Leading Saints Podcast

Evan Fitzpatrick is the founder of the Come Follow Me App. He is a husband and father of four girls, and for the past ten years has served in several bishoprics and with the young men. Professionally, Evan works for Bain Capital helping to lead the firm's efforts to drive growth and transformation in their portfolio companies. Highlights 1:30 Evan created the Come Follow Me app. 4:15 How the Come Follow Me app came about 9:15 Other communities/religions are driving innovation and creating apps. Why aren’t we? 13:00 The Come Follow Me app is directed towards members that struggle with the habit of daily scripture study. Even if the study is 5 to 15 minutes. 14:15 The most popular part of the app is the verse of the day that is accompanied by a story. 15:30 Another feature of the app is the devotional section. It’s designed to do it with someone else. 16:25 Another large part of the app is pulling content from many different creators. Lessons for adults and kids. 25:00 “The quality of your life large

Elder J. Devn Cornish is an Emeritus member of the First Quorum of the Seventy. He was sustained as a General Authority Seventy on April 2, 2011, and granted emeritus status on October 2, 2021. A newborn intensive care physician, he was a professor, chairman, and later vice chairman in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine. He was also president and chief executive officer of the pediatric practice plan at Emory Healthcare. In the Church, Elder Cornish has served in numerous callings, including full-time missionary in the Guatemala–El Salvador Mission, bishop, stake president, area seventy, and president of the Dominican Republic Santiago Mission. During his tenure as a general authority, Elder Cornish served as a counselor and as president of the Caribbean Area, headquartered in the Dominican Republic, as a counselor in the North America Southwest area presidency, and as an assistant executive director of the Church History Department and of the Correlation Department, among ot

There are many reasons to start a ward podcast. It allows individuals to hear the real stories of those they worship with. This naturally creates a deeper level of unity in the ward which stimulates success on many levels. In this episode, Kurt Francom gives you a rough outline of how a ward could develop a ward podcast at no cost. Links: Canva Audacity Auphonics Ward Podcast Handout Template

Kerry Muhlestein is a professor and director of research in the Department of Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University, and also the director of the BYU Egypt Excavation Project. 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 and his wife, Julianne, are the parents of six children. His latest book, Let's Talk about the Book of Abraham, is for people who have sincere questions and are seeking answers. Highlights 3:30 Kerry has a new book out with Deseret Book called, Let’s Talk about the Book of Abraham. His book is designed to be very readable and understandable. 7:00 Summary and background of the Book of Abraham. 11:45 There are two main theories surrounding the papyri. The missing papyrus theory The catalyst theory 18:45 Kerry’s advice on how to address member concerns about

Please consider contributing to Leading Saints to help us in the coming year. See details HERE. What are the most popular podcast episodes from Leading Saints? Listen to this short episode for clips from 2021's ten most-downloaded podcasts from Leading Saints. Jamee Adams & Jody Streurer - Speak Up, Sister! Ryan Gottfredson - Success Mindsets Andrea Lystrup - When Church is a Burden Jennifer Reeder - Women Leaders in Church History Ryan Gottfredson - The Research Behind Becoming Christlike Mark Mathews - Understanding Priesthood Keys in Leadership DeAnna Murphy - Creating Engagement Through Ministering Interviews Michael Goodman - The Doctrine Related to Being Single or Married Steve Shields - Helping Individuals Heal Through Therapy Bruce Chang - How I Lead in a Mission Presidency Honorable Mention: Gary Miller - From Baptist Preacher to Latter-day Saint Wow! Talk about some great interviews! Make sure you listen to each one (twice!) And we can’t step away from the podcast statisti

Please consider contributing to Leading Saints to help us in the coming year. See details HERE. I am often asked where people can find a list of books that all Latter-day Saint leaders should read. So, I’ve gone back to my library and looked at all the books I have read and made a list of recommendations. I created a page at LeadingSaints.org that lists all these books and I hope to keep it updated. I’ve organized the list into specific categories and ranked them in the order I would recommend people read them in that category. One book on this list is not better than another. They are brilliant in their own way. Some books are mentioned in multiple categories. And, of course, it goes without saying that canonized scriptures and words from living prophets are always recommended resources even though they are not listed here. Personal Development - These are books I would recommend to leaders who are simply trying to become more well-rounded in their approach to life which would naturally lead to them

Dan Duckworth is a disciple, family man, and changemaker. As a teacher and coach, he guides elite leaders to the top of their game. He's the author of Stop Asking Why: Your Purpose is Self-Evident, a frequent contributor to Leading Saints, and a member of its Board of Directors. Kurt Francom is the Executive Director of Leading Saints. In this podcast, Kurt and Dan open up the conversation to address leadership issues stemming from political and social tensions in the world. Highlights 6:30 Scenario: A Relief Society President is worried about the political dynamic and divide in her ward due to COVID-19. 11:15 Politics are beginning to affect our church experience. There is starting to be a division in many wards. Leaders should bring up the problems and open up discussion instead of being passive. 19:45 Political issues are not only creating problems in our wards but also in families. 21:30 Leaders try to avoid having conflict and keep the peace. As leaders we want to be peacemakers but we need to be

