Called to Create: An LDSPMA Podcast Sat, 06 Jun 2026 09:00:32 -0400 http://ldspma.org/podcast en-us © 2026 Called to Create: An LDSPMA Podcast yes a33291ab-56d3-502b-8d6c-c4d5e31596a0 LDSPMA episodic false Called to Create is a podcast where your desire to create will be supported and celebrated through interviews with inspiring Latter-day Saint creators who are passionate about their craft and share helpful, real-life experiences that will guide you on your creative journey. Look for new episodes on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) LDSPMA, Latter-day Saint, Publishing, Media, the Arts LDSPMA https://storage.buzzsprout.com/w8ndqt9nk290q09euo9o56e3z1w3?.jpg Called to Create: An LDSPMA Podcast http://ldspma.org/podcast Steve VanWagenen - Sharing the Gospel with Legos Steve VanWagenen - Sharing the Gospel with Legos Steve VanWagenen shares his perspective on finding and sharing gospel truths through unexpected sources.

For those that want to contact Steve directly, or purchase any of his books -- CreativeApplicationsLLC@gmail.com

Information about his custom illustration work -- www.IllustrateMyIdea.com

Learning more about his published books:
-- Brick of Mormon Stories -  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K3HWGWY

-- The Brick of Mormon Church History - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0996767010

-- If You Want to Share the Gospel - Join the wait list at:
https://qfreeaccountssjc1.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_erMveGl3ecxnHBc

]]> Steve VanWagenen shares his perspective on finding and sharing gospel truths through unexpected sources.

For those that want to contact Steve directly, or purchase any of his books -- CreativeApplicationsLLC@gmail.com

Information about his custom illustration work -- www.IllustrateMyIdea.com

Learning more about his published books:
-- Brick of Mormon Stories -  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K3HWGWY

-- The Brick of Mormon Church History - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0996767010

-- If You Want to Share the Gospel - Join the wait list at:
https://qfreeaccountssjc1.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_erMveGl3ecxnHBc

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-19285094 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0600 2228 6 14 full false Vanessa Thurgood: Finding Light in the Messy Middle Vanessa Thurgood: Finding Light in the Messy Middle  

Welcome back to Called to Create! In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, we sit down with fantasy author, creativity mentor, and 2025 Praiseworthy Award winner Vanessa Thurgood to talk about creativity, faith, storytelling, motherhood, and learning to trust God through unexpected life pivots. 

Vanessa shares how she never intended to become a writer. From growing up around horses in Rexburg, Idaho, to pursuing photography and agricultural business, her creative journey took many unexpected turns before God gently led her toward writing fantasy novels. What began as an old dream written in a teenage notebook eventually became The Comstock Chronicles — an epic fantasy series filled with dragons, elemental magic, deep themes, and powerful messages about courage, healing, and light. 

Throughout the conversation, Vanessa opens up about burnout, imposter syndrome, entrepreneurship, and the spiritual experiences that confirmed she was on the right path. She shares the powerful journal moment where she felt God tell her, “You will be an instrument in my hands,” and how that answer changed the trajectory of her life and creative work. 

The discussion also explores the healing power of storytelling, why flawed characters resonate so deeply, and how creativity can reconnect us to joy and purpose. Vanessa also shares how her writing journey unexpectedly led her into hosting women’s creativity retreats focused on helping others rediscover their spark through art, movement, photography, and connection. 

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone trying to navigate uncertainty while staying close to God, this episode is packed with encouragement and wisdom about trusting the creative gifts you’ve been given. 

Key Topics Discussed 

  •  Vanessa’s journey from photography to fantasy writing 
  •  Receiving spiritual guidance through journaling and prayer 
  •  Overcoming burnout and imposter syndrome 
  •  Why comparison steals creativity and joy 
  •  The healing power of stories and human connection 
  •  Building The Comstock Chronicles fantasy world 
  •  Using creativity to reconnect with yourself and God 
  •  Hosting women’s creativity retreats 
  •  Learning to embrace imperfect creation 
  •  Why sharing your light matters 


About Vanessa Thurgood
 Vanessa Thurgood is the author of The Comstock Chronicles, a young adult/new adult fantasy series featuring elemental magic, dragons, shape-shifters, epic quests, and deeply human themes. Alongside writing novels, she also coaches aspiring authors through her Story Quest program and helps host creativity retreats designed to help women rediscover joy and purpose through creative expression.
 

]]>  

Welcome back to Called to Create! In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, we sit down with fantasy author, creativity mentor, and 2025 Praiseworthy Award winner Vanessa Thurgood to talk about creativity, faith, storytelling, motherhood, and learning to trust God through unexpected life pivots. 

Vanessa shares how she never intended to become a writer. From growing up around horses in Rexburg, Idaho, to pursuing photography and agricultural business, her creative journey took many unexpected turns before God gently led her toward writing fantasy novels. What began as an old dream written in a teenage notebook eventually became The Comstock Chronicles — an epic fantasy series filled with dragons, elemental magic, deep themes, and powerful messages about courage, healing, and light. 

Throughout the conversation, Vanessa opens up about burnout, imposter syndrome, entrepreneurship, and the spiritual experiences that confirmed she was on the right path. She shares the powerful journal moment where she felt God tell her, “You will be an instrument in my hands,” and how that answer changed the trajectory of her life and creative work. 

The discussion also explores the healing power of storytelling, why flawed characters resonate so deeply, and how creativity can reconnect us to joy and purpose. Vanessa also shares how her writing journey unexpectedly led her into hosting women’s creativity retreats focused on helping others rediscover their spark through art, movement, photography, and connection. 

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone trying to navigate uncertainty while staying close to God, this episode is packed with encouragement and wisdom about trusting the creative gifts you’ve been given. 

Key Topics Discussed 

  •  Vanessa’s journey from photography to fantasy writing 
  •  Receiving spiritual guidance through journaling and prayer 
  •  Overcoming burnout and imposter syndrome 
  •  Why comparison steals creativity and joy 
  •  The healing power of stories and human connection 
  •  Building The Comstock Chronicles fantasy world 
  •  Using creativity to reconnect with yourself and God 
  •  Hosting women’s creativity retreats 
  •  Learning to embrace imperfect creation 
  •  Why sharing your light matters 


About Vanessa Thurgood
 Vanessa Thurgood is the author of The Comstock Chronicles, a young adult/new adult fantasy series featuring elemental magic, dragons, shape-shifters, epic quests, and deeply human themes. Alongside writing novels, she also coaches aspiring authors through her Story Quest program and helps host creativity retreats designed to help women rediscover joy and purpose through creative expression.
 

]]> Scott Brandley and Alisha Coakley Buzzsprout-19207111 Wed, 20 May 2026 07:00:00 -0600 2566 6 13 full false Lisa Smith - Sharing Brings Joy Lisa Smith - Sharing Brings Joy Spark Award recipient, Lisa Smith, talks about her recipe book, "Desserts that Delight," and the joy that comes from sharing what we have with others.

]]> Spark Award recipient, Lisa Smith, talks about her recipe book, "Desserts that Delight," and the joy that comes from sharing what we have with others.

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-19132970 Wed, 06 May 2026 06:00:00 -0600 2380 full false Greg Matsen - Lean Into Your Beliefs Greg Matsen - Lean Into Your Beliefs Interview with Greg Matsen about his YouTube channel and podcast, 

Greg Matsen is the founder of Cwic Media and the host of Cwic Show found on YouTube and podcast platforms, as well as the Editor for the Substack, "Alive and Intelligent." 

]]> Interview with Greg Matsen about his YouTube channel and podcast, 

Greg Matsen is the founder of Cwic Media and the host of Cwic Show found on YouTube and podcast platforms, as well as the Editor for the Substack, "Alive and Intelligent." 

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-19084004 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0600 1955 6 11 full false Jason Jones - Acting on Promptings Jason Jones - Acting on Promptings  Jason Lamont Jones, LDSPMA Praiseworthy Award Recipient, talks about the process of publishing his book, "One Day a Year." Biggest surprise for him was who the book ended up making the biggest impact on. 

]]>  Jason Lamont Jones, LDSPMA Praiseworthy Award Recipient, talks about the process of publishing his book, "One Day a Year." Biggest surprise for him was who the book ended up making the biggest impact on. 

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-19046500 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0600 2500 6 10 full false Meghan Hoesch - Shaping Stories that Shape Lives Meghan Hoesch - Shaping Stories that Shape Lives  Meghan Hoesch is a professional editor with five years of experience working freelance for various publishing companies and other clients. Though she's done all aspects of the editing process, she specializes in copyediting/line editing and proofreading, and she enjoys finding mistakes and helping authors make their work shine. Last year, she won the LDSPMA Spark Award for her short story, Discovering Ella, and she's hoping to publish it one day. 
 ”Editors don't always get public recognition, but they definitely shape stories that shape lives.” 

]]>  Meghan Hoesch is a professional editor with five years of experience working freelance for various publishing companies and other clients. Though she's done all aspects of the editing process, she specializes in copyediting/line editing and proofreading, and she enjoys finding mistakes and helping authors make their work shine. Last year, she won the LDSPMA Spark Award for her short story, Discovering Ella, and she's hoping to publish it one day. 
 ”Editors don't always get public recognition, but they definitely shape stories that shape lives.” 

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-18926631 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0600 1856 6 9 full false BJ Allen: The Compensating Power of Christ & Finding Purpose in Life’s Unfair Moments BJ Allen: The Compensating Power of Christ & Finding Purpose in Life’s Unfair Moments Welcome back to Called to Create!
In this deeply inspiring episode, hosts Scott and Darla Brandley sit down with BYU business professor, author, and Praiseworthy Award winner BJ Allen to explore a powerful and often overlooked aspect of the Savior’s atonement—His compensating power.

BJ shares the story behind his book, The Compensating Power of Christ: How the Atonement Rights the Wrongs of an Unfair World, and how a single line of doctrine sparked years of study, reflection, and ultimately a published work that is touching lives. From writing chapters in the parking lot during his kids’ soccer practices to experiencing profound spiritual insights, BJ offers a relatable and faith-filled perspective on how Christ is involved in our everyday lives.

Together, they discuss how the Savior not only strengthens and forgives—but also compensates for life’s unfairness, our personal weaknesses, and even the shortcomings of others that affect us. This conversation is filled with hope, practical insight, and a renewed understanding of how deeply personal and present Jesus Christ truly is.

Whether you're navigating a difficult season or simply seeking to deepen your relationship with the Savior, this episode will leave you feeling seen, uplifted, and reminded that nothing in your life is beyond Christ’s reach.


Key Topics Discussed

  • What “the compensating power of Christ” really means
  • The inspiration behind BJ Allen’s book
  • Writing a book in the middle of a busy family life
  • How Christ compensates for our personal weaknesses
  • How Christ makes up for the impact of others’ imperfections
  • Finding peace in life’s unfair and painful experiences
  • Recognizing God’s hand—often in hindsight
  • Strengthening your relationship with Christ through small, daily habits
  • Advice for aspiring writers, especially in the faith-based space



Personal Takeaway:

One of the most powerful reminders from this episode is that Jesus Christ is not distant—He is actively involved in the details of our lives. Even when we don’t see it in the moment, His grace is working to compensate, strengthen, and restore. Often, it’s only in looking back that we recognize just how present He has been all along.


Resources & Links:

  • The Compensating Power of Christ by BJ Allen (available at Deseret Book and Amazon)
  • Learn more or connect with BJ: bjallen.net


Follow, Share & Stay Inspired:

If this episode uplifted you or gave you a new perspective, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a friend or loved one who may need this message.

Be sure to follow Called to Create so you never miss an episode filled with faith, creativity, and purpose.

And if you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love your support—leave a review or rating to help more listeners discover the show and be inspired.

]]> Welcome back to Called to Create!
In this deeply inspiring episode, hosts Scott and Darla Brandley sit down with BYU business professor, author, and Praiseworthy Award winner BJ Allen to explore a powerful and often overlooked aspect of the Savior’s atonement—His compensating power.

BJ shares the story behind his book, The Compensating Power of Christ: How the Atonement Rights the Wrongs of an Unfair World, and how a single line of doctrine sparked years of study, reflection, and ultimately a published work that is touching lives. From writing chapters in the parking lot during his kids’ soccer practices to experiencing profound spiritual insights, BJ offers a relatable and faith-filled perspective on how Christ is involved in our everyday lives.

Together, they discuss how the Savior not only strengthens and forgives—but also compensates for life’s unfairness, our personal weaknesses, and even the shortcomings of others that affect us. This conversation is filled with hope, practical insight, and a renewed understanding of how deeply personal and present Jesus Christ truly is.

Whether you're navigating a difficult season or simply seeking to deepen your relationship with the Savior, this episode will leave you feeling seen, uplifted, and reminded that nothing in your life is beyond Christ’s reach.


Key Topics Discussed

  • What “the compensating power of Christ” really means
  • The inspiration behind BJ Allen’s book
  • Writing a book in the middle of a busy family life
  • How Christ compensates for our personal weaknesses
  • How Christ makes up for the impact of others’ imperfections
  • Finding peace in life’s unfair and painful experiences
  • Recognizing God’s hand—often in hindsight
  • Strengthening your relationship with Christ through small, daily habits
  • Advice for aspiring writers, especially in the faith-based space



Personal Takeaway:

One of the most powerful reminders from this episode is that Jesus Christ is not distant—He is actively involved in the details of our lives. Even when we don’t see it in the moment, His grace is working to compensate, strengthen, and restore. Often, it’s only in looking back that we recognize just how present He has been all along.


Resources & Links:

  • The Compensating Power of Christ by BJ Allen (available at Deseret Book and Amazon)
  • Learn more or connect with BJ: bjallen.net


Follow, Share & Stay Inspired:

If this episode uplifted you or gave you a new perspective, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a friend or loved one who may need this message.

Be sure to follow Called to Create so you never miss an episode filled with faith, creativity, and purpose.

And if you enjoyed this conversation, we’d love your support—leave a review or rating to help more listeners discover the show and be inspired.

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-18868682 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0600 2198 6 8 full false Kenneth Chamberlain - Look for Other Doors Kenneth Chamberlain - Look for Other Doors Today we’re joined by author Kenneth Chamberlain. Raised across the American West and a former missionary to Brazil, Kenneth built an international business career working with startups, Fortune 500 companies, and organizations around the world before returning to his first love—storytelling. He now writes faith-centered novels that blend history, scripture, and real-world struggles, and he’s the Spark Award–winning author of The King’s Bodyguard, a powerful reimagining of events surrounding King Zedekiah and the fall of Jerusalem.

]]> Today we’re joined by author Kenneth Chamberlain. Raised across the American West and a former missionary to Brazil, Kenneth built an international business career working with startups, Fortune 500 companies, and organizations around the world before returning to his first love—storytelling. He now writes faith-centered novels that blend history, scripture, and real-world struggles, and he’s the Spark Award–winning author of The King’s Bodyguard, a powerful reimagining of events surrounding King Zedekiah and the fall of Jerusalem.

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-18773703 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0700 1894 6 7 full false Heather B. Moore: From Rejections to Bestsellers Heather B. Moore: From Rejections to Bestsellers  From Rejection to Bestseller: Heather B. Moore's 20-Year Writing Journey

In this inspiring episode of Called to Create, Scott and Darla Brandley sit down with award-winning author Heather B. Moore to explore her remarkable journey from aspiring writer to published success.

Heather shares the raw truth about her early writing career—starting at age 30 while helping her grandmother with her personal history, facing rejection after rejection, and nearly giving up on her dreams. But it was her husband's advice to "fight for it" and one pivotal phone call that changed everything.

In this episode, you'll discover:

  • How Heather learned the craft of writing through a weekly critique group
  • The hierarchy of rejection letters (and why the worst isn't always a form letter)
  • The incredible story of writing a complete book in just 2 months while caring for four young children, including a nursing baby
  • Why she writes from 4-7 AM, inspired by Mary Higgins Clark
  • Her transition from LDS fiction to national historical novels, including World War II and Cold War stories
  • Practical advice on setting personal goals, meeting deadlines, and staying motivated through the long publishing journey
  • How to handle rejection, imposter syndrome, and comparing yourself to other writers

Key Takeaway: "Don't give up. If you wanna get published, don't give up. Just follow your heart—it's totally possible to achieve your dreams. Stay creative, stay close to the Lord, and know that creativity and writing is definitely a gift that we can cultivate."

Heather B. Moore has been writing for over 20 years, publishing everything from Biblical and Book of Mormon historical fiction to contemporary World War II novels. Her recent book Rebecca and Isaac won a praiseworthy award at LDS-PMA, and her latest work Her America (releasing August 2025) profiles eight women who transformed America. 

]]>  From Rejection to Bestseller: Heather B. Moore's 20-Year Writing Journey

In this inspiring episode of Called to Create, Scott and Darla Brandley sit down with award-winning author Heather B. Moore to explore her remarkable journey from aspiring writer to published success.

Heather shares the raw truth about her early writing career—starting at age 30 while helping her grandmother with her personal history, facing rejection after rejection, and nearly giving up on her dreams. But it was her husband's advice to "fight for it" and one pivotal phone call that changed everything.

In this episode, you'll discover:

  • How Heather learned the craft of writing through a weekly critique group
  • The hierarchy of rejection letters (and why the worst isn't always a form letter)
  • The incredible story of writing a complete book in just 2 months while caring for four young children, including a nursing baby
  • Why she writes from 4-7 AM, inspired by Mary Higgins Clark
  • Her transition from LDS fiction to national historical novels, including World War II and Cold War stories
  • Practical advice on setting personal goals, meeting deadlines, and staying motivated through the long publishing journey
  • How to handle rejection, imposter syndrome, and comparing yourself to other writers

Key Takeaway: "Don't give up. If you wanna get published, don't give up. Just follow your heart—it's totally possible to achieve your dreams. Stay creative, stay close to the Lord, and know that creativity and writing is definitely a gift that we can cultivate."

Heather B. Moore has been writing for over 20 years, publishing everything from Biblical and Book of Mormon historical fiction to contemporary World War II novels. Her recent book Rebecca and Isaac won a praiseworthy award at LDS-PMA, and her latest work Her America (releasing August 2025) profiles eight women who transformed America. 

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-18749246 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0700 2506 6 6 full false Melody Williams - Inspired to Write Melody Williams - Inspired to Write Spark Award winner Melody J Williams

Season 6 - Episode 5 of LDSPMA's "Called to Create" podcast

 “ When you find that thing that is at that creative outlet that lets you just recharge and fill your cup when it's empty, it makes all the difference.”

]]> Spark Award winner Melody J Williams

Season 6 - Episode 5 of LDSPMA's "Called to Create" podcast

 “ When you find that thing that is at that creative outlet that lets you just recharge and fill your cup when it's empty, it makes all the difference.”

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-18616270 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0700 2110 6 5 full false Anneka Walker - From Loss to Purpose Anneka Walker - From Loss to Purpose Author Anneka Walker talks about finding purpose in her writing that helped her through trials in her life in our latest episode of "Called to Create" Season 6. Please subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

]]> Author Anneka Walker talks about finding purpose in her writing that helped her through trials in her life in our latest episode of "Called to Create" Season 6. Please subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-18535935 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0700 2315 6 4 full false Roy Fullmer - Transforming Pain in to Purpose Roy Fullmer - Transforming Pain in to Purpose Interview with Spark Award winner Roy Fullmer. "I am an artist that loves writing my recent songs. They are all songs that reflect in my personal life and trying to inspire to become more of a power anthem for others." 

]]> Interview with Spark Award winner Roy Fullmer. "I am an artist that loves writing my recent songs. They are all songs that reflect in my personal life and trying to inspire to become more of a power anthem for others." 

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-18450789 Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0700 1919 6 3 full false Gunnar Andersen - Verses and Visions Gunnar Andersen - Verses and Visions Called to Create Season 6 - Episode 2

Interview with Spark Award winner Gunnar Andersen on his creative journey in composing music to tell the story of the Restoration.

]]> Called to Create Season 6 - Episode 2

Interview with Spark Award winner Gunnar Andersen on his creative journey in composing music to tell the story of the Restoration.

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-18329334 Wed, 10 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0700 2771 6 2 full false Cassidy Beck - Our Stories Matter Cassidy Beck - Our Stories Matter Praiseworthy Award winning podcaster, Cassidy Beck, joins Scott & Alisha for our Season 6 premiere.

]]> Praiseworthy Award winning podcaster, Cassidy Beck, joins Scott & Alisha for our Season 6 premiere.

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-18236136 Wed, 26 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0700 3562 6 1 full false Scott Brandley & Alisha Coakley: Building Connections and Faith with Latter-Day Lights Scott Brandley & Alisha Coakley: Building Connections and Faith with Latter-Day Lights In this heartwarming episode of Called to Create, Guest Host M.D. House, president of LDSPMA, welcomes Alisha Coakley and Scott Brandley from the Latter-Day Lights podcast. They discuss their experiences with creating over 150 episodes, the importance of networking within the LDS podcasting community, and how these platforms help spread light and inspire listeners. The trio also touches on their favorite episodes, challenges faced, and the spiritual growth that comes from sharing and hearing personal stories. Additionally, Scott delves into his newly launched book 'Faith to Stay', offering insights into its creation and the fascinating topics it covers. 


Join us for this enriching conversation that's sure to uplift and motivate aspiring creators.


00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:45 The Universe of LDS Podcasts

02:10 Networking and Cross-Pollination

06:15 Challenges in Podcasting

08:41 Personal Growth and Listener Impact

13:11 Top Episodes and Memorable Guests

19:06 The Journey of Writing 'Faith to Stay'

25:58 Final Thoughts and Encouragement


Scott has a new book, "Faith to Stay." The link to get your free copy is:  https://www.faithtostay.com/



]]> In this heartwarming episode of Called to Create, Guest Host M.D. House, president of LDSPMA, welcomes Alisha Coakley and Scott Brandley from the Latter-Day Lights podcast. They discuss their experiences with creating over 150 episodes, the importance of networking within the LDS podcasting community, and how these platforms help spread light and inspire listeners. The trio also touches on their favorite episodes, challenges faced, and the spiritual growth that comes from sharing and hearing personal stories. Additionally, Scott delves into his newly launched book 'Faith to Stay', offering insights into its creation and the fascinating topics it covers. 


Join us for this enriching conversation that's sure to uplift and motivate aspiring creators.


00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:45 The Universe of LDS Podcasts

02:10 Networking and Cross-Pollination

06:15 Challenges in Podcasting

08:41 Personal Growth and Listener Impact

13:11 Top Episodes and Memorable Guests

19:06 The Journey of Writing 'Faith to Stay'

25:58 Final Thoughts and Encouragement


Scott has a new book, "Faith to Stay." The link to get your free copy is:  https://www.faithtostay.com/



]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-17374653 Wed, 25 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0600 1780 5 12 full false Eva Timothy: Seeking Light in the Shadows Eva Timothy: Seeking Light in the Shadows Join guest host, renowned author Brandon Mull, as he interviews Eva Timothy, an accomplished author and photographer. Eva, originally from Bulgaria, shares how her upbringing under communism influenced her artistic vision and the pivotal role her father played in nurturing her love for beauty and light. From discussing the power of dreams and hard work to the profound relationship between creativity and divinity, this conversation offers inspiring insights into pursuing one's passion despite challenges. Discover how Eva's journey led her to achieve recognition, including works showcased at the Smithsonian, and the deeply rooted spiritual connections that drive her creativity. 


Whether you're an artist or someone seeking inspiration, this episode promises to ignite your creative spirit.


00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:01 Eva's Early Life in Bulgaria

05:08 The Influence of Eva's Parents

13:05 Journey to America

20:30 Developing as a Professional Creative

24:41 The Role of Faith and Light in Creativity

36:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


Looking for more inspiration? Visit us at https://ldspma.org/ to learn more. 

