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Latter-day Profiles is a collaborative effort of students, faculty, and staff at Brigham Young University-Idaho. The program features in-depth interviews with noteworthy members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Guests range from leaders in business and industry to educators, musicians, and authors to volunteers. All have stories to tell that are interesting, informative, and thought-provoking.
Guests range from leaders in business and industry to educators, musicians, and authors to volunteers. All have stories to tell that are interesting, informative, and thought-provoking.
78 Episodes
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Devin Durrant is the author of The Values Delta, an inspirational speaker, and a successful real estate entrepreneur. A former professional basketball player, Devin was a consensus All-American at Brigham Young University before playing for the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns, and he is consistently ranked among Utah's top college basketball players of the 20th century. Following his athletic career, he became a real estate investor. He developed his core philosophy, The Values Delta, which focuses on adding value to properties, careers, and personal life by prioritizing moral values. Devin has also been a prominent leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having presided over the Texas Dallas Mission and served as a counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency. He and his wife, Julie, reside in Idaho and are the parents of six children.
Roger Connors is a four-time New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, known for his over 35 years of expertise in organizational culture and leadership. He is the co-author of highly influential books, including The Oz Principle and Change the Culture, Change the Game. Roger is the co-founder and former CEO of Partners In Leadership (PIL), a globally recognized consulting firm that has trained millions of people in accountability. A convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Roger and his wife, Gwen, presided over the Washington Kennewick Mission, and he has served in various leadership capacities, including as a stake president and currently in a YSA stake presidency. He shares his business expertise as a graduate faculty professional member at Utah Valley University.
Rod Gustafson is a seasoned media professional and currently serves as a Coordinating Producer at BYU Broadcasting, where he manages a diverse portfolio of over 20 national and international broadcast projects, including scripted series and feature films, spanning the entire production process. In addition to his leadership role, he is deeply involved in mentoring students of all faiths who are aspiring to work in media, helping them build strong spiritual and professional foundations. Rod has a rich background in media and journalism, having served as a contract television journalist for CTV News and as a Senior Radio Producer for a national series on SiriusXM. He also founded and was President of Parent Previews, a pioneering media literacy resource that offered family movie reviews and trained parents to help their children become critical thinkers regarding media consumption.
Jonathan Wing is the Director of Events at FamilySearch, where he oversees the production of RootsTech, the world's largest genealogy and family history conference. An alumnus of the Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business, Jonathan has an impressive and diverse academic background, having studied at the renowned culinary school Le Cordon Bleu and earning an MSc in International Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science. His varied professional experience includes roles from The Los Angeles Times editorial food team to consulting with the Disasters Emergency Committee in the UK. He currently shares his expertise as an adjunct professor at Ensign College and is committed to spending time with his wife, Emilia, and their four children.
Lee Cummard is the newly appointed Head Coach of BYU Women's Basketball, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the university's mission. A former standout player for the BYU men's team, where he earned All-American and Mountain West Conference Player of the Year honors, Cummard has spent over a decade with the Cougars' basketball programs, serving on the coaching staffs for both the men's and women's teams. Prior to taking the head coach role, he helped the women's program achieve a WCC regular season title and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. A Mesa, Arizona native who served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tennessee, Coach Cummard played professionally overseas and is committed to fostering excellence both on and off the court for his student-athletes.
John Dye is the Executive Director of the Faith & Media Initiative, a non-profit dedicated to ensuring accurate, balanced, and inclusive representations of all faiths in news and entertainment globally. He is passionate about preparing the next generation of faith-driven media professionals by providing hands-on learning, internships, and strategic career placements. John previously served as the lead social media strategist and influencer marketing director at Bonneville Communications (Boncom), and as President of the integrated marketing firm, Fluid Studio. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University, holding both a Master's and a Bachelor of Arts in English, and has shared his expertise as an adjunct faculty member teaching English and Communications at institutions including BYU and Utah Valley University for over seven years. He currently serves on the board for BYU Alumni and the editorial board for the BYU Magazine.
Bruce Kusch is the respected President of Ensign College (formerly LDS Business College), a role he began in 2017 after serving as the Chief Academic Officer. An accomplished academic leader, he has focused on enhancing the college's learning and teaching frameworks, resulting in increased student success and strong employer relationships. Prior to his current role, President Kusch held various administrative and faculty positions at BYU-Idaho and was an executive in Silicon Valley for companies including IBM and Logitech. He received a PhD in Instructional Design from Idaho State University, an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management, and a BS from the University of Phoenix.He also has significant Church service, having presided over the Mexico Cuernavaca Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with his wife from 2012 to 2015.
