Podcast appearances and mentions of faith matters

Faith Matters is a bi-weekly Basilica of Saint Mary podcast that features conversations with Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, on topics of interest to Basilica parishioners and the Universal Church. Today's episode centers on the Eucharist, as Father Hathaway invites parishioners to participate in the parish's June 22nd Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession and points out why it's important to be reverent to the fact that Jesus is fully present -- Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharist -- citing a recent TV show that mocked the Eucharist.  All are invited to take part in our traditional Corpus Christi procession following the 5 p.m. Mass on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Clergy and parishioners will participate in this prayerful, joyous witness to our core Catholic belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. After the Mass, we will process with the Blessed Sacrament, south along Royal Street, to the school gym at 400 Green Street, and back to the Basilica for Benediction. Following Benediction, there will be a reception in the courtyard at 314 Duke Street that will feature Perrier, Prosecco and popsicles.  

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, the last of this school year, Fr. Hathaway thanks all the school families for choosing the Basilica school, and he also thanked Mr. Loia and all the school staff and teachers for their dedicated work.   He also shared what his summer wishes are for all the students and their families. Have a blessed next several months! 

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway reflects on Pentecost Sunday, which occurs this Sunday, June 8, especially as it relates to the power of the Holy Spirit to change lives.  He also congratulates all the 8th-graders set to graduate tomorrow from the Basilica School and invites all families to join the Hallow app, which is the number one prayer and meditation app in the country. Click here for more information and to learn how to join it. 

The Bible in 365 Days - Day 165NIV1 Kings 12:20-13:34Acts 9:26-43Psalm 132:1-18Proverbs 17:6Affiliate disclaimer - If you make a purchase using the affiliate links found on my linktree, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The small commission earned will help to fund the podcast.✈️

Today, we're so excited to share something brand new with you—the very first episode of a new podcast we're launching here at Faith Matters. It's called Article 13.This new narrative podcast brings together cutting-edge research and spiritual wisdom to explore creative paths toward a more connected and compassionate world. As our society grows increasingly divided along political and cultural lines, Article 13—hosted by Zachary Davis—offers a hopeful and constructive alternative. Through deep dives into vital social issues, extraordinary guests, and beautiful sound design, the show models the kind of thoughtful, intelligent discourse our country needs—and offers practical ways each of us can make a difference, starting right where we are.Today, we're honored to share Episode 1 of Article 13 with you—it's titled What We Owe Each Other.In this episode, Zach is joined by voices like Cornel West, Shaylyn Romney Garrett, and Robert Putnam to explore what rebuilding trust really looks like—and why it matters now. They propose that real renewal begins from the inside out, as we recommit to the people we serve in the institutions we're already part of—our families, schools, churches, and communities. When we view these roles as shared responsibilities, not personal platforms, we can begin to restore the trust and connection that hold us together.It's a thoughtful, timely conversation—and we're so excited to share it with you. You can find Article 13 wherever you listen to podcasts.

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway reflects on the Ascension of our Lord and what that means for us as Christians. He also invites all school families and parishioners to a 5K run-walk on Saturday morning, May 31st, called "Run with Haste." Click here for more details and to register. In addition, he invites all school families and parishioners to a Basilica School pageant, which is part of the parish's 230th-year anniversary celebrations. It will occur on Tuesday, June 3rd, in the Basilica School gym at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more information. Finally, he invites all to a free pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, MD, on Saturday, June 14, with him and two other priests, Father Dan Hanley and Msgr. Bob Rippy. Click here for more information and to register. 

Faith Matters is a new weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway reflects on recently celebrating 34 years as a priest. He also talks about the recent clergy assignments, which includes Fr. Joseph being assigned to St. Andrew's in Clifton, Virginia, and Transitional Deacon John Meyerhofer, who will be ordained on June 7, as the Basilica's next parochial vicar. Click here to learn more about these recent clergy assignments. 

This week, we're sharing a conversation with Phil Barlow about his new book, published by Faith Matters, called A Thoughtful Faith for the 21st Century. If that sounds familiar, it may be because Phil published the first volume back in 1986. That original collection included essays by Eugene England, Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, Francine Bennion, Richard Bushman, and others—each exploring what it means to live a spiritually and intellectually honest life within the Latter-day Saint tradition.As Phil points out, challenges to faith are not new. Thoughtful people were wrestling with difficult questions decades ago in ways that still have power today. But, as he says, “the world has turned some” since then. The 2025 edition brings in a new generation of scholars and voices—Thomas McConkie, Melissa Inouye, Fiona Givens, Ben Schilaty, among others—who speak to today's distinctive challenges while honoring the wisdom and foundation of those who came before.At the heart of both volumes is an urgent and beautiful question: How can we hold together the integrities of our minds and our hearts and our spirits? That question—its weight, complexity, and quiet hope—sits at the center of this conversation today.Phil brings so much humility and clarity, and in this episode we get to hear a little about what's changed in his own faith, about the wisdom of surrendering the need to know, and why he still finds the Latter-day Saint tradition compelling, human, and a spiritual home he continues to choose with both heart and mind.We're so grateful to Phil for this conversation, and we hope you love it as much as we did. With that, here's Phil Barlow.Links for the show notes:Purchase the book through Bookshop.org (https://bookshop.org/a/108982/9781953677242) Amazon (https://amzn.to/4mgJsCf) or anywhere you get your books. Get a free look inside the book on our website: https://www.faithmatters.org/s/a-thoughtful-faith-vol-2

Faith Matters is a new bi-weekly Basilica of Saint Mary podcast that features conversations with Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, on topics of interest to Basilica parishioners and the Universal Church. Today's episode includes the recent priest convocation Father Hathaway and his brother priests attended. He also offers some reflections on Pope Leo XIV. 

Faith Matters is a new weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway ties the virtue of the month at the school -- patience -- to the Blessed Mother, who was the epitome of patience during her life. May is referred to as the month of Mary, so it's a very appropriate topic. 

Faith Matters is a new weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. Normally released via video, from now on Faith Matters will be recorded and released as a podcast. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway shares about the virtue of the month at the school: patience. He also mentions the role the Holy Spirit plays during the Conclave to select a new pope and also in our lives. Please note: when this was recorded, the new pope -- which we now know to be Pope Leo XVI -- had not been selected. 

