Reps for Jesus Sat, 07 Mar 2026 14:44:31 -0500 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2444381 en-us © 2026 Reps for Jesus yes ac883185-356f-56cd-b362-5c717d2d7cad kianatbates@gmail.com Jess and Kiana Bates episodic false Just as we need to do reps to strengthen our physical health, we need to be doing reps to strengthen our spiritual health as well. 


We want to bring you along our journey to Christ as we discuss questions we have, discuss insights we’ve discovered, and bring friends on to hear their experiences and testimonies. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Christianity, God, Christ, Faith Jess and Kiana Bates kianatbates@gmail.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/5eil80eu7ytf1v4mx3elv8nkhh86?.jpg Reps for Jesus Jess Bates Kiana Bates Building an Unshakable Identity Through Relationship with God with Lisa McConnell Building an Unshakable Identity Through Relationship with God with Lisa McConnell From the outside looking in, Lisa McConnell has every right to be bitter. From developing a brain tumor in her early twenties and subsequently having 82 surgeries, to losing her marriage and her home, being a single mother for 9 years, and relearning how to walk three times, Lisa has had more than her fair share of pain. And yet, she is joyful and confident. She moves forward with boldness. She is a force for good. And she knows who she is. 

In this episode we break down how she went from hating God to having an undeniable closeness with Him. 

How her unshakable understanding of her own divine identity has come through her relationship with God. 

The importance of reading and trusting the promises in our patriarchal blessing.

The commandment to not fear.

How to transform prayer from routine to relationship building. 

Her admonition to act when instructed, and her experiences serving around the globe. 

How to find joy in the midst of sadness and chaos through repentance. 

And how, at the end of the day, the only opinion that truly matters is what God thinks of us.

]]> From the outside looking in, Lisa McConnell has every right to be bitter. From developing a brain tumor in her early twenties and subsequently having 82 surgeries, to losing her marriage and her home, being a single mother for 9 years, and relearning how to walk three times, Lisa has had more than her fair share of pain. And yet, she is joyful and confident. She moves forward with boldness. She is a force for good. And she knows who she is. 

In this episode we break down how she went from hating God to having an undeniable closeness with Him. 

How her unshakable understanding of her own divine identity has come through her relationship with God. 

The importance of reading and trusting the promises in our patriarchal blessing.

The commandment to not fear.

How to transform prayer from routine to relationship building. 

Her admonition to act when instructed, and her experiences serving around the globe. 

How to find joy in the midst of sadness and chaos through repentance. 

And how, at the end of the day, the only opinion that truly matters is what God thinks of us.

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-18749602 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0700 3905 1 28 full false Including God in All Aspects with Alena Flegel Including God in All Aspects with Alena Flegel Welcome back to the Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by Alena Flegel, the first friend that she made after moving to South Bend. Alena shares her experience in turning to God in her lowest moment and how she has applied the Atonement of Jesus Christ in her daily life. They discuss why they desire a close relationship with God, how they have been improving their prayers, and the peace that comes with trusting God's will. They both exchange experiences about how they have felt the constant love of God, regardless of what they had to offer. Alena shares her humble, heartfelt testimony of the power of prayer and the love of God.

]]> Welcome back to the Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by Alena Flegel, the first friend that she made after moving to South Bend. Alena shares her experience in turning to God in her lowest moment and how she has applied the Atonement of Jesus Christ in her daily life. They discuss why they desire a close relationship with God, how they have been improving their prayers, and the peace that comes with trusting God's will. They both exchange experiences about how they have felt the constant love of God, regardless of what they had to offer. Alena shares her humble, heartfelt testimony of the power of prayer and the love of God.

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-18606906 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0700 3609 1 27 full false Kaleb's Experience as a Gay Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Kaleb's Experience as a Gay Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints In his first ever role as interviewer for the "Reps for Jesus" podcast, Tyler gets an opportunity to interview Kaleb Reil. Not only is Kaleb a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he also identifies as gay. With many questions on the table, Tyler and Kaleb walk through what the past has been like, what he currently is pondering, and what the future might hold for him while Kaleb tries to answer these difficult questions for himself.

]]> In his first ever role as interviewer for the "Reps for Jesus" podcast, Tyler gets an opportunity to interview Kaleb Reil. Not only is Kaleb a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he also identifies as gay. With many questions on the table, Tyler and Kaleb walk through what the past has been like, what he currently is pondering, and what the future might hold for him while Kaleb tries to answer these difficult questions for himself.