Hank Smith is a beloved instructor at BYU, a renowned speaker, and co-host of the popular Follow Him podcast, known for his ability to connect deeply with youth and young adults through engaging scripture teaching. A master teacher, Hank holds degrees from Dixie State University, Utah State University (MBA), and Brigham Young University (PhD), and previously spent fourteen years as a Seminary and Institute instructor. In addition to his extensive speaking engagements at events such as BYU Education Week and Especially for Youth, he is an author with Covenant Communications and consults on creating high-trust organizational cultures. He and his wife, Sara, are the parents of five children and reside in Mapleton, Utah.
Tom and Ali Durham are a dynamic creative duo blending storytelling, science fiction, family life, and faith. Tom is an Emmy-winning writer and director known for his cult-favorite sci-fi feature 95ers and his boundary-pushing work in TV, animation, and film. With a love for all things geek—from D&D to Star Trek—Tom brings humor and heart to every project he tackles through his production company, Martian Studios. He’s also an advocate for young storytellers, sharing his industry knowledge and love for the Oxford comma with the next generation of creators.Ali Durham, an actress, voiceover artist, chef, and mother of four, brings her own creative spark to the team. With a degree in Theater and Media Arts from BYU, Ali has worn many hats in the entertainment world—from performing and producing to writing and art direction. In their Latter-day Profile interview, Tom and Ali share how their shared love of faith, family, and film fuels their work. Together, they offer a refreshing perspective on balancing creativity with conviction—and finding joy in telling stories that uplift and inspire.
Shawn Stevens rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in hit television shows like Eight Is Enough, Days of Our Lives, and The Facts of Life. But behind the Hollywood lights was a deeper story—one of faith, sacrifice, and transformation. After discovering The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while filming in Utah, Shawn was baptized at age 19, a decision that cost him family support and slowed his acting career. Still, he held to his beliefs, turning down roles that didn’t align with his values and eventually finding new purpose off-screen.In his Latter-day Profile interview, Shawn reflects on his remarkable journey—from early stardom to a life grounded in discipleship. He shares how faith guided his choices through career highs and lows, and how stepping away from the spotlight helped him build a strong family foundation. After nearly 30 years behind the scenes, he returned to acting in the inspiring film The Cokeville Miracle. Shawn’s story is a powerful testament to the courage it takes to follow Christ in any industry—and the peace that comes when you do.
John Fossum is a devoted religious educator and author who has spent his life helping others build a firm foundation in Jesus Christ. Growing up in Georgia, John experienced for himself the challenges of life and the peace that comes from anchoring one’s faith in the Savior. After serving a mission in the Philippines, he studied English in college—where he met his wife Sarah in a poetry class. Together, they’ve raised five children and now enjoy life as grandparents.In his Latter-day Profile interview, John shares the inspiration behind his book Spiritual Foundations, a guide to developing deep, lasting faith in a world full of uncertainty. With warmth, humility, and personal insight, John testifies of God’s grace and the joy of living a Christ-centered life. His message is one of hope, reminding viewers that with the Lord as our foundation, all things will eventually work out for our good
Dr. B.J. Allen is a standout voice in both the business and spiritual spheres. As a Marketing Professor at BYU’s Marriott School of Business, he teaches professional selling and leads the BYU Sales Society. His widely used sales textbooks and training simulations are shaping the next generation of sales professionals at over 100 universities worldwide. Through his engaging workshops and consulting work, he helps organizations embrace cutting-edge strategies and leave energized to improve their sales approach.In his Latter-day Profile interview, B.J. opens up about his personal faith journey and the message behind his book The Compensating Power of Christ. Drawing on personal experience and gospel insight, he explores how the Savior’s Atonement can bring healing, justice, and hope in the face of life’s unfairness. Whether in the classroom or on the page, B.J. shares how Christ empowers us to overcome life’s challenges—one principle at a time.
Emily Peterson is the CEO and co-founder of Saranoni Luxury Blankets, a company born out of love and necessity. When her daughter needed surgery for a congenital ear condition, Emily and her husband Nathan began making gift baskets to raise funds. What started as a small family project quickly grew into a thriving business—thanks to the overwhelming popularity of their baby blankets. As parents raising three young children, the couple poured their hearts into creating products that bring comfort and connection.In her Latter-day Profile interview, Emily shares how Saranoni became more than a business—it became a mission. After Nathan’s passing from brain cancer in 2022, Emily found strength in honoring his legacy of compassion and service. Through their global initiative, Saranoni Cares, the company has brought warmth to families in need around the world. Emily’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and the power of creating comfort through both product and service.