Join us as we continue our series.

Journey of Wisdom Cruise - https://www.cwicmedia.com/journey-of-wisdom The Jared Halverson experience shows how deeply feminism has entered the church. Nothing Jared said in his very short video was worthy of the online backlash he received. This is eerily similar to Elder Holland's "Musket Talk" at BYU. People attacked him for things he never said. His later interview with a few women of the church focused on women being heard which had nothing to do with his video. Website - www.cwicmedia.com 

Faith Matters is a new bi-weekly Basilica of Saint Mary podcast that features conversations with Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector of the Basilica, on topics of interest to Basilica parishioners and the Universal Church. Today's episode centers on the recent death of Pope Francis and the upcoming ordinations to the transitional diaconate of two Basilica parishioners and seminarians, Alex Solsma and Aaron Zanca. This episode was recorded on April 24th, 2025. Join us to pray a Choral Rosary for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis after the 12:10 p.m. Mass on Friday, April 25, 2025. Click here for more information: https://stmaryoldtown.org/popefrancis Join us to celebrate Alex Solsma and Aaron Zanca becoming Transitional Deacons, as Alex will preach at the 11:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, April 27, 2025, and Aaron will preach at the 1 p.m. Mass on that Sunday. Receptions for each will follow each of those Masses in our Lyceum Auditorium. Click here for more information: https://stmaryoldtown.org/alexaaron Join us also on Divine Mercy Sunday for a Holy Hour at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, as Alex will preach a short reflection. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be recited. Aaron will also be assisting. Click here for more information: https://stmaryoldtown.org/divinemercysunday2025

Join us as we continue our series

Join us as we continue our series

Join us as we continue our series

This week, we're joined by Mike Petrow, who serves as the Director of Formation, Faculty Relations, and Theological Foundations at the Center for Action and Contemplation. The CAC is a nonprofit founded by Father Richard Rohr that introduces seekers to the contemplative Christian path of transformation.Mike is intimately involved with the CAC's Living School, a core educational offering from the CAC that last year offered a course called Essentials of Engaged Contemplation that Tim and I participated in. Mike is one of the primary hosts in the conversations that make up much of the program, often conversing with people like Richard Rohr and our friend Brian McLaren. Frankly, we found the work that Mike and the rest of the CAC team did on this course to be truly life-changing, and engaging it has been one of the most uplifting and transformative spiritual experiences we've had in our lives. In addition to his work at the CAC, Mike holds degrees (including a PhD) in psychology, mythology, and religious studies.This conversation is a sample of just how deeply insightful Mike is. He invited us to see curiosity as something “implanted in our hearts by God”—not as a threat to faith, but as an invitation to let the divine meet us in unexpected ways. He challenged the idea that “community is formed around uniformity of belief” and instead argued that real connection happens when we learn to be with each other, even in our differences  — that everyone belongs even, or perhaps especially, when they fall somehow outside the norm. And he brought so much depth to the idea of the wounded healer —“if you deeply commit to your own healing,” Mike told us, “at a certain point you realize it's not just for you.”In one of the most powerful moments of this conversation, Mike describes a moment of profound loss—sitting at his mother's bedside as she passed away—and then, just hours later, holding his newborn niece for the first time. These moments of symmetry revealed a truth that is at the heart of this entire conversation: that loss, and grief, and pain carve out a space in our hearts that can eventually be filled with love, joy and connection.We hope this conversation offers the same sense of healing, hope, and clarity that it did for us. And with that, let's jump into this beautiful conversation with Mike Petrow.Thanks so much for listening, and we want to send a huge thanks to Mike for coming on. For those of you who might have been wondering more about the Living School, the Essentials of Engaged Contemplation that Aubrey and I participated in, the course is not currently open for enrollment, but if you're interested in learning more or getting updates, you can head to cac.org.And if Faith Matters content is resonating with you and you get a chance, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. We love reading reviews and they definitely help get the word about about Faith Matters.Thanks again for listening, and as always, you can check out more at faithmatters.org.

This week, we're welcoming back our good friend Jeff Strong.Last year, Jeff and his team sent out a survey to the Faith Matters audience as part of a larger research project on faith and church participation. Over 1,600 of you responded, and the results were fascinating! We're excited to share them with you today. What emerged was a picture of a significant and often unheard cross-section of the Church—a community of people who are deeply devoted but also wrestling, holding both conviction and complexity, faith and struggle, all at once.In this conversation, Jeff walks us through some of the most powerful insights from the survey, with a special focus on culture and aspects of our faith experience that are shaping our sense of belonging, meaning, and connection. He explores what people love most about being part of this tradition, where they encounter real challenges.One of the clearest themes in the survey is the tension between tradition and change—a familiar story in faith traditions across the world. Jeff explores what it means to hold that complexity well, in our families, community, and our own hearts. He addresses the power of finding others who are walking a similar path, and why recognizing we're not alone in this wrestle can be so meaningful.I want to mention that there are a few visuals in this conversation that Jeff does a great job describing but you can see the slides he talks about in the YouTube version of this episode. To everyone who participated in the survey, thank you. It has been such a gift to see that none of us is alone here. We're so grateful to be in it with you—asking hard questions, holding onto what we love, and finding our way forward together. And with that, here's our conversation with Jeff Strong.

