Leading Saints Podcast

Jeff Strong worked nearly 30 years in the consumer products industry as a senior executive at Procter & Gamble and global president and chief customer officer at Johnson & Johnson. He then taught in the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University and worked as an advisor to the Church before serving as a mission leader in the Arkansas Bentonville Mission. Jeff has since spent several years doing research on why people are leaving the Church. He recently published the book Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn from Them. Jeff lives in Midway, Utah, and stays busy with a little lavender farm, some business consulting, and enjoying family. Links Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn from Them What to Say When Loved Ones Leave the Church | An Interview with Jeff Strong and Joseph Grenny The Data Behind Church Culture | An Interview with Jeff Strong TornByJeffStrong.com Instagram: @tornbyjeffstrong Facebook Watch t

Robin Ritch has spent her career building things that matter. She has led teams at Microsoft, Intel, and Cisco, and most recently served as President and Publisher of Deseret News Publishing Company, where she helped transform a 172-year-old institution into a nationally recognized digital voice. Throughout her career, Robin has had a knack for seeing around corners. She has launched new products, modernized organizations, and brought together unlikely communities around conversations that matter. She gives back through board service at The Policy Project, WikiCharities, Social Venture Partners, and Mission Edge, organizations working to make communities stronger. For as long as she can remember, Robin has been fascinated by women and their relationship with God. That lifelong curiosity is what led her to write “Using Friction to Grow”, her first book. Robin examines case studies of Latter-day Saint women who navigated significant social and ecclesiastical changes during the 1970s. She discusses h

David Boice is a faith-based storyteller and traveler originally from Wausau, Wisconsin, and the creator of the YouTube series 52 Churches in 52 Weeks. What began as a personal search for a spiritual home became a nationwide journey through nearly 200 congregations, documenting not just what churches teach, but how they receive those walking in for the first time. His work offers a unique window into the lived experience of faith, community, and belonging across modern Christianity. Through these road stories, David has developed a thoughtful perspective on the subtle dynamics that shape religious communities—hospitality, fellowship, teaching, and the process by which a stranger becomes an insider. His content blends spiritual curiosity with candid reflection, inviting viewers to engage faith in a more personal and experiential way. In April 2024, David was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He recently relocated to Utah and is now developing 52 Temples in 52 Weeks, a companion pro

Jump into Zion Lab: https://app.leadingsaints.org In this episode we back up to early March for the first “Leading Saints Live” livestream where Kurt Francom explains more about Zion Lab and shares highlights from discussions. We discuss: Zion Lab as a Resource Generational Disconnect: The gap between older and younger generations, the pressure to conform to expectations, and the facade of compliance rather than genuine engagement Bishopric Responsibilities: Shifting responsibilities of bishops and balancing their focus on youth while ensuring all members receive adequate support and ministering Communication Strategies: Ask open-ended questions and foster a non-judgmental environment to promote dialogue and understanding Boundary Changes and Transparency: Is there a need for transparency regarding boundary changes? Can communication reduce anxiety and foster acceptance? The Power of Naming: Inclusion and Belonging for LGBTQ+ Families in Church Discussions How to become a Zion Builder (and how

Zion Lab: https://app.leadingsaints.org/ Leading Saints Live | March Recap + The Future of Leading Saints Kurt Francom shares highlights from the past month in Zion Lab — Leading Saints’ growing online community app — and digs into the biggest topic on everyone’s mind: the upcoming changes to the Sunday meeting schedule taking effect September 6. In this episode: What is Zion Lab and why Kurt thinks it’s the future of Leading Saints The AI Clerk feature and how it helps church leaders find answers fast Reactions and discussion around the new split Sunday meeting schedule Kurt’s Elders Quorum small-group format and why it works so well for the shorter class time A bishop’s “Bishop’s Youth Discussion” model that’s transforming youth engagement How to become a Zion Builder (and how to get a sponsored membership if cost is a barrier) Links & Resources:

Jeff Strong worked nearly 30 years in the consumer products industry as a senior executive at Procter & Gamble and global president and chief customer officer at Johnson & Johnson. He then taught in the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University and worked as an advisor to the Church before serving as a mission leader in the Arkansas Bentonville Mission. Jeff has since spent several years doing research on why people are leaving the Church. While not a professional researcher, his career involved a large amount of research and the research he shares in this podcast was done with the help of some of the top Latter-day Saint researchers in the world. Today, Jeff lives in Midway, Utah, and stays busy with a little lavender farm, some business consulting, and enjoying family. Joseph Grenny is a lifelong student of social science whose writings are references in major universities around the world. He is a New York Times bestselling author of eight books, including leadership, influence and

Tucker Boyle has spent over 25 years teaching Seminary and Institute for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he has worked closely with youth and young adults to help them deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and navigate real-life challenges with faith and awareness. He has served as a Young Single Adult bishop and in other leadership callings, giving him a front-line perspective on the complexities individuals face in their spiritual journeys. Tucker is the founder of Harmony Road Retreats, a nonprofit organization that creates compassionate, supportive spaces for individuals wanting to find inner harmony while experiencing shifts in their faith. Through retreats, teaching, and his podcast Call to Harmony, he helps people develop practical tools for navigating spiritual dissonance, regulating the nervous system, and cultivating a more grounded, personal connection with God. He lives in Spanish Fork, Utah, with his wife Katie and their five children. Links https://www.harmonyro

