard. 50:20 Where are you at? How are you really doing? Get used to asking these questions and create an environment where people will answer you truthfully and vulnerably.

Jenna Rhoads currently serves as stake activities director, ward nursery leader, and temple ordinance worker. She has loved planning ways to gather the saints, create a fun relaxed environment, and provide a great place for missionary opportunities. Jenna's previous church callings have mostly been with the young women and the youth. She loves Girls’ Camp and has only missed about four years since she was 12 years old. She has also been a Gospel Doctrine teacher, which prepared her to teach four years of Seminary. Jenna and her husband, Daryl Rhoads, have been married for 30 years and raised their family of four in Las Vegas, where they have enjoyed a fun, full life together. She studied education and worked as a substitute teacher before working as a cosmetologist for 17 years. Her next adventure is to get a degree in Business Management so that when her husband retires from the police department they can start a business together. Highlights 02:50 Jenna’s story and background 05:00 Jenna describes her ward and stake in Las Vegas, Nevada. She serves as a stake activities director. 07:00 Jenna describes what she does as a stake activities director and how her calling came to be. She began something called first Friday, which is basically a huge hangout. 12:00 Working with the stake presidency to plan activities and budgeting for the activities 14:40 Ideas for stake activities. Everything from dancing, movie nights, fall festivals, and service projects. 22:15 Jenna’s advice is to not focus on the fluff and remember that you don’t have to do anything extravagant. Each person on the committee had their niche. 25:20 First Fridays were to help the stake gather again after covid. However, they shifted gears and are only doing three stake activities a year and Jenna goes around to the wards and helps them in their ward activities. 28:00 CHARITY. Christ gathered everyone and made people feel like they belonged. It’s charitable to create an activity that makes people feel like they belong. 33:30 UNITY. Come as you are and be a part of it. 36:30 MISSIONARY WORK. It’s easier to invite people to an activity. It’s a more comfortable atmosphere and place to connect. Plus everyone loves free food. 39:50 GIRLS CAMP. Invite people that want to be there. One bad apple spoils the bunch. Jenna shares how they create experiences for the girls. 41:50 Marketing stake activities. Use several ways to advertise. 44:00 What’s next for Jenna’s stake? They want to focus on doing more interfaith activities. 48:00 Jenna shares her final testimony and what being a leader has taught her. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, https://leadingsaints.org/connecting-the-general-with-the-individual-an-interview-with-reyna-and-elena-aburto/Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Jenna Rhoads currently serves as stake activities director, ward nursery leader, and temple ordinance worker. She has loved planning ways to gather the saints, create a fun relaxed environment, and provide a great place for missionary opportunities. Jenna's previous church callings have mostly been with the young women and the youth. She loves Girls’ Camp and has only missed about four years since she was 12 years old. She has also been a Gospel Doctrine teacher, which prepared her to teach four years of Seminary. Jenna and her husband, Daryl Rhoads, have been married for 30 years and raised their family of four in Las Vegas, where they have enjoyed a fun, full life together. She studied education and worked as a substitute teacher before working as a cosmetologist for 17 years. Her next adventure is to get a degree in Business Management so that when her husband retires from the police department they can start a business together. Highlights 02:50 Jenna’s story and background 05:00 Jenna describes her ward and stake in Las Vegas, Nevada. She serves as a stake activities director. 07:00 Jenna describes what she does as a stake activities director and how her calling came to be. She began something called first Friday, which is basically a huge hangout. 12:00 Working with the stake presidency to plan activities and budgeting for the activities 14:40 Ideas for stake activities. Everything from dancing, movie nights, fall festivals, and service projects. 22:15 Jenna’s advice is to not focus on the fluff and remember that you don’t have to do anything extravagant. Each person on the committee had their niche. 25:20 First Fridays were to help the stake gather again after covid. However, they shifted gears and are only doing three stake activities a year and Jenna goes around to the wards and helps them in their ward activities. 28:00 CHARITY. Christ gathered everyone and made people feel like they belonged. It’s charitable to create an activity that makes people feel like they belong. 33:30 UNITY. Come as you are and be a part of it. 36:30 MISSIONARY WORK. It’s easier to invite people to an activity. It’s a more comfortable atmosphere and place to connect. Plus everyone loves free food. 39:50 GIRLS CAMP. Invite people that want to be there. One bad apple spoils the bunch. Jenna shares how they create experiences for the girls. 41:50 Marketing stake activities. Use several ways to advertise. 44:00 What’s next for Jenna’s stake? They want to focus on doing more interfaith activities. 48:00 Jenna shares her final testimony and what being a leader has taught her. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Reyna Aburto studied Industrial Engineering in her home country, Nicaragua, and holds a degree in Computer Science from Utah Valley University. She owns a translation business with her husband. She has served as the second counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency and is the author of Reaching for the Savior. Elena was born in Utah and served a mission in Modesto, California. She graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in Music from Brigham Young University-Idaho. Currently she is working toward her masters at Utah Valley University, works at a junior high school, and teaches piano. Reyna and Elena co-host the Consecrating Your Life Podcast. Highlights 01:15 Introduction to the episode 03:00 Reyna and Elena introduce themselves and their backgrounds. 05:30 Reyna getting called as a counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency 10:50 Getting started in her new calling in the General Relief Society Presidency 12:30 Reyna’s advice to presidencies and the bishoprics working together Put your personal agenda aside Say what you feel in the counsels but then let it go 14:40 Elena shares her perspective on her mother’s calling and they talk about how it changed their family. 17:50 The process of writing a talk for general conference. 21:30 Elena’s shares about her mental health struggles and how it led Reyna writing a talk on mental health. 25:00 All talks must be submitted three weeks before conference. The last three weeks before conference she would prepare physically, mentally, and emotionally because the delivery of the talk is also important. 28:30 It’s much easier to relate to your leaders when they are vulnerable and open up. 38:00 Counsel WITH people and not ABOUT them. Go directly to the people and organizations and ask them what they need and want. 41:00 How would you like me to pray for you this week? This is a question that actually helps people open up and be vulnerable. 44:30 Sit down as friends or as family and counsel together on how you can help a family member or friend. 45:50 Getting assignments as a counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency. Reyna shares the purposes of those visits and sitting down with area presidencies. 50:00 Preparation for speaking at devotionals and stake conferences. It’s different from general conference. Reyna struggled to prepare but has learned to use an outline and rely on the Spirit. 55:10 Being a general leader but wanting to be a personal leader Get there early to greet and hug people Stay at the end if possible and continue to talk with people. Sometimes a hug or small conversation can make a difference for people. 56:50 Elena talks about being an FSY counselor 1:00:00 Be inclusive with your words as you are talking with people and giving talks. By changing a few words you can include everyone. 1:03:15 Elena and Reyna started a podcast called Consecrating Your Life. 1:05:30 Final testimonies on the importance of leadership Links 2023 NorthStar Conference Consecrating Your Life Podcast "Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!" Reaching for the Savior Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler,

Reyna Aburto studied Industrial Engineering in her home country, Nicaragua, and holds a degree in Computer Science from Utah Valley University. She owns a translation business with her husband. She has served as the second counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency and is the author of Reaching for the Savior. Elena was born in Utah and served a mission in Modesto, California. She graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in Music from Brigham Young University-Idaho. Currently she is working toward her masters at Utah Valley University, works at a junior high school, and teaches piano. Reyna and Elena co-host the Consecrating Your Life Podcast. Highlights 01:15 Introduction to the episode 03:00 Reyna and Elena introduce themselves and their backgrounds. 05:30 Reyna getting called as a counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency 10:50 Getting started in her new calling in the General Relief Society Presidency 12:30 Reyna’s advice to presidencies and the bishoprics working together Put your personal agenda aside Say what you feel in the counsels but then let it go 14:40 Elena shares her perspective on her mother’s calling and they talk about how it changed their family. 17:50 The process of writing a talk for general conference. 21:30 Elena’s shares about her mental health struggles and how it led Reyna writing a talk on mental health. 25:00 All talks must be submitted three weeks before conference. The last three weeks before conference she would prepare physically, mentally, and emotionally because the delivery of the talk is also important. 28:30 It’s much easier to relate to your leaders when they are vulnerable and open up. 38:00 Counsel WITH people and not ABOUT them. Go directly to the people and organizations and ask them what they need and want. 41:00 How would you like me to pray for you this week? This is a question that actually helps people open up and be vulnerable. 44:30 Sit down as friends or as family and counsel together on how you can help a family member or friend. 45:50 Getting assignments as a counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency. Reyna shares the purposes of those visits and sitting down with area presidencies. 50:00 Preparation for speaking at devotionals and stake conferences. It’s different from general conference. Reyna struggled to prepare but has learned to use an outline and rely on the Spirit. 55:10 Being a general leader but wanting to be a personal leader Get there early to greet and hug people Stay at the end if possible and continue to talk with people. Sometimes a hug or small conversation can make a difference for people. 56:50 Elena talks about being an FSY counselor 1:00:00 Be inclusive with your words as you are talking with people and giving talks. By changing a few words you can include everyone. 1:03:15 Elena and Reyna started a podcast called Consecrating Your Life. 1:05:30 Final testimonies on the importance of leadership Links 2023 NorthStar Conference Consecrating Your Life Podcast "Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!" Reaching for the Savior Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler,

Dave Olsen is a husband, father, business owner, and mountain biker. He grew up in Cardston, Alberta, Canada, and married his high school sweetheart, Jacki, soon after his mission to Melbourne, Australia. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a masters in Information Systems, and from University of Virginia with a masters in Accounting. Dave has spent 18 years mostly in youth-focused callings including Young Men president twice, bishopric counselor twice, and recently released as bishop of his ward in South Jordan, Utah. He was thrown into the leadership deep end late in 2017 when he began leadership training through the coaching firm Ontocore and soon after that co-founded a business and was extended the bishop calling on the same day. His business, Nimbl, provides accounting outsourcing services. Highlights 03:00 Introduction to Dave and his experience as a bishop 05:10 Story of getting called as bishop. Demographics of his ward. 07:50 Starting out as a bishop and what Dave really tried to focus on 10:50 In Utah, there are so many people with experience in church leadership. It’s hard to make sure that everyone gets the opportunity to serve when there are only so many callings. 13:40 Principle 1 - Leadership is creating an intentional future that is different from what it would have otherwise been. 15:30 Real life examples of having a vision and leading others to that vision 19:30 Real life examples of creating love and acceptance in the ward and community, especially when it comes to same sex attraction 26:30 What are you doing now to establish a relationship with people in your neighborhood? If you already have a relationship with them then when it comes time to invite them to a temple open house or activity then it won’t be awkward. 28:40 Principle two - One of a leader's most important roles is creating leaders around them. 33:55 Look for opportunities to help the youth lead. They are the future of leadership. 35:10 Principle three - Love is giving people space to show up like they’re perfect, as they are. 38:00 Love and accept first. Then you can take time to teach and figure out how to improve. 41:50 How being a leader has brought Dave closer to Jesus Christ Links TRANSCRIPT coming soon Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Dave Olsen is a husband, father, business owner, and mountain biker. He grew up in Cardston, Alberta, Canada, and married his high school sweetheart, Jacki, soon after his mission to Melbourne, Australia. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a masters in Information Systems, and from University of Virginia with a masters in Accounting. Dave has spent 18 years mostly in youth-focused callings including Young Men president twice, bishopric counselor twice, and recently released as bishop of his ward in South Jordan, Utah. He was thrown into the leadership deep end late in 2017 when he began leadership training through the coaching firm Ontocore and soon after that co-founded a business and was extended the bishop calling on the same day. His business, Nimbl, provides accounting outsourcing services. Highlights 03:00 Introduction to Dave and his experience as a bishop 05:10 Story of getting called as bishop. Demographics of his ward. 07:50 Starting out as a bishop and what Dave really tried to focus on 10:50 In Utah, there are so many people with experience in church leadership. It’s hard to make sure that everyone gets the opportunity to serve when there are only so many callings. 13:40 Principle 1 - Leadership is creating an intentional future that is different from what it would have otherwise been. 15:30 Real life examples of having a vision and leading others to that vision 19:30 Real life examples of creating love and acceptance in the ward and community, especially when it comes to same sex attraction 26:30 What are you doing now to establish a relationship with people in your neighborhood? If you already have a relationship with them then when it comes time to invite them to a temple open house or activity then it won’t be awkward. 28:40 Principle two - One of a leader's most important roles is creating leaders around them. 33:55 Look for opportunities to help the youth lead. They are the future of leadership. 35:10 Principle three - Love is giving people space to show up like they’re perfect, as they are. 38:00 Love and accept first. Then you can take time to teach and figure out how to improve. 41:50 How being a leader has brought Dave closer to Jesus Christ Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is Part 2 of a 2-part conversation. Listen to Part 1 here. Katherine Herrmann lists all things Apple, new wave/alternative music, and fantasy/science fiction among her fandoms. She works as a principal software engineer/architect for a video streaming company, and recently published TransLucent: How I put off my natural man and found a spiritual woman. At church, she has served as secretary for deacons, teachers, and priests quorums, as a Sunday School and elders quorum teacher, elders quorum secretary, ward executive secretary, newsletter editor, and assistant ward clerk—historian. She has also hugged a lot of people at general conference, and bore her testimony in over 40 wards in three years. Highlights 00:20 The argument many are having is whether or not to let young teens transition and have transition surgery. Katherine shares some useful perspectives. 07:45 Katherine’s teenage years, pressure to go on a mission, and being suicidal. 13:30 Does transition help suicide ideation? Some things that help suicide ideation are affirming who people are and using their preferred pronouns. 15:45 Being shunned for being transgender. How can we help transgender individuals? What can leaders do? 20:15 The actual Church handbook and Church policies allow transgender to attend all meetings that they identify with. However, a lot of local leaders are biased and won’t allow them to go. 24:30 Advice for leaders on letting transgender individuals go to Relief Society or priesthood meetings. Many individuals have felt uncomfortable with her going to Eelief Society so she gets kicked out to make others comfortable. 29:20 How would Jesus treat a transgender individual? Where would He let them worship? 33:30 Making tough decisions as a leader. You are never going to make everyone happy. Katherine wasn’t able to have a calling because people would object to it. It was another way she felt rejected. 37:20 People say that being transgender is a trial. The difference is that transgender people don’t have any support from church leaders, ministering sisters, home teachers, or callings. There is no one to lean on in the trials. 39:30 Is being transgender a mental illness and in the after life it will be worked out? 44:30 Our genders are eternal. But how does that relate to our body? Katherine shares a real-world example of genetic issues that occur. 55:00 For the majority of people your eternal gender is the gender that you were assigned at birth but what about transgender individuals? Is it possible that their spirit and body are different genders? 1:04:15 Katherine goes into dating her former wife, getting married, having seven kids, and church callings. 1:11:30 Katherine stands outside general conference with a sign that says, “Hug a transgender Latter-day Saint.” 1:14:30 President Oaks is Katherine’s favorite apostle. 1:17:45 Where does affirming a transgender individual become condoning? What are the lines that we are condoning? 1:29:20 Katherine talks about her book. She wants people to understand her life experiences and what she has gone through as a transgender individual. Links Listen to Part 1 TransLucent: How I put off my natural man and discovered a spiritual woman Facebook page: TransLucent North Star Saints Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat,

This is Part 2 of a 2-part conversation. Listen to Part 1 here. Katherine Herrmann lists all things Apple, new wave/alternative music, and fantasy/science fiction among her fandoms. She works as a principal software engineer/architect for a video streaming company, and recently published TransLucent: How I put off my natural man and found a spiritual woman. At church, she has served as secretary for deacons, teachers, and priests quorums, as a Sunday School and elders quorum teacher, elders quorum secretary, ward executive secretary, newsletter editor, and assistant ward clerk—historian. She has also hugged a lot of people at general conference, and bore her testimony in over 40 wards in three years. Highlights 00:20 The argument many are having is whether or not to let young teens transition and have transition surgery. Katherine shares some useful perspectives. 07:45 Katherine’s teenage years, pressure to go on a mission, and being suicidal. 13:30 Does transition help suicide ideation? Some things that help suicide ideation are affirming who people are and using their preferred pronouns. 15:45 Being shunned for being transgender. How can we help transgender individuals? What can leaders do? 20:15 The actual Church handbook and Church policies allow transgender to attend all meetings that they identify with. However, a lot of local leaders are biased and won’t allow them to go. 24:30 Advice for leaders on letting transgender individuals go to Relief Society or priesthood meetings. Many individuals have felt uncomfortable with her going to Eelief Society so she gets kicked out to make others comfortable. 29:20 How would Jesus treat a transgender individual? Where would He let them worship? 33:30 Making tough decisions as a leader. You are never going to make everyone happy. Katherine wasn’t able to have a calling because people would object to it. It was another way she felt rejected. 37:20 People say that being transgender is a trial. The difference is that transgender people don’t have any support from church leaders, ministering sisters, home teachers, or callings. There is no one to lean on in the trials. 39:30 Is being transgender a mental illness and in the after life it will be worked out? 44:30 Our genders are eternal. But how does that relate to our body? Katherine shares a real-world example of genetic issues that occur. 55:00 For the majority of people your eternal gender is the gender that you were assigned at birth but what about transgender individuals? Is it possible that their spirit and body are different genders? 1:04:15 Katherine goes into dating her former wife, getting married, having seven kids, and church callings. 1:11:30 Katherine stands outside general conference with a sign that says, “Hug a transgender Latter-day Saint.” 1:14:30 President Oaks is Katherine’s favorite apostle. 1:17:45 Where does affirming a transgender individual become condoning? What are the lines that we are condoning? 1:29:20 Katherine talks about her book. She wants people to understand her life experiences and what she has gone through as a transgender individual. Links Listen to Part 1 TransLucent: How I put off my natural man and discovered a spiritual woman Facebook page: TransLucent North Star Saints Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat,

Katherine Herrmann lists all things Apple, new wave/alternative music, and fantasy/science fiction among her fandoms. She works as a principal software engineer/architect for a video streaming company, and recently published TransLucent: How I put off my natural man and found a spiritual woman. At church, she has served as secretary for deacons, teachers, and priests quorums, as a Sunday School and elders quorum teacher, elders quorum secretary, ward executive secretary, newsletter editor, and assistant ward clerk—historian. She has also hugged a lot of people at general conference, and bore her testimony in over 40 wards in three years. This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation. Listen to Part 2 here. Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces the topic of transgenderism and what people can expect from this podcast episode. 05:30 Katherine is introduced and she shares her experience with church leaders. 09:15 Katherine shares her background and the beginning of her story. She was born biologically male but since she was a young child she felt female. 14:10 What is gender dysphoria? Katherine describes how it has felt for her. 18:15 Katherine’s teenage years. Always an outsider and having different interests. 22:30 Transgender youth and transition surgeries. 24:50 Is your child really transgender? Based on her personal research and experience, Katherine believes there is a huge difference between kids that come out as transgender when they are 3-4 years old and kids that come out between 10-12 years old. Links Listen to Part 2 TransLucent: How I put off my natural man and discovered a spiritual woman Facebook page: TransLucent North Star Saints TRANSCRIPT coming soon Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Katherine Herrmann lists all things Apple, new wave/alternative music, and fantasy/science fiction among her fandoms. She works as a principal software engineer/architect for a video streaming company, and recently published TransLucent: How I put off my natural man and found a spiritual woman. At church, she has served as secretary for deacons, teachers, and priests quorums, as a Sunday School and elders quorum teacher, elders quorum secretary, ward executive secretary, newsletter editor, and assistant ward clerk—historian. She has also hugged a lot of people at general conference, and bore her testimony in over 40 wards in three years. This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation. Listen to Part 2 here. Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces the topic of transgenderism and what people can expect from this podcast episode. 05:30 Katherine is introduced and she shares her experience with church leaders. 09:15 Katherine shares her background and the beginning of her story. She was born biologically male but since she was a young child she felt female. 14:10 What is gender dysphoria? Katherine describes how it has felt for her. 18:15 Katherine’s teenage years. Always an outsider and having different interests. 22:30 Transgender youth and transition surgeries. 24:50 Is your child really transgender? Based on her personal research and experience, Katherine believes there is a huge difference between kids that come out as transgender when they are 3-4 years old and kids that come out between 10-12 years old. Links Listen to Part 2 TransLucent: How I put off my natural man and discovered a spiritual woman Facebook page: TransLucent North Star Saints Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Ashley Smith is serving her second term as mayor of Cañon City, Colorado, after serving on the city council four years prior. Ashley serves on the Region 15 Opioid Governance Committee, Cañon City Schools Compass Advisory Committee, Cañon City Urban Renewal Authority, Community Solutions for Homelessness, and Fremont’s Exceptional Women Board. She is a member of her local Lion’s and Rotary clubs, has a black belt in women’s self defense, and is a graduate of Brigham Young University. Her current church calling allows her to hang out with her favorite constituents of all time, the 9-11-year-old Primary children. She and her husband, Dr. David Smith, have six children and two grandchildren and enjoy skiing and hiking the Colorado mountains together. Highlights 01:45 Kurt introduces Ashley and the topics of the episode. 03:00 The stake president and Ashley agreed that her calling was to serve in the community and that was just as important as having a calling inside the Church. 07:00 Ashley speaks to being a woman in politics and her experience. 10:30 Ashley felt called by God to serve her community. She ran for city council and then mayor. 13:40 Ashley shares her family’s back story and being raised to be a strong woman. She felt ready and willing to be a leader and get her voice heard. 15:55 Advice to women that feel like their voice isn’t being heard. 18:00 As a leader you have to have a thick skin. Ashley’s tips to have a thick skin. Understand that the issue isn’t personal, it’s more about the topic or issue. Keep the bigger picture in mind. It’s not about you or the other person but about the bigger issue. When you feel attacked, be civil and listen anyway. 20:45 You will always be disliked by some. What do you do with the people that don’t like you? Focus on what you like about them. Remember that sometimes they are right and you are wrong. Take time to listen to their perspective. They need to feel heard. 24:40 Shifting from city council to being mayor. Learning to be a figurehead. 28:50 How do you gain buy-in? As a leader in the church you wouldn’t use this with doctrine but with some aspects of administration. 33:30 Making assumptions is when we tell ourselves that something is true without having any evidence that it is. Make sure that you investigate what is really going on. 39:30 Is there a role in your community that you could step into? Serving the community is a way to take care of God’s people. 41:10 Ashley shares her testimony and what she has learned from being a leader. Links TRANSCRIPT coming soon Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Ashley Smith is serving her second term as mayor of Cañon City, Colorado, after serving on the city council four years prior. Ashley serves on the Region 15 Opioid Governance Committee, Cañon City Schools Compass Advisory Committee, Cañon City Urban Renewal Authority, Community Solutions for Homelessness, and Fremont’s Exceptional Women Board. She is a member of her local Lion’s and Rotary clubs, has a black belt in women’s self defense, and is a graduate of Brigham Young University. Her current church calling allows her to hang out with her favorite constituents of all time, the 9-11-year-old Primary children. She and her husband, Dr. David Smith, have six children and two grandchildren and enjoy skiing and hiking the Colorado mountains together. Highlights 01:45 Kurt introduces Ashley and the topics of the episode. 03:00 The stake president and Ashley agreed that her calling was to serve in the community and that was just as important as having a calling inside the Church. 07:00 Ashley speaks to being a woman in politics and her experience. 10:30 Ashley felt called by God to serve her community. She ran for city council and then mayor. 13:40 Ashley shares her family’s back story and being raised to be a strong woman. She felt ready and willing to be a leader and get her voice heard. 15:55 Advice to women that feel like their voice isn’t being heard. 18:00 As a leader you have to have a thick skin. Ashley’s tips to have a thick skin. Understand that the issue isn’t personal, it’s more about the topic or issue. Keep the bigger picture in mind. It’s not about you or the other person but about the bigger issue. When you feel attacked, be civil and listen anyway. 20:45 You will always be disliked by some. What do you do with the people that don’t like you? Focus on what you like about them. Remember that sometimes they are right and you are wrong. Take time to listen to their perspective. They need to feel heard. 24:40 Shifting from city council to being mayor. Learning to be a figurehead. 28:50 How do you gain buy-in? As a leader in the church you wouldn’t use this with doctrine but with some aspects of administration. 33:30 Making assumptions is when we tell ourselves that something is true without having any evidence that it is. Make sure that you investigate what is really going on. 39:30 Is there a role in your community that you could step into? Serving the community is a way to take care of God’s people. 41:10 Ashley shares her testimony and what she has learned from being a leader. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Riley Jensen has been playing or coaching high school and collegiate football for more than 27 years. He started as a quarterback at Utah State University, coached at North Carolina State, and has coached several successful Salt Lake City-area high school teams and been part owner and co-founder of the Mountain West Elite sports camps. Riley completed his MS in Sport and Performance Psychology at the University of Utah. He is currently the lead mental performance coach for Real Salt Lake and the Real Monarchs, as well as Utah State University Athletics and Weber State University Athletics. He tutors individual athletes from the Olympic, world cup, pro, collegiate, and high school ranks, and works with corporate athletes from a range of organizations and businesses. Riley served his mission in Marseille, France. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he enjoys hiking and time spent his wife Georgann and their three children. Highlights 02:20 Kurt introduces Riley and his work. 04:00 Riley shares his background of playing football and serving a mission. 08:30 Riley describes what he does as a mental performance coach. 12:00 What do mental performance skills look like in real life? What are those skills? 18:30 The definition of happiness is improvement. 21:30 What’s the number one way to build confidence? Take small steps out of your confidence everyday. 23:40 As a leader, we want everyone to improve and we want to guide them. However, we have to start with ourselves. It’s not about doing more. Sometimes it’s just about your attitude and enthusiasm about what you are doing. 29:00 Leadership is really about embracing the gospel into ourselves and then using the spirit that is within us to help people with little steps. 30:00 In Greek, enthusiasm means that God is within you. Do you have enthusiasm in your calling? Do you know what your purpose is? 35:30 Measuring confidence. Helping others to have confidence. 46:15 Dealing with anxiety in leadership. Riley shares examples and tips to help calm the anxiety. 53:30 Have you tried singing hymns to erase the bad thoughts and calm anxiety? How else can you get focused on the positive? 58:30 Anxiety is inversely proportional to confidence. So anything that you can do to lower anxiety will also strengthen your confidence and motivation. 59:10 Motivational interviewing or reflective listening. Riley gives examples. 1:10:00 Resources that Riley offers and where you can find him 1:11:30 Riley’s final thoughts and testimony Links Riley Jensen Performance Group Twitter @RileyJensen Mindset Matters Podcast TRANSCRIPT coming soon Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Although Riley Jensen enjoys the arts, music, and a good, sappy romantic comedy, he is usually mistaken for a jock. Riley started as a quarterback at Utah State University and currently works full time as a sport psychology consultant, or mental performance coach, addressing the innermost fears of most athletes: failure. He enjoys giving athletes, corporate employees, and young people the tools to handle a stressful and frightening world. Riley went back to school at the over-the-hill age of 40 (it’s the new the new 30, right?) to get his MS in Sport and Performance Psychology at the University of Utah. He is married to the wonderful and talented Georgann Manolis Jensen and they have three beautiful children. Riley served his mission in Marseille, France, and his dream is to serve another mission in France one day, and to enjoy laughing and watching his children make some of the mistakes he made. Highlights 02:20 Kurt introduces Riley and his work. 04:00 Riley shares his background of playing football and serving a mission. 08:30 Riley describes what he does as a mental performance coach. 12:00 What do mental performance skills look like in real life? What are those skills? 18:30 The definition of happiness is improvement. 21:30 What’s the number one way to build confidence? Take small steps out of your confidence everyday. 23:40 As a leader, we want everyone to improve and we want to guide them. However, we have to start with ourselves. It’s not about doing more. Sometimes it’s just about your attitude and enthusiasm about what you are doing. 29:00 Leadership is really about embracing the gospel into ourselves and then using the spirit that is within us to help people with little steps. 30:00 In Greek, enthusiasm means that God is within you. Do you have enthusiasm in your calling? Do you know what your purpose is? 35:30 Measuring confidence. Helping others to have confidence. 46:15 Dealing with anxiety in leadership. Riley shares examples and tips to help calm the anxiety. 53:30 Have you tried singing hymns to erase the bad thoughts and calm anxiety? How else can you get focused on the positive? 58:30 Anxiety is inversely proportional to confidence. So anything that you can do to lower anxiety will also strengthen your confidence and motivation. 59:10 Motivational interviewing or reflective listening. Riley gives examples. 1:10:00 Resources that Riley offers and where you can find him 1:11:30 Riley’s final thoughts and testimony Links Riley Jensen Performance Group Twitter @RileyJensen Mindset Matters Podcast Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in January 2020. Kim Partridge is originally from West Valley City, Utah, and has lived in Phoenix, Arizona for 20 years. She is a nurse and a life coach for teenage girls, has served as a Young Women president, and currently serves in her stake Young Women presidency. Kim and her husband are the parents of four children. Since this podcast was originally broadcast, Kim has changed the hike for the young women to be statewide and include the young men as well. She also speaks more in depth with the youth now about how the hike is like the Plan of Salvation, how we are disciples of Christ as we are hiking in the Grand Canyon, and about the names of Christ that we either take upon us as we hike or that we see in the Grand Canyon. Learn more HERE. Highlights 7:40 Young Women are all about relationships 9:50 Conflicts within relationships can play out in the church setting 12:00 Micromanaging relationships seldom works out well; story of two Laurels 17:30 Story of young woman whose grandmother asked that they invite her into Young Womens: grandma was angry that she hadn’t been welcomed like she wanted 23:40 Everyone cannot always have a fantastic time 24:30 She learned that she needed to know what the young women wanted 25:00 They wanted to do activities similar to what the young men were doing 26:45 Target shooting at her first girl’s camp 29:00 Goal to connect with the young women at camp 33:20 Expectation that they will tell her what they want: get interested/pay attention to the clues 36:00 She encourages fun with everything but also balances that with the spiritual aspects 38:15 Admit when you make a mistake: left someone behind 42:00 Making sure the youth are handling their goals without the adults always pushing 45:00 Go back to the basics, help them recognize what they want, and know that they are developing a relationship with Jesus Christ 49:00 Request for a change from physical challenges to an embroidery challenge 51:45 Grand Canyon activity: what the girls learned while doing a hard thing 59:35 Leading young women has developed her relationship with the Savior Links Kim Partridge Coaching Deseret Book SEEK course: How to Help Young Women Be Confident Leaders Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in January 2020. Kim Partridge is originally from West Valley City, Utah, and has lived in Phoenix, Arizona for 20 years. She is a nurse and a life coach for teenage girls, and has served as a Young Women president in her stake Young Women presidency. Kim and her husband are the parents of four children. Since this podcast was originally broadcast, Kim has changed the hike for the young women to be statewide and include the young men as well. She also speaks more in depth with the youth now about how the hike is like the Plan of Salvation, how we are disciples of Christ as we are hiking in the Grand Canyon, and about the names of Christ that we either take upon us as we hike or that we see in the Grand Canyon. Learn more HERE. Highlights 7:40 Young Women are all about relationships 9:50 Conflicts within relationships can play out in the church setting 12:00 Micromanaging relationships seldom works out well; story of two Laurels 17:30 Story of young woman whose grandmother asked that they invite her into Young Womens: grandma was angry that she hadn’t been welcomed like she wanted 23:40 Everyone cannot always have a fantastic time 24:30 She learned that she needed to know what the young women wanted 25:00 They wanted to do activities similar to what the young men were doing 26:45 Target shooting at her first girl’s camp 29:00 Goal to connect with the young women at camp 33:20 Expectation that they will tell her what they want: get interested/pay attention to the clues 36:00 She encourages fun with everything but also balances that with the spiritual aspects 38:15 Admit when you make a mistake: left someone behind 42:00 Making sure the youth are handling their goals without the adults always pushing 45:00 Go back to the basics, help them recognize what they want, and know that they are developing a relationship with Jesus Christ 49:00 Request for a change from physical challenges to an embroidery challenge 51:45 Grand Canyon activity: what the girls learned while doing a hard thing 59:35 Leading young women has developed her relationship with the Savior Links Kim Partridge Coaching Deseret Book SEEK course: How to Help Young Women Be Confident Leaders Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Tyler Bastian is an educator, filmmaker, father, and founder of Roots Charter High School. Tyler loves to teach and has a passion for discovering and developing potential in everything around him. For four years, Tyler taught Character Education at a local high school and believes positive character is the greatest indicator of success. In 2012, Tyler began to develop the concepts that have become Roots—Utah’s first farm-based charter high school—where educators work with students who come from risky environments, helping them find and reach their potential. Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces Tyler Bastian. 03:45 Tyler talks about why started the charter school and his backstory. 08:00 How do you begin to teach character development? 09:30 How Tyler was able to start a charter school 11:20 Tyler shares the mission that he has with Roots. 12:50 The type of students Roots charter school aims to help. Most of the kids are there because their previous school wasn’t working for them. 14:00 How do you run an organization based on hope and love? If you are going to lead someone, you have to love them or it won’t work. 19:30 Tyler shares ways that he instills love in the school. The students need to hear it, see it, and feel it. They have created visuals all over their school. 21:30 Tyler shares a personal experience that he had with a student and how he was able to show love and help a student confess that they wanted to take their life. 23:00 Helping the students feel safe, loved, and protected is more important than trying to fix their behavior. 27:30 If you want a kid to feel safe, call them by name. The number one thing that you can do as a youth leader is learn every kid’s name in your ward. 29:50 Create safety by not having disputes. We have disputes because we are holding on to things and not having hard conversations. Create safety by having hard conversations. 31:45 You have to have a healthy community before you can be a healthy ward. Do you know your neighbor's names? Can you go to them to borrow something? Do your kids play with their kids? 33:15 The ward influences the community and vice versa. Tyler shares a personal story of doing a home visit with a student that was struggling. He lived across from the church but nobody knew about him. 37:00 In order to create a safe place we have to learn to be ok with political differences. Create a space where kids can say anything and by asking loving questions. 40:00 Showing authenticity instead of perfection is what the youth are looking for in an adult they can trust. Let them know that you’ve had to go to the bishop’s office to confess and get help too. 41:30 Tyler’s charter school focuses on a smaller number of kids. Knowing each student. One loving adult can change a kid’s life. 47:45 Tyler knows each student and tries to interact with each one but the students also have an advisor that does one on one meetings with them. 50:00 In our culture we say that you have to receive love to survive. However, the philosopher Andrew de Mello says that you have to give love to survive. It’s not about receiving but about giving. Our job is not to be loved but our job is to love. 53:00 Tyler works with a lot of struggling students that have been through a lot. He describes how he shows them the school is a safe place and builds trust with them. 55:20 How can youth leaders take the principles that Tyler teaches and apply it to their own youth groups? The leader's job is culture. They need to create visuals. 1:02:00 What if the student’s home life isn’t good? What can you do? 1:06:30 Resources that Tyler recommends. Check out his Instagram. 1:08:00 How being a leader has made him a better follower of Jesus Christ. Links Bonds That Make Us Free Roots High School Tyler on Instagram: @teach_243 Tyler's documentary film: Everything is Incredible Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Tyler Bastian is an educator, filmmaker, father, and founder of Roots Charter High School. Tyler loves to teach and has a passion for discovering and developing potential in everything around him. For four years, Tyler taught Character Education at a local high school and believes positive character is the greatest indicator of success. In 2012, Tyler began to develop the concepts that have become Roots—Utah’s first farm-based charter high school—where educators work with students who come from risky environments, helping them find and reach their potential. Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces Tyler Bastian. 03:45 Tyler talks about why started the charter school and his backstory. 08:00 How do you begin to teach character development? 09:30 How Tyler was able to start a charter school 11:20 Tyler shares the mission that he has with Roots. 12:50 The type of students Roots charter school aims to help. Most of the kids are there because their previous school wasn’t working for them. 14:00 How do you run an organization based on hope and love? If you are going to lead someone, you have to love them or it won’t work. 19:30 Tyler shares ways that he instills love in the school. The students need to hear it, see it, and feel it. They have created visuals all over their school. 21:30 Tyler shares a personal experience that he had with a student and how he was able to show love and help a student confess that they wanted to take their life. 23:00 Helping the students feel safe, loved, and protected is more important than trying to fix their behavior. 27:30 If you want a kid to feel safe, call them by name. The number one thing that you can do as a youth leader is learn every kid’s name in your ward. 29:50 Create safety by not having disputes. We have disputes because we are holding on to things and not having hard conversations. Create safety by having hard conversations. 31:45 You have to have a healthy community before you can be a healthy ward. Do you know your neighbor's names? Can you go to them to borrow something? Do your kids play with their kids? 33:15 The ward influences the community and vice versa. Tyler shares a personal story of doing a home visit with a student that was struggling. He lived across from the church but nobody knew about him. 37:00 In order to create a safe place we have to learn to be ok with political differences. Create a space where kids can say anything and by asking loving questions. 40:00 Showing authenticity instead of perfection is what the youth are looking for in an adult they can trust. Let them know that you’ve had to go to the bishop’s office to confess and get help too. 41:30 Tyler’s charter school focuses on a smaller number of kids. Knowing each student. One loving adult can change a kid’s life. 47:45 Tyler knows each student and tries to interact with each one but the students also have an advisor that does one on one meetings with them. 50:00 In our culture we say that you have to receive love to survive. However, the philosopher Andrew de Mello says that you have to give love to survive. It’s not about receiving but about giving. Our job is not to be loved but our job is to love. 53:00 Tyler works with a lot of struggling students that have been through a lot. He describes how he shows them the school is a safe place and builds trust with them. 55:20 How can youth leaders take the principles that Tyler teaches and apply it to their own youth groups? The leader's job is culture. They need to create visuals. 1:02:00 What if the student’s home life isn’t good? What can you do? 1:06:30 Resources that Tyler recommends. Check out his Instagram. 1:08:00 How being a leader has made him a better follower of Jesus Christ. Links Bonds That Make Us Free Roots High School Tyler on Instagram: @teach_243 Tyler's documentary film: Everything is Incredible Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Originally from Eagle, Idaho, Eric Jenson earned an MBA from Brigham Young University and has built a successful financial services business that has grown to over 100 financial professionals and more than $1 billion in assets placed under management. He now lives in Denver, Colorado, and works as a father-son team with his two oldest sons. Eric served a mission in Santa Rosa, California, and has served as an early morning seminary teacher, a Gospel Doctrine instructor, and in the elders quorum presidency, but his favorite calling was as the priest quorum advisor. He loves to swim with sharks, ski, surf, mountain bike, hike, travel, play tennis and pickleball—but most of all spend time with family creating once-in-a-lifetime memories over and over again. Highlights 02:30 Introduction to Eric Jenson 08:00 Don’t sit around waiting to be picked to be a leader. You are a leader now. Heavenly Father picked you. You were born to lead. 10:00 Eric shares his background. He has had leadership opportunities in his job and in the church. 16:20 Ultimate leadership is helping people achieve their divine potential. It’s about how you serve others and what you do to bring the best out of them. 19:00 Eric shares his personal story of growing up and the culture of perfectionism and the shame and guilt that comes with it. 27:30 How you influence people outside the church, in your job, is just as important as how you influence people in the church 28:00 Make room for everyone in the church. We are all at a different point in our progression and faith journey. 34:00 The gospel and the church are two different things. The gospel is the good news and the atonement of Christ. The church is an entity that helps us come unto Christ and live His gospel. 35:45 Believing vs. knowing. Which is more important? 38:20 Leading those in a faith crisis 46:45 Focus on the doctrine, not the dogma. 47:40 The positive changes in the church and the new strength of youth pamphlet 59:30 Final testimony Links Sheri Dew: "You Were Born to Lead, You Were Born for Glory" Elder Russell M. Nelson: "Perfection Pending" TRANSCRIPT coming soon Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Originally from Eagle, Idaho, Eric Jenson earned an MBA from Brigham Young University and has built a successful financial services business that has grown to over 100 financial professionals and more than $1 billion in assets placed under management. He now lives in Denver, Colorado, and works as a father-son team with his two oldest sons. Eric served a mission in Santa Rosa, California, and has served as an early morning seminary teacher, a Gospel Doctrine instructor, and in the elders quorum presidency, but his favorite calling was as the priest quorum advisor. He loves to swim with sharks, ski, surf, mountain bike, hike, travel, play tennis and pickleball—but most of all spend time with family creating once-in-a-lifetime memories over and over again. Highlights 02:30 Introduction to Eric Jenson 08:00 Don’t sit around waiting to be picked to be a leader. You are a leader now. Heavenly Father picked you. You were born to lead. 10:00 Eric shares his background. He has had leadership opportunities in his job and in the church. 16:20 Ultimate leadership is helping people achieve their divine potential. It’s about how you serve others and what you do to bring the best out of them. 19:00 Eric shares his personal story of growing up and the culture of perfectionism and the shame and guilt that comes with it. 27:30 How you influence people outside the church, in your job, is just as important as how you influence people in the church 28:00 Make room for everyone in the church. We are all at a different point in our progression and faith journey. 34:00 The gospel and the church are two different things. The gospel is the good news and the atonement of Christ. The church is an entity that helps us come unto Christ and live His gospel. 35:45 Believing vs. knowing. Which is more important? 38:20 Leading those in a faith crisis 46:45 Focus on the doctrine, not the dogma. 47:40 The positive changes in the church and the new strength of youth pamphlet 59:30 Final testimony Links Sheri Dew: "You Were Born to Lead, You Were Born for Glory" Elder Russell M. Nelson: "Perfection Pending" Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Laauli Faamausili serves as bishop in his ward in southeastern Washington state, and has previously served as a Sunday School and Primary teacher. He has a bachelor's degree from Eastern Washington University and works in agriculture. He is a big fan of how Leading Saints has helped him in family, church, employment, and civic service. Highlights 03:10 Introduction to Laauli and his background 05:30 Demographics of the ward Laauli leads 07:15 Getting called as bishop and starting out 10:00 Things he has learned in the last five years of being bishop 12:30 Principle one - Jesus is love 16:10 Balancing administration and ministering 18:45 Principle two - Grace. As leaders we need to ask for grace and give others grace. 24:00 Principle three - The Elias principle. Being a forerunner. You are preparing the way for future leaders. 28:48 Focusing on the youth of the ward 33:00 Using technology and apps as leaders 37:00 Laauli’s testimony Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Laauli Faamausili serves as bishop in his ward in southeastern Washington state, and has previously served as a Sunday School and Primary teacher. He has a bachelor's degree from Eastern Washington University and works in agriculture. He is a big fan of how Leading Saints has helped him in family, church, employment, and civic service. Highlights 03:10 Introduction to Laauli and his background 05:30 Demographics of the ward Laauli leads 07:15 Getting called as bishop and starting out 10:00 Things he has learned in the last five years of being bishop 12:30 Principle one - Jesus is love 16:10 Balancing administration and ministering 18:45 Principle two - Grace. As leaders we need to ask for grace and give others grace. 24:00 Principle three - The Elias principle. Being a forerunner. You are preparing the way for future leaders. 28:48 Focusing on the youth of the ward 33:00 Using technology and apps as leaders 37:00 Laauli’s testimony Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Casey Paul Griffiths is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University. He served a mission in Fort Lauderdale, Florida before returning home to complete a B.A. degree in History at BYU, an M.A. in Religious Education, and a PhD in Educational Leadership and Foundations. Casey served in Seminaries and Institutes for eleven years as a teacher and a curriculum writer. Casey's research focuses on the history of religious education among Latter-day Saints, the history of the Church in the Pacific, and diverse movements associated with the Restoration. He is the author of numerous books and articles on Latter-day Saint history, including Truth Seeker: The Life of Joseph F. Merrill, Scientist, Educator, and Apostle. He is married to Elizabeth Ottley Griffiths and they live in Saratoga Springs with their three children. Highlights 2:00 Introduction to Casey and his new book 5:10 The background of Joseph Merrill 8:50 Joseph Merrill’s faith journey 19:00 Joseph’s wife had very progressive and feminist views. They had a very powerful partnership together. They were both leaders and innovators. 21:20 The Church then and now 22:55 Different political views within the leaders of the church. They were all able to get along. We shouldn’t be afraid of different views. 26:15 The setbacks in Joseph Merrill’s life led him to what he was really supposed to do. He was called by the church to be the church commissioner of education. He created an institute program to help students reconcile their faith with science and other things they were learning at school. 32:15 Joseph’s life didn’t go as he expected but just as God planned it to be. Casey talks about Joseph’s marriages. 37:00 Joseph Merrill was the founding father of the Institute and Seminary programs that we have today. However, in the beginning there were a lot of obstacles and push back to get it started. 48:00 As a leader you have a dynamic vision for something but there's so much pushback from others. It can feel like maybe it’s not meant to be but keep going! Small changes can bring about big results in the end. 50:45 Education is a spiritual activity. Learning and growing are consecrated activities in the church. 52:15 When Joseph was an apostle he was also called as a mission president in Europe. He was very innovative in his church service. 54:20 Joseph Merrill was Gordon B. Hinckley’s mission president. Joseph mentored Gordon. Because of them, the Church started creating new media. 57:00 It’s important to be innovative in the church. How can we use technology to our advantage? Push the possibilities. 59:55 Revelation comes at all levels. Joseph wasn’t an apostle when we came up with the idea for Seminary and Institute. Revelation doesn’t always come from the top down. 1:01:20 The truths of the gospel don’t change but we can go about doing things or teaching things in different ways. President Nelson is a great example of this. He changed up the way we do home teaching and women can now be witnesses. 1:02:30 We are so lucky to have the journals of Joseph Merrill. His writings show his frustrations and inner feelings that really humanize him. 1:04:20 Joseph tried his whole life to find solutions. He always tried to mix science and religion. In the end, after he lost his 2 wives and daughter, he learned that sometimes things are in God’s hands. Faith is vital and reason cannot fix everything. 1:07:30 Faith is the first principle of the gospel because there are so many things that are beyond our control. 1:08:30 The story of Richard Lyman. He was the last apostle to get excommunicated in our dispensation. Joseph was a great friend of Richard. 1:18:30 The messiness of our history makes it genuine instead of manufactured. Sincerity is more important than eloquence. Links Truth Seeker: The Life of Joseph F. Merrill, Scientist, Educator, and Apostle

Casey Paul Griffiths is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University. He served a mission in Fort Lauderdale, Florida before returning home to complete a B.A. degree in History at BYU, an M.A. in Religious Education, and a PhD in Educational Leadership and Foundations. Casey served in Seminaries and Institutes for eleven years as a teacher and a curriculum writer. Casey's research focuses on the history of religious education among Latter-day Saints, the history of the Church in the Pacific, and diverse movements associated with the Restoration. He is the author of numerous books and articles on Latter-day Saint history, including Truth Seeker: The Life of Joseph F. Merrill, Scientist, Educator, and Apostle. He is married to Elizabeth Ottley Griffiths and they live in Saratoga Springs with their three children. Highlights 2:00 Introduction to Casey and his new book 5:10 The background of Joseph Merrill 8:50 Joseph Merrill’s faith journey 19:00 Joseph’s wife had very progressive and feminist views. They had a very powerful partnership together. They were both leaders and innovators. 21:20 The Church then and now 22:55 Different political views within the leaders of the church. They were all able to get along. We shouldn’t be afraid of different views. 26:15 The setbacks in Joseph Merrill’s life led him to what he was really supposed to do. He was called by the church to be the church commissioner of education. He created an institute program to help students reconcile their faith with science and other things they were learning at school. 32:15 Joseph’s life didn’t go as he expected but just as God planned it to be. Casey talks about Joseph’s marriages. 37:00 Joseph Merrill was the founding father of the Institute and Seminary programs that we have today. However, in the beginning there were a lot of obstacles and push back to get it started. 48:00 As a leader you have a dynamic vision for something but there's so much pushback from others. It can feel like maybe it’s not meant to be but keep going! Small changes can bring about big results in the end. 50:45 Education is a spiritual activity. Learning and growing are consecrated activities in the church. 52:15 When Joseph was an apostle he was also called as a mission president in Europe. He was very innovative in his church service. 54:20 Joseph Merrill was Gordon B. Hinckley’s mission president. Joseph mentored Gordon. Because of them, the Church started creating new media. 57:00 It’s important to be innovative in the church. How can we use technology to our advantage? Push the possibilities. 59:55 Revelation comes at all levels. Joseph wasn’t an apostle when we came up with the idea for Seminary and Institute. Revelation doesn’t always come from the top down. 1:01:20 The truths of the gospel don’t change but we can go about doing things or teaching things in different ways. President Nelson is a great example of this. He changed up the way we do home teaching and women can now be witnesses. 1:02:30 We are so lucky to have the journals of Joseph Merrill. His writings show his frustrations and inner feelings that really humanize him. 1:04:20 Joseph tried his whole life to find solutions. He always tried to mix science and religion. In the end, after he lost his 2 wives and daughter, he learned that sometimes things are in God’s hands. Faith is vital and reason cannot fix everything. 1:07:30 Faith is the first principle of the gospel because there are so many things that are beyond our control. 1:08:30 The story of Richard Lyman. He was the last apostle to get excommunicated in our dispensation. Joseph was a great friend of Richard. 1:18:30 The messiness of our history makes it genuine instead of manufactured. Sincerity is more important than eloquence. Links Truth Seeker: The Life of Joseph F. Merrill, Scientist, Educator, and Apostle

Skyler Droubay has a bachelors degree in Civil Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration from Utah State University, and works at a trucking company, Double D Distribution. He is currently a counselor in his bishopric and has previously served as elders quorum secretary and counselor, Cub Scout leader, and teacher in Sunday School, elders quorum, and Primary (including nursery). Skyler and his wife live in Lehi, Utah, with their two daughters, ages 10 and 8. Highlights 02:30 Introduction to Skyler, former elders quorum secretary 06:30 Skyler shares an experience he had as a youth with an executive secretary that has influenced his time as a secretary. 12:30. The secretary takes care of the clerical and administrative aspects of the quorum to help enable the other members of the presidency to focus on ministering and the more spiritual aspects of the quorum. 14:50 The admin and clerical work is a very important part of the church too. There are many working pieces that go into making a meeting happen. 16:50 Never underestimate the spiritual power of doing temporal things well. You bring spiritual power to your presidency by taking care of the administration. 18:50 Taking notes is the most important part of being a secretary. You are a revelation recorder. Be proud of being the note taker. 23:30 Take the lead on organizing notes with google docs and google sheets. 26:40 Find a template that works for you and go with it. 28:30 Setting up interviews and appointments. Skylar found it easier to call people rather than text. Try to catch as many people as you can at church. 33:00 Don’t underestimate your impact as a secretary. 34:10 Skyler shares his testimony on leadership and coming closer to Christ through his service. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Skyler Droubay has a bachelors degree in Civil Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration from Utah State University, and works at a trucking company, Double D Distribution. He is currently a counselor in his bishopric and has previously served as elders quorum secretary and counselor, Cub Scout leader, and teacher in Sunday School, elders quorum, and Primary (including nursery). Skyler and his wife live in Lehi, Utah, with their two daughters, ages 10 and 8. Highlights 02:30 Introduction to Skyler, former elders quorum secretary 06:30 Skyler shares an experience he had as a youth with an executive secretary that has influenced his time as a secretary. 12:30. The secretary takes care of the clerical and administrative aspects of the quorum to help enable the other members of the presidency to focus on ministering and the more spiritual aspects of the quorum. 14:50 The admin and clerical work is a very important part of the church too. There are many working pieces that go into making a meeting happen. 16:50 Never underestimate the spiritual power of doing temporal things well. You bring spiritual power to your presidency by taking care of the administration. 18:50 Taking notes is the most important part of being a secretary. You are a revelation recorder. Be proud of being the note taker. 23:30 Take the lead on organizing notes with google docs and google sheets. 26:40 Find a template that works for you and go with it. 28:30 Setting up interviews and appointments. Skylar found it easier to call people rather than text. Try to catch as many people as you can at church. 33:00 Don’t underestimate your impact as a secretary. 34:10 Skyler shares his testimony on leadership and coming closer to Christ through his service. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in July 2019. Matthew Dicks is an author, columnist, teacher, storyteller, podcaster, blogger, playwright, and more. He is the co-founder and artistic director of Speak Up, a storytelling organization that produces shows throughout New England as well as a weekly podcast, and the author of Storyworthy. He's also the CEO of StoryworthyMD, where he teaches storytelling online. He consults with Fortune 500 companies, universities, attorneys, entrepreneurs, the clergy, and many more on storytelling and communication. Matthew is a 58-time Moth StorySLAM champion and 9-time GrandSLAM champion and has told stories for a wide range of events, radio shows, and performance venues. He lives in Connecticut with his wife, Elysha, and their two children. Highlights 07:26 With his wife runs an organization called “Speak Up” which puts on storytelling events 08:13 The science of telling a good story, i.e., public speaking in an engaging way 10:15 Basic storytelling principles: Know what a story is: a moment in your life that is transformational and reflects change over time, as opposed to a simple retelling of chronological events. Ask yourself: Am I speaking about a moment in my life that changed me in some way? You can’t really change your audience with a story unless that story changed you. Share something of yourself, that makes you authentic and vulnerable. Being vulnerable to others also makes you safe to others, and they will be more willing to be vulnerable with you. Set out to have your listeners feel like they connected with you in the end. Showing emotion is acceptable so long as you can speak your truth in a clear way. 21:10 Teaching from scripture versus sharing of yourself It is hard for people to care about the scriptural content or lesson unless they can see a relatable example of application from a person they trust. 24:26 Using our own stories versus using “borrowed” stories, e.g., using a story given in General Conference in a sacrament meeting talk Telling your own story is the best way to be authentic. 26:50 Improving our storytelling: “Homework for life”: Before going to bed, ask yourself “what’s the most story-worthy moment of today?” Write it down. Explore why and how the experience changed you. Matt has noticed that he has changed every day of his life, as documented in his “Homework for life” spreadsheet. Frame of the story is most important: what is the end, and what is the beginning? Must have some entertainment value. Jump right into the story. Stay within the story. Remember the story without memorizing–rehearse! Tell the story in “scenes”. How to tell a story “on the spot”: what does something mean to me? Listeners should know how you are different at the end of the story from the beginning. Asking “why?” five times about your storyworthy moments. I.e.: Today I was changed by X experience. Why did X experience change me? Why A? Because B. But, why B? Because C. Why C? Because D. Etc. 55:21 Storytime! 65:49 Reviewing and deconstructing the story 72:25 How storytelling has helped him become a better person Links MatthewDicks.com Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling TED Talk: Homework for Life Speak Up Storytelling StoryworthyMD.com YouTube stories Art of Manliness podcast episode Watch this podcast on YouTube Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg,

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in July 2019. Matthew Dicks is an author, columnist, teacher, storyteller, podcaster, blogger, playwright, and more. He is the co-founder and artistic director of Speak Up, a storytelling organization that produces shows throughout New England as well as a weekly podcast, and the author of Storyworthy. He's also the CEO of StoryworthyMD, where he teaches storytelling online. He consults with Fortune 500 companies, universities, attorneys, entrepreneurs, the clergy, and many more on storytelling and communication. Matthew is a 58-time Moth StorySLAM champion and 9-time GrandSLAM champion and has told stories for a wide range of events, radio shows, and performance venues. He lives in Connecticut with his wife, Elysha, and their two children. Highlights 07:26 With his wife runs an organization called “Speak Up” which puts on storytelling events 08:13 The science of telling a good story, i.e., public speaking in an engaging way 10:15 Basic storytelling principles: Know what a story is: a moment in your life that is transformational and reflects change over time, as opposed to a simple retelling of chronological events. Ask yourself: Am I speaking about a moment in my life that changed me in some way? You can’t really change your audience with a story unless that story changed you. Share something of yourself, that makes you authentic and vulnerable. Being vulnerable to others also makes you safe to others, and they will be more willing to be vulnerable with you. Set out to have your listeners feel like they connected with you in the end. Showing emotion is acceptable so long as you can speak your truth in a clear way. 21:10 Teaching from scripture versus sharing of yourself It is hard for people to care about the scriptural content or lesson unless they can see a relatable example of application from a person they trust. 24:26 Using our own stories versus using “borrowed” stories, e.g., using a story given in General Conference in a sacrament meeting talk Telling your own story is the best way to be authentic. 26:50 Improving our storytelling: “Homework for life”: Before going to bed, ask yourself “what’s the most story-worthy moment of today?” Write it down. Explore why and how the experience changed you. Matt has noticed that he has changed every day of his life, as documented in his “Homework for life” spreadsheet. Frame of the story is most important: what is the end, and what is the beginning? Must have some entertainment value. Jump right into the story. Stay within the story. Remember the story without memorizing–rehearse! Tell the story in “scenes”. How to tell a story “on the spot”: what does something mean to me? Listeners should know how you are different at the end of the story from the beginning. Asking “why?” five times about your storyworthy moments. I.e.: Today I was changed by X experience. Why did X experience change me? Why A? Because B. But, why B? Because C. Why C? Because D. Etc. 55:21 Storytime! 65:49 Reviewing and deconstructing the story 72:25 How storytelling has helped him become a better person Links MatthewDicks.com Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling TED Talk: Homework for Life Speak Up Storytelling StoryworthyMD.com YouTube stories Art of Manliness podcast episode Watch this podcast on YouTube Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg,

Shannon Foster taught seminary full time for thirteen years in the Salt Lake area. Shannon has a passion for the scriptures and for discovering the best ways for children and youth to learn the gospel. She has written over twenty books to help people study the scriptures and creates helps for people to study and teach the Come, Follow Me chapters in their homes. Shannon and her husband Tyson have two amazing children and she is currently a Relief Society teacher. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to Shannon Foster. Shannon provides resources for Come Follow Me and teaching our families. 03:40 Shannon is also known as The Red Headed Hostess. 05:00 Best advice for gathering people What will make this feel special? What will help people feel comfortable? 07:00 If the youth feel like you strengthen them and that you care about them they will return again and again. 08:00 Shannon shares her story and how she started teaching. 13:30 The classroom is not the ideal learning circumstance. While it's a good place, it’s not the best. Parents know their children so much better and can teach them so much better. 16:00 Shannon is the creator of The Red Headed Hostess. It started as a blog and she now has 15 people on her staff. She offers scripture study help for families and for all ages. 18:00 Common obstacles that come with teaching in the home and with Come Follow Me. One of those obstacles is not having enough time and not everyone is home at the same time. 23:50 We all want the picturesque family scripture study and we think we are failing if that's not what it looks like for us. 29:30 How to adjust family scripture study and what to do to stay on track. 31:40 Another big obstacle in family scripture study is that they don’t understand the scriptures. It has to start with the parents. The parents have to learn to love the scriptures. You then become like a fire and want to share that with your family. 34:20 How would you coach someone that is in the beginning stages of trying to get into scripture study and is relying on podcasts and blogs to help them understand? Get a scripture journal Learn to slow down while reading. Remember it’s line upon line. 37:30 We underestimate the youth. Teach your youth to slow down and do their own journaling. 39:30 Advice for keeping a scripture journal. Topical journal Chronological journal 44:45 Making Sunday school or studying with family a more profound experience. Don’t only teach but invite them to act to help them get the evidence they need to know something is true. 58:00 Shannon shares her final thoughts on the importance of the scriptures and what a gift they are to have. 1:03:00 Shannon’s testimony and reflections on her time as a teacher Links TheRedHeadedHostess.com Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Shannon Foster taught seminary full time for thirteen years in the Salt Lake area. Shannon has a passion for the scriptures and for discovering the best ways for children and youth to learn the gospel. She has written over twenty books to help people study the scriptures and creates helps for people to study and teach the Come, Follow Me chapters in their homes. Shannon and her husband Tyson have two amazing children and she is currently a Relief Society teacher. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to Shannon Foster. Shannon provides resources for Come Follow Me and teaching our families. 03:40 Shannon is also known as The Red Headed Hostess. 05:00 Best advice for gathering people What will make this feel special? What will help people feel comfortable? 07:00 If the youth feel like you strengthen them and that you care about them they will return again and again. 08:00 Shannon shares her story and how she started teaching. 13:30 The classroom is not the ideal learning circumstance. While it's a good place, it’s not the best. Parents know their children so much better and can teach them so much better. 16:00 Shannon is the creator of The Red Headed Hostess. It started as a blog and she now has 15 people on her staff. She offers scripture study help for families and for all ages. 18:00 Common obstacles that come with teaching in the home and with Come Follow Me. One of those obstacles is not having enough time and not everyone is home at the same time. 23:50 We all want the picturesque family scripture study and we think we are failing if that's not what it looks like for us. 29:30 How to adjust family scripture study and what to do to stay on track. 31:40 Another big obstacle in family scripture study is that they don’t understand the scriptures. It has to start with the parents. The parents have to learn to love the scriptures. You then become like a fire and want to share that with your family. 34:20 How would you coach someone that is in the beginning stages of trying to get into scripture study and is relying on podcasts and blogs to help them understand? Get a scripture journal Learn to slow down while reading. Remember it’s line upon line. 37:30 We underestimate the youth. Teach your youth to slow down and do their own journaling. 39:30 Advice for keeping a scripture journal. Topical journal Chronological journal 44:45 Making Sunday school or studying with family a more profound experience. Don’t only teach but invite them to act to help them get the evidence they need to know something is true. 58:00 Shannon shares her final thoughts on the importance of the scriptures and what a gift they are to have. 1:03:00 Shannon’s testimony and reflections on her time as a teacher Links TheRedHeadedHostess.com Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Eli Nelson is originally from Seattle, Washington and is studying business at Brigham Young University. He has served as a counselor in an elders quorum presidency, ward temple and family history leader, and as a full time missionary in the Trinidad, Port of Spain Mission. He currently serves as elders quorum president in his young single adult ward in Provo, Utah, and is the soon-to-be husband to Claire Darby. Highlights 02:20 Eli’s background and mission experience 06:10 Getting called as elders quorum president in a YSA BYU ward 10:10 Principle one: Loving the handbook 12:15 Principle two: Finding the balance between magnifying your calling while also being a good peer 16:00 Principle three: Fostering active leadership in the quorum and ward 17:20 Principle four: The oxygen mask analogy. In order to serve others you have to have something to give. You have to take care of yourself first. 22:00 Time management is very important to taking care of yourself. Eli explains what time boxing is and how he uses it to manage everything in his life. 22:55 Principle five: There’s no substitute for a good secretary 25:05 Principle six: Delegation is critical 28:50 Principle seven: Sometimes you need to be a catalyst for change and push programs and initiatives from the ground up 32:30 Principle eight: The proper motives in church leadership are the two great commandments 36:15 Principle nine: Church leadership is 45% administration and 55% ministering 40:45 Eli shares his final thoughts on leadership and testimony. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Eli Nelson is originally from Seattle, Washington and is studying business at Brigham Young University. He has served as a counselor in an elders quorum presidency, ward temple and family history leader, and as a full time missionary in the Trinidad, Port of Spain Mission. He currently serves as elders quorum president in his young single adult ward in Provo, Utah, and is the soon-to-be husband to Claire Darby. Highlights 02:20 Eli’s background and mission experience 06:10 Getting called as elders quorum president in a YSA BYU ward 10:10 Principle one: Loving the handbook 12:15 Principle two: Finding the balance between magnifying your calling while also being a good peer 16:00 Principle three: Fostering active leadership in the quorum and ward 17:20 Principle four: The oxygen mask analogy. In order to serve others you have to have something to give. You have to take care of yourself first. 22:00 Time management is very important to taking care of yourself. Eli explains what time boxing is and how he uses it to manage everything in his life. 22:55 Principle five: There’s no substitute for a good secretary 25:05 Principle six: Delegation is critical 28:50 Principle seven: Sometimes you need to be a catalyst for change and push programs and initiatives from the ground up 32:30 Principle eight: The proper motives in church leadership are the two great commandments 36:15 Principle nine: Church leadership is 45% administration and 55% ministering 40:45 Eli shares his final thoughts on leadership and testimony. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Richard Nash spent his career as a writer and a speaker (not always by choice). He worked in management and marketing for Intermountain Healthcare for 35 years and previously served as a speechwriter and jokewriter for political and corporate leaders. He’s a former bishop and has also served as stake Young Men president, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and nursery leader. Most recently he is the author of 3 Keys to Help You Give a Better Talk. His previous book, Lengthen Your Smile, is a best-selling collection of brief stories (most of them funny) that illustrate faith-based ideals. Richard and his wife, Laurie, have three children and four grandchildren. Highlights 02:10 Introduction to Richard and his book, 3 Keys to Help You Give a Better Talk 07:50 Richard’s book was inspired by David O. McKay. 10:40 Principle 1: Have an objective The objective is the message you want listeners to take away from your talk. Keep your objective to one sentence. You are normally assigned the topic but take the time to pray and read and figure out the objective that you need to teach. 14:30 Is your lesson objective clear? How can you make it clear? 16:20 Richard shares his own personal experience of giving a talk and creating a clear objective and an attention grabbing opener. 17:45 Principle 2: Share examples People love stories. They connect with stories. We remember stories more than anything else we talk about. Stories are a way to show our personality. 22:30 Richard shares how he uses his own personal stories to connect with people. 28:00 Tips for sharing stories Keep a journal of your stories. They should be simple and day-to-day things. It doesn’t have to be a huge experience. Reference scripture stories or other people’s stories but bring your own personal experience into it. 32:45 Principle 3: Emphasize application What can people do because of the things that I’ve spoken today? Emphasize how people can apply principles to help them live the gospel every day. 36:00 The typical sacrament meeting talk is on a conference talk. We are putting their talk in our words. What can we do differently? 37:00 Nervousness is part of giving a talk. It makes us humble and gives us the experience of leaning on the Holy Spirit. 45:00 Is humor appropriate in a sacrament talk? 51:00 Tips for preparing a talk when you are assigned a topic or given a conference talk to speak to 53:50 Oftentimes our objective in Sunday School is to cover the material or certain chapters of scripture. We need to take the time to search those scriptures to find an objective that will help people live their lives. 57:15 Write down notes, quotes, and make an outline but don’t write out your talk verbatim. This allows the Spirit to interrupt us and give us guidance. Links 3 Keys to Help You Give a Better Talk BetterTalksLDS.com/ Teaching Through Better Stories in Sacrament Meeting Talks & Lessons | An Interview with Matthew Dicks Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society,

Richard Nash spent his career as a writer and a speaker (not always by choice). He worked in management and marketing for Intermountain Healthcare for 35 years and previously served as a speechwriter and jokewriter for political and corporate leaders. He’s a former bishop and has also served as stake Young Men president, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and nursery leader. Most recently he is the author of 3 Keys to Help You Give a Better Talk. His previous book, Lengthen Your Smile, is a best-selling collection of brief stories (most of them funny) that illustrate faith-based ideals. Richard and his wife, Laurie, have three children and four grandchildren. Highlights 02:10 Introduction to Richard and his book, 3 Keys to Help You Give a Better Talk 07:50 Richard’s book was inspired by David O. McKay. 10:40 Principle 1: Have an objective The objective is the message you want listeners to take away from your talk. Keep your objective to one sentence. You are normally assigned the topic but take the time to pray and read and figure out the objective that you need to teach. 14:30 Is your lesson objective clear? How can you make it clear? 16:20 Richard shares his own personal experience of giving a talk and creating a clear objective and an attention grabbing opener. 17:45 Principle 2: Share examples People love stories. They connect with stories. We remember stories more than anything else we talk about. Stories are a way to show our personality. 22:30 Richard shares how he uses his own personal stories to connect with people. 28:00 Tips for sharing stories Keep a journal of your stories. They should be simple and day-to-day things. It doesn’t have to be a huge experience. Reference scripture stories or other people’s stories but bring your own personal experience into it. 32:45 Principle 3: Emphasize application What can people do because of the things that I’ve spoken today? Emphasize how people can apply principles to help them live the gospel every day. 36:00 The typical sacrament meeting talk is on a conference talk. We are putting their talk in our words. What can we do differently? 37:00 Nervousness is part of giving a talk. It makes us humble and gives us the experience of leaning on the Holy Spirit. 45:00 Is humor appropriate in a sacrament talk? 51:00 Tips for preparing a talk when you are assigned a topic or given a conference talk to speak to 53:50 Oftentimes our objective in Sunday School is to cover the material or certain chapters of scripture. We need to take the time to search those scriptures to find an objective that will help people live their lives. 57:15 Write down notes, quotes, and make an outline but don’t write out your talk verbatim. This allows the Spirit to interrupt us and give us guidance. Links 3 Keys to Help You Give a Better Talk BetterTalksLDS.com/ Teaching Through Better Stories in Sacrament Meeting Talks & Lessons | An Interview with Matthew Dicks Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society,

Sharla Dance was finishing her degree in Music Education at Brigham Young University when she took a children’s music class from Susan Kenney. The principles and methods used in that class changed the way she wanted to teach music. When her daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age seven, Sharla delved into research about how the brain learns, Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, and the body's role in learning as taught by neurologist Carla Hannaford. Since then, some of her research and experience has centered around music in a group setting for special needs children. She also started applying her research to Primary music and has continued to learn and teach workshops, helping church music leaders learn principles and brain research that can make them more effective in teaching children. Sharla has taught piano and voice lessons, group preschool, and school age music classes in her studio, Dance Sing and Play, for twenty five years. She has served as ward or stake Primary music leader in over ten different wards and stakes, and as a youth choir specialist in her stake for twenty years. She has served several times as ward choir director and stake music chair, and is currently first counselor in her ward Relief Society. Sharla is the mother of five children and she and her husband live in Washington state where she is also a full-time caregiver for their daughter who had that brain tumor so many years ago. Highlights 04:00 Sharla is the Primary music leader. A Gospel Doctrine teacher for children through music. She shares her resources with other leaders. 06:10 Sharla shares her background and how she got into music. 10:00 Resources Sharla shares for Primary and why she got her website started 12:50 The overall breakdown of what you should do during music time is to teach three different songs with three different activities and bear your testimony in one or two sentences. 15:50 Each child should be actively involved with a specific song. Help the children use their senses to learn and practice the songs. 22:00 One thing that researchers have found that helps the frontal lobe develop is purposeful movement with a steady beat. 23:30 When children learn music with props, beats, and movements it creates an experience for them and brain hooks that help them remember that song. 24:20 Sharla believes that when we teach a child music with these different hooks that the song will come back to teach the child and to teach them doctrine when they really need it. 26:00 Drilling the words of a song and practicing them over and over is what we commonly see in Primary. However, Sharla teaches that we need to focus on the beat, rhythm, and the melody while singing the words. This is way easier for the brain to connect everything. 30:20 The process of audiation is singing a song in your head. It’s the strongest way to remember a song. Leave out words and have the kids fill them in and sing it out loud. 31:00 Sharla explains why movement while singing and to a steady beat is so important and useful for children. It activates the whole body and turns it into a thinking machine. 34:00 Line upon line is a great way for the brain to learn, especially when we sing the whole song. 37:20 Parents have found that even the children that don’t really participate in Primary are singing at home all the time. 40:00 Sharla does activities that can involve all the children and the songs that they are learning, especially because there is only twenty minutes to do it in. 41:30 Research shows that to keep the attention span of an adult active and attentive we need to change the pace every ten minutes. Children need a change of pace every six to seven minutes. 45:30 The teachers need to be involved in music time too. 46:40 Each child takes in information in a slightly different way and the brain craves variety. We need to teach in different ways to reach different children.

Sharla Dance was finishing her degree in Music Education at Brigham Young University when she took a children’s music class from Susan Kenney. The principles and methods used in that class changed the way she wanted to teach music. When her daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age seven, Sharla delved into research about how the brain learns, Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, and the body's role in learning as taught by neurologist Carla Hannaford. Since then, some of her research and experience has centered around music in a group setting for special needs children. She also started applying her research to Primary music and has continued to learn and teach workshops, helping church music leaders learn principles and brain research that can make them more effective in teaching children. Sharla has taught piano and voice lessons, group preschool, and school age music classes in her studio, Dance Sing and Play, for twenty five years. She has served as ward or stake Primary music leader in over ten different wards and stakes, and as a youth choir specialist in her stake for twenty years. She has served several times as ward choir director and stake music chair, and is currently first counselor in her ward Relief Society. Sharla is the mother of five children and she and her husband live in Washington state where she is also a full-time caregiver for their daughter who had that brain tumor so many years ago. Highlights 04:00 Sharla is the Primary music leader. A Gospel Doctrine teacher for children through music. She shares her resources with other leaders. 06:10 Sharla shares her background and how she got into music. 10:00 Resources Sharla shares for Primary and why she got her website started 12:50 The overall breakdown of what you should do during music time is to teach three different songs with three different activities and bear your testimony in one or two sentences. 15:50 Each child should be actively involved with a specific song. Help the children use their senses to learn and practice the songs. 22:00 One thing that researchers have found that helps the frontal lobe develop is purposeful movement with a steady beat. 23:30 When children learn music with props, beats, and movements it creates an experience for them and brain hooks that help them remember that song. 24:20 Sharla believes that when we teach a child music with these different hooks that the song will come back to teach the child and to teach them doctrine when they really need it. 26:00 Drilling the words of a song and practicing them over and over is what we commonly see in Primary. However, Sharla teaches that we need to focus on the beat, rhythm, and the melody while singing the words. This is way easier for the brain to connect everything. 30:20 The process of audiation is singing a song in your head. It’s the strongest way to remember a song. Leave out words and have the kids fill them in and sing it out loud. 31:00 Sharla explains why movement while singing and to a steady beat is so important and useful for children. It activates the whole body and turns it into a thinking machine. 34:00 Line upon line is a great way for the brain to learn, especially when we sing the whole song. 37:20 Parents have found that even the children that don’t really participate in Primary are singing at home all the time. 40:00 Sharla does activities that can involve all the children and the songs that they are learning, especially because there is only twenty minutes to do it in. 41:30 Research shows that to keep the attention span of an adult active and attentive we need to change the pace every ten minutes. Children need a change of pace every six to seven minutes. 45:30 The teachers need to be involved in music time too. 46:40 Each child takes in information in a slightly different way and the brain craves variety. We need to teach in different ways to reach different children.

Register for the Men's Retreat Here: awarriorheart.com Watch the Cwic Interview Is Elders Quorum Working?  

Register for the Men's Retreat Here: awarriorheart.com Watch the Cwic Interview Is Elders Quorum Working?  

Glenn R. Schiraldi, Ph.D., Lt. Colonel (US Army Reserve, Retired), is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, and a Vietnam-era veteran. He holds graduate degrees from Brigham Young University and the University of Maryland, and has served on the stress management faculties at the Pentagon, the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, and the University of Maryland School of Public Health. He has trained mental health professionals and laypersons—including high-risk groups such as the military, police, and firefighters—on stress, trauma, and resilience. Glenn is the founder of Resilience Training International, which teaches how to prevent and recover from stress-related conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, while optimizing mental health and performance under pressure. An eternally-grateful convert of 47 years, Glenn serves in a young single adult branch presidency and, with his wife, leads the Addiction Recovery Program in his stake in Florida. Highlights 02:40 Kurt introduces Glenn and the topic of childhood trauma. 05:15 Glenn shares his background and conversion story. 08:25 Glenn explains what he does and what led him to write many books and create courses to help people with their mental health. 11:30 Childhood wounds and how they affect people who are religious versus non religious 13:50 The original ten adverse childhood experiences that cause wounds that people carry into adulthood 16:00 Unresolved pain leads people to drugs and pornography. Unresolved childhood wounds can manifest physically or spiritually. 18:50 How can a leader be a resource to those struggling with childhood wounds and lead them in the right direction to find healing? 20:30 How memories are imprinted on us 23:30 We need a deeper, more dynamic approach to healing childhood trauma. It’s important to find a therapist that is a trauma specialist. 27:00 Glenn explains Accelerated Resolution Therapy, known as ART. This is a fairly new form of therapy that is very effective for helping people with trauma. 34:30 Leaders can encourage people to write out their feelings. Expressive writing and journaling can benefit people trying to deal with old trauma that don’t want to talk about it. 40:00 God is the ultimate attachment figure and his love is the ultimate answer to shame. 45:00 According to research it’s a myth that religion adds to more shame. Religion can cause guilt. Religion is the answer to guilt. 48:50 Big T trauma and small t trauma 51:50 Do most issues come from childhood trauma? 54:45 Coping with trauma by perfectionism and overachieving. They try to overcompensate. 58:00 Latter-day Saint people tend to be overachievers. Most overachievers were adaptive and they like it. Others have fear-driven overachievement. 1:01:00 We don’t have to suffer for decades. A lot of times we just need to learn certain skills to overcome. Take the time to find the right therapist. 1:03:20 A good leader loves the people as Christ did. Links The Adverse Childhood Experiences Recovery Workbook Glenn R. Schiraldi books Accelerated Resolution Therapy Resilience Training International Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy,

Glenn R. Schiraldi, Ph.D., Lt. Colonel (US Army Reserve, Retired), is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, and a Vietnam-era veteran. He holds graduate degrees from Brigham Young University and the University of Maryland, and has served on the stress management faculties at the Pentagon, the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, and the University of Maryland School of Public Health. He has trained mental health professionals and laypersons—including high-risk groups such as the military, police, and firefighters—on stress, trauma, and resilience. Glenn is the founder of Resilience Training International, which teaches how to prevent and recover from stress-related conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, while optimizing mental health and performance under pressure. An eternally-grateful convert of 47 years, Glenn serves in a young single adult branch presidency and, with his wife, leads the Addiction Recovery Program in his stake in Florida. Highlights 02:40 Kurt introduces Glenn and the topic of childhood trauma. 05:15 Glenn shares his background and conversion story. 08:25 Glenn explains what he does and what led him to write many books and create courses to help people with their mental health. 11:30 Childhood wounds and how they affect people who are religious versus non religious 13:50 The original ten adverse childhood experiences that cause wounds that people carry into adulthood 16:00 Unresolved pain leads people to drugs and pornography. Unresolved childhood wounds can manifest physically or spiritually. 18:50 How can a leader be a resource to those struggling with childhood wounds and lead them in the right direction to find healing? 20:30 How memories are imprinted on us 23:30 We need a deeper, more dynamic approach to healing childhood trauma. It’s important to find a therapist that is a trauma specialist. 27:00 Glenn explains Accelerated Resolution Therapy, known as ART. This is a fairly new form of therapy that is very effective for helping people with trauma. 34:30 Leaders can encourage people to write out their feelings. Expressive writing and journaling can benefit people trying to deal with old trauma that don’t want to talk about it. 40:00 God is the ultimate attachment figure and his love is the ultimate answer to shame. 45:00 According to research it’s a myth that religion adds to more shame. Religion can cause guilt. Religion is the answer to guilt. 48:50 Big T trauma and small t trauma 51:50 Do most issues come from childhood trauma? 54:45 Coping with trauma by perfectionism and overachieving. They try to overcompensate. 58:00 Latter-day Saint people tend to be overachievers. Most overachievers were adaptive and they like it. Others have fear-driven overachievement. 1:01:00 We don’t have to suffer for decades. A lot of times we just need to learn certain skills to overcome. Take the time to find the right therapist. 1:03:20 A good leader loves the people as Christ did. Links The Adverse Childhood Experiences Recovery Workbook Glenn R. Schiraldi books Accelerated Resolution Therapy Resilience Training International Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy,

Sara Payne is currently serving as the stake Relief Society president in Billings, Montana, and previously served as a branch Relief Society president in rural Maine. She loves Relief Society and considers it one of her purposes to help women in the Church understand that they belong and are wanted and needed in this great organization. Sara is a relationship coach and spends her days helping women who are married to physicians to create thriving marriages. Dale Williams has served in elders quorum, as a bishop and bishop's counselor, and in a stake presidency. He is currently a stake president in Billings, Montana. Dale is a business owner and practices as a chiropractor. Highlights 02:30 Introduction to Stake President Dale Williams and Stake Relief Society President Sara Payne in Billings, Montana. 04:45 Sara’s past experience and getting called as stake Relief Society president. 06:20 Dale shares his experience extending callings. He called Sara because she is a person who thinks outside the box. 09:45 Sara talks about beginning her calling and the intimidation she felt. 11:20 Dale talks about coming together and gathering ideas and thoughts. This creates an atmosphere of openness. 14:50 Dale describes the culture of the meetings they have as stake leaders. Things that he has found that work and don’t work. 16:15 The stake president states his opinion last. He lets everyone else speak and share first. This is a way he can also gain revelation. 18:50 There is a difference between respecting our leaders and putting them on a pedestal, like they are all knowing. 20:00 Reaching for unity. Go into any interaction knowing that you are on the same team even though opinions might differ. 23:00 Dale shares an experience of not agreeing and changing things up in the stake. 27:15 Sometimes we have to let go of who can do it the most effectively. Let everyone serve in their own way. 29:00 Dale has one-on-one meetings every month with Sara. She leads the discussion normally and takes time to prepare for it. 31:30 At the beginning of any meeting or one-on-one they begin by talking about a concern they have or gospel principle and counsel together before getting to the agenda items. They unify their thinking and come together. 33:10 Sara was very intimidated in stake councils to share her opinions and speak up. She talks about the things that helped her feel safe and open up. 35:40 Dale and his counselors share what they are going through. They are vulnerable. He has found that it’s not normally in our strengths that we come together but in our weaknesses. 38:10 What it means to be heard. Being heard doesn’t mean getting your way. 40:30 It’s not about what the leader can do but what they can help others do. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Sara Payne is currently serving as the stake Relief Society president in Billings, Montana, and previously served as a branch Relief Society president in rural Maine. She loves Relief Society and considers it one of her purposes to help women in the Church understand that they belong and are wanted and needed in this great organization. Sara is a relationship coach and spends her days helping women who are married to physicians to create thriving marriages. Dale Williams has served in elders quorum, as a bishop and bishop's counselor, and in a stake presidency. He is currently a stake president in Billings, Montana. Dale is a business owner and practices as a chiropractor. Highlights 02:30 Introduction to Stake President Dale Williams and Stake Relief Society President Sara Payne in Billings, Montana. 04:45 Sara’s past experience and getting called as stake Relief Society president. 06:20 Dale shares his experience extending callings. He called Sara because she is a person who thinks outside the box. 09:45 Sara talks about beginning her calling and the intimidation she felt. 11:20 Dale talks about coming together and gathering ideas and thoughts. This creates an atmosphere of openness. 14:50 Dale describes the culture of the meetings they have as stake leaders. Things that he has found that work and don’t work. 16:15 The stake president states his opinion last. He lets everyone else speak and share first. This is a way he can also gain revelation. 18:50 There is a difference between respecting our leaders and putting them on a pedestal, like they are all knowing. 20:00 Reaching for unity. Go into any interaction knowing that you are on the same team even though opinions might differ. 23:00 Dale shares an experience of not agreeing and changing things up in the stake. 27:15 Sometimes we have to let go of who can do it the most effectively. Let everyone serve in their own way. 29:00 Dale has one-on-one meetings every month with Sara. She leads the discussion normally and takes time to prepare for it. 31:30 At the beginning of any meeting or one-on-one they begin by talking about a concern they have or gospel principle and counsel together before getting to the agenda items. They unify their thinking and come together. 33:10 Sara was very intimidated in stake councils to share her opinions and speak up. She talks about the things that helped her feel safe and open up. 35:40 Dale and his counselors share what they are going through. They are vulnerable. He has found that it’s not normally in our strengths that we come together but in our weaknesses. 38:10 What it means to be heard. Being heard doesn’t mean getting your way. 40:30 It’s not about what the leader can do but what they can help others do. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Emily Robison Adams is married with three children and is a practicing appellate attorney. She received her undergraduate degree in linguistics from Brigham Young University and her JD from the University of Minnesota Law School. She worked for judges on the Minnesota Court of Appeals and the Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota before returning to Utah. She is a partner at The Appellate Group, a boutique law firm focusing on appeals. Emily has served in Relief Society and Young Women presidencies, taught Relief Society, and currently serves as the Primary chorister. Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces Emily and her story. 04:00 Emily shares her background. 06:00 Emily’s faith crisis. She felt like she couldn’t get answers from God. 09:10 A crisis dismantles your framework and the story you’ve built your life on. 11:20 The shame that comes from feeling like you can’t connect with the divine. 15:25 How leaders can help with a faith crisis. 17:50 Emily shares that she dealt with bitterness and doubts and didn't know what to do with her doubts. 20:40 How leaders can use the tool of rethinking to help an individual struggling with their faith. 23:30 Emily shares how she was able to rethink. She did this by finding people that were feeling the same way. She found books from other religions and perspectives that really helped her. 28:45 There are moments where scripture study feels empty. Find new ways to connect with God. It could be a hike, a walk, ten minutes of quiet. 31:50 Leaders are there to mourn with those that mourn. Be careful about preaching to someone that is in the tender stage of their faith crisis. Try to gauge where the person is at and what they need at the moment. 35:00 Leaders should resist the urge to fix everyone’s problems. Listen to their story. Show empathy for their difficulty. 37:15 Spencer Fluhman talks about how you answer gospel questions by not answering gospel questions but by connecting to the person who is asking you the question. 38:15 How to spot if someone is having a faith crisis or mental health issue. 43:00 Emily talks about sending smoke signals to people when she started struggling with her faith. 45:15 Leaders need to create safety in their wards. Safety to share. “There is no such thing as resistance, only lack of safety.” 48:00 Where Emily is at now in her faith journey. 53:00 Emily talks about how she is grateful for the quietness. How her faith has grown. Links Divine Quietness: Finding Meaning When Heaven is Silent Faith After Doubt Stages of Faith The Dark Night of the Soul What Every Leader Needs to Know About Faith Crisis | An Interview with Scott Braithwaite “Answering Sincere Gospel Questions,” with Spencer Fluhman Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Emily Robison Adams is married with three children and is a practicing appellate attorney. She received her undergraduate degree in linguistics from Brigham Young University and her JD from the University of Minnesota Law School. She worked for judges on the Minnesota Court of Appeals and the Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota before returning to Utah. She is a partner at The Appellate Group, a boutique law firm focusing on appeals. Emily has served in Relief Society and Young Women presidencies, taught Relief Society, and currently serves as the Primary chorister. Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces Emily and her story. 04:00 Emily shares her background. 06:00 Emily’s faith crisis. She felt like she couldn’t get answers from God. 09:10 A crisis dismantles your framework and the story you’ve built your life on. 11:20 The shame that comes from feeling like you can’t connect with the divine. 15:25 How leaders can help with a faith crisis. 17:50 Emily shares that she dealt with bitterness and doubts and didn't know what to do with her doubts. 20:40 How leaders can use the tool of rethinking to help an individual struggling with their faith. 23:30 Emily shares how she was able to rethink. She did this by finding people that were feeling the same way. She found books from other religions and perspectives that really helped her. 28:45 There are moments where scripture study feels empty. Find new ways to connect with God. It could be a hike, a walk, ten minutes of quiet. 31:50 Leaders are there to mourn with those that mourn. Be careful about preaching to someone that is in the tender stage of their faith crisis. Try to gauge where the person is at and what they need at the moment. 35:00 Leaders should resist the urge to fix everyone’s problems. Listen to their story. Show empathy for their difficulty. 37:15 Spencer Fluhman talks about how you answer gospel questions by not answering gospel questions but by connecting to the person who is asking you the question. 38:15 How to spot if someone is having a faith crisis or mental health issue. 43:00 Emily talks about sending smoke signals to people when she started struggling with her faith. 45:15 Leaders need to create safety in their wards. Safety to share. “There is no such thing as resistance, only lack of safety.” 48:00 Where Emily is at now in her faith journey. 53:00 Emily talks about how she is grateful for the quietness. How her faith has grown. Links Divine Quietness: Finding Meaning When Heaven is Silent Faith After Doubt Stages of Faith The Dark Night of the Soul What Every Leader Needs to Know About Faith Crisis | An Interview with Scott Braithwaite “Answering Sincere Gospel Questions,” with Spencer Fluhman Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

In this How I Lead podcast, Kurt speaks with Judy Clemens, who felt inspired to go to her stake president with some ideas, and was called to lead quarterly stake devotionals that have been very successful. Highlights 02:30 Introduction to Judy Clemans 04:30 Kurt reads his newsletter inspired by Judy. 06:30 Judy felt the call to serve but didn’t have an official calling. She stepped up anyway because she had lots of ideas. 07:50 If people could hear other people that are different from themselves, there could be so many opportunities to grow and expand. 09:00 Judy had so many ideas in her heart that could be helpful for the stake. She emailed her stake president and they had a meeting to discuss them. 12:40 After sharing her ideas with the stake president he took time to think about it and counsel with others and he ended up creating a special calling for Judy to implement her ideas. The calling is stake devotional coordinator. 14:30 Judy’s calling includes doing informal devotionals. A place to talk about difficult topics and hear from different people. 16:00 Judy’s purpose statement for the devotionals. These are the guidelines for every single devotional. Create connections to remember that we are not alone in our experiences. We are all God’s children. Seek understanding. Hear personal stories of those that have experiences different from our own. Provide learning. Take time to learn about other people’s experiences so you can show up, love, and support each other in meaningful ways. When we know better, we do better. Testify of Christ. Testify to the healing power of Jesus Christ and demonstrate how we allow our experiences to bring us closer to Him. 17:00 Judy gives more details about her calling and the devotionals. The goal was to be informal and casual dress. They had them on Friday night, once a quarter. 22:30 There are lots of people with big ideas in the Church that feel like they need to shrink down and feel shame for speaking up. 24:00 One of the most popular topics covered was understanding and loving our LGBTQ family and neighbors. Other topics were raising children with autism, struggling with scrupulosity, and navigating disappointment. 27:15 The devotionals are in person but there is also a recording that is public for anyone to watch on YouTube. 29:00 Doing these devotionals is about bringing the community together. They are culture changing and help us have empathy for one another. These sensitive topics are not normally brought up in a Sunday meeting and Judy wanted a place to speak about these things. 32:40 So far people have been blown away by the experiences they are having at the devotionals and being able to talk so openly and frankly about some sensitive topics in the gospel. 34:40 Judy has an advocate in each ward to help advertise the devotionals, get flyers out, and listen for topics of interest from the ward or find speakers. 35:30 Big ideas don’t have to be complicated. Judy has been able to keep her idea simple and straightforward. No refreshments and it’s only once a quarter. Very doable. 36:00 Judy has found a way to use her gifts and talents in a way that benefits and blesses others. Links Listen, Love, Learn - Brighton Stake YouTube channel Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library  Ranked in the Top 20 The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts on iTunes.  Over 500,000 Listens Each Month  Over 10 million Total Downloads Part of the nonprofit Leading Saints' mission is to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead.

In this How I Lead podcast, Kurt speaks with Judy Clemens, who felt inspired to go to her stake president with some ideas, and was called to lead quarterly stake devotionals that have been very successful. Highlights 02:30 Introduction to Judy Clemans 04:30 Kurt reads his newsletter inspired by Judy. 06:30 Judy felt the call to serve but didn’t have an official calling. She stepped up anyway because she had lots of ideas. 07:50 If people could hear other people that are different from themselves, there could be so many opportunities to grow and expand. 09:00 Judy had so many ideas in her heart that could be helpful for the stake. She emailed her stake president and they had a meeting to discuss them. 12:40 After sharing her ideas with the stake president he took time to think about it and counsel with others and he ended up creating a special calling for Judy to implement her ideas. The calling is stake devotional coordinator. 14:30 Judy’s calling includes doing informal devotionals. A place to talk about difficult topics and hear from different people. 16:00 Judy’s purpose statement for the devotionals. These are the guidelines for every single devotional. Create connections to remember that we are not alone in our experiences. We are all God’s children. Seek understanding. Hear personal stories of those that have experiences different from our own. Provide learning. Take time to learn about other people’s experiences so you can show up, love, and support each other in meaningful ways. When we know better, we do better. Testify of Christ. Testify to the healing power of Jesus Christ and demonstrate how we allow our experiences to bring us closer to Him. 17:00 Judy gives more details about her calling and the devotionals. The goal was to be informal and casual dress. They had them on Friday night, once a quarter. 22:30 There are lots of people with big ideas in the Church that feel like they need to shrink down and feel shame for speaking up. 24:00 One of the most popular topics covered was understanding and loving our LGBTQ family and neighbors. Other topics were raising children with autism, struggling with scrupulosity, and navigating disappointment. 27:15 The devotionals are in person but there is also a recording that is public for anyone to watch on YouTube. 29:00 Doing these devotionals is about bringing the community together. They are culture changing and help us have empathy for one another. These sensitive topics are not normally brought up in a Sunday meeting and Judy wanted a place to speak about these things. 32:40 So far people have been blown away by the experiences they are having at the devotionals and being able to talk so openly and frankly about some sensitive topics in the gospel. 34:40 Judy has an advocate in each ward to help advertise the devotionals, get flyers out, and listen for topics of interest from the ward or find speakers. 35:30 Big ideas don’t have to be complicated. Judy has been able to keep her idea simple and straightforward. No refreshments and it’s only once a quarter. Very doable. 36:00 Judy has found a way to use her gifts and talents in a way that benefits and blesses others. Links Listen, Love, Learn - Brighton Stake YouTube channel Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library  Ranked in the Top 20 The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts on iTunes.  Over 500,000 Listens Each Month  Over 10 million Total Downloads Part of the nonprofit Leading Saints' mission is to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead.

Pre-register HERE for the Recovering Saints Virtual Conference Kelly Thompson Clark is a recovering drug addict and alcoholic who spent three decades battling the disease of addiction. Plagued by the effects of mental illness and addiction, she eventually descended into homelessness and prostitution. In 2016, after finding faith in Jesus Christ and entering twelve-step recovery, Kelly’s life of tragedy and despair transformed into one that overflowed with purpose and hope. Kelly is a published author, public speaker, podcast co-host, and social media influencer. She has dedicated her life to sharing the reality of hope with those who continue to suffer from the devastating impact of addiction. Heather Granata Warren and her husband are the parents of nine kids, her two nieces, a daughter-in law, and two dogs. They reside in the Lehi, Utah area, and she owns Little Adventures, a company that manufactures clothing-quality princess dress ups. Her full-time job, however, is as a wife and an Uber driver (for the kids), and handling the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of all those young people. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. Heather currently serves as a Young Women 13–15-year-old advisor. Her favorite callings—and most of the last twenty years—have involved serving the youth and in the Young Women organization. Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces Kelly and Heather. 04:00 Introduction to Kelly’s story of addiction and redemption 07:00 Kelly shares their family background and how they were raised. 09:20 As a very young child Kelly suffered from anxiety disorder and depression. She had very troubled teenage years and got into drug addiction and harmful behaviors. 16:00 Kelly looks back on her journey and shares what her young self needed at that time. The true solution was always God and the atonement of Jesus Christ. 17:40 The journey was important. Kelly had small glimpses of the spirit and Jesus Christ throughout the years. In the end, all those experiences combined to help her finally surrender to God. 21:00 The family dynamic and how they were dealing with Kelly’s problems 25:45 Coping with different substances, food, or work. Putting these behaviors before God and losing all peace of mind. 26:30 Hitting her absolute rock bottom using meth and heroin, losing her two daughters, and living out on the streets of Salt Lake 27:40 Heather shares her experience watching her sister suffer and go out of control, not being able to help her. 29:20 Addressing codependency. How can families not enable the member of the family with the addiction? What can they do to truly help? 32:30 The Atonement isn’t just for sin. Heather shares her grief and unbearable pain of thinking she was going to lose her sister. She had to surrender her sister to God. 35:20 Bishop’s should teach surrender to God. Everything always goes back to the Atonement. Let God carry you. 36:10 Kelly describes her gethsemane and how she slowly learned to turn to God and surrender unconditionally to God. 44:45 Kelly describes her emotional journey and miracles that happened to get sober and come back to Christ. 50:30 The process of getting off of heroin and meth 58:30 It’s not just about getting clean and sober but it’s about feeling joy again and coming back to Christ. Not all people that get off drugs are happy. 59:50 Advice for a ward or relief society that is trying to help someone in the midst of addiction and chaos. Love them where they are at with no expectations. 1:01:30 The more vulnerable and honest Kelly is, the more people connect with her. The less judgmental they are. 1:04:00 The Atonement of Jesus Christ lifts the shame. 1:07:20 Rings of light sometimes have frayed ends. However, in time everything will come full circle. Healing is individual and will happen in different time frames for everyone.

  Register HERE for the Recovering Saints Virtual Conference Kelly Thompson Clark is a recovering drug addict and alcoholic who spent three decades battling the disease of addiction. Plagued by the effects of mental illness and addiction, she eventually descended into homelessness and prostitution. In 2016, after finding faith in Jesus Christ and entering twelve-step recovery, Kelly’s life of tragedy and despair transformed into one that overflowed with purpose and hope. Kelly is a published author, public speaker, podcast co-host, and social media influencer. She has dedicated her life to sharing the reality of hope with those who continue to suffer from the devastating impact of addiction. Heather Granata Warren and her husband are the parents of nine kids, her two nieces, a daughter-in law, and two dogs. They reside in the Lehi, Utah area, and she owns Little Adventures, a company that manufactures clothing-quality princess dress ups. Her full-time job, however, is as a wife and an Uber driver (for the kids), and handling the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of all those young people. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. Heather currently serves as a Young Women 13–15-year-old advisor. Her favorite callings—and most of the last twenty years—have involved serving the youth and in the Young Women organization. Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces Kelly and Heather. 04:00 Introduction to Kelly’s story of addiction and redemption 07:00 Kelly shares their family background and how they were raised. 09:20 As a very young child Kelly suffered from anxiety disorder and depression. She had very troubled teenage years and got into drug addiction and harmful behaviors. 16:00 Kelly looks back on her journey and shares what her young self needed at that time. The true solution was always God and the atonement of Jesus Christ. 17:40 The journey was important. Kelly had small glimpses of the spirit and Jesus Christ throughout the years. In the end, all those experiences combined to help her finally surrender to God. 21:00 The family dynamic and how they were dealing with Kelly’s problems 25:45 Coping with different substances, food, or work. Putting these behaviors before God and losing all peace of mind. 26:30 Hitting her absolute rock bottom using meth and heroin, losing her two daughters, and living out on the streets of Salt Lake 27:40 Heather shares her experience watching her sister suffer and go out of control, not being able to help her. 29:20 Addressing codependency. How can families not enable the member of the family with the addiction? What can they do to truly help? 32:30 The Atonement isn’t just for sin. Heather shares her grief and unbearable pain of thinking she was going to lose her sister. She had to surrender her sister to God. 35:20 Bishop’s should teach surrender to God. Everything always goes back to the Atonement. Let God carry you. 36:10 Kelly describes her gethsemane and how she slowly learned to turn to God and surrender unconditionally to God. 44:45 Kelly describes her emotional journey and miracles that happened to get sober and come back to Christ. 50:30 The process of getting off of heroin and meth 58:30 It’s not just about getting clean and sober but it’s about feeling joy again and coming back to Christ. Not all people that get off drugs are happy. 59:50 Advice for a ward or relief society that is trying to help someone in the midst of addiction and chaos. Love them where they are at with no expectations. 1:01:30 The more vulnerable and honest Kelly is, the more people connect with her. The less judgmental they are. 1:04:00 The Atonement of Jesus Christ lifts the shame. 1:07:20 Rings of light sometimes have frayed ends. However, in time everything will come full circle. Healing is individual and will happen in different time frames for everyone.

