Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices Podcast

March is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month. Our guests on this episode of Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices are Justin and Clairissa Cooper, who have become very familiar with MS since Clairissa was diagnosed with MS 15 years ago. In this conversation, the Coopers talk about what MS is, how it impacts a patient and their family, how faith shapes their outlook, and why Clairissa is actually grateful for MS and the impact it has had on her life.

It's the Christmas season, which means The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has launched its annual Light the World campaign. On this episode of Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices, two local Church communication leaders, Janae Baird and Jani Nielsen, provide an update on Light the World - what's new for 2022 and how you can access an expanded Virtual Giving Machine to make donations to local charities - as you seek to do your part to Light the World this Christmas season.

Barry Wilkinson of Prosper, TX, is an inventor. He doesn't think of himself that way, but that's what Mattel called him when it produced and marketed a toy he developed called Sweet Shaper. But there's more to Barry's story. On this episode of Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices, Barry talks about his penchant for developing new ideas, and he shares how reinventing himself pulled him out of a difficult life and placed him firmly on the gospel path, which has blessed his life ever since.  

The famous Marmaduke comic strip has ties to north Texas. Paul Anderson of Flower Mound is the son of Marmaduke creator Brad Anderson, and he now produces the comic strip, continuing the legacy his father established in 1954. On this episode of Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices, Paul talks about about growing up with a cartoonist father, finding the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, becoming the Marmaduke cartoonist, and experiencing some miracles that have blessed his life.

April 11 is National Submarine Day, marking the anniversary of the day the United States Navy acquired its first modern commissioned submarine in 1900. Our guest on this episode of Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices is Jon Scholl of Prosper, Texas, who served on a submarine when he was in the Navy. He shares what it's like to live and work under water, onboard a submarine.  

Jen Geigle Johnson is a North Texas mother of six, and she is also a published author of clean and wholesome historical romance novels, with more than 40 titles. In this episode of Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices, Jen talks about her passion for telling stories, the role her faith plays in her writing, and how she strives for balance in her life.    

For Gerry and Molly Wood, the French horn has played a key role in the most important aspects of their lives - from high school to college, their marriage, faith, careers, and their parenting - all three of their children play the French horn as well. In this episode of Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices, Gerry and Molly talk about the blessings they have received from playing the French horn and the inspiration that came to use their combined family talent to share sacred music during the COVID-19 pandemic.

David Larsen never imagined that he would write hundreds of hymns with one of the most prolific composers in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But he was inspired by a simple question from Janice Kapp Perry, and for more than 20 years now, the two have collaborated to write hymns based on talks by church leaders. Larsen currently serves as president of the Dallas East Stake and has shared his hymns with members of his stake on a weekly basis during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode of Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices, President Larsen shares how he began writing hymns and where he finds his inspiration.  

As high school sweethearts in Denton, Texas, Jim Martino and his now-wife Jennie could not have imagined that they would spend much of their adult lives serving the Lord together in full-time service for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including many years in Central America, South America, and Russia. In this episode of Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices, Elder and Sister Martino share their experiences, insights, and testimonies...and why they're happy to now return to their home in Texas.  

In this episode of Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices, Texas residents CJ & Kelly Patracone share the story of their unexpected return to church activity by way of CJ's enrollment in PathwayConnect. PathwayConnect is an element of BYU-Pathway Worldwide, an affordable online educational program that provides access to spiritually based degrees. Also on this episode, Church Service Missionary Tammy Sanders shares her insider's perspective on PathwayConnect and CJ's inspiring return to the covenant path, including his sealing to Kelly in the Dallas temple.

Imagine having an unrelenting, debilitating headache for several years - most of us would be praying for a miracle, asking God to take the headache away. In this Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices podcast, Prosper, Texas, residents Brent & Shahna Argyle share their experience of enduring Brent's long-lasting headache, how a series of miracles eventually led to healing, and what they learned along the way.  

The parable of the Prodigal Son teaches us that God accepts each of us as we "come unto" Him, including those who have lost their way. In this Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices podcast, Fort Worth area resident Jaelanne Gilliam shares her story of leaving the Church of Jesus Christ for 13 years and how she found her way back. Because of her life's journey, Jaelanne has an interesting perspective - she knows what it is like to grow up in the Church, and she knows what it is like to be a convert.

We hear a lot about diversity, equity, and inclusion in today's world. In this Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices podcast, human resources professional Shannon Jurecka talks about these ideals from both a professional and a spiritual perspective. Shannon is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Texas Capitol Bank and is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Colleyville Texas Stake.

Originally from Nigeria,  Bassey and Barbara Obot, now Fort Worth, Texas, residents, met in college, were introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and later immigrated to the United States. In this podcast, the Obots talk about their humble beginnings, their conversion to the gospel, and their path to immigration. They also share advice about how to assimilate to a new culture while maintaining strong cultural roots.

