All In

T.C. Christensen has made some of the most beloved Latter-day Saint films in recent years including “17 Miracles” and “The Fighting Preacher.” His new film, “Escape From Germany” tells the story of a missionary who was tasked with moving 85 missionaries to safety in adjacent countries as Hitler’s army was rapidly closing borders in August of 1939. On this week’s episode, T.C. shares with us how he approaches telling the miraculous stories of real people. 1:56- A Camera4:52- The Power of Film8:14- Stories Worth Telling13:58- Heroes16:59- Source Material21:30- Journals29:15- Lessons Learned From Movie Characters30:40- Accurate Portrayals34:00- Capturing Emotion Without Overdoing It39:12- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? “No embarrassment, no justification, this is who I am.” -T.C. Christensen on his membership in the Church “Escape From Germany” website: https://escapefromgermanyfilm.com LDS Living Q&A with T.C.: https://www.ldsliving.com/why-t-c-christensen-loves-fiddler-on-the-roof-and-is-still-very-zippity-about-latter-day-saint-stories/s/12163 News articles about “Escape From Germany”: https://kslnewsradio.com/2094352/ksl-movie-show-exclusive-director-of-escape-from-germany-talks-challenges-of-period-pieces-on-a-budget/ https://ksltv.com/636492/new-film-tells-story-of-79-latter-day-saint-missionaries-who-escaped-nazi-germany/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All In joins our community remembering the service filled life of Ardeth Kapp. Please enjoy this episode originally aired March 9, 2022. Former Young Women General President Ardeth Kapp and her husband Heber went through a lot during their 67 years of marriage before Heber passed away in May 2017. They worked together as president and matron of the Cardston Alberta Temple, were mission leaders of the Canada Vancouver Mission, and dedicated their lives to serving God in every calling in between. The Kapps also faced plenty of ups and downs in their marriage as they struggled with infertility and were never able to have children. In this episode, we speak with Ardeth about true partnership in marriage and learn from her example of how to choose faith and grace through thick and thin. “We need to be able to reinforce that statement of love and not just assume, ‘We’re getting along okay, we don’t have to repeat it.’ Yes we do have to repeat it!” —Ardeth KappSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savannah Wooden was in high school when, after years of struggling with seizures, she made the difficult decision to have brain surgery that, if successful, would cure her seizures. The surgery was, by that measure, very successful, but in the years since, Savannah has struggled with the byproducts of the surgery. Even then, she can see that the power of the priesthood invited healing into her life that otherwise may not have been possible. 2:13- The First Seizure4:47- A Possible Surgical Cure6:11- A Calculated Risk7:44- Unrecognizable Surroundings11:34- A Priesthood Blessing14:03- Aftermath of the Surgery16:43- Faith Journey24:35- Memorization After Memory Loss27:36- “Minor Challenges I Can Handle”34:00- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? “Sometimes God doesn’t remove your problems, He makes a way through them.” —Savannah WoodenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the walls of the Kirtland Temple could speak, they would tell you what they saw that day—April 3, 1836—when the Living Christ appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Still, the temple stands as a witness of the reality of the Resurrection that we celebrate at Easter. Perhaps it is only fitting that the Kirtland Temple reopened under the Church’s ownership this week. On this week’s episode, Elder Kyle S. McKay shares how history and an understanding of our heritage strengthens our own faith. 2:05- A Cowboy at Heart4:24- Elder Marlin K. Jensen8:20- Attorney By Trade11:19- Learning From Church History Professionals15:56- Approaching Troubling Aspects of Church History20:33- Jane Manning25:46- Historic Site Vs. Operational Temple28:14- Dispensations31:34- Three Temples36:33- The Sacrifices of Women39:33- Why Buy a Replica?41:25- Relationship with the Community of Christ Church46:31- God’s Awareness of His Church48:29- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? “He said in back-to-back verses in the Book of Mormon, ‘I am able to do my own work’ and He’s doing it but this is take a child to work day and it is a glorious privilege to be His child and go to work with Him and watch Him do it.” —Kyle S. McKaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Reid is not even done coaching and is already considered to be one of the greatest football coaches of all time. His humble approach to being a leader of men is inspiring and on this week’s episode he shares many of the things that have helped him lead great teams. He also shares insights into the players he has coached who he considers to be truly great.   