Leading Saints Podcast

John Hilton III was born in San Francisco and grew up in Seattle. He served a mission in Denver, and got a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University. While there he met his wife Lani and they have six children. They have lived in Boise, Boston, Miami, Mexico, Jerusalem and China. John has a Master’s degree from Harvard and a Ph.D from BYU, both in Education. John is a professor of Religious Education at BYU. John has published several books with Deseret Book, including Considering the Cross: How Calvary Connects Us with Christ. He’s the author of the new course “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.” Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Links ScriptureCentral.org Scripture Central on YouTube Finding Christ in the Old Testament Newsroom: New Guidance on Bible Translations for Latter-day Saints Handbook: 38.8.40.1 Editions and translations of the Holy Bible YouVersion Bible App page (Apple app here) Keeping Jesus as the Center of Leadership | An Interview with

Joshua Sears earned his BA in Ancient Near Eastern Studies at Brigham Young University, an MA from The Ohio State University, and a PhD in Hebrew Bible from The University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on biblical polygamy, the book of Isaiah, and Latter-day Saint Bible editions. He has presented at numerous academic and Church-related conferences and is the author of A Modern Guide to an Old Testament. Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Links A Modern Guide to an Old Testament BYU Religious Studies Center: rsc.byu.edu Kerry Muhlestein: “A Savior with a Sword” Blue Letter Bible BibleHub NetBible.org NRSVUE Bible: New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Key Insights Understanding Genres: The Old Testament contains various literary genres, including poetry, narrative, and prophecy. Recognizing these genres is crucial for proper interpretation and enhances the reading experience. Challen

Will Kennedy and Isiah Gray are members of Brothaz in the Foyer, a group that produces content to represent and share the experiences of Black members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are part of a larger group of hosts for the Brothaz in the Foyer Podcast, and their goal is to bring people “from the foyer into the chapel.” This conversation explores their personal journeys, the dynamics of race within the Church, and the importance of fostering understanding and inclusivity. Links YouTube: @brothazinthefoyer Instagram: @brothazinthefoyer TikTok: @brothazinthefoyer Paul Reeve books Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Key Insights Experiences in the Temple: Will and Isiah share how their experiences as Black men in the temple often draw attention, highlighting the need for normalization of diverse representation within sacred spaces. Cultural Differences: The hosts discuss how their backgrounds influence their experiences in the Church, noting th

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Primary is so much more than schedules, rolls, and meetings—it’s a sacred opportunity to love, lift, and lead like the Savior. In this inspiring interview, we explore how Primary presidencies and leaders can transform everyday administration into meaningful ministry. Michelle Colledge lives in Cedar Hills, Utah with her husband, Rick, and their five children. She owns and coaches at Canyon Gymnastics and loves reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. She graduated from Utah Valley University, served a full-time mission in the North Carolina Raleigh Mission, and has served in various callings including stake Primary president, ward Primary president, and in several Primary and Young Women presidencies. Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Key Insights Building Community: Michelle emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of community within Primary by engaging with children and their families, such

Blake Erickson is the co-founder of Scaling.com, a company dedicated to helping entrepreneurs scale bigger and faster than they ever thought possible. He is the co-author of the New York Times best-selling book The Science of Scaling, and a highly sought-after keynote speaker specializing in guiding companies and individuals to achieve rapid growth and seemingly impossible goals. Blake resides in Utah with his amazing wife, Bre, and their two sons. Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Links The Science of Scaling: Grow Your Business Bigger and Faster Than You Think Possible Scaling.com/Audiobook The Science of Scaling Your Ward | An Interview with Benjamin Hardy Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights Blake discusses the importance of setting ambitious goals and the principles of effective leadership within the context of Latter-day Saint service. The conversation emphasizes how faith and intentionality can lead to significant results in both

Kurt Francom, the executive director of Leading Saints, shares his thoughts on the challenges and responsibilities of leading a nonprofit organization within the Latter-day Saint community. He reflects on the need for support, the complexities of church culture, and the importance of individual leadership in building the Kingdom of God. Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Links “I’m Not the Gatekeeper, I’m the Welcoming Committee” | An Interview with Kurt Brown Being an Advocate for Those You Lead | An Interview with Robert Ferrell Rallying the Ward Around Sacrament Meeting | A How I Lead Interview with Ryan Webb Getting the Youth to Do Hard Things | A How I Lead Interview with Tanner Pursley Young Men Can Do Hard Things | A How I Lead Interview with Skylar Haws Zion Lab: LeadingSaints.org/Zion Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights Funding Challenges: Kurt discusses the difficulties of securing funding for Leading Saints, emphasizing the nee