Many people struggle to find true healing because they don't realize how faith and therapy can work together. In this episode, Catholic therapists Adam Cross, Kobe Young, and Joshua Hernandez explore the intersection of faith and psychology, sharing how a Catholic perspective shapes their approach to therapy and mental wellness. Topics covered: •Why faith is essential in the healing process •How Catholic therapy differs from secular approaches •Overcoming perfectionism and scrupulosity •Embracing your God-given dignity in mental health Tune in for a powerful discussion on healing, identity, and the role of faith in therapy. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Northpointe Community Church

We have been waiting a long time for this episode with our friend Thomas McConkie. As many of you know, Thomas is an incredibly skilled meditation teacher and guide on the path of spiritual awakening. Faith Matters produced his very popular online course Transformations of Faith and also published his incredible book At-One-Ment, which has deeply impacted so many readers. For the last several years, Thomas has been doing graduate work at Harvard Divinity School. All the while, we have been exploring with Thomas the  possibility of creating a podcast to help us all hit the pause button in our busy daily lives and give time to a rich meditation and prayer practice. As Thomas is coming to the end of his program at Harvard, the time seemed right to launch this series. And so we are excited to share with you today the first episode of this new podcast, named One Heart, One Mind. Thomas is a teacher and researcher who is fascinated by consciousness, growth and  transformation. He is especially interested in Christian contemplation and what it means to re-embody Christ's teachings in new and unique ways for these challenging times–ways that will lead to deeper connection to God and to those around us. In One Heart One Mind, we will join Thomas in searching Christianity and the world's Wisdom traditions for gems and insights into awakening, transformation, and the soul's journey Home. The episodes are designed to be relatively brief, 15 to 30 minutes or so, and will generally include a teaching followed by a guided meditation.So, if you've been intending to cultivate a more regular spiritual practice of meditation and prayer, this might be the perfect place to start. You can subscribe to One Heart, One Mind on whatever podcast platform you use. We think you're going to love this journey with Thomas McConkie.

Sara Jolena and Aubrey Chaves discuss the importance of understanding one's family history, faith, and its impact on personal identity. More than most of our episodes, this one resembles the kind of conversations that sometimes arise when Sara Jolena does 1-1 spiritual direction work with people. It is tender and exploratory.  We aren't talking "about" something so much as going "into" it in a very personal way.The two women explore the intergenerational transmission of trauma and resilience, emphasizing the role of social and cultural contexts. Aubrey reflects on the somatic experience of making decisions and the anxiety sometimes associated with aligning personal desires with societal expectations. They highlight the significance of prayer and community support in navigating these challenges and finding inner peace.As this is an unusual episode, I want to share more about how it came about: Sara Jolena met Aubrey at that podcasting conference they both participated in at BYU in Salt Lake City. Aubrey has her own podcast, Faith Matters, which highlights aspects of the Mormon faith. She is an immensely bright, cheerful, and bubbly person. I had mentioned something about my work with legacies and inheritances in one of the sessions. She came up to me during a break, and started asking me questions about multi-generational emotional patterns. As we started talking, it was a clear that this could be one of those really important conversations for her - a conversation that could make a difference. I asked if she'd be open to recording it. She was ecstatic.Given how vulnerable the conversation ended up being, I asked her at the end of our recording: are you sure you want this to go out there into the world?And she said, "Sara Jolena, this is the kind of conversation I've been wanting to listen to for years. I crave being able to listen in to these kinds of conversations. If I had heard this a few years ago, it might have helped me. So I want this out there, because maybe another woman, another person, might find it helpful, too."Well. I can't say no to that!It's a conversation about working with intergenerational trauma on the feminine/female line; about her grandmother's letters; about what it means to be a woman of her faith; about embodied yeses and nos, about what it means to grow up and to listen to God and to trust her own inner wisdom. About learning to be ok with who she is, even when that's different. Yes, there's tears. And insight. And a lot of beauty.I hope you enjoy it! As always, if you appreciate this episode, please do remember to give us a like, leave us a kind review and to share this episode with others.Listen to: Faith Matters PodcastFollow Aubrey on InstagramSupport the showLearn more about Sara Jolena Wolcott and Sequoia SamanvayaMusic Title: Both of Us Music by: madiRFAN Don't forget to "like" and share this episode!

Where is your faith? Faith often refers to believing in something or taking action based on trust, confidence, or conviction in a particular belief or principle without requiring physical evidence or proof. It's having confidence in things unseen and hoped for. Faith matters! Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes WSB

In this special episode of the Faith Matters podcast, we have the privilege of sharing with you an episode from Dr. Greg Gifford's podcast on the topic of the brain and the mind. He will be speaking on a similar topic at the upcoming Transform Conference here at Faith on February 21-22.Register for the Transform Conference before February 2 to get the early registration priceLearn more about Dr. Greg Gifford's ministry and subscribe to his podcast!

Faith Matters The Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 17.14–18.10 Jan 26 2025

As we wrap up the year, we've got something a little different  in store for you today. We've invited Zach Davis, Bill Turnbull, and McKay Coppins on for a conversation about two Hollywood Films that are making waves. Zach is the executive director of Faith Matters, Bill is one of the founders, and you may remember Mckay from his previous episodes. He's a New York Times bestselling author and staff writer at the Atlantic. They're joining us today for a deep dive into two films-- Heretic, the dark thriller about two sister missionaries lured into a man's home by his feigned interest in their faith and become trapped in his sinister and malevolent plot -- and Conclave, which takes us into the heart of the Vatican during the election of a new pope. It's a gripping drama filled with politics, power, and ultimately, divine mystery.Both films explore profound questions about belief, choice, and the human longing for transcendence. In an era often skeptical of organized religion, these movies take faith seriously and, in their own ways, seem to reaffirm the relevance—and beauty—of spiritual truth.This was a rich and thought-provoking conversation, so whether you've seen these movies or not, the questions explored in this episode and the insights are going to spark deep, and valuable reflection.With that, let's jump into the discussion!

Today, as Christmas Eve settles around us, we invite you into a quiet meditation written by Tyler Johnson and published as the culmination of the advent series in the FM magazine, Wayfare, with music from the King's College Choir singing O Magnum Mysterium. This reflection draws us into the sacred reality of the Nativity—the laboring Mary, exhausted and tearful, the beauty born through pain. It reminds us that the Christ child did not come to erase suffering but to teach us how to live and love within it. So, in this moment of stillness before tomorrow's joy, we invite you to pause, breathe, and reflect on this Christmas truth: love enters our world through labor and struggle, bringing with it a deeper peace and lasting meaning.I also want to mention that you can go to the FM YouTube channel to see this meditation with beautiful nativity art by Brandon GonzalesFrom all of us at Faith Matters and Wayfare Magazine, we wish you a peaceful Christmas Eve. 

