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General Conference Applied
General Conference Applied
Author: Mitch Peterson and Clay Soelberg
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© Mitch Peterson and Clay Soelberg
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Every six months, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gather to share messages in general conference. This podcast consists of an in-depth look at each of these messages. In particular, the hosts identify the invitations that were extended by the speakers, and then discuss ways that listeners can become "doers of the word" and take action on these invitations.
The hosts for this podcast are Mitch Peterson and Clay Soelberg, both of whom are active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of its creators.
The hosts for this podcast are Mitch Peterson and Clay Soelberg, both of whom are active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of its creators.
184 Episodes
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11/16/2025: S6 E22, Episode #183 on Elder Dale G. Renlund's October 2025 General Conference talk, "Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ."Mitch and Clay talked through Elder Renlund's comparison of Dr. Craig Selzman's "RMN" ethos as the Dr. Russell M. Nelson and Dantzel W. Nelson Presidential Chair in Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Utah to our taking on the name of Jesus Christ.Links to additional resources will be available on our free newsletter. Subscribe to not miss out!Sign up for the FREE General Conference Applied NewsletterRead past NewslettersContact UsFollow GCA on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | XWatch GCA on YouTube
11/16/2025 S6 E21, Episode #182, Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October 2025 General Conference, "Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ" - Invitations.Mitch identified six invitations, shared how he and Clay will take action, and previewed their forthcoming long-form episode focused on Elder Renlund's address.Subscribe to the free GCA newsletter for conference invitations, application ideas, supplemental study resources, lesson materials, our President Oaks listening schedule, and General Conference+ where we bring you our favorite resources from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles that they shared the previous week!Sign up for the FREE General Conference Applied NewsletterRead past NewslettersContact UsFollow GCA on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | XWatch GCA on YouTube
11/13/2025: S6 E20, Episode #181 on Elder Ronald A. Rasband's, October 2025 General Conference talk, "The Family Proclamation—Words from God," featuring Dr. David Dollahite, a BYU professor and expert on the Family Proclamation.Dr. Dollahite ("Dave") has spent decades studying, researching, and teaching and writing about families and the Family Proclamation. Dave and colleague Dr. Loren Marks also lead the American Families of Faith Project. Links to additional resources from Dave, including articles, podcasts, an interactive Family Proclamation, and Dave's book on his conversion story, will be available on our free newsletter. Subscribe to not miss out!Sign up for the FREE General Conference Applied NewsletterRead past NewslettersContact UsFollow GCA on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | XWatch GCA on YouTube
11/13/2025: S6 E19, Episode #180 Elder Ronald A. Rasband, October 2025 General Conference, "The Family Proclamation—Words from God," Invitations.Mitch identified six invitations, shared how he and Clay will take action, and discussed the guest episode focused on Elder Rasband's address that will go live later today which features Dr. David Dollahite, a BYU professor and expert on the family proclamation.Sign up for the FREE General Conference Applied NewsletterRead past Newsletters Contact Us Follow GCA on Social Media: Facebook Instagram X Full Conference addressElder Rasband bio
11/09/2025 S6 E18, Episode #179, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October 2025 General Conference, "They Are Their Own Judges" - Invitations.Special guest, Jordan Davis, joined Mitch and Clay to discuss Elder Bednar's Oct 2025 conference address. Elder Bednar taught that the outcome of our final judgment won't be a surprise since we'll understand perfectly how well we followed Jesus Christ in mortality and where we'll fit in eternity. Jordan is a Florida attorney who handles child abuse, abandonment, and neglect cases. She does her best to balance obligations to the law with seeing all people as children of God with potential to change. As someone who has built up professional working relationships with many judges well enough that courtroom surprises are rare, Jordan testified that as we come to know and even become like our eternal judge, that interaction will be like seeing an old friend.Subscribe to the free GCA newsletter for conference invitations, application ideas, supplemental study resources, lesson materials, our President Oaks listening schedule, and General Conference+ where we bring you EVERY invitation from the 1st Presidency and Quorum of the 12 they shared the previous week anywhere in the world!Sign up for the FREE General Conference Applied NewsletterRead past NewslettersContact UsFollow GCA on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | XWatch GCA on YouTube