Pavel Mykhailovskii was born and raised in Ukraine, and served a mission in Dnipro, Ukraine. He was called as the second counselor in the mission presidency in Dnipro only eight months after serving his mission. He has also served as branch president and is currently serving as stake president. Highlights 02:35 Introduction to Pavel and his background 04:00 The current state of Ukraine due to the war. Pavel lives in one of the biggest cities in eastern Ukraine where, for the most part, life is normal. 07:30 Pavel is a 29-year-old stake president. He shares his background in the Church. 15:15 What Pavel learned as a counselor in the mission presidency 18:15 Pavel describes his experience as a branch president in Ukraine and what his ward dynamic was like. 19:30 The effect that the war has had on wards and branches 23:30 Pavel describes how his stake was created. It was a miracle that it was able to be created during the pandemic. 26:30 Getting called as the stake president 31:30 Being stake president during the Russian invasion 37:00 Miracles that happened during the war 52:20 You can’t freeze revelation. You have to act on it immediately. 57:20 How we can help the people of Ukraine 1:00:00 Pavel shares his final thoughts on serving and becoming a disciple of Christ. Links Listen to the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Pavel Mykhailovskii was born and raised in Ukraine, and served a mission in Dnipro, Ukraine. He was called as the second counselor in the mission presidency in Dnipro only eight months after serving his mission. He has also served as branch president and is currently serving as stake president. Highlights 02:35 Introduction to Pavel and his background 04:00 The current state of Ukraine due to the war. Pavel lives in one of the biggest cities in eastern Ukraine where, for the most part, life is normal. 07:30 Pavel is a 29-year-old stake president. He shares his background in the Church. 15:15 What Pavel learned as a counselor in the mission presidency 18:15 Pavel describes his experience as a branch president in Ukraine and what his ward dynamic was like. 19:30 The effect that the war has had on wards and branches 23:30 Pavel describes how his stake was created. It was a miracle that it was able to be created during the pandemic. 26:30 Getting called as the stake president 31:30 Being stake president during the Russian invasion 37:00 Miracles that happened during the war 52:20 You can’t freeze revelation. You have to act on it immediately. 57:20 How we can help the people of Ukraine 1:00:00 Pavel shares his final thoughts on serving and becoming a disciple of Christ. Links Listen to the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Karla Fonseca was born and raised in San Pedro Sula, the industrial capital of Honduras, in Central America. She graduated as an environmental engineer before serving in the Guatemala City Central Mission. She later earned a master's degree in Environmental Science at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and is now a senior in Marriage and Family Studies in BYU-Idaho's online program. Karla has worked as an environmental coordinator and manager and is currently the project manager at her family's insurance business. Karla has served in Young Womens as a president, counselor, secretary, and stake Personal Progress specialist; as an Institute teacher, ward Relief Society secretary, and temple worker in Las Vegas. She has also been a stake YSA representative and historian for the regional EFY conference, and has served as stake historian for over 10 years. She currently holds three additional callings as stake self-reliance specialist, Institute teacher, and ward Primary president. She hopes to continue in Primary in her new ward as a music leader. Karla and her husband Sergio Mejia have been married eight years and have a 5-year-old son. Highlights 02:40 Introduction to Karla and her background 04:40 Karla describes the church in Honduras and ward demographics. 08:00 Ward dynamics and the challenges that it has, covering a large geographic area but with very few members 10:00 Karla’s experience as primary president in Honduras. Learning on her own and as she went due to the lack of leaders in her area. 16:10 Principle one - Seek help from others Look for resources online Join Facebook groups Get help from local leaders 23:00 Principle two - Work together with the ward council. Karla shares her experience of how her ward council works together to support families. 28:00 Primary needs the help of the ward council because it’s not just the kids that need support but the parents too. 29:40 Principle three - visualize the potential of the children. Karla shares a personal experience she has had with the youth. 32:30 Karla shares her mission experience in Guatemala and a lesson she learned. Seeing each person as important, even the smallest child in your ward. 34:00 Final thoughts and Karla’s testimony of Jesus Christ and being a leader Links Sharla Dance: teachingprimarymusic.com Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Karla Fonseca was born and raised in San Pedro Sula, the industrial capital of Honduras, in Central America. She graduated as an environmental engineer before serving in the Guatemala City Central Mission. She later earned a master's degree in Environmental Science at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and is now a senior in Marriage and Family Studies in BYU-Idaho's online program. Karla has worked as an environmental coordinator and manager and is currently the project manager at her family's insurance business. Karla has served in Young Womens as a president, counselor, secretary, and stake Personal Progress specialist; as an Institute teacher, ward Relief Society secretary, and temple worker in Las Vegas. She has also been a stake YSA representative and historian for the regional EFY conference, and has served as stake historian for over 10 years. She currently holds three additional callings as stake self-reliance specialist, Institute teacher, and ward Primary president. She hopes to continue in Primary in her new ward as a music leader. Karla and her husband Sergio Mejia have been married eight years and have a 5-year-old son. Highlights 02:40 Introduction to Karla and her background 04:40 Karla describes the church in Honduras and ward demographics. 08:00 Ward dynamics and the challenges that it has, covering a large geographic area but with very few members 10:00 Karla’s experience as primary president in Honduras. Learning on her own and as she went due to the lack of leaders in her area. 16:10 Principle one - Seek help from others Look for resources online Join Facebook groups Get help from local leaders 23:00 Principle two - Work together with the ward council. Karla shares her experience of how her ward council works together to support families. 28:00 Primary needs the help of the ward council because it’s not just the kids that need support but the parents too. 29:40 Principle three - visualize the potential of the children. Karla shares a personal experience she has had with the youth. 32:30 Karla shares her mission experience in Guatemala and a lesson she learned. Seeing each person as important, even the smallest child in your ward. 34:00 Final thoughts and Karla’s testimony of Jesus Christ and being a leader Links Sharla Dance: teachingprimarymusic.com Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Travis Richey is an entrepreneur and speaker. At the age of 25, Travis managed a hedge fund with millions of dollars under management. Due to a regulatory oversight in the State of Arizona, he was charged with transactions of an unregistered securities dealer and sentenced to 2 years in Arizona Department of Corrections. This 17,520 hours became the framework of Travis’ new mission in life; he founded AccomplishED Ventures to provide incarcerated and returned citizens the proper resources for a second chance at a successful life. Over the past 10 years he created the largest incarcerated curriculum company In America. His weekly message is seen or heard by over 500,000 inmates. When Travis is not impacting the incarcerated community, he speaks the language of identity and adversity to youth around the world, helping them understand their greatness and true potential. Travis’ message to the world is that biography is not destiny and no matter your past circumstances, you are in control of how far you go in life and what you achieve. Travis lives by the idea that every adversity carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit; the challenge is for most people that they’re so focused on the adversity in front of them that they don’t water the seed. Travis believes that the worst prisons in America are not made of concrete and steel, but moreso the limiting beliefs which keep us locked inside a mindset—or even worse, a life that does not serve our potential or purpose. Travis served in the Washington, Spokane mission and has degrees in finance and business administration. He has served in various church callings: nursery, Primary, Young Men, elders quorum, and his current and favorite calling as Gospel Doctrine instructor. Travis and his wife Melissa have been married 15 years, have four children, and reside in Boise, Idaho. Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces Travis Richey. 03:30 Travis’ background 06:00 Travis talks about his incarceration and what led to it. 15:00 Many leaders were involved in Travis’ case and it was confusing for all of them. 21:30 Travis describes the years of mental anguish and court hearings. After a six year legal battle he was finally sentenced to 2 years. 24:45 Taking ownership and accountability and getting out of victim mode 27:30 What Travis learned from his experience and what he hopes listeners and leaders can get out of his story is empathy. He explains the difference between sympathy and empathy. 28:40 What does it look like to crawl in the pit with someone? Do people know that they can count on you? 33:20 As church leadership, how do you help someone who is incarcerated? Get them out of victim mode. 38:10 Travis shares what he does when he sits across from someone in jail. When you don’t know how to relate to someone, start with the end in mind. Help them see where they want to go and who they want to be. 40:00 Stop focusing on behavior! Focus on identity. 40:50 Where do we start when talking about identity? Kurt shares his own personal story of finding identity. 42:45 Telling your story unlocks levels of authenticity. 44:30 Bringing authenticity and unlocking identity at church 48:50 If you hide your story, you hide God’s glory. 50:50 Moments of change. Travis’ time incarcerated was his self mastery moment. He was able to reframe his whole experience. His story is now global and changes people’s lives. 52:30 Changes that will be made to the Gospel Library for people incarcerated 59:45 Resources and Travis’ nonprofit 1:01:50 How being incarcerated helped Travis become a better follower of Jesus Christ Links Accomplished Ventures Travis Richey Ep. 570 The Cultural Hall Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Scriptures referenced in this podcast: Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,

Travis Richey is an entrepreneur and speaker. At the age of 25, Travis managed a hedge fund with millions of dollars under management. Due to a regulatory oversight in the State of Arizona, he was charged with transactions of an unregistered securities dealer and sentenced to 2 years in Arizona Department of Corrections. This 17,520 hours became the framework of Travis’ new mission in life; he founded AccomplishED Ventures to provide incarcerated and returned citizens the proper resources for a second chance at a successful life. Over the past 10 years he created the largest incarcerated curriculum company In America. His weekly message is seen or heard by over 500,000 inmates. When Travis is not impacting the incarcerated community, he speaks the language of identity and adversity to youth around the world, helping them understand their greatness and true potential. Travis’ message to the world is that biography is not destiny and no matter your past circumstances, you are in control of how far you go in life and what you achieve. Travis lives by the idea that every adversity carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit; the challenge is for most people that they’re so focused on the adversity in front of them that they don’t water the seed. Travis believes that the worst prisons in America are not made of concrete and steel, but moreso the limiting beliefs which keep us locked inside a mindset—or even worse, a life that does not serve our potential or purpose. Travis served in the Washington, Spokane mission and has degrees in finance and business administration. He has served in various church callings: nursery, Primary, Young Men, elders quorum, and his current and favorite calling as Gospel Doctrine instructor. Travis and his wife Melissa have been married 15 years, have four children, and reside in Boise, Idaho. Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces Travis Richey. 03:30 Travis’ background 06:00 Travis talks about his incarceration and what led to it. 15:00 Many leaders were involved in Travis’ case and it was confusing for all of them. 21:30 Travis describes the years of mental anguish and court hearings. After a six year legal battle he was finally sentenced to 2 years. 24:45 Taking ownership and accountability and getting out of victim mode 27:30 What Travis learned from his experience and what he hopes listeners and leaders can get out of his story is empathy. He explains the difference between sympathy and empathy. 28:40 What does it look like to crawl in the pit with someone? Do people know that they can count on you? 33:20 As church leadership, how do you help someone who is incarcerated? Get them out of victim mode. 38:10 Travis shares what he does when he sits across from someone in jail. When you don’t know how to relate to someone, start with the end in mind. Help them see where they want to go and who they want to be. 40:00 Stop focusing on behavior! Focus on identity. 40:50 Where do we start when talking about identity? Kurt shares his own personal story of finding identity. 42:45 Telling your story unlocks levels of authenticity. 44:30 Bringing authenticity and unlocking identity at church 48:50 If you hide your story, you hide God’s glory. 50:50 Moments of change. Travis’ time incarcerated was his self mastery moment. He was able to reframe his whole experience. His story is now global and changes people’s lives. 52:30 Changes that will be made to the Gospel Library for people incarcerated 59:45 Resources and Travis’ nonprofit 1:01:50 How being incarcerated helped Travis become a better follower of Jesus Christ Links Accomplished Ventures Travis Richey Ep. 570 The Cultural Hall Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Scriptures referenced in this podcast: Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,

Jennifer Sumko grew up in Salt Lake City Utah and graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Communications. She worked in various marketing and account management jobs prior to having children and staying at home as a full-time mother. She started a photography business while her husband was in residency and taught herself how to sew by watching YouTube videos while her babies were sleeping. It was during those years, living on the east coast, that she gained a deep love and appreciation for antiques and making old things appear as new. Jennifer has always had a love and passion for design. In 2018 She started Jen Sumko Vint—a company rooted in a love of all things vintage—and took on design clients specializing in textiles, wallpapers, and antique furnishings. She launched an earring collection early in 2019 and created her own small dress label the end of that year. Her latest project has been a spring and summer clothing, swim, and shoe collection with Dillard’s that will launch and be available nationwide in February 2023. Jennifer is currently serving as a Young Women president in Mesa, Arizona, after serving as Relief Society president in a ward doubling in numbers weekly. She has also served in a stake Young Women presidency and as a counselor in Young Women, Relief Society, and Primary while living in Pennsylvania. You can find her on social media through Instagram @JenniferSumko or at a local thrift or antique store sorting through treasured goods. Highlights 03:00 Introduction to Jennifer Sumko, her work as a designer, and using Instagram for business 10:40 God gave us technology to make us strong but it can also be a weakness. Social media can be an unhealthy escape. 13:40 The dynamic of social media with the relief society sisters 15:30 The danger of social media is judgment and comparison, even if it’s wholesome content. 17:40 The top five people on your feed are actually the top five people that are influencing your life. Take a look and evaluate your feed and what you are seeing daily and how it’s influencing you. 18:20 Invite God into your work and social media. 21:20 Even though we need to be careful with social media, so much good is coming from it. 22:45 Be intentional with your social media Why are you on social media? Is it education or entertainment? To escape? Use social media to reach out to others Think of how you can use social media in a positive way 25:30 Reaching out on social media Simply liking someone’s post Writing a comment Engage with people’s content If you are not on social media, text a friend 26:45 How can the Relief Society leverage social media? 30:00 Social media should not replace in person connection and community. Focus first on your most important relationships. 35:40 We can learn a lot about people by who they follow online. Create an activity about it and share who you follow online. This could help people connect over common interests. 36:50 Dealing with disagreements. Ask people questions not to attack but to understand. Invite Jesus in to help us understand other individuals. Remember that no one has the answers. 39:00 The struggle we are all having right now is feeling like we have a seat at the table and helping others feel included too. 40:00 Jennifer’s final thoughts and testimony Links Jennifer Sumko Vintage Instagram: @jennifer_sumko Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Scriptures referenced in this podcast: Ether 12:27, Doctrine & Covenants 8 Gathering Saints The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith,

Jennifer Sumko grew up in Salt Lake City Utah and graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Communications. She worked in various marketing and account management jobs prior to having children and staying at home as a full-time mother. She started a photography business while her husband was in residency and taught herself how to sew by watching YouTube videos while her babies were sleeping. It was during those years, living on the east coast, that she gained a deep love and appreciation for antiques and making old things appear as new. Jennifer has always had a love and passion for design. In 2018 She started Jen Sumko Vint—a company rooted in a love of all things vintage—and took on design clients specializing in textiles, wallpapers, and antique furnishings. She launched an earring collection early in 2019 and created her own small dress label the end of that year. Her latest project has been a spring and summer clothing, swim, and shoe collection with Dillard’s that will launch and be available nationwide in February 2023. Jennifer is currently serving as a Young Women president in Mesa, Arizona, after serving as Relief Society president in a ward doubling in numbers weekly. She has also served in a stake Young Women presidency and as a counselor in Young Women, Relief Society, and Primary while living in Pennsylvania. You can find her on social media through Instagram @JenniferSumko or at a local thrift or antique store sorting through treasured goods. Highlights 03:00 Introduction to Jennifer Sumko, her work as a designer, and using Instagram for business 10:40 God gave us technology to make us strong but it can also be a weakness. Social media can be an unhealthy escape. 13:40 The dynamic of social media with the relief society sisters 15:30 The danger of social media is judgment and comparison, even if it’s wholesome content. 17:40 The top five people on your feed are actually the top five people that are influencing your life. Take a look and evaluate your feed and what you are seeing daily and how it’s influencing you. 18:20 Invite God into your work and social media. 21:20 Even though we need to be careful with social media, so much good is coming from it. 22:45 Be intentional with your social media Why are you on social media? Is it education or entertainment? To escape? Use social media to reach out to others Think of how you can use social media in a positive way 25:30 Reaching out on social media Simply liking someone’s post Writing a comment Engage with people’s content If you are not on social media, text a friend 26:45 How can the Relief Society leverage social media? 30:00 Social media should not replace in person connection and community. Focus first on your most important relationships. 35:40 We can learn a lot about people by who they follow online. Create an activity about it and share who you follow online. This could help people connect over common interests. 36:50 Dealing with disagreements. Ask people questions not to attack but to understand. Invite Jesus in to help us understand other individuals. Remember that no one has the answers. 39:00 The struggle we are all having right now is feeling like we have a seat at the table and helping others feel included too. 40:00 Jennifer’s final thoughts and testimony Links Jennifer Sumko Vintage Instagram: @jennifer_sumko Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Scriptures referenced in this podcast: Ether 12:27, Doctrine & Covenants 8 Gathering Saints The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith,

In this episode, Kurt Francom and Ross Richey (former member of the Leading Saints Board of Directors) talk about random topics distantly related to leadership. This is a fun end-of-year episode where there are no rules. :) Links We Are Not Saved podcast Leadership Systems | How I Lead: Ross Richey, High Priest Group Leader Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

In this episode, Kurt Francom and Ross Richey (former member of the Leading Saints Board of Directors) talk about random topics distantly related to leadership. This is a fun end-of-year episode where there are no rules. :) Links We Are Not Saved podcast Leadership Systems | How I Lead: Ross Richey, High Priest Group Leader Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

In this episode, Kurt Francom discusses the past, present, and future of Leading Saints. Links from Episode: Donate to Leading Saints Upcoming Retreats Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching. Watch Video Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq9wtA6KSm4

In this episode, Kurt Francom discusses the past, present, and future of Leading Saints. Links from Episode: Donate to Leading Saints Upcoming Retreats Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching. Watch Video Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq9wtA6KSm4

Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D., is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. He is also an associate leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton. He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources from Indiana University, and a B.A. from Brigham Young University. As a consultant, he works with organizations to develop their leaders and improve their culture. Ryan is the author of The Elevated Leader and Success Mindsets. He has written multiple articles for Leading Saints, presented at a live event about mindsets, and is a repeat podcast guest. As Ryan reviewed leadership research, he found it primarily answered one question: “What do leaders need to do to be effective?” The focus of his work has been on “What do leaders need to be to be effective?” This podcast is a follow-up to a previous discussion about vertical development as individuals and leaders in the church. Listen to Part 1 here. Highlights 02:10 Introduction and Ryan talks about the book that he recently released 04:40 Focus on vertical development not only works in the office but within the family 06:15 Ryan breaks down vertical development and how it's different from horizontal development 09:00 Retreats are to help focus on our own character development or vertical development. It’s so much more than just gaining more knowledge. 13:00 Researchers have found that adults can develop but most don’t 16:00 We force our youth to get into uncomfortable situations where they can learn and grow. However, as adults we refuse to do things that are uncomfortable. 18:00 A heat experience. They are externally or internally driven. These are experiences that cause us to change. 19:30 Can we apply this idea of vertical development in our church meetings? 23:00 A necessary prerequisite for vertical development is vulnerability. So as church leaders it's important to be vulnerable and create a space for others to be vulnerable too. 25:20 Ryan shares some of his past trauma and what he has learned from it in his vertical development journey. He applies it to church leaders. 30:20 What makes us, as leaders? 32:40 Experiences as a child can affect us as adults and how we lead. Even if you didn’t have dramatic trauma in your past, everyone has some sort of trauma. 33:40 Kurt shares his personal experience 36:15 Look into your past. What has happened to you? What type of leadership have you experienced? What was your testimony development like? How are all these things impacting or impeding your vertical leadership development? 36:50 Ryan gives examples of how past trauma affects current leadership 41:30 The journey to becoming a more positive influence, a better leader, and more like our Savior is foundationally a healing journey 45:00 We need to stop comparing our pain and trauma. Everyone’s pain matters. 51:00 It can be helpful to look into the history of trauma in your family 54:15 Past trauma affects how we parent and connect with others 58:00 Less vertically developed leaders focus on results and outcomes. The best leaders focus on the leading indicators, not the lagging indicators. 1:00:00 Watching other people go through vertical development 1:06:20 Vertical development is a focus on elevating our being and not just focusing on our doing 1:08:40 The first step is self awareness. Take the time to learn more about vertical mindsets. Once we become self aware and learn we can take action. 1:14:00 Final encouragement that Ryan has for leaders Links Part 1: The Research Behind Becoming Christlike | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson Success Mindsets: Your Keys to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership The Elevated Leader: Level Up Your Leadership Through Vertical Development

Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D., is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. He is also an associate leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton. He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources from Indiana University, and a B.A. from Brigham Young University. As a consultant, he works with organizations to develop their leaders and improve their culture. Ryan is the author of The Elevated Leader and Success Mindsets. He has written multiple articles for Leading Saints, presented at a live event about mindsets, and is a repeat podcast guest. As Ryan reviewed leadership research, he found it primarily answered one question: “What do leaders need to do to be effective?” The focus of his work has been on “What do leaders need to be to be effective?” This podcast is a follow-up to a previous discussion about vertical development as individuals and leaders in the church. Listen to Part 1 here. Highlights 02:10 Introduction and Ryan talks about the book that he recently released 04:40 Focus on vertical development not only works in the office but within the family 06:15 Ryan breaks down vertical development and how it's different from horizontal development 09:00 Retreats are to help focus on our own character development or vertical development. It’s so much more than just gaining more knowledge. 13:00 Researchers have found that adults can develop but most don’t 16:00 We force our youth to get into uncomfortable situations where they can learn and grow. However, as adults we refuse to do things that are uncomfortable. 18:00 A heat experience. They are externally or internally driven. These are experiences that cause us to change. 19:30 Can we apply this idea of vertical development in our church meetings? 23:00 A necessary prerequisite for vertical development is vulnerability. So as church leaders it's important to be vulnerable and create a space for others to be vulnerable too. 25:20 Ryan shares some of his past trauma and what he has learned from it in his vertical development journey. He applies it to church leaders. 30:20 What makes us, as leaders? 32:40 Experiences as a child can affect us as adults and how we lead. Even if you didn’t have dramatic trauma in your past, everyone has some sort of trauma. 33:40 Kurt shares his personal experience 36:15 Look into your past. What has happened to you? What type of leadership have you experienced? What was your testimony development like? How are all these things impacting or impeding your vertical leadership development? 36:50 Ryan gives examples of how past trauma affects current leadership 41:30 The journey to becoming a more positive influence, a better leader, and more like our Savior is foundationally a healing journey 45:00 We need to stop comparing our pain and trauma. Everyone’s pain matters. 51:00 It can be helpful to look into the history of trauma in your family 54:15 Past trauma affects how we parent and connect with others 58:00 Less vertically developed leaders focus on results and outcomes. The best leaders focus on the leading indicators, not the lagging indicators. 1:00:00 Watching other people go through vertical development 1:06:20 Vertical development is a focus on elevating our being and not just focusing on our doing 1:08:40 The first step is self awareness. Take the time to learn more about vertical mindsets. Once we become self aware and learn we can take action. 1:14:00 Final encouragement that Ryan has for leaders Links Part 1: The Research Behind Becoming Christlike | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson Success Mindsets: Your Keys to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership The Elevated Leader: Level Up Your Leadership Through Vertical Development

Keith Erekson is an award-winning author, teacher, and public historian who has published on topics including politics, hoaxes, Abraham Lincoln, Elvis Presley, and Church history. Keith grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, served a mission in Brazil, and earned advanced degrees in history and business. For seven years he directed the Church History Library, overseeing expanded online research access and enriched public exhibits, and now works for the Church History Department in efforts to encourage outreach and historical engagement. In this podcast, Kurt and Keith discuss receiving and engaging with patriarchal blessings. Highlights 2:00 Introduction and new book about understanding patriarchal blessings 6:00 Patriarchal blessings are so unique and a special part of our religion 8:00 The history of patriarchal blessings 11:45 Why a patriarchal blessing? Comparing baby blessings and patriarchal blessings 16:00 Apocryphal things people say about patriarchal blessings 18:15 Can we share our patriarchal blessing? 19:45 Be careful about your expectations of your blessing. Some blessings can be very specific and others very general. 23:00 How can Bishops help youth prepare for a blessing? 26:00 Is patriarch an official title? 27:00 Request your direct ancestors or direct descendants blessings 32:40 Keith’s thoughts on lineage. Sometimes we take the lineage too literally or as if it’s biological. Our lineage is a spiritual and a symbolic connection. 37:30 Mysteries of God are just things that He knows and we don’t know. Oftentimes we make it into more than it is, like something magical and spooky. 38:00 Our patriarchal blessing is an invitation from God to learn more about you and your relationship with Him. Our blessing is like a doorway to learn more. It’s not a destination. 40:40 Real vs rumor. It’s a rumor that Joseph Smith’s bloodline is a literal bloodline to Ephraim. 42:30 Keith’s book would be great for the person that just got their patriarchal blessing 45:00 Oldest and youngest blessings in history 46:00 Keith’s favorite stories of patriarchal blessings 49:50 Things that Keith is working on for church history. Joseph Smith Papers, last volume of Saints, Eliza R. Snow sermons, journals, and more. 52:15 Final thoughts on patriarchal blessings Links Incorrect Quotes, Urban Legends, and Magical Thinking at Church | An Interview with Keith Erekson Making Sense of Your Patriarchal Blessing Real vs. Rumor: How to Dispel Latter-Day Myths Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Keith Erekson is an award-winning author, teacher, and public historian who has published on topics including politics, hoaxes, Abraham Lincoln, Elvis Presley, and Church history. Keith grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, served a mission in Brazil, and earned advanced degrees in history and business. For seven years he directed the Church History Library, overseeing expanded online research access and enriched public exhibits, and now works for the Church History Department in efforts to encourage outreach and historical engagement. In this podcast, Kurt and Keith discuss receiving and engaging with patriarchal blessings. Highlights 2:00 Introduction and new book about understanding patriarchal blessings 6:00 Patriarchal blessings are so unique and a special part of our religion 8:00 The history of patriarchal blessings 11:45 Why a patriarchal blessing? Comparing baby blessings and patriarchal blessings 16:00 Apocryphal things people say about patriarchal blessings 18:15 Can we share our patriarchal blessing? 19:45 Be careful about your expectations of your blessing. Some blessings can be very specific and others very general. 23:00 How can Bishops help youth prepare for a blessing? 26:00 Is patriarch an official title? 27:00 Request your direct ancestors or direct descendants blessings 32:40 Keith’s thoughts on lineage. Sometimes we take the lineage too literally or as if it’s biological. Our lineage is a spiritual and a symbolic connection. 37:30 Mysteries of God are just things that He knows and we don’t know. Oftentimes we make it into more than it is, like something magical and spooky. 38:00 Our patriarchal blessing is an invitation from God to learn more about you and your relationship with Him. Our blessing is like a doorway to learn more. It’s not a destination. 40:40 Real vs rumor. It’s a rumor that Joseph Smith’s bloodline is a literal bloodline to Ephraim. 42:30 Keith’s book would be great for the person that just got their patriarchal blessing 45:00 Oldest and youngest blessings in history 46:00 Keith’s favorite stories of patriarchal blessings 49:50 Things that Keith is working on for church history. Joseph Smith Papers, last volume of Saints, Eliza R. Snow sermons, journals, and more. 52:15 Final thoughts on patriarchal blessings Links Incorrect Quotes, Urban Legends, and Magical Thinking at Church | An Interview with Keith Erekson Making Sense of Your Patriarchal Blessing Real vs. Rumor: How to Dispel Latter-Day Myths Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Kolette Hall is a Success and Self-Management Coach for Leaders. She teaches high-achieving leaders how to manage their thoughts and behavior so they can make aligned decisions in every area of their life—without having to micromanage their time. She is an educator, author, entrepreneur, mother, and widow. Her husband was a quadriplegic in a wheelchair and they were married for 27 years before he passed away suddenly. Kolette has served in a stake Primary presidency and ward Young Women program. She currently serves in her Syracuse, Utah, stake Young Women presidency, where she uses her superpower of offering realistic, simple, and powerful ways to help ward leaders implement the youth-led program. Highlights 02:30 Introduction and Kolette’s review of the Leading Saints women’s retreat 05:54 Kolette talks about the book, Messy Victories, that she wrote with her late husband, Jason Hall 10:40 Jason was a quadriplegic and she talks about the unique dynamic that it brought to being elders quorum president 12:00 What should leaders do when someone in their ward loses a loved one or is grieving? What do these people need? 19:20 Serving in the stake Young Women presidency 23:30 Things that have worked while serving in the stake Young Women leadership 25:00 "Mind the gap": Where you are as a leader vs. where you want to be. There is always a gap. It’s the same with our youth. How can we help bridge the gap? 28:40 How can we arm the youth with tools to succeed and lead? Identify everyone’s unique needs. We are all different. Figure out the ‘how.’ How to help youth get skills. Find a mentor to help them learn Leaders need to know how to teach skills to the youth 33:45 In order to help the adult leaders have the necessary skills to help the youth learn, Kolette’s stake has all the adult leaders come to the stake meetings. 35:00 Needs Kolette has seen in her stake and how they have been able to address those needs and come up with effective solutions 40:00 Kolette explains what a start to finish walk through is. Walk through each moment of an activity and make a plan. Make sure everyone knows their jobs. This increases everyone’s confidence. 45:15 Kolette’s final thoughts. We are preparing our youth for everything that happens after they turn 18. Links Messy Victories: A Story of Allowing Grief, Pursuing Joy, and Rolling Forward KoletteHall.com Young Women & Young Men Class Presidency Leadership Materials (use promo code "saints") Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Kolette Hall is a Success and Self-Management Coach for Leaders. She teaches high-achieving leaders how to manage their thoughts and behavior so they can make aligned decisions in every area of their life—without having to micromanage their time. She is an educator, author, entrepreneur, mother, and widow. Her husband was a quadriplegic in a wheelchair and they were married for 27 years before he passed away suddenly. Kolette has served in a stake Primary presidency and ward Young Women program. She currently serves in her Syracuse, Utah, stake Young Women presidency, where she uses her superpower of offering realistic, simple, and powerful ways to help ward leaders implement the youth-led program. Highlights 02:30 Introduction and Kolette’s review of the Leading Saints women’s retreat 05:54 Kolette talks about the book, Messy Victories, that she wrote with her late husband, Jason Hall 10:40 Jason was a quadriplegic and she talks about the unique dynamic that it brought to being elders quorum president 12:00 What should leaders do when someone in their ward loses a loved one or is grieving? What do these people need? 19:20 Serving in the stake Young Women presidency 23:30 Things that have worked while serving in the stake Young Women leadership 25:00 "Mind the gap": Where you are as a leader vs. where you want to be. There is always a gap. It’s the same with our youth. How can we help bridge the gap? 28:40 How can we arm the youth with tools to succeed and lead? Identify everyone’s unique needs. We are all different. Figure out the ‘how.’ How to help youth get skills. Find a mentor to help them learn Leaders need to know how to teach skills to the youth 33:45 In order to help the adult leaders have the necessary skills to help the youth learn, Kolette’s stake has all the adult leaders come to the stake meetings. 35:00 Needs Kolette has seen in her stake and how they have been able to address those needs and come up with effective solutions 40:00 Kolette explains what a start to finish walk through is. Walk through each moment of an activity and make a plan. Make sure everyone knows their jobs. This increases everyone’s confidence. 45:15 Kolette’s final thoughts. We are preparing our youth for everything that happens after they turn 18. Links Messy Victories: A Story of Allowing Grief, Pursuing Joy, and Rolling Forward KoletteHall.com Young Women & Young Men Class Presidency Leadership Materials (use promo code "saints") Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is PART 2 of a 2-part podcast conversation. Listen to PART 1 Steven Croshaw is the co-founder and President of SA Lifeline Foundation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to providing hope, education and resources related to sexual addiction and betrayal trauma recovery. He was instrumental in the production of Understanding Pornography and Sexual Addiction: A Resource for Families, Religious, and Community Leaders. Steven is a commercial real estate developer. He has been married to Rhyll Anne Croshaw for 49 years and they are the parents of seven children and 27 grandchildren. They are grateful to be working recovery one day at a time. Chris Raleigh grew up in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and served in the Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Mission. He has a bachelor’s degree in business, a master’s degree in education, and has taught for 28 years in both public and private school settings—including 23 years as a seminary and institute instructor. Chris' church assignments have included callings in the elders quorum, Sunday School, high council, bishopric, and as a bishop and stake president. In his current assignment he serves with his wife, Peggy, on the Church’s Corrections Committee, ministering to both Church leaders and inmates in six county jails and the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison, Utah. Chris and Peggy have nine children and 14 grandchildren. Chris' desire in sharing his story is to lend hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ to the many men and women who feel trapped within the grasp of the illness called addiction. Trying to reverse four generations of addiction within his family has not been easy but he knows it is possible. Steven Croshaw Chris Raleigh Highlights 0:15 Can church leaders do anything to help people be completely honest and change? 1:45 What happens when you are radically honest? 2:40 We can’t always understand God’s timing for things or why we have to go through them again and again 5:00 Leaders have to surrender too. Surrender those they are trying to help to God. You can’t mess with other people’s agency. 8:00 We can talk about recovery but they won’t know it and understand it till they go through it. Steven explains the steps and what he had to be willing to do to recover. 10:00 It’s necessary to find a safe place to be radically honest 12:00 Practicing honesty brings us closer to Christ. Addiction cannot survive the light of Christ. Without honesty you can’t get there. 15:30 Is disclosure to a bishop the best first step to recovery? 18:30 Instead of trying to decide if it’s an addiction or not, just treat it as such Create boundaries and bottom lines Be honest about all behavior Receive the help you need 21:00 Many people have an aversion to the word addiction. Call it what you want but it's a biochemical brain condition. It has a chemical hook. 23:30 Watching pornography first brings euphoria but is followed by feelings of shame and anger towards yourself 24:00 Whether you are a periodic user or a daily user it creates a feeling of unworthiness before God, unworthiness of the love from others, and self hatred 24:45 Sexual addiction deosn’t just want more it wants different. Pornography gets deeper and darker. There is a change in brain chemistry. 28:00 A lot of times bishops give advice based on their own experience however they need to keep in mind all the past history and possible family issues of the person they are trying to help 29:00 Pornography is not my problem. Pornography is my solution. So what is my real problem? 30:40 Recovery is being humble, honest, and accountable 31:30 What does it mean to surrender? 34:20 I have to set boundaries to stay safe 36:00 It has less to do with pornography and more to do with the emotions and feeling that we have. It’s very important to deal and process those emotions. For many the solution to avoiding these feeling and getting relief is pornography....

This is PART 2 of a 2-part podcast conversation. Listen to PART 1 Steven Croshaw is the co-founder and President of SA Lifeline Foundation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to providing hope, education and resources related to sexual addiction and betrayal trauma recovery. He was instrumental in the production of Understanding Pornography and Sexual Addiction: A Resource for Families, Religious, and Community Leaders. Steven is a commercial real estate developer. He has been married to Rhyll Anne Croshaw for 49 years and they are the parents of seven children and 27 grandchildren. They are grateful to be working recovery one day at a time. Chris Raleigh grew up in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and served in the Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Mission. He has a bachelor’s degree in business, a master’s degree in education, and has taught for 28 years in both public and private school settings—including 23 years as a seminary and institute instructor. Chris' church assignments have included callings in the elders quorum, Sunday School, high council, bishopric, and as a bishop and stake president. In his current assignment he serves with his wife, Peggy, on the Church’s Corrections Committee, ministering to both Church leaders and inmates in six county jails and the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison, Utah. Chris and Peggy have nine children and 14 grandchildren. Chris' desire in sharing his story is to lend hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ to the many men and women who feel trapped within the grasp of the illness called addiction. Trying to reverse four generations of addiction within his family has not been easy but he knows it is possible. Steven Croshaw Chris Raleigh Highlights 0:15 Can church leaders do anything to help people be completely honest and change? 1:45 What happens when you are radically honest? 2:40 We can’t always understand God’s timing for things or why we have to go through them again and again 5:00 Leaders have to surrender too. Surrender those they are trying to help to God. You can’t mess with other people’s agency. 8:00 We can talk about recovery but they won’t know it and understand it till they go through it. Steven explains the steps and what he had to be willing to do to recover. 10:00 It’s necessary to find a safe place to be radically honest 12:00 Practicing honesty brings us closer to Christ. Addiction cannot survive the light of Christ. Without honesty you can’t get there. 15:30 Is disclosure to a bishop the best first step to recovery? 18:30 Instead of trying to decide if it’s an addiction or not, just treat it as such Create boundaries and bottom lines Be honest about all behavior Receive the help you need 21:00 Many people have an aversion to the word addiction. Call it what you want but it's a biochemical brain condition. It has a chemical hook. 23:30 Watching pornography first brings euphoria but is followed by feelings of shame and anger towards yourself 24:00 Whether you are a periodic user or a daily user it creates a feeling of unworthiness before God, unworthiness of the love from others, and self hatred 24:45 Sexual addiction deosn’t just want more it wants different. Pornography gets deeper and darker. There is a change in brain chemistry. 28:00 A lot of times bishops give advice based on their own experience however they need to keep in mind all the past history and possible family issues of the person they are trying to help 29:00 Pornography is not my problem. Pornography is my solution. So what is my real problem? 30:40 Recovery is being humble, honest, and accountable 31:30 What does it mean to surrender? 34:20 I have to set boundaries to stay safe 36:00 It has less to do with pornography and more to do with the emotions and feeling that we have. It’s very important to deal and process those emotions. For many the solution to avoiding these feeling and getting relief is pornography....

Steven Croshaw is the co-founder and President of SA Lifeline Foundation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to providing hope, education and resources related to sexual addiction and betrayal trauma recovery. He was instrumental in the production of Understanding Pornography and Sexual Addiction: A Resource for Families, Religious, and Community Leaders. Steven is a commercial real estate developer. He has been married to Rhyll Anne Croshaw for 49 years and they are the parents of seven children and 27 grandchildren. They are grateful to be working recovery one day at a time. Chris Raleigh grew up in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and served in the Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Mission. He has a bachelor’s degree in business, a master’s degree in education, and has taught for 28 years in both public and private school settings—including 23 years as a seminary and institute instructor. Chris' church assignments have included callings in the elders quorum, Sunday School, high council, bishopric, and as a bishop and stake president. In his current assignment, he serves with his wife, Peggy, on the Church’s Corrections Committee, ministering to both Church leaders and inmates in six county jails and the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison, Utah. Chris and Peggy have nine children and 14 grandchildren. Chris' desire in sharing his story is to lend hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ to the many men and women who feel trapped within the grasp of the illness called addiction. Trying to reverse four generations of addiction within his family has not been easy but he knows it is possible. This is PART 1 of a 2-part podcast conversation. Steven Croshaw Chris Raleigh Highlights 02:15 Introduction to the episode and the topic of sexual addiction and the speakers, Steven and Chris 05:30 Chris talks more about his story of dealing with pornography and how it has inspired others as he has been willing to be honest and tell his story 10:30 Steven tells his story of how he got into pornography and how he and Chris met in recovery. 19:00 Betrayal trauma is equally important to address as pornography addiction. Wives need to be brought into the recovery process. They need support and resources to get through the process too. 25:00 You can’t just stop the behavior. You can’t do it by yourself. 27:00 While Steven’s leaders cared and were loving, they didn’t give him the right advice and resources that he needed 27:30 Steven’s first experience with a sexaholics 12-step meeting. He walked away from it because he couldn’t relate. 28:40 Steven’s life-changing experience of getting arrested for picking up a prostitute. It was a turning point for him. 32:00 Through all of his recovery, Steven now understands that recovery is based on total and complete honesty. 33:00 Steven describes his third disciplinary council as a positive experience even though he got excommunicated 34:50 Anyone struggling with sexual addiction needs to know that you are responsible for your own recovery. Bishops and stake presidents don’t know how to help you. 35:45 The steps Steven took to find the proper help 37:15 How can I trust my husband after so much betrayal? How do I know my husband is truly in recovery? 39:30 Steven and his wife have created a foundation to help others recover from sexual addiction and betrayal trauma 40:00 What does recovery take and what does it look like? Radical honesty Willingness Links Listen to PART 2 When the Stake President Struggles with Pornography | An Interview with Chris Raleigh How to Help the Spouse of an Addict | Interview with Steven & Rhyll Croshaw Facebook Group: I Am Finally Free Iamfinallyfree.com Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence, by Anna Lemke S.A. Lifeline Foundation SAL 12-Step What Can I Do About Me? He Restoreth My Soul Understanding Pornography Addiction and Betrayal Trauma

Steven Croshaw is the co-founder and President of SA Lifeline Foundation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to providing hope, education and resources related to sexual addiction and betrayal trauma recovery. He was instrumental in the production of Understanding Pornography and Sexual Addiction: A Resource for Families, Religious, and Community Leaders. Steven is a commercial real estate developer. He has been married to Rhyll Anne Croshaw for 49 years and they are the parents of seven children and 27 grandchildren. They are grateful to be working recovery one day at a time. Chris Raleigh grew up in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and served in the Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Mission. He has a bachelor’s degree in business, a master’s degree in education, and has taught for 28 years in both public and private school settings—including 23 years as a seminary and institute instructor. Chris' church assignments have included callings in the elders quorum, Sunday School, high council, bishopric, and as a bishop and stake president. In his current assignment, he serves with his wife, Peggy, on the Church’s Corrections Committee, ministering to both Church leaders and inmates in six county jails and the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison, Utah. Chris and Peggy have nine children and 14 grandchildren. Chris' desire in sharing his story is to lend hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ to the many men and women who feel trapped within the grasp of the illness called addiction. Trying to reverse four generations of addiction within his family has not been easy but he knows it is possible. This is PART 1 of a 2-part podcast conversation. Steven Croshaw Chris Raleigh Highlights 02:15 Introduction to the episode and the topic of sexual addiction and the speakers, Steven and Chris 05:30 Chris talks more about his story of dealing with pornography and how it has inspired others as he has been willing to be honest and tell his story 10:30 Steven tells his story of how he got into pornography and how he and Chris met in recovery. 19:00 Betrayal trauma is equally important to address as pornography addiction. Wives need to be brought into the recovery process. They need support and resources to get through the process too. 25:00 You can’t just stop the behavior. You can’t do it by yourself. 27:00 While Steven’s leaders cared and were loving, they didn’t give him the right advice and resources that he needed 27:30 Steven’s first experience with a sexaholics 12-step meeting. He walked away from it because he couldn’t relate. 28:40 Steven’s life-changing experience of getting arrested for picking up a prostitute. It was a turning point for him. 32:00 Through all of his recovery, Steven now understands that recovery is based on total and complete honesty. 33:00 Steven describes his third disciplinary council as a positive experience even though he got excommunicated 34:50 Anyone struggling with sexual addiction needs to know that you are responsible for your own recovery. Bishops and stake presidents don’t know how to help you. 35:45 The steps Steven took to find the proper help 37:15 How can I trust my husband after so much betrayal? How do I know my husband is truly in recovery? 39:30 Steven and his wife have created a foundation to help others recover from sexual addiction and betrayal trauma 40:00 What does recovery take and what does it look like? Radical honesty Willingness Links Listen to PART 2 When the Stake President Struggles with Pornography | An Interview with Chris Raleigh How to Help the Spouse of an Addict | Interview with Steven & Rhyll Croshaw Facebook Group: I Am Finally Free Iamfinallyfree.com Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence, by Anna Lemke S.A. Lifeline Foundation SAL 12-Step What Can I Do About Me? He Restoreth My Soul Understanding Pornography Addiction and Betrayal Trauma

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in September 2021. Listen to the follow-up conversation here: Part 2: The Research Behind Becoming Christlike. Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D., is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. He is also an associate leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton. He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources from Indiana University, and a B.A. from Brigham Young University. As a consultant, he works with organizations to develop their leaders and improve their culture. Ryan is the author of The Elevated Leader and Success Mindsets. He has written multiple articles for Leading Saints, presented at a live event about mindsets, and is a repeat podcast guest. As Ryan reviewed leadership research, he found it primarily answered one question: “What do leaders need to do to be effective?” The focus of his work has been on “What do leaders need to be to be effective?” In this podcast, Ryan and Kurt discuss the concept of vertical development and how it applies to individuals and leadership. Highlights 06:25 Vertical development is the next topic Ryan has been studying and writing about. It applies to us emotionally and spiritually, and possibly even physically. 07:40 Overview of mindsets: Mindsets are the mental lenses we wear that shape how we view the world 09:10 What vertical development is Three adult developmental stages that are a function of effort, both horizontally and vertically Elevating our ability to make meaning of our world in more cognitively and emotionally sophisticated ways 12:00 Examples of how people in different levels respond to constructive criticism 13:45 The three different levels Mind 1.0: Focused on our comfort, safety, and belonging. Self-protective. Dependent thinkers, exchanging power and independence for these needs. Mind 2.0: Focused on being seen, advanced, and getting ahead. Independent thinkers, in self-reward mode. Mind 3.0: Focused on contributing and adding value, externally focused on lifting and elevating others. Interdependent thinkers, able to see from different perspectives and sit with complexity. Only 1% of adults get to this place. 20:00 Becoming more like the Savior happens through vertical development Example of Mind 1.0 recommendation for seeking information Approaching teaching from the perspective of vertical vs. horizontal development 25:15 The tension between safety and truth Example of people protecting the safety of beliefs in a Sunday School lesson Being a seeker of truth and learning to sit with complexity instead of becoming defensive It is in the interpreting that we connect with God 31:05 Leaders operate differently depending on their vertical development Do we even allow for a conversation about interpretation? “Aspiring” fits into Mind 2.0 Mind 3.0 leaders are focused on creating a culture that is inclusive and allows for growth and development 37:25 The culture of aspiring to leadership 39:00 How do we go about developing vertically? What makes meaning for us are our mindsets Example of an inward vs. outward mindset and how it helps us become more like Jesus Christ Seeing others as doing their best: “What has happened to you?” vs. “What is wrong with you?” 46:20 Learning acceptance: Healing from our own traumas as we recognize Christ accepting us Vertical development involves calming our response so we have a greater tolerance The new “Sunday School answer”: get to where you can have 100% acceptance before doing anything 51:35 When we help people repent we help them change their hearts and how they make meaning with their world, not their behaviors and actions 55:00 Where to start 57:55 Our vertical development is about healing our minds and hearts Links

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in September 2021. Listen to the follow-up conversation here: Part 2: The Research Behind Becoming Christlike. Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D., is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. He is also an associate leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton. He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources from Indiana University, and a B.A. from Brigham Young University. As a consultant, he works with organizations to develop their leaders and improve their culture. Ryan is the author of The Elevated Leader and Success Mindsets. He has written multiple articles for Leading Saints, presented at a live event about mindsets, and is a repeat podcast guest. As Ryan reviewed leadership research, he found it primarily answered one question: “What do leaders need to do to be effective?” The focus of his work has been on “What do leaders need to be to be effective?” In this podcast, Ryan and Kurt discuss the concept of vertical development and how it applies to individuals and leadership. Highlights 06:25 Vertical development is the next topic Ryan has been studying and writing about. It applies to us emotionally and spiritually, and possibly even physically. 07:40 Overview of mindsets: Mindsets are the mental lenses we wear that shape how we view the world 09:10 What vertical development is Three adult developmental stages that are a function of effort, both horizontally and vertically Elevating our ability to make meaning of our world in more cognitively and emotionally sophisticated ways 12:00 Examples of how people in different levels respond to constructive criticism 13:45 The three different levels Mind 1.0: Focused on our comfort, safety, and belonging. Self-protective. Dependent thinkers, exchanging power and independence for these needs. Mind 2.0: Focused on being seen, advanced, and getting ahead. Independent thinkers, in self-reward mode. Mind 3.0: Focused on contributing and adding value, externally focused on lifting and elevating others. Interdependent thinkers, able to see from different perspectives and sit with complexity. Only 1% of adults get to this place. 20:00 Becoming more like the Savior happens through vertical development Example of Mind 1.0 recommendation for seeking information Approaching teaching from the perspective of vertical vs. horizontal development 25:15 The tension between safety and truth Example of people protecting the safety of beliefs in a Sunday School lesson Being a seeker of truth and learning to sit with complexity instead of becoming defensive It is in the interpreting that we connect with God 31:05 Leaders operate differently depending on their vertical development Do we even allow for a conversation about interpretation? “Aspiring” fits into Mind 2.0 Mind 3.0 leaders are focused on creating a culture that is inclusive and allows for growth and development 37:25 The culture of aspiring to leadership 39:00 How do we go about developing vertically? What makes meaning for us are our mindsets Example of an inward vs. outward mindset and how it helps us become more like Jesus Christ Seeing others as doing their best: “What has happened to you?” vs. “What is wrong with you?” 46:20 Learning acceptance: Healing from our own traumas as we recognize Christ accepting us Vertical development involves calming our response so we have a greater tolerance The new “Sunday School answer”: get to where you can have 100% acceptance before doing anything 51:35 When we help people repent we help them change their hearts and how they make meaning with their world, not their behaviors and actions 55:00 Where to start 57:55 Our vertical development is about healing our minds and hearts Links

Dr. Tyler Johnson is is a medical oncologist, author, and a clinical assistant professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine. He also serves as a leader of the Stanford inpatient oncology services, including supervising the oncology housestaff service. Tyler has served as Bishop in the Stanford Ward and taught institute. He co-hosts The Doctor's Art podcast and writes on the intersection of medicine, ethics, and spirituality. Tyler's writings has been featured by Religion News Service, the Salt Lake Tribune, BYU Studies, Dialogue, and The San Jose Mercury News, where he is a regular contributor. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to the episode and Tyler Johnson 03:30 Tyler’s background as an oncologist and professor 09:30 Teaching experience in the church and at the institute at Stanford 14:00 Many youth are leaving the church. We can do a better job at teaching them. 18:20 Where do we fail to teach the power of the gospel to youth and others? 20:00 Us vs them dynamic when it comes to people who leave the church and those who stay 22:30 As a leader, how do we avoid the us vs them dynamic at church and in our classes 25:45 Tyler breaks down the four parts of America and why it’s important to understanding and helping our youth today Free America Real America Smart America Just (justice) America 36:30 Most youth today belong to "just America." They value justice and fairness and have lots of concerns. Understanding these values is really important as a leader. 39:30 How can leaders best help and guide the youth (just America)? 41:20 When someone comes to you with a deeply felt question, it's better to recognize the virtuous impulse behind the question before dealing with the content of the question 47:00 Empathy before certainty or ambiguity. Productive discussions are going to come from showing empathy for people’s concerns. Show them you are on their team. 52:00 The different types of Americans and these mindsets in the church. People that belong to just America don’t feel like they belong in the church. 59:00 Tyler talks to people that feel they are part of just America 1:05:30 We all need space and grace. Even the highest leaders of our church. 1:06:45 We hold back empathy from our leaders because they are the ones in power 1:08:00 Why the past 10 years of American life have been uniquely stupid. Social media makes it so easy for us to shoot people down who value different things than us. 1:13:00 A lot of us grew up with the fairytale version of the gospel when in reality church history was really messy. This is what young people are struggling with today. We need to let go of the fairytale and embrace the messiness. 1:22:00 The defining virtue of the Savior's atonement is his perfect empathy. We are joining the Savior in His work when we show empathy to those that we lead. 1:23:30 Tyler’s final thoughts and testimony Links How America Fractured into Four Parts, by George Packer Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid, by Jonathan Haidt The God Who Weeps The Other Prodigal, talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland The Doctor's Art podcast Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson,

Dr. Tyler Johnson is is a medical oncologist, author, and a clinical assistant professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine. He also serves as a leader of the Stanford inpatient oncology services, including supervising the oncology housestaff service. Tyler has served as Bishop in the Stanford Ward and taught institute. He co-hosts The Doctor's Art podcast and writes on the intersection of medicine, ethics, and spirituality. Tyler's writings has been featured by Religion News Service, the Salt Lake Tribune, BYU Studies, Dialogue, and The San Jose Mercury News, where he is a regular contributor. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to the episode and Tyler Johnson 03:30 Tyler’s background as an oncologist and professor 09:30 Teaching experience in the church and at the institute at Stanford 14:00 Many youth are leaving the church. We can do a better job at teaching them. 18:20 Where do we fail to teach the power of the gospel to youth and others? 20:00 Us vs them dynamic when it comes to people who leave the church and those who stay 22:30 As a leader, how do we avoid the us vs them dynamic at church and in our classes 25:45 Tyler breaks down the four parts of America and why it’s important to understanding and helping our youth today Free America Real America Smart America Just (justice) America 36:30 Most youth today belong to "just America." They value justice and fairness and have lots of concerns. Understanding these values is really important as a leader. 39:30 How can leaders best help and guide the youth (just America)? 41:20 When someone comes to you with a deeply felt question, it's better to recognize the virtuous impulse behind the question before dealing with the content of the question 47:00 Empathy before certainty or ambiguity. Productive discussions are going to come from showing empathy for people’s concerns. Show them you are on their team. 52:00 The different types of Americans and these mindsets in the church. People that belong to just America don’t feel like they belong in the church. 59:00 Tyler talks to people that feel they are part of just America 1:05:30 We all need space and grace. Even the highest leaders of our church. 1:06:45 We hold back empathy from our leaders because they are the ones in power 1:08:00 Why the past 10 years of American life have been uniquely stupid. Social media makes it so easy for us to shoot people down who value different things than us. 1:13:00 A lot of us grew up with the fairytale version of the gospel when in reality church history was really messy. This is what young people are struggling with today. We need to let go of the fairytale and embrace the messiness. 1:22:00 The defining virtue of the Savior's atonement is his perfect empathy. We are joining the Savior in His work when we show empathy to those that we lead. 1:23:30 Tyler’s final thoughts and testimony Links How America Fractured into Four Parts, by George Packer Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid, by Jonathan Haidt The God Who Weeps The Other Prodigal, talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland The Doctor's Art podcast Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson,

Rick Bennett currently serves as family history leader in his ward and as a temple worker at the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple for the past ten years. He has served previously as ward mission leader, elders quorum counselor, membership clerk, Gospel Doctrine teacher, Primary teacher, and missionary in South Carolina/Georgia. He has a masters degree in biostatistics from the University of Utah and teaches at Utah Valley University and Western Governors University. For the past seven years, Rick has hosted Gospel Tangents, a podcast and YouTube channel focusing on Mormon history, science, and theology, where he interviews not only Latter-day Saint scholars and leaders, but Restoration leaders from other offshoots like Community of Christ, Strangites, Bickertonites, and even fundamentalist Mormon cousins in the Restoration Movement. Rick loves not only family history but Mormon history as well. Highlights 02:40 Introduction to Rick Bennett 04:40 Rick talks about his podcast, which focuses on Church history, science, and theology 21:30 How Rick got into family history 23:30 Roots Magic, a tool for family history 27:15 Family history tools and programs 27:50 If family history doesn’t excite you then that's ok. Do what you can do. Take the time to record your own history and your parents' or grandparents' history. 30:15 Doing a ward podcast can be another way to record people’s history 34:30 Do what you want to do in family history. Some people love uploading photos or interviewing family. 37:15 Rick shares some of his family history and talks about how he has found some of his family records 42:45 Tips for improving family history in your ward Find the computer guy Connect to your in-laws by helping them with their history Get people excited about finding stories 43:20 Another way to help with family history is to take pictures of grave stones and put them on findagrave.com 49:00 Cancel Sunday school and do family history. Get people excited by going to the church history center. 56:45 Creating groups as families or wards to help give people names for the temple 1:03:00 Final thoughts and testimony Links Gospel Tangents Podcast Gospel Tangents podcast interviews with Kurt Francom Why Your Ward Needs a Podcast Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Rick Bennett currently serves as family history leader in his ward and as a temple worker at the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple for the past ten years. He has served previously as ward mission leader, elders quorum counselor, membership clerk, Gospel Doctrine teacher, Primary teacher, and missionary in South Carolina/Georgia. He has a masters degree in biostatistics from the University of Utah and teaches at Utah Valley University and Western Governors University. For the past seven years, Rick has hosted Gospel Tangents, a podcast and YouTube channel focusing on Mormon history, science, and theology, where he interviews not only Latter-day Saint scholars and leaders, but Restoration leaders from other offshoots like Community of Christ, Strangites, Bickertonites, and even fundamentalist Mormon cousins in the Restoration Movement. Rick loves not only family history but Mormon history as well. Highlights 02:40 Introduction to Rick Bennett 04:40 Rick talks about his podcast, which focuses on Church history, science, and theology 21:30 How Rick got into family history 23:30 Roots Magic, a tool for family history 27:15 Family history tools and programs 27:50 If family history doesn’t excite you then that's ok. Do what you can do. Take the time to record your own history and your parents' or grandparents' history. 30:15 Doing a ward podcast can be another way to record people’s history 34:30 Do what you want to do in family history. Some people love uploading photos or interviewing family. 37:15 Rick shares some of his family history and talks about how he has found some of his family records 42:45 Tips for improving family history in your ward Find the computer guy Connect to your in-laws by helping them with their history Get people excited about finding stories 43:20 Another way to help with family history is to take pictures of grave stones and put them on findagrave.com 49:00 Cancel Sunday school and do family history. Get people excited by going to the church history center. 56:45 Creating groups as families or wards to help give people names for the temple 1:03:00 Final thoughts and testimony Links Gospel Tangents Podcast Gospel Tangents podcast interviews with Kurt Francom Why Your Ward Needs a Podcast Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Brooke Rasmussen is completing her masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington and is an intern at Partners with Families and Children, a social safety net for families facing neglect and abuse. Brooke is passionate about helping clients find personal and relational growth in their marriages and teaches Gottman Institute Marriage Courses online with her husband, Scott. Her research at Whitworth focuses on pornography use and its connections to emotional intelligence. Brooke and Scott traveled the world through his career as a diplomat, living in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East before putting down roots in Spokane with their eight children. Brooke's experience as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is fundamental to her development as a leader and thinker. Highlights 02:15 Introduction to Brooke and the topic of personal development 05:30 Brooke’s process of preparing for the Leading Saints Women’s Conference 07:45 What is a vertical relationship? 10:00 In a vertical relationship, there are only winners and losers. You are one up or one down. It can lead to pulling rank, shaming, and others feeling less than. 14:30 Identifying our own behaviors of trying to one up someone else 16:30 Kurt gives examples of one-up situations 18:40 We go one down in a vertical relationship when we are playing a victim role. When we are minimizing our choices and acting like we are forced into things. When we hide our needs or desires. 20:00 A one-down mindset can be when we let others emotionally protect us or we try to protect them. This happens a lot in families. Brooke gives examples of what this looks like. 22:00 Playing small can be deflecting or self deprecating. It’s ok to want to aspire. 24:30 Historically women use the one-down spot for power. There is a victim power. 26:00 It gets tricky with the one-down position by saying it's a Christlike position 26:30 Brooke explains what it really means to turn the other cheek 28:30 Christ invites us to have horizontal relationships, where we are all on equal ground 29:40 The call of Christianity isn’t a call to be a victim. It’s a call to step into power. 30:40 If someone tries to one-up you then what does it look like to bring them back down to a horizontal relationship? 31:30 Brooke shares her own personal experience of a marriage fight and stopping the dynamic of trying to one-up each other 34:15 What to do in a church meeting when you feel like you got bulldozed. Learn to speak up for yourself and bring a meeting back to horizontal. 37:20 What can you do or say when someone else is playing the one-down card and acting like they are fine? You know they are trying to be accommodating. You can invite them to equal ground. 38:15 How anxiety plays into the horizontal and vertical relationship dynamics 41:00 God has established horizontal relationships and plans since the beginning of time. It’s not meant to be a power struggle, that is why He established councils. 42:00 If you are receiving as much as you are giving then you aren’t going to get burned out in your calling. It has to be a team effort and a horizontal experience in our wards. 46:20 We shouldn’t abolish all authority and priesthood keys but it's all about inner intention. As a leader you can take the time to listen to everyone and put yourself on equal ground with others. 49:30 What to do when you have a tyrannical leader? Some people will refuse to step down. 51:30 There are real victims and perpetrators. We can still find dignity in our situation and show respect for ourselves. Links The Courage to Be Disliked, by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga Jennifer Finlayson Fife Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast WATCH on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,

Brooke Rasmussen is completing her masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington and is an intern at Partners with Families and Children, a social safety net for families facing neglect and abuse. Brooke is passionate about helping clients find personal and relational growth in their marriages and teaches Gottman Institute Marriage Courses online with her husband, Scott. Her research at Whitworth focuses on pornography use and its connections to emotional intelligence. Brooke and Scott traveled the world through his career as a diplomat, living in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East before putting down roots in Spokane with their eight children. Brooke's experience as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is fundamental to her development as a leader and thinker. Highlights 02:15 Introduction to Brooke and the topic of personal development 05:30 Brooke’s process of preparing for the Leading Saints Women’s Conference 07:45 What is a vertical relationship? 10:00 In a vertical relationship, there are only winners and losers. You are one up or one down. It can lead to pulling rank, shaming, and others feeling less than. 14:30 Identifying our own behaviors of trying to one up someone else 16:30 Kurt gives examples of one-up situations 18:40 We go one down in a vertical relationship when we are playing a victim role. When we are minimizing our choices and acting like we are forced into things. When we hide our needs or desires. 20:00 A one-down mindset can be when we let others emotionally protect us or we try to protect them. This happens a lot in families. Brooke gives examples of what this looks like. 22:00 Playing small can be deflecting or self deprecating. It’s ok to want to aspire. 24:30 Historically women use the one-down spot for power. There is a victim power. 26:00 It gets tricky with the one-down position by saying it's a Christlike position 26:30 Brooke explains what it really means to turn the other cheek 28:30 Christ invites us to have horizontal relationships, where we are all on equal ground 29:40 The call of Christianity isn’t a call to be a victim. It’s a call to step into power. 30:40 If someone tries to one-up you then what does it look like to bring them back down to a horizontal relationship? 31:30 Brooke shares her own personal experience of a marriage fight and stopping the dynamic of trying to one-up each other 34:15 What to do in a church meeting when you feel like you got bulldozed. Learn to speak up for yourself and bring a meeting back to horizontal. 37:20 What can you do or say when someone else is playing the one-down card and acting like they are fine? You know they are trying to be accommodating. You can invite them to equal ground. 38:15 How anxiety plays into the horizontal and vertical relationship dynamics 41:00 God has established horizontal relationships and plans since the beginning of time. It’s not meant to be a power struggle, that is why He established councils. 42:00 If you are receiving as much as you are giving then you aren’t going to get burned out in your calling. It has to be a team effort and a horizontal experience in our wards. 46:20 We shouldn’t abolish all authority and priesthood keys but it's all about inner intention. As a leader you can take the time to listen to everyone and put yourself on equal ground with others. 49:30 What to do when you have a tyrannical leader? Some people will refuse to step down. 51:30 There are real victims and perpetrators. We can still find dignity in our situation and show respect for ourselves. Links The Courage to Be Disliked, by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga Jennifer Finlayson Fife Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast WATCH on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,

Loren Spendlove served as a young missionary in Brazil, then found himself speaking Portuguese again as a missionary couple with his wife Tina—this time in Mozambique. They later returned to Mozambique as mission leaders. Loren and Tina served as missionaries again in Brazil and as Kennedy Center teachers in Guangzhou, China, and Loren served as a branch president in Bethlehem, Palestine. Loren has an MA in Jewish Studies from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a PhD in Education, an MBA, and is a Certified Management Accountant and Certified in Financial Management. He has worked in corporate financial management, as a teacher in accounting and finance, and operated his own business for 20 years. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to the topic of the podcast and Loren Spendlove 03:50 Loren Spendlove, an atypical mission president and person 06:30 The unusual story of getting called as mission president to Mozambique 22:00 Loren’s first experience being a mission president with not having much leadership experience. He had to be ordained a High Priest. 26:40 Loren talks about serving in the church as a divorcee 28:20 We have a hard time differentiating culture from gospel. We want to impose our ideas onto other individuals. 31:30 The first step is to discover your culture and see how it impacts your view of the gospel 34:20 Orthodoxy keeps us all in line but there is also room to innovate. Depending on the culture and area we might need to change some things. 43:15 Principles vs rules. What works for the area that you are in? 46:40 One thing that Loren taught his missionaries was that their true obedience was to the Spirit of God and not to the written word. The Spirit always trumps the written word. 50:00 Differentiate between questioning and doubting. Question everything and doubt nothing. Questioning is not knowing and trying to discover and research. Doubting always starts as negative and normally ends negative too. 57:00 As mission president, Loren decided it would be more beneficial to de-emphasize baptisms and stop reporting them to the missionaries. They started reporting sacrament meeting attendance because that's what they really wanted to focus on. 1:00:00 “Instead of being a forceful mission president, I decided that I was going to be a gospel teacher.” 1:01:15 The purpose of the zone conferences was to become a better follower of Jesus Christ. Becoming a better missionary will be an automatic result of becoming a better follower of Christ. Loren focused on the doctrine as a mission president. 1:05:30 Doctrine isn’t invented but it’s still being discovered. The restoration is still ongoing. 1:08:10 How can we study the gospel better? 1:12:00 Times where Loren felt the Spirit the strongest 1:16:00 Loren’s final thoughts and testimony on being a follower and leader of Jesus Christ Links Changing our Perspective on Addressing Welfare Needs | An Interview with Blair and Cindy Packard The Interpreter Foundation Book of Mormon Central Academia Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes.

Loren Spendlove served as a young missionary in Brazil, then found himself speaking Portuguese again as a missionary couple with his wife Tina—this time in Mozambique. They later returned to Mozambique as mission leaders. Loren and Tina served as missionaries again in Brazil and as Kennedy Center teachers in Guangzhou, China, and Loren served as a branch president in Bethlehem, Palestine. Loren has an MA in Jewish Studies from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a PhD in Education, an MBA, and is a Certified Management Accountant and Certified in Financial Management. He has worked in corporate financial management, as a teacher in accounting and finance, and operated his own business for 20 years. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to the topic of the podcast and Loren Spendlove 03:50 Loren Spendlove, an atypical mission president and person 06:30 The unusual story of getting called as mission president to Mozambique 22:00 Loren’s first experience being a mission president with not having much leadership experience. He had to be ordained a High Priest. 26:40 Loren talks about serving in the church as a divorcee 28:20 We have a hard time differentiating culture from gospel. We want to impose our ideas onto other individuals. 31:30 The first step is to discover your culture and see how it impacts your view of the gospel 34:20 Orthodoxy keeps us all in line but there is also room to innovate. Depending on the culture and area we might need to change some things. 43:15 Principles vs rules. What works for the area that you are in? 46:40 One thing that Loren taught his missionaries was that their true obedience was to the Spirit of God and not to the written word. The Spirit always trumps the written word. 50:00 Differentiate between questioning and doubting. Question everything and doubt nothing. Questioning is not knowing and trying to discover and research. Doubting always starts as negative and normally ends negative too. 57:00 As mission president, Loren decided it would be more beneficial to de-emphasize baptisms and stop reporting them to the missionaries. They started reporting sacrament meeting attendance because that's what they really wanted to focus on. 1:00:00 “Instead of being a forceful mission president, I decided that I was going to be a gospel teacher.” 1:01:15 The purpose of the zone conferences was to become a better follower of Jesus Christ. Becoming a better missionary will be an automatic result of becoming a better follower of Christ. Loren focused on the doctrine as a mission president. 1:05:30 Doctrine isn’t invented but it’s still being discovered. The restoration is still ongoing. 1:08:10 How can we study the gospel better? 1:12:00 Times where Loren felt the Spirit the strongest 1:16:00 Loren’s final thoughts and testimony on being a follower and leader of Jesus Christ Links Changing our Perspective on Addressing Welfare Needs | An Interview with Blair and Cindy Packard The Interpreter Foundation Book of Mormon Central Academia Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes.

Theron Andersen served in the Hong Kong mission and while he was out his family moved to Dixon, California and he came home to a new ward where he immediately began serving in the Young Men Presidency. He has served as Young Men secretary, assistant adviser, deacons quorum advisor, and president. He has also served as a Seminary teacher, scoutmaster, elders quorum counselor, and for the past five years as elders quorum president. He has worked for 25 years as a general building contractor, building high-end custom homes, and recently bought the company. Theron and his wife, Allison, have three daughters and live in Sacramento, California. Highlights 02:30 Introduction to the podcast episode. 04:00 Introduction to Theron and his background 05:30 Episodes from Leading Saints that impacted Theron and helped him as a leader. Learning how to help people with mental health issues and having the right resources to direct them to. 07:45 Ward demographics. 10:00 How Theron felt about becoming elders quorum president. He doesn’t feel like the typical leader with his beard, motorcycle, and helmet with skulls. 13:00 Theron shares his experience of beginning his new calling of elders quorum president. He had no idea what he was doing. 15:30 The culture of ministering. Theron shares what it means to him to really minister and be like the savior. 17:20 How do you move ministering forward in the quorum? 19:00 How would you coach someone on doing a ministering interview? What are the important things to talk about? 20:00 Making assignments and organizing ministering. 23:00 Stop ministering in a way that is meaningful to you but minister in a way that is meaningful to the receiver. 23:30 The changing church of today. This isn’t my father’s church from the 70s. We do things very different from how they were 30 years ago but some people want to hold on to the traditions. 27:30 The atonement is an extraordinary personal event. The way it affects us is different for each individual. Each person has to discover the atonement for themselves. 33:20 Final thoughts and how Theron has become a better leader and follower of Jesus Christ. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Theron Andersen served in the Hong Kong mission and while he was out his family moved to Dixon, California and he came home to a new ward where he immediately began serving in the Young Men Presidency. He has served as Young Men secretary, assistant adviser, deacons quorum advisor, and president. He has also served as a Seminary teacher, scoutmaster, elders quorum counselor, and for the past five years as elders quorum president. He has worked for 25 years as a general building contractor, building high-end custom homes, and recently bought the company. Theron and his wife, Allison, have three daughters and live in Sacramento, California. Highlights 02:30 Introduction to the podcast episode. 04:00 Introduction to Theron and his background 05:30 Episodes from Leading Saints that impacted Theron and helped him as a leader. Learning how to help people with mental health issues and having the right resources to direct them to. 07:45 Ward demographics. 10:00 How Theron felt about becoming elders quorum president. He doesn’t feel like the typical leader with his beard, motorcycle, and helmet with skulls. 13:00 Theron shares his experience of beginning his new calling of elders quorum president. He had no idea what he was doing. 15:30 The culture of ministering. Theron shares what it means to him to really minister and be like the savior. 17:20 How do you move ministering forward in the quorum? 19:00 How would you coach someone on doing a ministering interview? What are the important things to talk about? 20:00 Making assignments and organizing ministering. 23:00 Stop ministering in a way that is meaningful to you but minister in a way that is meaningful to the receiver. 23:30 The changing church of today. This isn’t my father’s church from the 70s. We do things very different from how they were 30 years ago but some people want to hold on to the traditions. 27:30 The atonement is an extraordinary personal event. The way it affects us is different for each individual. Each person has to discover the atonement for themselves. 33:20 Final thoughts and how Theron has become a better leader and follower of Jesus Christ. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Richard “Rich” Watson served in the United States Air Force for 20 years and has an education in psychology, with additional degrees in education and social sciences. Since his retirement from the military in 2015, he has worked for a veteran service organization in their mental health department. He and his team provide resiliency-based retreats for individuals, couples, and families. Rich has served as a ward mission leader and elders quorum president (several times each), as a high priest group leader and branch president, in the young mens presidency and bishopric, on the stake high council, and more. He currently resides in Hope Mills, North Carolina, near Fort Bragg, has been happily married for over 22 years, and has four amazing children and one pretty-OK beagle. Highlights 1:15 Introduction 5:15 Conversion story. Joining the Church at 20 years old. 8:15 Rich’s background with the military 10:30 Rich’s education and how he got into mental health 13:40 Therapy isn’t for everyone. There are other options, such as retreats. 16:40 The importance of creating a unit in an elders quorum or Relief Society. There isn’t enough trust to call each other and ask for help. 20:20 Rich’s advice to an instructor to stimulate vulnerability in elders quorum 23:30 Creating circles instead of rows in our classes. How it changes the dynamic. 24:50 Connecting with veterans in our wards. Rich talks about what veterans are struggling with. 29:30 Know the veteran’s background and their family dynamic. The families of veterans have their own struggles. 30:30 Who is considered a veteran? 32:00 Know what type of veteran they are and how long they served 33:00 What to talk about on the first visit with a veteran. What questions to ask. 35:30 Remember that being a veteran is a part of who they are but not all of who they are. Ask them about other aspects of their lives. 36:15 Other things to know about a veteran. What’s their relationship to their spouse? Were there kids involved in their deployments? 37:30 One of the biggest problems for veterans is finding life outside the military because that’s all they’ve known. Finding a job and transferring skills into a different reality can be very difficult for them. 42:00 We all get tied up in our identities. We let titles become our identity. Really it’s only a small piece of us. 43:50 What can a church leader do to help guide someone as their identity is shifting? This could be someone transitioning out of the military or from a leadership role. What’s your why? What are your values? 50:45 The average veteran will have 3 different jobs within the first 4 years of getting out of the military 50:20 Veterans and mental health. Roughly 22 veterans commit suicide everyday. PTSD is also common. 53:00 There are different levels of PTSD. Sometimes it’s clear when someone is struggling and sometimes it’s easy for people to hide. 54:45 Rich explains how he personally was affected by PTSD 59:00 Coping mechanisms for PTSD and mental health. Rich’s are physical fitness, music, and learning to take a moment. 1:01:00 Unhealthy coping mechanisms. These could be pornography, self medicating with prescription drugs, or alcohol. Instead of focusing on the unhealthy behavior, focus on the underlying emotions and thoughts. 1:04:45 The things that have helped Rich the most as he dealt with PTSD 1:06:00 We often hear about PTSD but two other mental health issues that veterans struggle with are survivor's guilt and moral injury 1:10:00 Knowing what not to say is more important than knowing what to say to people that are struggling. Connection and empathy is more important than saying the right thing. 1:12:40 Let people cry 1:16:00 How leaders can help individuals with moral injury 1:17:50 Check on the family of the veteran. They struggle with the difficulty of caring for their veteran.

Richard “Rich” Watson served in the United States Air Force for 20 years and has an education in psychology, with additional degrees in education and social sciences. Since his retirement from the military in 2015, he has worked for a veteran service organization in their mental health department. He and his team provide resiliency-based retreats for individuals, couples, and families. Rich has served as a ward mission leader and elders quorum president (several times each), as a high priest group leader and branch president, in the young mens presidency and bishopric, on the stake high council, and more. He currently resides in Hope Mills, North Carolina, near Fort Bragg, has been happily married for over 22 years, and has four amazing children and one pretty-OK beagle. Highlights 1:15 Introduction 5:15 Conversion story. Joining the Church at 20 years old. 8:15 Rich’s background with the military 10:30 Rich’s education and how he got into mental health 13:40 Therapy isn’t for everyone. There are other options, such as retreats. 16:40 The importance of creating a unit in an elders quorum or Relief Society. There isn’t enough trust to call each other and ask for help. 20:20 Rich’s advice to an instructor to stimulate vulnerability in elders quorum 23:30 Creating circles instead of rows in our classes. How it changes the dynamic. 24:50 Connecting with veterans in our wards. Rich talks about what veterans are struggling with. 29:30 Know the veteran’s background and their family dynamic. The families of veterans have their own struggles. 30:30 Who is considered a veteran? 32:00 Know what type of veteran they are and how long they served 33:00 What to talk about on the first visit with a veteran. What questions to ask. 35:30 Remember that being a veteran is a part of who they are but not all of who they are. Ask them about other aspects of their lives. 36:15 Other things to know about a veteran. What’s their relationship to their spouse? Were there kids involved in their deployments? 37:30 One of the biggest problems for veterans is finding life outside the military because that’s all they’ve known. Finding a job and transferring skills into a different reality can be very difficult for them. 42:00 We all get tied up in our identities. We let titles become our identity. Really it’s only a small piece of us. 43:50 What can a church leader do to help guide someone as their identity is shifting? This could be someone transitioning out of the military or from a leadership role. What’s your why? What are your values? 50:45 The average veteran will have 3 different jobs within the first 4 years of getting out of the military 50:20 Veterans and mental health. Roughly 22 veterans commit suicide everyday. PTSD is also common. 53:00 There are different levels of PTSD. Sometimes it’s clear when someone is struggling and sometimes it’s easy for people to hide. 54:45 Rich explains how he personally was affected by PTSD 59:00 Coping mechanisms for PTSD and mental health. Rich’s are physical fitness, music, and learning to take a moment. 1:01:00 Unhealthy coping mechanisms. These could be pornography, self medicating with prescription drugs, or alcohol. Instead of focusing on the unhealthy behavior, focus on the underlying emotions and thoughts. 1:04:45 The things that have helped Rich the most as he dealt with PTSD 1:06:00 We often hear about PTSD but two other mental health issues that veterans struggle with are survivor's guilt and moral injury 1:10:00 Knowing what not to say is more important than knowing what to say to people that are struggling. Connection and empathy is more important than saying the right thing. 1:12:40 Let people cry 1:16:00 How leaders can help individuals with moral injury 1:17:50 Check on the family of the veteran. They struggle with the difficulty of caring for their veteran.

Ben Sabourin has over 25 years of experience managing people in various industries in the for-profit and nonprofit business worlds and was most recently employed by the second-largest health information management company in the U.S. as Director of Accounts Receivable. Currently, he is a Certified Life Coach, a Real Colors Certified Facilitator, and is back earning his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from BYU-Idaho through the Pathways Program. Ben has served as an assistant ward clerk, elders quorum president and counselor, and a ward mission leader. Ben served in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo East Mission, where his love for the Spanish language, culture, and people was fostered. He is now a high counselor assigned to serve the Spanish Branch in the Green Bay, Wisconsin Stake. Ben and his wife Cindy have been married 23 years and have two children and three grandchildren. Highlights 02:30 Introduction to Ben Sabourin and his backstory 13:50 Leadership opportunities Ben has had outside the church 14:30 After 14 years of inactivity Ben came back to the church. He talks about his path to come back. 21:30 Getting called as elders quorum president 6 months after reactivating. It forced him to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ faster. 24:00 Ben knows how to meet people where they are because he himself has been there 25:00 Starting out as elders quorum president and what Ben needed and learned 29:30 As elders quorum president, Ben noticed that the men were very guarded and it wasn’t easy to be vulnerable and talk to each other about their struggles. His goal was to create opportunities to fix that. 30:45 Service is the way that we build a bridge to unity. We have to be friends besides just the hour that we are at church. 32:00 Ben shares his ideas for socials for men and things that worked for him. Socials became a way that Ben was able to help create unity in his quorum. 36:25 Don’t wait for people to ask for a blessing. Ask them if they need one. People, especially men, have the tendency to say, “I’m fine.” 39:00 Love, share, invite. People don’t care unless they know how much you care. In order to teach and lead the people, you have to love the people. 41:50 What Ben has learned from his time on the high council serving in the Spanish ward You are there to love, share, and invite, not dictate Make yourself available and earn trust After you’ve earned trust, do what you say As a high councilman, stay out of their way and let them know what their resources are and that you are available to them 50:45 Ben’s final thoughts and what he has learned from being a leader Links "Love, Share, Invite" by Elder Gary E. Stevenson Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Ben Sabourin has over 25 years of experience managing people in various industries in the for-profit and nonprofit business worlds and was most recently employed by the second-largest health information management company in the U.S. as Director of Accounts Receivable. Currently, he is a Certified Life Coach, a Real Colors Certified Facilitator, and is back earning his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from BYU-Idaho through the Pathways Program. Ben has served as an assistant ward clerk, elders quorum president and counselor, and a ward mission leader. Ben served in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo East Mission, where his love for the Spanish language, culture, and people was fostered. He is now a high counselor assigned to serve the Spanish Branch in the Green Bay, Wisconsin Stake. Ben and his wife Cindy have been married 23 years and have two children and three grandchildren. Highlights 02:30 Introduction to Ben Sabourin and his backstory 13:50 Leadership opportunities Ben has had outside the church 14:30 After 14 years of inactivity Ben came back to the church. He talks about his path to come back. 21:30 Getting called as elders quorum president 6 months after reactivating. It forced him to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ faster. 24:00 Ben knows how to meet people where they are because he himself has been there 25:00 Starting out as elders quorum president and what Ben needed and learned 29:30 As elders quorum president, Ben noticed that the men were very guarded and it wasn’t easy to be vulnerable and talk to each other about their struggles. His goal was to create opportunities to fix that. 30:45 Service is the way that we build a bridge to unity. We have to be friends besides just the hour that we are at church. 32:00 Ben shares his ideas for socials for men and things that worked for him. Socials became a way that Ben was able to help create unity in his quorum. 36:25 Don’t wait for people to ask for a blessing. Ask them if they need one. People, especially men, have the tendency to say, “I’m fine.” 39:00 Love, share, invite. People don’t care unless they know how much you care. In order to teach and lead the people, you have to love the people. 41:50 What Ben has learned from his time on the high council serving in the Spanish ward You are there to love, share, and invite, not dictate Make yourself available and earn trust After you’ve earned trust, do what you say As a high councilman, stay out of their way and let them know what their resources are and that you are available to them 50:45 Ben’s final thoughts and what he has learned from being a leader Links "Love, Share, Invite" by Elder Gary E. Stevenson Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Bronco Mendenhall has coached football for the past 34 years. The former head coach of Brigham Young University's football team, he surprised the football world when he stepped down as head coach of the University of Virginia team last year. Recently he has started co-hosting a podcast, HeadCoachU. At BYU, Bronco led the Cougars to win 99 games in eleven years—the second-most wins in school history—along with eleven consecutive bowl invitations. He has served in the Church as a Primary and Sunday School teacher, a Sunday School president and ward mission leader, Young Mens advisor, high councilor, and in a bishopric. He and his wife Holly have three sons and live in Montana. Highlights 01:20 Introduction to Bronco Mendenhall and his background 03:20 Bronco talks about what it’s like to finally have a fall where he isn’t coaching football. 07:00 Having courage and faith to step down as head coach of the University of Virginia. How Bronco knew it was time to step down. 11:45 Is it really true that fear and faith can’t exist at the same time? 14:00 We all have so much going on everyday. Does your calendar reflect your priorities? It doesn’t matter so much how much time you spend on something but that it’s scheduled everyday. 16:30 Taking a pause from a successful career. Sometimes a pause accelerates the journey or outcome. Listen to the spirit to know if you should keep stepping or if it’s time to pause. 20:45 Different times or days to take a pause. Sunday could be a good day to take a pause as a family. Other ideas could be family dinner and in the morning before everyone leaves. 22:45 Starting out coaching at the University of Virginia. It was more than just coaching football, it was building character. 27:00 What did your father teach you about leadership? 32:00 Advice that Bronco has for elders quorum presidents about creating an atmosphere of motivation and development. Apart from the lesson, there has to be a connection of true love and true caring that is undeniable. 38:15 If we can engage 5 to 15% to a new cultural movement it will spread to everyone else 38:30 How Bronco would do tryouts and recruiting for his Virginia team and how it applies to the church and activities. The activities need to be really well thought of in terms of the intent. You can learn a lot about people and the state of their heart through these activities. 42:40 Significant emotional experiences facilitate long term memory. What if we disrupt the normal lesson on Sunday to create an experience? 49:00 How do you begin to develop personal relationships with people when you become a new leader? 52:15 An open door policy is not good enough. Don’t make people come to you. Be there with them. Make it effortless for them to talk to you. 56:40 Advice for doing one on ones with people. Bronco explains what carefrontation is. 1:01:50 Why Bronco started reading. As a leader he had to continually learn new things to help those he led. 1:05:30 A few books that Bronco would recommend to a new leader 1:10:00 Bronco’s podcast, HeadCoachU 1:16:30 How being a leader and coach has made Bronco into a better disciple of Jesus Christ Links HeadCoachU podcast Leadership and Self Deception: Getting Out of the Box, by the Arbinger Institute Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…And Others Don't, by Jim Collins Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch the video on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey,

Bronco Mendenhall has coached football for the past 34 years. The former head coach of Brigham Young University's football team, he surprised the football world when he stepped down as head coach of the University of Virginia team last year. Recently he has started co-hosting a podcast, HeadCoachU. At BYU, Bronco led the Cougars to win 99 games in eleven years—the second-most wins in school history—along with eleven consecutive bowl invitations. He has served in the Church as a Primary and Sunday School teacher, a Sunday School president and ward mission leader, Young Mens advisor, high councilor, and in a bishopric. He and his wife Holly have three sons and live in Montana. Highlights 01:20 Introduction to Bronco Mendenhall and his background 03:20 Bronco talks about what it’s like to finally have a fall where he isn’t coaching football. 07:00 Having courage and faith to step down as head coach of the University of Virginia. How Bronco knew it was time to step down. 11:45 Is it really true that fear and faith can’t exist at the same time? 14:00 We all have so much going on everyday. Does your calendar reflect your priorities? It doesn’t matter so much how much time you spend on something but that it’s scheduled everyday. 16:30 Taking a pause from a successful career. Sometimes a pause accelerates the journey or outcome. Listen to the spirit to know if you should keep stepping or if it’s time to pause. 20:45 Different times or days to take a pause. Sunday could be a good day to take a pause as a family. Other ideas could be family dinner and in the morning before everyone leaves. 22:45 Starting out coaching at the University of Virginia. It was more than just coaching football, it was building character. 27:00 What did your father teach you about leadership? 32:00 Advice that Bronco has for elders quorum presidents about creating an atmosphere of motivation and development. Apart from the lesson, there has to be a connection of true love and true caring that is undeniable. 38:15 If we can engage 5 to 15% to a new cultural movement it will spread to everyone else 38:30 How Bronco would do tryouts and recruiting for his Virginia team and how it applies to the church and activities. The activities need to be really well thought of in terms of the intent. You can learn a lot about people and the state of their heart through these activities. 42:40 Significant emotional experiences facilitate long term memory. What if we disrupt the normal lesson on Sunday to create an experience? 49:00 How do you begin to develop personal relationships with people when you become a new leader? 52:15 An open door policy is not good enough. Don’t make people come to you. Be there with them. Make it effortless for them to talk to you. 56:40 Advice for doing one on ones with people. Bronco explains what carefrontation is. 1:01:50 Why Bronco started reading. As a leader he had to continually learn new things to help those he led. 1:05:30 A few books that Bronco would recommend to a new leader 1:10:00 Bronco’s podcast, HeadCoachU 1:16:30 How being a leader and coach has made Bronco into a better disciple of Jesus Christ Links HeadCoachU podcast Leadership and Self Deception: Getting Out of the Box, by the Arbinger Institute Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…And Others Don't, by Jim Collins Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch the video on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey,

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally published in December 2019. Jason Hunt has a PhD in endocrine physiology and teaches pre-med classes at Brigham Young University-Idaho. He has served as a family ward bishop, a Young Single Adult ward bishop, and as counselor in a Stake Presidency, but his most difficult calling was as the primary pianist. Highlights 07:15 Culture and rules are not doctrinal 09:20 Keyholder applications are different from personal applications 11:00 Elder Bednar’s concept of applications: Doctrines are statements. Principles are embedded in the doctrines and tell us what we should do. They never change. Applications change. 14:50 Keyholder applications hold true when the keyholder is saying them and would apply to those who are within their responsibility, and they do not extend beyond 18:10 Cultural norms are applications that have extended beyond their boundaries 19:00 How you view these cultural norms depends on your personal moral theory. The most common are: Consequential theorist: consequences Obligation theorist: rules Divine theorist: what God has said Egoist: personal priorities 25:00 The best leadership should be able to move between these theories 27:30 When you understand these moral frameworks, how different people respond to the culture makes more sense. Cognitive development also applies. 30:30 Jason’s experience considering the story of Noah 34:30 It’s important to be open and talk about things, even if you don’t have the answers 36:30 Stephen R. Covey: Listen with the intent to understand, not to answer 39:30 Pornography, brain addiction science, and the bladder comparison. Identify the justifications. Ensure they trust and are comfortable and willing to share. 44:00 The response depends again on the personal moral theories of everyone involved 47:00 The Holy Ghost knows what needs to happen and we can be open to that and understand that there can be different consequences for different people 47:40 Have empathy for people with different moral theories and respect them for their approach 49:00 The divine command theorist must be doctrinally grounded or there can be misapplication within the culture. Examples that happen in a YSA ward. 53:20 Egoism: put the mask on first 55:30 When you are working with a leader who is coming from a different moral framework there will be friction and it requires greater empathy. We have to learn to step into different quadrants and embrace the differences of opinion 58:45 A mission is not a saving ordinance. The temple is the culminating event with the saving ordinances and that is where the focus needs to be. 1:00:10 Jason’s motorcycle example compared to technology use: youth do not have the ability to utilize their agency, so they need stages of responsibility Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults,

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally published in December 2019. Jason Hunt has a PhD in endocrine physiology and teaches pre-med classes at Brigham Young University-Idaho. He has served as a family ward bishop, a Young Single Adult ward bishop, and as counselor in a Stake Presidency, but his most difficult calling was as the primary pianist. Highlights 07:15 Culture and rules are not doctrinal 09:20 Keyholder applications are different from personal applications 11:00 Elder Bednar’s concept of applications: Doctrines are statements. Principles are embedded in the doctrines and tell us what we should do. They never change. Applications change. 14:50 Keyholder applications hold true when the keyholder is saying them and would apply to those who are within their responsibility, and they do not extend beyond 18:10 Cultural norms are applications that have extended beyond their boundaries 19:00 How you view these cultural norms depends on your personal moral theory. The most common are: Consequential theorist: consequences Obligation theorist: rules Divine theorist: what God has said Egoist: personal priorities 25:00 The best leadership should be able to move between these theories 27:30 When you understand these moral frameworks, how different people respond to the culture makes more sense. Cognitive development also applies. 30:30 Jason’s experience considering the story of Noah 34:30 It’s important to be open and talk about things, even if you don’t have the answers 36:30 Stephen R. Covey: Listen with the intent to understand, not to answer 39:30 Pornography, brain addiction science, and the bladder comparison. Identify the justifications. Ensure they trust and are comfortable and willing to share. 44:00 The response depends again on the personal moral theories of everyone involved 47:00 The Holy Ghost knows what needs to happen and we can be open to that and understand that there can be different consequences for different people 47:40 Have empathy for people with different moral theories and respect them for their approach 49:00 The divine command theorist must be doctrinally grounded or there can be misapplication within the culture. Examples that happen in a YSA ward. 53:20 Egoism: put the mask on first 55:30 When you are working with a leader who is coming from a different moral framework there will be friction and it requires greater empathy. We have to learn to step into different quadrants and embrace the differences of opinion 58:45 A mission is not a saving ordinance. The temple is the culminating event with the saving ordinances and that is where the focus needs to be. 1:00:10 Jason’s motorcycle example compared to technology use: youth do not have the ability to utilize their agency, so they need stages of responsibility Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults,

Jeff McCullough is on a quest to learn about all things Latter-day Saints. He's not looking for a debate. He's looking to explore and learn, and to fight criticism with curiosity. Jeff is a Protestant, Evangelical Pastor with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, and the creator of the HelloSaints YouTube channel. He completed his undergraduate in Digital Media from a Free-Methodist school, Greenville University, and received a Masters in Biblical Studies from Moody Theological Seminary. Jeff is married with four children, lives in the St. Louis, Missouri area, and has worked in pastoral ministry for almost 15 years. Highlights 1:30 Introduction to Jeff and his background 3:10 Jeff is not the typical Leading Saints guest. He was born and raised Evangelical Protestant. He is now an Evangelical Pastor. 6:15 Often our doctrines and practices can become elevated to a point that we begin to major in the minors. What is most important is the spiritual reality of your soul before the one that created you. 7:55 What was the moment that you thought you wanted to become a Pastor? 9:10 The steps Jeff took to become a Pastor 12:15 Why Jeff started Hello Saints. A channel where Jeff explores the church in a respectful way. 21:20 What you can expect on Jeff’s channel. He invites his audience to be curious and connect. 23:40 Negative culture. Why aren’t we talking about it more? 25:30 We can all maintain our dignity and disagree with people without tearing each other down 29:00 Is it a good or bad thing to live in “the Utah bubble?” Do we need more diversity? 31:10 Missionary work in our church and measuring our success based on baptisms. What are we missing? 33:10 What are sinner’s prayers? 35:30 Jeff talks about his religion and focusing on the wrong things. Let’s focus less on the numbers and more on how you are living out your testimony. 37:15 Is Jesus looking for a checklist and that we’ve checked all the boxes? 38:45 Jeff talks about how he guides his congregation, as to not focus on the numbers and the sinners' prayers 41:45 Kurt and Jeff share their perspectives on church programs. While the programs are inspired and great sometimes they feel like homework. The most important part of the gospel is creating and strengthening our relationship with Jesus Christ. 47:45 Anything that we ever build, even with the best intentions or in ministry, will at some point lose its focus and become an idol. We’ll have to tear it down and go at it again. 49:50 What Jeff wished he had known when he first became a Pastor 46:45 Jeff shares his view on the Book of Mormon and why he hasn’t read it 1:06:00 Jeff’s view on Brigham Young and Joseph Smith and the things he struggles with pertaining to the church. 1:10:10 The thing that intrigues Jeff the most about Joseph Smith 1:12:40 Final thoughts and wrap up Links HelloSaints YouTube channel Instagram: @hello.saints HelloSaints Patreon Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube! Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles,

Jeff McCullough is on a quest to learn about all things Latter-day Saints. He's not looking for a debate. He's looking to explore and learn, and to fight criticism with curiosity. Jeff is a Protestant, Evangelical Pastor with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, and the creator of the HelloSaints YouTube channel. He completed his undergraduate in Digital Media from a Free-Methodist school, Greenville University, and received a Masters in Biblical Studies from Moody Theological Seminary. Jeff is married with four children, lives in the St. Louis, Missouri area, and has worked in pastoral ministry for almost 15 years. Highlights 1:30 Introduction to Jeff and his background 3:10 Jeff is not the typical Leading Saints guest. He was born and raised Evangelical Protestant. He is now an Evangelical Pastor. 6:15 Often our doctrines and practices can become elevated to a point that we begin to major in the minors. What is most important is the spiritual reality of your soul before the one that created you. 7:55 What was the moment that you thought you wanted to become a Pastor? 9:10 The steps Jeff took to become a Pastor 12:15 Why Jeff started Hello Saints. A channel where Jeff explores the church in a respectful way. 21:20 What you can expect on Jeff’s channel. He invites his audience to be curious and connect. 23:40 Negative culture. Why aren’t we talking about it more? 25:30 We can all maintain our dignity and disagree with people without tearing each other down 29:00 Is it a good or bad thing to live in “the Utah bubble?” Do we need more diversity? 31:10 Missionary work in our church and measuring our success based on baptisms. What are we missing? 33:10 What are sinner’s prayers? 35:30 Jeff talks about his religion and focusing on the wrong things. Let’s focus less on the numbers and more on how you are living out your testimony. 37:15 Is Jesus looking for a checklist and that we’ve checked all the boxes? 38:45 Jeff talks about how he guides his congregation, as to not focus on the numbers and the sinners' prayers 41:45 Kurt and Jeff share their perspectives on church programs. While the programs are inspired and great sometimes they feel like homework. The most important part of the gospel is creating and strengthening our relationship with Jesus Christ. 47:45 Anything that we ever build, even with the best intentions or in ministry, will at some point lose its focus and become an idol. We’ll have to tear it down and go at it again. 49:50 What Jeff wished he had known when he first became a Pastor 46:45 Jeff shares his view on the Book of Mormon and why he hasn’t read it 1:06:00 Jeff’s view on Brigham Young and Joseph Smith and the things he struggles with pertaining to the church. 1:10:10 The thing that intrigues Jeff the most about Joseph Smith 1:12:40 Final thoughts and wrap up Links HelloSaints YouTube channel Instagram: @hello.saints HelloSaints Patreon Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube! Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles,

This is Part 3 of a 3-part conversation. Listen to Part 1 and Part 2. A few weeks ago, master coach/facilitator DeAnna Murphy presented at our Gathering Saints women’s retreat and an idea was hatched! You may know DeAnna from some of the remarkable interviews she has done on the podcast. She will be leading an online intensive experience for those interested in developing individually in order to be a more-prepared leader in life. In this 3-part conversation, DeAnna and Kurt talk about some of the concepts that will be covered in this upcoming online experience that begins November 1st. This special offering of the Self-Leadership Masterclass is a holistic learning experience designed especially for followers of Leading Saints—those who are the up-and-coming difference-makers, who have a work to do and are looking for the leadership skills to help them do it. This program involves interactive classroom and peer coaching experiences, in addition to riveting online learning and self-leadership projects to increase mastery of self and strengthen self-leadership. This learning experience will help you and others discover how to use strengths to be more interdependent, create a more purposeful positive impact, and find greater joy at work and in life. If you feel called to grow your leadership, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to become more of your best self—and to help others do the same! LEARN MORE HERE. Highlights 03:15 Your strengths are pieces of God’s DNA in you 04:00 DeAnna shares her personal experience as a Relief Society president and how self awareness and understanding her strengths and weaknesses has made her a better leader 09:20 We look at leaders and think they just have it all figured out and we don’t. But maybe it’s that they are self aware of their strengths and weaknesses. 09:50 Managing your strengths and weaknesses 11:50 DeAnna explains what will happen in the virtual self leadership conference 14:50 You will learn 10 different self leadership skills in 7 sessions 15:00 The self leadership conference is an opportunity to deepen your awareness of who you are and strengthen your skillset 18:00 Anyone who wants to influence is a leader Links Self-Leadership Masterclass Part 1: The Self-Leadership Online Experience | A Conversation with DeAnna Murphy Part 2: The Self-Leadership Online Experience | A Conversation with DeAnna Murphy Gathering Saints Creating Engagement Through Ministering Interviews | An Interview with DeAnna Murphy Teaching the Gospel Virtually | An Interview with DeAnna Murphy Instructing and Edifying Each Other in Meetings | An Interview with DeAnna Murphy Mentoring Relief Society Presidents Through Love | How I Lead: DeAnna Murphy Listen to the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is Part 3 of a 3-part conversation. Listen to Part 1 and Part 2. A few weeks ago, master coach/facilitator DeAnna Murphy presented at our Gathering Saints women’s retreat and an idea was hatched! You may know DeAnna from some of the remarkable interviews she has done on the podcast. She will be leading an online intensive experience for those interested in developing individually in order to be a more-prepared leader in life. In this 3-part conversation, DeAnna and Kurt talk about some of the concepts that will be covered in this upcoming online experience that begins November 1st. This special offering of the Self-Leadership Masterclass is a holistic learning experience designed especially for followers of Leading Saints—those who are the up-and-coming difference-makers, who have a work to do and are looking for the leadership skills to help them do it. This program involves interactive classroom and peer coaching experiences, in addition to riveting online learning and self-leadership projects to increase mastery of self and strengthen self-leadership. This learning experience will help you and others discover how to use strengths to be more interdependent, create a more purposeful positive impact, and find greater joy at work and in life. If you feel called to grow your leadership, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to become more of your best self—and to help others do the same! LEARN MORE HERE. Highlights 03:15 Your strengths are pieces of God’s DNA in you 04:00 DeAnna shares her personal experience as a Relief Society president and how self awareness and understanding her strengths and weaknesses has made her a better leader 09:20 We look at leaders and think they just have it all figured out and we don’t. But maybe it’s that they are self aware of their strengths and weaknesses. 09:50 Managing your strengths and weaknesses 11:50 DeAnna explains what will happen in the virtual self leadership conference 14:50 You will learn 10 different self leadership skills in 7 sessions 15:00 The self leadership conference is an opportunity to deepen your awareness of who you are and strengthen your skillset 18:00 Anyone who wants to influence is a leader Links Self-Leadership Masterclass Part 1: The Self-Leadership Online Experience | A Conversation with DeAnna Murphy Part 2: The Self-Leadership Online Experience | A Conversation with DeAnna Murphy Gathering Saints Creating Engagement Through Ministering Interviews | An Interview with DeAnna Murphy Teaching the Gospel Virtually | An Interview with DeAnna Murphy Instructing and Edifying Each Other in Meetings | An Interview with DeAnna Murphy Mentoring Relief Society Presidents Through Love | How I Lead: DeAnna Murphy Listen to the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is Part 2 of a 3-part conversation. Listen to Part 1 here. A few weeks ago, master coach/facilitator DeAnna Murphy presented at our Gathering Saints women’s retreat and an idea was hatched! You may know DeAnna from some of the remarkable interviews she has done on the podcast. She will be leading an online intensive experience for those interested in developing individually in order to be a more-prepared leader in life. In this 3-part conversation, DeAnna and Kurt talk about some of the concepts that will be covered in this upcoming online experience that begins November 1st. This special offering of the Self-Leadership Masterclass is a holistic learning experience designed especially for followers of Leading Saints—those who are the up-and-coming difference-makers, who have a work to do and are looking for the leadership skills to help them do it. This program involves interactive classroom and peer coaching experiences, in addition to riveting online learning and self-leadership projects to increase mastery of self and strengthen self-leadership. This learning experience will help you and others discover how to use strengths to be more interdependent, create a more purposeful positive impact, and find greater joy at work and in life. If you feel called to grow your leadership, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to become more of your best self—and to help others do the same! LEARN MORE HERE. Highlights 02:00 Kurt talks about the importance of self awareness and relates it to Eve and her awareness in the garden of Eden 03:15 Developing self awareness. We all have blind spots. We need other people to help us see those blind spots. 06:00 Confident vulnerability - the confidence of standing in who you are that awakens your ability to be ok with what you are not. 07:00 Analogy of an iceberg. We get sunk by the things that are beneath the surface of our consciousness. 07:55 Strategic interdependence. How can we get our puzzle piece to fit with someone else’s piece, that is completely different from our own. This is applicable to marriage, working with others in a calling, at work, or blending families. 09:00 Understanding strengths and weaknesses Talents travel. You had talents before you got here and your mission is divine. Strengths are like a unique type of intelligence Look at how adversity shapes your strengths 12:45 The probability that you have the top 7 strengths as someone on the planet is 1 in 10.3 billion. Remember that your strengths are so unique. 14:00 Part of self leadership is… Recognizing what your strengths and weaknesses are. How do my strengths and weaknesses combine together to help me achieve a unique and sacred purpose? Learning what your unique and sacred purpose is Make that what’s important 14:30 How do I notice when my strengths are flipping into weaknesses and stop it? 14:50 Being proactively aware and reactively aware. Awareness can help us prevent our weaknesses. 17:00 Tools to help you find your strengths Links Self-Leadership Masterclass Part 1: The Self-Leadership Online Experience | A Conversation with DeAnna Murphy Part 3: The Self-Leadership Online Experience | A Conversation with DeAnna Murphy Strengths Multiplier Online Assessment Gathering Saints Creating Engagement Through Ministering Interviews | An Interview with DeAnna Murphy Teaching the Gospel Virtually | An Interview with DeAnna Murphy Instructing and Edifying Each Other in Meetings | An Interview with DeAnna Murphy Mentoring Relief Society Presidents Through Love | How I Lead: DeAnna Murphy Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead.

This is Part 2 of a 3-part conversation. Listen to Part 1 here. A few weeks ago, master coach/facilitator DeAnna Murphy presented at our Gathering Saints women’s retreat and an idea was hatched! You may know DeAnna from some of the remarkable interviews she has done on the podcast. She will be leading an online intensive experience for those interested in developing individually in order to be a more-prepared leader in life. In this 3-part conversation, DeAnna and Kurt talk about some of the concepts that will be covered in this upcoming online experience that begins November 1st. This special offering of the Self-Leadership Masterclass is a holistic learning experience designed especially for followers of Leading Saints—those who are the up-and-coming difference-makers, who have a work to do and are looking for the leadership skills to help them do it. This program involves interactive classroom and peer coaching experiences, in addition to riveting online learning and self-leadership projects to increase mastery of self and strengthen self-leadership. This learning experience will help you and others discover how to use strengths to be more interdependent, create a more purposeful positive impact, and find greater joy at work and in life. If you feel called to grow your leadership, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to become more of your best self—and to help others do the same! LEARN MORE HERE. Highlights 02:00 Kurt talks about the importance of self awareness and relates it to Eve and her awareness in the garden of Eden 03:15 Developing self awareness. We all have blind spots. We need other people to help us see those blind spots. 06:00 Confident vulnerability - the confidence of standing in who you are that awakens your ability to be ok with what you are not. 07:00 Analogy of an iceberg. We get sunk by the things that are beneath the surface of our consciousness. 07:55 Strategic interdependence. How can we get our puzzle piece to fit with someone else’s piece, that is completely different from our own. This is applicable to marriage, working with others in a calling, at work, or blending families. 09:00 Understanding strengths and weaknesses Talents travel. You had talents before you got here and your mission is divine. Strengths are like a unique type of intelligence Look at how adversity shapes your strengths 12:45 The probability that you have the top 7 strengths as someone on the planet is 1 in 10.3 billion. Remember that your strengths are so unique. 14:00 Part of self leadership is… Recognizing what your strengths and weaknesses are. How do my strengths and weaknesses combine together to help me achieve a unique and sacred purpose? Learning what your unique and sacred purpose is Make that what’s important 14:30 How do I notice when my strengths are flipping into weaknesses and stop it? 14:50 Being proactively aware and reactively aware. Awareness can help us prevent our weaknesses. 17:00 Tools to help you find your strengths Links Self-Leadership Masterclass Part 1: The Self-Leadership Online Experience | A Conversation with DeAnna Murphy Part 3: The Self-Leadership Online Experience | A Conversation with DeAnna Murphy Strengths Multiplier Online Assessment Gathering Saints Creating Engagement Through Ministering Interviews | An Interview with DeAnna Murphy Teaching the Gospel Virtually | An Interview with DeAnna Murphy Instructing and Edifying Each Other in Meetings | An Interview with DeAnna Murphy Mentoring Relief Society Presidents Through Love | How I Lead: DeAnna Murphy Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead.

