Called to Create: An LDSPMA Podcast

Conductor, composer, pianist, CJ Madsen, with his mom, Laura, won LDSPMA’s 2021 Praiseworthy Award for “I Saw a Pillar of Light” in the Audiovisual-Recorded Music category. A recent graduate of Brigham Young University, CJ earned both a bachelor’s degree in piano performance and a master’s degree in choral conducting. CJ’s most recent project culminated in the June 2022 world premiere performance of his opera, "He Shall Prepare a Way", based on events from the first seven chapters of “The Book of Mormon”. The opera performance was directed by his wife, Samm, who recently graduated in theater and dramaturgy. Next to God, CJ’s top two sources of inspiration and support are Samm and Laura.

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“I Saw a Pillar of Light” composed by Laura Madsen, arranged and conducted by CJ Madsen 

“He Shall Prepare a Way” opera by CJ Madsen

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Dan Allen, a scientist, writer, and comic who is out to fill the world with funny, is the award-winning author of “Pizza Boy and the Super Squad”. From his secret-not-so-secret laboratory in the attic, he shares his experience writing his first book on a dare and how he has looked to his kids for character ideas. Dan has also lit a three-story electron accelerator on fire, designed sensors for smartphones, and enjoys having fun with his kids and his drummer-artist wife.

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Goodreads

Dr. Jeffery A. Thompson is an author, speaker and professor who knows the secret to finding one’s calling in life. He learned from his own winding and twisting experience that life is a bewildering journey, and those who succeed at discovering their talents and gifts are those who persist through the uncertainty and anxiety to a better place. His and a colleague’s study of “work as a calling” among zookeepers led them to write “The Zookeeper’s Secret,” a book that applies research, personal experience and gospel truths to help readers discover their true calling in life.

Email Dr. Thompson: [email protected]
BYU Devotional
Deseret Book
Amazon

Heather B. Moore’s beginner attempts to write books were akin to making tossed salad; She threw in ingredients and hoped they’d turn into a good story. Now, as a USA Today award-winning author of over 70 books in multiple genres, she views those early experiences as her version of “going back to college and learning how to write a novel.” Heather, who has also published as H.B. Moore, attended high school and college in the Middle East and thought of her first story idea while compiling her grandmother's personal history.

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Susan Easton Black’s accomplishments range from becoming the first female professor of religion at Brigham Young University to writing 170 books, including President M. Russell Ballard’s biography, to being a key partner on her pickleball team. Tune into her delightful conversation with our host, Connie Sokol. You’ll be glad you did. 

Email:  [email protected]

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Susan & George: Devotional 

Back for its 8th year! The annual conference of Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media & the Arts (LDSPMA) is the best networking, learning, and professional development opportunity for all Latter-day Saint creatives. In this podcast bonus episode, our host, Connie Sokol, and her guests,  Rachelle J. Christensen and Jen Brewer, share fun and life-changing conference experiences that have propelled their careers forward. Registration for the October 20 - 22 conference is open now! Choose virtual, in-person, or both! Early bird registration ends Saturday, April 30th.

Register now! 

Jen Brewer 

Rachelle J. Christensen 

Host, Connie Sokol 

Dan Wells 

Rachelle's writing tips plus 7-Point Story Structure videos featuring Dan Wells 

Eight-year-old Emmy Eaton’s “7 Questions with Emmy” segment on “The Drew Barrymore Show” resulted from a comment on Facebook suggesting she swap roles with her news reporter dad. She accepted the challenge and has gone on to interview over 40 high-profile people, including Elmo, Jeff Foxworthy, Dana Perino, Keith Morrison, and Joy D. Jones. Her dad, Nate Eaton, an Edward R. Murrow Award recipient and four-time winner of Virginia Associated Press’ Outstanding Reporter of the Year Award, has interviewed a serial killer, covered the execution of the D.C. Sniper, reported on President Obama, and attended the White House Easter Egg Roll. In 2015, Nate launched EastIdahoNews.com, a news website that is now the news leader in eastern Idaho.

Emmy

“7-Questions with Emmy” on The Drew Barrymore Show (via East Idaho News) 

Nate

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“Measuring Snow with the Kit-Kat-O-Meter”

“Waiting Upon the Lord: the Power of Heaven,” Henry B. Eyring, BYU Devotional, 30 September 1990

Josi Kilpack, an award-winning author of over 30 books covering multiple genres, distinguishes her stories by creating likable, relatable characters with quirks. Never intending to become an author, she wrote her first manuscript while pregnant and bedridden with her third child. In this interview, she shares tips and tricks she uses with every book that have kept her writing when she didn’t want to write.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/josi.s.kilpack

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/authorjosiskilpack/

Josi’s website https://www.josiskilpack.com/

Josi’s books can be found at Deseret Book, Seagull Books, Amazon, or her website.

Heidi Tucker is an award-winning author and speaker. She has won multiple “best inspirational” awards for her books which include "Bridge of Miracles", "The Secret Keepers", "Finding Hope in the Journey", and "Servie’s Song". Her passion for writing and speaking about light and hope has inspired thousands. Heidi is known as a great storyteller who believes that every story not only teaches an important principle but can make you feel it. She has inspired many to rise up, cling to their faith, and position their hearts to recognize God’s hand in their life. When Heidi isn’t writing her next book or speaking at a conference, you’ll find her spending time outdoors with her husband, four grown children, and eleven grandchildren. She loves sunflowers, hiking, and ice cream ... not necessarily in that order.
Latest Book: Bridges of Miracles

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Heidi’s books can be purchased at
Her website
Amazon
Deseret Book
History of the Saints
Barnes and Noble

Dubbed ‘America’s Violinist’ for the magic of her artistry, Jenny Oaks Baker is a Grammy nominee and Billboard No. 1 recording artist who knows the thrill of soloing at Carnegie Hall. A devoted wife and mother of four children, Jenny has experienced highs and lows in her life and career but has always trusted God to guide her. “I knew I needed to work really hard, stay very close to the Spirit and do what is right, and everything would work out.”

 
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/JennyOaksBaker

     “Free At Last Medley” with Condoleezza Rice (March 4th) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veYkOvsYGjU

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=jenny%20oaks%20baker

Twitter https://twitter.com/jennyoaksbaker

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jennyoaksbaker/

Jenny Oaks Baker’s Music: iTunes, Spotify, Deseret Book

Jenny’s website https://www.jennyoaksbaker.com/