]]> Join guest host, renowned author Brandon Mull, as he interviews Eva Timothy, an accomplished author and photographer. Eva, originally from Bulgaria, shares how her upbringing under communism influenced her artistic vision and the pivotal role her father played in nurturing her love for beauty and light. From discussing the power of dreams and hard work to the profound relationship between creativity and divinity, this conversation offers inspiring insights into pursuing one's passion despite challenges. Discover how Eva's journey led her to achieve recognition, including works showcased at the Smithsonian, and the deeply rooted spiritual connections that drive her creativity. 


Whether you're an artist or someone seeking inspiration, this episode promises to ignite your creative spirit.


00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:01 Eva's Early Life in Bulgaria

05:08 The Influence of Eva's Parents

13:05 Journey to America

20:30 Developing as a Professional Creative

24:41 The Role of Faith and Light in Creativity

36:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


Looking for more inspiration? Visit us at https://ldspma.org/ to learn more. 

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-17295466 Wed, 11 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0600 2526 5 11 full false Mallory Everton: A Journey Through Laughter, Light, and Life Mallory Everton: A Journey Through Laughter, Light, and Life Guest host Jenna Carson, a chaplain and captain in the U.S. Air Force, interviews filmmaker and comedian Mallory Everton. Best known for her work on BYUtv's Studio C and JK Studios' Freelancers, Mallory shares her journey from nursing aspirant to established artist. The conversation focuses on  her creative process, the importance of comedy in dark times, and how she navigates the challenges of a patchwork career as an artist. Mallory offers insights into maintaining a joyful and authentic approach to creativity, driven by curiosity and a deep relationship with God.


Tune in for an inspiring discussion about art, resilience, and the pursuit of one's calling.


00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:11 Mallory Everton's Background and Current Life

03:37 Creative Process and Inspirations

05:49 Challenges and Overcoming Creative Blocks

11:51 Navigating the Uncertainty of an Artistic Career

18:18 Relationship with God and Spiritual Insights

21:49 Advice for Aspiring Creatives

25:42 Mallory's Early Creative Influences

28:16 College Plans and Career Shift

32:48 Joining and Growing Studio C

38:30 The Impact and Value of Comedy

47:07 Mallory's Future Projects and Social Media



]]> Guest host Jenna Carson, a chaplain and captain in the U.S. Air Force, interviews filmmaker and comedian Mallory Everton. Best known for her work on BYUtv's Studio C and JK Studios' Freelancers, Mallory shares her journey from nursing aspirant to established artist. The conversation focuses on  her creative process, the importance of comedy in dark times, and how she navigates the challenges of a patchwork career as an artist. Mallory offers insights into maintaining a joyful and authentic approach to creativity, driven by curiosity and a deep relationship with God.


Tune in for an inspiring discussion about art, resilience, and the pursuit of one's calling.


00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:11 Mallory Everton's Background and Current Life

03:37 Creative Process and Inspirations

05:49 Challenges and Overcoming Creative Blocks

11:51 Navigating the Uncertainty of an Artistic Career

18:18 Relationship with God and Spiritual Insights

21:49 Advice for Aspiring Creatives

25:42 Mallory's Early Creative Influences

28:16 College Plans and Career Shift

32:48 Joining and Growing Studio C

38:30 The Impact and Value of Comedy

47:07 Mallory's Future Projects and Social Media



]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-17153804 Wed, 21 May 2025 03:00:00 -0600 3001 5 10 full false M.D. House: A Journey from Finance to Fiction M.D. House: A Journey from Finance to Fiction Assistant Producer Cassidy Beck interviews MD House, the current president of Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media, and the Arts (LDSPMA). They discuss Michael's transition from a successful career in corporate finance to becoming a passionate writer. Michael shares his experiences with LDSPMA, detailing its volunteer-driven community, mentoring programs, and conferences. The conversation also covers Michael's unexpected journey into writing historical biblical fiction, his inspiration behind his books, and the importance of uniting creatives with faith-centered purposes. Learn how MD House balances his professional career with his creative passions and discover more about the upcoming Christian Creatives Expo in Orlando. 


Don't miss this inspiring episode full of valuable insights for storytellers, artists, and creatives of all kinds.


00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:36 MD House's Background and Career

01:26 Discovering LDSPMA

02:15 Volunteering and Mentorship Program

02:54 Becoming LDSPMA President

03:47 Personal Experiences with LDSPMA

07:36 Christian Creatives Expo Teaser

09:58 Conference Highlights and Keynote Speakers

16:30 Future Plans and Membership Program

17:53 The Importance of Finding Your People

18:29 Conference Highlights and Networking

21:14 New Partnerships and Film Festival

22:30 Transitioning from Business to Writing

23:21 Writing Journey and Inspirations

26:36 Exploring Historical Fiction

32:15 Podcast and Community Engagement

34:02 Final Words on Finding Your People



]]> Assistant Producer Cassidy Beck interviews MD House, the current president of Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media, and the Arts (LDSPMA). They discuss Michael's transition from a successful career in corporate finance to becoming a passionate writer. Michael shares his experiences with LDSPMA, detailing its volunteer-driven community, mentoring programs, and conferences. The conversation also covers Michael's unexpected journey into writing historical biblical fiction, his inspiration behind his books, and the importance of uniting creatives with faith-centered purposes. Learn how MD House balances his professional career with his creative passions and discover more about the upcoming Christian Creatives Expo in Orlando. 


Don't miss this inspiring episode full of valuable insights for storytellers, artists, and creatives of all kinds.


00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:36 MD House's Background and Career

01:26 Discovering LDSPMA

02:15 Volunteering and Mentorship Program

02:54 Becoming LDSPMA President

03:47 Personal Experiences with LDSPMA

07:36 Christian Creatives Expo Teaser

09:58 Conference Highlights and Keynote Speakers

16:30 Future Plans and Membership Program

17:53 The Importance of Finding Your People

18:29 Conference Highlights and Networking

21:14 New Partnerships and Film Festival

22:30 Transitioning from Business to Writing

23:21 Writing Journey and Inspirations

26:36 Exploring Historical Fiction

32:15 Podcast and Community Engagement

34:02 Final Words on Finding Your People



]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-17089169 Wed, 07 May 2025 03:00:00 -0600 2141 5 9 full false Madsen Brothers: Faith, Creativity, and Family in the Arts Madsen Brothers: Faith, Creativity, and Family in the Arts Join guest host CJ Madson, adjunct faculty at BYU School of Music, as he interviews his younger brother, Jeremy Madson, a talented author and graduate in biblical Hebrew. Discover Jeremy's journey from childhood sibling rivalry to writing his first epic fantasy novel, 'The Pyromancer Scroll.' Learn how faith, family support, and financial stewardship have played crucial roles in their creative endeavors. This episode is filled with valuable advice for aspiring creators and heartwarming family anecdotes. 


Tune in to be inspired by their experiences and insights.


00:00 Introduction and Host Background

00:45 Introducing the Guest: Jeremy Madson

04:44 Jeremy's Journey to Becoming an Author

08:39 Balancing Faith and Finances

19:37 Building an Audience and Marketing Strategies

23:59 Encouraging Creativity in Children

28:00 Final Tips for Aspiring Creators

30:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 



]]> Join guest host CJ Madson, adjunct faculty at BYU School of Music, as he interviews his younger brother, Jeremy Madson, a talented author and graduate in biblical Hebrew. Discover Jeremy's journey from childhood sibling rivalry to writing his first epic fantasy novel, 'The Pyromancer Scroll.' Learn how faith, family support, and financial stewardship have played crucial roles in their creative endeavors. This episode is filled with valuable advice for aspiring creators and heartwarming family anecdotes. 


Tune in to be inspired by their experiences and insights.


00:00 Introduction and Host Background

00:45 Introducing the Guest: Jeremy Madson

04:44 Jeremy's Journey to Becoming an Author

08:39 Balancing Faith and Finances

19:37 Building an Audience and Marketing Strategies

23:59 Encouraging Creativity in Children

28:00 Final Tips for Aspiring Creators

30:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 



]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-16998178 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0600 1969 5 8 full false Glenn Rawson: Guiding Souls through Storytelling and History Glenn Rawson: Guiding Souls through Storytelling and History In this episode of Called to Create, guest host Heidi Tucker, a speaker and author of five award-winning books, interviews the renowned storyteller, traveler, and teacher Glenn Rawson. Known for inspirational tales broadcasted on over 50 radio stations and authoring over 30 books, Glenn shares his journey from a cowboy in Idaho to a beloved storyteller. They discuss his unique experiences, motivations, and approach to storytelling that entertains, inspires, and teaches valuable principles. Glenn also talks about connecting history and personal stories with geographic places, making history come alive for his audience. Join us as we delve into Glenn's mission to bring others closer to the Savior through his inspiring tales.


00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:51 Glenn Rawson's Background and Achievements

02:36 The Influence of Cowboy Life on Storytelling

04:10 The Calling to Create and Teach

05:51 The Power of Storytelling

09:06 Connecting History with Places

12:15 Maintaining Motivation and Inspiration

15:12 The Role of the Spirit in Guiding Tours

19:19 Common Themes and Mentors

22:59 Future Projects and Final Thoughts

25:59 Conclusion and Farewell



]]> In this episode of Called to Create, guest host Heidi Tucker, a speaker and author of five award-winning books, interviews the renowned storyteller, traveler, and teacher Glenn Rawson. Known for inspirational tales broadcasted on over 50 radio stations and authoring over 30 books, Glenn shares his journey from a cowboy in Idaho to a beloved storyteller. They discuss his unique experiences, motivations, and approach to storytelling that entertains, inspires, and teaches valuable principles. Glenn also talks about connecting history and personal stories with geographic places, making history come alive for his audience. Join us as we delve into Glenn's mission to bring others closer to the Savior through his inspiring tales.


00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:51 Glenn Rawson's Background and Achievements

02:36 The Influence of Cowboy Life on Storytelling

04:10 The Calling to Create and Teach

05:51 The Power of Storytelling

09:06 Connecting History with Places

12:15 Maintaining Motivation and Inspiration

15:12 The Role of the Spirit in Guiding Tours

19:19 Common Themes and Mentors

22:59 Future Projects and Final Thoughts

25:59 Conclusion and Farewell



]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-16783566 Wed, 19 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0600 1633 5 6 full false Afterglow: The Story of Friendship and Faith through Music Afterglow: The Story of Friendship and Faith through Music Join host Scott Christopher as he interviews Joel McCausland and Kevin Peay, the dynamic duo behind Afterglow, a staple in the LDS and faith-based music community. Discover how these lifelong friends from Utah Valley transitioned from high school harmonies to producing inspirational music that has touched thousands. The episode delves into their creative processes, their balance between music and other careers, memorable performances, and the story behind their iconic songs like 'I Heard Him Come' and 'The Greatest Gift.' Also, get an inside look at their journey through their recent digital distribution and podcasting efforts. Celebrate with Scott, Joel, and Kevin as they reflect on their musical journey and its impact over the past four decades.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:22 Early Beginnings and Friendship

03:43 High School Memories and Musical Discoveries

06:57 First Performances and Musical Influences

14:42 Collaborative Process and Recording

18:24 Transition to Professional Music

22:29 A Generous Donation

23:04 Recording and Distribution Challenges

24:24 Balancing Performances and Personal Life

25:51 Country Music Phase

28:07 Songwriting Process

30:55 Iconic Songs and Their Impact

37:14 Navigating Careers and Music

43:12 Reflecting on Legacy and Influence

49:32 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans



]]> Join host Scott Christopher as he interviews Joel McCausland and Kevin Peay, the dynamic duo behind Afterglow, a staple in the LDS and faith-based music community. Discover how these lifelong friends from Utah Valley transitioned from high school harmonies to producing inspirational music that has touched thousands. The episode delves into their creative processes, their balance between music and other careers, memorable performances, and the story behind their iconic songs like 'I Heard Him Come' and 'The Greatest Gift.' Also, get an inside look at their journey through their recent digital distribution and podcasting efforts. Celebrate with Scott, Joel, and Kevin as they reflect on their musical journey and its impact over the past four decades.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:22 Early Beginnings and Friendship

03:43 High School Memories and Musical Discoveries

06:57 First Performances and Musical Influences

14:42 Collaborative Process and Recording

18:24 Transition to Professional Music

22:29 A Generous Donation

23:04 Recording and Distribution Challenges

24:24 Balancing Performances and Personal Life

25:51 Country Music Phase

28:07 Songwriting Process

30:55 Iconic Songs and Their Impact

37:14 Navigating Careers and Music

43:12 Reflecting on Legacy and Influence

49:32 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans



]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-16698822 Wed, 05 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0700 2104 5 5 full false Jenedy Paige: God's Path for Artists and Warriors Jenedy Paige: God's Path for Artists and Warriors Join guest host Adassa, a renowned singer and actress, as she interviews professional oil painter and American Ninja Warrior athlete Jenedy Page. They discuss Jenedy’s journey from a novice artist to showcasing her paintings in national galleries, all while balancing motherhood and training for Ninja Warrior competitions. Jenedy reveals how divine guidance, mentorship, and perseverance helped her overcome personal and professional challenges. The episode covers Jenedy’s unique painting techniques, her emotional connection to her late son, and her exciting upcoming event, the Strong Woman Experience. 

Tune in for inspiring stories of resilience, faith, and creativity.

00:00 Introduction and Host's Background

00:53 Introducing Jenedy Paige

02:05 Jenedy’s Artistic Journey

03:14 The Sparrow Painting and Divine Timing

05:02 Mentorship and Artistic Process

08:07 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Trusting God's Plan

16:41 The Role of Mentors in Jenedy’s Growth

23:10 A Mentor's Legacy

23:59 From Artist to Ninja

24:18 The American Ninja Warrior Journey

25:02 Training and Challenges

26:33 Faith and Determination

32:01 Balancing Family and Ambitions

35:12 A Heartfelt Tribute

42:03 Looking Ahead

43:38 Final Thoughts and Farewell

]]> Join guest host Adassa, a renowned singer and actress, as she interviews professional oil painter and American Ninja Warrior athlete Jenedy Page. They discuss Jenedy’s journey from a novice artist to showcasing her paintings in national galleries, all while balancing motherhood and training for Ninja Warrior competitions. Jenedy reveals how divine guidance, mentorship, and perseverance helped her overcome personal and professional challenges. The episode covers Jenedy’s unique painting techniques, her emotional connection to her late son, and her exciting upcoming event, the Strong Woman Experience. 

Tune in for inspiring stories of resilience, faith, and creativity.

00:00 Introduction and Host's Background

00:53 Introducing Jenedy Paige

02:05 Jenedy’s Artistic Journey

03:14 The Sparrow Painting and Divine Timing

05:02 Mentorship and Artistic Process

08:07 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Trusting God's Plan

16:41 The Role of Mentors in Jenedy’s Growth

23:10 A Mentor's Legacy

23:59 From Artist to Ninja

24:18 The American Ninja Warrior Journey

25:02 Training and Challenges

26:33 Faith and Determination

32:01 Balancing Family and Ambitions

35:12 A Heartfelt Tribute

42:03 Looking Ahead

43:38 Final Thoughts and Farewell

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-16583852 Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0700 2674 5 4 full false McKay Coppins: Navigating Faith & Journalism McKay Coppins: Navigating Faith & Journalism In this captivating episode, Guest Host Jenna Carson, a chaplain and captain in the U.S. Air Force, interviews McKay Coppins, a renowned staff writer at The Atlantic. McKay shares his experiences at The Atlantic, insights from his acclaimed articles and books, and the challenges and rewards of balancing skepticism and cynicism in political journalism. They also discuss the importance of diverse perspectives in media and offer valuable advice for aspiring writers and journalists.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:42 McKay Coppins' Career and Inspirations
01:58 Working at The Atlantic
05:33 Balancing Faith and Journalism
12:17 Navigating Cynicism in Politics
20:26 Writing Process and Daily Routine
27:05 Spirituality and Creative Work
32:37 Encouragement for Aspiring Creators
35:31 Conclusion and Farewell

#LDSPMA #Inspirtiation #CalledtoCreate #McKayCoppins #JennaCarson #Chaplain #Journalist 

]]> In this captivating episode, Guest Host Jenna Carson, a chaplain and captain in the U.S. Air Force, interviews McKay Coppins, a renowned staff writer at The Atlantic. McKay shares his experiences at The Atlantic, insights from his acclaimed articles and books, and the challenges and rewards of balancing skepticism and cynicism in political journalism. They also discuss the importance of diverse perspectives in media and offer valuable advice for aspiring writers and journalists.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:42 McKay Coppins' Career and Inspirations
01:58 Working at The Atlantic
05:33 Balancing Faith and Journalism
12:17 Navigating Cynicism in Politics
20:26 Writing Process and Daily Routine
27:05 Spirituality and Creative Work
32:37 Encouragement for Aspiring Creators
35:31 Conclusion and Farewell

#LDSPMA #Inspirtiation #CalledtoCreate #McKayCoppins #JennaCarson #Chaplain #Journalist 

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-16477817 Wed, 05 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0700 2189 5 3 full false Elspeth Young: Painting Lesser-Known Heroes Elspeth Young: Painting Lesser-Known Heroes Elspeth has been a full-time Artist of Al Young Studios since 2002. Her paintings seek to celebrate lesser-known heroines and heroes of everyday life whose courage and devotion evince the deepest reverence for Deity. Each painting is intended to invite others to look Heavenward in order to solve life’s challenges, and appreciate the majesty of the individual in all races and cultures.

Her training includes a lifetime of study and collaboration in the family studio of her father, Al R. Young, as well as a baccalaureate degree in Visual Art from Brigham Young University, from which she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2003.

Working primarily in oils, her original artworks and reproductions are permanently displayed in temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, museums, and private residences. Reproductions of her work also appear in numerous books and publications.

Website: alyoung.com

Facebook: facebook.com/aystudios

Facebook: facebook.com/elspethyoung

]]> Elspeth has been a full-time Artist of Al Young Studios since 2002. Her paintings seek to celebrate lesser-known heroines and heroes of everyday life whose courage and devotion evince the deepest reverence for Deity. Each painting is intended to invite others to look Heavenward in order to solve life’s challenges, and appreciate the majesty of the individual in all races and cultures.

Her training includes a lifetime of study and collaboration in the family studio of her father, Al R. Young, as well as a baccalaureate degree in Visual Art from Brigham Young University, from which she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2003.

Working primarily in oils, her original artworks and reproductions are permanently displayed in temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, museums, and private residences. Reproductions of her work also appear in numerous books and publications.

Website: alyoung.com

Facebook: facebook.com/aystudios

Facebook: facebook.com/elspethyoung

]]> LDSPMA/Elspeth Young Buzzsprout-16342132 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0700 2165 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, visual artist, painter, Al Young Studios 5 2 full false Jennifer Jenkins: Operation Literacy Founder Jennifer Jenkins: Operation Literacy Founder Jennifer Jenkins is the author of seven published novels and one non-fiction guide to creative writing. Her work has been optioned for film/tv and she is a two-time Whitney Finalist. She serves as the Founder/CEO of Operation Literacy, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to promoting children's literacy, and has taught in the Silicon Slopes Lecture Series and at universities across the country on the subjects of creative writing, leadership, career readiness, networking, and leveraging story to connect with stakeholders.

She received the Honors in Education award from Utah First Lady Abby Cox in 2024 and dedicates her time to building programs that support young creative writers, inspire reluctant readers, and provide impactful educational opportunities to underserved populations. All her efforts are fueled by the belief that literacy unlocks a successful future for every child.

https://www.storycon.org

authorjenniferjenkins.com

instagram.com/authorjenniferjenkins

facebook.com/authorjenniferjenkins

x.com/authorjenkins



]]> Jennifer Jenkins is the author of seven published novels and one non-fiction guide to creative writing. Her work has been optioned for film/tv and she is a two-time Whitney Finalist. She serves as the Founder/CEO of Operation Literacy, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to promoting children's literacy, and has taught in the Silicon Slopes Lecture Series and at universities across the country on the subjects of creative writing, leadership, career readiness, networking, and leveraging story to connect with stakeholders.

She received the Honors in Education award from Utah First Lady Abby Cox in 2024 and dedicates her time to building programs that support young creative writers, inspire reluctant readers, and provide impactful educational opportunities to underserved populations. All her efforts are fueled by the belief that literacy unlocks a successful future for every child.

https://www.storycon.org

authorjenniferjenkins.com

instagram.com/authorjenniferjenkins

facebook.com/authorjenniferjenkins

x.com/authorjenkins



]]> LDSPMA/Jennifer Jenkins Buzzsprout-16310099 Wed, 08 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0700 1841 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, author, speaker, founder, CEO, Operation Literacy 5 1 full false Connie Sokol: Beloved Podcast Host, Farewell Connie Sokol: Beloved Podcast Host, Farewell Connie Sokol is a national speaker, bestselling author, media personality, and mother of seven. She is a regular contributor on the top-rated lifestyle show Studio 5 with Brooke Walker (www.ksl.com/studio5).

In addition to her own podcast, Purpose Filled Life, for the past three years Connie has interviewed 75 guests as host of Called to Create: An LDSPMA Podcast for nonprofit Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media, and the Arts.

Connie is a bestselling author who has written 17 books, including What Now?, 8 Ways to Deal with Life's Difficulties, Faithful Fit & Fabulous, and 40 Days with the Savior.

She is the founder of the Balance reDefined programs, teaching women to live purposeful, organized, and joyful lives. Connie marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats.

conniesokol.com

instagram.com/connie_sokol

facebook.com/conniesokolauthor

linkedin.com/in/conniesokol





]]> Connie Sokol is a national speaker, bestselling author, media personality, and mother of seven. She is a regular contributor on the top-rated lifestyle show Studio 5 with Brooke Walker (www.ksl.com/studio5).

In addition to her own podcast, Purpose Filled Life, for the past three years Connie has interviewed 75 guests as host of Called to Create: An LDSPMA Podcast for nonprofit Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media, and the Arts.

Connie is a bestselling author who has written 17 books, including What Now?, 8 Ways to Deal with Life's Difficulties, Faithful Fit & Fabulous, and 40 Days with the Savior.

She is the founder of the Balance reDefined programs, teaching women to live purposeful, organized, and joyful lives. Connie marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats.

conniesokol.com

instagram.com/connie_sokol

facebook.com/conniesokolauthor

linkedin.com/in/conniesokol





]]> LDSPMA/Connie Sokol Buzzsprout-16278529 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0700 2245 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, author, speaker, podcast host, thought leader 4 24 full false Brigham Taylor: Pirates of the Caribbean producer Brigham Taylor: Pirates of the Caribbean producer Brigham Taylor worked as an executive with the Walt Disney Company. He produced Disney’s 2016 The Jungle Book, 2015 Tomorrowland, and the Pirates of the Caribbean series. He was a production executive for Million Dollar Arm (2014), Tron: Legacy (2010), Secretariat (2010), Bridge to Terabithia (2007), and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), to name a few.

Taylor was born in 1967 in Palo Alto, California. He earned his bachelor’s degree in humanities from Brigham Young University. After graduating, he joined the Disney company in 1994 as an assistant to a junior executive and rose through the ranks of the studio.

He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served as a full-time missionary in Tallahassee, Florida. He and his wife, Michelle, are the parents of four children. He has recently started a new development-finance/production company with a focus on elevated, thriller feature films.

Website: www.intension.film

Instagram: instagram.com/btaylor67

IMDb: imdb.com/name/nm1761420

]]> Brigham Taylor worked as an executive with the Walt Disney Company. He produced Disney’s 2016 The Jungle Book, 2015 Tomorrowland, and the Pirates of the Caribbean series. He was a production executive for Million Dollar Arm (2014), Tron: Legacy (2010), Secretariat (2010), Bridge to Terabithia (2007), and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), to name a few.

Taylor was born in 1967 in Palo Alto, California. He earned his bachelor’s degree in humanities from Brigham Young University. After graduating, he joined the Disney company in 1994 as an assistant to a junior executive and rose through the ranks of the studio.