In the spirit of this Christmas season, we're so excited to share a beautiful reflection with you, written and read by Lori Forsyth, Managing Editor of the Faith Matters magazine, Wayfare. This piece is part of Wayfare's Advent series. If you've missed any parts of this series, you can still find them at  wayfaremagazine.org. You can also subscribe to the digital or print versions of Wayfare for access to the incredible essays, interviews, poetry, art and more.Advent is a time of reflection and anticipation, and Lori's words offer a powerful reminder that joy isn't about avoiding the hard things—it's about embracing the light that shines through them.We hope this brings you a moment of peace and stillness during this busy season, and we'd love to invite you back here on Christmas Eve for the culmination of the Advent series—a short and powerful meditation with music to close this sacred time.And now, here's Lori Forsyth reading Shining in Darkness.

In this inspiring episode, John Solleder joins Chris Champion to explore the transformative power of sales rooted in faith and the pursuit of greatness. They discuss how God gives each person unique gifts and how embracing sales as a service can unlock potential by focusing on creating valuable solutions instead of just closing deals. Chris shares insights on using AI to enhance marketing and streamline business processes, emphasizing that success comes from solving real problems for others. This episode encourages you to reflect on your contributions and explore how you can use your skills to succeed in sales while uplifting your communities and nurturing your own greatness.No Catch! No Gimmicks! Get 3 Free Leads a Day for the Next 10 Days! That's 30 Free Instant Live Leads. CLICK HERE! For PR application, CLICK HERE!

How to Network for Success with Chris Champion Did you know that the average software project takes about 6 months to complete? Chris Champion has managed to launch over 120 projects, which means he's been on an epic productivity spree! Chris Sweis AKA Chris Champion is a veteran investor who has invested in over 120 software related projects and a real estate portfolio in the Las Vegas area. He is a passionate speaker and founder of the Connections Community which has hosted over 268 dinners worldwide with business leaders and celebrities where everyone makes great high value connections over world-class meals.  He produces livestream interviews to kickoff high profile events with exceptional thought leaders and celebrities.  He is a man of faith as #FaithMatters and loves his dawgs. His grandmother raised him with a set of values he has built his life around and his book Win the Day is being released which is a guide to Successful and Sober Living.   His other book Faith Matters is an important message to everyone that their life was meant for greatness.  Chris is an accomplished investor with extensive experience in the crypto space and real estate market, having invested in over 120 crypto-related projects and established a thriving real estate portfolio in Las Vegas.  His investment insights are highly valued in the industry, making him a sought-after advisor for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Beyond his investing acumen, Chris is an exceptional speaker and founder of the Connections Community a global community that has organized many lunches and dinner dinners with prominent business leaders and celebrities.  These events provide a platform for attendees to make valuable connections while enjoying world-class cuisine. Now you can connect with other high-value individuals via text and joining this community. Chris is also known for his live-streamed interviews that kick-off high-profile events featuring exceptional thought leaders and celebrities.  His natural charm and interviewing skills have helped him build a significant following, and he has become a recognized name in the media world. Faith is an essential aspect of Chris's life, and he is a firm believer in the power of values-based living. He is authoring a book Win the Day, which is a guide to living a successful and sober life.  Drawing upon the values his grandmother instilled in him he uses her teachings to live a sound and successful life. With his exceptional track record, Chris is a valuable asset to any business venture seeking to tap into the crypto and real estate markets. His deep industry knowledge, exceptional networking skills, and unwavering commitment to values-based living make him an invaluable advisor and partner for entrepreneurs and investors alike. His no holds barred in your face hardcore language separates him from the rest of the softer men in the world today…   Body Transformation System! https://modere.io/NbOyU2 Mindset Manifestation Mastermind in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico https://wellnessmarketingltd.com/mindset-manifestation-mastermind/ To learn more about Rebecca… https://www.rebeccaelizabethwhitman.com/#home

How to Network for Success with Chris Champion Did you know that the average software project takes about 6 months to complete? Chris Champion has managed to launch over 120 projects, which means he's been on an epic productivity spree! Chris Sweis AKA Chris Champion is a veteran investor who has invested in over 120 software related projects and a real estate portfolio in the Las Vegas area. He is a passionate speaker and founder of the Connections Community which has hosted over 268 dinners worldwide with business leaders and celebrities where everyone makes great high value connections over world-class meals.  He produces livestream interviews to kickoff high profile events with exceptional thought leaders and celebrities.  He is a man of faith as #FaithMatters and loves his dawgs. His grandmother raised him with a set of values he has built his life around and his book Win the Day is being released which is a guide to Successful and Sober Living.   His other book Faith Matters is an important message to everyone that their life was meant for greatness.  Chris is an accomplished investor with extensive experience in the crypto space and real estate market, having invested in over 120 crypto-related projects and established a thriving real estate portfolio in Las Vegas.  His investment insights are highly valued in the industry, making him a sought-after advisor for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Beyond his investing acumen, Chris is an exceptional speaker and founder of the Connections Community a global community that has organized many lunches and dinner dinners with prominent business leaders and celebrities.  These events provide a platform for attendees to make valuable connections while enjoying world-class cuisine. Now you can connect with other high-value individuals via text and joining this community. Chris is also known for his live-streamed interviews that kick-off high-profile events featuring exceptional thought leaders and celebrities.  His natural charm and interviewing skills have helped him build a significant following, and he has become a recognized name in the media world. Faith is an essential aspect of Chris's life, and he is a firm believer in the power of values-based living. He is authoring a book Win the Day, which is a guide to living a successful and sober life.  Drawing upon the values his grandmother instilled in him he uses her teachings to live a sound and successful life. With his exceptional track record, Chris is a valuable asset to any business venture seeking to tap into the crypto and real estate markets. His deep industry knowledge, exceptional networking skills, and unwavering commitment to values-based living make him an invaluable advisor and partner for entrepreneurs and investors alike. His no holds barred in your face hardcore language separates him from the rest of the softer men in the world today…   Body Transformation System! https://modere.io/NbOyU2 Mindset Manifestation Mastermind in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico https://wellnessmarketingltd.com/mindset-manifestation-mastermind/ To learn more about Rebecca… https://www.rebeccaelizabethwhitman.com/#home

