Leading Saints Podcast (Leading Saints)

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

Tyler Lefevor, PhD, is an assistant professor of psychology at Utah State University where his research focuses on understanding how LGBTQ+ latter-day saints can flourish. He was raised LDS, served a mission in the New Jersey, Cherry Hills mission, and served as an Elders quorum president for 4 years. Tyler has since left the church to marry his husband, Brock. He also operates a small therapy practice. Sam Skidmore, MS, is a third-year doctoral student of clinical/counseling psychology at Utah State University. He was raised in the church and served a mission in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Sam’s research and clinical focuses include understanding the experiences of LGBTQ+ members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and ways in which LGBTQ+ mental health can be improved. Sam and Tyler are researching the experiences of LGBTQ+ latter-day saints with their church leaders. Their goal is to help leaders improve how they minister and interact with LGBTQ+ individuals. Tyler Lefevor Sam Skidmore Highlights 04:00 Introduction to Tyler and Sam and their research on LGBTQ Latter-day Saints 09:00 The study was focused on LGBTQ experiences with their church leaders. Their goal is to help leaders with their interactions with LGBTQ individuals. 10:20 Tyler and Sam share their own experiences coming out to their leaders and why they decided to come out 13:15 Sam tells his story. Sam goes into details of interactions with leaders, church members, and his family. 22:30 Tyler’s story and experience of coming out. He also shares stories of experiences with family and leaders. 33:00 Sam's negative experience with his bishop and his feelings for the church and leaders now 35:45 Tyler shares his feelings on where he stands with the church and leaders. 38:15 Tyler shares findings from their research and gives suggestions to bishops and other leaders. Leaders need to understand why individuals are coming out to them so they can respond appropriately with what that individual needs. 40:50 Sam talks about what LGBTQ members found helpful in interviews with their bishop when coming out. Their research revealed that it wasn’t what the bishop said but how he acted that was the most impactful. 42:00 Skills that leaders should learn are empathic listening skills. It’s so much more about listening than saying the perfect thing. 43:45 When you know more you can do more. The more leaders know about LGTBQ individuals the better they can help them. Bishops should be open to talking about it and asking questions. 47:45 LGBTQ individuals' message to leaders 49:50 Stepping into the bishop’s office can be an intimidating or even shameful experience but by changing the environment or moving out from behind the desk can make people feel more comfortable. 52:50 An important question that leaders to ask is, “tell me what it means to you to be queer?” 53:10 Meetings with the bishop can be very impactful to an individual that is opening up about their sexuality. One meeting can help them feel more included or lead them out of the church. 53:50 Tyler and Sam have a mission to get in front of ward and stake counsels to talk about their experience to help leaders improve how they lead and interact with LGBTQ members. 56:40 Tyler and Sam need leader’s perspectives on how to counsel LGBTQ members and their feelings on it 57:40 Advice specifically for youth leaders. Youth leaders need to stop avoiding the topic of LGBTQ but begin to have open conversations about it on a yearly basis. 1:00:00 Kurt shares his own personal experience as a bishop and they discuss how a bishop should help LGBTQ members 1:07:30 What Sam and Tyler want to say to their previous church leaders and where they are at right now with their lives and happiness Links lgbtqmormonresearch.com Council presentation request Leadership experience survey Infographic: Counseling LGBTQ+ Latter-day Saints NorthStarLDS.org TylerLefevor.com Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Read the ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mat Duerden received a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and an M.S. from Brigham Young University. His experience design research focuses on memorable, meaningful, and transformative experiences. Mat is an Associate Professor of Experience Design and Management and Alumni Research Fellow in BYU's Marriott School of Business, and also teaches an honors program course, The Art of Transformative Storytelling. He works with organizations across a variety of sectors to provide training and consulting around experience design, and is also the co-author of the book Designing Experiences. Mat currently serves on his stake high council and in the stake Young Men presidency. Previous callings include bishopric counselor, Young Men president, elders quorum president, and executive secretary. He and his wife Chenae have four children and their favorite experiences occur outdoors on bikes, rafts, and skis. Highlights 01:45 Introduction to Mat Duerdon. He explains experience design. 11:15 How can leaders create an experience? What do you want people to say at the end of the experience? 23:30 When you are designing experiences in the church that doesn’t mean you have to create something new. Take what you have and tweak it. 26:30 There is a pressure on the bishopric to make everyone’s experiences great. 28:00 How to help the person that isn’t enjoying the experience of church or activities. What are their needs? 29:45 Mat shares an example of creating an experience for a ward or community. 59-minute service projects. 31:30 All experiences have three phases An anticipation phase A participation phase A reflection phase 33:10 Good experiences ask for people’s attention at the right points and respectfully minimize the attention needed at different points. 33:30 The anticipation phase. Make sure the information for an activity is very clear and given in advance. 34:45 Are there ways that we can create an anticipation phase for a sacrament meeting? 40:00 Good experience design is 90% creating really smooth-running, ordinary experiences. Leaders shouldn’t be stressing out on doing huge things. 42:30 Start with just one thing that your ward or organization really needs to work on. It’s better to do one or two things great than a bunch of things poorly. 44:00 The participation phase. We should be thinking about what needs we are trying to meet. Does your activity meet a need? 46:00 The reflection phase. The phase where we are actually harvesting what we’ve been growing. This is the phase that is most often overlooked but vitally important. 50:30 How do we help others in the reflection phase? Help them be a good storyteller. Retell their experience to someone. Journal about the experience. Make sure you follow up with them. 55:10 Remember that it’s not just about what people do when they walk through the door. Think about what happens before and what they do afterwards. 55:30 All experiences are co-created. The participants are in charge of how much they engage but as leaders we can think of ways to make it easier for people to engage in the ways that we want them to. 59:50 Reflect. We consume a lot of content and podcasts but very little of that content moves us to act. Transformative education is the future intentional use of that content. Are you going to use this content in your life? Write it down and act on it! Links Designing Experiences Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton,

