Leading Saints Podcast

Ally Skinner and Logan Steele, the creators of The Single Adult Podcast, explore the experiences of single adults within the Latter-day Saint community. They discuss the complexities of being single in a marriage-focused culture and emphasize the importance of understanding and supporting single members. Allyson Skinner is an office manager, sewing instructor, and alterations specialist. A convert who joined the Church as a youth, Ally has navigated much of her adult life—and raised two children—as a single parent. Drawing from her lived experiences through marriage, divorce, and years on her own, she brings deep empathy, honesty, and warmth to ministering to those sitting alone at church. Logan Steele was raised in Glendale, Arizona, and his professional journey began in New York on the Late Show with David Letterman, followed by producing major television staples including Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and The Apprentice. Today, he manages broadcasts for the Church Priesthood and Family Department and oversees the Scriptures video series. On The Single Adult Podcast, Logan focuses on bridging the gap between Church leadership and single members, emphasizing meaningful service stewardships and individual covenant-keeping over marital status. Links The Single Adult Podcast Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights 00:04:18 – The Origin of the Podcast Idea 00:05:44 – Goals and Focus of the Podcast 00:06:44 – The Importance of Understanding Single Adults 00:08:44 – Labels and Their Impact on Single Adults 00:10:04 – The Role of Wards and Activities 00:12:01 – The Need for Inclusivity in Callings 00:13:11 – Personal Experiences of Being Single 00:16:22 – Individual Stories of Allie and Logan 00:18:16 – The Concept of Being Alone 00:20:26 – The Importance of Inclusion in Church 00:22:09 – Finding Purpose as a Single Adult 00:24:02 – The Role of Leaders in Supporting Singles 00:26:48 – Navigating Offense and Understanding 00:29:05 – The Importance of Hope in the Gospel 00:31:30 – Trusting God’s Timing 00:33:04 – Broadening Perspectives on Single Adults 00:35:17 – The Need for Open Conversations 00:37:18 – The Role of the Gospel for All 00:39:06 – The Importance of Individual Journeys 00:41:18 – The Growing Momentum for Single Adult Issues Key Insights Diverse Experiences: The podcast aims to address the varied experiences of single adults, acknowledging that many members of the church are single due to various circumstances, including divorce, widowhood, or never marrying. Hope and Purpose: Allie and Logan emphasize finding hope and purpose in the gospel, regardless of marital status. They encourage listeners to focus on personal discipleship and the importance of maintaining a relationship with Jesus Christ. Community Engagement: The hosts highlight the need for single adults to feel included in church activities and leadership roles, stressing that many callings do not require marriage. Avoiding Assumptions: Leaders should avoid making assumptions about single adults’ needs and experiences. Open communication and asking questions can foster understanding and support. Navigating Loneliness: The discussion touches on the feelings of loneliness that can accompany being single, with Allie sharing her proactive approach to include others and create connections within the church community. Leadership Applications Inclusive Callings: Leaders should consider calling single adults to various leadership positions, as most church roles do not require marriage. This inclusion can empower single members and enrich the congregation. Fostering Dialogue: Leaders can create opportunities for open discussions about the experiences of single adults, helping to bridge gaps in understanding and support within the ward. Encouraging Personal Growth: Leaders should encourage single members to focus on their personal spiritual journeys and contributions to the church, reinforcing that their worth and potential are not defined by marital status. 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. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. 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, Benjamin Hardy, 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, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, 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.