11/09/2025 S6 E17, Episode #178, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October 2025 General Conference, "They Are Their Own Judges" - Invitations.Clay identified 7 invitations, shared how he and Mitch will take action, and previewed our forthcoming episode with special guest, Jordan Davis.Subscribe to the free GCA newsletter for conference invitations, application ideas, supplemental study resources, lesson materials, our President Oaks listening schedule, and General Conference+ where we bring you EVERY invitation from the 1st Presidency and Quorum of the 12 they shared the previous week anywhere in the world!Sign up for the FREE General Conference Applied NewsletterRead past NewslettersContact UsFollow GCA on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | XWatch GCA on YouTube
11/06/2025: S6 E16, Episode #177 Elder Neil L. Andersen, October 2025 General Conference, "The Atoning Love of Jesus Christ"Mitch and Clay discuss some of the harrowing experiences and the Savior Jesus Christ's miraculous intervention that Elder Andersen shared in his October 2025 General Conference Talk. They bring in personal stories and insights with a conversation about how if the time and setting are right for your individual situation, sharing your hardest moments and most painful dealings with the Savior's merciful atonement can be a huge help to others.Subscribe to the free GCA newsletter for conference invitations, application ideas, supplemental study resources, lesson materials, our President Oaks listening schedule, and General Conference+ where we bring you EVERY invitation from the 1st Presidency and Quorum of the 12 they shared the previous week anywhere in the world!Sign up for the FREE General Conference Applied NewsletterRead past NewslettersContact UsFollow GCA on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | XWatch GCA on YouTube
11/06/2025: S6 E15, Episode #176 Elder Neil L. Andersen, October 2025 General Conference, "The Atoning Love of Jesus Christ," Invitations.Clay identified seven invitations, shared how he and Mitch will take action, and discussed the free GCA newsletter where you can find all of these invitations with application ideas and links to additional resources.Sign up for the FREE General Conference Applied NewsletterRead past NewslettersContact UsFollow GCA on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | XWatch GCA on YouTube
11/02/2025: S6 E13, Episode 174, Elder Quentin L. Cook, October 2025 General Conference, "The Lord is Hastening His Work," Invitations.Mitch identified the following invitations, shared how he and Clay will take action, and discussed the free GCA newsletter and forthcoming episode with guest, Josiah Boornazian.1. "We should be profoundly grateful for the hastening, which has occurred and is occurring despite these challenging times."2. "My counsel to the members of the Church is to wrap our arms around these precious, elect people who have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ. ... [W]e pray the blessings of heaven will attend your efforts to progress along the covenant path. ... As the Lord hastens His work, we should love, nurture, and serve those who accept His gospel. ... We can be among the friends who assure these new converts that they belong and are not just guests. We can help them understand that they are disciples of Jesus Christ who can minister to others and accept callings to serve."3. "To those of you who are new or returning to the faith, there are challenges you may face. Be patient with yourself. ... Young converts should consider serving a full-time mission. All should be determined to strive to live a Christlike life. ... Focus on the covenants necessary for exaltation. ... [P]reparing yourself for the temple should be an immediate goal."4. "The gospel is not a test of knowledge. However, as President Nelson has promised: 'As you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day. … As you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life.' ... Regular study of the scriptures will bless and enrich your life by deepening your conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ."5. "All members, especially new and returning ones, would be blessed by studying and adopting [President Russell