Chris Sweis AKA Chris Champion is a veteran investor who has invested in over 120 software related projects and a real estate portfolio in the Las Vegas area. He is a passionate speaker and founder of the Connections Community which has hosted over 268 dinners worldwide with business leaders and celebrities where everyone makes great high value connections over world-class meals.  He produces livestream interviews to kickoff high profile events with exceptional thought leaders and celebrities.  He is a man of faith as #FaithMatters and loves his dawgs. His grandmother raised him with a set of values he has built his life around and his book Win the Day is being released which is a guide to Successful and Sober Living.  His other book Faith Matters is an important message to everyone that their life was meant for greatness. Chris is an accomplished investor with extensive experience in the crypto space and real estate market, having invested in over 120 crypto-related projects and established a thriving real estate portfolio in Las Vegas. His investment insights are highly valued in the industry, making him a sought-after advisor for entrepreneurs and investors alike.Beyond his investing acumen, Chris is an exceptional speaker and founder of the Connections Community a global community that has organized many lunches and dinner dinners with prominent business leaders and celebrities. These events provide a platform for attendees to make valuable connections while enjoying world-class cuisine.  Now you can connect with other high-value individuals via text and joining this community.Chris is also known for his live-streamed interviews that kick-off high-profile events featuring exceptional thought leaders and celebrities. His natural charm and interviewing skills have helped him build a significant following, and he has become a recognized name in the media world.Faith is an essential aspect of Chris's life, and he is a firm believer in the power of values-based living. He is authoring a book Win the Day, which is a guide to living a successful and sober life. Drawing upon the values his grandmother instilled in him he uses her teachings to live a sound and successful life.With his exceptional track record, Chris is a valuable asset to any business venture seeking to tap into the crypto and real estate markets. His deep industry knowledge, exceptional networking skills, and unwavering commitment to values-based living make him an invaluable advisor and partner for entrepreneurs and investors alike.His no holds barred in your face hardcore language separates him from the rest of the softer men in the world today…Body Transformation System!https://modere.io/NbOyU2Mindset Manifestation Mastermind in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico https://wellnessmarketingltd.com/mindset-manifestation-mastermind/To learn more about Rebecca…https://www.rebeccaelizabethwhitman.com/#home

This week, we're sharing a beautiful and timely conversation between Faith Matters' executive director Zach Davis and Andrew Hanauer, the founder and CEO of the One America Movement, an organization that helps faith leaders fight toxic polarization. In this conversation, Andrew and Zach discuss the causes behind the rise in polarization, the way political tribalism can become a false idol, and the imperative of truly following Jesus' call to “love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Andrew encourages us to see that our calling as disciples of Jesus is to follow his example and transform conflict through love.We hope you enjoy this episode and with that, we'll hand it over to Zach. 

For today's episode, we're bringing you another powerful moment from our Restore gathering. Eboo Patel joined us to explore a compelling and deeply hopeful vision for what it means to build a loving, spiritually rich community where different faiths come together to form the foundation of a stronger, more united whole. Eboo challenges us to live our faiths in ways that not only elevate ourselves but lift others, creating bonds that bridge divides and bring healing to our world.Eboo, an Ismaili Muslim, is the founder and president of Interfaith America, an organization dedicated to fostering cooperation across religious traditions.Drawing on decades of experience and inspired by President Russell M. Nelson's call for peacemaking, Eboo invites us to see how our diverse spiritual practices can serve as bridges, connecting us in powerful and meaningful ways. He shares that peacemaking is both a choice and a skill, requiring us to engage deeply and intentionally with one another.Using the beautiful metaphor of a potluck dinner, he reminds us: "Do not hide your light. Do not stop bringing your distinctive dish to the table. A potluck is a place where everyone's contributions matter." This episode is about how we can actively build relationships, cooperate across differences, and create something richer together than any of us could alone. Faith Matters intends to be more and more at the center of these kinds of interfaith collaborations. We hope this conversation inspires you to reflect on your own role in creating a compassionate, connected community. And with that, we'll pass it over to Eboo Patel at Restore.

Send us a Positive Review!A couple of months ago Valerie was invited by the Faith Matters Podcast to speak about one of the toughest topics they've ever covered—how to navigate the faith journey of a loved one when that faith journey seems to be costing a marriage or family eternal life together with that loved one. When that episode dropped, both the Latter Day Struggles and the Faith Matters platforms were flooded with messages of gratitude from people grateful that important conversations like these are happening and grateful for a different and expanded way to think about the sacredness of each of our faith journeys. Many people have reported that due to this episode, they can feel present, peaceful, and supportive of the spiritual journey of a loved one—instead of drowning in fear.Here is the episode. We hope you'll share this with your more traditionally believing family members if you think it speaks to their fears about your journey.Support the show**More sensitive or more psychologically advanced themes will be saved for Friday "Exclusive" episodes for subscribers only. This is in an effort to protect the content creators from being mischaracterized by consumers who are not familiar with the body of their work or the healing intent of this podcast. MORE LATTER DAY STRUGGLES RESOURCES:TAP HERE TO LEARN HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FRIDAY EPISODESPlease use the above link and watch a 2-minute how-to videoTHEN subscribe to your Friday episodes here. HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Email: support@buzzsprout.comCONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available ⁠⁠here!⁠ SUPPORT GROUPS: Next support group starts Tuesday Afternoons This November. To register click on this link⁠.⁠CLASSES: Discover ways, learn new concepts, and build skills that will help you grow and strengthen your relationships. ...