When a woman taken in adultery—a capital crime under Mosaic law—was brought before the Savior, He didn’t condemn her. He said, “Go, and sin no more.” Why? BYU professor Breck Wightman joins us to explore how the Lord really responds to our sins, and why it may be different than you think. Breck Wightman is an Assistant Professor in the Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics at Brigham Young University, where he teaches human resource management, economics, and public policy in the MPA program. His research focuses on leadership, succession, hiring, and person-organization fit. In addition to his academic work, he owns a speaking and training company and is a regular presenter at BYU Education Week. Within the Church, Breck recently completed his service in a bishopric and currently serves on his stake high council. Links Breck Wightman’s PowerPoint Slides Share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available in the Zion Lab community Highlights In this conversation, Breck outlines a scriptural framework distinguishing willful rebellion and hypocrisy from mortal weakness, explaining how understanding divine mercy transforms personal discipleship and ecclesiastical leadership. 00:04:28 – Formulating the Topic: How God Responds to Weakness 00:05:22 – Scriptural Episode: The Woman Taken in Adultery 00:10:32 – Understanding Sin and Its Consequences 00:11:25 – Defining Sin: Law and Knowledge 00:12:32 – Accountability and Covenant Relationships 00:16:07 – The Nature of Weakness vs. Rebellion 00:22:10 – Exploring Rebellion: Active vs. Passive 00:25:33 – Consequences of Rebellion 00:26:04 – Sons of Perdition: The Worst Form of Rebellion 00:30:01 – The Complexity of Sin and Stigma 00:33:13 – Understanding Hypocrisy in Actions 00:40:05 – The Nature of Weakness and Its Implications 00:44:28 – The Lord’s Perspective on Weakness vs. Rebellion Key Insights Types of Sin: The discussion emphasizes that not all sins are equal. Sin can be categorized into rebellion, hypocrisy, and weakness, each eliciting different responses from God. Rebellion vs. Weakness: Rebellion involves a willful rejection of God’s commandments, while weakness reflects a sincere desire to do good but falling short due to human limitations. God responds to rebellion with consequences, whereas He approaches weakness with mercy. Intentions Matter: The motivations behind actions are crucial. Good actions with bad intentions lead to hypocrisy, while bad actions with good intentions indicate weakness. Understanding this distinction can help individuals and leaders navigate their spiritual journeys. Scriptural Examples: The episode references the story of the woman taken in adultery to illustrate how Jesus showed mercy to those who struggle with weakness, contrasting this with His condemnation of the hypocritical Pharisees. Grace and Accountability: The conversation highlights that accountability increases with knowledge of the law, but God’s grace allows for growth and learning over time. Leaders should recognize that individuals may be in different stages of understanding and repentance. Leadership Applications Fostering Compassion: Latter-day Saint leaders can cultivate a compassionate environment by recognizing the difference between weakness and rebellion in their congregants, offering support rather than condemnation. Encouraging Open Dialogue: Leaders should create spaces for honest discussions about struggles with sin, allowing members to express their weaknesses without fear of judgment, thereby promoting healing and growth. Tailoring Responses: Understanding the nuances of sin can help leaders tailor their counsel and support to meet the specific needs of individuals, focusing on mercy and encouragement rather than strict punitive measures. 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. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. 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, Benjamin Hardy, 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, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, 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.

Todd Hillyard shares practical ideas his ward has used to increase youth engagement in sacrament meeting. He discusses how youth feedback reframed his ward’s approach to sacrament meeting, including shorter talks, youth-focused speaker assignments, auxiliary-centered Sundays, and meaningful ways to involve young women and young men in ushering, music, prelude, organ, and testimony sharing. Todd currently serves as a bishop in Washington, having previously served in Young Men presidencies, on the high council, and in bishoprics. A pediatric dentist for 25 years and founder of Adventure Dental, he works with children and youth all day with a specialized focus on airway health—helping kids sleep better and thrive through nose breathing. Todd completed his undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University, earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and completed his postgraduate pediatric dental specialty at UCLA. Outside of his practice, Todd considers his most profound accomplishment and life calling to be a father to his 18-year-old son, who is non-verbal and has Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Navigating both the deep challenges and fulfilling joys of special-needs parenting has molded him in ways he never imagined, deepening the empathy and heart he brings to ministering to young people. On a lighter note, Todd loves to dance and performs with the “Daddy-O’s,” a crew of about a dozen middle-aged men attempting hip-hop routines under the coaching and choreography of his 15-year-old daughter. Links Stimulating Sunday School Discussion… But Not Too Much | An Interview with Julie Hillyard Teaching Restored www.adventuredental.com Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights 00:03:18 – Youth Leadership in Sunday Worship 00:03:30 – Engaging Youth Feedback 00:04:53 – Demographics of the Ward 00:05:37 – Youth Feedback on Sacrament Meeting 00:06:52 – Gathering Youth Insights 00:07:30 – Implementing Changes Based on Feedback 00:08:18 – Prelude Music Initiative 00:10:23 – Variety in Prelude Music 