Leading Saints Podcast

In this conversation, Brian Willoughby, a professor at Brigham Young University and an expert on relationships, delves into the complexities of pornography use, especially among young adults in religious settings. He highlights the emotional struggles tied to shame and guilt, urging leaders to create safe spaces for discussion. Brian clarifies misconceptions about addiction, noting that only a small percentage of users experience compulsive behaviors. He emphasizes the importance of understanding motivations behind use and fostering open dialogues about sexuality and personal experiences.

Ned McArthur, a Fellow of the International Board of Functional Neurology, shares his extensive experience in youth leadership and high adventure activities. He emphasizes the importance of these adventures in fostering character and spiritual growth. Ned discusses proactive parent communication and engaging youth in planning their activities. Personal anecdotes highlight the camaraderie built through these experiences, along with the significance of finding spiritual moments in nature. His insights inspire leaders to create meaningful and transformative outdoor experiences.

In this engaging conversation, John Eldredge, a New York Times bestselling author and president of Wild at Heart, dives into fostering a deeper, experiential relationship with God. He emphasizes the need for intimacy over mere intellectual understanding and shares how everyday decisions can invite God into our lives. John explores men's spiritual struggles, encouraging listeners to seek joy through personal practices and community connection, while weaving in techniques for emotional healing and growth. His insights aim to inspire a transformative spiritual journey.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Broderick, a former elders quorum president with a PhD in Chemical Engineering, shares his insights on revitalizing quorum meetings post-COVID. He emphasizes fostering personal connections and creating safe spaces for open dialogue. Adam highlights the importance of starting meetings with personal check-ins and establishing trust, allowing members to feel valued. He also discusses the use of anonymous feedback in meetings to encourage vulnerability, ultimately enhancing community ties and spiritual growth.

Join Hayden Holm, co-host of the Salty Saints YouTube channel, and Daniel Oki, an Elders Quorum president from Charlotte, as they revolutionize Elders Quorum dynamics. Daniel shares insights on transforming unengaging meetings into round-table discussions filled with snacks and brotherhood. He candidly reflects on overcoming the challenges of a diverse quorum and re-engaging members through meaningful conversations and anonymous surveys. Their innovative approach aims to reshape church culture while strengthening connections among members.

