Maclain Nelson is a very talented writer, director and actor. In the episode, we talk about how he came to love theater and film, his time at BYU, his mission, meeting his talented wife and his involvement in films such as The Saratov Approach, Moving McAllistar, Once I Was A Beehive, and his new hit film, Once I Was Engaged. We also talk about his very popular BYUtv show ShowOffs as well as his work directing multiple films for The Hallmark Channel. Maclain is so driven and talented. He is a great example of applying talent and creating success.

Richard E. Culatta is the CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education. Prior to holding this position, he was the chief innovation officer for the state of Rhode Island and the director of the Office of Educational Technology for the U.S. Department of Education. He is the author of the new book Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World. Richard is brilliant, humble, and has incredible insight.

My guest on the show this week is the incredibly talented writer and performer, Eric D. Snider. In the episode, we discuss finding his love of comedy at a young age, his time at BYU studying journalism, starting the Garrens Comedy Troupe on campus, serving a mission, grappling with being gay as a member of the church, becoming a movie reviewer, living in Portland, leaving the church for a time, his path back, and his new life back in Utah working for the church. Eric is one of the kindest, funniest and most talented people I know. His wit and candor are at once touching and entertaining.

Gene Chidester has lived a remarkable life of service in the church. In the episode, we talk about his life growing up in Utah, his struggles learning a new language for his mission, meeting his wife and starting a family, becoming a Mission President, his love for those he served, his time as a Seventy in the church and his incredible love of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Gene is an amazing man. His passion for service stands as an inspiration for all of us.

This week we are thrilled to have author and speaker Heidi Tucker back on the show. Heidi has a new book about a Latter Day Saint woman who struggles with Dissociative Identity Disorder. It is a heartbreaking and yet inspiring story that Heidi is the perfect writer to tell. Heidi is so insightful and inspiring. You will be uplifted by this conversation!

Jason Hewlett is one of the top speakers and entertainers in the country. He is a National Speakers Association Hall of Fame Inductee and has toured the world performing and speaking in front of huge crowds of adoring fans. In this episode, Jason and I reflect on what it was like seeing his full year of bookings disappear over a couple of days due to the pandemic. He then talks about being resourceful, staying positive, learning to be a digital performer, and what the future holds for this legendary artist as we come out of the pandemic. We also talk about his awesome book - The Promise To The One, as well as his work as one of the founders of The Promise Institute. Jason's name has been mentioned more than any other person else by past guests. He is well loved, admired, and respected by everyone who knows him. Just spending time with him, it is easy to see why.

My guest on the show this week is professional magician Mike Pilkey. Mike found the church and was baptized while in high school. After getting married at a young age, Mike was on top of the world. Soon though, Mike found himself divorced and wrestling with a pornography addiction. This led to bitterness and ultimately, Mike leaving the church and having his records removed. Realizing what he was missing, Mike began the path back to activity, finding love and marriage along the way. Mike is a humble and inspiring man. His story shows that there is always a path back through Christ.

This week we bring back two of our favorite past guests. Jen Roach and Nick Galieti are the authors of a new book called Codependent Discipleship - Not A How-To Guide. We discuss what codependence is, how it affects our lives, how it happens in the church and resources for those struggling with codependence. It is a fascinating book and a great conversation.

My guest on the show this Monday is author Lecia Crider. In addition to writing young adult and children's books, Lecia is the author of the new book Godly Anxiety - Spiritual Tools For Managing Anxiety. We talk about her life as an author, the inspiration behind the new book, as well as useful spiritual tips for dealing with anxiety in our lives. Lecia is so bright and so inspired. You will love her story!

Ana Katia is the author of the book Fourteen Days. In the conversation, she shares her personal story of being adopted from a Costa Rican orphanage at age 3. She recounts the dramatic tale of going back to her homeland of Costa Rica 18 years later, and in only fourteen days finding her birth mother with just her name. With all of her challenges and the will to have immense faith, Ana hopes to inspire others to believe in themselves, to increase inner faith, and ultimately to motivate others to choose to create change from within. Ana is so open and inspiring.

https://adopted4change.com/