All In

The son of converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jason Deere has lived most of his life in Oklahoma or Tennessee. After finding success in the music industry, Deere took his love for country music and combined it with a love for the gospel. The result, The Nashville Tribute Band, has inspired thousands and redefined Deere's career. "The heartbeat [of the Church] is family by family and it's when you put a bunch of heartbeats together that you have something that really starts to sound like thunder." Show Notes: 2:46- The Son of Converts 6:50- A Bishop's Encouragement 9:08- Driven by a Love for Music 12:38- "Too Stupid to Know I Couldn't Do It" 15:30- Secular Taking a Backseat to the Spiritual 18:43- Beginning of Nashville Tribute Band 21:40- What You're Known For 24:20- Respect of Other Artists 26:27- Two Songs About Women 29:20- Don't Miss This 33:53- Miracles That Brought Us Here 38:04- Soundtrack 39:35- The Power of Families 43:03- What Does It Mean To Be "All In" the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Find the full episode transcript at ldsliving.com/allin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot goes on in between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but in the midst of cooking and shopping, are we taking time to reflect on the cause for our celebrations or the source of joy that we feel? Do we stop to think about the Christ child who became the Savior of the world? On this week's episode, John Bytheway explores the miracle of Jesus Christ and why that miracle can bring us joy regardless of our age—and even in the midst of a pandemic. "We know the source of joy. We know where to go for that. And that's why we're all in." Show Notes: 1:58- Young Men general board 3:28- Why a Christmas book? 4:50- Covid and Christmas 7:11- The Three Levels of Christmas 11:29- Allowing Christ to Grow With Us 13:15- "That They 'Might' Have Joy" 19:55- Joseph- A Nearly Anonymous Giver 23:18- "It's a Wonderful Life" 28:23- "All Is Well" 31:03- Christmas Memories 36:19- What Does It Mean To You To Be "All In" the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Find the full episode transcript at ldsliving.com/allin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Through the lens of his camera, Devin Graham has witnessed some pretty incredible things—things he never could've imagined as a shy young man. But his time as a missionary in Jamaica taught him to step out of his comfort zone and today, he has worked with some of the most successful companies in the world, including Google and Disney. Although there have been key moments in Graham's career where his standards have been called into question, he has remained true to a standard he set for himself and his channel long before those moments of decision arose. "Even though we may be quiet or a little bit quirky or a little bit weird, each of us have these really awesome, amazing, unique talents, that are going to help inspire somebody else." Show Notes 1:38- A Little Thing Called YouTube 4:55- Failure 24/7 7:39- Overcoming Shyness 12:59- Adjusting with Algorithms 16:26- The Emails That Make It Worth It 19:08- Decide in Advance 24:04- Sharing the Gospel Through Video 28:30- What the Best Filmmakers Do 32:38- Sharing a Video, Sharing Faith 35:10- Are We Not All Influencers 37:16- What Does It Mean To You To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Find the full episode transcript at ldsliving.com/allin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a college student, Tara Bench saw pictures of beautiful food spreads in magazines and knew what she wanted to be: the person who made that food. It took awhile to figure out what that job would look like, but eventually she landed a dream job as a food editor at Martha Stewart Living. From there, Bench rose to senior food editor and became the food director of Ladies' Home Journal magazine. Now, Bench—perhaps best known as Tara Teaspoon—is living the New York dream, having just published her first cookbook. "He knows what we can handle. We aren't exposed to anything that He's not aware of, that we can't deal with, with His help." Show Notes 2:33- Culinary beginnings and Light Bulb Experiences 12:12- Martha Stewart 19:36- Taking Every Opportunity to Learn 22:31- Standing Out Because of Beliefs 24:54- Embracing Change 29:00- A Fly Wheel 36:10- Timing 38:24- Choosing How We View Opportunities 41:55- The Unexpected 44:58- What Does It Mean To Be "All In" the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Find the full episode transcript at ldsliving.com/allin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our understanding of religion, whether it be scripture or history, is greatly influenced by art. The depictions we see impact not only how we picture certain passages, but also which passages we know at all. In his new book, "Repicturing the Restoration," artist Anthony Sweat felt a desire to capture some of the lesser-known parts of our Church history in hopes of expanding our understanding of the Church's founding. Today, we talk with him about how Restoration art can change our perspective of this pivotal period. "Let's embrace all good, all truth. Let's learn. Let's grow line upon line, precept upon precept. Let's maybe alter some ideas we have that may not hold up under the test of time, that need to be rearranged or remodeled. Let's tackle difficult issues and celebrate the glorious achievements." Show Notes 2:55- Passions Combined 5:24- Role of Art in Religion and Christianity 8:33- The Influence of Art on How We Picture Scripture Stories 11:58- Why Representation in Art Matters? 