He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served as a full-time missionary in Tallahassee, Florida. He and his wife, Michelle, are the parents of four children. He has recently started a new development-finance/production company with a focus on elevated, thriller feature films.

Website: www.intension.film

Instagram: instagram.com/btaylor67

IMDb: imdb.com/name/nm1761420

]]> LDSPMA/Brigham Taylor Buzzsprout-16113191 Wed, 04 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0700 2077 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, filmmaker, movie executive, creative director, Disney, Pirates of the Caribbean 4 23 full false Brandon Pak: Connecting People With Christ Brandon Pak: Connecting People With Christ Brandon Pak is a singer, songwriter, Deseret book recording artist, and a graduate of Boston's Berkeley College of Music. He’s had the opportunity to perform with and for artists such as Andy Grammer, Charlie Puth, Justin Timberlake, Pentatonix, the Truman Brothers, the Bonner family, and featured in movies and soundtracks like Daddy's Home 2. He lives in Roosevelt, Utah with his beautiful wife, Katie, and his 17 month old baby girl. Whether it's writing first dance songs for weddings or writing worship music, he loves helping people connect through music and connect with Christ.

IG @brandonpakmusic instagram.com/brandonpakmusic

YT  Brandon Pak - Topic youtube.com/channel/UC8pOJefZ_ypkwGc87e4sRhw



]]> Brandon Pak is a singer, songwriter, Deseret book recording artist, and a graduate of Boston's Berkeley College of Music. He’s had the opportunity to perform with and for artists such as Andy Grammer, Charlie Puth, Justin Timberlake, Pentatonix, the Truman Brothers, the Bonner family, and featured in movies and soundtracks like Daddy's Home 2. He lives in Roosevelt, Utah with his beautiful wife, Katie, and his 17 month old baby girl. Whether it's writing first dance songs for weddings or writing worship music, he loves helping people connect through music and connect with Christ.

IG @brandonpakmusic instagram.com/brandonpakmusic

YT  Brandon Pak - Topic youtube.com/channel/UC8pOJefZ_ypkwGc87e4sRhw



]]> LDSPMA/Brandon Pac Buzzsprout-16075293 Wed, 20 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0700 2082 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, singer, songwriter, recording artist 4 22 full false Rebecca Cressman: Inspiring Listeners of All Ages Rebecca Cressman: Inspiring Listeners of All Ages Rebecca is a Utah All-Star!  Born in San Diego, but a Utahan at heart after falling in love with the mountains, rivers, and the kind people who make it feel like home. During the day she hosts FM100.3’s Midday Show playing music for your workday from 11 am-3 pm. When she isn’t hanging out at the station you will find her out and about improving the local and international communities. Fluent in Spanish, Rebecca frequently travels to South America as a mentor with Eagle Condor, a group that performs humanitarian missions. Rebecca is an inspiring breast cancer survivor and advocate. She has been a leading change in our “Think Pink” campaign every fall. Most weekends you will recognize her voice as she hosts and cheers on the famous University of Utah’s Red Rock Gymnastics. As an Emmy-nominated TV Host, BYU graduate, mother of three, and host of FM 100.3’s community feature “Utah Weekly Forum” she inspires listeners of all ages. We are proud to have her as a part of the FM100.3 family.

https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaonFM100.3

https://www.instagram.com/rebeccafm1003



]]> Rebecca is a Utah All-Star!  Born in San Diego, but a Utahan at heart after falling in love with the mountains, rivers, and the kind people who make it feel like home. During the day she hosts FM100.3’s Midday Show playing music for your workday from 11 am-3 pm. When she isn’t hanging out at the station you will find her out and about improving the local and international communities. Fluent in Spanish, Rebecca frequently travels to South America as a mentor with Eagle Condor, a group that performs humanitarian missions. Rebecca is an inspiring breast cancer survivor and advocate. She has been a leading change in our “Think Pink” campaign every fall. Most weekends you will recognize her voice as she hosts and cheers on the famous University of Utah’s Red Rock Gymnastics. As an Emmy-nominated TV Host, BYU graduate, mother of three, and host of FM 100.3’s community feature “Utah Weekly Forum” she inspires listeners of all ages. We are proud to have her as a part of the FM100.3 family.

https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaonFM100.3

https://www.instagram.com/rebeccafm1003



]]> LDSPMA/Rebecca Cressman Buzzsprout-16027267 Wed, 06 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0700 2031 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, radio host, news anchor, humanitarian, mentor 4 21 full false Eva Witesman: Embracing All Your Interests Eva Witesman: Embracing All Your Interests Eva Witesman is a professor at the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University, where she teaches in the Master of Public Administration and Master of Business Administration programs and serves as Academic Director of the Ballard Center for Social Impact. She teaches leaders how to use organizations and institutions to elevate human potential and solve social problems. As a scholar at a religious university and an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she also spends some of her professional time engaging in devotional work. She regularly provides lectures and workshops on a variety of topics, from the professional to the spiritual. She has also served as a consultant for hundreds of organizations seeking to improve their core strategy, impact evaluation, and mission fulfillment.

https://www.instagram.com/evawitesman

https://www.facebook.com/witesman

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-witesman-94a75312



]]> Eva Witesman is a professor at the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University, where she teaches in the Master of Public Administration and Master of Business Administration programs and serves as Academic Director of the Ballard Center for Social Impact. She teaches leaders how to use organizations and institutions to elevate human potential and solve social problems. As a scholar at a religious university and an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she also spends some of her professional time engaging in devotional work. She regularly provides lectures and workshops on a variety of topics, from the professional to the spiritual. She has also served as a consultant for hundreds of organizations seeking to improve their core strategy, impact evaluation, and mission fulfillment.

https://www.instagram.com/evawitesman

https://www.facebook.com/witesman

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-witesman-94a75312



]]> LDSPMA/Eva Witesman Buzzsprout-15885067 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0600 2526 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, professor, scholar, lecturer, consultant, artist 4 20 full false Jennefer Johnson: Uniting Women of Faith Jennefer Johnson: Uniting Women of Faith Jennefer Johnson is a program administrator of Brigham Young University’s Continuing Education Events, and oversees BYU Women's Conference, where she has been gathering women for over 28 years. Jen is from Salt Lake and St. George, Utah. She is the mother of three and grandmother of four. And her claim to fame is being the older sister of popular Latter-day Saint podcaster and teacher Hank Smith.

https://www.instagram.com/jennefer161

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennefer-johnson-612b4516

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=17830802



]]> Jennefer Johnson is a program administrator of Brigham Young University’s Continuing Education Events, and oversees BYU Women's Conference, where she has been gathering women for over 28 years. Jen is from Salt Lake and St. George, Utah. She is the mother of three and grandmother of four. And her claim to fame is being the older sister of popular Latter-day Saint podcaster and teacher Hank Smith.

https://www.instagram.com/jennefer161

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennefer-johnson-612b4516

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=17830802



]]> LDSPMA/Jennefer Johnson Buzzsprout-15801718 Wed, 02 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0600 1972 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, program administrator, BYU Women's Conference 4 19 full false Kathy Fincher: Female Norman Rockwell Kathy Fincher: Female Norman Rockwell Kathy Fincher creates meaningful artwork that moves the soul. She is renowned for her Norman Rockwell style paintings of children. Classically trained, her attention to details and lighting have earned her many international awards.  Fincher's painting, The Dream Keepers, was presented to the president in the Oval Office and later inducted into the permanent collection of the G.B. Bush Presidential Library.  For the city of Duluth, Georgia, Fincher designed The Dream Keepers 911 Memorial, featuring seven children using their handprints to restore the American flag, encased in glass and aged brick.  Her greatest work to date is the monumental bronze of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. where she captures his premonition of death with his eyes longing for heaven. 

]]> Kathy Fincher creates meaningful artwork that moves the soul. She is renowned for her Norman Rockwell style paintings of children. Classically trained, her attention to details and lighting have earned her many international awards.  Fincher's painting, The Dream Keepers, was presented to the president in the Oval Office and later inducted into the permanent collection of the G.B. Bush Presidential Library.  For the city of Duluth, Georgia, Fincher designed The Dream Keepers 911 Memorial, featuring seven children using their handprints to restore the American flag, encased in glass and aged brick.  Her greatest work to date is the monumental bronze of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. where she captures his premonition of death with his eyes longing for heaven. 

]]> LDSPMA/Kathy Fincher Buzzsprout-15712525 Wed, 18 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0600 2284 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, award-winning painter, sculptor, illustrator, writer 4 18 full false Lisa Valentine Clark: Calm the Inner Critic Lisa Valentine Clark: Calm the Inner Critic Lisa Valentine Clark was part of the sketch comedy/improv troupe The Garrens, and co-founded the theater-as-improv troupe The Thrillionaires which performs original, improvised plays and musicals in a variety of genres. She has been featured in a variety of commercials, including the “real mom” in the viral videos for Chatbooks. Lisa works as a freelance writer for commercials, webseries, and scripts. She wrote the book, Real Moms Making It Up As We Go, hosted the feel-good service show “Random Acts,” and headlined the musical improv tv show Show Offs, for three seasons on BYUtv. She has starred in movies like Stalking Santa, and was a script consultant, producer, and starred as “Carrie Carrington” in the film Once I Was a Beehive and Once I Was Engaged. She currently hosts the weekly podcast The Lisa Show on BYUradio.

www.thelisashowpodcast.com

https://www.facebook.com/TheLisaShow

http://www.thelisashowpodcast.com

https://www.instagram.com/yourfunnyvalentine

]]> Lisa Valentine Clark was part of the sketch comedy/improv troupe The Garrens, and co-founded the theater-as-improv troupe The Thrillionaires which performs original, improvised plays and musicals in a variety of genres. She has been featured in a variety of commercials, including the “real mom” in the viral videos for Chatbooks. Lisa works as a freelance writer for commercials, webseries, and scripts. She wrote the book, Real Moms Making It Up As We Go, hosted the feel-good service show “Random Acts,” and headlined the musical improv tv show Show Offs, for three seasons on BYUtv. She has starred in movies like Stalking Santa, and was a script consultant, producer, and starred as “Carrie Carrington” in the film Once I Was a Beehive and Once I Was Engaged. She currently hosts the weekly podcast The Lisa Show on BYUradio.

www.thelisashowpodcast.com

https://www.facebook.com/TheLisaShow

http://www.thelisashowpodcast.com

https://www.instagram.com/yourfunnyvalentine

]]> LDSPMA/Lisa Valentine Clark Buzzsprout-15632555 Wed, 04 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0600 2399 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, freelance writer, script consultant, comedian, producer, actor, podcast host 4 17 full false Ben Lomu: Host of BYUtv's Come Follow Up Ben Lomu: Host of BYUtv's Come Follow Up Ben Lomu is a religious educator for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and teaches Seminary and Institute.

Lomu is also an actor and host of BYUtv’s “Come Follow Up”. He has appeared in a number of productions for the Church, including the Book of Mormon videos as King Lamoni.

He has appeared in Cinderella in the Caribbean, Lights, Camera, Romance, The Outpost, Singing with Angels, and Being Charlie.

He was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Mesa, Arizona. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah studying sociology and criminology and holds a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in education.

https://www.byutv.org/come-follow-up

https://www.instagram.com/comefollowme

https://www.youtube.com/@ComeFollowUp

https://www.facebook.com/comefollowup

https://www.instagram.com/ben_lomu













]]> Ben Lomu is a religious educator for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and teaches Seminary and Institute.

Lomu is also an actor and host of BYUtv’s “Come Follow Up”. He has appeared in a number of productions for the Church, including the Book of Mormon videos as King Lamoni.

He has appeared in Cinderella in the Caribbean, Lights, Camera, Romance, The Outpost, Singing with Angels, and Being Charlie.

He was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Mesa, Arizona. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah studying sociology and criminology and holds a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in education.

https://www.byutv.org/come-follow-up

https://www.instagram.com/comefollowme

https://www.youtube.com/@ComeFollowUp

https://www.facebook.com/comefollowup

https://www.instagram.com/ben_lomu













]]> LDSPMA/Ben Lomu Buzzsprout-15582393 Wed, 21 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0600 1453 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, religious educator, actor, model, BYUtv host 4 16 full false Chaplain Captains Jenna Carson & Dawn Dimick: Ministering to U.S. Armed Forces Chaplain Captains Jenna Carson & Dawn Dimick: Ministering to U.S. Armed Forces Chaplain Dawn Dimick is the first woman to study military chaplaincy in BYU's graduate program. 

Her journey began when she enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2013 on a prayer, and in need of money for school. She later received undergraduate degrees from Utah State University in International Studies and Religious Studies, with minors in Russian and Military Science. She went on to receive a Master's Degree in Chaplaincy from Brigham Young University, and now happily serves the Soldiers of 6-17 Aviation Combat Support Unit in Fort Carson, CO.

Chaplain Jenna Carson is the first female military chaplain endorsed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

She is a chaplain and officer in the United States Air Force and currently serves as chaplain at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi where she provides spiritual care for  Airmen, Guardians, Marines, and Sailors. She earned a BA from Brigham Young University and a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School.

Chaplain Dawn Dimick
https://www.deseret.com/utah/2022/4/2/22991301/first-woman-student-military-chaplain-brigham-young-university-faith-religion-lds-church-mission

Chaplain Jenna Carson
https://www.thechurchnews.com/23283247/chaplain-latter-day-saint-military-air-force-jeremy-jaggi-jenna-carson-byu-harvard/

38.9.7 Latter-day Saint Chaplains, Church Handbook  
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/38-church-policies-and-guidelines?lang=eng#p753

]]> Chaplain Dawn Dimick is the first woman to study military chaplaincy in BYU's graduate program. 

Her journey began when she enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2013 on a prayer, and in need of money for school. She later received undergraduate degrees from Utah State University in International Studies and Religious Studies, with minors in Russian and Military Science. She went on to receive a Master's Degree in Chaplaincy from Brigham Young University, and now happily serves the Soldiers of 6-17 Aviation Combat Support Unit in Fort Carson, CO.

Chaplain Jenna Carson is the first female military chaplain endorsed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

She is a chaplain and officer in the United States Air Force and currently serves as chaplain at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi where she provides spiritual care for  Airmen, Guardians, Marines, and Sailors. She earned a BA from Brigham Young University and a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School.

Chaplain Dawn Dimick
https://www.deseret.com/utah/2022/4/2/22991301/first-woman-student-military-chaplain-brigham-young-university-faith-religion-lds-church-mission

Chaplain Jenna Carson
https://www.thechurchnews.com/23283247/chaplain-latter-day-saint-military-air-force-jeremy-jaggi-jenna-carson-byu-harvard/

38.9.7 Latter-day Saint Chaplains, Church Handbook  
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/38-church-policies-and-guidelines?lang=eng#p753

]]> LDSPMA/Jenna Carson & Dawn Dimick Buzzsprout-15540859 Wed, 07 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0600 2444 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, military, chaplain, captain, church of jesus christ of latter-day saints 4 15 full false Wendy Osborne: Alleviating Food Insecurity Wendy Osborne: Alleviating Food Insecurity Wendy Osborne is the Founder and Executive Director of Tabitha’s Way Local Food Pantry, a non-profit organization based in Utah. Wendy was called to serve her community and switched from a career in telecommunications to start Tabitha’s Way in 2010. Over the past 14 years, this organization has grown from a small food pantry to include three locations across Utah County that served over 150 thousand food-insecure individuals in 2024. Wendy’s compassion, positivity, and vision have been key drivers to Tabitha’s Way’s success as she provides constant support and innovates new ways to help those in need.

Website: https://tabithasway.org/about-us/about-us-south-pantry/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-osborne-54b746150/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3iWMGeihao/





]]> Wendy Osborne is the Founder and Executive Director of Tabitha’s Way Local Food Pantry, a non-profit organization based in Utah. Wendy was called to serve her community and switched from a career in telecommunications to start Tabitha’s Way in 2010. Over the past 14 years, this organization has grown from a small food pantry to include three locations across Utah County that served over 150 thousand food-insecure individuals in 2024. Wendy’s compassion, positivity, and vision have been key drivers to Tabitha’s Way’s success as she provides constant support and innovates new ways to help those in need.

Website: https://tabithasway.org/about-us/about-us-south-pantry/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-osborne-54b746150/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3iWMGeihao/





]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-15332805 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0600 2172 4 14 full false Clint Pulver: Be the best FOR the world Clint Pulver: Be the best FOR the world Clint strongly believes that a single moment in time can change a person’s life. He has traveled the world speaking to a wide spectrum of diverse audiences, challenging them to dream, excel, connect, and believe--both in themselves and in the power of others. His mantra? “It’s not about being the best in the world…it's about being the best FOR the world.”

Known as the leading authority on employee retention, Clint helps organizations
retain, engage, and inspire their team members from the front desk to the board rooms and everyone in between. He expertly helps audiences navigate generational complexities, communication challenges, leadership missteps, and culture cues.

A self-motivated entrepreneur, he is well versed in business start-up, leadership, sales management, management training, and helping teams grow multi-million-dollar accounts. He uses that experience to create teachable relationship and business strategies based on trust, service, support, connection, and consistent follow-through.


https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintpulver/


https://www.instagram.com/clintpulver


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpWB8oLO5HOjstE9gmL9Qxg


https://www.facebook.com/clintpulverspeaks/




]]> Clint strongly believes that a single moment in time can change a person’s life. He has traveled the world speaking to a wide spectrum of diverse audiences, challenging them to dream, excel, connect, and believe--both in themselves and in the power of others. His mantra? “It’s not about being the best in the world…it's about being the best FOR the world.”

Known as the leading authority on employee retention, Clint helps organizations
retain, engage, and inspire their team members from the front desk to the board rooms and everyone in between. He expertly helps audiences navigate generational complexities, communication challenges, leadership missteps, and culture cues.

A self-motivated entrepreneur, he is well versed in business start-up, leadership, sales management, management training, and helping teams grow multi-million-dollar accounts. He uses that experience to create teachable relationship and business strategies based on trust, service, support, connection, and consistent follow-through.


https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintpulver/


https://www.instagram.com/clintpulver


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpWB8oLO5HOjstE9gmL9Qxg


https://www.facebook.com/clintpulverspeaks/




]]> LDSPMA/Clint Pulver Buzzsprout-15276558 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0600 2078 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, musician, business owner, speaker, entrepreneur 4 13 full false Sam Payne: Let your faith shine! Sam Payne: Let your faith shine! Sam Payne is a national and international musician and storyteller. He hosts The Apple Seed podcast that features stories for families. He was part of the Peabody-nominated team that created Treasure Island 2020, the serial podcast based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel. As a live performer, Sam has brought his stories and songs to Canada, Bulgaria, Tokyo, and from coast to coast in the United States, including performances at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the nation's capital, the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee, and the Timpanogos Storytelling festival in Lehi, Utah.

Sam serves as the Weber State University Storytelling Fellow, and has written books and stage pieces, including Sanctuary: The Story of Zion for the centennial of the National Parks Service, Echoes of Hammers and Spikes (With Suzanne Christensen) for the sesquicentennial of the completion of the first transcontinental railroad, and One of a Million Stars, commemorating the 14-year mission of the Mars rover Opportunity.

https://www.sampayne.com

https://www.youtube.com/user/savoylive

https://www.facebook.com/p/Sam-Payne-100063648694280

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-payne-82134a44



]]> Sam Payne is a national and international musician and storyteller. He hosts The Apple Seed podcast that features stories for families. He was part of the Peabody-nominated team that created Treasure Island 2020, the serial podcast based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel. As a live performer, Sam has brought his stories and songs to Canada, Bulgaria, Tokyo, and from coast to coast in the United States, including performances at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the nation's capital, the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee, and the Timpanogos Storytelling festival in Lehi, Utah.

Sam serves as the Weber State University Storytelling Fellow, and has written books and stage pieces, including Sanctuary: The Story of Zion for the centennial of the National Parks Service, Echoes of Hammers and Spikes (With Suzanne Christensen) for the sesquicentennial of the completion of the first transcontinental railroad, and One of a Million Stars, commemorating the 14-year mission of the Mars rover Opportunity.

https://www.sampayne.com

https://www.youtube.com/user/savoylive

https://www.facebook.com/p/Sam-Payne-100063648694280

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-payne-82134a44



]]> LDSPMA/Sam Payne Buzzsprout-15244255 Wed, 19 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0600 1914 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, musician, storyteller, podcast host, writer 4 12 full false Alexis and Chanté: Let’s Talk Sis Alexis and Chanté: Let’s Talk Sis Alexis and Chanté are sisters and best friends. They grew up in Utah and raised both of their families there. Together they have seven children and two hunky husbands. They love building bridges and connecting communities. As sisters they are intentionally teaching about race, diversity and human connection in their homes! They are motivational speakers, advocates, mothers, and educators. 

https://www.instagram.com/letstalk_sis

https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Sis-100064131965479





]]> Alexis and Chanté are sisters and best friends. They grew up in Utah and raised both of their families there. Together they have seven children and two hunky husbands. They love building bridges and connecting communities. As sisters they are intentionally teaching about race, diversity and human connection in their homes! They are motivational speakers, advocates, mothers, and educators. 

https://www.instagram.com/letstalk_sis

https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Sis-100064131965479





]]> LDSPMA/Alexis and Chanté Buzzsprout-15160431 Wed, 05 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0600 2389 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, sisters, mothers, educators, consultants, advocates, motivational speakers 4 11 full false Brandon Mull: Go where God leads you Brandon Mull: Go where God leads you Brandon Mull is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Fablehaven, Dragonwatch, Beyonders, and Five Kingdoms series. A kinetic thinker, Brandon enjoys bouncy balls, squeezable stress toys, and popping bubble wrap. He lives in Utah in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife, Erlyn, their eleven children, and three mischievous cats. Brandon loves meeting his readers and hearing about their experiences with his books.

Brandon graduated from BYU in 2000 and served a two-year mission to Chile, Antofagasta for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

https://www.brandonmull.com

https://www.facebook.com/authorbrandonmull

https://www.instagram.com/writerbrandon

https://www.twitter.com/brandonmull



]]> Brandon Mull is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Fablehaven, Dragonwatch, Beyonders, and Five Kingdoms series. A kinetic thinker, Brandon enjoys bouncy balls, squeezable stress toys, and popping bubble wrap. He lives in Utah in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife, Erlyn, their eleven children, and three mischievous cats. Brandon loves meeting his readers and hearing about their experiences with his books.