Find all the details about how to contribute to Leading Saints and also how to become a Core Leader by visiting LeadingSaints.org/donate Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast

Richard Bernard, the author of Digital Scripture Study for The Busy Latter-day Saint, has taught classes on using the Gospel Library for BYU Education Week and has also been a guest speaker in Utah, California, Arizona, and Texas. He recently taught three classes on journaling at RootsTech 2021. Richard is also the host of the Busy Latter-day Saint podcast, interviewing church members throughout the United States about their approach to studying the scriptures. In April 2021 he was called to serve an indefinite mission as a consultant in the Priesthood and Family Department, helping the Gospel Library and scripture study become more prominent in the lives of church members. In this podcast, Richard and Kurt talk about the powerful tools in the Gospel Library app and how leaders can help stimulate revelatory study experiences. Highlights 10:50 General Church leaders have two purposes for the Gospel Library app. Provide members with digital offline access to scriptures, hymns, and talks. Facilitate revela

Steve Hitz describes himself as a Baby Boomer with a Millennial heart. He studies, thinks like, celebrates, and advises what he calls “a great new generation.” As a company founder, president, and CEO, he employed more than 10,000 Millennials; he has also served as a young single adult bishop. Steve is a founding member of Launching Leaders Worldwide Inc., a faith-based nonprofit leadership program which helps young adults examine their lives, determine where they are now, where they want to be, and how to create their future while embracing their faith. Steve and his wife Ginger are blessed with three sons, two daughters, and eleven beloved grandchildren. In this podcast, Kurt and Steve discuss how to address the concerns of the rising generation. Highlights 2:45 Launching Leaders is an online personal leadership course. It’s facilitated by youth to empower youth. 7:20 How to address the concerns of the rising generation. Loneliness Connecting with God 9:30 Lessons Steve has learned from his cows and

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in August 2017. Bennett and Becky Borden are a married couple who both experience same-sex attraction and who were both in same-sex marriages and relationships for many years prior to returning to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and prior to their marriage to each other. Bennett and Becky both grew up in the South in active LDS families. They met about 30 years ago when Bennett was a young man and served his mission in Becky's ward. Bennett became close with Becky's family and over they years they have remained friends. In their early 20s, both Bennett and Becky came out as gay, left the Church and went on to live a gay lifestyle for many years. After many years away they each decided separately they wanted to come back to the Church. They met up at Becky's family reunion and knew they should get married. Returning to church attendance, they were married and after a time had their blessings restored and were sealed in the temple. A lot can b

Jay Stringer is a therapist, author, and public speaker. He guides men and women to overcome unwanted sexual behaviors, and to discover how their story is shaping unwanted sexual behavior or betrayal trauma. He grew up as the son of a Protestant minister in the Presbyterian church, holds a master of Divinity and masters of Counseling Psychology, and is an ordained minister. Steven Shields, ACMHC CET1, is a therapist who acts as a guide to help others heal from trauma and addiction. As founder of Unashamed Unafraid, a non-profit organization, he hosts the podcast that shares hope for sexual addiction recovery. Unashamed funds scholarships for people to go to retreats and receive therapy. Steve works in his private practice in Salt Lake City, at OnSite in Nashville Tennessee, and at the Oaks in San Diego California doing trauma intensives and workshops. His favorite event to speak at is the WarriorHeart Bootcamp every year. Steve is unofficially the biggest Leading Saints and “KF” fan! In this podcast episode,

Blair Hodges is host, producer, and editor of the Fireside podcast and works as a communications manager for a non profit in Salt Lake City. He served a mission in Wisconsin and earned a bachelor’s degree in communications (journalism) at the University of Utah and a master’s degree in religious studies at Georgetown University. Blair hosted the Maxwell Institute Podcast for eight years and has served many years as a Sunday School President and Sunday School instructor. He loves reading, family time, weekend napping, the Utah Jazz, and living in Salt Lake City. Highlights 9:00 Blair talks about being a liberal in a very conservative church. 12:00 How can leaders help everyone feel welcome despite having different views? 14:40 Leaders need to address tattletale culture. Instead of going to the bishop to complain, go directly to the person you have a problem with. 19:00 What is doctrine? 24:30 We all mingle the doctrine of men with scripture. We all see doctrine a little differently. We don’t have to be

Gene R. Chidester served a mission in Argentina and has since served as a bishop, branch president, high councilor, stake president's counselor, mission president in Uruguay, and Area Seventy. He is a BYU fan, husband, father, grandfather, the owner of Evince Naturals, and producer for the Latter-day Lives podcast. Gene and his wife Robyn live in North Salt Lake, Utah. In this podcast, Kurt and Gene discuss what leadership is and the key leadership processes Gene has used in his church service. Highlights 9:45 Gene defines leadership as a process of exerting social influence over others. This process can be learned, studied, observed, and trained. That is why anyone can be a leader. 10:40 Attributes of a leader. D&C 121:41-42. 11:50 Key leadership process one - A leader needs to create a vision, mentally and verbally, for their followers. What is your vision for your organization or ward? How can you convey that vision to others? 13:50 Key leadership process two - Create a shared plan that can help you g

