Leading Saints Podcast

Most of Vicki Clason’s life has been spent in the tiny town of Auberry, located in the foothills near Fresno, California. Vicki loves the natural beauty and close-knit community of her foothill home where she and her husband together raised five children. Her love of community inspired Vicki to run for the local school board where she served for five years before becoming employed as a high school teacher for the same district. She is now retired and spending more time with her 11 grandchildren (with another due soon). Vicki was serving as Relief Society president when the devastating 2020 Creek Fire altered her beloved community forever. A year later, Vicki continues to serve the Auberry Ward members they rebuild and recover to create some beauty where there once was ashes. In this podcast, Vicki shares her experience as a Relief Society president during a time when 97% of her ward had to be evacuated, giving tips and advice to prepare for such crises. Highlights 3:40 Vicki’s experience evacuating her famil

"I remember standing on a hot, dusty hiking trail at girls camp when I was 14 years old and having the profound impression that I got to decide whether I was going to be miserable or not. It was so empowering." Many years later, as a certified life coach, Heather Rackham is the host of the Latter-day Life Coaches podcast and director of Latter-day Saint Life Coach Directory, ldslifecoaches.com. That 14 year old girl had no idea she would get to spend much of her life helping others found the coaches and tools to empower themselves in the same way: choosing who you want to be, on purpose. Heather has served as ward Relief Society president, stake Young Women president, Cub Scouts and achievement day leader, Primary teacher, nursery leader and various other callings, but her favorite calling has been the Primary music chorister. Highlights 4:40 A life coach will help you discover what you want to do and help you use your agency. They don’t tell you what to do. 7:40 What does life coaching have to do with le

Brooke Hellewell Reynolds grew up in Laguna Niguel, California. She studied graphic design at Brigham Young University and moved to New York City a few days after graduation. Brooke spent 10 years in New York, art directing magazines at Martha Stewart, meeting her husband John in the Manhattan singles ward, and began working as a freelance designer after the birth of her first child. After a particularly dreary New York winter, she convinced her husband to move back to California where she has been working from home (in more ways than one) ever since. Brooke has served in stake Relief Society and Primary presidencies and currently serves as the Social Media Director in the Laguna Niguel, California stake. Though she cried when she was first called to work on social media (true story) she has since realized the great power of these inspired tools. She and her husband John have four children. In this podcast Brooke takes us through how she runs her stake’s social media pages and give us ideas on how to unify ou

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in April 2018. DeAnna Murphy serves as the Chief Development Officer at People Acuity, the premier career pathing and talent development company based in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area. An internationally-known keynote speaker, Top 100 Global Coaching Leader, and author, her experience leading organizational leadership efforts worldwide informs her advice for leadership and teaching in the Church. She was born in Provo, Utah, but grew up in Canada and met her husband at Ricks College. They are the parents of three children and live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she has served as a stake Relief Society president. Highlights 5:25 How do we help ourselves and others stay fully engaged? 7:35 How can you understand your auxiliaries strength? 8:10 How can we apply engagement at home? 8:35 To be meaningfully engaged there must be a sense of connection, and an ability to understand your contribution and purpose alignment. 12:00 Understand your role/purpose 1

Kevin Tolley has worked for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion for over twenty years. He taught release-time seminary in Utah for ten years and has spent the remainder of his career teaching Institute in Southern California. He earned a BA degree from Brigham Young University in Near Eastern Studies with a minor in Hebrew, an MA degree from the University of Notre Dame in Theology, and a PhD degree in Hebrew Bible at Claremont School of Theology. After serving a full-time mission in the California, San Bernardino mission, Kevin met and married his wife RaShelle in the Toronto Canada Temple and they have five incredible children. He has served as an elders quorum president, in a bishopric, and is currently serving as a counselor in a stake presidency. In this interview, Kevin takes us through Church history and the calling of apostles and prophets. Highlights 7:00 Details into the history of Joseph Smith and beginnings of the Church 7:45 Finding and choosing the twelve apostles 19:00 One of Joseph’s gr

Jessica Johnson works in leadership development with the RBL Group. She holds an MBA from Brigham Young University and previously worked in management and marketing consulting, and in television sports. Highlights 2:14 “Tell us about your journey as a single member inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints” 4:21 What defines your journey as a single member of the church? I’ve been able and willing to serve in any capacity. Not being categorized by others. 8:01 Describe the Focus Group work that has been happening in relation to this Single Saints Summit: It’s non-scientific data gathering from single adults across the United States. 9:35 How do we help single member feel more welcome or more like they belong? Use President Hinckley’s advice about things all converts/members need: A friend (10:47) If someone is sitting alone, it’s ok to ask if they’d like someone to sit by them. But it’s also ok if they want to sit alone. Inviting them is more important. Are there things that you only