Brandon graduated from BYU in 2000 and served a two-year mission to Chile, Antofagasta for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

https://www.brandonmull.com

https://www.facebook.com/authorbrandonmull

https://www.instagram.com/writerbrandon

https://www.twitter.com/brandonmull



]]> LDSPMA/Brandon Mull Buzzsprout-15021116 Wed, 15 May 2024 04:00:00 -0600 3006 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, writer, bestselling author, movie promoter, comedian 4 10 full false Truman Brothers: Growing up backstage at the Grand Ole Opry Truman Brothers: Growing up backstage at the Grand Ole Opry For the Truman Brothers, music and faith are in their DNA. Raised in Nashville, Tennessee as sons of Latter-day Saint musician, Dan Truman (of the Grammy-winning group Diamond Rio), they spent their formative years in green rooms and tour buses as well as sacrament meetings and early-morning Seminary classes. Despite their musical upbringing, the brothers didn’t really begin making music together until attending BYU, where they won the campus-wide Battle of the Bands two years in a row. Now as recording artists signed to Shadow Mountain Records, the Truman Brothers draw on their unique background to create Spirit-filled music not just for Sundays—but for every day of the week. With its energetic, pop-driven anthems, their debut album Quiet Revolution landed in the Top 10 on the iTunes Christian chart. Their songs have earned three Praiseworthy Awards presented by the LDSPMA, including “Best Original Religious Song” for their song “Oh Child". In addition to their work as a duo, the brothers are also longtime members of the Nashville Tribute Band.

https://www.trumanbrothers.com

https://www.instagram.com/trumanbrothers

https://www.tiktok.com/@thetrumanbrothers

https://www.facebook.com/trumanbrothers

https://www.youtube.com/user/trumanbrothers



]]> For the Truman Brothers, music and faith are in their DNA. Raised in Nashville, Tennessee as sons of Latter-day Saint musician, Dan Truman (of the Grammy-winning group Diamond Rio), they spent their formative years in green rooms and tour buses as well as sacrament meetings and early-morning Seminary classes. Despite their musical upbringing, the brothers didn’t really begin making music together until attending BYU, where they won the campus-wide Battle of the Bands two years in a row. Now as recording artists signed to Shadow Mountain Records, the Truman Brothers draw on their unique background to create Spirit-filled music not just for Sundays—but for every day of the week. With its energetic, pop-driven anthems, their debut album Quiet Revolution landed in the Top 10 on the iTunes Christian chart. Their songs have earned three Praiseworthy Awards presented by the LDSPMA, including “Best Original Religious Song” for their song “Oh Child". In addition to their work as a duo, the brothers are also longtime members of the Nashville Tribute Band.

https://www.trumanbrothers.com

https://www.instagram.com/trumanbrothers

https://www.tiktok.com/@thetrumanbrothers

https://www.facebook.com/trumanbrothers

https://www.youtube.com/user/trumanbrothers



]]> LDSPMA/Truman Brothers Buzzsprout-14948705 Wed, 01 May 2024 04:00:00 -0600 1809 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, musicians, singers, songwriters, performers, grand ole opry 4 9 full false Fiona Smith: Miracles happen! Fiona Smith: Miracles happen! Fiona Smith is British born with Jamaican roots and is a modern-day renaissance creator who focuses on projects that bring unique stories out of obscurity.

Fiona was the TV host for “Road to Zion,” a documentary on early pioneers in Great Britain who immigrated to the United States. In England, she earned a Bachelor of Law Degree, and in America, graduated with a Master’s Degree in Theatre and Media Arts from Brigham Young University. Her thesis focused on Black American pioneers and included her role as Jane Manning James in the “Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration” movie. As a singer, Fiona has a cameo in The Singles Ward movie, sang alto in The Tabernacle Choir, and created a band to perform her songs at the 2002 Olympics Salt Lake Downtown Festival in Utah. Fiona also enjoys communicating in British Sign Language and German.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0808203

https://mormonarts.lib.byu.edu/works/road-to-zion-3

https://www.facebook.com/fiona.smith.9212/

www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-smith100

 https://www.cedarfort.com?sca_ref=6060070.8aYtN0fp5S





]]> Fiona Smith is British born with Jamaican roots and is a modern-day renaissance creator who focuses on projects that bring unique stories out of obscurity.

Fiona was the TV host for “Road to Zion,” a documentary on early pioneers in Great Britain who immigrated to the United States. In England, she earned a Bachelor of Law Degree, and in America, graduated with a Master’s Degree in Theatre and Media Arts from Brigham Young University. Her thesis focused on Black American pioneers and included her role as Jane Manning James in the “Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration” movie. As a singer, Fiona has a cameo in The Singles Ward movie, sang alto in The Tabernacle Choir, and created a band to perform her songs at the 2002 Olympics Salt Lake Downtown Festival in Utah. Fiona also enjoys communicating in British Sign Language and German.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0808203

https://mormonarts.lib.byu.edu/works/road-to-zion-3

https://www.facebook.com/fiona.smith.9212/

www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-smith100

 https://www.cedarfort.com?sca_ref=6060070.8aYtN0fp5S





]]> LDSPMA/Fiona Smith Buzzsprout-14881524 Wed, 17 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0600 1518 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, singer, songwriter, actor, TV host, producer, talk show co-writer 4 8 full false Ryan Shupe: Building a Positive Counterculture Ryan Shupe: Building a Positive Counterculture Winning over live audiences has been Shupe’s natural-born talent since childhood. A fifth-generation fiddler, he started performing with his siblings at age 10. He formed the RubberBand with the idea of drawing from a pool of musicians who could wander in and out. However, certain members seemed to stick, and the band soon became a cohesive unit. Ryan Shupe & the RubberBand, took the long-running Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado by storm, winning the live band contest. This launched them into the national music scene. After becoming regional favorites, they signed a deal with Capitol Records, and cut an album in 2005 called "Dream Big." The title song became the theme song of Amy Grant's TV show, Three Wishes.

Ryan Shupe’s band plays americana, bluegrass, country, folk, rock. 

https://www.instagram.com/theryanshupe/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClv-fdBqOShy7t88ZtuQqIg

https://www.facebook.com/ryanshupemusic/



]]> Winning over live audiences has been Shupe’s natural-born talent since childhood. A fifth-generation fiddler, he started performing with his siblings at age 10. He formed the RubberBand with the idea of drawing from a pool of musicians who could wander in and out. However, certain members seemed to stick, and the band soon became a cohesive unit. Ryan Shupe & the RubberBand, took the long-running Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado by storm, winning the live band contest. This launched them into the national music scene. After becoming regional favorites, they signed a deal with Capitol Records, and cut an album in 2005 called "Dream Big." The title song became the theme song of Amy Grant's TV show, Three Wishes.

Ryan Shupe’s band plays americana, bluegrass, country, folk, rock. 

https://www.instagram.com/theryanshupe/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClv-fdBqOShy7t88ZtuQqIg

https://www.facebook.com/ryanshupemusic/



]]> LDSPMA/Ryan Shupe Buzzsprout-14733194 Wed, 03 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0600 1546 lds, calledtobecreative, lead vocalist, songwriter, fiddler, guitarist, ukulelist, mandolinist, banjoist 4 7 full false Shannon Foster: The Red Headed Hostess Shannon Foster: The Red Headed Hostess Shannon Foster is a wife, mother, and the founder of The Red Headed Hostess. She has a passion for helping children and adults understand and fall in love with the scriptures. 

After thirteen years of teaching seminary full-time for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Shannon had her first child and then focused her attention on helping parents teach in their home. She started a little blog called “The Red Headed Hostess,” a name her friends used to call her. The blog quickly grew and grew and now Shannon has written over 30 scripture study books and has a team of 16 dedicated creators.

https://www.facebook.com/redheadedhostess

https://www.instagram.com/redheadedhostess

https://www.pinterest.com/rhhostess

https://www.theredheadedhostess.com/fortify-podcast



]]> Shannon Foster is a wife, mother, and the founder of The Red Headed Hostess. She has a passion for helping children and adults understand and fall in love with the scriptures. 

After thirteen years of teaching seminary full-time for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Shannon had her first child and then focused her attention on helping parents teach in their home. She started a little blog called “The Red Headed Hostess,” a name her friends used to call her. The blog quickly grew and grew and now Shannon has written over 30 scripture study books and has a team of 16 dedicated creators.

https://www.facebook.com/redheadedhostess

https://www.instagram.com/redheadedhostess

https://www.pinterest.com/rhhostess

https://www.theredheadedhostess.com/fortify-podcast



]]> LDSPMA/Shannon Foster Buzzsprout-14672762 Wed, 20 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0600 2166 ldspma, called to be creative, seminary teacher, content creator, author, writer, blogger, founder, business owner, Red Headed Hostess 4 6 full false Boyd Matheson: Stay Radically Curious Boyd Matheson: Stay Radically Curious Boyd Matheson is the host of KSL NewsRadio’s Inside Sources, KSL-TV’s Sunday Edition and a nationally recognized social and political commentator. Prior to joining KSL, he served as opinion editor for Deseret News, chief of staff in the United States Senate, president of a public policy think tank, and spent years as an international business strategist. Boyd and his wife Debbie have 5 children, 8 grandchildren and he is currently serving for a season as disciple-bishop of the Manila 9th Ward. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/boydmatheson/

https://muckrack.com/boyd-matheson/articles

https://twitter.com/boydmatheson



]]> Boyd Matheson is the host of KSL NewsRadio’s Inside Sources, KSL-TV’s Sunday Edition and a nationally recognized social and political commentator. Prior to joining KSL, he served as opinion editor for Deseret News, chief of staff in the United States Senate, president of a public policy think tank, and spent years as an international business strategist. Boyd and his wife Debbie have 5 children, 8 grandchildren and he is currently serving for a season as disciple-bishop of the Manila 9th Ward. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/boydmatheson/

https://muckrack.com/boyd-matheson/articles

https://twitter.com/boydmatheson



]]> LDSPMA/Boyd Matheson Buzzsprout-14598336 Wed, 06 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0700 2345 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, KSL, social and political commentator, radio host, TV host, Deseret News opinion editor, chief of staff of the United States Senate, international business strategist 4 5 full false Chad Hymas: Motivating, Moving, Life Changing Chad Hymas: Motivating, Moving, Life Changing In 2001, at the age of 27, Chad’s life changed in an instant when a 2,000-pound bale of hay shattered his neck, leaving him a quadriplegic. But Chad’s dreams were not paralyzed that day—he became an example of what is possible.

Chad is a best-selling author, president of his own communications company, and recognized world-class wheelchair athlete. In 2003, he set a world record by wheeling his chair from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas (513 miles).

Chad inspires, motivates, and moves audiences, creating an experience that touches hearts for a lifetime. He is one of the youngest ever to receive the Council of Peers Award for Excellence (CPAE) and to be inducted into the prestigious National Speaker Hall of Fame. 

https://www.instagram.com/chadlhymas

https://www.facebook.com/chadlhymas

https://twitter.com/chadlhymas

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadhyma



]]> In 2001, at the age of 27, Chad’s life changed in an instant when a 2,000-pound bale of hay shattered his neck, leaving him a quadriplegic. But Chad’s dreams were not paralyzed that day—he became an example of what is possible.

Chad is a best-selling author, president of his own communications company, and recognized world-class wheelchair athlete. In 2003, he set a world record by wheeling his chair from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas (513 miles).

Chad inspires, motivates, and moves audiences, creating an experience that touches hearts for a lifetime. He is one of the youngest ever to receive the Council of Peers Award for Excellence (CPAE) and to be inducted into the prestigious National Speaker Hall of Fame. 

https://www.instagram.com/chadlhymas

https://www.facebook.com/chadlhymas

https://twitter.com/chadlhymas

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadhyma



]]> LDSPMA/Chad Hymas Buzzsprout-14478892 Wed, 21 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0700 2360 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, motivational speaker, best-selling author, business owner, world-class wheelchair athlete 4 4 full false Alice Faulkner Burch: Stories of Early Black American Latter-day Saints Alice Faulkner Burch: Stories of Early Black American Latter-day Saints Alice Faulkner Burch is general editor of “My Lord, He Calls Me: Stories of Faith by Black American Latter-day Saints.” She also serves on the Utah State Historical Records Advisory Board, is on the Signature Books Editorial Advisory Board, and is the Director of Special Events on the Executive Committee of Sema Hadithi African American Heritage & Culture Foundation, (Utah’s only 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the researching, preserving, and teaching of Utah’s Black American history founded by her husband). She enjoys writing, cross-stitching, and doing the dying art of whole-cloth quilting – a skill she learned on her own to honor her maternal Grandmother.


Deseret Book

deseretbook.com/product/P6001723.html

Amazon

amazon.com/My-Lord-He-Calls-Latter-day/dp/1639930299

Sema Hadithi African American Heritage & Culture Foundation

https://semahadithifoundation.org



]]> Alice Faulkner Burch is general editor of “My Lord, He Calls Me: Stories of Faith by Black American Latter-day Saints.” She also serves on the Utah State Historical Records Advisory Board, is on the Signature Books Editorial Advisory Board, and is the Director of Special Events on the Executive Committee of Sema Hadithi African American Heritage & Culture Foundation, (Utah’s only 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the researching, preserving, and teaching of Utah’s Black American history founded by her husband). She enjoys writing, cross-stitching, and doing the dying art of whole-cloth quilting – a skill she learned on her own to honor her maternal Grandmother.


Deseret Book

deseretbook.com/product/P6001723.html

Amazon

amazon.com/My-Lord-He-Calls-Latter-day/dp/1639930299

Sema Hadithi African American Heritage & Culture Foundation

https://semahadithifoundation.org



]]> LDSPMA/Alice Faulkner Burch Buzzsprout-14409690 Wed, 07 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0700 2031 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, writer, editor, quilter, whole-cloth quilter 4 3 full false Dr. Stacy Taniguchi: Live your best life and thrive! Dr. Stacy Taniguchi: Live your best life and thrive! Dr. Stacy Taniguchi is a motivational speaker and experiential education consultant. 

He is a retired university professor from BYU's Marriott School of Business and works as an outdoor wilderness guide, specializing in remote adventures in Alaska and international mountaineering. Dr. Taniguchi is also an expert witness for tort liability cases involving outdoor recreational risk management and product liability and an advocate for the "Choose to THRIVE" movement. He co-founded Beta Experiences which helps people on their journey to living a life of thriving. 


Dr. Taniguchi’s BETA Experience website

https://www.betaexp.com


[PDF] What 100 things do you want to do with your life?

https://intermountainhealthcare.org/-/media/files/services/eap/etips/what-100-things-do-you-want-to-do-with-your-life.pdf?la=en


LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacytaniguchi


Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/kahiltna.visions



]]> Dr. Stacy Taniguchi is a motivational speaker and experiential education consultant. 

He is a retired university professor from BYU's Marriott School of Business and works as an outdoor wilderness guide, specializing in remote adventures in Alaska and international mountaineering. Dr. Taniguchi is also an expert witness for tort liability cases involving outdoor recreational risk management and product liability and an advocate for the "Choose to THRIVE" movement. He co-founded Beta Experiences which helps people on their journey to living a life of thriving. 


Dr. Taniguchi’s BETA Experience website

https://www.betaexp.com


[PDF] What 100 things do you want to do with your life?

https://intermountainhealthcare.org/-/media/files/services/eap/etips/what-100-things-do-you-want-to-do-with-your-life.pdf?la=en


LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacytaniguchi


Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/kahiltna.visions



]]> LDSPMA/Dr. Stacy Taniguchi Buzzsprout-14157307 Wed, 17 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0700 2188 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, motivational speaker, experiential education consultant, outdoor wilderness guide, retired university professor, hundred list, choose to thrive 4 2 full false Jeanette Bennett: Connecting with others in meaningful ways Jeanette Bennett: Connecting with others in meaningful ways Jeanette Bennett earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in journalism from BYU and is the founder/editor of Utah Valley Magazine, BusinessQ Magazine, Utah Valley Bride and UtahValley360.com. She has also been a regular guest on HuffPostLive and has moderated gubernatorial debates and numerous business panels. 

Jeanette plays the piano and organ, but her feet did the talking when she took third place in “Dancing with the Community Stars.” Jeanette has a love/hate relationship with deadlines, half marathons and the stock market — and she has a love/love relationship with glossy pages, watching her kids play sports and enjoying Utah’s canyons. 

Website

https://jeanettebennett.com

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/jeanettewbennett

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanettebennett



]]> Jeanette Bennett earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in journalism from BYU and is the founder/editor of Utah Valley Magazine, BusinessQ Magazine, Utah Valley Bride and UtahValley360.com. She has also been a regular guest on HuffPostLive and has moderated gubernatorial debates and numerous business panels. 

Jeanette plays the piano and organ, but her feet did the talking when she took third place in “Dancing with the Community Stars.” Jeanette has a love/hate relationship with deadlines, half marathons and the stock market — and she has a love/love relationship with glossy pages, watching her kids play sports and enjoying Utah’s canyons. 

Website

https://jeanettebennett.com

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/jeanettewbennett

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanettebennett



]]> LDSPMA/Jeanette Bennett Buzzsprout-14152778 Wed, 03 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0700 2145 LDSPMA, inspiration, called to create, master of ceremonies, keynote speaker, award-winning business owner, chief visionary officer, writer, influencer, community leader, moderator, journalist 4 1 full false Latter Day Kids' Marcie & Jared Austin Latter Day Kids' Marcie & Jared Austin Jared and Marcie Austin are owner creators of Latter Day Kids! They have worked together for the last 4 years as a husband and wife team to deliver free weekly videos and lesson bundles that support gospel learning in the home.

Jared earned a Bachelor's Degree in Art Education, and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. He is an art teacher by trade and worked as a public school teacher until he resigned in 2021 in order to focus on producing content for “Latter Day Kids.” 

Marcie spends her days homeschooling, loving on her children, and doing her best to fit creative endeavors in between it all. She does graphic design and photography work for Latter Day Kids, and is a freelance graphic designer. 

Jared and Marcie have been married for 17 years, and are the proud parents of 5 beautiful children who are the true inspiration behind Latter Day Kids and the talented voice actors behind all of the Latter Day Kids videos! 


Website 

https://www.latterdaykids.com

Instagram  @latterdaykids

https://www.instagram.com/latterdaykids


Facebook  Latter Day Kids

https://www.facebook.com/latterdaykids


YouTube  @LatterDayKids

https://www.youtube.com/@LatterDayKids


Pinterest  @latterdaykids

https://www.pinterest.com/latterdaykids



]]> Jared and Marcie Austin are owner creators of Latter Day Kids! They have worked together for the last 4 years as a husband and wife team to deliver free weekly videos and lesson bundles that support gospel learning in the home.

Jared earned a Bachelor's Degree in Art Education, and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. He is an art teacher by trade and worked as a public school teacher until he resigned in 2021 in order to focus on producing content for “Latter Day Kids.” 

Marcie spends her days homeschooling, loving on her children, and doing her best to fit creative endeavors in between it all. She does graphic design and photography work for Latter Day Kids, and is a freelance graphic designer. 

Jared and Marcie have been married for 17 years, and are the proud parents of 5 beautiful children who are the true inspiration behind Latter Day Kids and the talented voice actors behind all of the Latter Day Kids videos! 


Website 

https://www.latterdaykids.com

Instagram  @latterdaykids

https://www.instagram.com/latterdaykids


Facebook  Latter Day Kids

https://www.facebook.com/latterdaykids


YouTube  @LatterDayKids

https://www.youtube.com/@LatterDayKids


Pinterest  @latterdaykids

https://www.pinterest.com/latterdaykids



]]> LDSPMA/Latter Day Kids' Marcie & Jared Austin Buzzsprout-14051550 Wed, 20 Dec 2023 04:00:00 -0700 1753 inspiration, church of jesus christ of latter-day saints, called to be creative, content creators, teachers, artists, graphic designers, photographer, videographer, Latter Day Kids, voice actors 3 24 full false Summerisa Bell Stevens Summerisa Bell Stevens Summerisa is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a BFA in Music Dance Theatre and a Minor in Ballroom Dance. She and her husband moved to NYC and performed professionally as actors for seven years, working with many of the top directors and choreographers in the business. Summerisa was awarded Best Actress in a Musical by Broadway World for her portrayal of Doralee in the production 9 to 5.  While living in NYC, they also owned and operated their own performing arts training studio in Manhattan. In 2017, Summerisa helped found and currently works full-time as President of the nonprofit organization Harrington Center for the Arts located in American Fork. The nonprofit began with the vision of her father and local doctor, the late Dr. Carl Bell. Harrington Center for the Arts will renovate the historic Harrington School building to become a home for the arts in the local community as well as constructing a new Studio Theater. 


Website https://www.summerisa.com

Instagram: @summerisa 

https://www.instagram.com/summerisa


Facebook: summerisa.stevens 

https://www.facebook.com/summerisa.stevens


YouTube: @summerisabellstevens7328 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCjGyKUeHd89ZEH8WdZRciw



]]> Summerisa is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a BFA in Music Dance Theatre and a Minor in Ballroom Dance. She and her husband moved to NYC and performed professionally as actors for seven years, working with many of the top directors and choreographers in the business. Summerisa was awarded Best Actress in a Musical by Broadway World for her portrayal of Doralee in the production 9 to 5.  While living in NYC, they also owned and operated their own performing arts training studio in Manhattan. In 2017, Summerisa helped found and currently works full-time as President of the nonprofit organization Harrington Center for the Arts located in American Fork. The nonprofit began with the vision of her father and local doctor, the late Dr. Carl Bell. Harrington Center for the Arts will renovate the historic Harrington School building to become a home for the arts in the local community as well as constructing a new Studio Theater. 


Website https://www.summerisa.com

Instagram: @summerisa 

https://www.instagram.com/summerisa


Facebook: summerisa.stevens 

https://www.facebook.com/summerisa.stevens


YouTube: @summerisabellstevens7328 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCjGyKUeHd89ZEH8WdZRciw



]]> LDSPMA/Summerisa Bell Stevens Buzzsprout-14006288 Wed, 06 Dec 2023 04:00:00 -0700 2056 inspiration, churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints, calledtobecreative, Broadway, dancer, actor, actress, vocalist, nonprofitpresident 3 23 full false Brooke Walker Brooke Walker Brooke Walker is the host and executive producer of KSL’s “Studio 5 with Brooke Walker.” She is an Emmy award-winning journalist and a member of the KSL News Team, where she contributes as an anchor and reporter. Brooke is also the host and executive producer of “Family Rules” on BYUtv and BYU Radio. Brooke’s most important and cherished titles are wife and mother. She and her husband are the proud parents of four children.

Facebook www.facebook.com/BrookeWalkerKSL

X (Twitter) www.twitter.com/BrookeWalkerKSL

Instagram www.instagram.com/brookewalker

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-walker-12039a31



]]> Brooke Walker is the host and executive producer of KSL’s “Studio 5 with Brooke Walker.” She is an Emmy award-winning journalist and a member of the KSL News Team, where she contributes as an anchor and reporter. Brooke is also the host and executive producer of “Family Rules” on BYUtv and BYU Radio. Brooke’s most important and cherished titles are wife and mother. She and her husband are the proud parents of four children.

Facebook www.facebook.com/BrookeWalkerKSL

X (Twitter) www.twitter.com/BrookeWalkerKSL

Instagram www.instagram.com/brookewalker

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-walker-12039a31



]]> LDSPMA/Brooke Walker Buzzsprout-13895365 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0700 1997 mother, wife, host, executive producer, journalist, news anchor, reporter, KSL, chocolate lover 3 22 full false Reyna Aburto Reyna Aburto Reyna Aburto was born in Nicaragua and studied Industrial Engineering there. She holds a degree in Computer Science from Utah Valley University and has worked in the language industry for more than 30 years. Reyna and her husband own a translation business. She has served as Relief Society General Presidency Second Counselor and as a member of the Primary General Board for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She currently serves on the Correlation Committee in Church Headquarters. She is the author of Reaching for the Savior (Acudamos al Salvador, in Spanish), and co-host of the Consecrating Your Life podcast (@consecratingpod) with her daughter Elena. 

Deseret Book https://deseretbook.com/p/reaching-for-the-savior

Instagram: @consecratingpod

Facebook: Consecrating Your Life Podcast


]]> Reyna Aburto was born in Nicaragua and studied Industrial Engineering there. She holds a degree in Computer Science from Utah Valley University and has worked in the language industry for more than 30 years. Reyna and her husband own a translation business. She has served as Relief Society General Presidency Second Counselor and as a member of the Primary General Board for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She currently serves on the Correlation Committee in Church Headquarters. She is the author of Reaching for the Savior (Acudamos al Salvador, in Spanish), and co-host of the Consecrating Your Life podcast (@consecratingpod) with her daughter Elena. 

Deseret Book https://deseretbook.com/p/reaching-for-the-savior

Instagram: @consecratingpod

Facebook: Consecrating Your Life Podcast


]]> LDSPMA/Reyna Aberto Buzzsprout-13812709 Wed, 01 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0600 2150 church of jesus christ of latter-day saints, called to be creative, business woman, author, translator, Nicaraguan, podcaster 3 21 full false Bonnie Oscarson Bonnie Oscarson Bonnie Oscarson, a native of Utah, has lived in eight states and one foreign country. She and her husband served as Mission President and Companion in the Sweden Gothenburg Mission in the 1970s. Thirty years later they returned to Sweden as Temple President and Matron for the Stockholm temple.
Bonnie wrote a book in 2015, What Makes Us Sisters, urging women to encourage and inspire others in ways that help them realize their great potential. She and Paul have seven children and 29 fascinating grandchildren. Bonnie served as the Young Women General President of the Church from 2013 until 2018. 

