DiscoverMagnify
Magnify
Claim Ownership

Magnify

Author: LDS Living

Subscribed: 738Played: 26,834
Share

Description

The Savior is calling on women to shine His Light in our homes, congregations, and communities—and we want to be those women! Sometimes in the busyness of life prioritizing our discipleship can feel challenging, but with each episode of the Magnify podcast we aim to lighten your load!

Tune in to this Deseret Book podcast for uplifting and motivating spiritual reminders, candid conversations, and deeper learning from women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are followers of Jesus Christ and we want to help you leave each week to overcome the overwhelm of life and feel a little better than you did before!
170 Episodes
Reverse
Eliza R. Snow is perhaps the woman in our Relief Society history who we hear the most about, and for good reason. She was a writer, organizer, temple worker, and advocate for women. She was an accomplished teacher and encouraged fellow sisters to overcome fears of public speaking and to minister to each other and their communities. She was a force for good whose influence extends to us today. During this month where we celebrate the birthday of the Relief Society, we're learning how we can continue her legacy by standing for truth with bold faith, encouraging one another through our words and actions, and ministering and teaching as the Savior would.  Today's guest, Jenny Reeder, works for the Church History Department on historic sites. She has a PhD in American history from George Mason University and a Masters degree in editing documents. She's also a writer, and wrote First: The Life and Faith of Emma Smith and was head historian and editor of At the Pulpit: 185 Years of Discourses by Latter-day Saint Women. Most recently, she was head historian and editor of Rise Up and Speak: Selected Discourses of Eliza R. Snow. Notes: Local to Salt Lake City? Hear more from Jenny Reeder at this special event. Wednesday, March 18, at the downtown Salt Lake Deseret Book store, gather with historians from the Church History Department to discuss the bold teachings of Eliza R. Snow captured in the new book, Rise Up and Speak. Discover how this inspiring 19th-century leader helped found the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary organizations—and learn why her call for Church members to speak up still resonates today. Stay for a Q&A and meet and greet. Click the link to claim your free ticket! Read the book! Rise Up and Speak: Selected Discourses of Eliza R. Snow.
President Russell M. Nelson said, "We need women who know how to make important things happen by their faith." That's us! Every day, even when we don't see the results, we're doing important things by faith. Most of the time, it's in small and simple ways, but "by small means, the Lord can bring about great things." (1 Nephi 16:29). When we think of people who acted with remarkable faith, scripture stories about Esther, Moses, and Nephi might come to mind, but do we think of ourselves on that same list? Today's guest is here to share how to look at faith with a fresh perspective and how we can figure out the important things Jesus Christ needs us to do, then have the courage to do them. Maybe we don't see ourselves on par with our heroes in the scriptures, but we should! Our faith may not be needed to part the seas, but it can be strong enough to do mighty and important work in God's kingdom. Today's guest, friend of Magnify, Kaylen Nelson, is someone we can count on to talk about gospel truths with transparency, delight, and a little bit of Taylor Swift. Kaylen taught seminary and institute for thirteen years, and recently took a pause from classroom life to be with her two little boys at home. Notes: "We need women who know how to make important things happen by their faith." Russell M. Nelson, "A Plea to My Sisters," October 2015 Quoted by Kaylen: "When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods?" Neal A. Maxwell, "The Women of God," April 1978
When we individually speak up and stand up for truth, we're collectively building the kingdom of God. Today's guest, Tammy Uzelac Hall, shares her experience learning that as we pay the price to study the doctrine of the gospel and really know the stories of the women in scripture who came before us, our spiritual confidence grows and our declarations of truth become even more powerful. With this kind of faith, we're able to boldly share testimony, and like they did, accomplish what the Lord needs of us. "Sisters, we need your voices teaching the doctrine of Christ. We need your ability as women to detect deception and to articulate truth. We need your inspired wisdom in your family, ward, and stake councils, as well as in other places of influence throughout the world. Your family, the Church, and the world need you!" President Russell M. Nelson, "The Influence of Women" Our voices are needed—and they matter! Tammy Uzelac Hall is the host of the Sunday On Monday podcast. She loves all things scripture and is a lifelong student of the Hebrew language. Both her bachelor's and master's degrees are from BYU. Notes: "The Influence of Women," 2024 Relief Society Devotional address by President Russell M. Nelson Sunday on Monday is a weekly Come, Follow Me podcast where Tammy and guests dig into the scriptures together. It is a Deseret Book Bookshelf+ exclusive. Full episodes can be accessed with a Bookshelf+ subscription. Start your free 30-day trial! Listen to other Magnify podcast episodes with Tammy! Joy Brings us Mission and Purpose You are on the brink of something wonderful! How to count it all for joy Cheering for Peace
