Connecting Authentically with Youth | An Interview with Braeden Jensen

Calvin Griffin was born in Northern Mississippi, where he grew up and attended high school and college. After graduation he became a franchisee of a successful national pizza chain in New Orleans, and also became engaged to Avemaria Champagne. President and Sister Griffin joined The Church one month apart from each other and have been faithful members for 37 years. They were both professionals in the pharmaceutical industry, and President Griffin worked as a senior category manager for a national pharmaceutical wholesale company. They have five children, ages 24 to 34 years. President Griffin has a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and His role as Savior & Redeemer. He has served in a stake mission presidency, as a ward mission leader, Sunday School teacher, Young Men basketball coach, in an elders quorum presidency and high priest group leadership, as a bishop and stake high councilor, and as a stake presidency counselor. He currently serves as president of the Denton, Texas stake, loves the gospel, and extends an invitation to all to come unto Christ. Links Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights President Griffin shares his conversion story and leadership journey. He discusses his experiences as a leader and emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with prophetic keys and the Spirit. President Griffin highlights the need to expect the unexpected in leadership. He also shares how he connects with and cares for his ward members, despite his busy calling. Highlights coming soon The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Jennifer Rockwood is the first and only head coach for the Brigham Young University women's soccer team, a position she has held since 1989 after graduating from BYU. Her teams have over 450 wins and made the NCAA tournament 25 times in 31 years. She talks about her career path and the leadership principles she has relied upon in leading young adult women athletes. This podcast was recorded with a live audience on the 2025 BYU Cruise. Leading Empowered and Confident Young Women | An Interview with Diljeet Taylor Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coach Rockwood shares her journey into coaching, her philosophy on leadership, team culture, and her experiences coaching at BYU for decades. She emphasizes the importance of leading within one's own personality, fostering a supportive team environment built on love and respect, and navigating the challenges of coaching young athletes. The conversation also touches on recruiting, dealing with parents, the impact of NIL, the transition to the Big 12 conference, and how her faith has influenced her coaching career. [05:03] Jennifer's Background and Journey into Coaching [05:49] Early Competitive Spirit [06:39] Playing Experience at BYU [08:52] Transition to Coaching at BYU [11:53] Influence of High School Coach [16:14] Engaging Young Single Adults (YSA) [17:31] The Importance of Involvement and Overcoming Failure [21:43] Navigating Intense Youth Sports and Church Activities [23:39] Parental Involvement and Pressure in Youth Sports [25:55] The Parent-Coach Relationship [28:17] Establishing and Maintaining Team Culture [29:27] Recruiting and Building Culture from the Start [31:18] Key Elements of Team Culture: Love and Respect [33:07] Leading Within Your Own Personality [35:47] Helping Struggling Players [37:22] One-on-One Interactions with Players [38:37] Dealing with Team Infighting and Maintaining Unity [40:34] Impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) [42:20] Transition to the Big 12 Conference [44:51] Coaching Staff Roles and Coordination [46:53] Encouraging Support for BYU Women's Soccer [48:13] How Coaching Has Influenced Faith The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Amy Jo Schenewark holds a bachelor's degree in Human Resources Development and Training from Brigham Young University. She works as a 911 dispatcher and training officer. Amy has served as a ward Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary president, as a Seminary teacher, nursery leader, activity director, and counselor in stake Primary and Relief Society presidencies. She currently serves as a stake Relief Society president. Links Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Rick Reynolds is one of America's foremost authorities helping individuals and couples struggling with affairs and compulsive sexual behaviors, with over 30 years of experience and insight. He holds a master's degree in Social Work and is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Rick's company, Affair Recovery, offers anonymous online group support worldwide for those impacted by infidelity. Rick has authored numerous guides, curricula, and papers detailing reasons why people cheat, how couples can overcome the pain, heartache, and distrust, as well as ways to move forward, both individually and as a couple. Links AffairRecovery.com Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Rick talks about the complexities of affairs within a Christian context. He shares his personal experience with infidelity [04:32]. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and seeking guidance from God [05:46]. Rick highlights the concept of "trickle truth" as particularly damaging [15:59]. He stresses the need for full disclosure to the betrayed spouse. They explore different types of affairs [12:04]. Rick also offers advice for church leaders on how to support couples dealing with infidelity [12:53]. Rick explains that the betrayed spouse needs help with trauma and understanding [14:53]. He introduces the concept of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) [21:32]. This condition can significantly hinder the healing process. Rick shares effective treatment methods for trauma [25:29]. He also emphasizes the importance of community and support systems in recovery [33:34]. They discuss the timeline for healing from infidelity [37:14]. Rick also addresses the challenges of navigating relationships with affair partners [40:01]. Rick shares his perspective on involving children in the disclosure process [43:13]. He advocates for prioritizing individual healing before focusing on saving the marriage [45:42]. They explore the reasons why people have affairs [53:39]. Rick also touches on the differences between men and women in affairs [58:21]. He underscores the importance of a strong recovery program for the wayward spouse [01:01:06]. Podcast Chapters 00:04:32 - Rick's Personal Experience 00:11:31 - Defining Infidelity 00:12:53 - Advice for Church Leaders 00:15:59 - The Danger of Trickle Truth 00:21:32 - Understanding CPTSD 00:25:29 - Treating Trauma 00:33:34 - The Importance of Community 00:37:14 - Timeline for Healing 00:40:01 - Navigating Affair Partners 00:43:13 - Involving Children 00:45:42 - Prioritizing Individual Healing 00:53:39 - Reasons for Affairs 00:58:21 - Gender Differences in Affairs 01:01:06 - The Importance of Recovery 01:04:35 - Recommended Resources 01:05:03 - The Role of Faith The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults,

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in April 2020. Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D. is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. Ryan is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of Success Mindsets: The Key to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership and The Elevated Leader: Leveling Up Your Leadership Through Vertical Development. He is also a leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton. Links RyanGottfredson.com Success Mindsets: Your Keys to Unlocking Greater Success in Life, Work, and Leadership The Elevated Leader: Level Up Your Leadership Through Vertical Development Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Ryan explores the critical role of mindsets in effective leadership. Leaders often enter their roles with good intentions but may inadvertently create negative environments due to their mindsets. Ryan shares insights on how mindsets shape perceptions and behaviors, using examples from sports and personal experiences. He discusses the difference between closed and open mindsets, highlighting how a closed mindset can hinder effective leadership. He examines the prevention versus promotion mindset, illustrating how focusing on avoiding problems can stifle growth. The conversation encourages leaders to embrace open-mindedness and take calculated risks to foster engagement and positive change within their organizations, ultimately stressing the importance of having a clear vision to guide leadership efforts. 05:45 Value of mindset in assuming leadership responsibilities; NFL example of good intentions gone awry. Leader impact on “subordinate” self-esteem. 11:15 Becoming awakened to our personal mindsets, e.g. homeless individuals 15:00 Do we perceive our leaders as doing their best? Bias towards our personal perceptions vs openness to other possibilities. Unintentional damage to team/group/congregation members. 18:39 Mindset in conducting successful meetings. Chrysler/Lee Iacocca case study. Desire to look good, be right, avoid problems and get ahead are self-focused, negative self-protection modes. We should want to learn and grow, find truth, reach goals, and lift others. 24:05 We limit ourselves by believing our opinions count more than others. 26:00 Decision making becomes stunted if we are closed. Do we desire to be the person with all the answers who minimizes the perspectives of others? Do people feel psychological safety in the group? 31:20 Do we allow formal handbooks to stifle our creativity? 32:50 Prevention mindset vs risk taking. Fleeing to safe comfort zone may not lead to original destination. 36:40 Sacrament meeting mindset 40:30 Comfort-focused vs intention focused. Are the people in the group growing? Do we deem our bucket so full we cannot pour anything else into it by way of considering avenues for growth? 44:00 How do we know if people in the organization are engaged and growing? What drives engagement? Do stakeholders feel their opinions matter? Gallup study reveals 30% of workforce feels truly engaged. 50:15 Only 5% of mindset survey respondents find themselves in the top quartile. There is no correlation among the four mindsets. Failure avoidance leads to wanting to look good as opposed to learning/growing. 50% of population has fixed mindset. Spiritually, are sanctification and tapping into the Spirit more difficult with a closed mindset about self? Having faith to “lean into” difficult situations. 1:00:37 Consider crucial conversations with leaders whose closed mindset is negatively impacting the organization. “I Hear You” by Michael Sorensen will improve your emotional intelligence.

