Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones

Dr. Marcus Martins made history as the first Black missionary to serve after the 1978 revelation that extended the priesthood to all worthy male members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But that’s not what he wants to be known for. In this conversation, Dr. Martins opens up about something far more personal and powerful: his quiet, steady choice to follow Christ, even when some questions didn’t have answers. He didn’t stay in the Church because he ignored the hard things. He stayed because he saw something true—something deep—in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Something that spoke to both his spirit and his intellect. This episode isn’t about rehashing history. It’s about what it means to be a disciple—when it’s not flashy, when it’s not easy, and when faith has to walk ahead of clarity. We talk about the difference between doubts and questions. About how real belonging looks in a Church that’s still growing. And about the power of remembering the moments when the Spirit whispered, “You’re home.” Listen to the full conversation and let us know what stood out to you most.

Dr. Kawika Allen, a Church psychologist and BYU professor, dives into the spiritual struggles of scrupulosity and perfectionism within the Latter-day Saint community. He discusses how the pursuit of unattainable perfection can lead to feelings of unworthiness and anxiety. Allen emphasizes the liberating truth of grace, arguing that you don’t need to earn love but rather accept it in your flaws. The conversation reveals how embracing imperfection and focusing on mercy can transform one’s faith journey, fostering resilience and a deeper connection to Christ.

Dr. Timothy Rarick, a professor and family advocate who has spoken at the UN about father-daughter relationships, dives into the vital role of fathers in today's society. He argues that fatherhood is misunderstood and often marginalized, calling for more present dads rather than perfect ones. Rarick discusses the importance of the Family Proclamation as a blueprint for family life, critiques societal shifts leading to fatherlessness, and emphasizes the transformative power of engaged fatherhood for emotional development in children.

Dr. Brian Willoughby, a BYU professor specializing in marriage and family relationships, dives into the challenges of modern dating. He discusses how swipe culture is leading to delayed marriages and emotional detachment. Willoughby critiques the rise of 'Me-Marriage' and highlights the impact of individualism on intimacy. He encourages embracing commitment and covenant relationships, emphasizing the value of genuine connection amidst digital distractions. The conversation is a blend of heartfelt insights and hopeful guidance for navigating love in today's world.

Ron Squire, a resilient individual who became paralyzed from a hiking accident at 19, shares his transformative journey of faith and healing. He discusses how Viktor Frankl's insights helped him view pain as a privilege rather than punishment. Squire reflects on the emotional shifts from fear to acceptance in crisis and how adversity shaped his identity. Through his struggles with self-worth and purpose, he emphasizes that pain can be a profound teacher, fostering personal growth and deeper spiritual connections.

Dr. Jeffrey Thayne, a psychologist and BYU-I professor, dives into the emotional depths of faith and belief. He challenges the notion that logic alone can resolve crises of faith, revealing how moral intuitions and community shape our convictions. With amusing analogies and personal anecdotes, he emphasizes that genuine belief transformation comes from meaningful experiences, not just arguments. Thayne also discusses the struggle between societal pressures and personal morals, highlighting the need for compassion in navigating differing views.

John Hilton III, a scholar at Brigham Young University, shares profound insights on connecting with Christ through His suffering. He encourages listeners to face the crucifixion to deepen their understanding of love and sacrifice, and to reevaluate Latter-day Saint teachings about Gethsemane and Calvary. Personal anecdotes enhance the message, revealing the importance of compassion and forgiveness in spiritual journeys. Hilton also highlights how Christ's suffering can transform perspectives on faith and relationships, urging a more profound connection to divine love.

Austin Fife, author of the Light and Truth Letter, shares his profound journey from faith to doubt and back again. He discusses his crisis of belief triggered by personal loss and the unexpected support from his wife. Austin recounts challenges, including family struggles with addiction and the emotional turbulence of divorce. Through introspection, he emphasizes the importance of questioning beliefs and the role of community in navigating spirituality. His story showcases how vulnerability can lead to a richer and more resilient faith.

What happens when faith and Hollywood collide? Early in his career, actor Scott Christopher promised the Lord that he would be open about his faith at all times and in all circumstances. Keeping that promise opened up conversations and opportunities he never expected. In this episode of Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones, Scott Christopher shares his incredible journey—from childhood dreams of performing to landing a major role in an Amazon Prime series. But along the way, he faced an unexpected challenge that tested his values and changed everything. He also opens up about his overall experience in the entertainment industry, what keeps him centered in his faith, and the defining moments that shaped his career. Can you stay true to your beliefs in Hollywood?

Did the Book of Mormon Witnesses Really See the Gold Plates? What if the most controversial testimonies in Latter-day Saint history weren’t just words—but undeniable evidence of something far bigger? In this episode of Let's Get Real, historian Don Bradley—who once left his faith but later returned—tackles the hardest, most controversial questions head-on: Were the Three and Eight Witnesses deceived? Were they part of a fabrication? Or did they really see the gold plates? Don reveals hidden details that change everything you thought you knew about their testimonies—not just as proof of an ancient record, but as witnesses of the Resurrected Christ. Because in the end, it’s not just about their testimony—it’s about ours. You might think you know the story—but once you see this evidence, you’ll never look at their testimonies the same way again.