With Easter just over a month away, this is the perfect time to gather inspiration for creating Christ-centered Easter experiences that are simple, flexible, and meaningful. With her typical warmth and fun ideas, Maria Eckersley is here to share how we can turn teaching of the Savior and His Atonement into the tradition that shapes our Easter season. When we do this, it gives us "permission" to pare down the extras and focus on what turns our hearts to Him. Maria is the author of a new book, Teaching Easter: 15 Hands-on Lessons to Help You Study, Teach, and Delight in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Today, she has three, simple, delightful activities that show how to make teaching about Jesus part of our traditions. (One includes a free printable!) Each activity is adaptable to children of all ages, helping us to make this a season where were joyfully remember the Savior at every possible opportunity. Notes: Make this Easter memorable and delightful! Maria's book is available now. Teaching Easter: 15 Hands-on Lessons to Help You Study, Teach, and Delight in the Gospel of Jesus Christ You've Been Egged—download the free PDF from Maria! #Hallelujah—An Easter Message about Jesus Christ The Atonement of Jesus Christ, talk by Tad R. Callister. Maria likes to use thoughts from this talk to help teach of Jesus after the egg drop activity.  
Our gifts and talents are a powerful way to share God's love with others. Today's guest, artist Eva Timothy, shares from her life experience that when we humbly reach out to God through prayer, with the desire to glorify Him, He will help those gifts shine. As women, we contain multitudes, each of us at different life stages and varied life circumstances. Our loving Heavenly Father knows where we're at and what we can give, which is precisely why our individual traits, gifts, and talents are exactly what God needs from us. We don't need to start a new hobby or change our personality. When we channel our unique gifts through the lens of God's love then, like the loaves and fishes, our efforts and talents are multiplied, bringing more light and hope to the world around us.  Eva is an award-winning fine art photographer. She was one of the first Latter-day Saint converts in Bulgaria following the fall of the Berlin Wall. Over her life, she has developed a lifelong passion for light—both as a physical medium and as a symbol of divine inspiration. Eva blends artistry, enthusiasm, and spirituality to explore how creativity shapes our lives, encouraging us all to nurture our creative gifts and to look for the light. Notes: BYUH Devotional address by Tracy Browning, "The Difference is You" See Eva's art on her website Join Magnify on Instagram!
When the world tells us to be divisive and look at what makes us different from one another, former Relief Society General President, Sister Jean Bingham, has learned to lean in, strengthen relationships, and find common ground through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her example shows us that when we rely on the Lord, He will help us express our beliefs effectively in any situation. Through our words and actions, we can be the ones to create avenues of mutual respect and understanding with everyone we meet. Sister Bingham is also the perfect person to teach us how to confidently articulate our faith so that everyone we meet knows how much they are loved by our Heavenly Father.  Sister Bingham served as general president of the relief society from 2017 to 2022. A year after her release, she and her husband Bruce were called to serve for three years in the Belgium/Netherlands Mission as government relations representatives, assigned to the European Union and International Affairs Office of the Church in Brussels. She and Bruce are the parents of two daughters, and were also foster parents to teens and children, many of whom have become part of their family.  Notes: Relief Society Global Initiative to Improve the Well-being of Women and Children Interfaith Relations resources mentioned by Sister Bingham Church News article about Sister Bingham's United Nations visit in 2017 All In Podcast episode with Sister Bingham Join Magnify on Instagram!