This podcast episode features part of a Zion Lab live stream conversation with a group of ward and stake leaders discussing the purpose and execution of ward conferences. The conversation emphasizes the need for meaningful engagement and feedback from members to enhance the effectiveness of these conferences. Watch and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Links General Handbook 29.2.3 Ward Conference Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights 04:26 - Overcoming Traditional Approaches 06:08 - Gathering Feedback from Members 08:21 - Creating Meaningful Experiences 10:00 - Handbook Guidelines for Ward Conferences 12:45 - Shifting Focus from Burden to Blessing 14:09 - Unique Approaches to Ward Conferences 15:37 - Scheduling Ward Conferences Effectively 18:21 - Addressing Local Needs vs. Stake Focus 20:01 - The Purpose of Ward Conferences 24:40 - The Distance Between Stake and Ward 26:01 - Building Positive Stake-Ward Relationships Key Insights Purpose of Ward Conferences

Jenn Curtis is the president of North Star, an organization dedicated to supporting LGBT Latter-day Saints. With a lifelong commitment to the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jenn has navigated her own journey of self-discovery and faith, advocating for understanding and compassion within the Church community. She has been actively involved in creating resources and spaces for dialogue around LGBT issues and faith, helping individuals reconcile their identities with their beliefs. Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Links NorthStarSaints.org Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights This podcast conversation centers on Jenn's personal journey with same-sex attraction, her experiences within the church, and the importance of community and understanding in navigating these complex issues. Key Insights Personal Journey: Jenn shares her experience of coming to terms with her same-sex attraction while married, emphasizing

Roy Zwahlen has extensive background in innovation. He serves as Chief Strategy Officer at the Eshelman Institute of Innovation, which develops therapeutics and digital health technologies and startups. Roy recently co-authored the book Race to Innovation: Unleashing the Power of Entrepreneurship for Everyone. He also serves as Associate Dean at the University of North Carolina (UNC). Roy has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brigham Young University and a Juris Doctor from the George Mason School of Law. He has executive education in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and Chief Strategy Officer executive training from Wharton School of Business. Roy loves spending his early mornings hassling 20+ teenagers as a Seminary teacher in Pittsboro, North Carolina. He has served in bishoprics, elders quorum presidencies, Sunday School presidencies, and in various teacher callings with Primary clearly being the best. Roy, his wife, and their five children—all of w

For the past seven years, Ajax Trueblood has served as an Elders Quorum Service Coordinator in two different wards in Utah—and he calls it the best calling in the Church. Through that experience, he’s learned that consistent, inspired service doesn’t just bless those being helped—it transforms the hearts and unity of those who serve. Links Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Elders Quorum Service Coordinator Movers & Shakers Squad Soup Patrol in Elders Quorum Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights Ajax shares his experience magnifying the often-overlooked calling of the elders quorum service coordinator. He talks about shifting the culture of an elders quorum to be proactively service-oriented, fostering spiritual growth, and extending Christlike care to members and the community beyond the traditional tasks of moving furniture. Ajax emphasizes that selfless service is a central, scriptural tenet of the gospel that should guide the quorum's

Daniel Johnston is a Major in the United States Air Force, serving as a maintenance officer with experience commanding teams in both combat and training environments. He currently serves as the Director of Operations for the C-5 Maintenance Squadron at Dover Air Force Base. His previous assignments include serving as an Air Force ROTC instructor at Brigham Young University and as the Logistics Fielding Chief for the T-7A Red Hawk program. Daniel is also the author of Leading with Faith, a book that explores how modern leaders can apply faith-centered principles drawn from scripture and Church history. He earned both his bachelor’s degree and MBA from Brigham Young University. After serving a two-year mission in the England London Mission, he has continued to serve in various leadership roles within his local congregation, including as a stake Sunday School president, a member of a bishopric, and currently as a Gospel Doctrine teacher. Links Leading with Faith: Timeless Lessons from Spiritual Giants Tra

This podcast episode is a portion of a Zion Lab livestream discussing the challenges and best practices of bishop's wives as they support their husbands in their demanding calling. Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights The central topic of the conversation revolved around navigating the emotional, physical, and relational demands of the role, with a particular focus on combating the common feeling of loneliness and isolation experienced by the wives. The conversation provided practical tools for setting boundaries and lessons on delegation. Key Insights Loneliness and Entity Status: A common struggle is the feeling of loneliness, stemming from the bishop’s need for strict confidentiality (preventing him from sharing heavy matters with his wife) and the public perception of the family as a "third person" or "entity," which can complicate social dynamics within the ward. The Need for Boundaries: Wives act as

Liberty Kepford lives in Tallahassee, Florida. She is a youth Sunday School teacher and has also served in a Primary presidency and as a Primary teacher. Liberty previously taught 5th grade and now works as a curriculum writer for the homeschool curriculum "Art Makes Me Smart". She and her father, Robert Johnson, are the authors of Autism in Christ’s Church. Robert Johnson lives in Starr Valley, Nevada. He serves in his ward Sunday School presidency and has previously served in a stake presidency and as a bishop. He recently retired from teaching K-12 Special Education, is a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), and runs Nevada Behavior and Autism. Robert and his wife are Liberty's parents and will be serving a mission in Kumasi, Ghana, starting in 2026. Links Autism in Christ's Church Church Disabilities Help Disability Specialist in the Handbook Navigating Autism as a Church Leader | An Interview with Michele Portlock Why Your Ward Needs a Disabilities Specialist | A How I Lead Interview with Anna

