General Conference Applied
Mitch Peterson and Clay Soelberg
Every six months, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gather to share messages in general conference. This podcast consists of an in-depth look at each of these messages. In particular, the hosts identify the invitations that were extended by the speakers, and then discuss ways that listeners can become "doers of the word" and take action on these invitations.
The hosts for this podcast are Mitch Peterson and Clay Soelberg, both of whom are active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of its creators.
The hosts for this podcast are Mitch Peterson and Clay Soelberg, both of whom are active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of its creators.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 16, 2025 • 9min
Invitations: "The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ"
10/16/2025: S6 E3, Episode 164, President Dallin H. Oaks, October 2025 General Conference, "The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ", invitations episode.Mitch identified the following invitations and shared how both he and Clay will take action:1. "It is vital that Latter-day Saints do not lose their understanding of the purpose of marriage and the value of children. … The national declines in marriage and childbearing are understandable for historic reasons, but Latter-day Saint values and practices should improve—not follow—those trends."2. "As parental influences diminish, Latter-day Saints still have a God-given responsibility to teach their children to prepare for our family destiny in eternity. … [E]very single mother can teach of the love of a Heavenly Father and the eventual blessings of a temple marriage. You too can do this!"3. "Parents, single or married—and others, like grandparents, who fill that role for children—are the master teachers. Their most effective teaching is by example. The family circle is the ideal place to demonstrate and learn eternal values, such as the importance of marriage and children, the purpose of life, and the true source of joy. It is also the best place to learn other essential lessons of life, such as kindness, forgiveness, self-control, and the value of education and honest work."4. "[M]any Church members have beloved family members who do not embrace gospel values and expectations. Such members need our love and patience."5. "Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is our ultimate role model. We will be blessed if we model our lives after His teachings and self-sacrifice."6. "Parents also have a duty to teach their children practical knowledge apart from gospel principles. … Parents should educate children in the basic skills of living, including working in the yard and home."7. "Families should organize family reunions to remember ancestors, which lead to the temple."8. "To find time to do what is truly worthwhile, many parents will find that they can turn their family on if they all turn their technologies off."9. "Great blessings come to families if they pray together, kneeling night and morning to offer thanks for blessings and to pray over common concerns. Families are also blessed as they worship together in Church services and in other devotional settings. Family bonds are also strengthened by family stories, creating family traditions, and sharing sacred experiences."10. "The sealing powers of the priesthood, directed by the keys restored in the Kirtland Temple, bring families together for eternity. They are currently being exercised in a growing number of temples of the Lord throughout the world. This is real. Let us be part of it."Join the General Conference Applied newsletter hereContact us hereFollow us on Facebook hereFollow us on Instagram hereFollow us on X hereFollow us and watch the podcast on YouTube here
Oct 12, 2025 • 41min
GCA S6 Preview and Oct 2025 GC Recap
10/12/2025: S6 E2, Episode 163, GCA S6 Preview and Oct 2025 GC Recap.Clay and Mitch provided a brief recap of the October 2025 General Conference, including a discussion around the top 6 tags from the conference (1. Jesus Christ; 2. Discipleship; 3. Adversity; 4. Love; 5. Atonement; 6. Healing). They also shared a roadmap of what listeners can expect in season 6 of General Conference Applied, including:The launch of the General Conference Applied newsletter. Emails will be sent every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and potentially even on Saturdays as explained below.Each general conference address will be accompanied by two podcast episodes: one 10-minute-or-less episode focused on the invitations and applications, and one 30-45 minute episode with a guest.A focus on all 33 general conference addresses first, and then the final 16-17 episodes of the season will be Return and Report episodes. In addition to Clay's and Mitch's voices and podcast guest voices in these episodes, newsletter subscribers will also have opportunity to share their voices.A "Farewell to President Russell M. Nelson and Welcome to the New Apostle" episode once the new apostle is called.General Conference+ material (i.e., the invitations that the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are extending on social media, in Church magazines, in Church school devotionals, and elsewhere) will be found exclusively in the General Conference Applied newsletter and will be delivered to subscribers' inboxes every Tuesday.A President Dallin H. Oaks listening schedule to listen to every general conference address, Church school devotional, and worldwide Church devotional that President Oaks has delivered from 1971 until the present, finishing the listening schedule the night before the solemn assembly in the April 2026 General Conference. Address links and other information would be sent out in the General Conference Applied newsletter every Saturday.A request for two individuals to volunteer five hours per week to help General Conference Applied grow: one to serve as an "administrative manager" and the other to serve as a "media manager." (Please contact Clay and Mitch if you are interested! Here is our email address: share@generalconferenceapplied.com).And much more!Join the General Conference Applied newsletter hereContact us hereFollow us on Facebook hereFollow us on Instagram hereFollow us on X hereFollow us and watch the podcast on YouTube here