A few weeks ago, master coach/facilitator DeAnna Murphy presented at our Gathering Saints women's retreat and an idea was hatched! You may know DeAnna from some of the remarkable interviews she has done on the podcast. She will be leading an online intensive experience for those interested in developing individually in order to be a more-prepared leader in life. In this 3-part conversation, DeAnna and Kurt talk about some of the concepts that will be covered in this upcoming online experience that begins November 1st.  This special offering of the Self-Leadership Masterclass is a holistic learning experience designed especially for followers of Leading Saints—those who are the up-and-coming difference-makers, who have a work to do and are looking for the leadership skills to help them do it. This program involves interactive classroom and peer coaching experiences, in addition to riveting online learning and self-leadership projects to increase mastery of self and strengthen self-leadership. This learning experience will help you and others discover how to use strengths to be more interdependent, create a more purposeful positive impact, and find greater joy at work and in life. If you feel called to grow your leadership, you won't want to miss this opportunity to become more of your best self—and to help others do the same! LEARN MORE HERE. Highlights 04:00 DeAnna’s experience at the Gathering Saints women’s retreat 06:40 DeAnna shares her back story and describes what she does for companies and organizations 08:30 Masterclass on self leadership. What is self leadership? 11:00 Learn to lead yourself. Do the work on yourself. Changed people change the world. 12:50 DeAnna shares an analogy between self leadership and seeing the world through lenses that are distorted. Self leadership teaches people to clear the lenses and respond to people and situations with calmness and wisdom. 15:00 DeAnna shares a personal story and how to manage difficult situations 18:15 We create colored lenses through past experiences. We bring our untrue beliefs into our leadership callings without realizing it. 19:20 We must denounce deception and unravel our limiting beliefs 20:30 The first step in self leadership is to become aware of our limiting beliefs and understand the things that are holding us back 20:50 Awareness activates agency 21:30 Our strengths are our tools to help us make that difference in the world 21:50 Sometimes our strength gets flipped around and turns into a weakness in another situation 22:45 How do I use my strengths to solve my problems, to recover when I’m frustrated, to pull out the lies that I’m holding about myself or others? Links Self-Leadership Masterclass Part 2: The Self-Leadership Online Experience | A Conversation with DeAnna Murphy Gathering Saints Creating Engagement Through Ministering Interviews | An Interview with DeAnna Murphy Teaching the Gospel Virtually | An Interview with DeAnna Murphy Instructing and Edifying Each Other in Meetings | An Interview with DeAnna Murphy Mentoring Relief Society Presidents Through Love | How I Lead: DeAnna Murphy Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson,

A few weeks ago, master coach/facilitator DeAnna Murphy presented at our Gathering Saints women's retreat and an idea was hatched! You may know DeAnna from some of the remarkable interviews she has done on the podcast. She will be leading an online intensive experience for those interested in developing individually in order to be a more-prepared leader in life. In this 3-part conversation, DeAnna and Kurt talk about some of the concepts that will be covered in this upcoming online experience that begins November 1st.  This special offering of the Self-Leadership Masterclass is a holistic learning experience designed especially for followers of Leading Saints—those who are the up-and-coming difference-makers, who have a work to do and are looking for the leadership skills to help them do it. This program involves interactive classroom and peer coaching experiences, in addition to riveting online learning and self-leadership projects to increase mastery of self and strengthen self-leadership. This learning experience will help you and others discover how to use strengths to be more interdependent, create a more purposeful positive impact, and find greater joy at work and in life. If you feel called to grow your leadership, you won't want to miss this opportunity to become more of your best self—and to help others do the same! LEARN MORE HERE. Highlights 04:00 DeAnna’s experience at the Gathering Saints women’s retreat 06:40 DeAnna shares her back story and describes what she does for companies and organizations 08:30 Masterclass on self leadership. What is self leadership? 11:00 Learn to lead yourself. Do the work on yourself. Changed people change the world. 12:50 DeAnna shares an analogy between self leadership and seeing the world through lenses that are distorted. Self leadership teaches people to clear the lenses and respond to people and situations with calmness and wisdom. 15:00 DeAnna shares a personal story and how to manage difficult situations 18:15 We create colored lenses through past experiences. We bring our untrue beliefs into our leadership callings without realizing it. 19:20 We must denounce deception and unravel our limiting beliefs 20:30 The first step in self leadership is to become aware of our limiting beliefs and understand the things that are holding us back 20:50 Awareness activates agency 21:30 Our strengths are our tools to help us make that difference in the world 21:50 Sometimes our strength gets flipped around and turns into a weakness in another situation 22:45 How do I use my strengths to solve my problems, to recover when I’m frustrated, to pull out the lies that I’m holding about myself or others? Links Self-Leadership Masterclass Part 2: The Self-Leadership Online Experience | A Conversation with DeAnna Murphy Gathering Saints Creating Engagement Through Ministering Interviews | An Interview with DeAnna Murphy Teaching the Gospel Virtually | An Interview with DeAnna Murphy Instructing and Edifying Each Other in Meetings | An Interview with DeAnna Murphy Mentoring Relief Society Presidents Through Love | How I Lead: DeAnna Murphy Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson,

Murray Meszaros is originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, and joined the Church at age 21 after years of searching for peace and answers. A year later he was serving a mission in Austria. Murray worked in education for 42 years, including in elementary schools, as director/CEO of a YM/YWCA, a college administrator, a consultant, and lastly with the Utah State Board of Education. He has served in the church in most Young Men advisor positions, as Sunday School president and instructor, early morning seminary teacher, elders quorum president, bishop and bishopric member, stake clerk, and high councilor. Murray enjoys inventing board games and is married to Melanie Meszaros. They have four children and nine grandchildren and live in Ogden, Utah, where Murray currently serves both as membership clerk and (for at least the fifth time) ward mission leader. Highlights 01:40 Introduction to the podcast 02:50 Murray’s background and callings 05:00 Murray shares his conversion story and how he created new approaches for sharing the gospel 07:40 The first characteristic of sharing the gospel is to have a Christ-like attitude in all of our connections 09:30 The second characteristic is to be creative. We have to create our own opportunities to share the gospel. 11:00 The third characteristic is to be curious about individuals. What makes them tick? What’s their situation? How can you connect with them through these things? 11:15 The fourth characteristic is to be complementary towards others 11:40 The fifth characteristic to continuously follow up 12:15 You have to go find the sheep. They aren’t going to find you. Very rarely are opportunities just going to fall into your lap. 14:15 Murray shares stories of ways that he has shared the gospel in an easy and natural way 15:20 The first question. Ask permission to share anything with anybody. Would you be willing…? Would you mind if I ask you some off the wall questions.? 16:40 The second question. If you could ask God a question right now what would you ask Him? 17:20 The third question. If you could know the answer to your question would you want to know? 17:40 The fourth question. Would you be willing to pay the price to know the answer to your question? 18:15 The fifth question. Could some friends and I come by and answer some of your questions? 19:30 What to do if people say no 20:00 If people don’t have any questions, Murray gives some ideas of questions you can ask them 27:30 We make sharing the gospel too hard! Start talking to people at the gym or grocery store. 29:15 Murray shares what the 5 star is and how it can help you share the gospel 38:00 5 star can help you not only update your records but it’s an opportunity to meet new people and start meaningful conversations with them 41:00 Murray uses his same questions over the phone and over social media too. He shares a story of how he set up zoom calls with a man that was living in another state. 42:00 When to bring the missionaries in 42:30 Going back to the question of do you want to know the answer to your question? Murray will first teach them how to talk to God and get that answer before he gets into answering their question. 43:40 Creating a team in your ward and involving the ward counsel in nurturing and ministering to this new individual that has been found. 50:00 Murray’s questions help us use the love, share, invite model 52:00 Murray shares some quotes from The Power of Everyday Missionaries by Clayton Christensen. 56:00 Being a good follower makes us a good leader Links PDF download: 5-Star Improving Member Missionary Efforts and Engagement Powerpoint download: 5-Star Improving Member Missionary Efforts and Engagement The Power of Everyday Missionaries Following Up, by Elder M. Russell Ballard Sharing the Restored Gospel, by Elder Dallin H. Oaks Fourth Floor, Last Door, by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Murray Meszaros is originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, and joined the Church at age 21 after years of searching for peace and answers. A year later he was serving a mission in Austria. Murray worked in education for 42 years, including in elementary schools, as director/CEO of a YM/YWCA, a college administrator, a consultant, and lastly with the Utah State Board of Education. He has served in the church in most Young Men advisor positions, as Sunday School president and instructor, early morning seminary teacher, elders quorum president, bishop and bishopric member, stake clerk, and high councilor. Murray enjoys inventing board games and is married to Melanie Meszaros. They have four children and nine grandchildren and live in Ogden, Utah, where Murray currently serves both as membership clerk and (for at least the fifth time) ward mission leader. Highlights 01:40 Introduction to the podcast 02:50 Murray’s background and callings 05:00 Murray shares his conversion story and how he created new approaches for sharing the gospel 07:40 The first characteristic of sharing the gospel is to have a Christ-like attitude in all of our connections 09:30 The second characteristic is to be creative. We have to create our own opportunities to share the gospel. 11:00 The third characteristic is to be curious about individuals. What makes them tick? What’s their situation? How can you connect with them through these things? 11:15 The fourth characteristic is to be complementary towards others 11:40 The fifth characteristic to continuously follow up 12:15 You have to go find the sheep. They aren’t going to find you. Very rarely are opportunities just going to fall into your lap. 14:15 Murray shares stories of ways that he has shared the gospel in an easy and natural way 15:20 The first question. Ask permission to share anything with anybody. Would you be willing…? Would you mind if I ask you some off the wall questions.? 16:40 The second question. If you could ask God a question right now what would you ask Him? 17:20 The third question. If you could know the answer to your question would you want to know? 17:40 The fourth question. Would you be willing to pay the price to know the answer to your question? 18:15 The fifth question. Could some friends and I come by and answer some of your questions? 19:30 What to do if people say no 20:00 If people don’t have any questions, Murray gives some ideas of questions you can ask them 27:30 We make sharing the gospel too hard! Start talking to people at the gym or grocery store. 29:15 Murray shares what the 5 star is and how it can help you share the gospel 38:00 5 star can help you not only update your records but it’s an opportunity to meet new people and start meaningful conversations with them 41:00 Murray uses his same questions over the phone and over social media too. He shares a story of how he set up zoom calls with a man that was living in another state. 42:00 When to bring the missionaries in 42:30 Going back to the question of do you want to know the answer to your question? Murray will first teach them how to talk to God and get that answer before he gets into answering their question. 43:40 Creating a team in your ward and involving the ward counsel in nurturing and ministering to this new individual that has been found. 50:00 Murray’s questions help us use the love, share, invite model 52:00 Murray shares some quotes from The Power of Everyday Missionaries by Clayton Christensen. 56:00 Being a good follower makes us a good leader Links PDF download: 5-Star Improving Member Missionary Efforts and Engagement Powerpoint download: 5-Star Improving Member Missionary Efforts and Engagement The Power of Everyday Missionaries Following Up, by Elder M. Russell Ballard Sharing the Restored Gospel, by Elder Dallin H. Oaks Fourth Floor, Last Door, by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Ian Nishimoto’s mother and father were born and raised in Hawaii. His father served in the US Army for 30 years, giving Ian the opportunity to live in many areas and hence his place of birth is Staten Island, New York. Ian completed his master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin–Stout in Training and Development. He began his law enforcement career at the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy sheriff, then worked part-time for the U.S. Marshal Service and other municipalities as a patrol officer. He recently retired from 24 years of teaching at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College as a full-time instructor for the Criminal Justice Department. Ian has served as branch president and bishop of the Oneida Ward, on the high council and as a patriarch, and is now considered a non-functioning patriarch as he serves as first counselor in the Green Bay Wisconsin Stake. He and his wife have been married for 41 years. They have two daughters, two sons, and five grandchildren, and reside in Oneida, Wisconsin. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to Ian Nishimoto 09:00 On being branch president and then bishop of the Oneida Branch. Ian explains why the branch kept opening and closing. 12:30 In 1994 they wanted to open the Oneida Branch once again and were met with a lot of backlash and hurt feelings from when the branch was closed previously. 15:00 The opposition that Ian faced being called to be the branch president of the newly formed reservation branch. His counselors wouldn’t even do it. 18:00 Creating momentum starting the new branch 23:50 The discouraging times and the slow progress of re-creating the branch. Helping people reactivate in the church. 25:10 Dealing with cultural and racial issues in the branch 32:20 Ian’s tips to a bishop or branch president of a reservation branch or ward 33:30 Going about loving people. Ian would look at what they valued as a culture and related it to the Savior. He got to know them, their culture, and past stories of their tribe. 36:00 Ian talks about his father, Arthur K. Nishimoto. He was called to preside over the Japan Fukuoka mission and then at the temple in Tokyo. He also set up the Church office in Japan. 40:30 Story of couple missionaries serving in the Oneida branch and how they learned to love the people there. They had to learn to understand the culture. 43:00 Ian talks about being a patriarch 47:00 Transitioning into the calling of patriarch 52:00 Final thoughts and Ian’s personal testimony of leadership and becoming like Christ Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Ian Nishimoto’s mother and father were born and raised in Hawaii. His father served in the US Army for 30 years, giving Ian the opportunity to live in many areas and hence his place of birth is Staten Island, New York. Ian completed his master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin–Stout in Training and Development. He began his law enforcement career at the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy sheriff, then worked part-time for the U.S. Marshal Service and other municipalities as a patrol officer. He recently retired from 24 years of teaching at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College as a full-time instructor for the Criminal Justice Department. Ian has served as branch president and bishop of the Oneida Ward, on the high council and as a patriarch, and is now considered a non-functioning patriarch as he serves as first counselor in the Green Bay Wisconsin Stake. He and his wife have been married for 41 years. They have two daughters, two sons, and five grandchildren, and reside in Oneida, Wisconsin. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to Ian Nishimoto 09:00 On being branch president and then bishop of the Oneida Branch. Ian explains why the branch kept opening and closing. 12:30 In 1994 they wanted to open the Oneida Branch once again and were met with a lot of backlash and hurt feelings from when the branch was closed previously. 15:00 The opposition that Ian faced being called to be the branch president of the newly formed reservation branch. His counselors wouldn’t even do it. 18:00 Creating momentum starting the new branch 23:50 The discouraging times and the slow progress of re-creating the branch. Helping people reactivate in the church. 25:10 Dealing with cultural and racial issues in the branch 32:20 Ian’s tips to a bishop or branch president of a reservation branch or ward 33:30 Going about loving people. Ian would look at what they valued as a culture and related it to the Savior. He got to know them, their culture, and past stories of their tribe. 36:00 Ian talks about his father, Arthur K. Nishimoto. He was called to preside over the Japan Fukuoka mission and then at the temple in Tokyo. He also set up the Church office in Japan. 40:30 Story of couple missionaries serving in the Oneida branch and how they learned to love the people there. They had to learn to understand the culture. 43:00 Ian talks about being a patriarch 47:00 Transitioning into the calling of patriarch 52:00 Final thoughts and Ian’s personal testimony of leadership and becoming like Christ Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Mike Novakovich currently serves as elders quorum president in his ward in Orem, Utah. He has served in the bishopric, as a gospel doctrine teacher "more times than I have fingers on my hand", and has taught Seminary and Institute for many years. He claims to have been fired as a membership clerk after the bishop realized his talent was in teaching and not keeping records. Mike is originally from Alaska and works as a consultant for commercial roofing systems and enjoys marching to the beat of a different drummer in entrepreneurial endeavors. He has served as president of various school boards on local, county, and state levels, and has a passion for finding what doesn’t work and thinking outside the box to make it function. He believes change always requires someone to stand up and face the headwinds—usually alone—until others see the positive results and rise to join them. Highlights 02:15 Introduction and Mike’s background 04:30 How Leading Saints has impacted Mike and helped him in his calling. 08:10 Mike explains and shares his experience of how he implemented what he learned from Leading Saints in elders quorum. He was able to create unity and provide Priesthood blessings to men right in elders quorum meeting. 16:50 Creating unity in elders quorum. 19:00 Implementing new things and uncomfortable changes. 20:20 Elders quorum is not another Sunday school class. Making it different. 21:30 Mike shares a personal experience. He teaches us about using the church’s tools but with our own flavor. 26:10 Do you know what your gift of the spirit is? Find your gift and use it. 27:00 Mike shares more on giving blessings during elders quorum 29:00 Mike starts elders quorum every time with 30 seconds of introspection and the opportunity for anyone to receive a blessing and share what they are going through 31:00 Let’s get rid of the concept of oversharing in our faith. It’s not a bad thing. 33:00 In Mike’s quorum there are no instructors and never have a lesson planned. The meeting is more discussion based. 34:50 We’ve been given this Ferrari of priesthood power but many don’t know exactly how to drive it 36:00 Mike’s tips for starting a discussion in elders quorum instead of a very structured lesson. Ways to teach a conference talk without just rereading it. 40:15 Discussion creates a brotherhood and a quorum feeling rather than a formal instruction. Plan topics and some questions to start a discussion. 43:15 Besides just talking about gospel topics in quorum, they talk about and bring up other topics that need to be discussed. For example, talking about specific people that need help. 44:30 How to deal with helping move people. Mike’s ward has constant move ins and outs. He has had to come up with solutions so that his quorum doesn’t feel overworked and under pressure to help every single Saturday. 47:00 Mike’s unique approach to ministering and including the quorum in the assignments. His overall goal is to remove the guilt. Everyone needs something different out of ministering and he gives everyone a voice to say what they need and want. 49:45 Mike collects all the information and knowledge about his quorum and then takes it to the Lord. He doesn’t rely solely on getting inspiration without getting to know the members of his quorum first. 53:50 Mike shares his final thoughts and testimony of being a leader Links Is Elders Quorum Working? Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith,

Mike Novakovich currently serves as elders quorum president in his ward in Orem, Utah. He has served in the bishopric, as a gospel doctrine teacher "more times than I have fingers on my hand", and has taught Seminary and Institute for many years. He claims to have been fired as a membership clerk after the bishop realized his talent was in teaching and not keeping records. Mike is originally from Alaska and works as a consultant for commercial roofing systems and enjoys marching to the beat of a different drummer in entrepreneurial endeavors. He has served as president of various school boards on local, county, and state levels, and has a passion for finding what doesn’t work and thinking outside the box to make it function. He believes change always requires someone to stand up and face the headwinds—usually alone—until others see the positive results and rise to join them. Highlights 02:15 Introduction and Mike’s background 04:30 How Leading Saints has impacted Mike and helped him in his calling. 08:10 Mike explains and shares his experience of how he implemented what he learned from Leading Saints in elders quorum. He was able to create unity and provide Priesthood blessings to men right in elders quorum meeting. 16:50 Creating unity in elders quorum. 19:00 Implementing new things and uncomfortable changes. 20:20 Elders quorum is not another Sunday school class. Making it different. 21:30 Mike shares a personal experience. He teaches us about using the church’s tools but with our own flavor. 26:10 Do you know what your gift of the spirit is? Find your gift and use it. 27:00 Mike shares more on giving blessings during elders quorum 29:00 Mike starts elders quorum every time with 30 seconds of introspection and the opportunity for anyone to receive a blessing and share what they are going through 31:00 Let’s get rid of the concept of oversharing in our faith. It’s not a bad thing. 33:00 In Mike’s quorum there are no instructors and never have a lesson planned. The meeting is more discussion based. 34:50 We’ve been given this Ferrari of priesthood power but many don’t know exactly how to drive it 36:00 Mike’s tips for starting a discussion in elders quorum instead of a very structured lesson. Ways to teach a conference talk without just rereading it. 40:15 Discussion creates a brotherhood and a quorum feeling rather than a formal instruction. Plan topics and some questions to start a discussion. 43:15 Besides just talking about gospel topics in quorum, they talk about and bring up other topics that need to be discussed. For example, talking about specific people that need help. 44:30 How to deal with helping move people. Mike’s ward has constant move ins and outs. He has had to come up with solutions so that his quorum doesn’t feel overworked and under pressure to help every single Saturday. 47:00 Mike’s unique approach to ministering and including the quorum in the assignments. His overall goal is to remove the guilt. Everyone needs something different out of ministering and he gives everyone a voice to say what they need and want. 49:45 Mike collects all the information and knowledge about his quorum and then takes it to the Lord. He doesn’t rely solely on getting inspiration without getting to know the members of his quorum first. 53:50 Mike shares his final thoughts and testimony of being a leader Links Is Elders Quorum Working? Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith,

Robert Millet, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, and professor of Ancient Scripture and emeritus dean of Religious Education at Brigham Young University. Author of more than 75 published works, he has been involved in BYU Education Week for many years and is well-known as a commentator on the BYUTV Scripture Discussions program. He is also manager of Outreach and Interfaith Relations for the Church’s Public Affairs department. Brother Millet chose to write his book The Holy Spirit: His Identity, Mission, and Ministry because the Spirit is so frequently referred to and discussed, but we might not appreciate all that it is. Highlights 03:00 Strategy for covering topics: he makes a list and works on it daily, narrowing it down over a period of weeks/months to develop the book. Work on prophetic statements that relate and continue narrowing the information. Also asking “what experiences have I had with this”. He wanted to cover the topics of sons of perdition, the light of Christ, and God's power. 13:00 How, as leaders, can we have a better understanding of the Holy Spirit: having it, losing it, etc. 13:47 What does it mean to “lose the Holy Ghost”? We lose feeling, we withdraw ourselves. You can’t take a vacation from the Spirit – you can’t sit still; you either fall back or move forward 19:45 The Holy Ghost “strives with us”. It “battles with us”. There will always be an element of the Spirit to help you; you can’t “lose it”. All people can have the Spirit. They may not have the gift of the Holy Ghost that comes from baptism, but they certainly can have the Spirit and inspiration. 25:40 How do you know when a sin is forgiven? Study Mosiah 4:1-3 (joy, peace of conscience, larger measure of the Spirit). “Just don’t do things that are offending to the Spirit.” 28:40 Where is “grace” in the doctrine? The Holy Ghost is an act of God's grace to us. We can put ourselves in a position to receive that gift by our actions. “The sun doesn’t stop shining just because I put a bag over my head, it continues to shine”. It is the same with God; He loves us through everything. 32:30 Justification and Sanctification 44:10 Be cautious about “I feel impressed that…” It is good to teach what you feel, but if you announce that it came from the Spirit, it can come across as boastful. 45:35 How about church callings and the Spirit? If you pray to start a meeting and pray for the Spirit to guide decisions, you don’t need to kneel individually about all decisions. As we strive to live our lives to keep the Spirit with us, we will see that the Holy Ghost has been guiding us in all decisions and shaped our lives. Those decisions were inspired, and hopefully good judgement. We don’t need to pray over every decision. “The Spirit prepares us today for decisions we have to make in the future.” 53:00 Joseph McConkie story about calling Stake Presidents: The Lord fits us to our assignments. “God honors the servant”. Difference of being called “by God” or “of God”. 55:00 Final story related again to his friend Joseph McConkie, prior to him leaving to Scotland as a Mission President. Asked him if he had read everything and felt prepared. “What do you think?” He said, “What could cause us not to worry about 63 rules? I will teach my missionaries this: never do anything that would cost you the influence of the Holy Spirit.” That is a great standard to live by. Callings in the Church are not to be superheroes but to live in the way to be directed by the Holy Spirit. It is a solemn responsibility. Mosiah 26: Alma “feared that he would not do right”. As leaders we need to strive to do that. Links The Holy Spirit: His Identity, Mission, and Ministry Grace in the Bishop’s Office | An Interview with Robert Millet Photo of Robert Millet by Richard Crookston Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iT...

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in November 2019. Robert Millet, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, and professor of Ancient Scripture and emeritus dean of Religious Education at Brigham Young University. Author of more than 75 published works, he has been involved in BYU Education Week for many years and is well-known as a commentator on the BYUTV Scripture Discussions program. He is also manager of Outreach and Interfaith Relations for the Church’s Public Affairs department. Brother Millet chose to write his book The Holy Spirit: His Identity, Mission, and Ministry because the Spirit is so frequently referred to and discussed, but we might not appreciate all that it is. Highlights 03:00 Strategy for covering topics: he makes a list and works on it daily, narrowing it down over a period of weeks/months to develop the book. Work on prophetic statements that relate and continue narrowing the information. Also asking “what experiences have I had with this”. He wanted to cover the topics of sons of perdition, the light of Christ, and God's power. 13:00 How, as leaders, can we have a better understanding of the Holy Spirit: having it, losing it, etc. 13:47 What does it mean to “lose the Holy Ghost”? We lose feeling, we withdraw ourselves. You can’t take a vacation from the Spirit – you can’t sit still; you either fall back or move forward 19:45 The Holy Ghost “strives with us”. It “battles with us”. There will always be an element of the Spirit to help you; you can’t “lose it”. All people can have the Spirit. They may not have the gift of the Holy Ghost that comes from baptism, but they certainly can have the Spirit and inspiration. 25:40 How do you know when a sin is forgiven? Study Mosiah 4:1-3 (joy, peace of conscience, larger measure of the Spirit). “Just don’t do things that are offending to the Spirit.” 28:40 Where is “grace” in the doctrine? The Holy Ghost is an act of God's grace to us. We can put ourselves in a position to receive that gift by our actions. “The sun doesn’t stop shining just because I put a bag over my head, it continues to shine”. It is the same with God; He loves us through everything. 32:30 Justification and Sanctification 44:10 Be cautious about “I feel impressed that…” It is good to teach what you feel, but if you announce that it came from the Spirit, it can come across as boastful. 45:35 How about church callings and the Spirit? If you pray to start a meeting and pray for the Spirit to guide decisions, you don’t need to kneel individually about all decisions. As we strive to live our lives to keep the Spirit with us, we will see that the Holy Ghost has been guiding us in all decisions and shaped our lives. Those decisions were inspired, and hopefully good judgement. We don’t need to pray over every decision. “The Spirit prepares us today for decisions we have to make in the future.” 53:00 Joseph McConkie story about calling Stake Presidents: The Lord fits us to our assignments. “God honors the servant”. Difference of being called “by God” or “of God”. 55:00 Final story related again to his friend Joseph McConkie, prior to him leaving to Scotland as a Mission President. Asked him if he had read everything and felt prepared. “What do you think?” He said, “What could cause us not to worry about 63 rules? I will teach my missionaries this: never do anything that would cost you the influence of the Holy Spirit.” That is a great standard to live by. Callings in the Church are not to be superheroes but to live in the way to be directed by the Holy Spirit. It is a solemn responsibility. Mosiah 26: Alma “feared that he would not do right”. As leaders we need to strive to do that. Links The Holy Spirit: His Identity, Mission, and Ministry Grace in the Bishop’s Office | An Interview with Robert Millet Photo of Robert Millet by Richard Crookston Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

For over thirty years, Shawn Moon has worked with clients across the globe, from Fortune 500 to governmental organizations. His deep knowledge and robust experience inspire others to improve their own leadership capabilities and to achieve remarkable results. Shawn is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author and a highly sought-after speaker. He has served in several leadership capacities in the Church, including as a bishop and member of a stake presidency. Highlights 01:45 Introduction 02:50 Shawn talks about why he wrote his book, Learning Leadership from the Scriptures 06:00 Shawn gives tips on studying the scriptures. He has found that studying by topic allows you to go very deep. 08:50 Shawn explains how to study leadership in the scriptures and what topics to look up 11:00 Leadership is a lot of things. It’s a very complex topic. Each one of us has the responsibility to be a leader in our lives. 14:00 “Leadership is a choice, not a position.”—Stephen Covey 15:20 If you are leading a ward then you need to create a vision for that ward 16:00 In our own lives, do we have the vision of who we are? 17:00 The first practice in Shawn’s book is to know who we really are. This is a foundation. 20:50 Being an effective leader has a lot less to do with doing the textbook leadership things and a lot more to do with trusting God and following the spirit 21:55 Sometimes we have just enough light for the next step. We don’t have to have all the answers as a leader, we just have to keep going and trusting in God. 22:30 Leadership and trying to motivate 30:00 Shawn talks about how he organized his book 32:15 Leadership in my calling Practice 1: Organize and manage the work Practice 2: Teaching with power Practice 3: Develop other leaders Practice 4: Lead one by one 34:45 Kurt and Shawn discuss organizing and managing the work and what we can learn from the scriptures 40:30 Teaching with power. Alma 38 is a good example. 43:30 When leaving a great teaching experience like General Conference, there are many things to emulate when we teach: A firm reminder and a firm personal conviction of Jesus Christ I feel His love Committed to doing and being better I feel the Savior’s love for me and also the speaker’s love for me I feel that the speaker is on the Lord’s errand. It’s very clear what their motivation is. 45:00 Should we look to other places, besides the scriptures and handbook, to find leadership resources? 49:20 Shawn’s favorite leadership stories in the scriptures 53:30 Final thoughts and testimony of leadership Links Learning Leadership from the Scriptures: 12 Practices for Building Leadership Effectiveness Based on Timeless and Eternal Principles Spencer W. Kimball: "Jesus the Perfect Leader" Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Restore: A Faith Matters Gathering The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

For over thirty years, Shawn Moon has worked with clients across the globe, from Fortune 500 to governmental organizations. His deep knowledge and robust experience inspire others to improve their own leadership capabilities and to achieve remarkable results. Shawn is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author and a highly sought-after speaker. He has served in several leadership capacities in the Church, including as a bishop and member of a stake presidency. Highlights 01:45 Introduction 02:50 Shawn talks about why he wrote his book, Learning Leadership from the Scriptures 06:00 Shawn gives tips on studying the scriptures. He has found that studying by topic allows you to go very deep. 08:50 Shawn explains how to study leadership in the scriptures and what topics to look up 11:00 Leadership is a lot of things. It’s a very complex topic. Each one of us has the responsibility to be a leader in our lives. 14:00 “Leadership is a choice, not a position.”—Stephen Covey 15:20 If you are leading a ward then you need to create a vision for that ward 16:00 In our own lives, do we have the vision of who we are? 17:00 The first practice in Shawn’s book is to know who we really are. This is a foundation. 20:50 Being an effective leader has a lot less to do with doing the textbook leadership things and a lot more to do with trusting God and following the spirit 21:55 Sometimes we have just enough light for the next step. We don’t have to have all the answers as a leader, we just have to keep going and trusting in God. 22:30 Leadership and trying to motivate 30:00 Shawn talks about how he organized his book 32:15 Leadership in my calling Practice 1: Organize and manage the work Practice 2: Teaching with power Practice 3: Develop other leaders Practice 4: Lead one by one 34:45 Kurt and Shawn discuss organizing and managing the work and what we can learn from the scriptures 40:30 Teaching with power. Alma 38 is a good example. 43:30 When leaving a great teaching experience like General Conference, there are many things to emulate when we teach: A firm reminder and a firm personal conviction of Jesus Christ I feel His love Committed to doing and being better I feel the Savior’s love for me and also the speaker’s love for me I feel that the speaker is on the Lord’s errand. It’s very clear what their motivation is. 45:00 Should we look to other places, besides the scriptures and handbook, to find leadership resources? 49:20 Shawn’s favorite leadership stories in the scriptures 53:30 Final thoughts and testimony of leadership Links Learning Leadership from the Scriptures: 12 Practices for Building Leadership Effectiveness Based on Timeless and Eternal Principles Spencer W. Kimball: "Jesus the Perfect Leader" Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Restore: A Faith Matters Gathering The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Kathy Marler and her husband Kurt live in Escondido, California. Their family consists of their five children, their spouses, and their 20 grandchildren. Kathy has served as regional director of public affairs for San Diego County, California, as a mission leader with her husband in Trujillo Peru, and as a Relief Society and a Young Women president. Kathy and Kurt currently serve as young service mission leaders in the Newport Beach Service Mission. Highlights 02:15 Introduction and background to Kathy Marler 04:20 How has leadership been a blessing and a sacrifice for your family? 08:40 Kathy describes family and ward dynamics from when her husband was bishop 10:00 Kathy's calling as Director of Public Affairs and what the calling entailed 11:00 Kathy's opportunity taking part in interfaith efforts and taking people to Utah for a three day tour and temple open house 15:10 Taking the opportunity to invite people/neighbors to big events like temple open houses 16:50 Being the bishop’s wife 18:40 Getting called to serve as mission leaders in Peru 20:00 The sacrifices and blessings of being called to serve as a mission leader 24:30 Kathy describes her preparation to become a mission leader and learning Spanish 26:20 Working with the sisters and creating relationships with the missionaries 28:40 Kathy's participation in meetings, conferences, and teaching with the missionaries 32:00 What people need to know about the wife of a church leader 34:30 Kathy's advice to the wife of a leader who is feeling discouraged or overlooked 36:20 Final thoughts and how Kathy feels she has grown closer to the Savior through her leadership Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Kathy Marler and her husband Kurt live in Escondido, California. Their family consists of their five children, their spouses, and their 20 grandchildren. Kathy has served as regional director of public affairs for San Diego County, California, as a mission leader with her husband in Trujillo Peru, and as a Relief Society and a Young Women president. Kathy and Kurt currently serve as young service mission leaders in the Newport Beach Service Mission. Highlights 02:15 Introduction and background to Kathy Marler 04:20 How has leadership been a blessing and a sacrifice for your family? 08:40 Kathy describes family and ward dynamics from when her husband was bishop 10:00 Kathy's calling as Director of Public Affairs and what the calling entailed 11:00 Kathy's opportunity taking part in interfaith efforts and taking people to Utah for a three day tour and temple open house 15:10 Taking the opportunity to invite people/neighbors to big events like temple open houses 16:50 Being the bishop’s wife 18:40 Getting called to serve as mission leaders in Peru 20:00 The sacrifices and blessings of being called to serve as a mission leader 24:30 Kathy describes her preparation to become a mission leader and learning Spanish 26:20 Working with the sisters and creating relationships with the missionaries 28:40 Kathy's participation in meetings, conferences, and teaching with the missionaries 32:00 What people need to know about the wife of a church leader 34:30 Kathy's advice to the wife of a leader who is feeling discouraged or overlooked 36:20 Final thoughts and how Kathy feels she has grown closer to the Savior through her leadership Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Noelle McBride is a professional motivational speaker and teacher with over 20 years of experience counseling and teaching women in groups and individually. She currently leads women in gospel-based workshops that are focused on overcoming the trials and hardships of divorce. She also serves as an ordinance worker in the Seattle Temple and in her stake Relief Society presidency. After having been blessed with three children during a 17-year marriage, Noelle went through a difficult and heartbreaking divorce. Notwithstanding this hardship, she experienced much healing and hope in her personal life, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Desiring to help other women navigate the same trial, Noelle shares the promises and peace of the gospel in her first published book, Beauty for Ashes: Divorce and the Latter-day Saint Woman. Highlights 03:15 Noelle explains why she wrote her book and what led her to write it 04:30 Noelle shares her story of marriage, divorce, being single, and getting remarried 06:40 What was the breaking point in the marriage? 08:00 How do you know you're healed? What does that feel like? 10:30 Divorce is like the death of a marriage. There is a grieving process to go through. 11:15 When you marry someone your hearts are knitted together. Divorce rips them apart. True healing of your heart only comes through Jesus Christ not outside sources. 12:25 Noelle served a mission of sorts after her divorce. When she wasn’t with her children she would go out with the sister missionaries. She followed a routine similar to the missionaries to aid her in her healing. 16:00 Sometimes when we are hurting and grieving we seek for outside sources instead of going to Christ 19:30 Concepts and questions that leaders can ask to help someone going through a divorce 21:30 Noelle shares things that leaders did in her ward that helped her get through her divorce 24:00 The power of being present and just sitting with someone 26:30 As leaders we need to keep members' names safe. Allow people to share the details of their situation that they want to share. 28:45 Noelle shares the dynamics of staying in the same ward as her ex husband and how she navigated it. She always had someone to sit with. 33:10 What a leader should do when a man or woman comes in and says they are getting divorced. Leaders need to respect personal revelation and allow them to have space and silence to receive revelation. 40:20 Kurt shares his experience as a bishop working with divorcees. Bishops should encourage people to get legal counsel and therapy. 44:20 The doctrine of forgiveness when it comes to divorce 50:00 Noelle shares her experience with therapy and the help she received from her bishop 57:20 Use single brothers and sisters in service 1:03:00 How can leaders utilize Noelle’s book? 1:06:45 Noelle shares how her divorce brought her closer to the Savior Links Beauty for Ashes: Divorce and the Latter-day Saint Woman Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 5 00,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences,

Noelle McBride is a professional motivational speaker and teacher with over 20 years of experience counseling and teaching women in groups and individually. She currently leads women in gospel-based workshops that are focused on overcoming the trials and hardships of divorce. She also serves as an ordinance worker in the Seattle Temple and in her stake Relief Society presidency. After having been blessed with three children during a 17-year marriage, Noelle went through a difficult and heartbreaking divorce. Notwithstanding this hardship, she experienced much healing and hope in her personal life, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Desiring to help other women navigate the same trial, Noelle shares the promises and peace of the gospel in her first published book, Beauty for Ashes: Divorce and the Latter-day Saint Woman. Highlights 03:15 Noelle explains why she wrote her book and what led her to write it 04:30 Noelle shares her story of marriage, divorce, being single, and getting remarried 06:40 What was the breaking point in the marriage? 08:00 How do you know you're healed? What does that feel like? 10:30 Divorce is like the death of a marriage. There is a grieving process to go through. 11:15 When you marry someone your hearts are knitted together. Divorce rips them apart. True healing of your heart only comes through Jesus Christ not outside sources. 12:25 Noelle served a mission of sorts after her divorce. When she wasn’t with her children she would go out with the sister missionaries. She followed a routine similar to the missionaries to aid her in her healing. 16:00 Sometimes when we are hurting and grieving we seek for outside sources instead of going to Christ 19:30 Concepts and questions that leaders can ask to help someone going through a divorce 21:30 Noelle shares things that leaders did in her ward that helped her get through her divorce 24:00 The power of being present and just sitting with someone 26:30 As leaders we need to keep members' names safe. Allow people to share the details of their situation that they want to share. 28:45 Noelle shares the dynamics of staying in the same ward as her ex husband and how she navigated it. She always had someone to sit with. 33:10 What a leader should do when a man or woman comes in and says they are getting divorced. Leaders need to respect personal revelation and allow them to have space and silence to receive revelation. 40:20 Kurt shares his experience as a bishop working with divorcees. Bishops should encourage people to get legal counsel and therapy. 44:20 The doctrine of forgiveness when it comes to divorce 50:00 Noelle shares her experience with therapy and the help she received from her bishop 57:20 Use single brothers and sisters in service 1:03:00 How can leaders utilize Noelle’s book? 1:06:45 Noelle shares how her divorce brought her closer to the Savior Links Beauty for Ashes: Divorce and the Latter-day Saint Woman Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 5 00,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences,

John Deacon lives in Durham, England with his wife of 23 years, Debbie, and their two teenage children. He runs a finance company based in the UK. John has most recently served for nine years on the Sunderland Stake Presidency and is currently serving on the British Pageant Presidency, a unique and unexpected calling. Highlights 02:30 John’s background and previous callings 11:00 After getting released from the Stake Presidency, John was called to lead in the Pageant Presidency 16:45 What is the purpose and mission of having pageants? The pageant is a vehicle to bring people to Christ. 20:20 Is this something that is going to be transformational? What can we do to make pageants, church meetings, and activities transformational experiences? 22:40 John summarizes what the British pageant is about. The story is taken from the journals of 2 to 3 families. 25:00 John gives behind the scenes details. The cast members apply and are set apart to participate, similarly to a calling. 30:00 Allow people to fulfill their calling without getting in the way. John describes his calling as empowering others to do their part and use their talents. 38:15 About 900 volunteers are involved in making the pageant happen plus other departments of the Church 39:30 John isn’t involved in the creative planning or acting in the pageant. His role is to provide spiritual leadership. He is there to help create a spiritual experience for the cast and the people attending. 44:00 John explains more on the casting. It’s a very competitive process. 47:00 Working together as a pageant presidency is reflective of a Stake Presidency 49:00 This isn’t just a show; it’s a vehicle to greater things 49:00 A key part of any leadership calling is not letting your own feelings and opinions get in the way of hearing the spirit and doing what God wants you to do 50:30 The next pageant is in August 2023 52:50 Protestors at the pageant 54:20 John shares final thoughts and how being a leader has made him a better follower of Jesus Christ Links British Pageant Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Gathering Saints: leadingsaints.org/gathering The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

John Deacon lives in Durham, England with his wife of 23 years, Debbie, and their two teenage children. He runs a finance company based in the UK. John has most recently served for nine years on the Sunderland Stake Presidency and is currently serving on the British Pageant Presidency, a unique and unexpected calling. Highlights 02:30 John’s background and previous callings 11:00 After getting released from the Stake Presidency, John was called to lead in the Pageant Presidency 16:45 What is the purpose and mission of having pageants? The pageant is a vehicle to bring people to Christ. 20:20 Is this something that is going to be transformational? What can we do to make pageants, church meetings, and activities transformational experiences? 22:40 John summarizes what the British pageant is about. The story is taken from the journals of 2 to 3 families. 25:00 John gives behind the scenes details. The cast members apply and are set apart to participate, similarly to a calling. 30:00 Allow people to fulfill their calling without getting in the way. John describes his calling as empowering others to do their part and use their talents. 38:15 About 900 volunteers are involved in making the pageant happen plus other departments of the Church 39:30 John isn’t involved in the creative planning or acting in the pageant. His role is to provide spiritual leadership. He is there to help create a spiritual experience for the cast and the people attending. 44:00 John explains more on the casting. It’s a very competitive process. 47:00 Working together as a pageant presidency is reflective of a Stake Presidency 49:00 This isn’t just a show; it’s a vehicle to greater things 49:00 A key part of any leadership calling is not letting your own feelings and opinions get in the way of hearing the spirit and doing what God wants you to do 50:30 The next pageant is in August 2023 52:50 Protestors at the pageant 54:20 John shares final thoughts and how being a leader has made him a better follower of Jesus Christ Links British Pageant Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Gathering Saints: leadingsaints.org/gathering The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Tony Overbay is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Certified Mindful Habit Coach, and a popular motivational speaker. Tony regularly speaks at corporate training events, schools, and churches in formal and casual settings mixing humor, clinical experience, his Christian faith, and a wealth of personal stories gleaned from years of helping others achieve their goals. This is part 2 of a 2-part podcast discussion. Listen to Part 1 here. Highlights 03:20 Tony shares experiences people have had with a very harsh stake president 12:25 Leaders or sometimes therapists hand people a list of things to do in order to overcome addictions or whatever it may be. But what happens when checking off those boxes doesn’t help? 13:50 Typically people go into the bishop’s office with the energy of shame. The bishop needs to diffuse that energy. People should also consider other people they can talk to besides the Bishop. 18:00 A good question to ask an individual is, “Who do you feel comfortable talking to?” 19:30 Tony breaks down shame and where it comes from 24:50 We feel shame when we are unable to overcome certain behaviors or addictions. However, we are approaching it in the wrong way. We need to dive deeper into why we are doing what we are doing. 25:40 Tony shares his own personal experience on being human and making mistakes. We need to give ourselves a break because we are all just human having human experiences. 29:20 Leadership and narcissism. Too often people are throwing out the word narcissist when dealing with a difficult person. 30:45 What is narcissism? Where does it come from? 38:20 There is a healthy level of narcissism in all of us 40:20 We most often see narcissism in a negative light. There is also normal healthy narcissism. That could also be called a normal healthy ego or your sense of self. 44:10 Pathological defensive narcissism 53:30 Jesus had a healthy ego. He had a full understanding of His identity. 55:45 Tony explains confabulation 1:02:00 Dealing with narcissistic leaders 1:04:15 Internal validation versus external validation 1:12:30 There isn’t much we can do about a narcissistic leader. What we can do is set our own boundaries. Links Part 1 of this podcast Unhealthy Ways We Seek Validation As Leaders | An Interview with Tony Overbay The Bishop’s Strongest Tools to Help Addicts | An Interview with Tony Overbay Tony's podcasts The Path Back: Overcoming Pornography The Magnetic Marriage Course Tony's PDF of James Fowler's Stages of Faith Development Why Am I the Last Person to Know What to Do with My Life? Am I the Narcissist? Exploring Narcissistic Traits and Tendencies Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Watch Tony's Leading Saints Live with 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Tony Overbay is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Certified Mindful Habit Coach, and a popular motivational speaker. Tony regularly speaks at corporate training events, schools, and churches in formal and casual settings mixing humor, clinical experience, his Christian faith, and a wealth of personal stories gleaned from years of helping others achieve their goals. This is part 2 of a 2-part podcast discussion. Listen to Part 1 here. Highlights 03:20 Tony shares experiences people have had with a very harsh stake president 12:25 Leaders or sometimes therapists hand people a list of things to do in order to overcome addictions or whatever it may be. But what happens when checking off those boxes doesn’t help? 13:50 Typically people go into the bishop’s office with the energy of shame. The bishop needs to diffuse that energy. People should also consider other people they can talk to besides the Bishop. 18:00 A good question to ask an individual is, “Who do you feel comfortable talking to?” 19:30 Tony breaks down shame and where it comes from 24:50 We feel shame when we are unable to overcome certain behaviors or addictions. However, we are approaching it in the wrong way. We need to dive deeper into why we are doing what we are doing. 25:40 Tony shares his own personal experience on being human and making mistakes. We need to give ourselves a break because we are all just human having human experiences. 29:20 Leadership and narcissism. Too often people are throwing out the word narcissist when dealing with a difficult person. 30:45 What is narcissism? Where does it come from? 38:20 There is a healthy level of narcissism in all of us 40:20 We most often see narcissism in a negative light. There is also normal healthy narcissism. That could also be called a normal healthy ego or your sense of self. 44:10 Pathological defensive narcissism 53:30 Jesus had a healthy ego. He had a full understanding of His identity. 55:45 Tony explains confabulation 1:02:00 Dealing with narcissistic leaders 1:04:15 Internal validation versus external validation 1:12:30 There isn’t much we can do about a narcissistic leader. What we can do is set our own boundaries. Links Part 1 of this podcast Unhealthy Ways We Seek Validation As Leaders | An Interview with Tony Overbay The Bishop’s Strongest Tools to Help Addicts | An Interview with Tony Overbay Tony's podcasts The Path Back: Overcoming Pornography The Magnetic Marriage Course Tony's PDF of James Fowler's Stages of Faith Development Why Am I the Last Person to Know What to Do with My Life? Am I the Narcissist? Exploring Narcissistic Traits and Tendencies Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Watch Tony's Leading Saints Live with 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Tony Overbay is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Certified Mindful Habit Coach, and a popular motivational speaker. Tony regularly speaks at corporate training events, schools, and churches in formal and casual settings mixing humor, clinical experience, his Christian faith, and a wealth of personal stories gleaned from years of helping others achieve their goals. This is part 1 of a 2-part podcast discussion. Highlights 2:40 Introduction 5:30 Tony’s background and his story of becoming a therapist 13:50 Tony talks about his background helping people with pornography addictions. 17:00 Shame hasn’t helped anyone in their recovery from porn 18:45 Tony talks about the most common problems people come to him with 22:15 The types of clients that Tony normally works with 25:45 Tony explains how he helps his clients and how a lot of times it leads to the topic of emotional immaturity and narcissism 28:00 Tony’s new podcast, Waking Up to Narcissism 31:15 Is it easier for people to walk into a therapist’s office or a bishop’s office? 34:30 Tony shares an experience he had training Bishops in his stake about Fowler's stages of faith and his 4 pillars of a connected conversation. He shares what he thinks bishops should know and understand when trying to help people. Links PART 2 of this podcast Unhealthy Ways We Seek Validation As Leaders | An Interview with Tony Overbay The Bishop’s Strongest Tools to Help Addicts | An Interview with Tony Overbay Tony's podcasts The Path Back: Overcoming Pornography The Magnetic Marriage Course Tony's PDF of James Fowler's Stages of Faith Development Why Am I the Last Person to Know What to Do with My Life? Am I the Narcissist? Exploring Narcissistic Traits and Tendencies Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Watch Tony's Leading Saints Live with 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Tony Overbay is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Certified Mindful Habit Coach, and a popular motivational speaker. Tony regularly speaks at corporate training events, schools, and churches in formal and casual settings mixing humor, clinical experience, his Christian faith, and a wealth of personal stories gleaned from years of helping others achieve their goals. This is part 1 of a 2-part podcast discussion. Highlights 2:40 Introduction 5:30 Tony’s background and his story of becoming a therapist 13:50 Tony talks about his background helping people with pornography addictions. 17:00 Shame hasn’t helped anyone in their recovery from porn 18:45 Tony talks about the most common problems people come to him with 22:15 The types of clients that Tony normally works with 25:45 Tony explains how he helps his clients and how a lot of times it leads to the topic of emotional immaturity and narcissism 28:00 Tony’s new podcast, Waking Up to Narcissism 31:15 Is it easier for people to walk into a therapist’s office or a bishop’s office? 34:30 Tony shares an experience he had training Bishops in his stake about Fowler's stages of faith and his 4 pillars of a connected conversation. He shares what he thinks bishops should know and understand when trying to help people. Links PART 2 of this podcast Unhealthy Ways We Seek Validation As Leaders | An Interview with Tony Overbay The Bishop’s Strongest Tools to Help Addicts | An Interview with Tony Overbay Tony's podcasts The Path Back: Overcoming Pornography The Magnetic Marriage Course Tony's PDF of James Fowler's Stages of Faith Development Why Am I the Last Person to Know What to Do with My Life? Am I the Narcissist? Exploring Narcissistic Traits and Tendencies Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Watch Tony's Leading Saints Live with 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Emma Larsen is a Senior at Brigham Young University studying Theatre Education, works at the BYU Center for Teaching and Learning, and tutors English to Taiwanese students. She is also the author of the book, The New Kid: Finding Friendship and Belonging in the Face of Life Changes. Emma served in the Taiwan Taipei mission and has served as a Relief Society teacher, ward music chair, and sacrament meeting pianist. She is currently the Relief Society president in a young single adult ward in Provo, Utah. Highlights 03:15 Introduction to Emma Larsen 06:15 Emma talks about focusing on individuals and how she goes about doing that 07:15 What does a YSA member need to feel loved? 08:40 Ministering tips for wards with a lot of turnover 10:00 Ministering interviews. 11:40 Emma talks about her new book and why she wrote it 15:00 Her book is for new kids that are feeling alone but also for people to know what a new kid feels so that they can offer friendship and be more welcoming 15:30 Emma talks about what it was like to move constantly growing up. Moving into new wards and new schools and what she learned from it. 17:30 Emma’s advice to leaders on creating belonging in their wards and organizations 19:10 Emma shares her personal experience of how another young woman helped her feel like she belonged 21:00 As a leader, know people’s names. You might not be able to do and be everything but knowing people’s names helps them feel seen. 24:45 Remember that the little things are the big things. Doing the small things like learning names or asking someone to sit by you. 27:00 Diversity is under appreciated. We are all different and those differences are to be appreciated and cherished. 29:00 Everyone is a little selfish. Stop worrying about yourself and start looking outward. Links The New Kid: Finding Friendship and Belonging in the Face of Life Changes, by Emma Larsen How to Remember Everyone’s Name at Church | An Interview With Greg Clawson Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Emma Larsen is a Senior at Brigham Young University studying Theatre Education, works at the BYU Center for Teaching and Learning, and tutors English to Taiwanese students. She is also the author of the book, The New Kid: Finding Friendship and Belonging in the Face of Life Changes. Emma served in the Taiwan Taipei mission and has served as a Relief Society teacher, ward music chair, and sacrament meeting pianist. She is currently the Relief Society president in a young single adult ward in Provo, Utah. Highlights 03:15 Introduction to Emma Larsen 06:15 Emma talks about focusing on individuals and how she goes about doing that 07:15 What does a YSA member need to feel loved? 08:40 Ministering tips for wards with a lot of turnover 10:00 Ministering interviews. 11:40 Emma talks about her new book and why she wrote it 15:00 Her book is for new kids that are feeling alone but also for people to know what a new kid feels so that they can offer friendship and be more welcoming 15:30 Emma talks about what it was like to move constantly growing up. Moving into new wards and new schools and what she learned from it. 17:30 Emma’s advice to leaders on creating belonging in their wards and organizations 19:10 Emma shares her personal experience of how another young woman helped her feel like she belonged 21:00 As a leader, know people’s names. You might not be able to do and be everything but knowing people’s names helps them feel seen. 24:45 Remember that the little things are the big things. Doing the small things like learning names or asking someone to sit by you. 27:00 Diversity is under appreciated. We are all different and those differences are to be appreciated and cherished. 29:00 Everyone is a little selfish. Stop worrying about yourself and start looking outward. Links The New Kid: Finding Friendship and Belonging in the Face of Life Changes, by Emma Larsen How to Remember Everyone’s Name at Church | An Interview With Greg Clawson Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Roger Connors has worked in leadership consulting for over 35 years and is a graduate faculty professional member of Utah Valley University. He is also adjunct for the Woodbury School of Business MBA program, and a four-time New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. His most recent book is Divine Patterns: Seeking the Blessings of Heaven. Roger has served as president of the Kennewick, Washington mission, stake president and branch president in the Provo Missionary Training Center, and currently serves in a Provo young single adult stake presidency. Highlights 01:15 Introduction to the topic of patterns 01:30 Roger’s background in leadership 03:30 How can we have smoother transitions in leadership? Start with results. Know what you want to accomplish How do we get people to change their thinking? Create new and powerful experiences 07:20 Cognitive bias and but leading by the Spirit 12:00 How can we get people to change their thinking? 12:40 Real life examples of suspending belief bias from when Roger was a mission president 14:30 As leaders we keep doing the same things over and over expecting different results 15:00 Roger talks about his new book Divine Patterns: Seeking the Blessing of Heaven. He explains how patterns tell us what to do. Especially patterns in the scriptures. 16:50 Where do we start as leaders when we are trying to help someone? Roger suggests starting by identifying patterns that could help that person in their specific situation. 17:20 We need to be careful applying patterns where they don’t fit. For example, the 5 steps of repentance. 22:30 We don’t earn blessings, we qualify for them by doing what we can. It’s up to God to deliver what He sees is best for us. He will make sure that the right thing happens at the right time for us. 23:40 Promising blessings as a leader 26:50 You can have what you want or you can have something better. Remember that God’s will is always better. 30:00 When you give your life to God, He will make something out of you that you could never make out of yourself 30:40 Roger shares experiences of listening to two different apostles speak and the very different talks they gave about following the spirit 32:15 Hold on, continue faithful, and God will come through for you. Bind yourself to Jesus Christ. 33:20 Roger shares his own difficult experience of coming home early from being a mission president because he was diagnosed with cancer. Trials can make us feel like victims. Roger’s advice is to stop focusing on why it’s happening. The right question to ask is what? What should I do next? 35:00 The main takeaways from Roger’s book Be conscious of the patterns found in the scriptures to help yourself and others Trust in the Lord’s timing and His way 35:50 Roger shares his own personal experience of trusting God and following promptings 38:15 God wants to be involved in your life. As leaders we need to help people see the hand of the Lord is their lives. 40:00 Roger shares how to find patterns in the scriptures using Ether 12:6. He shares his own trial of faith. 42:50 More scriptural patterns. There are a lot of simple scriptures that have powerful concepts. 45:30 Remember that patterns are not formulas Links Divine Patterns: Seeking the Blessings of Heaven Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg,

Roger Connors has worked in leadership consulting for over 35 years and is a graduate faculty professional member of Utah Valley University. He is also adjunct for the Woodbury School of Business MBA program, and a four-time New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. His most recent book is Divine Patterns: Seeking the Blessings of Heaven. Roger has served as president of the Kennewick, Washington mission, stake president and branch president in the Provo Missionary Training Center, and currently serves in a Provo young single adult stake presidency. Highlights 01:15 Introduction to the topic of patterns 01:30 Roger’s background in leadership 03:30 How can we have smoother transitions in leadership? Start with results. Know what you want to accomplish How do we get people to change their thinking? Create new and powerful experiences 07:20 Cognitive bias and but leading by the Spirit 12:00 How can we get people to change their thinking? 12:40 Real life examples of suspending belief bias from when Roger was a mission president 14:30 As leaders we keep doing the same things over and over expecting different results 15:00 Roger talks about his new book Divine Patterns: Seeking the Blessing of Heaven. He explains how patterns tell us what to do. Especially patterns in the scriptures. 16:50 Where do we start as leaders when we are trying to help someone? Roger suggests starting by identifying patterns that could help that person in their specific situation. 17:20 We need to be careful applying patterns where they don’t fit. For example, the 5 steps of repentance. 22:30 We don’t earn blessings, we qualify for them by doing what we can. It’s up to God to deliver what He sees is best for us. He will make sure that the right thing happens at the right time for us. 23:40 Promising blessings as a leader 26:50 You can have what you want or you can have something better. Remember that God’s will is always better. 30:00 When you give your life to God, He will make something out of you that you could never make out of yourself 30:40 Roger shares experiences of listening to two different apostles speak and the very different talks they gave about following the spirit 32:15 Hold on, continue faithful, and God will come through for you. Bind yourself to Jesus Christ. 33:20 Roger shares his own difficult experience of coming home early from being a mission president because he was diagnosed with cancer. Trials can make us feel like victims. Roger’s advice is to stop focusing on why it’s happening. The right question to ask is what? What should I do next? 35:00 The main takeaways from Roger’s book Be conscious of the patterns found in the scriptures to help yourself and others Trust in the Lord’s timing and His way 35:50 Roger shares his own personal experience of trusting God and following promptings 38:15 God wants to be involved in your life. As leaders we need to help people see the hand of the Lord is their lives. 40:00 Roger shares how to find patterns in the scriptures using Ether 12:6. He shares his own trial of faith. 42:50 More scriptural patterns. There are a lot of simple scriptures that have powerful concepts. 45:30 Remember that patterns are not formulas Links Divine Patterns: Seeking the Blessings of Heaven Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg,

Jody Moore is a master certified life coach, well known as the host of the Better Than Happy podcast and for her live events and online coaching program, Be Bold. She also has a BA in Communications and an MA in Adult Education along with 15 years of experience as a corporate trainer and leadership coach. Jody and her husband live in Spokane, Washington, and are the parents of four children. Highlights 9:00 We hear counsel or advice and immediately see where others could use it. 11:10 We have an idea of what the "right way to be" looks like for certain roles that people fill in our lives. 12:00 Expectations are premeditated disappointment. We create manuals for others and are disappointed when they don't follow those rules. 14:00 We lose our own authority for ourselves when we blame others for our thoughts and emotions; instead we can get to compassion by recognizing they are imperfect people doing their best. 15:30 The Atonement has two parts: the saving part, and the strengthening and enabling part; we can access that strengthening and enabling power. 17:00 We are punishing ourselves and it doesn't change the other person; we also then unconsciously mirror them and we end up "doing it wrong", and that's what feels terrible. 19:30 How to recognize when you default to these negative thoughts: Examine yourself instead of others. What am I doing that might be similar to what they're doing? In what way am I doing the very thing that I'm judging this person for? 21:45 Next we start to judge ourselves. Recognize that sometimes we are also imperfect. When we can do that for ourselves, we get better at doing it for other people. 23:20 The adversary helps us take the gospel and turn it into part of our manual, and then we judge others by it, driving a wedge between us. We should look at the gospel and counsel for ourselves, not others. 27:00 David O. McKay quote: "The purpose of the gospel is to make bad men good and good men better." Susan Easton Black quote: When I go to church, I go to take the sacrament. That part's for me. But everything else, I go there thinking, What am I bringing? What can I give to other people? 29:15 Sometimes we take the principle of obedience too far; obedience should not come at the expense of our own integrity and relationship with Jesus Christ. 30:10 Be clear about the difference between the gospel and the people. If you want to believe and sustain your leaders, that is enough. The Lord will work with you where you are. 31:40 Giving people permission to be themselves. Sometimes we can manipulate people to be what we want, but then they aren't really who they are. 33:10 What if our only expectation is that they be themselves? 34:25 We can make requests of people, but it becomes a problem when we hang our emotions on whether or not they do it. 36:40 We don't need more people who are like us. We need people who think differently than we do. 38:00 We can define our own success, keeping our expectations to ourselves and holding ourselves to them because others are outside our control. 40:40 When you are the leader, you can start to wonder what others expect of you and become a people pleaser. 42:10 We step into our best version of ourselves as leaders when we try to be ourselves instead of trying to live up to the expectations of others. 44:00 Managing up: you can make a request of the person above you to try or change things. 45:00 Have boundaries and don't allow mistreatment, but don't take it too far and have expectations that diminish the quality of your life and relationships. 48:00 If you want to do something differently, do it now, wherever you are. Example story of people asking a farmer about the people in the town. You will find whatever you are looking for. Links JodyMoore.com Better Than Happy: Expectation Pain Leading Others to be Better Than Happy | An Interview with Jody Moore Mental Health & Youth | An Interview with Jody Moore

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in October 2020. Jody Moore is a master certified life coach, well known as the host of the Better Than Happy podcast and for her live events and online coaching program, Be Bold. She also has a BA in Communications and an MA in Adult Education along with 15 years of experience as a corporate trainer and leadership coach. Jody and her husband live in Spokane, Washington, and are the parents of four children. Highlights 9:00 We hear counsel or advice and immediately see where others could use it. 11:10 We have an idea of what the "right way to be" looks like for certain roles that people fill in our lives. 12:00 Expectations are premeditated disappointment. We create manuals for others and are disappointed when they don't follow those rules. 14:00 We lose our own authority for ourselves when we blame others for our thoughts and emotions; instead we can get to compassion by recognizing they are imperfect people doing their best. 15:30 The Atonement has two parts: the saving part, and the strengthening and enabling part; we can access that strengthening and enabling power. 17:00 We are punishing ourselves and it doesn't change the other person; we also then unconsciously mirror them and we end up "doing it wrong", and that's what feels terrible. 19:30 How to recognize when you default to these negative thoughts: Examine yourself instead of others. What am I doing that might be similar to what they're doing? In what way am I doing the very thing that I'm judging this person for? 21:45 Next we start to judge ourselves. Recognize that sometimes we are also imperfect. When we can do that for ourselves, we get better at doing it for other people. 23:20 The adversary helps us take the gospel and turn it into part of our manual, and then we judge others by it, driving a wedge between us. We should look at the gospel and counsel for ourselves, not others. 27:00 David O. McKay quote: "The purpose of the gospel is to make bad men good and good men better." Susan Easton Black quote: When I go to church, I go to take the sacrament. That part's for me. But everything else, I go there thinking, What am I bringing? What can I give to other people? 29:15 Sometimes we take the principle of obedience too far; obedience should not come at the expense of our own integrity and relationship with Jesus Christ. 30:10 Be clear about the difference between the gospel and the people. If you want to believe and sustain your leaders, that is enough. The Lord will work with you where you are. 31:40 Giving people permission to be themselves. Sometimes we can manipulate people to be what we want, but then they aren't really who they are. 33:10 What if our only expectation is that they be themselves? 34:25 We can make requests of people, but it becomes a problem when we hang our emotions on whether or not they do it. 36:40 We don't need more people who are like us. We need people who think differently than we do. 38:00 We can define our own success, keeping our expectations to ourselves and holding ourselves to them because others are outside our control. 40:40 When you are the leader, you can start to wonder what others expect of you and become a people pleaser. 42:10 We step into our best version of ourselves as leaders when we try to be ourselves instead of trying to live up to the expectations of others. 44:00 Managing up: you can make a request of the person above you to try or change things. 45:00 Have boundaries and don't allow mistreatment, but don't take it too far and have expectations that diminish the quality of your life and relationships. 48:00 If you want to do something differently, do it now, wherever you are. Example story of people asking a farmer about the people in the town. You will find whatever you are looking for. Links JodyMoore.com Better Than Happy: Expectation Pain Leading Others to be Better Than Happy | An Interview with Jody Moore

Adam S. Miller is a professor of philosophy at Collin College in McKinney, Texas. He earned a BA in Comparative Literature from Brigham Young University and an MA and PhD in Philosophy from Villanova University. He is the author of more than ten books, including Original Grace, Letters to a Young Mormon, and An Early Resurrection. He and his wife, Gwen, have three children. Highlights 4:30 Adam talks about his book, Original Grace: An Experiment in Restoration Thinking. 5:50 Grace is a very powerful name for what it's like to interact with God. It’s where God’s life and our lives overlap. 6:35 Kurt and Adam discuss Stephen Robinson’s book, Believing Christ. 10:00 Grace is not God’s backup plan. It’s God’s plan A. The means and the ends of salvation. 12:00 We attempt to save ourselves when we misuse God’s law. 13:40 Is God’s love unconditional? 17:45 Original sin mentality vs. original grace mentality. 21:45 Justice is only in the business of what’s good, not evil. Justice is not there for the punishment. 22:20 Justice is to give what good is needed depending on the circumstance. It's basically another name for grace, which is to give good for good and good for evil. 24:00 We think that God is coming for us with punishment when we sin but that is faulty thinking. God is coming for us with grace. He is never trying to punish us but give us the treatment that we need. 25:45 What about all the scriptures about God’s anger and wrath? 28:45 Adam talks about his earthly father in his book about grace and why he included him. 32:55 How do we manifest this doctrine of grace in the context of leadership? 39:00 Discussion on suffering. It can feel like suffering is a deserved punishment but Adam explains why suffering is needed. 49:30 Kurt and Adam share perspectives on the subtitle of Adam’s book, an experiment in restoration thinking. 52:50 Discussion on simplicity. Adam talks about how he used to overcomplicate religion but step by step and through experimenting he has been able to find simplicity. Links Original Grace: An Experiment in Restoration Thinking, by Adam S. Miller Grace Is Not God's Backup Plan: An Urgent Paraphrase of Paul's Letter to the Romans, by Adam S. Miller Letters to a Young Mormon, by Adam S. Miller An Early Resurrection: life in Christ Before You Die, by Adam S. Miller Believing Christ, by Stephen E. Robinson Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Adam S. Miller is a professor of philosophy at Collin College in McKinney, Texas. He earned a BA in Comparative Literature from Brigham Young University and an MA and PhD in Philosophy from Villanova University. He is the author of more than ten books, including Original Grace, Letters to a Young Mormon, and An Early Resurrection. He and his wife, Gwen, have three children. Highlights 4:30 Adam talks about his book, Original Grace: An Experiment in Restoration Thinking. 5:50 Grace is a very powerful name for what it's like to interact with God. It’s where God’s life and our lives overlap. 6:35 Kurt and Adam discuss Stephen Robinson’s book, Believing Christ. 10:00 Grace is not God’s backup plan. It’s God’s plan A. The means and the ends of salvation. 12:00 We attempt to save ourselves when we misuse God’s law. 13:40 Is God’s love unconditional? 17:45 Original sin mentality vs. original grace mentality. 21:45 Justice is only in the business of what’s good, not evil. Justice is not there for the punishment. 22:20 Justice is to give what good is needed depending on the circumstance. It's basically another name for grace, which is to give good for good and good for evil. 24:00 We think that God is coming for us with punishment when we sin but that is faulty thinking. God is coming for us with grace. He is never trying to punish us but give us the treatment that we need. 25:45 What about all the scriptures about God’s anger and wrath? 28:45 Adam talks about his earthly father in his book about grace and why he included him. 32:55 How do we manifest this doctrine of grace in the context of leadership? 39:00 Discussion on suffering. It can feel like suffering is a deserved punishment but Adam explains why suffering is needed. 49:30 Kurt and Adam share perspectives on the subtitle of Adam’s book, an experiment in restoration thinking. 52:50 Discussion on simplicity. Adam talks about how he used to overcomplicate religion but step by step and through experimenting he has been able to find simplicity. Links Original Grace: An Experiment in Restoration Thinking, by Adam S. Miller Grace Is Not God's Backup Plan: An Urgent Paraphrase of Paul's Letter to the Romans, by Adam S. Miller Letters to a Young Mormon, by Adam S. Miller An Early Resurrection: life in Christ Before You Die, by Adam S. Miller Believing Christ, by Stephen E. Robinson Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Corry Perkins was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, graduating from Boise State University with a BA in Communications. He served a Spanish-speaking mission in the Canada Toronto Mission and has served as bishop over a traditional geographic area ward and as a temple ordinance worker, and is currently bishop in a married student ward. Corry owns an insurance and financial services agency. He and his wife have been married 42 years and have 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. Highlights 02:30 Background of Corry Perkins. He explains the dynamics of his ward. 09:45 Corry isn’t in a traditional ward. His responsibilities are a little different as a bishop. His main responsibility is training and developing the next leaders of the church. He focuses on sacred daily routines to help those in his ward have strong relationships with Jesus Christ. 11:40 Corry has established a ward theme. They keep track of everyone's temporal and spiritual goals. 13:15 The ward has been broken into four committees Redeem the Dead Committee (temple and family history) Perfect the Saints Committee (service) Activities Committee Missionary Committee 15:30 How Corry keeps track of each committee and keeps each one going 17:10 How do all of the committees stay unified and the other organizations (Relief Society or Elders Quorum) fold into the committees? 21:00 On an annual basis everyone rotates committees. So freshmen serve in each committee by the time they are a senior and graduate. Everyone in the ward has the opportunity to serve on a committee. 23:45 Third Sunday of every month each committee meets for 15 to 30 minutes after church and then everyone eats together. 24:30 Corry tried to create and work with committees in a traditional ward but it failed. He goes into reasons why maybe it didn’t work there. 26:55 The ward mission leader is the co-chair of the missionary committee. 27:30 Your ward can create committees according to your ward's needs. 28:30 Corry explains more on his ward’s theme He gives each couple a magnet to write out their spiritual and temporal goal for that year’s theme He puts each couple's goal on a big bulletin board On the fourth Sunday 3 couples speak in Sacrament meeting about their goals 34:00 Corry’s mission president was President M. Russell Ballard. He shares some experiences he had and President Ballard’s leadership style. 35:00 Corry shares more about the Redeem the Dead Committee and the amazing experiences that members of his ward have had. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has over10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Corry Perkins was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, graduating from Boise State University with a BA in Communications. He served a Spanish-speaking mission in the Canada Toronto Mission and has served as bishop over a traditional geographic area ward and as a temple ordinance worker, and is currently bishop in a married student ward. Corry owns an insurance and financial services agency. He and his wife have been married 42 years and have 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. Highlights 02:30 Background of Corry Perkins. He explains the dynamics of his ward. 09:45 Corry isn’t in a traditional ward. His responsibilities are a little different as a bishop. His main responsibility is training and developing the next leaders of the church. He focuses on sacred daily routines to help those in his ward have strong relationships with Jesus Christ. 11:40 Corry has established a ward theme. They keep track of everyone's temporal and spiritual goals. 13:15 The ward has been broken into four committees Redeem the Dead Committee (temple and family history) Perfect the Saints Committee (service) Activities Committee Missionary Committee 15:30 How Corry keeps track of each committee and keeps each one going 17:10 How do all of the committees stay unified and the other organizations (Relief Society or Elders Quorum) fold into the committees? 21:00 On an annual basis everyone rotates committees. So freshmen serve in each committee by the time they are a senior and graduate. Everyone in the ward has the opportunity to serve on a committee. 23:45 Third Sunday of every month each committee meets for 15 to 30 minutes after church and then everyone eats together. 24:30 Corry tried to create and work with committees in a traditional ward but it failed. He goes into reasons why maybe it didn’t work there. 26:55 The ward mission leader is the co-chair of the missionary committee. 27:30 Your ward can create committees according to your ward's needs. 28:30 Corry explains more on his ward’s theme He gives each couple a magnet to write out their spiritual and temporal goal for that year’s theme He puts each couple's goal on a big bulletin board On the fourth Sunday 3 couples speak in Sacrament meeting about their goals 34:00 Corry’s mission president was President M. Russell Ballard. He shares some experiences he had and President Ballard’s leadership style. 35:00 Corry shares more about the Redeem the Dead Committee and the amazing experiences that members of his ward have had. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has over10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Jon McNaughtan grew up in Heber City, Utah, and completed a PhD in higher education with a focus on organizational behavior at the University of Michigan, a masters degree in educational policy from Stanford University, and a bachelors degree in communication from Southern Utah University. Over the last 10 years he has utilized his educational background and professional experience as a leadership consultant with aspiring corporate and educational leaders to identify and cultivate positive practices designed to expand the capacity organizations and individuals. Jon is an associate professor and the associate department chair of Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Counseling at Texas Tech University. His research focuses on leadership from multiple perspectives, first on the role and experience senior leaders and teams have—with an emphasis on how they engage and empower employees—and then how employees develop a sense of empowerment, satisfaction, and purpose in their work. His goal is to enhance the practice of leadership and create spaces where people can be their best. Jon and his wife Liz live in Lubbock, Texas, with their four children. He has served in many callings including ward mission leader, high counselor, scout leader, Primary teacher, Young Men leader, and is currently the elders quorum president of their ward. Highlights 03:00 Introduction and background of Jon McNaughton. 05:30 How do we create a culture where people can be their best? We all need feedback and engagement. The problem is that most people don’t give feedback and are afraid to give feedback. 08:15 We are afraid to give our bishop or stake president feedback yet we have no problem giving our kids' Primary teacher feedback. 09:15 Part of giving feedback is being vulnerable and asking hard questions. 09:45 How can I provide feedback without complaining or criticizing? Jon shares two scriptural examples. 14:30 When we give feedback we make it too personal. Be reflective in your feedback and don’t take it personal. 15:30 Come with a question instead of an answer. 16:00 Be direct and ask your leader if they would like feedback. 17:00 When we give feedback we need to know why we are giving it. Think about your why. Are our leaders the ones that need to change or is it us? Is what that leader doing harming others? 20:00 Figuring out your why and the motivation behind giving feedback to your leader. Write down what the feedback is and what the goals would be if that person were to take it. Are the goals about you or about that other person? What is the end goal and what would change through giving feedback? 22:30 Things to remember when you want to give feedback. What works really well for us doesn’t always work well for others. There is not just one way to do things in the church. Remember that the Lord will consecrate the work that people do. 27:00 Sometimes complaining or criticizing leads to change. 28:50 Feedback provides self awareness. 29:30 Advice for giving and receiving feedback. What am I doing to receive feedback beyond just having an open door policy? Feedback is built on trust and building relationships with people. Have plenty of one on one conversions and interviews. 34:15 We need to create a culture of feedback. Feedback can really create a better experience. 35:20 How do I balance obedience with feedback? 36:15 1 Nephi 3:27. It was the Lord that sent Nephi and his brothers into Jerusalem to get the plates but the brothers were angry with Nephi and Sam and beat them. Nephi did not send them. 37:00 Jon shares the story in Ether 2 on giving feedback to the Lord. 38:10 The Lord expects us to give feedback to Him and to our leaders. We are supposed to cry unto Him. 44:30 What do I do when my feedback isn’t heard? What can leaders do to make sure that the people in their congregation are heard? Are you following up with people?

Jon McNaughtan grew up in Heber City, Utah, and completed a PhD in higher education with a focus on organizational behavior at the University of Michigan, a masters degree in educational policy from Stanford University, and a bachelors degree in communication from Southern Utah University. Over the last 10 years he has utilized his educational background and professional experience as a leadership consultant with aspiring corporate and educational leaders to identify and cultivate positive practices designed to expand the capacity organizations and individuals. Jon is an associate professor and the associate department chair of Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Counseling at Texas Tech University. His research focuses on leadership from multiple perspectives, first on the role and experience senior leaders and teams have—with an emphasis on how they engage and empower employees—and then how employees develop a sense of empowerment, satisfaction, and purpose in their work. His goal is to enhance the practice of leadership and create spaces where people can be their best. Jon and his wife Liz live in Lubbock, Texas, with their four children. He has served in many callings including ward mission leader, high counselor, scout leader, Primary teacher, Young Men leader, and is currently the elders quorum president of their ward. Highlights 03:00 Introduction and background of Jon McNaughton. 05:30 How do we create a culture where people can be their best? We all need feedback and engagement. The problem is that most people don’t give feedback and are afraid to give feedback. 08:15 We are afraid to give our bishop or stake president feedback yet we have no problem giving our kids' Primary teacher feedback. 09:15 Part of giving feedback is being vulnerable and asking hard questions. 09:45 How can I provide feedback without complaining or criticizing? Jon shares two scriptural examples. 14:30 When we give feedback we make it too personal. Be reflective in your feedback and don’t take it personal. 15:30 Come with a question instead of an answer. 16:00 Be direct and ask your leader if they would like feedback. 17:00 When we give feedback we need to know why we are giving it. Think about your why. Are our leaders the ones that need to change or is it us? Is what that leader doing harming others? 20:00 Figuring out your why and the motivation behind giving feedback to your leader. Write down what the feedback is and what the goals would be if that person were to take it. Are the goals about you or about that other person? What is the end goal and what would change through giving feedback? 22:30 Things to remember when you want to give feedback. What works really well for us doesn’t always work well for others. There is not just one way to do things in the church. Remember that the Lord will consecrate the work that people do. 27:00 Sometimes complaining or criticizing leads to change. 28:50 Feedback provides self awareness. 29:30 Advice for giving and receiving feedback. What am I doing to receive feedback beyond just having an open door policy? Feedback is built on trust and building relationships with people. Have plenty of one on one conversions and interviews. 34:15 We need to create a culture of feedback. Feedback can really create a better experience. 35:20 How do I balance obedience with feedback? 36:15 1 Nephi 3:27. It was the Lord that sent Nephi and his brothers into Jerusalem to get the plates but the brothers were angry with Nephi and Sam and beat them. Nephi did not send them. 37:00 Jon shares the story in Ether 2 on giving feedback to the Lord. 38:10 The Lord expects us to give feedback to Him and to our leaders. We are supposed to cry unto Him. 44:30 What do I do when my feedback isn’t heard? What can leaders do to make sure that the people in their congregation are heard? Are you following up with people?

Norbert Kalogo Ounleu is from Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). He grew up Muslim and was baptized when he was 25 years old. Norbert served as a Sunday School teacher, ward mission leader, and Young Men president, and was called as a bishop at age 27, just two years after he was baptized. He then served as a stake president, mission president of the Ivory Coast, and area seventy. He currently serves as a Sunday School teacher. He has worked as an Institute director and teacher and currently works for the Church History Department. He and his wife Valerie have four children. Highlights 01:45 Introduction to Norbert Ounleu and his conversion story. 07:10 Norbert talks about his very first calling teaching Sunday School. 09:40 How Norbert met his wife and their story. 12:15 Norbert was called as a bishop at 27 years old, just two years after his conversion. 14:00 Norbert describes what it was like stepping into a bishop’s role without much experience or knowledge. He went to the missionaries for help. 16:00 If Norbert could go back in time and give himself advice as a new bishop he would tell himself to just follow the Spirit. 16:30 Ward demographics and dynamics at the time that Norbert was bishop. 18:00 Day-to-day responsibilities as a bishop in the Ivory Coast Welfare needs Helping people with their callings 20:45 After 3 years as bishop, Norbert was called to be a stake president. 21:30 How being a stake president is different from being a bishop. 22:15 Stake demographics. It was a very large area for a stake. Members would have to travel for a couple of hours to get to the stake center. 23:10 Norbert’s advice to stake presidents and other leaders Be united with your counselors 24:40 The Church was very new to the Ivory Coast in the '90s and it was difficult to find leaders and train them for callings. They relied heavily on the handbook. 26:00 What Norbert learned as a young leader. He had to learn the handbook very well. He made plenty of mistakes at first but was humble when told what he did wrong. 27:45 Getting called as a mission president. He had less than two months to prepare. 31:40 Once again he started a new calling, as a mission president, knowing nothing. He relied on the help of other leaders. He had the unique dynamic of dealing with a civil war, no MTC, and not having a temple. Most missionaries were not endowed. 35:35 Serving as mission president helped Norbert and his wife grow together. 36:50 Norbert’s wife focused on the missionaries' health and training the sister missionaries. 37:30 Norbert talks about how he helped grow the Church in his country when he served as a mission president. 38:00 Right after his mission, Norbert was called as an area seventy. 39:30 From the mission home, Norbert moved his family to Ghana and started teaching and directing the Institute, and served as an area seventy. 40:15 What it was like to be an area seventy. He served in this calling for seven years. 44:00 Working for the Church History Department Links Pioneers in every land: Norbert K. Ounleu has seen the restored gospel grow exponentially in the Ivory Coast and in Africa Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown,

Norbert Kalogo Ounleu is from Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). He grew up Muslim and was baptized when he was 25 years old. Norbert served as a Sunday School teacher, ward mission leader, and Young Men president, and was called as a bishop at age 27, just two years after he was baptized. He then served as a stake president, mission president of the Ivory Coast, and area seventy. He currently serves as a Sunday School teacher. He has worked as an Institute director and teacher and currently works for the Church History Department. He and his wife Valerie have four children. Highlights 01:45 Introduction to Norbert Ounleu and his conversion story. 07:10 Norbert talks about his very first calling teaching Sunday School. 09:40 How Norbert met his wife and their story. 12:15 Norbert was called as a bishop at 27 years old, just two years after his conversion. 14:00 Norbert describes what it was like stepping into a bishop’s role without much experience or knowledge. He went to the missionaries for help. 16:00 If Norbert could go back in time and give himself advice as a new bishop he would tell himself to just follow the Spirit. 16:30 Ward demographics and dynamics at the time that Norbert was bishop. 18:00 Day-to-day responsibilities as a bishop in the Ivory Coast Welfare needs Helping people with their callings 20:45 After 3 years as bishop, Norbert was called to be a stake president. 21:30 How being a stake president is different from being a bishop. 22:15 Stake demographics. It was a very large area for a stake. Members would have to travel for a couple of hours to get to the stake center. 23:10 Norbert’s advice to stake presidents and other leaders Be united with your counselors 24:40 The Church was very new to the Ivory Coast in the '90s and it was difficult to find leaders and train them for callings. They relied heavily on the handbook. 26:00 What Norbert learned as a young leader. He had to learn the handbook very well. He made plenty of mistakes at first but was humble when told what he did wrong. 27:45 Getting called as a mission president. He had less than two months to prepare. 31:40 Once again he started a new calling, as a mission president, knowing nothing. He relied on the help of other leaders. He had the unique dynamic of dealing with a civil war, no MTC, and not having a temple. Most missionaries were not endowed. 35:35 Serving as mission president helped Norbert and his wife grow together. 36:50 Norbert’s wife focused on the missionaries' health and training the sister missionaries. 37:30 Norbert talks about how he helped grow the Church in his country when he served as a mission president. 38:00 Right after his mission, Norbert was called as an area seventy. 39:30 From the mission home, Norbert moved his family to Ghana and started teaching and directing the Institute, and served as an area seventy. 40:15 What it was like to be an area seventy. He served in this calling for seven years. 44:00 Working for the Church History Department Links Pioneers in every land: Norbert K. Ounleu has seen the restored gospel grow exponentially in the Ivory Coast and in Africa Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown,

Brad Pelo has been a lifelong member of the Church and has served as a bishop twice and most recently as a counselor in the New York City YSA stake presidency. He is currently executive producer and president of The Chosen and was executive producer of the feature films Forever Strong and The Legend of Johnny Lingo. Brad is married to Melody Allen and they are parents to 12 children and 17 grandchildren. Derral Eves is a family man of great faith. He earned a bachelor's degree in communications at Southern Utah University. Professionally, he has been on YouTube since 2005, where he has helped generate nearly 86 billion video views, and his book The YouTube Formula is a Wall Street Journal bestseller. He is currently the CEO and Executive Producer of The Chosen. Derral is also founder of Creatus, a marketing and consulting company, and VidSummit, an annual video conference. He served a mission in Paraguay and has since served in several callings including as elders quorum president, bishopric counselor, bishop, and counselor in a stake presidency. Derral and his wife Carolyn live in La Verkin, Utah, and have five amazing kids. The Chosen is a television series about the life of Jesus Christ that broke the all-time crowdfunding record in film and television. Their 2021 Christmas special broke box office records and was the #1 movie in the country at its theatrical release. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to Derral Eves and Brad Pelo, producers of The Chosen. 03:00 Derral shares his background story and how he came to work on The Chosen. 18:50 Brad shares his story and how he got involved with The Chosen. 29:40 The story behind the Goshen set, where The Chosen was filmed. 31:10 How would you create a ‘Chosen-like’ experience on Sunday? Focus on relationships with Christ in every talk, lesson, and discussion. The new generation wants authenticity and nothing sugar coated. 41:10 How do you encourage people to focus more on Jesus in Sunday meetings? Remember that you set the tone. Be very specific with topics for speaking. Let people know what you want to accomplish. 45:50 As members we feel obligated to accept callings. We should let our leader know what is going on in our lives before accepting a calling. While it’s important to serve we need to avoid burnout. 48:00 Derral shares a story about a meeting with Elder Renlund and getting to ask him leadership questions. 52:20 Avoid burnout. It’s ok to say no. This is God’s work and we are just assisting Him. 54:45 Brad shares his own perspective on creating a ‘chosen like’ experience at church. He believes that it’s important to not only create content but also context. 56:30 The gathering of saints is a community experience not a social experience. The body of Christ requires us to experience Him together. 1:00:00 As leadership we need to look for opportunities for people to experience Christ as a body. Gathering should be more than reviewing the doctrine. Everyone should be speaking of Jesus and participating. 1:00:50 Brad shares about a documentary they filmed having nine Gen-Zs watch The Chosen together. How they reacted and their experience. He shares what can be learned from this experience. 1:05:00 If you want people to open up and be vulnerable then you need to model it for them. 1:08:10 Derral shares a story of what it looks like to be real and authentic. 1:17:30 We often make the mistake of showing people who appear to be as perfect as Jesus when we need to model people that are broken and have a relationship with Jesus. 1:18:30 In our church culture we create this false facade. We think that because people are called that they are perfect. 1:20:20 Brad talks about what he has learned from the interfaith effort working on The Chosen. 1:24:30 Because of our religious persecution we have sheltered ourselves away from others of the Christian faith. Bringing people to Jesus doesn’t mean handing out ...

Brad Pelo has been a lifelong member of the Church and has served as a bishop twice and most recently as a counselor in the New York City YSA stake presidency. He is currently executive producer and president of The Chosen and was executive producer of the feature films Forever Strong and The Legend of Johnny Lingo. Brad is married to Melody Allen and they are parents to 12 children and 17 grandchildren. Derral Eves is a family man of great faith. He earned a bachelor's degree in communications at Southern Utah University. Professionally, he has been on YouTube since 2005, where he has helped generate nearly 86 billion video views, and his book The YouTube Formula is a Wall Street Journal bestseller. He is currently the CEO and Executive Producer of The Chosen. Derral is also founder of Creatus, a marketing and consulting company, and VidSummit, an annual video conference. He served a mission in Paraguay and has since served in several callings including as elders quorum president, bishopric counselor, bishop, and counselor in a stake presidency. Derral and his wife Carolyn live in La Verkin, Utah, and have five amazing kids. The Chosen is a television series about the life of Jesus Christ that broke the all-time crowdfunding record in film and television. Their 2021 Christmas special broke box office records and was the #1 movie in the country at its theatrical release. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to Derral Eves and Brad Pelo, producers of The Chosen. 03:00 Derral shares his background story and how he came to work on The Chosen. 18:50 Brad shares his story and how he got involved with The Chosen. 29:40 The story behind the Goshen set, where The Chosen was filmed. 31:10 How would you create a ‘Chosen-like’ experience on Sunday? Focus on relationships with Christ in every talk, lesson, and discussion. The new generation wants authenticity and nothing sugar coated. 41:10 How do you encourage people to focus more on Jesus in Sunday meetings? Remember that you set the tone. Be very specific with topics for speaking. Let people know what you want to accomplish. 45:50 As members we feel obligated to accept callings. We should let our leader know what is going on in our lives before accepting a calling. While it’s important to serve we need to avoid burnout. 48:00 Derral shares a story about a meeting with Elder Renlund and getting to ask him leadership questions. 52:20 Avoid burnout. It’s ok to say no. This is God’s work and we are just assisting Him. 54:45 Brad shares his own perspective on creating a ‘chosen like’ experience at church. He believes that it’s important to not only create content but also context. 56:30 The gathering of saints is a community experience not a social experience. The body of Christ requires us to experience Him together. 1:00:00 As leadership we need to look for opportunities for people to experience Christ as a body. Gathering should be more than reviewing the doctrine. Everyone should be speaking of Jesus and participating. 1:00:50 Brad shares about a documentary they filmed having nine Gen-Zs watch The Chosen together. How they reacted and their experience. He shares what can be learned from this experience. 1:05:00 If you want people to open up and be vulnerable then you need to model it for them. 1:08:10 Derral shares a story of what it looks like to be real and authentic. 1:17:30 We often make the mistake of showing people who appear to be as perfect as Jesus when we need to model people that are broken and have a relationship with Jesus. 1:18:30 In our church culture we create this false facade. We think that because people are called that they are perfect. 1:20:20 Brad talks about what he has learned from the interfaith effort working on The Chosen. 1:24:30 Because of our religious persecution we have sheltered ourselves away from others of the Christian faith. Bringing people to Jesus doesn’t mean handing out ...

Michael Albright grew up in Colorado and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wyoming. In 2000, at the age of 23, Michael was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and shortly afterward joined the U.S. Navy, earning his Commission as a Supply Corps Officer after completing Officer Candidate School in Florida. He attended several Training Commands before serving tours in California and Hawaii, leaving active duty military service in 2006 to attend graduate school at Brigham Young University. Michael has served in several elders quorum presidencies, as a Primary, youth, and Sunday School teacher, a membership clerk, a ward emergency preparedness & employment specialist, and is now an assistant executive secretary for youth. He and his wife Oriah have three boys and their family resides in Texas. Highlights 02:30 Michael went to the May 2022 men's retreat, Warrior Heart and he shares his story and how he ended up there. 05:00 Michael explains why he thinks that going to a third party retreat, like Warrior Heart, is important apart from the normal week to week elders quorum meetings. 07:30 Michael was called as an assistant executive secretary, specifically for the youth. The ward wanted to do something to focus more on the youth. Michael shares what he does in his calling. 10:45 The day to day focus and main priorities of Michael’s calling. He keeps track of what activities are going on and informs everyone through email He sends out reminders for appointments Follow up with people for interviews Keeps track of youth that need temple recommends that will expire soon Gets interviews for new youth in the ward so that the bishop can get to know them 13:30 There are about 100 youth members in Michael’s ward. Having a youth executive secretary helps the bishop and the other executive secretary so that no one slips through the cracks. 13:50 Michael is basically the part of the bishop’s brain that focuses completely on the youth. 15:05 The dynamic of setting up appointments with the youth. 16:20 Michael considers himself a gate keeper of the bishop’s time. He is there to help the bishop not get overloaded. 17:00 Michael explains the dynamic with the other executive secretary and how they work together and coordinate all the appointments. 21:00 Michael shares his principles of leadership. Principle one - Ownership and stewardship 23:40 Principle two - Communication 25:30 Principle three - Being respectable and adaptable as you are working with people 31:30 Michael’s focus is creating better relationships with the youth. He isn’t great with technology and with the platforms that the youth are on but he works to connect with them in their interactions. 33:00 God loves us no matter what. What does change is our ability to feel His love because of the choices that we make. This is the message that Michael loves to share with the youth that he works with. 35:00 How being a leader has helped Michael become a better follower of Jesus Christ. Links Is Elders Quorum Working? Warrior Heart Bootcamp Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie,

Michael Albright grew up in Colorado and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wyoming. In 2000, at the age of 23, Michael was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and shortly afterward joined the U.S. Navy, earning his Commission as a Supply Corps Officer after completing Officer Candidate School in Florida. He attended several Training Commands before serving tours in California and Hawaii, leaving active duty military service in 2006 to attend graduate school at Brigham Young University. Michael has served in several elders quorum presidencies, as a Primary, youth, and Sunday School teacher, a membership clerk, a ward emergency preparedness & employment specialist, and is now an assistant executive secretary for youth. He and his wife Oriah have three boys and their family resides in Texas. Highlights 02:30 Michael went to the May 2022 men's retreat, Warrior Heart and he shares his story and how he ended up there. 05:00 Michael explains why he thinks that going to a third party retreat, like Warrior Heart, is important apart from the normal week to week elders quorum meetings. 07:30 Michael was called as an assistant executive secretary, specifically for the youth. The ward wanted to do something to focus more on the youth. Michael shares what he does in his calling. 10:45 The day to day focus and main priorities of Michael’s calling. He keeps track of what activities are going on and informs everyone through email He sends out reminders for appointments Follow up with people for interviews Keeps track of youth that need temple recommends that will expire soon Gets interviews for new youth in the ward so that the bishop can get to know them 13:30 There are about 100 youth members in Michael’s ward. Having a youth executive secretary helps the bishop and the other executive secretary so that no one slips through the cracks. 13:50 Michael is basically the part of the bishop’s brain that focuses completely on the youth. 15:05 The dynamic of setting up appointments with the youth. 16:20 Michael considers himself a gate keeper of the bishop’s time. He is there to help the bishop not get overloaded. 17:00 Michael explains the dynamic with the other executive secretary and how they work together and coordinate all the appointments. 21:00 Michael shares his principles of leadership. Principle one - Ownership and stewardship 23:40 Principle two - Communication 25:30 Principle three - Being respectable and adaptable as you are working with people 31:30 Michael’s focus is creating better relationships with the youth. He isn’t great with technology and with the platforms that the youth are on but he works to connect with them in their interactions. 33:00 God loves us no matter what. What does change is our ability to feel His love because of the choices that we make. This is the message that Michael loves to share with the youth that he works with. 35:00 How being a leader has helped Michael become a better follower of Jesus Christ. Links Is Elders Quorum Working? Warrior Heart Bootcamp Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie,

This is an update to the podcast episode Reporting Abuse, Church Helpline, & the Bishop | An Interview with Jennifer Roach.

This is an update to the podcast episode Reporting Abuse, Church Helpline, & the Bishop | An Interview with Jennifer Roach.