Deseret Book 
https://deseretbook.com/products?query=bonnie%20oscars

]]> Bonnie Oscarson, a native of Utah, has lived in eight states and one foreign country. She and her husband served as Mission President and Companion in the Sweden Gothenburg Mission in the 1970s. Thirty years later they returned to Sweden as Temple President and Matron for the Stockholm temple.
Bonnie wrote a book in 2015, What Makes Us Sisters, urging women to encourage and inspire others in ways that help them realize their great potential. She and Paul have seven children and 29 fascinating grandchildren. Bonnie served as the Young Women General President of the Church from 2013 until 2018. 

Deseret Book 
https://deseretbook.com/products?query=bonnie%20oscars

]]> LDSPMA/Bonnie Oscarson Buzzsprout-13732211 Wed, 18 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0600 1517 inspiration, church of jesus christ of latter-day saints, called to be creative, artist, author, general YW president, temple matron 3 20 full false Tarsha Joyner, aka Mrs. Joy Tarsha Joyner, aka Mrs. Joy Tarsha Joyner’s most cherished roles are that of wife, mother, grandmother, creator, and Latter-day Saint. She also owns and is head Treatmaker at Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats. She created and built her business based on a project she worked on in her graphic design classes at University of Lynchburg.  At 41 years old, wanted to open a bakery but didn’t know how to bake. But she was determined to learn and went on to become the winner of the Food Nework’s Christmas Cookie Challenge in 2015. Tarsha wrote and illustrated A Quilt for Josie Joy for her senior thesis at University of Lynchburg in Virginia and has made all the quilts in the book. 

Website 

https://mrsjoys.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/missusjoy

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/MissusJoy



]]> Tarsha Joyner’s most cherished roles are that of wife, mother, grandmother, creator, and Latter-day Saint. She also owns and is head Treatmaker at Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats. She created and built her business based on a project she worked on in her graphic design classes at University of Lynchburg.  At 41 years old, wanted to open a bakery but didn’t know how to bake. But she was determined to learn and went on to become the winner of the Food Nework’s Christmas Cookie Challenge in 2015. Tarsha wrote and illustrated A Quilt for Josie Joy for her senior thesis at University of Lynchburg in Virginia and has made all the quilts in the book. 

Website 

https://mrsjoys.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/missusjoy

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/MissusJoy



]]> LDSPMA/Tarsha Joyner, aka Mrs. Joy Buzzsprout-13634640 Wed, 04 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0600 1986 church of jesus christ, called to be creative, grandma, head treat maker, business woman, author, painter, illustrator, quilter 3 19 full false Steven Sharp Nelson Steven Sharp Nelson Steven Sharp Nelson is the only cellist in history to play atop the Great Wall of China, among the Chichen Itza ruins in Mexico, in front of The Christ Redeemer Statue in Rio, at the Petra sandstone city in Jordan, near the Iguazu Falls in Brazil and Argentina, on the grounds of the most iconic castle (Eilean Donan) in Scotland and, best of all, on the Death Star!  He has written hundreds of compositions, including two full length symphonies, and sings, plays the piano, the drums, guitar, the bass, the mandolin, the ukulele, and the nose flute. Steven is considered a pioneer in a style he coined, called “cello percussion.” Steven feels grateful that he’s just barely famous enough to make a living, but plenty obscure enough to have a life. And that life, he has found, is best lived when striving to follow the teachings and example of his Best Friend and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Steven’s duet with his wife 

https://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=1000EMNU


Website 

https://thepianoguys.com


YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@thepianoguys


Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/stevensharpnelson


Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/StevenSharpNelsonMusic


Deseret Book

https://deseretbook.com/t/author/steven-sharp-nelson



]]> Steven Sharp Nelson is the only cellist in history to play atop the Great Wall of China, among the Chichen Itza ruins in Mexico, in front of The Christ Redeemer Statue in Rio, at the Petra sandstone city in Jordan, near the Iguazu Falls in Brazil and Argentina, on the grounds of the most iconic castle (Eilean Donan) in Scotland and, best of all, on the Death Star!  He has written hundreds of compositions, including two full length symphonies, and sings, plays the piano, the drums, guitar, the bass, the mandolin, the ukulele, and the nose flute. Steven is considered a pioneer in a style he coined, called “cello percussion.” Steven feels grateful that he’s just barely famous enough to make a living, but plenty obscure enough to have a life. And that life, he has found, is best lived when striving to follow the teachings and example of his Best Friend and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Steven’s duet with his wife 

https://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=1000EMNU


Website 

https://thepianoguys.com


YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@thepianoguys


Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/stevensharpnelson


Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/StevenSharpNelsonMusic


Deseret Book

https://deseretbook.com/t/author/steven-sharp-nelson



]]> LDSPMA/Steven Sharp Nelson Buzzsprout-13517933 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0600 2648 cellist, composer, songwriter, performer, musician, YouTube star, world traveler 3 18 full false Jenny Doan Jenny Doan Jenny Doan is more than just a quilting icon. She’s a wife, mother, and popular YouTube personality. Her professional quilting journey began over 27 years ago, back when her family first moved to rural Missouri. Little did she know their random point-and-go selection of the Midwest guided them to an epic adventure atop a quilting empire. Watch this week’s podcast episode and learn how Jenny’s children led the way to the formation and exponential growth of the Missouri Star Quilt Company and its corresponding quilting channel on YouTube.

Website 

https://www.missouriquiltco.com


YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@MissouriQuiltCo


Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/missouriquiltco

https://www.instagram.com/jennymsqc


Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/QuiltingDeals


Pinterest

https://www.pinterest.com/missouriquiltco

Thrift Books

https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/jenny-doan/1881208



]]> Jenny Doan is more than just a quilting icon. She’s a wife, mother, and popular YouTube personality. Her professional quilting journey began over 27 years ago, back when her family first moved to rural Missouri. Little did she know their random point-and-go selection of the Midwest guided them to an epic adventure atop a quilting empire. Watch this week’s podcast episode and learn how Jenny’s children led the way to the formation and exponential growth of the Missouri Star Quilt Company and its corresponding quilting channel on YouTube.

Website 

https://www.missouriquiltco.com


YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@MissouriQuiltCo


Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/missouriquiltco

https://www.instagram.com/jennymsqc


Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/QuiltingDeals


Pinterest

https://www.pinterest.com/missouriquiltco

Thrift Books

https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/jenny-doan/1881208



]]> LDSPMA/Jenny Doan Buzzsprout-13446595 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0600 1811 quilter, teacher, speaker, business woman, YouTuber 3 17 full false Brooke Romney Brooke Romney Brooke Romney, a writer, speaker, and connector, is committed to sharing real life with a hopeful twist. She is the best-selling author of three books: “52 Modern Manners for Today's Teens” Volume 1 and 2 and “I Like Me Anyway: Embracing Imperfection, Connection, and Christ”. Brooke comes from girly roots but has morphed into an outdoor adventuring, dirt loving mom of 4 boys. Meaningful connection with family, friends, strangers, and God is where she finds purpose and joy.

Website 

https://brookeromney.com

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/brookeromneywrites

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/brookeromneywrites

Pinterest

https://www.pinterest.com/brookeromneywrites

Amazon Author Page

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brooke-Romney/author/B08L8WQN6C?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true



]]> Brooke Romney, a writer, speaker, and connector, is committed to sharing real life with a hopeful twist. She is the best-selling author of three books: “52 Modern Manners for Today's Teens” Volume 1 and 2 and “I Like Me Anyway: Embracing Imperfection, Connection, and Christ”. Brooke comes from girly roots but has morphed into an outdoor adventuring, dirt loving mom of 4 boys. Meaningful connection with family, friends, strangers, and God is where she finds purpose and joy.

Website 

https://brookeromney.com

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/brookeromneywrites

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/brookeromneywrites

Pinterest

https://www.pinterest.com/brookeromneywrites

Amazon Author Page

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brooke-Romney/author/B08L8WQN6C?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true



]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-13337639 Wed, 16 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0600 2157 writer, speaker, connector, blogger, educator 3 16 full false Scott Christopher Scott Christopher Scott Christopher is the best-selling author of People People, The Levity Effect, and The Seven UPs of Happiness. He has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, Fox Business Channel, CNBC, National Public Radio, and BBC. Since 1995, Scott has circled the globe entertaining and motivating thousands of audiences from senior leader retreats to all-staff meetings. Applicable to all audiences in any industry, Scott’s unforgettable messages and off-the-cuff humor illustrate firsthand how levity, humor and becoming a ‘people person’ enriches lives at work and at home.

Website https://scottchristopher.net

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/official_scottchristopher

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/scottchristopheractor





]]> Scott Christopher is the best-selling author of People People, The Levity Effect, and The Seven UPs of Happiness. He has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, Fox Business Channel, CNBC, National Public Radio, and BBC. Since 1995, Scott has circled the globe entertaining and motivating thousands of audiences from senior leader retreats to all-staff meetings. Applicable to all audiences in any industry, Scott’s unforgettable messages and off-the-cuff humor illustrate firsthand how levity, humor and becoming a ‘people person’ enriches lives at work and at home.

Website https://scottchristopher.net

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/official_scottchristopher

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/scottchristopheractor





]]> LDSPMA/Scott Christopher Buzzsprout-13205876 Wed, 02 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0600 2326 lds, called to be creative, actor, speaker, writer, funny guy, performer 3 15 full false Anthony Sweat Anthony Sweat Anthony Sweat is an Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University. He received his bachelor's degree in painting and drawing and his Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction. He is the author of several articles and books dealing with the teachings and history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His most recent book is The Holy Covenants: Living our Sacred Temple Promises. Anthony is the host and producer of BYU religious education’s popular podcast, Y Religion. As a practicing artist his paintings center on religious themes, including underrepresented events in Church history

Website https://www.anthonysweat.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brotheranthonysweat

Deseret Book https://deseretbook.com/products?query=anthony%2520sweat



]]> Anthony Sweat is an Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University. He received his bachelor's degree in painting and drawing and his Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction. He is the author of several articles and books dealing with the teachings and history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His most recent book is The Holy Covenants: Living our Sacred Temple Promises. Anthony is the host and producer of BYU religious education’s popular podcast, Y Religion. As a practicing artist his paintings center on religious themes, including underrepresented events in Church history

Website https://www.anthonysweat.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brotheranthonysweat

Deseret Book https://deseretbook.com/products?query=anthony%2520sweat



]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-13125890 Wed, 19 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0600 2212 painter, teacher, writer, educator, podcaster 3 14 full false David Finnegan David Finnegan Dave Finnegan is a seasoned “human experience collector” who dedicated an entire year to exploring the world to gain a deeper understanding of cultures and human experiences. In 2022 he traveled over 130,000 miles, setting foot on every continent including Antarctica, and navigated some of the world's largest rivers such as the Ganges, Amazon, Nile, and Mekong. He hiked iconic trails such as Kilimanjaro, the Himalayas, Patagonia, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. As a diver, he explored some of the world's most beautiful underwater environments including the Great Barrier Reef, the Red Sea, and the Galapagos Islands. All with a carry-on-sized backpack.  Overall, Dave's journey was a transformative experience.

In 2013, Dave was named to the “Top 100 CIO” list by CIO Magazine and was nominated as “Innovative CIO of the Year” by Retail Information Systems magazine. He worked at the Orvis Company for seven years (2014-2021) where he was the Customer Experience Officer. Prior to Orvis, he helped to start up Build-A-Bear Workshop (1999-2014) where he served as Chief Information and Interactive Officer for the company. He was instrumental in the development of the award-winning Build-A-Bear Workshop Store of the Future: an innovative blend of digital technology and store experience.

 Exploring Planet Earth 2022, Instagram page -
https://www.instagram.com/exploringplanetearth2022

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davefinnegan

The National CIO Review magazine interview - https://nationalcioreview.com/interviews-with-technology-leaders/qa-dave-finnegan-chief-experience-officer-orvis/



]]> Dave Finnegan is a seasoned “human experience collector” who dedicated an entire year to exploring the world to gain a deeper understanding of cultures and human experiences. In 2022 he traveled over 130,000 miles, setting foot on every continent including Antarctica, and navigated some of the world's largest rivers such as the Ganges, Amazon, Nile, and Mekong. He hiked iconic trails such as Kilimanjaro, the Himalayas, Patagonia, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. As a diver, he explored some of the world's most beautiful underwater environments including the Great Barrier Reef, the Red Sea, and the Galapagos Islands. All with a carry-on-sized backpack.  Overall, Dave's journey was a transformative experience.

In 2013, Dave was named to the “Top 100 CIO” list by CIO Magazine and was nominated as “Innovative CIO of the Year” by Retail Information Systems magazine. He worked at the Orvis Company for seven years (2014-2021) where he was the Customer Experience Officer. Prior to Orvis, he helped to start up Build-A-Bear Workshop (1999-2014) where he served as Chief Information and Interactive Officer for the company. He was instrumental in the development of the award-winning Build-A-Bear Workshop Store of the Future: an innovative blend of digital technology and store experience.

 Exploring Planet Earth 2022, Instagram page -
https://www.instagram.com/exploringplanetearth2022

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davefinnegan

The National CIO Review magazine interview - https://nationalcioreview.com/interviews-with-technology-leaders/qa-dave-finnegan-chief-experience-officer-orvis/



]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-13081409 Wed, 05 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0600 2165 lds, called to be creative, explorer, customer experience officer, human experience collector 3 13 full false Hilary Weeks Hilary Weeks Hilary Weeks loves hearing stories and imagining what it would be like to feel and experience the things someone else does. She feels drawn to unlock and express the feelings of the heart through music. Sometimes her music collections feel a little like children in that they consume her thoughts, energy, and creativity and she hopes they add good to the world. She strives to put God first in her life because she knows He makes everything else fall into place.

hilaryweeks.com
facebook.com/hilaryweeks
instagram.com/hilaryweeksmusic
youtube.com/@HilaryWeeksMusic
Best songs list https://www.allmusic.com/artist/hilary-weeks-mn0000140840/songs
Limitless by Kris Krohn https://youtu.be/yU6VuEMZatg

]]> Hilary Weeks loves hearing stories and imagining what it would be like to feel and experience the things someone else does. She feels drawn to unlock and express the feelings of the heart through music. Sometimes her music collections feel a little like children in that they consume her thoughts, energy, and creativity and she hopes they add good to the world. She strives to put God first in her life because she knows He makes everything else fall into place.

hilaryweeks.com
facebook.com/hilaryweeks
instagram.com/hilaryweeksmusic
youtube.com/@HilaryWeeksMusic
Best songs list https://www.allmusic.com/artist/hilary-weeks-mn0000140840/songs
Limitless by Kris Krohn https://youtu.be/yU6VuEMZatg

]]> LDSPMA/Hilary Weeks Buzzsprout-12991311 Wed, 21 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0600 2157 lds, calledtobecreative, singer, songwriter, author 3 12 full false Jason Hewlett Jason Hewlett Inspirational speaker, entertainer Jason Hewlett is the author of the Facebook post entitled, “I Saw My Wife at Target Today”, a viral post that was seen by more than 100 million people across the globe. Jason has delivered thousands of presentations and was one of the youngest speakers to be inducted into the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame. His talks inspire leadership from the perspective of a Promise while giving attendees an engaging, entertaining, and educational experience.

instagram.com/jasonhewlett


facebook.com/jasonhewlettentertainer


linkedin.com/in/jasonhewlett


youtube.com/user/jasonrhewlett


twitter.com/jasonhewlett



]]> Inspirational speaker, entertainer Jason Hewlett is the author of the Facebook post entitled, “I Saw My Wife at Target Today”, a viral post that was seen by more than 100 million people across the globe. Jason has delivered thousands of presentations and was one of the youngest speakers to be inducted into the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame. His talks inspire leadership from the perspective of a Promise while giving attendees an engaging, entertaining, and educational experience.

instagram.com/jasonhewlett


facebook.com/jasonhewlettentertainer


linkedin.com/in/jasonhewlett


youtube.com/user/jasonrhewlett


twitter.com/jasonhewlett



]]> LDSPMA/Jason Hewlett Buzzsprout-12854284 Wed, 07 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0600 2280 lds, calledtobecreative, American speaker, entertainer, author, impressionist 3 11 full false Cali Black Cali Black Cali Black is an author, podcaster, speaker, and content creator who loves the scriptures. At the beginning of 2019, Cali felt called to start an Instagram account titled @ComeFollowMeStudy. Little did she know that a worldwide pandemic would hit the following year and her content would be needed more than ever. She was able to pivot her content and focus on using the Book of Mormon to share peace and joy. Cali also co-hosts the popular podcast, One Minute Scripture Study, and has co-written two Amazon best-selling books, “One Minute Scripture Study in the New Testament” and also a version of the Old Testament. Above all, Cali knows that the scriptures hold the keys to pointing us toward our Savior Jesus Christ.


Website https://comefollowmestudy.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/comefollowmestudy

YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@comefollowmestudywithcaliblack/videos

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/1462144446/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_XYQBQ0HCG90YB203KWVK?linkCode=ml1&tag=comefollowm0f-20

One Minute Scripture Study podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-minute-scripture-study-a-come-follow-me-podcast/id1501755896

]]> Cali Black is an author, podcaster, speaker, and content creator who loves the scriptures. At the beginning of 2019, Cali felt called to start an Instagram account titled @ComeFollowMeStudy. Little did she know that a worldwide pandemic would hit the following year and her content would be needed more than ever. She was able to pivot her content and focus on using the Book of Mormon to share peace and joy. Cali also co-hosts the popular podcast, One Minute Scripture Study, and has co-written two Amazon best-selling books, “One Minute Scripture Study in the New Testament” and also a version of the Old Testament. Above all, Cali knows that the scriptures hold the keys to pointing us toward our Savior Jesus Christ.


Website https://comefollowmestudy.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/comefollowmestudy

YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@comefollowmestudywithcaliblack/videos

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/1462144446/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_XYQBQ0HCG90YB203KWVK?linkCode=ml1&tag=comefollowm0f-20

One Minute Scripture Study podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-minute-scripture-study-a-come-follow-me-podcast/id1501755896

]]> LDSPMA/Cali Black Buzzsprout-12759796 Wed, 17 May 2023 04:00:00 -0600 1991 lds, calledtobecreative, author, podcaster, speaker, contentcreator 3 10 full false Lauren Walker/Six Sisters Lauren Walker/Six Sisters Lauren Walker is one of six sisters, THE Six Sisters, who have published 10 cookbooks, released cooking and freezer meal courses, and recently launched two podcasts: “Table Talk for Moms” where listeners can sit down together each week to tackle difficult topics of motherhood; “Start-up Spark” offers quick tips to help listeners take their start-up business to the next level. It all started with Lauren and her sisters sitting around a long kitchen counter watching their mother cook, and later, after they left home for college and marriage, starting a blog to stay in touch by sharing family recipes and the things they were doing to keep their children occupied.

Six Sisters Stuff website: https://www.sixsistersstuff.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixsistersstuff

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SixSistersStuff

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SixSistersStuff/videos

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SixSistersStuff

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sixsistersstuff



]]> Lauren Walker is one of six sisters, THE Six Sisters, who have published 10 cookbooks, released cooking and freezer meal courses, and recently launched two podcasts: “Table Talk for Moms” where listeners can sit down together each week to tackle difficult topics of motherhood; “Start-up Spark” offers quick tips to help listeners take their start-up business to the next level. It all started with Lauren and her sisters sitting around a long kitchen counter watching their mother cook, and later, after they left home for college and marriage, starting a blog to stay in touch by sharing family recipes and the things they were doing to keep their children occupied.

Six Sisters Stuff website: https://www.sixsistersstuff.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixsistersstuff

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SixSistersStuff

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SixSistersStuff/videos

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SixSistersStuff

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sixsistersstuff



]]> LDSPMA/Lauren Walker/Six Sisters Buzzsprout-12675887 Wed, 03 May 2023 04:00:00 -0600 2192 lds, calledtobecreative, foodie, podcaster, blogger 3 9 full false J. Scott Savage J. Scott Savage If he can help students find joy in reading and writing by telling them the story of how he wore an eye patch in first grade and told classmates he was a pirate, then J. Scott Savage will do it. In this episode of “Called to Create: An LDSPMA Podcast” with host Connie Sokol, Scott shares insights garnered over decades of experience, telling how it took debt and two recessions for him to unearth his talent and become a popular writer of middle grade books. Now he travels all across the country inspiring youth and adults with the joy of reading.

https://www.jscottsavage.com
https://twitter.com/jscottsavage?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/jscottsavage/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057711893215



]]> If he can help students find joy in reading and writing by telling them the story of how he wore an eye patch in first grade and told classmates he was a pirate, then J. Scott Savage will do it. In this episode of “Called to Create: An LDSPMA Podcast” with host Connie Sokol, Scott shares insights garnered over decades of experience, telling how it took debt and two recessions for him to unearth his talent and become a popular writer of middle grade books. Now he travels all across the country inspiring youth and adults with the joy of reading.

https://www.jscottsavage.com
https://twitter.com/jscottsavage?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/jscottsavage/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057711893215



]]> LDSPMA/J. Scott Savage Buzzsprout-12605137 Wed, 19 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0600 2196 lds, calledtobecreative, author, speaker, teacher 3 8 full false Jane Clayson Johnson Jane Clayson Johnson Award-winning journalist Jane Clayson Johnson has traveled the world covering domestic and international stories for two decades, interviewing the biggest newsmakers of the day. Widely known for her work at CBS News, ABC News, and on the nationally syndicated NPR program, On Point, she co-anchored with Bryant Gumbel, worked with Peter Jennings, and anchored coverage of the 9/11 terrorist attack and its aftermath. She is also the best-selling author of “I Am a Mother” and “Silent Souls Weeping.” Jane and her husband, Mark, are the parents of five children and grandparents of three.

Website https://www.janeclaysonjohnson.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/janeclaysonjohnson

Books https://deseretbook.com/t/author/jane-clayson-johnson

]]> Award-winning journalist Jane Clayson Johnson has traveled the world covering domestic and international stories for two decades, interviewing the biggest newsmakers of the day. Widely known for her work at CBS News, ABC News, and on the nationally syndicated NPR program, On Point, she co-anchored with Bryant Gumbel, worked with Peter Jennings, and anchored coverage of the 9/11 terrorist attack and its aftermath. She is also the best-selling author of “I Am a Mother” and “Silent Souls Weeping.” Jane and her husband, Mark, are the parents of five children and grandparents of three.

Website https://www.janeclaysonjohnson.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/janeclaysonjohnson

Books https://deseretbook.com/t/author/jane-clayson-johnson

]]> LDSPMA/Jane Clayson Johnson Buzzsprout-12495134 Wed, 05 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0600 2018 lds, calledtobecreative, mother, journalist, author 3 7 full false Crystal Despain Crystal Despain Fine art painter Crystal Despain wasn’t so sure she wanted to be an artist at first. As a high school student, she “thought arguing for money sounded like a good plan and wanted to be a lawyer.”1 Now a distinguished artist with many awards, Crystal credits her mentor artists but especially her persistent husband for dragging her paints out and reminding her that she wanted to do it, she wanted to paint.

1https://segullah.org/genre/interviews/a-visitation-with-crystal-despain


Webpage https://www.crystaldespain.com

Blog https://www.superlegitblog.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/crystal.despain.art

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crystal.despain.art

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@crystaldespain1127

]]> Fine art painter Crystal Despain wasn’t so sure she wanted to be an artist at first. As a high school student, she “thought arguing for money sounded like a good plan and wanted to be a lawyer.”1 Now a distinguished artist with many awards, Crystal credits her mentor artists but especially her persistent husband for dragging her paints out and reminding her that she wanted to do it, she wanted to paint.