Oct 10, 2025 • 39min
Impressions from the October 2025 General Conference
10/10/2025: S6 E1, Episode 162, Impressions from the October 2025 General Conference.Clay and Mitch, recording mere hours after the conclusion of the October 2025 General Conference, shared their initial impressions of the conference, including the addresses that resonated the most with them. They discussed apostolic interregnum, the current construction status of temples that have been announced (perhaps it should have been no surprise that no new temples were announced), how a few apostles provided a sneak peek of their general conference addresses on social media in the weeks leading up to the conference, and more!Join the General Conference Applied newsletter hereContact us hereFollow us on Facebook hereFollow us on Instagram hereFollow us on X hereFollow us and watch the podcast on YouTube here
Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 7min
April 2025 General Conference Applications – Return and Report: Elder Kim and Elder Tai
10/2/2025: S5 E52, Episode 161, April 2025 General Conference Applications – Return and Report: Elder Kim and Elder Tai.Clay and Mitch and former guests Jace Boyle and Nick Potter reported how they have taken action on the following invitations from the April 2025 General Conference addresses delivered by Elder Christopher H. Kim and Elder Benjamin M.Z. Tai:Elder Kim:1. "What can we do to not harden our hearts? First, we can practice daily repentance…. Second, we can practice humility…. Third, we can trust and rely on our Savior."Elder Tai:1. "We can consistently experience God's love when we ... frankly forgive."2. "We can consistently experience God's love when we ... selflessly serve others."3. "If you would like to feel the love of God more abundantly in your life, may I invite you to consider the following: First, pause frequently to remember that you are a child of God and think of the things you are grateful for. Second, pray daily, asking Heavenly Father to help you know who around you needs to feel His love. Third, ask sincerely what you can do to help that individual to feel the love of God. And fourth, act promptly on the inspiration you receive."Contact us hereShow notes are located hereKeep track of the invitations extended in the April 2025 General Conference hereFollow us on Facebook hereFollow us on Instagram hereFollow us on X hereFollow us and watch the podcast on YouTube here
Sep 28, 2025 • 47min
April 2025 General Conference Applications – Return and Report: Elder Strong and Elder Whiting
9/28/2025: S5 E51, Episode 160, April 2025 General Conference Applications – Return and Report: Elder Strong and Elder Whiting.Clay and Mitch and former guests Landon Tracy and Nate Boyle reported how they have taken action on the following invitations from the April 2025 General Conference addresses delivered by Elder Michael B. Strong and Elder Scott D. Whiting:Elder Strong:1. "To be the Lord's disciples, we must intentionally imitate His thoughts and actions every day—for example, His obedience, humility, and patience."2. "[Notice] the unspoken need and [act] in love."3. "I earnestly pray that we may follow President Nelson's invitation to prioritize our discipleship. May we 'pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart' to 'be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; … that when he shall appear we shall be like him.'"Elder Whiting:1. "Don't hide from those who will love and support you; rather, run to them. Good bishops, branch presidents, and leaders can help you access the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. To those who may be in hiding, we implore you to come back. You need what the gospel and the Atonement of Jesus Christ offer, and we need what you offer. God knows your sins; you cannot hide from Him. Reconcile yourself before Him. … Beware this second temptation! Follow the counsel of prophets both ancient and modern and know that you cannot hide from a loving Father. Instead, avail yourself of the miraculous healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ."2. "As His Saints, each of us must foster a culture of belonging in the Church that is loving, accepting, and encouraging of all who desire to progress along His path." [To new converts and others who struggle with maintaining worthy lifestyle changes:] We love you… We accept you… At a time when you need our love and support the most, don't be deceived into thinking that we will reject you if you take a step back into your prior lifestyle."Contact us hereShow notes are located hereKeep track of the invitations extended in the April 2025 General Conference hereFollow us on Facebook hereFollow us on Instagram hereFollow us on X hereFollow us and watch the podcast on YouTube here
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 16min
April 2025 General Conference Applications – Return and Report: Elder James R. Rasband, Elder Vargas, Elder Shumway, and Elder McCune
