Welcome back to Called to Create!
In this deeply inspiring episode, hosts Scott and Darla Brandley sit down with BYU business professor, author, and Praiseworthy Award winner BJ Allen to explore a powerful and often overlooked aspect of the Savior’s atonement—His compensating power.

BJ shares the story behind his book, The Compensating Power of Christ: How the Atonement Rights the Wrongs of an Unfair World, and how a single line of doctrine sparked years of study, reflection, and ultimately a published work that is touching lives. From writing chapters in the parking lot during his kids’ soccer practices to experiencing profound spiritual insights, BJ offers a relatable and faith-filled perspective on how Christ is involved in our everyday lives.

Together, they discuss how the Savior not only strengthens and forgives—but also compensates for life’s unfairness, our personal weaknesses, and even the shortcomings of others that affect us. This conversation is filled with hope, practical insight, and a renewed understanding of how deeply personal and present Jesus Christ truly is.

Whether you're navigating a difficult season or simply seeking to deepen your relationship with the Savior, this episode will leave you feeling seen, uplifted, and reminded that nothing in your life is beyond Christ’s reach.

Key Topics Discussed

• What “the compensating power of Christ” really means
• The inspiration behind BJ Allen’s book
• Writing a book in the middle of a busy family life
• How Christ compensates for our personal weaknesses
• How Christ makes up for the impact of others’ imperfections
• Finding peace in life’s unfair and painful experiences
• Recognizing God’s hand—often in hindsight
• Strengthening your relationship with Christ through small, daily habits
• Advice for aspiring writers, especially in the faith-based space
  
  
  

Personal Takeaway:

One of the most powerful reminders from this episode is that Jesus Christ is not distant—He is actively involved in the details of our lives. Even when we don’t see it in the moment, His grace is working to compensate, strengthen, and restore. Often, it’s only in looking back that we recognize just how present He has been all along.

Resources & Links:

• The Compensating Power of Christ by BJ Allen (available at Deseret Book and Amazon)
• Learn more or connect with BJ: bjallen.net
  
  
  

Follow, Share & Stay Inspired:

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Today we’re joined by author Kenneth Chamberlain. Raised across the American West and a former missionary to Brazil, Kenneth built an international business career working with startups, Fortune 500 companies, and organizations around the world before returning to his first love—storytelling. He now writes faith-centered novels that blend history, scripture, and real-world struggles, and he’s the Spark Award–winning author of The King’s Bodyguard, a powerful reimagining of events surrounding King Zedekiah and the fall of Jerusalem.

 From Rejection to Bestseller: Heather B. Moore's 20-Year Writing Journey

In this inspiring episode of Called to Create, Scott and Darla Brandley sit down with award-winning author Heather B. Moore to explore her remarkable journey from aspiring writer to published success.

Heather shares the raw truth about her early writing career—starting at age 30 while helping her grandmother with her personal history, facing rejection after rejection, and nearly giving up on her dreams. But it was her husband's advice to "fight for it" and one pivotal phone call that changed everything.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Heather learned the craft of writing through a weekly critique group
• The hierarchy of rejection letters (and why the worst isn't always a form letter)
• The incredible story of writing a complete book in just 2 months while caring for four young children, including a nursing baby
• Why she writes from 4-7 AM, inspired by Mary Higgins Clark
• Her transition from LDS fiction to national historical novels, including World War II and Cold War stories
• Practical advice on setting personal goals, meeting deadlines, and staying motivated through the long publishing journey
• How to handle rejection, imposter syndrome, and comparing yourself to other writers

Key Takeaway: "Don't give up. If you wanna get published, don't give up. Just follow your heart—it's totally possible to achieve your dreams. Stay creative, stay close to the Lord, and know that creativity and writing is definitely a gift that we can cultivate."

Heather B. Moore has been writing for over 20 years, publishing everything from Biblical and Book of Mormon historical fiction to contemporary World War II novels. Her recent book Rebecca and Isaac won a praiseworthy award at LDS-PMA, and her latest work Her America (releasing August 2025) profiles eight women who transformed America. 

Spark Award winner Melody J Williams

Season 6 - Episode 5 of LDSPMA's "Called to Create" podcast

 “ When you find that thing that is at that creative outlet that lets you just recharge and fill your cup when it's empty, it makes all the difference.”

Author Anneka Walker talks about finding purpose in her writing that helped her through trials in her life in our latest episode of "Called to Create" Season 6. Please subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

Interview with Spark Award winner Roy Fullmer. "I am an artist that loves writing my recent songs. They are all songs that reflect in my personal life and trying to inspire to become more of a power anthem for others." 

Called to Create Season 6 - Episode 2

Interview with Spark Award winner Gunnar Andersen on his creative journey in composing music to tell the story of the Restoration.

Praiseworthy Award winning podcaster, Cassidy Beck, joins Scott & Alisha for our Season 6 premiere.

In this heartwarming episode of Called to Create, Guest Host M.D. House, president of LDSPMA, welcomes Alisha Coakley and Scott Brandley from the Latter-Day Lights podcast. They discuss their experiences with creating over 150 episodes, the importance of networking within the LDS podcasting community, and how these platforms help spread light and inspire listeners. The trio also touches on their favorite episodes, challenges faced, and the spiritual growth that comes from sharing and hearing personal stories. Additionally, Scott delves into his newly launched book 'Faith to Stay', offering insights into its creation and the fascinating topics it covers. 

Join us for this enriching conversation that's sure to uplift and motivate aspiring creators.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:45 The Universe of LDS Podcasts

02:10 Networking and Cross-Pollination

06:15 Challenges in Podcasting

08:41 Personal Growth and Listener Impact

13:11 Top Episodes and Memorable Guests

19:06 The Journey of Writing 'Faith to Stay'

25:58 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Scott has a new book, "Faith to Stay." The link to get your free copy is:  https://www.faithtostay.com/

Join guest host, renowned author Brandon Mull, as he interviews Eva Timothy, an accomplished author and photographer. Eva, originally from Bulgaria, shares how her upbringing under communism influenced her artistic vision and the pivotal role her father played in nurturing her love for beauty and light. From discussing the power of dreams and hard work to the profound relationship between creativity and divinity, this conversation offers inspiring insights into pursuing one's passion despite challenges. Discover how Eva's journey led her to achieve recognition, including works showcased at the Smithsonian, and the deeply rooted spiritual connections that drive her creativity. 

Whether you're an artist or someone seeking inspiration, this episode promises to ignite your creative spirit.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:01 Eva's Early Life in Bulgaria

05:08 The Influence of Eva's Parents

13:05 Journey to America

20:30 Developing as a Professional Creative

24:41 The Role of Faith and Light in Creativity

36:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Looking for more inspiration? Visit us at https://ldspma.org/ to learn more.