1https://segullah.org/genre/interviews/a-visitation-with-crystal-despain


Webpage https://www.crystaldespain.com

Blog https://www.superlegitblog.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/crystal.despain.art

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crystal.despain.art

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@crystaldespain1127

]]> LDSPMA/Crystal Despain Buzzsprout-12389332 Wed, 15 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0600 1771 lds, calledtobecreative, artist, fineartpainter 3 6 full false Adassa Adassa Adassa exudes a zest for life. She’s fiery and confident and speaks with a passion that makes you want to eat whatever salsa she’s eating. Above all her fame, she knows what’s important and how to stay in an eternal lane. A proud descendant of Latin ancestors who sacrificed dreams and pleasures, Adassa is a talented musician of world-class renown who is the voice of Delores in Disney’s “Encanto.” She is wildly popular for her rendition of We Don’t Talk About Bruno. Her creative journey is inspiring and eventful and laced with hot sauce.


Website https://adassa-official.com


Twitter https://twitter.com/adassaofficial

@adassaofficial


TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@adassaofficial

@adassaofficial


Instagram https://www.instagram.com/adassaofficial

@adassaofficial


Facebook https://www.facebook.com/adassaofficialpage

@adassaofficialpage


YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kPz6xSxBDGOYc_triQn1w



]]> Adassa exudes a zest for life. She’s fiery and confident and speaks with a passion that makes you want to eat whatever salsa she’s eating. Above all her fame, she knows what’s important and how to stay in an eternal lane. A proud descendant of Latin ancestors who sacrificed dreams and pleasures, Adassa is a talented musician of world-class renown who is the voice of Delores in Disney’s “Encanto.” She is wildly popular for her rendition of We Don’t Talk About Bruno. Her creative journey is inspiring and eventful and laced with hot sauce.


Website https://adassa-official.com


Twitter https://twitter.com/adassaofficial

@adassaofficial


TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@adassaofficial

@adassaofficial


Instagram https://www.instagram.com/adassaofficial

@adassaofficial


Facebook https://www.facebook.com/adassaofficialpage

@adassaofficialpage


YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kPz6xSxBDGOYc_triQn1w



]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast LDSPMA/Adassa Buzzsprout-12270674 Wed, 01 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0700 2021 lds, calledtobecreative, voiceacting, vocalist, songwriter 3 5 full false Ganel-Lyn Condie Ganel-Lyn Condie Ganel-Lyn Condie, popular speaker and author, pulls back the curtain on what it's like to be a creative who feels a passion to share principles that empower others.

Through her own challenges of contracting lupus when newly married and later in life the suicide death of a sister, Ganel-Lyn shares what it is like to "throw every dart at the board" to find answers. In the crowded media swimming pool where spiritual creatives often bump into each other, Ganel-Lyn shares how focusing on the "one" allows heaven to amplify each unique voice.


Website https://ganellyn.com


Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/ganellyn/

@ganellyn


Instgram https://www.instagram.com/ganellyn/?hl=en

@ganellyn


YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ganel-lyncondie1064


LDSLiving articles https://www.ldsliving.com/ganel-lyn-condie


Deseret Book https://deseretbook.com/t/author/ganel-lyn-condie



]]> Ganel-Lyn Condie, popular speaker and author, pulls back the curtain on what it's like to be a creative who feels a passion to share principles that empower others.

Through her own challenges of contracting lupus when newly married and later in life the suicide death of a sister, Ganel-Lyn shares what it is like to "throw every dart at the board" to find answers. In the crowded media swimming pool where spiritual creatives often bump into each other, Ganel-Lyn shares how focusing on the "one" allows heaven to amplify each unique voice.


Website https://ganellyn.com


Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/ganellyn/

@ganellyn


Instgram https://www.instagram.com/ganellyn/?hl=en

@ganellyn


YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ganel-lyncondie1064


LDSLiving articles https://www.ldsliving.com/ganel-lyn-condie


Deseret Book https://deseretbook.com/t/author/ganel-lyn-condie



]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast LDSPMA/Ganel-Lyn Condie Buzzsprout-12170020 Wed, 15 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0700 1567 lds, calledtobecreative, writer, speaker 3 4 full false Mauli Junior Bonner Mauli Junior Bonner Mauli Junior Bonner is an energetic, joyful member of the Bonner family, a beloved Latter-day Saint family of talented singers. As a young man, Mauli traded his college football scholarship for airline tickets to Los Angeles, without his parents' knowledge, to start his career in the music industry. He now writes music for top pop artists and is a much sought-after vocal director.

In this LDSPMA podcast Called to Create, Mauli shares how he felt a need to tell the history of enslaved black members of the Church. With faith and the help of heaven, he created the highly acclaimed documentary His Name Is Green Flake which details the life of a 19-year-old enslaved young man who drives the first wagon into the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.


Green Flake Movie website

https://www.greenflakemovie.com

Shadow Mountain 

https://shadowmountain.com/author-book/mauli-junior-bonner-and-chantel-bonner/


Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mauli.bonner.7

@maulibonner


Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maulib/

@maulib



]]> Mauli Junior Bonner is an energetic, joyful member of the Bonner family, a beloved Latter-day Saint family of talented singers. As a young man, Mauli traded his college football scholarship for airline tickets to Los Angeles, without his parents' knowledge, to start his career in the music industry. He now writes music for top pop artists and is a much sought-after vocal director.

In this LDSPMA podcast Called to Create, Mauli shares how he felt a need to tell the history of enslaved black members of the Church. With faith and the help of heaven, he created the highly acclaimed documentary His Name Is Green Flake which details the life of a 19-year-old enslaved young man who drives the first wagon into the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.


Green Flake Movie website

https://www.greenflakemovie.com

Shadow Mountain 

https://shadowmountain.com/author-book/mauli-junior-bonner-and-chantel-bonner/


Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mauli.bonner.7

@maulibonner


Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maulib/

@maulib



]]> LDSPMA/Mauli Junior Bonner Buzzsprout-12123774 Wed, 01 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0700 2504 lds, faith, faithtalk, creativeworship, churchofjesuschrist, calledtocreate, ldspma, sharegoodness, newepisode, ldspma, calledtocreate, latterdaysaint, greenflakemovie, maulibonner, voicecoach, actor, filmmaker, singer, liftupvoices, achildofgod, songwr 3 3 full false Jon Heder Jon Heder Jon Heder, best known for his acting debut role as Napoleon Dynamite in the movie of the same name, is also a filmmaker and voice actor of a number of films and television shows including the voice of  Napoleon Bonafrog in an episode of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. Jon performed at the Children’s Educational Theater in Salem, Oregon from fourth grade to eighth. Later he filmed homemade movies with his brothers on their dad’s video camera and went on to study film and computer animation, graduating from BYU with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.  He and his wife, Kirsten, are the parents of four children.

https://www.instagram.com/hederjon/?hl=en


https://twitter.com/hederjon?lang=en


https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1417647



]]> Jon Heder, best known for his acting debut role as Napoleon Dynamite in the movie of the same name, is also a filmmaker and voice actor of a number of films and television shows including the voice of  Napoleon Bonafrog in an episode of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. Jon performed at the Children’s Educational Theater in Salem, Oregon from fourth grade to eighth. Later he filmed homemade movies with his brothers on their dad’s video camera and went on to study film and computer animation, graduating from BYU with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.  He and his wife, Kirsten, are the parents of four children.

https://www.instagram.com/hederjon/?hl=en


https://twitter.com/hederjon?lang=en


https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1417647



]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA Buzzsprout-11979269 Wed, 18 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0700 2106 lds, faith, faithtalk, creativeworship, churchofjesuschrist, calledtocreate, ldspma, sharegoodness, newepisode, ldspma, calledtocreate, latterdaysaint, jonheder, hederjon, napoleondynamite, byugrad, actor, filmmaker, voiceactor, fanfavorite 3 2 full false Steve Young Steve Young Steve Young, best known for his 15-season NFL professional football career as quarterback, first for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, then the San Francisco 49ers, previously set school and NCAA records playing college football for Brigham Young University (BYU). While playing for the NFL, Young received a graduate law degree from BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School and later co-founded successful private equity firm Huntsman Gay Global Capital (HGGC). Young and his wife, Barb, co-founded the Forever Young Foundation which seeks to lift up underserved communities and children around the world. He is the best-selling author of “QB: My Life Behind the Spiral” and released his second book, “The Law of Love,” in 2022. 


Twitter ~ https://twitter.com/steveyoungqb @SteveYoungQB

Forever Young Foundation ~ http://foreveryoung.org/

Linkedin ~ https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-young-26131a38

Huntsman Gay Global Capital (HGGC) ~ https://www.hggc.com/about

Contact Steve ~ https://www.hggc.com/team/j-steven-young



]]> Steve Young, best known for his 15-season NFL professional football career as quarterback, first for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, then the San Francisco 49ers, previously set school and NCAA records playing college football for Brigham Young University (BYU). While playing for the NFL, Young received a graduate law degree from BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School and later co-founded successful private equity firm Huntsman Gay Global Capital (HGGC). Young and his wife, Barb, co-founded the Forever Young Foundation which seeks to lift up underserved communities and children around the world. He is the best-selling author of “QB: My Life Behind the Spiral” and released his second book, “The Law of Love,” in 2022. 


Twitter ~ https://twitter.com/steveyoungqb @SteveYoungQB

Forever Young Foundation ~ http://foreveryoung.org/

Linkedin ~ https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-young-26131a38

Huntsman Gay Global Capital (HGGC) ~ https://www.hggc.com/about

Contact Steve ~ https://www.hggc.com/team/j-steven-young



]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA/Steve Young Buzzsprout-11912722 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0700 2425 lds, faith, faithtalk, creativeworship, churchofjesuschrist, calledtocreate, ldspma, sharegoodness, newepisode, ldspma, calledtocreate, latterdaysaint, quarterback, footballhalloffame, author, lawoflove, lawyer, foreveryoungfoundation 3 1 full false J. Kirk Richards J. Kirk Richards A fine arts painter best known for his award-winning contemporary religious art, J. Kirk Richards urges creators to exercise faith and take the next step forward. In his early teens, Kirk decided to put aside the music lessons he’d been taking his “whole life” and follow a persistent tug toward visual arts. Illustrating the book “The Carpenter of Galilee and the Welcoming Door,” solidified his preference for painting scenes he envisions and feels strongly about. 

Website- https://www.jkirkrichards.com/

Instagram - https://instagram.com/jkirkrichards

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/jkirkrichards

Twitter - https://twitter.com/jkirkrichards

YouTube - https://youtube.com/user/jkirkrichards

Deseret Book- https://deseretbook.com/t/author/j-kirk-richards

MyShopify - https://jkirkrichards.myshopify.com/





]]> A fine arts painter best known for his award-winning contemporary religious art, J. Kirk Richards urges creators to exercise faith and take the next step forward. In his early teens, Kirk decided to put aside the music lessons he’d been taking his “whole life” and follow a persistent tug toward visual arts. Illustrating the book “The Carpenter of Galilee and the Welcoming Door,” solidified his preference for painting scenes he envisions and feels strongly about. 

Website- https://www.jkirkrichards.com/

Instagram - https://instagram.com/jkirkrichards

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/jkirkrichards

Twitter - https://twitter.com/jkirkrichards

YouTube - https://youtube.com/user/jkirkrichards

Deseret Book- https://deseretbook.com/t/author/j-kirk-richards

MyShopify - https://jkirkrichards.myshopify.com/





]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA/J. Kirk Richards Buzzsprout-11821342 Wed, 21 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0700 2000 ldspma, called to create, latter-day saint, fine arts painter, musician, author, illustrator, art instructor 2 22 full false Jackson VanDerwerken Jackson VanDerwerken Jackson VanDerwerken knew he didn’t fit the casting criteria for the role of Nephi in the Church’s new Book of Mormon video series, but his mother urged him to send in his audition video anyway, even if a day late. Despite his lack of screen acting experience and being “skinny as a string bean”, he was chosen for the part out of a thousand applicants. Portraying young Nephi helped Jackson better understand what Nephi went through and taught him how to relate his life to the experiences of Nephi and his family.


Instagram: @jackson_vanderwerken https://www.instagram.com/jackson_vanderwerken/

Facebook: @jacksonvanderwerken https://www.facebook.com/JacksonVanDerwerken

Link to the Church’s Book of Mormon Videos page: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/collection/book-of-mormon-videos?lang=eng



]]> Jackson VanDerwerken knew he didn’t fit the casting criteria for the role of Nephi in the Church’s new Book of Mormon video series, but his mother urged him to send in his audition video anyway, even if a day late. Despite his lack of screen acting experience and being “skinny as a string bean”, he was chosen for the part out of a thousand applicants. Portraying young Nephi helped Jackson better understand what Nephi went through and taught him how to relate his life to the experiences of Nephi and his family.


Instagram: @jackson_vanderwerken https://www.instagram.com/jackson_vanderwerken/

Facebook: @jacksonvanderwerken https://www.facebook.com/JacksonVanDerwerken

Link to the Church’s Book of Mormon Videos page: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/collection/book-of-mormon-videos?lang=eng



]]> LDSPMA/Jackson VanDerwerken Buzzsprout-11745416 Wed, 07 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0700 2214 actor, Nephi, BookofMormon, missionary, student, windowwasher, entrepreneur 2 21 full false Jason F. Wright Jason F. Wright Jason F. Wright is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. Also a popular speaker, he enjoys speaking about the miracle of opening doors, faith, failure, the Christmas Jars movement, the lost art of letter writing, and many other topics. Each year Jason visits schools across the country and presents assemblies and writing workshops to students at all ages. 

Jason grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, but has also lived in Germany, Illinois, Brazil, Oregon, and Utah. In 2007, while researching Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley for his novel “The Wednesday Letters,” Jason fell so in love with the area that he moved his family westward from northern Virginia to Woodstock.


Website https://jasonfwright.com/

Podcast https://wrightwhereyouare.buzzsprout.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jasonfwright

Twitter https://twitter.com/jasonfwright?lang=en

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jasonfwright/

“Giving a Lift” videos https://jasonfwright.com/givingalift

]]> Jason F. Wright is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. Also a popular speaker, he enjoys speaking about the miracle of opening doors, faith, failure, the Christmas Jars movement, the lost art of letter writing, and many other topics. Each year Jason visits schools across the country and presents assemblies and writing workshops to students at all ages. 

Jason grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, but has also lived in Germany, Illinois, Brazil, Oregon, and Utah. In 2007, while researching Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley for his novel “The Wednesday Letters,” Jason fell so in love with the area that he moved his family westward from northern Virginia to Woodstock.


Website https://jasonfwright.com/

Podcast https://wrightwhereyouare.buzzsprout.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jasonfwright

Twitter https://twitter.com/jasonfwright?lang=en

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jasonfwright/

“Giving a Lift” videos https://jasonfwright.com/givingalift

]]> LDSPMA/Jason F Wright Buzzsprout-11716746 Wed, 30 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0700 2157 calledtocreate, ldspma, sharegoodness, newepisode, NYTbestseller, WSJbestseller, USATodaybestseller, speaker, writer, author, podcasthost, wrightwhereyouare, givingalift 2 bonus false Camille Fronk Olson Camille Fronk Olson This episode of Called to Create: an LDSPMA Podcast features prolific author and highly regarded speaker, Camille Fronk Olson. She shares her journey as a single woman who began her career with no great dream in mind but was led on a God-directed course that has paved the way for women to serve in Church education in expanded capacities. Camille’s counsel to aspiring writers is to refine their motives for creating, saying that fame may or may not come but if your desire is selfless and driven by a desire to bless others, then sometime, somehow, there will be someone out there who is guaranteed to be blessed.


Camille’s BYU Religious Studies page lists her many articles:  

Amazon 

Deseret Book 



]]> This episode of Called to Create: an LDSPMA Podcast features prolific author and highly regarded speaker, Camille Fronk Olson. She shares her journey as a single woman who began her career with no great dream in mind but was led on a God-directed course that has paved the way for women to serve in Church education in expanded capacities. Camille’s counsel to aspiring writers is to refine their motives for creating, saying that fame may or may not come but if your desire is selfless and driven by a desire to bless others, then sometime, somehow, there will be someone out there who is guaranteed to be blessed.


Camille’s BYU Religious Studies page lists her many articles:  

Amazon 

Deseret Book 



]]> LDSPMA/Camille Fronk Olson Buzzsprout-11676604 Wed, 16 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0700 2178 lds, faith, faithtalk, creativeworship, churchofjesuschrist, calledtocreate, ldspma, sharegoodness, newepisode, popularspeaker, author, professoremeritus, ancientscripture, advocateforwomen, trailblazer 2 20 full false Dan Clark Dan Clark Dan Clark, world-renowned motivational speaker, United States Distinguished Silver Medal winner, contributing author to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and Utah Father of the Year, is a man who has literally done it all, yet he self-describes as “a funny man with a serious message.” In this episode, Dan shares what his experiences have taught him and what he’s learned from the people around him as he focuses on the needs of others and identifies the help he can provide. 

Webpage 

Facebook @danclarkspeak

Twitter  @danclarkspeak

Linkedin @danclarkspeak

YouTube: Dan Clark Global Speaker

Instagram @danclarkspeak

Chicken Soup for the Soul website




]]> Dan Clark, world-renowned motivational speaker, United States Distinguished Silver Medal winner, contributing author to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and Utah Father of the Year, is a man who has literally done it all, yet he self-describes as “a funny man with a serious message.” In this episode, Dan shares what his experiences have taught him and what he’s learned from the people around him as he focuses on the needs of others and identifies the help he can provide. 

Webpage 

Facebook @danclarkspeak

Twitter  @danclarkspeak

Linkedin @danclarkspeak

YouTube: Dan Clark Global Speaker

Instagram @danclarkspeak

Chicken Soup for the Soul website




]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-11602453 Wed, 02 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0600 2096 motivational speaker, writer, singer, US Distinguished Service Medal winner, Utah father of the year, pilot, 2000 winter Olympics committee member, film maker 2 19 full false Honorable Sela Tukia, Tongan Consulate General Honorable Sela Tukia, Tongan Consulate General Honorable Sela Tukia, Tongan fan of popular 80s dance-pop band The Jets, sat down with host Connie Sokol for a delightful ten-minute interview about the faith and family values The Jets have brought to the music industry in the past and the new generation of Wolfgramm family musicians, 13 Crowns.

Tonga Consulate General 

The Kingdom of Tonga
13 Crowns

]]> Honorable Sela Tukia, Tongan fan of popular 80s dance-pop band The Jets, sat down with host Connie Sokol for a delightful ten-minute interview about the faith and family values The Jets have brought to the music industry in the past and the new generation of Wolfgramm family musicians, 13 Crowns.

Tonga Consulate General 

The Kingdom of Tonga
13 Crowns

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-11533994 Thu, 27 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0600 572 2 bonus false The Jets The Jets The Jets, a popular 80s dance-pop, teen pop, R&B band, including LeRoy, Eddie, Eugene, Haini, Rudy, Kathi, Elizabeth, and Moana Wolfgramm started out performing luaus in Canada. They eventually settled in Minnesota and started a band they named “Quasar” after a brand of television set. The band enjoyed great success with several Billboard Hot 100 hits, including ten singles, the most popular being “Crush on You.” The family band also performed at the 1988 Summer Olympics and the 2002 Winter Olympics. 


Las Vegas Show 

Facebook 

Instagram 

]]> The Jets, a popular 80s dance-pop, teen pop, R&B band, including LeRoy, Eddie, Eugene, Haini, Rudy, Kathi, Elizabeth, and Moana Wolfgramm started out performing luaus in Canada. They eventually settled in Minnesota and started a band they named “Quasar” after a brand of television set. The band enjoyed great success with several Billboard Hot 100 hits, including ten singles, the most popular being “Crush on You.” The family band also performed at the 1988 Summer Olympics and the 2002 Winter Olympics. 


Las Vegas Show 

Facebook 

Instagram 

]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA/The Jets Buzzsprout-11506506 Wed, 19 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0600 2051 The Jets, LDSPMA, Latter-day Saint 2 18 full false Dora Whitaker Dora Whitaker Dora Whitaker knew at a young age that she was more interested in the business side of the entertainment industry than being an actress. Now, a 28-year industry veteran and CEO of Whitaker Entertainment, Dora focuses her efforts on providing and producing quality entertainment. Along the way, she has been able to share her faith in Jesus Christ with her clients and colleagues in normal and natural ways.

Email: doralwhitaker@gmail.com
Website 

IMDb 



]]> Dora Whitaker knew at a young age that she was more interested in the business side of the entertainment industry than being an actress. Now, a 28-year industry veteran and CEO of Whitaker Entertainment, Dora focuses her efforts on providing and producing quality entertainment. Along the way, she has been able to share her faith in Jesus Christ with her clients and colleagues in normal and natural ways.

Email: doralwhitaker@gmail.com
Website 

IMDb 



]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-11420666 Wed, 05 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0600 2154 producer,manager,castingdirector,agent,featurefilms,tvshows,actress,voiceactor,whitakerentertainment 2 17 full false Jennifer Nielsen Jennifer Nielsen Jennifer Nielsen is an accomplished New York Times bestselling author of young adult and children’s fiction and a 2022 LDSPMA Conference keynote speaker. In this episode, she shares her failures and triumphs with her trademark optimism and encouragement for all who struggle to keep going when everything is going wrong. Tune in for this inspiring episode with our host, Connie Sokol. You’ll be glad you did.

Author website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Goodreads
Deseret Book
Amazon

]]> Jennifer Nielsen is an accomplished New York Times bestselling author of young adult and children’s fiction and a 2022 LDSPMA Conference keynote speaker. In this episode, she shares her failures and triumphs with her trademark optimism and encouragement for all who struggle to keep going when everything is going wrong. Tune in for this inspiring episode with our host, Connie Sokol. You’ll be glad you did.

Author website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Goodreads
Deseret Book
Amazon

]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA/Jennifer Nielsen Buzzsprout-11349154 Wed, 21 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0600 2039 speaker, author, imaginary characters, ya fiction, false prince, historical fiction, lines of courage, chocolate lover, writer's advocate 2 16 full false Gerald Lund Gerald Lund Gerald Lund has written 57 books, including the famed Work and the Glory series, and is arguably the most widely read author of Latter-day Saint literature with 3.5 million copies sold over the course of 51 years. In this episode, he shares little-known details of how “The Work and the Glory'' series came to life and grew from one volume into an exhaustive nine-volume series. He also answers his most often asked question: “Where do you get your ideas?” Lund, an equally prolific writer of fiction and non-fiction, never took a writing course but has loved books since his childhood when he and his siblings carried armfuls of books home from the library to read as a family. 


Webpage

Facebook @geraldnlund

Goodreads 

Deseret Book 

Amazon Author Page

BYU Religious Studies Center list of articles he’s written 



]]> Gerald Lund has written 57 books, including the famed Work and the Glory series, and is arguably the most widely read author of Latter-day Saint literature with 3.5 million copies sold over the course of 51 years. In this episode, he shares little-known details of how “The Work and the Glory'' series came to life and grew from one volume into an exhaustive nine-volume series. He also answers his most often asked question: “Where do you get your ideas?” Lund, an equally prolific writer of fiction and non-fiction, never took a writing course but has loved books since his childhood when he and his siblings carried armfuls of books home from the library to read as a family. 