Greg Trimble is the Founder of Lemonade Stand, an Inc. 5000 company and one of the fastest-growing digital marketing agencies in the United States. He also founded Build Then Bless®, a fintech platform that improves the world through one micro-interaction at a time, and Yalla, a team management and collaboration tool that is 100% dedicated to helping companies and organizations work better together. Greg is an author of five books and has served on the editorial board for BYU Studies, the Board of Directors of Faith Matters, the Advisory Board for Scripture Central, the Board of Directors for Millennial Choirs & Orchestras, the Board of Directors for Gifted Music School and assists many other faith-based organizations in their various missions to improve families and strengthen faith in God. He currently serves as a bishop in his ward and as a service missionary working with the General Young Men Presidency with his wife Kristyn. Most of all, Greg enjoys spending time with his family while surfing, skiing, golfing, and playing almost every other sport imaginable. Links Having a Game Plan for Sunday School | An Interview With Greg Trimble Millennial Choirs & Orchestra: Millennial.org Faith Matters The Future of Missionary Work In The Church There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Greg shares his experiences over nearly four years of serving as a bishop in a Utah ward, highlighting the unique approach he has taken to engage youth in missionary work. 00:03:00 - Greg's Background and Experience as a Bishop 00:06:00 - Insights from Four Years as a Bishop 00:08:00 - The Unique Demographics of the Ward 00:09:00 - Engaging with the Youth Program 00:10:00 - Preparing for a Typical Sunday as a Bishop 00:12:00 - Greg's Involvement with Millennial Choirs and Orchestras 00:14:00 - The Future of Missionary Work Article 00:16:00 - Creating a Mini Mission in the Ward 00:19:00 - Benefits of Ward Missionaries 00:22:00 - Structure of the Ward Missionary Program 00:23:00 - Connection with Ministering Efforts 00:24:00 - Building Connections in the Ward 00:26:30 - Expectations for Youth in Missionary Work 00:28:00 - Long-Term Vision for Missionary Preparation 00:42:00 - The Importance of Service in Missionary Work 00:45:00 - Integrating Service Principles into the Program 00:47:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Missionary Work 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, Taysom Hill 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.

Today is the start of this year's Restore! We look forward to seeing those of you who are attending! This week we're departing from our normal format and sharing a recent conversation of the MormonLand podcast, between the Salt Lake Tribune's Peggy Fletcher Stack and David Noyce and our executive director, Zach Davis. The conversation focused on the origin and vision of Faith Matters, the questions we are wrestling with, and what to expect at this year's Restore. We think you're really going to enjoy this conversation and with that we'll hand things over to Peggy, David and Zach.

Send us a Positive Review!Join Valerie and fellow podcaster Aubrey Chaves of the Faith Matters podcast as together they discuss the vision and purpose of the Restore Conference. A common belief among these two brave and compassionate women? True growth and connection is about being welcome and accepted wherever you are on your faith journey.  No fine print. In their unique ways each are involved in efforts for their LDS and surrounding fellow travelers. Listen in to hear why they are so committed to this work! Support the Show.**More sensitive or more psychologically advanced themes will be saved for Friday "Exclusive" episodes for subscribers only. This is in an effort to protect the content creators from being mischaracterized by consumers who are not familiar with the body of their work or the healing intent of this podcast. MORE LATTER DAY STRUGGLES RESOURCES:TAP HERE TO LEARN HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FRIDAY EPISODESHAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Email: support@buzzsprout.comCONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available ⁠⁠here!⁠ SUPPORT GROUPS: Next support group starts Tuesday Afternoons This November. To register click on this link⁠.⁠CLASSES: Discover ways, learn new concepts, and build skills that will help you grow and strengthen your relationships. Visit the class library.SUPPORT: Like what you're hearing at Latter Day Struggles Podcast? Make a one-time donation to ...

This week, we're sitting down with our good friend Patrick Mason for a conversation that is as deeply challenging. Patrick recently returned from a transformative trip to Rwanda, where he was confronted with the enduring impact of the 1994 genocide. In our discussion, Patrick shares his reflections on witnessing both the unimaginable horrors of the past and the remarkable steps toward reconciliation and peace that are happening today.We also dive into the hard questions: Where is God in the midst of such suffering? How can communities possibly recover from such deep wounds? And how do we respond to scripture that seems to contradict our understanding of a loving God? Patrick draws on his experience as a peacebuilder, scholar, and a person of faith to address these issues, and we explore how the lessons from Rwanda resonate with us here and now in conflicts within our own communities.This conversation is a compelling reminder that each of us has the power to create real change in our own communities, and it urges us to confront the urgent need for peacebuilding in a world increasingly divided. Lastly, we're thrilled to share that Patrick will be speaking at the upcoming Restore conference along with his co-host for the Proclaim Peace Podcast, Jennifer Walker Thomas. You can get your tickets at faithmatters.org/restore to join us on September 5-7th. And with that, we'll jump right in. I also wanted to mention that Patrick wrote about his experience in Rwanda for the Faith Matters magazine, Wayfare. You can go to wayfaremagazine.org to subscribe. And with that we'll jump right in.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in April 2021. Judge Thomas B. Griffith is an expert in constitutional law. He has served as chief counsel for both the U.S. Senate and for Brigham Young University, and was appointed to a judgeship by George W. Bush on the Washington, D.C., Court of Appeals, from which he retired in 2020. In his church experience he has served as both a bishop and a stake president. He currently lectures on law at Harvard Law School and serves as a fellow at the Wheatley Institution at BYU, as special counsel to the international law firm of Hunton Andrews Kurth, and as senior policy advisor to the National Institute for Civil Discourse. Links FaithMatters.org A Mormon Approach to Politics, by Thomas B. Griffith Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution, by President Dallin H. Oaks Beyond Politics, by Hugh Nibley Handbook links: 38.8.30 Political and Civic Activity 38.8.40 Seeking Information from Reliable Sources Liberals, Doctrine, & Apologetics at Church | An Interview with Blair Hodges Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights In this collaborative episode, Kurt Francom and Faith Matters co-founder Bill Turnbull talk with Thomas to explore President Oaks' 2021 General Conference address, "Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution". President Oaks spoke passionately about the U.S. Constitution and ended with an urgent admonition to end political tribalism and division, insisting that we address this in our wards and stakes. They also discuss what lies behind those divisions—the rapid erosion of goodwill and trust in the American body politic—including among Latter-day Saints. Thomas believes Latter-day Saints can and must play a critical role in healing today's divides. Leaders especially have a role in helping ward members follow President Oaks' counsel. 2:10 Quote from President Oaks' talk: "On contested issues, we should seek to moderate and unify. … There are many political issues, and no party, platform, or individual candidate can satisfy all personal preferences. Each citizen must therefore decide which issues are most important to him or her at any particular time. Then members should seek inspiration on how to exercise their influence according to their individual priorities. This process will not be easy. It may require changing party support or candidate choices, even from election to election." 3:45 The thought never occurred to him that his political views were driven by his faith commitments Quote from President Oaks' talk: "Such independent actions will sometimes require voters to support candidates or political parties or platforms whose other positions they cannot approve. That is one reason we encourage our members to refrain from judging one another in political matters. We should never assert that a faithful Latter-day Saint cannot belong to a particular party or vote for a particular candidate. We teach correct principles and leave our members to choose how to prioritize and apply those principles on the issues presented from time to time. We also insist, and we ask our local leaders to insist, that political choices and affiliations not be the subject of teachings or advocacy in any of our Church meetings." 6:40 What can leaders take away from this: How does this apply to me? How can I change and be a better disciple of Christ based on this counsel? 8:30 Rigid identification with one political party has been a long-time concern with the general leadership of the church 9:45 Polarization is complicated: we sort ourselves with like-minded people and have less interaction with people who think differently, and those interactions are increasingly hostile 11:15 Media, social media, and confirmation bias: living in an echo chamber 13:45 Be introspective and thoughtful, always questioning your own assumptions; Jesus is always challenging us