Taking everyday moments to testify of Christ becomes normal and natural the more we speak of Him. As we listen to promptings then act on opportunities to joyfully share about Jesus Christ and His gospel, we become more articulate in sharing our faith. And the more we act on promptings to share about Jesus, the more inspiration we receive to help and lift others which increases our happiness. It's a beautiful cycle, and we get to be part of it.   For today's guest, Shima Baughman, social media has become her way of not missing a moment to share about Jesus Christ's goodness. She's the first to say it doesn't take a big stage or a social platform to make a difference as we speak up and happily share the gospel. What matters most is how we minister one by one, showing up with the talent's we have and doing our best to radiate the love of Christ. Notes:  Hear more from Shima on the Magnify podcast!  Replacing our Worry with Joy! God's Love Feels Like Coming Home Jesus Makes Our Family Tree Whole
Creating a healthy relationship with scripture study moves it beyond the checklist to something we treasure and draw strength from. Being in the scriptures with the intent to receive personal revelation empowers us and emboldens our faith. When we seek guidance in scripture, we can receive inspiration to comfort and guide family members in the moment they need it, share our faith more boldly, and speak with confidence. And we fear the things of the world less because we learn even more deeply that God is in every story. To help us create a healthy and thriving relationship with scripture study, Shannon Foster is with us again. She's the perfect person to articulate the power that prioritizing scripture study can have in our lives. Shannon is the founder of the Red Headed Hostess, a trained gospel educator and former seminary teacher. Teaching people to love the scriptures has been her passion for over 20 years. She's also the author of the Red Headed Hostess guidebooks, written to help people connect to scripture in a meaningful way.   Notes: Watch Shannon's scripture workshop from Magnify's Lift Up Your Heart event! Be part of Magnify! Join us on Instagram @magnifycommunity
As daughters of Eve, we each carry an innate heritage of leadership, and courage. We also learn from today's guest that part of Eve's legacy is the important role of being a shepherd, like our Savior. When we follow Eve's example, we are women who nurture trust in our homes, communities, and in our relationships with God. Having a deeper understanding and appreciation of Eve helps us better understand ourselves as daughters of God, each of us like Eve with a unique and vital role to play in His kingdom.   Today's guest, Rebekah Call, is a professor at Utah State and a contributing author to Seeing Women in the Old Testament: What Scriptural Heroines Teach Us About Courage, Faith, and Action, available at Deseret Book. Her chapter on Eve is the basis for this conversation.   Show Notes: Read Rebekah's chapter on Eve in Seeing Women in the Old Testament: What Scriptural Heroines Teach Us About Courage, Faith, and Action Rebekah's forthcoming book: Rediscovering Eve: The Woman, the Garden, and the Plan of Salvation. Available for pre-order soon from Deseret Book! Join us on Instagram! @magnifycommunity Learn more about Magnify! magnifythegood.com
Today we're looking toward Jesus and His example, how He spoke and shared truth when He was on the earth, what we can do to model after Him, and how two women in scripture can help inspire us to be bold in our discipleship. As we take covenant steps to follow Him, we learn to recognize that He is always alongside us. Lori Denning is with us again to illuminate the scriptures for us in her joyful way. Lori is part of the religion faculty at BYU Idaho. She's also a gospel speaker, writer, and student. Her recent career change from supply chain manager to religion professor inspired part of this conversation, showing how God is always with us on our path—and that's something we can proclaim with joy! Show Notes: Hear more from Lori on the podcast! Finding the Many Joyful Messages in the Parable of the 10 Virgins Join us on Instagram! @magnifycommunity Learn more about Magnify! magnifythegood.com
As a Magnify community, we read "Personal Ministry: Sacred and Precious" by Bonnie D. Parkin, former Relief Society General President. In it she challenges each of us to identify our personal ministry and live each day finding opportunities to care for others as the Savior would. In this conversation, three women at very different stages of life, a widow and empty-nester, a mom of five kids ages 10 and under, and a young single adult, get personal and share what's in their hearts after reading Sister Parkin's address, and what it looks like for them to be on the Lord's divine errands and develop a deeper sense of personal ministry with the Lord. Sister Parkin said, "Most ministering opportunities are spontaneous, not planned in advance." The little things we do to share the light of Christ each day add up to make this world a better place and our daily efforts to care for each other the way Jesus would make a difference. Show Notes: Personal Ministry: Sacred and Precious by Sister Bonnie D. Parkin Join us on Instagram! @magnifycommunity Learn more about Magnify! magnifythegood.com