Bruce Chang immigrated to the United States at age 12 and lived in Hawaii and Washington State. He is originally from Taiwan and belonged to the Buddhist faith, was baptized at age 17, and served a mission in the California, Arcadia Mission, speaking Chinese. Bruce has a PhD in Organizational Leadership and has worked as a seminary teacher and an institute director and coordinator for over 20 years, teaches at BYU Education Week and EFY, and was recently a visiting professor at Brigham Young University. He has served as a counselor in a young single adult stake in Syracuse, Utah, and in the California Arcadia Mission presidency. In this podcast, Bruce shares his experience working with youth and full time missionaries and how to effectively teach and support them. Highlights 3:15 Bruce relates his experience meeting Elder Cook and getting called as a counselor in a newly-formed YSA stake. 9:00 Bruce’s experience being converted and baptized as a member of the Church. Bruce is the only member of his family an

Michael A. Goodman has worked for the Church Educational System since 1989 and was the manager of CES College Curriculum before joining the Brigham Young University Church History and Doctrine department in 2007. He was recently appointed as associate publications director for the Religious Studies Center. Michael holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with Public Relations, a Master’s degree in Information Technology, and a PhD in Marriage, Family, and Human Development. He is a coinvestigator on the Family Foundations of Youth Development longitudinal research project, focused on adolescent and family faith development and mental health outcomes with a special emphasis on suicidality. Michael is married to Tiina Anita Goodman. Highlights 1:55 BYU Eternal Families course chair and online curriculum author. 4:10 How does BYU teach the doctrine of Eternal Families? Courses based on doctrine with some social science mixed in. Eternal principles and daily principles taught (money, sexuality etc) 5:50 We don

Mark Ogletree is originally from Texas and joined the Church right after high school. He attended Brigham Young University, eventually finding his way back to BYU where he is now an associate professor in the department of Church History and Doctrine. Mark taught for 21 years in the Church Educational System where he was a seminary teacher and principal, institute instructor and director, and CES coordinator. He received his bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Development from Brigham Young University; his master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Educational Psychology from Northern Arizona University, and his Ph.D. in Family and Human Development from Utah State University. Mark owned and operated his own marriage and family therapy practice in McKinney, Texas, and has written several books and articles on marriage and family related topics, as well as Church history and doctrine. Mark and his wife, Janie, have eight children, 18 grandchildren, and reside in Provo, Utah. He currently serves as a stake

Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D. is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. He is also an associate leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton. He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources from Indiana University, and a B.A. from Brigham Young University. As a consultant, he works with organizations to develop their leaders and improve their culture. Ryan is the author of Success Mindsets: The Key to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership. He has written multiple articles for Leading Saints, presented at a live event about mindsets, and is a repeat podcast guest. As Ryan reviewed leadership research, he found it primarily answered one question: “What do leaders need to do to be effective?” The focus of his work has been on “What do leaders need to be to be effective?” In this podcast, Ryan and

Melanie Wellman Stroud hosts the popular podcast Come Follow Me for Us. She served in both the Kobe and Tokyo South missions and graduated with a degree in Special Education from Brigham Young University. She has served in numerous church callings including Relief Society president, Young Women president, stake Young Women president, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and her favorite: nursery leader. Melanie currently resides in Surprise, Arizona. Highlights 4:45 Melanie explains why her podcast is different from the other Come Follow Me podcasts. Her podcast is more about practical application, for the everyday person trying to apply the scriptures to their lives. 6:15 Advice and tips for studying Come Follow Me. 8:15 Melanie relates her experience getting called as the Relief Society President. 10:50 Melanie’s first principle of leadership: The importance of delegation. It’s not always easy to ask others for help but it’s very important not to get burned out. 13:50 Second principle of leadership: Ditch the fluff. Fo

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! This is part 2 of a 2-part podcast discussion. Listen to Part 1 here. Highlights 0:30 How do I interview someone every week who is in therapy and dealing with addiction? Check in to see if the therapy is working or not. 4:50 How bishops can communicate with therapists. Bishops should get a consent form to be able to get information from the therapist about how the therapy is going. 15:30 How

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! This is part 1 of a 2-part podcast discussion. Highlights 5:30 Kurt and Steve begin the topic of therapy. 6:50 The truth about therapy. Jesus is the true healer. 7:55 Therapy then and now. How it has changed over time. 10:40 What is therapy for? To help you get unstuck when you don’t think you can do it on your own. 13:00 Therapy can help you in your process of healing and using the atoneme