Today, we're thrilled to welcome Mallory Everton–a comedian, actor, and writer–and Diana Brown–the new Associate Director for Faith Matters, to the podcast. We're diving into a conversation that's often overlooked but so important—being single in the church. Diana and Mallory are launching a new podcast on the Faith Matters Podcast Network called The Soloists, where they'll be talking about singleness and relationships, and what it's like trying to form families in today's cultural and technological environment and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate it with them.In this episode, we explore why they've dedicated so much energy to this project. As they discuss, being single can be an isolating experience, especially in a culture that often views marriage as the ultimate milestone. Diana and Mallory share deeply personal stories about what it's like to navigate a church community where singleness sometimes feels like a problem to be solved rather than a valid and whole way of being, and season or situation of life that all of us, no matter our marital status, can authentically relate to in some way.They also challenge us to rethink our assumptions about singleness. They point out that being single isn't just a transitory state—it's a real and meaningful part of life for so many people; more than half of the adult members of the church, in fact, according to Elder Gong in '21. We discuss how important it is to move beyond the idea that marriage is the only path to fulfillment and how embracing singleness can lead to profound spiritual growth.Diana and Mallory bring a wealth of wisdom to this conversation, and their insights will resonate with anyone who's felt the pressure to fit into a specific life narrative. This episode is a powerful reminder that each of us is on a unique journey, and that there's deep value in every stage of life, whether single, married, or somewhere in between.Also, we are excited to be hosting Mallory and Diana at Restore this year! They'll be speaking about the unique spiritual gifts that singles bring to the body of Christ. Restore will be held September 5-7 at the Mt. America Expo Center in Sandy, Utah and this year for the first time, we'll also be offering a streaming option if you won't be able to attend in person and would like to purchase a ticket to attend virtually. You can buy your tickets at faithmatters.org/restore. We hope this conversation encourages you to see singleness—and all life paths—with fresh eyes. And with that, we'll jump right into our discussion with Diana and Mallory.

This week, we're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, a renowned therapist specializing in relationship and sexuality counseling within the Latter-day Saint community. We're super excited that Jennifer has a new book coming out this year that Faith Matters is publishing, and she'll also be joining us in person soon for Restore.In our conversation, we explore some of the early themes from Jennifer's book, including the shift many couples experience from passion to duty in marriage. Jennifer shares some powerful stories and experiences based on what she's seen in her work with couples, including how common cultural narratives among religious people can diminish what Jennifer calls the "magnetic energy of Eros" in relationships.We dive into the concept of Eros as a divine longing for deeper connection, not just sexual, but spiritual and personal. This Eros energy, for Jennifer is the the energy of adventure, attraction, agency, and feeling fully alive. To rekindle that Eros energy in lives and relationships, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of honest communication, vulnerability, and personal integrity. She offers profound insights on how to face our fears and embrace the uncertainties of life and love.This conversation is packed with practical advice and fresh perspectives that can help anyone deepen their relationships and personal growth. We're incredibly grateful for Jennifer's wisdom and are really looking forward to her book's release. Now, let's jump into our conversation with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife.

Today, we're sharing a beautiful conversation between writer and thinker Elizabeth Oldfield and Zachary Davis. Elizabeth is the author of Fully Alive: Tending to the Soul in Turbulent Times and host of the podcast, “Sacred”. Elizabeth grew up in a faintly Christian home that rarely if ever spoke of God; But as a young teen she had a powerful and unmistakable answer to prayer that made her a believer. She then turned to the Bible to learn more about her newfound christian faith and was blindsided by ideas in the text that she found troubling. So in this conversation, Elizabeth talks about her complex faith-  how she learned to lean into the messy paradoxes of life since then. She explores the concept of sin and the 7 deadly sins. She asks, what can envy teach us about having a stable sense of self especially in this age of social media? And isn't acedia or sloth, the 8th deadly sin, really about attention? How can we continually recall our attention to the things we hope will shape our souls?She points out that at the end of the day, the 7 deadly sins aren't a legalistic list of ways to be in debt to go, but a loving guide for how to be in right relationship with the people around us, and should always be inseparably connected to ideas like compassion, forgiveness, and restoration.We hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we did. And, we have exciting news to share– Elizabeth Oldfied will be coming to Utah as one of our featured speakers at Restore! So go to faithmatters/org/restore for tickets and we'll see you on September 5-7 at Mountain America Expo in Sandy, Utah. And with that, we'll jump right in. 