1:30- LaVell Edwards 3:13- Storytelling 5:48- Personality and Patrick Mahomes 9:00- Tammy Reid and the Chiefs 11:32- Overcoming Challenges With Your Spouse 13:55- Priorities 15:30- Things That Start Wars 19:11- NFL Sundays 21:30- Chad Lewis 23:31- Travis Kelce 26:51- Word For The Season 28:41- Taylor Swift 30:54- What Does It Mean To Be All In?   “We try the best we can to lead by example but also, leading by example means that you’re following Christ’s teachings.”   Links: Recent Deseret News articles about Coach Reid: https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2024/03/04/andy-reid-leadership-lessons-travis-kelce-super-bowl/ https://www.deseret.com/faith/2024/2/22/24073403/andy-reid-super-bowl-lesson-in-peace/ A journalist and a student: https://www.si.com/nfl/2023/11/15/chiefs-coach-andy-reid-sportswriter-byu-storytellingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On March 5, 2022, Tamara McFadden received the kind of call every mother hopes to never receive. Her 16-year-old son, Walker, had been killed in a construction accident. In this week’s episode, Tamara explains how she and her family have coped with indescribable grief but she also shares that her confidence in the Savior’s Atonement has given her a firm trust that she will see her son again. 1:17- Family Culture8:31- A Binding Covenant13:50- Walker22:46- Carest Thou Not?34:32- Polar Opposite Grief39:55- Peace in Christ45:02- Asking For Miracles “Because of Him, we will all live. Like I said before, this isn’t a hope, it’s not a wish, it’s not a desire, it’s not even a belief for me at this point. This is truth.” —Tamara McFaddenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Welling is the co-founder of a non-profit whose mission is to bring sight to the blind. On this week’s episode, he discusses not only physical blindness but spiritual blindness and why he believes that God and Jesus Christ can heal both through faith and the desire to be healed. 2:53- What Are Cataracts?5:30- Prevalence in Africa8:45- Possible Impact12:36- Guiding Miracles16:20- Daybreak Vision Project20:15- A True Story23:50- Faith To Be Healed29:42- Spiritual Blindness36:24- Spiritual Eyes and Stony Hearts40:09- Blessed To Participate42:35- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? “It has to be something that He does for us over time and we have to be willing to undergo the operation.” —John Welling Daybreak Vision Project - http://daybreakvisionproject.org Elder Maxwell on Educating our desires - churchofjesuschrist.orghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org › ...“According to the Desire of [Our] Hearts” Elder Kim B. Clark pride talk - https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/kim-b-clark/ye-stripped-pride/ Elder Maxwell on pride - https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/neal-a-maxwell/meek-lowly/ Clayton Christensen - “The strong help the weak and the weak help the strong and no one cares about who’s weak and who’s strong.” https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/testimonies/scholars/clayton-m-christensen  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manti Te’o was on top of the world when it came to football. In his senior season at Notre Dame, he was a Heisman trophy finalist who led the Fighting Irish to the national championship game. But off the football field, Manti was involved in an online relationship with someone he’d never met. It is now known as a famous catfishing scandal but at the time, Manti Te’o was just a college athlete who was trying to navigate a horrific experience in the public eye. On today’s episode, Manti discusses what he learned from the experience about the Savior’s love for us. 2:22- Testimony5:32- Faith, Family, and Football7:23- Leader Servants10:22- Choosing Notre Dame18:19- Culture Shock23:10- Catfished But Not Alone32:50- One Step Enough36:55- The Love of a Parent43:28- Forgiveness49:43- To A Younger Manti52:00- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? “I’ve experienced what rock bottom feels like. I know what depression feels like. I know what it feels like to have those thoughts in your head of like, ‘Man, why am I even here?’ I’ve had those dark times and then I’ve built my way back up and I didn’t do it alone.” —Manti Te’o Links: Clip of Manti about ForgivenessNetflix DocumentarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lizzy Jensen is a believer that God has a work for each of us to do, that faith is the most magical thing on the planet, that Christ can help us create all of the wonderful things that we desire to make in our lives. And all we have to do to see God work through us in our lives? Show up. Answer the call. On this week’s episode, we talk with Lizzy about how she believes that as each of us answer these calls and act in faith, we will witness and be a part of a revolution of faith. 