As Magnify women, through life's many and varied adventures, we hold tight to the Lord's promise in D&C 122:7 "that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." We've learned that one of the ways we reap from this goodness is in how we can turn around and share what we've learned with others and help them along their path. Our lives become a collection of opportunities and testimony of moments that we can pull from later to be of service to each other.  Maria Eckersley, is here to share how three women in scripture show us how the Lord constantly prepares us to be part of His great work, giving us opportunities to care for each other as our Savior would. Even if we can't tell in the moment, we can trust that He has equipped us to step forward in His strength.   Maria is a multi-hyphenate gatherer of goodness from being a devoted fun mom to mega party planning to gospel teaching tips in the home. She is a mom to six amazing kids and grandma to three darling grandsons. Notes:  Hear more from Maria on the Magnify podcast:  5 Questions to Illuminate Women in the Scriptures
Trusting that our loving Heavenly Father made us for a divine purpose helps us realize that our God-given gifts aren't competitive, they're complimentary! When we come together as women, we have the chance to praise each other, reminding one another of our worth and divine potential. When we embrace our unique talents and gifts, it helps us become our best selves and enables us to lift others along our way.  Today's guest, Natalie Hill Jensen, is a former Broadway performer who has learned through many life experiences that her talents and personality are God-given and when she is exactly herself, she's better able to lift others and share God's love. She delights in complimenting other women so they see their strengths and feel amazing.  Links and notes:  Parley P. Pratt quote Natalie shared:  "[The Holy Ghost] quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being."  Parley P. Pratt, Key to the Science of Theology Patrica Holland quote that inspired this episode:  "Somewhere somehow the Lord blipped the message onto my screen that my personality was created to fit precisely the mission and talents he gave me. For example, the quieter, calmer talent of playing the piano reveals much about the real Pat Holland. I would never have learned to play the piano if I hadn't enjoyed the long hours of solitude required for its development. This same principle applies to my love of writing, reading, meditation, and especially teaching and talking with my children. Miraculously, I have found that I have untold abundant sources of energy to be myself, but the moment that I indulge in imitation of my neighbor, I feel fractured and fatigued and find myself forever swimming upstream. When we frustrate God's plan for us, we deprive this world and God's kingdom of our unique contributions, and a serious schism settles in our soul. God never gave us any task beyond our ability to accomplish it. We just have to be willing to do it in our own way.  We will always have enough resources for being who we are and what we can become." 
Sister Elaine Dalton joined us for this very special episode of the podcast, recorded live at Magnify's Lift Up Your Heart event in Salt Lake City! Sister Dalton shares how we are the women spoken of by President Kimball and later by President Nelson, women who will change the world in distinct and happy ways through our testimonies and covenant conviction to the gospel of Jesus Christ. With warmth and love, she reminds us that we're not meant to sit on the sidelines—we each have a divine mission and part in the Lord's great work.  "The impact that you will have in these latter days is just phenomenal!" —Sister Elaine Dalton Sister Elaine Dalton served as Young Women General President from 2008 through 2013, and since then she has continued her mission of reminding women of their divine identity and unique capacity to lift, strengthen, and change the world around them for good.  Notes:  Join us on Instagram! @magnifycommunity Learn more about Magnify! magnifythegood.com Read more from Sister Dalton: A Return to Virtue
BYU-Pathway helps people around the world get a higher education, develop their talents, and provide opportunities to serve. We had the privilege to learn more about the scope of this incredible program and how we can get involved. As we seek to develop our God-given gifts, and support others to do the same, we increase in our ability to serve and lift those around us as we go about our divine errands.   Today's guest, Melinda Ashton, is the wife to BYU-Pathway President Brian Ashton. They are the parents of seven children and grandparents to a new grand baby. Melinda is a BYU graduate and attended Northwestern Medical School in Chicago. Melinda and Brian give frequent online devotionals to the 85,000 BYU-Pathway students around the world.     Links: Pathway to Hope documentary with Jane Clayson Johnson on BYUtv BYU-Pathway Worldwide Ways to get involved and support BYU-Pathway