Jennifer Roach earned a Masters of Divinity from the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology and a Masters of Counseling from Argosy University. She is a licensed Substance Use Disorder counselor, a Clinical Mental Health counselor, and was an ordained Anglican Pastor prior to her baptism in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Highlights 01:15 Kurt introduces the guest and topic of abuse. 03:45 Background of the article from the Associated Press dated August 4th, 2022. The article claims that the Church is hiding abuse. 06:00 Jennifer explains the Church’s helpline. 07:00 What is mandated reporting? There are three versions. You must report, no exceptions. You must report but the exceptions are clergy or medical reasons. You may not report. You need to know the laws in your particular state. 9:00 The helpline is there to protect the bishop and the victim. Reporting in each state is very different. 10:30 Kurt breaks down the different kinds of reporting and how complicated it can be in different states. 12:15 Jennifer and Kurt discuss the Arizona case on abuse and the bishop’s involvement. There is still so much we don’t know. 19:30 The biggest question most of us have is why the Church’s attorney on the helpline didn’t have the bishop call the police. 22:10 What can we learn from this case of abuse? 23:20 Is the helpline a good idea? 27:00 Kurt and Jennifer discuss whether the Church’s hotline should be led by attorneys or social workers and what the role each of these professionals play. 30:15 Background checks catch very few abusers. It only catches people that have been convicted. The background check system can’t be fully trusted. 34:00 What can we do to better protect our youth? We can’t rely on just one tool. A background check is one tool but not completely reliable. There are many pieces to the pie. 37:10 Another tool that can be used is listening to the kids. You have to be careful with this though. 39:10 When kids reveal abuse it’s normally unintentional. Most children won’t say outright that they are being abused but leaders and adults should pay attention to the small comments that seem off. 41:15 Statistically most child abuse doesn’t happen on a church campus but grooming does. Jennifer shares tactics that abusers use. 42:45 Parents should be very careful with whom they trust. Sleepovers should not be happening. 43:55 It’s difficult to identify abusers very accurately. However, it’s a little bit easier to accurately identify kids that are being abused. Jennifer shares some things to look out for. 47:00 During the pandemic more kids were abused because they were at home more. Home is the most likely place that kids are getting abused. There is no for sure way to make sure that a kid doesn’t get abused. 48:15 We are saving and protecting way more potential victims than those that are getting victimized. While we don’t have a perfect system, it’s also not fair to say that our system is completely broken. 49:30 What does the Church gain by protecting abusers? 50:45 One of the protective factors for kids in our church is that people change callings all the time. It’s different from other churches where the pastor is abusing kids for 40 years. 51:50 While we can respect the writer of the AP article, there are some things that he did get wrong. For example, there is no evidence that indicates that the Church covered up any evidence. 53:40 The article implies that hiding abuse is the norm. The main message that people are getting is that the Church hides abuse on the regular. Links AP News article: Seven years of sex abuse: How Mormon officials let it happen Public Square Magazine article: Are Publicized Abuse Cases Exceptional or Representative of Our Faith? General Handbook 32.4.4: Confidentiality 4 Reasons Why Bishops Should Be Meeting with Youth | An Interview with Jennifer Roach

Listen to the UPDATE podcast HERE. Jennifer Roach earned a Masters of Divinity from the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology and a Masters of Counseling from Argosy University. She is a licensed Substance Use Disorder counselor, a Clinical Mental Health counselor, and was an ordained Anglican Pastor prior to her baptism in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Highlights 01:15 Kurt introduces the guest and topic of abuse. 03:45 Background of the article from the Associated Press dated August 4th, 2022. The article claims that the Church is hiding abuse. 06:00 Jennifer explains the Church’s helpline. 07:00 What is mandated reporting? There are three versions. You must report, no exceptions. You must report but the exceptions are clergy or medical reasons. You may not report. You need to know the laws in your particular state. 9:00 The helpline is there to protect the bishop and the victim. Reporting in each state is very different. 10:30 Kurt breaks down the different kinds of reporting and how complicated it can be in different states. 12:15 Jennifer and Kurt discuss the Arizona case on abuse and the bishop’s involvement. There is still so much we don’t know. 19:30 The biggest question most of us have is why the Church’s attorney on the helpline didn’t have the bishop call the police. 22:10 What can we learn from this case of abuse? 23:20 Is the helpline a good idea? 27:00 Kurt and Jennifer discuss whether the Church’s hotline should be led by attorneys or social workers and what the role each of these professionals play. 30:15 Background checks catch very few abusers. It only catches people that have been convicted. The background check system can’t be fully trusted. 34:00 What can we do to better protect our youth? We can’t rely on just one tool. A background check is one tool but not completely reliable. There are many pieces to the pie. 37:10 Another tool that can be used is listening to the kids. You have to be careful with this though. 39:10 When kids reveal abuse it’s normally unintentional. Most children won’t say outright that they are being abused but leaders and adults should pay attention to the small comments that seem off. 41:15 Statistically most child abuse doesn’t happen on a church campus but grooming does. Jennifer shares tactics that abusers use. 42:45 Parents should be very careful with whom they trust. Sleepovers should not be happening. 43:55 It’s difficult to identify abusers very accurately. However, it’s a little bit easier to accurately identify kids that are being abused. Jennifer shares some things to look out for. 47:00 During the pandemic more kids were abused because they were at home more. Home is the most likely place that kids are getting abused. There is no for sure way to make sure that a kid doesn’t get abused. 48:15 We are saving and protecting way more potential victims than those that are getting victimized. While we don’t have a perfect system, it’s also not fair to say that our system is completely broken. 49:30 What does the Church gain by protecting abusers? 50:45 One of the protective factors for kids in our church is that people change callings all the time. It’s different from other churches where the pastor is abusing kids for 40 years. 51:50 While we can respect the writer of the AP article, there are some things that he did get wrong. For example, there is no evidence that indicates that the Church covered up any evidence. 53:40 The article implies that hiding abuse is the norm. The main message that people are getting is that the Church hides abuse on the regular. Links UPDATE to this Podcast AP News article: Seven years of sex abuse: How Mormon officials let it happen Public Square Magazine article: Are Publicized Abuse Cases Exceptional or Representative of Our Faith? General Handbook 32.4.4: Confidentiality

David Snell is a host on the Latter-day Saint YouTube channel, "Saints Unscripted." He served a mission in Chihuahua, Mexico, and then studied journalism at Brigham Young University. He married his incredible wife in 2017, and they now spend most of their time having a blast raising their baby boy. David loves diving into Church history, but also enjoys gardening, power tools, and onion rings. Highlights 2:00 Introduction to David Snell. He explains what Saints Unscripted is. 5:30 Saints Unscripted is a YouTube channel aimed towards helping people with tough questions. It's a place that shares the gospel to people in our faith and outside of our faith. They make it possible to understand difficult concepts without having to read an academic article. 10:50 David gives suggestions on teaching and guiding the youth and young adults. Be prepared for the youth to find antagonistic material and be prepared to talk about it with them. 13:50 The days have passed when you were able to respond to questions by telling people that they need to have faith or by bearing your testimony to them. Youth today want more facts. 14:20 We trust social media influencers way more than we should. Influencers give us quick answers instead of us going and doing our ‘homework’ and studying things out to come to our own conclusions. 18:20 Leaders should remember that youth are growing up in a much different world than we did. We need to take them seriously and understand what they are going through. They are our future leaders. 22:10 The faith and beliefs videos on Saints Unscripted are valuable for new converts or for members that are learning about new controversies, for missionaries to help answer controversial questions that instigators might have. These videos are even valuable for those just wanting to know more about the church but not necessarily wanting to meet with the missionaries. 25:00 Leaders aren’t trained on how to answer controversial questions and Saints Unscripted helps leaders have resources and videos to help them. 27:20 David talks about how he comes up with content for his videos. 30:00 While conference talks and the standard stuff on the Church’s website is great, it doesn’t always address the things that people are really struggling with today. David encourages leaders to check out Saints Unscripted because it could be a way to connect with someone that is struggling and provide them with more resources. 36:15 David’s journey with Saints Unscripted and how it has made him a better follower of Jesus Christ Links Saints Unscripted Facebook: Faith and Beliefs Facebook: Saints Unscripted Faith is Not Blind, by Bruce & Marie Hafen Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

David Snell is a host on the Latter-day Saint YouTube channel, "Saints Unscripted." He served a mission in Chihuahua, Mexico, and then studied journalism at Brigham Young University. He married his incredible wife in 2017, and they now spend most of their time having a blast raising their baby boy. David loves diving into Church history, but also enjoys gardening, power tools, and onion rings. Highlights 2:00 Introduction to David Snell. He explains what Saints Unscripted is. 5:30 Saints Unscripted is a YouTube channel aimed towards helping people with tough questions. It's a place that shares the gospel to people in our faith and outside of our faith. They make it possible to understand difficult concepts without having to read an academic article. 10:50 David gives suggestions on teaching and guiding the youth and young adults. Be prepared for the youth to find antagonistic material and be prepared to talk about it with them. 13:50 The days have passed when you were able to respond to questions by telling people that they need to have faith or by bearing your testimony to them. Youth today want more facts. 14:20 We trust social media influencers way more than we should. Influencers give us quick answers instead of us going and doing our ‘homework’ and studying things out to come to our own conclusions. 18:20 Leaders should remember that youth are growing up in a much different world than we did. We need to take them seriously and understand what they are going through. They are our future leaders. 22:10 The faith and beliefs videos on Saints Unscripted are valuable for new converts or for members that are learning about new controversies, for missionaries to help answer controversial questions that instigators might have. These videos are even valuable for those just wanting to know more about the church but not necessarily wanting to meet with the missionaries. 25:00 Leaders aren’t trained on how to answer controversial questions and Saints Unscripted helps leaders have resources and videos to help them. 27:20 David talks about how he comes up with content for his videos. 30:00 While conference talks and the standard stuff on the Church’s website is great, it doesn’t always address the things that people are really struggling with today. David encourages leaders to check out Saints Unscripted because it could be a way to connect with someone that is struggling and provide them with more resources. 36:15 David’s journey with Saints Unscripted and how it has made him a better follower of Jesus Christ Links Saints Unscripted Facebook: Faith and Beliefs Facebook: Saints Unscripted Faith is Not Blind, by Bruce & Marie Hafen Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Michael and Susan Daley are currently serving as temple missionaries in the Palmyra, New York Temple. They lived in Las Vegas, Nevada for 40 years and later moved to Logan, Utah. Michael has served as a stake president, stake Young Men president, bishop, bishop’s councilor, elders quorum president, stake mission president, Seminary teacher, and as a young missionary in the Switzerland, Geneva Mission. He earned a bachelor's degree in Communications and Media Sales from Brigham Young University, and worked as a media sales manager for Don Rey Media and Stephens Media in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here is a picture a few months after this interview when Kurt visited Michael and Susan in Palmyra, New York. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to Elder and Sister Daley, serving as missionaries in the Palmyra Temple. 05:00 Michael’s story and his mental health struggles. He was released as stake president and was out of a job when the depression and anxiety started to take over his life. 10:00 Michael talks about how he got help for his depression and his treatment. The things that worked and didn’t work. 14:00 Working in the temple every day helped ease his depression. He would work and pray. 15:00 Michael began working at Deseret Industries when the temple closed down during the pandemic. It was important for him to serve and work again. 17:45 At Deseret Industries they helped Michael create future goals. His next goal would be a mission. 20:00 He still has his bad days. However, through medication, temple service, his wife, family, and friends, Michael has been able to get his depression under control and feels more like his old self. 21:15 The key to Michael’s mental health when he was a bishop and stake president was having a great executive secretary. Between his wife and secretaries they were able to monitor him and help support him. 29:45 Don’t let pride get in the way of getting treatment and getting help. There is a stigma around mental health that causes many people to avoid getting professional help. 31:30 Kurt and Michael share experiences of getting released from big callings in the bishopric and stake presidency and feeling a loss. Michael encourages others to embrace their new calling or ask for a calling. 37:15 Susan shares her perspective on Michael’s transition from huge leadership callings. 39:00 Michael talks about his mental health after losing his job and being released from the stake presidency. His biggest advice to others struggling with mental health is to find something to do and finding a sense of purpose. 42:20 Co dependency issues. Feeling like your self worth is tied to helping people. 46:00 Susan shares how going through these mental health struggles with her husband has made her a better follower of Jesus Christ. 47:45 D&C 121 and 122 have helped Michael through his mental health journey and he encourages others to read and study them. Links Why working at Deseret Industries helped a former stake president heal from depression Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences,

Michael and Susan Daley are currently serving as temple missionaries in the Palmyra, New York Temple. They lived in Las Vegas, Nevada for 40 years and later moved to Logan, Utah. Michael has served as a stake president, stake Young Men president, bishop, bishop’s councilor, elders quorum president, stake mission president, Seminary teacher, and as a young missionary in the Switzerland, Geneva Mission. He earned a bachelor's degree in Communications and Media Sales from Brigham Young University, and worked as a media sales manager for Don Rey Media and Stephens Media in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here is a picture a few months after this interview when Kurt visited Michael and Susan in Palmyra, New York. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to Elder and Sister Daley, serving as missionaries in the Palmyra Temple. 05:00 Michael’s story and his mental health struggles. He was released as stake president and was out of a job when the depression and anxiety started to take over his life. 10:00 Michael talks about how he got help for his depression and his treatment. The things that worked and didn’t work. 14:00 Working in the temple every day helped ease his depression. He would work and pray. 15:00 Michael began working at Deseret Industries when the temple closed down during the pandemic. It was important for him to serve and work again. 17:45 At Deseret Industries they helped Michael create future goals. His next goal would be a mission. 20:00 He still has his bad days. However, through medication, temple service, his wife, family, and friends, Michael has been able to get his depression under control and feels more like his old self. 21:15 The key to Michael’s mental health when he was a bishop and stake president was having a great executive secretary. Between his wife and secretaries they were able to monitor him and help support him. 29:45 Don’t let pride get in the way of getting treatment and getting help. There is a stigma around mental health that causes many people to avoid getting professional help. 31:30 Kurt and Michael share experiences of getting released from big callings in the bishopric and stake presidency and feeling a loss. Michael encourages others to embrace their new calling or ask for a calling. 37:15 Susan shares her perspective on Michael’s transition from huge leadership callings. 39:00 Michael talks about his mental health after losing his job and being released from the stake presidency. His biggest advice to others struggling with mental health is to find something to do and finding a sense of purpose. 42:20 Co dependency issues. Feeling like your self worth is tied to helping people. 46:00 Susan shares how going through these mental health struggles with her husband has made her a better follower of Jesus Christ. 47:45 D&C 121 and 122 have helped Michael through his mental health journey and he encourages others to read and study them. Links Why working at Deseret Industries helped a former stake president heal from depression Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences,

David Farnsworth was a retired leadership and executive coach who spent years helping organization improve their interviewing skills through the 3D Interviewing method. He passed away in July 2020. In this episode David explains methods latter-day saint leaders can use in order to improve the effectiveness of one-to-one interviews and classroom teaching through effective questions. Highlights 7:15 Why do I want to develop my interviewing skills? The question is: how do you see your role? Understanding the leader's role in an interaction 11:35 The Fundamentals Be sincerely interested in others Reading others accurately Having the vocabulary to articulate Be willing to be authentic and consistent Having a good sense of ourselves (self-awareness) Trust others in their ability to respond Not seeing yourself as the expert, but to uncouple yourself from having all the answers 17:45 Drawing the Cube exercise (see graphic, below) 22:00 The Art of Formulating Focused Questions Preparing questions in advance Draft good questions Try to put them in a logical order Examine questions carefully and fine-tune them 29:45 Active Listening Paraphrase in your own words what the other person has just said Leaving the other person in control allows you find out how they think, what they're feeling, etc. Three levels of paraphrasing: What was said? (make sure you're clear about what they've said) How was it said? (for example, "I can see this is difficult for you...") What was not said? Three reactions to paraphrasing: Agreement Correction/clarification Amplification 44:20 Summarizing: different than paraphrasing. Pulling together the major points of the discussion or topic (your understanding of the discussion). Same three reactions to summarizing as paraphrasing (agreement, correction/clarification, or amplification). 52:45 Sequencing questions Getting acquainted example 55:00 Problem-solving example 58:50 Classroom example 67:00 How can I start interviewing using the 3D-I model? After Action Review Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in October 2017. David Farnsworth was a retired leadership and executive coach who spent years helping organization improve their interviewing skills through the 3D Interviewing method. He passed away in July 2020. In this episode David explains methods latter-day saint leaders can use in order to improve the effectiveness of one-to-one interviews and classroom teaching through effective questions. Highlights 7:15 Why do I want to develop my interviewing skills? The question is: how do you see your role? Understanding the leader's role in an interaction 11:35 The Fundamentals Be sincerely interested in others Reading others accurately Having the vocabulary to articulate Be willing to be authentic and consistent Having a good sense of ourselves (self-awareness) Trust others in their ability to respond Not seeing yourself as the expert, but to uncouple yourself from having all the answers 17:45 Drawing the Cube exercise (see graphic, below) 22:00 The Art of Formulating Focused Questions Preparing questions in advance Draft good questions Try to put them in a logical order Examine questions carefully and fine-tune them 29:45 Active Listening Paraphrase in your own words what the other person has just said Leaving the other person in control allows you find out how they think, what they're feeling, etc. Three levels of paraphrasing: What was said? (make sure you're clear about what they've said) How was it said? (for example, "I can see this is difficult for you...") What was not said? Three reactions to paraphrasing: Agreement Correction/clarification Amplification 44:20 Summarizing: different than paraphrasing. Pulling together the major points of the discussion or topic (your understanding of the discussion). Same three reactions to summarizing as paraphrasing (agreement, correction/clarification, or amplification). 52:45 Sequencing questions Getting acquainted example 55:00 Problem-solving example 58:50 Classroom example 67:00 How can I start interviewing using the 3D-I model? After Action Review Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

David Durfey's 39-year career with Seminaries and Institutes has included serving as a teacher for 12 years, as a region and area director, and director of the Institute at Utah Valley University. In the Church he has served as branch president of the Missionary Training Center in Provo, bishop, counselor in multiple stake presidencies, and as a patriarch. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to David Durfey 06:00 David designed an institute course on repentance and forgiveness. He tells the story of working with Elder Andersen to write the book, The Divine Gift of Forgiveness. 11:50 Repentance is NOT punishment, penalty, or payment for sin. David talks about how the meaning and translation of the word repent got misinterpreted. 13:50 While there can be pain in repentance, that pain is not repentance. The cause of the pain is the sin not the repentance. Repentance is not the suffering; it relieves the suffering. 15:50 Jesus Christ has already suffered for the sin but you will suffer because of the sin. 16:30 Repentance is not a checklist or a change of behavior. An atheist can change their behavior but that’s not repentance. Repentance has to be through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 18:30 Repentance and forgiveness is not through the Church. The Church can guide us through the process but repentance and forgiveness come solely through Jesus Christ. 19:15 Confession is not repentance. 20:10 David explains why repentance is not through the Church. 21:40 Repentance is a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance is not turning from sin but turning to Jesus Christ and beginning to live a Christlike life. 22:45 Sin hurts, not repentance. How do we shift the shame of repentance to a more hopeful outlook? It all starts with understanding the power of the Atonement. 25:00 Stopping the behavior is not going to heal the past. It has to be through Jesus Christ. 25:55 The key to repentance is first understanding the fall of Adam and Eve and that we are all sinners. 28:10 David paraphrases the words of Boyd K. Packer. The root of Christian doctrine is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Any other doctrine or teaching in the Church that does not touch that root is dead. We deal a lot with the leaves and branches in the Church but we aren’t getting down to the root. 29:30 Any time we see the word "doctrines" in the scriptures it's always negative. For example, the doctrines of men. There is only ONE doctrine. That is the doctrine of Jesus Christ. 30:15 David tells about one of the most impactful experiences of his life. He was a young father serving as branch president at the missionary training center and President Packer came to speak. The main points of the talk were: You won’t be judged on how many baptisms you get. Your success will be determined by what kind of parents and grandparents you are. Focus less on teaching commandments and more on teaching the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Every teaching has to be focused on Jesus Christ. 33:00 The story of Mary and Martha. The one needful thing is to know Jesus Christ. 36:30 How can we be better at focusing on Christ in our Sunday meetings and in our daily lives? David Shares D&C 6:34-37 and explains how. 43:20 Learning to forgive ourselves. If Jesus isn’t going to condemn me then who am I to condemn me? We can’t condemn anyone, even ourselves. 45:30 D&C 19. This scripture says that we will suffer but not for our sins. We are not capable of suffering for our own sins. 47:30 Quoting Elder Andersen’s book, “If we worry whether we have paid back or suffered enough for our sins it will impede our ability to repent and feel forgiven, bringing painful discouragement with it.” 48:00 Advice to a bishop helping someone through repentance. A bishop’s number one priority should be helping that individual come unto Christ and accessing the Atonement. 52:20 Not being able to participate in ordinances,

David Durfey's 39-year career with Seminaries and Institutes has included serving as a teacher for 12 years, as a region and area director, and director of the Institute at Utah Valley University. In the Church he has served as branch president of the Missionary Training Center in Provo, bishop, counselor in multiple stake presidencies, and as a patriarch. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to David Durfey 06:00 David designed an institute course on repentance and forgiveness. He tells the story of working with Elder Andersen to write the book, The Divine Gift of Forgiveness. 11:50 Repentance is NOT punishment, penalty, or payment for sin. David talks about how the meaning and translation of the word repent got misinterpreted. 13:50 While there can be pain in repentance, that pain is not repentance. The cause of the pain is the sin not the repentance. Repentance is not the suffering; it relieves the suffering. 15:50 Jesus Christ has already suffered for the sin but you will suffer because of the sin. 16:30 Repentance is not a checklist or a change of behavior. An atheist can change their behavior but that’s not repentance. Repentance has to be through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 18:30 Repentance and forgiveness is not through the Church. The Church can guide us through the process but repentance and forgiveness come solely through Jesus Christ. 19:15 Confession is not repentance. 20:10 David explains why repentance is not through the Church. 21:40 Repentance is a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance is not turning from sin but turning to Jesus Christ and beginning to live a Christlike life. 22:45 Sin hurts, not repentance. How do we shift the shame of repentance to a more hopeful outlook? It all starts with understanding the power of the Atonement. 25:00 Stopping the behavior is not going to heal the past. It has to be through Jesus Christ. 25:55 The key to repentance is first understanding the fall of Adam and Eve and that we are all sinners. 28:10 David paraphrases the words of Boyd K. Packer. The root of Christian doctrine is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Any other doctrine or teaching in the Church that does not touch that root is dead. We deal a lot with the leaves and branches in the Church but we aren’t getting down to the root. 29:30 Any time we see the word "doctrines" in the scriptures it's always negative. For example, the doctrines of men. There is only ONE doctrine. That is the doctrine of Jesus Christ. 30:15 David tells about one of the most impactful experiences of his life. He was a young father serving as branch president at the missionary training center and President Packer came to speak. The main points of the talk were: You won’t be judged on how many baptisms you get. Your success will be determined by what kind of parents and grandparents you are. Focus less on teaching commandments and more on teaching the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Every teaching has to be focused on Jesus Christ. 33:00 The story of Mary and Martha. The one needful thing is to know Jesus Christ. 36:30 How can we be better at focusing on Christ in our Sunday meetings and in our daily lives? David Shares D&C 6:34-37 and explains how. 43:20 Learning to forgive ourselves. If Jesus isn’t going to condemn me then who am I to condemn me? We can’t condemn anyone, even ourselves. 45:30 D&C 19. This scripture says that we will suffer but not for our sins. We are not capable of suffering for our own sins. 47:30 Quoting Elder Andersen’s book, “If we worry whether we have paid back or suffered enough for our sins it will impede our ability to repent and feel forgiven, bringing painful discouragement with it.” 48:00 Advice to a bishop helping someone through repentance. A bishop’s number one priority should be helping that individual come unto Christ and accessing the Atonement. 52:20 Not being able to participate in ordinances,

Weston Robinson was born and raised in Las Vegas and served in the Ecuador Quito mission. He has since served as an elders quorum president twice, as a Sunday school teacher, an executive secretary, and currently as second counselor in a bishopric. He has a bachelor's degree in psychology from UNLV and has worked in manufacturing, grading and demolition with heavy equipment, interior design, and as a light and sound tech for a local comedy production group. He currently works with a law firm and will begin his first year at UNLV’s Boyd Law School next month. He is married to Kyra Ah Quin and his hobbies include reading, writing, anything outdoors, and lifting heavy things. Highlights 02:50 Introduction to Weston Robinson 06:20 Weston shares his experience as an elders quorum president 07:50 Principle 1: Striving to repent daily, our connection with the Spirit is enhanced and that allows us to discern the needs and concerns of others 10:00 Repentance is more than just changing behavior. It’s turning to Christ and seeing ways we can center our lives on Him. 10:30 How can we repent day to day? 11:50 Weston shares a story and applies it to seeing the needs of others 14:00 Discerning the needs of others requires a lot of conversations. You need to be approachable and open. 16:15 Principle 2: Be a mentor 23:30 Don’t be afraid of being a mentor despite age difference and different life experiences. Know what resources are available and be prepared to know what to share. 24:15 Principle 3: If an elders quorum meeting is properly facilitated then the quorum will engage and the connection will deepen 26:10 How can we facilitate better elders quorum meetings? Can you let go of your outline or notes and lean into the discussion and the organic nature of the Spirit? 28:50 Ask questions and be ok with the silence 29:30 Remember that it’s a quorum meeting not a Sunday School lesson. It’s a place for people to gather and to discuss more sensitive topics. 31:00 Weston shares his personal journey as an elders quorum president. It wasn’t a perfect storybook experience. It was messy and full of ups and downs. Luckily he had brothers to lean on and reached out to his leaders. 40:00 It might sound simple but church is for everyone. No one has a perfect experience at church and many times there are struggles with leaders. Many might choose not to show up but you are welcome as you are. Links Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash the Greatness in Others Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Weston Robinson was born and raised in Las Vegas and served in the Ecuador Quito mission. He has since served as an elders quorum president twice, as a Sunday school teacher, an executive secretary, and currently as second counselor in a bishopric. He has a bachelor's degree in psychology from UNLV and has worked in manufacturing, grading and demolition with heavy equipment, interior design, and as a light and sound tech for a local comedy production group. He currently works with a law firm and will begin his first year at UNLV’s Boyd Law School next month. He is married to Kyra Ah Quin and his hobbies include reading, writing, anything outdoors, and lifting heavy things. Highlights 02:50 Introduction to Weston Robinson 06:20 Weston shares his experience as an elders quorum president 07:50 Principle 1: Striving to repent daily, our connection with the Spirit is enhanced and that allows us to discern the needs and concerns of others 10:00 Repentance is more than just changing behavior. It’s turning to Christ and seeing ways we can center our lives on Him. 10:30 How can we repent day to day? 11:50 Weston shares a story and applies it to seeing the needs of others 14:00 Discerning the needs of others requires a lot of conversations. You need to be approachable and open. 16:15 Principle 2: Be a mentor 23:30 Don’t be afraid of being a mentor despite age difference and different life experiences. Know what resources are available and be prepared to know what to share. 24:15 Principle 3: If an elders quorum meeting is properly facilitated then the quorum will engage and the connection will deepen 26:10 How can we facilitate better elders quorum meetings? Can you let go of your outline or notes and lean into the discussion and the organic nature of the Spirit? 28:50 Ask questions and be ok with the silence 29:30 Remember that it’s a quorum meeting not a Sunday School lesson. It’s a place for people to gather and to discuss more sensitive topics. 31:00 Weston shares his personal journey as an elders quorum president. It wasn’t a perfect storybook experience. It was messy and full of ups and downs. Luckily he had brothers to lean on and reached out to his leaders. 40:00 It might sound simple but church is for everyone. No one has a perfect experience at church and many times there are struggles with leaders. Many might choose not to show up but you are welcome as you are. Links Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash the Greatness in Others Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Ganel-Lyn Condie is a popular speaker, host, and author. She is a mental health advocate, social commentator, and faith warrior. Her latest book is The Stewardship Principle. Highlights 01:50 Introduction to Ganel-Lyn 05:15 Ganel-Lyn talks about her new book, The Stewardship Principle 13:30 What is stewardship? It is everything. Stewardships are not always fun or something that we want. 15:00 Leadership stewardships. Some leadership stewardships are more celebrated than others. 17:00 Some stewardships are hard and painful. Some are invisible and nobody cares. Others are visual, obvious, and that people sustain. 17:30 Ganel-Lyn shares her own stewardships and personal losses 18:50 Different stewardships are more intense but others that are more quiet are equally important. 21:00 The opposite of stewardship is ownership. The quickest way to understand stewardship is parenting. 23:00 Examples of stewardship vs ownership. Ownership starts to take away agency in parenting and in leadership. 27:00 How do you tell if you have an ownership mentality? Comparison Control Burnout Praying away someone else’s agency Being hyper focused on outcomes 29:30 Stewardship thinking is offering based. Ownership thinking is outcome focused. 32:15 How can we refocus on stewardship and let go of ownership? 38:00 We have calling changes and pass the stewardship around. That way we don’t stay stuck in traditions and get introduced to new perspectives. 39:15 So many people have left our church because they were in ownership mode for so long. We do so much ‘’doing’’ and it doesn’t always turn out. 40:20 Ask your child, your companion, or people in your ward what support looks like. 41:30 Kurt shares a story about stewardship 44:15 When we start to see what our friends and family are going through as a stewardship, it allows us to validate them more but also helps us understand that we don’t have to fix it or save them. 44:50 Understanding stewardship doesn’t take away the pain or hurt from a situation but it teaches us that God is not punishing us. The hard thing that you are going through can still be consecrated for your good. 47:55 Dealing with infertility and all the rude things that people say. People act as if we are more righteous then it will solve our problems. 49:00 The story of Job. All of Job’s friends had opinions on why he was losing everything. We can have hope though because everything that Job lost was returned plus more. 51:10 Stewardship doesn’t always have to be hard. Stewardship helps you appreciate the good stuff too. 54:00 We don’t have to be everything for everyone. Our stewardships can be very different at different times in our lives and we shouldn’t compare our stewardships with others. 57:15 Don't underestimate how your stewarding is influencing and inspiring others in their own stewardships. 1:00:50 Remember that Christ owns it. He has just entrusted you with this stewardship. Links ganellyn.com The Stewardship Principle: Reframing Your Life A Night of Hope: Benefit Concert Featuring Nathan Pacheco Real Talk: Come Follow Me Getting Real about Come Follow Me | An Interview with Ganel-Lyn Condie and Scott Sorensen Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast More about Gathering Saints The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown,

Ganel-Lyn Condie is a popular speaker, host, and author. She is a mental health advocate, social commentator, and faith warrior. Her latest book is The Stewardship Principle. Highlights 01:50 Introduction to Ganel-Lyn 05:15 Ganel-Lyn talks about her new book, The Stewardship Principle 13:30 What is stewardship? It is everything. Stewardships are not always fun or something that we want. 15:00 Leadership stewardships. Some leadership stewardships are more celebrated than others. 17:00 Some stewardships are hard and painful. Some are invisible and nobody cares. Others are visual, obvious, and that people sustain. 17:30 Ganel-Lyn shares her own stewardships and personal losses 18:50 Different stewardships are more intense but others that are more quiet are equally important. 21:00 The opposite of stewardship is ownership. The quickest way to understand stewardship is parenting. 23:00 Examples of stewardship vs ownership. Ownership starts to take away agency in parenting and in leadership. 27:00 How do you tell if you have an ownership mentality? Comparison Control Burnout Praying away someone else’s agency Being hyper focused on outcomes 29:30 Stewardship thinking is offering based. Ownership thinking is outcome focused. 32:15 How can we refocus on stewardship and let go of ownership? 38:00 We have calling changes and pass the stewardship around. That way we don’t stay stuck in traditions and get introduced to new perspectives. 39:15 So many people have left our church because they were in ownership mode for so long. We do so much ‘’doing’’ and it doesn’t always turn out. 40:20 Ask your child, your companion, or people in your ward what support looks like. 41:30 Kurt shares a story about stewardship 44:15 When we start to see what our friends and family are going through as a stewardship, it allows us to validate them more but also helps us understand that we don’t have to fix it or save them. 44:50 Understanding stewardship doesn’t take away the pain or hurt from a situation but it teaches us that God is not punishing us. The hard thing that you are going through can still be consecrated for your good. 47:55 Dealing with infertility and all the rude things that people say. People act as if we are more righteous then it will solve our problems. 49:00 The story of Job. All of Job’s friends had opinions on why he was losing everything. We can have hope though because everything that Job lost was returned plus more. 51:10 Stewardship doesn’t always have to be hard. Stewardship helps you appreciate the good stuff too. 54:00 We don’t have to be everything for everyone. Our stewardships can be very different at different times in our lives and we shouldn’t compare our stewardships with others. 57:15 Don't underestimate how your stewarding is influencing and inspiring others in their own stewardships. 1:00:50 Remember that Christ owns it. He has just entrusted you with this stewardship. Links ganellyn.com The Stewardship Principle: Reframing Your Life A Night of Hope: Benefit Concert Featuring Nathan Pacheco Real Talk: Come Follow Me Getting Real about Come Follow Me | An Interview with Ganel-Lyn Condie and Scott Sorensen Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast More about Gathering Saints The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown,

Sheree Nixon is a California native and has recently returned to Palos Verdes after some time in Utah. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Print Journalism from BYU and has worked as a freelance writer and editor, a co-founder of Quick Cup Fix, a full time mom, and currently as Executive Director of the Come Follow Me Foundation. In the Church she has served as a Primary president and a counselor in Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society. Highlights 01:50 Introduction 03:40 Come Follow Me Foundation and the Come Follow Me app 11:45 Sheree talks about her background and different callings in the church. 14:50 Principle 2 first - Teach the doctrine of Christ 17:45 Sheree explains how she teaches the doctrine of Christ and her teaching tips. 22:15 Principle 1 - Be a friend Be aware of the needs of the people in your life. Be a friend to those we serve in the church helps us connect with them. 25:30 How to get beyond being superficial friends. How to really make friends. 29:10 Make sure you are friends with those outside of the Church. The people on your street and in neighborhood are your ward too. 32:30 Principle 3 - Speak up! Women in the Church can be scared to speak up. The Church is guided by the priesthood but we need to be involved in the discussions.

Sheree Nixon is a California native and has recently returned to Palos Verdes after some time in Utah. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Print Journalism from BYU and has worked as a freelance writer and editor, a co-founder of Quick Cup Fix, a full time mom, and currently as Executive Director of the Come Follow Me Foundation. In the Church she has served as a Primary president and a counselor in Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society. Highlights 01:50 Introduction 03:40 Come Follow Me Foundation and the Come Follow Me app 11:45 Sheree talks about her background and different callings in the church. 14:50 Principle 2 first - Teach the doctrine of Christ 17:45 Sheree explains how she teaches the doctrine of Christ and her teaching tips. 22:15 Principle 1 - Be a friend Be aware of the needs of the people in your life. Be a friend to those we serve in the church helps us connect with them. 25:30 How to get beyond being superficial friends. How to really make friends. 29:10 Make sure you are friends with those outside of the Church. The people on your street and in neighborhood are your ward too. 32:30 Principle 3 - Speak up! Women in the Church can be scared to speak up. The Church is guided by the priesthood but we need to be involved in the discussions.

Karri Stoker discusses with Kurt Francom and Dan Duckworth what will go on at this Gathering Saints Women's retreat and how to determine if you should be there. For all the details related to the Fall 2022 Women's Retreat visit leadingsaints.org/gathering Listen to all of this 3-part series of short podcasts about the women’s retreat starting HERE.

Karri Stoker discusses with Kurt Francom and Dan Duckworth what will go on at this Gathering Saints Women's retreat and how to determine if you should be there. For all the details related to the Fall 2022 Women's Retreat visit leadingsaints.org/gathering Listen to all of this 3-part series of short podcasts about the women’s retreat starting HERE.

John Eldredge is a bestselling author and counselor. He is also president of Wild at Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God and recover their own hearts in God’s love. John and his wife, Stasi, live near Colorado Springs, Colorado. Highlights 2:00 Introduction and updates with Wild at Heart. 4:30 We are now in the after effects of the pandemic. How do we recover? 6:00 One of the after effects of the pandemic is that many people are walking away from traditional religion. They are going to other places to try and find relief. They are walking away from the source of their rescue and recovery. 8:50 The Edens in our life. The things that we long for. Instead of finding replenishment in God we go on vacations, we scroll our phones, etc. to find relief. 10:00 We are dealing with the traumatic aftermath of the pandemic. John explains how it has changed us and our ability to deal with everyday life. The classic trauma symptoms are: Mental fragmentation A loss of a sense of time The exhaustion The lack of grace for irritating people 12:30 We are struggling to go to church after the pandemic. We are exhausted, dealing with trauma, and our reserves are gone. 15:20 Advice for leaders trying to help people find Jesus in their Sunday meetings. You design opportunities for quiet and prayer. You don’t have to fill every moment. 21:00 Spiritual warfare creeps in. It’s not always a big, traumatic event. The adversary wants us to give up on God. 23:20 Notice how you react when someone gets in the way of your “Eden agenda.” 25:10 How leaders can help people reconnect with God. We need to recast the vision. 28:30 Kurt shares his own personal experience of connecting to God in a new way. His running routine has become a spiritual experience. 29:45 Nature heals as opposed to technology. First thing in the morning don’t look at your phone or listen to the news. Give a quiet moment to God. 31:00 John unpacks the meaning of the shallows, the midlands, and the depths. 35:20 How do we get our hearts out of the shallows? We begin by loving God and expressing gratitude. If we expect results and fixes from God then we are just going to be frustrated and disappointed. 38:00 How do we love God? It’s more of just keeping the commandments. 41:15 Written prayers can help us articulate things in a way that maybe we couldn’t do on our own. 44:00 John talks about his app called One Minute Pause. 46:50 The pressure of leadership is having to come through for people. They don’t need you. They need God. You are there to help them get to God. 48:15 Invite people to be a part of the larger story that God has for them. God’s story puts everything into perspective. Human beings use stories to make sense of reality. Links Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in These Turbulent Times Wild at Heart Wild at Heart Podcast One Minute Pause App Reconnecting with God as a Distracted Church Leader | An Interview with John Eldredge Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric,

John Eldredge is a bestselling author and counselor. He is also president of Wild at Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God and recover their own hearts in God’s love. John and his wife, Stasi, live near Colorado Springs, Colorado. Highlights 2:00 Introduction and updates with Wild at Heart. 4:30 We are now in the after effects of the pandemic. How do we recover? 6:00 One of the after effects of the pandemic is that many people are walking away from traditional religion. They are going to other places to try and find relief. They are walking away from the source of their rescue and recovery. 8:50 The Edens in our life. The things that we long for. Instead of finding replenishment in God we go on vacations, we scroll our phones, etc. to find relief. 10:00 We are dealing with the traumatic aftermath of the pandemic. John explains how it has changed us and our ability to deal with everyday life. The classic trauma symptoms are: Mental fragmentation A loss of a sense of time The exhaustion The lack of grace for irritating people 12:30 We are struggling to go to church after the pandemic. We are exhausted, dealing with trauma, and our reserves are gone. 15:20 Advice for leaders trying to help people find Jesus in their Sunday meetings. You design opportunities for quiet and prayer. You don’t have to fill every moment. 21:00 Spiritual warfare creeps in. It’s not always a big, traumatic event. The adversary wants us to give up on God. 23:20 Notice how you react when someone gets in the way of your “Eden agenda.” 25:10 How leaders can help people reconnect with God. We need to recast the vision. 28:30 Kurt shares his own personal experience of connecting to God in a new way. His running routine has become a spiritual experience. 29:45 Nature heals as opposed to technology. First thing in the morning don’t look at your phone or listen to the news. Give a quiet moment to God. 31:00 John unpacks the meaning of the shallows, the midlands, and the depths. 35:20 How do we get our hearts out of the shallows? We begin by loving God and expressing gratitude. If we expect results and fixes from God then we are just going to be frustrated and disappointed. 38:00 How do we love God? It’s more of just keeping the commandments. 41:15 Written prayers can help us articulate things in a way that maybe we couldn’t do on our own. 44:00 John talks about his app called One Minute Pause. 46:50 The pressure of leadership is having to come through for people. They don’t need you. They need God. You are there to help them get to God. 48:15 Invite people to be a part of the larger story that God has for them. God’s story puts everything into perspective. Human beings use stories to make sense of reality. Links Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in These Turbulent Times Wild at Heart Wild at Heart Podcast One Minute Pause App Reconnecting with God as a Distracted Church Leader | An Interview with John Eldredge Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric,

Karri Stoker, the director of the 2022 Gathering Saints Women's retreat, discusses with Kurt Francom and Dan Duckworth the purposes of a women's retreat like this. For all the details related to the Fall 2022 Women's Retreat visit leadingsaints.org/gathering Continue listening to this short series of podcasts about the women’s retreat HERE.

Karri Stoker, the director of the 2022 Gathering Saints Women's retreat, discusses with Kurt Francom and Dan Duckworth the purposes of a women's retreat like this. For all the details related to the Fall 2022 Women's Retreat visit leadingsaints.org/gathering Continue listening to this short series of podcasts about the women’s retreat HERE.

Karri Stoker, the director of the 2022 Gathering Saints Women's retreat, discusses with Kurt Francom and Dan Duckworth the purposes of a women's retreat like this. For all the details related to the Fall 2022 Women's Retreat visit leadingsaints.org/gathering Continue listening to the short series of podcasts about the women’s retreat HERE.

Karri Stoker, the director of the 2022 Gathering Saints Women's retreat, discusses with Kurt Francom and Dan Duckworth the purposes of a women's retreat like this. For all the details related to the Fall 2022 Women's Retreat visit leadingsaints.org/gathering Continue listening to the short series of podcasts about the women’s retreat HERE.

Sarah Randall grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, served in the Portugal Lisbon South mission, and graduated from Utah State University in Elementary Education. She has served in many ward Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society presidencies in Iowa, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Alaska. Sarah and her husband have six children and together they love to backpack, hike, bike, and kayak all over Alaska. Sarah recently served as a facilitator for the Church’s new “Emotional Resilience-Strength in the Lord” course and was thrilled to find that it covers the stages of the grief cycle. She has found that understanding the grief cycle has been pivotal in processing the losses in her own life, in therapy, and as a leader in the Church seeking to minister as Christ would. Understanding that the grief cycle applies to any loss in life including trauma and betrayal (not just death) has enabled her to be a better instrument for Christ to honor people’s pain—to learn how to support them through that grief process—to mourn with those who mourn. She also has loved sharing some of her family’s favorite kids' books for grieving, gaining empathy, and connecting with joy in their Anchorage Stake Women’s Conference, which can be found on her Instagram @strength.through.stories. Highlights 02:15 Sarah Randall’s background. 06:45 Sarah talks about her experience in the Relief Society Presidency and their approach to ministering. 14:45 Connecting with sisters from all different backgrounds and experiences. Honor their experiences and validate them. 20:50 How to get to the point where people actually do open up to you. Removing the reporting dynamic when it comes to ministering interviews. Asking questions like, “what do you want?” or “how can I help you?” 25:25 Sarah shares a personal experience of how she was able to help a sister in her ward who had had a lot of neglect and trauma in her life. 28:10 Codependency is enabling unhealthy behavior. When we are reaching out to help someone they need to be engaged in the process. As a leader you can invite them to take action instead of doing it for them. 33:00 Other questions to ask someone in need: Who have you already asked for help? Do you have an extended family that can help? 35:40 When people came to Jesus he would always ask, “what do you want?” He didn’t want to take away people’s agency. 37:45 One thing that leaders should really understand and get familiar with is the grief cycle. Honor other people’s feelings. 39:00 There are lots of unhelpful phrases like, “everything happens for a reason.” Links My Approach to Ministering Interviews | A How I Lead Interview with Sharon Kaye Fisher Instagram: @strength.through.stories Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Sarah Randall grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, served in the Portugal Lisbon South mission, and graduated from Utah State University in Elementary Education. She has served in many ward Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society presidencies in Iowa, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Alaska. Sarah and her husband have six children and together they love to backpack, hike, bike, and kayak all over Alaska. Sarah recently served as a facilitator for the Church’s new “Emotional Resilience-Strength in the Lord” course and was thrilled to find that it covers the stages of the grief cycle. She has found that understanding the grief cycle has been pivotal in processing the losses in her own life, in therapy, and as a leader in the Church seeking to minister as Christ would. Understanding that the grief cycle applies to any loss in life including trauma and betrayal (not just death) has enabled her to be a better instrument for Christ to honor people’s pain—to learn how to support them through that grief process—to mourn with those who mourn. She also has loved sharing some of her family’s favorite kids' books for grieving, gaining empathy, and connecting with joy in their Anchorage Stake Women’s Conference, which can be found on her Instagram @strength.through.stories. Highlights 02:15 Sarah Randall’s background. 06:45 Sarah talks about her experience in the Relief Society Presidency and their approach to ministering. 14:45 Connecting with sisters from all different backgrounds and experiences. Honor their experiences and validate them. 20:50 How to get to the point where people actually do open up to you. Removing the reporting dynamic when it comes to ministering interviews. Asking questions like, “what do you want?” or “how can I help you?” 25:25 Sarah shares a personal experience of how she was able to help a sister in her ward who had had a lot of neglect and trauma in her life. 28:10 Codependency is enabling unhealthy behavior. When we are reaching out to help someone they need to be engaged in the process. As a leader you can invite them to take action instead of doing it for them. 33:00 Other questions to ask someone in need: Who have you already asked for help? Do you have an extended family that can help? 35:40 When people came to Jesus he would always ask, “what do you want?” He didn’t want to take away people’s agency. 37:45 One thing that leaders should really understand and get familiar with is the grief cycle. Honor other people’s feelings. 39:00 There are lots of unhelpful phrases like, “everything happens for a reason.” Links My Approach to Ministering Interviews | A How I Lead Interview with Sharon Kaye Fisher Instagram: @strength.through.stories Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

We are excited to launch Gathering Saints where we will provide remarkable in-person experiences in order to help individuals transform as leaders in their church, community, and home. To see the details of all upcoming retreat experiences, visit LeadingSaints.org/Gathering Find more information about the Gathering Saints Women's Retreat in a series of podcast conversations starting HERE.

We are excited to launch Gathering Saints where we will provide remarkable in-person experiences in order to help individuals transform as leaders in their church, community, and home. To see the details of all upcoming retreat experiences, visit LeadingSaints.org/Gathering Find more information about the Gathering Saints Women's Retreat in a series of podcast conversations starting HERE.

Mat Duerden received a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and an M.S. from Brigham Young University. His experience design research focuses on memorable, meaningful, and transformative experiences. Mat is an Associate Professor of Experience Design and Management and Alumni Research Fellow in BYU's Marriott School of Business, and also teaches an honors program course, The Art of Transformative Storytelling. He works with organizations across a variety of sectors to provide training and consulting around experience design, and is also the co-author of the book Designing Experiences. Mat currently serves on his stake high council and in the stake Young Men presidency. Previous callings include bishopric counselor, Young Men president, elders quorum president, and executive secretary. He and his wife Chenae have four children and their favorite experiences occur outdoors on bikes, rafts, and skis. Highlights 01:45 Introduction to Mat Duerdon. He explains experience design. 11:15 How can leaders create an experience? What do you want people to say at the end of the experience? 23:30 When you are designing experiences in the church that doesn’t mean you have to create something new. Take what you have and tweak it. 26:30 There is a pressure on the bishopric to make everyone’s experiences great. 28:00 How to help the person that isn’t enjoying the experience of church or activities. What are their needs? 29:45 Mat shares an example of creating an experience for a ward or community. 59-minute service projects. 31:30 All experiences have three phases An anticipation phase A participation phase A reflection phase 33:10 Good experiences ask for people’s attention at the right points and respectfully minimize the attention needed at different points. 33:30 The anticipation phase. Make sure the information for an activity is very clear and given in advance. 34:45 Are there ways that we can create an anticipation phase for a sacrament meeting? 40:00 Good experience design is 90% creating really smooth-running, ordinary experiences. Leaders shouldn’t be stressing out on doing huge things. 42:30 Start with just one thing that your ward or organization really needs to work on. It’s better to do one or two things great than a bunch of things poorly. 44:00 The participation phase. We should be thinking about what needs we are trying to meet. Does your activity meet a need? 46:00 The reflection phase. The phase where we are actually harvesting what we’ve been growing. This is the phase that is most often overlooked but vitally important. 50:30 How do we help others in the reflection phase? Help them be a good storyteller. Retell their experience to someone. Journal about the experience. Make sure you follow up with them.

Mat Duerden received a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and an M.S. from Brigham Young University. His experience design research focuses on memorable, meaningful, and transformative experiences. Mat is an Associate Professor of Experience Design and Management and Alumni Research Fellow in BYU's Marriott School of Business, and also teaches an honors program course, The Art of Transformative Storytelling. He works with organizations across a variety of sectors to provide training and consulting around experience design, and is also the co-author of the book Designing Experiences. Mat currently serves on his stake high council and in the stake Young Men presidency. Previous callings include bishopric counselor, Young Men president, elders quorum president, and executive secretary. He and his wife Chenae have four children and their favorite experiences occur outdoors on bikes, rafts, and skis. Highlights 01:45 Introduction to Mat Duerdon. He explains experience design. 11:15 How can leaders create an experience? What do you want people to say at the end of the experience? 23:30 When you are designing experiences in the church that doesn’t mean you have to create something new. Take what you have and tweak it. 26:30 There is a pressure on the bishopric to make everyone’s experiences great. 28:00 How to help the person that isn’t enjoying the experience of church or activities. What are their needs? 29:45 Mat shares an example of creating an experience for a ward or community. 59-minute service projects. 31:30 All experiences have three phases An anticipation phase A participation phase A reflection phase 33:10 Good experiences ask for people’s attention at the right points and respectfully minimize the attention needed at different points. 33:30 The anticipation phase. Make sure the information for an activity is very clear and given in advance. 34:45 Are there ways that we can create an anticipation phase for a sacrament meeting? 40:00 Good experience design is 90% creating really smooth-running, ordinary experiences. Leaders shouldn’t be stressing out on doing huge things. 42:30 Start with just one thing that your ward or organization really needs to work on. It’s better to do one or two things great than a bunch of things poorly. 44:00 The participation phase. We should be thinking about what needs we are trying to meet. Does your activity meet a need? 46:00 The reflection phase. The phase where we are actually harvesting what we’ve been growing. This is the phase that is most often overlooked but vitally important. 50:30 How do we help others in the reflection phase? Help them be a good storyteller. Retell their experience to someone. Journal about the experience. Make sure you follow up with them.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in May 2020. Dan Duckworth is a disciple, family man, and changemaker. As a teacher and coach, he guides elite leaders to the top of their game. He’s the author of Stop Asking Why: Your Purpose is Self-Evident, and president of the Leading Saints Board of Directors. Highlights 05:39: Dan discusses the life cycle of a crisis and creating a “new normal” for Home Church 11:51: Statistics of geographic areas and types of leaders that responded to survey 15:20: Bishops in a transactional mindset 18:13: All about hypothetical worries 21:14: Feeling like you need to be doing something 23:32: The Youth Program and God’s plans for 2020 27:33: Taking a break from worrying to ponder 30:40: Comparing yourself and your ward to others’ 35:18: D&C 1, Hyrum Smith, and disciplined reflection 42:28: Creating connections in ministering and knowing what God wants us to do as leaders 51:02: Knowing the why behind actions you take and transactional mindset vs transformation mindset 55:45: Reintegrating into regular church life 58:32: The number one leadership tool Links DanDuckworth.net Subscribe to the Leading Saints Newsletter The One Thing Bishops Worry Most About During Church-at-Home, and Why They Should Stop Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in May 2020. Dan Duckworth is a disciple, family man, and changemaker. As a teacher and coach, he guides elite leaders to the top of their game. He’s the author of Stop Asking Why: Your Purpose is Self-Evident, and president of the Leading Saints Board of Directors. Highlights 05:39: Dan discusses the life cycle of a crisis and creating a “new normal” for Home Church 11:51: Statistics of geographic areas and types of leaders that responded to survey 15:20: Bishops in a transactional mindset 18:13: All about hypothetical worries 21:14: Feeling like you need to be doing something 23:32: The Youth Program and God’s plans for 2020 27:33: Taking a break from worrying to ponder 30:40: Comparing yourself and your ward to others’ 35:18: D&C 1, Hyrum Smith, and disciplined reflection 42:28: Creating connections in ministering and knowing what God wants us to do as leaders 51:02: Knowing the why behind actions you take and transactional mindset vs transformation mindset 55:45: Reintegrating into regular church life 58:32: The number one leadership tool Links DanDuckworth.net Subscribe to the Leading Saints Newsletter The One Thing Bishops Worry Most About During Church-at-Home, and Why They Should Stop Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Joseph M. Spencer is a philosopher and an assistant professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University. He has a BA in philosophy from BYU, an MLIS in library science from San Jose State University, and an MA and PhD in philosophy from the University of New Mexico. Joseph is the author of six books, including the recently-published Book of Mormon Studies: An Introduction and Guide. He serves as the editor of the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, as the associate director of the Latter-day Saint Theology Seminar, and a vice president of the Book of Mormon Studies Association. In the church, Joseph has served as an early morning seminary teacher, Gospel Doctrine teacher, a counselor in a variety of presidencies, and currently serves as a bishop. He and his wife Karen have been married 20 years and have five kids. Highlights 01:00 Introduction to Joseph Spencer 03:40 Advice Joseph would give to his younger self about teaching. 04:30 How Joseph got into philosophy and how he ended up at BYU teaching religion. 08:00 Advice to make scripture study better. Slow it down. 09:50 Joseph talks about his experience as a Bishop and things that have worked. 13:50 Joseph’s perspective on repentance and how he compares it to the sabbath. 19:50 What are we missing when we read the Book of Mormon? We are good at connecting with the divine but we aren’t actually paying attention to what is said. We are really bad at getting the big picture. 26:00 Leadership in the Book of Mormon. Nephi’s leadership and struggle to be a leader. 37:30 The dynamic between Nephi, Laman and Lemuel. 44:00 Asking questions and figuring out what your role is as a leader. We tend to want to follow a formula or rely solely on the handbook. 46:20 Going deeper into Nephi. Joseph shares his perspective on Nephi’s leadership. 56:40 Nephi and Jacob were able to tell their own stories in the Book of Mormon. They didn’t portray themselves as perfect. They showed us their imperfection. 59:20 The passage of scripture that Joseph shares with people most often is Ether 12. Links Book of Mormon Studies: An Introduction and Guide Y Religion: Hugh Nibley’s Contribution to Book of Mormon Studies Art: Go and Do, by Jorge Cocco Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Joseph M. Spencer is a philosopher and an assistant professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University. He has a BA in philosophy from BYU, an MLIS in library science from San Jose State University, and an MA and PhD in philosophy from the University of New Mexico. Joseph is the author of six books, including the recently-published Book of Mormon Studies: An Introduction and Guide. He serves as the editor of the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, as the associate director of the Latter-day Saint Theology Seminar, and a vice president of the Book of Mormon Studies Association. In the church, Joseph has served as an early morning seminary teacher, Gospel Doctrine teacher, a counselor in a variety of presidencies, and currently serves as a bishop. He and his wife Karen have been married 20 years and have five kids. Highlights 01:00 Introduction to Joseph Spencer 03:40 Advice Joseph would give to his younger self about teaching. 04:30 How Joseph got into philosophy and how he ended up at BYU teaching religion. 08:00 Advice to make scripture study better. Slow it down. 09:50 Joseph talks about his experience as a Bishop and things that have worked. 13:50 Joseph’s perspective on repentance and how he compares it to the sabbath. 19:50 What are we missing when we read the Book of Mormon? We are good at connecting with the divine but we aren’t actually paying attention to what is said. We are really bad at getting the big picture. 26:00 Leadership in the Book of Mormon. Nephi’s leadership and struggle to be a leader. 37:30 The dynamic between Nephi, Laman and Lemuel. 44:00 Asking questions and figuring out what your role is as a leader. We tend to want to follow a formula or rely solely on the handbook. 46:20 Going deeper into Nephi. Joseph shares his perspective on Nephi’s leadership. 56:40 Nephi and Jacob were able to tell their own stories in the Book of Mormon. They didn’t portray themselves as perfect. They showed us their imperfection. 59:20 The passage of scripture that Joseph shares with people most often is Ether 12. Links Book of Mormon Studies: An Introduction and Guide Y Religion: Hugh Nibley’s Contribution to Book of Mormon Studies Art: Go and Do, by Jorge Cocco Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This episode is a conversation from the One Heart One Light podcast with Matt Allred, where Kurt talks about the power of story and how we can connect and find healing through our stories. Highlights 03:25 Introduction to Kurt Francom 04:40 Kurt talks about his path to starting Leading Saints. 10:30 The most important thing that Kurt has learned as a leader 14:20 Master the skill of connecting. Connecting person to person. 15:00 How do you get people to open up and connect with you? 18:00 Most people want to share more but they don’t feel safe. As a leader you can help create a safe space for people to share and open up. 23:45 Worried about oversharing? Share the past transgression because that also shares the past redemption. 24:50 After Christ’s resurrection He shared his scars. Just as it was important for Christ to share His scars, it’s important for us to share our own scars. 30:45 What does it mean to bear each other’s burdens? 32:30 Kurt shares his own personal experience of reaching out to a friend going through a hard time. He has learned to just be present with them. 34:15 Oftentimes we feel shame just as Adam did in the Garden of Eden and hide from God and others. God is calling out, “where are you?” 38:00 While service is also a part of bearing other’s burdens, it means so much more when you also have a great connection with that person. You have sat with them and listened to their story. 38:40 What’s the value of brotherhood? There is a hole in our hearts that can only be filled with brotherhood. 47:10 Kurt talks about where he plans to go with Leading Saints and his vision for it. 50:30 Kurt speaks to what he thinks building Zion looks like and what we need to do to get there. Links One Heart One Light YouTube: The power of "story" as it relates to connection, authenticity and redemption Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This episode is a conversation from the One Heart One Light podcast with Matt Allred, where Kurt talks about the power of story and how we can connect and find healing through our stories. Highlights 03:25 Introduction to Kurt Francom 04:40 Kurt talks about his path to starting Leading Saints. 10:30 The most important thing that Kurt has learned as a leader 14:20 Master the skill of connecting. Connecting person to person. 15:00 How do you get people to open up and connect with you? 18:00 Most people want to share more but they don’t feel safe. As a leader you can help create a safe space for people to share and open up. 23:45 Worried about oversharing? Share the past transgression because that also shares the past redemption. 24:50 After Christ’s resurrection He shared his scars. Just as it was important for Christ to share His scars, it’s important for us to share our own scars. 30:45 What does it mean to bear each other’s burdens? 32:30 Kurt shares his own personal experience of reaching out to a friend going through a hard time. He has learned to just be present with them. 34:15 Oftentimes we feel shame just as Adam did in the Garden of Eden and hide from God and others. God is calling out, “where are you?” 38:00 While service is also a part of bearing other’s burdens, it means so much more when you also have a great connection with that person. You have sat with them and listened to their story. 38:40 What’s the value of brotherhood? There is a hole in our hearts that can only be filled with brotherhood. 47:10 Kurt talks about where he plans to go with Leading Saints and his vision for it. 50:30 Kurt speaks to what he thinks building Zion looks like and what we need to do to get there. Links One Heart One Light YouTube: The power of "story" as it relates to connection, authenticity and redemption Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Crystal Hurd is an educator, poet, and researcher from Virginia. She holds a master of arts in Literature from East Tennessee State University, a master of fine arts in Creative Writing from the University of Texas at El Paso, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from East Tennessee State University. Her doctoral research focused on C. S. Lewis as a Transformational Leader. Crystal currently serves as reviews editor for Sehnsucht: The C.S. Lewis Journal. Her articles have appeared in SEVEN, Christian History Magazine, Inklings Forever, Perichoresis, and The Faithful Imagination. She serves as a visiting professor for Northwind Seminary’s Doctorate in Theology and Ministry for Inkling Studies and Romantic Theology as well as the Master's in Spirituality, Creativity, and Writing. Crystal has been happily married for over twenty years to a technology director. They have two boisterous rescue dogs. Highlights 3:30 Introduction to Kurt’s Cohost, Tyler Snow 4:40 Crystal talks about why she wrote her book about C.S. Lewis 6:45 C.S. Lewis was a servant and that’s what made him a leader. He was a mentor to many. 8:40 Summary and life scope of C.S. Lewis 17:40 Crystal wrote her dissertation on transformational leadership and she explains what it is. She explains how C.S. Lewis embodies this type of leadership and how he transformed the lives of so many. 21:40 Lewis got a lot of criticism when he wrote The Screwtape Letters. Many people thought he was giving voice and sympathy for the devil. 24:00 Lewis brought people to Christianity. He went through his own faith crisis and was an atheist for a time. Because of these experiences, he was able to understand the doubts and faith journeys that people go on. He was able to speak to so many through his own experiences. 28:30 Is C.S. Lewis relevant to modern-day Christians? 32:30 Crystal gives her advice to leaders on how they can use Lewis’ writing with their congregations 35:30 Crystal explains different leadership models 43:00 Being a leader without having a title and what we can learn from that. C.S. Lewis is a perfect example of this. 47:10 How can we find balance in serving and being there for people while still setting boundaries for ourselves? Delegation Find other people’s talents and build them up 52:30 Was C.S. Lewis radical in his beliefs? 55:00 Although C.S. Lewis was considered a saint, he had his personal struggles and he sinned just like us. 1:01:00 C.S. Lewis was a wounded healer. He was able to help people because he had experienced the same things. Links The Leadership of C.S. Lewis: Ten Traits to Encourage Change and Growth CrystalHurd.com Twitter: @doctorhurd Instagram: @doctorhurd Image: Aronsyne, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Crystal Hurd is an educator, poet, and researcher from Virginia. She holds a master of arts in Literature from East Tennessee State University, a master of fine arts in Creative Writing from the University of Texas at El Paso, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from East Tennessee State University. Her doctoral research focused on C. S. Lewis as a Transformational Leader. Crystal currently serves as reviews editor for Sehnsucht: The C.S. Lewis Journal. Her articles have appeared in SEVEN, Christian History Magazine, Inklings Forever, Perichoresis, and The Faithful Imagination. She serves as a visiting professor for Northwind Seminary’s Doctorate in Theology and Ministry for Inkling Studies and Romantic Theology as well as the Master's in Spirituality, Creativity, and Writing. Crystal has been happily married for over twenty years to a technology director. They have two boisterous rescue dogs. Highlights 3:30 Introduction to Kurt’s Cohost, Tyler Snow 4:40 Crystal talks about why she wrote her book about C.S. Lewis 6:45 C.S. Lewis was a servant and that’s what made him a leader. He was a mentor to many. 8:40 Summary and life scope of C.S. Lewis 17:40 Crystal wrote her dissertation on transformational leadership and she explains what it is. She explains how C.S. Lewis embodies this type of leadership and how he transformed the lives of so many. 21:40 Lewis got a lot of criticism when he wrote The Screwtape Letters. Many people thought he was giving voice and sympathy for the devil. 24:00 Lewis brought people to Christianity. He went through his own faith crisis and was an atheist for a time. Because of these experiences, he was able to understand the doubts and faith journeys that people go on. He was able to speak to so many through his own experiences. 28:30 Is C.S. Lewis relevant to modern-day Christians? 32:30 Crystal gives her advice to leaders on how they can use Lewis’ writing with their congregations 35:30 Crystal explains different leadership models 43:00 Being a leader without having a title and what we can learn from that. C.S. Lewis is a perfect example of this. 47:10 How can we find balance in serving and being there for people while still setting boundaries for ourselves? Delegation Find other people’s talents and build them up 52:30 Was C.S. Lewis radical in his beliefs? 55:00 Although C.S. Lewis was considered a saint, he had his personal struggles and he sinned just like us. 1:01:00 C.S. Lewis was a wounded healer. He was able to help people because he had experienced the same things. Links The Leadership of C.S. Lewis: Ten Traits to Encourage Change and Growth CrystalHurd.com Twitter: @doctorhurd Instagram: @doctorhurd Image: Aronsyne, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Jason Noel currently serves on his stake high council with a stewardship over missionary work. He has served previously as a bishopric counselor, elders quorum president, and as a teacher in Primary, Sunday School, and Young Men. He is passionate about entrepreneurship and developing businesses that reflect and engage his interests. He owns a hot rod shop in Arizona called Fat Fender Garage, that specializes in building custom-classic-trucks and Broncos. They have recently been awarded “Builder of the Year” for the second year in a row in addition to features and awards from numerous shows and publications. Jason and his wife, Jen, share a combined family of eight children in Gilbert, Arizona. Highlights 01:15 Introduction to Jason Noel. His work and church callings. 05:00 Jason’s approach to love, share, and Invite. He explains what it is and how he uses it in ward counsel. Ward counsel is more focused on people rather than spiritual thoughts, training, or activities. 13:10 We do not decouple love, share, invite. It is one thing. 16:30 We need to change how we do ward councils. A great question is, “Who has been on your mind this week?” “What invitation can we extend and who can extend it to?” The ward council doesn’t do all the work but they come up with the ideas and take those to the different organizations. 19:30 We need to free up some time in ward council. What can we eliminate? What traditions do we need to let go? We need more time to discuss people. 22:40 Invitations don’t have to be big. They should be small and feel natural. Think of some invitations that you can make. 24:40 Everything that Jason does in his stake comes back to love, share, and invite. It's teaching, loving, and sharing just the way that Christ did it. It’s not a missionary tool, it’s a way of life. 27:40 What does it mean to love? Love is compassion and understanding. 30:50 What is the share component? It’s what either you can contribute or what they can contribute. This is where activities come into play. Don’t have ward activities, have community activities. 34:30 Making invitations. It doesn’t have to be a spiritual invitation. Jason gives ideas on what invitations to give. 38:50 People don’t change unless an invitation is extended. 41:10 Create accountability in ward counsel. Write down what the invitations were and then follow up to see how they went. Maybe they need to be changed. 42:00 Jason shares thoughts on how being a leader has taught him how to be more like Christ. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Jason Noel currently serves on his stake high council with a stewardship over missionary work. He has served previously as a bishopric counselor, elders quorum president, and as a teacher in Primary, Sunday School, and Young Men. He is passionate about entrepreneurship and developing businesses that reflect and engage his interests. He owns a hot rod shop in Arizona called Fat Fender Garage, that specializes in building custom-classic-trucks and Broncos. They have recently been awarded “Builder of the Year” for the second year in a row in addition to features and awards from numerous shows and publications. Jason and his wife, Jen, share a combined family of eight children in Gilbert, Arizona. Highlights 01:15 Introduction to Jason Noel. His work and church callings. 05:00 Jason’s approach to love, share, and Invite. He explains what it is and how he uses it in ward counsel. Ward counsel is more focused on people rather than spiritual thoughts, training, or activities. 13:10 We do not decouple love, share, invite. It is one thing. 16:30 We need to change how we do ward councils. A great question is, “Who has been on your mind this week?” “What invitation can we extend and who can extend it to?” The ward council doesn’t do all the work but they come up with the ideas and take those to the different organizations. 19:30 We need to free up some time in ward council. What can we eliminate? What traditions do we need to let go? We need more time to discuss people. 22:40 Invitations don’t have to be big. They should be small and feel natural. Think of some invitations that you can make. 24:40 Everything that Jason does in his stake comes back to love, share, and invite. It's teaching, loving, and sharing just the way that Christ did it. It’s not a missionary tool, it’s a way of life. 27:40 What does it mean to love? Love is compassion and understanding. 30:50 What is the share component? It’s what either you can contribute or what they can contribute. This is where activities come into play. Don’t have ward activities, have community activities. 34:30 Making invitations. It doesn’t have to be a spiritual invitation. Jason gives ideas on what invitations to give. 38:50 People don’t change unless an invitation is extended. 41:10 Create accountability in ward counsel. Write down what the invitations were and then follow up to see how they went. Maybe they need to be changed. 42:00 Jason shares thoughts on how being a leader has taught him how to be more like Christ. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

J.D. Griffith is the Vice President of Administration for BYU-Pathway Worldwide, an online higher education organization serving nearly 60,000 students from over 180 countries, and was its first employee in 2009 when he assisted with the creation of the original Pathway program. He previously worked at BYU-Idaho as a faculty member in the College of Business and as an administrator in the Division of Continuing Education. J.D. holds a bachelor’s degree in business management, and an MBA and a PhD in business administration. His previous church callings include bishop, counselor in the bishopric, high councilor, elders quorum president, Young Men president, ward clerk, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and missionary in the Ireland Dublin Mission. He currently serves as a primary activity leader. He and his wife Tasha have five children and one grandchild. Highlights 03:45 Introduction to J.D. Griffith and how Pathway began back in 2009. 05:50 How is BYU-Pathway Worldwide different from an online university? J.D. explains why this program was formed. 12:00 While the majority of BYU-Pathway is online, they meet weekly in person. 14:00 How does it work? Can you get any degree? 15:40 J.D. talks about who BYU-Pathway is for. 21:00 BYU-Pathway is so unique and possible through the Church that would not be possible through other universities. The Church has been able to subsidize tuition, use senior missionaries as volunteers, and allow access to the Church buildings to hold classes. 24:30 What to expect in BYU-Pathway Step 1 - PathwayConnect (first year) Step 2 - Certification Step 3 - Associate Degree Step 4 - Bachelor's Degree 29:30 The first year is a transition into college. It’s about coming together and helping each other on a weekly basis. The first year has life skills, university skills, and other basic classes. 32:15 BYU-Pathway is for the unemployed or underemployed. It can help them get job ready certificates. 33:40 How can leaders use BYU-Pathway in their ministry? 34:50 Leaders can help the young single adults that get left behind when everyone else is off to college by inviting them to do BYU-Pathway. It also helps these individuals get involved in institute. 37:50 Mission leaders and bishops should offer BYU-Pathway for recently returned missionaries. 41:15 BYU-Pathway is a great way for a leader to connect with individuals who are less active in the church. It’s less intimidating than inviting them to go to church. 42:20 Leaders can connect with part member families with BYU-Pathway. 44:00 BYU-Pathway can help recent converts and help continue to nurture them. 45:20 BYU-Pathway is also for non-native English speakers. They will have the opportunity to learn English along with the curriculum. 47:30 How can leaders better promote BYU-Pathway? Find the local BYU-Pathway missionaries Invite BYU-Pathway missionaries to your ward counsel Have a stake education specialist Identify individuals in your ward and talk with them 51:10 J.D. elaborates more on how special the BYU-Pathway program is and how it can serve so many different kinds of people. 53:15 Even though the costs are low there are also scholarships available to those who need it. 54:20 J.D. shares more about himself and his own education. Links BYU-Pathway Worldwide byupathway.org/churchleaders Contact service missionaries near you Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H.

J.D. Griffith is the Vice President of Administration for BYU-Pathway Worldwide, an online higher education organization serving nearly 60,000 students from over 180 countries, and was its first employee in 2009 when he assisted with the creation of the original Pathway program. He previously worked at BYU-Idaho as a faculty member in the College of Business and as an administrator in the Division of Continuing Education. J.D. holds a bachelor’s degree in business management, and an MBA and a PhD in business administration. His previous church callings include bishop, counselor in the bishopric, high councilor, elders quorum president, Young Men president, ward clerk, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and missionary in the Ireland Dublin Mission. He currently serves as a primary activity leader. He and his wife Tasha have five children and one grandchild. Highlights 03:45 Introduction to J.D. Griffith and how Pathway began back in 2009. 05:50 How is BYU-Pathway Worldwide different from an online university? J.D. explains why this program was formed. 12:00 While the majority of BYU-Pathway is online, they meet weekly in person. 14:00 How does it work? Can you get any degree? 15:40 J.D. talks about who BYU-Pathway is for. 21:00 BYU-Pathway is so unique and possible through the Church that would not be possible through other universities. The Church has been able to subsidize tuition, use senior missionaries as volunteers, and allow access to the Church buildings to hold classes. 24:30 What to expect in BYU-Pathway Step 1 - PathwayConnect (first year) Step 2 - Certification Step 3 - Associate Degree Step 4 - Bachelor's Degree 29:30 The first year is a transition into college. It’s about coming together and helping each other on a weekly basis. The first year has life skills, university skills, and other basic classes. 32:15 BYU-Pathway is for the unemployed or underemployed. It can help them get job ready certificates. 33:40 How can leaders use BYU-Pathway in their ministry? 34:50 Leaders can help the young single adults that get left behind when everyone else is off to college by inviting them to do BYU-Pathway. It also helps these individuals get involved in institute. 37:50 Mission leaders and bishops should offer BYU-Pathway for recently returned missionaries. 41:15 BYU-Pathway is a great way for a leader to connect with individuals who are less active in the church. It’s less intimidating than inviting them to go to church. 42:20 Leaders can connect with part member families with BYU-Pathway. 44:00 BYU-Pathway can help recent converts and help continue to nurture them. 45:20 BYU-Pathway is also for non-native English speakers. They will have the opportunity to learn English along with the curriculum. 47:30 How can leaders better promote BYU-Pathway? Find the local BYU-Pathway missionaries Invite BYU-Pathway missionaries to your ward counsel Have a stake education specialist Identify individuals in your ward and talk with them 51:10 J.D. elaborates more on how special the BYU-Pathway program is and how it can serve so many different kinds of people. 53:15 Even though the costs are low there are also scholarships available to those who need it. 54:20 J.D. shares more about himself and his own education. Links BYU-Pathway Worldwide byupathway.org/churchleaders Contact service missionaries near you Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H.

Walter Franco most recently served as a bishop and has previously served as an elders quorum president, Young Men president, Sunday School teacher, ward mission leader, and as a missionary in Jacksonville, Florida. He is a principal for a boutique sports business consulting firm based out of Park City, serves on a few University of Utah boards and the KSL Community Board, and is president of a non-profit that raises college scholarship funds for DACA students in Utah. Walter and his wife have been married for 14 years, have three daughters, and currently live in Herriman, Utah. Highlights 02:30 Getting called as a Bishop in a Spanish-speaking ward and ward dynamics 10:00 There is actually a lot of diversity in a Spanish-speaking ward. They are united by language but there are a lot of different cultures. It can cause drama and cliques and Walter talks about how they created more unity. 12:40 Principle #1: See them as the Lord sees them. 16:00 Walter gives examples of how he goes about helping people in the Bishop’s office. He strives to give the individual ownership of their repentance rather than just giving them a prescription like a doctor. 19:30 Walter elaborates more on how he works with other leaders in the ward and the struggle in the Spanish-speaking ward to have strong leadership. He gives examples of how he gives feedback. It’s important to understand that it’s a process not an event. 24:45 Principle #2: Listen first and listen a lot before you speak This is the way to gain confidence and create great relationships Ask lots of questions and really understand where they are coming from and going through 30:00 Helping individuals with doctrinal questions. They might not get answers to certain questions in this lifetime but you can bring them back to core principles and doctrines. 31:15 Principle #3: My role is to lead by serving. Be the first one to extend your hand or respond 36:50 Leading a Spanish unit in an English Stake. Walter shares his view on how to address common misconceptions that English speakers have. Remember that we are united by faith and struggle with a lot of the same things. 49:00 Apps they use in the ward. Whatsapp has helped them create different groups and communicate easier. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Walter Franco most recently served as a bishop and has previously served as an elders quorum president, Young Men president, Sunday School teacher, ward mission leader, and as a missionary in Jacksonville, Florida. He is a principal for a boutique sports business consulting firm based out of Park City, serves on a few University of Utah boards and the KSL Community Board, and is president of a non-profit that raises college scholarship funds for DACA students in Utah. Walter and his wife have been married for 14 years, have three daughters, and currently live in Herriman, Utah. Highlights 02:30 Getting called as a Bishop in a Spanish-speaking ward and ward dynamics 10:00 There is actually a lot of diversity in a Spanish-speaking ward. They are united by language but there are a lot of different cultures. It can cause drama and cliques and Walter talks about how they created more unity. 12:40 Principle #1: See them as the Lord sees them. 16:00 Walter gives examples of how he goes about helping people in the Bishop’s office. He strives to give the individual ownership of their repentance rather than just giving them a prescription like a doctor. 19:30 Walter elaborates more on how he works with other leaders in the ward and the struggle in the Spanish-speaking ward to have strong leadership. He gives examples of how he gives feedback. It’s important to understand that it’s a process not an event. 24:45 Principle #2: Listen first and listen a lot before you speak This is the way to gain confidence and create great relationships Ask lots of questions and really understand where they are coming from and going through 30:00 Helping individuals with doctrinal questions. They might not get answers to certain questions in this lifetime but you can bring them back to core principles and doctrines. 31:15 Principle #3: My role is to lead by serving. Be the first one to extend your hand or respond 36:50 Leading a Spanish unit in an English Stake. Walter shares his view on how to address common misconceptions that English speakers have. Remember that we are united by faith and struggle with a lot of the same things. 49:00 Apps they use in the ward. Whatsapp has helped them create different groups and communicate easier. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Clay Olsen serves as the CEO and Founder of Impact Suite, which owns and operates a suite of award-winning self-care apps that have helped hundreds of thousands of individuals find deeper healing and recovery in over 150 countries. Early in his career, he co-founded and lead the creation of Fight the New Drug—a youth movement dedicated to raising awareness on the harmful effects of pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation through science, facts, and personal accounts. He now sits on the board of directors and helps guide the larger vision. Highlights 01:15 Introduction to Clay Olsen. 05:00 What are bishops/leaders missing what it comes to pornography? Most are wildly naïve to the scope of pornography. Bishops focus on boosting their spirituality but don’t help the individual get professional help. Both are needed. 10:15 Therapy is just one way to get help with addiction but for some other methods might be more helpful. 13:00 Addiction can be a huge Mount Everest. Instead of focusing on the summit, focus on the next right step. 14:00 Addiction or mental health issues boil down to a deficiency in 1 of 3 relationships. Relationship with self Relationships with others Relationship and connection to a higher power 16:00 Clay highly recommends approaching recovery through community. Having a support system is a powerful tool for recovery. 20:45 Are Sunday School lessons on pornography helpful? Clay gives his tips on how to teach it. 29:00 How can do reduce shame around pornography addiction? Guilt vs shame What drives the shame? 42:20 Fight the New Drug and other organizations have a lot of free resources that leaders can use in lessons. 46:50 Fortify is an app designed to help individuals heal and recover. Missionaries will also have access to this app. 49:15 Clay and Kurt discuss accountability. Fortify is not an accountability app. 53:40 Is pornography an addiction? It’s a spectrum of struggle. Be careful of what you call an addiction, especially when talking about young people. 1:01:40 Often times a person struggling with pornography is also struggling with their mental health. 1:06:00 We often discount the role that our lifestyles and environments have played in our collective mental health. While depression can be genetic, it is most commonly a disease of our civilization and lifestyle. Links FightTheNewDrug.org ImpactSuite.com, workplace mental health support Brain, Heart, World docuseries Let's Talk About Porn, conversation blueprint Fortify, app for quitting porn Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Clay Olsen serves as the CEO and Founder of Impact Suite, which owns and operates a suite of award-winning self-care apps that have helped hundreds of thousands of individuals find deeper healing and recovery in over 150 countries. Early in his career, he co-founded and lead the creation of Fight the New Drug—a youth movement dedicated to raising awareness on the harmful effects of pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation through science, facts, and personal accounts. He now sits on the board of directors and helps guide the larger vision. Highlights 01:15 Introduction to Clay Olsen. 05:00 What are bishops/leaders missing what it comes to pornography? Most are wildly naïve to the scope of pornography. Bishops focus on boosting their spirituality but don’t help the individual get professional help. Both are needed. 10:15 Therapy is just one way to get help with addiction but for some other methods might be more helpful. 13:00 Addiction can be a huge Mount Everest. Instead of focusing on the summit, focus on the next right step. 14:00 Addiction or mental health issues boil down to a deficiency in 1 of 3 relationships. Relationship with self Relationships with others Relationship and connection to a higher power 16:00 Clay highly recommends approaching recovery through community. Having a support system is a powerful tool for recovery. 20:45 Are Sunday School lessons on pornography helpful? Clay gives his tips on how to teach it. 29:00 How can do reduce shame around pornography addiction? Guilt vs shame What drives the shame? 42:20 Fight the New Drug and other organizations have a lot of free resources that leaders can use in lessons. 46:50 Fortify is an app designed to help individuals heal and recover. Missionaries will also have access to this app. 49:15 Clay and Kurt discuss accountability. Fortify is not an accountability app. 53:40 Is pornography an addiction? It’s a spectrum of struggle. Be careful of what you call an addiction, especially when talking about young people. 1:01:40 Often times a person struggling with pornography is also struggling with their mental health. 1:06:00 We often discount the role that our lifestyles and environments have played in our collective mental health. While depression can be genetic, it is most commonly a disease of our civilization and lifestyle. Links FightTheNewDrug.org ImpactSuite.com, workplace mental health support Brain, Heart, World docuseries Let's Talk About Porn, conversation blueprint Fortify, app for quitting porn Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

In this podcast, Kurt sits down with four members of the Little Valley Stake in St. George, Utah, to talk about what happened when the stake president asked the youth (and their leaders) to plan stake conference. Guests include stake high councilor and Young Men leader Steve Chase, stake youth council member and high school sophomore Lucy Hansen, stake Young Women president Ashlie Bundy, and Brad Simister, second counselor in the stake presidency. Highlights 01:45 Introductions to the speakers. 03:20 Planning for stake conference. They felt that the stake youth committee should plan and prepare stake conference. 05:15 Lucy, from the youth council, describes how they went about planning everything. 05:45 Ashlie talks about the difficulties they encountered at first and her role as a leader to help the youth open up. 08:45 President Simister goes into how they structured the meetings. Overall, the stake president would just ask for updates but let everyone do their thing. 10:30 Lucy gives advice to other youth councils that might want to do the same thing. 11:15 The stake presidency planned the leadership meeting and youth were in charge of the adult session and general meeting. The youth committee was asked, “What do you want your parents to know?” That was the focus of the planning sessions and conference. 12:30 The benefit of having the youth help plan the conference was that they felt a part of it. It wasn’t just another adult meeting. 13:50 The youth chose the topics. They chose and wanted to hear about anxiety, mental health, how adults can connect with youth, and the second coming. 16:20 How they got the youth to open up, get engaged, and share ideas. 17:30 The leaders really stepped back and let the youth lead. 20:00 The stake president and other leaders were able to teach the youth how to create and get the agenda approved and speakers approved. 22:15 Lucy gives her perspective on how the stake conference went and how planning it changed her experience. 24:15 The youth felt special and valued by being included in the planning process. 26:10 Overall, the experience was positive for the youth and adult leaders. 26:50 There was more effort to include and work with the youth but there is power in it. It will help the youth with their future callings. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

In this podcast, Kurt sits down with four members of the Little Valley Stake in St. George, Utah, to talk about what happened when the stake president asked the youth (and their leaders) to plan stake conference. Guests include stake high councilor and Young Men leader Steve Chase, stake youth council member and high school sophomore Lucy Hansen, stake Young Women president Ashlie Bundy, and Brad Simister, second counselor in the stake presidency. Highlights 01:45 Introductions to the speakers. 03:20 Planning for stake conference. They felt that the stake youth committee should plan and prepare stake conference. 05:15 Lucy, from the youth council, describes how they went about planning everything. 05:45 Ashlie talks about the difficulties they encountered at first and her role as a leader to help the youth open up. 08:45 President Simister goes into how they structured the meetings. Overall, the stake president would just ask for updates but let everyone do their thing. 10:30 Lucy gives advice to other youth councils that might want to do the same thing. 11:15 The stake presidency planned the leadership meeting and youth were in charge of the adult session and general meeting. The youth committee was asked, “What do you want your parents to know?” That was the focus of the planning sessions and conference. 12:30 The benefit of having the youth help plan the conference was that they felt a part of it. It wasn’t just another adult meeting. 13:50 The youth chose the topics. They chose and wanted to hear about anxiety, mental health, how adults can connect with youth, and the second coming. 16:20 How they got the youth to open up, get engaged, and share ideas. 17:30 The leaders really stepped back and let the youth lead. 20:00 The stake president and other leaders were able to teach the youth how to create and get the agenda approved and speakers approved. 22:15 Lucy gives her perspective on how the stake conference went and how planning it changed her experience. 24:15 The youth felt special and valued by being included in the planning process. 26:10 Overall, the experience was positive for the youth and adult leaders. 26:50 There was more effort to include and work with the youth but there is power in it. It will help the youth with their future callings. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Brian Klaas is an expert on democracy, authoritarianism, US Politics, Western foreign policy, political violence, and elections. He has advised governments, US political campaigns, international politicians, the European Union, NATO, and more. Brian holds a doctorate in politics from the University of Oxford and is an associate professor in Global Politics at University College London. He is a regular commentator and political consultant to an extensive lineup of international media outlets, a Washington Post columnist, and the author of several books, including Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us, a look at what power is, who gets it, and what happens when they do. Highlights 01:45 Brian tells about his background, work, and new book. 05:45 Corruption in power 10:15 A lot of the time the wrong people get into power because of their superficial charm. 12:45 The importance of having the right people in power and the consequential outcomes 14:25 Studies show that we choose leaders by how they look. 16:00 Do we have biases, based on looks, in the church when selecting leaders? 20:00 How can we pick the best leaders without letting our natural human biases get in the way? 27:00 Brian’s overall message from his book is that there are better and worse ways to select leaders. It takes a lot of self reflection. 28:00 Systems matter a lot for how humans behave. Brian explains why that matters. 29:40 As latter-day saints we are afraid to challenge the system. 30:50 We don’t always have to destroy the whole system but maybe tweak something small that could make a big difference or be more effective. 34:50 Different types of power hungry people; it isn’t always bad. There is a stigma in church that people shouldn’t want high leadership roles and power. It’s all about being humble. 40:30 Hungry to serve rather than power hungry 43:45 Does having a position of power corrupt us? 48:15 Kurt describes his experience as bishop in an inner city area that had high need. He had to balance his empathy for these people but still stay in control of the finances. 49:30 The goldilocks solution: just the right amount of emotional distance. As leaders we have to have a balance of empathy and pragmatism. 54:30 How do we deal with corrupt leaders? Links Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us BrianPKlass.com Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Brian Klaas is an expert on democracy, authoritarianism, US Politics, Western foreign policy, political violence, and elections. He has advised governments, US political campaigns, international politicians, the European Union, NATO, and more. Brian holds a doctorate in politics from the University of Oxford and is an associate professor in Global Politics at University College London. He is a regular commentator and political consultant to an extensive lineup of international media outlets, a Washington Post columnist, and the author of several books, including Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us, a look at what power is, who gets it, and what happens when they do. Highlights 01:45 Brian tells about his background, work, and new book. 05:45 Corruption in power 10:15 A lot of the time the wrong people get into power because of their superficial charm. 12:45 The importance of having the right people in power and the consequential outcomes 14:25 Studies show that we choose leaders by how they look. 16:00 Do we have biases, based on looks, in the church when selecting leaders? 20:00 How can we pick the best leaders without letting our natural human biases get in the way? 27:00 Brian’s overall message from his book is that there are better and worse ways to select leaders. It takes a lot of self reflection. 28:00 Systems matter a lot for how humans behave. Brian explains why that matters. 29:40 As latter-day saints we are afraid to challenge the system. 30:50 We don’t always have to destroy the whole system but maybe tweak something small that could make a big difference or be more effective. 34:50 Different types of power hungry people; it isn’t always bad. There is a stigma in church that people shouldn’t want high leadership roles and power. It’s all about being humble. 40:30 Hungry to serve rather than power hungry 43:45 Does having a position of power corrupt us? 48:15 Kurt describes his experience as bishop in an inner city area that had high need. He had to balance his empathy for these people but still stay in control of the finances. 49:30 The goldilocks solution: just the right amount of emotional distance. As leaders we have to have a balance of empathy and pragmatism. 54:30 How do we deal with corrupt leaders? Links Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us BrianPKlass.com Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in June 2019. We are instructed in the General Handbook (8.1.1) that “Members of the elders quorum work together to help accomplish the work of salvation and exaltation. They serve others, fulfill priesthood duties, build unity, and learn and live doctrine.” How effective is your quorum at succeeding in this purpose? Is there more that can be done to leverage the inspired quorum structure that has been restored in these latter days? The reality is, men live lives of quiet desperation even while attending elders quorum once a week. They attend elders quorum with the hope of brotherhood, unity, and a restoration of their heart. Every man is striving to answer one question, “Do I have what it takes?” They wonder if they have what it takes to support a family, keep their job, overcome addiction, maintain their worthiness. They know the restored gospel can help them answer that question but they don’t know where to find the answer. In this episode, Kurt Francom discusses some points to consider related to the heart of men and how the adversary is winning the heart of many men in ways we may not expect. There is great opportunity to build brotherhood in our quorum in order to give more purpose in the lives of those who attend. Kurt also discusses the powerful experience he and others have had by attending a Wild at Heart Boot Camp and how it can help establish an effective model for increasing elders quorum brotherhood and unity. Next Boot Camp Details & Registration Highlights 02:45 Is Elder’s quorum a revelatory experience? 04:20 The number one thing that men would change about Elder’s Quorum, that isn’t a policy, is to have more informal meetings and get togethers. They are seeking more connection and comradery. 06:25 What is the purpose of Elders Quorum? 08:20 Never let an Elders Quorum meeting turn into another Sunday School class. 9:45 As an Elders Quorum Presidency, are you fulfilling your purpose to: Serve others Build unity and brotherhood Instruct members on doctrines, principles, and duties 11:45 Kurt quotes a blog by Sheldon Lawrence, “A Quorum of Strangers.” Mormon men live isolated and lonely lives. 14:00 Kurt quotes proverbs 12:27 “The substance of a diligent man is precious.” 14:30 What is the biggest threat to men today? The heart of men is under attack. Everyday men ask themselves, “Do I have what it takes?” 16:25 How does the adversary work? 19:25 Kurt talks about how to help the men that are struggling and the things that are probably not going to help. 23:45 Kurt describes the book Wild at Heart by John Eldridge. The main three concepts of the book are: A battle to fight An adventure to live A beauty to rescue 28:00 Kurt relates his experience of going to the Wild at Heart boot camp, which Kurt describes as a leadership conference in the woods. 33:00 Chris shares his story of healing, doubting God, and going to the Wild at Heart men’s retreat. 44:00 The thing that impressed Chris most about the retreat was how the men interacted with each other. They came together and “prayed on” each other. 46:40 One thing that Chris was introduced to at the retreat is worship music and it’s something that he has been able to take home to keep changing. 48:00 Steve shares his experience at the Wild at Heart retreat and recovery from addiction. 50:30 The biggest thing that impacted Steve was experiencing God’s love through brotherhood. 54:00 James White from Southern California shares his journey getting to boot camp and his experience there. 59:20 James from Utah shares his struggle with pornography, going through the shame cycle, and his anger with God. Boot camp changed the spiritual trajectory of his life. 1:06:35 Orin shares how going to boot camp helped him and how it strengthened his relationship with God. 1:11:40 Kurt concludes by sharing more about the retreat and how to s...

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in June 2019. We are instructed in the General Handbook (8.1.1) that “Members of the elders quorum work together to help accomplish the work of salvation and exaltation. They serve others, fulfill priesthood duties, build unity, and learn and live doctrine.” How effective is your quorum at succeeding in this purpose? Is there more that can be done to leverage the inspired quorum structure that has been restored in these latter days? The reality is, men live lives of quiet desperation even while attending elders quorum once a week. They attend elders quorum with the hope of brotherhood, unity, and a restoration of their heart. Every man is striving to answer one question, “Do I have what it takes?” They wonder if they have what it takes to support a family, keep their job, overcome addiction, maintain their worthiness. They know the restored gospel can help them answer that question but they don’t know where to find the answer. In this episode, Kurt Francom discusses some points to consider related to the heart of men and how the adversary is winning the heart of many men in ways we may not expect. There is great opportunity to build brotherhood in our quorum in order to give more purpose in the lives of those who attend. Kurt also discusses the powerful experience he and others have had by attending a Wild at Heart Boot Camp and how it can help establish an effective model for increasing elders quorum brotherhood and unity. Next Boot Camp Details & Registration Highlights 02:45 Is Elder’s quorum a revelatory experience? 04:20 The number one thing that men would change about Elder’s Quorum, that isn’t a policy, is to have more informal meetings and get togethers. They are seeking more connection and comradery. 06:25 What is the purpose of Elders Quorum? 08:20 Never let an Elders Quorum meeting turn into another Sunday School class. 9:45 As an Elders Quorum Presidency, are you fulfilling your purpose to: Serve others Build unity and brotherhood Instruct members on doctrines, principles, and duties 11:45 Kurt quotes a blog by Sheldon Lawrence, “A Quorum of Strangers.” Mormon men live isolated and lonely lives. 14:00 Kurt quotes proverbs 12:27 “The substance of a diligent man is precious.” 14:30 What is the biggest threat to men today? The heart of men is under attack. Everyday men ask themselves, “Do I have what it takes?” 16:25 How does the adversary work? 19:25 Kurt talks about how to help the men that are struggling and the things that are probably not going to help. 23:45 Kurt describes the book Wild at Heart by John Eldridge. The main three concepts of the book are: A battle to fight An adventure to live A beauty to rescue 28:00 Kurt relates his experience of going to the Wild at Heart boot camp, which Kurt describes as a leadership conference in the woods. 33:00 Chris shares his story of healing, doubting God, and going to the Wild at Heart men’s retreat. 44:00 The thing that impressed Chris most about the retreat was how the men interacted with each other. They came together and “prayed on” each other. 46:40 One thing that Chris was introduced to at the retreat is worship music and it’s something that he has been able to take home to keep changing. 48:00 Steve shares his experience at the Wild at Heart retreat and recovery from addiction. 50:30 The biggest thing that impacted Steve was experiencing God’s love through brotherhood. 54:00 James White from Southern California shares his journey getting to boot camp and his experience there. 59:20 James from Utah shares his struggle with pornography, going through the shame cycle, and his anger with God. Boot camp changed the spiritual trajectory of his life. 1:06:35 Orin shares how going to boot camp helped him and how it strengthened his relationship with God. 1:11:40 Kurt concludes by sharing more about the retreat and how to s...

Bonnie Lyman has a BA in Elementary Education, is the parent of five "grown up kids", and a certified life coach. She has served as a ward Relief Society, Primary, and Young Women president, as a stake Young Women president and Primary counselor, a youth Sunday School, Primary, and Relief Society teacher, and as a mission medical coordinator and a music coordinator. Bonnie and her husband served in the Kenya Nairobi Mission as service missionaries before she launched her coaching business in 2019, and she now works with women struggling in their relationships with their adult children. Highlights 02:15 Introduction to Bonnie and her mission with her husband. 04:30 Bonnie talks about what she does and navigating life with adult children. 08:15 Bonnie talks about the biggest concerns that parents have with adult children. Most parents are concerned about their children leaving the Church and how to deal with it. 11:45 As parents to adult children remember that your only job is to love them. 12:15 One of the biggest things that parents of adult children struggle with is their children’s choices. They think that their children’s choices are a reflection of their parenting. 19:00 Remember that your kids have agency. As parents we get stuck knowing what our responsibility is as a parent and when to let our kids exercise their agency. 21:30 Sometimes we have to surrender to God and remember that He is the all knowing parent. We have to stay out of God’s business. 25:30 Bonnie gives her advice on how parents can deal with different behaviors from not moving out to drugs and alcohol. 31:50 We depend too much on our adult children to meet our needs. We are responsible for fulfilling our own needs. For example: Wanting equal time for holidays Wanting your children to call you everyday 34:35 How Bonnie would coach a parent wanting their children to fulfill their needs. Identify what they were feeling and the thought that was creating that feeling 40:45 What can parents do who have children who have completely severed the relationship? 46:50 What kind of a relationship do you have with yourself? The more you accept yourself, the more you can accept others for who they are. Links BonnieLyman.com Podcast: Loving on Purpose Instagram: @bonnielymancoaching Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Bonnie Lyman has a BA in Elementary Education, is the parent of five "grown up kids", and a certified life coach. She has served as a ward Relief Society, Primary, and Young Women president, as a stake Young Women president and Primary counselor, a youth Sunday School, Primary, and Relief Society teacher, and as a mission medical coordinator and a music coordinator. Bonnie and her husband served in the Kenya Nairobi Mission as service missionaries before she launched her coaching business in 2019, and she now works with women struggling in their relationships with their adult children. Highlights 02:15 Introduction to Bonnie and her mission with her husband. 04:30 Bonnie talks about what she does and navigating life with adult children. 08:15 Bonnie talks about the biggest concerns that parents have with adult children. Most parents are concerned about their children leaving the Church and how to deal with it. 11:45 As parents to adult children remember that your only job is to love them. 12:15 One of the biggest things that parents of adult children struggle with is their children’s choices. They think that their children’s choices are a reflection of their parenting. 19:00 Remember that your kids have agency. As parents we get stuck knowing what our responsibility is as a parent and when to let our kids exercise their agency. 21:30 Sometimes we have to surrender to God and remember that He is the all knowing parent. We have to stay out of God’s business. 25:30 Bonnie gives her advice on how parents can deal with different behaviors from not moving out to drugs and alcohol. 31:50 We depend too much on our adult children to meet our needs. We are responsible for fulfilling our own needs. For example: Wanting equal time for holidays Wanting your children to call you everyday 34:35 How Bonnie would coach a parent wanting their children to fulfill their needs. Identify what they were feeling and the thought that was creating that feeling 40:45 What can parents do who have children who have completely severed the relationship? 46:50 What kind of a relationship do you have with yourself? The more you accept yourself, the more you can accept others for who they are. Links BonnieLyman.com Podcast: Loving on Purpose Instagram: @bonnielymancoaching Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Gregory K. Stapley is the executive chairman and recently-retired chief executive officer of CareTrust REIT, a real estate investment trust investing in healthcare real estate. He received his J.D. from the University of Arizona and his B.A. in Humanities from Brigham Young University. He is a stake president and former high councilor, bishop, bishopric counselor, Gospel Doctrine teacher and missionary in the Spain Seville Mission. Deborah E. Stapley got her start in television in the late 80’s after winning a nationwide how-to video competition on ABC’s The Home Show. She spent the next 15 years appearing on The Home Show, Good Morning America, The Leeza Show, and The Better Homes and Gardens Network. She eventually hosted several craft shows on the DIY network and The Learning Channel and served as a spokesperson for Department 56 and Charles Craft. She is a Relief Society teacher and former stake Relief Society president, stake Relief Society presidency counselor, stake music chair, stake temple youth celebration director, ward Young Women president, ward Young Women adviser, ward missionary, and Primary chorister. Greg and Deborah have six children and fifteen grandchildren, and live in San Juan Capistrano, California. They have accepted the calling to serve as mission leaders over the Mexico Querétaro Mission beginning July 2022. Highlights 01:45 Introduction to Gregory and Deborah Stapley and their call to be mission leaders 06:15 Deborah talks about how they are preparing for their mission. 09:00 Deborah talks about the years where her husband was a bishop and stake president. 11:30 Greg’s work background and callings in the church 13:30 Greg talks about the different leadership dynamics in a business setting versus in a church setting. Church is about the people, not the programs. 15:15 You have to have a lot more patience with people at church than you do in business. Remember that the Lord takes care of the outcomes in church and your focus should be on helping people grow. 19:50 Deborah relates her experience as a stake Relief Society president and the biggest things that she learned 25:30 Gregory describes how he went about loving and connecting with people as a stake president and bishop. 33:15 We have a natural instinct to oversolve problems and miss the mark in both business and the church 34:50 Kurt’s story of how it could be possible to miss the mark 36:40 Greg and Deborah speak about how being a leader has made them better disciples of Jesus Christ Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Gregory K. Stapley is the executive chairman and recently-retired chief executive officer of CareTrust REIT, a real estate investment trust investing in healthcare real estate. He received his J.D. from the University of Arizona and his B.A. in Humanities from Brigham Young University. He is a stake president and former high councilor, bishop, bishopric counselor, Gospel Doctrine teacher and missionary in the Spain Seville Mission. Deborah E. Stapley got her start in television in the late 80’s after winning a nationwide how-to video competition on ABC’s The Home Show. She spent the next 15 years appearing on The Home Show, Good Morning America, The Leeza Show, and The Better Homes and Gardens Network. She eventually hosted several craft shows on the DIY network and The Learning Channel and served as a spokesperson for Department 56 and Charles Craft. She is a Relief Society teacher and former stake Relief Society president, stake Relief Society presidency counselor, stake music chair, stake temple youth celebration director, ward Young Women president, ward Young Women adviser, ward missionary, and Primary chorister. Greg and Deborah have six children and fifteen grandchildren, and live in San Juan Capistrano, California. They have accepted the calling to serve as mission leaders over the Mexico Querétaro Mission beginning July 2022. Highlights 01:45 Introduction to Gregory and Deborah Stapley and their call to be mission leaders 06:15 Deborah talks about how they are preparing for their mission. 09:00 Deborah talks about the years where her husband was a bishop and stake president. 11:30 Greg’s work background and callings in the church 13:30 Greg talks about the different leadership dynamics in a business setting versus in a church setting. Church is about the people, not the programs. 15:15 You have to have a lot more patience with people at church than you do in business. Remember that the Lord takes care of the outcomes in church and your focus should be on helping people grow. 19:50 Deborah relates her experience as a stake Relief Society president and the biggest things that she learned 25:30 Gregory describes how he went about loving and connecting with people as a stake president and bishop. 33:15 We have a natural instinct to oversolve problems and miss the mark in both business and the church 34:50 Kurt’s story of how it could be possible to miss the mark 36:40 Greg and Deborah speak about how being a leader has made them better disciples of Jesus Christ Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Dennis R. Deaton is co-founder of Quma Learning Systems and a nationally known corporate educator and popular convention speaker on Mind Management, Human Productivity, Visioneering and The Ownership Spirit. He has taught numerous adult education classes for the Church Education System and was a regular speaker at BYU Campus Education Week for 22 years. Dennis received his BA degree from the University of Utah and his doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis, and has authored several books including his capstone work, Looking Unto Christ in Every Thought: Defeating Fear, Doubt and Discouragement, which was released this year. Dennis served a full-time mission to Italy and has held numerous leadership positions in the Church: elders quorum president, branch president, bishop, high councilor, stake Young Men president, and counselor in a stake presidency. He and his wife, Susan, reside in Queen Creek, Arizona, and are the parents of nine children and thirty grandchildren. He currently serves as stake patriarch and as a temple worker in the Gilbert Arizona temple. Highlights 01:15 Introduction to Dennis Deaton 03:00 Dennis’ journey started in dentistry but ended up in teaching. 06:30 Dennis talks about his leadership experience and his training company. 11:40 What is mind management? How can leaders apply it? 22:15 We are responsible for our state of mind. Remember that attitude is a choice. You are in charge of the states of mind that you dwell in. 25:25 We all receive temptations but we get to choose the intensity and duration of those temptations. We need to intercept those thoughts. 28:15 How can leaders help those they lead with mind management and dealing with negative thoughts and temptations? A great leader is a great teacher Validate their feelings first and then teach them about their feelings and where those thoughts are coming from 31:00 Are the negative thoughts coming from ourselves or our enemy? Start questioning your thoughts and where they are coming from. 35:00 Righteousness is being enticed to do evil and not going there. 36:20 There is an aggressive force that is against our eternal progression. Satan interjects thoughts into our heads so subtly that we think they are our own. We have to push back against these thoughts and turn to God. 39:00 How do we look unto Christ in every thought? 44:00 Satan uses fear to paralyze us and prevent us from acting on possibilities. He wants to prevent us from even starting. 48:00 Satan uses discouragement to get us to quit. There is no magic solution except to keep going and keep praying. 49:45 Always have a pad and pencil close by when you pray. Be ready to listen. 51:40 Dennis speaks about his experience as a Patriarch and what he does to prepare for giving blessings. Links Looking Unto Christ in Every Thought: Defeating Fear, Doubt and Discouragement Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Dennis R. Deaton is co-founder of Quma Learning Systems and a nationally known corporate educator and popular convention speaker on Mind Management, Human Productivity, Visioneering and The Ownership Spirit. He has taught numerous adult education classes for the Church Education System and was a regular speaker at BYU Campus Education Week for 22 years. Dennis received his BA degree from the University of Utah and his doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis, and has authored several books including his capstone work, Looking Unto Christ in Every Thought: Defeating Fear, Doubt and Discouragement, which was released this year. Dennis served a full-time mission to Italy and has held numerous leadership positions in the Church: elders quorum president, branch president, bishop, high councilor, stake Young Men president, and counselor in a stake presidency. He and his wife, Susan, reside in Queen Creek, Arizona, and are the parents of nine children and thirty grandchildren. He currently serves as stake patriarch and as a temple worker in the Gilbert Arizona temple. Highlights 01:15 Introduction to Dennis Deaton 03:00 Dennis’ journey started in dentistry but ended up in teaching. 06:30 Dennis talks about his leadership experience and his training company. 11:40 What is mind management? How can leaders apply it? 22:15 We are responsible for our state of mind. Remember that attitude is a choice. You are in charge of the states of mind that you dwell in. 25:25 We all receive temptations but we get to choose the intensity and duration of those temptations. We need to intercept those thoughts. 28:15 How can leaders help those they lead with mind management and dealing with negative thoughts and temptations? A great leader is a great teacher Validate their feelings first and then teach them about their feelings and where those thoughts are coming from 31:00 Are the negative thoughts coming from ourselves or our enemy? Start questioning your thoughts and where they are coming from. 35:00 Righteousness is being enticed to do evil and not going there. 36:20 There is an aggressive force that is against our eternal progression. Satan interjects thoughts into our heads so subtly that we think they are our own. We have to push back against these thoughts and turn to God. 39:00 How do we look unto Christ in every thought? 44:00 Satan uses fear to paralyze us and prevent us from acting on possibilities. He wants to prevent us from even starting. 48:00 Satan uses discouragement to get us to quit. There is no magic solution except to keep going and keep praying. 49:45 Always have a pad and pencil close by when you pray. Be ready to listen. 51:40 Dennis speaks about his experience as a Patriarch and what he does to prepare for giving blessings. Links Looking Unto Christ in Every Thought: Defeating Fear, Doubt and Discouragement Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Tim Welch currently serves as second counselor in the Provo Missionary Training Center presidency. He previously presided over the Ohio Cincinnati Mission and has served as a stake president, bishop, high councilor, MTC branch presidency counselor, ward Young Men president, elders quorum president and missionary in the Michigan Lansing Mission. Professionally, he was vice president of sales for Won-Door Corporation. He and his wife Michele have five children and live in Highland, Utah. Highlights 01:30 President Welch’s background and callings 03:15 President Welch talks about his experience so far in the MTC 06:40 Current plan for missionaries entering the MTC 09:45 How should missionaries prepare for the mission? President Welch gives his advice from his experience as a Mission President and MTC Counselor 14:20 When everything is important then nothing is important. Simplify and find a place to focus. The central message is to be holy and clean and everything that is taught should stay close to that central message. 17:00 President Welch gives an example of how he taught his missionaries 20:30 Sometimes leaders overcomplicate the Lord’s work and try to be strategic. However, the most important thing to do as a leader is to model how to be clean and holy. 23:30 A mission president’s focus shouldn’t be numbers. When we focus more on faith, obedience, and sanctification then the numbers will get better too. 27:15 When we focus too much on convert baptisms we miss the true message. Missionaries need to be having deep and powerful experiences that are going to change their lives and make them better people. 27:40 How can local leaders work better with missionaries and vice versa? Let’s trust that God will do the work and he will lead us. It’s not about making people uncomfortable and getting them to do things that they don’t want to do. 37:00 God’s work is like no other work and we cannot treat it like any other work 40:00 Understanding passion and the doctrine behind it Links The Father's Day Classic Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Tim Welch currently serves as second counselor in the Provo Missionary Training Center presidency. He previously presided over the Ohio Cincinnati Mission and has served as a stake president, bishop, high councilor, MTC branch presidency counselor, ward Young Men president, elders quorum president and missionary in the Michigan Lansing Mission. Professionally, he was vice president of sales for Won-Door Corporation. He and his wife Michele have five children and live in Highland, Utah. Highlights 01:30 President Welch’s background and callings 03:15 President Welch talks about his experience so far in the MTC 06:40 Current plan for missionaries entering the MTC 09:45 How should missionaries prepare for the mission? President Welch gives his advice from his experience as a Mission President and MTC Counselor 14:20 When everything is important then nothing is important. Simplify and find a place to focus. The central message is to be holy and clean and everything that is taught should stay close to that central message. 17:00 President Welch gives an example of how he taught his missionaries 20:30 Sometimes leaders overcomplicate the Lord’s work and try to be strategic. However, the most important thing to do as a leader is to model how to be clean and holy. 23:30 A mission president’s focus shouldn’t be numbers. When we focus more on faith, obedience, and sanctification then the numbers will get better too. 27:15 When we focus too much on convert baptisms we miss the true message. Missionaries need to be having deep and powerful experiences that are going to change their lives and make them better people. 27:40 How can local leaders work better with missionaries and vice versa? Let’s trust that God will do the work and he will lead us. It’s not about making people uncomfortable and getting them to do things that they don’t want to do. 37:00 God’s work is like no other work and we cannot treat it like any other work 40:00 Understanding passion and the doctrine behind it Links The Father's Day Classic Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Emily Belle Freeman is a best-selling author and popular inspirational speaker. She has a deep love of the scriptures, which comes from a desire to find their application in everyday life. She is the author of numerous books, a favorite speaker at Time Out for Women, and cohosts with David Butler Don't Miss This, a "Come, Follow Me" study channel on YouTube. Emily has served in numerous callings in the Church, including in Young Women, Sunday School, Relief Society, and fourteen times as girls camp director. Her greatest joy comes from spending time with her family. Highlights 1:15 Introduction to Emily Belle Freeman 3:15 Emily’s calling experience 4:00 What Emily learned as a girls camp director. She has been Girls Camp Director about 14 times. She explains how she let the girls lead girls camp. 10:15 Emily gives tips to structure girls camp. She involves the girls and they brainstorm all the activities, food, and ect all together. 12:00 One thing Emily learned as a Relief Society President 14:40 What should a leader do or say going to visit someone in the hospital? Just be there. 20:30 Emily and Kurt discuss grace and how we can give grace as leaders The difference between grace and the atonement Jesus will meet you where you are as you are with grace You don’t have to qualify for grace. It’s not after all you can do. 24:45 The different types of grace Saving grace helps us overcome sin and death Exalting grace helps you become like Him. It transforms us and lifts us up. 26:30 As leaders we need to begin by meeting people where they are as they are (acceptance stage). It’s then that we invite Jesus in and lift. 28:25 Grace in the context of the bishop’s office. Meet them where they are first and then see how they need to be lifted Love needs boundaries 31:45 Kurt and Emily discuss giving people grace but also having expectations for them. Emily shares a personal story of grace. 37:15 Bishops should acknowledge that people dealing with addictions and other problems are going to mess up and that’s ok. They shouldn’t set high expectations right off the bat. Expect them to mess up for a while as they go through the healing and changing process. 40:20 What is grace? Making space for growth and mistakes 41:50 Repentance: to turn again or turn back to. Repentance and grace work together as we turn to God for enabling strength. 44:45 What should bishops do to help people repent or turn back to God? 47:50 How does grace work when dealing with someone that has been excommunicated? Links Grace Where You Are Grace to Become EmilyBelleFreeman.com Don't Miss This Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Emily Belle Freeman is a best-selling author and popular inspirational speaker. She has a deep love of the scriptures, which comes from a desire to find their application in everyday life. She is the author of numerous books, a favorite speaker at Time Out for Women, and cohosts with David Butler Don't Miss This, a "Come, Follow Me" study channel on YouTube. Emily has served in numerous callings in the Church, including in Young Women, Sunday School, Relief Society, and fourteen times as girls camp director. Her greatest joy comes from spending time with her family. Highlights 1:15 Introduction to Emily Belle Freeman 3:15 Emily’s calling experience 4:00 What Emily learned as a girls camp director. She has been Girls Camp Director about 14 times. She explains how she let the girls lead girls camp. 10:15 Emily gives tips to structure girls camp. She involves the girls and they brainstorm all the activities, food, and ect all together. 12:00 One thing Emily learned as a Relief Society President 14:40 What should a leader do or say going to visit someone in the hospital? Just be there. 20:30 Emily and Kurt discuss grace and how we can give grace as leaders The difference between grace and the atonement Jesus will meet you where you are as you are with grace You don’t have to qualify for grace. It’s not after all you can do. 24:45 The different types of grace Saving grace helps us overcome sin and death Exalting grace helps you become like Him. It transforms us and lifts us up. 26:30 As leaders we need to begin by meeting people where they are as they are (acceptance stage). It’s then that we invite Jesus in and lift. 28:25 Grace in the context of the bishop’s office. Meet them where they are first and then see how they need to be lifted Love needs boundaries 31:45 Kurt and Emily discuss giving people grace but also having expectations for them. Emily shares a personal story of grace. 37:15 Bishops should acknowledge that people dealing with addictions and other problems are going to mess up and that’s ok. They shouldn’t set high expectations right off the bat. Expect them to mess up for a while as they go through the healing and changing process. 40:20 What is grace? Making space for growth and mistakes 41:50 Repentance: to turn again or turn back to. Repentance and grace work together as we turn to God for enabling strength. 44:45 What should bishops do to help people repent or turn back to God? 47:50 How does grace work when dealing with someone that has been excommunicated? Links Grace Where You Are Grace to Become EmilyBelleFreeman.com Don't Miss This Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Barton Stuart Sloat was born in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, the youngest of four children. He attended BYU before serving a mission in the Nevada Las Vegas Mission, and later attended the University of Utah, graduating in Political Science and receiving a commission as a 2d Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He served as an Infantry Officer and commanded at the platoon, company, battalion and regimental level. He also served in numerous staff positions, including the faculty at the Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia, and on several combat tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He retired as a Colonel with 32 years of active duty in 2012. Bart’s church service has included serving as a counselor in four bishoprics, a member of the high council, and in numerous teaching callings. He served as bishop and then stake president, and he and his wife, Anne, have been called to serve as mission leaders in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission beginning in July of 2022. The Sloats have five children and 19+ grandchildren. Highlights 01:15 Introduction to Bart Sloat and his leadership background 10:15 Bart describes the process of becoming a better leader in the military 14:00 Bart talks about what he learned from his leaders and mentors 15:00 The people that you are leading only care about four things. If you do those four things they will follow you anywhere. They have to know that you REALLY care about them Really care about their family That you are fair That you are consistent 16:00 God very rarely tells us why when he gives us a commandment. When people trust you as a leader they won’t need to ask you why. 17:00 Bart’s leadership experience in the church 18:15 Impactful moments from Bart’s Marine Corp experience 23:40 Stimulus vs. response 25:30 Transitioning from a military leader to a new Bishop 30:30 The Bishop’s focus should be on the youth. Help the ward understand this and consistently talk about it. 32:30 What Bart learned as a Bishop. People confuse God’s love and God’s approval. Help people understand that the commandments were given for our benefit. 35:30 Transitioning from being a Bishop to a Stake President and what he learned in the process 37:30 We should first be converted to the Lord and then the Church. Baptism is for the remission of sins not membership in the church and same with the sacrament. 46:30 Thoughts on becoming a Mission President. His main goal is to help each missionary feel the love of God, find success, and keep them there. 47:25 Bart’s learning experience being a Stake President and dealing with missionaries 50:40 Truly caring about people is the most important thing to do as a leader Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Barton Stuart Sloat was born in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, the youngest of four children. He attended BYU before serving a mission in the Nevada Las Vegas Mission, and later attended the University of Utah, graduating in Political Science and receiving a commission as a 2d Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He served as an Infantry Officer and commanded at the platoon, company, battalion and regimental level. He also served in numerous staff positions, including the faculty at the Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia, and on several combat tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He retired as a Colonel with 32 years of active duty in 2012. Bart’s church service has included serving as a counselor in four bishoprics, a member of the high council, and in numerous teaching callings. He served as bishop and then stake president, and he and his wife, Anne, have been called to serve as mission leaders in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission beginning in July of 2022. The Sloats have five children and 19+ grandchildren. Highlights 01:15 Introduction to Bart Sloat and his leadership background 10:15 Bart describes the process of becoming a better leader in the military 14:00 Bart talks about what he learned from his leaders and mentors 15:00 The people that you are leading only care about four things. If you do those four things they will follow you anywhere. They have to know that you REALLY care about them Really care about their family That you are fair That you are consistent 16:00 God very rarely tells us why when he gives us a commandment. When people trust you as a leader they won’t need to ask you why. 17:00 Bart’s leadership experience in the church 18:15 Impactful moments from Bart’s Marine Corp experience 23:40 Stimulus vs. response 25:30 Transitioning from a military leader to a new Bishop 30:30 The Bishop’s focus should be on the youth. Help the ward understand this and consistently talk about it. 32:30 What Bart learned as a Bishop. People confuse God’s love and God’s approval. Help people understand that the commandments were given for our benefit. 35:30 Transitioning from being a Bishop to a Stake President and what he learned in the process 37:30 We should first be converted to the Lord and then the Church. Baptism is for the remission of sins not membership in the church and same with the sacrament. 46:30 Thoughts on becoming a Mission President. His main goal is to help each missionary feel the love of God, find success, and keep them there. 47:25 Bart’s learning experience being a Stake President and dealing with missionaries 50:40 Truly caring about people is the most important thing to do as a leader Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Michele Portlock is a mother of four children living in Parker, Colorado. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Brigham Young University and worked as an elementary school teacher for two years before taking an extended sabbatical to raise her family. Michele recently completed a master’s degree in behavior therapy from Arizona State University where she developed skills which enable her to help others navigate the autism experience. Michele has three neurodivergent children, and has spent countless hours researching and studying how to best provide necessary and adequate resources for her children. This learning sparked a desire in Michele to reach out and help other parents navigate the autism spectrum in a meaningful way. At church, Michele has served as a stake public affairs assistant director, in a Primary presidency and a Relief Society presidency, and as a teacher. She currently serves as the Relief Society president in her ward. Highlights 3:45 What does spectrum mean in the world of autism? 8:20 How can leaders help people that are autistic? Take autism on an individual basis Each autistic person has different needs 11:15 Autistic individuals don’t always pick up on social cues. They can be very direct and honest, which could make others feel uncomfortable. 13:00 Many but not all autistic individuals have alexithymia, which is the lack of awareness of emotions. It’s difficult to understand others' emotions. 16:00 Autism can be an invisible disability 17:30 Michele gives advice to the parents of autistic children and explains how she involves the leaders or teachers of her children 22:15 Is autism genetic? 25:00 Leadership and autism 30:00 Would it be possible for an autistic individual to handle a big calling? 35:30 Autistic individuals take a more logical approach rather than an emotional or empathetic one. Sometimes they can come off cold or harsh but that’s just how they think. It’s not them trying to offend. Learning to communicate with these individuals is important. 42:15 Michele shares her experience as a Relief Society president. Her number one takeaway is that we won’t always connect with people but ministering is an opportunity to learn, love and listen. 47:10 When we accommodate one, we unknowingly accommodate many. We need to focus on inclusion because it’s a way to show love. Links Podcast: Navigating the Spectrum with Michele Portlock MichelePortlock.com Leading Those with Special Needs | An Interview with Stan Beagley Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Michele Portlock is a mother of four children living in Parker, Colorado. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Brigham Young University and worked as an elementary school teacher for two years before taking an extended sabbatical to raise her family. Michele recently completed a master’s degree in behavior therapy from Arizona State University where she developed skills which enable her to help others navigate the autism experience. Michele has three neurodivergent children, and has spent countless hours researching and studying how to best provide necessary and adequate resources for her children. This learning sparked a desire in Michele to reach out and help other parents navigate the autism spectrum in a meaningful way. At church, Michele has served as a stake public affairs assistant director, in a Primary presidency and a Relief Society presidency, and as a teacher. She currently serves as the Relief Society president in her ward. Highlights 3:45 What does spectrum mean in the world of autism? 8:20 How can leaders help people that are autistic? Take autism on an individual basis Each autistic person has different needs 11:15 Autistic individuals don’t always pick up on social cues. They can be very direct and honest, which could make others feel uncomfortable. 13:00 Many but not all autistic individuals have alexithymia, which is the lack of awareness of emotions. It’s difficult to understand others' emotions. 16:00 Autism can be an invisible disability 17:30 Michele gives advice to the parents of autistic children and explains how she involves the leaders or teachers of her children 22:15 Is autism genetic? 25:00 Leadership and autism 30:00 Would it be possible for an autistic individual to handle a big calling? 35:30 Autistic individuals take a more logical approach rather than an emotional or empathetic one. Sometimes they can come off cold or harsh but that’s just how they think. It’s not them trying to offend. Learning to communicate with these individuals is important. 42:15 Michele shares her experience as a Relief Society president. Her number one takeaway is that we won’t always connect with people but ministering is an opportunity to learn, love and listen. 47:10 When we accommodate one, we unknowingly accommodate many. We need to focus on inclusion because it’s a way to show love. Links Podcast: Navigating the Spectrum with Michele Portlock MichelePortlock.com Leading Those with Special Needs | An Interview with Stan Beagley Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in August 2020.  Blake Fisher works in the Brigham Young University Office of Success and Inclusion, offering confidential support to people who, for various reasons, feel marginalized. The goal is to help student body members feel unity. Previously he worked in the BYU University Relations office. One of his main areas of focus is helping LGBT students. He is a returned missionary. Highlights 3:24 Blake’s personal experience helps him relate. How he has navigated that journey before, during and since his mission. Positive things Church leaders, family and friends have done to support him and help him feel valued and loved. Dealing with feelings of denial/shame/perfectionism. 10:50 Learning to value certain life challenges and feeling unconditional love from God and others. 12:00 The Success and Inclusion office provides support for individuals on campus facing challenges re: race, religion, gender, sexuality. Their support group may be otherwise small. How students are referred to this office. Why go there and not to a therapist? Guiding those who perceive discrimination. 17:00 The vast majority of stories he hears about interactions with Church leaders are positive, but occasionally the perception is that the interaction did not go well. 18:20 How Church leaders can manage expectations when inviting someone to the office and during the meeting in the office. Reducing anticipatory tension. Responsibilities of both parties, i.e. Church leader and the ward member. Increasing the comfort level. Active listening is vital. Don’t offer canned responses. People want to feel understood. Drawing on the principles of listening espoused in Preach My Gospel. Good listening techniques. 33:13 Leaders and counselors can show vulnerability and develop skill as to how to “prime the pump” to help someone who feels exhausted emotionally by just showing up. Don’t make them feel rushed. 39:49 Post-meeting anxieties. The individual may need reassurance in the days following a crucial conversation meeting. Helping those counseled to feel valued for who they are and not just based on certain decisions/behaviors they may have thus far exhibited. 44:00 Vulnerability hangover—the person feeling exhausted after they have shared deep things. Ensuring they see that what they told you hasn’t changed for the worse your feelings about them as a person. Body language can make them feel awkward. They may feel uncertainty regarding the next step after sharing. Manage expectations. Don’t exhibit passive-aggressive avoidance. Good intentions usually show. If they withdraw seek them out. 48:40 Having faith in God, not in a specific outcome is helpful when the future feels otherwise uncertain or hopeless. Avoiding comparisons with others. Journeys are individual. Focus on Christ now. 53:38 Sitting in the tension between faith and sexuality. Don’t feel your only way out is to get rid of one of your sources of tension. If we overly focus on not having any tension, we may give up something important. Feel the joy of Christ. A leader can sit with someone in the tension even if he/she can’t fix it. 58:40 Leaders can discern and focus on the light in someone’s life. Light leads to more light. They need to know that if their choices lead to hard things, you are still there. Don’t give the feeling you are ending the relationship just because they didn’t go the way you had hoped. Maintain a sustained interest. 1:03:50 Spend time with LGBT people to get comfortable with them and other things will fall into place. Information and Links Find the BYU Office of Student Success and Inclusion at C-374 Abraham O. Smoot Building (ASB) or 2010 Wilkinson Student Center Hope Works: Mourn With Those That Mourn Read the TRANSCRIPT of this interview Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million t...