Braeden Jensen is a Mental Health Counselor and previously worked as a full-time Seminary teacher. Spending seven years in a high school classroom opened his eyes to a number of things. It changed his ability to listen and sharpened his aptitude for empathy. The more he sat with and listened to students, the more he saw and felt how many people are hurting in very real ways. At the same time, Braeden considered how therapy had helped him find hope and healing. The puzzle pieces quickly came together: "You can help more people in some tangible, substantial ways." After pursuing his Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree, he recently left the classroom full-time to find more fulfillment in helping others enjoy freedom, peace, and healing. He loves seeing people overcome trauma, depression, anxiety, and addiction, and heal their relationships along the way. Braeden shares insights on connecting with youth and helping them navigate their emotions and spiritual journeys. Driven by a desire to provide deeper support, Braeden discusses his transition from teaching seminary to becoming a therapist. He emphasizes emotional literacy, authenticity, and creating safe spaces for youth to express their feelings. Braeden highlights the importance of understanding the youth psyche, addressing issues like pornography, anxiety, and depression. He advocates for integrating emotional awareness in church settings and modeling authenticity for youth, showing it's okay to express struggles and emotions openly. Braeden also discusses surrendering control, trusting in God's plan, changing prayers to invite God into our story, and continuously learning about God. Links BraedenJensen.com @braejensen on Instagram Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 03:57 - Braeden's Career Transition 06:45 - Creating Safe Spaces for Youth 11:45 - Understanding Youth Psyche 18:53 - Emotional Literacy 24:30 - Integrating Emotional Awareness in Church Settings 34:38 - Authenticity and Vulnerability 44:57 - Surrender and Trust in God 48:07 - Changing Prayers 50:24 - Modeling Authenticity 56:33 - Continuous Learning about God The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Kristy Wheelwright Taylor serves as the board secretary for the Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation and helps with transcription and writing on the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project. Her book, Prepare Me for Thy Use: Lessons from Wilford Woodruff's Mission Years, will be published on May 12 by Deseret Book and BYU's Religious Studies Center. Kristy has a masters degree in Humanities from Brigham Young University and has worked as an English Instructor at Purdue University, a copy editor, technical writer, travel writer, and historical researcher and writer. She has enjoyed serving in a variety of callings in Primary, Young Women, Relief Society, family history, and the stake communications council; she currently serves as the stake Relief Society president in Trophy Club, Texas. Links Prepare Me for Thy Use: Lessons from Wilford Woodruff's Mission Years Developing Wilford Woodruff as a Leader | An Interview with Steven Wheelwright Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights This discussion highlights the Wilford Woodruff Papers project, which aims to compile and make accessible all writings related to Woodruff. Kristy shares her family's connection to this project and her experiences as a stake Relief Society president in Texas. Kristy emphasizes the importance of unity among Church leaders and fostering doctrinal confidence among women. She encourages open discussions about challenging topics, such as garments and temple recommends, to help leaders feel prepared. By sharing personal stories and insights from Wilford Woodruff, Kristy illustrates how sincere testimonies can strengthen relationships within the Church. She highlights the beauty of the plan of salvation and the joy it brings to those who follow Jesus Christ. 05:03 - Connection to Wilford Woodruff 06:56 - The Wilford Woodruff Papers Project 09:08 - Overview of Kristy's Book 10:00 - Kristy's Role as Stake Relief Society President 11:07 - Support from Stake Leadership 11:47 - Changes in Stake Leadership Sundays 12:47 - Demographics of the Stake 12:49 - Engaging with the Wards 14:31 - Building Relationships with Ward Leaders 15:38 - Common Challenges in Relief Society 19:29 - Unity in Leadership 20:36 - Importance of Sincere Testimonies 22:42 - Fostering Doctrinal Confidence 27:26 - Encouraging Open Discussions 29:49 - Addressing Hard Questions 32:24 - Collaborating with Other Leaders 36:21 - Normalizing Difficult Conversations 40:36 - The Role of Problem Solving in Leadership The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Brian J. Willoughby, Ph.D. is a professor in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University and a research fellow at The Wheatley Institute. He received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from BYU and masters and doctoral degrees in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota. Brian's research generally focuses on how adolescents, young adults, and adults move toward and form long-term committed relationships, and has been widely cited in the media. He is also the author of The Millennial Marriage and The Marriage Paradox: Why Emerging Adults Love Marriage Yet Push it Aside. Brian and his wife Cassi have been married for 23 years and they have four children. Links Wheatley Institute research reports Addressing Pornography Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Kurt and Brian discuss the complexities of pornography use within religious contexts. Brian emphasizes that young adults will encounter pornography, often leading to shame and guilt. He highlights the importance of understanding the motivations behind pornography use, which can range from curiosity to emotional coping mechanisms. Brian also addresses the stigma surrounding addiction labels. He explains that only about 10% of users experience compulsive behavior, while many others face problematic use. Church leaders should focus on creating a safe environment for youth to discuss these issues. By asking questions about triggers and providing coping strategies, leaders can help youth navigate their experiences. Brian encourages a balanced approach to discussing pornography, emphasizing hope, understanding, and the potential for growth through repentance. 