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

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

Sheree Nixon is a California native and has recently returned to Palos Verdes after some time in Utah. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Print Journalism from BYU and has worked as a freelance writer and editor, a co-founder of Quick Cup Fix, a full time mom, and currently as Executive Director of the Come Follow Me Foundation. In the Church she has served as a Primary president and a counselor in Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society. Highlights 01:50 Introduction 03:40 Come Follow Me Foundation and the Come Follow Me app 11:45 Sheree talks about her background and different callings in the church. 14:50 Principle 2 first - Teach the doctrine of Christ 17:45 Sheree explains how she teaches the doctrine of Christ and her teaching tips. 22:15 Principle 1 - Be a friend Be aware of the needs of the people in your life. Be a friend to those we serve in the church helps us connect with them. 25:30 How to get beyond being superficial friends. How to really make friends. 29:10 Make sure you are friends with those outside of the Church. The people on your street and in neighborhood are your ward too. 32:30 Principle 3 - Speak up! Women in the Church can be scared to speak up. The Church is guided by the priesthood but we need to be involved in the discussions. 34:50 The fear of speaking up 39:15 What Sheree would say to coach women to speak up 42:20 Encouragement and advice to the women that don’t feel heard and are dealing with a difficult leader Links Come Follow Me Foundation Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michael Albright grew up in Colorado and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wyoming. In 2000, at the age of 23, Michael was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and shortly afterward joined the U.S. Navy, earning his Commission as a Supply Corps Officer after completing Officer Candidate School in Florida. He attended several Training Commands before serving tours in California and Hawaii, leaving active duty military service in 2006 to attend graduate school at Brigham Young University. Michael has served in several elders quorum presidencies, as a Primary, youth, and Sunday School teacher, a membership clerk, a ward emergency preparedness & employment specialist, and is now an assistant executive secretary for youth. He and his wife Oriah have three boys and their family resides in Texas. Highlights 02:30 Michael went to the May 2022 men's retreat, Warrior Heart and he shares his story and how he ended up there. 05:00 Michael explains why he thinks that going to a third party retreat, like Warrior Heart, is important apart from the normal week to week elders quorum meetings. 07:30 Michael was called as an assistant executive secretary, specifically for the youth. The ward wanted to do something to focus more on the youth. Michael shares what he does in his calling. 10:45 The day to day focus and main priorities of Michael’s calling. He keeps track of what activities are going on and informs everyone through email He sends out reminders for appointments Follow up with people for interviews Keeps track of youth that need temple recommends that will expire soon Gets interviews for new youth in the ward so that the bishop can get to know them 13:30 There are about 100 youth members in Michael’s ward. Having a youth executive secretary helps the bishop and the other executive secretary so that no one slips through the cracks. 13:50 Michael is basically the part of the bishop’s brain that focuses completely on the youth. 15:05 The dynamic of setting up appointments with the youth. 16:20 Michael considers himself a gate keeper of the bishop’s time. He is there to help the bishop not get overloaded. 17:00 Michael explains the dynamic with the other executive secretary and how they work together and coordinate all the appointments. 21:00 Michael shares his principles of leadership. Principle one - Ownership and stewardship 23:40 Principle two - Communication 25:30 Principle three - Being respectable and adaptable as you are working with people 31:30 Michael’s focus is creating better relationships with the youth. He isn’t great with technology and with the platforms that the youth are on but he works to connect with them in their interactions. 33:00 God loves us no matter what. What does change is our ability to feel His love because of the choices that we make. This is the message that Michael loves to share with the youth that he works with. 35:00 How being a leader has helped Michael become a better follower of Jesus Christ. Links Is Elders Quorum Working? Warrior Heart Bootcamp Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast gets over 300,000 listens each month and has nearly 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts,

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

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

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

Jon McNaughtan grew up in Heber City, Utah, and completed a PhD in higher education with a focus on organizational behavior at the University of Michigan, a masters degree in educational policy from Stanford University, and a bachelors degree in communication from Southern Utah University. Over the last 10 years he has utilized his educational background and professional experience as a leadership consultant with aspiring corporate and educational leaders to identify and cultivate positive practices designed to expand the capacity organizations and individuals. Jon is an associate professor and the associate department chair of Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Counseling at Texas Tech University. His research focuses on leadership from multiple perspectives, first on the role and experience senior leaders and teams have—with an emphasis on how they engage and empower employees—and then how employees develop a sense of empowerment, satisfaction, and purpose in their work. His goal is to enhance the practice of leadership and create spaces where people can be their best. Jon and his wife Liz live in Lubbock, Texas, with their four children. He has served in many callings including ward mission leader, high counselor, scout leader, Primary teacher, Young Men leader, and is currently the elders quorum president of their ward. Highlights 03:00 Introduction and background of Jon McNaughton. 05:30 How do we create a culture where people can be their best? We all need feedback and engagement. The problem is that most people don’t give feedback and are afraid to give feedback. 08:15 We are afraid to give our bishop or stake president feedback yet we have no problem giving our kids' Primary teacher feedback. 09:15 Part of giving feedback is being vulnerable and asking hard questions. 09:45 How can I provide feedback without complaining or criticizing? Jon shares two scriptural examples. 14:30 When we give feedback we make it too personal. Be reflective in your feedback and don’t take it personal. 15:30 Come with a question instead of an answer. 16:00 Be direct and ask your leader if they would like feedback. 17:00 When we give feedback we need to know why we are giving it. Think about your why. Are our leaders the ones that need to change or is it us? Is what that leader doing harming others? 20:00 Figuring out your why and the motivation behind giving feedback to your leader. Write down what the feedback is and what the goals would be if that person were to take it. Are the goals about you or about that other person? What is the end goal and what would change through giving feedback? 22:30 Things to remember when you want to give feedback. What works really well for us doesn’t always work well for others. There is not just one way to do things in the church. Remember that the Lord will consecrate the work that people do. 27:00 Sometimes complaining or criticizing leads to change. 28:50 Feedback provides self awareness. 29:30 Advice for giving and receiving feedback. What am I doing to receive feedback beyond just having an open door policy? Feedback is built on trust and building relationships with people. Have plenty of one on one conversions and interviews. 34:15 We need to create a culture of feedback. Feedback can really create a better experience. 35:20 How do I balance obedience with feedback? 36:15 1 Nephi 3:27. It was the Lord that sent Nephi and his brothers into Jerusalem to get the plates but the brothers were angry with Nephi and Sam and beat them. Nephi did not send them. 37:00 Jon shares the story in Ether 2 on giving feedback to the Lord. 38:10 The Lord expects us to give feedback to Him and to our leaders. We are supposed to cry unto Him. 44:30 What do I do when my feedback isn’t heard? What can leaders do to make sure that the people in their congregation are heard? Are you following up with people? 47:40 Jon shares a personal experience on receiving fee...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lee Van Dam served as a missionary in Hong Kong and Singapore where he taught the gospel in Cantonese, later returning as president of the China Hong Kong mission. He has also served as a branch president, bishop, high councilor, stake presidency counselor, and assistant director of Church Hosting. He is currently an elders quorum instructor. Lee has an MBA from the University of Utah and worked first for Ford Motor Company, then in real estate management, consulting, and sales, and was the owner and principal broker of Van Dam & Associates. Lee and his wife Holly are the parents of two daughters and seven grandchildren. He is the author of four books. Highlights 01:45 Introduction to Lee Van Dam and his new book, The Sacrament: A Historical View 03:15 Being called as a Mission President 04:30 Books that Lee has written 11:00 Writing his book on the sacrament. It’s about the historical evolution of the sacrament. 11:45 The first sacrament passed was on April 6, 1830. The sacrament in the early days was passed on any day that they could, not necessarily every Sunday. 13:00 What the scriptures say about the sacrament and the changes that have been made 14:00 Changing the practice of everyone drinking from a goblet to individual cups. This change came about in 1911. 21:30 There was not a general handbook for the church till 1898. Lee explains the evolution of the church’s handbook. 23:15 In the absence of a handbook, the saints did things as they saw fit. They used to kneel and sometimes hold their hands up during the sacrament prayers. 24:15 The changes that have been made to General Conference 25:50 Sunday school and the sacrament. From 1877-1980 the sacrament was also served in Sunday school. 28:00 What are sacrament gems? 29:30 How Sunday meetings used to be and how the names of callings and meetings have changed 31:30 Interesting places where the sacrament has been administered 35:00 Do you have to wear a white shirt to pass the sacrament or is it tradition? 38:50 The presiding authority taking the sacrament first 46:00 Worthiness and the sacrament 50:40 What covenants are renewed when taking the sacrament? Just baptism covenants or all of them? 53:45 The history of preparing, blessing, and passing the sacrament. It wasn’t always clearly defined. 57:20 Will there be a sacrament meeting someday where Jesus Christ presides? Links The Sacrament: A Historical View Because it is on a Church-related subject, Lee is happy to provide a free copy to anyone who wishes to have one, while supplies last. Send your name and U.S. mailing address via the Leading Saints contact form and we will forward it on to him. Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help latter-day saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, J. Devn Cornish, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, DeAnna Murphy, Michael Goodman, Richard Ostler, Ganel-Lyn Condie, and many more in over 500 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Richard “Rich” Watson served in the United States Air Force for 20 years and has an education in psychology, with additional degrees in education and social sciences. Since his retirement from the military in 2015, he has worked for a veteran service organization in their mental health department. He and his team provide resiliency-based retreats for individuals, couples, and families. Rich has served as a ward mission leader and elders quorum president (several times each), as a high priest group leader and branch president, in the young mens presidency and bishopric, on the stake high council, and more. He currently resides in Hope Mills, North Carolina, near Fort Bragg, has been happily married for over 22 years, and has four amazing children and one pretty-OK beagle. Highlights 1:15 Introduction 5:15 Conversion story. Joining the Church at 20 years old. 8:15 Rich’s background with the military 10:30 Rich’s education and how he got into mental health 13:40 Therapy isn’t for everyone. There are other options, such as retreats. 16:40 The importance of creating a unit in an elders quorum or Relief Society. There isn’t enough trust to call each other and ask for help. 20:20 Rich’s advice to an instructor to stimulate vulnerability in elders quorum 23:30 Creating circles instead of rows in our classes. How it changes the dynamic. 24:50 Connecting with veterans in our wards. Rich talks about what veterans are struggling with. 29:30 Know the veteran’s background and their family dynamic. The families of veterans have their own struggles. 30:30 Who is considered a veteran? 32:00 Know what type of veteran they are and how long they served 33:00 What to talk about on the first visit with a veteran. What questions to ask. 35:30 Remember that being a veteran is a part of who they are but not all of who they are. Ask them about other aspects of their lives. 36:15 Other things to know about a veteran. What’s their relationship to their spouse? Were there kids involved in their deployments? 37:30 One of the biggest problems for veterans is finding life outside the military because that’s all they’ve known. Finding a job and transferring skills into a different reality can be very difficult for them. 42:00 We all get tied up in our identities. We let titles become our identity. Really it’s only a small piece of us. 43:50 What can a church leader do to help guide someone as their identity is shifting? This could be someone transitioning out of the military or from a leadership role. What’s your why? What are your values? 50:45 The average veteran will have 3 different jobs within the first 4 years of getting out of the military 50:20 Veterans and mental health. Roughly 22 veterans commit suicide everyday. PTSD is also common. 53:00 There are different levels of PTSD. Sometimes it’s clear when someone is struggling and sometimes it’s easy for people to hide. 54:45 Rich explains how he personally was affected by PTSD 59:00 Coping mechanisms for PTSD and mental health. Rich’s are physical fitness, music, and learning to take a moment. 1:01:00 Unhealthy coping mechanisms. These could be pornography, self medicating with prescription drugs, or alcohol. Instead of focusing on the unhealthy behavior, focus on the underlying emotions and thoughts. 1:04:45 The things that have helped Rich the most as he dealt with PTSD 1:06:00 We often hear about PTSD but two other mental health issues that veterans struggle with are survivor's guilt and moral injury 1:10:00 Knowing what not to say is more important than knowing what to say to people that are struggling. Connection and empathy is more important than saying the right thing. 1:12:40 Let people cry 1:16:00 How leaders can help individuals with moral injury 1:17:50 Check on the family of the veteran. They struggle with the difficulty of caring for their veteran. 1:23:00 What to know about deployments 1:25:00 If you are a leader that isn’t comfortable dealing with mental health then ther...

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

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

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

Brooke Rasmussen is completing her masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington and is an intern at Partners with Families and Children, a social safety net for families facing neglect and abuse. Brooke is passionate about helping clients find personal and relational growth in their marriages and teaches Gottman Institute Marriage Courses online with her husband, Scott. Her research at Whitworth focuses on pornography use and its connections to emotional intelligence. Brooke and Scott traveled the world through his career as a diplomat, living in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East before putting down roots in Spokane with their eight children. Brooke's experience as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is fundamental to her development as a leader and thinker. Highlights 02:15 Introduction to Brooke and the topic of personal development 05:30 Brooke’s process of preparing for the Leading Saints Women’s Conference 07:45 What is a vertical relationship? 10:00 In a vertical relationship, there are only winners and losers. You are one up or one down. It can lead to pulling rank, shaming, and others feeling less than. 14:30 Identifying our own behaviors of trying to one up someone else 16:30 Kurt gives examples of one-up situations 18:40 We go one down in a vertical relationship when we are playing a victim role. When we are minimizing our choices and acting like we are forced into things. When we hide our needs or desires. 20:00 A one-down mindset can be when we let others emotionally protect us or we try to protect them. This happens a lot in families. Brooke gives examples of what this looks like. 22:00 Playing small can be deflecting or self deprecating. It’s ok to want to aspire. 24:30 Historically women use the one-down spot for power. There is a victim power. 26:00 It gets tricky with the one-down position by saying it's a Christlike position 26:30 Brooke explains what it really means to turn the other cheek 28:30 Christ invites us to have horizontal relationships, where we are all on equal ground 29:40 The call of Christianity isn’t a call to be a victim. It’s a call to step into power. 30:40 If someone tries to one-up you then what does it look like to bring them back down to a horizontal relationship? 31:30 Brooke shares her own personal experience of a marriage fight and stopping the dynamic of trying to one-up each other 34:15 What to do in a church meeting when you feel like you got bulldozed. Learn to speak up for yourself and bring a meeting back to horizontal. 37:20 What can you do or say when someone else is playing the one-down card and acting like they are fine? You know they are trying to be accommodating. You can invite them to equal ground. 38:15 How anxiety plays into the horizontal and vertical relationship dynamics 41:00 God has established horizontal relationships and plans since the beginning of time. It’s not meant to be a power struggle, that is why He established councils. 42:00 If you are receiving as much as you are giving then you aren’t going to get burned out in your calling. It has to be a team effort and a horizontal experience in our wards. 46:20 We shouldn’t abolish all authority and priesthood keys but it's all about inner intention. As a leader you can take the time to listen to everyone and put yourself on equal ground with others. 49:30 What to do when you have a tyrannical leader? Some people will refuse to step down. 51:30 There are real victims and perpetrators. We can still find dignity in our situation and show respect for ourselves. Links The Courage to Be Disliked, by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga Jennifer Finlayson Fife Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast WATCH on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast has ranked in the top 20 Christianity podcasts in iTunes, gets over 500,000 listens each month, and has over 10 million total downloads as part of nonprofit Leading...

