Leading Saints Podcast

James Willhite is an experiential therapist, coach, and consultant. He previously worked for 20 years in finance and sales management where he found a passion for speaking and coaching, then decided to switch careers and earned a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University. With Steven Shields he co-founded Accepted, a collection of exclusively trained experiential guide who lead individuals, families, groups, and corporations to maximize their health and connection. James also serves on the board of three non-profit organizations (Unashamed Unafraid, A Warrior Heart, and Heart of a Woman) and firmly believes that as we work to remove the obstacles and barriers of trauma, our true and divine identity will be uncovered at our core. He loves spending time with his wife, Kristy and with his four children. Links AcceptedLife.com Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights James talks about the complexities of shame, particularly in the context of spirituality and personal growth. Wilhite addresses issues like anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma in his practice. He highlights the subtle yet pervasive nature of shame, often overlooked in therapeutic settings, and how it can lead individuals to hide from God and themselves. The discussion delves into the biblical story of Adam and Eve, exploring how shame was introduced into the human experience and how it continues to affect individuals today. Wilhite explains that shame is a primary weapon used by the adversary to create distance between individuals and God, leading to feelings of inadequacy and the need to seek validation from others rather than from the divine. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and naming shame to break free from its grip, encouraging listeners to understand their true identity as children of God. Throughout the episode, Wilhite offers practical advice for church leaders and individuals alike, urging them to embrace the inevitability of pain, work, and uncertainty in life as opportunities for growth rather than as punishments. He underscores the significance of leaning into God’s goodness and trusting in His promises, even amidst struggles. The conversation culminates in a powerful reminder that healing is possible through understanding one's identity and the nature of God, ultimately inviting listeners to embark on their own "shame adventure" to foster healing and connection. 03:30 - Understanding Shame in Therapy 04:50 - Common Issues in Therapy Post-COVID 06:30 - The Role of Trauma in Therapy 08:00 - Experiential Therapy vs. Talk Therapy 09:30 - Importance of Finding the Right Therapist 10:50 - The Adam and Eve Story and Shame 12:30 - The Subtlety of Shame 14:00 - Hiding from God and Its Consequences 16:30 - The Cycle of Perfectionism and Shame 18:00 - Recognizing Shame in Leadership 19:30 - God's Nature and Our Identity 21:00 - The Importance of Self-Compassion 22:30 - The Journey of Healing from Shame 24:00 - God's Response to Adam and Eve 26:00 - Misinterpretation of God's Blessings 28:00 - Embracing Pain and Work as Inevitable 30:00 - Trusting God Amidst Uncertainty 32:00 - The Role of Pain in Growth 34:00 - Feeling to Heal: The Process of Therapy 36:00 - Allowing Ourselves to Feel Emotions 38:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Healing 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.

Kathy Santiago Allen grew up in Provo and received a degree in nursing from Brigham Young University. She loved working in women's health and in the medical spa industry in Southern California before shifting her focus to raising five kids. Her husband's educational pursuits took them to San Diego and Los Angeles, then to St Louis, before they settled in North Phoenix. This past June they relocated to Mapleton, Utah. Kathy has loved serving in Primary presidencies, Relief Society presidencies, as Relief Society president, and most recently as a stake Relief Society president. She currently loves serving as a Young Women advisor, and her favorite calling will always be as a ministering sister. Kathy and her husband Jared have been married for 27 years. They enjoy hiking and traveling together, and have found that counseling with one another in their callings helps them serve with an even greater capacity. Links Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Kathy shares valuable insights on effective leadership principles, including the significance of ministering as a way of life rather than just an assignment. She discusses the dynamics of her ward in Phoenix, characterized by a smaller membership and the need for unity and collaboration among members. Kathy recounts her efforts to foster a culture of service within her stake, utilizing the JustServe program to connect with local nonprofits and encourage members to engage in community service. She highlights the importance of expanding the circle of help, recognizing that leaders cannot do everything alone and must delegate responsibilities to others. Kathy also shares inspiring stories of service projects that brought members together, emphasizing how serving alongside one another fosters unity and strengthens relationships. She concludes with a reminder of the importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout and the need for leaders to discern what is truly necessary in their service. 05:27 - Moving from Phoenix to Utah: A Personal Transition 06:29 - Dynamics of a North Phoenix Ward: Challenges and Community 09:50 - Advice for Stake Relief Society Presidents During Realignment 12:46 - Training and Supporting New Relief Society Presidents 14:22 - Spiritual Preparedness: The Foundation of Leadership 24:22 - Ministering as the Answer to Challenges 30:30 - Expanding the Circle: Avoiding Burnout in Service 34:23 - Service Promotes Unity: Building a Culture of Service 42:00 - Collaborating with Nonprofits: The Joy of Service 46:52 - Balancing Service and Boundaries: Insights from President Nelson 48:06 - The Importance of Female Leadership in the Church 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.