President Calvin Griffin Calvin Griffin is the leader of eleven Denton Texas area congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this special Black History Month episode, President Griffin talks about his upbringing in Mississippi, his conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and his perspective as an African American member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Kevin Hinckley is a Licensed Professional Counselor in north Texas, with more than 30 years of experience. In this Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices podcast, Kevin talks about anxiety - why we feel anxious, healthy ways to cope with anxiety, how to recognize signs of anxiety in others, and how to know when anxiety gets to a point where we should seek clinical help. He also discusses anxiety in this uncertain time of COVID-19. Kevin is a member of the Plano Texas Stake.

Reva Willes will be 100 years old on December 7, 2020. In this Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices podcast, Reva talks about a century of life - sharing memories such as what it was like to live through the trials of the Great Depression and World War II, how she had a front row seat for many technological advancements we now take for granted, and how she served in the church over the years, all while raising a family and living a faithful and rewarding life. Reva is a member of the Hurst Texas Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

In this Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices podcast, Matt Osborne, a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, talks about his career as a CIA officer and his current efforts to rescue children from sex trafficking and sexual exploitation around the world, working with the nonprofit organization Operation Underground Railroad.

Former CIA officer Matt Osborne grew up near the Dallas Texas Temple but never imagined he would one day be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices podcast, Matt talks about investigating the Church for 13 years before a “burning in his bosom” convinced him to be baptized. Seven years later, Matt serves on the high council of the Prosper Texas Stake while working to rescue victims of human trafficking in his role at Operation Underground Railroad.

Brittany Scott always wanted to be a mother of a large family, and she has also worked hard to find success as an artist. In this Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices podcast, Brittany shares her perspective on achieving balance in life, following the Spirit, and ministering to others. She also describes the inspiration behind her current project, a large painting of the Savior with the Apostle Thomas that she has titled "My Lord and My God". You can find Brittany and examples of her paintings on Instagram at scottstudios.

Dr. Mark Bird joins Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices host Erik Egan to discuss maintaining good mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Bird's background in the treatment of addictive behaviors and overcoming complex traumas uniquely qualifies him to help people cope with grief and change that comes with tough life transitions — like dealing with unexpected personal and family issues that have arisen with COVID-19. 

Jon Barnard, a repatriated Texan, serves with his wife Diana as managers of the Carrollton, Texas Bishops' Storehouse and Home Storage Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jon outlines the role of the Storehouse in caring for the poor and needy as well as the impact of COVID-19 on the Church's Humanitarian Aid Program.  

Elder Parker Webster, Sister Julia Elmer, and Elder Jacob Egan, missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, share their experiences with having their missions interrupted due to COVID-19. This episode provides a fascinating look at how the pandemic is affecting the Church worldwide. These missionaries give personal insights and bear testimonies of faith and hope. 

Rena Elmer, an Olympic hopeful runner and proud Yours-Mine-and-Ours mother of nine, shares her remarkable story of grit and determination to achieve her dreams with the help of Heavenly Father and the devotion of her family.

Bruce A Carlson, Retired United States Air Force 4 Star General and Emeritus General Authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, talks about life, love, and leadership. Juxtaposing military and Church service, General Carlson shares his insights gained through his remarkable life experience.

Meet North Texas fireman Gary Weiland who shares his comeback story of facing unexpected adversity with fortitude and faith. A complication from an old knee surgery resulted in the need to amputate his leg. His personal journey back to fulltime, unrestricted fireman duties and athletic pursuits is a study in perseverance and the unconquerable human spirit. 

For the last four years, twenty-seven-year-old refugee aid worker, Katelyn Ray, has devoted her life to helping refugees caught up in the worldwide refugee crisis. Working and living in the refugee camps of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Katelyn has had a front-row seat to the ever-growing calamity. Katelyn shares how she became involved with the refugees, how it has affected her life, and what she plans to do in the future. A fascinating tale told by one who knows.

Double Oak, Texas, resident, Native American, and mother of eight Heather Olsen shares her extraordinary service journey to loving and serving her fellow man. Discussing how her heart was prepared for service, Heather takes us through her experience with organizations such as Days For Girls, Partners in Health, It's for Africa and the Stew Pot in Dallas. 

A conversation with 97-year-old Jim Milan of The Bucket List Jazz Band. Milan shares his lifelong pursuit of musical treasure and what it's like to start a successful new band at the age of 89.

Lew Duckwall, a combat wounded veteran, and his wife Nicole discuss the founding of North Texas Patriot Anglers, an organization dedicated to helping combat wounded veterans recover through therapeutic outdoor recreation: We're talking fly fishing! Lew and Nicole share their personal story of triumph over tragedy.

Beloved Latter-day Saint composer Newell Kay Brown joins Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices to celebrate the 50th anniversary of "I Hope They Call Me on a Mission." Lone Star Latter-day Saint Voices is a podcast dedicated to conversations with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in North Texas.