Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones

Don Bradley speaks candidly about why he left and came back to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In this episode, Stephen talks to LDS Polygamy and Joseph Smith Historian, Don Bradley, and discusses why he left and came back to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Stephen sits down with Dr. John S.K. Kauwe III and discusses his unique path to becoming BYU–Hawaii's youngest president while balancing faith, science, and service at the same time.

If you ever feel hopeless, watch until Elder Bednar gives his advice about hope and how to find it. The conversation gets really deep. Elder Bednar, an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, previously never imagined there would be a temple in Bentonville, Arkansas, in his lifetime. Elder Bednar answers questions about the special significance of the Bentonville, Arkansas Temple to him and his family, what he hopes people understand about worshiping in temples, what encourages and gives him hope for the future, and more.

We connect with @AshleyHessMusic of @thekingwillcome and a memorable finalist from American Idol 2019. Discover Ashley's unique journey, from her transition from being a dental hygienist to a recognized performer, and the unexpected path she treads after leaving the American Idol stage. Post-Idol, Ashley's experience was not just about the music. She opens up about feeling isolated, the challenges she faced, and the spiritual transformation she underwent. Hear her candid account of wrestling with her faith, her poignant experience of hitting rock bottom, and the surprising realization of God's constant presence in her life. We also explore Ashley's creative process as she shares how her spiritual journey influenced her songwriting, leading to a unique collaboration where she considers God a co-producer. This conversation provides a window into Ashley Hess's life, her spiritual revelations, and how these experiences have shaped her music.​

Controversial Allegations Against the "Mormon" Church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints): Exploring the Truth Behind the Headlines This episode is an analysis and discussion with Aaron Miller, an expert in non-profit management and ethics. He is a professor at Brigham Young University and co-author of The Business Ethics Field Guide and The $100 Billion ‘Mormon Church’ Story: A Contextual Analysis.

Jackson VanDerweken, the actor who portrayed Nephi in the Book of Mormon videos, opens up about his spiritual and physical transformation journey in this episode. Learn how Jackson prepared for the iconic role by overcoming obstacles, deepening his faith, and gaining 15 pounds of muscle in just 1.5 months. Insights on connecting with the prophets, becoming more like Jesus, and playing Nephi changed his life forever. Jackson shares the impact of an apostolic blessing on his portrayal of the character and how embracing gratitude and focusing on spiritual growth led to his life's most meaningful and powerful experiences. From auditioning for the role to stepping into the shoes of one of the most revered figures in the Book of Mormon, Jackson's story is a testament to the power of faith, dedication, and embracing one's spiritual path.

In this episode, Matt Townsend talks about how he believes effective communication is critical to building healthy relationships and can help resolve even the most complex issues. In Part One, Matt shared his insights on "Real Communication," a concept he discovered while reading 3 Nephi 11-17 in the Book of Mormon. In addition, he revealed the four skills he learned from the Savior's visit to the Americas after His crucifixion and resurrection, which can help anyone communicate and connect with others more effectively. Matt emphasized the importance of meeting someone's most basic human needs, such as feeling capable, safe, and like they belong. He also suggests looking for three signs that someone's vital signs are not good before using the four skills taught by Jesus Christ during His visit.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing Matt Townsend, a renowned relationship expert who has helped thousands of people worldwide. Matt believes effective communication is critical to building healthy relationships and can help resolve even the most complex issues. During our conversation, Matt shared his insights on "Real Communication," a concept he discovered while reading 3 Nephi 11-17 in the Book of Mormon. In addition, he reveals the four skills he learned from the Savior's visit to the Americas after His crucifixion and resurrection, which can help anyone communicate more effectively. Matt emphasizes the importance of meeting someone's most basic human needs, such as feeling capable, safe, and like they belong. He also suggests looking for three signs that someone's vital signs are not good before using the four skills taught by Jesus Christ during His visit. Join Matt Townsend and me as we explore effective communication's power and how it can improve your relationships. Don't miss it!

This episode discusses the sensitive topic of prophetic error and the Church’s black African priesthood & temple restriction that was in place more or less for over 100 years. As the history is discussed, it may be helpful for viewers to remember the following crucial statement made in the Church’s 2013 Race & Priesthood essay: “Today, the Church disavows the theories advanced in the past that black skin is a sign of divine disfavor or curse, or that it reflects unrighteous actions in a premortal life; that mixed-race marriages are a sin; or that blacks or people of any other race or ethnicity are inferior in any way to anyone else. Church leaders today unequivocally condemn all racism, past and present, in any form." Resources - Race and The Priesthood Essay https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/s... Let's Talk About Race and the Priesthood by W. Paul Reeve https://deseretbook.com/p/let-s-talk-...

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Woodward, a passionate educator and devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to discuss some of the most challenging topics related to LDS Church history and doctrine. We discuss complex issues associated with LDS Church history and doctrine, including plural marriage, uncomfortable truths, and the myth of a prophet's infallibility. Whether you're a young adult in the Church or interested in learning more, this thought-provoking conversation offers valuable insights and perspectives. Scott Woodward is the Operating Directory of Doctrine and Covenants Central https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/ Scott's Podcast: https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.o...

This episode includes the life and lessons of Parker Walbeck, a renowned online educator and successful entrepreneur. Discover the principles he put into action to achieve success while staying true to his beliefs. From working with Devan SuperTramp to going out on his own, Parker reveals the challenges he's faced and how he's managed to balance his spiritual life with his thriving career. Throughout this episode, you'll uncover valuable insights on redefining success, embracing hardship, and the importance of stewardship. Parker shares his personal experiences in turning scripture study and living the gospel from burdens to sources of joy. As a testament to his humility, he even opens up about his family's thoughts on areas in which he could grow. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply seeking inspiration for personal growth, this interview with Parker Walbeck is sure to resonate with you. Learn how success is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey shaped by faith, resilience, and determination. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to gain wisdom and inspiration from one of the most influential figures in the world of videography and content creation.

Why does God allow hard things to happen to good people? When Chad Lewis was 19, he experienced one of the heaviest trials ever—his dad's fight for life. In this episode, Chad also reveals how he stays connected to God, why he reads the Book of Mormon every day, how he kept the Sabbath Day holy as a professional football player, and what it was like having Andy Reid as a coach.