Leading Saints Podcast

Devin Pope, a Behavioral Science and Economics professor at the University of Chicago and bishop of the Hyde Park 2nd Ward, shares his journey of innovative community engagement in Southside Chicago. He discusses transforming traditional church activities into welcoming events like movie nights and haunted houses to attract families. Devin highlights the importance of creating a sense of belonging, especially for diverse populations, and outlines his strategies for effectively integrating new members into the church community.

Greg Trimble, founder of Lemonade Stand and a prominent figure in faith-based organizations, shares his insights on empowering youth as ward missionaries. He emphasizes the transformative power of mentorship and genuine relationships in leadership. Trimble discusses innovative programs that prepare youth for missionary work, highlighting the significant emotional connections formed during service. He also reflects on the role of music in strengthening faith and community ties, showcasing how these experiences nurture both personal growth and collaborative leadership.

Joshua Dennis, a designer for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and current stake president, shares a gripping tale from his childhood when he was lost in an abandoned mine. He reflects on the profound impact of this harrowing experience on his faith and leadership style. The conversation highlights the upcoming film, 'Faith of Angels,' inspired by his story, and underscores the importance of Christ-centered leadership, kindness, and the lessons learned from both challenges and blessings in guiding a diverse community.

Taysom Hill, a utility player and quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, shares his unique journey from small-town Idaho to the NFL. He discusses the influence of his mission in Australia on his character and faith. Taysom emphasizes the power of routines in achieving success and how genuine leadership is rooted in belief and empowerment. Reflecting on his time as a captain, he highlights the importance of resilience and authenticity in both sports and church leadership. His insights offer valuable lessons on personal development and the intersection of faith and leadership.

Jacob Hansen, an advocate for blending values and interests to deepen community ties, returns to discuss innovative strategies in the Long Beach East Stake. He highlights the power of interest-based groups in forging connections and combating loneliness among members. The conversation covers grassroots engagement, the success of diverse activities like yoga classes, and the importance of welcoming atmospheres for new members. Jacob emphasizes the transformative potential of these initiatives in creating a thriving, inclusive church culture.

Tami Harris, the Chaplain Services Manager for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the first female chaplain in the Church's modern era, shares fascinating insights from her journey. She discusses the vital role of chaplains, emphasizing the necessity of empathy and active listening in pastoral care. Tami also reflects on the historical context of female chaplains and recent military policy changes. Personal anecdotes reveal the profound impact chaplains have during crises and highlight their collaboration across faiths to foster emotional safety.

Join Thomas Griffith, a Harvard Law lecturer and former federal judge, as he delves into the complex interplay of faith and politics. He discusses President Oaks' vital message on the U.S. Constitution and the urgent need to combat political tribalism. Griffith emphasizes the importance of maintaining political neutrality within religious communities and the challenges of navigating misinformation. With insights on fostering empathy and understanding in political discourse, his thoughts encourage unity and constructive engagement in congregations.

Rebecca Buffington is a credentialed ADHD coach and parenting expert with a personal connection to the disorder. She shares insights on ADHD's impact on executive function and the importance of compassion in faith communities. The discussion emphasizes reframing ADHD from a flaw to a challenge that can reveal unique strengths. Buffington also highlights the unique experiences of women with ADHD and the critical need for tailored support strategies, especially in leadership and educational settings, to foster understanding and self-compassion.

Bennett Borden, a lawyer and chief data scientist renowned for his work in AI governance, offers fascinating insights into the intersection of artificial intelligence and the Latter-day Saints faith. He likens the transformative power of AI to electricity, discussing its implications in fields like education and healthcare. Topics include the ethical challenges of generative AI, the intricacies of algorithmic decision-making, and the risks and opportunities presented by deep fakes. Borden emphasizes the importance of responsible AI usage aligned with spiritual values.

Andy Rosas was born in Argentina and at age six his family immigrated in pursuit of economic stability. They lived in Utah for five years and Italy for two years before moving to Dublin, Ireland, when he was 13. Andy also served in the France Lyon mission, and speaks English, Spanish, Italian, and French. He currently lives just outside of London, England. Andy studied Business Studies at the University College Dublin (UCD) and has worked in IT and Cybersecurity, but currently splits his time between working as a first responder/ground crew for a small private airfield, and running a cleaning agency he helped create with a friend. He attends the Britannia YSA Ward in London’s Hyde Park Stake and has served as a YSA ward clerk, bishopric counselor, stake high councilor, and elders quorum president. He loves to pick up basketball games in London and is slowly learning to fly at the airfield. Links God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life’s Little Detours There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Andy provides insights into the Young Single Adult experience in the UK, highlighting the intimate and family-like atmosphere due to the small church community. He discusses his leadership roles in the YSA ward, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and building transformational relationships. Andy shares leadership principles and stresses the value of creating a safe and welcoming space in church, allowing individuals to share and teach in a supportive environment. He also touches on the concept of lowering expectations and focusing on building relationships rather than rigid structures in church settings. The episode concludes with a reflection on the power of giving space for others to speak and share in church settings, fostering a sense of community and connection among members. 00:03:43 – Andy Rosas’ Background and YSA Experience in the UK 00:08:35 – Andy’s Leadership Roles in the YSA Ward 00:26:36 – SPARC: Smile, Present, Admire, Represent, Christ 00:32:07 – Growing a Personality, Not Just a Testimony 00:42:24 – Let People Lead Themselves The 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, 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, and many more in over 700 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.