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in October 2018. Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D. is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. He is also a leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton. He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources from Indiana University, and a B.A. from Brigham Young University. As a consultant, he works with organizations to develop their leaders and improve their culture. Ryan is the author of Success Mindsets: The Key to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership. He has written multiple articles for Leading Saints, including a series of articles on community. Highlights 8:10 Where the community articles started 9:50 Many people attend church but they don’t feel they fit, or don't attend “What community is and why is it important?” How do we create a commun

Jamee Adams and Jody Steurer are sisters. A little over a year ago they began their podcast, Speak Up Sister, striving to strengthen men and women to speak up clearly and effectively at home, work, church, and in their communities. Jamee Adams holds a Master's in Public Policy from Tel Aviv University, Israel. She is a small business owner specializing in business systems development, and currently serves in a Primary presidency. Jody Steurer has a Bachelor's in Psychology from Brigham Young University and is a certified life coach. She currently serves in a young women presidency. In this podcast, Kurt, Jody, and Jamee discuss the dynamic in councils and meetings between men and women, finding not only equality in numbers of men and women attending the meetings but also helping women feel heard and giving them more opportunities to speak up. Highlights 4:45 Discussion of women being outnumbered in church meetings. It’s not so much about numbers but women feeling confident in speaking up and also being invit

Sarah Jane Weaver is the editor of the Church News and also hosts the Church News Podcast. Her favorite assignments include reporting on temple dedications and writing about members around the world. Sarah graduated from BYU with a degree in journalism and history and served as editor and chief of the BYU student newspaper, the Daily Universe. Before joining the Deseret News staff, she completed a Pulliam Fellowship at the Arizona Republic in Phoenix, Arizona. Sarah currently serves as Relief Society president in her ward. Highlights 2:20 What is the Church News? How is it different from typical journalism? Sarah explains how the Church News is there to help connect church leaders to members. She describes the Church News as the living record of the restoration. 9:55 The Church News is there to amplify the words of the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve, and women church leaders. Their goal is to get the words of the leaders out to more people and help members understand the church better. 10:30 Sar

Barb Venema has always worked with kids, coaching gymnastics, teaching Physical Education, and serving in Sunday School, Young Women, and Primary. Most recently she has served in the Primary as an instructor, chorister, and president. Her patriarchal blessing even mentions her time in the Primary. Recently retired, Barb lives in Kearns, Utah, and has five children and 20 adorable grandkids—of which she is most proud. Highlights 3:00 Barb’s experience being called to be a Primary President. She has been in the Primary 12 years straight. 5:30 Principles of working in the Primary 6:45 Principle 1 -"He knows your name so know their name." Know the names of each child in your Primary. We need to follow Heavenly Father’s model of knowing everyone’s name. Barb gives the example of Joseph Smith. Can you imagine how Joseph felt when God came down from heaven and called him by name? Each time that God came down and talked to His prophets He began by saying their name. Pray for your Primary kids by name everyday. 1

Jenny Reeder is a historian and writer, currently the nineteenth-century women’s history specialist at the Church History Department in the publications division, and was one of the first historians hired to specialize in women’s history. She holds a PhD in American history from George Mason University, specializing in women’s history, religious history, memory, and material culture. She also holds degrees from Brigham Young University, Arizona State University, and New York University. She served a mission in Italy, and has served three times as a ward Relief Society president, including when she was in graduate school and fighting leukemia. Jenny has collaborated on several books about Latter-day Saint women's history and is the author of First: The Life and Faith of Emma Smith. Highlights 2:50 Writing her book about Emma Smith. Her goal was to write about her as a pillar of the Restoration and a significant founder of the Church with Joseph, and to make her a real woman and show how complicated her life

Keith Wonnacott is a former bishop, currently serving as Stake Young Men’s president as a member of his stake High Council. He lives in Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C., and works in regulatory affairs for Pfizer. In this podcast he talks about a fifth Sunday presentation he did while serving as bishop, how it came about, and how parents can help lead their children through difficult conversations. Highlights 3:00 How Brother Wonnacott came to have difficult conversations with his sons and learned how to help parents have difficult conversations with their kids. LDS Handbook Section 31.1.7.1 “Parents have the primary responsibility for teaching their children the gospel of Jesus Christ. They help their children grow spiritually and prepare to make and keep sacred covenants. Parents also counsel with their children regarding worthiness and help them repent and improve. Bishops and other church leaders support parents in these efforts.” 6:35 The bishop is a resource for parents to help facilitate dif