Webpage

Facebook @geraldnlund

Goodreads 

Deseret Book 

Amazon Author Page

BYU Religious Studies Center list of articles he’s written 



]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA/Gerald Lund Buzzsprout-11266493 Wed, 07 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0600 1846 generalauthority speaker, writer, author, latter-day saint, nonfiction, fiction, inspirational, church history, bible 2 15 full false Sherry Meidell Sherry Meidell Sherry Meidell’s loves include her five boys, mountain biking, kneaded erasers, her sketchbook, and watercolors. Her artistic talent with watercolors has led her to illustrate several books by other authors and one of her own, titled “The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs.” On a humanitarian trip to Kenya, Africa, she used her talents to help school children take part in turning a blank wall into a work of art that included their hand prints. Sherry generously shares her knowledge of art and watercolor with school children, adults, and anyone who is interested.

Webpage 

TeetertotterTales Blog 

Instagram @sherrymeidell

Facebook @sherrymeidellart

YouTube watercolor painting videos

Goodreads

Amazon Page


]]> Sherry Meidell’s loves include her five boys, mountain biking, kneaded erasers, her sketchbook, and watercolors. Her artistic talent with watercolors has led her to illustrate several books by other authors and one of her own, titled “The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs.” On a humanitarian trip to Kenya, Africa, she used her talents to help school children take part in turning a blank wall into a work of art that included their hand prints. Sherry generously shares her knowledge of art and watercolor with school children, adults, and anyone who is interested.

Webpage 

TeetertotterTales Blog 

Instagram @sherrymeidell

Facebook @sherrymeidellart

YouTube watercolor painting videos

Goodreads

Amazon Page


]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast LDSPMA/Sherry Meidell Buzzsprout-11204263 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0600 2006 LDSPMA, illustrator, children's books, blogger, humanitarian, Kenya, watercolor, Sherry Meidell, painter bonus false Allison Hong Merrill Allison Hong Merrill Allison Hong Merrill’s multiple award-winning book, “Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops”, is more than a memoir; it is her “humble offering” to her children. Her deepest desire was to write it so they would know about and cherish their Chinese roots. As a Mandarin-speaking Taiwanese immigrant and newlywed, Allison lived in the United States for sixteen months before she was abandoned and left to fend for herself, speaking and understanding only a few words of English. Through her struggles to acclimate to her new country and to life as a divorced young single adult in Utah, she learned to rely on her Heavenly Father to guide her through to her happy endings.


Allison's Webpage 

Twitter @Xieshou 

Instagram @allisonhongmerrill

Facebook @allisonhongmerrill

Goodreads

“Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops” book trailer 

Amazon Author Page




]]> Allison Hong Merrill’s multiple award-winning book, “Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops”, is more than a memoir; it is her “humble offering” to her children. Her deepest desire was to write it so they would know about and cherish their Chinese roots. As a Mandarin-speaking Taiwanese immigrant and newlywed, Allison lived in the United States for sixteen months before she was abandoned and left to fend for herself, speaking and understanding only a few words of English. Through her struggles to acclimate to her new country and to life as a divorced young single adult in Utah, she learned to rely on her Heavenly Father to guide her through to her happy endings.


Allison's Webpage 

Twitter @Xieshou 

Instagram @allisonhongmerrill

Facebook @allisonhongmerrill

Goodreads

“Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops” book trailer 

Amazon Author Page




]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA/Allison Hong Merrill Buzzsprout-11133487 Wed, 17 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0600 2469 Latter-day Saints, Creative, Podcast, Taiwan, Author, Allison Hong Merrill, Chinese 2 14 full false Laurel Day Laurel Day Twenty-five years ago, Laurel Day was a college graduate with a useless degree who felt called to move to Utah and work at Deseret Book. When a friend told her about a part-time position as an event specialist with Deseret Book, she applied for and got the job. Opportunity followed opportunity until she came to work under Sheri Dew, who became her mentor. Now president of Deseret Book, Laurel looks back on the unique experiences that helped prepare her to innovate a communication company during a difficult transition. In this engaging episode of “Called to Create: an LDSPMA Podcast” with host Connie Sokol, Laurel describes the need to gather Israel by creating content that represents the diverse voices and testimonies of members around the world.

Deseret Book website
Deseret Book submission guidelines
Time Out For Women
Time Out for Women on YouTube
Laurel’s books

]]> Twenty-five years ago, Laurel Day was a college graduate with a useless degree who felt called to move to Utah and work at Deseret Book. When a friend told her about a part-time position as an event specialist with Deseret Book, she applied for and got the job. Opportunity followed opportunity until she came to work under Sheri Dew, who became her mentor. Now president of Deseret Book, Laurel looks back on the unique experiences that helped prepare her to innovate a communication company during a difficult transition. In this engaging episode of “Called to Create: an LDSPMA Podcast” with host Connie Sokol, Laurel describes the need to gather Israel by creating content that represents the diverse voices and testimonies of members around the world.

Deseret Book website
Deseret Book submission guidelines
Time Out For Women
Time Out for Women on YouTube
Laurel’s books

]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast LDSPMA/Laurel Day Buzzsprout-11061015 Wed, 03 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0600 2405 LDSPMA, Laurel Day, Latter-day Saints, Deseret Book 2 13 full false Tiffany Rosenhan Tiffany Rosenhan The hero of Tiffany Rosenhan’s heart-pounding spy thriller, “Girl from Nowhere,” is a common, everyday teenage girl who uses her unique abilities to conquer the bad guys. Tiffany’s hope is that her book will help young women “feel empowered to magnify their skills and talents…and embrace [their] different characteristics and unique qualities.”  In this week’s “Called to Create” podcast episode, Tiffany also talks with Connie about how she put her writing career on hold to take care of her husband after he suffered a sudden, debilitating illness.

Email: hello@tiffanyrosenhan.com
Publicist: jenmartinpublicity@gmail.com

Webpage

Instagram-Tiffany

Instagram-Girl From Nowhere

Pinterest

“Girl From Nowhere” book trailer

Amazon



]]> The hero of Tiffany Rosenhan’s heart-pounding spy thriller, “Girl from Nowhere,” is a common, everyday teenage girl who uses her unique abilities to conquer the bad guys. Tiffany’s hope is that her book will help young women “feel empowered to magnify their skills and talents…and embrace [their] different characteristics and unique qualities.”  In this week’s “Called to Create” podcast episode, Tiffany also talks with Connie about how she put her writing career on hold to take care of her husband after he suffered a sudden, debilitating illness.

Email: hello@tiffanyrosenhan.com
Publicist: jenmartinpublicity@gmail.com

Webpage

Instagram-Tiffany

Instagram-Girl From Nowhere

Pinterest

“Girl From Nowhere” book trailer

Amazon



]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA/Tiffany Rosenhan Buzzsprout-10959230 Wed, 20 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0600 2033 LDSPMA, Tiffany Rosenhan, Latter-day Saints 2 12 full false Cheryl Knowlton Cheryl Knowlton Cheryl Knowlton is a popular speaker brimming with enthusiasm for helping people in her profession learn the craft. She has won numerous awards, most notably the coveted Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association. As a 22-year veteran in the real estate and mortgage industry, Cheryl is a teacher, storyteller, author, and influencer. In this week’s episode of the “Called to Create” podcast with Connie Sokol, Cheryl shares her heroic journey as a professional and as a daughter of God.  “Create the life that invites the Holy Ghost,” she says. “Be the conduit for magic.”


Email: cheryl@cherylknows.com

Webpage

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Cheryl’s mentors: 

Michael Port’s podcast

Mike Ganino’s podcast  



]]> Cheryl Knowlton is a popular speaker brimming with enthusiasm for helping people in her profession learn the craft. She has won numerous awards, most notably the coveted Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association. As a 22-year veteran in the real estate and mortgage industry, Cheryl is a teacher, storyteller, author, and influencer. In this week’s episode of the “Called to Create” podcast with Connie Sokol, Cheryl shares her heroic journey as a professional and as a daughter of God.  “Create the life that invites the Holy Ghost,” she says. “Be the conduit for magic.”


Email: cheryl@cherylknows.com

Webpage

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Cheryl’s mentors: 

Michael Port’s podcast

Mike Ganino’s podcast  



]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA/Cheryl Knowlton Buzzsprout-10854529 Sat, 25 Jun 2022 16:00:00 -0600 2595 LDSPMA, Cheryl Knowlton, Latter-Day saints, 2 11 full false CJ Madsen CJ Madsen Conductor, composer, pianist, CJ Madsen, with his mom, Laura, won LDSPMA’s 2021 Praiseworthy Award for “I Saw a Pillar of Light” in the Audiovisual-Recorded Music category. A recent graduate of Brigham Young University, CJ earned both a bachelor’s degree in piano performance and a master’s degree in choral conducting. CJ’s most recent project culminated in the June 2022 world premiere performance of his opera, "He Shall Prepare a Way", based on events from the first seven chapters of “The Book of Mormon”. The opera performance was directed by his wife, Samm, who recently graduated in theater and dramaturgy. Next to God, CJ’s top two sources of inspiration and support are Samm and Laura.

Webpage

YouTube channel 

“I Saw a Pillar of Light” composed by Laura Madsen, arranged and conducted by CJ Madsen 

“He Shall Prepare a Way” opera by CJ Madsen

Amazon



]]> Conductor, composer, pianist, CJ Madsen, with his mom, Laura, won LDSPMA’s 2021 Praiseworthy Award for “I Saw a Pillar of Light” in the Audiovisual-Recorded Music category. A recent graduate of Brigham Young University, CJ earned both a bachelor’s degree in piano performance and a master’s degree in choral conducting. CJ’s most recent project culminated in the June 2022 world premiere performance of his opera, "He Shall Prepare a Way", based on events from the first seven chapters of “The Book of Mormon”. The opera performance was directed by his wife, Samm, who recently graduated in theater and dramaturgy. Next to God, CJ’s top two sources of inspiration and support are Samm and Laura.

Webpage

YouTube channel 

“I Saw a Pillar of Light” composed by Laura Madsen, arranged and conducted by CJ Madsen 

“He Shall Prepare a Way” opera by CJ Madsen

Amazon



]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA/CJ Madsen Buzzsprout-10838428 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 13:00:00 -0600 1716 LDSPMA, CJ Madsen, Latter-Day saints 2 bonus false Dan Allen Dan Allen Dan Allen, a scientist, writer, and comic who is out to fill the world with funny, is the award-winning author of “Pizza Boy and the Super Squad”. From his secret-not-so-secret laboratory in the attic, he shares his experience writing his first book on a dare and how he has looked to his kids for character ideas. Dan has also lit a three-story electron accelerator on fire, designed sensors for smartphones, and enjoys having fun with his kids and his drummer-artist wife.

Webpage

Amazon

Goodreads



]]> Dan Allen, a scientist, writer, and comic who is out to fill the world with funny, is the award-winning author of “Pizza Boy and the Super Squad”. From his secret-not-so-secret laboratory in the attic, he shares his experience writing his first book on a dare and how he has looked to his kids for character ideas. Dan has also lit a three-story electron accelerator on fire, designed sensors for smartphones, and enjoys having fun with his kids and his drummer-artist wife.

Webpage

Amazon

Goodreads



]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-10779853 Wed, 15 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0600 1986 2 10 full false Dr. Jeffery A. Thompson Dr. Jeffery A. Thompson Dr. Jeffery A. Thompson is an author, speaker and professor who knows the secret to finding one’s calling in life. He learned from his own winding and twisting experience that life is a bewildering journey, and those who succeed at discovering their talents and gifts are those who persist through the uncertainty and anxiety to a better place. His and a colleague’s study of “work as a calling” among zookeepers led them to write “The Zookeeper’s Secret,” a book that applies research, personal experience and gospel truths to help readers discover their true calling in life.

Email Dr. Thompson: sorensencenter@byu.edu
BYU Devotional
Deseret Book
Amazon

]]> Dr. Jeffery A. Thompson is an author, speaker and professor who knows the secret to finding one’s calling in life. He learned from his own winding and twisting experience that life is a bewildering journey, and those who succeed at discovering their talents and gifts are those who persist through the uncertainty and anxiety to a better place. His and a colleague’s study of “work as a calling” among zookeepers led them to write “The Zookeeper’s Secret,” a book that applies research, personal experience and gospel truths to help readers discover their true calling in life.

Email Dr. Thompson: sorensencenter@byu.edu
BYU Devotional
Deseret Book
Amazon

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-10692990 Wed, 01 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0600 2018 2 9 full false Heather B. Moore (a.k.a. H.B. Moore) Heather B. Moore (a.k.a. H.B. Moore) Heather B. Moore’s beginner attempts to write books were akin to making tossed salad; She threw in ingredients and hoped they’d turn into a good story. Now, as a USA Today award-winning author of over 70 books in multiple genres, she views those early experiences as her version of “going back to college and learning how to write a novel.” Heather, who has also published as H.B. Moore, attended high school and college in the Middle East and thought of her first story idea while compiling her grandmother's personal history.

 Website

Email list

Blog

Goodreads 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter 

Pinterest 

Deseret Book

Amazon 



]]> Heather B. Moore’s beginner attempts to write books were akin to making tossed salad; She threw in ingredients and hoped they’d turn into a good story. Now, as a USA Today award-winning author of over 70 books in multiple genres, she views those early experiences as her version of “going back to college and learning how to write a novel.” Heather, who has also published as H.B. Moore, attended high school and college in the Middle East and thought of her first story idea while compiling her grandmother's personal history.

 Website

Email list

Blog

Goodreads 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter 

Pinterest 

Deseret Book

Amazon 



]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-10601034 Wed, 18 May 2022 04:00:00 -0600 2226 2 8 full false Susan Easton Black Susan Easton Black Susan Easton Black’s accomplishments range from becoming the first female professor of religion at Brigham Young University to writing 170 books, including President M. Russell Ballard’s biography, to being a key partner on her pickleball team. Tune into her delightful conversation with our host, Connie Sokol. You’ll be glad you did. 

Email:  susan_black@byu.edu

Amazon
Instagram
Susan & George: Devotional 






]]> Susan Easton Black’s accomplishments range from becoming the first female professor of religion at Brigham Young University to writing 170 books, including President M. Russell Ballard’s biography, to being a key partner on her pickleball team. Tune into her delightful conversation with our host, Connie Sokol. You’ll be glad you did. 

Email:  susan_black@byu.edu

Amazon
Instagram
Susan & George: Devotional 






]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-10528334 Wed, 04 May 2022 04:00:00 -0600 1648 2 7 full false "The Faith to Create" 2022 LDSPMA Conference: Connie Sokol with Jen Brewer and Rachelle J. Christensen "The Faith to Create" 2022 LDSPMA Conference: Connie Sokol with Jen Brewer and Rachelle J. Christensen Back for its 8th year! The annual conference of Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media & the Arts (LDSPMA) is the best networking, learning, and professional development opportunity for all Latter-day Saint creatives. In this podcast bonus episode, our host, Connie Sokol, and her guests,  Rachelle J. Christensen and Jen Brewer, share fun and life-changing conference experiences that have propelled their careers forward. Registration for the October 20 - 22 conference is open now! Choose virtual, in-person, or both! Early bird registration ends Saturday, April 30th.

Register now! 

Jen Brewer 

Rachelle J. Christensen 

Host, Connie Sokol 

Dan Wells 

Rachelle's writing tips plus 7-Point Story Structure videos featuring Dan Wells 



]]> Back for its 8th year! The annual conference of Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media & the Arts (LDSPMA) is the best networking, learning, and professional development opportunity for all Latter-day Saint creatives. In this podcast bonus episode, our host, Connie Sokol, and her guests,  Rachelle J. Christensen and Jen Brewer, share fun and life-changing conference experiences that have propelled their careers forward. Registration for the October 20 - 22 conference is open now! Choose virtual, in-person, or both! Early bird registration ends Saturday, April 30th.

Register now! 

Jen Brewer 

Rachelle J. Christensen 

Host, Connie Sokol 

Dan Wells 

Rachelle's writing tips plus 7-Point Story Structure videos featuring Dan Wells 



]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-10510531 Fri, 29 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0600 1484 2 bonus false Nate and Emmy Eaton Nate and Emmy Eaton Eight-year-old Emmy Eaton’s “7 Questions with Emmy” segment on “The Drew Barrymore Show” resulted from a comment on Facebook suggesting she swap roles with her news reporter dad. She accepted the challenge and has gone on to interview over 40 high-profile people, including Elmo, Jeff Foxworthy, Dana Perino, Keith Morrison, and Joy D. Jones. Her dad, Nate Eaton, an Edward R. Murrow Award recipient and four-time winner of Virginia Associated Press’ Outstanding Reporter of the Year Award, has interviewed a serial killer, covered the execution of the D.C. Sniper, reported on President Obama, and attended the White House Easter Egg Roll. In 2015, Nate launched EastIdahoNews.com, a news website that is now the news leader in eastern Idaho.

Emmy

“7-Questions with Emmy” on The Drew Barrymore Show (via East Idaho News) 

Nate

Facebook 

Instagram

Twitter

“Measuring Snow with the Kit-Kat-O-Meter”

“Waiting Upon the Lord: the Power of Heaven,” Henry B. Eyring, BYU Devotional, 30 September 1990



]]> Eight-year-old Emmy Eaton’s “7 Questions with Emmy” segment on “The Drew Barrymore Show” resulted from a comment on Facebook suggesting she swap roles with her news reporter dad. She accepted the challenge and has gone on to interview over 40 high-profile people, including Elmo, Jeff Foxworthy, Dana Perino, Keith Morrison, and Joy D. Jones. Her dad, Nate Eaton, an Edward R. Murrow Award recipient and four-time winner of Virginia Associated Press’ Outstanding Reporter of the Year Award, has interviewed a serial killer, covered the execution of the D.C. Sniper, reported on President Obama, and attended the White House Easter Egg Roll. In 2015, Nate launched EastIdahoNews.com, a news website that is now the news leader in eastern Idaho.

Emmy

“7-Questions with Emmy” on The Drew Barrymore Show (via East Idaho News) 

Nate

Facebook 

Instagram

Twitter

“Measuring Snow with the Kit-Kat-O-Meter”

“Waiting Upon the Lord: the Power of Heaven,” Henry B. Eyring, BYU Devotional, 30 September 1990



]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-10450982 Wed, 20 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0600 2315 2 6 full false Josi Kilpack Josi Kilpack Josi Kilpack, an award-winning author of over 30 books covering multiple genres, distinguishes her stories by creating likable, relatable characters with quirks. Never intending to become an author, she wrote her first manuscript while pregnant and bedridden with her third child. In this interview, she shares tips and tricks she uses with every book that have kept her writing when she didn’t want to write.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/josi.s.kilpack

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/authorjosiskilpack/

Josi’s website https://www.josiskilpack.com/

Josi’s books can be found at Deseret Book, Seagull Books, Amazon, or her website.

]]> Josi Kilpack, an award-winning author of over 30 books covering multiple genres, distinguishes her stories by creating likable, relatable characters with quirks. Never intending to become an author, she wrote her first manuscript while pregnant and bedridden with her third child. In this interview, she shares tips and tricks she uses with every book that have kept her writing when she didn’t want to write.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/josi.s.kilpack

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/authorjosiskilpack/

Josi’s website https://www.josiskilpack.com/

Josi’s books can be found at Deseret Book, Seagull Books, Amazon, or her website.

]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA/Josi Kilpack Buzzsprout-10220375 Wed, 06 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0600 2436 LDSPMA, Josi Kilpack, Latter-day Saint 2 5 full false Heidi Tucker Heidi Tucker Heidi Tucker is an award-winning author and speaker. She has won multiple “best inspirational” awards for her books which include "Bridge of Miracles", "The Secret Keepers", "Finding Hope in the Journey", and "Servie’s Song". Her passion for writing and speaking about light and hope has inspired thousands. Heidi is known as a great storyteller who believes that every story not only teaches an important principle but can make you feel it. She has inspired many to rise up, cling to their faith, and position their hearts to recognize God’s hand in their life. When Heidi isn’t writing her next book or speaking at a conference, you’ll find her spending time outdoors with her husband, four grown children, and eleven grandchildren. She loves sunflowers, hiking, and ice cream ... not necessarily in that order.
Latest Book: Bridges of Miracles

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter 

YouTube 

LinkedIn 

Heidi’s website 

Heidi’s books can be purchased at
Her website
Amazon
Deseret Book
History of the Saints
Barnes and Noble

]]> Heidi Tucker is an award-winning author and speaker. She has won multiple “best inspirational” awards for her books which include "Bridge of Miracles", "The Secret Keepers", "Finding Hope in the Journey", and "Servie’s Song". Her passion for writing and speaking about light and hope has inspired thousands. Heidi is known as a great storyteller who believes that every story not only teaches an important principle but can make you feel it. She has inspired many to rise up, cling to their faith, and position their hearts to recognize God’s hand in their life. When Heidi isn’t writing her next book or speaking at a conference, you’ll find her spending time outdoors with her husband, four grown children, and eleven grandchildren. She loves sunflowers, hiking, and ice cream ... not necessarily in that order.
Latest Book: Bridges of Miracles

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter 

YouTube 

LinkedIn 

Heidi’s website 

Heidi’s books can be purchased at
Her website
Amazon
Deseret Book
History of the Saints
Barnes and Noble

]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA/Heidi Tucker Buzzsprout-10332807 Wed, 30 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0600 1958 LDSPMA, Heidi Tucker, Latter-Day saints 2 bonus false Jenny Oaks Baker Jenny Oaks Baker Dubbed ‘America’s Violinist’ for the magic of her artistry, Jenny Oaks Baker is a Grammy nominee and Billboard No. 1 recording artist who knows the thrill of soloing at Carnegie Hall. A devoted wife and mother of four children, Jenny has experienced highs and lows in her life and career but has always trusted God to guide her. “I knew I needed to work really hard, stay very close to the Spirit and do what is right, and everything would work out.”

 
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/JennyOaksBaker

     “Free At Last Medley” with Condoleezza Rice (March 4th) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veYkOvsYGjU

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=jenny%20oaks%20baker

Twitter https://twitter.com/jennyoaksbaker

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jennyoaksbaker/

Jenny Oaks Baker’s Music: iTunes, Spotify, Deseret Book

Jenny’s website https://www.jennyoaksbaker.com/

]]> Dubbed ‘America’s Violinist’ for the magic of her artistry, Jenny Oaks Baker is a Grammy nominee and Billboard No. 1 recording artist who knows the thrill of soloing at Carnegie Hall. A devoted wife and mother of four children, Jenny has experienced highs and lows in her life and career but has always trusted God to guide her. “I knew I needed to work really hard, stay very close to the Spirit and do what is right, and everything would work out.”

 
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/JennyOaksBaker

     “Free At Last Medley” with Condoleezza Rice (March 4th) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veYkOvsYGjU

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=jenny%20oaks%20baker

Twitter https://twitter.com/jennyoaksbaker

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jennyoaksbaker/

Jenny Oaks Baker’s Music: iTunes, Spotify, Deseret Book

Jenny’s website https://www.jennyoaksbaker.com/

]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA/Jenny Oaks Baker Buzzsprout-10238405 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0600 2347 LDSPMA, Latter-day Saints, Jenny Oaks Baker 2 4 full false Lisa Mangum Lisa Mangum Lisa Mangum knew from her earliest years that she wanted a life surrounded by words and books. Growing up, she and her mother “bonded over punctuation marks and paper clips.” Now as managing editor at Shadow Mountain Publishing, Lisa has guided several writers who have become New York Times bestselling authors. In this episode, Lisa tells all writers, “You are important, and the story that you have is important.” 

Facebook 

Twitter 

Instagram 

Lisa Mangum Books 

Shadow Mountain Publishing

Email: lmangum@shadowmountain.com



]]> Lisa Mangum knew from her earliest years that she wanted a life surrounded by words and books. Growing up, she and her mother “bonded over punctuation marks and paper clips.” Now as managing editor at Shadow Mountain Publishing, Lisa has guided several writers who have become New York Times bestselling authors. In this episode, Lisa tells all writers, “You are important, and the story that you have is important.” 