Joseph Dixon attended the University of Utah and has worked in the engineering field in management most of his career. Opportunities to travel throughout the world have allowed Joseph to meet many saints in many different countries. In the Church he has served in three bishoprics as counselor, as an elders quorum president, assistant high priest group leader, Young Men president and counselor, ward mission leader, family history leader and consultant, as a missionary in the Florida Ft Lauderdale Mission, a family history missionary working with stake leaders, a stake seminary teacher for 15 years, a temple worker, and now as Sunday School president in his North Salt Lake ward. Highlights 2:20 Introduction to Joseph Dixon 6:15 Ward dynamics and how that affects Joseph’s calling as Sunday School president 8:30 What do people want out of Sunday School? 13:30 Joseph’s tips to new teachers 15:30 Don’t cover it all. Look for one or two principles and have a discussion with your students. 16:50 At school, students are getting their heads filled with facts and information. At church we want our students to be getting their hearts filled with the spirit and the understanding that the Savior is on their side 100% of the time. 20:30 How Joseph does teacher councils. His tips and advice for these councils. Start by talking about issues that have come up Second part of the meeting is pulling out a principle from Teaching the Savior's Way Last 10-15 minutes of class talk about how to apply the principle you are talking about 27:00 Teaching starts in the home. Constant discussion in the home is very important. Encourage students to take what they have learned and go home and teach their mom and dad about it. 29:20 Working with counselors 31:30 Allowing opposite thoughts and diverse ideas 32:30 Vietnam story 35:40 Final thoughts and testimony Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

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

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

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in January 2020. Melody Warnick is the author of two books about thriving where you live: This Is Where You Belong: Finding Home Wherever You Are and If You Could Live Anywhere: The Surprising Power of Place in a Work-from-Anywhere World. Her books have been featured in the New York Times, Time magazine, Fast Company, Psychology Today, and others, and her writing has appeared in such publications as the Washington Post, the New York Times, Slate, Reader’s Digest, The Guardian, Good Housekeeping, and Woman’s Day. A regular speaker about creating connection with your community, Melody lives in Blacksburg, Virginia, where her husband serves as stake president. Highlights 5:30 Serving in Melody’s stake in Virginia 8:20 How the book came about 10:50 Experiments in loving where you live: micro-action steps you can intentionally take to create positive experiences for yourself 18:45 Applying these principles to wards and stakes 19:20 Creating a community based on geography creates a situation where we can practice being more Christlike 21:50 Benefits of “instant community” in the ward, as compared to moving for people not in the Church tribe: familiarity and similarity 25:45 When you struggle fitting into the community 26:25 Leaders need to pay attention to these people 27:30 The more engaged you are, the more you will feel at home 28:30 Everyone can feel left out or like they don’t fit in 30:10 Being proactive can have a big impact 34:00 Serving in callings and outside of callings: have a personal ministry from a desire to be of service 37:35 Taking your talent to the community 41:30 Do we have to participate in the Church community? 43:30 It can be easier to socialize with Church members 46:10 Serving in a Church community within the larger community 50:55 Being the mayor of your street: building social cohesion in your neighborhood 54:40 Cliques and community: creating horseshoes, not circles 59:00 Detaching from your ward and going forward: moving or changing callings 1:07:00 Choosing to live near family… or not 1:13:00 Finding joy wherever you live 1:15:00 Two-hour church and missing connections: You don’t have to ask permission to create community 1:17:45 Asking, “Where are we needed?” 1:20:00 Building relationships with people and finding ways to serve them is key to living a Christlike life Links melodywarnick.com This is Where You Belong: Finding Home Wherever You Are If You Could Live Anywhere: The Surprising Importance of Place in a Work-from-Anywhere World TRANSCRIPT coming soon Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

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

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

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

This is PART 2 of a 2-part podcast conversation. Listen to PART 1 Steven Croshaw is the co-founder and President of SA Lifeline Foundation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to providing hope, education and resources related to sexual addiction and betrayal trauma recovery. He was instrumental in the production of Understanding Pornography and Sexual Addiction: A Resource for Families, Religious, and Community Leaders. Steven is a commercial real estate developer. He has been married to Rhyll Anne Croshaw for 49 years and they are the parents of seven children and 27 grandchildren. They are grateful to be working recovery one day at a time. Chris Raleigh grew up in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and served in the Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Mission. He has a bachelor’s degree in business, a master’s degree in education, and has taught for 28 years in both public and private school settings—including 23 years as a seminary and institute instructor. Chris' church assignments have included callings in the elders quorum, Sunday School, high council, bishopric, and as a bishop and stake president. In his current assignment he serves with his wife, Peggy, on the Church’s Corrections Committee, ministering to both Church leaders and inmates in six county jails and the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison, Utah. Chris and Peggy have nine children and 14 grandchildren. Chris' desire in sharing his story is to lend hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ to the many men and women who feel trapped within the grasp of the illness called addiction. Trying to reverse four generations of addiction within his family has not been easy but he knows it is possible. Steven Croshaw Chris Raleigh Highlights 0:15 Can church leaders do anything to help people be completely honest and change? 1:45 What happens when you are radically honest? 2:40 We can’t always understand God’s timing for things or why we have to go through them again and again 5:00 Leaders have to surrender too. Surrender those they are trying to help to God. You can’t mess with other people’s agency. 8:00 We can talk about recovery but they won’t know it and understand it till they go through it. Steven explains the steps and what he had to be willing to do to recover. 10:00 It’s necessary to find a safe place to be radically honest 12:00 Practicing honesty brings us closer to Christ. Addiction cannot survive the light of Christ. Without honesty you can’t get there. 15:30 Is disclosure to a bishop the best first step to recovery? 18:30 Instead of trying to decide if it’s an addiction or not, just treat it as such Create boundaries and bottom lines Be honest about all behavior Receive the help you need 21:00 Many people have an aversion to the word addiction. Call it what you want but it's a biochemical brain condition. It has a chemical hook. 23:30 Watching pornography first brings euphoria but is followed by feelings of shame and anger towards yourself 24:00 Whether you are a periodic user or a daily user it creates a feeling of unworthiness before God, unworthiness of the love from others, and self hatred 24:45 Sexual addiction deosn’t just want more it wants different. Pornography gets deeper and darker. There is a change in brain chemistry. 28:00 A lot of times bishops give advice based on their own experience however they need to keep in mind all the past history and possible family issues of the person they are trying to help 29:00 Pornography is not my problem. Pornography is my solution. So what is my real problem? 30:40 Recovery is being humble, honest, and accountable 31:30 What does it mean to surrender? 34:20 I have to set boundaries to stay safe 36:00 It has less to do with pornography and more to do with the emotions and feeling that we have. It’s very important to deal and process those emotions. For many the solution to avoiding these feeling and getting relief is pornography. 39:00 When it comes to confession there needs to be consequ...

