Leading Saints Podcast

Frank Schwartz is a husband—for nearly 24 years—and a father of three girls. He was recently released from his elders quorum presidency and has served in several bishoprics, elders quorum presidencies, high councils, high priest group leaderships and Young Men presidencies (back when those were a thing), and a variety of other callings over the years. Frank did undergraduate and graduate work in Psychology and worked in television before starting a small, boutique, corporate communications firm. Most recently he has worked for a client in the healthcare payments space. Frank joined F3 in 2014 and has served in the national leadership in different capacities prior to taking over as Nant’an/CEO last year. Links F3 Nation Warrior Heart retreats Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Frank shares his personal journey with F3, which began when he was encouraged by friends to join a workout group after facing health issues. He describes F3 as a community that not only promotes physical fitness but also fosters deep connections among men, encouraging them to support one another through challenges. The organization operates on five core principles: it is free, open to all men, conducted outdoors, peer-led, and concludes with a "circle of trust" where participants share personal struggles and support each other. Frank highlights the parallels between F3 and church leadership, particularly in how both rely on lay leadership and the importance of influence over authority. He discusses the decentralized nature of F3, where local groups operate independently while adhering to shared values, and emphasizes the transformative power of brotherhood and accountability in personal growth. Listen for insights on how church leaders, especially elders quorum presidents, can learn from and leverage F3 to enhance fellowship and support among men in their congregations, ultimately fostering a stronger sense of community and purpose. 04:03 - Frank Schwartz's Background 05:26 - What is F3? 07:33 - The Founding of F3 12:16 - Personal Journey to F3 16:35 - The Structure and Cadence of F3 Workouts 19:00 - Finding and Starting an F3 Group 21:30 - Leadership vs. Management in F3 25:07 - The Importance of Lay Leadership 30:14 - Starting Your Own F3 Group 36:23 - Inclusivity for All Fitness Levels 37:42 - Building Authentic Fellowship in F3 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.

Courtney Bush lives in the Utah Area, married her high school sweetheart, and together they have two kids. She graduated from Brigham Young University in Early Childhood Education and has a deep love for teaching and helping children. During her time teaching, some of her accomplishments included the Golden Apple Award and KSL Teacher Feature. Courtney currently serves as stake Young Women president. She has previously served as a Young Women president, second counselor, secretary, & advisor, as a Primary counselor, and a Relief Society teacher. Courtney recently started an Instagram and TikTok specifically for young women, parents, and leaders, where she simply shares the doctrine of Jesus Christ. She enjoys teaching, speaking, and testifying of the Savior, especially within her own home. It's never boring at Courtney's house, where they have a miniature pony and a school bus, and their home is always stocked with lots of treats for the youth. She loves serving with her whole heart. Links Instagram: @ywfollowjesus Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Courtney emphasizes the need for leaders to inspire youth to take initiative and connect with their faith, ultimately preparing them for future challenges. She delves into her approach to empowering class presidencies, emphasizing the importance of youth-led initiatives and personal revelation, and shares practical strategies for helping young women develop leadership skills, such as counseling together and encouraging them to seek guidance from Heavenly Father. The conversation also touches on the significance of lesson instruction, where Courtney advocates for teaching doctrine in a relatable way, ensuring that young women feel confident in discussing and testifying about their faith. Courtney talks about "Treat Friday," a casual gathering she hosts for young women to connect, build relationships, and foster a sense of community. This not only serves as a fun social event but also acts as a bridge for young women to approach their bishop for guidance and support. Courtney also shares her experiences with Girls Camp, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for personal revelation and connection with Jesus Christ. 03:15 - Courtney's Passion for Young Womens Leadership 04:06 - Transition from Ward to Stake Young Womens President 06:09 - Demographics and Challenges in Lehigh, Utah 09:00 - Empowering Class Presidencies 12:06 - Coaching Youth to Seek Revelation 14:39 - Training Adult Leaders in the Stake 16:37 - Workshops for Young Womens Advisors 19:22 - Collaborating with Stake Presidency 21:37 - Treat Friday: A Casual Gathering 24:08 - The Impact of Treat Friday 27:00 - Creating a Safe Space for Youth 29:10 - Principles of Effective Lesson Instruction 31:59 - Enhancing Doctrinal Understanding 34:53 - Best Practices for Girls Camp 36:55 - The Party Bus Experience 40:18 - The Importance of Community and Connection 41:39 - Creating Positive Online Content 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,

In this engaging discussion, Mark Bell, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and expert in men's mental health, dives into the hidden struggles men face with undiagnosed depression and societal pressures. He advocates for creating safe spaces in Elders Quorum where vulnerability and authentic connections can thrive. Mark emphasizes the importance of shared challenges to deepen friendships and discusses how emotional fulfillment outweighs mere duty. This episode sheds light on the need for mindful connections and destigmatized conversations around mental health.

Andrea Lystrup, a licensed marriage and family therapist, discusses the spiritual exhaustion many face today. She explores the increased challenges post-COVID, emphasizing the importance of supportive church environments. Andrea shares insights on the complex relationships individuals have with their faith communities, urging compassion and open dialogue. She highlights the significance of self-acceptance and unconditional love in healing, especially for those affected by trauma. Her advocacy for understanding and presence resonates throughout the conversation.