This week, we're bringing you a special episode with Brian Mclaren on his new book, Life after Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart. Though we recorded this conversation weeks ago, it feels especially timely now in light of the horrific violence we witnessed this last weekend in the attempt on former President Trump's life, the deadly heat waves and hurricanes happening across the world, and so much else.  This book is an empowering call to action and an invitation to do the kind of inner work that makes us brave in the face of real fear and uncertainty. Brian asks, "What if it doesn't turn out? How will we face the future if things get worse instead of better?" He offers gentle encouragement to reach deeper into ourselves and find a stronger, more resilient type of hope: the kind that, as Václav Havel said, “is not the certainty that things will turn out as we wish, [but] is the conviction that some things are worth doing, no matter how they turn out.”Brian's insights challenged us to rethink our understanding of end-times, to explore what is worth doing no matter what, and to see the concept of chosenness not as a privilege for a select few, but as a call to loving service for all. For those of you who have heard Brian before, you already know you're in for a treat. For those who haven't, Brian is a former pastor turned author and public theologian. He's a truly special teacher and someone who's affected the way we live in lasting ways. He seems to see the world and everything in it through the eyes of a "mystic"—in its real interconnectedness and deep spiritual beauty. We're incredibly grateful he came back on the show, and you can find out more about Brian on his website at brianmclaren.net.We think this episode offers real wisdom and a fresh perspective on how we can navigate these challenging times with faith, hope, and love. And with that, we'll jump right into our conversation with Brian McLaren.

Today, we're resharing an interview we loved with Astrid Tuminez, who we're excited to be hosting as a speaker at Restore this year. Astrid is the President of Utah Valley University and an absolute delight to talk with and listen to. She's full of stories, humor, and deep insights that made our time with her pass way too quickly.This interview actually came about because Astrid wrote an essay in Melissa Inouye and Kate Holbrook's new book Every Needful Thing. We loved Astrid's essay and knew we wanted to get to know her better.Astrid has an absolutely fascinating and unique story. She grew up in the slums of the Philippines, but along with her siblings, was discovered to have an exceedingly bright intellect and was offered a free place at one of the most prestigious and expensive Catholic schools in the area. As a child, she was, religiously, a Catholic, but felt that she was always brimming with questions that were being hushed. When she eventually met the Latter-day Saint missionaries, it was a different experience — they gave her a new framework to think about the world, and weren't afraid to at least try to answer her questions.Astrid's pursuit of education eventually took her to the United States, where she graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in international relations and Russian literature from Brigham Young University. She later earned a master's degree from Harvard University in Soviet Studies and a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in political science. Before becoming President of UVU, Astrid spent many years in leadership in the corporate, non-profit, and academic worlds.What we maybe loved most about Astrid was that her unique perspectives make the world of faith and intellect seem expansive, exciting, and adventurous — even full of mystery. She's found spiritual insight and even practice well outside of Mormonism while simultaneously keeping that “fixed foot,” in the Restored Gospel. In a real way, she's living Joseph Smith's injunction to “receive truth, let it come from whence it may.”We want to send Astrid a huge thanks for coming on the show, and we really think you're going to love this one. And with that, we'll jump right in.

Today, we're thrilled to welcome therapist and podcaster Valerie Hamaker.In his book Falling Upward, Franciscan priest Richard Rohr uses the metaphor of a container to elaborate on what he calls “the two halves of life.” The first half of life, he says, is for building the structure of the container; the second is for filling it and sharing from it. This concept has been foundational for us in our faith journey over the last 10 years, and today with Valerie, we delved into how everyone's faith evolves over time, the necessity of structure and identity in early faith development, and the importance of embracing complexity, depth, and paradox as we grow.One of the tricky parts about faith evolution is that not everyone's faith evolves in the same way; and because so many of us have built our lives on or around our faith, it can be hard when we see loved ones' and family members' beliefs diverge significantly from our own, in any direction. This is a real area of expertise for Valerie in her own practice, and we found her insights on managing complex relationships and spiritual growth super helpful—she helped us see that genuine curiosity can be crucial in navigating complex conversations around beliefs, and explained why we can, and should, let go of any belief that engenders fear. Valerie is a licensed therapist specializing in marriage and couples work. She owns a private counseling practice in Kansas City, Missouri, and is the host of the Latter Day Struggles Podcast, where she helps Latter-Day Saints understand and navigate their spiritual growth.This conversation is packed with practical advice for anyone experiencing or supporting others through faith transitions. We hope you find Valerie's insights as enlightening and encouraging as we did. And with that, we'll jump right into this conversation with Valerie Hamaker.Note: the research Valerie refers to in this interview was done by Liz Macdonald.

This week, we're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Michael Wilcox to the podcast. Michael is an esteemed author and longtime Institute teacher, and his previous episodes, which we released in two parts as "God's Many Voices" in episodes 85 and 86, have been some of the most listened to in Faith Matters' history. It's been three years since we last had him on, and we're excited to dive into another meaningful conversation.In this episode, Michael shares his profound insights on the topic of the marginalized, particularly focusing on the experience of the LGBTQ community. Michael's wisdom draws from his own life experiences, wisdom traditions he deeply loves, and great literature. Michael also addresses the challenge of navigating differing beliefs and values, urging us to avoid calling down "fire from heaven" on those who worship on different mountaintops. He speaks about the importance of forgiveness, and what he calls the "Lazarus Law," reminding us that every individual has a name and a story, deserving of respect and compassion.Throughout the conversation, Michael's anecdotes and reflections encouraged us to approach the marginalized with love, humility, and a genuine desire for understanding. We found Michael, as always, to be filled with transformative insights that we thought could really help us build more inclusive and compassionate communities.We're also releasing an additional conversation as a companion to this episode. In it, Brother Wilcox shares a really personal story that highlights some of these principles, and if you'd like to hear more from Brother Wilcox, it's on the feed right now. Thanks so much as always for listening, and with that, we'll jump right in.

This is part two of our conversation with Michael Wilcox, and if you haven't heard part one yet, it helps set up some important context for this episode. This is really not an interview so much as a story Michael tells: the story of his father, who navigated life in the mid-20th century as a gay man and a Latter-day Saint.This story delves into the messy and painful predicaments his family faced, when reality failed to fit the predictable ideal. It also offers a glimpse into the experience of an LGBTQ member of the church several decades ago, before we became accustomed to talking about it as a community. And we want to emphasize that we're not sharing this story because of its outcome, and in fact, quite the opposite: we found in this story the beautiful insight that we can release ourselves completely from judging others and love without an agenda—and it's the relationships free of judgment and agendas that become celestial in and of themselves.We want to thank Michael for being incredibly honest and vulnerable here, and for coming on to share so generously with us again.