M. Nelson's] prophetic messages on covenants and the covenant path."6. "If you set a goal of worthily receiving each covenant necessary for exaltation, you will be on the path that leads to the celestial kingdom. The temple and the ordinances of the temple should be our focus. Most covenants are available to each individual. One covenant, eternal marriage, involves uniting your efforts with a companion. Our goal should be to find that eternal companion. However, do not get discouraged if eternal marriage is not possible at this time."7. "As we contemplate the challenges of our day, we must remember that the Savior, during His earthly ministry, also lived in turbulent and violent times. His focus was not on the political challenges of the day; it was on the perfection of the Saints."Sign up for the FREE General Conference Applied NewsletterRead past NewslettersContact UsFollow GCA on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | XWatch GCA on YouTube
10/30/2025: S6 E12, Episode 173, President D. Todd Christofferson, October 2025 General Conference, "Look to God and Live".Special guest and popular LDS speaker, Chris Bennett, joined Mitch and Clay to discuss President Christofferson's address. Chris shared his difficult story of wrecking his marriage through sexual addiction and affairs, his wife Autumn's surprising decision to stay with him and work through recovery, and the miraculous intervention, counseling, and hard work by many people that eventually led Chris to sobriety. The Bennetts now work full-time in assisting others through addiction recovery through personal coaching and Warrior Heart retreats. Chrisbennettcoaching.com Instagram @chrisbennettcoaching Unashamed Unafraid podcastA Warrior HeartPodcast on A Warrior HeartMore details can be found in the GCA newsletter.Sign up for the FREE General Conference Applied NewsletterRead past NewslettersContact UsFollow GCA on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | XWatch GCA on YouTube
10/30/2025: S6 E11, Episode 172, President D. Todd Christofferson, October 2025 General Conference, "Look to God and Live," Invitations.Clay identified the following invitations, shared how he and Mitch will take action, and discussed the free GCA newsletter and forthcoming episode with guest, Christ Bennett."The counsel 'look to God and live' not only has meaning for us in eternity but also makes all the difference in the character and quality of our mortal lives. Remember the words of young Sister Selebeli in Lesotho... 'Jesus Christ loves us and is with us, even though our hearts hurt.'""It is in the nature of a fallen world—where the devil rages and where everyone is imperfect—that there will be disappointments and offenses, suffering and sorrow, failure and loss, persecution and injustice. It is only by looking to God that individuals, families, and even nations can flourish....Levels of chronic loneliness, emotional isolation, and anxiety in the general population contrast with broadly healthier lifestyles, physical and mental vitality, higher levels of education, and positive outlooks based in faith among Latter-day Saints. It’s not that we, as a people, never experience the challenges that commonly exist in the world. Rather, it is that in looking to Jesus Christ, we can prevail.""Alma explained that to look to God is to keep His commandments, cry unto Him continually for His support, counsel with Him in all your doings, and let your heart be full of thanks unto Him day and night." "For the Strength of Youth speaks to several of God’s most urgent commandments and standards and teaches how to look to the Lord in making good decisions. It is a guide not only for youth but for all of us."“Treat your body—and others’ bodies—with respect. As you make decisions about your clothing, hairstyle, and appearance, ask yourself, ‘Am I honoring my body as a sacred gift from God?’”“Keep sex and sexual feelings sacred. They should not be the subject of jokes or entertainment. Outside of marriage between a man and a woman, it is wrong to touch the private, sacred parts of another person’s body even if clothed. In your choices about what you do, look at, read, listen to, think about, post, or text, avoid anything that purposely arouses lustful emotions in others or yourself.”"If you have been unchaste, I plead with you to repent. Come unto Christ and receive His promise of complete forgiveness as you fully repent of your sins." - Pres. NelsonKeep the Lord's commandments so you can "prosper in the land....Remember that in the Book of Mormon promise, the opposite of prosperity was not poverty—it was being cut off from the presence of the Lord.""There seems to be no end to the different sources people look to for meaning, happiness, and help. Most are 'looking beyond the mark.' But we need not be 'children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine [or fashion].' In looking to God, we can find peace in difficulty, and our faith can continue to grow even in times of doubt and spiritual challenge. We can receive strength in the face of opposition and isolation. We can reconcile the ideal with the present reality. Truly, there is no other way than what God Himself has ordained: 'Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.'”"Looking to God means that He is not just one of our priorities; it means, rather, that He is our one highest priority."Sign up for the FREE General Conference Applied NewsletterRead past NewslettersContact UsFollow GCA on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | XWatch GCA on YouTube