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

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

‏Justin Sorensen was recently released as bishop of his ward in Indiana and is now serving as stake Young Men camp director and youth Sunday School teacher. He has previously served as ward executive secretary, Young Men president, elders quorum president, and counselor in a bishopric. Justin grew up in Northern Indiana, served a mission in South Korea, and graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor of science in Industrial Engineering. He has been an insurance agency owner for the last 14 years, married to Angela for 23 years, and they are the parents of five children. Highlights 02:30 Introduction and background of Justin Sorenson 05:00 Transitioning from being bishop and having a large role in the ward to having a much smaller role 06:30 The dynamic that the bishop has with the youth and the ward. It can be exhausting to be everything for everyone. 11:00 Justin talks about his experience as a bishop helping the youth. Things that they did. 16:30 Young men’s advisors 17:20 Principle one - Be with them (the youth). Always be communicating. 20:40 Interviews with the youth 21:30 Principle two - Let them lead. How Justin went about helping the youth lead. 23:50 Justin’s ward created a planning conference for the youth. The youth were able to plan activities for the next six months plus they got to have fun. 30:30 Trust the youth. Let them lead to unleash their power. Be willing to let the young men fulfill their responsibilities. Let them fail once or twice instead of jumping in right away to fix everything. 31:45 As a leader you need to be willing to sit back and listen and let the youth do their thing. We try to jump in way too soon and release them from that responsibility. 34:10 Principle three - Connect them with heaven. Connect them with the importance of the sacrament Talk about covenants and the temple. Prepare them for the future. Always being open to inspiration and what the youth need 39:40 Helping the youth plan activities. You can help give them a framework but within the framework the youth can do what they want. 40:15 Ward council is the board for the ward with a unified objective 42:50 Principles of the ward council: Principle one - As a bishop, you should be with them One meeting a month with the full agenda All other weekly meetings were about people. Only 10 minutes long. 45:20 Ward council principle two - Let them lead Everyone had very clear responsibilities Let them manage their own organization Allowing them to lead helps them have their own spiritual experiences 51:30 Justin’s final thoughts and what he has learned from being a leader Links Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

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

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

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

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

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

  Register HERE for the Recovering Saints Virtual Conference Kelly Thompson Clark is a recovering drug addict and alcoholic who spent three decades battling the disease of addiction. Plagued by the effects of mental illness and addiction, she eventually descended into homelessness and prostitution. In 2016, after finding faith in Jesus Christ and entering twelve-step recovery, Kelly’s life of tragedy and despair transformed into one that overflowed with purpose and hope. Kelly is a published author, public speaker, podcast co-host, and social media influencer. She has dedicated her life to sharing the reality of hope with those who continue to suffer from the devastating impact of addiction. Heather Granata Warren and her husband are the parents of nine kids, her two nieces, a daughter-in law, and two dogs. They reside in the Lehi, Utah area, and she owns Little Adventures, a company that manufactures clothing-quality princess dress ups. Her full-time job, however, is as a wife and an Uber driver (for the kids), and handling the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of all those young people. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. Heather currently serves as a Young Women 13–15-year-old advisor. Her favorite callings—and most of the last twenty years—have involved serving the youth and in the Young Women organization. Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces Kelly and Heather. 04:00 Introduction to Kelly’s story of addiction and redemption 07:00 Kelly shares their family background and how they were raised. 09:20 As a very young child Kelly suffered from anxiety disorder and depression. She had very troubled teenage years and got into drug addiction and harmful behaviors. 16:00 Kelly looks back on her journey and shares what her young self needed at that time. The true solution was always God and the atonement of Jesus Christ. 17:40 The journey was important. Kelly had small glimpses of the spirit and Jesus Christ throughout the years. In the end, all those experiences combined to help her finally surrender to God. 21:00 The family dynamic and how they were dealing with Kelly’s problems 25:45 Coping with different substances, food, or work. Putting these behaviors before God and losing all peace of mind. 26:30 Hitting her absolute rock bottom using meth and heroin, losing her two daughters, and living out on the streets of Salt Lake 27:40 Heather shares her experience watching her sister suffer and go out of control, not being able to help her. 29:20 Addressing codependency. How can families not enable the member of the family with the addiction? What can they do to truly help? 32:30 The Atonement isn’t just for sin. Heather shares her grief and unbearable pain of thinking she was going to lose her sister. She had to surrender her sister to God. 35:20 Bishop’s should teach surrender to God. Everything always goes back to the Atonement. Let God carry you. 36:10 Kelly describes her gethsemane and how she slowly learned to turn to God and surrender unconditionally to God. 44:45 Kelly describes her emotional journey and miracles that happened to get sober and come back to Christ. 50:30 The process of getting off of heroin and meth 58:30 It’s not just about getting clean and sober but it’s about feeling joy again and coming back to Christ. Not all people that get off drugs are happy. 59:50 Advice for a ward or relief society that is trying to help someone in the midst of addiction and chaos. Love them where they are at with no expectations. 1:01:30 The more vulnerable and honest Kelly is, the more people connect with her. The less judgmental they are. 1:04:00 The Atonement of Jesus Christ lifts the shame. 1:07:20 Rings of light sometimes have frayed ends. However, in time everything will come full circle. Healing is individual and will happen in different time frames for everyone. 1:08:30 Kelly shares where she is now. 1:11:20 Heather’s relationship with Kelly now 1:15:00 Heat...

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

Evan Hathaway owns the Time To Smile Dental practice in Eagle, Idaho, just outside of Boise, specializing in cosmetic and sedation dentistry. He particularly loves serving those needing reconstruction from fear-based dental neglect. Evan grew up in southeastern Idaho and attended Rick’s College and Brigham Young University. He earned his doctorate degree in Dental Surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, and a general practice residency in Northern California prior to settling in the Boise area. Evan served a mission to Leeds, England, and has served in an elders quorum presidency, a bishopric, as a Young Men president, high counselor, YSA bishop, and high priest group leader. He is currently serving as the elders quorum instructor and as a senior service missionary for the Addiction Recovery Program. Evan loves art and creating, reading and learning with his wife of 39 years, Missy, and enjoys weight lifting to stay fit, but his greatest passion is his family and serving and ministering to those recovering from addictions. Evan and Missy have four children and 13 grandchildren. Highlights 02:00 Evan introduces himself and his story. 06:00 Evan’s mindset was, it’s up to me and all I have to do is work hard to overcome this. He wasn’t surrendering to God. 07:20 Addiction started for Evan when he got addicted to painkillers after shoulder surgery. He had a lot of other addictions in his life that he wasn’t even aware of. 09:30 Evan talks about his early addiction to pornography and other things he did to cope. Extreme exercise was one of the ways of trying to stay away from pornography. 12:30 Evan goes more into his addiction of painkillers and his state of denial. 14:00 Overcoming addiction is not about having more willpower. It’s about humility and getting help from God. 15:40 Evan describes the nuclear bomb that went off in his life. He got caught in his addiction, went to a 90-day rehab, almost got his license taken away, and was faced with possible jail time. 20:45 Going to the rehab center and overcoming shame and fear 24:10 “I had to be force-fed vulnerability.” Evan was forced to be humble and truly learn to be honest and vulnerable. 25:45 Evan’s advice to leaders when it comes to letting people share their stories Don’t add to shame culture because you feel uncomfortable talking about certain topics Shame culture shackles healing 31:15 What can leaders do to help with addictions? As leaders we need to be the catalyst of de-shaming. 34:00 Evan illustrates the difference between having a perfectionist attitude and hiding your sins vs being honest, open, and vulnerable. 36:00 As a Bishop are you sending a shame message or a redemption message? 36:15 In today’s world we can’t teach obedience more than we teach redemption and healing. 37:00 Invite someone like Evan to your fifth Sunday to share their story of redemption. 39:00 Let’s stop categorizing sin. All sin keeps us from God. 42:00 Telling stories. We can connect to stories and we can feel the Spirit through honest stories. 44:20 Create a space where it’s ok to admit to the things we’ve done wrong. 47:00 Evan talks about the things that his wife has had to do in order to support Evan and take care of her own mental health. She went through a program called Al-Anon. 48:40 Evan is dedicated to going to 12-step meetings for the rest of his life. This helps him not relapse and keeps him engaged. 52:00 Step twelve is to share the message. Keep helping others. 52:40 What Evan’s recovery looks like today and where he’s at in his dentistry career. 54:30 Recovery as a family. Reconnecting with his wife through recovery and regaining emotional intimacy. 1:01:10 Evan’s wife’s journey to healing and dealing with betrayal trauma. 1:04:45 Evan’s final thoughts to church leaders trying to help people with addiction Links Al-Anon