9/26/2025: S5 E50, Episode 159, April 2025 General Conference Applications – Return and Report: Elder James R. Rasband, Elder Vargas, Elder Shumway, and Elder McCune.Clay, Mitch, and their guest, Maddy Tueller, reported how they have taken action on the following invitations from the April 2025 General Conference addresses delivered by Elder James R. Rasband, Elder Sergio R. Vargas, Elder Steven D. Shumway, and Elder John A. McCune:Elder Rasband:1. "President Russell M. Nelson invited us to study the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple, recorded in section 109 of the Doctrine and Covenants."2. "For those who sometimes struggle to feel answers to prayer, seeking the Lord's mercy is one of the most powerful ways to feel the witness of the Holy Ghost."Elder Vargas:1. "At that very moment, a concerned priesthood holder stood in front of me. He lovingly invited me to focus on Christ and not on the situation we had experienced in class. As I looked back on the experience with him, he shared with me that he heard a voice tell him, 'Go after him; he is important to me.'"2. "The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that 'a man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.'"Elder Shumway:1. "[S]erve because we love God and want to live our covenants."2. "[A]ct in faith to do something beyond our abilities."Elder McCune:1. "As we make and keep covenants, we will naturally turn outward and have a desire to help others feel the measure of joy and love we feel in our covenantal relationships. We can be part of the greatest cause on the earth today—the gathering of Israel. We can help to bring God's children to Christ."Contact us hereShow notes are located hereKeep track of the invitations extended in the April 2025 General Conference hereFollow us on Facebook hereFollow us on Instagram hereFollow us on X hereFollow us and watch the podcast on YouTube here
Sep 21, 2025 • 1h 29min
How Bishops and Stake Presidents Extend Callings – Elder Steven D. Shumway Bonus Episode
9/21/2025: S5 E49, Episode 158, How Bishops and Stake Presidents Extend Callings – Elder Steven D. Shumway Bonus Episode, Elder Steven D. Shumway, April 2025 General Conference, "Participate to Prepare for Christ's Return".As a special bonus episode, Clay and Mitch discussed the responses to five questions that bishops and former bishops (one in their own voice!) provided. Here are those five questions:1. "How specific is spiritual guidance on placing people in callings? Is every calling spiritually directed or are some left up to the Presiding priesthood leader's judgment?"2. "What about when people reject a calling or ask to be released? How common is this? Which callings are hardest to fill?"3. "What about when people reject a calling or ask to be released? How common is this? Which callings are hardest to fill?"4. "What's the spiritual reaction and/or next step to find someone else if the Holy Ghost told you to call someone who says no?"5. "Assuming you plan on a life of service, what makes you personally always intend to hold a calling?"Contact us hereShow notes are located hereKeep track of the invitations extended in the April 2025 General Conference hereFollow us on Facebook hereFollow us on Instagram hereFollow us on X hereFollow us and watch the podcast on YouTube here
Sep 18, 2025 • 2h 6min
August 2025 General Conference+
9/18/2025: S5 E48, Episode 157, August 2025 General Conference+.Clay and Mitch identified many invitations that members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared in settings other than General Conference (i.e., Church magazines, Church school devotionals, press releases, social media, temple dedicatory prayers, etc.) during August 2025. Here are a few of the invitations they discussed during this episode (yes, there are many more than this):1. [President Russell M. Nelson] "In situations that are highly charged and filled with contention, I invite you to remember Jesus Christ. Pray to have the courage and wisdom to say or do what He would."2. [President Dallin H. Oaks] "Stand out. Be different from the world."3. [President Henry B. Eyring] "[B]egin to practice in the family, the smaller unit, what will spread to the Church and to the society in which we live in this world, and what then will be what we practice in families bound together forever by covenants and faithfulness."4. [President Jeffrey R. Holland] "Stay on the watchtower. Be pure in heart. And be peaceful."5. [Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf] "Until the full picture is revealed, don't get overwhelmed by the large, difficult task of life. Remember that big things are made up of small things."6. [Elder David A. Bednar] No invitations.7. [Elder Quentin L. Cook] "We have to be willing to open our mouths. We have to be making every effort we can."8. [Elder D. Todd Christofferson] "We simply need to be diligent with the gifts, abilities, and opportunities we have."9. [Elder Neil L. Andersen] "Develop your faith; pursue it. Doubt not, fear not. Look unto Him in every thought and you'll have happiness in your life, no matter the difficulties, the challenges, the obstacles, and the distractions."10. [Elder Ronald A. Rasband] "Jesus Christ is the answer. Start with Him. Whatever is on your to-do list, give equal time, not spare time, to the Lord."11. [Elder Gary E. Stevenson] "Invite all to receive the gospel."12. [Elder Dale G. Renlund] "I invite you to commit yourself more fully to the Savior, His gospel, and His Church."13. [Elder Gerrit W. Gong] "The fatherhood of God makes us brothers and sisters. We are each better when we love, mutually respect, and learn from each other."14. [Elder Ulisses Soares] "[Remember] sacred moments and [recognize] the sacrifices so many made to preserve the restored gospel of Jesus Christ."15. [Elder Patrick Kearon] "You and I are here to guide our friends toward the light."Contact us hereShow notes are located hereKeep track of the invitations extended in the April 2025 General Conference hereFollow us on Facebook hereFollow us on Instagram hereFollow us on X hereFollow us and watch the podcast on YouTube here