Facebook 

Twitter 

Instagram 

Lisa Mangum Books 

Shadow Mountain Publishing

Email: lmangum@shadowmountain.com



]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA/Lisa Mangum Buzzsprout-10167125 Wed, 02 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0700 2296 LDSPMA, Lisa Mangum, Latter-Day saints 2 3 full false Al Carraway Al Carraway Al Carraway’s infectious enthusiasm and “wild optimism” has helped propel her forward through her difficult and uncanny journey of faith. A multi-award-winning author and international speaker, she shares her passion for life, happiness, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. True to her bold New York authenticity, Al talks about her disappointments and frustrations and how bringing them to God makes all the difference.

Al Carraway Books
Instagram
Youtube channel



]]> Al Carraway’s infectious enthusiasm and “wild optimism” has helped propel her forward through her difficult and uncanny journey of faith. A multi-award-winning author and international speaker, she shares her passion for life, happiness, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. True to her bold New York authenticity, Al talks about her disappointments and frustrations and how bringing them to God makes all the difference.

Al Carraway Books
Instagram
Youtube channel



]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA/Al Carraway Buzzsprout-10038230 Tue, 15 Feb 2022 22:00:00 -0700 2810 LDSPMA, Al Carraway, Latter-day Saints, Trials, Unwanted, Unexpected, God 2 2 full false Lisa Valentine Clark Lisa Valentine Clark Known for her work as an actress, writer, radio show host, and co-producer of Once I Was a Beehive, Lisa Valentine Clark has “stumbled into” a variety of roles throughout her life and career. With her trademark humor, Lisa shares what she has learned from her experiences and how she feels “called to create a beautiful life” to honor the legacy of her late husband, Christopher.

Real Moms: Making It Up As We Go
BYU Radio's: "The Lisa Show"
BYU Devotional Speech “Yes, and . . .”: The Creative Art of Living 

]]> Known for her work as an actress, writer, radio show host, and co-producer of Once I Was a Beehive, Lisa Valentine Clark has “stumbled into” a variety of roles throughout her life and career. With her trademark humor, Lisa shares what she has learned from her experiences and how she feels “called to create a beautiful life” to honor the legacy of her late husband, Christopher.

Real Moms: Making It Up As We Go
BYU Radio's: "The Lisa Show"
BYU Devotional Speech “Yes, and . . .”: The Creative Art of Living 

]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA/Lisa Valentine Clark Buzzsprout-9956331 Tue, 01 Feb 2022 22:00:00 -0700 2797 LDSPMA, Lisa Valentine Clark, Latter-Day saints 2 1 full false Connie Sokol Connie Sokol An experienced podcast host, Connie Sokol brings her trademark enthusiasm and positivity as the new host of the LDSPMA podcast Called to Create. She is a bestselling author, media personality, speaker, and devoted mother of seven children. Connie describes the Called to Create podcast as “part devotional, part scripture, part life experience, and part kitchen table chat.” With her expert guidance, podcast guests will share their successes and struggles as Latter-day Saint creatives, along with tips and tricks for navigating the journey of one who feels called to create.

Rachel Christensen -Guest Host
Rachelle J. Christensen award - winning and bestselling author of over twenty books, was born and raised in a small farming town in Idaho. She graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and a minor in music. She enjoys singing and songwriting, playing the piano, running, motivational speaking, and of course reading. Rachelle has an amazing husband, five cute kids, three cats, and dozens of chickens.


]]> An experienced podcast host, Connie Sokol brings her trademark enthusiasm and positivity as the new host of the LDSPMA podcast Called to Create. She is a bestselling author, media personality, speaker, and devoted mother of seven children. Connie describes the Called to Create podcast as “part devotional, part scripture, part life experience, and part kitchen table chat.” With her expert guidance, podcast guests will share their successes and struggles as Latter-day Saint creatives, along with tips and tricks for navigating the journey of one who feels called to create.

Rachel Christensen -Guest Host
Rachelle J. Christensen award - winning and bestselling author of over twenty books, was born and raised in a small farming town in Idaho. She graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and a minor in music. She enjoys singing and songwriting, playing the piano, running, motivational speaking, and of course reading. Rachelle has an amazing husband, five cute kids, three cats, and dozens of chickens.


]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ Lisa Valentine Clark Buzzsprout-9947248 Tue, 25 Jan 2022 22:00:00 -0700 777 LDSPMA, Lisa Valentine Clark, Latter-Day saints 2 bonus false Sherry Meidell: Call Yourself an Artist Sherry Meidell: Call Yourself an Artist Sherry Meidell is a watercolor illustrator who often sees in life what others miss. For her, art is a way to connect with people and highlight the grandeur of life. Sherry serves as president of the Utah Watercolor Society and has received acclaim for illustrations of children’s books and landscapes. Watercolor is magic, she says. You don’t always know how water is going to react to paper. “Often,” she says, “it turns out better than expected. ” For Sherry, creating art is a spiritual experience—the inspiration coming from without. Like her granddaughter who gave $3 to her grandfather’s medical care, all the money she had, Sherry counsels to “give the creative process all you have.” Finding that inspiration sometimes means climbing to the cliff’s edge for the right perspective or noticing the pioneer mansions that line Onion Street in her hometown, or stopping to see a spray of flowers outside the front door. Sherry has illustrated several children's books. She is currently serving as president of the Utah Watercolor Society. You can find her work at sherrymeidell.com.

This episode starts with a conventional interview, but then we caught Sherry on a live microphone sharing some candid words of wisdom and encouragement to an aspiring artist. Her advice was so good that we decided to leave that part of the conversation in.

]]> Sherry Meidell is a watercolor illustrator who often sees in life what others miss. For her, art is a way to connect with people and highlight the grandeur of life. Sherry serves as president of the Utah Watercolor Society and has received acclaim for illustrations of children’s books and landscapes. Watercolor is magic, she says. You don’t always know how water is going to react to paper. “Often,” she says, “it turns out better than expected. ” For Sherry, creating art is a spiritual experience—the inspiration coming from without. Like her granddaughter who gave $3 to her grandfather’s medical care, all the money she had, Sherry counsels to “give the creative process all you have.” Finding that inspiration sometimes means climbing to the cliff’s edge for the right perspective or noticing the pioneer mansions that line Onion Street in her hometown, or stopping to see a spray of flowers outside the front door. Sherry has illustrated several children's books. She is currently serving as president of the Utah Watercolor Society. You can find her work at sherrymeidell.com.

This episode starts with a conventional interview, but then we caught Sherry on a live microphone sharing some candid words of wisdom and encouragement to an aspiring artist. Her advice was so good that we decided to leave that part of the conversation in.

]]> LDSPMA Buzzsprout-9372048 Wed, 20 Oct 2021 22:00:00 -0600 2210 1 14 full false CJ Madsen: What I Feel Through this Music CJ Madsen: What I Feel Through this Music CJ Madsen is a graduate student studying choral conducting at Brigham Young University. CJ received his bachelor's degree in piano performance, also from BYU. CJ is fluent in composing, piano accompanying, arranging, and singing. He has performed in over 275 concerts and recitals during his time at Brigham Young University. CJ's recent choral/orchestral composition, One Fold, One Shepherd, has been performed seven times and was recently released as an album. He is currently writing "He Shall Prepare a Way", an opera based on the opening chapters of The Book of Mormon. CJ's musical inspirations as a conductor and composer come from his beliefs in Jesus Christ, from his life as a Utah college student, and from his family. https://cjmadsenmusic.com/


]]> CJ Madsen is a graduate student studying choral conducting at Brigham Young University. CJ received his bachelor's degree in piano performance, also from BYU. CJ is fluent in composing, piano accompanying, arranging, and singing. He has performed in over 275 concerts and recitals during his time at Brigham Young University. CJ's recent choral/orchestral composition, One Fold, One Shepherd, has been performed seven times and was recently released as an album. He is currently writing "He Shall Prepare a Way", an opera based on the opening chapters of The Book of Mormon. CJ's musical inspirations as a conductor and composer come from his beliefs in Jesus Christ, from his life as a Utah college student, and from his family. https://cjmadsenmusic.com/


]]> LDSPMA/CJ Madsen Buzzsprout-9218498 Wed, 06 Oct 2021 22:00:00 -0600 2986 1 13 full false Becky Fawson: Separating Success from Self-Esteem Becky Fawson: Separating Success from Self-Esteem Becky Fawson pursues her passion for art with the same ferocity she did as an 18-year-old first-generation college student. Over the years, as she raised her family, she continued to hone and refine her skills as a graphic designer and illustrator. But it wasn’t until the grandchildren needed better picture books that she found her niche. “There are books that you want to hide from your children because you don't want them to bring it to you one more time,” she says.  Great children’s books, she says, will entertain, inspire, and visually delight. Fame and worldly notoriety are not the end game for Becky, but helping others feel valued by illustrating their story is. “I'm working with people, and they need somebody to value them too,” she says. If her art helps another feel their life has meaning, then Becky has lived well. Where some grandmas make quilts for their grandchildren, “I paint portraits,” she says.

]]> Becky Fawson pursues her passion for art with the same ferocity she did as an 18-year-old first-generation college student. Over the years, as she raised her family, she continued to hone and refine her skills as a graphic designer and illustrator. But it wasn’t until the grandchildren needed better picture books that she found her niche. “There are books that you want to hide from your children because you don't want them to bring it to you one more time,” she says.  Great children’s books, she says, will entertain, inspire, and visually delight. Fame and worldly notoriety are not the end game for Becky, but helping others feel valued by illustrating their story is. “I'm working with people, and they need somebody to value them too,” she says. If her art helps another feel their life has meaning, then Becky has lived well. Where some grandmas make quilts for their grandchildren, “I paint portraits,” she says.

]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA/Becky Fawson Buzzsprout-9194445 Wed, 15 Sep 2021 22:00:00 -0600 2206 LDSPMA, Latter-Day Saints, Becky Faswon 1 12 full false Margaret Blair Young: Be Open to Anything Margaret Blair Young: Be Open to Anything Since 2014, Margaret has worked in the Democratic Republic of Congo to help start the film industry there. Her Congolese team recently released its first feature--Heart of Africa--in both the Congo and the USA. Margaret worked for twenty years with Darius Gray telling stories of Black Latter-day Saint pioneers. She taught creative writing at BYU for thirty years and is a much-published author. 

]]> Since 2014, Margaret has worked in the Democratic Republic of Congo to help start the film industry there. Her Congolese team recently released its first feature--Heart of Africa--in both the Congo and the USA. Margaret worked for twenty years with Darius Gray telling stories of Black Latter-day Saint pioneers. She taught creative writing at BYU for thirty years and is a much-published author. 

]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA/Margaret Blair Young Buzzsprout-9125230 Wed, 01 Sep 2021 22:00:00 -0600 2463 LDSPMA, Latter-Day Saints,Margaret Blair Young 1 11 full false Jeff Wheeler: Truth in Fiction Jeff Wheeler: Truth in Fiction Jeff Wheeler is a sensitive soul. He once broke into wild tears as a young teen after reading a novel. But now, as a writer who creates books so engaging that readers stay awake late into the night, he feels no guilt for their loss of sleep. In this week’s podcast, Jeff shares his desire to create spellbinding fantasy fiction using religious themes that depict protagonists of strong moral character. His books, many of which are on the Wall Street Journal Bestseller list, stand in stark contrast to the grim and the dark and the gruesome that editors in the popular fiction field crave. 


]]> Jeff Wheeler is a sensitive soul. He once broke into wild tears as a young teen after reading a novel. But now, as a writer who creates books so engaging that readers stay awake late into the night, he feels no guilt for their loss of sleep. In this week’s podcast, Jeff shares his desire to create spellbinding fantasy fiction using religious themes that depict protagonists of strong moral character. His books, many of which are on the Wall Street Journal Bestseller list, stand in stark contrast to the grim and the dark and the gruesome that editors in the popular fiction field crave. 


]]> https://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA Buzzsprout-9013137 Wed, 18 Aug 2021 22:00:00 -0600 1993 LDSPMA, Latter-Day Saint, Jeff Wheeler 1 10 full false Gregg Deal: Compelled to Create Gregg Deal: Compelled to Create Gregg Deal is a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. Husband and father of four, Deal describes himself as a professional disruptor of the cowboy/Indian stereotype. He combines his artistic skills with a love of history to tell the story of his people, stirring new appreciation and soul searching in his audience.

On this episode Deal and host Ted Finch talk about the compelling drive to create, having persistence and faith despite setbacks and misunderstandings, the need to be true to your own beliefs, the healing power of art, and the covenant responsibility of Native Americans to care for their homeland.

Learn more about Gregg Deal and his work.


]]> Gregg Deal is a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. Husband and father of four, Deal describes himself as a professional disruptor of the cowboy/Indian stereotype. He combines his artistic skills with a love of history to tell the story of his people, stirring new appreciation and soul searching in his audience.

On this episode Deal and host Ted Finch talk about the compelling drive to create, having persistence and faith despite setbacks and misunderstandings, the need to be true to your own beliefs, the healing power of art, and the covenant responsibility of Native Americans to care for their homeland.

Learn more about Gregg Deal and his work.


]]> http://ldspma.org/podcast LDSPMA/Gregg Deal Buzzsprout-8923590 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 22:00:00 -0600 2391 LDSPMA, Latter-Day Saints, Gregg Deal, Native American 1 9 full false Ka Hancock and Spencer Hyde: Writing Honestly and Accurately about Mental Illness Ka Hancock and Spencer Hyde: Writing Honestly and Accurately about Mental Illness Be prepared to be stirred by two authors, Ka Hancock and Spencer Hyde. They both share how they portrayed the delicate subject of mental health by drawing on their up-close and personal perspectives. Ka Hancock, the author of Dancing on Broken Glass, is a former psychiatric nurse, and Spencer Hyde, professor at BYU and author of Waiting For Fitz and What the other Three Don’t Know uses his experience with severe OCD to speak through his characters. This subject is real and plucks at the deepest heartstrings.

As mentioned in the Podcast: Kay Redfield Jamison



]]> Be prepared to be stirred by two authors, Ka Hancock and Spencer Hyde. They both share how they portrayed the delicate subject of mental health by drawing on their up-close and personal perspectives. Ka Hancock, the author of Dancing on Broken Glass, is a former psychiatric nurse, and Spencer Hyde, professor at BYU and author of Waiting For Fitz and What the other Three Don’t Know uses his experience with severe OCD to speak through his characters. This subject is real and plucks at the deepest heartstrings.

As mentioned in the Podcast: Kay Redfield Jamison



]]> http://ldspma.org/podcast LDSPMA/Ka Hancock and Spencer Hyde Buzzsprout-8850019 Wed, 14 Jul 2021 22:00:00 -0600 2398 LDSPMA, Latter-Day Saints, Ka Hancock, Spencer Hyde 1 8 full false Heidi Tucker: The Power of Nonfiction Heidi Tucker: The Power of Nonfiction This week’s podcast features Heidi Tucker, a grandmother of 10 whose irrepressible happiness and deep-rooted hope have inspired many to take heart and rise to their opportunities. She is an award-winning speaker and writer who has been awarded Book of the Year, Best Inspirational, and Best Cover awards for her first two books Finding Hope in the Journey and Servie’s Song. Her latest release, The Secret Keepers is catching traction with readers around the world. Heidi is a mesmerizing storyteller with a nose to detect the gospel lesson in the most common events in life. The secret to abundant living, she will say, is to look a little closer to find God’s hand governing the little details in your life.  As a mother of four who has bandaged her share of knees and risen to her own challenges, Heidi has much to say and an engaging way to say it.
Check out her web page at: https://www.thepickledsunflower.com/my-story

]]> This week’s podcast features Heidi Tucker, a grandmother of 10 whose irrepressible happiness and deep-rooted hope have inspired many to take heart and rise to their opportunities. She is an award-winning speaker and writer who has been awarded Book of the Year, Best Inspirational, and Best Cover awards for her first two books Finding Hope in the Journey and Servie’s Song. Her latest release, The Secret Keepers is catching traction with readers around the world. Heidi is a mesmerizing storyteller with a nose to detect the gospel lesson in the most common events in life. The secret to abundant living, she will say, is to look a little closer to find God’s hand governing the little details in your life.  As a mother of four who has bandaged her share of knees and risen to her own challenges, Heidi has much to say and an engaging way to say it.
Check out her web page at: https://www.thepickledsunflower.com/my-story

]]> http://ldspma.org/podcast LDSPMA/Heidi Tucker Buzzsprout-8725356 Wed, 30 Jun 2021 22:00:00 -0600 2663 LDSPMA, Latter-Day Saints, Heidi Tucker 1 7 full false Jason F. Wright: Our Very Best Effort Jason F. Wright: Our Very Best Effort Jason F. Wright is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. He is also a popular speaker about the miracle of opening doors, faith, failure, the Christmas Jars movement, the lost art of letter writing, and many other topics. Each year Jason visits schools across the country and presents assemblies and writing workshops to students at all ages. 

Jason grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, but has also lived in Germany, Illinois, Brazil, Oregon and Utah. In 2007, while researching Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley for his novel The Wednesday Letters, Jason fell so in love with the area that he moved his family westward from northern Virginia to Woodstock.

Jason is married to Kodi Erekson Wright. They have two girls and two boys.

]]> Jason F. Wright is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. He is also a popular speaker about the miracle of opening doors, faith, failure, the Christmas Jars movement, the lost art of letter writing, and many other topics. Each year Jason visits schools across the country and presents assemblies and writing workshops to students at all ages. 

Jason grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, but has also lived in Germany, Illinois, Brazil, Oregon and Utah. In 2007, while researching Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley for his novel The Wednesday Letters, Jason fell so in love with the area that he moved his family westward from northern Virginia to Woodstock.

Jason is married to Kodi Erekson Wright. They have two girls and two boys.

]]> http://ldspma.org/podcast LDSPMA/Jason F. Wright Buzzsprout-8569512 Wed, 16 Jun 2021 22:00:00 -0600 2461 LDSPMA, Latter-Day Saints, Jason F. Wright 1 6 full false Clark G. Gilbert: The Opportunity of Disruptive Innovation Clark G. Gilbert: The Opportunity of Disruptive Innovation In 2017, President Clark G. Gilbert became the first president of BYU-Pathway Worldwide, a global online organization serving over 50,000 students in over 150 countries. President Gilbert previously served as the president of BYU-Idaho, the CEO of the Deseret News and Deseret Digital Media, and on the faculty of the Harvard Business School. President Gilbert currently serves as an area seventy, assigned to the Utah area. He and his wife Christine are the parents of 8 children.

]]> In 2017, President Clark G. Gilbert became the first president of BYU-Pathway Worldwide, a global online organization serving over 50,000 students in over 150 countries. President Gilbert previously served as the president of BYU-Idaho, the CEO of the Deseret News and Deseret Digital Media, and on the faculty of the Harvard Business School. President Gilbert currently serves as an area seventy, assigned to the Utah area. He and his wife Christine are the parents of 8 children.

]]> http://ldspma.org/podcast LDSPMA/Clark G. Gilbert Buzzsprout-8569257 Sun, 30 May 2021 22:00:00 -0600 2602 LDSPMA, Latter-Day Saints, Clark G. Gilbert 1 5 full false Abigayl Finch: Aspiring and Mentoring Abigayl Finch: Aspiring and Mentoring Abigayl Finch is a writer, baking expert, theatre aficionado, and might be a little obsessed with musicals. She is currently a public policy major at BYU-Idaho. On our journey to become voices of light, we don’t travel alone. Sometimes you are the hero. Other times you might be the mentor or an ally. You might even be all of these roles at the same time across several different life stories. In today’s interview Abigayl and I  talk about how you can be a mentor or ally to the creatives in your life. We will share how I have supported her as her father and how she has supported me as my daughter – allowing both of us to become stronger sources of light.


]]> Abigayl Finch is a writer, baking expert, theatre aficionado, and might be a little obsessed with musicals. She is currently a public policy major at BYU-Idaho. On our journey to become voices of light, we don’t travel alone. Sometimes you are the hero. Other times you might be the mentor or an ally. You might even be all of these roles at the same time across several different life stories. In today’s interview Abigayl and I  talk about how you can be a mentor or ally to the creatives in your life. We will share how I have supported her as her father and how she has supported me as my daughter – allowing both of us to become stronger sources of light.


]]> http://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA/Abigayl Finch Buzzsprout-8407645 Wed, 19 May 2021 22:00:00 -0600 2443 LDSPMA, Latter-Day Saints, Abigayl Finch 1 4 full false Rob Eaton: Moving Forward with Unexpected Opportunities Rob Eaton: Moving Forward with Unexpected Opportunities Rob Eaton has authored or co-authored multiple books for an LDS audience, including President Eyring’s biography, I Will Lead You Along. He is currently a professor of religious education and a Learning and Teaching Fellow at BYU-Idaho, and he serves as a stake president. Rob has worked as an attorney, institute director, seminary teacher, and other leadership positions at BYU-Idaho. 

]]> Rob Eaton has authored or co-authored multiple books for an LDS audience, including President Eyring’s biography, I Will Lead You Along. He is currently a professor of religious education and a Learning and Teaching Fellow at BYU-Idaho, and he serves as a stake president. Rob has worked as an attorney, institute director, seminary teacher, and other leadership positions at BYU-Idaho. 

]]> http://www.ldspma.org/podcast/ LDSPMA Buzzsprout-8275649 Wed, 14 Apr 2021 22:00:00 -0600 2567 LDSPMA, Latter-Day Saints, Rob Eaton 1 3 full false Al Carraway: Faith and Optimism Al Carraway: Faith and Optimism Al Carraway is a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ, writer, multi-award-winning international speaker, and author of the best-selling books, “Wildly Optimistic,” “More Than the Tattooed Mormon,” and “Cheers to Eternity!” After a decade spent in Arizona & Utah, she is now living with her husband, Ben, and her three kids back where she was raised, in New York, She has spent the last 10 years traveling worldwide inspiring others of her conversion and faith through difficult times. Her passion is to tell everyone that happiness exists, and it comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ. That He’s real. And how to find and love Him in the hard, in the unwanted, and the unexpected. Because through it all, with God, we have every reason to be wildly optimistic. In this episode, Al talks about how she has shared her voice of light and gives ideas for how others can share theirs. 

]]> Al Carraway is a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ, writer, multi-award-winning international speaker, and author of the best-selling books, “Wildly Optimistic,” “More Than the Tattooed Mormon,” and “Cheers to Eternity!” After a decade spent in Arizona & Utah, she is now living with her husband, Ben, and her three kids back where she was raised, in New York, She has spent the last 10 years traveling worldwide inspiring others of her conversion and faith through difficult times. Her passion is to tell everyone that happiness exists, and it comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ. That He’s real. And how to find and love Him in the hard, in the unwanted, and the unexpected. Because through it all, with God, we have every reason to be wildly optimistic. In this episode, Al talks about how she has shared her voice of light and gives ideas for how others can share theirs. 

]]> http://ldspma.org/podcast LDSPMA/ Al Carraway Buzzsprout-8161989 Wed, 17 Mar 2021 22:00:00 -0600 2156 LDSPMA, Latter-day Saint, Al Carraway 1 2 full false Steven Piersanti: We Need Voices of Light in Publishing Steven Piersanti: We Need Voices of Light in Publishing Steven Piersanti is one of the founding members of the Latter-day Saint Publishing and Media Association. He currently serves as the director of conferences and programs. Steve is also the president and publisher of Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc., a leading independent publisher of books on current affairs, personal growth, and business and management. 

]]> Steven Piersanti is one of the founding members of the Latter-day Saint Publishing and Media Association. He currently serves as the director of conferences and programs. Steve is also the president and publisher of Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc., a leading independent publisher of books on current affairs, personal growth, and business and management. 

]]> http://ldspma.org/podcast LDSPMA/Steven Piersanti Buzzsprout-7893886 Mon, 15 Feb 2021 22:00:00 -0700 2068 LDSPMA, Latter-Day Saints, Steven Piersanti 1 1 full false