We're thrilled to welcome President Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President, to the Magnify podcast. From President Johnson's powerful testimony and example of Christlike discipleship we learn ways to let the light of our personal conversion shine above the darkness in the world. President Johnson shares the daily acts of devotion that strengthen her testimony, practices we can emulate to put Christ at the center of our lives. From her unique perspective as the president of a worldwide organization, we learn more about the power we have as covenant-keeping women to individually make a tremendous difference for good as we minister one-by-one.   President Johnson was sustained as the 18th Relief Society General President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 2, 2022. She also served as the Primary General President. She and her husband, Douglas R. Johnson, served as a mission leaders in Arequipa, Peru. They are the parents of three children and eight grandchildren. President Johnson graduated from the University of Utah in 1985 with a bachelor's degree in English followed by a law degree from the University of Utah in 1989. She practiced law for nearly 30 years. Links: Read or watch President Johnson's devotional address: Righteous Stewards—Disciples of Jesus Christ
Rosemary Wixom is with us again! Through her example, personal experiences, and interactions with others, Sister Wixom shows us that when we prioritize our time in the temple, even when time seems like the only thing we don't have enough of in our lives, the blessings are immeasurable. She shares how she learned the truth of this promise from President Nelson: "The Lord will bring the miracles He knows you need as you make sacrifices to serve and worship in His temples." This episode is one that leaves us inspired and feeling emboldened to spend more time in the temple, either as regular temple workers or through more frequent temple worship. Rosemary and her husband served as temple president and matron of the Salt Lake Temple before it closed for renovations. Many of us also recognize her from her time serving as Primary general president. She also served on the Church's Temple and Family History Executive Council. And, fun fact, she has a twin sister! Links: Hear more about the temple from Sister Wixom on the Magnify podcast: Three Spiritual Guideposts for Finding Jesus in the Temple Learn more about temple blessings with these books: The Holy Sealing by Anthony & Cindy Sweat An Endowment of Love by Melinda Brown
Our willing hearts are enough for the Lord to send us on divine errands, even if we feel like outsiders, outliers, or full of shortcomings. How can we know? Looking at the examples from women in scripture helps us see that our part in the Lord's work is never small, rather, it's expansive. We don't have to second-guess—moving forward to act on promptings can help us understand that any time we're on God's errand, it's divine.   Kaylen Nelson joins the podcast to help us learn more about our personal divine errands from remarkable women in scripture who lived out their own. Kaylen recently retired after thirteen years of teaching in the church education system so she can stay home with her two baby boys. Links: Join us for Lift Up Your Heart, a Magnify gathering, October 25, 2025—Register today! Be in the conversation — follow on Instagram @magnifycommunity
Shannon Foster, co-founder of The Red Headed Hostess, joins us to share how we can teach children to study the gospel so they learn precious truths for themselves—no matter their age. She also shares how to slow down our personal scripture study to help us be better gospel teachers in our homes and church classrooms.  Shannon taught seminary and institute for 13 years and now helps families learn and love the scriptures through her brand, The Red Headed Hostess. Whether or not you have children in your home, or a calling to teach children, Shannon's way of approaching gospel study creates more connection, deeper conversations, and real conversion.
Life rarely goes how we plan, but we can find deep meaning, peace, and joy, despite the detours and trials. When we recognize God is always with us, our lives can be rich with purpose and we'll find fulfillment despite experiencing loss, heartache, and unmet expectations. Camille Fronk Olson, professor emeritus from BYU's department of ancient scripture and pioneer for women in the Church Education System, joins the podcast to share how she's learned to see God's hand in her life, even when things went off course from how she thought they would be. She explains how as she stayed close to God and embraced opportunities as they came, He helped her grow and become more than she ever thought she could. Links: Read the book! But If Not: Finding God in Unmet Expectations and Unwanted Detours Camille is a speaker at Magnify's Lift Up Your Heart event! Register today! More from Camille — Magnify episode 97: "How Prophetic Revelation Intersects with Personal Decision Making"
loading
Comments (1)

Melissa Leifson

I loved the perspective of choosing not to be in the waiting! So grateful to learn about this! It makes sense because it feels like trials and hard is constant and not happening in the way we would choose. And by thinking that “we can find joy when….” Then we will never find it! I also was grateful for the idea that we all can find a pattern that works for us, rather than live in the wait…. At least those are what I gleaned from this episode! Thank you!!

Jul 28th
Reply