A Far Cry From Normal

In this special episode, I introduce one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s most powerful and prophetic messages: “The Drum Major Instinct.” Originally delivered at Ebenezer Baptist Church on February 4, 1968, this sermon explores the universal human desire to be seen, valued, and recognized—and how that desire can be transformed into a calling to serve. Dr. King reminds us that greatness is not reserved for the famous or the influential. As he declares in one of his most beloved lines, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” Join me as we revisit the full sermon, reflect on its meaning for our lives today, and consider how King’s invitation to lead through love, justice, and service is just as urgent now as ever. Press play, listen deeply, and let Dr. King’s words stir your heart toward becoming a drum major for righteousness and compassion.

Reflecting on insights from Laura Knebusch and Georgia-Pacific, the importance of 'Living Our Brands' is highlighted—not as a marketing campaign but as a business operating system. Every team and function must embody and deliver the brand promise across all touchpoints. FamilySearch is progressing internally, but alignment across all areas is crucial for consistent, authentic brand experiences. True brand strength comes from organizational unity, not just messaging.

In this deeply personal episode, I share my faith journey—from growing up in Normal, Illinois, to discovering eternal families, purpose, and belonging through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Through stories of loss, questions about death, spiritual awakenings, missionary service, and sacred temple experiences with my parents, this episode reflects how God has been present in the details of my life all along.   This conversation was originally recorded for Joseph Fitzgerald’s podcast, Latter-day Believers, and I’m grateful for his invitation and stewardship of the space where this story was first shared. I’m honored to introduce it here as part of A Far Cry from Normal, where uncommon stories lead to practical wisdom—and, sometimes, eternal perspective.   This episode was originally recorded on November 24, and released on December 14, 2025, as a guest interview on Joseph Fitzgerald’s podcast, Latter-day Believers, and is shared here with gratitude and permission.

Marketing isn’t just about producing more content—it’s about stewarding trust. In this episode, Thom Reed shares a long-term vision for leading FamilySearch’s content and integrated marketing with clarity, consistency, and care, grounded in audience insight, collaboration, and mission-driven storytelling.   This podcast was created using Notebook LM.