Latter Day Lives - Talking with Latter Day Saints

A announcement on Latter Day Lives

Jen Spencer spent many years dealing with issues of self-esteem, self-harm, drug addiction and suicidal ideation. Through God's amazing grace, she found her way back to peace and happiness and now gives back through her amazing charity work. Jen's story is one you will never forget.

Sorry but we are having major technical difficulties No episode today. A new episode is coming soon.

Dejan Tahic was a young teen when his native country of Bosnia erupted in war. He and his sister fled as refugees. This later led to Dejan reuniting with his parents, and moving to Canada where he finds a new life, an eternal love, and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Steven Lloyd Neal is the visionary behind the Monument Of The Americas project. He a practicing facial plastic surgeon and artist who lives in Pendleton, Oregon where he and his wife Susan raised their six daughters. Dr. Neal is an artist first and foremost. It was his background in art that attracted him to pursue a career in facial plastic surgery. Noticing the strong similarities in both fields, Dr. Neal has fused them together to form his life‘s work. For over two decades Dr. Neal has instructed and taught sculpture classes to his fellow facial plastic surgeon colleagues to improve their aesthetic judgment—the most difficult aspect of plastic surgery. In the field of art, Neal is best known for his achievements and dedication to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints and his love of the Book of Mormon. When sculpting, Neal‘s favorite medium is oil-based clay. Despite his affinity to this medium, he has also learned to carve marble. Working among craftsmen, artists, and masters, Neal has spent time over consecutive summers in Pietrasanta, Italy, not far from the same marble quarry used by Michelangelo, and received invaluable training there. He has also been trained by other professional artists in New York. Some of Neal‘s best known sculptures are the marble “Other Sheep I Have” placed in the lobby of the Mission Training Center in Provo, and the colossal “Mormon Battalion Monument, Duty Calls” and “Duty Triumphs” found at This is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since his youth, Neal has been painting oil paintings. As he grew so did the size of his pieces. While still in surgical residency at University of California San Diego, Neal began painting his most famous work, “The Tree of Life“ or “Lehi‘s Dream”. “Lehi's Dream”, which won the grand prize for the Church's First International Art Contest, has been on display for 32 years at the Museum of Church History and Art in Salt Lake City Utah. Since then Neal also painted numerous other large pieces from scenes within the Book of Mormon. As an adult, he has received years of training in the style of the old European masters and continues to employ these techniques in his work. Neal graduated magna cum laude with high honors in Asian studies and Pre-med from Brigham Young University and graduated sixth in his medical school class from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He currently serves in the Church as the second counselor in the Walla Walla, Washington Stake Presidency. He and Susan are grandparents to 14 grandchildren.

This week, rather than publishing an episode, we are taking the time to listen to, read, and study the amazing conference we just had. We invite you to do the same!

Brock Blake is the CEO and founder of Lendio, the largest online marketplace of small business loans in the U.S. Brock believes that access to capital should be simpler and quicker for small business owners, and he's built a successful company around solving this problem. Brock leads the team that has helped business owners get access to more than $1B in funding. An Inc. 500 CEO, national keynote speaker, Forbes columnist, and Utah's Emerging Executive of the Year, Brock's dedication extends far beyond the boardroom. Brock is passionate about giving back. For every loan facilitated on Lendio's marketplace platform, Lendio Gives, an employee contribution and employer matching program, donates a percentage of funds to low-income entrepreneurs around the world through Kiva.org. Brock's most important accomplishments come from being a husband and a father of four.

Helen Post is the former Executive Director for the Utah Parent Center, an organization dedicated to providing training and support for parents. In the episode, we talk about her life growing up in a large family, meeting her husband, giving birth to daughters, discovering that oof their sweet daughter is deaf, serving, volunteering, and ultimately inspiring and teaching so many through her service. Helen is a wonderful soul. You will love her story.

