Leading Saints Podcast

Rick Reynolds is one of America's foremost authorities helping individuals and couples struggling with affairs and compulsive sexual behaviors, with over 30 years of experience and insight. He holds a master's degree in Social Work and is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Rick's company, Affair Recovery, offers anonymous online group support worldwide for those impacted by infidelity. Rick has authored numerous guides, curricula, and papers detailing reasons why people cheat, how couples can overcome the pain, heartache, and distrust, as well as ways to move forward, both individually and as a couple. Links AffairRecovery.com Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Rick talks about the complexities of affairs within a Christian context. He shares his personal experience with infidelity [04:32]. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and seeking guidance from God [05:46]. Rick highlights the concept of "trickle truth" as particularly damaging [15:59]. He stresses the need for full disclosure to the betrayed spouse. They explore different types of affairs [12:04]. Rick also offers advice for church leaders on how to support couples dealing with infidelity [12:53]. Rick explains that the betrayed spouse needs help with trauma and understanding [14:53]. He introduces the concept of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) [21:32]. This condition can significantly hinder the healing process. Rick shares effective treatment methods for trauma [25:29]. He also emphasizes the importance of community and support systems in recovery [33:34]. They discuss the timeline for healing from infidelity [37:14]. Rick also addresses the challenges of navigating relationships with affair partners [40:01]. Rick shares his perspective on involving children in the disclosure process [43:13]. He advocates for prioritizing individual healing before focusing on saving the marriage [45:42]. They explore the reasons why people have affairs [53:39]. Rick also touches on the differences between men and women in affairs [58:21]. He underscores the importance of a strong recovery program for the wayward spouse [01:01:06]. Podcast Chapters 00:04:32 - Rick's Personal Experience 00:11:31 - Defining Infidelity 00:12:53 - Advice for Church Leaders 00:15:59 - The Danger of Trickle Truth 00:21:32 - Understanding CPTSD 00:25:29 - Treating Trauma 00:33:34 - The Importance of Community 00:37:14 - Timeline for Healing 00:40:01 - Navigating Affair Partners 00:43:13 - Involving Children 00:45:42 - Prioritizing Individual Healing 00:53:39 - Reasons for Affairs 00:58:21 - Gender Differences in Affairs 01:01:06 - The Importance of Recovery 01:04:35 - Recommended Resources 01:05:03 - The Role of 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,

Ryan Gottfredson, a leadership development author and professor, dives into the impact of mindsets on effective leadership. He discusses how leaders' good intentions can create unintended negative environments. Ryan highlights the differences between closed and open mindsets and how adopting a growth-oriented approach fosters better decision-making. With insights from sports and personal experiences, he emphasizes the importance of empathy and challenging the status quo to enhance leadership and engagement in organizations.

Braeden Jensen is a Mental Health Counselor and previously worked as a full-time Seminary teacher. Spending seven years in a high school classroom opened his eyes to a number of things. It changed his ability to listen and sharpened his aptitude for empathy. The more he sat with and listened to students, the more he saw and felt how many people are hurting in very real ways. At the same time, Braeden considered how therapy had helped him find hope and healing. The puzzle pieces quickly came together: "You can help more people in some tangible, substantial ways." After pursuing his Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree, he recently left the classroom full-time to find more fulfillment in helping others enjoy freedom, peace, and healing. He loves seeing people overcome trauma, depression, anxiety, and addiction, and heal their relationships along the way. Braeden shares insights on connecting with youth and helping them navigate their emotions and spiritual journeys. Driven by a desire to provide deeper support, Braeden discusses his transition from teaching seminary to becoming a therapist. He emphasizes emotional literacy, authenticity, and creating safe spaces for youth to express their feelings. Braeden highlights the importance of understanding the youth psyche, addressing issues like pornography, anxiety, and depression. He advocates for integrating emotional awareness in church settings and modeling authenticity for youth, showing it's okay to express struggles and emotions openly. Braeden also discusses surrendering control, trusting in God's plan, changing prayers to invite God into our story, and continuously learning about God. Links BraedenJensen.com @braejensen on Instagram Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 03:57 - Braeden's Career Transition 06:45 - Creating Safe Spaces for Youth 11:45 - Understanding Youth Psyche 18:53 - Emotional Literacy 24:30 - Integrating Emotional Awareness in Church Settings 34:38 - Authenticity and Vulnerability 44:57 - Surrender and Trust in God 48:07 - Changing Prayers 50:24 - Modeling Authenticity 56:33 - Continuous Learning about God 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.

Kristy Wheelwright Taylor serves as the board secretary for the Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation and is an author with a master's in Humanities. She delves into her family's ties to Wilford Woodruff and the significance of his writings. Kristy emphasizes fostering unity among Church leaders and open discussions about challenging topics in Relief Society. She shares insights on leadership experiences, the importance of inclusivity, and integrating Christ-centered teachings into lessons, while encouraging collective solutions to tough questions within the church.

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.