A best-selling author and internationally sought-after speaker and consultant, Michael Timms teaches practical leadership strategies that drive high-performance. He earned an M.B.A. from Utah State University, and was a consultant with Deloitte and an HR leader in the construction and manufacturing industries, prior to forming his own consultancy. Michael is the author of How Leaders Can Inspire Accountability and Succession Planning That Works. Links Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community How Leaders Can Inspire Accountability: Three Habits That Make or Break Leaders and Elevate Organizational Performance How to Claim Your Leadership Power | Michael Timms MichaelTimms.com Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights Michael talks about the principles of accountability within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The discussion focuses on how leaders can foster a culture of ownership and high performance among volunteers without relying

Steve Webber served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Spain Barcelona Mission and later graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Business Management. Professionally, he owns and manages an advertising agency. Steve has served in various leadership capacities, including bishop, high counselor, Young Men president, elders quorum president, and high priest group leader. These experiences, along with his time as a home minister, have given him a unique perspective on how valiant ministering can bless the flock of the Good Shepherd. He currently hosts the Home Ministering Podcast on YouTube. Steve lives in Cedar Hills, Utah, with his wife, Jana. They are the parents of five children and five grandchildren. Links HomeMinistering.com Home Ministering: The Process of Perfecting the Saints Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights Steve discusses the evolution of mini

Brandon Bennett currently serves as a Professor of Religious Education at Brigham Young University–Idaho. He previously worked for more than a decade in Seminaries and Institutes of Religion in Utah and Texas, where he was blessed to teach the restored gospel to many remarkable youth and young adults. Throughout much of his adult life, he has held callings working with the rising generation, focusing on strengthening their faith in Jesus Christ and helping them build a firm spiritual foundation. His experiences as a religious educator and youth leader have reinforced the importance of teaching truth “in plainness” (2 Nephi 31:3). Teaching doctrine with clarity and simplicity has, therefore, become one of his great priorities and convictions. He believes that as we seek to clearly understand and faithfully apply the principles taught in the scriptures and the words of the prophets—free from false assumptions—we place ourselves in a position to more fully receive the Savior’s power, peace, and direction in our

Ganel-Lyn Condie is a popular speaker, author, and mental health advocate. With insight shaped by faith, lived experience, and cultural awareness, she brings both compassion and clarity to the question many leaders and members are asking: How do we help people feel seen, known, and loved—especially those on the margins? In this episode, Ganel-Lyn discusses her new book, Sourdough and the Savior, which explores the parallels between the process of making sourdough bread and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The conversation emphasizes the importance of ministering, community building, and personal growth through shared experiences. Links Sourdough and the Savior Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Key Insights Sourdough as a Metaphor: Ganel-Lyn uses sourdough baking as a metaphor for understanding the characteristics of the Savior, illustrating how personal struggles can lead to spiritual growth. Ministering through C

Frank Schwartz is a husband—for nearly 25 years—and a father of three girls. He has served in several bishoprics, elders quorum presidencies, high councils, high priest group leaderships and Young Men presidencies (back when those were a thing), and a variety of other callings over the years. Frank did undergraduate and graduate work in Psychology and worked in television before starting a small, boutique, corporate communications firm. Most recently he has worked for a client in the healthcare payments space. Frank joined F3 in 2014 and has served in the national leadership in different capacities prior to taking over as Nant’an/CEO in 2024. Links Fellowshipping Men in Elders Quorum | An Interview with Frank Schwartz Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights 00:02:40 – Discussion on Elders Quorum Engagement 00:03:01 – Personal Experience with F3 and Transformation 00:05:11 – The Importan

Brother Eric Richards teaches Institute and Seminary in the Utah North Area, is a member of the Veritas society, a contributing author for the Patheos project, and a member of the International Writers and Editors Association. He has served in several Bishoprics, twice on High Councils, in the Stake Presidency, and now serves as a Bishop. For five years, Brother Richards and his team wrote the Online Seminary Curriculum. He presents at BYU and BYU-Idaho Education Week and is the author of Preparing for the Second Coming, Come Follow Me: Words of the Week, and was a contributing author for Deseret Book’s “Hear Him” project. He’s a certified Neuroscience Coach, and a great pickleball player in his free time. Brother Richards grew up attending the Mountain View Baptist Church in San Diego before missionaries baptized him and his mom. He served a mission in Honduras, and his son later served in the same mission. He first moved to Utah after meeting his future wife at EFY, and taught Seminary and played water polo

