Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones

Stephen sits down with Dr. John S.K. Kauwe III and discusses his unique path to becoming BYU–Hawaii's youngest president while balancing faith, science, and service at the same time.

If you ever feel hopeless, watch until Elder Bednar gives his advice about hope and how to find it. The conversation gets really deep. Elder Bednar, an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, previously never imagined there would be a temple in Bentonville, Arkansas, in his lifetime. Elder Bednar answers questions about the special significance of the Bentonville, Arkansas Temple to him and his family, what he hopes people understand about worshiping in temples, what encourages and gives him hope for the future, and more.

We connect with @AshleyHessMusic of @thekingwillcome and a memorable finalist from American Idol 2019. Discover Ashley's unique journey, from her transition from being a dental hygienist to a recognized performer, and the unexpected path she treads after leaving the American Idol stage. Post-Idol, Ashley's experience was not just about the music. She opens up about feeling isolated, the challenges she faced, and the spiritual transformation she underwent. Hear her candid account of wrestling with her faith, her poignant experience of hitting rock bottom, and the surprising realization of God's constant presence in her life. We also explore Ashley's creative process as she shares how her spiritual journey influenced her songwriting, leading to a unique collaboration where she considers God a co-producer. This conversation provides a window into Ashley Hess's life, her spiritual revelations, and how these experiences have shaped her music.​

Controversial Allegations Against the "Mormon" Church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints): Exploring the Truth Behind the Headlines This episode is an analysis and discussion with Aaron Miller, an expert in non-profit management and ethics. He is a professor at Brigham Young University and co-author of The Business Ethics Field Guide and The $100 Billion ‘Mormon Church’ Story: A Contextual Analysis.

Jackson VanDerweken, the actor who portrayed Nephi in the Book of Mormon videos, opens up about his spiritual and physical transformation journey in this episode. Learn how Jackson prepared for the iconic role by overcoming obstacles, deepening his faith, and gaining 15 pounds of muscle in just 1.5 months. Insights on connecting with the prophets, becoming more like Jesus, and playing Nephi changed his life forever. Jackson shares the impact of an apostolic blessing on his portrayal of the character and how embracing gratitude and focusing on spiritual growth led to his life's most meaningful and powerful experiences. From auditioning for the role to stepping into the shoes of one of the most revered figures in the Book of Mormon, Jackson's story is a testament to the power of faith, dedication, and embracing one's spiritual path.

In this episode, Matt Townsend talks about how he believes effective communication is critical to building healthy relationships and can help resolve even the most complex issues. In Part One, Matt shared his insights on "Real Communication," a concept he discovered while reading 3 Nephi 11-17 in the Book of Mormon. In addition, he revealed the four skills he learned from the Savior's visit to the Americas after His crucifixion and resurrection, which can help anyone communicate and connect with others more effectively. Matt emphasized the importance of meeting someone's most basic human needs, such as feeling capable, safe, and like they belong. He also suggests looking for three signs that someone's vital signs are not good before using the four skills taught by Jesus Christ during His visit.

In this conversation, Matt Townsend, a relationship expert who has guided countless individuals, discusses the essence of effective communication. He highlights his concept of 'Real Communication' derived from scriptural insights. Townsend reveals four key skills inspired by Jesus Christ's teachings that can enhance interpersonal interactions. He emphasizes the need for understanding core human feelings such as safety and belonging while addressing the struggle for genuine connections in a tech-driven world. His insights promise to transform how we relate to others.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Scott Woodward, who engages deeply in discussions about prophecy and church history, tackles the challenging topic of prophetic error. He explores the complex history of race and priesthood restrictions, emphasizing the importance of understanding human fallibility among prophets. The dialog delves into themes of forgiveness, accountability, and divine grace, highlighting how the Church's views on race have evolved. Woodward stresses the significance of compassion and redemption within faith communities, encouraging a reflective approach to history.

In this engaging discussion, Scott Woodward, a dedicated educator and devout member of the LDS Church, challenges the myth of prophetic infallibility. He delves into the complexities of church history, exploring sensitive topics like polygamy and the human flaws of prophets. Scott emphasizes the importance of personal belief while acknowledging the imperfections inherent in prophetic leadership. His insights offer a unique perspective on navigating faith amidst historical controversies, making this conversation both thought-provoking and enlightening.

Parker Walbeck, a renowned online educator and entrepreneur, shares his journey of success intertwined with spiritual beliefs. He discusses redefining success beyond money, focusing on personal fulfillment and genuine happiness. Parker highlights the importance of stewardship, emphasizing that possessions are gifts meant for uplifting others. He delves into the challenges of marriage and parenting, illustrating how faith and shared values strengthen family bonds. Lastly, he reveals how embracing the gospel transforms burdens into sources of joy, fostering a more meaningful life.