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-18550704 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0700 3164 1 26 full false Humbly Seeking God's Will with Kaleb Reil Humbly Seeking God's Will with Kaleb Reil Welcome back to the Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by Kaleb Reil, a dear friend from Notre Dame. They discuss Kaleb's journey in seeking God's will for his future and the questions he has wrestled with as a gay member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He shares the miraculous path God provided for him to attend Notre Dame, how he has come to understand his divine identity as a son of God, and the absolute importance of our mortal experience on Earth. Kaleb is incredibly intelligent, articulate, and generously shares his powerful testimony of the love of God and Jesus Christ. 

]]> Welcome back to the Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by Kaleb Reil, a dear friend from Notre Dame. They discuss Kaleb's journey in seeking God's will for his future and the questions he has wrestled with as a gay member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He shares the miraculous path God provided for him to attend Notre Dame, how he has come to understand his divine identity as a son of God, and the absolute importance of our mortal experience on Earth. Kaleb is incredibly intelligent, articulate, and generously shares his powerful testimony of the love of God and Jesus Christ. 

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-18550693 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 20:00:00 -0700 5173 1 25 full false The Power of Boldness with Kelsie Midence The Power of Boldness with Kelsie Midence Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by her dear friend, Kelsie Midence! They discuss what it means to be a disciple of Christ, being bold for Christ, how Kelsie came to know of the reality of God, and how she includes God in her work as a photographer.

]]> Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by her dear friend, Kelsie Midence! They discuss what it means to be a disciple of Christ, being bold for Christ, how Kelsie came to know of the reality of God, and how she includes God in her work as a photographer.

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-18466529 Tue, 06 Jan 2026 21:00:00 -0700 2988 1 24 full false A Life of Service with Gabriel A Life of Service with Gabriel Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by her dear friend, Gabriel Baldonado! Gabriel shares how he has been able to develop a close relationship with God.

]]> Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by her dear friend, Gabriel Baldonado! Gabriel shares how he has been able to develop a close relationship with God.

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-17990841 Fri, 10 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0600 2935 1 23 full false Building Unshakable Faith with Yuu Bates Building Unshakable Faith with Yuu Bates Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by her mom, Yuu Bates! YuuB shares how she's been able to build rock solid faith, and how life is a process of continuing to turn back to God. 

]]> Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by her mom, Yuu Bates! YuuB shares how she's been able to build rock solid faith, and how life is a process of continuing to turn back to God. 

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-17784669 Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:00:00 -0600 2472 1 22 full false Defining Moments with Corb Heath Defining Moments with Corb Heath Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by dear friend, Corb Heath. Corb shares his extraordinary experience finding the gospel in his youth, how the Lord has been guiding him throughout his life, and how ultimately you get to choose what you do with the life God has given you.

]]> Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by dear friend, Corb Heath. Corb shares his extraordinary experience finding the gospel in his youth, how the Lord has been guiding him throughout his life, and how ultimately you get to choose what you do with the life God has given you.

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-17705533 Wed, 20 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0600 3659 1 21 full false Unanswered Prayers and Overcoming Bitterness with McKell Parsons Unanswered Prayers and Overcoming Bitterness with McKell Parsons Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by dear friend, McKell Parsons. McKell shares her experience releasing bitterness toward God and how she's learned to trust Him even when it feels like prayers are going unanswered.

]]> Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by dear friend, McKell Parsons. McKell shares her experience releasing bitterness toward God and how she's learned to trust Him even when it feels like prayers are going unanswered.

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-17631837 Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:00:00 -0600 2899 1 20 full false Fatherly Advice about Change with Kent Bates Fatherly Advice about Change with Kent Bates Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by her dad, Kent Bates, to get some advice before moving to Indiana for grad school. Her dad shares about viewing new opportunities as exciting adventures, this life being an opportunity to grow and learn about the Savior, and the importance of being careful over casual with our testimonies. 

]]> Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by her dad, Kent Bates, to get some advice before moving to Indiana for grad school. Her dad shares about viewing new opportunities as exciting adventures, this life being an opportunity to grow and learn about the Savior, and the importance of being careful over casual with our testimonies. 

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-17543077 Tue, 22 Jul 2025 13:00:00 -0600 3757 1 19 full false Following the Prophet's Call Following the Prophet's Call Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Jess and Kiana discuss how Christ is showing up in their lives right now, Kiana's process in finding housing for her upcoming move, the importance of trials and hardships, collateral damage when following the Savior, and the story of Elisha. 