Britain Covey is a standout star playing football for the University of Utah. In this episode we talk about his famous family, growing up playing sports, his mission to Chile, meeting his wife, life as a college football star, his plans for the NFL draft, his work on suicide prevention and so much more. Britain has an incredible perspective on life and is amazing on the field and off.

Brian and Karen Hill served as leaders of the 1997 Pioneer Mormon Trail Wagon Train Re-enactment. In this episode we talk about Brian's younger years, his mission to the Navajo people, Karen's early life, her conversion to the gospel, how they met, their love of the outdoors, and then their role in the re-enactment. It is a beautiful story of honoring and celebrating our pioneer ancestors.

Brandon Rowberry is the CEO for Digital Health for the Group. He lives in Dubai. In this week's episode, we talk about his life growing up as a member of the church, his mission, school, his career and what led him to move his family to Dubai. We then talk about the church in this beautiful part of the world. Brandon is an amazing man. You will love this conversation.

This week, for our 200th episode we are sharing a new podcast. Jason Bringhurst is interviewing people about their mission experiences on the Go Ye Forth Podcast. In our episode this week, we talk to Jason about how he started the show, what he has learned from it, and then we share his interview with Garth Smith.

This week, we catch up with one of our favorite past guests, Allie Gardner. In the three years since we met Allie, a lot has happened. She tells us about getting married, being called to be a Young Women's President in a brand new ward right as a pandemic was breaking out, moving to a new state, getting her uplifting message of hope out to fans during the pandemic, the miracle of finding her manager, touring again and her plans for the future. We love Allie. She is so bright, talented and inspiring. You will love catching up with her. https://en.alliegardnermusic.com

Shawn Tucker is the author of the new book Humility: A Practical Approach. In the episode, we talk about his early struggles with education, his mission to Chile, falling in love with learning, becoming a professor at Elon University, his study of humility, the role of humor in our lives, and how being a member of the church affects it all. Shawn is so bright and insightful. You will love this conversation! Get Shawn's new book here: https://www.amazon.com/Humility-Practical-Approach-Shawn-Tucker-ebook/dp/B09ML7BQNM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=274FOYKM6IXHY&keywords=Shawn+Tucker+humility&qid=1644119859&sprefix=shawn+tucker+humility%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-1

Portia Louder has led a remarkable life. In the episode, we discuss her growing up in a small town, discovering drinking, getting pregnant at a young age, marriage and divorce, having more children, finding her eternal companion and having an active, growing family, falling into addiction, getting caught up in real estate fraud, serving time in prison, and coming out with a new perspective on life. Portia is so bright and resilient. She has an incredible view of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You will love her story! https://www.facebook.com/portialouder/

Greg Bretzing grew up with the goal of working for the FBI, just like his Father. After serving a mission in Spain, he studied accounting at BYU, where he met his wife. He began his career as an FBI special agent in 1995 and reported to the Phoenix Field Office, where he investigated drug, corruption, and violent crime matters. He was the case agent of a large, multi-national organized crime and corruption case and received the Office of National Drug Control Policy National Task Force Investigation of the Year award, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator's Award. In September 2000, Greg was promoted to supervisory special agent in the Criminal Investigative Division's Money Laundering Unit at FBI Headquarters. Following the September 11 attacks, he was instrumental in tracing funds used by the hijackers to carry out the attack. Greg was promoted in August 2002 to unit chief in the Terrorist Financing Operations Section. He was recognized for his work by the CIA and received the National Intelligence Certificate of Distinction for his contributions to the FBI's counterterrorism efforts. In January 2004, he transferred to the Salt Lake City Field Office, where he managed the Joint Terrorism Task Force. He was promoted to assistant special agent in charge in September 2007 and led the office's Criminal Branch. In August 2009, he was assigned as the FBI on-scene commander in Afghanistan, where he served for four months. In December 2009, Greg returned to Salt Lake City as the assistant special agent in charge and assumed responsibility for Salt Lake City's National Security Branch in July 2010. He was appointed as an inspector in August 2012. He was then selected to serve as special agent in charge of the FBI's Portland Division. There he was in charge of multiple high profile cases including the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Takeover. Greg is a true patriot, devoted husband, and proud father. His stories from the field are fascinating and give a rare glimpse into the life of a FBI agent.