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in August 2020. Greg McKeown has dedicated his career to discovering why some people and teams break through to the next level—and others don’t. The definitive treatment of this issue is addressed in his New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. Greg hosts The Greg McKeown Podcast with guests such as Harvard professor Arthur Brooks, Matthew McConaughey, Maria Shriver, John Hope Bryant, and Ariana Huffington. He is one of the most sought-after public speakers globally, with clients including Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Nike. Originally from London, England, Greg now lives near Phoenix, Arizona, with his wife Anna and their family. In this interview Greg and Kurt talk about how small, consistent steps are more effective for creating lasting change than grand, overwhelming efforts. At the time of this recording, Greg was serving as an elders quorum president in his ward in California. Links Being an

Jeff McCullough is an ordained minister and has served in ministry for over 25 years, including 15 years in pastoral ministry. He holds a Master's in Biblical Studies from Moody Theological Seminary. Now serving in Utah, Jeff previously spent two decades preaching and leading in the St. Louis area. He focuses on using online platforms to create content that fosters curious, honest, and respectful interfaith conversations about faith, Jesus, and scripture. Jeff and his wife, Joy, have four children. Links @HelloSaints on YouTube @Hello.Saints on Instagram Fitting in With Other Christian Churches | A Discussion with Jeff McCullough When a Pastor Explores The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | An Interview with Jeff McCullough Allowing Our Pain to Turn Us to Christ | An Interview with Joy McCullough A Latter-day Saint Bishop Sits Down with Four Evangelical Pastors Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights Jeff discusses the evolution of his content creation, and hi

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in May 2019. Tad R. Callister served as Sunday School general president, in the Presidency of the Seventy, as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy, an Area Seventy, president of the Canada Toronto East mission, regional representative, stake president, bishop, and as a full-time missionary in the Eastern Atlantic States Mission. Brother Callister held an accounting degree from BYU, a Juris Doctorate degree from UCLA, and a master’s degree in tax law from NYU Law School. He is the grandson of apostle LeGrand Richards and the author of several books, including The Infinite Atonement and A Case for the Book of Mormon. He and his wife, Kathryn Louise Saporiti, are the parents of six children. Links A Case for the Book of Mormon God’s Compelling Witness: The Book of Mormon Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights 2:30 Moving on from being released as General Sunday School president 4:20 Which came first, the book or th

Skyler Wilcox is originally from Logan, Utah and is the senior administrator with the Especially For Youth (EFY) program. He has a bachelors degree in Broadcast Journalism and a masters degree in Public Administration, both from Brigham Young University. After working as a counselor and coordinator for four summers, Skyler joined the EFY team full time in 2020. When not at work, he enjoys cheering on his favorite sports teams, including the Jazz, Cougars, Cowboys, and Mammoth. He also loves musical theater and performing on stage. Skyler married his sweetheart Jenny and they have adopted four children through foster care. Previous Church callings include ward clerk, assistant executive secretary, youth Sunday School teacher, and elders quorum secretary. Links EFY: Especially for Youth Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights Overview The conversation centers on how EFY has successfully adapted its model after the Church's 2019 announcement of FSY (For the Strength of Yout

High Council members engaged in a live discussion focused on sharing ideas and experiences to strengthen how councils serve their wards and stakes. This podcast is a portion of the livestream discussion. Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Links The entire conversation and transcript are available in the Zion Lab community Highlights Overview This episode of the Zion Lab live stream from Leading Saints featured a discussion among several current and former Stake High Councilors, focusing on the practical challenges and opportunities of their calling. The participants shared their experiences, best practices, and innovative ideas for magnifying their assignments, effectively bridging communication between the stake and ward levels, and overcoming feelings of inadequacy. Key Insights The Need for Proactivity: The High Council calling can often feel "open-ended," allowing a High Councilor to "do as much as you want" or very little. Leaders are encouraged to be proactive—actively

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in February 2024. Marjorie Nelson Lowder discusses the remarkable life and enduring influence of her mother, Dantzel White Nelson. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Marjorie grew up as the 9th of 10 children of President Russell M. Nelson and Sister Dantzel White Nelson, surrounded by music, books, art, faith and lots of love. She loves to spend time creating, being in nature and gathering with her family and friends. She is an artist, vocalist, and the author/illustrator of a book based on a favorite lullaby her mother used to sing, Pudding on the Moon. This conversation honors Dantzel's legacy as a deeply-faithful Latter-day Saint, wife, and mother, emphasizing the principles and traditions she established that created a foundation of unity and spiritual strength for her family. Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Links Pudding on the Moon Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights In