Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones

Join John Hilton III, an Associate Professor of Ancient Scripture at BYU and expert in stylometry, as he dives deep into the complexities surrounding the authorship of the Book of Mormon. He discusses how stylometric analysis can reveal distinct voices within the text, pointing towards a collaborative divine authorship. Hilton also sheds light on Joseph Smith's translation process and the emotional nuances of characters like Nephi and Alma, enhancing our understanding of this sacred material. Plus, discover the powerful themes of faith and revelation embedded in the scripture.

Jennifer Roach, a licensed mental health therapist and senior research associate focused on trauma in religious communities, shares her powerful journey from a pastor to a therapist. She discusses her personal experiences of abuse and the challenges of overcoming trauma. The conversation highlights the complexities of faith and accountability in addressing abuse, the inadequacies of safety measures in religious settings, and the vital role of community support in preventing child abuse. Roach's insights offer a poignant guide for resilience and healing.

Bradley Wilcox, the First Counselor in the General Young Men's Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and an Associate Professor at Brigham Young University, draws from his childhood in Ethiopia to discuss the powerful role of community and compassion in faith. He tackles the misconceptions around God’s grace and emphasizes its transformative nature through personal growth. Wilcox also highlights how youth programs like FSY empower the next generation to face challenges with a renewed sense of faith and emotional connection.

Former historian of Joseph Smith and the LDS Church, Don Bradley, speaks about his journey of leaving and returning to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He discusses the complexity of Joseph Smith's motives in practicing polygamy and challenges assumptions about his sincerity. The chapter also explores various perspectives on people leaving the LDS Church and highlights the role of gratitude in rediscovering faith.

Stephen interviews Don Bradley, an LDS Polygamy and Joseph Smith Historian. They discuss his journey of leaving and returning to the LDS church, his struggles with doubt and questioning, the role of doubt in purifying faith, the Book of Mormon as a witness of Christ, discoveries of pious forgeries, the fine-tuning problem in the universe, reflections on the existence of God and the afterlife, and his rediscovery of Christianity and belief in the resurrection of Jesus.

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.