]]> Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Jess and Kiana discuss how Christ is showing up in their lives right now, Kiana's process in finding housing for her upcoming move, the importance of trials and hardships, collateral damage when following the Savior, and the story of Elisha. 

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-17517856 Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0600 3347 1 18 full false Building a Relationship with God and Jesus Christ with Dalton Calderwood Building a Relationship with God and Jesus Christ with Dalton Calderwood Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by her dear friend, Dalton Calderwood, to discuss the beauty of knowing God as our Heavenly Father, how we've been able to develop a relationship with Him, and the role that Christ plays in our lives. 

]]> Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by her dear friend, Dalton Calderwood, to discuss the beauty of knowing God as our Heavenly Father, how we've been able to develop a relationship with Him, and the role that Christ plays in our lives. 

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-17502587 Mon, 14 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0600 4595 1 17 full false An Eye Single to the Glory of God with Amie Serassio An Eye Single to the Glory of God with Amie Serassio Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by her dear friend, Amie Serassio, to talk about keeping an eye single to the glory of God and how we can glorify Him no matter the circumstances of our lives.

]]> Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by her dear friend, Amie Serassio, to talk about keeping an eye single to the glory of God and how we can glorify Him no matter the circumstances of our lives.

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-17425572 Mon, 30 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0600 2247 1 16 full false After the Trial of Your Faith with Andy Lindsay After the Trial of Your Faith with Andy Lindsay Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by filmmaker and family friend, Andy Lindsay, to talk about using your talents for good, and how the purpose of trials is who we become in the process.

]]> Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by filmmaker and family friend, Andy Lindsay, to talk about using your talents for good, and how the purpose of trials is who we become in the process.

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-17346499 Mon, 16 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0600 3570 1 15 full false The Year of the Cross The Year of the Cross Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Jess and Kiana discuss Kent turning 33 and the year of the cross—the joy and peace that comes through being yoked with Christ, President Nelson’s talk about confidence in the presence of God, the impact of attending the temple, and how we can do all things for Christ. 

]]> Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Jess and Kiana discuss Kent turning 33 and the year of the cross—the joy and peace that comes through being yoked with Christ, President Nelson’s talk about confidence in the presence of God, the impact of attending the temple, and how we can do all things for Christ. 

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-17268395 Mon, 02 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0600 1294 1 14 full false Cultivating a Christ-Centered Home Cultivating a Christ-Centered Home Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Jess and Kiana discuss cultivating Christ-centered homes, Jesus Night and the importance of gathering, charity in action, and how removing social media has strengthened our relationship with Christ.

]]> Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Jess and Kiana discuss cultivating Christ-centered homes, Jesus Night and the importance of gathering, charity in action, and how removing social media has strengthened our relationship with Christ.

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-17178543 Fri, 16 May 2025 23:00:00 -0600 3689 1 13 full false Faith to Act & the Importance of Knowing Your Divine Heritage with Talavou Fitisemanu Faith to Act & the Importance of Knowing Your Divine Heritage with Talavou Fitisemanu Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by heritage artist Vou Fitisemanu to discuss his journey in leaving behind football to pursue art, how he's taken steps into the darkness and trusted the process, and the importance of remembering your divine heritage.

]]> Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by heritage artist Vou Fitisemanu to discuss his journey in leaving behind football to pursue art, how he's taken steps into the darkness and trusted the process, and the importance of remembering your divine heritage.

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-17077000 Thu, 01 May 2025 06:00:00 -0600 3061 1 12 full false Co-Creating with God and the Impact of Choosing to Serve a Mission with Spencer Burns and Carter Blakley Co-Creating with God and the Impact of Choosing to Serve a Mission with Spencer Burns and Carter Blakley Welcome back to the Reps for Jesus podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by two of her friends, Spencer Burns and Carter Blakley, to discuss being co-creators with God, their conversion stories, and what they learned from their missions.

]]> Welcome back to the Reps for Jesus podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by two of her friends, Spencer Burns and Carter Blakley, to discuss being co-creators with God, their conversion stories, and what they learned from their missions.

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-17056770 Mon, 28 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0600 2943 1 11 full false Promises Fulfilled Promises Fulfilled Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Jess and Kiana share their life updates--grad school and moving--and how charity gives us confidence.

]]> Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Jess and Kiana share their life updates--grad school and moving--and how charity gives us confidence.

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-17013220 Mon, 21 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0600 2735 1 10 full false Mindset and Gratitude with Hannah Geppert Mindset and Gratitude with Hannah Geppert Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by one of her best friends, Hannah Geppert. Kiana and Hannah dive into the power of our minds, the importance of gratitude, and trusting in God.