Becky Edwards began her career as a social worker and counselor, where she worked closely with Utahns to strengthen families and address personal challenges. In an effort to expand her service and advocacy for Utah families, Becky ran for the Utah House of Representatives in 2008. She was a Republican legislator for ten years. She worked to expand affordable housing options, improve Utah schools, and support clean energy opportunities across the state. Each Saturday during her ten legislative sessions, Becky invited constituents to her home for “Bagels and Briefings” to share their concerns, answer questions, and learn about the very real struggles and opportunities in their lives. Becky is a 26-year resident of Davis County in Northern Utah. She is married to John Edwards, son of iconic BYU football coach Lavell Edwards, and has four children and ten grandchildren. She recently served in Samoa with her husband as a humanitarian missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from May 2019–January 2021. She is now seeking a US Senate seat representing Utah. https://beckyforutah.com

Kerry Muhlestein is a professor and former associate chair of the Department of Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University, where he has taught about the First Vision for over two decades. He is also the director of research for that department. He has taught in the history department of three universities and has been part of award-winning history publications. He received his BS in psychology with a Hebrew minor from BYU, his MA in Ancient Near Eastern studies from BYU, and his PhD from UCLA in Egyptology. He is also the director of the BYU Egypt Excavation Project. He and his wife, Julianne, are the parents of six children, and they have lived in Jerusalem on multiple occasions with Kerry taught there. https://www.outofthedust.org/

On this year end episode, Shawn is joined by author and blogger Brad McBride. Brad tells us about his new novella, Up On The Housetop - A Christmas Story. Shawn and Brad then talk about what they love about this most wonderful time of the year. Brad's book: https://www.amazon.com/Up-Housetop-Christmas-Bradley-McBride/dp/0988622351/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1639968772&sr=8-2

Graciela Moore is an ICF Certified Coach with a beautiful conversion story. In this episode, we talk about growing up in Puerto Rico, her dreams of being a writer, working at a casino, a life altering car crash, moving to the US for a career change, meeting the man of her dreams, finding the gospel of Jesus Christ, and her mission to spread the Savior's love through a message of hope. Graciela has a tremendous spirit. You will love her story.