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in August 2020.  Blake works in the Brigham Young University Office of Success and Inclusion, offering confidential support to people who, for various reasons, feel marginalized. The goal is to help student body members feel unity. Previously he worked in the BYU University Relations office. One of his main areas of focus is helping LGBT students. He is a returned missionary. Highlights 3:24 Blake’s personal experience helps him relate. How he has navigated that journey before, during and since his mission. Positive things Church leaders, family and friends have done to support him and help him feel valued and loved. Dealing with feelings of denial/shame/perfectionism. 10:50 Learning to value certain life challenges and feeling unconditional love from God and others. 12:00 The Success and Inclusion office provides support for individuals on campus facing challenges re: race, religion, gender, sexuality. Their support group may be otherwise small. How students are referred to this office. Why go there and not to a therapist? Guiding those who perceive discrimination. 17:00 The vast majority of stories he hears about interactions with Church leaders are positive, but occasionally the perception is that the interaction did not go well. 18:20 How Church leaders can manage expectations when inviting someone to the office and during the meeting in the office. Reducing anticipatory tension. Responsibilities of both parties, i.e. Church leader and the ward member. Increasing the comfort level. Active listening is vital. Don’t offer canned responses. People want to feel understood. Drawing on the principles of listening espoused in Preach My Gospel. Good listening techniques. 33:13 Leaders and counselors can show vulnerability and develop skill as to how to “prime the pump” to help someone who feels exhausted emotionally by just showing up. Don’t make them feel rushed. 39:49 Post-meeting anxieties. The individual may need reassurance in the days following a crucial conversation meeting. Helping those counseled to feel valued for who they are and not just based on certain decisions/behaviors they may have thus far exhibited. 44:00 Vulnerability hangover—the person feeling exhausted after they have shared deep things. Ensuring they see that what they told you hasn’t changed for the worse your feelings about them as a person. Body language can make them feel awkward. They may feel uncertainty regarding the next step after sharing. Manage expectations. Don’t exhibit passive-aggressive avoidance. Good intentions usually show. If they withdraw seek them out. 48:40 Having faith in God, not in a specific outcome is helpful when the future feels otherwise uncertain or hopeless. Avoiding comparisons with others. Journeys are individual. Focus on Christ now. 53:38 Sitting in the tension between faith and sexuality. Don’t feel your only way out is to get rid of one of your sources of tension. If we overly focus on not having any tension, we may give up something important. Feel the joy of Christ. A leader can sit with someone in the tension even if he/she can’t fix it. 58:40 Leaders can discern and focus on the light in someone’s life. Light leads to more light. They need to know that if their choices lead to hard things, you are still there. Don’t give the feeling you are ending the relationship just because they didn’t go the way you had hoped. Maintain a sustained interest. 1:03:50 Spend time with LGBT people to get comfortable with them and other things will fall into place. Information and Links Find the BYU Office of Student Success and Inclusion at C-374 Abraham O. Smoot Building (ASB) or 2010 Wilkinson Student Center Hope Works: Mourn With Those That Mourn Read the TRANSCRIPT of this interview Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total do...

David P. Kasperson has been building high-trust partnerships and innovative solutions for clients of FranklinCovey’s Global Trust Practice for more than 15 years. Most of that time has been spent in collaboration with Stephen M. R. Covey, managing his speaking business, and custom client solutions as the Director of Business Development. An expert on trust, he has served clients via consulting, coaching, program design, and keynote speaking in more than twenty countries. He is co-author of the bestseller, Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others. Kurt and David served together in the Sacramento, California mission. David has twice served as an elders quorum president and as a counselor, in a Young Men presidency, and as a teacher in Sunday School and Primary. Highlights 01:45 Introduction to David Kasperson and the book he co-authored with Steven M. R. Covey 04:30 Two styles of leadership Command and control Trust and inspire 05:00 David breaks down the command and control style of leadership Home teaching is enlightened command and control 16:00 The trust and inspire style of leadership Trust and inspire are action words not nouns Great leaders see and feel the greatness in everyone 24:00 Trust is a verb not a noun. When extending trust make sure you have clear expectations and a process of accountability 27:00 Real life examples and phrases to use and not to use to show that you trust an individual 31:30 The difference between trust and delegation 33:00 Management is for things, not people. We aren’t trying to manage people. We are trying to help them grow. 42:30 Leadership is walking hand in hand with someone not stepping in and doing their job 54:15 We are afraid to let go of the control. We default to the command and control style of leadership. As a leader, you can have control without being controlling. Do we want compliance or conversion? 56:30 Leadership is really stewardship. God is trusting us to help others grow and learn. 57:40 Even those that we lead might prefer the command and control style of leading. They just want their leader to tell them exactly what to do. However, that is not what’s best for growth. 1:01:00 Success vs. significance 1:03:45 Inspiration is a skill. It’s a muscle that has to be worked. 1:07:50 David’s new book gives you the day-to-day steps to take as a leader to inspire and extend trust. It’s a great place for a new leader to begin. Links Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash the Greatness in Others FranklinCovey.com SpeedofTrust.com TrustandInspire.com Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

David P. Kasperson has been building high-trust partnerships and innovative solutions for clients of FranklinCovey’s Global Trust Practice for more than 15 years. Most of that time has been spent in collaboration with Stephen M. R. Covey, managing his speaking business, and custom client solutions as the Director of Business Development. An expert on trust, he has served clients via consulting, coaching, program design, and keynote speaking in more than twenty countries. He is co-author of the bestseller, Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others. Kurt and David served together in the Sacramento, California mission. David has twice served as an elders quorum president and as a counselor, in a Young Men presidency, and as a teacher in Sunday School and Primary. Highlights 01:45 Introduction to David Kasperson and the book he co-authored with Steven M. R. Covey 04:30 Two styles of leadership Command and control Trust and inspire 05:00 David breaks down the command and control style of leadership Home teaching is enlightened command and control 16:00 The trust and inspire style of leadership Trust and inspire are action words not nouns Great leaders see and feel the greatness in everyone 24:00 Trust is a verb not a noun. When extending trust make sure you have clear expectations and a process of accountability 27:00 Real life examples and phrases to use and not to use to show that you trust an individual 31:30 The difference between trust and delegation 33:00 Management is for things, not people. We aren’t trying to manage people. We are trying to help them grow. 42:30 Leadership is walking hand in hand with someone not stepping in and doing their job 54:15 We are afraid to let go of the control. We default to the command and control style of leadership. As a leader, you can have control without being controlling. Do we want compliance or conversion? 56:30 Leadership is really stewardship. God is trusting us to help others grow and learn. 57:40 Even those that we lead might prefer the command and control style of leading. They just want their leader to tell them exactly what to do. However, that is not what’s best for growth. 1:01:00 Success vs. significance 1:03:45 Inspiration is a skill. It’s a muscle that has to be worked. 1:07:50 David’s new book gives you the day-to-day steps to take as a leader to inspire and extend trust. It’s a great place for a new leader to begin. Links Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash the Greatness in Others FranklinCovey.com SpeedofTrust.com TrustandInspire.com Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

In this short interview, Kurt talks with Brent & Courtney Ebmeyer about the upcoming North Star Conference. The 2022 conference is June 9-11 both in-person and streaming online. Learn more about NorthStarLDS.org Listen to the podcast with Brent & Bruce Ebmeyer, Learning to Lead SSA Saints Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

In this short interview, Kurt talks with Brent & Courtney Ebmeyer about the upcoming North Star Conference. The 2022 conference is June 9-11 both in-person and streaming online. Learn more about NorthStarLDS.org Listen to the podcast with Brent & Bruce Ebmeyer, Learning to Lead SSA Saints Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Greg Matsen is the founder of Cwic Media and the host of its primary show called Cwic Show, which focuses on cultural issues affecting the restored church. He ran a large web development and marketing firm representing the vast majority of the sporting goods industry and some of the auto industry in Newport Beach, California in the 1990s, then built a wealth management firm in Scottsdale, Arizona, which he sold in early 2020. Greg has studied the scriptures and history almost daily since his mission, seeks and develops interfaith relationships, and diligently seeks to help others learn what he has learned through lenses he developed called Cwic Interpreters. He also does a weekly Come Follow Me podcast. Greg has served as an elders quorum president, Gospel Doctrine teacher, Young Men president, in a stake Young Men presidency, and currently serves in a bishopric. Highlights 01:00 Introduction to Greg 06:45 The church and politics. Why are most members so conservative? 08:40 Greg’s message to conservative members that are maybe going too far right. 13:00 What Greg says to more liberal members 15:15 How do we deal with politics at church? 17:40 What can leaders do to stay ahead of the issues? 26:00 How to get a well rounded perspective of the issues. Greg suggests to: Stay away from TV news Don’t rely on social media for your news Read through articles that are well thought out 29:30 Focus on issues and not on demonizing the political parties 33:15 Politics and social media Not great for dialog The algorithm only shows what’s most popular It’s full of memes and doesn’t show the full story Go to the actual source and form your own opinions 42:00 Greg explains his approach to Come Follow Me and why he got started teaching online about it 47:00 It’s not easy to teach doctrine 52:00 Advice to parents or young adult leaders 56:45 One of the most important things that Greg has learned in leadership is service. It’s not so much about what you say but the relationships that you form. Links cwicmedia.com Cwic Media on YouTube Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Greg Matsen is the founder of Cwic Media and the host of its primary show called Cwic Show, which focuses on cultural issues affecting the restored church. He ran a large web development and marketing firm representing the vast majority of the sporting goods industry and some of the auto industry in Newport Beach, California in the 1990s, then built a wealth management firm in Scottsdale, Arizona, which he sold in early 2020. Greg has studied the scriptures and history almost daily since his mission, seeks and develops interfaith relationships, and diligently seeks to help others learn what he has learned through lenses he developed called Cwic Interpreters. He also does a weekly Come Follow Me podcast. Greg has served as an elders quorum president, Gospel Doctrine teacher, Young Men president, in a stake Young Men presidency, and currently serves in a bishopric. Highlights 01:00 Introduction to Greg 06:45 The church and politics. Why are most members so conservative? 08:40 Greg’s message to conservative members that are maybe going too far right. 13:00 What Greg says to more liberal members 15:15 How do we deal with politics at church? 17:40 What can leaders do to stay ahead of the issues? 26:00 How to get a well rounded perspective of the issues. Greg suggests to: Stay away from TV news Don’t rely on social media for your news Read through articles that are well thought out 29:30 Focus on issues and not on demonizing the political parties 33:15 Politics and social media Not great for dialog The algorithm only shows what’s most popular It’s full of memes and doesn’t show the full story Go to the actual source and form your own opinions 42:00 Greg explains his approach to Come Follow Me and why he got started teaching online about it 47:00 It’s not easy to teach doctrine 52:00 Advice to parents or young adult leaders 56:45 One of the most important things that Greg has learned in leadership is service. It’s not so much about what you say but the relationships that you form. Links cwicmedia.com Cwic Media on YouTube Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Tyler Lefevor, PhD, is an assistant professor of psychology at Utah State University where his research focuses on understanding how LGBTQ+ latter-day saints can flourish. He was raised LDS, served a mission in the New Jersey, Cherry Hills mission, and served as an Elders quorum president for 4 years. Tyler has since left the church to marry his husband, Brock. He also operates a small therapy practice. Sam Skidmore, MS, is a third-year doctoral student of clinical/counseling psychology at Utah State University. He was raised in the church and served a mission in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Sam’s research and clinical focuses include understanding the experiences of LGBTQ+ members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and ways in which LGBTQ+ mental health can be improved. Sam and Tyler are researching the experiences of LGBTQ+ latter-day saints with their church leaders. Their goal is to help leaders improve how they minister and interact with LGBTQ+ individuals. Tyler Lefevor Sam Skidmore Highlights 04:00 Introduction to Tyler and Sam and their research on LGBTQ Latter-day Saints 09:00 The study was focused on LGBTQ experiences with their church leaders. Their goal is to help leaders with their interactions with LGBTQ individuals. 10:20 Tyler and Sam share their own experiences coming out to their leaders and why they decided to come out 13:15 Sam tells his story. Sam goes into details of interactions with leaders, church members, and his family. 22:30 Tyler’s story and experience of coming out. He also shares stories of experiences with family and leaders. 33:00 Sam's negative experience with his bishop and his feelings for the church and leaders now 35:45 Tyler shares his feelings on where he stands with the church and leaders. 38:15 Tyler shares findings from their research and gives suggestions to bishops and other leaders. Leaders need to understand why individuals are coming out to them so they can respond appropriately with what that individual needs. 40:50 Sam talks about what LGBTQ members found helpful in interviews with their bishop when coming out. Their research revealed that it wasn’t what the bishop said but how he acted that was the most impactful. 42:00 Skills that leaders should learn are empathic listening skills. It’s so much more about listening than saying the perfect thing. 43:45 When you know more you can do more. The more leaders know about LGTBQ individuals the better they can help them. Bishops should be open to talking about it and asking questions. 47:45 LGBTQ individuals' message to leaders 49:50 Stepping into the bishop’s office can be an intimidating or even shameful experience but by changing the environment or moving out from behind the desk can make people feel more comfortable. 52:50 An important question that leaders to ask is, “tell me what it means to you to be queer?” 53:10 Meetings with the bishop can be very impactful to an individual that is opening up about their sexuality. One meeting can help them feel more included or lead them out of the church. 53:50 Tyler and Sam have a mission to get in front of ward and stake counsels to talk about their experience to help leaders improve how they lead and interact with LGBTQ members. 56:40 Tyler and Sam need leader’s perspectives on how to counsel LGBTQ members and their feelings on it 57:40 Advice specifically for youth leaders. Youth leaders need to stop avoiding the topic of LGBTQ but begin to have open conversations about it on a yearly basis. 1:00:00 Kurt shares his own personal experience as a bishop and they discuss how a bishop should help LGBTQ members 1:07:30 What Sam and Tyler want to say to their previous church leaders and where they are at right now with their lives and happiness Links lgbtqmormonresearch.com Council presentation request Leadership experience survey Infographic: Counseling LGBTQ+ Latter-day Saints

Tyler Lefevor, PhD, is an assistant professor of psychology at Utah State University where his research focuses on understanding how LGBTQ+ latter-day saints can flourish. He was raised LDS, served a mission in the New Jersey, Cherry Hills mission, and served as an Elders quorum president for 4 years. Tyler has since left the church to marry his husband, Brock. He also operates a small therapy practice. Sam Skidmore, MS, is a third-year doctoral student of clinical/counseling psychology at Utah State University. He was raised in the church and served a mission in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Sam’s research and clinical focuses include understanding the experiences of LGBTQ+ members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and ways in which LGBTQ+ mental health can be improved. Sam and Tyler are researching the experiences of LGBTQ+ latter-day saints with their church leaders. Their goal is to help leaders improve how they minister and interact with LGBTQ+ individuals. Tyler Lefevor Sam Skidmore Highlights 04:00 Introduction to Tyler and Sam and their research on LGBTQ Latter-day Saints 09:00 The study was focused on LGBTQ experiences with their church leaders. Their goal is to help leaders with their interactions with LGBTQ individuals. 10:20 Tyler and Sam share their own experiences coming out to their leaders and why they decided to come out 13:15 Sam tells his story. Sam goes into details of interactions with leaders, church members, and his family. 22:30 Tyler’s story and experience of coming out. He also shares stories of experiences with family and leaders. 33:00 Sam's negative experience with his bishop and his feelings for the church and leaders now 35:45 Tyler shares his feelings on where he stands with the church and leaders. 38:15 Tyler shares findings from their research and gives suggestions to bishops and other leaders. Leaders need to understand why individuals are coming out to them so they can respond appropriately with what that individual needs. 40:50 Sam talks about what LGBTQ members found helpful in interviews with their bishop when coming out. Their research revealed that it wasn’t what the bishop said but how he acted that was the most impactful. 42:00 Skills that leaders should learn are empathic listening skills. It’s so much more about listening than saying the perfect thing. 43:45 When you know more you can do more. The more leaders know about LGTBQ individuals the better they can help them. Bishops should be open to talking about it and asking questions. 47:45 LGBTQ individuals' message to leaders 49:50 Stepping into the bishop’s office can be an intimidating or even shameful experience but by changing the environment or moving out from behind the desk can make people feel more comfortable. 52:50 An important question that leaders to ask is, “tell me what it means to you to be queer?” 53:10 Meetings with the bishop can be very impactful to an individual that is opening up about their sexuality. One meeting can help them feel more included or lead them out of the church. 53:50 Tyler and Sam have a mission to get in front of ward and stake counsels to talk about their experience to help leaders improve how they lead and interact with LGBTQ members. 56:40 Tyler and Sam need leader’s perspectives on how to counsel LGBTQ members and their feelings on it 57:40 Advice specifically for youth leaders. Youth leaders need to stop avoiding the topic of LGBTQ but begin to have open conversations about it on a yearly basis. 1:00:00 Kurt shares his own personal experience as a bishop and they discuss how a bishop should help LGBTQ members 1:07:30 What Sam and Tyler want to say to their previous church leaders and where they are at right now with their lives and happiness Links lgbtqmormonresearch.com Council presentation request Leadership experience survey Infographic: Counseling LGBTQ+ Latter-day Saints

Sharon Kaye Fisher has been a president of ward Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations. She served as stake Primary president with one branch 800 miles away and one branch covering remote villages throughout Alaska. Sharon Kaye was raised in southern California and met her husband, Brent, at Brigham Young University where she received her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught elementary school for a short time at the beginning of their marriage and then devoted her time as a stay-at-home mother to their four daughters and one son. Although she has mostly served in leadership callings, her love is teaching in the classroom with any age group. Sharon Kaye and Brent currently live in Anchorage, Alaska where she serves as the stake JustServe specialist. Highlights 01:30 Sharon’s background 03:00 Getting called as a Relief Society President and her experience calling counselors 06:30 Sharon shares her approach to ministering as a Relief Society president 09:00 Sharon breaks down her principles of ministering Be a safe place. Keep confidentiality and don’t judge. Be a good listening ear. Validate and acknowledge their feelings and experiences. Ask permission to share a thought or message. Ask specific questions. What do you need? What do you want? How can I support you? Leaders are connectors. You don’t have to meet everyone’s needs but you can connect them to people that can help. Encourage them to connect with God. Express love. Let them feel your love and be the bridge to help them feel the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. 20:00 Principle one: Ask God what is most needed now 22:40 Principle two: Let God take you on detours. Make your plans but be willing to change course 27:00 Principle three: Give how you are able, God makes up the difference 29:30 Principle four: Strengthening those that you have stewardship over 31:45 Sharon shares her final thoughts on things that have worked for her to create unity and sisterhood Links Relief Society President Resources Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Sharon Kaye Fisher has been a president of ward Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations. She served as stake Primary president with one branch 800 miles away and one branch covering remote villages throughout Alaska. Sharon Kaye was raised in southern California and met her husband, Brent, at Brigham Young University where she received her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught elementary school for a short time at the beginning of their marriage and then devoted her time as a stay-at-home mother to their four daughters and one son. Although she has mostly served in leadership callings, her love is teaching in the classroom with any age group. Sharon Kaye and Brent currently live in Anchorage, Alaska where she serves as the stake JustServe specialist. Highlights 01:30 Sharon’s background 03:00 Getting called as a Relief Society President and her experience calling counselors 06:30 Sharon shares her approach to ministering as a Relief Society president 09:00 Sharon breaks down her principles of ministering Be a safe place. Keep confidentiality and don’t judge. Be a good listening ear. Validate and acknowledge their feelings and experiences. Ask permission to share a thought or message. Ask specific questions. What do you need? What do you want? How can I support you? Leaders are connectors. You don’t have to meet everyone’s needs but you can connect them to people that can help. Encourage them to connect with God. Express love. Let them feel your love and be the bridge to help them feel the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. 20:00 Principle one: Ask God what is most needed now 22:40 Principle two: Let God take you on detours. Make your plans but be willing to change course 27:00 Principle three: Give how you are able, God makes up the difference 29:30 Principle four: Strengthening those that you have stewardship over 31:45 Sharon shares her final thoughts on things that have worked for her to create unity and sisterhood Links Relief Society President Resources Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in August 2016. Greg McKeown has dedicated his career to discovering why some people and teams break through to the next level—and others don’t. The definitive treatment of this issue is addressed in his New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. Greg hosts The Essentialism Podcast and is the CEO of McKeown Inc., with clients including Adobe, Apple, Google, Facebook, Pixar, Salesforce.com, Symantec, Twitter, VMware, and Yahoo!. Originally from London, England, Greg now lives near Phoenix, Arizona, with his wife Anna and their family. In this interview Greg and Kurt talk about how the principle of Essentialism applies to his calling as bishop and the culture at-large in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At the time of this recording, Greg was serving as bishop of his ward in California. Highlights 1:30 Introduction and Greg’s background and how he ended up in America 9:00 Greg’s testimony development 14:00 How Greg met his wife 16:30 Greg was a coauthor with Liz Wiseman on the book, Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter. 19:00 Getting called as bishop 21:50 What is Essentialism? The disciplined pursuit of less. 22:40 Greg talks about his book Essentialism and why he wrote it. 30:30 The closet analogy of essentialism and how it relates to leadership Our obligation as leaders is not to our traditions, to the past, or to what other people are doing. Strip away all the things that are non-essentials. 36:30 The power of saying no. Can I say no to “inspired” requests? Remember to pause and think. Remember that the Lord’s voice wins over any other voice. Divine tradeoffs are a requirement of our lives. There are always hard tradeoffs. There are good and great things but we need to do the essential things. 43:20 Think of all the things that Jesus DIDN’T do. He didn’t feel the obligation to do everything. He did His Father’s will. 45:30 How do you create a culture of essentialism in your ward? Focus on the people instead of the programs and activities. When it comes to meetings in the church, have a tight purpose and a loose agenda. 55:45 Thomas S. Monson’s experience struggling with the social obligations of his calling versus following the spirit. His life was a beautiful example of putting people first and the social obligations second. 58:30 Think about what sacrifice really is. For thousands of years it meant to kill and to cut a baby lamb. In our day it means to eliminate, or to make a tradeoff. You can’t do it all. Links Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters Most GregMcKeown.com 7 Unbreakable Rules of a Meeting Liz Wiseman Interviews & Articles on LeadingSaints.org Creating Essential Change In Your Organization | An Interview with Greg McKeown Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in August 2016. Greg McKeown has dedicated his career to discovering why some people and teams break through to the next level—and others don’t. The definitive treatment of this issue is addressed in his New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. Greg hosts The Essentialism Podcast and is the CEO of McKeown Inc., with clients including Adobe, Apple, Google, Facebook, Pixar, Salesforce.com, Symantec, Twitter, VMware, and Yahoo!. Originally from London, England, Greg now lives near Phoenix, Arizona, with his wife Anna and their family. In this interview Greg and Kurt talk about how the principle of Essentialism applies to his calling as bishop and the culture at-large in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At the time of this recording, Greg was serving as bishop of his ward in California. Highlights 1:30 Introduction and Greg’s background and how he ended up in America 9:00 Greg’s testimony development 14:00 How Greg met his wife 16:30 Greg was a coauthor with Liz Wiseman on the book, Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter. 19:00 Getting called as bishop 21:50 What is Essentialism? The disciplined pursuit of less. 22:40 Greg talks about his book Essentialism and why he wrote it. 30:30 The closet analogy of essentialism and how it relates to leadership Our obligation as leaders is not to our traditions, to the past, or to what other people are doing. Strip away all the things that are non-essentials. 36:30 The power of saying no. Can I say no to “inspired” requests? Remember to pause and think. Remember that the Lord’s voice wins over any other voice. Divine tradeoffs are a requirement of our lives. There are always hard tradeoffs. There are good and great things but we need to do the essential things. 43:20 Think of all the things that Jesus DIDN’T do. He didn’t feel the obligation to do everything. He did His Father’s will. 45:30 How do you create a culture of essentialism in your ward? Focus on the people instead of the programs and activities. When it comes to meetings in the church, have a tight purpose and a loose agenda. 55:45 Thomas S. Monson’s experience struggling with the social obligations of his calling versus following the spirit. His life was a beautiful example of putting people first and the social obligations second. 58:30 Think about what sacrifice really is. For thousands of years it meant to kill and to cut a baby lamb. In our day it means to eliminate, or to make a tradeoff. You can’t do it all. Links Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters Most GregMcKeown.com 7 Unbreakable Rules of a Meeting Liz Wiseman Interviews & Articles on LeadingSaints.org Creating Essential Change In Your Organization | An Interview with Greg McKeown Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

John Hilton III was born in San Francisco and grew up in Seattle. He served a mission in Denver, and got a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University. While there he met his wife Lani and they have six children. They have lived in Boise, Boston, Miami, Mexico, Jerusalem and China. John has a master's degree from Harvard and a Ph.D from BYU, both in Education. John is a professor of Religious Education at BYU. John has published several books with Deseret Book, including Considering the Cross: How Calvary Connects Us with Christ. He is also the author of the video course and podcast “Seeking Jesus.” John loves teaching, reading and spending time with his family. Highlights 3:30 Kurt and John talk about John's new course, Seeking Jesus. 5:30 Jesus should be at the center of our lives. Sometimes we focus on other parts of the gospel and forget that He comes first. 9:40 How do we make sure that Christ is at the center? 16:00 What if we didn’t just focus on scripture study but Christ study? What if we didn't just go to the temple to focus on the ordinance but focus on how it connects us to Christ? 17:50 The sacrament can be an ordinance that becomes very commonplace that we forget to focus. There needs to be a mindset shift to make it a worshiping moment. 19:00 If you are looking for a way to grow and worship Christ then take President Nelson’s challenge. Read all the verses in the topical guide about Jesus Christ. The promise is that you will be changed. 21:45 How can we make Come Follow Me more meaningful? In every story we need to figure out how it connects to Christ. 25:55 Where is your hope centered? There are so many things that we hope for but our real hope should be centered on Jesus Christ. 27:00 John breaks down what people will learn in his new course. 30:00 John gives his book recommendations on Jesus Christ from authors from other religions. 31:15 Our time at church is limited so everything that we speak about needs to be connected to the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Links Seeking Jesus course Considering the Cross: How Calvary Connects Us With Christ Bearded Bishops, Rated-R Movies, & the Honor Code | An Interview with John Hilton III Connecting Others to Jesus Through the Cross at Calvary | An Interview with John Hilton III Instagram: @johnhiltoniii Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

John Hilton III was born in San Francisco and grew up in Seattle. He served a mission in Denver, and got a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University. While there he met his wife Lani and they have six children. They have lived in Boise, Boston, Miami, Mexico, Jerusalem and China. John has a master's degree from Harvard and a Ph.D from BYU, both in Education. John is a professor of Religious Education at BYU. John has published several books with Deseret Book, including Considering the Cross: How Calvary Connects Us with Christ. He is also the author of the video course and podcast “Seeking Jesus.” John loves teaching, reading and spending time with his family. Highlights 3:30 Kurt and John talk about John's new course, Seeking Jesus. 5:30 Jesus should be at the center of our lives. Sometimes we focus on other parts of the gospel and forget that He comes first. 9:40 How do we make sure that Christ is at the center? 16:00 What if we didn’t just focus on scripture study but Christ study? What if we didn't just go to the temple to focus on the ordinance but focus on how it connects us to Christ? 17:50 The sacrament can be an ordinance that becomes very commonplace that we forget to focus. There needs to be a mindset shift to make it a worshiping moment. 19:00 If you are looking for a way to grow and worship Christ then take President Nelson’s challenge. Read all the verses in the topical guide about Jesus Christ. The promise is that you will be changed. 21:45 How can we make Come Follow Me more meaningful? In every story we need to figure out how it connects to Christ. 25:55 Where is your hope centered? There are so many things that we hope for but our real hope should be centered on Jesus Christ. 27:00 John breaks down what people will learn in his new course. 30:00 John gives his book recommendations on Jesus Christ from authors from other religions. 31:15 Our time at church is limited so everything that we speak about needs to be connected to the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Links Seeking Jesus course Considering the Cross: How Calvary Connects Us With Christ Bearded Bishops, Rated-R Movies, & the Honor Code | An Interview with John Hilton III Connecting Others to Jesus Through the Cross at Calvary | An Interview with John Hilton III Instagram: @johnhiltoniii Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

After years of struggling in isolation to overcome pornography, Chandler founded Relay—an app that helps people stay connected and accountable along the road to recovery. It makes it easy to find and maintain tight-knit support in a team-based environment. Chandler served a Spanish-speaking mission in New York City and is graduating this spring from Brigham Young University in Strategy and Computer Science. Highlights 2:00 Chandler’s background and why he started his app 6:00 Chandler talks about his teenage years and dealing with pornography. He was able to open up to his bishop and his parents. 8:10 Finding connection and community 9:15 Chandler explains why he started the app. 10:45 How the app works and what you can do on it Track your personal journey Daily check-ins Give and get support through conversation 16:45 How are people using the app and who is it for? It’s not an app just for pornography or just for guys You can get matched into a group with people with similar problems Great for addiction recovery groups Find connections beyond in person 12 step meetings Anyone can join the app 23:20 What is the future of the Relay app? 27:20 Final thoughts and why the app is such a powerful tool to connect, find support, and overcome challenges Links VIDEO version of this podcast A leader's intro to the Relay App Visit https://joinrelay.app to download the app or share it with a loved one Instagram @joinrelay Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

After years of struggling in isolation to overcome pornography, Chandler founded Relay—an app that helps people stay connected and accountable along the road to recovery. It makes it easy to find and maintain tight-knit support in a team-based environment. Chandler served a Spanish-speaking mission in New York City and is graduating this spring from Brigham Young University in Strategy and Computer Science. Highlights 2:00 Chandler’s background and why he started his app 6:00 Chandler talks about his teenage years and dealing with pornography. He was able to open up to his bishop and his parents. 8:10 Finding connection and community 9:15 Chandler explains why he started the app. 10:45 How the app works and what you can do on it Track your personal journey Daily check-ins Give and get support through conversation 16:45 How are people using the app and who is it for? It’s not an app just for pornography or just for guys You can get matched into a group with people with similar problems Great for addiction recovery groups Find connections beyond in person 12 step meetings Anyone can join the app 23:20 What is the future of the Relay app? 27:20 Final thoughts and why the app is such a powerful tool to connect, find support, and overcome challenges Links VIDEO version of this podcast A leader's intro to the Relay App Visit https://joinrelay.app to download the app or share it with a loved one Instagram @joinrelay Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Anthony Sweat is an Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University, and previously taught Seminary and Institute for 13 years. With an early interest in art he obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts before pursuing religious education, earning a Ph.D in curriculum and instruction from Utah State University. He is the author of several articles and books dealing with the teachings and history of the Church, and a regular speaker at Latter-day Saint events and conferences. As a practicing artist his paintings center on religious themes, including underrepresented events in Church history. Anthony and his wife Cindy are the parents of seven children. He is currently serving as bishop of his ward. Highlights 1:45 Kurt and Anthony discuss his books about the temple and covenants 4:15 What can we talk about outside the temple? Most members are scared to talk about what goes on inside the temple because they don’t know what’s appropriate. 8:30 Anthony talks about what he does as a bishop to help people get ready to go to the temple and receive their endowment. 14:20 What to focus on when teaching about the covenants made in the temple. Make sure people have a great foundation. 18:30 Most religions aren’t talking about covenants. 20:15 The order of the son of God is a covenant group of people that are given power and capacity in their lives to overcome evil, to discern between right and wrong, to call down the ministering of angels, to know how to ask and receive revelation, part the veil, etc. 23:30 Covenants guarantee the future behavior of the participants. We are not making covenants for that moment but for future moments. 24:45 Listen to your covenants more than the state of your emotions. Your covenants will tell you what to do. 28:30 How to answer people’s questions after they go through the temple. What is ok to talk about? 31:00 The five laws or major covenants of the temple 33:00 Seeing the big picture of the five laws. You are entering into an order which means that you are patterning your life after the son of God. 35:00 The first law is obedience to the law of the Lord. The law is a little different depending on the time that you are living. 36:00 The law of the gospel. Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, and receiving the holy ghost. This law sanctifies us and purifies us. 37:25 The law of sacrifice. The release of the unholy. Letting go of the things that are keeping us back from the kingdom. It’s not about dying for the church but letting go of the natural man. 38:25 The law of chastity. It’s not just about sex. It’s about trust. Can I be trusted with power and the power to create? God is in perfect control of his power. He knows how to control his power and passion. If we want to be like him we must do the same. 42:00 The law of consecration. There is confusion between the law of consecration and the applications of the law. We are covenating to dedicate our time, talents, and means to the kingdom of God. 46:00 Part of the law of consecration is not to have to be told to do everything. We should be anxiously engaged in a good cause and do things of our own free will. 47:45 Garments are a very personal thing. As a leader you should teach the doctrine and not focus so much on the behavior. “True doctrine understood changes attitudes and behavior.” Boyd K Packer. 53:00 The temple is a house of progression. It’s a house for revelation. Links Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Holy Covenants: Living Our Sacred Temple Promises The Holy Invitation: Understanding Your Sacred Temple Endowment Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Anthony Sweat is an Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University, and previously taught Seminary and Institute for 13 years. With an early interest in art he obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts before pursuing religious education, earning a Ph.D in curriculum and instruction from Utah State University. He is the author of several articles and books dealing with the teachings and history of the Church, and a regular speaker at Latter-day Saint events and conferences. As a practicing artist his paintings center on religious themes, including underrepresented events in Church history. Anthony and his wife Cindy are the parents of seven children. He is currently serving as bishop of his ward. Highlights 1:45 Kurt and Anthony discuss his books about the temple and covenants 4:15 What can we talk about outside the temple? Most members are scared to talk about what goes on inside the temple because they don’t know what’s appropriate. 8:30 Anthony talks about what he does as a bishop to help people get ready to go to the temple and receive their endowment. 14:20 What to focus on when teaching about the covenants made in the temple. Make sure people have a great foundation. 18:30 Most religions aren’t talking about covenants. 20:15 The order of the son of God is a covenant group of people that are given power and capacity in their lives to overcome evil, to discern between right and wrong, to call down the ministering of angels, to know how to ask and receive revelation, part the veil, etc. 23:30 Covenants guarantee the future behavior of the participants. We are not making covenants for that moment but for future moments. 24:45 Listen to your covenants more than the state of your emotions. Your covenants will tell you what to do. 28:30 How to answer people’s questions after they go through the temple. What is ok to talk about? 31:00 The five laws or major covenants of the temple 33:00 Seeing the big picture of the five laws. You are entering into an order which means that you are patterning your life after the son of God. 35:00 The first law is obedience to the law of the Lord. The law is a little different depending on the time that you are living. 36:00 The law of the gospel. Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, and receiving the holy ghost. This law sanctifies us and purifies us. 37:25 The law of sacrifice. The release of the unholy. Letting go of the things that are keeping us back from the kingdom. It’s not about dying for the church but letting go of the natural man. 38:25 The law of chastity. It’s not just about sex. It’s about trust. Can I be trusted with power and the power to create? God is in perfect control of his power. He knows how to control his power and passion. If we want to be like him we must do the same. 42:00 The law of consecration. There is confusion between the law of consecration and the applications of the law. We are covenating to dedicate our time, talents, and means to the kingdom of God. 46:00 Part of the law of consecration is not to have to be told to do everything. We should be anxiously engaged in a good cause and do things of our own free will. 47:45 Garments are a very personal thing. As a leader you should teach the doctrine and not focus so much on the behavior. “True doctrine understood changes attitudes and behavior.” Boyd K Packer. 53:00 The temple is a house of progression. It’s a house for revelation. Links Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Holy Covenants: Living Our Sacred Temple Promises The Holy Invitation: Understanding Your Sacred Temple Endowment Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Neil Henderson serves as bishop in his ward in Gorleston, England. He has previously served as a Young Men president and 1st counselor, counselor in numerous bishoprics, high councilor, and in the stake Young Men presidency. As a student he studied carpentry and joinery and also served in the British Army infantry RSV for around 10 years before joining the Fire and Rescue service in 1997, where he currently serves as a Watch Manager. Neil is a convert and the only member of the Church on his side of the family. His wife Carolyn (née Bone) served in the Canada Toronto mission, and they have two sons who served missions in Ghana and South Africa. Highlights 02:15 Neil’s story of conversion and how he got connected to the missionaries 18:15 Demographics of Neil’s area 20:20 Getting called as Bishop 23:00 Neil’s 1st principle of leadership: You aren’t going to fix everything 27:00 Principle 2: Don’t try to do everything yourself 29:00 Tips for one-on-one meetings with leaders; they create improvement plans 33:20 Principle 3: Keep meetings to time and use technology when appropriate When appropriate they meet over Zoom for meetings because it’s a rural area that is very spread apart They use Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, and Zoom to connect 42:30 To be a leader is to walk in the footsteps of Christ. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Neil Henderson serves as bishop in his ward in Gorleston, England. He has previously served as a Young Men president and 1st counselor, counselor in numerous bishoprics, high councilor, and in the stake Young Men presidency. As a student he studied carpentry and joinery and also served in the British Army infantry RSV for around 10 years before joining the Fire and Rescue service in 1997, where he currently serves as a Watch Manager. Neil is a convert and the only member of the Church on his side of the family. His wife Carolyn (née Bone) served in the Canada Toronto mission, and they have two sons who served missions in Ghana and South Africa. Highlights 02:15 Neil’s story of conversion and how he got connected to the missionaries 18:15 Demographics of Neil’s area 20:20 Getting called as Bishop 23:00 Neil’s 1st principle of leadership: You aren’t going to fix everything 27:00 Principle 2: Don’t try to do everything yourself 29:00 Tips for one-on-one meetings with leaders; they create improvement plans 33:20 Principle 3: Keep meetings to time and use technology when appropriate When appropriate they meet over Zoom for meetings because it’s a rural area that is very spread apart They use Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, and Zoom to connect 42:30 To be a leader is to walk in the footsteps of Christ. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Elder Don R. Clarke served as a General Authority from 2006 to 2015, first in the Second Quorum of the Seventy and as president and a counselor in the Central America Area, later in the First Quorum of the Seventy. He was assistant Executive Director in the Missionary Department and Area Assistant for the Utah North, Utah Salt Lake City, and Utah South Areas. He also served as Director of Church Hosting and currently serves as an emeritus General Authority and President of the Great Salt Lake Utah District (Correctional Facility). Elder Clarke earned an associate’s degree from Ricks College and a bachelor’s degree in business from Brigham Young University. He completed a master’s degree in business administration from Washington State University. His career included senior executive positions in several retailing companies. He also served as a volunteer professor of business at Southern Virginia University and was involved with Ascend Humanitarian Alliance in beginning microcredit operations in Bolivia. He has served the Church in various other capacities, including full-time missionary in the Argentina Mission, president of the Bolivia Santa Cruz Mission, stake president, high councilor, bishop, stake Young Men president, and elders quorum president. Born in Rexburg, Idaho, Elder Clarke married Mary Anne Jackson and they are the parents of six children. Highlights 01:20 Elder Clarke’s background 11:00 Elder Clarke’s leadership journey 13:00 The people you associate with are very important. They will impact your life and change your eternity. 20:45 As a leader, how do you help others improve? Give them a vision. After they have a vision you help them set goals. Each person should measure themself according to those goals. 27:15 How do you help people have a vision? Learn how people think. Know who you are leading. You have to want to know what people think. You have to create an environment where people can tell you what they think. 32:45 Five parts of life. If you are good in all these areas then you have a good life. Relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Family Work or schooling Friends Yourself 35:55 You love people by wanting them to be better. Happy always but content never “Those that I love, I chasten.” 43:15 Story of getting called as a General Authority 48:45 Principle of there is always a better way and Elder Clarke’s experience at Southern Virginia University 51:10 In leadership, you need to know the power of the Holy Ghost. 54:40 Elder Clarke talks about his time in the second and first quorum of the seventy. There are two parts to a calling. Minister first and administer second. No matter what your calling is in the church, you are always a minister first. 59:45 You minister to those that God puts in your path. Elder Clarke speaks of his own experience. 1:02:20 Elder Clarke’s story of his grandfather, a blind farmer, who was about to lose his farm. 1:05:00 Ministering is a journey not an event. Everybody needs somebody. 1:09:00 Who you marry and your relationship is so important. 1:10:30 Adopt people into your family. Invite people to your home on the holidays. Help them feel loved. 1:12:50 The way you get close to heaven is to help His children. 1:14:00 Husband and wife dynamic when the man is in leadership and gone a lot and the woman is at home with the children. 1:18:15 Elder Clarke shares his testimony. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Elder Don R. Clarke served as a General Authority from 2006 to 2015, first in the Second Quorum of the Seventy and as president and a counselor in the Central America Area, later in the First Quorum of the Seventy. He was assistant Executive Director in the Missionary Department and Area Assistant for the Utah North, Utah Salt Lake City, and Utah South Areas. He also served as Director of Church Hosting and currently serves as an emeritus General Authority and President of the Great Salt Lake Utah District (Correctional Facility). Elder Clarke earned an associate’s degree from Ricks College and a bachelor’s degree in business from Brigham Young University. He completed a master’s degree in business administration from Washington State University. His career included senior executive positions in several retailing companies. He also served as a volunteer professor of business at Southern Virginia University and was involved with Ascend Humanitarian Alliance in beginning microcredit operations in Bolivia. He has served the Church in various other capacities, including full-time missionary in the Argentina Mission, president of the Bolivia Santa Cruz Mission, stake president, high councilor, bishop, stake Young Men president, and elders quorum president. Born in Rexburg, Idaho, Elder Clarke married Mary Anne Jackson and they are the parents of six children. Highlights 01:20 Elder Clarke’s background 11:00 Elder Clarke’s leadership journey 13:00 The people you associate with are very important. They will impact your life and change your eternity. 20:45 As a leader, how do you help others improve? Give them a vision. After they have a vision you help them set goals. Each person should measure themself according to those goals. 27:15 How do you help people have a vision? Learn how people think. Know who you are leading. You have to want to know what people think. You have to create an environment where people can tell you what they think. 32:45 Five parts of life. If you are good in all these areas then you have a good life. Relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Family Work or schooling Friends Yourself 35:55 You love people by wanting them to be better. Happy always but content never “Those that I love, I chasten.” 43:15 Story of getting called as a General Authority 48:45 Principle of there is always a better way and Elder Clarke’s experience at Southern Virginia University 51:10 In leadership, you need to know the power of the Holy Ghost. 54:40 Elder Clarke talks about his time in the second and first quorum of the seventy. There are two parts to a calling. Minister first and administer second. No matter what your calling is in the church, you are always a minister first. 59:45 You minister to those that God puts in your path. Elder Clarke speaks of his own experience. 1:02:20 Elder Clarke’s story of his grandfather, a blind farmer, who was about to lose his farm. 1:05:00 Ministering is a journey not an event. Everybody needs somebody. 1:09:00 Who you marry and your relationship is so important. 1:10:30 Adopt people into your family. Invite people to your home on the holidays. Help them feel loved. 1:12:50 The way you get close to heaven is to help His children. 1:14:00 Husband and wife dynamic when the man is in leadership and gone a lot and the woman is at home with the children. 1:18:15 Elder Clarke shares his testimony. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Daniel Bingham is the previous CEO of Helena College–University of Montana and a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin where he earned a doctorate in community college leadership. His church service has included mission president, stake president, high councilor, bishopric counselor, ward Young Men president, seminary teacher, scoutmaster, ward mission leader, and missionary. During his service as mission president in the Australia Sydney South mission, he was in a bicycle accident resulting in incomplete quadriplegia with limited use of his limbs. Originally a native of Northern California, Brother Bingham and his wife Donna are the parents of four children and nine grandchildren. Highlights 01:50 Background 03:45 Getting called to be a mission president in the Sydney South mission 05:45 A cycling accident that left Daniel partially paralyzed while still on the mission. 12:00 What Daniel learned in his eight months as a mission president. 15:00 Traditional leadership principles, when applied in the church, are simpler to use and more readily accepted because of our foundational doctrine. 21:00 Know and allow for more than one way to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. Leaders aren’t there to bark out orders but to guide and observe. Give people space for growth and to receive their own revelation. All should be empowered to participate and have a say. 32:50 All communication should be honest, two-way, frequent, and clearly consistent. 39:30 Your mission/purpose should be well defined, widely understood, and consistently modeled by leadership 43:45 Real life example of how to focus on your purpose and actively model to your council to do the same 47:40 Everything in the gospel is individually centered not collectively centered. As leaders we make a difference one person at a time. 48:30 Service Leadership can help you know and understand who you are leading. Being a leader is so much more than sitting in your office and giving the orders. You have to get out and serve. 55:00 Daniel talks about what’s next for him as he deals with his paralysis. 57:15 What is my home town initiative? Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Daniel Bingham is the previous CEO of Helena College–University of Montana and a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin where he earned a doctorate in community college leadership. His church service has included mission president, stake president, high councilor, bishopric counselor, ward Young Men president, seminary teacher, scoutmaster, ward mission leader, and missionary. During his service as mission president in the Australia Sydney South mission, he was in a bicycle accident resulting in incomplete quadriplegia with limited use of his limbs. Originally a native of Northern California, Brother Bingham and his wife Donna are the parents of four children and nine grandchildren. Highlights 01:50 Background 03:45 Getting called to be a mission president in the Sydney South mission 05:45 A cycling accident that left Daniel partially paralyzed while still on the mission. 12:00 What Daniel learned in his eight months as a mission president. 15:00 Traditional leadership principles, when applied in the church, are simpler to use and more readily accepted because of our foundational doctrine. 21:00 Know and allow for more than one way to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. Leaders aren’t there to bark out orders but to guide and observe. Give people space for growth and to receive their own revelation. All should be empowered to participate and have a say. 32:50 All communication should be honest, two-way, frequent, and clearly consistent. 39:30 Your mission/purpose should be well defined, widely understood, and consistently modeled by leadership 43:45 Real life example of how to focus on your purpose and actively model to your council to do the same 47:40 Everything in the gospel is individually centered not collectively centered. As leaders we make a difference one person at a time. 48:30 Service Leadership can help you know and understand who you are leading. Being a leader is so much more than sitting in your office and giving the orders. You have to get out and serve. 55:00 Daniel talks about what’s next for him as he deals with his paralysis. 57:15 What is my home town initiative? Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Russell T. Osguthorpe has served as Sunday School General President, Area Seventy, and with his wife Lolly as mission leaders and temple president and matron. They are currently serving as virtual BYU-Pathway missionaries for students in the Caribbean. He holds a Ph.D. in instructional psychology and has served as a professor and administrator at Brigham Young University. He speaks several languages and enjoys swimming, hiking, and biking. He and his wife are the parents of five children and live in Provo, Utah. Highlights 01:30 Brother Osguthorpe relates his experience of how he got called to be Sunday School General President. 07:00 His calling is equal parts revelation and using his professional background of education and teaching. The Lord prepares us with gifts to help us in our callings. 10:30 Brother Osguthorpe’s professional background 12:30 Brother Osguthorpe explains how he balanced using his professional background and using revelation from God when making decisions about Come Follow Me. 15:30 Gospel learning is distinct from educational learning. 18:00 Discussion on the struggle leaders face when it comes to trying to motivate the ward or fix problems in the ward 19:30 The lesson doesn’t come from the manual or from a group of people. It comes from inside the learner. Leaders are to motivate, invite, and inspire the learner to look inside themselves. 21:45 Elder Bednar says that we don’t want teachers to act upon the students. As students we need to act and the desire needs to come from within them. 23:45 As leaders we think that we are there to just help fix problems and try to meet needs. However, what really needs to happen is we need to think of how we can magnify their gifts. 25:00 How do you teach doctrine rather than application? 29:00 How do we approach balancing lecturing and discussion? 36:00 Brother Osguthorpe talks about how he prepared General Conference talks and what he has learned from it. 41:45 Brother Osguthorpe discusses his new book, Filled with His love: Strengthening Our Attachment to God and to Others, and why he wrote it. 46:00 Attachment theory and fixing relationships 50:50 Kurt talks about how leaders can best help individuals that are struggling with their relationship with God. Oftentimes we focus on behaviors rather than the deeper cause of their struggles. It’s so important to listen to their story. 52:52 We need to analyze the relationships we had growing up to understand why we are struggling with relationships as adults. 53:15 Relationships are at the core of our doctrine. Covenants with God can be likened to creating a deeper relationship with God. 55:40 Brother Osguthorpe explains more about attachment theory and how it affects our relationships. 1:01:30 How to help negative self-talk in the individuals that we are trying to help. 1:10:25 Leaders should remember that every trial, sin, problem, etc., begins with an attachment problem and a detachment from God. 1:10:55 Brother Osguthorpe simplifies attachment theory and gives an example of how to use it to help individuals dealing with relationship problems. 1:11:45 A person’s desire can change their attachment style. 1:15:30 Our attachment to God has the most powerful influence on our attachment to others. Links Filled With His Love Podcast Filled with His Love: Strengthening Our Attachment to God and to Others Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Russell T. Osguthorpe has served as Sunday School General President, Area Seventy, and with his wife Lolly as mission leaders and temple president and matron. They are currently serving as virtual BYU-Pathway missionaries for students in the Caribbean. He holds a Ph.D. in instructional psychology and has served as a professor and administrator at Brigham Young University. He speaks several languages and enjoys swimming, hiking, and biking. He and his wife are the parents of five children and live in Provo, Utah. Highlights 01:30 Brother Osguthorpe relates his experience of how he got called to be Sunday School General President. 07:00 His calling is equal parts revelation and using his professional background of education and teaching. The Lord prepares us with gifts to help us in our callings. 10:30 Brother Osguthorpe’s professional background 12:30 Brother Osguthorpe explains how he balanced using his professional background and using revelation from God when making decisions about Come Follow Me. 15:30 Gospel learning is distinct from educational learning. 18:00 Discussion on the struggle leaders face when it comes to trying to motivate the ward or fix problems in the ward 19:30 The lesson doesn’t come from the manual or from a group of people. It comes from inside the learner. Leaders are to motivate, invite, and inspire the learner to look inside themselves. 21:45 Elder Bednar says that we don’t want teachers to act upon the students. As students we need to act and the desire needs to come from within them. 23:45 As leaders we think that we are there to just help fix problems and try to meet needs. However, what really needs to happen is we need to think of how we can magnify their gifts. 25:00 How do you teach doctrine rather than application? 29:00 How do we approach balancing lecturing and discussion? 36:00 Brother Osguthorpe talks about how he prepared General Conference talks and what he has learned from it. 41:45 Brother Osguthorpe discusses his new book, Filled with His love: Strengthening Our Attachment to God and to Others, and why he wrote it. 46:00 Attachment theory and fixing relationships 50:50 Kurt talks about how leaders can best help individuals that are struggling with their relationship with God. Oftentimes we focus on behaviors rather than the deeper cause of their struggles. It’s so important to listen to their story. 52:52 We need to analyze the relationships we had growing up to understand why we are struggling with relationships as adults. 53:15 Relationships are at the core of our doctrine. Covenants with God can be likened to creating a deeper relationship with God. 55:40 Brother Osguthorpe explains more about attachment theory and how it affects our relationships. 1:01:30 How to help negative self-talk in the individuals that we are trying to help. 1:10:25 Leaders should remember that every trial, sin, problem, etc., begins with an attachment problem and a detachment from God. 1:10:55 Brother Osguthorpe simplifies attachment theory and gives an example of how to use it to help individuals dealing with relationship problems. 1:11:45 A person’s desire can change their attachment style. 1:15:30 Our attachment to God has the most powerful influence on our attachment to others. Links Filled With His Love Podcast Filled with His Love: Strengthening Our Attachment to God and to Others Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Lisa Valentine Clark is a writer, actress, and the host of The Lisa Show on BYUradio. She is a founding member of the theater-as-improv comedy troupe, The Thrillionaries; a writer, producer, and actress on the film Once I Was a Beehive; a host for 3 seasons on the TV show Random Acts; and a star in the BYUtv production Show Offs. She is the mother of five and author of Real Moms: Making It Up As We Go. Lisa is currently serving as the Young Women president in her ward. Highlights 01:30 Introduction to Lisa and her background 06:00 The difference between the old and new young women’s program. The new program is more young women led. 09:15 Principle one: Belief in the purpose Know your why Talk about your purpose with your presidency Be open with the young women and ask them why they are there 16:40 Principle two: Focus on the individual Take care of each girl one by one Everyone has different needs and needs you to show up in different ways for them. It’s not a one size fits all. 21:00 Principle three: Lead by example The young women probably won’t remember all the lessons you taught or activities but they will remember how you lived your life, your kindness, and the time you took to build a relationship with them. 24:30 Lisa shared a story of her late husband and how he created connections with a group of young boys in their ward that created forever friendships 27:30 Lisa explains the dynamic between her (the young women’s president) and the bishop. 29:00 Girls camp tips 30:00 Using technology to communicate with the young women. 34:30 Lisa talks about the passing of her husband and how ward members can help in these types of situations 39:30 Kurt and Lisa discuss the help that we can get from our families versus our ministering brothers and sisters. How can ministers help best? 45:40 Getting called as Young Women’s President in what seemed like the worst timing. There is never a perfect time so you just have to jump in. Links The Lisa Show Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Lisa Valentine Clark is a writer, actress, and the host of The Lisa Show on BYUradio. She is a founding member of the theater-as-improv comedy troupe, The Thrillionaries; a writer, producer, and actress on the film Once I Was a Beehive; a host for 3 seasons on the TV show Random Acts; and a star in the BYUtv production Show Offs. She is the mother of five and author of Real Moms: Making It Up As We Go. Lisa is currently serving as the Young Women president in her ward. Highlights 01:30 Introduction to Lisa and her background 06:00 The difference between the old and new young women’s program. The new program is more young women led. 09:15 Principle one: Belief in the purpose Know your why Talk about your purpose with your presidency Be open with the young women and ask them why they are there 16:40 Principle two: Focus on the individual Take care of each girl one by one Everyone has different needs and needs you to show up in different ways for them. It’s not a one size fits all. 21:00 Principle three: Lead by example The young women probably won’t remember all the lessons you taught or activities but they will remember how you lived your life, your kindness, and the time you took to build a relationship with them. 24:30 Lisa shared a story of her late husband and how he created connections with a group of young boys in their ward that created forever friendships 27:30 Lisa explains the dynamic between her (the young women’s president) and the bishop. 29:00 Girls camp tips 30:00 Using technology to communicate with the young women. 34:30 Lisa talks about the passing of her husband and how ward members can help in these types of situations 39:30 Kurt and Lisa discuss the help that we can get from our families versus our ministering brothers and sisters. How can ministers help best? 45:40 Getting called as Young Women’s President in what seemed like the worst timing. There is never a perfect time so you just have to jump in. Links The Lisa Show Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Dr. Mark McConville is a Clinical Psychologist licensed by the State of Ohio with over 30 years of professional experience in adult, adolescent, emerging adult, and family psychology. Mark serves as a senior faculty member of the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland (GIC), a world renowned post-graduate training source for consulting and counseling professionals, and currently chairs GIC’s Advanced Training Program for Working With Children and Adolescents. Mark is the author of Failure to Launch: Why Your Twentysomething Hasn't Grown Up...and What to Do About It, a guide for parents of the 2.2 million young adults in America who are struggling to find their way in the world. Highlights 02:30 Introduction to Mark and his background 09:15 The demands on youth today as they enter into adulthood are much greater. Parents and grandparents shouldn’t make the mistake of thinking that it's as easy as going out and getting a job. 11:20 Kurt and Mark discuss young missionaries and if it’s a good idea to send them on missions at such a young age. 16:45 Kids growing up right now have the most supportive generation of parents in history. This is a huge plus but also has it’s negative aspects. 21:30 Kurt asks Mark if there are any ways that we can better prepare our missionaries. 25:00 The presence or absence of community is one the the critical variables in predicting success of starting a new phase in life. Such as, moving and starting a new job or leaving on a mission. 26:45 Mark talks about the developmental stages of being a parent and tips for parents at each stage. He gives his 3 primary ways that parents influence their children. Supervision Negotiating Consulting 34:40 How can we help youth reach out to other adults rather than their parents? 47:30 Mark’s tips for setting goals with youth. He suggests setting goals that are in the near future. 51:00 The importance of giving your kids responsibility 59:50 The concept of shame. Shame is one of the most toxic emotions. 1:03:00 The first thing a leader should do is de-shame the situation. Neutralize the shame and then go into how to fix the problem. 1:05:45 How parents can deal with older children in their twenties that are living at home and not progressing in life. 1:09:20 Mark’s final encouragement to youth leaders Links Failure to Launch: Why Your Twentysomething Hasn't Grown Up...and What to Do About It Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Dr. Mark McConville is a Clinical Psychologist licensed by the State of Ohio with over 30 years of professional experience in adult, adolescent, emerging adult, and family psychology. Mark serves as a senior faculty member of the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland (GIC), a world renowned post-graduate training source for consulting and counseling professionals, and currently chairs GIC’s Advanced Training Program for Working With Children and Adolescents. Mark is the author of Failure to Launch: Why Your Twentysomething Hasn't Grown Up...and What to Do About It, a guide for parents of the 2.2 million young adults in America who are struggling to find their way in the world. Highlights 02:30 Introduction to Mark and his background 09:15 The demands on youth today as they enter into adulthood are much greater. Parents and grandparents shouldn’t make the mistake of thinking that it's as easy as going out and getting a job. 11:20 Kurt and Mark discuss young missionaries and if it’s a good idea to send them on missions at such a young age. 16:45 Kids growing up right now have the most supportive generation of parents in history. This is a huge plus but also has it’s negative aspects. 21:30 Kurt asks Mark if there are any ways that we can better prepare our missionaries. 25:00 The presence or absence of community is one the the critical variables in predicting success of starting a new phase in life. Such as, moving and starting a new job or leaving on a mission. 26:45 Mark talks about the developmental stages of being a parent and tips for parents at each stage. He gives his 3 primary ways that parents influence their children. Supervision Negotiating Consulting 34:40 How can we help youth reach out to other adults rather than their parents? 47:30 Mark’s tips for setting goals with youth. He suggests setting goals that are in the near future. 51:00 The importance of giving your kids responsibility 59:50 The concept of shame. Shame is one of the most toxic emotions. 1:03:00 The first thing a leader should do is de-shame the situation. Neutralize the shame and then go into how to fix the problem. 1:05:45 How parents can deal with older children in their twenties that are living at home and not progressing in life. 1:09:20 Mark’s final encouragement to youth leaders Links Failure to Launch: Why Your Twentysomething Hasn't Grown Up...and What to Do About It Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in February 2020. Diljeet Taylor is the Brigham Young University Head Women's Cross Country Coach and Associate Director of Track & Field, and has been with BYU since 2016. She ran for Cal State Stanislaus and for the Nike Farm Olympic Development Team, then coached at Menlo College and later replaced her own coach at Cal State Stanislaus. A three-time All-American herself, she has coached 43 All-Americans and led the BYU Women's Cross Country team to first and second place NCAA titles the past three years. In 2021 she coached Whittni Orton (XC individual), the DMR team, Courtney Wayment (3000m), and Anna Camp-Bennett (1500m) to national titles. Diljeet and her husband Ira have two children, Taj and Avi. Highlights 04:35 Running and coaching history and how she ended up at BYU 06:30 Embraced the standards because it is similar to how she was raised, even though she is not a member of the Church 07:40 Coaching cross country involves both the physical and especially the mental components 08:45 Her first goal was to bring the team back to national relevance 10:10 The team gets the recognition they need from the school and feel valued and supported; it consists of 35 women who are part of “the sisterhood” 13:10 Leading young women is about empowering them, advocating for them, and teaching them to build each other up instead of comparing and competing 15:15 Get reminders daily so they can compare themselves to where they have been, and work toward their own goals; each has their own challenges 17:30 Talking about their dreams; the five most important words are “How can I help you?” The way you can teach them to achieve their dreams and goals is to help them achieve the goals they are working toward right now, which for the team members right now is personal growth in running 20:30 Bringing their individual goals together as a team happens through focusing on the journey and not the outcome 22:15 Establishing a culture of support by writing note cards to team members before every race, and an empowering culture of relationships Emphasizing how important it is to genuinely care about the person next to you The locker room: the teammates who are left home from meets aren’t left out because they are the supporters in the culture of sisterhood and recognize this is something bigger than one person 30:45 “Athletes don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” 32:40 Transparency is the key to making the tough calls and dealing with the disappointment of staying home in the locker room 35:45 Being honest even when you have to be tough: the athletes also know that when she says positive things, she means it 36:45 Knowing which athletes can handle or even need tough love Giving feedback through two things they’re doing well and one thing to improve on If an athlete seems unable to handle the tough love, it means the relationship isn’t strong enough 39:20 Drama and conflict with young adult women: They learn to handle it because they learn to be confident women and to step away from the comparison mindset; acknowledging that drama and conflict is part of being human, and validating and normalizing their feelings 42:00 How to diminish the comparison component: Comparison is the thief of joy You can’t go through life without experiencing the success of others, but someone else’s success doesn’t take away from yours Being happy for others while still being very competitive 45:20 Time and vulnerability are most important in creating connection so you have to be vulnerable as a leader, get out of your comfort zone, and put in the time to build a relationship 47:20 Admitting when you’ve made a mistake 48:30 No overall approach: each athlete has individual goals and training plans 50:30 Athletics activities for young women: sign up for a 5k together so they can train together and work toward a goal together...

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in February 2020. Diljeet Taylor is the Brigham Young University Head Women's Cross Country Coach and Associate Director of Track & Field, and has been with BYU since 2016. She ran for Cal State Stanislaus and for the Nike Farm Olympic Development Team, then coached at Menlo College and later replaced her own coach at Cal State Stanislaus. A three-time All-American herself, she has coached 43 All-Americans and led the BYU Women's Cross Country team to first and second place NCAA titles the past three years. In 2021 she coached Whittni Orton (XC individual), the DMR team, Courtney Wayment (3000m), and Anna Camp-Bennett (1500m) to national titles. Diljeet and her husband Ira have two children, Taj and Avi. Highlights 04:35 Running and coaching history and how she ended up at BYU 06:30 Embraced the standards because it is similar to how she was raised, even though she is not a member of the Church 07:40 Coaching cross country involves both the physical and especially the mental components 08:45 Her first goal was to bring the team back to national relevance 10:10 The team gets the recognition they need from the school and feel valued and supported; it consists of 35 women who are part of “the sisterhood” 13:10 Leading young women is about empowering them, advocating for them, and teaching them to build each other up instead of comparing and competing 15:15 Get reminders daily so they can compare themselves to where they have been, and work toward their own goals; each has their own challenges 17:30 Talking about their dreams; the five most important words are “How can I help you?” The way you can teach them to achieve their dreams and goals is to help them achieve the goals they are working toward right now, which for the team members right now is personal growth in running 20:30 Bringing their individual goals together as a team happens through focusing on the journey and not the outcome 22:15 Establishing a culture of support by writing note cards to team members before every race, and an empowering culture of relationships Emphasizing how important it is to genuinely care about the person next to you The locker room: the teammates who are left home from meets aren’t left out because they are the supporters in the culture of sisterhood and recognize this is something bigger than one person 30:45 “Athletes don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” 32:40 Transparency is the key to making the tough calls and dealing with the disappointment of staying home in the locker room 35:45 Being honest even when you have to be tough: the athletes also know that when she says positive things, she means it 36:45 Knowing which athletes can handle or even need tough love Giving feedback through two things they’re doing well and one thing to improve on If an athlete seems unable to handle the tough love, it means the relationship isn’t strong enough 39:20 Drama and conflict with young adult women: They learn to handle it because they learn to be confident women and to step away from the comparison mindset; acknowledging that drama and conflict is part of being human, and validating and normalizing their feelings 42:00 How to diminish the comparison component: Comparison is the thief of joy You can’t go through life without experiencing the success of others, but someone else’s success doesn’t take away from yours Being happy for others while still being very competitive 45:20 Time and vulnerability are most important in creating connection so you have to be vulnerable as a leader, get out of your comfort zone, and put in the time to build a relationship 47:20 Admitting when you’ve made a mistake 48:30 No overall approach: each athlete has individual goals and training plans 50:30 Athletics activities for young women: sign up for a 5k together so they can train together and work toward a goal together...

Register for FREE to watch the Young Saints Virtual Conference Dan Duckworth is a disciple, family man, and changemaker. As a teacher and coach, he guides elite leaders to the top of their game. He’s the author of Stop Asking Why: Your Purpose is Self-Evident, and president of the Leading Saints Board of Directors. This podcast is the second of a 2-part presentation for the Young Saints Virtual Conference. Listen to PART 1: Why Testimony is Not the Only Goal for Latter-day Youth—Part 1 Highlights 00:40 In general, our goal for the youth is to develop disciples of Jesus Christ. We want people who show up for Christ and contribute to the kingdom. We are looking for leaders and contributors that can be productive and effective leaders, missionaries, parents, and spouses. 04:20 Kurt and Dan talk about character building and why it’s important to leadership. Youth development could also be considered character development. 06:25 Youth development isn’t about knowledge or skills. Character is the most important thing. 07:20 Dan explains what character is and how it affects youth development and leadership. 09:20 Contrary to popular belief, character isn’t good or bad. It’s either effective or ineffective relative to your goals. 10:55 It’s not just about staying on the covenant path. Christ is looking for builders of the kingdom. He wants people to work alongside him. That is why character is so important. Character is about how consistently you show up. 11:40 Becoming a disciple of Christ is equally about developing character and testimony. Character is how you show up. Testimony is why you show up for Christ. 13:40 It’s easy to get hyper focused on testimony development and completely overlook character development. Both are equally important. 15:40 Examples in the scriptures of testimony and character. Great examples are Jonah and Peter. They had great testimonies but weak characters. Jonah tried to run away. Peter denied Christ three times. 16:40 How do you gain a testimony? Testimony is built through direct experiences with God. You are a witness of something. You could be a first hand witness or you have an experience with the holy spirit. 19:40 We need to understand character and testimony to be effective youth leaders. 20:30 Between 20 to 30 percent of missionaries go home early. Most have the testimony but lack the character. The emotional and mental maturity isn’t there to help them deal with the demands of a mission. 23:40 More scriptural examples of testimony and character. 25:55 How does character develop in the real world? 30:35 Leadership development with adults vs. youth development. Adults are much more stuck in their ways and harder to change their thinking. They aren’t malleable like the youth. 33:05 The single most impactful factor on youth development is if mentors are involved and if that mentor was not just assigned but if they emerged. They became that youth’s mentor because they were a teacher or coach and they also wanted to mentor them. 33:55 Dan shares a real life example of how a teacher became a mentor to a young man who was struggling on his sports team and also Dan’s son, who was training to run a half marathon. This man wasn’t assigned. He wanted to mentor these kids. 36:00 Most of us block people off who try to mentor or influence us. It’s only occasionally that there is a special connection made and we then open ourselves up to be mentored. 38:25 Our behavior and the narrative that we have for ourselves is based on the experiences that we have. We have to be open up to rewriting that narrative and accepting mentorship or therapy. 40:00 A huge part of mentorship is just helping that person understand the experiences that they have had or are currently having and what those experiences mean to them or about them. 41:00 How to get in a state of mentorship #1 Deeply care about the growth of that youth or person.

Register for FREE to watch the Young Saints Virtual Conference Dan Duckworth is a disciple, family man, and changemaker. As a teacher and coach, he guides elite leaders to the top of their game. He’s the author of Stop Asking Why: Your Purpose is Self-Evident, and president of the Leading Saints Board of Directors. This podcast is the second of a 2-part presentation for the Young Saints Virtual Conference. Listen to PART 1: Why Testimony is Not the Only Goal for Latter-day Youth—Part 1 Highlights 00:40 In general, our goal for the youth is to develop disciples of Jesus Christ. We want people who show up for Christ and contribute to the kingdom. We are looking for leaders and contributors that can be productive and effective leaders, missionaries, parents, and spouses. 04:20 Kurt and Dan talk about character building and why it’s important to leadership. Youth development could also be considered character development. 06:25 Youth development isn’t about knowledge or skills. Character is the most important thing. 07:20 Dan explains what character is and how it affects youth development and leadership. 09:20 Contrary to popular belief, character isn’t good or bad. It’s either effective or ineffective relative to your goals. 10:55 It’s not just about staying on the covenant path. Christ is looking for builders of the kingdom. He wants people to work alongside him. That is why character is so important. Character is about how consistently you show up. 11:40 Becoming a disciple of Christ is equally about developing character and testimony. Character is how you show up. Testimony is why you show up for Christ. 13:40 It’s easy to get hyper focused on testimony development and completely overlook character development. Both are equally important. 15:40 Examples in the scriptures of testimony and character. Great examples are Jonah and Peter. They had great testimonies but weak characters. Jonah tried to run away. Peter denied Christ three times. 16:40 How do you gain a testimony? Testimony is built through direct experiences with God. You are a witness of something. You could be a first hand witness or you have an experience with the holy spirit. 19:40 We need to understand character and testimony to be effective youth leaders. 20:30 Between 20 to 30 percent of missionaries go home early. Most have the testimony but lack the character. The emotional and mental maturity isn’t there to help them deal with the demands of a mission. 23:40 More scriptural examples of testimony and character. 25:55 How does character develop in the real world? 30:35 Leadership development with adults vs. youth development. Adults are much more stuck in their ways and harder to change their thinking. They aren’t malleable like the youth. 33:05 The single most impactful factor on youth development is if mentors are involved and if that mentor was not just assigned but if they emerged. They became that youth’s mentor because they were a teacher or coach and they also wanted to mentor them. 33:55 Dan shares a real life example of how a teacher became a mentor to a young man who was struggling on his sports team and also Dan’s son, who was training to run a half marathon. This man wasn’t assigned. He wanted to mentor these kids. 36:00 Most of us block people off who try to mentor or influence us. It’s only occasionally that there is a special connection made and we then open ourselves up to be mentored. 38:25 Our behavior and the narrative that we have for ourselves is based on the experiences that we have. We have to be open up to rewriting that narrative and accepting mentorship or therapy. 40:00 A huge part of mentorship is just helping that person understand the experiences that they have had or are currently having and what those experiences mean to them or about them. 41:00 How to get in a state of mentorship #1 Deeply care about the growth of that youth or person.

Register for free at: https://leadingsaints.org/youth

Register for free at: https://leadingsaints.org/youth

Register for FREE to watch the Young Saints Virtual Conference Dan Duckworth is a disciple, family man, and changemaker. As a teacher and coach, he guides elite leaders to the top of their game. He’s the author of Stop Asking Why: Your Purpose is Self-Evident, and president of the Leading Saints Board of Directors. This podcast is the first of a 2-part presentation for the Young Saints Virtual Conference. Highlights 6:10 What’s the difference between being a youth worker vs a youth mentor? Mentorship is a state. You are only a leader if someone is following. Leadership and mentorship are synonymous. 9:45 Too often in youth programs there is a lot of teen check out and adult burnout. The overall goals are not being accomplished despite all the hard work that is getting put into it. Dan’s goal in this session is to help leaders be effective mentors and not just youth workers. 13:30 One thing that is fundamental to youth development is letting go of control and letting the natural processes take place. A leader should learn to nurture these processes instead of trying to control them. 16:30 Dan explains positive youth development or positive leadership. 24:30 Many difficulties come to youth leaders in the church because they didn’t sign up for it. They weren’t trained in youth development. It’s a calling and they were asked to be there. Links PART 2: Why Testimony is Not the Only Goal for Latter-day Youth—Part 2 Register for FREE to watch the Young Saints Virtual Conference Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Register for FREE to watch the Young Saints Virtual Conference Dan Duckworth is a disciple, family man, and changemaker. As a teacher and coach, he guides elite leaders to the top of their game. He’s the author of Stop Asking Why: Your Purpose is Self-Evident, and president of the Leading Saints Board of Directors. This podcast is the first of a 2-part presentation for the Young Saints Virtual Conference. Highlights 6:10 What’s the difference between being a youth worker vs a youth mentor? Mentorship is a state. You are only a leader if someone is following. Leadership and mentorship are synonymous. 9:45 Too often in youth programs there is a lot of teen check out and adult burnout. The overall goals are not being accomplished despite all the hard work that is getting put into it. Dan’s goal in this session is to help leaders be effective mentors and not just youth workers. 13:30 One thing that is fundamental to youth development is letting go of control and letting the natural processes take place. A leader should learn to nurture these processes instead of trying to control them. 16:30 Dan explains positive youth development or positive leadership. 24:30 Many difficulties come to youth leaders in the church because they didn’t sign up for it. They weren’t trained in youth development. It’s a calling and they were asked to be there. Links PART 2: Why Testimony is Not the Only Goal for Latter-day Youth—Part 2 Register for FREE to watch the Young Saints Virtual Conference Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Register for free at: https://leadingsaints.org/youth

Register for free at: https://leadingsaints.org/youth

Register for free at: https://leadingsaints.org/youth

Register for free at: https://leadingsaints.org/youth

Register for free at: https://leadingsaints.org/youth

Register for free at: https://leadingsaints.org/youth

Register for FREE to watch the Young Saints Virtual Conference Smith Alley is an 18-year-old high school senior who struggled with the harmful effects of pornography and social media for five years. Deciding to change the course of his life at 14, he went through an addiction recovery program and fell in love with helping other people. He now speaks to groups on how to establish internal filters and use technology in a balanced and intentional way to avoid negative mental health effects and achieve their goals. Smith has started a nonprofit organization called Live Life Bigger Foundation. His mission is to help kids live life bigger and rise up to their true potential. At age 16, he also started a company for parents called ProtechtStrong that helps families set up parental restrictions on devices and create healthy social media habits. Highlights 3:30 Story about papercuts to the heart. 5:25 Smith’s story being exposed to pornography at a very young age, dealing with social media, and with depression. 8:00 Smith shares his recovery story. 15:00 There is no such thing as a normal life or being a normal human being. We put such high expectations on what is ok or what is normal behavior. Part of human behavior is making mistakes and we aren’t normalizing that. 18:15 Let your heart break. Be vulnerable. We are taught to suck it up and not cry. We can’t grow or heal without being vulnerable and talking about our feelings. 19:00 A huge part of Smith’s healing was service. He replaced his bad habit with a good habit. 20:15 Smith tells stories of other youth that are struggling and how he has been able to help them by being open about his own struggle. His vulnerability has lead him to help so many other youth and help them open up too. 24:45 Smith leads through acceptance, vulnerability, and love. 25:20 Be a church leader not a church controller. 32:00 Teaching youth about their true identity is what is going to save them not trying to control their behavior. Do they know who they are? Do they identify themselves as sons and daughters of God? 34:00 How can youth leaders communicate better acceptance? God and Christ see us for who we are and not for what you are doing. Show them who they can be by using the atonement of Jesus Christ. 38:15 How can we help youth feel loved? 44:45 As leaders we want to talk about commandments and righteousness but maybe what we should really be talking about is brokenness and wounds. Sharing our brokenness leads us to Christ, the healer of brokenness. 47:30 Smith’s advice to youth leaders. Links livelifebigger.org protechtstrong.com Instagram: @live.life.bigger LinkedIn: Smith Alley Read the TRANSCRIPT of this presentation

Register for FREE to watch the Young Saints Virtual Conference Smith Alley is an 18-year-old high school senior who struggled with the harmful effects of pornography and social media for five years. Deciding to change the course of his life at 14, he went through an addiction recovery program and fell in love with helping other people. He now speaks to groups on how to establish internal filters and use technology in a balanced and intentional way to avoid negative mental health effects and achieve their goals. Smith has started a nonprofit organization called Live Life Bigger Foundation. His mission is to help kids live life bigger and rise up to their true potential. At age 16, he also started a company for parents called ProtechtStrong that helps families set up parental restrictions on devices and create healthy social media habits. Highlights 3:30 Story about papercuts to the heart. 5:25 Smith’s story being exposed to pornography at a very young age, dealing with social media, and with depression. 8:00 Smith shares his recovery story. 15:00 There is no such thing as a normal life or being a normal human being. We put such high expectations on what is ok or what is normal behavior. Part of human behavior is making mistakes and we aren’t normalizing that. 18:15 Let your heart break. Be vulnerable. We are taught to suck it up and not cry. We can’t grow or heal without being vulnerable and talking about our feelings. 19:00 A huge part of Smith’s healing was service. He replaced his bad habit with a good habit. 20:15 Smith tells stories of other youth that are struggling and how he has been able to help them by being open about his own struggle. His vulnerability has lead him to help so many other youth and help them open up too. 24:45 Smith leads through acceptance, vulnerability, and love. 25:20 Be a church leader not a church controller. 32:00 Teaching youth about their true identity is what is going to save them not trying to control their behavior. Do they know who they are? Do they identify themselves as sons and daughters of God? 34:00 How can youth leaders communicate better acceptance? God and Christ see us for who we are and not for what you are doing. Show them who they can be by using the atonement of Jesus Christ. 38:15 How can we help youth feel loved? 44:45 As leaders we want to talk about commandments and righteousness but maybe what we should really be talking about is brokenness and wounds. Sharing our brokenness leads us to Christ, the healer of brokenness. 47:30 Smith’s advice to youth leaders. Links livelifebigger.org protechtstrong.com Instagram: @live.life.bigger LinkedIn: Smith Alley Read the TRANSCRIPT of this presentation

Kessa Merrill is a young single adult member originally from Gilbert, Arizona, and is currently serving as stake Relief Society first counselor. Professionally she is an esthetician, studied public relations at Arizona State University, and is currently pursuing both of those passions as she works as the Operations Manager for the SkinBoss SkinSpa in Provo, Utah. During her time in Arizona she served as both the Latter-day Saint Student Association president and Interfaith Student Council president, and prior to that she served as her YSA ward Relief Society president. She has also served in several presidencies as secretary and held many music callings. In her free time she likes to cook dinners with friends, sing karaoke, and redecorate her home. Highlights 5:30 Kessa shares her experience working on the institute council and interfaith council at Arizona State University. 8:30 Getting called as a Relief Society president at 21 years old in her YSA ward 10:00 The most difficult thing about being Relief Society President 11:00 Visits with her counselors was one of the most important and consistent things that she did as a Relief Society president. 14:45 Those simple visits that Kessa took time to make every week impacted her life and helped her gain connections that have stayed in her life years later. 17:00 Kessa shares her experience getting called to be the first counselor in the YSA Stake Relief Society Presidency. 19:30 Kessa was one of the first YSA members that was part of the Stake Counsel. She has been able to speak up for YSA members in these councils. 21:30 Be organized and share responsibility Applying this principle has allowed her to reach out to more people They take advantage of technology. It’s harder to reach YSA members with their schedules so they use text and zoom calls to communicate a lot. 26:20 Loneliness is one of the biggest hardships that YSA members struggle with. 27:45 What a leader can do to help with the loneliness that YSA members are experiencing It’s not about more activities Make connections in small groups and through ministering 29:00 Serve with your eyes wide open and love. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Kessa Merrill is a young single adult member originally from Gilbert, Arizona, and is currently serving as stake Relief Society first counselor. Professionally she is an esthetician, studied public relations at Arizona State University, and is currently pursuing both of those passions as she works as the Operations Manager for the SkinBoss SkinSpa in Provo, Utah. During her time in Arizona she served as both the Latter-day Saint Student Association president and Interfaith Student Council president, and prior to that she served as her YSA ward Relief Society president. She has also served in several presidencies as secretary and held many music callings. In her free time she likes to cook dinners with friends, sing karaoke, and redecorate her home. Highlights 5:30 Kessa shares her experience working on the institute council and interfaith council at Arizona State University. 8:30 Getting called as a Relief Society president at 21 years old in her YSA ward 10:00 The most difficult thing about being Relief Society President 11:00 Visits with her counselors was one of the most important and consistent things that she did as a Relief Society president. 14:45 Those simple visits that Kessa took time to make every week impacted her life and helped her gain connections that have stayed in her life years later. 17:00 Kessa shares her experience getting called to be the first counselor in the YSA Stake Relief Society Presidency. 19:30 Kessa was one of the first YSA members that was part of the Stake Counsel. She has been able to speak up for YSA members in these councils. 21:30 Be organized and share responsibility Applying this principle has allowed her to reach out to more people They take advantage of technology. It’s harder to reach YSA members with their schedules so they use text and zoom calls to communicate a lot. 26:20 Loneliness is one of the biggest hardships that YSA members struggle with. 27:45 What a leader can do to help with the loneliness that YSA members are experiencing It’s not about more activities Make connections in small groups and through ministering 29:00 Serve with your eyes wide open and love. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Chris Raleigh grew up in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and served in the Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Mission. He has a bachelor’s degree in business, a master’s degree in education, and has taught for 28 years in both public and private school settings—including 23 years as a seminary and institute instructor. His Church assignments have included callings in the elders quorum, Sunday School, high council, bishopric, and as a bishop and stake president. In his current assignment he serves with his wife, Peggy, on the Church’s Corrections Committee ministering to both Church leaders and inmates in six county jails and the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison, Utah. Chris and Peggy have nine children and 14 grandchildren. In this podcast, Chris candidly shares a decades-long struggle. His desire is to lend hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ to the many men and women who feel trapped within the grasp of the illness called addiction. Trying to reverse four generations of addiction within his family has not been easy but he knows it is possible. Highlights 1:30 Chris talks about his background and faith development 7:00 Family history of addiction 17:00 Chris’ personal story and struggle with pornography addiction 27:00 Chris was always looking for a “cure” for his problem. He thought teaching seminary or becoming a bishop would help him but the struggle was always there. 30:30 Good people struggle with very hard things. It’s not about being flawless but worthy. 33:00 We normally see vulnerability as a strength in others but a weakness in ourselves. 34:00 Kurt and Chris discuss his time as a Bishop and his continual struggle to stay away from pornography. No matter how hard he tried it just kept coming back. 43:20 Becoming a Stake President and dealing with his addiction 52:00 Getting to a place of healing and getting help from a general authority 55:15 Telling his wife and her struggle with betrayal trauma. Chris shares their marriage struggles. 59:45 Getting divorced, getting released as a stake president, and getting terminated as a seminary teacher. He continued to seek healing, recovery, and find blessings when life was falling apart. 1:04:45 Chris shares how God has blessed him for telling his story. He has rebuilt his life and remarried. 1:09:00 Chris had to walk a hard path to get where he is. He prayed for years and years to be rid of his addiction but he needed to go through treatment first. He had to be ready. 1:10:00 By healing and recovering, Chris is also helping his ancestors who struggled with addiction. 1:13:00 There is hope for everyone. However, addiction is an illness and it needs treatment. 1:16:45 The power of telling your story 1:17:45 To the lonely leader that is struggling with sin. The bravery to speak up. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Chris Raleigh grew up in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and served in the Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Mission. He has a bachelor’s degree in business, a master’s degree in education, and has taught for 28 years in both public and private school settings—including 23 years as a seminary and institute instructor. His Church assignments have included callings in the elders quorum, Sunday School, high council, bishopric, and as a bishop and stake president. In his current assignment he serves with his wife, Peggy, on the Church’s Corrections Committee ministering to both Church leaders and inmates in six county jails and the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison, Utah. Chris and Peggy have nine children and 14 grandchildren. In this podcast, Chris candidly shares a decades-long struggle. His desire is to lend hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ to the many men and women who feel trapped within the grasp of the illness called addiction. Trying to reverse four generations of addiction within his family has not been easy but he knows it is possible. Highlights 1:30 Chris talks about his background and faith development 7:00 Family history of addiction 17:00 Chris’ personal story and struggle with pornography addiction 27:00 Chris was always looking for a “cure” for his problem. He thought teaching seminary or becoming a bishop would help him but the struggle was always there. 30:30 Good people struggle with very hard things. It’s not about being flawless but worthy. 33:00 We normally see vulnerability as a strength in others but a weakness in ourselves. 34:00 Kurt and Chris discuss his time as a Bishop and his continual struggle to stay away from pornography. No matter how hard he tried it just kept coming back. 43:20 Becoming a Stake President and dealing with his addiction 52:00 Getting to a place of healing and getting help from a general authority 55:15 Telling his wife and her struggle with betrayal trauma. Chris shares their marriage struggles. 59:45 Getting divorced, getting released as a stake president, and getting terminated as a seminary teacher. He continued to seek healing, recovery, and find blessings when life was falling apart. 1:04:45 Chris shares how God has blessed him for telling his story. He has rebuilt his life and remarried. 1:09:00 Chris had to walk a hard path to get where he is. He prayed for years and years to be rid of his addiction but he needed to go through treatment first. He had to be ready. 1:10:00 By healing and recovering, Chris is also helping his ancestors who struggled with addiction. 1:13:00 There is hope for everyone. However, addiction is an illness and it needs treatment. 1:16:45 The power of telling your story 1:17:45 To the lonely leader that is struggling with sin. The bravery to speak up. Links Listen to the follow-up conversation: What Sexual Addiction Recovery Actually Looks Like | An Interview with Steven Croshaw and Chris Raleigh Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Randy Lonsdale and his wife Linda (Mendenhall) are Canadians living near Calgary, Alberta. They are thrilled to have six wonderful children and nine practically-perfect grandchildren. Randy is an in-house attorney handling engineering and construction contracts for a supermajor energy company. Randy's law career has taken his family to Vancouver (Canada), twice to South Korea, and to the island of Saipan (CNMI), and he still speaks Korean first learned during his mission to Seoul, Korea. He has served as bishop as well as a counselor in a stake presidency and a military district presidency. For the past 5 years he has served as a stake president. Highlights 3:00 Introduction and Randy’s background 5:00 Story of how Randy was called to be a Stake President and Stake demographics 11:45 The most important things that Randy has learned in his leadership Showing people love is always number one Teach people how to build a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ through teaching and by example 13:30 In Randy’s stake they have a vision statement and also a set of goals. They try to keep it simple. 14:30 Traditions and their approach to High Council meetings 16:30 Helping youth prepare for their missions: They have a "missionary bootcamp" checklist 21:40 Randy explains how their stake runs and things that he has found that really work 23:00 Tools they use for administration 25:40 Randy’s personal stories and family tragedy 30:45 How losing his daughter has helped him be a better leader Links Church Missionary Preparation pages Pre-Mission Boot Camp Checklist (DOCX) Pre-Mission Boot Camp Checklist (PDF) Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Randy Lonsdale and his wife Linda (Mendenhall) are Canadians living near Calgary, Alberta. They are thrilled to have six wonderful children and nine practically-perfect grandchildren. Randy is an in-house attorney handling engineering and construction contracts for a supermajor energy company. Randy's law career has taken his family to Vancouver (Canada), twice to South Korea, and to the island of Saipan (CNMI), and he still speaks Korean first learned during his mission to Seoul, Korea. He has served as bishop as well as a counselor in a stake presidency and a military district presidency. For the past 5 years he has served as a stake president. Highlights 3:00 Introduction and Randy’s background 5:00 Story of how Randy was called to be a Stake President and Stake demographics 11:45 The most important things that Randy has learned in his leadership Showing people love is always number one Teach people how to build a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ through teaching and by example 13:30 In Randy’s stake they have a vision statement and also a set of goals. They try to keep it simple. 14:30 Traditions and their approach to High Council meetings 16:30 Helping youth prepare for their missions: They have a "missionary bootcamp" checklist 21:40 Randy explains how their stake runs and things that he has found that really work 23:00 Tools they use for administration 25:40 Randy’s personal stories and family tragedy 30:45 How losing his daughter has helped him be a better leader Links Church Missionary Preparation pages Pre-Mission Boot Camp Checklist (DOCX) Pre-Mission Boot Camp Checklist (PDF) Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Elaine Dalton was born and raised in Ogden, Utah, and received her bachelor's degree in English from Brigham Young University. She served alongside her husband, Stephen, in a singles ward bishopric and in stake callings, then at the general level of the Church for ten years on the Young Women general board and as the first and second counselor of the Young Women general presidency. She was called as Young Women general president from 2008 to 2013. Elaine and Stephen are the parents of five sons and one daughter and the grandparents of 16 grandchildren. Highlights 4:00 Elaine introduces herself and tells about her background. 10:00 Getting called into the general Young Women presidency 14:00 Elaine’s experience calling counselors. 17:00 Advice for Young Women’s Presidents and how they can help the young women the most. Help them know their worth and true identity The power of prayer 22:00 Elaine shares special experiences that she has had serving. 28:40 From all her travels Elaine has learned that the only hope for the world is the gospel of Jesus Christ. 29:45 Thoughts on girls camp and getting away from the messages of the world. 34:00 Stories of speaking in General Conference. 36:20 Preparing a talk for General Conference 44:30 Dealing with friction between leaders and how to manage it. Remember that every "no" is one step closer to "yes". 48:00 Kurt takes questions from the audience. Elaine talks about how she met her husband. 49:50 Elaine tells the story of when she got called to be the General Young Women’s President. 53:00 What do you do when you get released? Many find it more difficult to serve and find purpose after they are released from a calling. Links Photo by Michelle Lehnardt for RubyGirl.org Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Elaine Dalton was born and raised in Ogden, Utah, and received her bachelor's degree in English from Brigham Young University. She served alongside her husband, Stephen, in a singles ward bishopric and in stake callings, then at the general level of the Church for ten years on the Young Women general board and as the first and second counselor of the Young Women general presidency. She was called as Young Women general president from 2008 to 2013. Elaine and Stephen are the parents of five sons and one daughter and the grandparents of 16 grandchildren. Highlights 4:00 Elaine introduces herself and tells about her background. 10:00 Getting called into the general Young Women presidency 14:00 Elaine’s experience calling counselors. 17:00 Advice for Young Women’s Presidents and how they can help the young women the most. Help them know their worth and true identity The power of prayer 22:00 Elaine shares special experiences that she has had serving. 28:40 From all her travels Elaine has learned that the only hope for the world is the gospel of Jesus Christ. 29:45 Thoughts on girls camp and getting away from the messages of the world. 34:00 Stories of speaking in General Conference. 36:20 Preparing a talk for General Conference 44:30 Dealing with friction between leaders and how to manage it. Remember that every "no" is one step closer to "yes". 48:00 Kurt takes questions from the audience. Elaine talks about how she met her husband. 49:50 Elaine tells the story of when she got called to be the General Young Women’s President. 53:00 What do you do when you get released? Many find it more difficult to serve and find purpose after they are released from a calling. Links Photo by Michelle Lehnardt for RubyGirl.org Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in June 2019. Dr. Robert Ferrell has served as an elders quorum president, high councilor, YSA bishop, and YSA stake president, and has presented at firesides and conferences—including BYU Education Week—about connecting with young single adults. He grew up in the Bay Area of California but lives in Mountain Green, Utah, and worked as a periodontist in the Ogden area prior to leaving to serve as a mission president in the Peru Lima Central Mission. He has a bachelor's degree in family sciences and a doctoral degree in dental surgery, and he and his wife Lori are the parents of eight children. Highlights 7:30 His call as a YSA stake president came while serving as a bishop, forming a new YSA stake 11:00 He saw a need for a greater understanding of young adults today, and decided to present at BYU Education Week as an advocate for young adults 13:10 Stigmas of the Millennial generation in and outside of the Church 14:20 The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not lose people; the culture, tradition, false doctrine, and application loses people 15:20 Creating a young adult program needs to start with a strong organizational structure 16:00 Most wards are not aware of the problem with the activity rate among YSAs 17:10 Priesthood keys and leadership have to be behind the leaders in a YSA program 21:10 It can be easy to lose track of YSAs, and family wards need to work with YSA programs to focus on rescuing—most effective when the stake presidents work together with YSA leaders 25:00 Worked with his area seventy and coordinating councils and were able to see great success with the program Multiple ward mission leaders were assigned to the stakes that funneled YSAs to their YSA ward, and senior adult couples assigned to be the bridge between the YSA ward and the home stake Returned missionaries are prepared to help rescue other YSAs 27:25 Wanted as many of the less-active records as they could, so they could organize and reach out to rescue them Focused on organizational structure with leaders working together Ministering happened among the active members, YSA ward mission leaders handled the rest 31:10 The organizational process has to be there to help young adults come unto Christ 31:50 #1 cultural concept that must change: YSA wards are not about marriage, they don’t need to be reminded, and that message turns them away 34:00 The purpose of the young single adult program is helping them connect with Jesus Christ 36:40 YSA programs are not glorified YMYW programs, and activities need to be planned by the YSAs and be focused on things that help connect them to Christ 40:15 Leadership by collaboration instead of control: turn it over to them The Lord used young adults to restore the Church; they can be trusted with the YSA program 45:10 Example of giving autonomy: Stake YSA Relief Society presidency recognized a pornography problem with the sisters and taught about it at ward conferences 47:10 Encouraged the sisters to turn to their Relief Society president when they have a problem, and take it to the bishop when they are ready to repent 49:30 Counsel given to him as the stake president was that you cannot rescue YSAs and then throw the book at them Is that approach too soft? Story of missionary who returned after less than a week in the MTC, due to sexual transgression 1:00:30 The sins are a symptom of a more serious doctrinal problem and the purpose of discipline is to save the soul of the transgressor, not to punish 1:04:00 Bishops and counselors need to be working on the same level so they can develop relationships with the YSA ward members 1:05:00 Behavior vs. doctrine: sin is the consequence of Satan’s real purpose 1:08:00 Leaders need to help them resolve contention in their lives 1:10:45 Not knowing the meaning of worthiness is the greatest cause of contention

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in June 2019. Dr. Robert Ferrell has served as an elders quorum president, high councilor, YSA bishop, and YSA stake president, and has presented at firesides and conferences—including BYU Education Week—about connecting with young single adults. He grew up in the Bay Area of California but lives in Mountain Green, Utah, and worked as a periodontist in the Ogden area prior to leaving to serve as a mission president in the Peru Lima Central Mission. He has a bachelor's degree in family sciences and a doctoral degree in dental surgery, and he and his wife Lori are the parents of eight children. Highlights 7:30 His call as a YSA stake president came while serving as a bishop, forming a new YSA stake 11:00 He saw a need for a greater understanding of young adults today, and decided to present at BYU Education Week as an advocate for young adults 13:10 Stigmas of the Millennial generation in and outside of the Church 14:20 The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not lose people; the culture, tradition, false doctrine, and application loses people 15:20 Creating a young adult program needs to start with a strong organizational structure 16:00 Most wards are not aware of the problem with the activity rate among YSAs 17:10 Priesthood keys and leadership have to be behind the leaders in a YSA program 21:10 It can be easy to lose track of YSAs, and family wards need to work with YSA programs to focus on rescuing—most effective when the stake presidents work together with YSA leaders 25:00 Worked with his area seventy and coordinating councils and were able to see great success with the program Multiple ward mission leaders were assigned to the stakes that funneled YSAs to their YSA ward, and senior adult couples assigned to be the bridge between the YSA ward and the home stake Returned missionaries are prepared to help rescue other YSAs 27:25 Wanted as many of the less-active records as they could, so they could organize and reach out to rescue them Focused on organizational structure with leaders working together Ministering happened among the active members, YSA ward mission leaders handled the rest 31:10 The organizational process has to be there to help young adults come unto Christ 31:50 #1 cultural concept that must change: YSA wards are not about marriage, they don’t need to be reminded, and that message turns them away 34:00 The purpose of the young single adult program is helping them connect with Jesus Christ 36:40 YSA programs are not glorified YMYW programs, and activities need to be planned by the YSAs and be focused on things that help connect them to Christ 40:15 Leadership by collaboration instead of control: turn it over to them The Lord used young adults to restore the Church; they can be trusted with the YSA program 45:10 Example of giving autonomy: Stake YSA Relief Society presidency recognized a pornography problem with the sisters and taught about it at ward conferences 47:10 Encouraged the sisters to turn to their Relief Society president when they have a problem, and take it to the bishop when they are ready to repent 49:30 Counsel given to him as the stake president was that you cannot rescue YSAs and then throw the book at them Is that approach too soft? Story of missionary who returned after less than a week in the MTC, due to sexual transgression 1:00:30 The sins are a symptom of a more serious doctrinal problem and the purpose of discipline is to save the soul of the transgressor, not to punish 1:04:00 Bishops and counselors need to be working on the same level so they can develop relationships with the YSA ward members 1:05:00 Behavior vs. doctrine: sin is the consequence of Satan’s real purpose 1:08:00 Leaders need to help them resolve contention in their lives 1:10:45 Not knowing the meaning of worthiness is the greatest cause of contention