]]> Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by one of her best friends, Hannah Geppert. Kiana and Hannah dive into the power of our minds, the importance of gratitude, and trusting in God.

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-16890632 Mon, 31 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0600 2357 1 9 full false Stories of Faith with Baachan Stories of Faith with Baachan Today we are joined by a very special guest, Baachan! 

]]> Today we are joined by a very special guest, Baachan! 

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-16852283 Mon, 24 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0600 2725 full false Gratitude, Fear, & Deliverance Gratitude, Fear, & Deliverance In this episode, Jess, Kent, and Kiana discuss gratitude, our intentions for Lent, and how we combat fear

]]> In this episode, Jess, Kent, and Kiana discuss gratitude, our intentions for Lent, and how we combat fear

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-16765428 Mon, 10 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0600 2714 1 7 full false Fasting & LENT Fasting & LENT We have a very special guest on today's podcast: Jess' husband and Kiana's brother, Kent Bates!

In preparation for Easter and the beginning of Lent this week, we are discussing fasting--why we fast and core experiences we've had while fasting.

]]> We have a very special guest on today's podcast: Jess' husband and Kiana's brother, Kent Bates!

In preparation for Easter and the beginning of Lent this week, we are discussing fasting--why we fast and core experiences we've had while fasting.

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-16726277 Mon, 03 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0700 2481 1 6 full false Prayer: Marco Polo-ing God Prayer: Marco Polo-ing God Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-16683768 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0700 1936 1 5 full false Revelation: It's Not Time to Know Yet Revelation: It's Not Time to Know Yet In this episode, Jess and Kiana talk about:

When we are seeking for answers and God says that it's just not time to know yet

God slowing us down so we are in time for our blessings

Trusting that God wants to communicate with us

Preparing for revelation

It's okay to be discouraged

Choosing to turn to Christ

Who we are becoming in the process

God's greatest creation is US


]]> In this episode, Jess and Kiana talk about:

When we are seeking for answers and God says that it's just not time to know yet

God slowing us down so we are in time for our blessings

Trusting that God wants to communicate with us

Preparing for revelation

It's okay to be discouraged

Choosing to turn to Christ

Who we are becoming in the process

God's greatest creation is US


]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-16637475 Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0700 1839 full false Why Do We Want the Spirit? Why Do We Want the Spirit? Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-16555497 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0700 2412 1 3 full false Faith in God: The Importance of Getting Your Feet Wet Faith in God: The Importance of Getting Your Feet Wet In this episode Jess and Kiana talk faith. The story of Moses. Joshua. How faith is a principle of action of power. Seeing Jesus enter our stories in miraculous ways. The importance of keeping a record of manifestations of God's love in our lives. The gift of being part of the journey. And how most of the time, we don't see God's hand in our lives until we look back.

]]> In this episode Jess and Kiana talk faith. The story of Moses. Joshua. How faith is a principle of action of power. Seeing Jesus enter our stories in miraculous ways. The importance of keeping a record of manifestations of God's love in our lives. The gift of being part of the journey. And how most of the time, we don't see God's hand in our lives until we look back.

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-16511970 Mon, 27 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0700 1239 1 2 full false Trusting the Process: Navigating God's Will and Timing Trusting the Process: Navigating God's Will and Timing In this episode, Jess and Kiana discuss the powerful and sometimes perplexing journey of understanding and aligning with God’s will for our lives. From moments of uncertainty to the deep peace that comes with trusting His timing, we explore how to discern His voice and respond faithfully when things don’t go according to our plans.

Join us as we share personal stories, biblical insights, and practical tips for cultivating patience and trust in God’s perfect timing. Whether you're in a season of waiting, struggling with direction, or seeking reassurance, this episode will encourage you to rest in the truth that God’s plan for you is always unfolding in the best possible way.

]]> In this episode, Jess and Kiana discuss the powerful and sometimes perplexing journey of understanding and aligning with God’s will for our lives. From moments of uncertainty to the deep peace that comes with trusting His timing, we explore how to discern His voice and respond faithfully when things don’t go according to our plans.

Join us as we share personal stories, biblical insights, and practical tips for cultivating patience and trust in God’s perfect timing. Whether you're in a season of waiting, struggling with direction, or seeking reassurance, this episode will encourage you to rest in the truth that God’s plan for you is always unfolding in the best possible way.

]]> Jess and Kiana Bates Buzzsprout-16473682 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:00:00 -0700 2053 1 1 full false