00:12:00 – Prelude Timing and Structure 00:13:19 – Importance of Engaging Prelude Music 00:14:18 – Short Talks in Sacrament Meeting 00:15:26 – Eliminating Intermediate Hymns 00:16:18 – Impromptu Choirs 00:18:04 – Youth Leading Music 00:19:09 – Youth Empowerment in Leadership Roles 00:21:25 – Testimony Meeting Dynamics 00:22:15 – Shortening Talks for Engagement 00:23:56 – Youth-Led Sunday Meetings 00:25:38 – Encouraging Youth Testimonies 00:27:34 – Supporting Young Men in Sacrament 00:28:04 – Christmas Tradition with Missionaries 00:29:00 – Testimony Meeting Improvements 00:30:22 – Monthly Youth Leader Meetings 00:32:05 – Collaboration with Adult Leaders 00:33:41 – Engaging Stake Leaders 00:36:02 – Importance of Presiding in Meetings 00:37:07 – Colette’s Experience with Youth Feedback Key Insights Youth Engagement: Todd emphasizes the importance of involving youth in church meetings, encouraging them to share their thoughts on what makes sacrament meetings engaging and spiritually fulfilling. Prelude Music: Implementing prelude music performed by youth has transformed the atmosphere of sacrament meetings, fostering reverence and engagement from the congregation. Short Talks: Todd has shifted the focus from long, traditional talks to shorter, more impactful messages, allowing for multiple speakers and encouraging participation from youth. Special Programs: The introduction of themed Sundays, such as Young Women’s Sunday, allows youth to take charge of the meeting, enhancing their sense of ownership and responsibility. Testimony Meetings: Encouraging youth to bear their testimonies regularly has revitalized testimony meetings, making them more relevant and engaging for the entire congregation. Collaboration with Stake Leaders: Todd actively communicates with stake leaders to ensure their messages resonate with youth, making sacrament meetings more relatable and engaging. Leadership Applications: Leadership Applications Create Opportunities for Youth Leadership: Leaders can implement youth-led initiatives, such as music prelude or testimony meetings, to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among young members. Adapt Meeting Formats: By shortening talks and incorporating more musical numbers or youth-led discussions, leaders can create a more engaging and spiritually uplifting environment. Encourage Open Dialogue: Leaders should seek feedback from youth about their experiences and preferences in church settings, allowing for adjustments that enhance participation and spiritual growth. 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. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. 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, Benjamin Hardy, 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, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, 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.

The first Friday of each month in Zion Lab, Kurt Francom hosts a livestream where we review the latest happenings and conversations taking place in Zion Lab and across our online community. In this Zion Lab Live, Kurt reviews recent community discussions from the Zion Lab platform, focusing on member missionary engagement, teaching culture, and church administration. Rather than conducting a traditional interview, Kurt highlights insights posted by community members around appointment cancellations and modern doctrinal framing. The central topic explores how local leaders can balance relational ministering with the deeper covenant commitments found in the restored gospel. Links Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights 00:01:34 – Experience at Southern Virginia University 00:03:44 – Overview of Zion Lab Community 00:04:50 – Discussion on Mental Health and Therapy 00:05:45 – September Topics Recap 00:06:27 – Missionary Work Challenges 00:09:40 – Engaging Investigators in Lessons 00:11:08 – Discussion on Christolatry 00:15:03 – Balancing Grace and Accountability 00:20:06 – Importance of Covenants in Worship Key Insights Zion Lab as a Resource: Kurt highlights Zion Lab as a vital online community for Latter-day Saint leaders, offering resources, discussions, and live streams that enhance leadership skills and community engagement. Missionary Work Challenges: A discussion centered on the difficulties missionaries face with appointment cancellations, suggesting that stronger relationships between members and investigators can improve commitment and attendance. Cultural Considerations: The conversation acknowledges that cultural attitudes towards time and scheduling can impact appointment keeping, emphasizing the need for leaders to understand these differences. Christolatry Concerns: Kurt raises the issue of “Christolatry,” where an overemphasis on Christ’s love may overshadow the call for personal growth and adherence to church teachings, suggesting a need for balance in messaging. Generational Shifts in Teaching: There is a recognition of changing teaching styles and language within the church, with some members longing for a more balanced approach that includes both grace and accountability. Leadership Applications Fostering Relationships: Leaders can encourage members to actively engage with missionaries and investigators, helping to create a supportive environment that values personal connections and accountability. Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding cultural differences can help leaders manage expectations and improve the effectiveness of missionary efforts, ensuring that appointments are respected and valued. Balanced Messaging: Leaders should strive to communicate the importance of both Christ’s love and the necessity of personal growth, ensuring that teachings reflect the comprehensive nature of the restored gospel. This can help prevent misunderstandings and foster a deeper commitment to church principles. 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. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. 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, Benjamin Hardy, 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, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, 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.