14:45- Serving Two Masters 18:30- Source Amnesia 31:33- First Baptism for the Dead 25:40- Portraying What We Didn't Experience Firsthand 29:19- Process in Painting 34:40- "No John Trumbull" 42:48- Things as They Really Are 45:20- What Does It Mean To Be "All In" the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Find the full episode transcript at ldsliving.com/allin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Mandie Sherman was born in 1989 with Cystic Fibrosis, she was expected to live just 18 years. Three years later, her little sister Natalie was also born with the same disease. As they have battled their condition, the two sisters have endured painful challenges and daily treatments together. And yet, they are determined to take every opportunity and live life to its fullest. "Knowing that our life could be cut short—really at any moment—it allows us to repent of our sins more quickly, seek mending relationships that might have been hurt, search for answers and questions that we might have, take life by the horns and say yes to that experience, take that vacation, plan that birthday party, visit that person, talk to your neighbor, talk to...your grandparents, because you don't know when the last time you're going to be able to do those things is." Show Notes 2:06- What is Cystic Fibrosis? 4:42- Day-to-day Living 6:00- Born with a Life Expectancy 10:47- Battling Together 16:59- Medical Progress 21:12- Dating and Marriage 32:00- Personal Decisions about Giving Life 43:20- Truly Living Life 51:31- What Does It Mean To Be "All In" the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Find the full episode transcript at ldsliving.com/allin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of us are young enough to remember a world without social media and yet, for many of us, connecting with others online has become a part of our everyday lives. Church leaders have spoken of the power of social media. We've been encouraged to use it in sharing messages of light and truth, but our prophet has also issued specific invitations to take a break from it. Becky Higgins engages with over 80,000 people online as she builds a business centered on documenting life. On today's episode, she shares her thoughts on what being a disciple looks like in an online world and how we can signal that the most important person we follow is Christ. "I don't mean to make social media sound like such a spiritual thing but it is. ...It's between you and God. Be really intentional with who you're following for your reasons." Show Notes 3:09- Evolution of personal social media use 4:23- Satan's desire to divide 6:09- Myopic 10:22- Influence 14:20- Documenting as a spiritual gift 18:15- Drawing People In 22:00- Balance Between Sharing Light and Bragging 24:40- Social Media Overwhelm 27:03- Following Account in Line With Your Goals 32:40- Intentionality 35:28- Unplugging and Fasting from Social Media 41:32- Acknowledging Who Wants Us to Compare 45:27- Faith Grows When We Share 48:29- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Find the full episode transcript at ldsliving.com/allin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As human beings we tend to view conflict as something to fear or avoid, but what if we viewed conflict as an opportunity to love? Chad Ford has devoted a large portion of his life to what he calls his "true passion": peace building and conflict resolution. On this week's episode, Ford teaches us how our approach to conflict—specifically our willingness to "turn first"—can make all the difference. "Instead of judging and condemning and fighting and all of the things that we engage in, we would show an increase of love. We would choose love over fear." Show Notes 2:09- Backing into Sports 4:49- True Passion 9:01- Where Conflict Resolution Starts 14:11- Turning First 18:38- Dangerous Love—The Love that Endures 24:08- Pointing Blame 28:12- Perception of Stress/Perception of Conflict 35:25- "Am I Right With This Person?" 40:02- A Son's Blessing 45:37- What Does It Mean To Be "All In" the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Find the full episode transcript at ldsliving.com/allin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eric Dyches and Leslie Huntsman Dyches both lost spouses to battles with mental health. In the midst of postpartum anxiety and depression, Eric's wife Emily Cook Dyches ran in front of a semitruck. Leslie also lost her husband Chad after a 14-year battle with depression and anxiety. Now, the two have joined their families—including their collective eight children—and are honoring the memory of their late spouses by speaking out about mental health. "Somehow, God provides a way for hearts to love." Show Notes 1:48- Two Families 7:29- "Due to Mental Illness" 10:50- Dealing with the Unknown 13:40- Turning Outward 16:26- Every Experience is Preparation 19:20- Grief-A Positive and Negative Power 25:36- Two Families Becoming One 36:39- Remarriage 44:47- "The Picture on the Nightstand Is Not Enough" 48:56- An Ongoing Challenge 53:05- What Does It Mean To Be "All In" the gospel of Jesus Christ? Find the full episode transcript at ldsliving.com/allin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With general conference quickly approaching, we have the privilege of bringing you a candid conversation with the Relief Society General Presidency. These three women are uniquely qualified with life experiences that make them a powerful force for good. In this week's episode, the General Presidency discusses what they have learned from working closely with the First Presidency. They also share what they wish women in the Church understood right now and what 2020 has taught them about God's love. "When we want what He wants we find joy, even in times of difficulty." Show Notes 3:48- Life During a Pandemic 9:30- Labels Don't Matter 13:36- Uniquely Called and Qualified 18:48- "I Hope Being Single Isn't The Most Interesting Thing" 21:58- "Our Story Is Not Over Yet" 25:06- Women and the Restored Gospel 30:13- Lessons Learned in Three and a Half Years of Service 34:48- Actively Participating 36:03- 2020, Anxiety, and God's Comfort 37:42- Difficulties Are Part of Life and Christ is the Answer 39:01- What Does It Mean To Be "All In" the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Find the full episode transcript at ldsliving.com/allin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.