Marlisa Ahuna, Germaine Tauati, and LaRae Mortensen of the Hilo, Hawaii Stake, joined Kurt for an online conversation about their unique Huaka'i youth trek over spring break 2022. Marlise is currently the stake interfaith specialist in the Hilo, Hawaiʻi Stake. She has previously served as stake communications director, Primary president and music leader, and Relief Society counselor and president. Marlise grew up in Bakersfield, California, served a mission in Fukuoka, Japan, and graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in International Studies and Diplomacy, and from the University of South Dakota with an MM in Vocal Performance. She is the owner of Marlise Ahuna Music Studio, married to Joseph for 20 years, and they are the parents of four children. LaRae Mortensen is currently the stake Primary music leader in the Hilo, Hawai’i Stake. She has previously served as the stake Young Women president, ward Primary president, music leader, counselor, secretary, and pianist, as well as ward Young Women president and counselor. LaRae grew up in Punalu’u, on the island of Oahu in Hawai’i, and graduated from Brigham Young University–Hawaii with a BS in Business Management. She and her husband Hans own H&L Services LLC, a landscape maintenance company, and have been married for 27 years. They have five children and seven grandchildren. Highlights 02:30 Introduction to the speakers and the trek they did in Hawaii 05:00 The church is very established in Hawaii. The demographics there. 05:45 The tradition of treks and how it’s different in Hawaii 08:00 The trek experience in Hawaii and finding a good location. 09:00 Connecting the tradition of the trek to the culture of the people 11:30 The meaning of Huaka’i 13:30 A summary of the trek and what they did each day 16:20 There was a lot of preparation and activities before the trek. It created a richer experience. 17:30 The follow up experience to the trek. Many of the youth shared their experiences in sacrament meeting. 18:15 The Hawaii trek was adapted in a way that allowed the youth to connect with their ancestors and traditions. They didn’t do as much walking. 20:00 The dynamic of the adult leaders and what they did on the trek 24:30 The trek was almost like a glorified youth conference. They packed the days with activities. Because of Covid they didn’t do overnights. 26:00 The amount of adults involved and what it took to put the trek together 27:00 There were a lot of cultural activities taught by different members of the stake. 29:20 What the youth got out of the activities and what they went away saying about it 31:15 Sometimes we try too hard to orchestrate a spiritual moment. In reality just gathering together with a focus on Christ, tradition, and our ancestors we can walk away with a spiritual experience. 32:30 Things the leaders think they could change for the next trek More youth-led activities Involving the youth more in preparation and planning 33:40 A cultural based trek is an opportunity to show the youth how their culture aligns with the gospel. Many of the youth see culture and religion as two different things. It was important for leaders to show how they could integrate the two. 36:45 A cultural based trek helps the people inside and outside the culture to see each other better. The pioneers in Hawaii are just as important as the pioneers that crossed the plains There are many different cultures within Hawaii. All the youth were able to connect and learn more about Hawaiian culture to bridge the gap between them. 44:00 Kurt recaps the overall trek experience. 44:50 The dress on the trek and the importance of the clothing they chose to wear that was connected to their ancestors 52:00 Final thoughts. The trek was exactly what the youth in Hawaii needed. It wasn’t their event; it was the Lord’s event. Links Video of days 1-3 activities Hilo, Hawai'i Stake Facebook page TRANSCRIPT coming soon Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access ...

Elder Lynn Grant Robbins was sustained as a General Authority Seventy in 1997. After serving for over 25 years, he was released and given emeritus status on October 2, 2022. Elder Robbins served as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, as President of the North America Southwest Area, and supervised the North America Southeast and Southwest Areas. He has served as President of the South America South, Central America, and North America West Areas. He has also served in the North America Central Area. In his professional career, Elder Robbins was one of the founders of Franklin Quest. He concluded his career there when he was called to preside over the Uruguay Montevideo Mission. Born in Springville, Utah, he married Jan Nielson and they are the parents of seven children and 21 grandchildren. Highlights 02:10 Introduction to Lynn G Robbins; his background in the Church, education, and work 11:30 Lynn talks about his journey in church leadership. 17:40 The early years of leadership as a bishop and mission president 20:00 Transitioning to becoming a new mission president; telying on revelation instead of past experience 21:30 Every Christ-like attribute has a complementary attribute. We can make all the plans but those plans have to be balanced with following the Spirit. 23:00 Elder Robbins explains complementary principles. They complement one another. It’s not justice versus mercy. It’s justice and mercy. Religion and science

Ofi (oh-fee) is an American pop rock artist from Victorville, California, featuring frontman/vocalist/songwriter Burke "Ofi" Laidler, bassist and backing vocalist Jessie Gomez, and Nate Smeding on drums. Ofi left a 9-year career in the finance/retirement industry and a beach home in Huntington Beach, California to pursue music full time. This podcast interview was recorded on the Renew23 East cruise in January 2023, where Kurt and Ofi were both guests. Highlights 09:15 Ofi talks about his upbringing and living in a mixed-faith household. 14:00 Ofi never thought he would serve a mission but thanks to the influence of his girlfriend at the time he ended up going to Panama City. 17:50 God binge-watches your life like a Netflix series. You are his favorite character. 18:45 Ofi started playing music at 14 years old. He gave up on music till after his mission. 21:15 Ofi talks about what it was like growing up with divorced parents, struggling with money, and constantly moving. 24:00 Pursuing his passion for music and also being a gospel doctrine teacher. 24:50 Ofi has a rough background but he shares three things that have helped him maintain his growth in the Church and his faith in Jesus Christ. Seek Jesus Christ Study Him Stay. Choose to stay. 28:50 How can you be excited for a Savior that you don’t know? How can you be excited for the scriptures or the Book of Mormon if you don’t understand the value? How can we follow a God that we don’t know? 30:30 Will my service and faith in God stop me from following my dreams? 31:15 Ofi tells the story of his name. His name is actually Burke. 32:45 Most-loved songs and their meanings 34:45 Ofi was inspired by Elder Bednar’s quote, “Thoughts to the mind. Feeling to the Heart.” That is the best way to describe the way Ofi writes his songs. 40:00 Having support from his wife, Samantha. She has supported his dream despite not having any money. 42:30 Ofi shares the story of a song that he wrote about Peter walking on water. 43:45 Ofi performs his song “I Will Walk.” Links Ofi Band Instagram: @ofiband YouTube: @Ofiband TRANSCRIPT coming soon Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Sara Brewer is a certified life and faith-based coach, and a Latter-day Saint. She has helped hundreds of people quit porn through her coaching programs and helped thousands of people through her highly-rated podcast, Overcome Pornography for Good. In this podcast, Sara shares a presentation that is now part of the Liberating Saints Virtual Conference. Links Watch the video with 14-day access to the Core Leader Library, including the entire Liberating Saints Virtual Summit SaraBrewer.com is now The Center for Overcoming Pornography It Isn’t a Sin to Be Weak, by Wendy Ulrich Worthiness is not Flawlessness, by Brad Wilcox Helpful episodes from Sara’s podcast that focus on the stop, drop, and breathe technique: Episodes 66, 47, 21 Read the transcript of this presentation Highlights 02:50 Introduction to Sara Brewer, a life coach for people that struggle with pornography use. 05:15 Sara helps both men and women with pornography. 06:15 Sara introduces her presentation and the main root causes. 07:20 The first root of pornography use is ESCAPE AND BUFFERING. Buffering is an action to escape negative emotion. People try to put on a "bandaid" solution on porn. They don’t deal with their emotions. People need to learn to sit with their emotions and focus on healing wounds. 14:00 Shame only makes porn use worse. A lot of members get into a shame cycle with porn use and it never ends. 16:10 The difference between guilt and shame. Holding onto guilt turns into shame. 17:00 It’s not either shame or justification. There are middle ground emotions that are going to be more useful in helping people quit. 18:00 It’s important to differentiate physiology and morality. We all have urges and sexual desires. This is physiology and part of being human. Morality comes from what we do with our desires. 20:10 Application for leaders. Be careful with punishment and adding to shame. 21:10 Leaders need to stop focusing on behavior but underlying emotions. 22:00 Using a filter is a good tool to use but it’s not a long-term solution for porn use and addiction. 25:30 Guilt should not be a motivator. It’s more of a signal that something doesn’t align with our values. 26:40 Root two is OVER DESIRE. Over desire is something that is learned and can be unlearned. It’s your brain and reward system working correctly. Avoiding urges isn’t going to solve the porn problem. Pavlov’s dog theory and what it teaches us about learning and unlearning behaviors. 32:00 Willpower doesn’t work. It’s like holding a beach ball under water. It wants to pop up. Allow the urges and emotions to pass through without getting the reward. 35:20 Sara’s technique to help people overcome over desire for porn. Stop, drop, and breathe. 38:20 Applications for leaders Stop telling people they will struggle with this forever. Avoid all or nothing thinking. Slip ups don’t mean you have to start over. Stop demonizing sexuality. It’s very normal to want sex and to have urges. Avoid saying that more prayer, fasting, and righteousness will fix this. Instead, focus on healing. 40:10 Instead of distracting yourself, sit with the emotions. 44:40 Too often we hear a lot of all or nothing phrases in the bishop's office. If you can go x amount of days without porn then you can take the sacrament. 46:00 Root three is IDENTITY. 47:10 How we think about ourselves really matters. It gives us energy for our actions. 48:20 Not everyone that uses porn has an addiction. Most young men and women are not addicted. Be careful about labeling people with an addiction. It can be harmful to them. 50:00 Applications for leaders Avoid fostering an addiction mindset which is an I can’t change mindset. Avoid labeling people with an addiction. Avoid members feeling hopeless and stuck. Help members foster an identity of someone that quits porn.