1:34- Nature vs. Nurture3:52- “You’ve Got The Wrong Person”8:50- Comfort Zones11:54- Talking Openly About Faith16:08- Teaching Jesus22:52- Making Magic of Believing29:42- The Living Christ Project35:49- Creator39:44- Your Life’s Work46:48- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? “I think being all in is the best way to live, it’s the land where miracles happen, where you are changed more than you ever thought you could be because being all in means that you get to be a little part of the work that God is all in on too.” —Lizzy JensenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On May 29, 2021, US Navy Lt. Ridge Alkonis took his wife and children to hike a portion of Mount Fuji, a famous mountain where he were stationed in Japan. On their way home, they planned to stop at an ice cream shop Ridge had visited during his time serving in Japan as a missionary years earlier. Ridge was mid-conversation with his 7-year-old daughter when he suddenly lost consciousness and consequently lost control of the car he was driving, resulting in the deaths of two people. Ridge was sentenced to three years in prison. His wife and family were determined to bring him home. This is their story. 1:40- Joining the Navy3:46- Meeting7:54- Military Service as a Family12:30- The Accident18:43- The Worth of a Soul26:15- The Tailor Shop31:51- Everything Happens43:39- Covenants48:43- Forgiveness52:56- 100 Percent Human58:50- What Does It Mean To Be All In? “There’s no guarantee in the scriptures that says, ‘If you are really, really righteous nothing bad is going to happen to you,’ and we don’t talk about that enough.” —Ridge Alkonis “I’m still here. …To me, that’s what all in is. It’s not always understanding, the plan of happiness doesn’t mean you’re always happy but I’m still here. I’m still waiting for understanding and I’m still praying for peace that I know one day will come.” —Brittany Alkonis Links & References https://bringridgehome.blogspot.com https://bringridgehome.org https://www.instagram.com/bringridgehome/ Deseret News article about Ridge's release Recent interviews on CNN and Fox NewsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morgan Choi and her husband have lived in four very different countries during their young marriage. They have also experienced very difficult things in lands far from home but what they have found is that God is everywhere and when we seek to feel His love, we will always find it. On this week’s episode, Morgan shares her witness that prayers are heard and answered all around the world. “Being curious is such a positive thing, you’re asking questions about someone, you’re wanting to get to know them more and understand them and it can lead to friendship and growth. Being judgmental is just having this fixed idea and it’s negative and it’s not allowing you to grow and to love a person as well.” —Morgan Choi 1:43- To Know Something’s True6:04- Living and Worshiping Around the World14:20- Recipient of Service Worldwide18:33- A Gospel For All People21:00- Infertility33:18- Book of Mormon Timeline35:41- Traveling With Kids39:24- Changed41:33- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Benjamin Bikman’s book has 4.8 stars on Amazon and 3,445 reviews. The researcher of metabolic health and BYU professor has developed a loyal fanbase by sharing evidence that shows that many major diseases have a common root—one that is easily fixed by conscious lifestyle changes. He calls his desire to share these things and their impact a crusade and on this week’s episode, he shares why, as a Latter-day Saints, that crusade is fueled by a firm belief in the Word of Wisdom. “Maybe the deepest level of the Word of Wisdom is the sentiment of learning to control the power that we have within our bodies because in so doing we show to Heavenly Father our worthiness and our fitness…us being fit for or found worthy of being given greater responsibility and greater power.” —Benjamin Bikman Show Notes 2:24- Why Care About Insulin Resistance?11:41- Incorrect Principles21:47- Plagues of Prosperity31:01- Moderation in all things?37:53- The Discomfort of Change42:52- Preparing for Eternal Progression45:00- Snack Ideas50:12- Do Your Homework53:29- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Why We Get Sick book Plagues of Prosperity - BYU Speech President Russell M. Nelson, "Think Celestial": Dr. Bikman's upcoming releaseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Natalie Hill Jensen was a single adult when she attended her sister’s wedding. There, the sealer