In this intriguing conversation, Justin Dyer, a BYU professor specializing in religion and mental health, dives into the concept of toxic perfectionism, particularly among Latter-day Saints. He reveals surprising research showing that Latter-day Saint youth experience lower levels of toxic perfectionism than their atheist peers. The discussion also touches on how spiritual practices can foster self-acceptance and the significance of supportive communities. Justin emphasizes the need for unconditional parental support and compassionate church leadership to help individuals navigate their faith and identity.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in July 2020. David Butler is a religious educator at Utah Valley University. He also cohosts the popular YouTube scripture study channel Don’t Miss This and is the author of many religious books, including Almighty: How the Most Powerful Being in the Universe Is Also Your Loving Father, Redeemer: Who He Is and Who He Will Always Be, and Spirit: The Gift that Connects You to Heaven. David has previously served as a bishop. He and his wife Jenny are the parents of six children. Links Don’t Miss This Instagram: @mrdavebutler Instagram: @dontmissthisstudy Books by David Butler Y Religion podcast Seekers Wanted | An Interview with Anthony Sweat Church Doctrine, Policy, & Leadership | An Interview with Prof. Anthony Sweat Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Dave shares his journey into teaching, which began unexpectedly during his college years when he took a class on teaching the gospel. Despite initially vowing never to become a teacher, he found himself drawn to the profession, particularly in the context of teaching youth and sharing the gospel. Dave reflects on his experiences as a bishop, discussing how he approached leadership with a focus on people rather than programs. He emphasizes the importance of creating a meaningful sacrament meeting experience that fosters a deeper connection with God, rather than adhering strictly to traditional formats. Throughout the episode, Dave challenges the conventional norms of church leadership and encourages listeners to question established practices. He advocates for a people-centered approach, urging leaders to consider the needs of their congregations and to innovate rather than simply follow the unwritten rules. The discussion also touches on the significance of the Come Follow Me program, with Dave suggesting that it should be viewed as a resource rather than a rigid program. He encourages families to focus on their unique needs and to create their own meaningful experiences in scripture study, ultimately aiming to foster a deeper love for God and each other. 04:04 – Dave’s Journey into Teaching 06:12 – Unexpected Path to Teaching 10:03 – Balancing Teaching and Leadership 12:26 – Embracing Individuality in Leadership 13:04 – Questioning the Status Quo 20:20 – Focusing on People Over Programs 24:02 – Creating a Meaningful Sacrament Meeting 28:07 – Innovative Approaches to Sacrament Meeting 32:50 – Collaborating with Stake Leadership 36:17 – The Importance of Individual Worship 40:50 – Grace in the Come Follow Me Program 42:43 – Viewing Come Follow Me as a Resource 45:00 – Interview with Anthony Sweat The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Gary Miller is the host of the “Hope In Him Today” and “Outside The Lane” podcasts. Before joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as an independent fundamental Baptist pastor. He spent 11 years in the United States Air Force, dividing his time between critical care medicine and professional development training as a master military training instructor. He holds a B.S. from Wayland Baptist University and studied theology at Liberty Theological Seminary. Currently, he works as a director of marketing for a Salt Lake City-based insurance firm and serves as a stake high councilor in the Katy Texas Stake. He and his wife, Crystal, live in Katy, Texas, with their four children. You’ll likely find him at a NASCAR race somewhere when he’s not doing these things. Links From Baptist Preacher to Latter-day Saint | An Interview with Gary Miller Hope in Him Today podcast Outside the Lane podcast Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights This conversation delves into Gary’s journey of faith, focusing on the challenges and triumphs he has experienced as he navigates the cultural differences between his previous faith and his new one. Gary shares insights into the complexities of conversion, emphasizing that it is not merely a one-time event but an ongoing process that requires time and reflection. Throughout the episode, Gary discusses the significance of the temple in his faith journey, highlighting how his understanding evolved from initial confusion to a deeper appreciation for its role in connecting him to Jesus Christ. He stresses the importance of personal connections and clear messaging when discussing the temple, advocating for a focus on the principles of Jesus rather than the mystique often surrounding the temple experience. Gary also addresses the challenges of being perceived as a newcomer in the faith, noting the need for patience and understanding as individuals navigate their spiritual journeys at their own pace. 02:08 – Gary’s Journey from Baptist Minister to Latter-day Saint 03:01 – Conversation Dynamics Between Friends 04:11 – Life Updates from Gary Miller 05:44 – The Complexity of Conversion Stories 06:34 – Cultural vs. Theological Conversion 09:14 – The Ongoing Nature of Conversion 10:27 – The Binary Nature of Faith Commitment 12:14 – The Importance of Personal Reflection in Faith 13:18 – Navigating the Journey of Faith 15:23 – The Cage Stage of New Believers 18:12 – The Need for Quiet Reflection 19:08 – Balancing Old and New Faith Communities 21:00 – Building a Foundation in Faith 22:33 – The Role of the Temple in Conversion 25:49 – Personal Connections and Understanding the Temple 29:06 – The Temple as a Place of Worship 30:40 – Messaging the Importance of the Temple 32:07 – The Need for Authentic and Simple Messaging 34:01 – Engaging with Old Friends about the Temple 36:29 – The Gravity of Worship in the Temple 37:34 – Current Calling and Church Involvement 38:32 – Gary’s Podcasting Journey 41:08 – Balancing Scripture The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Help Tanzanians get to the Kenya Temple Open House. DONATE HERE to support the Nairobi Temple Open House Trip. Brenda Angle has served as a Young Women president, Primary