Professor Susan R. Madsen is considered one of the top global thought leaders on the topic of women and leadership. Her research has been featured in the News and World Report, The Atlantic, The New York Times, Parenting Magazine, Chronicle of Higher Education, The Washington Post, and she is a regular contributor to Forbes. She is a sought-after global speaker and trainer and has presented at United Nations NGO sessions, The New York Times, the U.S. State Department, USAID, the Argentina Parliament Palace, the House of Commons in England, the Lithuanian President's Palace, and in many other countries around the world. In past years she has conducted research in China, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe and has facilitated women's leadership development programs and seminars with women leaders from over 40 countries. Dr. Madsen founded the International Leadership Association's (ILA) Women and Leadership Affinity Group and the Academy of Human Resource Development's Leadership Special Interest Group. In 2013 and 2015 she chaired a global women and leadership conference for the ILAShe and colleagues also lead discussions globally to help more women's leadership scholars understand and get involved with public policy. Dr. Madsen has also been an advisor and/or trainer on women's leadership to national organizations and associations like the American Council on Education, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, American Association of University Women, and others. Dr. Madsen thrives on being a change agent. In 2009, she created the Utah Women and Education Initiative and led a research team to investigate what might be done to get more Utah women to attend college and then graduate. In 2011-2012, she worked with the Utah governor and his staff to create the Utah Women's College Taskforce that resulted in a report to the state calling for change. Dr. Madsen also founded the Utah Women in Higher Education Network (UWHEN) in 2010 and was recently recognized with special honors as she moved off the board in early 2019. In 2013, Dr. Madsen founded the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP), which is focused on strengthening the impact of Utah girls and women through encouraging, developing, and advancing women in leadership. As part of that work, she has overseen the production and release of public research (accessible to the general population as well as policy makers, educators, and other stakeholders). She and her team also hosts or co-sponsors 20-30 events annually, each focused on engaging and instructing girls and women in a variety of ways and on numerous subjects, all with the end goal of inspiring and encouraging enhanced educational goals and leadership aspirations. Professor Madsen's efforts reach and influence tens of thousands in Utah annually. She also serves on or advises many Utah nonprofit and community boards, including Envision Utah, Silicon Slopes, Real Women Run, United Way of Utah County, Better Days 2020, Utah Financial Empowerment Coalition, South Davis Communities that Care, and the Utah Governor's One Utah Roadmap Team. She has also been an advisor or trainer on women's leadership to national organizations and associations like the American Council on Education, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, American Association of University Women, and others. Dr. Madsen received her doctoral degree from the University of Minnesota in Work, Community, and Family Education with a specialization in human resource development. She has other degrees in exercise science/wellness and speech communication education, and she started her career many years ago as a middle school speech and debate teacher. She and her husband Greg have four adult children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and two adorable grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys golf, snowshoeing, hiking, and traveling.

Professor Moore is a scholar of foreign relations law, international law, international human rights, and international development. Professor Moore has taught international law, international human rights, U.S. foreign relations law, civil procedure, legal scholarship, a plenary powers colloquium, and an international religious freedom clinic. As a teacher, he has been recognized with the University's R. Wayne Hansen Teaching and Learning Fellowship, the BYU Law Alumni Association Teacher of the Year Award, and the Student Bar Association First Year Professor of the Year Award. He is a member of the American Law Institute. As a human rights expert, Professor Moore serves on the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Moscow Mechanism. In 2020, he was elected to a brief term on the Human Rights Committee, a body of independent experts that oversees states' compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Professor Moore also serves as an Associate Director of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies, which seeks to secure the blessings of religious freedom and belief for everyone. Between 2017 and 2019, Professor Moore served, variously, as the Acting Deputy Administrator and General Counsel of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the federal government's lead agency for international development and humanitarian assistance. From 2016 to 2017, he was the Associate Dean for Research and Academic Affairs at Brigham Young University Law School. He was a Visiting Professor at the George Washington University Law School from 2008 to 2009. Before joining BYU, Professor Moore clerked for Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. during the U.S. Supreme Court's 2007 Term. From 2003 to 2007, Professor Moore was an assistant and then associate professor at the University of Kentucky College of Law. He arrived at the University of Kentucky after researching and teaching at the University of Chicago Law School as an Olin Fellow from 2001 to 2003. From 2000 to 2001, Professor Moore clerked for Judge Samuel A. Alito, Jr. on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. From 1996 to 2000, he was an Honor Program trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division, Federal Programs Branch. Professor Moore is a summa cum laude graduate of Brigham Young University Law School, where he served as Editor in Chief of the Law Review and graduated first in his class. He received his BA from Brigham Young University, where he was a Benson scholar and graduated summa cum laude, with University Honors, and as co-valedictorian of his college. He and his wife Natalie are the parents of seven wonderful children

We at Latter Day Lives just feel especially grateful this week.

Randy Rigby is the former President of the Utah Jazz basketball team as well as former President of the Larry H. Miller Sports and Entertainment Group. In the episode we talk about growing up in Northern Utah, how he developed his lifelong love of sports, his mission to Italy, gaining a strong testimony through an experience with his Mother, his time at BYU, meeting his wife, getting into business, dealing with the murder of his friend and business partner, going to work for the Utah Jazz, and eventually running the organization as the President. Randy has led an amazing life. He is so smart and yet so humble. You will love his story.