03:35 - Brian Willoughby's Expertise in Pornography Research 04:26 - Overview of BYU and the Wheatley Institute 05:57 - Research Impact on Policy and Society 06:57 - Teaching Future Therapists and Family Studies 07:37 - The Stigma of Pornography in Religious Contexts 08:50 - Understanding the Broader Impact of Pornography 09:51 - Meta-Analyses and Key Findings on Pornography 11:38 - The Concept of Addiction and Compulsive Behavior 12:58 - Potential for DSM Inclusion of Hypersexual Disorder 13:47 - Brain Chemistry and Pornography Use 15:29 - Distinction Between Addictive and Problematic Use 17:34 - Scripting Expectations from Pornography 19:24 - Social Media and Its Impact on Mental Health 20:34 - The Need for Open Conversations About Pornography 21:09 - The Role of Church Leaders in Addressing Pornography 22:13 - The Importance of Avoiding Labels of Addiction 23:47 - Understanding Youth Experiences with Pornography 25:56 - The Normative Context of Pornography Use 27:06 - Creating Positive Conversations Around Pornography 28:51 - The Role of Fear and Anxiety in Youth Discussions 30:05 - Normalizing Sin and Repentance 31:04 - Distinction Between Guilt and Shame 34:02 - Motivating Youth Through Guilt vs. Shame 36:57 - The Importance of Understanding Triggers 39:11 - Building Coping Skills for Youth 41:27 - Final Thoughts on Support and Guidance The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler,

Ned McArthur is a fellow of the International Board of Functional Neurology, was in private practice as a chiropractor in Orem, Utah, for 25 years, and now works with Integrated Pain Specialists, a multidisciplinary pain clinic in South Jordan, Utah. He served a mission in Dallas, Texas, and has served in the Church as an elders quorum president, ward executive secretary, ward mission leader, Young Men president, Varsity Scout leader, and youth Sunday School teacher. He currently serves as priests quorum high adventure specialist, as a Primary teacher, and a temple worker. Links Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Scriptures referenced in this podcast: Moses 6:63, 1 Nephi 18:3 Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Ned explores the importance of high adventure activities in developing character and spiritual growth among youth. He shares his journey in youth leadership, emphasizing the need for proactive communication with parents and the significance of creating a supportive environment. He highlights the planning process for high adventure experiences, including engaging youth in decision-making and preparing them through various activities. Ned also discusses the spiritual aspects of these adventures, encouraging youth to find Jesus in their experiences. He shares personal anecdotes that illustrate how these activities foster camaraderie and personal growth. 02:51 - Exploring High Adventure Activities 05:08 - Ned's Background in Young Mens Leadership 10:10 - The Importance of Proactive Leadership 12:13 - Developing a High Adventure Program 16:05 - Planning Party for Youth Activities 20:52 - Preparing for the Backpacking Adventure 24:36 - Budgeting for High Adventure Activities 26:10 - Effective Communication with Parents 30:02 - Engaging with Parents for Support 32:10 - Finding Jesus in High Adventure 38:43 - The Power of Prayer in Activities 42:15 - Building a Supportive Culture Among Youth The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

John Eldredge is a New York Times bestselling author, counselor, and teacher who has inspired millions to go deeper in their relationship with Jesus. He is also president of Wild at Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God, recover their own hearts in God's love, and learn to live in God's kingdom. John and his wife, Stasi, live in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His new book, Experience Jesus. Really. is available now. Links Reconnecting with God as a Distracted Church Leader | An Interview with John Eldredge Helping Others Restore Personal Worship & Connection with God | An Interview with John Eldredge Experience Jesus. Really: Finding Refuge, Strength, and Wonder through Everyday Encounters with God Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul WildatHeart.org Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights John shares insights from his extensive background as a therapist and author. He encourages listeners to embrace a more experiential relationship with God. John argues that many Christians overlook the importance of intimacy with the divine, often focusing too heavily on intellectual understanding. By inviting God into everyday decisions, individuals can cultivate a deeper spiritual life and seek joy and connection with God in their daily lives. 01:50 - Introduction of John Eldredge 02:30 - John's Background and Work 04:00 - Impact of "Wild at Heart" 05:00 - Evolving Insights on Men's Needs 06:30 - Addressing Modern Challenges for Men 08:00 - The Importance of Validation for Men 09:30 - Engaging Men in Spiritual Discussions 11:00 - Check-in Practices for Men's Groups 12:30 - Spectrogram Activity Reflection 14:00 - Addressing the "I'm Fine" Mentality 15:30 - Entry Points for Men's Retreats 17:00 - Importance of Purpose and Meaning 18:00 - Introduction to "Experience Jesus Really" 19:30 - The Trilogy of John's Books 20:30 - The Need for Experiential Faith 22:00 - The Impact of Internet Life on Spirituality 23:30 - Seeking Rest in God 25:00 - The Role of Desire in Spiritual Life 26:30 - The Concept of Spiritual Amphibians 28:00 - Inviting God into Daily Life 29:30 - The Importance of Mysticism in Faith 31:00 - Understanding Mysticism in Christianity 32:30 - The Need for Experiential Connection with God 34:00 - Ordinary Mystics and Childlike Wonder 35:30 - The Relationship Between Left and Right Brain 37:00 - The Role of Relational Connection in Faith 38:30 - Reframing Mysticism as Experiential Faith 40:00 - Finding God in Creation 41:30 - Communing with God Through Worship 43:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Experiencing God The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.