Sep 14, 2025 • 1h 16min
"The Love of God"
9/14/2025: S5 E47, Episode 156, Elder Benjamin M.Z. Tai, April 2025 General Conference, "The Love of God".*Special Guest*: Mitch and Clay were joined in this episode by a member of Clay's stake, Nick Potter. Nick recently concluded his service as a missionary in the Alaska Anchorage Mission. Commenting on a story that Elder Tai shared about the Milky Way galaxy in the beautiful night sky, Nick shared how one night, he and his mission companions slept outside (in 31 degree weather) to see the brilliant Northern Lights. Nick said: "It was amazing, just being able to experience that. And looking at it, it just reminds me of what it talks about in this talk. And it's just cool to think about, like no matter what sky we're under, you know, we're all praying to the same God."Clay and Mitch identified the following invitations and shared how they will take action and how you could take action:1. "The scriptures teach us that 'faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.' While disorienting distractions and terrestrial temptations cloud our spiritual vision, when we exercise faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ, we receive clear assurance of Their reality and of Their concern for us."2. "[L]ike Lehi, we too can receive a joyful witness of God when we invite Him into our lives."3. We can consistently experience God's love when, through the grace of Jesus Christ, we: repeatedly repent.4. We can consistently experience God's love when we: frankly forgive.5. We can consistently experience God's love when we: strive to keep His commandments.6. We can consistently experience God's love when we: selflessly serve others.7. We feel God's love when we do things that draw us closer to Him, such as: conversing with Him daily through prayer and scripture study.8. We feel God's love when we: stop doing things that distance us from Him, such as being prideful, contentious, and rebellious.9. "President Russell M. Nelson has invited us to 'remove, with the Savior's help, the old debris in our lives' and to 'lay aside bitterness.' He has encouraged us to 'bolster our spiritual foundations' through 'centering our lives on [the Savior] and on the ordinances and covenants of His temple.' He promised that 'as we keep our temple covenants, we gain greater access to the Lord's strengthening power. … We experience the pure love of Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father in great abundance!'"10. "When we experience the love of God, we can bear up our burdens with ease and submit patiently and cheerfully to His will. We have confidence that God will remember His covenants with us, visit us in our afflictions, and deliver us from bondage. We will also desire to share the joy we feel with our family and loved ones."And more... see the show notes for the full list of invitations!Contact us hereShow notes are located hereKeep track of the invitations extended in the April 2025 General Conference hereFollow us on Facebook hereFollow us on Instagram hereFollow us on X hereFollow us and watch the podcast on YouTube here
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 11min
"Harden Not Your Heart"
9/11/2025: S5 E46, Episode 155, Elder Christopher H. Kim, April 2025 General Conference, "Harden Not Your Heart".*Special Guest*: Mitch and Clay were joined in this episode by a former member of Clay's ward, Jace Boyle. Jace recently concluded his service as a missionary in the Brazil Vitoria Mission and is currently studying at BYU. Commenting on a story that Elder Kim shared in this address about a woman who had to humble herself before moving forward with baptism, Jace related a similar experience he had with a man on his mission in Brazil. Jace said: "He became humble. He read his scriptures. He said his prayers. And while he was saying his prayers and reading his scriptures, he got an answer. And that really touched me - that really changed my life. As we were talking about being humble, Winston Felipe became humble in that moment. He realized that he knew the Church was true and the he needed just the leap of faith. And he took that leap of faith."Clay and Mitch identified the following invitations and shared how they will take action and how you could take action:1. "What can we do to not harden our hearts? First, we can practice daily repentance.... Second, we can practice humility.... Third, we can trust and rely on our Savior."2. "President Russell M. Nelson, taught: 'Repenting is the key to progress. Pure faith keeps us moving forward on the covenant path. Please do not fear or delay repenting. Satan delights in your misery. … Start today to experience the joy of putting off the natural man. The Savior loves us always but especially when we repent.'"3. "We [must] want to become humble before the Lord, like a little child who obeys their father.... Let us follow the example of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who followed the will of the Father."4. "Brothers and sisters, we've been given moral agency. We can choose to harden our hearts, or we can choose to soften our hearts. In our daily lives, we can choose to do the things that invite the Lord's Spirit to come into and dwell in our hearts."Contact us hereShow notes are located hereKeep track of the invitations extended in the April 2025 General Conference hereFollow us on Facebook hereFollow us on Instagram hereFollow us on X hereFollow us and watch the podcast on YouTube here