James Fletcher is the founder and chief investment officer of Ethos Investment Management, and has been investing professionally in emerging markets for 20 years. He is also the founder of the global non-profit Young Investors Society, which provides lessons to teens on investing and financial literacy in over 3,000 high schools and 80 countries around the world. James has a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Brigham Young University and also teaches as a BYU adjunct professor in Finance. He has lived in a variety of places, from Boston to Brazil and Los Angeles to Hong Kong, and currently lives in Springville, Utah, with his wife and five children, where he serves as a bishop in the Hobble Creek Springville Utah Stake. Links The Bishopric & the Youth | A How I Lead Interview with James Fletcher Young Investors Society: YIS.org Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights James talks about his experiences as a bishop in Mapleton, Utah, focusing on leadership principles that foster community and connection within the church. He discusses the importance of loving individuals as Christ did and the impact of engaging with both active and less-active members. Key Insights One-by-One Leadership: Emphasizing the inefficiencies of traditional leadership, James highlights the importance of personal connections and individualized attention, mirroring Christ’s approach to ministry. Community Engagement: James discusses how his ward has shifted from church-centric activities to community-focused events, fostering relationships with all residents in the canyon, regardless of their church attendance. Inviting Growth: He shares the success of involving youth as ward missionaries, allowing them to teach and engage with both members and non-members, which has led to increased participation and spiritual growth. Exporting Strength: Leaders are encouraged to look beyond their immediate community and share their strengths and resources globally, exemplified by members in his ward who have initiated impactful projects in other countries. Cultural Shift: The importance of creating a culture of belonging and love within the ward is emphasized, ensuring that everyone feels needed and valued, regardless of their church activity. Leadership Applications Foster Personal Connections: Latter-day Saint leaders can prioritize one-on-one interactions with members, ensuring that everyone feels seen and valued, which can lead to greater engagement and spiritual growth. Community-Centric Activities: By organizing events that include the broader community, leaders can build relationships that extend beyond church walls, creating a more inclusive environment. Empower Youth: Leaders can implement programs that allow youth to take on responsibilities, such as teaching or missionary work, which not only prepares them for future service but also strengthens the ward community. 00:02:53 – Building a Zion Community 00:04:26 – Christlike Leadership Principles 00:06:01 – Connecting with the Community 00:08:41 – The Importance of Love and Service 00:09:34 – Establishing a Culture of Belonging 00:12:39 – A Powerful Sacrament Meeting Experience 00:14:26 – The Role of Personal Visits 00:15:02 – Inviting Others to Serve 00:17:01 – Broadening the Net 00:21:01 – Proactive Ministering Efforts 00:22:48 – Daily Prayer for Individuals 00:24:37 – Community Connections 00:25:22 – Exporting Strength 00:31:04 – Inviting Youth to Grow 00:36:12 – The Inefficiency of Seeking the One 00:41:37 – The Healing Power of the Atonement 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. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. 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, Benjamin Hardy, 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, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, 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.