Music and Belonging: The Power of Festivals

The music in the youth-focused, ever-expanding Strive to Be library is helping strengthen young people around the world through Christ-centered music and messages. This music can be found through streaming platforms by Strive to Be and the youth albums produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This year, through regional concerts and the upcoming “Festival 2025: A Youth Concert,” young people can worship Jesus Christ and find community with their peers through music.

On this episode of the Church News podcast, Church News reporter Mary Richards is joined by three Strive to Be artists — Pearce Morris, Ashley Hess and Sister Ellie Barry, who is currently a service missionary. They discuss how good and wholesome music helps inspire, uplift and strengthen gospel testimonies for themselves and their listeners worldwide.  

The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.