Brandon Comstock has been teaching seminary for the past fourteen years in Southern Utah, and has also taught religion courses online for BYU-Idaho and Pathways International for five years. He has a bachelors degree in Business Management from BYU-Idaho, a masters in Instructional Technology from Utah State, and a doctorate in Educational Technology from Boise State, where his research focused on using smartphones in religious classrooms. Brandon has previously served as a Sunbeam teacher, four times as a Gospel Doctrine teacher, and as Sunday School president and Young Mens president. He current serves as elders quorum president and on the Gospel Library Awareness and User Education Committee. Brandon and his wife Carly live with their five children in St. George, Utah. Highlights 05:30 Is using a cell phone to study the scriptures too distracting? 10:15 Scientific research regarding cell phones and how they affect our relationships and study. 12:20 Putting away devices at church or banning devices isn’t going to fix the problem. There has to be a mindset shift from seeing cell phones as toys to seeing them as tools to bring us to our Savior. 14:15 Five things that have to happen to get effective smartphone use at church. Training Modeling Simplification Direction Assistance 14:40 Training students to use phones. Most parents and teachers only focus on what NOT to do on phones but don’t train youth on how to use phones. 16:00 Digital reading vs print reading. 29:00 Examples of how to train youth to do digital scripture study. It’s not just about showing them which buttons to push but showing them why they are doing it. Give it value. Focus on where am I doing this, when am I doing this, and why am I doing this. 32:15 Modeling - show me, don’t tell me. 36:50 Simplifying - the gospel library has made it possible for members to create QR codes so that you can easily share specific parts of talks or scriptures. It simplifies the process and makes it easy for an entire class to scan the code and get to the quote quickly. 44:45 Examples of simplifying. Be very redundant in your instructions. 48:20 Brandon gives specific tips and phrases to use in your church classes as you guide your class in using the Gospel Library app. 55:20 Assist - this principle is more for youth teachers. Let students use paper or cellphones in their gospel study. Let them make the choice. You are to assist them in their learning, not exercise power over them. Links Watch this presentation on YouTube Stimulating More Personal Revelation in Your Ward With the Gospel Library App | An Interview with Richard Bernard The Teaching Saints Virtual Conference Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Brandon Comstock has been teaching seminary for the past fourteen years in Southern Utah, and has also taught religion courses online for BYU-Idaho and Pathways International for five years. He has a bachelors degree in Business Management from BYU-Idaho, a masters in Instructional Technology from Utah State, and a doctorate in Educational Technology from Boise State, where his research focused on using smartphones in religious classrooms. Brandon has previously served as a Sunbeam teacher, four times as a Gospel Doctrine teacher, and as Sunday School president and Young Mens president. He current serves as elders quorum president and on the Gospel Library Awareness and User Education Committee. Brandon and his wife Carly live with their five children in St. George, Utah. Highlights 05:30 Is using a cell phone to study the scriptures too distracting? 10:15 Scientific research regarding cell phones and how they affect our relationships and study. 12:20 Putting away devices at church or banning devices isn’t going to fix the problem. There has to be a mindset shift from seeing cell phones as toys to seeing them as tools to bring us to our Savior. 14:15 Five things that have to happen to get effective smartphone use at church. Training Modeling Simplification Direction Assistance 14:40 Training students to use phones. Most parents and teachers only focus on what NOT to do on phones but don’t train youth on how to use phones. 16:00 Digital reading vs print reading. 29:00 Examples of how to train youth to do digital scripture study. It’s not just about showing them which buttons to push but showing them why they are doing it. Give it value. Focus on where am I doing this, when am I doing this, and why am I doing this. 32:15 Modeling - show me, don’t tell me. 36:50 Simplifying - the gospel library has made it possible for members to create QR codes so that you can easily share specific parts of talks or scriptures. It simplifies the process and makes it easy for an entire class to scan the code and get to the quote quickly. 44:45 Examples of simplifying. Be very redundant in your instructions. 48:20 Brandon gives specific tips and phrases to use in your church classes as you guide your class in using the Gospel Library app. 55:20 Assist - this principle is more for youth teachers. Let students use paper or cellphones in their gospel study. Let them make the choice. You are to assist them in their learning, not exercise power over them. Links Watch this presentation on YouTube Stimulating More Personal Revelation in Your Ward With the Gospel Library App | An Interview with Richard Bernard The Teaching Saints Virtual Conference Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Darren Bush is a husband, father, and paddler who advocates outdoor activities to feel the Spirit. Darren served a mission to southern Italy, met his wife, Stephanie, at Brigham Young University, and completed degrees in Italian and Psychology at University of Wisconsin–Madison after discovering it was the best place in the world. After completing a master's degree at the University of Rochester the family moved back to Wisconsin where he eventually bought Rutabaga Paddlesports. He has previously served as a Primary teacher and nursery leader, elders quorum and Young Men president, ward missionary, high councilor, in a young single adult bishopric, and as an executive secretary and financial clerk. He currently serves as Bishop Darren and loves every individual he meets. Highlights 3:15 Darren’s story of how he was called to be a bishop. He doesn’t feel like the typical bishop. 5:55 Darren’s ward dynamic having both an English and Spanish ward combined. 15:15 Principle One - Ignore everything administrative and delegate to counselors The bishop’s main focus should be spirituality not administration. The principles of leadership are the same in business and in the church. Everyone has their different roles. Everything is under the direction of the bishop but that doesn’t mean he has to be involved in everything. 18:45 "What do you think?" is the best question that a bishop can ask. 21:15 Stories of being a bishop and loving others. Darren adapts to his members. He meets many of the members in Mexican restaurants and creates meaningful relationships with them outside of the bishop’s office. 27:00 Guilt and shame don’t help people change their behavior 27:30 Principle Two - Hug every widow before sacrament meeting Pay attention to those that are in the overflow or out in the foyer. Make sure they know that they are noticed. 31:15 Principle Three - Teach the doctrine of the Atonement as central to the gospel We are all broken together The atonement is Plan A and there is no Plan B. 32:30 Pornography is never the root cause of the problem but a symptom of the problem. Help the individual understand the root cause of their pornography addiction. 34:45 Learn how to pray or you won’t be able to use the Atonement effectively in your life. How personal are your prayers? How do you talk to God? Trying to hide from God is not using the atonement. 41:20 Principle Four - love everyone, no exceptions 45:50 Loving people is seeing them 47:00 The handbook is great but it’s general. It’s there to guide you but it's not a book of commandments. Do what's best for your members. Links Rutabaga Paddlesports Canoelover blog Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Darren Bush is a husband, father, and paddler who advocates outdoor activities to feel the Spirit. Darren served a mission to southern Italy, met his wife, Stephanie, at Brigham Young University, and completed degrees in Italian and Psychology at University of Wisconsin–Madison after discovering it was the best place in the world. After completing a master's degree at the University of Rochester the family moved back to Wisconsin where he eventually bought Rutabaga Paddlesports. He has previously served as a Primary teacher and nursery leader, elders quorum and Young Men president, ward missionary, high councilor, in a young single adult bishopric, and as an executive secretary and financial clerk. He currently serves as Bishop Darren and loves every individual he meets. Highlights 3:15 Darren’s story of how he was called to be a bishop. He doesn’t feel like the typical bishop. 5:55 Darren’s ward dynamic having both an English and Spanish ward combined. 15:15 Principle One - Ignore everything administrative and delegate to counselors The bishop’s main focus should be spirituality not administration. The principles of leadership are the same in business and in the church. Everyone has their different roles. Everything is under the direction of the bishop but that doesn’t mean he has to be involved in everything. 18:45 "What do you think?" is the best question that a bishop can ask. 21:15 Stories of being a bishop and loving others. Darren adapts to his members. He meets many of the members in Mexican restaurants and creates meaningful relationships with them outside of the bishop’s office. 27:00 Guilt and shame don’t help people change their behavior 27:30 Principle Two - Hug every widow before sacrament meeting Pay attention to those that are in the overflow or out in the foyer. Make sure they know that they are noticed. 31:15 Principle Three - Teach the doctrine of the Atonement as central to the gospel We are all broken together The atonement is Plan A and there is no Plan B. 32:30 Pornography is never the root cause of the problem but a symptom of the problem. Help the individual understand the root cause of their pornography addiction. 34:45 Learn how to pray or you won’t be able to use the Atonement effectively in your life. How personal are your prayers? How do you talk to God? Trying to hide from God is not using the atonement. 41:20 Principle Four - love everyone, no exceptions 45:50 Loving people is seeing them 47:00 The handbook is great but it’s general. It’s there to guide you but it's not a book of commandments. Do what's best for your members. Links Rutabaga Paddlesports Canoelover blog Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Kirk Weisler is a leadership coach and trainer focused on team building and culture training. He is currently Chief Morale Officer for companies and organizations around the globe, offering coaching, keynote addresses, and workshops. A past leader of the National Speakers Association, Kirk is a master team builder and a professional storyteller, and has been a part of seven start-ups. He previously served in the 19th Special Forces and as a US Army Ranger. Kirk and his wife have been married over 30 years, have six children, and reside in Gilbert, Arizona. Highlights 3:30 Thoughts on becoming a bishop. 7:20 Implementing a positive culture in your ward. 14:00 Examples of implementing positive culture. Give people a story to tell. 24:30 How do you actually apply this principle of implementing positive culture? What are the actionable steps? 30:00 Example of creating moments and positive culture. 32:00 Unite your presidencies. It’s not enough just to go and do your calling but it’s about creating unity between leaders. 35:00 Ask your members what their dream calling is. What are their talents and strengths? Give them a chance to give input. 38:30 Another way to create positive church culture is to eliminate the shame that people have about their sins. Help them see how amazing they really are. We are not our sins. 42:15 Shifting culture is about shifting the traditions and rituals. These things are not a part of our doctrine. 44:45 Culture has momentum. In order to change culture we have to slow things down. 49:00 Story of removing shame and playing with nerf guns. Links kirkweisler.com Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Kirk Weisler is a leadership coach and trainer focused on team building and culture training. He is currently Chief Morale Officer for companies and organizations around the globe, offering coaching, keynote addresses, and workshops. A past leader of the National Speakers Association, Kirk is a master team builder and a professional storyteller, and has been a part of seven start-ups. He previously served in the 19th Special Forces and as a US Army Ranger. Kirk and his wife have been married over 30 years, have six children, and reside in Gilbert, Arizona. Highlights 3:30 Thoughts on becoming a bishop. 7:20 Implementing a positive culture in your ward. 14:00 Examples of implementing positive culture. Give people a story to tell. 24:30 How do you actually apply this principle of implementing positive culture? What are the actionable steps? 30:00 Example of creating moments and positive culture. 32:00 Unite your presidencies. It’s not enough just to go and do your calling but it’s about creating unity between leaders. 35:00 Ask your members what their dream calling is. What are their talents and strengths? Give them a chance to give input. 38:30 Another way to create positive church culture is to eliminate the shame that people have about their sins. Help them see how amazing they really are. We are not our sins. 42:15 Shifting culture is about shifting the traditions and rituals. These things are not a part of our doctrine. 44:45 Culture has momentum. In order to change culture we have to slow things down. 49:00 Story of removing shame and playing with nerf guns. Links kirkweisler.com Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Nick Greer has been interested in all kinds of business and helping others his entire life. After serving a mission in Romania, Nick finished a degree in Finance at Brigham Young University and later shared his business-building passion as an adjunct professor. He has started multiple businesses, including Skipio–a customer-messaging platform—and Built Bar—low-calorie, high-protein bars that taste like candy. Nick and his wife, Deborah, also created the Five12 Foundation that provides a weekend meal backpack that feeds thousands of children in his community every week. Over 50,000 bags of food will be provided to kids this school year. Nick and Deborah have seven children, who Nick loves to travel and spend time with. He is currently serving as a bishop. Highlights 4:45 Nick’s principle of "Me too doesn’t work". You can’t do the work the same way that it has always been done. 12:30 We are scared to do things differently. If you are comfortable, maybe you need to get a little uncomfortable. If you are safe then maybe you need to get a little unsafe. 15:15 Nick’s "Attack mode" means to be able to attack anything at any time. Letting go of tradition and accepting change. Be ready to act. 18:45 Nick’s attack mode and how it applies to our church callings. 21:00 Culture is everything. It makes you feel something. 24:00 Do we have a culture of love in our wards? Do people feel love when they walk in the doors? 30:00 Dealing with conflict in leadership. 32:30 Belief structures and creating wins for everyone. 43:30 The Bishop’s main focus is on the young men and young women. 47:30 Help the youth have a vision and rise up. Let them paint the vision but you help them make the plan and explain the why. 49:30 There are two types of leadership: Transactional leadership and transformational leadership. 51:30 Let youth paint their vision and then they will fight for it. If you do it for them then they will most likely resist it. 52:15 How Nick delegates as a bishop and relies on the Relief Society president and the elders quorum president so that he has time for his family. 54:00 The most important part of repentance is willingness to talk and change. Links Built.com Skipio.com Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Nick Greer has been interested in all kinds of business and helping others his entire life. After serving a mission in Romania, Nick finished a degree in Finance at Brigham Young University and later shared his business-building passion as an adjunct professor. He has started multiple businesses, including Skipio–a customer-messaging platform—and Built Bar—low-calorie, high-protein bars that taste like candy. Nick and his wife, Deborah, also created the Five12 Foundation that provides a weekend meal backpack that feeds thousands of children in his community every week. Over 50,000 bags of food will be provided to kids this school year. Nick and Deborah have seven children, who Nick loves to travel and spend time with. He is currently serving as a bishop. Highlights 4:45 Nick’s principle of "Me too doesn’t work". You can’t do the work the same way that it has always been done. 12:30 We are scared to do things differently. If you are comfortable, maybe you need to get a little uncomfortable. If you are safe then maybe you need to get a little unsafe. 15:15 Nick’s "Attack mode" means to be able to attack anything at any time. Letting go of tradition and accepting change. Be ready to act. 18:45 Nick’s attack mode and how it applies to our church callings. 21:00 Culture is everything. It makes you feel something. 24:00 Do we have a culture of love in our wards? Do people feel love when they walk in the doors? 30:00 Dealing with conflict in leadership. 32:30 Belief structures and creating wins for everyone. 43:30 The Bishop’s main focus is on the young men and young women. 47:30 Help the youth have a vision and rise up. Let them paint the vision but you help them make the plan and explain the why. 49:30 There are two types of leadership: Transactional leadership and transformational leadership. 51:30 Let youth paint their vision and then they will fight for it. If you do it for them then they will most likely resist it. 52:15 How Nick delegates as a bishop and relies on the Relief Society president and the elders quorum president so that he has time for his family. 54:00 The most important part of repentance is willingness to talk and change. Links Built.com Skipio.com Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Evan Fitzpatrick is the founder of the Come Follow Me App. He is a husband and father of four girls, and for the past ten years has served in several bishoprics and with the young men. Professionally, Evan works for Bain Capital helping to lead the firm's efforts to drive growth and transformation in their portfolio companies. Highlights 1:30 Evan created the Come Follow Me app. 4:15 How the Come Follow Me app came about 9:15 Other communities/religions are driving innovation and creating apps. Why aren’t we? 13:00 The Come Follow Me app is directed towards members that struggle with the habit of daily scripture study. Even if the study is 5 to 15 minutes. 14:15 The most popular part of the app is the verse of the day that is accompanied by a story. 15:30 Another feature of the app is the devotional section. It’s designed to do it with someone else. 16:25 Another large part of the app is pulling content from many different creators. Lessons for adults and kids. 25:00 “The quality of your life largely depends on the quality of your questions.” What’s the question that you are trying to answer? 27:00 Whatever leadership role you have you should be asking a lot of questions. Focus on asking questions, not giving answers. Questions help you get input from others. 28:30 Asking questions in context of marriage and children 31:00 Questions to ask your kids 32:45 It can be effective to ask questions in advance. For example, if you are having a meeting then ask the question a few days in advance so that people actually have time to ponder it. 37:30 What do the members of my class or organization need right now? It’s not about what you want to share but what they want and need. 41:45 Evan’s favorite question: How would I rather be wrong? 45:45 Where am I giving my best self? 47:15 Ministering should come first and administration second. 50:00 How would my view change if I knew another person was acting rationally and had good intentions? Links ComeFollowMeFoundation.org Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Evan Fitzpatrick is the founder of the Come Follow Me App. He is a husband and father of four girls, and for the past ten years has served in several bishoprics and with the young men. Professionally, Evan works for Bain Capital helping to lead the firm's efforts to drive growth and transformation in their portfolio companies. Highlights 1:30 Evan created the Come Follow Me app. 4:15 How the Come Follow Me app came about 9:15 Other communities/religions are driving innovation and creating apps. Why aren’t we? 13:00 The Come Follow Me app is directed towards members that struggle with the habit of daily scripture study. Even if the study is 5 to 15 minutes. 14:15 The most popular part of the app is the verse of the day that is accompanied by a story. 15:30 Another feature of the app is the devotional section. It’s designed to do it with someone else. 16:25 Another large part of the app is pulling content from many different creators. Lessons for adults and kids. 25:00 “The quality of your life largely depends on the quality of your questions.” What’s the question that you are trying to answer? 27:00 Whatever leadership role you have you should be asking a lot of questions. Focus on asking questions, not giving answers. Questions help you get input from others. 28:30 Asking questions in context of marriage and children 31:00 Questions to ask your kids 32:45 It can be effective to ask questions in advance. For example, if you are having a meeting then ask the question a few days in advance so that people actually have time to ponder it. 37:30 What do the members of my class or organization need right now? It’s not about what you want to share but what they want and need. 41:45 Evan’s favorite question: How would I rather be wrong? 45:45 Where am I giving my best self? 47:15 Ministering should come first and administration second. 50:00 How would my view change if I knew another person was acting rationally and had good intentions? Links ComeFollowMeFoundation.org Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Elder J. Devn Cornish is an Emeritus member of the First Quorum of the Seventy. He was sustained as a General Authority Seventy on April 2, 2011, and granted emeritus status on October 2, 2021. A newborn intensive care physician, he was a professor, chairman, and later vice chairman in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine. He was also president and chief executive officer of the pediatric practice plan at Emory Healthcare. In the Church, Elder Cornish has served in numerous callings, including full-time missionary in the Guatemala–El Salvador Mission, bishop, stake president, area seventy, and president of the Dominican Republic Santiago Mission. During his tenure as a general authority, Elder Cornish served as a counselor and as president of the Caribbean Area, headquartered in the Dominican Republic, as a counselor in the North America Southwest area presidency, and as an assistant executive director of the Church History Department and of the Correlation Department, among other assignments at Church headquarters. Elder Cornish and his wife Elaine are the parents of six children and 32 grandchildren. Elaine Cornish passed away from cancer in June of 2019. Elder Cornish married Rosanne Brown in May of 2021 and they live in Salt Lake City, Utah. Highlights 5:00 Elder Cornish’s first experience being an elders quorum president in inner-city Baltimore and what he learned 6:20 Elder Cornish’s "look in the mirror" principle Problems have an origin. Get to the root of the problem. 11:20 Creating a plan for your area, ward, or organization What is your purpose? What is your process? Who are your people? What are your fundamental principles? 12:20 6 key principles for leadership Keep the wheels on and the trains running Don’t do dumb things It’s not about you Take care of your people Mind the dollars Nurture purpose and joy 13:20 Principle of "keep the wheels on and trains running" You don’t need to make big changes in the first months. It’s a time to get to know your people and encourage them. 17:00 Principle of taking care of your people. The key to the ninety-nine is the one. Strengthening the outlier strengthens everyone in the ward. 18:45 Principle: It’s not about you. The only credible motivation is real love and the only effective method is ministering. Don’t do things to get credit. It doesn’t matter who is right but what is right. 27:00 Principle of "don’t do dumb things" Don’t try to be a one man show. 33:30 What do you do when you can’t trust your counselors? Treat them the way the Savior treated his disciples. Lean on his strengths and help him with his weaknesses. 39:00 Principle of "minding the dollars" Money should be used to build people and create meaningful experiences. It’s not to maintain traditions. The money of the church is not something that we are entitled to but something that we are responsible for. 40:00 Advice for minding the dollars when it comes to helping the poor and needy. Is this a relief situation or a development situation? How much responsibility does this person have for getting themselves into this situation? Are you doing something for them that they can and should do for themselves? Are you increasing their capacity to help themselves? 48:00 Nurture purpose and joy If people don’t feel purpose and joy in the church and in their callings then they will start to go elsewhere to look for it. 57:00 Elder Cornish’s advice on preparing and giving talks 1:00:00 The most dangerous thing that a Bishop can do is to want to be liked. Please the Lord, not the people. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Elder J. Devn Cornish is an Emeritus member of the First Quorum of the Seventy. He was sustained as a General Authority Seventy on April 2, 2011, and granted emeritus status on October 2, 2021. A newborn intensive care physician, he was a professor, chairman, and later vice chairman in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine. He was also president and chief executive officer of the pediatric practice plan at Emory Healthcare. In the Church, Elder Cornish has served in numerous callings, including full-time missionary in the Guatemala–El Salvador Mission, bishop, stake president, area seventy, and president of the Dominican Republic Santiago Mission. During his tenure as a general authority, Elder Cornish served as a counselor and as president of the Caribbean Area, headquartered in the Dominican Republic, as a counselor in the North America Southwest area presidency, and as an assistant executive director of the Church History Department and of the Correlation Department, among other assignments at Church headquarters. Elder Cornish and his wife Elaine are the parents of six children and 32 grandchildren. Elaine Cornish passed away from cancer in June of 2019. Elder Cornish married Rosanne Brown in May of 2021 and they live in Salt Lake City, Utah. Highlights 5:00 Elder Cornish’s first experience being an elders quorum president in inner-city Baltimore and what he learned 6:20 Elder Cornish’s "look in the mirror" principle Problems have an origin. Get to the root of the problem. 11:20 Creating a plan for your area, ward, or organization What is your purpose? What is your process? Who are your people? What are your fundamental principles? 12:20 6 key principles for leadership Keep the wheels on and the trains running Don’t do dumb things It’s not about you Take care of your people Mind the dollars Nurture purpose and joy 13:20 Principle of "keep the wheels on and trains running" You don’t need to make big changes in the first months. It’s a time to get to know your people and encourage them. 17:00 Principle of taking care of your people. The key to the ninety-nine is the one. Strengthening the outlier strengthens everyone in the ward. 18:45 Principle: It’s not about you. The only credible motivation is real love and the only effective method is ministering. Don’t do things to get credit. It doesn’t matter who is right but what is right. 27:00 Principle of "don’t do dumb things" Don’t try to be a one man show. 33:30 What do you do when you can’t trust your counselors? Treat them the way the Savior treated his disciples. Lean on his strengths and help him with his weaknesses. 39:00 Principle of "minding the dollars" Money should be used to build people and create meaningful experiences. It’s not to maintain traditions. The money of the church is not something that we are entitled to but something that we are responsible for. 40:00 Advice for minding the dollars when it comes to helping the poor and needy. Is this a relief situation or a development situation? How much responsibility does this person have for getting themselves into this situation? Are you doing something for them that they can and should do for themselves? Are you increasing their capacity to help themselves? 48:00 Nurture purpose and joy If people don’t feel purpose and joy in the church and in their callings then they will start to go elsewhere to look for it. 57:00 Elder Cornish’s advice on preparing and giving talks 1:00:00 The most dangerous thing that a Bishop can do is to want to be liked. Please the Lord, not the people. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

There are many reasons to start a ward podcast. It allows individuals to hear the real stories of those they worship with. This naturally creates a deeper level of unity in the ward which stimulates success on many levels. In this episode, Kurt Francom gives you a rough outline of how a ward could develop a ward podcast at no cost. Links: Canva Audacity Auphonics Ward Podcast Handout Template

There are many reasons to start a ward podcast. It allows individuals to hear the real stories of those they worship with. This naturally creates a deeper level of unity in the ward which stimulates success on many levels. In this episode, Kurt Francom gives you a rough outline of how a ward could develop a ward podcast at no cost. Links: Canva Audacity Auphonics Ward Podcast Handout Template

Kerry Muhlestein is a professor and director of research in the Department of Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University, and also the director of the BYU Egypt Excavation Project. He has taught in the history department of three universities and has been part of award-winning history publications. He received his BS in psychology with a Hebrew minor from BYU, his MA in Ancient Near Eastern studies from BYU, and his PhD from UCLA in Egyptology. He and his wife, Julianne, are the parents of six children. His latest book, Let's Talk about the Book of Abraham, is for people who have sincere questions and are seeking answers. Highlights 3:30 Kerry has a new book out with Deseret Book called, Let’s Talk about the Book of Abraham. His book is designed to be very readable and understandable. 7:00 Summary and background of the Book of Abraham. 11:45 There are two main theories surrounding the papyri. The missing papyrus theory The catalyst theory 18:45 Kerry’s advice on how to address member concerns about the Book of Abraham. 20:00 Methods of learning The academic method The revelatory method 22:00 The academic method of learning is not reliable. Academics are always changing. We are always finding out that we were wrong. The revelatory method is much more reliable. Both methods should be pursued. 26:00 Leaders should not discourage people from studying through academic books. However, they also must spend equal time searching the scriptures and seeking revelation. 28:00 Write down your revelatory experiences. Write down your testimony and how you know Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon is true. If you have a testimony of those core beliefs then it can help you remember when you have times of doubt on other controversial topics. 31:45 It’s ok for people to have questions and to wrestle with their faith. Leaders need to validate people that have questions and guide them on their journey. It’s not about telling them that they are wrong. 34:45 What do people struggle with when it comes to the Book of Abraham? 37:45 What connection did Abraham have with Egypt that his writings would end up with a mummy? 49:30 Let’s not get waylaid by the complicated issues that we find with the Book of Abraham but continue to be open and seek revelation. 51:45 God really wanted us to have the Book of Abraham. It was miraculous how it ended up in the hands of Joseph Smith. 52:40 How to approach the Pearl of Great Price this coming year in your Come Follow Me study. What can or should I get out of this book? What is the restoration perspective that I gain from this? What wouldn’t I understand without these books? What do these books teach me about my relationship with God? Links OutoftheDust.org Let's Talk About the Book of Abraham Leading People into the Abrahamic Covenant | An Interview with Kerry Muhlestein Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Kerry Muhlestein is a professor and director of research in the Department of Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University, and also the director of the BYU Egypt Excavation Project. He has taught in the history department of three universities and has been part of award-winning history publications. He received his BS in psychology with a Hebrew minor from BYU, his MA in Ancient Near Eastern studies from BYU, and his PhD from UCLA in Egyptology. He and his wife, Julianne, are the parents of six children. His latest book, Let's Talk about the Book of Abraham, is for people who have sincere questions and are seeking answers. Highlights 3:30 Kerry has a new book out with Deseret Book called, Let’s Talk about the Book of Abraham. His book is designed to be very readable and understandable. 7:00 Summary and background of the Book of Abraham. 11:45 There are two main theories surrounding the papyri. The missing papyrus theory The catalyst theory 18:45 Kerry’s advice on how to address member concerns about the Book of Abraham. 20:00 Methods of learning The academic method The revelatory method 22:00 The academic method of learning is not reliable. Academics are always changing. We are always finding out that we were wrong. The revelatory method is much more reliable. Both methods should be pursued. 26:00 Leaders should not discourage people from studying through academic books. However, they also must spend equal time searching the scriptures and seeking revelation. 28:00 Write down your revelatory experiences. Write down your testimony and how you know Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon is true. If you have a testimony of those core beliefs then it can help you remember when you have times of doubt on other controversial topics. 31:45 It’s ok for people to have questions and to wrestle with their faith. Leaders need to validate people that have questions and guide them on their journey. It’s not about telling them that they are wrong. 34:45 What do people struggle with when it comes to the Book of Abraham? 37:45 What connection did Abraham have with Egypt that his writings would end up with a mummy? 49:30 Let’s not get waylaid by the complicated issues that we find with the Book of Abraham but continue to be open and seek revelation. 51:45 God really wanted us to have the Book of Abraham. It was miraculous how it ended up in the hands of Joseph Smith. 52:40 How to approach the Pearl of Great Price this coming year in your Come Follow Me study. What can or should I get out of this book? What is the restoration perspective that I gain from this? What wouldn’t I understand without these books? What do these books teach me about my relationship with God? Links OutoftheDust.org Let's Talk About the Book of Abraham Leading People into the Abrahamic Covenant | An Interview with Kerry Muhlestein Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Please consider contributing to Leading Saints to help us in the coming year. See details HERE. What are the most popular podcast episodes from Leading Saints? Listen to this short episode for clips from 2021's ten most-downloaded podcasts from Leading Saints. Jamee Adams & Jody Streurer - Speak Up, Sister! Ryan Gottfredson - Success Mindsets Andrea Lystrup - When Church is a Burden Jennifer Reeder - Women Leaders in Church History Ryan Gottfredson - The Research Behind Becoming Christlike Mark Mathews - Understanding Priesthood Keys in Leadership DeAnna Murphy - Creating Engagement Through Ministering Interviews Michael Goodman - The Doctrine Related to Being Single or Married Steve Shields - Helping Individuals Heal Through Therapy Bruce Chang - How I Lead in a Mission Presidency Honorable Mention: Gary Miller - From Baptist Preacher to Latter-day Saint Wow! Talk about some great interviews! Make sure you listen to each one (twice!) And we can’t step away from the podcast statistics without looking at the overall statistics. Here are the 10 most downloaded episodes of all-time. Rob Ferrell John Hilton III Barbara Morgan Gardner David Butler Jason Hunt Tony Overbay Kurt Francom (never heard of him) Group of SSA Women The Power of Stillness Authors DeAnna Murphy Another list of episodes that would be worth your time. Here’s to even more fantastic interviews in 2022. Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast.

Please consider contributing to Leading Saints to help us in the coming year. See details HERE. What are the most popular podcast episodes from Leading Saints? Listen to this short episode for clips from 2021's ten most-downloaded podcasts from Leading Saints. Jamee Adams & Jody Streurer - Speak Up, Sister! Ryan Gottfredson - Success Mindsets Andrea Lystrup - When Church is a Burden Jennifer Reeder - Women Leaders in Church History Ryan Gottfredson - The Research Behind Becoming Christlike Mark Mathews - Understanding Priesthood Keys in Leadership DeAnna Murphy - Creating Engagement Through Ministering Interviews Michael Goodman - The Doctrine Related to Being Single or Married Steve Shields - Helping Individuals Heal Through Therapy Bruce Chang - How I Lead in a Mission Presidency Honorable Mention: Gary Miller - From Baptist Preacher to Latter-day Saint Wow! Talk about some great interviews! Make sure you listen to each one (twice!) And we can’t step away from the podcast statistics without looking at the overall statistics. Here are the 10 most downloaded episodes of all-time. Rob Ferrell John Hilton III Barbara Morgan Gardner David Butler Jason Hunt Tony Overbay Kurt Francom (never heard of him) Group of SSA Women The Power of Stillness Authors DeAnna Murphy Another list of episodes that would be worth your time. Here’s to even more fantastic interviews in 2022. Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast.

Please consider contributing to Leading Saints to help us in the coming year. See details HERE. I am often asked where people can find a list of books that all Latter-day Saint leaders should read. So, I’ve gone back to my library and looked at all the books I have read and made a list of recommendations. I created a page at LeadingSaints.org that lists all these books and I hope to keep it updated. I’ve organized the list into specific categories and ranked them in the order I would recommend people read them in that category. One book on this list is not better than another. They are brilliant in their own way. Some books are mentioned in multiple categories. And, of course, it goes without saying that canonized scriptures and words from living prophets are always recommended resources even though they are not listed here. Personal Development - These are books I would recommend to leaders who are simply trying to become more well-rounded in their approach to life which would naturally lead to them improving their leadership capacity. Leading an Organization - These are books I would recommend for leaders who are striving to improve their ability to lead a group or organization. Some are more helpful for specific leadership roles. Repentance & Engaging in the Gospel - These are books I would recommend to anyone who is looking to engage more deeply in the gospel of Jesus Christ (that’s just another way of saying repentance). All leaders should read these books but they should also consider recommending them to individuals they lead who are struggling to engage in the gospel (or, in other words, who are struggling to repent). Their focus is diverse; some are focused on helping people overcome pornography, while others are focused on helping individuals who are questioning their faith. I am forgetting some books, so let me know what books you would add to the list. See the full book list at LeadingSaints.org/books [Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast]

Please consider contributing to Leading Saints to help us in the coming year. See details HERE. I am often asked where people can find a list of books that all Latter-day Saint leaders should read. So, I’ve gone back to my library and looked at all the books I have read and made a list of recommendations. I created a page at LeadingSaints.org that lists all these books and I hope to keep it updated. I’ve organized the list into specific categories and ranked them in the order I would recommend people read them in that category. One book on this list is not better than another. They are brilliant in their own way. Some books are mentioned in multiple categories. And, of course, it goes without saying that canonized scriptures and words from living prophets are always recommended resources even though they are not listed here. Personal Development - These are books I would recommend to leaders who are simply trying to become more well-rounded in their approach to life which would naturally lead to them improving their leadership capacity. Leading an Organization - These are books I would recommend for leaders who are striving to improve their ability to lead a group or organization. Some are more helpful for specific leadership roles. Repentance & Engaging in the Gospel - These are books I would recommend to anyone who is looking to engage more deeply in the gospel of Jesus Christ (that’s just another way of saying repentance). All leaders should read these books but they should also consider recommending them to individuals they lead who are struggling to engage in the gospel (or, in other words, who are struggling to repent). Their focus is diverse; some are focused on helping people overcome pornography, while others are focused on helping individuals who are questioning their faith. I am forgetting some books, so let me know what books you would add to the list. See the full book list at LeadingSaints.org/books [Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast]

Dan Duckworth is a disciple, family man, and changemaker. As a teacher and coach, he guides elite leaders to the top of their game. He's the author of Stop Asking Why: Your Purpose is Self-Evident, a frequent contributor to Leading Saints, and a member of its Board of Directors. Kurt Francom is the Executive Director of Leading Saints. In this podcast, Kurt and Dan open up the conversation to address leadership issues stemming from political and social tensions in the world. Highlights 6:30 Scenario: A Relief Society President is worried about the political dynamic and divide in her ward due to COVID-19. 11:15 Politics are beginning to affect our church experience. There is starting to be a division in many wards. Leaders should bring up the problems and open up discussion instead of being passive. 19:45 Political issues are not only creating problems in our wards but also in families. 21:30 Leaders try to avoid having conflict and keep the peace. As leaders we want to be peacemakers but we need to be changemakers. Many times making trouble and change can bring about peace. 26:30 How do we go about addressing these political issues? Open up discussion with the whole group despite the discomfort. It’s so important to listen to each other. Be authentic. Talk about feelings opposed to "I’m right and you’re wrong". There may be a need to talk to specific people privately about political comments. 29:50 Start having consistent, open conversations. Don’t wait for a huge issue to have the conversations. Our classes at church should be a place to connect and be open. 31:00 There will be situations that you need to address with the community but there might also be situations where it might be more appropriate to address an individual one-on-one. 32:30 How to set boundaries with members who create tension and make politically motivated comments at church. 37:50 Our goal is not just to censor or shut someone down to avoid conflict but it’s to help them grow and create unity in the ward. 40:45 When bringing up issues in class, the goal of the leader is not to talk at people but to invite others to join the conversation. 44:20 Conclusion: There is no right answer to dealing with these leadership challenges. Keep praying and learning. Links Clarifying Values PDF, from The Confidence Gap by Russ Harris Sheri Dew - “Will You Engage in the Wrestle?” Connect with Dan at https://danduckworth.net Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Dan Duckworth is a disciple, family man, and changemaker. As a teacher and coach, he guides elite leaders to the top of their game. He's the author of Stop Asking Why: Your Purpose is Self-Evident, a frequent contributor to Leading Saints, and a member of its Board of Directors. Kurt Francom is the Executive Director of Leading Saints. In this podcast, Kurt and Dan open up the conversation to address leadership issues stemming from political and social tensions in the world. Highlights 6:30 Scenario: A Relief Society President is worried about the political dynamic and divide in her ward due to COVID-19. 11:15 Politics are beginning to affect our church experience. There is starting to be a division in many wards. Leaders should bring up the problems and open up discussion instead of being passive. 19:45 Political issues are not only creating problems in our wards but also in families. 21:30 Leaders try to avoid having conflict and keep the peace. As leaders we want to be peacemakers but we need to be changemakers. Many times making trouble and change can bring about peace. 26:30 How do we go about addressing these political issues? Open up discussion with the whole group despite the discomfort. It’s so important to listen to each other. Be authentic. Talk about feelings opposed to "I’m right and you’re wrong". There may be a need to talk to specific people privately about political comments. 29:50 Start having consistent, open conversations. Don’t wait for a huge issue to have the conversations. Our classes at church should be a place to connect and be open. 31:00 There will be situations that you need to address with the community but there might also be situations where it might be more appropriate to address an individual one-on-one. 32:30 How to set boundaries with members who create tension and make politically motivated comments at church. 37:50 Our goal is not just to censor or shut someone down to avoid conflict but it’s to help them grow and create unity in the ward. 40:45 When bringing up issues in class, the goal of the leader is not to talk at people but to invite others to join the conversation. 44:20 Conclusion: There is no right answer to dealing with these leadership challenges. Keep praying and learning. Links Clarifying Values PDF, from The Confidence Gap by Russ Harris Sheri Dew - “Will You Engage in the Wrestle?” Connect with Dan at https://danduckworth.net Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Find all the details about how to contribute to Leading Saints and also how to become a Core Leader by visiting LeadingSaints.org/donate Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Find all the details about how to contribute to Leading Saints and also how to become a Core Leader by visiting LeadingSaints.org/donate Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Richard Bernard, the author of Digital Scripture Study for The Busy Latter-day Saint, has taught classes on using the Gospel Library for BYU Education Week and has also been a guest speaker in Utah, California, Arizona, and Texas. He recently taught three classes on journaling at RootsTech 2021. Richard is also the host of the Busy Latter-day Saint podcast, interviewing church members throughout the United States about their approach to studying the scriptures. In April 2021 he was called to serve an indefinite mission as a consultant in the Priesthood and Family Department, helping the Gospel Library and scripture study become more prominent in the lives of church members. In this podcast, Richard and Kurt talk about the powerful tools in the Gospel Library app and how leaders can help stimulate revelatory study experiences. Highlights 10:50 General Church leaders have two purposes for the Gospel Library app. Provide members with digital offline access to scriptures, hymns, and talks. Facilitate revelatory experiences and get them recorded. 12:00 The point of scripture study is revelation. If you want revelation you have to study and you have to write. Elder Scott said, “Your pen is the antenna to revelation.” 13:00 Everyone has different circumstances and time to study. God will bless you for your effort and the time that you can put in. Put in the time to get daily revelation. 14:15 How can we make our scripture study effective? Start with a prayer Come with a question Pay attention to words that pop out to you. Slow down your study. Read for understanding 17:00 The Gospel Library is a very powerful tool. All your resources are in one place. It’s a personal Liahona. 20:15 Important features in the app Make notes Tagging Linking Screens (like tabs) Notebooks 24:00 The importance of tagging. Tagging is a way to take a scripture and assign it to a topic. 31:00 You can link conference talks to scriptures or videos. 32:10 The app also has a notebook section to take notes and create talks. 33:40 Leaders should be using the Gospel Library and model for others. The way to get others to use it is by leading by example. 37:00 How do you help the youth use the Gospel Library? 38:15 Richard gives advice to youth leaders and ways to use the Gospel Library app in their classes. 40:45 The key with the youth is not to take the device away but to use the devices to get them more involved with the gospel and receive revelation. 55:30 Widgets for the Gospel Library app. Links The Busy Latter-day Saint Digital Scripture Study for The Busy Latter-day Saint Email questions or request to Richard at [email protected] Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Richard Bernard, the author of Digital Scripture Study for The Busy Latter-day Saint, has taught classes on using the Gospel Library for BYU Education Week and has also been a guest speaker in Utah, California, Arizona, and Texas. He recently taught three classes on journaling at RootsTech 2021. Richard is also the host of the Busy Latter-day Saint podcast, interviewing church members throughout the United States about their approach to studying the scriptures. In April 2021 he was called to serve an indefinite mission as a consultant in the Priesthood and Family Department, helping the Gospel Library and scripture study become more prominent in the lives of church members. In this podcast, Richard and Kurt talk about the powerful tools in the Gospel Library app and how leaders can help stimulate revelatory study experiences. Highlights 10:50 General Church leaders have two purposes for the Gospel Library app. Provide members with digital offline access to scriptures, hymns, and talks. Facilitate revelatory experiences and get them recorded. 12:00 The point of scripture study is revelation. If you want revelation you have to study and you have to write. Elder Scott said, “Your pen is the antenna to revelation.” 13:00 Everyone has different circumstances and time to study. God will bless you for your effort and the time that you can put in. Put in the time to get daily revelation. 14:15 How can we make our scripture study effective? Start with a prayer Come with a question Pay attention to words that pop out to you. Slow down your study. Read for understanding 17:00 The Gospel Library is a very powerful tool. All your resources are in one place. It’s a personal Liahona. 20:15 Important features in the app Make notes Tagging Linking Screens (like tabs) Notebooks 24:00 The importance of tagging. Tagging is a way to take a scripture and assign it to a topic. 31:00 You can link conference talks to scriptures or videos. 32:10 The app also has a notebook section to take notes and create talks. 33:40 Leaders should be using the Gospel Library and model for others. The way to get others to use it is by leading by example. 37:00 How do you help the youth use the Gospel Library? 38:15 Richard gives advice to youth leaders and ways to use the Gospel Library app in their classes. 40:45 The key with the youth is not to take the device away but to use the devices to get them more involved with the gospel and receive revelation. 55:30 Widgets for the Gospel Library app. Links The Busy Latter-day Saint Digital Scripture Study for The Busy Latter-day Saint Email questions or request to Richard at [email protected] Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Steve Hitz describes himself as a Baby Boomer with a Millennial heart. He studies, thinks like, celebrates, and advises what he calls “a great new generation.” As a company founder, president, and CEO, he employed more than 10,000 Millennials; he has also served as a young single adult bishop. Steve is a founding member of Launching Leaders Worldwide Inc., a faith-based nonprofit leadership program which helps young adults examine their lives, determine where they are now, where they want to be, and how to create their future while embracing their faith. Steve and his wife Ginger are blessed with three sons, two daughters, and eleven beloved grandchildren. In this podcast, Kurt and Steve discuss how to address the concerns of the rising generation. Highlights 2:45 Launching Leaders is an online personal leadership course. It’s facilitated by youth to empower youth. 7:20 How to address the concerns of the rising generation. Loneliness Connecting with God 9:30 Lessons Steve has learned from his cows and his coming alongside theory. 10:50 Example of coming alongside theory. We need to lead, not force. 16:30 Steve quotes President Nelson, “Ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, how he feels about you and your mission here on earth.” 17:30 What’s more important than knowing our true identity? 19:15 How can youth leaders help their youth with knowing their identity? 22:00 As teachers we want to have everything planned out to the minute. Plans are great but following the spirit is more important. Be vulnerable and trust the spirit. 25:15 Young people believe they can live compartmentalized lives. They have their church life, school life, etc. Many youth are unhappy because of this. 32:00 Steve talks about the things that he has learned in his studies and working with youth. Implement and learn the doctrine come alongside theory Allow youth to discover their own answers even if it’s different from ours. Let them progress and use their free agency. 34:00 Relationships are the key to everything. Youth today don’t want us to tell them what to do but they want us to listen. 35:20 Give space to your youth so that they can find their identity. 37:40 Giving people love is more important than trying to push religion on them. Creating loving relationships is the most important thing. 39:30 Opportunities to share the gospel come when we have a foundation of community and deep relationships. 45:50 Steve’s final encouragement on how leaders can connect with youth. Links Launching Leaders Launching Leaders: An Empowering Journey for a New Generation Steve's articles and previous podcast at LeadingSaints.org Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Steve Hitz describes himself as a Baby Boomer with a Millennial heart. He studies, thinks like, celebrates, and advises what he calls “a great new generation.” As a company founder, president, and CEO, he employed more than 10,000 Millennials; he has also served as a young single adult bishop. Steve is a founding member of Launching Leaders Worldwide Inc., a faith-based nonprofit leadership program which helps young adults examine their lives, determine where they are now, where they want to be, and how to create their future while embracing their faith. Steve and his wife Ginger are blessed with three sons, two daughters, and eleven beloved grandchildren. In this podcast, Kurt and Steve discuss how to address the concerns of the rising generation. Highlights 2:45 Launching Leaders is an online personal leadership course. It’s facilitated by youth to empower youth. 7:20 How to address the concerns of the rising generation. Loneliness Connecting with God 9:30 Lessons Steve has learned from his cows and his coming alongside theory. 10:50 Example of coming alongside theory. We need to lead, not force. 16:30 Steve quotes President Nelson, “Ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, how he feels about you and your mission here on earth.” 17:30 What’s more important than knowing our true identity? 19:15 How can youth leaders help their youth with knowing their identity? 22:00 As teachers we want to have everything planned out to the minute. Plans are great but following the spirit is more important. Be vulnerable and trust the spirit. 25:15 Young people believe they can live compartmentalized lives. They have their church life, school life, etc. Many youth are unhappy because of this. 32:00 Steve talks about the things that he has learned in his studies and working with youth. Implement and learn the doctrine come alongside theory Allow youth to discover their own answers even if it’s different from ours. Let them progress and use their free agency. 34:00 Relationships are the key to everything. Youth today don’t want us to tell them what to do but they want us to listen. 35:20 Give space to your youth so that they can find their identity. 37:40 Giving people love is more important than trying to push religion on them. Creating loving relationships is the most important thing. 39:30 Opportunities to share the gospel come when we have a foundation of community and deep relationships. 45:50 Steve’s final encouragement on how leaders can connect with youth. Links Launching Leaders Launching Leaders: An Empowering Journey for a New Generation Steve's articles and previous podcast at LeadingSaints.org Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in August 2017. Bennett and Becky Borden are a married couple who both experience same-sex attraction and who were both in same-sex marriages and relationships for many years prior to returning to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and prior to their marriage to each other. Bennett and Becky both grew up in the South in active LDS families. They met about 30 years ago when Bennett was a young man and served his mission in Becky's ward. Bennett became close with Becky's family and over they years they have remained friends. In their early 20s, both Bennett and Becky came out as gay, left the Church and went on to live a gay lifestyle for many years. After many years away they each decided separately they wanted to come back to the Church. They met up at Becky's family reunion and knew they should get married. Returning to church attendance, they were married and after a time had their blessings restored and were sealed in the temple. A lot can be learned and gained from their amazing journey, their relationships, their faith transitions, their interactions with family and church leaders, and their spiritual experiences. Highlights 3:15 Bennett's upbringing 5:00 Becky's upbringing 7:30 Bennett's close relationship with Becky's family 8:00 After his mission, Bennett's first marriage to a woman 9:30 Bennett lives a gay lifestyle and stops going to church 10:30 Becky's journey coming out as gay 13:30 Their relationships with God as they left the church and lived the gay lifestyle 14:30 Bennett's experience studying other religions 16:00 Becky's experience joining several other churches 18:00 What can we learn from our crises of faith? 19:00 Every relationship has goodness to them 20:30 "The light and love of God shines everywhere"/Growth can happen even as we are lost 22:00 Becky's excommunication and the blessing of it 24:30 The thing that brought them back to the gospel 26:00 Bennett's same sex relationship and what brought him back 28:20 Becky and where she was as Bennett's relationship ended 31:00 Leaders and family members and how they reached out to Bennett and Becky while they were living a gay lifestyle 34:00 Love within church membership councils 35:30 Bennett and Becky's friendship as they came back to the church 44:00 How to reconcile thoughts of going back to the church with being gay 45:00 Reading the scriptures assuming it's all true 48:00 Bennett and Becky decision to get married 50:00 Becky's experience meeting with her bishop to discuss coming back to church 53:20 Bennett's experience meeting with his bishop to discuss coming back to church 56:15 How Satan worked to keep them from coming back 57:00 Their marriage by a bishop in Washington D.C. 58:45 Bennett's ex-husband Richard joined the church 1:02:30 How to pray for a child with same sex attraction 1:08:00 How can leaders use Northstar to help them 1:09:00 Message to individuals wanting to come back to the church Links North Star Bennett & Becky's North Star Conference Keynote Bennett & Becky would love to connect with anyone who has questions or needs further support. You can reach them at their joint email: [email protected] Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in August 2017. Bennett and Becky Borden are a married couple who both experience same-sex attraction and who were both in same-sex marriages and relationships for many years prior to returning to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and prior to their marriage to each other. Bennett and Becky both grew up in the South in active LDS families. They met about 30 years ago when Bennett was a young man and served his mission in Becky's ward. Bennett became close with Becky's family and over they years they have remained friends. In their early 20s, both Bennett and Becky came out as gay, left the Church and went on to live a gay lifestyle for many years. After many years away they each decided separately they wanted to come back to the Church. They met up at Becky's family reunion and knew they should get married. Returning to church attendance, they were married and after a time had their blessings restored and were sealed in the temple. A lot can be learned and gained from their amazing journey, their relationships, their faith transitions, their interactions with family and church leaders, and their spiritual experiences. Highlights 3:15 Bennett's upbringing 5:00 Becky's upbringing 7:30 Bennett's close relationship with Becky's family 8:00 After his mission, Bennett's first marriage to a woman 9:30 Bennett lives a gay lifestyle and stops going to church 10:30 Becky's journey coming out as gay 13:30 Their relationships with God as they left the church and lived the gay lifestyle 14:30 Bennett's experience studying other religions 16:00 Becky's experience joining several other churches 18:00 What can we learn from our crises of faith? 19:00 Every relationship has goodness to them 20:30 "The light and love of God shines everywhere"/Growth can happen even as we are lost 22:00 Becky's excommunication and the blessing of it 24:30 The thing that brought them back to the gospel 26:00 Bennett's same sex relationship and what brought him back 28:20 Becky and where she was as Bennett's relationship ended 31:00 Leaders and family members and how they reached out to Bennett and Becky while they were living a gay lifestyle 34:00 Love within church membership councils 35:30 Bennett and Becky's friendship as they came back to the church 44:00 How to reconcile thoughts of going back to the church with being gay 45:00 Reading the scriptures assuming it's all true 48:00 Bennett and Becky decision to get married 50:00 Becky's experience meeting with her bishop to discuss coming back to church 53:20 Bennett's experience meeting with his bishop to discuss coming back to church 56:15 How Satan worked to keep them from coming back 57:00 Their marriage by a bishop in Washington D.C. 58:45 Bennett's ex-husband Richard joined the church 1:02:30 How to pray for a child with same sex attraction 1:08:00 How can leaders use Northstar to help them 1:09:00 Message to individuals wanting to come back to the church Links North Star Bennett & Becky's North Star Conference Keynote Bennett & Becky would love to connect with anyone who has questions or needs further support. You can reach them at their joint email: [email protected] Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Jay Stringer is a therapist, author, and public speaker. He guides men and women to overcome unwanted sexual behaviors, and to discover how their story is shaping unwanted sexual behavior or betrayal trauma. He grew up as the son of a Protestant minister in the Presbyterian church, holds a master of Divinity and masters of Counseling Psychology, and is an ordained minister. Steven Shields, ACMHC CET1, is a therapist who acts as a guide to help others heal from trauma and addiction. As founder of Unashamed Unafraid, a non-profit organization, he hosts the podcast that shares hope for sexual addiction recovery. Unashamed funds scholarships for people to go to retreats and receive therapy. Steve works in his private practice in Salt Lake City, at OnSite in Nashville Tennessee, and at the Oaks in San Diego California doing trauma intensives and workshops. His favorite event to speak at is the WarriorHeart Bootcamp every year. Steve is unofficially the biggest Leading Saints and “KF” fan! In this podcast episode, Kurt and co-host Steve speak with Jay about how leaders can best provide help and guidance to those who have been affected by unwanted sexual behaviors. Jay Stringer Steve Shields Highlights 6:15 How can leaders help members with sexual brokenness? Leaders should stop trying to ‘manage’ the problem but try to help the member find the core problem. 8:10 Unwanted sexual behavior is a roadmap to healing, not a life sentence to sexual shame or sexual addition. 9:30 Leaders need to listen to the stories and experiences that are behind the unwanted behavior. 13:30 Invite people to take authorship and authority over their unwanted behaviors. It’s so much more than ripping out their behavior from their life. Behaviors and addictions come from somewhere much deeper. 17:00 Many people turn to unhealthy sexual behavior or porn because they lack purpose. 17:45 How can a leader create space to listen? Stories are what change the human heart. Stop the practical suggestions because they are not going to work. 20:10 Jay gives a list of questions that can help leaders in interviews. These questions will lead to stories and help the member connect the dots between the current unwanted sexual behavior and the past pain or underlying story. 22:30 You don’t have to be a therapist but a safe place for people to share their stories. People don’t always need suggestions but someone that has compassion for them. 30:00 How do you help members come to you to confess and talk about the problems they are having? 34:15 Shame convinces people to stay silent about their sexual brokenness. Leaders need to normalize talking about sex and porn. 40:45 Share your scars, not your wounds, when you are in leadership. Be vulnerable to share your scars and experiences too. God wants us to share our stories. 42:30 This is not just a men’s issue but a human issue. Many women are also viewing pornography and having affairs. 47:30 While connection and community are very important to recovery and healing it’s also very important to take time alone. You have to learn to sit with yourself and not just try to distract yourself all the time. 53:00 How can we find the right community? Links UnashamedUnafraid.com Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing The Journey Course Kintsugi pottery jay-stringer.com Instagram @jay_stringer_ Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Jay Stringer is a therapist, author, and public speaker. He guides men and women to overcome unwanted sexual behaviors, and to discover how their story is shaping unwanted sexual behavior or betrayal trauma. He grew up as the son of a Protestant minister in the Presbyterian church, holds a master of Divinity and masters of Counseling Psychology, and is an ordained minister. Steven Shields, ACMHC CET1, is a therapist who acts as a guide to help others heal from trauma and addiction. As founder of Unashamed Unafraid, a non-profit organization, he hosts the podcast that shares hope for sexual addiction recovery. Unashamed funds scholarships for people to go to retreats and receive therapy. Steve works in his private practice in Salt Lake City, at OnSite in Nashville Tennessee, and at the Oaks in San Diego California doing trauma intensives and workshops. His favorite event to speak at is the WarriorHeart Bootcamp every year. Steve is unofficially the biggest Leading Saints and “KF” fan! In this podcast episode, Kurt and co-host Steve speak with Jay about how leaders can best provide help and guidance to those who have been affected by unwanted sexual behaviors. Jay Stringer Steve Shields Highlights 6:15 How can leaders help members with sexual brokenness? Leaders should stop trying to ‘manage’ the problem but try to help the member find the core problem. 8:10 Unwanted sexual behavior is a roadmap to healing, not a life sentence to sexual shame or sexual addition. 9:30 Leaders need to listen to the stories and experiences that are behind the unwanted behavior. 13:30 Invite people to take authorship and authority over their unwanted behaviors. It’s so much more than ripping out their behavior from their life. Behaviors and addictions come from somewhere much deeper. 17:00 Many people turn to unhealthy sexual behavior or porn because they lack purpose. 17:45 How can a leader create space to listen? Stories are what change the human heart. Stop the practical suggestions because they are not going to work. 20:10 Jay gives a list of questions that can help leaders in interviews. These questions will lead to stories and help the member connect the dots between the current unwanted sexual behavior and the past pain or underlying story. 22:30 You don’t have to be a therapist but a safe place for people to share their stories. People don’t always need suggestions but someone that has compassion for them. 30:00 How do you help members come to you to confess and talk about the problems they are having? 34:15 Shame convinces people to stay silent about their sexual brokenness. Leaders need to normalize talking about sex and porn. 40:45 Share your scars, not your wounds, when you are in leadership. Be vulnerable to share your scars and experiences too. God wants us to share our stories. 42:30 This is not just a men’s issue but a human issue. Many women are also viewing pornography and having affairs. 47:30 While connection and community are very important to recovery and healing it’s also very important to take time alone. You have to learn to sit with yourself and not just try to distract yourself all the time. 53:00 How can we find the right community? Links UnashamedUnafraid.com Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing The Journey Course Kintsugi pottery jay-stringer.com Instagram @jay_stringer_ Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Blair Hodges is host, producer, and editor of the Fireside podcast and works as a communications manager for a non profit in Salt Lake City. He served a mission in Wisconsin and earned a bachelor’s degree in communications (journalism) at the University of Utah and a master’s degree in religious studies at Georgetown University. Blair hosted the Maxwell Institute Podcast for eight years and has served many years as a Sunday School President and Sunday School instructor. He loves reading, family time, weekend napping, the Utah Jazz, and living in Salt Lake City. Highlights 9:00 Blair talks about being a liberal in a very conservative church. 12:00 How can leaders help everyone feel welcome despite having different views? 14:40 Leaders need to address tattletale culture. Instead of going to the bishop to complain, go directly to the person you have a problem with. 19:00 What is doctrine? 24:30 We all mingle the doctrine of men with scripture. We all see doctrine a little differently. We don’t have to be so rigid in our views but be open to new ways of thinking. 26:15 It’s a strength to hold space for uncertainty and let go of the need to be certain about everything. 31:15 Discussion of apologetics 46:30 The most important thing that a leader can do is provide a welcoming space for everyone. Give people space to disagree or to have questions. What matters is finding common ground. A leader can change the whole dynamic of their ward. 50:25 People become disaffected from the church. Meaning that many people come to feel unloved and disconnected. Feelings are the root of it all. 55:40 Our love and relationship with others shouldn’t be contingent on whether they stay in the church or not. 56:30 What does it look like to love someone without trying to change them? 56:45 Blair encourages leaders to get familiar with other resources and entities to help them get familiar with different situations. Examples: read a book from the Maxwell Institute, listen to podcasts, presentation from a FAIR Conference, BYU studies, read a couple of Dialogue articles, etc. 58:45 Even general authorities have different views on things. We don’t always have to agree. Some choose to defend their faith aggressively and others passively. The key is to be charitably peaceful. Links Fireside with Blair Hodges Maxwell Institute Podcast FAIR Faith Matters BYU Studies Dialogue Sunstone Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Blair Hodges is host, producer, and editor of the Fireside podcast and works as a communications manager for a non profit in Salt Lake City. He served a mission in Wisconsin and earned a bachelor’s degree in communications (journalism) at the University of Utah and a master’s degree in religious studies at Georgetown University. Blair hosted the Maxwell Institute Podcast for eight years and has served many years as a Sunday School President and Sunday School instructor. He loves reading, family time, weekend napping, the Utah Jazz, and living in Salt Lake City. Highlights 9:00 Blair talks about being a liberal in a very conservative church. 12:00 How can leaders help everyone feel welcome despite having different views? 14:40 Leaders need to address tattletale culture. Instead of going to the bishop to complain, go directly to the person you have a problem with. 19:00 What is doctrine? 24:30 We all mingle the doctrine of men with scripture. We all see doctrine a little differently. We don’t have to be so rigid in our views but be open to new ways of thinking. 26:15 It’s a strength to hold space for uncertainty and let go of the need to be certain about everything. 31:15 Discussion of apologetics 46:30 The most important thing that a leader can do is provide a welcoming space for everyone. Give people space to disagree or to have questions. What matters is finding common ground. A leader can change the whole dynamic of their ward. 50:25 People become disaffected from the church. Meaning that many people come to feel unloved and disconnected. Feelings are the root of it all. 55:40 Our love and relationship with others shouldn’t be contingent on whether they stay in the church or not. 56:30 What does it look like to love someone without trying to change them? 56:45 Blair encourages leaders to get familiar with other resources and entities to help them get familiar with different situations. Examples: read a book from the Maxwell Institute, listen to podcasts, presentation from a FAIR Conference, BYU studies, read a couple of Dialogue articles, etc. 58:45 Even general authorities have different views on things. We don’t always have to agree. Some choose to defend their faith aggressively and others passively. The key is to be charitably peaceful. Links Fireside with Blair Hodges Maxwell Institute Podcast FAIR Faith Matters BYU Studies Dialogue Sunstone Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Gene R. Chidester served a mission in Argentina and has since served as a bishop, branch president, high councilor, stake president's counselor, mission president in Uruguay, and Area Seventy. He is a BYU fan, husband, father, grandfather, the owner of Evince Naturals, and producer for the Latter-day Lives podcast. Gene and his wife Robyn live in North Salt Lake, Utah. In this podcast, Kurt and Gene discuss what leadership is and the key leadership processes Gene has used in his church service. Highlights 9:45 Gene defines leadership as a process of exerting social influence over others. This process can be learned, studied, observed, and trained. That is why anyone can be a leader. 10:40 Attributes of a leader. D&C 121:41-42. 11:50 Key leadership process one - A leader needs to create a vision, mentally and verbally, for their followers. What is your vision for your organization or ward? How can you convey that vision to others? 13:50 Key leadership process two - Create a shared plan that can help you get to your outcome. It’s not just the leader’s plan. Everyone in the organization should contribute to the plan. 15:00 Delegation. The leader has the responsibility for setting clear expectations. Such as: who will carry out the plan, time frame, provide appropriate resources, and follow up consistently. 16:00 Key leadership process three - Develop appropriate measures and metrics. Measures to track performance and progress. 17:30 Example of how to carry out a plan. 20:20 Key leadership process number four - When appropriate, celebrate successes. 22:00 Leadership gives power and influence. It can lead to either unrighteous dominion or righteous dominion. D&C 121:39. 27:00 In leadership meetings, set aside calendaring and administration. Come prepared to talk about specific individuals and their needs. Who needs ordinances done? 32:15 Communication councils play a vital role in connecting stakes to other faiths. 37:15 Gene’s approach to zone conferences when he was a Mission President. 45:00 Gene’s advice to prepare leaders for a visiting seventy. A seventy is not there to judge the meeting but to help the stake or ward. 47:00 Gene talks about his experience giving out callings. It’s not about who has the best church resume or who is the best prepared. Let God inspire you because it’s His calling, not yours. Links The Latter-day Lives Podcast Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Gene R. Chidester served a mission in Argentina and has since served as a bishop, branch president, high councilor, stake president's counselor, mission president in Uruguay, and Area Seventy. He is a BYU fan, husband, father, grandfather, the owner of Evince Naturals, and producer for the Latter-day Lives podcast. Gene and his wife Robyn live in North Salt Lake, Utah. In this podcast, Kurt and Gene discuss what leadership is and the key leadership processes Gene has used in his church service. Highlights 9:45 Gene defines leadership as a process of exerting social influence over others. This process can be learned, studied, observed, and trained. That is why anyone can be a leader. 10:40 Attributes of a leader. D&C 121:41-42. 11:50 Key leadership process one - A leader needs to create a vision, mentally and verbally, for their followers. What is your vision for your organization or ward? How can you convey that vision to others? 13:50 Key leadership process two - Create a shared plan that can help you get to your outcome. It’s not just the leader’s plan. Everyone in the organization should contribute to the plan. 15:00 Delegation. The leader has the responsibility for setting clear expectations. Such as: who will carry out the plan, time frame, provide appropriate resources, and follow up consistently. 16:00 Key leadership process three - Develop appropriate measures and metrics. Measures to track performance and progress. 17:30 Example of how to carry out a plan. 20:20 Key leadership process number four - When appropriate, celebrate successes. 22:00 Leadership gives power and influence. It can lead to either unrighteous dominion or righteous dominion. D&C 121:39. 27:00 In leadership meetings, set aside calendaring and administration. Come prepared to talk about specific individuals and their needs. Who needs ordinances done? 32:15 Communication councils play a vital role in connecting stakes to other faiths. 37:15 Gene’s approach to zone conferences when he was a Mission President. 45:00 Gene’s advice to prepare leaders for a visiting seventy. A seventy is not there to judge the meeting but to help the stake or ward. 47:00 Gene talks about his experience giving out callings. It’s not about who has the best church resume or who is the best prepared. Let God inspire you because it’s His calling, not yours. Links The Latter-day Lives Podcast Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Dr. Frantz Belot is co-founder of Tyfoom, an engagement mobile-first platform that documents and improves communication, productivity, and training. He is also a co-founder of Tech Trep Academy, a tuition-free, public school program tailored to the unique needs of each student. He worked as an executive with Imagine Learning, which provides a complete suite of adaptive digital curriculum and assessment solutions for PreK–8 in language development, and was instrumental in helping the company to a successful acquisition. Frantz is a native of Haiti and was raised in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He obtained his PhD from Brigham Young University in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Organizational Behavior, and his entrepreneurial spirit permeates all aspects of life. He’s passionate about helping people access education and training so they can positively impact their lives, businesses, and communities for good. He and his wife Brandi are joyfully raising their five sons in Mapleton, Utah. In this podcast, Kurt and Frantz discuss the principles that Frantz has learned from his professional life, along with his experience as a bishop and counselor in a stake presidency. Highlights 12:00 A bishop presides over a ward but his mission is to help “the one.” Frantz always tried to go out and visit the members to help him focus on individuals. 13:20 Kurt and Frantz discuss how to schedule visits with the members and how Frantz went about visiting. 18:00 What Frantz has learned as he has been transitioning from a bishop to the stake presidency. 20:00 Stake and ward dynamics. Stake leaders should counsel with ward leaders before making decisions. Ward and stake leaders should be working together. 24:15 Counsel with one another to create the best outcomes. 25:00 Our Heavenly Father established councils. Members can receive more inspiration about planning and coordinating the Lord’s work. 26:30 Learn your duties and responsibilities. Use the handbook more to learn and know the purpose of each organization. 34:30 Seek to love, unify, and lift others. 38:45 How do we unify? One way is to counsel and not have one person dominate the conversation. Each person listens respectfully to one another. 43:00 There is no person that is the fountain of all knowledge. 43:30 You are a representative of Jesus Christ. Understand the nature of the savior and do your best. He can make up the rest. 46:40 You are not representing yourself in a meeting but the savior Jesus Christ. 48:10 The greatest leader is the greatest servant. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Dr. Frantz Belot is co-founder of Tyfoom, an engagement mobile-first platform that documents and improves communication, productivity, and training. He is also a co-founder of Tech Trep Academy, a tuition-free, public school program tailored to the unique needs of each student. He worked as an executive with Imagine Learning, which provides a complete suite of adaptive digital curriculum and assessment solutions for PreK–8 in language development, and was instrumental in helping the company to a successful acquisition. Frantz is a native of Haiti and was raised in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He obtained his PhD from Brigham Young University in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Organizational Behavior, and his entrepreneurial spirit permeates all aspects of life. He’s passionate about helping people access education and training so they can positively impact their lives, businesses, and communities for good. He and his wife Brandi are joyfully raising their five sons in Mapleton, Utah. In this podcast, Kurt and Frantz discuss the principles that Frantz has learned from his professional life, along with his experience as a bishop and counselor in a stake presidency. Highlights 12:00 A bishop presides over a ward but his mission is to help “the one.” Frantz always tried to go out and visit the members to help him focus on individuals. 13:20 Kurt and Frantz discuss how to schedule visits with the members and how Frantz went about visiting. 18:00 What Frantz has learned as he has been transitioning from a bishop to the stake presidency. 20:00 Stake and ward dynamics. Stake leaders should counsel with ward leaders before making decisions. Ward and stake leaders should be working together. 24:15 Counsel with one another to create the best outcomes. 25:00 Our Heavenly Father established councils. Members can receive more inspiration about planning and coordinating the Lord’s work. 26:30 Learn your duties and responsibilities. Use the handbook more to learn and know the purpose of each organization. 34:30 Seek to love, unify, and lift others. 38:45 How do we unify? One way is to counsel and not have one person dominate the conversation. Each person listens respectfully to one another. 43:00 There is no person that is the fountain of all knowledge. 43:30 You are a representative of Jesus Christ. Understand the nature of the savior and do your best. He can make up the rest. 46:40 You are not representing yourself in a meeting but the savior Jesus Christ. 48:10 The greatest leader is the greatest servant. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Audrey Perry Martin is the CEO and founder of Project Elect, a nonpartisan nonprofit focused on getting women members of the Church more involved in public service. She is a California-based election law expert with over 15 years of experience, including extensive presidential election involvement as deputy general counsel at Romney for President and FEC Counsel at John McCain 2008. Audrey has worked at the Federal Election Commission, for Congress, and at private law firms in Washington, D.C. and California. She taught election law at Brigham Young University law school and serves as the vice president for communications and California chapter chair for the Republican National Lawyers Association. Audrey received her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and a bachelor's degree in political science and journalism from BYU. She has appeared on numerous national and international media outlets, including Fox News and NPR. Audrey grew up in Utah, is the mother of three daughters, and lives in Rocklin, California. She's served in many capacities in the Church, including as Primary president, in the Young Womens presidency, and in lots of teaching callings. Rachelle Price serves on the Project Elect Board of Directors and is a small business owner and mother of five. After being unanimously appointed to her local school district board of education in 2019, she was elected in 2020 to a four year term as school board trustee and is currently serving as the vice president. In addition, Rachelle is a delegate on the California School Board Association and director on her local educational foundation. She has spent years as a community and school volunteer. Some of her favorite experiences include being part of site and district strategic planning committees and coaching her local special needs baseball team. Originally from Idaho, Rachelle holds a bachelor of science degree from BYU and resides with her husband and children in Rocklin, California. She has served in many capacities in the church, but her favorite callings have been stake girls camp hike leader and ward choir director. Rachelle currently serves as the stake communication assistant director. In this podcast, Rachelle and Audrey help us understand why it is important for women to run for office and get involved in their communities. Rachelle Price Audrey Perry Martin Highlights 3:30 Project Elect is a non partisan and non-profit organization. Their mission is to help more Latter-day Saint women get elected in public service. 4:20 Reasons why women should run: They are asked to by their leaders Because their communities need them 8:15 Women can use the skills that they use in their church callings to help contribute to their communities. 11:45 Project Elect helps support, encourage, and train Latter-day Saint women to help them run for office. 16:00 How can a bishop help? 21:40 Should women who are elected also have a calling? 23:30 Community service is a great opportunity for those who have been released from a calling and still want to get involved. 25:00 How can women find somewhere to serve? Each community is different and you have to get out and find opportunities. We have to step up as individuals even when we are unsure of what to do. 28:30 Everyone is busy but you can find small ways to serve. 29:45 There are seasons in a woman’s life. Some seasons you will have more time than others. Do what you can in the season that you are in. 31:30 Many are concerned about the time it will take away from their families to serve in their communities. However, you can actually include your family in what you are doing. By serving and speaking up in your community you are teaching your children to do the same. Lead by example. 36:40 We need bridge builders and peacemakers in a time of contention and drama. Latter-day Saint women know how to lead by lifting up others.

Audrey Perry Martin is the CEO and founder of Project Elect, a nonpartisan nonprofit focused on getting women members of the Church more involved in public service. She is a California-based election law expert with over 15 years of experience, including extensive presidential election involvement as deputy general counsel at Romney for President and FEC Counsel at John McCain 2008. Audrey has worked at the Federal Election Commission, for Congress, and at private law firms in Washington, D.C. and California. She taught election law at Brigham Young University law school and serves as the vice president for communications and California chapter chair for the Republican National Lawyers Association. Audrey received her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and a bachelor's degree in political science and journalism from BYU. She has appeared on numerous national and international media outlets, including Fox News and NPR. Audrey grew up in Utah, is the mother of three daughters, and lives in Rocklin, California. She's served in many capacities in the Church, including as Primary president, in the Young Womens presidency, and in lots of teaching callings. Rachelle Price serves on the Project Elect Board of Directors and is a small business owner and mother of five. After being unanimously appointed to her local school district board of education in 2019, she was elected in 2020 to a four year term as school board trustee and is currently serving as the vice president. In addition, Rachelle is a delegate on the California School Board Association and director on her local educational foundation. She has spent years as a community and school volunteer. Some of her favorite experiences include being part of site and district strategic planning committees and coaching her local special needs baseball team. Originally from Idaho, Rachelle holds a bachelor of science degree from BYU and resides with her husband and children in Rocklin, California. She has served in many capacities in the church, but her favorite callings have been stake girls camp hike leader and ward choir director. Rachelle currently serves as the stake communication assistant director. In this podcast, Rachelle and Audrey help us understand why it is important for women to run for office and get involved in their communities. Rachelle Price Audrey Perry Martin Highlights 3:30 Project Elect is a non partisan and non-profit organization. Their mission is to help more Latter-day Saint women get elected in public service. 4:20 Reasons why women should run: They are asked to by their leaders Because their communities need them 8:15 Women can use the skills that they use in their church callings to help contribute to their communities. 11:45 Project Elect helps support, encourage, and train Latter-day Saint women to help them run for office. 16:00 How can a bishop help? 21:40 Should women who are elected also have a calling? 23:30 Community service is a great opportunity for those who have been released from a calling and still want to get involved. 25:00 How can women find somewhere to serve? Each community is different and you have to get out and find opportunities. We have to step up as individuals even when we are unsure of what to do. 28:30 Everyone is busy but you can find small ways to serve. 29:45 There are seasons in a woman’s life. Some seasons you will have more time than others. Do what you can in the season that you are in. 31:30 Many are concerned about the time it will take away from their families to serve in their communities. However, you can actually include your family in what you are doing. By serving and speaking up in your community you are teaching your children to do the same. Lead by example. 36:40 We need bridge builders and peacemakers in a time of contention and drama. Latter-day Saint women know how to lead by lifting up others.

Ryan Addams was an active duty Air Force Pilot for ten years before he started his current job as an airline pilot, and continued as a pilot in the Air Force Reserve until his retirement in 2018. He served in the Chile Santiago South mission and graduated from Brigham Young University in International Relations and Aerospace Studies. He has served as a branch president, bishopric counselor, stake presidency counselor, and is currently serving for the second time as a bishop. Ryan and his wife Kristina live in the Phoenix, Arizona area with their two sons. In this podcast, Kurt and Ryan discuss how Ryan leads as a bishop while traveling frequently as an airline pilot. Highlights 8:00 Ryan is gone three to four days a week as a pilot. He has to decide which activities and meetings are most important to attend. 11:20 Let God make your weakness strong. A weakness doesn’t always mean a sin or transgression but working through the problems that you face on a daily basis. Ryan’s schedule and professional life are a weakness that he has had to make a strength. 15:30 Ryan has a global bishop’s office. He sets up appointments through zoom and is still able to meet with members and stay connected no matter where he is. 17:00 Ryan uses down time in his schedule to prepare talks and lessons or review rosters for callings. 20:45 Ryan talks about what his family dynamic looks like being a pilot. Traveling has its downsides but he also finds ways to bless his family. 22:45 Technology and apps that help Ryan with his calling and professional life. 24:30 Ryan uses group texts to stay connected to the members of his bishopric and keep track of the Lord’s work. 31:00 If the bishop is gone, still have your meetings. The ward still needs to function and stick with a routine. 36:25 The bishop is not 911. Many people think that if you have a problem that they need the bishop immediately and treat the situation as an emergency. The bishop will need to treat the situation with love but redirect the member. 42:20 Be a PhD-level delegator. Learn about the talents and skills of your ward council. What can they do best? Know your audience (ward council). Everyone has a different experience level. You might have to work with new leaders a little more and give more specific instructions. 48:00 Example of delegating and trusting the members of your ward council. 53:20 Delegation helps you prioritize as a bishop. 57:15 Analyzing Mark 6. Remember that God will make up the difference. Links What Seek Ye? How the Questions of Jesus Lead Us to Him Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Ryan Addams was an active duty Air Force Pilot for ten years before he started his current job as an airline pilot, and continued as a pilot in the Air Force Reserve until his retirement in 2018. He served in the Chile Santiago South mission and graduated from Brigham Young University in International Relations and Aerospace Studies. He has served as a branch president, bishopric counselor, stake presidency counselor, and is currently serving for the second time as a bishop. Ryan and his wife Kristina live in the Phoenix, Arizona area with their two sons. In this podcast, Kurt and Ryan discuss how Ryan leads as a bishop while traveling frequently as an airline pilot. Highlights 8:00 Ryan is gone three to four days a week as a pilot. He has to decide which activities and meetings are most important to attend. 11:20 Let God make your weakness strong. A weakness doesn’t always mean a sin or transgression but working through the problems that you face on a daily basis. Ryan’s schedule and professional life are a weakness that he has had to make a strength. 15:30 Ryan has a global bishop’s office. He sets up appointments through zoom and is still able to meet with members and stay connected no matter where he is. 17:00 Ryan uses down time in his schedule to prepare talks and lessons or review rosters for callings. 20:45 Ryan talks about what his family dynamic looks like being a pilot. Traveling has its downsides but he also finds ways to bless his family. 22:45 Technology and apps that help Ryan with his calling and professional life. 24:30 Ryan uses group texts to stay connected to the members of his bishopric and keep track of the Lord’s work. 31:00 If the bishop is gone, still have your meetings. The ward still needs to function and stick with a routine. 36:25 The bishop is not 911. Many people think that if you have a problem that they need the bishop immediately and treat the situation as an emergency. The bishop will need to treat the situation with love but redirect the member. 42:20 Be a PhD-level delegator. Learn about the talents and skills of your ward council. What can they do best? Know your audience (ward council). Everyone has a different experience level. You might have to work with new leaders a little more and give more specific instructions. 48:00 Example of delegating and trusting the members of your ward council. 53:20 Delegation helps you prioritize as a bishop. 57:15 Analyzing Mark 6. Remember that God will make up the difference. Links What Seek Ye? How the Questions of Jesus Lead Us to Him Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in November 2018. Anthony Sweat is an Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University, and previously taught Seminary and Institute for 13 years. With an early interest in art he obtained a BFA from the University of Utah before pursuing religious education, earning an M.Ed in curriculum and instruction and a Ph.D in Curriculum and Instruction from Utah State University. His sustained interest and skill in art provides him an avenue of expression that he often blends into his teaching of religion, especially by painting previously-undepicted church history scenes. Dr. Sweat is the author of several books and a regular speaker at Latter-day Saint events and conferences. He and his wife Cindy are the parents of seven children. Highlights 07:20 Discussion of what constitutes official Church doctrine? Doctrine of Christ; other doctrines. 10:23 Culture or doctrine? 13:00 Where do we find doctrine? Church handbooks, standard works, official correlated Church publications; Family Proclamation. Multiple witness concept versus “outliers.” Unanimous (by the Brethren) declarations. Cohesive, cumulative statements from Church leaders acting as the Lord’s agents. Reference to D&C 107:27. 19:00 Types of doctrines. 2011 official Church statement during the campaign season involving presidential candidate Mitt Romney. What about a single statement by a single leader on a single occasion—binding? Avoid pitting one general authority against another. Are some doctrines more important than others? Are core doctrines unchangeable? What are “supportive doctrines” according to the model (four rings) developed by Dr. Sweat and his colleagues? Can faithful members have differing views on supportive doctrines? Progressing in the next life? Discussion of policies or doctrines that are authoritative, timely and unique to a given time period. Are they “mere policies?” Can they be clarified/amplified? 30:13 Don’t try to get ahead of or undercut prophets/revelators. Scriptures authenticate that God honors His prophets. Example of tribes of Israel that were required to wait to receive the priesthood. Orthodox today but heterodox tomorrow. Brigham Young said Section 76 was a “great trial” to him, but he did not reject it and later understood. 33:42 Fourth ring: “Esoteric doctrine” is obscured or ambiguous. Role of Mother in Heaven? Is Jesus married? Is there kingdom progression in the next life? What’s in the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon? 34:33 Section 128:9 relates to receiving revelation and is “bold doctrine.” Prophets who hold sealing keys, acting truly and faithfully as the Lord’s agents, have the authority to record on earth and bind in heaven. The role of “agents.” 39:51 Dealing with ambiguity in a church classroom setting. Clarity can come through the “wrestle.” Inviting discussion without straying from doctrine. Teaching what is declared and known without shutting off sincere comments about things that are not. “Managing opinions.” Listening without agreeing. 49:30 Leaders need to be dialed into core doctrines and official policies. 50:25 There are clearly things that have not yet been revealed. Embrace ambiguity. Just as artists don’t always reveal precisely what they had in mind in their work of art, God seems to want us to grow by wrestling with some things where only hints are provided. He wants “seekers” who ask and knock. 53:35 Gratitude for Joseph’s role as a called, inspired, and revelatory prophet who nonetheless had mortal weaknesses. Each of us, though weak, can be instruments in the Lord’s hands. Links AnthonySweat.com Instagram @brotheranthonysweat The Holy Invitation: Understanding Your Sacred Temple Endowment Doctrine: Models to Evaluate Types and Sources of Latter-day Saint Teachings Approaching Mormon Doctrine Seekers Wanted | An Interview with Anthony Sweat

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in November 2018. Anthony Sweat is an Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University, and previously taught Seminary and Institute for 13 years. With an early interest in art he obtained a BFA from the University of Utah before pursuing religious education, earning an M.Ed in curriculum and instruction and a Ph.D in Curriculum and Instruction from Utah State University. His sustained interest and skill in art provides him an avenue of expression that he often blends into his teaching of religion, especially by painting previously-undepicted church history scenes. Dr. Sweat is the author of several books and a regular speaker at Latter-day Saint events and conferences. He and his wife Cindy are the parents of seven children. Highlights 07:20 Discussion of what constitutes official Church doctrine? Doctrine of Christ; other doctrines. 10:23 Culture or doctrine? 13:00 Where do we find doctrine? Church handbooks, standard works, official correlated Church publications; Family Proclamation. Multiple witness concept versus “outliers.” Unanimous (by the Brethren) declarations. Cohesive, cumulative statements from Church leaders acting as the Lord’s agents. Reference to D&C 107:27. 19:00 Types of doctrines. 2011 official Church statement during the campaign season involving presidential candidate Mitt Romney. What about a single statement by a single leader on a single occasion—binding? Avoid pitting one general authority against another. Are some doctrines more important than others? Are core doctrines unchangeable? What are “supportive doctrines” according to the model (four rings) developed by Dr. Sweat and his colleagues? Can faithful members have differing views on supportive doctrines? Progressing in the next life? Discussion of policies or doctrines that are authoritative, timely and unique to a given time period. Are they “mere policies?” Can they be clarified/amplified? 30:13 Don’t try to get ahead of or undercut prophets/revelators. Scriptures authenticate that God honors His prophets. Example of tribes of Israel that were required to wait to receive the priesthood. Orthodox today but heterodox tomorrow. Brigham Young said Section 76 was a “great trial” to him, but he did not reject it and later understood. 33:42 Fourth ring: “Esoteric doctrine” is obscured or ambiguous. Role of Mother in Heaven? Is Jesus married? Is there kingdom progression in the next life? What’s in the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon? 34:33 Section 128:9 relates to receiving revelation and is “bold doctrine.” Prophets who hold sealing keys, acting truly and faithfully as the Lord’s agents, have the authority to record on earth and bind in heaven. The role of “agents.” 39:51 Dealing with ambiguity in a church classroom setting. Clarity can come through the “wrestle.” Inviting discussion without straying from doctrine. Teaching what is declared and known without shutting off sincere comments about things that are not. “Managing opinions.” Listening without agreeing. 49:30 Leaders need to be dialed into core doctrines and official policies. 50:25 There are clearly things that have not yet been revealed. Embrace ambiguity. Just as artists don’t always reveal precisely what they had in mind in their work of art, God seems to want us to grow by wrestling with some things where only hints are provided. He wants “seekers” who ask and knock. 53:35 Gratitude for Joseph’s role as a called, inspired, and revelatory prophet who nonetheless had mortal weaknesses. Each of us, though weak, can be instruments in the Lord’s hands. Links AnthonySweat.com Instagram @brotheranthonysweat The Holy Invitation: Understanding Your Sacred Temple Endowment Doctrine: Models to Evaluate Types and Sources of Latter-day Saint Teachings Approaching Mormon Doctrine Seekers Wanted | An Interview with Anthony Sweat

Keith Erekson is an award-winning author, teacher, and public historian who has published on topics including politics, hoaxes, Abraham Lincoln, Elvis Presley, and Church history. He enjoys speaking at Latter-day Saint conferences and events, including BYU Education Week and RootsTech. Keith grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, served a mission in Brazil, and earned advanced degrees in history and business. For seven years he directed the Church History Library, overseeing expanded online research access and enriched public exhibits, and now works for the Church History Department in efforts to encourage outreach and historical engagement. In this podcast, Kurt and Keith dive into concepts in Keith’s book, Real vs. Rumor: How to Dispel Latter-day Myths. Highlights 5:40 Dispelling false history and rumors can help eliminate negative church culture. 6:00 Girls camp story 10:35 Always read the scriptures, talks, etc. in context. Make sure you aren’t changing the meaning. 12:45 There are many things that are true but not useful. We can use Church history but that doesn’t mean it’s useful for the building of our faith and learning. 14:30 Be careful when quoting someone. When quoting make sure to use exact words and the name of the author. Study the context around the quote. 19:20 What should bishops do when you hear someone misquoting in Sacrament meeting or in Sunday School? 22:00 How to go about correcting others and dealing with myths. Always correct with love and the spirit. Correct them only if you have the accurate information or an exact quote. It’s about helping each other out rather than proving each other wrong. If you feel like someone’s quoting is off, look it up yourself. 28:00 If you feel the urge to share a quote but don’t have all the pieces, go home and do your homework first. Find all the missing pieces before you share with everyone. 30:00 Use multiple quotes to prove a concept. You can’t just use one quote to make your case. We have to be careful not to teach false doctrine. 36:35 People exaggerate historical events to make them more inspiring. Details get lost Details get added to a story 43:25 Magical thinking: We blow up our stories or historical events and make them seem magical. The gospel should make us look inward. It’s not about an outward show. 48:00 Projecting opinions: The scripts that we have are usually built on assumptions. We are acting on assumptions not information. 51:00 Many people are questioning their faith based on information, a historical event, or a quote. We often leap to conclusions and don’t know how to think about things correctly. Treat historical events with history tools not church tools. Learn about how history works. 54:00 Change your script to learning: Take in new information with the intent to learn from it instead of letting it take a toll on your faith. Links Real vs. Rumor: How to Dispel Latter-Day Myths Keith Erekson: Investigating Latter-Day Saint Rumors and Assumptions Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Keith Erekson is an award-winning author, teacher, and public historian who has published on topics including politics, hoaxes, Abraham Lincoln, Elvis Presley, and Church history. He enjoys speaking at Latter-day Saint conferences and events, including BYU Education Week and RootsTech. Keith grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, served a mission in Brazil, and earned advanced degrees in history and business. For seven years he directed the Church History Library, overseeing expanded online research access and enriched public exhibits, and now works for the Church History Department in efforts to encourage outreach and historical engagement. In this podcast, Kurt and Keith dive into concepts in Keith’s book, Real vs. Rumor: How to Dispel Latter-day Myths. Highlights 5:40 Dispelling false history and rumors can help eliminate negative church culture. 6:00 Girls camp story 10:35 Always read the scriptures, talks, etc. in context. Make sure you aren’t changing the meaning. 12:45 There are many things that are true but not useful. We can use Church history but that doesn’t mean it’s useful for the building of our faith and learning. 14:30 Be careful when quoting someone. When quoting make sure to use exact words and the name of the author. Study the context around the quote. 19:20 What should bishops do when you hear someone misquoting in Sacrament meeting or in Sunday School? 22:00 How to go about correcting others and dealing with myths. Always correct with love and the spirit. Correct them only if you have the accurate information or an exact quote. It’s about helping each other out rather than proving each other wrong. If you feel like someone’s quoting is off, look it up yourself. 28:00 If you feel the urge to share a quote but don’t have all the pieces, go home and do your homework first. Find all the missing pieces before you share with everyone. 30:00 Use multiple quotes to prove a concept. You can’t just use one quote to make your case. We have to be careful not to teach false doctrine. 36:35 People exaggerate historical events to make them more inspiring. Details get lost Details get added to a story 43:25 Magical thinking: We blow up our stories or historical events and make them seem magical. The gospel should make us look inward. It’s not about an outward show. 48:00 Projecting opinions: The scripts that we have are usually built on assumptions. We are acting on assumptions not information. 51:00 Many people are questioning their faith based on information, a historical event, or a quote. We often leap to conclusions and don’t know how to think about things correctly. Treat historical events with history tools not church tools. Learn about how history works. 54:00 Change your script to learning: Take in new information with the intent to learn from it instead of letting it take a toll on your faith. Links Real vs. Rumor: How to Dispel Latter-Day Myths Keith Erekson: Investigating Latter-Day Saint Rumors and Assumptions Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

In this solo episode, Kurt Francom discusses five reasons behind the development of negative culture within the church, and what we can each do to recognize it and take action to stimulate positive culture. Highlights 4:45 Church culture is the monster in the room. 6:15 Why does negative church culture exist? 7:00 Church culture is creating a never-ending judgment loop. 9:15 Reason one - Lack of ability. It’s not about lack of motivation. It’s an ability problem. 12:30 Sometimes it’s not for lack of trying but lack of skills. Some people have the skills to teach, lead, or show empathy. Some try but they have to develop these skills. 15:00 Reason two - Negative mindsets. Our mindset is the lens through which we see the world. 17:00 Open mindsets create psychological safety. Psychological safety roots out negative church culture. Everyone feels safe to express opinions and feelings. 18:00 Examples of leaders that have different mindsets and how it affects those in the ward. 22:10 Reason three - Misunderstanding doctrine. Embracing false doctrines as truth. 25:50 Example of misunderstanding doctrine. The push for youth to serve missions can lead to people misunderstanding that missions are a saving ordinance. 27:35 Reason four - Lack of exposure. Expose yourself to a diversity of lifestyles and hear people’s stories to gain a higher level of empathy. Many times we project our life experience onto others. 32:00 Seeking exposure to different types of people and gaining more empathy is not a passive exercise. It's a very proactive effort. This is why it’s so difficult to perpetuate a positive church culture. 34:15 Ideas of how to gain more exposure. Ask people their stories. Exposing ourselves to other people’s experience gives us so much love for them. 36:50 Reason five - Lack of self awareness. Take the time to know what kind of leader you are. Gain a deeper understanding of yourself and how other people perceive you. People perceive us differently than we perceive ourselves. 42:15 What do we do with these five reasons? The goal is to stimulate positive culture. Links Is Your Mindset Limiting Your Leadership? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson The Research Behind Becoming Christlike | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson Success Mindsets: Your Keys to Unlocking Greater Success in Life, Work, and Leadership Is Aspiring Wrong? What I Learned About Leadership When My 2nd Counselor Left the Church North Star International Bridges: Ministering to Those Who Question Ministering to Those Who Question | An Interview with David Ostler Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

In this solo episode, Kurt Francom discusses five reasons behind the development of negative culture within the church, and what we can each do to recognize it and take action to stimulate positive culture. Highlights 4:45 Church culture is the monster in the room. 6:15 Why does negative church culture exist? 7:00 Church culture is creating a never-ending judgment loop. 9:15 Reason one - Lack of ability. It’s not about lack of motivation. It’s an ability problem. 12:30 Sometimes it’s not for lack of trying but lack of skills. Some people have the skills to teach, lead, or show empathy. Some try but they have to develop these skills. 15:00 Reason two - Negative mindsets. Our mindset is the lens through which we see the world. 17:00 Open mindsets create psychological safety. Psychological safety roots out negative church culture. Everyone feels safe to express opinions and feelings. 18:00 Examples of leaders that have different mindsets and how it affects those in the ward. 22:10 Reason three - Misunderstanding doctrine. Embracing false doctrines as truth. 25:50 Example of misunderstanding doctrine. The push for youth to serve missions can lead to people misunderstanding that missions are a saving ordinance. 27:35 Reason four - Lack of exposure. Expose yourself to a diversity of lifestyles and hear people’s stories to gain a higher level of empathy. Many times we project our life experience onto others. 32:00 Seeking exposure to different types of people and gaining more empathy is not a passive exercise. It's a very proactive effort. This is why it’s so difficult to perpetuate a positive church culture. 34:15 Ideas of how to gain more exposure. Ask people their stories. Exposing ourselves to other people’s experience gives us so much love for them. 36:50 Reason five - Lack of self awareness. Take the time to know what kind of leader you are. Gain a deeper understanding of yourself and how other people perceive you. People perceive us differently than we perceive ourselves. 42:15 What do we do with these five reasons? The goal is to stimulate positive culture. Links Is Your Mindset Limiting Your Leadership? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson The Research Behind Becoming Christlike | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson Success Mindsets: Your Keys to Unlocking Greater Success in Life, Work, and Leadership Is Aspiring Wrong? What I Learned About Leadership When My 2nd Counselor Left the Church North Star International Bridges: Ministering to Those Who Question Ministering to Those Who Question | An Interview with David Ostler Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Most of Vicki Clason’s life has been spent in the tiny town of Auberry, located in the foothills near Fresno, California. Vicki loves the natural beauty and close-knit community of her foothill home where she and her husband together raised five children. Her love of community inspired Vicki to run for the local school board where she served for five years before becoming employed as a high school teacher for the same district. She is now retired and spending more time with her 11 grandchildren (with another due soon). Vicki was serving as Relief Society president when the devastating 2020 Creek Fire altered her beloved community forever. A year later, Vicki continues to serve the Auberry Ward members they rebuild and recover to create some beauty where there once was ashes. In this podcast, Vicki shares her experience as a Relief Society president during a time when 97% of her ward had to be evacuated, giving tips and advice to prepare for such crises. Highlights 3:40 Vicki’s experience evacuating her family and her ward in September 2020. 7:45 Where did people go when they were evacuated? How did the stake help those that didn’t have anywhere to go? 10:00 Vicki explains how she coordinated and took care of those in her ward during the evacuation. 11:50 Ministering is what really helped Vicki keep track of everyone and make sure everyone was safe. 13:20 They had a team of people calling everyone on the roster. 14:50 When there is a crisis there needs to be an organization in place to call everyone and organize information for everyone that is in the ward. Everything should be recorded on a document. 17:15 The importance of gathering. The ward wasn’t able to physically gather but they gathered through Facebook and emails. Communication is key. Many were able to gather at the Stake center. 23:15 Gathering and sharing experiences brings healing. 25:20 Feelings of inadequacy as a leader in times of crisis. Heavenly Father will lift you up. You are not alone. 28:00 Vicki gives ideas of things that she feels they could have done better in an emergency situation. Each ward should create a plan and be prepared for a crisis. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Most of Vicki Clason’s life has been spent in the tiny town of Auberry, located in the foothills near Fresno, California. Vicki loves the natural beauty and close-knit community of her foothill home where she and her husband together raised five children. Her love of community inspired Vicki to run for the local school board where she served for five years before becoming employed as a high school teacher for the same district. She is now retired and spending more time with her 11 grandchildren (with another due soon). Vicki was serving as Relief Society president when the devastating 2020 Creek Fire altered her beloved community forever. A year later, Vicki continues to serve the Auberry Ward members they rebuild and recover to create some beauty where there once was ashes. In this podcast, Vicki shares her experience as a Relief Society president during a time when 97% of her ward had to be evacuated, giving tips and advice to prepare for such crises. Highlights 3:40 Vicki’s experience evacuating her family and her ward in September 2020. 7:45 Where did people go when they were evacuated? How did the stake help those that didn’t have anywhere to go? 10:00 Vicki explains how she coordinated and took care of those in her ward during the evacuation. 11:50 Ministering is what really helped Vicki keep track of everyone and make sure everyone was safe. 13:20 They had a team of people calling everyone on the roster. 14:50 When there is a crisis there needs to be an organization in place to call everyone and organize information for everyone that is in the ward. Everything should be recorded on a document. 17:15 The importance of gathering. The ward wasn’t able to physically gather but they gathered through Facebook and emails. Communication is key. Many were able to gather at the Stake center. 23:15 Gathering and sharing experiences brings healing. 25:20 Feelings of inadequacy as a leader in times of crisis. Heavenly Father will lift you up. You are not alone. 28:00 Vicki gives ideas of things that she feels they could have done better in an emergency situation. Each ward should create a plan and be prepared for a crisis. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

"I remember standing on a hot, dusty hiking trail at girls camp when I was 14 years old and having the profound impression that I got to decide whether I was going to be miserable or not. It was so empowering." Many years later, as a certified life coach, Heather Rackham is the host of the Latter-day Life Coaches podcast and director of Latter-day Saint Life Coach Directory, ldslifecoaches.com. That 14 year old girl had no idea she would get to spend much of her life helping others found the coaches and tools to empower themselves in the same way: choosing who you want to be, on purpose. Heather has served as ward Relief Society president, stake Young Women president, Cub Scouts and achievement day leader, Primary teacher, nursery leader and various other callings, but her favorite calling has been the Primary music chorister. Highlights 4:40 A life coach will help you discover what you want to do and help you use your agency. They don’t tell you what to do. 7:40 What does life coaching have to do with leadership? 8:50 What is the difference between a therapist and a life coach? Which one do I need? 9:40 Heather explains how to find the perfect life coach for you using her directory. There are different filters on the directory to help you find a life coach for your specific problem or struggle. 14:15 How do I know that a life coach is the perfect fit for me? The first session is free and can help you get a feel for what that coach is like. 15:50 Life coaches can help you know if you should get therapy or not. 25:15 Heather explains the difference between one on one vs group coaching. Watching someone else be coached can be very effective and you can get just as much out of it as one on one coaching. 29:50 Heather walks us through what a session with a life coach might look like and what types of problems people come to a life coach for. A life coach can help you untangle your thoughts and beliefs. 35:35 We create certain narratives in our minds. We make meaning out of everything. A life coach is there to help you observe what you are making things mean and help you make sense of it all. 37:50 Heather explains how being a leader and life coach has helped her deepen her relationship with Jesus Christ. Links ldslifecoaches.com Latter-day Life Coaches podcast Instagram @ldslifecoaches Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

"I remember standing on a hot, dusty hiking trail at girls camp when I was 14 years old and having the profound impression that I got to decide whether I was going to be miserable or not. It was so empowering." Many years later, as a certified life coach, Heather Rackham is the host of the Latter-day Life Coaches podcast and director of Latter-day Saint Life Coach Directory, ldslifecoaches.com. That 14 year old girl had no idea she would get to spend much of her life helping others found the coaches and tools to empower themselves in the same way: choosing who you want to be, on purpose. Heather has served as ward Relief Society president, stake Young Women president, Cub Scouts and achievement day leader, Primary teacher, nursery leader and various other callings, but her favorite calling has been the Primary music chorister. Highlights 4:40 A life coach will help you discover what you want to do and help you use your agency. They don’t tell you what to do. 7:40 What does life coaching have to do with leadership? 8:50 What is the difference between a therapist and a life coach? Which one do I need? 9:40 Heather explains how to find the perfect life coach for you using her directory. There are different filters on the directory to help you find a life coach for your specific problem or struggle. 14:15 How do I know that a life coach is the perfect fit for me? The first session is free and can help you get a feel for what that coach is like. 15:50 Life coaches can help you know if you should get therapy or not. 25:15 Heather explains the difference between one on one vs group coaching. Watching someone else be coached can be very effective and you can get just as much out of it as one on one coaching. 29:50 Heather walks us through what a session with a life coach might look like and what types of problems people come to a life coach for. A life coach can help you untangle your thoughts and beliefs. 35:35 We create certain narratives in our minds. We make meaning out of everything. A life coach is there to help you observe what you are making things mean and help you make sense of it all. 37:50 Heather explains how being a leader and life coach has helped her deepen her relationship with Jesus Christ. Links ldslifecoaches.com Latter-day Life Coaches podcast Instagram @ldslifecoaches Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Brooke Hellewell Reynolds grew up in Laguna Niguel, California. She studied graphic design at Brigham Young University and moved to New York City a few days after graduation. Brooke spent 10 years in New York, art directing magazines at Martha Stewart, meeting her husband John in the Manhattan singles ward, and began working as a freelance designer after the birth of her first child. After a particularly dreary New York winter, she convinced her husband to move back to California where she has been working from home (in more ways than one) ever since. Brooke has served in stake Relief Society and Primary presidencies and currently serves as the Social Media Director in the Laguna Niguel, California stake. Though she cried when she was first called to work on social media (true story) she has since realized the great power of these inspired tools. She and her husband John have four children. In this podcast Brooke takes us through how she runs her stake’s social media pages and give us ideas on how to unify our own stakes, wards, and communities using social media. Highlights 2:35 Why stake social media pages? Why not just use the church’s social media? 6:20 Where to begin as a communications director. Create a stake website first. 7:57 Brooke’s stake Instagram is used to share personal experiences and Come Follow Me posts. Their Facebook page shares stories and experiences of different members. It’s a way to connect the stake and get to know people. 9:45 Third hour is their stake’s private discussion group to discuss Come Follow Me. Each week a different member of the stake hosts and does a couple posts during the week. 10:25 Youth instagram account. Just for youth 11 to 18 years old. 11:00 Twitter account. Used to share recaps of talks from church leaders, highlights from the Church News, and local news. 11:25 Good News Laguna is a page the stake started on Instagram and Facebook that is for the community. 12:20 Stake Youtube channel. They make videos of events and Seniors graduating or a special message from the Stake Presidency. During Covid when everything was shut down stake and ward members could turn on the TV and see a message from their bishop and stake president. 13:53 Stake Podcast. It's not a formal podcast with weekly content but they pull audio from their Youtube channel or record a talk from Stake Conference. 15:10 YSA Instagram page for people 18 to 30 years old. It's the best way to get the message out because that's where they are at. 18:40 Brooke explains how she can manage all these pages and how she creates the content. 22:30 Tips on how to design content for social media 26:30 Use the missionaries as admins on Facebook to help answer questions and help community members. 30:30 Use social media to help prepare people for events and remind them when things are happening. 36:45 Where should a stake start? Brooke advises stakes to start with a website, Instagram, and matching Facebook page. 37:35 Brooke shares an experience of how using social media has helped her community. Links Good News Laguna Instagram Good News Laguna Facebook Presentation graphics about Laguna Niguel Stake social media Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Brooke Hellewell Reynolds grew up in Laguna Niguel, California. She studied graphic design at Brigham Young University and moved to New York City a few days after graduation. Brooke spent 10 years in New York, art directing magazines at Martha Stewart, meeting her husband John in the Manhattan singles ward, and began working as a freelance designer after the birth of her first child. After a particularly dreary New York winter, she convinced her husband to move back to California where she has been working from home (in more ways than one) ever since. Brooke has served in stake Relief Society and Primary presidencies and currently serves as the Social Media Director in the Laguna Niguel, California stake. Though she cried when she was first called to work on social media (true story) she has since realized the great power of these inspired tools. She and her husband John have four children. In this podcast Brooke takes us through how she runs her stake’s social media pages and give us ideas on how to unify our own stakes, wards, and communities using social media. Highlights 2:35 Why stake social media pages? Why not just use the church’s social media? 6:20 Where to begin as a communications director. Create a stake website first. 7:57 Brooke’s stake Instagram is used to share personal experiences and Come Follow Me posts. Their Facebook page shares stories and experiences of different members. It’s a way to connect the stake and get to know people. 9:45 Third hour is their stake’s private discussion group to discuss Come Follow Me. Each week a different member of the stake hosts and does a couple posts during the week. 10:25 Youth instagram account. Just for youth 11 to 18 years old. 11:00 Twitter account. Used to share recaps of talks from church leaders, highlights from the Church News, and local news. 11:25 Good News Laguna is a page the stake started on Instagram and Facebook that is for the community. 12:20 Stake Youtube channel. They make videos of events and Seniors graduating or a special message from the Stake Presidency. During Covid when everything was shut down stake and ward members could turn on the TV and see a message from their bishop and stake president. 13:53 Stake Podcast. It's not a formal podcast with weekly content but they pull audio from their Youtube channel or record a talk from Stake Conference. 15:10 YSA Instagram page for people 18 to 30 years old. It's the best way to get the message out because that's where they are at. 18:40 Brooke explains how she can manage all these pages and how she creates the content. 22:30 Tips on how to design content for social media 26:30 Use the missionaries as admins on Facebook to help answer questions and help community members. 30:30 Use social media to help prepare people for events and remind them when things are happening. 36:45 Where should a stake start? Brooke advises stakes to start with a website, Instagram, and matching Facebook page. 37:35 Brooke shares an experience of how using social media has helped her community. Links Good News Laguna Instagram Good News Laguna Facebook Presentation graphics about Laguna Niguel Stake social media Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in April 2018. DeAnna Murphy serves as the Chief Development Officer at People Acuity, the premier career pathing and talent development company based in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area. An internationally-known keynote speaker, Top 100 Global Coaching Leader, and author, her experience leading organizational leadership efforts worldwide informs her advice for leadership and teaching in the Church. She was born in Provo, Utah, but grew up in Canada and met her husband at Ricks College. They are the parents of three children and live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she has served as a stake Relief Society president. Highlights 5:25 How do we help ourselves and others stay fully engaged? 7:35 How can you understand your auxiliaries strength? 8:10 How can we apply engagement at home? 8:35 To be meaningfully engaged there must be a sense of connection, and an ability to understand your contribution and purpose alignment. 12:00 Understand your role/purpose 12:45 What is the bigger “why”? 14:00 Doctrine and Covenants 43:8,9 The Lord teaches Joseph Smith by council 15:20 Ask good questions/teach by council 19:30 Get correct counsel on core principles. 22:20 To feel alignment while teaching ask: What did you notice about that? What's important about that? What does that mean? What will you do? (How would you apply that?) Has anyone had an experience like that? 24:15 John 17- Why does He want us to be one so badly? That my joy might be fulfilled in you. 28:35 Which of these points in the lesson are important to Heavenly Father? 30:45 The council creates interdependence. 32:20 There is no engagement from a talking head. 33:20 Co-dependence is the primary voice of us vs. them. 34:15 There should not a be a “you people” in our church culture. 36:20 Our value does not go up and down like the stock market. 38:15 When people begin to see their value through the lens of strength they see God's DNA in them. 39:00 We need to understand our identity, but have lost it 41:50 If I'm not judging myself, I feel connected to other people and to God 42:10 Four categories of strengths Strategic Thinking Executing Relationship driven Influencers Relationship-builders 50:30 We are drawn to those like us because they validate us, and afraid of those who are unlike us because we do not understand them. 53:45 We disengage when our needs are not being met. 54:30 What does my patriarchal blessing show me about my strengths? 57:40 What can you count on me for? What do I need to feel confident? 59:00 The power of one-on-one ministering 1:00:00 During one-on-one interviews, pull up an extra chair for the Savior to sit with you as you minister 1:00:50 Be okay with no knowing, and always pray with them. 1:01:25 During the interviews ask them: How are you doing? What are you learning from the Spirit in your personal study? What are you learning in your assignment? These questions create connection. 1:05:00 Finally, ask tell me about the people that you are serving and what do they need? 1:06:15 Everyone is a "one" and there is great power in ministering and one-on-one interviews. 1:06:55 Ask your children—even grown children—what the Spirit is teaching them. 1:09:00 Experience with a group in Abu Dhabi learning six strengths strategies. 1:16:45 Read Moses 1:6 with your name instead of Moses: He will magnify your gifts through Him Links Shift Up! Strengths Strategies for Optimal Living PeopleAcuity.com Instructing and Edifying Each Other in Meetings Teaching the Gospel Virtually Mentoring Relief Society Presidents Through Love Claiming Your Contribution (for missionaries) Gallup StrengthsFinder (CliftonStrengths Assessment) Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in April 2018. DeAnna Murphy serves as the Chief Development Officer at People Acuity, the premier career pathing and talent development company based in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area. An internationally-known keynote speaker, Top 100 Global Coaching Leader, and author, her experience leading organizational leadership efforts worldwide informs her advice for leadership and teaching in the Church. She was born in Provo, Utah, but grew up in Canada and met her husband at Ricks College. They are the parents of three children and live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she has served as a stake Relief Society president. Highlights 5:25 How do we help ourselves and others stay fully engaged? 7:35 How can you understand your auxiliaries strength? 8:10 How can we apply engagement at home? 8:35 To be meaningfully engaged there must be a sense of connection, and an ability to understand your contribution and purpose alignment. 12:00 Understand your role/purpose 12:45 What is the bigger “why”? 14:00 Doctrine and Covenants 43:8,9 The Lord teaches Joseph Smith by council 15:20 Ask good questions/teach by council 19:30 Get correct counsel on core principles. 22:20 To feel alignment while teaching ask: What did you notice about that? What's important about that? What does that mean? What will you do? (How would you apply that?) Has anyone had an experience like that? 24:15 John 17- Why does He want us to be one so badly? That my joy might be fulfilled in you. 28:35 Which of these points in the lesson are important to Heavenly Father? 30:45 The council creates interdependence. 32:20 There is no engagement from a talking head. 33:20 Co-dependence is the primary voice of us vs. them. 34:15 There should not a be a “you people” in our church culture. 36:20 Our value does not go up and down like the stock market. 38:15 When people begin to see their value through the lens of strength they see God's DNA in them. 39:00 We need to understand our identity, but have lost it 41:50 If I'm not judging myself, I feel connected to other people and to God 42:10 Four categories of strengths Strategic Thinking Executing Relationship driven Influencers Relationship-builders 50:30 We are drawn to those like us because they validate us, and afraid of those who are unlike us because we do not understand them. 53:45 We disengage when our needs are not being met. 54:30 What does my patriarchal blessing show me about my strengths? 57:40 What can you count on me for? What do I need to feel confident? 59:00 The power of one-on-one ministering 1:00:00 During one-on-one interviews, pull up an extra chair for the Savior to sit with you as you minister 1:00:50 Be okay with no knowing, and always pray with them. 1:01:25 During the interviews ask them: How are you doing? What are you learning from the Spirit in your personal study? What are you learning in your assignment? These questions create connection. 1:05:00 Finally, ask tell me about the people that you are serving and what do they need? 1:06:15 Everyone is a "one" and there is great power in ministering and one-on-one interviews. 1:06:55 Ask your children—even grown children—what the Spirit is teaching them. 1:09:00 Experience with a group in Abu Dhabi learning six strengths strategies. 1:16:45 Read Moses 1:6 with your name instead of Moses: He will magnify your gifts through Him Links Shift Up! Strengths Strategies for Optimal Living PeopleAcuity.com Instructing and Edifying Each Other in Meetings Teaching the Gospel Virtually Mentoring Relief Society Presidents Through Love Claiming Your Contribution (for missionaries) Gallup StrengthsFinder (CliftonStrengths Assessment) Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Kevin Tolley has worked for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion for over twenty years. He taught release-time seminary in Utah for ten years and has spent the remainder of his career teaching Institute in Southern California. He earned a BA degree from Brigham Young University in Near Eastern Studies with a minor in Hebrew, an MA degree from the University of Notre Dame in Theology, and a PhD degree in Hebrew Bible at Claremont School of Theology. After serving a full-time mission in the California, San Bernardino mission, Kevin met and married his wife RaShelle in the Toronto Canada Temple and they have five incredible children. He has served as an elders quorum president, in a bishopric, and is currently serving as a counselor in a stake presidency. In this interview, Kevin takes us through Church history and the calling of apostles and prophets. Highlights 7:00 Details into the history of Joseph Smith and beginnings of the Church 7:45 Finding and choosing the twelve apostles 19:00 One of Joseph’s greatest qualities was being very quick to forgive 19:45 Organization of the Quorum of the Twelve in the early church. Seniority was by age not how long they had been serving like it is today. 21:10 Brigham Young’s time and experiences as president of the Church. 24:30 It took 32 years for the Quorum to all get together. They were so busy preaching the gospel that someone was always gone. In those days their primary responsibility was to preach. 27:45 Section 107 of the Doctrine and Covenants was one of the first revelations to train the Quorum of the Twelve. 36:00 Assistant to the Twelve was a previous position. Marion G. Romney was the first assistant to the Twelve. 38:45 The assistant to the Twelve was taken away in the 1980s and members of the seventy were called instead. 41:50 Unexpected deaths in the Quorum of the Twelve 49:50 Heber J. Grant was called to be in the Quorum of the Twelve when he was only in his twenties. He was very overwhelmed and didn’t feel qualified. He had an amazing vision. 1:01 President Nelson is changing the way that Apostles get called. He is the first President that also called the spouse in to be part of the call. 1:03 President Nelson also changed the process of calling members of the Twelve to be in the First Presidency. He interviews each member of the Quorum and each person gets to make suggestions and nominate someone. 1:05 Concept of being foretold. Many Apostles knew that they were going to get called. Links Apostolic Succession in the Restoration Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Kevin Tolley has worked for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion for over twenty years. He taught release-time seminary in Utah for ten years and has spent the remainder of his career teaching Institute in Southern California. He earned a BA degree from Brigham Young University in Near Eastern Studies with a minor in Hebrew, an MA degree from the University of Notre Dame in Theology, and a PhD degree in Hebrew Bible at Claremont School of Theology. After serving a full-time mission in the California, San Bernardino mission, Kevin met and married his wife RaShelle in the Toronto Canada Temple and they have five incredible children. He has served as an elders quorum president, in a bishopric, and is currently serving as a counselor in a stake presidency. In this interview, Kevin takes us through Church history and the calling of apostles and prophets. Highlights 7:00 Details into the history of Joseph Smith and beginnings of the Church 7:45 Finding and choosing the twelve apostles 19:00 One of Joseph’s greatest qualities was being very quick to forgive 19:45 Organization of the Quorum of the Twelve in the early church. Seniority was by age not how long they had been serving like it is today. 21:10 Brigham Young’s time and experiences as president of the Church. 24:30 It took 32 years for the Quorum to all get together. They were so busy preaching the gospel that someone was always gone. In those days their primary responsibility was to preach. 27:45 Section 107 of the Doctrine and Covenants was one of the first revelations to train the Quorum of the Twelve. 36:00 Assistant to the Twelve was a previous position. Marion G. Romney was the first assistant to the Twelve. 38:45 The assistant to the Twelve was taken away in the 1980s and members of the seventy were called instead. 41:50 Unexpected deaths in the Quorum of the Twelve 49:50 Heber J. Grant was called to be in the Quorum of the Twelve when he was only in his twenties. He was very overwhelmed and didn’t feel qualified. He had an amazing vision. 1:01 President Nelson is changing the way that Apostles get called. He is the first President that also called the spouse in to be part of the call. 1:03 President Nelson also changed the process of calling members of the Twelve to be in the First Presidency. He interviews each member of the Quorum and each person gets to make suggestions and nominate someone. 1:05 Concept of being foretold. Many Apostles knew that they were going to get called. Links Apostolic Succession in the Restoration Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Jessica Johnson works in leadership development with the RBL Group. She holds an MBA from Brigham Young University and previously worked in management and marketing consulting, and in television sports. Highlights 2:14 “Tell us about your journey as a single member inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints” 4:21 What defines your journey as a single member of the church? I’ve been able and willing to serve in any capacity. Not being categorized by others. 8:01 Describe the Focus Group work that has been happening in relation to this Single Saints Summit: It’s non-scientific data gathering from single adults across the United States. 9:35 How do we help single member feel more welcome or more like they belong? Use President Hinckley’s advice about things all converts/members need: A friend (10:47) If someone is sitting alone, it’s ok to ask if they’d like someone to sit by them. But it’s also ok if they want to sit alone. Inviting them is more important. Are there things that you only invite other families to? Or other couples? Single people usually want to be included in those things too. This builds deeper connections. It’s important to know as a single member that someone thinks of you and is concerned for your welfare (especially in a pandemic) Also If you are a single member and feeling overlooked it’s important to speak up! Story of no ministering priesthood assigned. Responsibilities: What calling should a single person have? Any calling! Get to the individual! Story of New Member Meetings. “Callings are an anchor to the ward.” Nurturing with the good word of God: Home-Centered Church Supported…. Singles may love to be invited to participate in family study on occasion. If you are preparing a lesson stop to consider multiple demographics. Single, divorced, widowed etc. do you prepare broadly so all feel included? 26:45 Do Single Adults in the church prefer a single ward over a neighborhood ward? Globally single wards not available It’s up to the individuals in the areas that have them. It’s also important that they be allowed to choose, not told where to attend. 30:00 Story of “You’re NOT welcome here”; figure out the “warm hand-off” 32:00 What do good-intentioned people say to singles in the church, that they should stop saying? Check your blind spots: do you have biases or superficial relationships? The single members don’t want to be labeled or lumped into groups. Get rid of the “ites.” Men will often refuse to meet with single women, especially in their homes. It’s smart to be cautious, but it’s also important to be thoughtful and kind. Sometimes there’s a hierarchy that is referenced that single lives are “less than or less celestial” than married lives. They don’t need pity or assumptions that they don’t live up to their covenants. Read Elder Gong’s GC talk “Room in the Inn.” 37:28 Have you noticed improvements in the way Single Adults are treated over the last few years? In GC talks, for sure! It’s cultural to have “menace to society talks” that needs to stop. Most people engage in the self-similarity principle: we need to step out of that. “Can’t we just treat all people like they are individuals?” 40:17 Are the needs of the single/divorced/widowed etc. treated differently? In short yes. It’s important to remember that we will never become one in Christ if we keep defining people by their differences. People don’t want to be known by their marital statuses. 42:00 Final Thoughts? Get to know individuals Take time to know or understand what it is like to walk in others' shoes. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast.