Kim B. Clark has led a distinguished life of service in both education and the gospel. A Harvard-educated economist and former dean of Harvard Business School, he brought his leadership and vision to Brigham Young University–Idaho, where he served as president for a decade. Later called as a General Authority Seventy, he also served as Church Commissioner of Education, helping guide learning across the Church’s educational institutions. Professor Clark is currently the NAC Distinguished Professor of Management at the BYU Marriott School of Business His profound commitment to faith and learning has shaped the lives of thousands around the world.In his Latter-day Profile interview, Clark reflects on the Lord’s hand in his life—from his academic career to his spiritual callings. With humility and insight, he shares how true discipleship, education, and leadership can align when grounded in faith. His story is one of lifelong dedication to both the Church and the growth of individuals, families, and institutions through Christ-centered learning.
Charlene Farr’s life is a powerful story of resilience, faith, and transformation. Raised in a large family on a Texas farm and later married to an Air Force serviceman, Charlene’s journey took her around the world. But after facing personal heartache and betrayal, she found herself at a spiritual crossroads—until two missionaries arrived with a message of hope that changed everything. Their compassion and teachings helped her find a renewed sense of purpose, leading her to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1991 and embark on a life of devoted service, particularly with children and in the Relief Society.Now 87, Charlene continues to inspire as a storyteller, teacher, and family historian. From teaching heritage classes and preserving family gravesites to co-writing a family cookbook and nearly finishing a children’s book about her own childhood, Charlene is passionate about connecting generations through faith and memory. Her Latter-day Profile interview shines a light on the strength that comes from turning trials into testimony—and honoring the past while building a legacy of faith for the future.
Dr. Jenet Jacob Erickson brings a powerful voice to the conversation on faith, family, and the vital role of motherhood. As an Associate Professor of Religious Education at BYU, she has spent years researching maternal and child well-being, with her work gaining national attention in outlets such as The New York Times and The Today Show. With over 20 published articles and book chapters, and experience advising policymakers, Dr. Erickson is a leading expert on how family dynamics shape individuals and society.In her Latter-day Profile interview, Dr. Erickson reflects on both the science and the spiritual depth behind strong families. A dedicated wife and mother of two, she shares how faith and research intersect in her life, and why she believes nurturing the next generation is one of the most meaningful callings. Her story offers both wisdom and inspiration for anyone seeking to understand the divine design of the family.
Shane Smeed, a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was serving as the president of Park University in Missouri and as the stake president of the Platte City Missouri Stake at the time of this interview. In February, Smeed accepted the position of President of Utah Tech University in Saint George, Utah.At Park University Smeed led initiatives focused on student success, institutional excellence and workforce development. His leadership accomplishments include launching a comprehensive fundraising campaign and creating strategic business partnerships to enhance student outcomes in the global market.Born in Provo, Utah, and raised in various states, he has a deep-rooted passion for education, inspired by his father's career. Balancing his professional and ecclesiastical responsibilities, Smeed is supported by his wife, Angela, and their three children. He is committed to fostering leadership, service, and faith in both his academic and church communities.
Jonathan Cutler is a seasoned real estate investor and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. He is the owner and former Director of Acquisitions at Cutler Enterprises and currently serves as the COO of The Storage Acquisition Group, which he joined in 2016. Jonathan's extensive background includes roles such as Director of Acquisition, Purchasing, and Estimating for KB Home.
Lauren Felker is a junior at Lee Summit High School in Missouri. Lauren is an active member of her Young Women's group and an aspiring broadcast journalist or doctor.
Pete Grigsby has been a dedicated on-air TV meteorologist since 1990, spending the last 23 years with KMBC in Kansas City, MO. His career also includes stints in Norfolk, VA; Evansville, IN; and Bowling Green, KY. In 2008, Pete transitioned to an administrative role with the Blue Springs School District to better balance family life, where he oversees the district's TV and radio stations and teaches meteorology and broadcasting. A former all-state high school basketball player, Pete chose to focus on his studies in Broadcast/Journalism and Meteorology over college basketball offers. He enjoys running, playing piano, and serving in his church, while cherishing time with his wife Michelle and their two children, Nyle and Pete IV.
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