This podcast is a group discussion about the Heart of a Woman retreat, a 3-day intensive experience for women of faith. The retreat provides a space for women to connect with God, other women, and themselves. It includes presentations, time for reflection, and opportunities for prayer and worship. The guests discuss their own experiences with the retreat and how it has impacted their lives. They also share insights on the importance of women's leadership and the power of prayer. Melanie Meszaros is a wife, mother, grandmother, certified professional coach, business manager, and avid music lover. With a master’s in Education, Melanie has spent her adult life providing women and couples with opportunities to learn and develop skills to improve their lives, their relationships, and their families. As co-founder of Heart of a Woman, Melanie is passionate about helping women develop a profound connection with God, restore their feminine heart, and rediscover who God created them to be. In the Church she has enjoyed serving in music callings, as a teacher, as a counselor in each of the women's organizations, and as a ward and stake Relief Society president. Kristy Willhite was baptized as a child and chose the gospel of Jesus Christ as an adult. She served for 17 years in the Primary organization in every calling except chorister. Kristy has served in Relief Society presidencies, as a Young Women president, and currently serves in her stake Young Women presidency. She loves reading, knitting, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University-Idaho in Advanced Family History Professional Studies. Kristy and her husband James have been married 26 years and have four great kids. Jolene Duckworth attended the October 2024 Heart of a Woman retreat and found herself forever changed by the experience. She is the mother of six and serves as the chair of the hospitality committee for BYU's Women's Conference, and in the Church as a Relief Society service coordinator and a temple worker. Jolene has a bachelor's degree in Visual Arts from BYU and is the experience design director for Idylli, a leadership development company she runs with her husband, Dan Duckworth. Links TheHeartofaWoman.net (Use the code LEADMAY25 for a Leading Saints discount) 5 Easy Questions to Invite Anyone to Learn About the Gospel | An Interview with Murray Meszaros The Subtle Attack of Shame on Spirituality | An Interview with James Willhite Creating a Transformational Sunday School | An Interview with Dan Duckworth Warrior Heart Boot Camp Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Melanie, Christy, and Jolene, delve into the Heart of a Woman retreat, an interdenominational experience designed to foster deeper connections with God among women of faith. Melanie explains that the retreat offers a three-day immersive experience where women can unplug from the world, engage with the Word of God, and pray together in a supportive environment. The guests discuss the transformative power of the retreat, highlighting how it provides women with the opportunity to connect with God on a personal level. Jolene shares her own experience of attending the retreat, describing how it helped her recognize her worth and empowered her to pray with others, ultimately leading to meaningful connections and support for those in need. Throughout the episode, the group emphasizes the significance of identity in faith, particularly for women, and how the retreat helps participants understand their intrinsic worth as children of God. They discuss the challenges women face in leadership roles within the Church and how the retreat equips them with the confidence to embrace their unique gifts. The conversation also touches on the importance of interfaith experiences, the role of worship music, and the need for rest and renewal in spiritual practices.

Matt Bardsley, a seasoned seminary teacher and dedicated church leader, joins Kimberly Perkins, a passionate coach specializing in healing and connection. They delve into the significance of mentorship in youth leadership, emphasizing relational ties and purpose-driven connections. The conversation highlights innovative training strategies and the importance of communication and vulnerability in cultivating future leaders. They also provide effective, engaging techniques to enhance youth participation and personal growth within church settings.

Parker Walbeck, a millennial content creator known for his "True Millennial" YouTube channel, shares insights from his impactful journey of sharing the gospel. He reflects on traveling with Elder Neil L. Andersen in the Philippines, emphasizing the apostle's genuine care and commitment to basic gospel principles. The conversation covers modern strategies for engaging younger audiences through social media, the significance of personal testimony, and the simplicity of sharing faith in an authentic manner. Parker advocates for humility and community involvement in faith-sharing.

Tanner Pursley, a Bishop in Morenci, Arizona, shares his rich background working with troubled youth at Arivaca Boys Ranch and EFY. He discusses his innovative 'I Can Do Hard Things Challenge,' designed to empower young people across spiritual, social, intellectual, and physical dimensions. Tanner highlights how this program draws from scouting initiatives to inspire youth involvement and community engagement. With personal anecdotes, he emphasizes the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and fostering support from parents to cultivate growth and resilience among young members.

Danny and Emily Deaton, co-founders of Living Proof Recovery Services, share their powerful insights on addiction and recovery. Danny opens up about his harrowing journey through opioid addiction, emphasizing the life-changing support from his family. Emily discusses the crucial role of family involvement in healing and the need for patience during recovery. Together, they highlight the importance of community support, establishing boundaries, and educating oneself about the complexities of addiction, making it a truly enlightening conversation.

Jodi Atkinson, a dedicated Stake Young Women's President from Shawnee, Kansas, shares her transformative insights on youth leadership. She emphasizes that youth are not problems to solve but solutions to embrace. Discussing her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jodi highlights the importance of innovative thinking and active youth involvement in decision-making. She reflects on how strong relationships nurture a supportive environment and how serving others enriches leadership, ultimately advocating for a purpose-driven approach to youth engagement.