Jessica Johnson works in leadership development with the RBL Group. She holds an MBA from Brigham Young University and previously worked in management and marketing consulting, and in television sports. Highlights 2:14 “Tell us about your journey as a single member inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints” 4:21 What defines your journey as a single member of the church? I’ve been able and willing to serve in any capacity. Not being categorized by others. 8:01 Describe the Focus Group work that has been happening in relation to this Single Saints Summit: It’s non-scientific data gathering from single adults across the United States. 9:35 How do we help single member feel more welcome or more like they belong? Use President Hinckley’s advice about things all converts/members need: A friend (10:47) If someone is sitting alone, it’s ok to ask if they’d like someone to sit by them. But it’s also ok if they want to sit alone. Inviting them is more important. Are there things that you only invite other families to? Or other couples? Single people usually want to be included in those things too. This builds deeper connections. It’s important to know as a single member that someone thinks of you and is concerned for your welfare (especially in a pandemic) Also If you are a single member and feeling overlooked it’s important to speak up! Story of no ministering priesthood assigned. Responsibilities: What calling should a single person have? Any calling! Get to the individual! Story of New Member Meetings. “Callings are an anchor to the ward.” Nurturing with the good word of God: Home-Centered Church Supported…. Singles may love to be invited to participate in family study on occasion. If you are preparing a lesson stop to consider multiple demographics. Single, divorced, widowed etc. do you prepare broadly so all feel included? 26:45 Do Single Adults in the church prefer a single ward over a neighborhood ward? Globally single wards not available It’s up to the individuals in the areas that have them. It’s also important that they be allowed to choose, not told where to attend. 30:00 Story of “You’re NOT welcome here”; figure out the “warm hand-off” 32:00 What do good-intentioned people say to singles in the church, that they should stop saying? Check your blind spots: do you have biases or superficial relationships? The single members don’t want to be labeled or lumped into groups. Get rid of the “ites.” Men will often refuse to meet with single women, especially in their homes. It’s smart to be cautious, but it’s also important to be thoughtful and kind. Sometimes there’s a hierarchy that is referenced that single lives are “less than or less celestial” than married lives. They don’t need pity or assumptions that they don’t live up to their covenants. Read Elder Gong’s GC talk “Room in the Inn.” 37:28 Have you noticed improvements in the way Single Adults are treated over the last few years? In GC talks, for sure! It’s cultural to have “menace to society talks” that needs to stop. Most people engage in the self-similarity principle: we need to step out of that. “Can’t we just treat all people like they are individuals?” 40:17 Are the needs of the single/divorced/widowed etc. treated differently? In short yes. It’s important to remember that we will never become one in Christ if we keep defining people by their differences. People don’t want to be known by their marital statuses. 42:00 Final Thoughts? Get to know individuals Take time to know or understand what it is like to walk in others' shoes. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast.

Bruce Chang immigrated to the United States at age 12 and lived in Hawaii and Washington State. He is originally from Taiwan and belonged to the Buddhist faith, was baptized at age 17, and served a mission in the California, Arcadia Mission, speaking Chinese. Bruce has a PhD in Organizational Leadership and has worked as a seminary teacher and an institute director and coordinator for over 20 years, teaches at BYU Education Week and EFY, and was recently a visiting professor at Brigham Young University. He has served as a counselor in a young single adult stake in Syracuse, Utah, and in the California Arcadia Mission presidency. In this podcast, Bruce shares his experience working with youth and full time missionaries and how to effectively teach and support them. Highlights 3:15 Bruce relates his experience meeting Elder Cook and getting called as a counselor in a newly-formed YSA stake. 9:00 Bruce’s experience being converted and baptized as a member of the Church. Bruce is the only member of his family and he has passed through many difficult experiences because he didn’t have much support from family. 23:08 The measure of a true leader is to be someone that listens more than he speaks. 25:00 How do we connect with youth and help them progress in the gospel? Understand where they are at and where you think that the Lord wants to take them. 27:30 Bruce’s tips to help youth that don’t think they need organized religion. Ask, don't tell. Don’t try to change their behavior. 29:20 Teach them correct principles but let them self discover. 29:30 Bruce gives an example of how to talk with teens and get them to pay attention when you teach. 35:15 Lead your children into the scriptures. Bruce gives a real life example of how to teach with scripture instead of getting angry with his child. 41:00 Bruce gets called to serve in the mission presidency in the same mission that he served in as a young man. 43:00 Experiences working in a mission presidency and with the missionaries. 52:10 How can we better help and prepare missionaries? We need to focus on conversion and not baptism. It can be discouraging for missionaries when they can’t achieve their baptism goal. You can’t set a goal that infringes on other people’s agency. Control the controllable. 55:15 How can parents best support their full time missionaries? Don’t focus on outward rewards, such as, being an AP, zone leader, district leader or getting a certain number of baptisms. Instead ask them to share experiences and how they have seen God in their lives. Ask them not if they get along with their companion but what they have learned or like about their companion. How has your companion helped you? Be prepared weekly with great questions. 1:03:38 To be a great leader is to be an exceptional follower. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Bruce Chang immigrated to the United States at age 12 and lived in Hawaii and Washington State. He is originally from Taiwan and belonged to the Buddhist faith, was baptized at age 17, and served a mission in the California, Arcadia Mission, speaking Chinese. Bruce has a PhD in Organizational Leadership and has worked as a seminary teacher and an institute director and coordinator for over 20 years, teaches at BYU Education Week and EFY, and was recently a visiting professor at Brigham Young University. He has served as a counselor in a young single adult stake in Syracuse, Utah, and in the California Arcadia Mission presidency. In this podcast, Bruce shares his experience working with youth and full time missionaries and how to effectively teach and support them. Highlights 3:15 Bruce relates his experience meeting Elder Cook and getting called as a counselor in a newly-formed YSA stake. 9:00 Bruce’s experience being converted and baptized as a member of the Church. Bruce is the only member of his family and he has passed through many difficult experiences because he didn’t have much support from family. 23:08 The measure of a true leader is to be someone that listens more than he speaks. 25:00 How do we connect with youth and help them progress in the gospel? Understand where they are at and where you think that the Lord wants to take them. 27:30 Bruce’s tips to help youth that don’t think they need organized religion. Ask, don't tell. Don’t try to change their behavior. 29:20 Teach them correct principles but let them self discover. 29:30 Bruce gives an example of how to talk with teens and get them to pay attention when you teach. 35:15 Lead your children into the scriptures. Bruce gives a real life example of how to teach with scripture instead of getting angry with his child. 41:00 Bruce gets called to serve in the mission presidency in the same mission that he served in as a young man. 43:00 Experiences working in a mission presidency and with the missionaries. 52:10 How can we better help and prepare missionaries? We need to focus on conversion and not baptism. It can be discouraging for missionaries when they can’t achieve their baptism goal. You can’t set a goal that infringes on other people’s agency. Control the controllable. 55:15 How can parents best support their full time missionaries? Don’t focus on outward rewards, such as, being an AP, zone leader, district leader or getting a certain number of baptisms. Instead ask them to share experiences and how they have seen God in their lives. Ask them not if they get along with their companion but what they have learned or like about their companion. How has your companion helped you? Be prepared weekly with great questions. 1:03:38 To be a great leader is to be an exceptional follower. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Michael A. Goodman has worked for the Church Educational System since 1989 and was the manager of CES College Curriculum before joining the Brigham Young University Church History and Doctrine department in 2007. He was recently appointed as associate publications director for the Religious Studies Center. Michael holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with Public Relations, a Master’s degree in Information Technology, and a PhD in Marriage, Family, and Human Development. He is a coinvestigator on the Family Foundations of Youth Development longitudinal research project, focused on adolescent and family faith development and mental health outcomes with a special emphasis on suicidality. Michael is married to Tiina Anita Goodman. Highlights 1:55 BYU Eternal Families course chair and online curriculum author. 4:10 How does BYU teach the doctrine of Eternal Families? Courses based on doctrine with some social science mixed in. Eternal principles and daily principles taught (money, sexuality etc) 5:50 We don’t have to convince BYU students that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints values families, but they don’t often know why. 8:30 D&C 131 and 132. The Degrees of Glory and importance of eternal families 10:40 The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Quotes document. 11:40 President Oaks Quote: “Our theology begins with Heavenly Parents. Our greatest aspiration is to be like them.” “The purpose of mortal like and the mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to prepare the sons and daughters of God for their eternal destiny- to become like our Heavenly Parents.” 13:35 Divine Identity and Divine Destiny... as children of God. 15:45 Mother in Heaven: foundational doctrine. 16:35 When speaking to single adults after the foundation has been laid, what do you say next? …Well someday?!? NO! Acknowledge their pain and the issues they face. 17:45 Neil L. Anderson quote: “We will continue to teach the Lord’s pattern for families, but now with millions of members and the diversity among those in the church we need to be more thoughtful and sensitive. Our church culture and vernacular are sometimes quite unique. The primary children are not going to stop singing “Families can be Together Forever” but when they sing “I’m so happy when Daddy comes home” or “With father and mother leading the way..” Not all children will be singing about their family.” 20:50 What do we need to know Now, to feel joy Now? 4 overarching principles: No one denied any promised blessing because of something outside of their control. YOU, are included in the plan of salvation, and because of that inclusion there is hope Heavenly Father will not abrogate agency. God loves us with a perfect love and will do anything in his power to exalt us. Through the grace of Christ, Heavenly Father can provide solutions to those things outside our control (24:51) 26:04 Quote President Kimball: “We promise you that in as far as eternity is concerned, NO soul will be deprived of rich and high and eternal blessings for anything which they could not help. That the Lord never fails in his promises. Every righteous person will eventually receive ALL to which they are entitled and have not forfeited through an fault of their own.” 28:15 Stay covenant connected. 28:30 Quote President Nelson: Through no failing of their own “they” deal with the trails of life alone. May we all be reminded that in the Lord’s own way and time no blessing will be withheld from his faithful saints. The Lords will judge and reward each individual according to their heartfelt desires as well as deeds.” 29:45 It’s ok if you aren’t the “ideal” family yet… Richard G. Scoot quote and discussion. 31:55 Live relationally now! Live familially. 33:10 None of us are broken, just in process. 33:55 Kurt- as a leader- “I won’t deny callings based on marital status” Few callings have any sort of marital qualification.

Michael A. Goodman has worked for the Church Educational System since 1989 and was the manager of CES College Curriculum before joining the Brigham Young University Church History and Doctrine department in 2007. He was recently appointed as associate publications director for the Religious Studies Center. Michael holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with Public Relations, a Master’s degree in Information Technology, and a PhD in Marriage, Family, and Human Development. He is a coinvestigator on the Family Foundations of Youth Development longitudinal research project, focused on adolescent and family faith development and mental health outcomes with a special emphasis on suicidality. Michael is married to Tiina Anita Goodman. Highlights 1:55 BYU Eternal Families course chair and online curriculum author. 4:10 How does BYU teach the doctrine of Eternal Families? Courses based on doctrine with some social science mixed in. Eternal principles and daily principles taught (money, sexuality etc) 5:50 We don’t have to convince BYU students that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints values families, but they don’t often know why. 8:30 D&C 131 and 132. The Degrees of Glory and importance of eternal families 10:40 The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Quotes document. 11:40 President Oaks Quote: “Our theology begins with Heavenly Parents. Our greatest aspiration is to be like them.” “The purpose of mortal like and the mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to prepare the sons and daughters of God for their eternal destiny- to become like our Heavenly Parents.” 13:35 Divine Identity and Divine Destiny... as children of God. 15:45 Mother in Heaven: foundational doctrine. 16:35 When speaking to single adults after the foundation has been laid, what do you say next? …Well someday?!? NO! Acknowledge their pain and the issues they face. 17:45 Neil L. Anderson quote: “We will continue to teach the Lord’s pattern for families, but now with millions of members and the diversity among those in the church we need to be more thoughtful and sensitive. Our church culture and vernacular are sometimes quite unique. The primary children are not going to stop singing “Families can be Together Forever” but when they sing “I’m so happy when Daddy comes home” or “With father and mother leading the way..” Not all children will be singing about their family.” 20:50 What do we need to know Now, to feel joy Now? 4 overarching principles: No one denied any promised blessing because of something outside of their control. YOU, are included in the plan of salvation, and because of that inclusion there is hope Heavenly Father will not abrogate agency. God loves us with a perfect love and will do anything in his power to exalt us. Through the grace of Christ, Heavenly Father can provide solutions to those things outside our control (24:51) 26:04 Quote President Kimball: “We promise you that in as far as eternity is concerned, NO soul will be deprived of rich and high and eternal blessings for anything which they could not help. That the Lord never fails in his promises. Every righteous person will eventually receive ALL to which they are entitled and have not forfeited through an fault of their own.” 28:15 Stay covenant connected. 28:30 Quote President Nelson: Through no failing of their own “they” deal with the trails of life alone. May we all be reminded that in the Lord’s own way and time no blessing will be withheld from his faithful saints. The Lords will judge and reward each individual according to their heartfelt desires as well as deeds.” 29:45 It’s ok if you aren’t the “ideal” family yet… Richard G. Scoot quote and discussion. 31:55 Live relationally now! Live familially. 33:10 None of us are broken, just in process. 33:55 Kurt- as a leader- “I won’t deny callings based on marital status” Few callings have any sort of marital qualification.

Mark Ogletree is originally from Texas and joined the Church right after high school. He attended Brigham Young University, eventually finding his way back to BYU where he is now an associate professor in the department of Church History and Doctrine. Mark taught for 21 years in the Church Educational System where he was a seminary teacher and principal, institute instructor and director, and CES coordinator. He received his bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Development from Brigham Young University; his master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Educational Psychology from Northern Arizona University, and his Ph.D. in Family and Human Development from Utah State University. Mark owned and operated his own marriage and family therapy practice in McKinney, Texas, and has written several books and articles on marriage and family related topics, as well as Church history and doctrine. Mark and his wife, Janie, have eight children, 18 grandchildren, and reside in Provo, Utah. He currently serves as a stake president. Highlights 2:30 Mark's conversion story, finding the Church through friends in high school sports 4:15 Teachings of the Living Prophets and The Eternal Family at BYU, and his call as a stake president 5:15 How their service was different during the pandemic, holding month-long ward conferences and using the opportunity to get to know the members better 7:25 Sending members to work in the BYU wards 10:00 Breaking through cultural and traditional bands to get bishoprics and members to turn over responsibilities to Relief Society and elders quorum presidents Getting the members on board: emphasizing in meetings, talks, and individual visits with members, "beating the drum" of delegation in every setting Getting the bishoprics on board: help them embrace their role with the youth so they have something to focus on, and helping them learn to turn people away 18:20 The bishop's role in the repentance process and what can be delegated to counselors and later to other ward members 20:20 Bishops might struggle to connect with the youth, but they have talents and abilities that are magnified in their calling; be involved in planning and activities, meetings, activities, being with and connecting with the youth 23:35 Routine bishop youth discussions monthly, Aaronic Priesthood training, discussions in BYC meetings, supporting the youth individually in what they are doing Youth discussions: alternated locations, approaching topics that he would come up with through what was discussed in youth interviews Taught the youth to lead meetings and then let them be in charge The adage that "a parent should never do anything for their child that the child can do for themselves" applies to youth leadership You have to have participation to have conversion Experience teaching the young men to plan the year beyond playing basketball each week Helping them understand that they can do this now and don't have to wait until they are older to lead 33:50 Working with the high council and bringing in younger men to help them learn leadership principles The focus on making high council a revelatory experience Bringing in the best people they can, giving them responsibilities, and getting out of their way 37:30 Doctrines that leaders should understand in their roles: Any scriptures that teach about the Atonement and the restoration, doctrinal teachings that help motivate and inspire us to be committed, and teachings from General Conferences Looking to other loving leaders and representing the Savior to the people in your ward Taking General Conference seriously, taking notes, and approaching it together as a family; "Saturday is for the saints and Sunday is for the world" 44:10 His leadership has been formed by being surrounded by great leaders and learning by watching them lead and serve, and even by those who weren't as great Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Mark Ogletree is originally from Texas and joined the Church right after high school. He attended Brigham Young University, eventually finding his way back to BYU where he is now an associate professor in the department of Church History and Doctrine. Mark taught for 21 years in the Church Educational System where he was a seminary teacher and principal, institute instructor and director, and CES coordinator. He received his bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Development from Brigham Young University; his master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Educational Psychology from Northern Arizona University, and his Ph.D. in Family and Human Development from Utah State University. Mark owned and operated his own marriage and family therapy practice in McKinney, Texas, and has written several books and articles on marriage and family related topics, as well as Church history and doctrine. Mark and his wife, Janie, have eight children, 18 grandchildren, and reside in Provo, Utah. He currently serves as a stake president. Highlights 2:30 Mark's conversion story, finding the Church through friends in high school sports 4:15 Teachings of the Living Prophets and The Eternal Family at BYU, and his call as a stake president 5:15 How their service was different during the pandemic, holding month-long ward conferences and using the opportunity to get to know the members better 7:25 Sending members to work in the BYU wards 10:00 Breaking through cultural and traditional bands to get bishoprics and members to turn over responsibilities to Relief Society and elders quorum presidents Getting the members on board: emphasizing in meetings, talks, and individual visits with members, "beating the drum" of delegation in every setting Getting the bishoprics on board: help them embrace their role with the youth so they have something to focus on, and helping them learn to turn people away 18:20 The bishop's role in the repentance process and what can be delegated to counselors and later to other ward members 20:20 Bishops might struggle to connect with the youth, but they have talents and abilities that are magnified in their calling; be involved in planning and activities, meetings, activities, being with and connecting with the youth 23:35 Routine bishop youth discussions monthly, Aaronic Priesthood training, discussions in BYC meetings, supporting the youth individually in what they are doing Youth discussions: alternated locations, approaching topics that he would come up with through what was discussed in youth interviews Taught the youth to lead meetings and then let them be in charge The adage that "a parent should never do anything for their child that the child can do for themselves" applies to youth leadership You have to have participation to have conversion Experience teaching the young men to plan the year beyond playing basketball each week Helping them understand that they can do this now and don't have to wait until they are older to lead 33:50 Working with the high council and bringing in younger men to help them learn leadership principles The focus on making high council a revelatory experience Bringing in the best people they can, giving them responsibilities, and getting out of their way 37:30 Doctrines that leaders should understand in their roles: Any scriptures that teach about the Atonement and the restoration, doctrinal teachings that help motivate and inspire us to be committed, and teachings from General Conferences Looking to other loving leaders and representing the Savior to the people in your ward Taking General Conference seriously, taking notes, and approaching it together as a family; "Saturday is for the saints and Sunday is for the world" 44:10 His leadership has been formed by being surrounded by great leaders and learning by watching them lead and serve, and even by those who weren't as great Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D. is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. He is also an associate leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton. He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources from Indiana University, and a B.A. from Brigham Young University. As a consultant, he works with organizations to develop their leaders and improve their culture. Ryan is the author of Success Mindsets: The Key to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership. He has written multiple articles for Leading Saints, presented at a live event about mindsets, and is a repeat podcast guest. As Ryan reviewed leadership research, he found it primarily answered one question: “What do leaders need to do to be effective?” The focus of his work has been on “What do leaders need to be to be effective?” In this podcast, Ryan and Kurt discuss the concept of vertical development and how it applies to individuals and leadership. Highlights 6:25 Vertical development is the next topic Ryan has been studying and writing about. It applies to us emotionally and spiritually, and possibly even physically. 7:40 Overview of mindsets: Mindsets are the mental lenses we wear that shape how we view the world 9:10 What vertical development is Three adult developmental stages that are a function of effort, both horizontally and vertically Elevating our ability to make meaning of our world in more cognitively and emotionally sophisticated ways 12:00 Examples of how people in different levels respond to constructive criticism 13:45 The three different levels Mind 1.0: Focused on our comfort, safety, and belonging. Self-protective. Dependent thinkers, exchanging power and independence for these needs. Mind 2.0: Focused on being seen, advanced, and getting ahead. Independent thinkers, in self-reward mode. Mind 3.0: Focused on contributing and adding value, externally focused on lifting and elevating others. Interdependent thinkers, able to see from different perspectives and sit with complexity. Only 1% of adults get to this place. 20:00 Becoming more like the Savior happens through vertical development Example of Mind 1.0 recommendation for seeking information Approaching teaching from the perspective of vertical vs. horizontal development 25:15 The tension between safety and truth Example of people protecting the safety of beliefs in a Sunday School lesson Being a seeker of truth and learning to sit with complexity instead of becoming defensive It is in the interpreting that we connect with God 31:05 Leaders operate differently depending on their vertical development Do we even allow for a conversation about interpretation? “Aspiring” fits into Mind 2.0 Mind 3.0 leaders are focused on creating a culture that is inclusive and allows for growth and development 37:25 The culture of aspiring to leadership 39:00 How do we go about developing vertically? What makes meaning for us are our mindsets Example of an inward vs. outward mindset and how it helps us become more like Jesus Christ Seeing others as doing their best: “What has happened to you?” vs. “What is wrong with you?” 46:20 Learning acceptance: Healing from our own traumas as we recognize Christ accepting us Vertical development involves calming our response so we have a greater tolerance The new “Sunday School answer”: get to where you can have 100% acceptance before doing anything 51:35 When we help people repent we help them change their hearts and how they make meaning with their world, not their behaviors and actions 55:00 Where to start 57:55 Our vertical development is about healing our minds and hearts Links Success Mindsets Rising Strong What Happened to You? The Body Keeps the Score The Bonds That Make Us Free

Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D. is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. He is also an associate leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton. He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources from Indiana University, and a B.A. from Brigham Young University. As a consultant, he works with organizations to develop their leaders and improve their culture. Ryan is the author of Success Mindsets: The Key to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership. He has written multiple articles for Leading Saints, presented at a live event about mindsets, and is a repeat podcast guest. As Ryan reviewed leadership research, he found it primarily answered one question: “What do leaders need to do to be effective?” The focus of his work has been on “What do leaders need to be to be effective?” In this podcast, Ryan and Kurt discuss the concept of vertical development and how it applies to individuals and leadership. Highlights 6:25 Vertical development is the next topic Ryan has been studying and writing about. It applies to us emotionally and spiritually, and possibly even physically. 7:40 Overview of mindsets: Mindsets are the mental lenses we wear that shape how we view the world 9:10 What vertical development is Three adult developmental stages that are a function of effort, both horizontally and vertically Elevating our ability to make meaning of our world in more cognitively and emotionally sophisticated ways 12:00 Examples of how people in different levels respond to constructive criticism 13:45 The three different levels Mind 1.0: Focused on our comfort, safety, and belonging. Self-protective. Dependent thinkers, exchanging power and independence for these needs. Mind 2.0: Focused on being seen, advanced, and getting ahead. Independent thinkers, in self-reward mode. Mind 3.0: Focused on contributing and adding value, externally focused on lifting and elevating others. Interdependent thinkers, able to see from different perspectives and sit with complexity. Only 1% of adults get to this place. 20:00 Becoming more like the Savior happens through vertical development Example of Mind 1.0 recommendation for seeking information Approaching teaching from the perspective of vertical vs. horizontal development 25:15 The tension between safety and truth Example of people protecting the safety of beliefs in a Sunday School lesson Being a seeker of truth and learning to sit with complexity instead of becoming defensive It is in the interpreting that we connect with God 31:05 Leaders operate differently depending on their vertical development Do we even allow for a conversation about interpretation? “Aspiring” fits into Mind 2.0 Mind 3.0 leaders are focused on creating a culture that is inclusive and allows for growth and development 37:25 The culture of aspiring to leadership 39:00 How do we go about developing vertically? What makes meaning for us are our mindsets Example of an inward vs. outward mindset and how it helps us become more like Jesus Christ Seeing others as doing their best: “What has happened to you?” vs. “What is wrong with you?” 46:20 Learning acceptance: Healing from our own traumas as we recognize Christ accepting us Vertical development involves calming our response so we have a greater tolerance The new “Sunday School answer”: get to where you can have 100% acceptance before doing anything 51:35 When we help people repent we help them change their hearts and how they make meaning with their world, not their behaviors and actions 55:00 Where to start 57:55 Our vertical development is about healing our minds and hearts Links Success Mindsets Rising Strong What Happened to You? The Body Keeps the Score The Bonds That Make Us Free

Melanie Wellman Stroud hosts the popular podcast Come Follow Me for Us. She served in both the Kobe and Tokyo South missions and graduated with a degree in Special Education from Brigham Young University. She has served in numerous church callings including Relief Society president, Young Women president, stake Young Women president, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and her favorite: nursery leader. Melanie currently resides in Surprise, Arizona. Highlights 4:45 Melanie explains why her podcast is different from the other Come Follow Me podcasts. Her podcast is more about practical application, for the everyday person trying to apply the scriptures to their lives. 6:15 Advice and tips for studying Come Follow Me. 8:15 Melanie relates her experience getting called as the Relief Society President. 10:50 Melanie’s first principle of leadership: The importance of delegation. It’s not always easy to ask others for help but it’s very important not to get burned out. 13:50 Second principle of leadership: Ditch the fluff. Focus on needs first. Forget the tablecloths or decorations. 15:30 Third principle of leadership: Use the materials that you are given. Stick to the manual. Look closely at the questions asked. People spend way too much time on things that aren’t going to get you to heaven. 18:30 Tips on teaching a General Conference talk in Relief Society. 21:15 The fourth principle: Use the Book of Mormon as much as you can. When the Church began all they had was the Book of Mormon. They didn’t have any fancy manuals. Don’t let Come Follow Me take the place of the Book of Mormon in your studies. 27:45 Melanie gives her advice on how to connect with the youth. Bond through having fun together and through spiritual discussions. Links Come Follow Me for Us Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Melanie Wellman Stroud hosts the popular podcast Come Follow Me for Us. She served in both the Kobe and Tokyo South missions and graduated with a degree in Special Education from Brigham Young University. She has served in numerous church callings including Relief Society president, Young Women president, stake Young Women president, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and her favorite: nursery leader. Melanie currently resides in Surprise, Arizona. Highlights 4:45 Melanie explains why her podcast is different from the other Come Follow Me podcasts. Her podcast is more about practical application, for the everyday person trying to apply the scriptures to their lives. 6:15 Advice and tips for studying Come Follow Me. 8:15 Melanie relates her experience getting called as the Relief Society President. 10:50 Melanie’s first principle of leadership: The importance of delegation. It’s not always easy to ask others for help but it’s very important not to get burned out. 13:50 Second principle of leadership: Ditch the fluff. Focus on needs first. Forget the tablecloths or decorations. 15:30 Third principle of leadership: Use the materials that you are given. Stick to the manual. Look closely at the questions asked. People spend way too much time on things that aren’t going to get you to heaven. 18:30 Tips on teaching a General Conference talk in Relief Society. 21:15 The fourth principle: Use the Book of Mormon as much as you can. When the Church began all they had was the Book of Mormon. They didn’t have any fancy manuals. Don’t let Come Follow Me take the place of the Book of Mormon in your studies. 27:45 Melanie gives her advice on how to connect with the youth. Bond through having fun together and through spiritual discussions. Links Come Follow Me for Us Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Steven Shields, ACMHC CET1, is a therapist who acts as a guide to help others heal from trauma and addiction. As founder of Unashamed Unafraid, a non-profit organization, he hosts the podcast that shares hope for sexual addiction recovery. Unashamed funds scholarships for people to go to retreats and receive therapy. Steve works in his private practice in Salt Lake City, at OnSite in Nashville Tennessee, and at the Oaks in San Diego California doing trauma intensives and workshops. His favorite event to speak at is the WarriorHeart Bootcamp every year. Steve is unofficially the biggest Leading Saints and "KF" fan! This is part 2 of a 2-part podcast discussion. Listen to Part 1 here. Highlights 0:30 How do I interview someone every week who is in therapy and dealing with addiction? Check in to see if the therapy is working or not. 4:50 How bishops can communicate with therapists. Bishops should get a consent form to be able to get information from the therapist about how the therapy is going. 15:30 How do bishops find a good therapist? Steve describes the different types of therapists and specialities. 26:18 Don’t refer a person to an agency. Refer them to a specific person. LDS Family Services is a great resource but it’s an agency. 30:00 It can be difficult to find a good therapist. However, therapists like to work with people that like to do the work. Reach out to the therapist you want to go to and show them that you are willing and ready to do the work. It might be worth it to get on a waiting list for a really good therapist. 34:40 What do you do with people that don’t want to do the work? The only thing you can do is invite. 36:55 Steve’s recommendation to all bishops is to have the person pay for at least part of the sessions, even if it’s only five dollars. 40:20 Two questions to ask your therapist. Make sure they are doing the work too and putting what they teach into practice. Do you currently go to therapy or have you been to therapy? What are you currently getting trained in? 41:30 Leaders are carrying the burdens and the huge weight of the ward. Bishops and other leaders should also be getting therapy. Steve challenges all bishops to find a good therapist and do at least three sessions. 43:20 How can a leader begin to understand the resources for intensive therapy? It can be very expensive but much more effective in some situations. 52:00 Steve explains value systems. A therapist should not try to change your value system and if they do you should pick a new one. Links Part 1 of this podcast UnashamedUnafraid.com WarriorHeart Bootcamp It’s Not Your Job to Fix Pornography Addiction | An Interview with Todd Olson and Steve Shields 6 Things I Wish Bishops Knew About Addiction | Guest Post by Steven Shields (Recovering Addict) “The Atonement Works for Me”: One Couple’s Recovery from Sexual Addiction Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast.

Steven Shields, ACMHC CET1, is a therapist who acts as a guide to help others heal from trauma and addiction. As founder of Unashamed Unafraid, a non-profit organization, he hosts the podcast that shares hope for sexual addiction recovery. Unashamed funds scholarships for people to go to retreats and receive therapy. Steve works in his private practice in Salt Lake City, at OnSite in Nashville Tennessee, and at the Oaks in San Diego California doing trauma intensives and workshops. His favorite event to speak at is the WarriorHeart Bootcamp every year. Steve is unofficially the biggest Leading Saints and "KF" fan! This is part 2 of a 2-part podcast discussion. Listen to Part 1 here. Highlights 0:30 How do I interview someone every week who is in therapy and dealing with addiction? Check in to see if the therapy is working or not. 4:50 How bishops can communicate with therapists. Bishops should get a consent form to be able to get information from the therapist about how the therapy is going. 15:30 How do bishops find a good therapist? Steve describes the different types of therapists and specialities. 26:18 Don’t refer a person to an agency. Refer them to a specific person. LDS Family Services is a great resource but it’s an agency. 30:00 It can be difficult to find a good therapist. However, therapists like to work with people that like to do the work. Reach out to the therapist you want to go to and show them that you are willing and ready to do the work. It might be worth it to get on a waiting list for a really good therapist. 34:40 What do you do with people that don’t want to do the work? The only thing you can do is invite. 36:55 Steve’s recommendation to all bishops is to have the person pay for at least part of the sessions, even if it’s only five dollars. 40:20 Two questions to ask your therapist. Make sure they are doing the work too and putting what they teach into practice. Do you currently go to therapy or have you been to therapy? What are you currently getting trained in? 41:30 Leaders are carrying the burdens and the huge weight of the ward. Bishops and other leaders should also be getting therapy. Steve challenges all bishops to find a good therapist and do at least three sessions. 43:20 How can a leader begin to understand the resources for intensive therapy? It can be very expensive but much more effective in some situations. 52:00 Steve explains value systems. A therapist should not try to change your value system and if they do you should pick a new one. Links Part 1 of this podcast UnashamedUnafraid.com WarriorHeart Bootcamp It’s Not Your Job to Fix Pornography Addiction | An Interview with Todd Olson and Steve Shields 6 Things I Wish Bishops Knew About Addiction | Guest Post by Steven Shields (Recovering Addict) “The Atonement Works for Me”: One Couple’s Recovery from Sexual Addiction Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast.

Steven Shields, ACMHC CET1, is a therapist who acts as a guide to help others heal from trauma and addiction. As founder of Unashamed Unafraid, a non-profit organization, he hosts the podcast that shares hope for sexual addiction recovery. Unashamed funds scholarships for people to go to retreats and receive therapy. Steve works in his private practice in Salt Lake City, at OnSite in Nashville Tennessee, and at the Oaks in San Diego California doing trauma intensives and workshops. His favorite event to speak at is the WarriorHeart Bootcamp every year. Steve is unofficially the biggest Leading Saints and "KF" fan! This is part 1 of a 2-part podcast discussion. Highlights 5:30 Kurt and Steve begin the topic of therapy. 6:50 The truth about therapy. Jesus is the true healer. 7:55 Therapy then and now. How it has changed over time. 10:40 What is therapy for? To help you get unstuck when you don’t think you can do it on your own. 13:00 Therapy can help you in your process of healing and using the atonement in your life. 15:00 Therapy offers a safe place to express whatever you need to. It can get messy emotionally when trying to talk to a leader or a loved one. Another plus is that they are professionally trained to help you. 18:45 Therapy helps you open the door to find healing. How would Christ heal you today? 20:45 Find a safe place to talk about whatever you need to talk about. 21:50 “What you can’t see, you can’t feel and what you can’t feel, you can’t heal.” 22:20 Christ is still healing today just as He did in His ministry. He lives! 23:00 Even though bishops aren’t therapists they can still help you. Depending on the situation and bishop they can help you or help you get the counseling you need. 27:00 Therapy is about connecting to your internal source. It’s not about a therapist telling you what to do in your life. We don’t need advice. We come to it on our own. 32:00 The different types of therapy and what type is most effective. 36:15 Does Christ’s healing take time? Links PART 2 of this podcast UnashamedUnafraid.com WarriorHeart Bootcamp It’s Not Your Job to Fix Pornography Addiction | An Interview with Todd Olson and Steve Shields 6 Things I Wish Bishops Knew About Addiction | Guest Post by Steven Shields (Recovering Addict) “The Atonement Works for Me”: One Couple’s Recovery from Sexual Addiction Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast.

Steven Shields, ACMHC CET1, is a therapist who acts as a guide to help others heal from trauma and addiction. As founder of Unashamed Unafraid, a non-profit organization, he hosts the podcast that shares hope for sexual addiction recovery. Unashamed funds scholarships for people to go to retreats and receive therapy. Steve works in his private practice in Salt Lake City, at OnSite in Nashville Tennessee, and at the Oaks in San Diego California doing trauma intensives and workshops. His favorite event to speak at is the WarriorHeart Bootcamp every year. Steve is unofficially the biggest Leading Saints and "KF" fan! This is part 1 of a 2-part podcast discussion. Highlights 5:30 Kurt and Steve begin the topic of therapy. 6:50 The truth about therapy. Jesus is the true healer. 7:55 Therapy then and now. How it has changed over time. 10:40 What is therapy for? To help you get unstuck when you don’t think you can do it on your own. 13:00 Therapy can help you in your process of healing and using the atonement in your life. 15:00 Therapy offers a safe place to express whatever you need to. It can get messy emotionally when trying to talk to a leader or a loved one. Another plus is that they are professionally trained to help you. 18:45 Therapy helps you open the door to find healing. How would Christ heal you today? 20:45 Find a safe place to talk about whatever you need to talk about. 21:50 “What you can’t see, you can’t feel and what you can’t feel, you can’t heal.” 22:20 Christ is still healing today just as He did in His ministry. He lives! 23:00 Even though bishops aren’t therapists they can still help you. Depending on the situation and bishop they can help you or help you get the counseling you need. 27:00 Therapy is about connecting to your internal source. It’s not about a therapist telling you what to do in your life. We don’t need advice. We come to it on our own. 32:00 The different types of therapy and what type is most effective. 36:15 Does Christ’s healing take time? Links PART 2 of this podcast UnashamedUnafraid.com WarriorHeart Bootcamp It’s Not Your Job to Fix Pornography Addiction | An Interview with Todd Olson and Steve Shields 6 Things I Wish Bishops Knew About Addiction | Guest Post by Steven Shields (Recovering Addict) “The Atonement Works for Me”: One Couple’s Recovery from Sexual Addiction Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in October 2018. Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D. is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. He is also a leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton. He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources from Indiana University, and a B.A. from Brigham Young University. As a consultant, he works with organizations to develop their leaders and improve their culture. Ryan is the author of Success Mindsets: The Key to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership. He has written multiple articles for Leading Saints, including a series of articles on community. Highlights 8:10 Where the community articles started 9:50 Many people attend church but they don’t feel they fit, or don't attend “What community is and why is it important?” How do we create a community in the church so everyone feels welcome? 14:00 There are three community types: basic, involved and united. It is a continuum. 14:45 Basic community: little attachment, little involvement, much like an alumni group, few demands and little connection 15:45 Involved community: share more, some emotional connection but still disconnected but not fully accepted, much like a large workplace 17:30 United community: Share interests, goals and beliefs. Strong identification with group much like a family: when they hurt, we hurt. Provides acceptance, love and protection. This is what it should be within the church. 20:20 A united community is ingrained deep in the LDS culture and doctrinally founded, but with some negative side effects Low cognitive diversity. Can't think outside a box, inability to allow different perspectives. This is not doctrinal thought, but community thought. 25:30 Lack of inclusivity. Difficult to allow others in, many feel judged, hard to accept others. Often is unintentional judging over what is/is not socially acceptable (tattoos, piercing). 29:00 Lower psychological safety: When something is different, or comments in class get questioned, others are less likely to share. People feel uncomfortable expressing their opinions. 33:40 "Sometimes we have a stronger desire to be right, than we do to love others." 36:20 How do we improve the united community in the Church? We must be "intentional". 37:20 Six elements of an intentional community Charity Safety Openness Inclusiveness Being present Having a clear purpose and common cause 38:30 Charity: we must see everyone as people, and value them as such. 41:00 Safety: do our members feel safe and able to to comment in class? 43:25 Openness: we have a social pressure to certainty. If value is on knowing, we are limiting learning. We don't know all and we can learn from others 45:50 Inclusiveness: everyone should feel welcome. Don't let little things get in the way of loving them. Care less about how they look and more about how they feel. 47:40 Be Present: we are as involved as we can be, regardless, while we are there in attendance we should be present. Make our meetings matter, provide a value. Intentionally create meetings worth coming to. 50:45 Having Purpose: is everyone heading in the same direction? 53:00 Cliques are not necessarily bad. Smaller groups may allow more connections with others. Perhaps smaller groups can strengthen the whole community. 56:40 Most important to understand what community is and why it is important. Be mindful. Links RyanGottfredson.com Articles about community in the Church: The Foundation of Belonging Flaws We Need to Recognize and Overcome Becoming an Intentional Community Moving Forward in a Changing Social Landscape Success Mindsets: Your Keys to Unlocking Greater Success in Life , Work,

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in October 2018. Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D. is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. He is also a leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton. He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources from Indiana University, and a B.A. from Brigham Young University. As a consultant, he works with organizations to develop their leaders and improve their culture. Ryan is the author of Success Mindsets: The Key to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership. He has written multiple articles for Leading Saints, including a series of articles on community. Highlights 8:10 Where the community articles started 9:50 Many people attend church but they don’t feel they fit, or don't attend “What community is and why is it important?” How do we create a community in the church so everyone feels welcome? 14:00 There are three community types: basic, involved and united. It is a continuum. 14:45 Basic community: little attachment, little involvement, much like an alumni group, few demands and little connection 15:45 Involved community: share more, some emotional connection but still disconnected but not fully accepted, much like a large workplace 17:30 United community: Share interests, goals and beliefs. Strong identification with group much like a family: when they hurt, we hurt. Provides acceptance, love and protection. This is what it should be within the church. 20:20 A united community is ingrained deep in the LDS culture and doctrinally founded, but with some negative side effects Low cognitive diversity. Can't think outside a box, inability to allow different perspectives. This is not doctrinal thought, but community thought. 25:30 Lack of inclusivity. Difficult to allow others in, many feel judged, hard to accept others. Often is unintentional judging over what is/is not socially acceptable (tattoos, piercing). 29:00 Lower psychological safety: When something is different, or comments in class get questioned, others are less likely to share. People feel uncomfortable expressing their opinions. 33:40 "Sometimes we have a stronger desire to be right, than we do to love others." 36:20 How do we improve the united community in the Church? We must be "intentional". 37:20 Six elements of an intentional community Charity Safety Openness Inclusiveness Being present Having a clear purpose and common cause 38:30 Charity: we must see everyone as people, and value them as such. 41:00 Safety: do our members feel safe and able to to comment in class? 43:25 Openness: we have a social pressure to certainty. If value is on knowing, we are limiting learning. We don't know all and we can learn from others 45:50 Inclusiveness: everyone should feel welcome. Don't let little things get in the way of loving them. Care less about how they look and more about how they feel. 47:40 Be Present: we are as involved as we can be, regardless, while we are there in attendance we should be present. Make our meetings matter, provide a value. Intentionally create meetings worth coming to. 50:45 Having Purpose: is everyone heading in the same direction? 53:00 Cliques are not necessarily bad. Smaller groups may allow more connections with others. Perhaps smaller groups can strengthen the whole community. 56:40 Most important to understand what community is and why it is important. Be mindful. Links RyanGottfredson.com Articles about community in the Church: The Foundation of Belonging Flaws We Need to Recognize and Overcome Becoming an Intentional Community Moving Forward in a Changing Social Landscape Success Mindsets: Your Keys to Unlocking Greater Success in Life , Work,

Jamee Adams and Jody Steurer are sisters. A little over a year ago they began their podcast, Speak Up Sister, striving to strengthen men and women to speak up clearly and effectively at home, work, church, and in their communities. Jamee Adams holds a Master's in Public Policy from Tel Aviv University, Israel. She is a small business owner specializing in business systems development, and currently serves in a Primary presidency. Jody Steurer has a Bachelor's in Psychology from Brigham Young University and is a certified life coach. She currently serves in a young women presidency. In this podcast, Kurt, Jody, and Jamee discuss the dynamic in councils and meetings between men and women, finding not only equality in numbers of men and women attending the meetings but also helping women feel heard and giving them more opportunities to speak up. Highlights 4:45 Discussion of women being outnumbered in church meetings. It’s not so much about numbers but women feeling confident in speaking up and also being invited by the men to speak up. It’s time that women are given more of a role. 12:40 The cultural dynamic in our faith is based on the patriarchal system. Men having the keys and the power of the priesthood has also been taken to also mean that they have more authority and voice over the women. However, this is completely not true. Women might not hold the keys of the priesthood but they do have equal access to the priesthood power to serve in their callings. 14:20 A shift must be made to be more collective of both men and women. 14:45 There are certain assumptions in the church that the stake president or man with the highest authority makes the final decision. We need to let go of those old assumptions and shift to follow the pattern of the Twelve Apostles and the First Presidency to discuss and all agree before making a decision. 18:30 Both men and women come into a meeting with the assumption that because women don’t hold the priesthood their opinion doesn’t weigh as much as a man’s does. 19:00 There are also assumptions that we should all communicate the same way and if someone doesn’t then their opinion is discounted. Women are often discounted for having strong personalities or for being direct when men are applauded for such traits. 22:00 Generally speaking, women can be more sensitive and take a lot of time explaining and storytelling. Men prefer to get to the point and get straight to the facts. Both men and women need to work on different skill sets of communication. Men can improve on their sensitivity and women can work on clearer communication. 34:20 The goal is not a majority rule. The goal of our councils is unanimity. Everyone should have a voice in ward councils. 40:00 Jody and Jamee coach women on how they can speak up more effectively. 45:00 Jody and Jamee coach the Bishopric walking into ward council. The bishop needs to advocate and validate everyone in the room. 47:35 Dealing with disagreements. Find ways not to alienate that person and automatically shut the person down when there is a disagreement. Leaders should strive to have a great connection and relationship with the women leaders to create unity even when there are disagreements. Links SpeakUpSister.net Instagram @speakupsisterpodcast Facebook page Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader's Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You, by Frances X. Frei How Connection Can Improve Your Ward’s Mental Health | An Interview with Geoff Steurer Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Jamee Adams and Jody Steurer are sisters. A little over a year ago they began their podcast, Speak Up Sister, striving to strengthen men and women to speak up clearly and effectively at home, work, church, and in their communities. Jamee Adams holds a Master's in Public Policy from Tel Aviv University, Israel. She is a small business owner specializing in business systems development, and currently serves in a Primary presidency. Jody Steurer has a Bachelor's in Psychology from Brigham Young University and is a certified life coach. She currently serves in a young women presidency. In this podcast, Kurt, Jody, and Jamee discuss the dynamic in councils and meetings between men and women, finding not only equality in numbers of men and women attending the meetings but also helping women feel heard and giving them more opportunities to speak up. Highlights 4:45 Discussion of women being outnumbered in church meetings. It’s not so much about numbers but women feeling confident in speaking up and also being invited by the men to speak up. It’s time that women are given more of a role. 12:40 The cultural dynamic in our faith is based on the patriarchal system. Men having the keys and the power of the priesthood has also been taken to also mean that they have more authority and voice over the women. However, this is completely not true. Women might not hold the keys of the priesthood but they do have equal access to the priesthood power to serve in their callings. 14:20 A shift must be made to be more collective of both men and women. 14:45 There are certain assumptions in the church that the stake president or man with the highest authority makes the final decision. We need to let go of those old assumptions and shift to follow the pattern of the Twelve Apostles and the First Presidency to discuss and all agree before making a decision. 18:30 Both men and women come into a meeting with the assumption that because women don’t hold the priesthood their opinion doesn’t weigh as much as a man’s does. 19:00 There are also assumptions that we should all communicate the same way and if someone doesn’t then their opinion is discounted. Women are often discounted for having strong personalities or for being direct when men are applauded for such traits. 22:00 Generally speaking, women can be more sensitive and take a lot of time explaining and storytelling. Men prefer to get to the point and get straight to the facts. Both men and women need to work on different skill sets of communication. Men can improve on their sensitivity and women can work on clearer communication. 34:20 The goal is not a majority rule. The goal of our councils is unanimity. Everyone should have a voice in ward councils. 40:00 Jody and Jamee coach women on how they can speak up more effectively. 45:00 Jody and Jamee coach the Bishopric walking into ward council. The bishop needs to advocate and validate everyone in the room. 47:35 Dealing with disagreements. Find ways not to alienate that person and automatically shut the person down when there is a disagreement. Leaders should strive to have a great connection and relationship with the women leaders to create unity even when there are disagreements. Links SpeakUpSister.net Instagram @speakupsisterpodcast Facebook page Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader's Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You, by Frances X. Frei How Connection Can Improve Your Ward’s Mental Health | An Interview with Geoff Steurer Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Lewis Howarth was born and raised in the small European country of Luxembourg. His native language is English but he is also fluent in French and German. He studied at Brigham Young University before transferring to Penn State to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Other than working as an MTC teacher for French-speaking missionaries in Provo, Lewis has worked in the technology space for his entire career, most recently working with a Gold Partner of SAP, Qualtrics, and Amazon Web Services. He leads a team across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, supporting the AWS Marketplace. Lewis served a mission in Berlin, Germany, and has served as a Sunday School and elders quorum teacher, ward executive secretary and president, Young Men president, Institute teacher, on the stake high council, and most recently as a bishop. Highlights 10:45 Lewis describes what being a member of the church in Luxembourg is like. 12:30 Lewis describes his experience being called as a bishop and the revelation he received in the temple. 15:30 Demographics of Lewis’ ward in Luxembourg. There are 19 different languages spoken and a very diverse group of people from all over the world. It’s a difficult situation to have to translate for many different languages in every single meeting they have. Despite the complex situation they face, the Luxembourg Ward has grown tremendously in the last few years. 20:55 Lewis explains how ministering works in his ward with so many different languages and cultures. They don’t always speak the same language but show up for each other with love. 25:00 Principle 1 - The importance of setting up a structure. In many places of the world the Church is not established like it is in Utah. There are no roots and many people don’t know what they are doing yet. However, it's important to establish the correct organizations, programs, and activities. 33:30 Principle 2 - Different seasons for different focuses and goals. Understanding the needs of today is very important. Each year is going to be different and there will be different challenges. God will prepare you for that next season. 40:20 Principle 3 - Don’t get in the way. It’s important as a leader to learn when you need to step in and when you need to step back. Let other leaders run their organizations. Let them make mistakes and learn. Check in with your organizational leaders in Ward Counsel or monthly one on ones. This gives them a chance to talk about the problems, their struggles and also hold leaders accountable. 55:20 Lewis describes how his time as a leader has helped him become a better follower of Jesus Christ. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Lewis Howarth was born and raised in the small European country of Luxembourg. His native language is English but he is also fluent in French and German. He studied at Brigham Young University before transferring to Penn State to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Other than working as an MTC teacher for French-speaking missionaries in Provo, Lewis has worked in the technology space for his entire career, most recently working with a Gold Partner of SAP, Qualtrics, and Amazon Web Services. He leads a team across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, supporting the AWS Marketplace. Lewis served a mission in Berlin, Germany, and has served as a Sunday School and elders quorum teacher, ward executive secretary and president, Young Men president, Institute teacher, on the stake high council, and most recently as a bishop. Highlights 10:45 Lewis describes what being a member of the church in Luxembourg is like. 12:30 Lewis describes his experience being called as a bishop and the revelation he received in the temple. 15:30 Demographics of Lewis’ ward in Luxembourg. There are 19 different languages spoken and a very diverse group of people from all over the world. It’s a difficult situation to have to translate for many different languages in every single meeting they have. Despite the complex situation they face, the Luxembourg Ward has grown tremendously in the last few years. 20:55 Lewis explains how ministering works in his ward with so many different languages and cultures. They don’t always speak the same language but show up for each other with love. 25:00 Principle 1 - The importance of setting up a structure. In many places of the world the Church is not established like it is in Utah. There are no roots and many people don’t know what they are doing yet. However, it's important to establish the correct organizations, programs, and activities. 33:30 Principle 2 - Different seasons for different focuses and goals. Understanding the needs of today is very important. Each year is going to be different and there will be different challenges. God will prepare you for that next season. 40:20 Principle 3 - Don’t get in the way. It’s important as a leader to learn when you need to step in and when you need to step back. Let other leaders run their organizations. Let them make mistakes and learn. Check in with your organizational leaders in Ward Counsel or monthly one on ones. This gives them a chance to talk about the problems, their struggles and also hold leaders accountable. 55:20 Lewis describes how his time as a leader has helped him become a better follower of Jesus Christ. Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Sarah Jane Weaver is the editor of the Church News and also hosts the Church News Podcast. Her favorite assignments include reporting on temple dedications and writing about members around the world. Sarah graduated from BYU with a degree in journalism and history and served as editor and chief of the BYU student newspaper, the Daily Universe. Before joining the Deseret News staff, she completed a Pulliam Fellowship at the Arizona Republic in Phoenix, Arizona. Sarah currently serves as Relief Society president in her ward. Highlights 2:20 What is the Church News? How is it different from typical journalism? Sarah explains how the Church News is there to help connect church leaders to members. She describes the Church News as the living record of the restoration. 9:55 The Church News is there to amplify the words of the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve, and women church leaders. Their goal is to get the words of the leaders out to more people and help members understand the church better. 10:30 Sarah talks about a series of the Church News called, "Inside Church Headquarters". The purpose of the series is to take readers inside the Church and show them how decisions are made. 12:00 Sarah’s journey to becoming editor of the Church News. She majored in Journalism at Brigham Young University and has been a reporter and editor at the Church News for 26 years now. 15:20 Sarah shares experiences of traveling the world and being able to cover President Nelson’s world ministry and the speeches of many of the apostles and other leaders. 16:50 The Church News is a vehicle to help members learn in ways that they can understand. The Church News is able to give us leadership perspectives outside of the General Conference setting. We are able to get their thoughts on world events and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. 22:20 Sarah has also been a Relief Society president for the past two years. She describes her experience of calling counselors and accepting her calling. 25:05 Sarah’s principles of leadership: The most successes are possible because of the love and support of other people. It’s ok to be vulnerable. Great Leadership is built on a foundation of leaders that came before us. Be yourself. Ministering matters a lot. I do all that I can so that the Lord can make up the difference. 35:45 Sarah’s two favorite questions. “What is it that we are trying to accomplish?” Follow up question, “What is the best way to do that?” These two questions can help us meet the needs of the sisters in the ward and plan meaningful activities. 40:00 President Nelson is always inviting us to do things. There is power in invitations that can bless and strengthen all of us as leaders. What invitations can we give to others? Links Church News Church News Podcast Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Sarah Jane Weaver is the editor of the Church News and also hosts the Church News Podcast. Her favorite assignments include reporting on temple dedications and writing about members around the world. Sarah graduated from BYU with a degree in journalism and history and served as editor and chief of the BYU student newspaper, the Daily Universe. Before joining the Deseret News staff, she completed a Pulliam Fellowship at the Arizona Republic in Phoenix, Arizona. Sarah currently serves as Relief Society president in her ward. Highlights 2:20 What is the Church News? How is it different from typical journalism? Sarah explains how the Church News is there to help connect church leaders to members. She describes the Church News as the living record of the restoration. 9:55 The Church News is there to amplify the words of the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve, and women church leaders. Their goal is to get the words of the leaders out to more people and help members understand the church better. 10:30 Sarah talks about a series of the Church News called, "Inside Church Headquarters". The purpose of the series is to take readers inside the Church and show them how decisions are made. 12:00 Sarah’s journey to becoming editor of the Church News. She majored in Journalism at Brigham Young University and has been a reporter and editor at the Church News for 26 years now. 15:20 Sarah shares experiences of traveling the world and being able to cover President Nelson’s world ministry and the speeches of many of the apostles and other leaders. 16:50 The Church News is a vehicle to help members learn in ways that they can understand. The Church News is able to give us leadership perspectives outside of the General Conference setting. We are able to get their thoughts on world events and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. 22:20 Sarah has also been a Relief Society president for the past two years. She describes her experience of calling counselors and accepting her calling. 25:05 Sarah’s principles of leadership: The most successes are possible because of the love and support of other people. It’s ok to be vulnerable. Great Leadership is built on a foundation of leaders that came before us. Be yourself. Ministering matters a lot. I do all that I can so that the Lord can make up the difference. 35:45 Sarah’s two favorite questions. “What is it that we are trying to accomplish?” Follow up question, “What is the best way to do that?” These two questions can help us meet the needs of the sisters in the ward and plan meaningful activities. 40:00 President Nelson is always inviting us to do things. There is power in invitations that can bless and strengthen all of us as leaders. What invitations can we give to others? Links Church News Church News Podcast Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Barb Venema has always worked with kids, coaching gymnastics, teaching Physical Education, and serving in Sunday School, Young Women, and Primary. Most recently she has served in the Primary as an instructor, chorister, and president. Her patriarchal blessing even mentions her time in the Primary. Recently retired, Barb lives in Kearns, Utah, and has five children and 20 adorable grandkids—of which she is most proud. Highlights 3:00 Barb’s experience being called to be a Primary President. She has been in the Primary 12 years straight. 5:30 Principles of working in the Primary 6:45 Principle 1 -"He knows your name so know their name." Know the names of each child in your Primary. We need to follow Heavenly Father’s model of knowing everyone’s name. Barb gives the example of Joseph Smith. Can you imagine how Joseph felt when God came down from heaven and called him by name? Each time that God came down and talked to His prophets He began by saying their name. Pray for your Primary kids by name everyday. 10:20 Principle 2 - See the children through the Savior’s eyes. 10:58 Principle 3 - Be flexible. The gospel is the same but the church and programs are constantly changing. Let go of ward culture and traditions. Let go of what you did in the past. We have to change with the times. 17:30 Advice to the Primary teachers: We need to help our children be strong now so that they can also be strong teenagers. We don’t want to lose our teenagers or young adults. We need strong teachers. 18:45 Principle 4- Accept Change. It’s hard to accept change but we need to throw away the old manuals and move forward with the new programs and manuals that are given to us. 20:35 Principle 5 - Have a sense of humor. Let the kids know that they are completely loved and accepted. Let them be themselves. Give them moments of pure joy. 23:50 Primary program tips and tricks Let the teachers step back and have the kids take charge of the program. Use their talks throughout the year for the program. Let them share their experiences. Make a copy of their talks and write their name on it. In this way the program gets developed throughout the year. The Primary program is not a production. It’s the kids sharing what they have learned and their testimonies. You don’t need a Saturday practice. Don’t take away from family or Primary time. 27:15 Principle 6 - Handbooks vs. Facebook. Don’t ask the people on Facebook what they do. Look at your handbook. Go directly to the source. Although many other people have great ideas, there are many things that are not necessary or are old traditions. 31:40 Relationship between Primary presidency and members of the bishopric 36:00 Final thoughts Links He Knows You by Name by Sister Elaine Dalton Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Barb Venema has always worked with kids, coaching gymnastics, teaching Physical Education, and serving in Sunday School, Young Women, and Primary. Most recently she has served in the Primary as an instructor, chorister, and president. Her patriarchal blessing even mentions her time in the Primary. Recently retired, Barb lives in Kearns, Utah, and has five children and 20 adorable grandkids—of which she is most proud. Highlights 3:00 Barb’s experience being called to be a Primary President. She has been in the Primary 12 years straight. 5:30 Principles of working in the Primary 6:45 Principle 1 -"He knows your name so know their name." Know the names of each child in your Primary. We need to follow Heavenly Father’s model of knowing everyone’s name. Barb gives the example of Joseph Smith. Can you imagine how Joseph felt when God came down from heaven and called him by name? Each time that God came down and talked to His prophets He began by saying their name. Pray for your Primary kids by name everyday. 10:20 Principle 2 - See the children through the Savior’s eyes. 10:58 Principle 3 - Be flexible. The gospel is the same but the church and programs are constantly changing. Let go of ward culture and traditions. Let go of what you did in the past. We have to change with the times. 17:30 Advice to the Primary teachers: We need to help our children be strong now so that they can also be strong teenagers. We don’t want to lose our teenagers or young adults. We need strong teachers. 18:45 Principle 4- Accept Change. It’s hard to accept change but we need to throw away the old manuals and move forward with the new programs and manuals that are given to us. 20:35 Principle 5 - Have a sense of humor. Let the kids know that they are completely loved and accepted. Let them be themselves. Give them moments of pure joy. 23:50 Primary program tips and tricks Let the teachers step back and have the kids take charge of the program. Use their talks throughout the year for the program. Let them share their experiences. Make a copy of their talks and write their name on it. In this way the program gets developed throughout the year. The Primary program is not a production. It’s the kids sharing what they have learned and their testimonies. You don’t need a Saturday practice. Don’t take away from family or Primary time. 27:15 Principle 6 - Handbooks vs. Facebook. Don’t ask the people on Facebook what they do. Look at your handbook. Go directly to the source. Although many other people have great ideas, there are many things that are not necessary or are old traditions. 31:40 Relationship between Primary presidency and members of the bishopric 36:00 Final thoughts Links He Knows You by Name by Sister Elaine Dalton Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Jenny Reeder is a historian and writer, currently the nineteenth-century women’s history specialist at the Church History Department in the publications division, and was one of the first historians hired to specialize in women’s history. She holds a PhD in American history from George Mason University, specializing in women’s history, religious history, memory, and material culture. She also holds degrees from Brigham Young University, Arizona State University, and New York University. She served a mission in Italy, and has served three times as a ward Relief Society president, including when she was in graduate school and fighting leukemia. Jenny has collaborated on several books about Latter-day Saint women's history and is the author of First: The Life and Faith of Emma Smith. Highlights 2:50 Writing her book about Emma Smith. Her goal was to write about her as a pillar of the Restoration and a significant founder of the Church with Joseph, and to make her a real woman and show how complicated her life was, her commitment, and her heartbreak. 5:20 So many members of the Church have been influenced to believe she was a fallen person because she did not come west with the other pioneers, but she retained her testimony and hers is a story of redemption. 7:45 Jenny's experience with cancer while serving as a Relief Society president during her time in graduate school at George Mason Participating in ward council from her hospital bed Visiting with less-active people and learning to receive service Sending emails and physical cards to people as she was prompted Finding her purpose outside of "not dying" 15:15 Serving is an opportunity to learn, serve, and receive revelation in way you haven't before, and this can be a blessing in a difficult time. 19:00 The goals of RS were to provide relief and save souls. She found relief for herself as she provided relief to others, and came to understand the Atonement on a deeper level. 21:00 Developing relationships that continue: maintaining relationships from her old ward has been powerful for everyone as they have rallied together to support each other through difficult times. 23:00 The Church was never really organized until the Relief Society was organized. Having women involved is significant and they have Priesthood authority in their stewardship. The most beneficial experience is when they are recognized for that leadership and allowed to do what they can. 27:00 Emma's instructions in Doctrine and Covenants Section 25 Emma struggled with her role to teach and had to learn how to lead In Nauvoo Relief Society, you had to apply for membership. It was a step toward being able to participate in temple ordinances. Emma's role in creating the hymnbook, and being the first woman to receive her endowment She was called to be a support for Joseph: significance of the words "comfort" and "office", and of leaving her family to go with him and to stay with him 36:50 The Relief Society was told to create offices to expand what they needed 39:00 Speaking up to have your voice heard: It was not normal for women to speak publicly in the 19th century, and even now women can be unaccustomed to speaking and leading Eliza R. Snow was asked to assist bishops and to instruct the sisters, but she was not accustomed to speaking out, but she learned how to do this and taught others how Relief Society was shut down and Eliza became the de facto Relief Society president before she was called by John Taylor, which was also after the death of Emma 46:30 President Nelson has called for women to speak up and speak out Speaking up in discussions as well as in councils Relief Society was previously more discussion-oriented, and then moved more to a lesson/lecture format. The move back to discussion with Come Follow Me works better to involve more people. 52:15 There was a deep commitment to Relief Society that we don't seem to have today

Jenny Reeder is a historian and writer, currently the nineteenth-century women’s history specialist at the Church History Department in the publications division, and was one of the first historians hired to specialize in women’s history. She holds a PhD in American history from George Mason University, specializing in women’s history, religious history, memory, and material culture. She also holds degrees from Brigham Young University, Arizona State University, and New York University. She served a mission in Italy, and has served three times as a ward Relief Society president, including when she was in graduate school and fighting leukemia. Jenny has collaborated on several books about Latter-day Saint women's history and is the author of First: The Life and Faith of Emma Smith. Highlights 2:50 Writing her book about Emma Smith. Her goal was to write about her as a pillar of the Restoration and a significant founder of the Church with Joseph, and to make her a real woman and show how complicated her life was, her commitment, and her heartbreak. 5:20 So many members of the Church have been influenced to believe she was a fallen person because she did not come west with the other pioneers, but she retained her testimony and hers is a story of redemption. 7:45 Jenny's experience with cancer while serving as a Relief Society president during her time in graduate school at George Mason Participating in ward council from her hospital bed Visiting with less-active people and learning to receive service Sending emails and physical cards to people as she was prompted Finding her purpose outside of "not dying" 15:15 Serving is an opportunity to learn, serve, and receive revelation in way you haven't before, and this can be a blessing in a difficult time. 19:00 The goals of RS were to provide relief and save souls. She found relief for herself as she provided relief to others, and came to understand the Atonement on a deeper level. 21:00 Developing relationships that continue: maintaining relationships from her old ward has been powerful for everyone as they have rallied together to support each other through difficult times. 23:00 The Church was never really organized until the Relief Society was organized. Having women involved is significant and they have Priesthood authority in their stewardship. The most beneficial experience is when they are recognized for that leadership and allowed to do what they can. 27:00 Emma's instructions in Doctrine and Covenants Section 25 Emma struggled with her role to teach and had to learn how to lead In Nauvoo Relief Society, you had to apply for membership. It was a step toward being able to participate in temple ordinances. Emma's role in creating the hymnbook, and being the first woman to receive her endowment She was called to be a support for Joseph: significance of the words "comfort" and "office", and of leaving her family to go with him and to stay with him 36:50 The Relief Society was told to create offices to expand what they needed 39:00 Speaking up to have your voice heard: It was not normal for women to speak publicly in the 19th century, and even now women can be unaccustomed to speaking and leading Eliza R. Snow was asked to assist bishops and to instruct the sisters, but she was not accustomed to speaking out, but she learned how to do this and taught others how Relief Society was shut down and Eliza became the de facto Relief Society president before she was called by John Taylor, which was also after the death of Emma 46:30 President Nelson has called for women to speak up and speak out Speaking up in discussions as well as in councils Relief Society was previously more discussion-oriented, and then moved more to a lesson/lecture format. The move back to discussion with Come Follow Me works better to involve more people. 52:15 There was a deep commitment to Relief Society that we don't seem to have today

Keith Wonnacott is a former bishop, currently serving as Stake Young Men’s president as a member of his stake High Council. He lives in Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C., and works in regulatory affairs for Pfizer. In this podcast he talks about a fifth Sunday presentation he did while serving as bishop, how it came about, and how parents can help lead their children through difficult conversations. Highlights 3:00 How Brother Wonnacott came to have difficult conversations with his sons and learned how to help parents have difficult conversations with their kids. LDS Handbook Section 31.1.7.1 “Parents have the primary responsibility for teaching their children the gospel of Jesus Christ. They help their children grow spiritually and prepare to make and keep sacred covenants. Parents also counsel with their children regarding worthiness and help them repent and improve. Bishops and other church leaders support parents in these efforts.” 6:35 The bishop is a resource for parents to help facilitate difficult conversations. The interview questions for missionaries has been published and parents can view these questions ahead of time to help their child prepare for the interview. 9:45 Role play during a 5th Sunday lesson to parents helps them to prepare and see an example of how to approach difficult subjects with their child. 12:45 Realizing that Plan A doesn’t exist, and Play B is about being and imperfect human being who needs repentance and the Atonement. 15:15 Sample conversation with your child. Brother Wonnacott gives many great questions to ask your child. 19:45 The child will “spotlight” and test the adult to see how trustworthy they are. They are testing the waters to see how you will react. 24:50 Dealing with feelings of failure as a parent when you find out information about your child. 27:40 How to craft a plan to help your child. 31:40 Shifting in your parenting as your child gets older and how to support them as they grow. 35:10 Inviting the parents to have planned conversations with their children. 39:00 Questions from the live audience on Facebook Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Keith Wonnacott is a former bishop, currently serving as Stake Young Men’s president as a member of his stake High Council. He lives in Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C., and works in regulatory affairs for Pfizer. In this podcast he talks about a fifth Sunday presentation he did while serving as bishop, how it came about, and how parents can help lead their children through difficult conversations. Highlights 3:00 How Brother Wonnacott came to have difficult conversations with his sons and learned how to help parents have difficult conversations with their kids. LDS Handbook Section 31.1.7.1 “Parents have the primary responsibility for teaching their children the gospel of Jesus Christ. They help their children grow spiritually and prepare to make and keep sacred covenants. Parents also counsel with their children regarding worthiness and help them repent and improve. Bishops and other church leaders support parents in these efforts.” 6:35 The bishop is a resource for parents to help facilitate difficult conversations. The interview questions for missionaries has been published and parents can view these questions ahead of time to help their child prepare for the interview. 9:45 Role play during a 5th Sunday lesson to parents helps them to prepare and see an example of how to approach difficult subjects with their child. 12:45 Realizing that Plan A doesn’t exist, and Play B is about being and imperfect human being who needs repentance and the Atonement. 15:15 Sample conversation with your child. Brother Wonnacott gives many great questions to ask your child. 19:45 The child will “spotlight” and test the adult to see how trustworthy they are. They are testing the waters to see how you will react. 24:50 Dealing with feelings of failure as a parent when you find out information about your child. 27:40 How to craft a plan to help your child. 31:40 Shifting in your parenting as your child gets older and how to support them as they grow. 35:10 Inviting the parents to have planned conversations with their children. 39:00 Questions from the live audience on Facebook Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Note: We recognize that the doctrine of Mother in Heaven is a very sensitive topic for many individuals in our faith community. Many will come to this episode seeking hope and encouragement in their eternal faith journey (especially women). Both the host and interviewee intended this discussion to be hopeful and encouraging (especially to women). We also recognize that some women have felt marginalized and diminished in our religious community and might interpret some of this discussion (especially around the discussion of the role of Mother in Heaven) as short-sighted or diminishing. Please know this was not intended. Since we have so little revelation around this topic it can only be discussed with speculation. Please listen with an open heart as we strive to bring more discussion to the important doctrinal topic of Mother in Heaven.  Scott Layton is a native of West Valley City, Utah and served in the Philippines Angeles Mission. He received a master’s degree in religious education from Brigham Young University and is currently employed by Seminaries and Institutes in the Salt Lake area. He has served in various church positions including Young Men president, scoutmaster, high councilor, bishopric counselor, and was recently released as bishop. Scott and his wife, Kali, are the parents of seven children, six boys and one girl. In this podcast, Scott talks about what he learned while preparing a presentation on the doctrine of our Heavenly Mother and compiling resources for seminary teachers, and how as leaders we can do better at including Heavenly Mother in our dialogue. Highlights 05:05 His research started with “Mother in Heaven” in the Gospel Topics Essays. 06:20 When do we refer to Heavenly Father versus Heavenly Parents? 07:25 Our theology, everything we believe, everything we are as latter-day saints begins with this foundation of heavenly parents: Dallin H. Oaks said, “Our theology begins with heavenly parents, and our highest aspiration is to attain the fulness of eternal exaltation” (“No Other Gods,” General Conference, October 1993). 08:15 Why don’t we talk about Mother in Heaven? Kathryn H. Shirts sorts reasons based on “human conventions” versus “divine reality” (“Women in the Image of the Son: Being Female and Being Like Christ,” 1991 Women’s Conference). Weigh human conventions against the reality of a divine goddess who possesses all power, all attributes, all perfections, and then question what’s mere strong tradition. 11:25 General authorities in general conference peaked at 9 references to Mother in Heaven in the 1970s, yet references to both Mother in Heaven and Heavenly Parents skyrocket to 67 in the 2010s. We must apply what we know about Heavenly Father to understand Heavenly Mother’s powers, capabilities, and perfections because they are equal. 13:35 The doctrine of Heavenly Mother is distinct to the Restored Gospel of Christ and not included in modern Protestant Christianity. 14:14 B. H. Roberts points out that our doctrine distinctly ennobles women, motherhood, and wifehood by “placing [Mother in Heaven] side by side with the Divine Father” (Defense of the Faith and the Saints, Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1912). 15:03 The doctrine that if faithful, we can gain all that the Father has creates a misnomer that a woman’s eternal identity and purpose is to become like a man. The doctrine of Heavenly Parents is fundamental to all we believe. 17:13 That all humans, male and female, are beloved spirit children of Heavenly Parents is rooted in scripture. For example, Genesis teaches we are made in the image of God, and the Hebrew word for God is plural. The book of Moses teaches there was a spiritual creation before the physical creation: he sees this as the Father and Mother working together for the spiritual creation while the Father and Son work together to make it a physical reality. 19:35 What are the distinctions between roles and purposes in the Godhead and...

Note: We recognize that the doctrine of Mother in Heaven is a very sensitive topic for many individuals in our faith community. Many will come to this episode seeking hope and encouragement in their eternal faith journey (especially women). Both the host and interviewee intended this discussion to be hopeful and encouraging (especially to women). We also recognize that some women have felt marginalized and diminished in our religious community and might interpret some of this discussion (especially around the discussion of the role of Mother in Heaven) as short-sighted or diminishing. Please know this was not intended. Since we have so little revelation around this topic it can only be discussed with speculation. Please listen with an open heart as we strive to bring more discussion to the important doctrinal topic of Mother in Heaven.  Scott Layton is a native of West Valley City, Utah and served in the Philippines Angeles Mission. He received a master’s degree in religious education from Brigham Young University and is currently employed by Seminaries and Institutes in the Salt Lake area. He has served in various church positions including Young Men president, scoutmaster, high councilor, bishopric counselor, and was recently released as bishop. Scott and his wife, Kali, are the parents of seven children, six boys and one girl. In this podcast, Scott talks about what he learned while preparing a presentation on the doctrine of our Heavenly Mother and compiling resources for seminary teachers, and how as leaders we can do better at including Heavenly Mother in our dialogue. Highlights 05:05 His research started with “Mother in Heaven” in the Gospel Topics Essays. 06:20 When do we refer to Heavenly Father versus Heavenly Parents? 07:25 Our theology, everything we believe, everything we are as latter-day saints begins with this foundation of heavenly parents: Dallin H. Oaks said, “Our theology begins with heavenly parents, and our highest aspiration is to attain the fulness of eternal exaltation” (“No Other Gods,” General Conference, October 1993). 08:15 Why don’t we talk about Mother in Heaven? Kathryn H. Shirts sorts reasons based on “human conventions” versus “divine reality” (“Women in the Image of the Son: Being Female and Being Like Christ,” 1991 Women’s Conference). Weigh human conventions against the reality of a divine goddess who possesses all power, all attributes, all perfections, and then question what’s mere strong tradition. 11:25 General authorities in general conference peaked at 9 references to Mother in Heaven in the 1970s, yet references to both Mother in Heaven and Heavenly Parents skyrocket to 67 in the 2010s. We must apply what we know about Heavenly Father to understand Heavenly Mother’s powers, capabilities, and perfections because they are equal. 13:35 The doctrine of Heavenly Mother is distinct to the Restored Gospel of Christ and not included in modern Protestant Christianity. 14:14 B. H. Roberts points out that our doctrine distinctly ennobles women, motherhood, and wifehood by “placing [Mother in Heaven] side by side with the Divine Father” (Defense of the Faith and the Saints, Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1912). 15:03 The doctrine that if faithful, we can gain all that the Father has creates a misnomer that a woman’s eternal identity and purpose is to become like a man. The doctrine of Heavenly Parents is fundamental to all we believe. 17:13 That all humans, male and female, are beloved spirit children of Heavenly Parents is rooted in scripture. For example, Genesis teaches we are made in the image of God, and the Hebrew word for God is plural. The book of Moses teaches there was a spiritual creation before the physical creation: he sees this as the Father and Mother working together for the spiritual creation while the Father and Son work together to make it a physical reality. 19:35 What are the distinctions between roles and purposes in the Godhead and...

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in September 2018.  Mark Mathews was born in Houston, TX. He served a mission in Guatemala and met his wife at Brigham Young University. He later earned a Ph.D. in education from Utah State University. He has been teaching for the Church Educational System for 17 years and has taught in Brigham City, Utah Valley, and at BYU. Highlights Temples 5:27: Will include the word “temple” in his class titles moving forward. 6:14: There are many things that happen in the temple that can and should be discussed. 7:24: To understand the temple, the best source is the Doctrine and Covenants as the Lord reveals and restores knowledge regarding the purpose and power of temples. Priesthood Keys (8:42) 9:21: Understanding priesthood keys 9:36: What is the priesthood, and what are priesthood keys? 10:37: Keys give the right to be the president, to direct, control, and preside over the priesthood and the work of the priesthood in the church within a jurisdiction 11:20: Different keys were gradually restored over time and as needed. Aaronic Priesthood keys, John the Baptist: authority to baptize Melchizedek Priesthood keys; “The Keys of the Kingdom”; Peter, James, and John: authority to preside over, organize, and lead the church Keys of the Gathering of Israel, Moses: “gathering” begins with missionary work, and culminates in gathering disciples to the temple Keys of Abraham’s Dispensation, Elias (27:25): celestial marriage Sealing Power, Elijah 14:47: Quorum presidents 17:24: Before being taught anything regarding priesthood keys, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery are taught in Doctrine and Covenants 18, “remember, the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” and the importance of bringing those souls unto Christ. Each quorum president, adult, and youth, must understand the worth of the soul, and the charge to help bring those souls unto Christ. 22:36: Keys helps members know whom to follow. When members hear contradictory messages, follow the keys. 24:00: While we have many general authorities, we have only fifteen individuals who hold all of the keys, and we sustain them as “prophets, seers, and revelators”. 25:11: Delegation. Seventies do not hold keys but are acting using keys delegated to them by key holders. The same principle applies to counselors to keyholders. Sealing Power 26:22: Seals all ordinances performed for both the living and the dead. 32:43: The importance of proper record keeping: Joseph Smith taught that as ordinances are recorded on earth, they are recorded in Heaven. “All things are spiritual.” 34:28: On sealing cancellations. “When you are sealed in celestial marriage, you aren’t just sealed to your partner. . . you are being sealed up to Eternal Life. . . When a marriage is dissolved, you don’t want to cancel that sealing until they are ready to renew it again with someone else. Even if they don’t want to be with their partner, they still have been sealed up to certain blessings that they don’t want to loose/unseal.” (not ‘lose’--important distinction). God is perfectly just and perfectly merciful. He will not force somebody to spend eternity with somebody against their will. 39:22: What happens to the sealing of the children of divorced parents? All your losses will be restored to you; see Doctrine and Covenants 130:2. 45:54: We should seek to better understand the doctrines behind sealing and God’s love The New and Everlasting Covenant 46:28: The sum of all ordinances and covenants, not simply eternal marriage. 49:17: This is the same covenant that was given to Abraham. It is the fulness of the gospel. It helps us understand what the Restoration is. It is the Plan of Salvation. 54:15: These ordinances are connecting to become exalted and become like our Heavenly Parents. How has being a leader made you a better follower of Jesus Christ?

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in September 2018.  Mark Mathews was born in Houston, TX. He served a mission in Guatemala and met his wife at Brigham Young University. He later earned a Ph.D. in education from Utah State University. He has been teaching for the Church Educational System for 17 years and has taught in Brigham City, Utah Valley, and at BYU. Highlights Temples 5:27: Will include the word “temple” in his class titles moving forward. 6:14: There are many things that happen in the temple that can and should be discussed. 7:24: To understand the temple, the best source is the Doctrine and Covenants as the Lord reveals and restores knowledge regarding the purpose and power of temples. Priesthood Keys (8:42) 9:21: Understanding priesthood keys 9:36: What is the priesthood, and what are priesthood keys? 10:37: Keys give the right to be the president, to direct, control, and preside over the priesthood and the work of the priesthood in the church within a jurisdiction 11:20: Different keys were gradually restored over time and as needed. Aaronic Priesthood keys, John the Baptist: authority to baptize Melchizedek Priesthood keys; “The Keys of the Kingdom”; Peter, James, and John: authority to preside over, organize, and lead the church Keys of the Gathering of Israel, Moses: “gathering” begins with missionary work, and culminates in gathering disciples to the temple Keys of Abraham’s Dispensation, Elias (27:25): celestial marriage Sealing Power, Elijah 14:47: Quorum presidents 17:24: Before being taught anything regarding priesthood keys, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery are taught in Doctrine and Covenants 18, “remember, the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” and the importance of bringing those souls unto Christ. Each quorum president, adult, and youth, must understand the worth of the soul, and the charge to help bring those souls unto Christ. 22:36: Keys helps members know whom to follow. When members hear contradictory messages, follow the keys. 24:00: While we have many general authorities, we have only fifteen individuals who hold all of the keys, and we sustain them as “prophets, seers, and revelators”. 25:11: Delegation. Seventies do not hold keys but are acting using keys delegated to them by key holders. The same principle applies to counselors to keyholders. Sealing Power 26:22: Seals all ordinances performed for both the living and the dead. 32:43: The importance of proper record keeping: Joseph Smith taught that as ordinances are recorded on earth, they are recorded in Heaven. “All things are spiritual.” 34:28: On sealing cancellations. “When you are sealed in celestial marriage, you aren’t just sealed to your partner. . . you are being sealed up to Eternal Life. . . When a marriage is dissolved, you don’t want to cancel that sealing until they are ready to renew it again with someone else. Even if they don’t want to be with their partner, they still have been sealed up to certain blessings that they don’t want to loose/unseal.” (not ‘lose’--important distinction). God is perfectly just and perfectly merciful. He will not force somebody to spend eternity with somebody against their will. 39:22: What happens to the sealing of the children of divorced parents? All your losses will be restored to you; see Doctrine and Covenants 130:2. 45:54: We should seek to better understand the doctrines behind sealing and God’s love The New and Everlasting Covenant 46:28: The sum of all ordinances and covenants, not simply eternal marriage. 49:17: This is the same covenant that was given to Abraham. It is the fulness of the gospel. It helps us understand what the Restoration is. It is the Plan of Salvation. 54:15: These ordinances are connecting to become exalted and become like our Heavenly Parents. How has being a leader made you a better follower of Jesus Christ?

Andrea Lystrup is a licensed marriage and family therapist and owns a private practice—Andrea Lystrup Therapy—in Tucson, Arizona. She received her master’s degree from the University of Maryland in Couple and Family Therapy. She specializes in couples' therapy, particularly working with sexual issues, betrayal trauma, and mixed faith marriages. She serves as the stake sister support specialist for the Tucson stake, providing training to stake leaders on issues like abuse prevention and recognition of mental health struggles, as well as to advocate for sisters who need support addressing abuse in their own life. She also serves as the Young Women second counselor in her ward. She is mom to three boys under age five and supports her husband in his career as a doctor in the Air Force. Highlights 2:30 In Andrea's practice she meets many people who report they are feeling “spiritually worn-out”. This may happen because of mental health challenges, life struggles, a faith crisis or something else. Often they feel like they aren’t getting the same answers to prayer as others, and they wonder if there’s something wrong with themselves or everyone else. 5:25 Andrea has watched people who have left the church and those who are struggling with returning after Covid and describe how challenging it is to want to go back. Church can be like a wrestling match when managing young children. It is easier to watch from home when we don’t need to worry about how our children may be affecting those around them. 8:55 Depression or anxiety may affect your ability to feel the spirit or share a testimony. Something you hear another share at church as a great spiritual experience or healing you have not received can be triggering and difficult to process, which can make it difficult to engage with church or members. This is one way you might feel spiritually worn out. 13:45 Sharing vulnerabilities may be one way to help members who are struggling with this type of spiritual exhaustion feel like they have a place to share and belong. We often share these vulnerabilities after they are resolved, but we don’t share struggles in real time while they are happening. This real time sharing can take more courage and ultimately may be more helpful to yourself and others as you are able to connect with others who are struggling. 17:05 Covid has exacerbated these feelings in some members, because depression and anxiety are fueled by loneliness and isolation. We should look out for the likely in our congregations to make them more welcoming places. Do less offering off a talk that will solve a problem and more inviting someone to lunch or to hang out. Remember they are “person(s) to be loved”. 19:10 People who are spiritually worn out often express feelings of being unlike others or punished by God. Others in a faith crisis may decide if the gospel equation is working for everyone else and not them, the problem is either with them or the system, and many reject the system all together and leave. Instruction like don’t rehearse your doubts with other doubters can discourage these individuals who are already feeling like they don’t believe our think the same as others from reaching out when they struggle. 24:20 One way to think of how spiritually worn our members engage is with a trauma model: fight, flight, or freeze. A freeze mentality might look like someone who attends church for years and years but not fully participating, reading scriptures, magnifying a calling, etc. There may be afraid of making things worse and so they just don’t engage. Some who “fly” leave, often suddenly. There are some fighters who may post on social media and leave in a blaze of angry posts and others may still engage and try to fix things from the inside by making edgy out challenging comments in meetings. 29:00 It is important to understand how people are raised. Some have a “don’t throw the baby out with the bath water” mentality and others are more...

Andrea Lystrup is a licensed marriage and family therapist and owns a private practice—Andrea Lystrup Therapy—in Tucson, Arizona. She received her master’s degree from the University of Maryland in Couple and Family Therapy. She specializes in couples' therapy, particularly working with sexual issues, betrayal trauma, and mixed faith marriages. She serves as the stake sister support specialist for the Tucson stake, providing training to stake leaders on issues like abuse prevention and recognition of mental health struggles, as well as to advocate for sisters who need support addressing abuse in their own life. She also serves as the Young Women second counselor in her ward. She is mom to three boys under age five and supports her husband in his career as a doctor in the Air Force. Highlights 2:30 In Andrea's practice she meets many people who report they are feeling “spiritually worn-out”. This may happen because of mental health challenges, life struggles, a faith crisis or something else. Often they feel like they aren’t getting the same answers to prayer as others, and they wonder if there’s something wrong with themselves or everyone else. 5:25 Andrea has watched people who have left the church and those who are struggling with returning after Covid and describe how challenging it is to want to go back. Church can be like a wrestling match when managing young children. It is easier to watch from home when we don’t need to worry about how our children may be affecting those around them. 8:55 Depression or anxiety may affect your ability to feel the spirit or share a testimony. Something you hear another share at church as a great spiritual experience or healing you have not received can be triggering and difficult to process, which can make it difficult to engage with church or members. This is one way you might feel spiritually worn out. 13:45 Sharing vulnerabilities may be one way to help members who are struggling with this type of spiritual exhaustion feel like they have a place to share and belong. We often share these vulnerabilities after they are resolved, but we don’t share struggles in real time while they are happening. This real time sharing can take more courage and ultimately may be more helpful to yourself and others as you are able to connect with others who are struggling. 17:05 Covid has exacerbated these feelings in some members, because depression and anxiety are fueled by loneliness and isolation. We should look out for the likely in our congregations to make them more welcoming places. Do less offering off a talk that will solve a problem and more inviting someone to lunch or to hang out. Remember they are “person(s) to be loved”. 19:10 People who are spiritually worn out often express feelings of being unlike others or punished by God. Others in a faith crisis may decide if the gospel equation is working for everyone else and not them, the problem is either with them or the system, and many reject the system all together and leave. Instruction like don’t rehearse your doubts with other doubters can discourage these individuals who are already feeling like they don’t believe our think the same as others from reaching out when they struggle. 24:20 One way to think of how spiritually worn our members engage is with a trauma model: fight, flight, or freeze. A freeze mentality might look like someone who attends church for years and years but not fully participating, reading scriptures, magnifying a calling, etc. There may be afraid of making things worse and so they just don’t engage. Some who “fly” leave, often suddenly. There are some fighters who may post on social media and leave in a blaze of angry posts and others may still engage and try to fix things from the inside by making edgy out challenging comments in meetings. 29:00 It is important to understand how people are raised. Some have a “don’t throw the baby out with the bath water” mentality and others are more...

Maclain Nelson is the director, writer, and producer of Once I Was Engaged, the sequel to the film Once I Was a Beehive (which he also wrote, produced, and directed.) He is also known for The Saratov Approach and BYU TV's Show Offs, as well as many other films produced in Utah. Maclain earned a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts Studies from Brigham Young University and is married to Clare Niederpruem. Ken Craig plays a bishop in the film, a reprisal of his previous role in Once I Was a Beehive, as well as his actual church calling as a bishop. Ken grew up in Southern California and Hawaii then served a mission for the Church in Lisbon, Portugal. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Advertising, but his favorite thing about college was being part of The Garrens, BYU’s first-ever sketch comedy, an improvisation troupe. This is also where he met his wife Katie, and that’s where they fell in love. Ken currently works in the Philanthropies department of the Church. He and Katie are the parents of eight children. Highlights 3:30 First interview with Maclain Nelson, the director of Once I was Engaged. Kurt and Maclain discuss the overall theme of the film. 8:45 Maclain describes the characters from the movie and how he cast the characters. 13:30 Maclain’s first principle of being a good leader. A good leader has to be a good collaborator. Listening and integrating the ideas of the people that you work with will bring more energy and creativity to whatever you are doing. It will make it better than you could do on your own. 24:45 Maclain’s second principle of being a good leader. You have to lead with gratitude. Recognize and be grateful for the people working with you and the effort they are putting in. Make sure they know that they are appreciated. 30:40 Maclain’s third principle. You can’t give everyone the same advice in the same way. Personalize the message. Take into account the personalities of others. Some people don’t mind getting critiqued in front of others whereas others need time one on one. 39:00 Maclain talks about how being a leader has helped him become a better follower of Jesus Christ. 41:00 Interview with Ken Craig begins. Ken Craig has been a bishop in real life, as well as in the films, Once I was a Beehive and Once I was Engaged. 51:10 Ken shares his experience and feelings getting called as a counselor and bishop. 54:40 Ken’s first leadership principle. Lead with love. We don’t always feel qualified but we can always extend our love and compassion to those we serve. Love creates a Christlike culture. 56:50 Second leadership principle. Empowering others. Empowering others is letting others contribute and trusting them. 1:02:30 Third Principle. One by one leadership. Meeting with people face to face and one by one. Minister to the one. 1:11:20 How Ken has become a better follower of Jesus Christ through his leadership Links Once I Was Engaged movie Faith, Fatherhood, and Food, by Ken Craig Sharing Time podcast Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Maclain Nelson is the director, writer, and producer of Once I Was Engaged, the sequel to the film Once I Was a Beehive (which he also wrote, produced, and directed.) He is also known for The Saratov Approach and BYU TV's Show Offs, as well as many other films produced in Utah. Maclain earned a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts Studies from Brigham Young University and is married to Clare Niederpruem. Ken Craig plays a bishop in the film, a reprisal of his previous role in Once I Was a Beehive, as well as his actual church calling as a bishop. Ken grew up in Southern California and Hawaii then served a mission for the Church in Lisbon, Portugal. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Advertising, but his favorite thing about college was being part of The Garrens, BYU’s first-ever sketch comedy, an improvisation troupe. This is also where he met his wife Katie, and that’s where they fell in love. Ken currently works in the Philanthropies department of the Church. He and Katie are the parents of eight children. Highlights 3:30 First interview with Maclain Nelson, the director of Once I was Engaged. Kurt and Maclain discuss the overall theme of the film. 8:45 Maclain describes the characters from the movie and how he cast the characters. 13:30 Maclain’s first principle of being a good leader. A good leader has to be a good collaborator. Listening and integrating the ideas of the people that you work with will bring more energy and creativity to whatever you are doing. It will make it better than you could do on your own. 24:45 Maclain’s second principle of being a good leader. You have to lead with gratitude. Recognize and be grateful for the people working with you and the effort they are putting in. Make sure they know that they are appreciated. 30:40 Maclain’s third principle. You can’t give everyone the same advice in the same way. Personalize the message. Take into account the personalities of others. Some people don’t mind getting critiqued in front of others whereas others need time one on one. 39:00 Maclain talks about how being a leader has helped him become a better follower of Jesus Christ. 41:00 Interview with Ken Craig begins. Ken Craig has been a bishop in real life, as well as in the films, Once I was a Beehive and Once I was Engaged. 51:10 Ken shares his experience and feelings getting called as a counselor and bishop. 54:40 Ken’s first leadership principle. Lead with love. We don’t always feel qualified but we can always extend our love and compassion to those we serve. Love creates a Christlike culture. 56:50 Second leadership principle. Empowering others. Empowering others is letting others contribute and trusting them. 1:02:30 Third Principle. One by one leadership. Meeting with people face to face and one by one. Minister to the one. 1:11:20 How Ken has become a better follower of Jesus Christ through his leadership Links Once I Was Engaged movie Faith, Fatherhood, and Food, by Ken Craig Sharing Time podcast Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Morgan Jones is the host of the All In podcast for LDS Living. She previously wrote for the Deseret News, where she published more than 480 stories and served as senior web producer. She is a passionate storyteller and loves having the opportunity to share stories that deserve to be told. Her new book, All In: Exploring What it Means to be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ, shares what she has learned from nearly three years of hosting the All In podcast. She has served as a ward Relief Society president, a counselor in a stake Relief Society presidency, Primary chorister, and is currently a Relief Society teacher. Highlights 2:40 Beginnings of Morgan becoming a podcaster: While working at Deseret News, discussions came up with Hal Boyd and hearing so much about why people leave the LDS Church; Bro. Boyd’s thought was to do a podcast about why people choose to stay. HB went on to say that the decision for people who choose to stay is “just as thoughtful and deliberate” and needed to be talked about. Bro. Boyd’s belief in Sis. Jones and her experience interviewing led to her being tapped for the role of host of a podcast when she later went to Deseret Book. 5:30 Evolution of the podcast “All In” discussion of content and the name; appreciation of the fact that reflecting on what it means to be “All In” the gospel of Jesus Christ lends itself to reflection and genuine feelings; also would help prevent pompous, self-righteous explanations. It would cause people to think. Also the benefit of having a consistent question that elicits thoughtful responses. 7:30 Guests-Kurt observes that Morgan has had some well known people on the program; while those can be wonderful episodes, the diversity of members can provide some amazing insights from unexpected, even obscure members of the church in far flung areas that really resonate. The benefit of talking to the everyday person; everyone has a story. 8:15 Things MJ has learned while interviewing and how to connect: Find common ground, establish a connection with that person (where are you from? Common acquaintances) Everybody wants to be heard-to listen to them, help them to feel important and be genuinely interested Beware of distractions; sometimes we may be thinking of our next question to ask or otherwise lose focus; listening to listen and not with the intention of forming a reply is very helpful. People then feel cared about and in a safe place. Cultivating a connection is an art MJ quotes her grandfather, a fan of Dale Carnegie. DC wrote that the most beautiful word in any language is the person’s own name; MJ experience with interviewing Thurl Bailey and how he repeatedly said her name-that got her attention. 11:00 Discussion of ministerial interviews and the pitfalls that can be faced. While the purpose of the interview is to ask “how are your families?” this can prevent an opportunity to allow the person you’re interviewing to share information about themselves; (we default to an administrative level of communication) 11:30 Ministering interviews vs. visiting teaching or home teaching interviews; Ministering provides us with an opportunity to also check on the person we’re talking to just as much as the families the person is assigned. 12:00 The beauty of the good question-in the case of the podcasts, having a well-chosen question can lead to having the Spirit. In the case of ministering interviews, a good question can leave people feeling that spirit and coming away with a positive vibe. 13:15 Importance of being prepared and being present. MJ quotes D&C 38:30 “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.” She testifies that the Lord will bless us if we have prepared to the best of our ability. He will make up the difference. The Spirit cannot call things to your remembrance if they were never there in the first place. 13:45 New project the book: “em>All In: Exploring What it Means to be All In to the gospel of Jesus Christ

Morgan Jones is the host of the All In podcast for LDS Living. She previously wrote for the Deseret News, where she published more than 480 stories and served as senior web producer. She is a passionate storyteller and loves having the opportunity to share stories that deserve to be told. Her new book, All In: Exploring What it Means to be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ, shares what she has learned from nearly three years of hosting the All In podcast. She has served as a ward Relief Society president, a counselor in a stake Relief Society presidency, Primary chorister, and is currently a Relief Society teacher. Highlights 2:40 Beginnings of Morgan becoming a podcaster: While working at Deseret News, discussions came up with Hal Boyd and hearing so much about why people leave the LDS Church; Bro. Boyd’s thought was to do a podcast about why people choose to stay. HB went on to say that the decision for people who choose to stay is “just as thoughtful and deliberate” and needed to be talked about. Bro. Boyd’s belief in Sis. Jones and her experience interviewing led to her being tapped for the role of host of a podcast when she later went to Deseret Book. 5:30 Evolution of the podcast “All In” discussion of content and the name; appreciation of the fact that reflecting on what it means to be “All In” the gospel of Jesus Christ lends itself to reflection and genuine feelings; also would help prevent pompous, self-righteous explanations. It would cause people to think. Also the benefit of having a consistent question that elicits thoughtful responses. 7:30 Guests-Kurt observes that Morgan has had some well known people on the program; while those can be wonderful episodes, the diversity of members can provide some amazing insights from unexpected, even obscure members of the church in far flung areas that really resonate. The benefit of talking to the everyday person; everyone has a story. 8:15 Things MJ has learned while interviewing and how to connect: Find common ground, establish a connection with that person (where are you from? Common acquaintances) Everybody wants to be heard-to listen to them, help them to feel important and be genuinely interested Beware of distractions; sometimes we may be thinking of our next question to ask or otherwise lose focus; listening to listen and not with the intention of forming a reply is very helpful. People then feel cared about and in a safe place. Cultivating a connection is an art MJ quotes her grandfather, a fan of Dale Carnegie. DC wrote that the most beautiful word in any language is the person’s own name; MJ experience with interviewing Thurl Bailey and how he repeatedly said her name-that got her attention. 11:00 Discussion of ministerial interviews and the pitfalls that can be faced. While the purpose of the interview is to ask “how are your families?” this can prevent an opportunity to allow the person you’re interviewing to share information about themselves; (we default to an administrative level of communication) 11:30 Ministering interviews vs. visiting teaching or home teaching interviews; Ministering provides us with an opportunity to also check on the person we’re talking to just as much as the families the person is assigned. 12:00 The beauty of the good question-in the case of the podcasts, having a well-chosen question can lead to having the Spirit. In the case of ministering interviews, a good question can leave people feeling that spirit and coming away with a positive vibe. 13:15 Importance of being prepared and being present. MJ quotes D&C 38:30 “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.” She testifies that the Lord will bless us if we have prepared to the best of our ability. He will make up the difference. The Spirit cannot call things to your remembrance if they were never there in the first place. 13:45 New project the book: All In: Exploring What it Means to be All In to the gospel of Jesus Christ

Jeff Burningham is an entrepreneur, founder & chairman of Peak Ventures and Peak Capital Partners, an apartment investment and venture capital firm. He holds an MBA from Brigham Young University, where he started his first tech company, is an active philanthropist, and ran for governor of Utah as an "innovative outsider" in 2020. He also has a podcast called Extraordinary Us. Jeff was called as a young bishop at age 27. He and his wife Sally live in Provo, Utah. Highlights 3:05 – Introduction: recently ran for Governor of Utah; background is entrepreneurship, started several Utah companies, funded many startup companies. Run for Governor was an “interesting ride”. Came to the race as a newcomer with no background in politics. He remembers Elder Ballard's talk about “good men should stand up” and felt compelled that they should do it. Discusses first debate in St. George. 7:30 – Advice for anyone who might be interested in public service. If no one will step up who isn’t a seasoned politician, what is the point? Friends supported, but also some friends were “not there” and not supportive at all. Be willing to step out and step up. Be proactive, not reactive. 11:50 – Utah is in a massive growth, economy is so strong. He tried to bring fresh perspective to political arena, as a businessman. With growth in the area, we need good people to step up to serve and help lead the state. 17:10 – First business cleaning carpets and then first tech company while undergraduate at BYU. Entrepreneurship is an accelerated path to learning. He wanted to keep learning and found that it was the path for him. Fall down and fail, and then get up and learn. We all fail but learn from mistakes. 19:30 – Money is not the “root” of all evil if it is done right and providing jobs for families. 20:10 – Shares story of being called as bishop at 27 in a very unique way. 12:15 – Advice for a new bishop: Remember the burdens are not yours; direct members to the Savior. You can be a “repentance coach”, turning them to the Savior to pray and helping to change their hearts and allowing the atonement to work. It is all about the youth, focus on the youth. Have the counselors work with other members so you can focus on the youth. Listen Don’t pretend to be an expert on something you are not. Everything good and bad that you can imagine is happening in your ward. Don’t pretend to be an expert. Step up and point them to the Savior. Be prayerful for and with members Find your “go to” readings that you can read together, you can share. 31:43 – During time as bishop, he rarely experienced feeling the “wrath” of God even when dealing with abuse, but he felt love and mercy of God and the Savior. It is not about punishment. 37:05 – Leadership is extra-special stewardship, so your thoughts, your prejudices, etc. don’t become the recipe for a successful ward. The handbook doesn’t cover ministering, love, stewardship, but it covers organization. You are not given a “checklist” for ministering. All leaders and callings are in the same boat; we should not be divided. 41:35 – Atonement is fascinating. Served a mission in Charlotte, North Carolina, and challenged on Bible every day. Had a desire to go to Jerusalem after mission and studied four months there. Had opportunity to study the Atonement in those sacred locations. The Atonement is about healing our hearts, allowing the Savior to make our hearts more like His. We are saved by the grace of God, and we should embrace the word grace more in our culture. 47:05 – “Bootstrap” mentality: just pull yourself up and go for it. Because of this mentality, we can certainly use it in the workplace, but we cannot “bootstrap” ourselves to Heaven. We cannot do it without God. We are not meant to do it alone. 49:45 – Relationships vs. results. We often have expectations from people, ourselves, our God that WE place and when they are not met, we stop praying, treat others poorly,

Jeff Burningham is an entrepreneur, founder & chairman of Peak Ventures and Peak Capital Partners, an apartment investment and venture capital firm. He holds an MBA from Brigham Young University, where he started his first tech company, is an active philanthropist, and ran for governor of Utah as an "innovative outsider" in 2020. He also has a podcast called Extraordinary Us. Jeff was called as a young bishop at age 27. He and his wife Sally live in Provo, Utah. Highlights 3:05 – Introduction: recently ran for Governor of Utah; background is entrepreneurship, started several Utah companies, funded many startup companies. Run for Governor was an “interesting ride”. Came to the race as a newcomer with no background in politics. He remembers Elder Ballard's talk about “good men should stand up” and felt compelled that they should do it. Discusses first debate in St. George. 7:30 – Advice for anyone who might be interested in public service. If no one will step up who isn’t a seasoned politician, what is the point? Friends supported, but also some friends were “not there” and not supportive at all. Be willing to step out and step up. Be proactive, not reactive. 11:50 – Utah is in a massive growth, economy is so strong. He tried to bring fresh perspective to political arena, as a businessman. With growth in the area, we need good people to step up to serve and help lead the state. 17:10 – First business cleaning carpets and then first tech company while undergraduate at BYU. Entrepreneurship is an accelerated path to learning. He wanted to keep learning and found that it was the path for him. Fall down and fail, and then get up and learn. We all fail but learn from mistakes. 19:30 – Money is not the “root” of all evil if it is done right and providing jobs for families. 20:10 – Shares story of being called as bishop at 27 in a very unique way. 12:15 – Advice for a new bishop: Remember the burdens are not yours; direct members to the Savior. You can be a “repentance coach”, turning them to the Savior to pray and helping to change their hearts and allowing the atonement to work. It is all about the youth, focus on the youth. Have the counselors work with other members so you can focus on the youth. Listen Don’t pretend to be an expert on something you are not. Everything good and bad that you can imagine is happening in your ward. Don’t pretend to be an expert. Step up and point them to the Savior. Be prayerful for and with members Find your “go to” readings that you can read together, you can share. 31:43 – During time as bishop, he rarely experienced feeling the “wrath” of God even when dealing with abuse, but he felt love and mercy of God and the Savior. It is not about punishment. 37:05 – Leadership is extra-special stewardship, so your thoughts, your prejudices, etc. don’t become the recipe for a successful ward. The handbook doesn’t cover ministering, love, stewardship, but it covers organization. You are not given a “checklist” for ministering. All leaders and callings are in the same boat; we should not be divided. 41:35 – Atonement is fascinating. Served a mission in Charlotte, North Carolina, and challenged on Bible every day. Had a desire to go to Jerusalem after mission and studied four months there. Had opportunity to study the Atonement in those sacred locations. The Atonement is about healing our hearts, allowing the Savior to make our hearts more like His. We are saved by the grace of God, and we should embrace the word grace more in our culture. 47:05 – “Bootstrap” mentality: just pull yourself up and go for it. Because of this mentality, we can certainly use it in the workplace, but we cannot “bootstrap” ourselves to Heaven. We cannot do it without God. We are not meant to do it alone. 49:45 – Relationships vs. results. We often have expectations from people, ourselves, our God that WE place and when they are not met, we stop praying, treat others poorly,

Brigette Heller was born in Alaska and raised all over the Western United States. She is a life coach and speaker, and is determined to share life-changing mindset techniques using radical motivation to women in her Strong and Capable community. Brigette and her sister also own Deco-Crate Event Design, an event planning business. She has served in a variety of church leadership positions, including as a young Relief Society president. Brigette and her husband Mike are the parents of three children and live in Phoenix, Arizona. Highlights 3:00 Her calling as a young Relief Society president in a large, established ward 5:30 A comment from a luncheon and her choice to be dedicated and supportive anyway 7:10 Authenticity in loving and supportive people is what matters Alma 31:5 Try the virtue of the word of God instead of treats and handouts Let people know when you are struggling Delegate to others 10:25 Let go of more to have more 14:00 Successful leaders need empathy 18:45 Lawn example: sitting with someone instead of instructing them 20:20 Communication It has to be done in every way possible, and determine what works best for your people Communication is consideration Commit to living by your system 25:30 Paint the vision Finding the inspiration to bring hope of what could be Ask the Lord what vision He wants you to paint 27:20 Created a "journey journal" that tied in with lessons and activities 30:15 A lot of people have not been taught how to seek personal revelation through General conference Finding beauty in the journey 33:50 About her life coaching community and podcast 35:00 When you want to be a good leader and step into that role, you are letting go Links The Strong and Capable podcast The Strong and Capable website Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into the comments (you will need to split it up) on the page and we will get it published!

