Latter-day Profiles

Church News reporter and podcast host Mary Richards shares inspiring stories of faith, global service, and witnessing the Lord's hand in everyday life. From her early career at KSL NewsRadio to traveling the world amplifying the testimonies of Church leaders and members, Mary discusses her passion for journalism, motherhood, and building faith. Tune in to hear her heartwarming perspective on family life, raising five children, and finding uplifting stories in every corner of the world.

Film director and editor Tanner Christensen shares his journey behind the camera, following in the footsteps of his father, T.C. Christensen. After two decades editing faith-filled projects like The Cokeville Miracle and Studio C, Tanner stepped into the director’s chair with the inspiring documentary Standout: The Ben Kjar Story. Tune in to hear his perspective on independent storytelling, overcoming career challenges, and sharing uplifting, true stories that inspire faith and resilience.

World Champion wrestler and international speaker Ben Kjar shares his incredible story of overcoming Crouzon Syndrome to become a victor, not a victim. As Utah Valley University's first NCAA Division I All-American wrestler and subject of the award-winning film Standout, Ben discusses how faith, resilience, and setting bold goals empower us to achieve the impossible. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on choosing victory through trial and trusting in God's plan for our lives.

From Iranian refugee to top BYU law professor, Shima Baughman shares her remarkable journey of faith, family, and public service. A Distinguished Fellow at the Wheatley Institute and nationally recognized legal scholar, Professor Baughman explores how gospel principles like forgiveness and religious devotion transform criminal justice and enrich daily life. Join us as she discusses her passion for teaching, her love of Jesus Christ, and how worshiping in the temple grounds her family.

Host Brian Howard welcomes Jordan Abrams, Institute Director for BYU-Pathway Worldwide. Growing up in the "Napoleon Dynamite" country of Southeast Idaho, Jordan’s journey took him from a mission in Chile to a career that bridges corporate leadership and Church education. He discusses the innovative world of online learning, the unique spiritual environment of BYU-Idaho, and how BYU-Pathway is fulfilling a prophetic mission to educate and lift students in over 180 countries.

Former BYU quarterback Royce Bybee joins host Brian Howard to share a remarkable journey of faith and football. From being an All-American at Ricks College to playing under LaVell Edwards, Royce discusses his life-changing conversion and mission to England. Now serving as the Director of the Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center, he reflects on the power of mentorship, his role in coaching future generations, and how the lessons learned on the gridiron prepared him for a lifetime of service.

Host Brian Howard sits down with T.J. Packard, a CPA and partner at Packard, Appleby & Rogers. T.J. shares how a mission to Brazil and his time at BYU-Idaho forged a deep relationship with the Savior. He opens up about the trials of his single years, the "miracle" of meeting his wife Audrey, and the impact of a childhood friend who changed his life’s trajectory. A candid conversation about navigating the wait for life’s greatest blessings while finding joy in family and service

Host Brian Howard sits down with Candice Copple, Associate VP at ASU and Arizona Communication Director for the Church. A sixth-generation Arizonan, Candice shares how the Lord turned "dead ends" into divine opportunities—from a brief stint in tax accounting to seven years teaching seminary and a decade in high-stakes county politics. Discover how she uses her unique background to build interfaith bridges, lead statewide Church communications, and foster a culture of peacemaking.

Host Brian Howard sits down with Ryan Bingham, Vice President of Human Resources at Honeywell. From his early career in Idaho to leading a team of 140 professionals across the U.S. and Canada, Ryan shares his journey of designing global HR models and coaching leaders at every level. A BYU and BYU-Idaho alumnus, Ryan discusses how living abroad in Mexico and Chile shaped his "business-first" mindset and how his faith influences his commitment to developing talent and fostering positive workplace cultures.

Host Brian Howard sits down with Jennifer Fenn, FamilySearch Coordinator at the Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center. A lifelong Arizonan, Jennifer shares profound spiritual experiences that come from connecting families across the veil. She discusses her mission to empower ward and stake councils and her role in training consultants to lead with purpose. Discover how Jennifer’s simple, faith-filled approach to family history is strengthening modern families and advancing the work of salvation.