Leading Saints Podcast

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

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 20 July 2024

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, ...

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 6 July 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2024

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...

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 15 June 2024

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 and understanding different worship practices. 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,

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2024

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 3:10 Intro to Maria and an explanation of the role of a stake communication director 6:30 Misconceptions about the role of a stake communication director 8:50 The Global Communication Network site requires a special login. The purpose of a private site is for a private way to access marketing and PR materials before they're released to the public. 9:15 A good starting point when you are called as stake communication director 10:50 Maria’s stake’s focus is interfaith work. Bringing The Church out of obscurity and serving your fellow man. It’s about getting to know your community and building connections and relationships with people from other faiths. 12:20 Maria shares some of the things that she does in her calling and the time commitment. She attends different churches in the community and builds relationships with them. 15:40 Involving youth in stake communication activities. Maria shares an experience she had taking some of the youth to a food giveaway and to another local church. 19:10 Are other pastors or church leaders skeptical when you want to work with them? 21:00 When visiting other churches cater to your audience. Dress as they dress, join them, sing with them. 23:00 How Maria involves the youth and the importance of taking youth to other churches 25:10 Attending different churches in the community and building relationships 28:40 Importance of networking and building relationships with other faith communities 30:10 Focusing on connections and relationships rather than conversion. Maria’s calling doesn’t allow her to talk about the church so her main focus is just building a relationship. 33:20 Reflection on the experience of temple open houses 36:10 Maria has 14 people that work with her on the stake communication team. There is a graphic designer, newspaper writer, youth specialist, social media manager, JustServe leaders, education specialist, interfaith leadership, a member of the stake presidency. 38:20 Advice and tips for doing a temple open house. 41:40 Gratitude for the stake communication work and its impact 42:30 How leadership in stake communication 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,

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2024

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 ...

Transcribed - Published: 8 June 2024

See Summit Details Here: https://hellocreative.life/summit-2024

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2024

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...

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 25 May 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 11 May 2024

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 Osc...

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2024

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. Read the transcript of this podcast 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,

Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2024

Bryan Murray was born and raised in Long Beach, California, 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. 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,

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2024

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. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 2:10 Kurt introduces Julie Hillyard, the co-host of the podcast Teaching Restored. She shares what the podcast is about. 4:00 Julie’s professional background and experience in teaching. She currently teaches the adult religion class for her stake. 6:20 She worked for Stephen Covey, the author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. She shares her experience. 11:00 Julie’s stake offers an adult religion class on Tuesdays and Julie teaches it. It’s for people that want to dive more into the scriptures together. It’s like an institute class for adults. 15:30 Inviting discussion can be a vulnerable way to teach but invites something special. Balance discussion and teaching. 17:40 Her class isn’t about teaching all the content of Come Follow Me but setting people up for further study at home. It lines up with the Come Follow Me lessons. 20:00 Finding simplicity on the far side of complexity. As a teacher you have to dig through the weeds to arrive at what you need to focus on in your class. Discussions can be rich if they are facilitated in the right way. 22:00 Best practices for teaching the youth * Be real. No fluff. Don’t talk about the superficial stuff.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2024

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 30 March 2024

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:

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 23 March 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 16 March 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 9 March 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2024

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.”

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2024

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 3:10 Kurt introduces his discussion with Pastor Jeff from Hello Saints Youtube channel and podcast. 5:15 Will the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the evangelical church ever merge? What would it look like? 7:50 Kurt’s background and starting Leading Saints 9:20 Kurt shares his insights on the evangelical faith as he has interacted with Jeff and they have had lots of discussions 11:15 Jeff’s wrestle with Latter-day Saint doctrine and all the doctrine that has been added in latter-day times. Evangelicals focus on the Bible. 14:30 How Jeff and Kurt have come together to share their faith and learn to be open to other faiths. 18:20 Are Mormons Christian? Why do people think we are so different? How we look at Jesus differently. 23:30 Jeff shares a perception that he had that Latter-day Saints are so focused on works, ordinances, and covenants that there’s zero concept of grace. 24:40 Kurt articulates what grace is to him and how LDS members see grace and how ordinances and covenants play into grace. 27:30 Will the LDS and evangelical faiths ever merge? What things would we need to overcome? 34:00 Evangelicals can’t get on board with things like modern-day prophets and the Book of Mormon but what things can we come together on? Aligning politically and culturally. 38:20 The difference between Latter-day Saints and evangelicals when a member of the family leaves the faith 41:20 Learn to be comfortable with the hard conversations and topics that come when comparing and talking about different religions and faith. There might be tension but we can sit in that tension and still be friends. 42:30 You don’t have to be a gospel scholar to be having these conversations on faith. At the end of the day, Kurt and Jeff have a genuine, authentic friendship and that is what it’s about. It’s about loving one another. 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,

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2024

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 2:45 Kevin shares his background in teaching and training organizations. He has done this professionally and within the Church. He always wants to improve things and help teachers teach. 5:30 Kevin has a podcast called Teaching Restored. He focuses on how to teach and how to help people learn. 8:10 The power of questions and preparing good questions. Everything can change with a good question. 9:50 The power of binary questions (similar to closed-ended questions). Ways to use these questions in your teaching and to get to a certain point. 15:30 There are factual questions. Factual means that there is a correct answer. These questions are typically ones that we don’t want to use in a classroom because they are so basic. However, in some cases they can still be very powerful. 19:00 Explanatory questions and introspective questions. Questions that make us answer from our heart. 20:20 Building the silence into your introspective questions. Be ok with the silence in order to go deep. 22:40 Transformative questions. These are questions that you don’t plan but they just happen. Questions that change your outlook on everything. It’s on the learners side whether it's transformative or not. 26:30 How to use the different kinds of questions when teaching. Lead with questions instead of content. 29:20 Asking the right kind of questions 34:10 Changing your tone when asking the question can change the meaning and feeling. You can also change one or two words in a question to make it more powerful. 38:00 Working one-on-one and leading each other 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

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2024

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, Whitne...

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 10 February 2024

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 "Pressing toward the Mark", by Elder Edward Dube 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 3:10 Introduction to Dean Anderson and his background. 4:30 Getting called as stake president when their plan was only to be in that area for a year. Dean was over an inner-city stake with a lot of students and a lot of immigrants. 7:10 The difficulty and unique dynamic of having a lot of students in the stake 10:20 Choosing counselors for the stake presidency. Dean had only been in the ward and area for six months so he didn’t really know very many people. 11:00 Dean’s leadership experience and the unique circumstances of their stake. Switching from an all-Spanish stake to integrate English and Spanish wards into a new stake. Starting a stake from scratch basically. 17:40 The difficulty of finding bishops 19:15 Principle one - Focusing on your inadequacies is actually selfish 22:40 Principle two - God can do amazing things through weak, simple and flawed servants that keep humbling trying 24:40 Dean shares a story of a bishop that felt completely inadequate and shocked when he was called but eventually flourished in his calling and is now a counselor in the new stake presidency. 26:00 Principle three - As priesthood leaders we can only be effective according to principles set forth by section 121. Kindness, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, etc. 29:10 Principle four - God doesn’t punish people 35:10 Things that Dean has found that work for running an effective stake conference 38:50 Dean reflects on his time as a stake president and the miracles he has witnessed. 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,

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 3 February 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 1 February 2024

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,

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2024