10/26/2025: S6 E10, Episode 171, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2025 General Conference, "Do Your Part with All Your Heart", guest episode.*Special Guest*: Mitch and Clay were joined in this episode by a member of Clay's ward, James Peterson. James served for over 24 years in the United States Air Force. So, naturally, he was a perfect fit for an episode focused on Elder Uchtdorf and his story about flying in a flight simulator! Not only that, like Mitch and Clay, James is a big reader (Clay even brought in a quote from Stephen King - which Elder Uchtdorf himself had included in his talk footnotes).Highlights from the excellent conversation include: focusing on themes of discipleship, grace, and personal growth; exploring the importance of discipline in spiritual practice, the role of preparation and practice in faith, and the significance of recognizing and developing spiritual gifts; emphasizing that while grace is essential, personal effort and discipline are crucial in the journey of faith.Join the General Conference Applied newsletter hereContact us hereFollow us on Facebook hereFollow us on Instagram hereFollow us on X hereFollow us and watch the podcast on YouTube here
10/26/2025: S6 E9, Episode 170, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2025 General Conference, "Do Your Part with All Your Heart", invitations episode.Mitch identified the following invitations and shared how both he and Clay will take action:1. "Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift, but receiving it is a conscious choice that requires a commitment of all our 'might, mind and strength.' It is a practice of every day. Every hour. It takes constant learning and determined commitment. Our faith, which is our loyalty to the Savior, becomes stronger as it is tested against the opposition we face here in mortality. It endures because we keep nourishing it, we keep actively applying it, and we never give up. ... The fire of yesterday’s testimony can warm us for only so long. It needs constant nourishment to keep burning brightly."2. "God gives us gifts—of knowledge, of ability, of opportunity—and He wants us to use and amplify them so they can bless us and bless His other children. That doesn’t happen if we put those gifts high on a shelf like a trophy that we admire from time to time. Our gifts magnify and multiply only when we put them to use. ... I pray that the Spirit will help you recognize the gifts and talents God has given you. Then, let us, like the faithful servants in the Lord's parable, increase and magnify them."3. "Contemplate whether you have been blessed with one or more gifts like: Showing compassion; Noticing people who are overlooked; Finding reasons to be joyful; Being a peacemaker; Noticing small miracles; Giving sincere compliments; Forgiving; Repenting; Enduring; Explaining things simply; Connecting with children; Sustaining Church leaders; Helping others know that they belong."4. "Remember: 'By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.' So let us each do our little part."5. "Our part is to follow the Christ. It is our part to turn away from sin, turn toward the Savior, and walk in His way, one step at a time."6. "Where faith is weak, begin with a hope in Christ Jesus and in His power to cleanse and purify. Our Father asks that we approach this challenge of faith and discipleship not as casual tourists but as wholehearted believers who leave behind and abandon Babylon and set their hearts, minds, and steps toward Zion."7. "Step by step, little by little, we will grow ever closer to that great and perfect day when we will live with [God] and our loved ones in eternal glory. To get there, we must do our part today and every day. We are thankful for the steps we took yesterday, but we don’t stop there. We know we still have a long way to go, but we don’t let that discourage us. That is the essence of who we are—as followers of Christ."8. "I urge and bless every member of the Church, and all who desire to be part of it, to trust the Savior and engage, patiently and diligently, in doing your part with all your heart."Join the General Conference Applied newsletter hereContact us hereFollow us on Facebook hereFollow us on Instagram hereFollow us on X hereFollow us and watch the podcast on YouTube here