Stephan Taeger is an assistant professor in Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University. He received a PhD from BYU in Instructional Design and Technology. Stephan’s research focuses on Homiletics (the study of preaching), narrative instruction, and ancient scripture. He is also an author and co-host of the RVVL podcast with David Butler. Links Y Religion: Justification by Faith The Science of Speaking in Sacrament Meeting | An Interview with Stephan Taeger President Spencer W. Kimball: “Jesus the Perfect Leader” Sermons and talks by Timothy Keller on YouTube Stephan Taeger: “Declared Guiltless: Justification by Faith in the Latter-day Saint Classroom” Toxic Perfectionism at Church | An Interview with Justin Dyer Justification: God’s Plan, Paul’s Vision N.T. Wright on YouTube Weakness Is Not Sin: The Liberating Distinction That Awakens Our Strengths RVVL Podcast StephanTaeger.com Tim Keller: Sin as Self-Deceit Watch the video and share your thoughts in the

This is a rebroadcast of a podcast episode from Teaching Restored, a podcast exploring the how of teaching the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to bring others unto Him, helping gospel teachers become more confident, converted, and consecrated. Hosts Kevin Jones and Julie Hillyard are both former guests on the Leading Saints Podcast and you can join Kevin for further teaching-related discussion in Zion Lab. Links Teaching Restored Teaching Restored on YouTube @teachingrestored Teaching Sunday School with Questions | An Interview with Kevin Jones Stimulating Sunday School Discussion… But Not Too Much | An Interview with Julie Hillyard Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights Kevin and Julie explore the concept of “flipped” learning as a model for “home-centered, church-supported” gospel study. They discuss transitioning from a lecture-based church experience to a “laborator

Ernesto Quintanilla is the co-host (with his wife Nancy) and driving force behind Santos en Liderazgo, the official Spanish-language expansion of the Leading Saints podcast. A dedicated leader and communicator, Ernesto is passionate about helping Spanish-speaking Latter-day Saints enhance their leadership skills and better serve their communities. By interviewing experienced leaders and sharing research-backed principles, Ernesto bridges the gap between traditional leadership concepts and the unique cultural nuances of Latino congregations. His work focuses on empowering local leaders—from Bishops and Relief Society presidents to youth advisors—with the tools and inspiration needed to lead with Christlike love and administrative excellence. Links Santos en Liderazgo on YouTube Santos en Liderazgo in Zion Lab Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Overview In this episode, Kurt Francom interviews Ernesto Quintanilla r

In this livestream, Kurt Francom facilitates a collaborative discussion on the practical and spiritual aspects of ward music, featuring insights from Landon, a BYU master’s student in organ performance. The episode addresses common challenges faced by ward music coordinators and organists, ranging from planning Christmas programs to integrating the Church’s new hymns. The central theme focuses on how music serves as a vital tool for inviting the Spirit and how leaders can better support the musicians in their wards. Links Landon’s Organ Training Course Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Key Insights Creative Christmas Programming: Participants shared successful ideas for holiday sacrament meetings, such as involving missionary families to sing “Silent Night” in different languages, utilizing youth for special numbers, and organizing organ-piano duets to elevate the musical experience. The &#

Rob Smith, LMAC, LASUDC, is a therapist with over 10 years of personal and professional experience. He specializes in helping individuals tap into their inner strengths, generate momentum for change, and live in alignment with their core values. Rob loves spending time with his wife and supporting their kids in their passions and activities. Links Accepted Therapy Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights Rob discusses the complexities of providing support to individuals facing mental health challenges and the burdens that can arise for leaders in church settings. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy, boundaries, and community in effective leadership. 00:02:10 – Importance of Mental Health in Leadership 00:03:30 – Balancing Help and Personal Well-being 00:05:00 – Interview Introduction with Rob Smith 00:05:40 – Rob’s Background and Specialization 00:06:30 –

Where is Leading Saints going in 2026? Listen in to find out! Links Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Become a Zion Builder Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights In this episode, Kurt Francom discusses the evolution of Leading Saints and the introduction of Zion Lab, an online community aimed at fostering leadership and cultural development among Latter-day Saints. 00:03:04 – Introducing Adam Treadwell Introduction of Adam Treadwell and his connection to Leading Saints. 00:04:03 – North Star Conference Promotion of the North Star Conference and its relevance to church leaders. 00:06:01 – Adam’s Journey with Leading Saints Adam shares his experience and history with Leading Saints. 00:07:01 – Key Accomplishments of 2025 Summary of key achievements and insights from Leading Saints in 2025. 00:10:57 – Zion Lab Progress Discussion on the development and functionality of Zion Lab as a community platform. 00:11:

Lani Hilton is a dedicated enthusiast of the Easter Season. She has lived a Christ-centered Easter season with her family for 20 years and has been teaching about it in settings like BYU Education Week and firesides since 2015. She published a book called Celebrate Sunday and has written articles for the Liahona and LDS living. Along with her husband, John, she is the proud parent of six children, four currently at Brigham Young University. Lani finds great joy in the simplicity and beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Links lanihilton.com/easter A Christ-Centered Easter: Day-By-Day Activities to Celebrate Easter Week Easter-themed resources from Deseret Book Connecting Others to Jesus Through the Cross at Calvary | An Interview with John Hilton III Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights Lani Hilton talks about the importance of making Easter a season rather than just a single day of celebration. Lani sh