Tyson Bradley is the future #1 New York Times bestselling author of the book Reclaim Your Inherent Identity: The 5 Steps To Bypass Your Brain and Create Lasting Change Instantly. He has studied mindset and behavior change over the past 10 years and has finally cracked the code on the fastest way to make habits happen. Tyson has a masters in Human Resources and an MBA. He is a certified life coach and specializes in time management, identity-based habit creation, and teaching people the skill of neuro-bypassing. Tyson has served as an elders quorum president, stake executive secretary, and currently serves as a ministering secretary. He is happily married and the proud father of two redheaded girls and one brown-headed boy. Highlights 02:00 Introduction to Tyson Bradley and his work as a neuro bypassing coach. 04:40 Tyson talks about what he sees most with the people that he coaches and what a lot of people are struggling with. 10:15 Tyson’s manuscript that he uses in coaching. It’s not for sale but part of a membership he has for those he coaches. 13:20 We need to start focusing more on identity. 14:40 Inherent Identity method. Also called the I AM ME method. They use Kurt’s calling as an example of how to apply this method. 15:00 I is for Ideal. What is the ideal version of this experience? It could be a goal or a church calling that you really want to improve on. 19:40 A is for Amplify. Take your ideal and amplify it. A lot of times we think small but this helps us to think big. 27:00 M is for movement. What is the next step I need to take? 33:45 M is for Manifesto. Take the action and create it into an identity statement. Identity statements always start with I am… An I am statement needs to be paired with doing something. 40:50 E is for Evoke. Evoke is like to remember. Remember our identity. 49:30 Tyson guides us through the I am me method. Ideal - What would you love to experience? What’s your ideal? Amplify - What would be the 10x or dramatized version of your ideal? Visualize it. Take time to be grateful for it. Movement - what is my next step? What is the one thing I need to do next? Manifesto - creating your action step and turning it into an identity. Evoke - Wake up in the morning and remind yourself of who you are and your true identity everyday. 53:30 Tyson encourages people to change the way they pray. One way that Tyson likes to change his prayers is by writing his prayers down. Kurt writes down 3 gratitudes and 3 glories to God that helps his prayers be more meaningful. 57:50 Tyson shares his testimony and final thoughts on leadership and Jesus Christ. Links InherentIdentity.com TRANSCRIPT coming soon Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Vivian Bishop-Cook lives in the Green Bay, Wisconsin area and works as a therapist. She has been a participant and leader at Young Women camps at least 15 times as an adult. Highlights 02:30 Introduction to Vivian and her background. 04:45 Vivian talks about what she is seeing in her therapist’s office. Most people are working on relationship issues, balancing their lives, and working on their self esteem. 07:15 Vivian’s girls camp experience growing up and also as a leader. As an adult she has been to girls camp 15-16 times. 11:50 Vivian focuses on 3 things for girls camp. She calls it the three ring circus. Faith Friendship Fun 14:50 One of the most important parts of camp is mentoring the YCLs and letting them lead. In Vivian’s stake they also call a YCL director. The YCLs are the heart of the camp. 20:40 How Vivian’s stake mentors the youth. Mentoring is the secret sauce. Youth do the devotionals. They pick the topic but Vivian mentors them on how to do the devotional and how to present the topic. 24:50 The number one request from the young women was to have a longer personal spiritual time during camp. 25:20 Vivian shares a story of one of her young women and her experience with personal spiritual time during camp. 26:40 Mentoring the youth to do devotionals is more than just mentoring. It’s an opportunity for the leaders and the youth to connect and get to know each other more. It’s a moment of one on one time to help them with their testimonies and struggles in their lives. 29:00 Part of having the YCLs doing the devotionals is to help them tap into their vulnerability and sharing a part of themselves. 29:45 In preparation for camp they teach the girls what a testimony is and what the components are. This helps the testimony meetings be focused on the gospel and so that the testimony meeting doesn’t turn into a group therapy session. 30:50 The ring of friendship is another important principle at camp. They created “campanions” so that everyone has a friend at camp. 35:00 Vivian’s stake has been working on including the YCLs more. They invite them to do the workshops with them. It’s not always easier to have the youth lead but it’s very important to their growth. 39:00 Vivian spent about 8 years outside the Church in her early 20s, where she explored other faiths. But everything led her back to the Church. 42:40 Final thoughts and testimony of leadership and growing closer to Christ. Links TRANSCRIPT coming soon Listen on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in January 2018. Terryl L. Givens, PhD, did graduate work in Intellectual History at Cornell and studied Comparative Literature at UNC Chapel Hill. He taught courses in Romanticism, nineteenth century cultural studies, and the Bible and Literature and was the Jabez A. Bostwick Professor of English at the University of Richmond. Currently, he is a Neal L. Maxwell Senior Fellow at Brigham Young University. He has published in literary theory, British and European Romanticism, Mormon studies, and intellectual history. Terryl has authored or edited 20+ books, and some of his favorites include his collaborations with his wife, Fiona. Together they are the authors of The God Who Weeps, The Crucible of Doubt, The Christ Who Heals, and All Things New. Baptized initially in the Presbyterian faith by his minister grandfather, Terryl and his family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when Terryl was eight or nine. He served as a missionary in Brazil and has served as a bishop. Whether hosting insightful podcasts for Faith Matters or speaking to saints the world over at intimate firesides, Terryl’s mission is to help everyone–no matter where they are in their journey of faith–come closer to Jesus Christ. Highlights 4:30 Terryl’s background and work experience. 6:20 Religious background and faith development. 10:20 How Terryl met his wife, Fiona. The early years of marriage and having kids. 13:45 Terryl’s unlikely journey to becoming an author and his father’s collection of 19th-century anti-LDS literature. The impact of learning The Book of Mormon was the most widely-produced book, other than the Bible 16:50 Books are no longer the primary vehicle for disseminating information. Terryl’s podcast is about his desire to celebrate intellectual and theological richness of Mormonism. 19:20 There is not one typical Mormon testimony; finding one’s own path in coming to Christ. 20:30 Called as bishop in Richmond the week of 9/11. 21:30 Advice Terryl received when he got called as bishop. As a bishop, you occupy a position with enormous ability to make a difference in people’s lives. Be aware of the power of the mantle you wear. One small look or gesture can completely change someone’s Sabbath experience. 22:45 Terryl and his counselors focused on personal interaction as a bishopric. No one left the chapel without encountering the bishop or one of the counselors. They made visits to everyone in the ward in the first year. He made appointments with every single young person. 24:30 Dealing with faith and emotional crises.Terryl didn’t always know how to help people but the number one thing he learned to do as a bishop was to be empathetic. Stop trying to fix it. Just listen and validate them. 30:00 Helping people with difficult faith questions. Listen to the questions people have without interjecting yourself with your own faith position. Terryl shares personal experiences he has had helping people with faith crises. 35:15 As a leader, have the courage to refer someone to a person with more expertise. Be careful about trying to shut off sources of intellectual inquiry. 38:00 Many in the church criminalize doubt. Elder Hugh B. Brown says, “We all have to serve an apprenticeship in doubt on the way to discipleship.” Doubt is a phase on the way to finding something richer. However, people shouldn’t stay in that attitude of doubt. 39:35 Faithful trust instead of certain knowledge. Believe vs know. 44:15 Scriptural examples of individuals having faith without absolute knowledge. It’s ok to say I don’t know. 46:35 Asking genuine questions in adult Sunday school classes. The importance of truly-spiritual gospel doctrine class teachers. 50:30 Is there resistance to addressing questions head-on? In the long run, how will church members be fortified? Terryl shares his experience about being “shut down” in the U.K. when he was teaching.

Jeff Nance is originally from Charleston, South Carolina, served in the Sydney Australia Mission, and graduated from Brigham Young University in Political Science as an ROTC scholarship student, and from BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School. He served in the 101st Airborne Division, then in many capacities in Okinawa, Japan, in the civilian personnel branch, and later in Bad Kreuznach, Germany and Vicenza, Italy. He served as the Chief, Military Justice and then Chief of Operational Law of V Corps and deployed to Iraq, where he oversaw the initial reconstitution of the Iraqi criminal courts system. Back in the United States, he served as USATDS Region II Regional Defense Counsel before being selected to serve as a Military Judge. Promoted to Colonel, he was transferred back to Germany and deployed several times to preside over scores of courts-martial in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. He later served as Circuit Judge and then as Chief Circuit Judge in the 3rd Judicial Circuit and 2nd Judicial Circuit. In his 13+ years as a military judge, Colonel Nance presided over hundreds of courts-martial, including some of the Army's most complex and high-profile cases. After retiring from active duty in October 2018, he was sworn in as an Immigration Judge with the Department of Justice. Being in the Army for 30 years and living all over the world has given Jeff and his wife Jeneen many service opportunities. He is currently serving as a bishop in his eighth bishopric and has served as a nursery leader, youth Sunday School teacher, primary teacher, elders quorum president, high priest group leader, and stake high counselor. Jeff and Jeneen are the proud parents of three children and three grandchildren. Highlights 02:00 Kurt shares Jeff's background and how they met. 06:00 Jeff shares his schooling and career path to becoming a judge in the military. 21:10 The last case that Jeff worked on was the very high profile case, United States vs. Bergdahl. Jeff shares some of the background of the case. 31:20 After getting out of the military Jeff was called as bishop in Charleston. He describes his experience of getting called. 37:10 Advice to those that have to judge. Being a judge in Israel is helping people to repent. Where do justice and mercy come together? 40:30 How do you balance justice and mercy? It’s not just about paying the price for what they’ve done. It’s about being redeemed. You must judge each case differently. 46:20 The process of making decisions when judging. How do you know you are making the right decision? Jeff shares what he refers to as the "Parley principle." 52:50 Impossible calls to make. Jeff talks about having doubts about decisions that he made but how he finds peace with it also. 56:00 Reprove with sharpness only when the spirit indicates to do so. 1:01:45 The church system versus the legal system. Jesus always leaned towards mercy. 1:05:00 Our role 99% of the time is to help people apply the Atonement. Leaders need to discuss what things that person needs for repentance and in some cases what needs to be done to protect the name of the church. 1:07:50 Jeff’s experience in the church helped him more in his career than his career has helped him in the church. 1:09:30 Jeff shares his final thoughts and the biggest things that he has learned in his time in leadership. Links TRANSCRIPT coming soon Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

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

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