10/23/2025: S6 E8, Episode 169, President Henry B. Eyring, October 2025 General Conference, "Proved and Strengthened in Christ", guest episode.*Special Guest*: Mitch and Clay were joined in this episode by Mitch's friend, Mitch Park. Mitch Park shared powerful verses from Mosiah 24, including verse 15: "[T]he burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." He then shared the sacred experience of how this verse (and others) brought his parents comfort as his dad suffered and ultimately passed away from Leukemia.Join the General Conference Applied newsletter hereContact us hereFollow us on Facebook hereFollow us on Instagram hereFollow us on X hereFollow us and watch the podcast on YouTube here
10/23/2025: S6 E7, Episode 168, President Henry B. Eyring, October 2025 General Conference, "Proved and Strengthened in Christ", invitations episode.Mitch identified the following invitations and shared how both he and Clay will take action:1. "The Lord teaches that we are to continue to grow and never tire in our efforts, that we never give up, that we keep trying. … [R]emain faithful in our service."2. "[C]ontinue to have faith in Jesus Christ—even when things might feel impossible to us at the moment. … [T]rust Him."Join the General Conference Applied newsletter hereContact us hereFollow us on Facebook hereFollow us on Instagram hereFollow us on X hereFollow us and watch the podcast on YouTube here
10/19/2025: S6 E6, Episode 167, President Jeffrey R. Holland, October 2025 General Conference, "And Now I See", guest episode.*Special Guest*: Mitch and Clay were joined in this episode by a member of Clay's bishopric, Lee Wilson. Lee shared a powerful story of how a recent priesthood blessing cured his prostate cancer; and how he then had the opportunity to bear testimony of that miraculous healing, as well as of Jesus Christ and His power, to a group of 500 insurance professionals.Join the General Conference Applied newsletter hereContact us hereFollow us on Facebook hereFollow us on Instagram hereFollow us on X hereFollow us and watch the podcast on YouTube here
President Jeffrey R. Holland gave another powerful address in the October 2025 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In "And Now I See," we spotted three invitations. This episode points those out and shares how the hosts of General Conference Applied plan to take action. Check out our full episode (dropping shortly) where we dive into the talk in detail, plus hear our guest's unforgettable miracle story!Subscribe to the free General Conference Applied Newsletter and Podcast to stay up to date with church leaders’ invitations and our application ideas and join us in becoming "Doers of the word!"
10/16/2025: S6 E4, Episode 165, President Dallin H. Oaks, October 2025 General Conference, "The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ", guest episode.*Special Guests*: Mitch and Clay were joined in this episode by Teryn and Kawiti Finlayson, former members of Clay's ward in the Bear Lake area of Utah/Idaho where they manage a portfolio of rental properties called “Spectacular Stays” (great option for taking action on President Oaks' invitation to hold family reunions! For bookings, visit their website). The Finlaysons are the parents of nine children and live in Kauai, Hawaii. Highlights from the discussion include:Kawiti reflecting on growing up in a family of 16 kids (yes, all of whom have the same mom and dad).The Finlaysons' decision to have a big family.Clay sharing quotes and stories from President Oaks's biography.The importance of family reunions and family history work, including a story about Kawiti's great-great-great grandfather memorizing hundreds of years of family history.Kawiti's experience of miraculous healing after his mission.Kneeling together as a family for family prayer.Clay, Mitch, Teryn, and Kawiti sharing how they will take action on the invitations that President Oaks extended in his address.And much more!Join the General Conference Applied newsletter hereContact us hereFollow us on Facebook hereFollow us on Instagram hereFollow us on X hereFollow us and watch the podcast on YouTube here