Dr. Frantz Belot is co-founder of Tyfoom, an engagement mobile-first platform that documents and improves communication, productivity, and training. He is also a co-founder of Tech Trep Academy, a tuition-free, public school program tailored to the unique needs of each student. He worked as an executive with Imagine Learning, which provides a complete suite of adaptive digital curriculum and assessment solutions for PreK–8 in language development, and was instrumental in helping the company to a successful acquisition. Frantz is a native of Haiti and was raised in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He obtained his PhD from Brigham Young University in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Organizational Behavior, and his entrepreneurial spirit permeates all aspects of life. He’s passionate about helping people access education and training so they can positively impact their lives, businesses, and communities for good. He and his wife Brandi are joyfully raising their five sons in Mapleton, Utah. In this podc

Audrey Perry Martin is the CEO and founder of Project Elect, a nonpartisan nonprofit focused on getting women members of the Church more involved in public service. She is a California-based election law expert with over 15 years of experience, including extensive presidential election involvement as deputy general counsel at Romney for President and FEC Counsel at John McCain 2008. Audrey has worked at the Federal Election Commission, for Congress, and at private law firms in Washington, D.C. and California. She taught election law at Brigham Young University law school and serves as the vice president for communications and California chapter chair for the Republican National Lawyers Association. Audrey received her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and a bachelor's degree in political science and journalism from BYU. She has appeared on numerous national and international media outlets, including Fox News and NPR. Audrey grew up in Utah, is the mother of three daughters, and lives in Rockli

Ryan Addams was an active duty Air Force Pilot for ten years before he started his current job as an airline pilot, and continued as a pilot in the Air Force Reserve until his retirement in 2018. He served in the Chile Santiago South mission and graduated from Brigham Young University in International Relations and Aerospace Studies. He has served as a branch president, bishopric counselor, stake presidency counselor, and is currently serving for the second time as a bishop. Ryan and his wife Kristina live in the Phoenix, Arizona area with their two sons. In this podcast, Kurt and Ryan discuss how Ryan leads as a bishop while traveling frequently as an airline pilot. Highlights 8:00 Ryan is gone three to four days a week as a pilot. He has to decide which activities and meetings are most important to attend. 11:20 Let God make your weakness strong. A weakness doesn’t always mean a sin or transgression but working through the problems that you face on a daily basis. Ryan’s schedule and professional life ar

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in November 2018. Anthony Sweat is an Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University, and previously taught Seminary and Institute for 13 years. With an early interest in art he obtained a BFA from the University of Utah before pursuing religious education, earning an M.Ed in curriculum and instruction and a Ph.D in Curriculum and Instruction from Utah State University. His sustained interest and skill in art provides him an avenue of expression that he often blends into his teaching of religion, especially by painting previously-undepicted church history scenes. Dr. Sweat is the author of several books and a regular speaker at Latter-day Saint events and conferences. He and his wife Cindy are the parents of seven children. Highlights 07:20 Discussion of what constitutes official Church doctrine? Doctrine of Christ; other doctrines. 10:23 Culture or doctrine? 13:00 Where do we find doctrine? Church handbooks, standard works,

Keith Erekson is an award-winning author, teacher, and public historian who has published on topics including politics, hoaxes, Abraham Lincoln, Elvis Presley, and Church history. He enjoys speaking at Latter-day Saint conferences and events, including BYU Education Week and RootsTech. Keith grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, served a mission in Brazil, and earned advanced degrees in history and business. For seven years he directed the Church History Library, overseeing expanded online research access and enriched public exhibits, and now works for the Church History Department in efforts to encourage outreach and historical engagement. In this podcast, Kurt and Keith dive into concepts in Keith’s book, Real vs. Rumor: How to Dispel Latter-day Myths. Highlights 5:40 Dispelling false history and rumors can help eliminate negative church culture. 6:00 Girls camp story 10:35 Always read the scriptures, talks, etc. in context. Make sure you aren’t changing the meaning. 12:45 There are many things that are t

In this solo episode, Kurt Francom discusses five reasons behind the development of negative culture within the church, and what we can each do to recognize it and take action to stimulate positive culture. Highlights 4:45 Church culture is the monster in the room. 6:15 Why does negative church culture exist? 7:00 Church culture is creating a never-ending judgment loop. 9:15 Reason one - Lack of ability. It’s not about lack of motivation. It’s an ability problem. 12:30 Sometimes it’s not for lack of trying but lack of skills. Some people have the skills to teach, lead, or show empathy. Some try but they have to develop these skills. 15:00 Reason two - Negative mindsets. Our mindset is the lens through which we see the world. 17:00 Open mindsets create psychological safety. Psychological safety roots out negative church culture. Everyone feels safe to express opinions and feelings. 18:00 Examples of leaders that have different mindsets and how it affects those in the ward. 22:10 Reason three - Misunderstanding