Latter Day Lives - Talking with Latter Day Saints

Marshall Richie has spent a large part of his adult life in prison. In the episode we discuss his early life, his love of baseball, working for his family business, getting into drugs, selling drugs to help ends meet, getting arrested and going to prison, going back to prison, cleaning up his life, returning to church, almost losing his leg, meeting his wife, and becoming a temple worker. Marshall is an amazing example of the power of the atonement. You will love his story.

Austin Johnson is the director of an amazing nonprofit organization in Ghana. They help children escape from slavery, extreme poverty, as well as health issues. Austin discusses his life growing up in Utah. He tells us about his mission to Ireland. He shares an amazing experience with the Spirit telling him to go to Africa. This leads to meeting his wife and a life devoted to helping people in Ghana. Austin's is a beautiful story of listening to the Spirit and being richly blessed for it. You will love this conversation. www.ghanamakeadifference.org

Bob Verstege is an amazing man. He came with his family to the United States from Indonesia as a small child. As a young man in California, he became acquainted with the church., ultimately being baptized, After serving a faithful mission, he came to terms with the struggles of being a gay member of the church. He entered into a committed long-term relationship with another man for many years. After his partner's passing, he returned to church and full fellowship. He now uses his experience to counsel, teach, and inspire many. Bob is an incredible saint with a beautiful story. The link to Bob's article on the official church website can be found here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/07/i-experience-same-sex-attraction-would-church-members-welcome-me-back?lang=eng

This week's guest is Julie Brimhall. Julie's sister was the victim of a violent murder. In this episode, we talk to Julie about growing up in New York, serving a mission. going to college, and finding love and marriage later in life. We then discuss the murder of her sister, helping the FBI solve the case, seeking justice, forgiving the killer, and moving forward with faith. Julie is so inspiring. Through intense pain, she shares a message of peace and forgiveness.

Dave Butler is a brilliant man. He is a fantasy author, publisher, attorney, frequent guest on various podcasts and videos, and more. In the episode, we discuss his life growing up as an avid reader, his mission to Italy, becoming an attorney, writing nonfiction as well as fiction books, becoming a publisher, and sharing the gospel on youtube and podcasts. Dave is so smart, and yet so approachable. You will love this conversation!

Emily Moffat is an incredibly talented singer. In this week's episode, we talk about: - her love of music and performing at a young age - meeting her husband while they were both in junior high school - her time at BYU - moving to California to pursue a singing career - creating books and videos for children, with a special focus on autism - becoming an official voice for Disney's Cinderella - and how being a member of the Church affects it all! Emily is so much fun. She has an incredible spirit. You will love this conversation.

Our guest on the show this week is Clare Thomas. Clare grew up in a very large, active Latter-day Saint family. As a teenager, she left the church and eventually married a man who comes from a very anti-Latter Day Saint background. Eventually, Clare made her way back into the faith and now uses social media to share her story. She also has a podcast where she shares the stories of people who have left and come back. Clare's story is a beautiful example of the power of the atonement in our lives. Clare is so funny, energetic, and open. You will love her story!

Our guest this week is Tess Frame. In the episode, we talk about: - Growing up in California - Facing severe bullying - Going away to college - Meeting her husband - Becoming a "boy mom" - Dealing with an incredibly difficult pregnancy - Blogging - Becoming a wildly popular social media creator - How we can all find joy in the gospel Tess is amazing. Her energy is infectious. You will love this conversation!

Jeff Byers is a talented architect who has worked on temple design all around the world. He is also the author of the book Embracing Eternal Progression. In the episode, we talk about: - growing up in Southern California - how skateboarding impacted his life - a perfect attendance record at seminary - serving a mission - meeting his wife and getting married - becoming an architect - the sacred nature of temples - what inspired him to become an author - his amazing insight on eternal progression Jeff is a brilliant, humble, and all-around amazing man. You will love this conversation.

This week, our guest is Amy Stewart. She is the founder of Hope in Parenting, dedicated to giving resources to parents and families. In the episode, we discuss: - Dealing with medical issues and infertility - Working through loss from miscarriage - Finding adoption - Creating a beautiful, diverse family - How the gospel affects it all Amy is a powerful woman and an incredible voice in the adoption community. Her Christ-like love for her family and others will surely inspire you.