who is also an apostle of God told her that heaven would help her as she searched for someone to marry. That heavenly help did come as promised and it eventually included finding her husband but first, it came in the form of an invitation issued in a talk by Sister Wendy Watson Nelson, wife of our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. On this week’s episode, Natalie shares how accepting that invitation continues to bless her life. “I’ve had peace when I should’ve never had peace. I’ve had my personality enhanced to make new friends. I feel like every blessing I have in this new phase of my life has been a direct blessing of weekly temple attendance.” —Natalie Hill Jensen 4:03- Raising Girls11:05- On Broadway15:36- Knowing Who You Are17:25- Temple Garments22:47- Going All In29:49- Blessings of the Temple36:46- “A Great Story in 5 Years”40:49- Deliberately Creating a Home43:30- What Does It Mean To Be All In? Sister Wendy Watson Nelson “My Soul Delighteth in the Covenants of the Lord” Video of Sister Nelson’s talk - "My Soul Delighteth in the Covenants of the Lord" by Wendy W. Nelson | BYU Women's Conference, 2015 Natalie as a little girl in The Children’s Video Songbook- The Children's Video Songbook - Volume 1 Recent Studio 5 Interview with Natalie d- Take 5: Natalie Hill Jensen answers your best get-to-know-you questionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrated as the voice of Dolores Madrigal in Disney’s Encanto, a character with a remarkable gift of enhanced hearing, Adassa shares her experiences with a different kind of listening – the art of tuning into the still, small voice of the Spirit. In this week's episode, join us as Adassa, a devoted Latter-day Saint, opens up about her journey in seeking God's will. “He can see us. He’s not trying to change us. He’s trying to magnify who we already are.” —Adassa 1:17- A True Story3:27- Religious Roots and New Beginnings6:50- Motherhood12:59- Your Personal Conversion Story17:08-  The Miracle of Encanto35:41- Better Than Expected38:52- Coincidence?45:31- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? In Jesus We Are One Deseret Book Spotify “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” with Vocal Point and One Voice Children’s Choir “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” performances Hollywood Bowl Oscars “The Family Madrigal” Live from The Hollywood Bowl Adassa with the Tabernacle Choir Dos Oruguitas with the Tabernacle Choir in MexicoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Martin, a Nashville songwriter who has written 16 #1 country music hits, is a believer as a songwriter that anything you’re immersed in will show up in your writing. So, when you know that Martin has been called to be a seminary teacher three times and has taught Sunday School, it comes as no surprise that religious themes have, at times, snuck into the country songs he writes for a living. But on this week’s episode, Martin talks about writing deliberately spiritual songs for the first time. 2:55- ‘Just What My Dad Did’ 6:37- A Songwriter’s Process12:40- Writing From Experience and Imagination15:40- Criticisms and Evolution of Country Music20:37- ‘I Believe Him’ 23:47- The Book of Mormon—An Addition25:18- ‘Old Man Said He Saw a Tree’29:36- Jacob’s Ladder and Working Out Your Own Salvation33:03- The Horn Player35:05- God Needs Drummers38:56- The Lord Speaks To Everyone Differently41:30- Giving Something Away For Nothing45:31- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ?  “The Lord…wants good people to make music, the Devil doesn’t need to have all the good things.” —Tony Martin Witness: A Nashville Tribute to The Book of Mormon Spotify Deseret Book “Just to See Your Smile”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BYU Marriott School Dean, Brigitte Madrian, has loved learning her entire life. In fact, she was in the 8th grade when she decided she wanted to get a PhD. Since then, she has worked at some of the most prestigious institutions of learning in the country. Still, she recognizes that this love for learning at such a young age is unique and knowing what you want to do with your life in the 8th grade? Even more rare. Perhaps that is why she is so passionate about helping others discover their own thirst for knowledge. 2:44- An 8th Grader’s Dream6:47- Using Research To Serve12:04- 1989 BYU Commencement Address18:53- Approaching Big Decisions28:04- A Healthy Approach to Strengths and Weaknesses36:44- ‘For Such A Time As This’44:44- Spiritual Component to Secular Learning50:46- Lifelong Learning53:16- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ?  “The Holy Ghost teaches us and testifies of truth—all truth—not just the truth that’s in the scriptures that we recognize but all truth, truths about running a business, truths about being a good leader…whatever the truths are, the Holy Ghost can testify of truth.” —Brigitte Madrian  Alice in Wonderland quote - “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” President Kimball talkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a man whose love inspires people during this time of year. Some might say it’s a man with a white beard who delivers Christmas presents to children around the world on a sleigh pulled by reindeer. But renowned Latter-day Saint painter Greg Olsen believes it is actually the Savior of the world who inspires Santa Claus himself. On this week’s episode, we talk with the artist about how he began painting in the first place but then why he chose to paint Santa Claus in addition to his many well-known paintings of Jesus Christ.  “Done in the right way, seen from the right perspective, Santa—that tradition—does carry on the mission of Jesus. Doing unto others, giving, serving, spreading love and cheer…it’s hard to separate those two.” —Greg Olsen  Show Notes 2:09- It Takes a Village To Raise an Artist5:24- A Prophetic Statement20:37- A Branch Full of Good Things23:10- Reaching Outside of the Latter-day Saint World28:57- Santa and the Savior32:49- We Follow What Is Good37:13- Lost and Found42:02- Everyone’s an Artist45:54- What Does It Mean to Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ?  Greg’s website Paintings referenced in the episode: The Spirit of Christmas Story of Christmas The Nativity Lost and FoundSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chad Truman recalls a specific moment on his mission where he had questions—not a faith crisis, just questions. He remembers hearing the words: “After your faith comes the witness.” Truman Brothers now sing songs of faith—songs that make a deliberate effort to represent a real faith journey. On this week’s episode, we discuss music’s ability to testify of Christ while acknowledging that our testimonies rarely grow linearly. Show Notes 2:00- Sons of Dan Truman of Diamond Rio6:51- Motivation9:00- Uplifting Without Being Cheesy12:09- The Power of Music17:25- Husbands and Fathers24:18- Atonement in Music27:31- Not a Faith Crisis32:30- Witness: A Nashville Tribute to the Book of Mormon33:40- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? “I will ebb and flow on opinions, I will ebb and flow on confidence in certain pieces of testimony but the rod is just going to remain in my hands and that’s what all in is for me. I will go through this experience committed and I will respond to things as I do but nothing will row the boat enough to toss me.” —Ben Truman Truman Brothers - “Sounding Joy” “Oh Child” music video “Before the Calm” music videoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In recent years, Michael McLean has encountered profound lessons about a father’s love. Although seemingly a shining light of optimism and success known for his work in the Latter-day Saint film and music space, McLean grappled with chronic depression, fostering self-doubt for an extended period. Nearly two decades ago, when his son came out and conveyed discontent about his upbringing, McLean's deepest insecurities seemed validated. Moreover, the silence from a perceived absence of God amplified his distress. On this week’s episode, we discuss McLean’s Forgotten Carols but, more importantly, how a loving Father never forgets His son. “The Atonement is not some cool thing that happened back in Gethsemane. It’s ongoing. He’s not stopping His work until He’s got us all healed—until He’s brought us all home.” —Michael McLean Show Notes 2:10- What Could’ve Been the End12:59- Depression and the Forgotten Carols18:44- Mr. Krueger’s Christmas31:57- When God Seems Quiet36:34- Two Fathers48:42- “Let Him In”51:51- What Does It Mean To Be All In? Links: The Forgotten Carols Michael’s video for the Church “Let Him In” “Mr. Krueger’s Christmas”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was considered one of the biggest snubs of the Women’s World Cup in 2023. Ashley Hatch has been around the United States Women’s National Team since 2016, and even played in multiple games for the national team in 2023. And yet, when the roster for the Women’s World Cup team was released, Ashley’s name wasn’t on it. The tough thing is that, like many disappointments in life, Ashley doesn’t really have an answer for why it didn’t work out the way she’d hoped. She does, however, recognize that she has the power to choose how she responds to that disappointment. “It’s an opportunity to either lean into your faith, lean into your testimony, or it’s an opportunity to lean away or push it away.” —Ashley Hatch Links & References: World Cup snubs The latest on Ashley’s Olympic hopes Temple open house storySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.