Discover how starting a ward podcast can foster community and connection among congregation members. The host shares compelling stories and testimonials about the power of personal narratives in building empathy. With user-friendly technology and practical tips, launching a podcast becomes accessible for everyone. Learn how these initiatives can enhance relationships and preserve personal histories within the ward, transforming the way members communicate and understand each other.

Carlos L. Chacon, Jr. takes the reins to interview Kurt Francom, the founder and executive director of Leading Saints and the usual host of the podcast, as they discuss the organization's future plans and the evolution of its content. This was originally a livestream on YouTube, December 30, 2024. Carlos is a zealous father of five trying to balance faith and family life while making a living in IT. He served as a missionary in the Buenos Aires South Mission, where he developed a deep love for the people and culture of Argentina. As a frequent recipient of the Savior's grace, he has also served as an early morning seminary teacher. He enjoys sharing the teachings of Jesus Christ and supporting others on the covenant path, and can eat his weight in raspberries. Carlos and his family live in Richmond, Virginia, where he currently serves as a bishop. He is a host on the SQL Data Partners Podcast. Links Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Kurt shares insights about upcoming events, including potential live workshops and a BYU cruise experience, emphasizing the value of in-person interactions for leadership development. As they delve into the history of Leading Saints, Kurt recounts his journey from a frustrated church leader to the founder of a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing leadership within the Latter-day Saint community. He reflects on the challenges of leadership, the importance of empathy, and the need for a supportive community. The episode also touches on the relationship between Leading Saints and the Church, clarifying that while they operate independently, they maintain a positive rapport with church leaders. Kurt expresses his desire to create more in-depth content, including long-form interviews and thoughtful explorations of leadership principles, while encouraging listeners to engage with the platform by sharing ideas and suggesting potential guests. The episode concludes with a call for collaboration and a reminder of the significance of leadership in establishing a supportive and thriving community within the church. 03:53 - Plans for 2025 04:25 - Upcoming Live Events 08:06 - BYU Cruise Experience 09:34 - Future Content Ideas 10:06 - Long-Form Interviews 12:50 - Exploring Leadership History 15:27 - Shifting Focus to Zion 16:20 - Engaging New Audiences 18:01 - History of Leading Saints 24:23 - Growth and Impact 25:39 - Motivation Behind Leading Saints 30:03 - Favorite Episodes and Topics 32:44 - Navigating Podcast Content 36:36 - Engaging with Potential Guests 40:38 - Relationship with the Church 44:28 - Importance of Independent Voices 45:19 - The Challenge of Providing Formulas 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.

Geoff Thatcher, an experienced creative leader and president of the Savannah YSA Branch, shares his journey in establishing a supportive community for young adults. He highlights the integration of artificial intelligence in enhancing visitor experiences at museums, cautioning against over-reliance on tech. Geoff discusses innovative engagement strategies, such as themed Sundays, to merge personal interests with spiritual growth. His insights reveal the profound impact of leadership on faith and community connection among Young Single Adults.

Dan Duckworth, founder of LeaderQuest and an expert in leadership development, explores transformative leadership in youth mentorship and Sunday School teaching. He emphasizes the need for educators to engage in continuous reflection and experimentation, shifting belief systems to foster real change. Duckworth discusses innovative teaching methods that prioritize collaboration and experiential learning, ultimately bridging the gap between high ideals and practical applications. The conversation highlights the importance of creating a dynamic community to enhance spiritual growth.

Kent Jordan, recently released stake president from Wilmington, Delaware, discusses his transformative leadership journey. He emphasizes organizing stake conferences through prayerful collaboration with his council. Kent shares insights on showing love and respect to those he leads, explaining how seeing members through the Savior’s eyes enhanced his connections with them. He highlights the importance of personal priesthood interviews to foster community support and reflects on welfare efforts, noting the diverse approaches of bishops in their service.

In this discussion, Dan Duckworth, founder of LeaderQuest and a leadership development expert, shares insights on revitalizing Sunday School. He highlights challenges local leaders face in adapting to change, critiquing traditional methods in favor of innovative approaches. Dan underscores the need for a culture that fosters spiritual growth and community, urging a shift from knowledge transfer to transformational teaching. He emphasizes creating engaging environments where relationships thrive, ensuring participants can share their spiritual journeys authentically.

Cynthia Collier, a seasoned writer and director for Church productions, and Amy Robinson, a dynamic choreographer, share their insights from the Nauvoo Pageant. They discuss the transformative power of dance, emphasizing joy and faith in overcoming personal challenges. The guests highlight the importance of mentorship and inclusivity, detailing how children enrich community experiences. They also touch on servant leadership principles, the competitive audition process, and the collective journey of faith that connects participants and audiences alike.

Ryan Gottfredson, a leadership development author and professor, discusses the cultural factors that hinder personal growth and effective leadership. He emphasizes the importance of open communication and establishing psychological safety in teams. The role of ego in leadership is explored, showcasing how it can motivate or hinder growth. Ryan advocates for vulnerability and self-awareness among leaders and promotes gardener-minded leadership, fostering nurturing environments that support learning and development.