10/16/2025: S6 E3, Episode 164, President Dallin H. Oaks, October 2025 General Conference, "The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ", invitations episode.Mitch identified the following invitations and shared how both he and Clay will take action:1. "It is vital that Latter-day Saints do not lose their understanding of the purpose of marriage and the value of children. … The national declines in marriage and childbearing are understandable for historic reasons, but Latter-day Saint values and practices should improve—not follow—those trends."2. "As parental influences diminish, Latter-day Saints still have a God-given responsibility to teach their children to prepare for our family destiny in eternity. … [E]very single mother can teach of the love of a Heavenly Father and the eventual blessings of a temple marriage. You too can do this!"3. "Parents, single or married—and others, like grandparents, who fill that role for children—are the master teachers. Their most effective teaching is by example. The family circle is the ideal place to demonstrate and learn eternal values, such as the importance of marriage and children, the purpose of life, and the true source of joy. It is also the best place to learn other essential lessons of life, such as kindness, forgiveness, self-control, and the value of education and honest work."4. "[M]any Church members have beloved family members who do not embrace gospel values and expectations. Such members need our love and patience."5. "Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is our ultimate role model. We will be blessed if we model our lives after His teachings and self-sacrifice."6. "Parents also have a duty to teach their children practical knowledge apart from gospel principles. … Parents should educate children in the basic skills of living, including working in the yard and home."7. "Families should organize family reunions to remember ancestors, which lead to the temple."8. "To find time to do what is truly worthwhile, many parents will find that they can turn their family on if they all turn their technologies off."9. "Great blessings come to families if they pray together, kneeling night and morning to offer thanks for blessings and to pray over common concerns. Families are also blessed as they worship together in Church services and in other devotional settings. Family bonds are also strengthened by family stories, creating family traditions, and sharing sacred experiences."10. "The sealing powers of the priesthood, directed by the keys restored in the Kirtland Temple, bring families together for eternity. They are currently being exercised in a growing number of temples of the Lord throughout the world. This is real. Let us be part of it."Join the General Conference Applied newsletter hereContact us hereFollow us on Facebook hereFollow us on Instagram hereFollow us on X hereFollow us and watch the podcast on YouTube here
10/12/2025: S6 E2, Episode 163, GCA S6 Preview and Oct 2025 GC Recap.Clay and Mitch provided a brief recap of the October 2025 General Conference, including a discussion around the top 6 tags from the conference (1. Jesus Christ; 2. Discipleship; 3. Adversity; 4. Love; 5. Atonement; 6. Healing). They also shared a roadmap of what listeners can expect in season 6 of General Conference Applied, including:The launch of the General Conference Applied newsletter. Emails will be sent every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and potentially even on Saturdays as explained below.Each general conference address will be accompanied by two podcast episodes: one 10-minute-or-less episode focused on the invitations and applications, and one 30-45 minute episode with a guest.A focus on all 33 general conference addresses first, and then the final 16-17 episodes of the season will be Return and Report episodes. In addition to Clay's and Mitch's voices and podcast guest voices in these episodes, newsletter subscribers will also have opportunity to share their voices.A "Farewell to President Russell M. Nelson and Welcome to the New Apostle" episode once the new apostle is called.General Conference+ material (i.e., the invitations that the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are extending on social media, in Church magazines, in Church school devotionals, and elsewhere) will be found exclusively in the General Conference Applied newsletter and will be delivered to subscribers' inboxes every Tuesday.A President Dallin H. Oaks listening schedule to listen to every general conference address, Church school devotional, and worldwide Church devotional that President Oaks has delivered from 1971 until the present, finishing the listening schedule the night before the solemn assembly in the April 2026 General Conference. Address links and other information would be sent out in the General Conference Applied newsletter every Saturday.A request for two individuals to volunteer five hours per week to help General Conference Applied grow: one to serve as an "administrative manager" and the other to serve as a "media manager." (Please contact Clay and Mitch if you are interested! Here is our email address: share@generalconferenceapplied.com).And much more!Join the General Conference Applied newsletter hereContact us hereFollow us on Facebook hereFollow us on Instagram hereFollow us on X hereFollow us and watch the podcast on YouTube here




