Church News

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square celebrates a historic milestone on July 13, 2025, when it airs its 5,000th broadcast of “Music & the Spoken Word.” This occasion will commemorate more than nine decades of inspirational sacred music and messages shared with audiences around the world. To discuss this achievement nearly a century in the making, Tabernacle Choir President Michael O. Leavitt and the “voice of the choir,” producer, principal writer and presenter Derrick Porter join the Church News podcast — recorded inside the Tabernacle on Temple Square — to discuss the importance of sacred music. They explore how the choir’s music has touched the lives of members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide for generations past and will for generations to come.  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.

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.

Former BYU Cougar basketball player Travis Hansen played professional basketball for more than a decade, spanning the NBA and internationally in Spain and Russia following his collegiate career. But basketball doesn't define Hansen; from a young age, he had many tender experiences that helped him build a strong spiritual foundation and know that Heavenly Father loves him. On this episode of the Church News podcast, Hansen joins Church News editor Ryan Jensen to discuss his professional and spiritual journey, highlighting the positive influences that have shaped him. As a basketball player, a missionary in Chile, a husband, a father and currently a young adult leader in Orem, Utah, he shares how his faith and effort to "be in the right place" blessed his life and the lives of others.  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.

One year ago, the first batch of new hymns was released for a new hymnbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Hymns — For Home and Church” is for members to use as part of their worship and gospel study. As more new hymns are released, they can be found on the Church’s website at music.ChurchofJesusChrist.org and the Gospel Library app. On this Church News podcast episode, Church News reporter Mary Richards is joined by the Church’s Hymnbook Committee chair, music author and composer Steve Schank, to discuss an update on the size, scope and timing of the new hymnbook. They explore the sacred power of music in worship, the careful selection of new music in this ongoing project and the joyful singing of hymns.  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.

Joseph Kerry, Chair of the Communication Department at Ensign College, shares his insights on navigating social media while fostering discipleship of Jesus Christ. He discusses the importance of consuming uplifting content, being a peacemaker online, and the role of intentional technology use in maintaining spiritual health. The conversation also touches on how social media can redefine relationships for the younger generation, and highlights the need for authentic online expressions that promote positivity and balance in faith.

In this discussion, Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President, and Elder Robert M. Daines, General Authority Seventy, dive into the transformative power of ministering like Christ. They emphasize how genuine relationships and small acts of service can foster community connections and personal growth. The duo explores the significance of inspired invitations and their role in enhancing relationships with God and fellow members. Their insights illuminate how ministering not only strengthens faith but also deepens discipleship and community bonds.

In March 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acquired the Kirtland Temple and other historic buildings and artifacts. A new website now offers information and resources about visiting and learning about Historic Kirtland and the remarkable events of early Church history that occurred there. This episode of the Church News podcast explores Kirtland with historian Karl Ricks Anderson, who has researched, presented on and lived at this important location. He focuses on the area’s spiritual significance and how learning about the city’s historic events can build faith in Jesus Christ and His restored Church and gospel. 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.

Recently, the Church History Museum unveiled 150 works of art as part of its exhibition for the 13th International Art Competition. These pieces were chosen from nearly 600 artworks submitted by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world. The theme for this year’s contest explores the gospel invitation to “Lift Up the Hands Which Hang Down,” which comes from Doctrine and Covenants 81:5. On this episode of the Church News podcast, Church News editor Ryan Jensen talks with artists and individuals responsible for the exhibition and its rich body of work. The exhibit and online gallery showcase artists from more than two dozen countries and highlight some of the many ways Latter-day Saints testify of Jesus Christ and His call to lift and serve. 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.

Emily Hellewell, the Vice President of Marketing and Creative Services at Deseret News, brings her extensive PR background and faith to the forefront. She discusses the necessity of humanity in storytelling, especially in how we connect with one another. Hellewell emphasizes the importance of seeking truth in an age of misinformation, advocating for conscious media consumption. The conversation also touches on her journey from Oregon to a prominent role in Washington, D.C., enriched by the influence of mentors and a commitment to authentic communication.

Explore the inspiring journeys of 16 new General Authority Seventies as they share their heartfelt testimonies. Discover powerful stories of faith and miracles, highlighting personal experiences that shaped their beliefs. Listen to touching reflections on the significance of the gospel and the Book of Mormon, and learn about transformative influences from leaders across diverse backgrounds. Their experiences emphasize the importance of connection, love, and redemption in living a Christ-centered life.