Jessica Williams is a very popular and respected recipe developer and food photographer. She has well over 800,000 followers on Facebook alone. In the episode we talk about her very difficult younger years, dealing with family issues, leaving home as a teenager, becoming an emancipated minor, finding the gospel, getting married, having her own family, starting a couponing blog, getting into recipe development and food photography, building a huge online following and so much more. Jessica is an amazing example of faith triumphing over adversity. You will love her story. https://butterwithasideofbread.com

Del Parson is an artist whose art has been seen by millions. From his portraits of Christ to historical figures such as Joseph and Hyrum Smith, his works hang in chapels, temples, and church sites around the world. Del grew up in Rexburg, Idaho where his father was an art professor at Ricks College and his mother taught second grade. His father often took his nine children on painting excursion campouts. He found his father's love of art to be contagious, as did two of his brothers, who became artists as well. After earning his MFA from BrighamYoung University, Parson became a gallery and portrait artist. In 1978, a tragedy changed his life. His wife and daughter were killed in a car accident. He felt the Spirit of God helping him through the tough times and began to paint religious subjects to give others the sense of hope that he found and to share with them his love of life. Parson now lives in Utah with his wife and six children. His paintings of Christ evoke a strong emotional response from viewers, and both his religious and historical paintings have received numerous regional and national awards. Parson's work has been exhibited at the Allied Artists of America, National Academy of Design, Knickerbocker Artist, American Artists Professional League, and the Amarillo Rotary Show. www.delparson.com

Lizzy Jensen is the founder and CEO of The Small Seed, a Christian company looking to make a difference in people's lives. In the episode, we talk about her life growing up in St. George, Utah, her time at BYU, serving a mission to Croatia, getting married, moving to Connecticut, graduating law school and how reading a Clayton Christensen book moved her to start her company. Lizzy is so inspiring. She shares the gospel in a way that makes it accessible to all. You will love her story. https://www.thesmallseed.com/

Ryan Evans started using drugs at a very young age. This led to crime and a life in the criminal justice system. Eventually, Ryan ended up in prison after a fight ended up with a friend passing away. Eventually Ryan, found the Lord, the church and a whole new life.

Doug Wright is a Utah native, proud of pioneer roots that go back to the 1840s. He was raised by a devoted single Mother. He spent over forty years as one of the leading voices on KSL Radio and is still the host of The KSL Movie Show. Raised in the Sugarhouse area, Doug began his broadcast career while still in high school. Married for over 30 years to his wife D., they are the parents of three children. Doug shares with us amazing stories of growing up, as well and gives us an insider's look into his amazing broadcasting career.

Sorry friends. Shawn has a really bad cold. No new episode this week.

Michelle Pearson is a star YouTube vlogger with tens of thousands of followers around the world. In this episode, we talk about her time growing up in Saudi Arabia, coming back to the US, her love of theater, her mission to Ukraine, her young married life, starting her YouTube channel, being open about mental health challenges, inspiring Moms everywhere and how being a member of the church affects it all. Michelle is open, energetic and so inspiring. You will love this conversation! https://www.youtube.com/c/MichellePearson

Our guest this week is BYU basketball head coach Mark Pope. We talk about his love of basketball at a young age, getting recruited for college ball, winning a national NCAA title, playing pro ball overseas, returning to the U.S., playing in the NBA, meeting his wife, almost becoming a doctor, how he became a coach and so much more. Mark is an amazing and inspiring man. You will love his story!

Ron Burt co-founded the hugely successful Burt Brothers Tire Company and has overseen its growth to thirteen locations along the Wasatch front. In this episode, we talk about his life growing up, how he started the business, lessons learned starting and growing his company, balancing being a husband, father, business owner and member of the church, being a mission president and so much more.

