Building Community Through Ward Podcasts

There are many reasons to start a ward podcast. It allows individuals to hear the real stories of those they worship with. This naturally creates a deeper level of unity in the ward which stimulates success on many levels. In this livestreamed episode, Kurt Francom gives a rough outline of why and how a ward could develop a ward podcast. Links Canva Audacity Auphonic Why Your Ward Should Be Using the Ward History Tool | A How I Lead Interview with Beth Zeleny UnitHistory.ChurchofJesusChrist.org Ward Podcast Handout Template Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights In this episode of the Leading Saints podcast, host Kurt Francom discusses the benefits of starting a ward podcast, emphasizing that many church leaders may not realize how valuable this tool can be for fostering community and connection within their congregations. Kurt highlights the ease of creating a ward podcast, suggesting that it can serve as a platform for members to share their stories, thereby enhancing understanding and empathy among ward members. He shares testimonials from individuals who have successfully launched their own ward podcasts, illustrating how these initiatives have helped build relationships and preserve personal histories. Kurt encourages listeners to keep the process simple, recommending the use of accessible technology like Zoom for recording interviews and free editing software such as Audacity. He stresses the importance of not overcomplicating the podcasting process, suggesting that even basic equipment can yield great results. He also addresses common concerns, such as the reluctance of some members to participate in interviews, and offers strategies to encourage involvement. He concludes by urging listeners to promote their podcasts within their wards and to view this endeavor as a means to strengthen community ties and share meaningful experiences. 08:43 - Purpose of a Ward Podcast 011:11 - Building Community Through Storytelling 12:14 - Benefits of Recording Ward History 14:00 - Testimonials from Ward Podcast Creators 17:32 - Keeping the Podcast Simple 19:07 - Recommended Equipment and Software 21:58 - Hosting Options for Your Podcast 24:06 - Privacy and Accessibility of the Podcast 26:10 - Interviewing Techniques and Tips 30:44 - Promoting the Ward Podcast 32:29 - Involving Youth in Podcasting The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and 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.