president, stake and ward Relief Society president, stake camp director, and as a service missionary teaching study skills at the Provo Missionary Training Center. She is an author and a certified faith-based life coach and speaker who has also trained and certified 200 other faith-based life coaches. Brenda has served as president of United Families for Arizona and as an NGO lobbyist at the United Nations. In her humanitarian work, she has served as vice president of Hearts and Hands for Humanity, vice president director of philanthropy for Legacy Giving Fund, and has traveled to Tanzania, Africa for eight years. She is the mother of nine children and grandmother of 40. Links Nairobi Temple Open House Trip Fundraiser Why Not Me? Breaking the Yokes that Bind Us Mully Hearts and Hands for Humanity Faith-Based Life Coaching Academy Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Brenda shares her journey of navigating leadership within the Latter-day Saint community after experiencing divorce. She reflects on her personal struggles and the feelings of being sidelined in the church community post-divorce, emphasizing the importance of empathy and connection for those facing similar challenges. Brenda recounts her experiences of feeling isolated and the transformative power of service, which ultimately led her to take on leadership roles, including serving as a stake Relief Society president. Brenda also discusses her humanitarian work in Eastern Africa, where she has been involved in various projects, including drilling wells and empowering young women through education. She shares her excitement about the recent announcement of a temple in Nairobi, Kenya, and the unique challenges faced by members in Africa who may not fully understand the significance of the temple. Brenda is organizing a trip for Latter-day Saints from Tanzania to attend the temple’s open house, aiming to deepen their understanding of its importance and encourage them to pursue their own temple ordinances. Throughout the episode, Brenda emphasizes the need for church leaders to reach out consistently to those who are struggling, fostering a sense of belonging and community. 05:02 – Brenda’s Mission to Help Struggling Saints 06:22 – Common Struggles Among Latter-day Saints 07:24 – Navigating Life’s Messiness 07:47 – Brenda’s Books and Their Themes 08:44 – The Question of “Why Me?” 09:09 – Brenda’s Journey Through Divorce 10:27 – The Challenge of Being a Divorced Leader 11:07 – The Social Dynamics of Divorce in the Church 12:14 – The Importance of Presence and Support 13:05 – The Need for Connection in Leadership 14:28 – The Experience of Being Sidelined 15:18 – Finding Purpose After Divorce 16:10 – The Role of Service in Healing 17:23 – The Impact of Leadership on Others 18:25 – The Importance of Empathy in Leadership 19:46 – The Value of Non-Formal Callings 21:05 – The Need for Consistent Outreach 22:06 – Brenda’s Humanitarian Work in Africa 23:32 – The Joy of Serving in Africa 25:00 – The Dynamics of the Church in Africa 26:06 – The Need for Understanding and Support 27:32 – The Excitement of the Nairobi Temple Announcement 29:05 – Preparing Members for the Temple Experience 30:30 – The Logistics of the Temple Trip 32:00 – Fundraising for the Temple Trip 33:40 – The Importance of Empowering Local Members 34:40 – Observations on the Church’s Growth in Africa 34:50 – The Need for Cultural Sensitivity in Leadership 37:00 – The Significance of the Nairobi Temple 39:00 – Engaging Members in the Temple Experience 40:00 – Planning for the Temple Trip Logistics The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Rabbi Chaim Zippel was born and raised in nearby Salt Lake City, and is the first-Utah born Chabad Rabbi. He attended Yeshivas in California and New York, and has extensive experience in outreach work and youth programming all over the country. Rabbi Chaim & Esty Zippel moved to Lehi, Utah in 2022 to launch Chabad of Utah County. Chabad of Utah County is dedicated to promoting and strengthening Jewish awareness, pride, and observance, by providing educational, cultural, and social services to all Jewish individuals regardless of background, philosophy or level of commitment. The fundamental principle of Chabad is unconditional love and acceptance of every Jew. Links JewishUtahCounty.com Instagram: @jewishutahcounty Facebook: @jewishutahcounty Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Rabbi Chaim Zippel, co-director of the Chabad of Utah County, shares about the unique experience of being Jewish in a predominantly Latter-day Saint community. He shares insights into the mission of Chabad, which aims to create a welcoming environment for Jewish individuals moving to Utah County, providing them with a space to gather, learn, and grow in their faith. The conversation delves into the differences between Jewish and Latter-day Saint practices, particularly regarding community engagement and religious observance. Rabbi Chaim explains that while prayer services may not attract large crowds, community events and educational opportunities are highly valued. He recounts his family’s journey to Utah, highlighting the challenges and rewards of establishing a Jewish presence in the area. The discussion also touches on the complexities of Jewish dietary laws and the importance of understanding the rationale behind religious practices, emphasizing that some commandments are followed simply because they are divinely ordained. Rabbi Chaim reflects on the supportive nature of the Latter-day Saint community, noting that Utah County is one of the least anti-Semitic places he has experienced. He shares anecdotes about community support during challenging times, illustrating the strong interfaith relationships that have developed. 03:35 – Rabbi Chaim’s Background and Role 04:07 – Overview of Chabad in Utah County 05:03 – Community Focus vs. Traditional Services 06:23 – Jewish Community Dynamics in Utah 07:27 – Rabbi Chaim’s Journey to Utah 09:03 – Family Background and Chabad Movement 10:40 – The Need for Jewish Presence in Utah County 12:02 – Rabbi’s Outreach to Jewish Youth 12:35 – Community Support and Anti-Semitism in Utah 21:05 – The Role of a Rabbi and Path to Leadership 23:02 – Conversion and Personal Journeys in Faith 30:03 – Understanding Jewish Laws and Practices 32:31 – Experiences and Testimonies in Faith 36:25 – Conversion Perspectives in Judaism 40:06 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Faith The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.