Jon Clark is a very talented artist. He has released several albums including his most recent album, One Guy Choir. He works full time composing music for a popular television network. He is also the artist behind the Honest Jon series of comic strips as well as a very popular series of children's books. Jon is a humble, gifted soul.

Nan Hunter is the daughter in-law of Howard W. Hunter. She always wanted to be an author, but for reasons unknown to her still, she graduated from Brigham Young University in zoology. Nan is the founder of a joyous, child–centered private school where she has inspired teachers and children since 1982. She and her husband, Richard, who have eight married children, reside in the quiet woods of Utah. Her book, chronicling President Hunter's younger years through the eyes of his own journal, was originally written for her family. It revealed so much about greatness and childhood that she had it published to share with all. It is an amazing inside look at the boy who would become the Prophet, President Hunter.

Boyd Matheson is the host of Inside Sources, weekdays on KSL Radio. Previously, Boyd was the opinion editor and head of strategic reach at the Deseret News. For over 25 years he has worked as a consultant, executive strategist and performance coach with global companies. His political consulting work included speechwriting, crafting communication strategies and providing personal counsel to local and national elected officials. As Chief of Staff for US Senator Mike Lee, he drove a media, communication and policy strategy to build a movement around upward mobility and opportunity for all Americans. Boyd is a brilliant and fascinating man. You will love his story.

My guest on the show this week is the remarkably talented musician and singer Wayne Burton. We talk about growing up in Canada, finding his love of music, serving a mission in Utah, meeting his wife, becoming a doctor, pursuing music, the music making process, life as a performer during a pandemic and so much more. Wayne is brilliant and yet so humble and down to earth. You will love his story!

Dorinda Makanaonalani Nicholson is known as the Pearl Harbor Child. She tells us the story of her family and their life in Pearl City Hawaii on the day of the Pearl Harbor attack. As a six year old child, she and her family saw the planes and bombs as they rushed off to safety. She recounts the events of that day, her feelings as a child as events unfolded, as well as the role it has played in her life. This is a unique opportunity to hear an eye witness account from this historical day. Her story is fascinating.

Skyler Fleming is the new Social Media Manager for the Latter Day Lives Podcast. In the special "get to know you" episode, Skyler tells the story of his conversion, his unique experience of his mission, meeting his wife, and his new role with the podcast. Skyler is awesome. We are so blessed to have him on the podcast team!

Kelly Loosli has worked in animation and live action production for the past twenty five years, working on both the artistic and managerial sides of the industries. He began his career as a clay animator for television commercials at the age of 15. While attending Brigham Young University he received a Student Emmy for his clay animated film entitled Nocturnal. Some of his additional work experience includes DreamWorks Feature Animation working on films like Shrek and Spirit, and Buena Vista Motion Pictures, the live action division of Walt Disney. Kelly has spent the last twelve years helping create Brigham Young University's nationally recognized animation program while teaching animation, storyboarding and screenwriting. Kelly has had amazing life experiences. He is an incredibly talented man with passion for teaching, art, family, and the gospel. He is well loved by friends, colleagues and students. It is easy to see why. You will love this conversation.

Maclain Nelson is a very talented writer, director and actor. In the episode, we talk about how he came to love theater and film, his time at BYU, his mission, meeting his talented wife and his involvement in films such as The Saratov Approach, Moving McAllistar, Once I Was A Beehive, and his new hit film, Once I Was Engaged. We also talk about his very popular BYUtv show ShowOffs as well as his work directing multiple films for The Hallmark Channel. Maclain is so driven and talented. He is a great example of applying talent and creating success.

Richard E. Culatta is the CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education. Prior to holding this position, he was the chief innovation officer for the state of Rhode Island and the director of the Office of Educational Technology for the U.S. Department of Education. He is the author of the new book Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World. Richard is brilliant, humble, and has incredible insight.