Brigette Heller was born in Alaska and raised all over the Western United States. She is a life coach and speaker, and is determined to share life-changing mindset techniques using radical motivation to women in her Strong and Capable community. Brigette and her sister also own Deco-Crate Event Design, an event planning business. She has served in a variety of church leadership positions, including as a young Relief Society president. Brigette and her husband Mike are the parents of three children and live in Phoenix, Arizona. Highlights 3:00 Her calling as a young Relief Society president in a large, established ward 5:30 A comment from a luncheon and her choice to be dedicated and supportive anyway 7:10 Authenticity in loving and supportive people is what matters Alma 31:5 Try the virtue of the word of God instead of treats and handouts Let people know when you are struggling Delegate to others 10:25 Let go of more to have more 14:00 Successful leaders need empathy 18:45 Lawn example: sitting with someone instead of instructing them 20:20 Communication It has to be done in every way possible, and determine what works best for your people Communication is consideration Commit to living by your system 25:30 Paint the vision Finding the inspiration to bring hope of what could be Ask the Lord what vision He wants you to paint 27:20 Created a "journey journal" that tied in with lessons and activities 30:15 A lot of people have not been taught how to seek personal revelation through General conference Finding beauty in the journey 33:50 About her life coaching community and podcast 35:00 When you want to be a good leader and step into that role, you are letting go Links The Strong and Capable podcast The Strong and Capable website Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into the comments (you will need to split it up) on the page and we will get it published!

Brent L. Top is a professor of Church History & Doctrine at Brigham Young University, but will be retiring in July after 45 years as a religious educator within the Church Educational System, the last 34 years at BYU. He served for several years as Dean of Religious Education, and prior to that as department chair and associate dean. He is the author of more than 20 books, primarily directed to the Latter-day Saint audience, and scores of articles and book chapters in both academic and church venues. Brent has served in many capacities within the Church, including as bishop, counselor in a stake presidency, president of the Illinois Peoria Mission, and president of the Pleasant Grove Utah East Stake. He currently he serves as a sealer in the Mount Timpanogos Temple and as a Gospel Doctrine Sunday School teacher in his ward. Brent is married to his high school sweetheart, the former Wendy Cope from Idaho Falls, Idaho, and they have four children, 24 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. In this podcast, Kurt and Brent discuss leadership within the context of callings such as Bishoprics, Stake Presidencies and Mission Presidencies. They relate the experiences of these callings to other leadership opportunities and discuss how to better prepare missionaries, serve in leadership capacities, and relate those experiences to living the gospel. Highlights 8:05 Leadership Experiences: 10:09 “As Leaders we need to remember who’s kingdom it is.” Serving is often overwhelming. “I had to remember it’s not about MY plans.” Sometimes what I thought wasn’t what was needed. I often heard the Lord tell me “These are my missionaries; this is my church I will not let you fail.” 14:37 I have had feelings about callings, names etc. and I pushed those away. They were uncomfortable. I found that often those times were the Lord preparing me. Tells story of being called to Stake President and needed to find his counselors within 15 minutes. The Lord had been preparing him to call those counselors by bringing people to his mind previously. 16:49 No matter how the call is received (by shock or with inspiration that it was coming) the Lord is giving us life experiences, insights, thoughts so that we don’t come into his kingdom to serve totally unprepared. Expectations when called as a Bishop? 17:41 Two things I learned: No matter if you’re 30 or 60 when the keys are conferred upon you, you are changed. Things change. I began focused organizationally. The Lord wanted me to focus individually. He wanted me to Love. Stake President vs Mission President Stake Presidents are “therapists” to many bishops. They have nowhere else to turn. As a Stake President I had a lot of people to support me in my calling. There were many who served well and lightened my load. As a Mission President I was literally in charge of making sure my 150-200 missionaries stayed alive! I was responsible for them at all times. That can feel overwhelming. Mission Presidents see non-stop action. Mission Presidents don’t have the supporting roles Stake Presidents do. It often feels lonely. ADVICE for leading: *The key in one-on-one leadership 22:57 I was often overwhelmed when I thought of all the moving pieces. Things are more manageable one on one. The church and therefore the kingdom of God is really no bigger than an individual or a family. The more complex the leadership the less effective: The more I focused on administration, the more I micromanaged. The more I did that, the less I represented the Lord. As a mission president my time with each individual was so small. I knew the time I did get really had to matter. Interviews really had to be used to connect to the individual, they needed to feel loved. Meeting had to have meaning. They needed to provide a way for individuals to connect with one another. 29:00 BEST PRACTICES for INTERVIEW (esp. EQ/RS Presidents) Your calling is a calling of Love.

Brent L. Top is a professor of Church History & Doctrine at Brigham Young University, but will be retiring in July after 45 years as a religious educator within the Church Educational System, the last 34 years at BYU. He served for several years as Dean of Religious Education, and prior to that as department chair and associate dean. He is the author of more than 20 books, primarily directed to the Latter-day Saint audience, and scores of articles and book chapters in both academic and church venues. Brent has served in many capacities within the Church, including as bishop, counselor in a stake presidency, president of the Illinois Peoria Mission, and president of the Pleasant Grove Utah East Stake. He currently he serves as a sealer in the Mount Timpanogos Temple and as a Gospel Doctrine Sunday School teacher in his ward. Brent is married to his high school sweetheart, the former Wendy Cope from Idaho Falls, Idaho, and they have four children, 24 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. In this podcast, Kurt and Brent discuss leadership within the context of callings such as Bishoprics, Stake Presidencies and Mission Presidencies. They relate the experiences of these callings to other leadership opportunities and discuss how to better prepare missionaries, serve in leadership capacities, and relate those experiences to living the gospel. Highlights 8:05 Leadership Experiences: 10:09 “As Leaders we need to remember who’s kingdom it is.” Serving is often overwhelming. “I had to remember it’s not about MY plans.” Sometimes what I thought wasn’t what was needed. I often heard the Lord tell me “These are my missionaries; this is my church I will not let you fail.” 14:37 I have had feelings about callings, names etc. and I pushed those away. They were uncomfortable. I found that often those times were the Lord preparing me. Tells story of being called to Stake President and needed to find his counselors within 15 minutes. The Lord had been preparing him to call those counselors by bringing people to his mind previously. 16:49 No matter how the call is received (by shock or with inspiration that it was coming) the Lord is giving us life experiences, insights, thoughts so that we don’t come into his kingdom to serve totally unprepared. Expectations when called as a Bishop? 17:41 Two things I learned: No matter if you’re 30 or 60 when the keys are conferred upon you, you are changed. Things change. I began focused organizationally. The Lord wanted me to focus individually. He wanted me to Love. Stake President vs Mission President Stake Presidents are “therapists” to many bishops. They have nowhere else to turn. As a Stake President I had a lot of people to support me in my calling. There were many who served well and lightened my load. As a Mission President I was literally in charge of making sure my 150-200 missionaries stayed alive! I was responsible for them at all times. That can feel overwhelming. Mission Presidents see non-stop action. Mission Presidents don’t have the supporting roles Stake Presidents do. It often feels lonely. ADVICE for leading: *The key in one-on-one leadership 22:57 I was often overwhelmed when I thought of all the moving pieces. Things are more manageable one on one. The church and therefore the kingdom of God is really no bigger than an individual or a family. The more complex the leadership the less effective: The more I focused on administration, the more I micromanaged. The more I did that, the less I represented the Lord. As a mission president my time with each individual was so small. I knew the time I did get really had to matter. Interviews really had to be used to connect to the individual, they needed to feel loved. Meeting had to have meaning. They needed to provide a way for individuals to connect with one another. 29:00 BEST PRACTICES for INTERVIEW (esp. EQ/RS Presidents) Your calling is a calling of Love.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in December 2018.  Dustin Peterson was raised in Dallas, Texas, and served a mission in the Puerto Rico San Juan Mission. He graduated from BYU-Idaho in Communications where he met his beautiful wife and fellow Texan, Samye Martino, and later completed a Master's degree in Educational Leadership at Indiana University. Dustin has trained and coached executives and leaders at a variety of organizations. He is currently the founder and CEO of Proof Leadership Group, a career coach, and the author of Talented: Discovering and Using Your God-given Talents to Find More Joy in Life and RESET: How to Get Paid and Love What You Do. Dustin lives in Houston with his wife and four kids and serves as the branch president of a Spanish unit in the Friendswood Texas Stake. He has previously served in a stake presidency, on a high council, and as an early morning seminary teacher. He loves bacon, Dallas sports teams, and is a believer that everyone has a God-given superpower! In this podcast, Dustin talks about why we often believe we don't have talents, and how to identify and put our talents to work to bless those we lead and serve. Highlights 8:00 Calling to the Stake Presidency 10:10 Talents: People believe they don’t have them and don’t know how to identify them; helping people identify their talents is a tremendous gift 11:35 Identifying talents first allows us to magnify them 12:20 Talents are superpowers. They are powerful skills that make you unique. 14:30 Men are that they might have joy (2 Nephi 2:25) 15:10 Parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) Every person has talents (verse 15) You can gain more talents (verse 15) Talents lead to joy (verse 21) When we are afraid, we tend to hide our talents (verse 25) Everyone that uses their talents gets more (verse 29) Those who bury them have them taken away (verse 29) 16:30 Elders Quorum discussion of talents vs. 6th-grade class discussion of talents 19:45 The Broken Paradigm: What’s the problem with identifying our talents? Our mindsets Deficit perspective: we identify our weaknesses (22:30) Scarcity belief: a few people have talents and the rest are left behind (25:30) Humility complex: we overvalue humility when it comes to talent and talk ourselves out of our own talents 28:00 The secret is to be grateful. 29:00 How do we identify our talents? Definition: Things you do naturally, consistently well. Think energy. Skills are transferable and can be taught; talents are innate, energizing, and can be developed; a sign of talent is that it is instinctual 33:50 Talents energize and makes us feel good; we can become highly skilled at a weakness 34:20 What moments in my calling do I feel energized in? 36:00 God knows our talents and if we use our talents to serve, we will get where we need to be 36:30 Diversify your perspective on talents; talents come in three varieties, but we only give respect to “doing” talents Doing: arranging, organizing, developing, communicating, writing Thinking: connecting, influencing, positivity, relating, empathy Feeling: ideating, inputting information, learning, analyzing 41:30 What do you do when you don’t have a talent in a certain area? God expects us to develop all of these talents 42:15 Examples of talents that are easy to identify, and talents that are more difficult to notice Easy: being a good athlete, gardening, singing, dancing, playing a musical instrument, drawing, painting, sculpting, cooking, baking, writing, public speaking, teaching, acting, composing songs, sewing, storytelling, repairing things, photography, bow hunting Less easy to notice: having empathy, being a peacemaker, being positive and energetic, communicating effectively, being a good listener, having self-control/discipline, being able to make decisions, setting goals, getting tasks accomplished, giving service,

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in December 2018.  Dustin Peterson was raised in Dallas, Texas, and served a mission in the Puerto Rico San Juan Mission. He graduated from BYU-Idaho in Communications where he met his beautiful wife and fellow Texan, Samye Martino, and later completed a Master's degree in Educational Leadership at Indiana University. Dustin has trained and coached executives and leaders at a variety of organizations. He is currently the founder and CEO of Proof Leadership Group, a career coach, and the author of Talented: Discovering and Using Your God-given Talents to Find More Joy in Life and RESET: How to Get Paid and Love What You Do. Dustin lives in Houston with his wife and four kids and serves as the branch president of a Spanish unit in the Friendswood Texas Stake. He has previously served in a stake presidency, on a high council, and as an early morning seminary teacher. He loves bacon, Dallas sports teams, and is a believer that everyone has a God-given superpower! In this podcast, Dustin talks about why we often believe we don't have talents, and how to identify and put our talents to work to bless those we lead and serve. Highlights 8:00 Calling to the Stake Presidency 10:10 Talents: People believe they don’t have them and don’t know how to identify them; helping people identify their talents is a tremendous gift 11:35 Identifying talents first allows us to magnify them 12:20 Talents are superpowers. They are powerful skills that make you unique. 14:30 Men are that they might have joy (2 Nephi 2:25) 15:10 Parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) Every person has talents (verse 15) You can gain more talents (verse 15) Talents lead to joy (verse 21) When we are afraid, we tend to hide our talents (verse 25) Everyone that uses their talents gets more (verse 29) Those who bury them have them taken away (verse 29) 16:30 Elders Quorum discussion of talents vs. 6th-grade class discussion of talents 19:45 The Broken Paradigm: What’s the problem with identifying our talents? Our mindsets Deficit perspective: we identify our weaknesses (22:30) Scarcity belief: a few people have talents and the rest are left behind (25:30) Humility complex: we overvalue humility when it comes to talent and talk ourselves out of our own talents 28:00 The secret is to be grateful. 29:00 How do we identify our talents? Definition: Things you do naturally, consistently well. Think energy. Skills are transferable and can be taught; talents are innate, energizing, and can be developed; a sign of talent is that it is instinctual 33:50 Talents energize and makes us feel good; we can become highly skilled at a weakness 34:20 What moments in my calling do I feel energized in? 36:00 God knows our talents and if we use our talents to serve, we will get where we need to be 36:30 Diversify your perspective on talents; talents come in three varieties, but we only give respect to “doing” talents Doing: arranging, organizing, developing, communicating, writing Thinking: connecting, influencing, positivity, relating, empathy Feeling: ideating, inputting information, learning, analyzing 41:30 What do you do when you don’t have a talent in a certain area? God expects us to develop all of these talents 42:15 Examples of talents that are easy to identify, and talents that are more difficult to notice Easy: being a good athlete, gardening, singing, dancing, playing a musical instrument, drawing, painting, sculpting, cooking, baking, writing, public speaking, teaching, acting, composing songs, sewing, storytelling, repairing things, photography, bow hunting Less easy to notice: having empathy, being a peacemaker, being positive and energetic, communicating effectively, being a good listener, having self-control/discipline, being able to make decisions, setting goals, getting tasks accomplished, giving service,

Dan Duckworth is a master changemaker and founder of The Crucible Life, a global community for changemakers who are learning to master the hidden forces that shape leadership, communities, and change. He's the host of The Purpose Workshop and author of Stop Asking Why, a little book that answers life's biggest question in a surprising way. Dan serves on the Leading Saints Board of Directors and is a frequent content contributor. Highlights 2:30 About Dan's Changemakers community 4:15 Going from resisting the topic of purpose to embracing it: everyone is searching for meaning in their life The leadership gurus' search for the holy purpose statement Our true purpose is to wander and learn to make meaning in every situation we find ourselves in your psyche does not hold your purpose; instead you have to get outside of yourself and go create your purpose 11:45 The message we hear at church is "you are special" and it is interpreted as meaning we must each find our own special mission Girls camp experience: these girls live in their psyches, trying to figure out who they are and what everything means The Lego Movie example: all the talented people out there want to be The Special When we tell ourselves it isn't true, then we don't have to feel the pain of not being special 16:15 People in his program have spent their lives searching for their purpose and are now recognizing that instead their purpose is to search for meaning by fulfilling the life they want to live, creating fulfillment 17:20 This is where God/history/fate has placed me and my job is to embrace that and learn how to be who I want to be in this situation 18:35 "Not all who wander are lost."—J.R.R. Tolkien 20:30 Being commanded in all things vs. being instructed in the principles 23:40 Having a vision is different than having vision: "If God reveals the future, it's because it's a future he wants to see changed." 26:10 The first action principle of wandering: Ask the basic question, "How do I live the life I mean to live in every situation?" Leaning into discomfort: Example of talking with his son's basketball coach and the recognition that followed The question is not "What is the meaning of my life?" The Harry Potter Moment: waiting for your assignment from God and failing to live a life of purpose until God gives you your assignment 35:40 Aristotle: If you want to know the purpose of something, you just have to look at the nature of it. You don't have to ask its creator. The one thing that God can't create is what I am here to create Example of his wife's calling as Primary president and the desire to hold a party the first week back to church "It's time for you to start doing your calling because God called you to do it." 39:50 The transformational leadership concept in this: When you are living the meaningful life you mean to live, others are drawn to you and your influence 41:15 If God would just tell us what to do, we would do it, but instead He is asking us to think and act with intention Find something good to do and go do it, and God will assist as you go Example of Nephi going back for the plates Doctrine and Covenants 128:9 The bold doctrine that when we act with agency, we create revelation 45:40 At first Joseph Smith was dictating revelation directly and that was needed at the time, but later the details became less important than the process of living the way the Saints were instructed to live 48:45 Purpose-driven organizations are actually led by purpose-driven leaders How do you invite the community to wander with you? Start living with purpose and the community will come with you 51:25 Why didn't God just dictate everything? Because He is not going to violate the purpose which is for us to figure out the details God's plan is to keep the state of probation open for each of us as long as makes sense so that we can try and fail, and slowly become more like Him in the wandering

Dan Duckworth is a master changemaker and founder of The Crucible Life, a global community for changemakers who are learning to master the hidden forces that shape leadership, communities, and change. He's the host of The Purpose Workshop and author of Stop Asking Why, a little book that answers life's biggest question in a surprising way. Dan serves on the Leading Saints Board of Directors and is a frequent content contributor. Highlights 2:30 About Dan's Changemakers community 4:15 Going from resisting the topic of purpose to embracing it: everyone is searching for meaning in their life The leadership gurus' search for the holy purpose statement Our true purpose is to wander and learn to make meaning in every situation we find ourselves in your psyche does not hold your purpose; instead you have to get outside of yourself and go create your purpose 11:45 The message we hear at church is "you are special" and it is interpreted as meaning we must each find our own special mission Girls camp experience: these girls live in their psyches, trying to figure out who they are and what everything means The Lego Movie example: all the talented people out there want to be The Special When we tell ourselves it isn't true, then we don't have to feel the pain of not being special 16:15 People in his program have spent their lives searching for their purpose and are now recognizing that instead their purpose is to search for meaning by fulfilling the life they want to live, creating fulfillment 17:20 This is where God/history/fate has placed me and my job is to embrace that and learn how to be who I want to be in this situation 18:35 "Not all who wander are lost."—J.R.R. Tolkien 20:30 Being commanded in all things vs. being instructed in the principles 23:40 Having a vision is different than having vision: "If God reveals the future, it's because it's a future he wants to see changed." 26:10 The first action principle of wandering: Ask the basic question, "How do I live the life I mean to live in every situation?" Leaning into discomfort: Example of talking with his son's basketball coach and the recognition that followed The question is not "What is the meaning of my life?" The Harry Potter Moment: waiting for your assignment from God and failing to live a life of purpose until God gives you your assignment 35:40 Aristotle: If you want to know the purpose of something, you just have to look at the nature of it. You don't have to ask its creator. The one thing that God can't create is what I am here to create Example of his wife's calling as Primary president and the desire to hold a party the first week back to church "It's time for you to start doing your calling because God called you to do it." 39:50 The transformational leadership concept in this: When you are living the meaningful life you mean to live, others are drawn to you and your influence 41:15 If God would just tell us what to do, we would do it, but instead He is asking us to think and act with intention Find something good to do and go do it, and God will assist as you go Example of Nephi going back for the plates Doctrine and Covenants 128:9 The bold doctrine that when we act with agency, we create revelation 45:40 At first Joseph Smith was dictating revelation directly and that was needed at the time, but later the details became less important than the process of living the way the Saints were instructed to live 48:45 Purpose-driven organizations are actually led by purpose-driven leaders How do you invite the community to wander with you? Start living with purpose and the community will come with you 51:25 Why didn't God just dictate everything? Because He is not going to violate the purpose which is for us to figure out the details God's plan is to keep the state of probation open for each of us as long as makes sense so that we can try and fail, and slowly become more like Him in the wandering

Rachel Wagner has served as the Beehive class president, Mia Maid 2nd counselor, stake youth council representative, and seminary council president. She enjoys composing uplifting music, baking and decorating cakes, dancing, playing soccer, and being with friends and family. Rachel is also excited to continue to help others come unto Christ by serving in the Benin Cotonou mission this fall. Highlights 2:50 About Seminary council and her calling as president 5:30 Getting started in this leadership position and learning to listen to each other's ideas 6:30 Leading the weekly council meeting, preparing committee leaders, and arranging a spiritual thought and prayer by members who had not participated recently 8:35 Planning with a schedule and being prayerful about making changes as needed Leadership Principles 1. Feast upon the words of Christ and say two kneeling prayers every day (9:45) Example of her busy schedule and learning to put God first in her life; decided to read her scriptures first as soon as she got home from school Saying two kneeling prayers creates a stronger relationship with Christ and makes it easier to turn to Him and seek personal revelation Encouraged this with the entire council Making time for the Lord shows the effort God appreciates 2. Love and accept everyone for who they are (14:00) Christ never turned anyone away; they focused on loving every student at the high school Anonymous answers to questions at a retreat helped her realize we have no idea what people are going through "Heart attack" for people who are experiencing a trial or need some extra love Doing the simple things: looking people in the eye, calling them by name Assume that everyone is going through something hard; reach out to everyone because we can all use some love 3. You get out what you put in (18:00) It can be easier to fall back and not contribute as much The Lord loves effort 19:45 At first it was more difficult when they didn't know each other but as people found their places and were patient with each other things fell into place 4. Be open to all ideas (21:10) Personal revelation is distributed among everyone involved Experiences choosing a scripture to focus on as a group Importance of listening to the Spirit 24:40 Activities they did: Focus on "love, share, invite" Daily prayer meeting with all students Also invited students of different faiths to participate Sought to make their prayers more conclusive 27:25 The ministering wheel of love with service ideas for each week WWJD bracelets 29:35 Changes in assemblies and devotionals because of Covid restrictions Friday forums: a speaker each month over Zoom because they had school from home on Fridays Devotional with teachers rotating through the classes 32:45 Being patient with yourself: we are all learning together 34:30 Whenever we serve others and lead we are Christ's hands and can serve others as He did Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment (or comments) on the page and we will get the corrected text published!

Rachel Wagner has served as the Beehive class president, Mia Maid 2nd counselor, stake youth council representative, and seminary council president. She enjoys composing uplifting music, baking and decorating cakes, dancing, playing soccer, and being with friends and family. Rachel is also excited to continue to help others come unto Christ by serving in the Benin Cotonou mission this fall. Highlights 2:50 About Seminary council and her calling as president 5:30 Getting started in this leadership position and learning to listen to each other's ideas 6:30 Leading the weekly council meeting, preparing committee leaders, and arranging a spiritual thought and prayer by members who had not participated recently 8:35 Planning with a schedule and being prayerful about making changes as needed Leadership Principles 1. Feast upon the words of Christ and say two kneeling prayers every day (9:45) Example of her busy schedule and learning to put God first in her life; decided to read her scriptures first as soon as she got home from school Saying two kneeling prayers creates a stronger relationship with Christ and makes it easier to turn to Him and seek personal revelation Encouraged this with the entire council Making time for the Lord shows the effort God appreciates 2. Love and accept everyone for who they are (14:00) Christ never turned anyone away; they focused on loving every student at the high school Anonymous answers to questions at a retreat helped her realize we have no idea what people are going through "Heart attack" for people who are experiencing a trial or need some extra love Doing the simple things: looking people in the eye, calling them by name Assume that everyone is going through something hard; reach out to everyone because we can all use some love 3. You get out what you put in (18:00) It can be easier to fall back and not contribute as much The Lord loves effort 19:45 At first it was more difficult when they didn't know each other but as people found their places and were patient with each other things fell into place 4. Be open to all ideas (21:10) Personal revelation is distributed among everyone involved Experiences choosing a scripture to focus on as a group Importance of listening to the Spirit 24:40 Activities they did: Focus on "love, share, invite" Daily prayer meeting with all students Also invited students of different faiths to participate Sought to make their prayers more conclusive 27:25 The ministering wheel of love with service ideas for each week WWJD bracelets 29:35 Changes in assemblies and devotionals because of Covid restrictions Friday forums: a speaker each month over Zoom because they had school from home on Fridays Devotional with teachers rotating through the classes 32:45 Being patient with yourself: we are all learning together 34:30 Whenever we serve others and lead we are Christ's hands and can serve others as He did Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment (or comments) on the page and we will get the corrected text published!

Mike Houghtaling was raised in Bellevue, Washington, and Raleigh, North Carolina, and served in the Argentina Cordoba mission. Since entering recovery, he has served as a bishop's counselor, a high councilor, and is currently serving as the bishop of the Fayetteville Georgia YSA Ward. He worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for 37 years, most of those as an air traffic controller, retiring in 2019. Mike and his wife Andrea have five children and seven grandchildren. Highlights 5:10 About Mike's ward and his personal family history 10:30 Discovered pornography at age 10 and immediately fell into addiction and shame 12:30 Sought help from his bishop but the guidance didn't help 15:15 Considered his mission a failure and returned home believing himself the worst of people 17:30 The misunderstanding that marriage and sex would eliminate the problem 19:10 "Porn has no more to do with sex than alcohol has to do with thirst" 20:45 Misunderstanding the difference between sobriety and the healing of recovery, never addressing the shame and wounding 23:00 Hitting rock bottom and finally realizing that he could not hide anymore 26:30 The hopeless concept that everyone protected by the Atonement was under a big umbrella, but he was not under that umbrella 28:30 A tiny thread of hope touched his heart and he began to take the 12 steps seriously and began seeking recovery and healing, not simply sobriety 31:10 Recognition that his wife needed attention for her wounds 33:00 You have to pick up every tool along the way because they can all be helpful 34:00 One helpful tool: Face it, replace it, connect; the power of connection 35:50 Called as a bishop's counselor 36:30 Explanation of PASG: Pornography Addiction Support Group and the spouse support group 41:15 Telling his story to his YSA ward to show that he is relatable and unafraid of their struggles 44:45 Advice for bishops: invite those struggling with addiction to go to an ARP meeting, go with them, study and seek to understand 47:00 "You are not beyond His help, you are not beyond His reach." 49:00 Advice for stake presidents: take a chance on different candidates for positions of leadership in the Church 50:50 Metaphor of a quilt with one inky square in the shadows 53:00 Still working steps 10, 11, and 12, the maintenance steps 54:30 Advice for those in the circle of a recovering addict: love them, show grace for and connect with them, and continue to point them towards the Savior 56:30 Supporting the addict's family members: connect, encourage, listen, point them toward therapy 58:45 Learning to be a true follower and finding healing in understanding the Savior is what has helped him to be a better leader Links ODAAT coins Warrior Heart retreat Heart of a Woman retreat Is Elders Quorum Working? Wild at Heart in Church Leadership | An Interview with Doug Nielsen Heart of a Woman in Relief Society Church resources Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Mike Houghtaling was raised in Bellevue, Washington, and Raleigh, North Carolina, and served in the Argentina Cordoba mission. Since entering recovery, he has served as a bishop's counselor, a high councilor, and is currently serving as the bishop of the Fayetteville Georgia YSA Ward. He worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for 37 years, most of those as an air traffic controller, retiring in 2019. Mike and his wife Andrea have five children and seven grandchildren. Highlights 5:10 About Mike's ward and his personal family history 10:30 Discovered pornography at age 10 and immediately fell into addiction and shame 12:30 Sought help from his bishop but the guidance didn't help 15:15 Considered his mission a failure and returned home believing himself the worst of people 17:30 The misunderstanding that marriage and sex would eliminate the problem 19:10 "Porn has no more to do with sex than alcohol has to do with thirst" 20:45 Misunderstanding the difference between sobriety and the healing of recovery, never addressing the shame and wounding 23:00 Hitting rock bottom and finally realizing that he could not hide anymore 26:30 The hopeless concept that everyone protected by the Atonement was under a big umbrella, but he was not under that umbrella 28:30 A tiny thread of hope touched his heart and he began to take the 12 steps seriously and began seeking recovery and healing, not simply sobriety 31:10 Recognition that his wife needed attention for her wounds 33:00 You have to pick up every tool along the way because they can all be helpful 34:00 One helpful tool: Face it, replace it, connect; the power of connection 35:50 Called as a bishop's counselor 36:30 Explanation of PASG: Pornography Addiction Support Group and the spouse support group 41:15 Telling his story to his YSA ward to show that he is relatable and unafraid of their struggles 44:45 Advice for bishops: invite those struggling with addiction to go to an ARP meeting, go with them, study and seek to understand 47:00 "You are not beyond His help, you are not beyond His reach." 49:00 Advice for stake presidents: take a chance on different candidates for positions of leadership in the Church 50:50 Metaphor of a quilt with one inky square in the shadows 53:00 Still working steps 10, 11, and 12, the maintenance steps 54:30 Advice for those in the circle of a recovering addict: love them, show grace for and connect with them, and continue to point them towards the Savior 56:30 Supporting the addict's family members: connect, encourage, listen, point them toward therapy 58:45 Learning to be a true follower and finding healing in understanding the Savior is what has helped him to be a better leader Links ODAAT coins Warrior Heart retreat Heart of a Woman retreat Is Elders Quorum Working? Wild at Heart in Church Leadership | An Interview with Doug Nielsen Heart of a Woman in Relief Society Church resources Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Jordan Romans served in the Australia Brisbane mission and graduated from BYU with a BA in English. He holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of Phoenix and is the founder and managing director of JLR Creative & Consulting, with 15+ years in sales, marketing, training, and management roles in the medical and aesthetic sales industry. He is currently serving as a bishop in the Beaver Creek Ward in Apex, North Carolina, right by the Raleigh Temple. His previous church callings include bishopric counselor, elders quorum president, Young Men president, ward mission leader, executive assistant, Primary Worker, and Gospel Doctrine instructor. Jordan is married to Melissa Romans and they have four children. Highlights 5:10 Remembering his first Sunday as bishop and the recognition that what he said could be taken as "the gospel truth" by those he counseled 8:45 Advice from his dad: You're not going to solve anybody's problems. The Savior will do that. Principles of Leadership 1. The Lord's forgiveness is essentially immediate (10:00) 12:00 If we can believe it, then the repentance process is easier, more effective, and longer-lasting; Forgiveness is freely offered and we must bring the sincerity 14:20 Christ is not interested in punishment, but in progression 2. Leaders should do more to build bridges outside the ward community (14:50) Minister friend at a local Methodist Church 16:25 Youth cookie bake service project with the youth from both congregations 18:00 Podcast discussion about the rededication of the Raleigh Temple 19:25 People in the South are open and willing to invite others to church 22:50 The stake's annual Community Leaders Luncheon for civic and community leaders 3. Callings are Rarely about Efficiency or Proficiency (27:50) We just have to be willing to serve 31:25 As a bishop, his dad once called a Sunday School teacher who was not a member; "The Lord wasn't interested in his proficiency. He was interested in Brother Barnes." 33:35 Prompting to call a sister as Young Womens president who wasn't baptized yet 39:25 Going down the list and looking for the least-likely candidate 41:15 Recognizing how involved Christ is in the bishop's service; recognizing that others can lead while you lead Links Views From the Peak: Jordan Romans Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Jordan Romans served in the Australia Brisbane mission and graduated from BYU with a BA in English. He holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of Phoenix and is the founder and managing director of JLR Creative & Consulting, with 15+ years in sales, marketing, training, and management roles in the medical and aesthetic sales industry. He is currently serving as a bishop in the Beaver Creek Ward in Apex, North Carolina, right by the Raleigh Temple. His previous church callings include bishopric counselor, elders quorum president, Young Men president, ward mission leader, executive assistant, Primary Worker, and Gospel Doctrine instructor. Jordan is married to Melissa Romans and they have four children. Highlights 5:10 Remembering his first Sunday as bishop and the recognition that what he said could be taken as "the gospel truth" by those he counseled 8:45 Advice from his dad: You're not going to solve anybody's problems. The Savior will do that. Principles of Leadership 1. The Lord's forgiveness is essentially immediate (10:00) 12:00 If we can believe it, then the repentance process is easier, more effective, and longer-lasting; Forgiveness is freely offered and we must bring the sincerity 14:20 Christ is not interested in punishment, but in progression 2. Leaders should do more to build bridges outside the ward community (14:50) Minister friend at a local Methodist Church 16:25 Youth cookie bake service project with the youth from both congregations 18:00 Podcast discussion about the rededication of the Raleigh Temple 19:25 People in the South are open and willing to invite others to church 22:50 The stake's annual Community Leaders Luncheon for civic and community leaders 3. Callings are Rarely about Efficiency or Proficiency (27:50) We just have to be willing to serve 31:25 As a bishop, his dad once called a Sunday School teacher who was not a member; "The Lord wasn't interested in his proficiency. He was interested in Brother Barnes." 33:35 Prompting to call a sister as Young Womens president who wasn't baptized yet 39:25 Going down the list and looking for the least-likely candidate 41:15 Recognizing how involved Christ is in the bishop's service; recognizing that others can lead while you lead Links Views From the Peak: Jordan Romans Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Mitchell’s first book, Perfect in Christ: The Good News of God’s Grace, was published when he was seventeen years old. Mitchell graduated high school in 2021 and has been accepted to attend BYU-Idaho in the fall. He plans to serve a full time mission at the start of 2022. Mitchell has been homeschooled since the third grade but played soccer on the Rigby High School team. During his senior soccer season, he served as the team captain and was voted first team all-conference. Mitchell works as an entrepreneur and one of his businesses was featured on Shark Tank this year. Highlights 3:13 Mitchell Taylor is 18 years old and lives in Rigby, Idaho. 5:10 He was taught by his father about the grace of Jesus Christ. What he heard at church seemed to be different. The Spirit kept prompting him to write a book about Christ’s grace, which he eventually did over two years. 6:50 His father taught him of the parable of the Pit of Sin. If you look up, Christ is reaching down as the only one who can take you out. Justification makes you perfect in Christ. Christ then takes us to the ladder of sanctification. He is always right beside us, holding our hand, as we repent and desire to become more like God. He encourages us to keep trying, even when we fall down a few rungs. This simple parable helps people understand. 9:48 What’s your elevator pitch on grace? In 30 seconds, teach justification and sanctification. 10:40 In 2 Nephi 25:23, there are two ways you could interpret being saved by grace “after all we can do.” Through a lens of grace, we see that we are saved even after all we do, a perspective Elder Uchtdorf has shared. 12:20 All works and ordinances only have meaning and power when they are connected to Christ. We shouldn’t trust in ourselves but rather strengthen our trust in Christ. 15:50 He experienced pain from his flat feet. He finally got inserts perfectly fit to his flat feet that helped alleviate all his pain. This is like getting youth and young adults to Jesus and to understand his mercy and grace. Once they understand that, they will develop a desire to do what they should. All our spiritual practices are appendages to the Atonement of Jesus Christ and his grace. We model gospel behaviors in our home, but how do we model grace? We can model grace in our relationships. 22:00 It’s not our job to get those under our stewardship to practice the gospel or serve. You can, however, offer them grace. 23:30 Showing people grace or unconditional love is not giving them license to sin. Many are confident they want to go to the celestial kingdom but are uncertain if they will make it there. The need for perfection discourages them. Sometimes we bury grace in a culture of legalism that overemphasizes works. 26:30 The medical school analogy teaches that work is required but it doesn’t save you. It’s like assuming that if someone offered to pay for all of your expenses for medical school, that somehow you wouldn’t feel obligated in turn to work hard and give your best service to others in order to show gratitude for the gift. True understanding of grace is the best motivator. 29:40 His yoke is easy and his burden light. Jesus died so we could become perfect in Christ now and become perfect like him later. Works can help us become like him through sanctification. 32:10 Legalistic culture emphasizes the law, works, merit, reward, and earning. Rather, when we see the law as an instruction manual for how to become like Christ, we keep the law not to show how amazing we are but rather to emulate a characteristic of Christ. 36:35 Jesus is with us the entire time. He will never leave us or forsake us. It’s good to strive for perfection, but know that now we can only become perfect in Jesus. 38:30 Building a relationship with Jesus Christ. In Matthew 6, the woman comes to anoint Christ with oil from an alabaster box. His apostles reprimand her and point out the expensive oil could have been sold to give money to th...

Mitchell’s first book, Perfect in Christ: The Good News of God’s Grace, was published when he was seventeen years old. Mitchell graduated high school in 2021 and has been accepted to attend BYU-Idaho in the fall. He plans to serve a full time mission at the start of 2022. Mitchell has been homeschooled since the third grade but played soccer on the Rigby High School team. During his senior soccer season, he served as the team captain and was voted first team all-conference. Mitchell works as an entrepreneur and one of his businesses was featured on Shark Tank this year. Highlights 3:13 Mitchell Taylor is 18 years old and lives in Rigby, Idaho. 5:10 He was taught by his father about the grace of Jesus Christ. What he heard at church seemed to be different. The Spirit kept prompting him to write a book about Christ’s grace, which he eventually did over two years. 6:50 His father taught him of the parable of the Pit of Sin. If you look up, Christ is reaching down as the only one who can take you out. Justification makes you perfect in Christ. Christ then takes us to the ladder of sanctification. He is always right beside us, holding our hand, as we repent and desire to become more like God. He encourages us to keep trying, even when we fall down a few rungs. This simple parable helps people understand. 9:48 What’s your elevator pitch on grace? In 30 seconds, teach justification and sanctification. 10:40 In 2 Nephi 25:23, there are two ways you could interpret being saved by grace “after all we can do.” Through a lens of grace, we see that we are saved even after all we do, a perspective Elder Uchtdorf has shared. 12:20 All works and ordinances only have meaning and power when they are connected to Christ. We shouldn’t trust in ourselves but rather strengthen our trust in Christ. 15:50 He experienced pain from his flat feet. He finally got inserts perfectly fit to his flat feet that helped alleviate all his pain. This is like getting youth and young adults to Jesus and to understand his mercy and grace. Once they understand that, they will develop a desire to do what they should. All our spiritual practices are appendages to the Atonement of Jesus Christ and his grace. We model gospel behaviors in our home, but how do we model grace? We can model grace in our relationships. 22:00 It’s not our job to get those under our stewardship to practice the gospel or serve. You can, however, offer them grace. 23:30 Showing people grace or unconditional love is not giving them license to sin. Many are confident they want to go to the celestial kingdom but are uncertain if they will make it there. The need for perfection discourages them. Sometimes we bury grace in a culture of legalism that overemphasizes works. 26:30 The medical school analogy teaches that work is required but it doesn’t save you. It’s like assuming that if someone offered to pay for all of your expenses for medical school, that somehow you wouldn’t feel obligated in turn to work hard and give your best service to others in order to show gratitude for the gift. True understanding of grace is the best motivator. 29:40 His yoke is easy and his burden light. Jesus died so we could become perfect in Christ now and become perfect like him later. Works can help us become like him through sanctification. 32:10 Legalistic culture emphasizes the law, works, merit, reward, and earning. Rather, when we see the law as an instruction manual for how to become like Christ, we keep the law not to show how amazing we are but rather to emulate a characteristic of Christ. 36:35 Jesus is with us the entire time. He will never leave us or forsake us. It’s good to strive for perfection, but know that now we can only become perfect in Jesus. 38:30 Building a relationship with Jesus Christ. In Matthew 6, the woman comes to anoint Christ with oil from an alabaster box. His apostles reprimand her and point out the expensive oil could have been sold to give money to th...

Brad Brockbank was born and raised in Lehi, Utah and served a mission in Salvador, Brazil. He attended the University of Utah, graduated with a BA in History, and has worked for Zions Bank in various positions for 18 years. Brad has served in the Church as a Sunday School teacher, in the nursery and Primary, as executive secretary, in elders quorum as a counselor, secretary, and president, and was recently called to be a counselor in his ward's bishopric. Brad and his wife Julie have been married for 19 years, live in Star, Idaho, and have four children. Highlights 4:30 Transitioning into the role of elders quorum president and learning to rely on the Spirit Principles of Leadership: Listen to Minister 5:20 Checking things off the lists can get in the way of listening We can Hear Him through others as we engage and listen Stagnant Water Loses its Purity 7:10 Involving others to continue to progress Don't Inhale 9:00 Elder Faust's advice to recognize that great things happen because of God, not because of what we have done Priesthood Keys are Real and Meant to be Used 11:15 Leaving a blessing or promise with those you lead 14:30 Being open and vulnerable as a quorum Creating a culture of sharing and celebrating success over addiction with the quorum Sharing redemption will strengthen others 21:30 Listening and building trust will help with understanding Building relationships creates opportunities for support in many areas 25:20 Leading has helped him learn to rely on Jesus Christ and how much the Lord loves each individual Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Brad Brockbank was born and raised in Lehi, Utah and served a mission in Salvador, Brazil. He attended the University of Utah, graduated with a BA in History, and has worked for Zions Bank in various positions for 18 years. Brad has served in the Church as a Sunday School teacher, in the nursery and Primary, as executive secretary, in elders quorum as a counselor, secretary, and president, and was recently called to be a counselor in his ward's bishopric. Brad and his wife Julie have been married for 19 years, live in Star, Idaho, and have four children. Highlights 4:30 Transitioning into the role of elders quorum president and learning to rely on the Spirit Principles of Leadership: Listen to Minister 5:20 Checking things off the lists can get in the way of listening We can Hear Him through others as we engage and listen Stagnant Water Loses its Purity 7:10 Involving others to continue to progress Don't Inhale 9:00 Elder Faust's advice to recognize that great things happen because of God, not because of what we have done Priesthood Keys are Real and Meant to be Used 11:15 Leaving a blessing or promise with those you lead 14:30 Being open and vulnerable as a quorum Creating a culture of sharing and celebrating success over addiction with the quorum Sharing redemption will strengthen others 21:30 Listening and building trust will help with understanding Building relationships creates opportunities for support in many areas 25:20 Leading has helped him learn to rely on Jesus Christ and how much the Lord loves each individual Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Jessica Butterfield and Kelly Thompson are two delightful, committed, intelligent Latter-day Saints who grew up in Utah. Both Jessica and Kelly are also recovering addicts with a compelling story that needs to be heard—a story of struggle, redemption, and a fervent desire to help the addicted and their families, friends, and church leaders. Kelly has authored the book Between Monsters and Mercy and has been a facilitator for the Church’s Addiction Recovery Program. Together they have begun a new podcast, "The Hope Addiction", as an extension of a podcast Jessica previously initiated. Highlights 04:15: Kelly’s story: Turned to drugs as a teen to deal with physical ailments. Her siblings were on the BYU/temple marriage path. Time on the streets doing whatever it took (e.g., prostitution) to support her addiction. Testimony struggles in a less-active family. God became a punching bag and later her best friend during her time in a deep abyss. D&C 121 took on added meaning. Has been sober 4 ½ years, following 28 years of addiction. Sister missionaries showed up miraculously at a critical time. Began to realize that she was not inherently all the bad labels she had taken upon herself. Wants other to know the Savior can change lives and hearts. Gratitude for other recovering addicts whose stories inspired her to change. 10:48: Jessica’s story: Raised in a small Utah town in an LDS home. Family became inactive when she was 12. Introduced to drugs/alcohol at 12. Had anxiety and depression she was not aware of. Addicted to heroin at 16. Addicted for four years. Hated the person she had become. At 20, went through heroin withdrawal. Did not wish to believe in the “Mormon God.” Attended an LDS 12-step meeting and experienced grace, hope and a priesthood blessing that changed her life. What could it hurt to try a different approach to life? Faith grew. Sealed in temple 3 years shy of being clean. Experienced a transformation through the Atonement. Has not relapsed since that change ten years ago. 15:45: What leads people to try drugs? Alcohol originally offered relief and seemed like a solution to anxiety/depression/trauma/family dysfunction/family history of addiction. Substance abuse worked fast and came with fun partying. Seeking out associates with similar adulterated values. Wired for anxiety? Drugs provided an escape “needed” to cope. God’s love supplanted the need for harmful substances. 21:40: Rationalizing the foray into drugs? Escape 23:20: Common misconceptions about the disease. Where does choice end and addiction/disease begin? Lying and manipulation comes with the territory. Abuse affects the brain and takes over the survival instincts. If you are on fire you jump into a water to save yourself. Addicted people begin viewing drugs as a survival tool. Addicts are not bad people who need to be good; they are sick people who want to be better. As an addict your behavior affects others adversely. Mental health issues require compassion. 27:30: What can a church leader or family member do when someone is in the middle of their addiction? No easy answers. Allow someone to suffer the consequences of their choices--landing in jail isn’t always a bad thing. Addicts need to be humbled. Pray for addicted loved ones to hit bottom and confess to being an addict so they can turn to the real source of strength. Heavenly Father knows our hearts and can provide healing circumstances. Be willing to plant seeds that can help an addict even if you don’t see immediate results. When Jessica was ready to change, she remembered the good people in the church who had been very kind (e.g., non-judgmental home teachers, sister missionaries, etc.) 33:40: What about relapse? It is a one-day-at-a-time deal. Need Christ. Don’t become overly confident. 36:45: Pushing the addictive experiences into the background vs being open about prior struggles. What about involving recovering addicts to help wards?

Jessica Butterfield and Kelly Thompson are two delightful, committed, intelligent Latter-day Saints who grew up in Utah. Both Jessica and Kelly are also recovering addicts with a compelling story that needs to be heard—a story of struggle, redemption, and a fervent desire to help the addicted and their families, friends, and church leaders. Kelly has authored the book Between Monsters and Mercy and has been a facilitator for the Church’s Addiction Recovery Program. Together they have begun a new podcast, "The Hope Addiction", as an extension of a podcast Jessica previously initiated. Highlights 04:15: Kelly’s story: Turned to drugs as a teen to deal with physical ailments. Her siblings were on the BYU/temple marriage path. Time on the streets doing whatever it took (e.g., prostitution) to support her addiction. Testimony struggles in a less-active family. God became a punching bag and later her best friend during her time in a deep abyss. D&C 121 took on added meaning. Has been sober 4 ½ years, following 28 years of addiction. Sister missionaries showed up miraculously at a critical time. Began to realize that she was not inherently all the bad labels she had taken upon herself. Wants other to know the Savior can change lives and hearts. Gratitude for other recovering addicts whose stories inspired her to change. 10:48: Jessica’s story: Raised in a small Utah town in an LDS home. Family became inactive when she was 12. Introduced to drugs/alcohol at 12. Had anxiety and depression she was not aware of. Addicted to heroin at 16. Addicted for four years. Hated the person she had become. At 20, went through heroin withdrawal. Did not wish to believe in the “Mormon God.” Attended an LDS 12-step meeting and experienced grace, hope and a priesthood blessing that changed her life. What could it hurt to try a different approach to life? Faith grew. Sealed in temple 3 years shy of being clean. Experienced a transformation through the Atonement. Has not relapsed since that change ten years ago. 15:45: What leads people to try drugs? Alcohol originally offered relief and seemed like a solution to anxiety/depression/trauma/family dysfunction/family history of addiction. Substance abuse worked fast and came with fun partying. Seeking out associates with similar adulterated values. Wired for anxiety? Drugs provided an escape “needed” to cope. God’s love supplanted the need for harmful substances. 21:40: Rationalizing the foray into drugs? Escape 23:20: Common misconceptions about the disease. Where does choice end and addiction/disease begin? Lying and manipulation comes with the territory. Abuse affects the brain and takes over the survival instincts. If you are on fire you jump into a water to save yourself. Addicted people begin viewing drugs as a survival tool. Addicts are not bad people who need to be good; they are sick people who want to be better. As an addict your behavior affects others adversely. Mental health issues require compassion. 27:30: What can a church leader or family member do when someone is in the middle of their addiction? No easy answers. Allow someone to suffer the consequences of their choices--landing in jail isn’t always a bad thing. Addicts need to be humbled. Pray for addicted loved ones to hit bottom and confess to being an addict so they can turn to the real source of strength. Heavenly Father knows our hearts and can provide healing circumstances. Be willing to plant seeds that can help an addict even if you don’t see immediate results. When Jessica was ready to change, she remembered the good people in the church who had been very kind (e.g., non-judgmental home teachers, sister missionaries, etc.) 33:40: What about relapse? It is a one-day-at-a-time deal. Need Christ. Don’t become overly confident. 36:45: Pushing the addictive experiences into the background vs being open about prior struggles. What about involving recovering addicts to help wards?

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in March 2018. Tom Christofferson is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who experiences same sex attraction. He is also the brother of Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Tom grew up in the Church as a member, served a mission and married in the temple. His short marriage ended and he came out as gay and lived that lifestyle for many years. He started coming back to church with Bruce Larson as a bishop and David Checketts as his stake president. His story is told in his book, That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon’s Perspective on Faith and Family, and he has more recently published A Better Heart: The Impact of Christ’s Pure Love. Tom has spent his career in investment management and asset servicing, living in the United States and Europe. He was a founding board member of Encircle, a group providing resources to support LGBTQ individuals and their families in Provo, Utah. Tom is an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and serves as a Gospel Doctrine teacher in his Salt Lake City Ward. As leaders we can learn a lot from his experience of coming back to church and being rebaptized. President David Checketts (far left) and the Christofferson brothers Episode Highlights 6:30 Tom's story from the beginning 9:30 His story of excommunication 10:50 How his family wanted their love to be perfect as they accepted him 13:20 Bishop Bruce Larson's side of the story 16:00 Stake President David Checkett's side of the story 18:00 Bishop Larson and President Checketts did not know at first that he was related to Elder Christofferson 20:30 Sharing with the ward council how to make feel Tom welcome 22:30 Response of the ward council 24:00 Tom was welcomed and loved unconditionally 29:00 Tom attended the ward for 5 years before wanting to come back to live the commandments 31:45 During the 5 years how Tom felt welcome in the ward 33:20 Everyone focused on the the relationship with Tom and not his progress 34:30 Study sessions with Tom and President Checketts 38:00 Meeting with Tom's partner 42:00 President Checketts meets with Elder Christofferson about Tom 45:00 Tom Christofferson's rebaptism 48:00 How this experience has helped Bishop Larson to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ 50:00 How this experience has helped President Checketts to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ Links That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon’s Perspective on Faith and Family A Better Heart: The Impact of Christ’s Pure Love Read the TRANSCRIPT for this episode

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in March 2018. Tom Christofferson is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who experiences same sex attraction. He is also the brother of Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Tom grew up in the Church as a member, served a mission and married in the temple. His short marriage ended and he came out as gay and lived that lifestyle for many years. He started coming back to church with Bruce Larson as a bishop and David Checketts as his stake president. His story is told in his book, That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon’s Perspective on Faith and Family, and he has more recently published A Better Heart: The Impact of Christ’s Pure Love. Tom has spent his career in investment management and asset servicing, living in the United States and Europe. He was a founding board member of Encircle, a group providing resources to support LGBTQ individuals and their families in Provo, Utah. Tom is an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and serves as a Gospel Doctrine teacher in his Salt Lake City Ward. As leaders we can learn a lot from his experience of coming back to church and being rebaptized. President David Checketts (far left) and the Christofferson brothers Episode Highlights 6:30 Tom's story from the beginning 9:30 His story of excommunication 10:50 How his family wanted their love to be perfect as they accepted him 13:20 Bishop Bruce Larson's side of the story 16:00 Stake President David Checkett's side of the story 18:00 Bishop Larson and President Checketts did not know at first that he was related to Elder Christofferson 20:30 Sharing with the ward council how to make feel Tom welcome 22:30 Response of the ward council 24:00 Tom was welcomed and loved unconditionally 29:00 Tom attended the ward for 5 years before wanting to come back to live the commandments 31:45 During the 5 years how Tom felt welcome in the ward 33:20 Everyone focused on the the relationship with Tom and not his progress 34:30 Study sessions with Tom and President Checketts 38:00 Meeting with Tom's partner 42:00 President Checketts meets with Elder Christofferson about Tom 45:00 Tom Christofferson's rebaptism 48:00 How this experience has helped Bishop Larson to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ 50:00 How this experience has helped President Checketts to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ Links That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon’s Perspective on Faith and Family A Better Heart: The Impact of Christ’s Pure Love Read the TRANSCRIPT for this episode

Julie Cluff is a speaker, author, international grief coach and the owner of Build a Life After Loss, where she helps those who are grieving to rebuild their life after loss. She hosts the Build a Life After Loss podcast, and she is the author of the book Miracles in the Darkness, in which she shares her experiences with grief, including the death of her two youngest children in a car accident on Mother’s Day in 2007, and the journey back to hope and healing. Julie currently serves as the Relief Society Activity Coordinator and has previously served as a Stake and Ward Primary Counselor, Young Women’s president, Relief Society Counselor, and Stake Public Affairs Director. Julie and her husband Ron have 6 children and 10 grandchildren. Highlights 3:55 - Julie’s Background Felt compelled to support others who experience loss and grief after significant personal losses: brother died by suicide, divorce, and two children died in an automobile accident 5:20 - Recounting automobile accident Our lives were changed forever We have had things we have had to overcome because of the accident Healing from our Savior is available 10:20 - How she processed and moved forward post-loss It is a long process and not an overnight experience Painful experiences and discomfort led to healing (the weight and heaviness of the darkness began lifting) Healing happened when the timing was right for her to appreciate what the Savior did for her Everyone’s healing doesn’t come in the same way or instantaneously She was given a unique and miraculous experience so that she could testify of healing and where it comes from Ultimate healing comes from the Savior 15:45 - The difference between grieving and healing Grief is the path to healing, it is part of the solution not the problem Grief is the pain we experience that tells us we have experienced an emotional injury and we need to take care of it 19:05 - The process of grief and healing Emotional pain is painful for those around us, we want everyone to be okay Trust the process of grief and healing and do not rush it 21:15 - Getting trapped in the grief cycle Going online to find support can contribute to getting stuck in our grief and pain Richard G. Scott - It is crucial that we be active participants in our healing Most of us know very little about grief and the process or effort required to heal We grieve and then we pile on shame and guilt as we don’t know what to do As a leader, the challenge is to honour their grief path and the pain they’re experiencing 25:55 - We’re not responsible for someone’s healing but we can be there to support Support looks like accepting the pain Sympathy = more pain Empathy = that must be so hard Instead of telling the person what they need, ask them how you can support them in their healing process 27:50 - Show up and answer their questions Our presence says I love you and I care about you No need to fear saying the wrong thing, we don’t have to have the right words 35:10 - Avoid overreacting to their emotions and concerns Everyone’s reaction to grief is unique and different and we should not judge or dictate their healing Whey they ask questions, that’s when we get to answer their questions rather than asserting information 41:05 - Don’t be overwhelmed trying to say the right thing The overwhelm comes from thinking that somehow we can make it better or that there is the perfect thing to say (and there isn’t) Just show up and it will become more comfortable the more willing you are to sit with the discomfort 46:10 - Set up a support structure Coordinator efforts to address both the emotional needs and the physical needs 50:45 - Being sensitive to the ongoing impact of grief The emergency situation vs. the ongoing impact of grief and loss The ongoing impact is where the spiritual support is most needed Stay engaged so they have someone to go to answer their questions,

Julie Cluff is a speaker, author, international grief coach and the owner of Build a Life After Loss, where she helps those who are grieving to rebuild their life after loss. She hosts the Build a Life After Loss podcast, and she is the author of the book Miracles in the Darkness, in which she shares her experiences with grief, including the death of her two youngest children in a car accident on Mother’s Day in 2007, and the journey back to hope and healing. Julie currently serves as the Relief Society Activity Coordinator and has previously served as a Stake and Ward Primary Counselor, Young Women’s president, Relief Society Counselor, and Stake Public Affairs Director. Julie and her husband Ron have 6 children and 10 grandchildren. Highlights 3:55 - Julie’s Background Felt compelled to support others who experience loss and grief after significant personal losses: brother died by suicide, divorce, and two children died in an automobile accident 5:20 - Recounting automobile accident Our lives were changed forever We have had things we have had to overcome because of the accident Healing from our Savior is available 10:20 - How she processed and moved forward post-loss It is a long process and not an overnight experience Painful experiences and discomfort led to healing (the weight and heaviness of the darkness began lifting) Healing happened when the timing was right for her to appreciate what the Savior did for her Everyone’s healing doesn’t come in the same way or instantaneously She was given a unique and miraculous experience so that she could testify of healing and where it comes from Ultimate healing comes from the Savior 15:45 - The difference between grieving and healing Grief is the path to healing, it is part of the solution not the problem Grief is the pain we experience that tells us we have experienced an emotional injury and we need to take care of it 19:05 - The process of grief and healing Emotional pain is painful for those around us, we want everyone to be okay Trust the process of grief and healing and do not rush it 21:15 - Getting trapped in the grief cycle Going online to find support can contribute to getting stuck in our grief and pain Richard G. Scott - It is crucial that we be active participants in our healing Most of us know very little about grief and the process or effort required to heal We grieve and then we pile on shame and guilt as we don’t know what to do As a leader, the challenge is to honour their grief path and the pain they’re experiencing 25:55 - We’re not responsible for someone’s healing but we can be there to support Support looks like accepting the pain Sympathy = more pain Empathy = that must be so hard Instead of telling the person what they need, ask them how you can support them in their healing process 27:50 - Show up and answer their questions Our presence says I love you and I care about you No need to fear saying the wrong thing, we don’t have to have the right words 35:10 - Avoid overreacting to their emotions and concerns Everyone’s reaction to grief is unique and different and we should not judge or dictate their healing Whey they ask questions, that’s when we get to answer their questions rather than asserting information 41:05 - Don’t be overwhelmed trying to say the right thing The overwhelm comes from thinking that somehow we can make it better or that there is the perfect thing to say (and there isn’t) Just show up and it will become more comfortable the more willing you are to sit with the discomfort 46:10 - Set up a support structure Coordinator efforts to address both the emotional needs and the physical needs 50:45 - Being sensitive to the ongoing impact of grief The emergency situation vs. the ongoing impact of grief and loss The ongoing impact is where the spiritual support is most needed Stay engaged so they have someone to go to answer their questions,

Brent Ebmeyer has been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints his whole life and served a mission in Argentina. He and his wife Courtney married in 2004 and have five children. A year after they were sealed in the temple, Brent shared that he experiences same-sex attraction. It took them to the brink of separation, but through consistent communication, compassion, and love they have been able to find hope in their future together. Bruce Ebmeyer is Brent's brother. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Carolyn, for 30 years and they have eight children. Born and raised in the church, he has served in various callings including full-time missionary, stake high counselor, stake Young Mens president, bishop, and is currently a stake president. He owns and operates a transportation company, and likes to work and travel. Highlights 3:55 Brent's experience sharing his same-sex attraction with his wife Thought it meant he would be leaving the Church Experience finding the North Star community 5:55 Bruce's experience finding out about Brent's SSA 7:45 How Brent got to the point of coming out to his wife and later to his family Realization that his wife was willing to go through this with him 12:45 Bruce's experience after finding out His wife got closer to Bruce's wife as she needed more support Realized he was wrong and it was not a choice Opened his heart to understanding as he interacted with people at the North Star conference 19:00 Brent's testimony of the gospel and the cognitive dissonance of also acknowledging his SSA Realizing the "why" of this experience is to help others Turning a struggle into a blessing by sharing with others 24:20 Bruce's recognition that sharing with others is vital to helping leaders serve church members experiencing SSA 28:40 What kept Brent in the Church was the power of his testimony that he could fall back on 30:45 We don't know why we have these trials, but we can work together to get through them 31:30 The experience at the North Star conference Leadership sessions available online this year and are still free for church leaders Gaining knowledge is gaining power and losing fear Links northstarlds.org Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Brent Ebmeyer has been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints his whole life and served a mission in Argentina. He and his wife Courtney married in 2004 and have five children. A year after they were sealed in the temple, Brent shared that he experiences same-sex attraction. It took them to the brink of separation, but through consistent communication, compassion, and love they have been able to find hope in their future together. Bruce Ebmeyer is Brent's brother. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Carolyn, for 30 years and they have eight children. Born and raised in the church, he has served in various callings including full-time missionary, stake high counselor, stake Young Mens president, bishop, and is currently a stake president. He owns and operates a transportation company, and likes to work and travel. Highlights 3:55 Brent's experience sharing his same-sex attraction with his wife Thought it meant he would be leaving the Church Experience finding the North Star community 5:55 Bruce's experience finding out about Brent's SSA 7:45 How Brent got to the point of coming out to his wife and later to his family Realization that his wife was willing to go through this with him 12:45 Bruce's experience after finding out His wife got closer to Bruce's wife as she needed more support Realized he was wrong and it was not a choice Opened his heart to understanding as he interacted with people at the North Star conference 19:00 Brent's testimony of the gospel and the cognitive dissonance of also acknowledging his SSA Realizing the "why" of this experience is to help others Turning a struggle into a blessing by sharing with others 24:20 Bruce's recognition that sharing with others is vital to helping leaders serve church members experiencing SSA 28:40 What kept Brent in the Church was the power of his testimony that he could fall back on 30:45 We don't know why we have these trials, but we can work together to get through them 31:30 The experience at the North Star conference Leadership sessions available online this year and are still free for church leaders Gaining knowledge is gaining power and losing fear Links northstarlds.org Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Kimberly Day graduated from BYU with a Bachelors in Psychology, served a mission to Temple Square in Salt Lake City, and then went back to school to earn a Masters Degree from Washington State University in Counseling Psychology, where she also taught seminary and then Institute. She worked in higher education and later at a financial planning firm, but eventually felt the call to come back to her love for counseling and working with people through life’s challenges. Kimberly's focus is working with individuals suffering from betrayal trauma or other types of complex relationship traumas, and she is trained in the Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists' Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model (M-PTM). She lives in Olympia, Washington with her husband and four kids. Highlights 5:30 Kim's experience counseling around and studying abuse and healthy/unhealthy patterns of behavior 8:00 The word "abuse" 9:30 Catching negative patterns and recognizing their impact 10:30 Three ways to define abuse: the impact on the victim, the actual interaction in a relationship, or the intent Can be damaging even without intent Gaslighting 15:30 A shift in power and control in the relationship 18:30 Honoring the impact of what the victim is experiencing even when the intent is not to abuse 24:20 The subtle messages that perpetuate trauma, create isolation, and threaten her safety 25:50 The myth that the spouse needs to step up to meet his needs 27:50 When there is an intent for power and control 29:00 Men are receiving an education in dehumanizing women and it becomes a belief about how the world works Book of Mormon example of the conflict between Laman & Lemuel and Nephi: abusive behaviors from a sense of entitlement to power and control, perpetuated across generations A trick Satan has been using for a long time The spectrum of unrighteous dominion This model of power and control applies across a range of relationships and situations 39:00 Reprogramming of the brain Teach them to be aligned to God and if they are tuned-in, He will correct them 45:50 Recognize that the learning remains and continues to cause problems in relationships 50:00 The lens of impact on women Women don't recognize the impact and don't use/accept the word abuse in these dynamics Most couples don't have the language to address it Setting boundaries can lead to retaliation 56:50 Next steps to learn more Abuse is seldom apparent to other men Know your local resources (outside the Church) 59:20 Be willing to be open and address puzzling situations without needing to have answers Links Life Changing Services Church Handbook section about abuse (28.6.2) Why Does He Do That?, by Lundy Bancroft What Every Bishop Needs to Understand About Betrayal Trauma Have We Forgotten the Betrayed When the Sinner Confesses? 6 Things I Wish Bishops Knew About Addiction | Guest Post by Steven Shields (Recovering Addict) Supporting Victims of Sexual Assault | An Interview with the Staff of The Refuge Recognizing Abuse in a Relationship Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Kimberly Day graduated from BYU with a Bachelors in Psychology, served a mission to Temple Square in Salt Lake City, and then went back to school to earn a Masters Degree from Washington State University in Counseling Psychology, where she also taught seminary and then Institute. She worked in higher education and later at a financial planning firm, but eventually felt the call to come back to her love for counseling and working with people through life’s challenges. Kimberly's focus is working with individuals suffering from betrayal trauma or other types of complex relationship traumas, and she is trained in the Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists' Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model (M-PTM). She lives in Olympia, Washington with her husband and four kids. Highlights 5:30 Kim's experience counseling around and studying abuse and healthy/unhealthy patterns of behavior 8:00 The word "abuse" 9:30 Catching negative patterns and recognizing their impact 10:30 Three ways to define abuse: the impact on the victim, the actual interaction in a relationship, or the intent Can be damaging even without intent Gaslighting 15:30 A shift in power and control in the relationship 18:30 Honoring the impact of what the victim is experiencing even when the intent is not to abuse 24:20 The subtle messages that perpetuate trauma, create isolation, and threaten her safety 25:50 The myth that the spouse needs to step up to meet his needs 27:50 When there is an intent for power and control 29:00 Men are receiving an education in dehumanizing women and it becomes a belief about how the world works Book of Mormon example of the conflict between Laman & Lemuel and Nephi: abusive behaviors from a sense of entitlement to power and control, perpetuated across generations A trick Satan has been using for a long time The spectrum of unrighteous dominion This model of power and control applies across a range of relationships and situations 39:00 Reprogramming of the brain Teach them to be aligned to God and if they are tuned-in, He will correct them 45:50 Recognize that the learning remains and continues to cause problems in relationships 50:00 The lens of impact on women Women don't recognize the impact and don't use/accept the word abuse in these dynamics Most couples don't have the language to address it Setting boundaries can lead to retaliation 56:50 Next steps to learn more Abuse is seldom apparent to other men Know your local resources (outside the Church) 59:20 Be willing to be open and address puzzling situations without needing to have answers Links Life Changing Services Church Handbook section about abuse (28.6.2) Why Does He Do That?, by Lundy Bancroft What Every Bishop Needs to Understand About Betrayal Trauma Have We Forgotten the Betrayed When the Sinner Confesses? 6 Things I Wish Bishops Knew About Addiction | Guest Post by Steven Shields (Recovering Addict) Supporting Victims of Sexual Assault | An Interview with the Staff of The Refuge Recognizing Abuse in a Relationship Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Denis Grinevicius was a young teen when Lithuania broke from the USSR and become an independent country in 1993. Shortly afterward, as previously-forbidden religion became available, his family met the missionaries and he and his mother were baptized. Because the branch was small, he has had many opportunities to serve. He has been an elders quorum counselor and president multiple times, a branch counselor and president (twice), a district president and counselor, and a counselor in the mission presidency. Denis served in the Scotland Edinburgh mission and met his wife Nadezda at a youth conference in Moscow. They are the parents of three children. Highlights 4:30 About the Church in Lithuania; his conversion and Church service experience 11:20 Church experience with Covid 12:50 Care more about what the Lord will think and not what people think 14:30 Just do your best even when it's overwhelming 15:35 Never complain 17:30 Find joy in the service or re-evaluate what you are doing 18:45 Training the youth or training your replacement Trust the youth and give them opportunities to serve 23:00 Allow them to participate in presidency meetings so they learn from experience 25:00 Loving the people It can be easier to love than to accept love, but choosing to love people breaks down barriers Sometimes correcting people causes more harm than what we are trying to correct 30:30 Leadership in the Church is not like leadership in the world; his service helps him understand how the Lord served Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Denis Grinevicius was a young teen when Lithuania broke from the USSR and become an independent country in 1993. Shortly afterward, as previously-forbidden religion became available, his family met the missionaries and he and his mother were baptized. Because the branch was small, he has had many opportunities to serve. He has been an elders quorum counselor and president multiple times, a branch counselor and president (twice), a district president and counselor, and a counselor in the mission presidency. Denis served in the Scotland Edinburgh mission and met his wife Nadezda at a youth conference in Moscow. They are the parents of three children. Highlights 4:30 About the Church in Lithuania; his conversion and Church service experience 11:20 Church experience with Covid 12:50 Care more about what the Lord will think and not what people think 14:30 Just do your best even when it's overwhelming 15:35 Never complain 17:30 Find joy in the service or re-evaluate what you are doing 18:45 Training the youth or training your replacement Trust the youth and give them opportunities to serve 23:00 Allow them to participate in presidency meetings so they learn from experience 25:00 Loving the people It can be easier to love than to accept love, but choosing to love people breaks down barriers Sometimes correcting people causes more harm than what we are trying to correct 30:30 Leadership in the Church is not like leadership in the world; his service helps him understand how the Lord served Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Jody Moore is a mother, speaker, Master Certified Life Coach and the owner of Jody Moore Coaching where she helps women improve their self-concept, live from empowering emotions and accomplish their goals. She has a multiple-7-figure coaching practice where she works with her clients online, teaching classes and hosting live calls, supplemented with live events. She has four children ages 4 to 13 and resides with them and her husband in Spokane, Washington. Prior to founding her coaching practice, Jody earned her Bachelor’s degree from Utah State University and a Master’s Degree at the University of Phoenix where she worked for many years as a sales trainer and leadership coach. Highlights 4:55 Life as we expected it this past year did not happen and this has especially affected the youth Tools to use with youth: #1 5:45 Normalize feeling unhappy Give our kids permission to feel something that isn't happy This is a normal part of being a human and nothing has gone wrong 8:15 Kelly McGonigal study on stress #2 11:30 Focus more on thoughts and less on actions when speaking with the youth Our thoughts are different than God's thoughts We need to start by choosing our thoughts intentionally Agency is also the ability to choose how/what to think and this is a skill youth can learn #3 16:30 Teach the youth how to feel their feelings Different approaches to emotion: resisting, avoiding, or feeling The "easy" button Relaxing into emotion instead of resisting Opposition in all things: we are not supposed to feel happy all the time #4 24:00 Seek to minimize shame Shame is natural but toxic The message of shame can easily slip in, even when we don't mean for it to Empathy is the antidote to shame Shame thrives in hiding Example of her experience with a bishop that steered her away from shame #5 29:15 Stop labeling everything as anxiety Sometimes it is anxiety, but sometimes it's just labeling negative emotion and thinking it needs to be fixed The better we become at accurately labeling our negative emotion, the better our chances at learning how to manage them 32:45 We have to get better at doing these things ourselves; learning to manage our own thoughts will help us help others better 36:00 Slowing down and making space for feeling emotions; "this is the part where I feel ____" 39:10 Learning how God thinks so we can become more like Him; asking the question, "What would Jesus think?" 41:30 Stress is a very useful thing and we can learn to handle it 42:40 Taking a deep breath and relaxing into the emotion 43:30 Her daughter's experience getting shots at the doctor: it's okay to just cry 44:30 Shame and guilt Shame is the feeling of guilt gone wild when the first feelings are not addressed Most people have learned to go straight to shame Guilt is information 48:30 Increasing our emotional vocabulary so we can have more leverage over the emotion 51:20 Addressing the thoughts and feelings first, and then the behavior 54:00 Final advice to leaders: embrace that you will do an amazing job and also not such a great job Links JodyMoore.com The Upside of Stress, by Kelly McGonigal Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Jody Moore is a mother, speaker, Master Certified Life Coach and the owner of Jody Moore Coaching where she helps women improve their self-concept, live from empowering emotions and accomplish their goals. She has a multiple-7-figure coaching practice where she works with her clients online, teaching classes and hosting live calls, supplemented with live events. She has four children ages 4 to 13 and resides with them and her husband in Spokane, Washington. Prior to founding her coaching practice, Jody earned her Bachelor’s degree from Utah State University and a Master’s Degree at the University of Phoenix where she worked for many years as a sales trainer and leadership coach. Highlights 4:55 Life as we expected it this past year did not happen and this has especially affected the youth Tools to use with youth: #1 5:45 Normalize feeling unhappy Give our kids permission to feel something that isn't happy This is a normal part of being a human and nothing has gone wrong 8:15 Kelly McGonigal study on stress #2 11:30 Focus more on thoughts and less on actions when speaking with the youth Our thoughts are different than God's thoughts We need to start by choosing our thoughts intentionally Agency is also the ability to choose how/what to think and this is a skill youth can learn #3 16:30 Teach the youth how to feel their feelings Different approaches to emotion: resisting, avoiding, or feeling The "easy" button Relaxing into emotion instead of resisting Opposition in all things: we are not supposed to feel happy all the time #4 24:00 Seek to minimize shame Shame is natural but toxic The message of shame can easily slip in, even when we don't mean for it to Empathy is the antidote to shame Shame thrives in hiding Example of her experience with a bishop that steered her away from shame #5 29:15 Stop labeling everything as anxiety Sometimes it is anxiety, but sometimes it's just labeling negative emotion and thinking it needs to be fixed The better we become at accurately labeling our negative emotion, the better our chances at learning how to manage them 32:45 We have to get better at doing these things ourselves; learning to manage our own thoughts will help us help others better 36:00 Slowing down and making space for feeling emotions; "this is the part where I feel ____" 39:10 Learning how God thinks so we can become more like Him; asking the question, "What would Jesus think?" 41:30 Stress is a very useful thing and we can learn to handle it 42:40 Taking a deep breath and relaxing into the emotion 43:30 Her daughter's experience getting shots at the doctor: it's okay to just cry 44:30 Shame and guilt Shame is the feeling of guilt gone wild when the first feelings are not addressed Most people have learned to go straight to shame Guilt is information 48:30 Increasing our emotional vocabulary so we can have more leverage over the emotion 51:20 Addressing the thoughts and feelings first, and then the behavior 54:00 Final advice to leaders: embrace that you will do an amazing job and also not such a great job Links JodyMoore.com The Upside of Stress, by Kelly McGonigal Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Sue Peterson has been a stake Relief Society president in Elk Ridge, Utah, for three years. She joined the Church at age 21 and has previously served as a ward Relief Society president, with the Young Women, in Sunday School, and as a Webelos leader. Sue enjoys writing and has taught journalism and drama classes. She and her husband Jack have been married 40 years and have six daughters and 12 grandchildren. Highlights 5:45 Her calling as stake Relief Society president 7:30 Calls herself a realist and believes in dropping the facade 11:15 Being brave and modeling vulnerability and openness from her own difficult life experiences 14:30 Others may be uncomfortable with vulnerability, but all that matters is what God thinks of you, not what others think 16:45 The Lord is always working on people, whatever their circumstances 19:10 Focusing on the Relief Society presidents in her stake: her job is to help them have every tool they need and be their advocate 24:15 "The Pretty Presidents Press" for her Relief Society presidents; being there in Relief Society regularly 26:00 One-on-one meetings with presidencies before ward conferences 30:45 Visits Relief Society meetings regularly but purposefully doesn't intrude on the meetings as a leader. Even ward conference was a discussion of two questions and not a lesson. 34:00 Actions she takes when a new ward Relief Society president is called 35:20 Teaching delegation; getting out of the way 36:10 Promoting Just Serve with specialists in each ward 41:20 Changes due to lessons learned from technology during the pandemic Stake Relief Society YouTube channel 46:00 "The Lord can do a lot more with my life than I can" Links Outline for new ward Relief Society presidents Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Sue Peterson has been a stake Relief Society president in Elk Ridge, Utah, for three years. She joined the Church at age 21 and has previously served as a ward Relief Society president, with the Young Women, in Sunday School, and as a Webelos leader. Sue enjoys writing and has taught journalism and drama classes. She and her husband Jack have been married 40 years and have six daughters and 12 grandchildren. Highlights 5:45 Her calling as stake Relief Society president 7:30 Calls herself a realist and believes in dropping the facade 11:15 Being brave and modeling vulnerability and openness from her own difficult life experiences 14:30 Others may be uncomfortable with vulnerability, but all that matters is what God thinks of you, not what others think 16:45 The Lord is always working on people, whatever their circumstances 19:10 Focusing on the Relief Society presidents in her stake: her job is to help them have every tool they need and be their advocate 24:15 "The Pretty Presidents Press" for her Relief Society presidents; being there in Relief Society regularly 26:00 One-on-one meetings with presidencies before ward conferences 30:45 Visits Relief Society meetings regularly but purposefully doesn't intrude on the meetings as a leader. Even ward conference was a discussion of two questions and not a lesson. 34:00 Actions she takes when a new ward Relief Society president is called 35:20 Teaching delegation; getting out of the way 36:10 Promoting Just Serve with specialists in each ward 41:20 Changes due to lessons learned from technology during the pandemic Stake Relief Society YouTube channel 46:00 "The Lord can do a lot more with my life than I can" Links Outline for new ward Relief Society presidents Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Geoff Steurer is a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice in St. George, Utah, with over 20 years of experience. He is the co-author of Love You, Hate the Porn: Healing a Relationship Damaged by Virtual Infidelity and the host of the weekly podcast, "From Crisis to Connection". He has produced workbooks, audio programs, and online courses helping couples and individuals heal from the impact of sexual betrayal, unwanted pornography use, partner betrayal trauma, and rebuilding broken trust. He received a bachelors in communications studies from Brigham Young University and a masters in marriage and family therapy from Auburn University, and maintains a private counseling practice in beautiful Southern Utah. Geoff has served as a bishop, on the high council, a young men's president, and currently serves as the gospel doctrine teacher in his ward. He's been married for 25 years to Jody Young Steurer and they are the parents of four children. Highlights 6:00 Why Geoff chose to talk about healthy attachment for the virtual summit because connection and attachment are within our realm of control 8:20 Making space for attachment Recognizing that attachment matters 10:15 Connection and individuality are not either/or; they both matter for our psychological well-being The messages of individuality as the source of happiness have pushed our culture in that direction, but the research says the web of relationships is vital 14:45 Adam & Eve: from the beginning we have known it is not good to be alone 18:25 The tendency to send away people who are lonely: people just need to be witnessed 20:40 It's the relationship that matters. 75-80% of what affects change in therapy is the relationship between the therapist and client 23:00 A leader or therapist cannot always be there. There are always people who care and can be part of their life if we get creative. The Church has a built-in system to create healthy relationships and attachments that can help people feel included; it's part of our baptismal commitment 27:45 There are opportunities beyond the ministering program for us to connect with others; the surface relationships can go deeper and we are all looking for that 34:30 A summary of attachment science 41:25 Marriage isn't the solution to loneliness for single adults 42:20 Exercises for calling on attachments and creating connection even when alone; our system is designed to store those bonding moments 48:00 Reaching out to an old friend 49:45 How to leverage attachment As individuals: take the risk to connect to others 55:55 In our families: children are a mix of dependency and a need to be independent; parents need to support both 58:40 Children will thrive even in the messiness: just show up and support people 1:00:30 In the Church: we have opportunities to connect with people who we would not otherwise be part of our lives Don't overcomplicate with organization: See people as people and connect with them 1:05:25 Start by recognizing your own comfort level with connection Links GeoffSteurer.com Trust Building Academy Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Geoff Steurer is a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice in St. George, Utah, with over 20 years of experience. He is the co-author of Love You, Hate the Porn: Healing a Relationship Damaged by Virtual Infidelity and the host of the weekly podcast, "From Crisis to Connection". He has produced workbooks, audio programs, and online courses helping couples and individuals heal from the impact of sexual betrayal, unwanted pornography use, partner betrayal trauma, and rebuilding broken trust. He received a bachelors in communications studies from Brigham Young University and a masters in marriage and family therapy from Auburn University, and maintains a private counseling practice in beautiful Southern Utah. Geoff has served as a bishop, on the high council, a young men's president, and currently serves as the gospel doctrine teacher in his ward. He's been married for 25 years to Jody Young Steurer and they are the parents of four children. Highlights 6:00 Why Geoff chose to talk about healthy attachment for the virtual summit because connection and attachment are within our realm of control 8:20 Making space for attachment Recognizing that attachment matters 10:15 Connection and individuality are not either/or; they both matter for our psychological well-being The messages of individuality as the source of happiness have pushed our culture in that direction, but the research says the web of relationships is vital 14:45 Adam & Eve: from the beginning we have known it is not good to be alone 18:25 The tendency to send away people who are lonely: people just need to be witnessed 20:40 It's the relationship that matters. 75-80% of what affects change in therapy is the relationship between the therapist and client 23:00 A leader or therapist cannot always be there. There are always people who care and can be part of their life if we get creative. The Church has a built-in system to create healthy relationships and attachments that can help people feel included; it's part of our baptismal commitment 27:45 There are opportunities beyond the ministering program for us to connect with others; the surface relationships can go deeper and we are all looking for that 34:30 A summary of attachment science 41:25 Marriage isn't the solution to loneliness for single adults 42:20 Exercises for calling on attachments and creating connection even when alone; our system is designed to store those bonding moments 48:00 Reaching out to an old friend 49:45 How to leverage attachment As individuals: take the risk to connect to others 55:55 In our families: children are a mix of dependency and a need to be independent; parents need to support both 58:40 Children will thrive even in the messiness: just show up and support people 1:00:30 In the Church: we have opportunities to connect with people who we would not otherwise be part of our lives Don't overcomplicate with organization: See people as people and connect with them 1:05:25 Start by recognizing your own comfort level with connection Links GeoffSteurer.com Trust Building Academy Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Donald Kelly has served as a bishop, executive secretary, Sunday School teacher, YSA representative, and in an elders quorum presidency. He joined the Church as a teenager, served a mission in Detroit, Michigan, and graduated from Brigham Young University Idaho with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on marketing. He is the founder and CEO of The Sales Evangelist sales training organization in South Florida, and host of The Sales Evangelist podcast. Highlights 3:40 What his organization does teaching sales principles as business consultants 4:35 His conversion story and convincing his mother to allow him to be baptized and serve a mission 10:40 Calling as a bishop at age 31 12:00 The challenge of developing leaders in the Church Coaching from both excellent examples and learning experiences Being intentional about mentoring other leaders so they can develop and stand on their own 18:00 A letter and binder of information for newly-called leaders 20:00 Emphasis on one-on-one interviews to identify challenges and offer guidance 21:20 Details about how they created and used the binders and instructional videos for new leaders to transition between individuals in callings 31:30 Details about using one-on-one interviews to counsel together and empower leaders in the ward 34:50 Including counselors in ward councils to share the burden and help develop their leadership skills 40:40 Never assuming understanding 44:00 Gained a greater understanding of the Atonement and a richer study of the scriptures Links TheSalesEvangelist.com LinkedIn: DonaldCKelly Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Donald Kelly has served as a bishop, executive secretary, Sunday School teacher, YSA representative, and in an elders quorum presidency. He joined the Church as a teenager, served a mission in Detroit, Michigan, and graduated from Brigham Young University Idaho with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on marketing. He is the founder and CEO of The Sales Evangelist sales training organization in South Florida, and host of The Sales Evangelist podcast. Highlights 3:40 What his organization does teaching sales principles as business consultants 4:35 His conversion story and convincing his mother to allow him to be baptized and serve a mission 10:40 Calling as a bishop at age 31 12:00 The challenge of developing leaders in the Church Coaching from both excellent examples and learning experiences Being intentional about mentoring other leaders so they can develop and stand on their own 18:00 A letter and binder of information for newly-called leaders 20:00 Emphasis on one-on-one interviews to identify challenges and offer guidance 21:20 Details about how they created and used the binders and instructional videos for new leaders to transition between individuals in callings 31:30 Details about using one-on-one interviews to counsel together and empower leaders in the ward 34:50 Including counselors in ward councils to share the burden and help develop their leadership skills 40:40 Never assuming understanding 44:00 Gained a greater understanding of the Atonement and a richer study of the scriptures Links TheSalesEvangelist.com LinkedIn: DonaldCKelly Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast. Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!

Dr. David Morgan received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Master of Science in Counseling and Guidance, and Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology, all from Brigham Young University. He has worked in the mental health field for more than 25 years and has been a licensed psychologist for almost 20 years. Dr. Morgan maintains a private psychology practice in Washington state. He is a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and currently serves as the elders quorum president in his ward. Highlights 4:00 There are so many principles of the gospel that can help us with mental health 6:15 Alma 46 verse referencing physical health remedies: wouldn't he have done the same for mental health? True principles founded in research and good psychological practice but also found in scripture 8:50 Six Gospel-Centered Principles Don't worry about having anxiety Some anxiety is good for us and helps improve our performance or gives us energy boosts; the problem comes when we have a chronic response to circumstances that are not dangerous 12:30 It's okay to have challenges and weaknesses; Ether 12:27: reach out for help; you are not broken or cursed 14:45 Understand diagnostic labels, but let the professionals determine what is going on Diagnoses change as professional opinions change Most mental health diagnoses are temporary 19:40 Realize the power of your thoughts Our thoughts play a significant role in how we feel; scriptural example of the storm on the Sea of Galilee and the different reactions to it 22:20 You can't control everything that happens around you, but you can control what we think about those things 24:20 "The challenge is closing the gap between our beliefs and the truth." 26:00 Anxiety management involves confronting anxiety Until you do the thing that is causing anxiety, you won't know the result; not doing it reinforces the anxiety "That wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be." 29:50 Start with small steps: you become more tolerant and the anxiety lessens 31:30 Recognize anxiety as a means of building faith Challenge exercises and strengthens our faith as we go through the process of growth Parable of the talents; faith and fear are opposites and faith can replace anxiety 36:40 Be careful about what you feed your brain The brain will respond and adapt to what we put into it Our brains become better and better at what we do over and over Find balance: the scriptures are full of the call to peace and faith, not anxiety A gospel of action: Your brain can change and become better 44:00 Should members go to their church leaders or get professional help? It's best to get as many people involved as possible when someone needs extra help dealing with mental health issues. Church leaders aren't therapists, but they can be a gateway to more help 49:30 The bishop's role in counseling is being minimized: elders quorum and Relief Society leaders can take much of the load off the bishop's desk 54:30 We are not alone: if we could see each other without pretence, we could relieve ourselves of the shame of struggling

Dr. David Morgan received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Master of Science in Counseling and Guidance, and Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology, all from Brigham Young University. He has worked in the mental health field for more than 25 years and has been a licensed psychologist for almost 20 years. Dr. Morgan maintains a private psychology practice in Washington state. He is a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and currently serves as the elders quorum president in his ward. Highlights 4:00 There are so many principles of the gospel that can help us with mental health 6:15 Alma 46 verse referencing physical health remedies: wouldn't he have done the same for mental health? True principles founded in research and good psychological practice but also found in scripture 8:50 Six Gospel-Centered Principles Don't worry about having anxiety Some anxiety is good for us and helps improve our performance or gives us energy boosts; the problem comes when we have a chronic response to circumstances that are not dangerous 12:30 It's okay to have challenges and weaknesses; Ether 12:27: reach out for help; you are not broken or cursed 14:45 Understand diagnostic labels, but let the professionals determine what is going on Diagnoses change as professional opinions change Most mental health diagnoses are temporary 19:40 Realize the power of your thoughts Our thoughts play a significant role in how we feel; scriptural example of the storm on the Sea of Galilee and the different reactions to it 22:20 You can't control everything that happens around you, but you can control what we think about those things 24:20 "The challenge is closing the gap between our beliefs and the truth." 26:00 Anxiety management involves confronting anxiety Until you do the thing that is causing anxiety, you won't know the result; not doing it reinforces the anxiety "That wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be." 29:50 Start with small steps: you become more tolerant and the anxiety lessens 31:30 Recognize anxiety as a means of building faith Challenge exercises and strengthens our faith as we go through the process of growth Parable of the talents; faith and fear are opposites and faith can replace anxiety 36:40 Be careful about what you feed your brain The brain will respond and adapt to what we put into it Our brains become better and better at what we do over and over Find balance: the scriptures are full of the call to peace and faith, not anxiety A gospel of action: Your brain can change and become better 44:00 Should members go to their church leaders or get professional help? It's best to get as many people involved as possible when someone needs extra help dealing with mental health issues. Church leaders aren't therapists, but they can be a gateway to more help 49:30 The bishop's role in counseling is being minimized: elders quorum and Relief Society leaders can take much of the load off the bishop's desk 54:30 We are not alone: if we could see each other without pretence, we could relieve ourselves of the shame of struggling

Judge Thomas B. Griffith is an expert in constitutional law. He has served as chief counsel for both the U.S. Senate and for Brigham Young University, and was appointed to a judgeship by George W. Bush on the Washington, D.C., Court of Appeals, from which he recently retired. In his church experience he has served as both a bishop and a stake president. He lives in Virginia, practices law in D.C., and teaches at Harvard Law School. In this collaboratory episode, Kurt Francom and Faith Matters co-founder Bill Turnbull talk with Thomas to explore President Oaks' most recent General Conference address. President Oaks spoke passionately about the U.S. Constitution and ended with an urgent admonition to end political tribalism and division, insisting that we address this in our wards and stakes. They also discuss what lies behind those divisions—the rapid erosion of goodwill and trust in the American body politic—including among Latter-day Saints. Thomas believes Latter-day Saints can and must play a critical role in healing today’s divides. Leaders especially have a role in helping ward members follow President Oaks' counsel. Highlights 2:10 Quote from President Oaks' talk: "On contested issues, we should seek to moderate and unify. … There are many political issues, and no party, platform, or individual candidate can satisfy all personal preferences. Each citizen must therefore decide which issues are most important to him or her at any particular time. Then members should seek inspiration on how to exercise their influence according to their individual priorities. This process will not be easy. It may require changing party support or candidate choices, even from election to election." 3:45 The thought never occurred to him that his political views were driven by his faith commitments Quote from President Oaks' talk: "Such independent actions will sometimes require voters to support candidates or political parties or platforms whose other positions they cannot approve. That is one reason we encourage our members to refrain from judging one another in political matters. We should never assert that a faithful Latter-day Saint cannot belong to a particular party or vote for a particular candidate. We teach correct principles and leave our members to choose how to prioritize and apply those principles on the issues presented from time to time. We also insist, and we ask our local leaders to insist, that political choices and affiliations not be the subject of teachings or advocacy in any of our Church meetings." 6:40 What can leaders take away from this: How does this apply to me? How can I change and be a better disciple of Christ based on this counsel? 8:30 Rigid identification with one political party has been a long-time concern with the general leadership of the church 9:45 Polarization is complicated: we sort ourselves with like-minded people and have less interaction with people who think differently, and those interactions are increasingly hostile 11:15 Media, social media, and confirmation bias: living in an echo chamber 13:45 Be introspective and thoughtful, always questioning your own assumptions; Jesus is always challenging us 15:15 Beyond Politics: the role of politics for disciples of Christ; we need to learn how to do politics differently than the political parties do 17:00 The narratives of fear and demonizing the other 18:40 "Bishop Griffith" would quote President Oaks in a talk and instruct his ward to leave politics out of all conversations at church 21:55 Kurt's experience in a more conservative church meeting 24:40 Political views are separate from religious views; you can have widely divergent political views and be an active member of the Church 26:10 How faith should inform our political views: the purpose of politics is to help "the least of these" 28:00 One thing a leader can do is to give permission to believe differently politically 31:30 Leaders often mistake an ability problem f...

Judge Thomas B. Griffith is an expert in constitutional law. He has served as chief counsel for both the U.S. Senate and for Brigham Young University, and was appointed to a judgeship by George W. Bush on the Washington, D.C., Court of Appeals, from which he recently retired. In his church experience he has served as both a bishop and a stake president. He lives in Virginia, practices law in D.C., and teaches at Harvard Law School. In this collaboratory episode, Kurt Francom and Faith Matters co-founder Bill Turnbull talk with Thomas to explore President Oaks' most recent General Conference address. President Oaks spoke passionately about the U.S. Constitution and ended with an urgent admonition to end political tribalism and division, insisting that we address this in our wards and stakes. They also discuss what lies behind those divisions—the rapid erosion of goodwill and trust in the American body politic—including among Latter-day Saints. Thomas believes Latter-day Saints can and must play a critical role in healing today’s divides. Leaders especially have a role in helping ward members follow President Oaks' counsel. Highlights 2:10 Quote from President Oaks' talk: "On contested issues, we should seek to moderate and unify. … There are many political issues, and no party, platform, or individual candidate can satisfy all personal preferences. Each citizen must therefore decide which issues are most important to him or her at any particular time. Then members should seek inspiration on how to exercise their influence according to their individual priorities. This process will not be easy. It may require changing party support or candidate choices, even from election to election." 3:45 The thought never occurred to him that his political views were driven by his faith commitments Quote from President Oaks' talk: "Such independent actions will sometimes require voters to support candidates or political parties or platforms whose other positions they cannot approve. That is one reason we encourage our members to refrain from judging one another in political matters. We should never assert that a faithful Latter-day Saint cannot belong to a particular party or vote for a particular candidate. We teach correct principles and leave our members to choose how to prioritize and apply those principles on the issues presented from time to time. We also insist, and we ask our local leaders to insist, that political choices and affiliations not be the subject of teachings or advocacy in any of our Church meetings." 6:40 What can leaders take away from this: How does this apply to me? How can I change and be a better disciple of Christ based on this counsel? 8:30 Rigid identification with one political party has been a long-time concern with the general leadership of the church 9:45 Polarization is complicated: we sort ourselves with like-minded people and have less interaction with people who think differently, and those interactions are increasingly hostile 11:15 Media, social media, and confirmation bias: living in an echo chamber 13:45 Be introspective and thoughtful, always questioning your own assumptions; Jesus is always challenging us 15:15 Beyond Politics: the role of politics for disciples of Christ; we need to learn how to do politics differently than the political parties do 17:00 The narratives of fear and demonizing the other 18:40 "Bishop Griffith" would quote President Oaks in a talk and instruct his ward to leave politics out of all conversations at church 21:55 Kurt's experience in a more conservative church meeting 24:40 Political views are separate from religious views; you can have widely divergent political views and be an active member of the Church 26:10 How faith should inform our political views: the purpose of politics is to help "the least of these" 28:00 One thing a leader can do is to give permission to believe differently politically 31:30 Leaders often mistake an ability problem f...

Patrick Mason holds the Leonard J. Arrington Chair of Mormon History and Culture at Utah State University. He is the author of multiple books, including Planted: Belief and Belonging in an Age of Doubt and Restoration: God's Call to the 21st-Century World. He and his wife Melissa have four children and live in Logan, Utah, where he currently serves as ward Sunday School president. Highlights 5:30 What led him to write the book Restoration 8:00 Change and restoration on every level 9:35 God is more interested in restoring His people than in restoring "things"; everything else is a means to the end of restoring His children to wholeness 16:00 Encouraging leaders to join in the Restoration without stepping outside the lines: there is room for creativity and engagement 19:30 Joseph Smith never used the terms "restored church" or "restored gospel"; the word restoration referred to the house of Israel and bringing marginalized people back into wholeness in the embrace of the love of God 23:50 As leaders we need to consider what it is about what we are doing that will bring people wholeness; WHY do we do these things that we do? 26:00 Relativism and exclusivism Exclusivism: if one thing is true then something different cannot be true Relativism: different paths up the mountain Particularism: God gives specific gifts to all people; what is God doing among the rest of His children? 32:10 The scriptures also point outside of themselves: seek wisdom out of the best books and the Spirit will help you discern what is true 35:30 Brigham Young quote: "It is now our duty and calling to gather up every item of truth." 37:30 Having a lay leadership leads to diversity within the Church; bring the best of who you are and apply it to the Restoration 39:55 We have been a church addicted to growth; maybe our calling is to have a transformative effect, not a dominating effect 42:50 History is different than the present and part of the Restoration is to recognize what is being restored today; complacency holds us back and recognizing our baggage and changing it is part of our collective repentance process so that we can move forward 47:50 The burden of local leaders is localized and they can lean into the inspiration for their local congregation's struggles 51:30 Wards are outwardly homogenous: share your struggles and ask how you can do better; there are a lot of needs outside the ward boundaries as well 54:20 Start with our responsibility to teach the doctrine then listen and learn from one another 56:00 The world doesn't offer a place like this to love and learn together that we have within our church organizations 57:30 Cultural colonialism: separate the culture from the doctrine, and empower people to bring their gifts 1:02:15 Fundamentalism: rigidity, intolerance, condescension; the opposite of gentle, open, humility 1:07:50 Keep the focus on the individual, not a set of ideas 1:08:30 Catching the vision of the Restoration Links Planted: Belief and Belonging in an Age of Doubt Restoration: God's Call to the 21st Century World Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast . Note: This transcript was machine-produced. We would be grateful for help correcting errors. You can help! Simply copy/paste the transcript text into a document, make the corrections, and then copy/paste the corrected text into a comment on the page (below) and we will get the corrected text published!