My guest on the show this week is the incredibly talented writer and performer, Eric D. Snider. In the episode, we discuss finding his love of comedy at a young age, his time at BYU studying journalism, starting the Garrens Comedy Troupe on campus, serving a mission, grappling with being gay as a member of the church, becoming a movie reviewer, living in Portland, leaving the church for a time, his path back, and his new life back in Utah working for the church. Eric is one of the kindest, funniest and most talented people I know. His wit and candor are at once touching and entertaining.

Gene Chidester has lived a remarkable life of service in the church. In the episode, we talk about his life growing up in Utah, his struggles learning a new language for his mission, meeting his wife and starting a family, becoming a Mission President, his love for those he served, his time as a Seventy in the church and his incredible love of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Gene is an amazing man. His passion for service stands as an inspiration for all of us.

This week we are thrilled to have author and speaker Heidi Tucker back on the show. Heidi has a new book about a Latter Day Saint woman who struggles with Dissociative Identity Disorder. It is a heartbreaking and yet inspiring story that Heidi is the perfect writer to tell. Heidi is so insightful and inspiring. You will be uplifted by this conversation!

Jason Hewlett is one of the top speakers and entertainers in the country. He is a National Speakers Association Hall of Fame Inductee and has toured the world performing and speaking in front of huge crowds of adoring fans. In this episode, Jason and I reflect on what it was like seeing his full year of bookings disappear over a couple of days due to the pandemic. He then talks about being resourceful, staying positive, learning to be a digital performer, and what the future holds for this legendary artist as we come out of the pandemic. We also talk about his awesome book - The Promise To The One, as well as his work as one of the founders of The Promise Institute. Jason's name has been mentioned more than any other person else by past guests. He is well loved, admired, and respected by everyone who knows him. Just spending time with him, it is easy to see why.

My guest on the show this week is professional magician Mike Pilkey. Mike found the church and was baptized while in high school. After getting married at a young age, Mike was on top of the world. Soon though, Mike found himself divorced and wrestling with a pornography addiction. This led to bitterness and ultimately, Mike leaving the church and having his records removed. Realizing what he was missing, Mike began the path back to activity, finding love and marriage along the way. Mike is a humble and inspiring man. His story shows that there is always a path back through Christ.

This week we bring back two of our favorite past guests. Jen Roach and Nick Galieti are the authors of a new book called Codependent Discipleship - Not A How-To Guide. We discuss what codependence is, how it affects our lives, how it happens in the church and resources for those struggling with codependence. It is a fascinating book and a great conversation.

My guest on the show this Monday is author Lecia Crider. In addition to writing young adult and children's books, Lecia is the author of the new book Godly Anxiety - Spiritual Tools For Managing Anxiety. We talk about her life as an author, the inspiration behind the new book, as well as useful spiritual tips for dealing with anxiety in our lives. Lecia is so bright and so inspired. You will love her story!

Ana Katia is the author of the book Fourteen Days. In the conversation, she shares her personal story of being adopted from a Costa Rican orphanage at age 3. She recounts the dramatic tale of going back to her homeland of Costa Rica 18 years later, and in only fourteen days finding her birth mother with just her name. With all of her challenges and the will to have immense faith, Ana hopes to inspire others to believe in themselves, to increase inner faith, and ultimately to motivate others to choose to create change from within. Ana is so open and inspiring. https://adopted4change.com/

Kristen Jenson is the founder of Protect Young Minds and best-selling author of Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today’s Young Kids and Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr.: A Simple Plan to Protect Young Minds. Kristen is the CEO of Glen Cove Press LLC and the executive producer of the Brain Defense: Digital Safety curriculum. She is a leader in the Safeguard Alliance of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation. Kristen received her bachelor’s degree in English Literature and her master’s degree in Organizational Communication. She is a mother of three and grandmother of two, and currently lives with her husband and awfully cute dog in Washington State. www.protectyoungminds.org