Listen to the original interview.

Brenda Angle is an author and a certified faith-based life coach and speaker who has also trained and certified 200 other faith-based life coaches. She has served as president of United Families for Arizona and as an NGO lobbyist at the United Nations. In her humanitarian work, she has served as vice president of Hearts and Hands for Humanity, vice president director of philanthropy for Legacy Giving Fund, and has traveled to Tanzania, Africa for eight years. At church, she has served as a Young Women president, Primary president, stake and ward Relief Society president, stake camp director, and as a service missionary teaching study skills at the Provo Missionary Training Center. Brenda is the mother of nine children and grandmother of 40.

Brenda tells about the remarkable project she spearheaded: organizing a temple trip for over 500 individuals from Tanzania to the Nairobi, Kenya temple during its open house.

Brenda recounts how the idea for this trip blossomed from a small initiative to take a handful of people to the temple into a massive undertaking that involved 13 buses and more than 500 participants, including members of the church, investigators, and even orphans. The excitement grew rapidly, and with the help of the Leading Saints community we were able to raise significant funds to support this endeavor. Brenda shared her awe at the generosity of our audience, which allowed her to cover costs for transportation, lodging, and meals for all participants.

The journey was fraught with obstacles, yet the spirit of the participants remained high and their gratitude was palpable. Brenda describes the emotional impact of the experience, especially for those who had never seen a temple before. She emphasizes the transformative power of the temple and how this trip will not only impact the individuals who attended but also strengthen The Church in Tanzania.

00:01:41 – Brenda Angle’s Humanitarian Project

00:04:22 – Planning the Temple Trip

00:06:57 – Fundraising Success

00:09:20 – Organizing the Trip

00:12:08 – Challenges on Departure Day

00:15:20 – Arrival in Nairobi

00:17:03 – Experiencing the Temple

00:20:32 – Diverse Participants

00:22:24 – Temple Grounds and Activities

00:26:21 – Reflections on Leadership and Opposition

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D. is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. Ryan is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of Success Mindsets, The Elevated Leader, and Becoming Better. He is also a leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton.

Ryan talks about personal development and becoming better leaders through understanding our own complexities and healing. He explores the science of sanctification and the difference between merely doing better and truly becoming better, focusing on our “being side”—the quality of our internal operating system—rather than just our “doing side,” which encompasses our skills and knowledge. Learning this distinction can help leaders as they support others who are struggling in their lives.

Ryan explains how our relationships with risk, failure, conflict, and even ourselves can reveal the quality of our being. Many leaders operate from a place of fear or insecurity, which can limit their effectiveness and impact. Ryan explores the concept of the “window of tolerance,” which refers to our ability to manage stress and emotional responses. He explains how a narrow window can lead to reactivity, while a wider window allows for greater emotional regulation and resilience. Understanding this can help leaders create a supportive environment for their congregations. Ryan also encourages leaders to consider their own journeys and the areas where they may need healing.

00:02:00 – The evolution of Ryan’s books and the deepening of his leadership concepts

00:05:00 – Mindsets and the difference between vertical and horizontal development in leadership

00:07:00 – The Being Side vs. Doing Side: The importance of focusing on the “being” side of leadership for transformational growth

00:09:00 – Connection between leadership principles and gospel teachings, emphasizing the importance of becoming

00:10:30 – The role of personal healing in effective leadership and the importance of self-awareness

00:12:00 – The window of tolerance and its relevance to emotional regulation

00:15:00 – Personal complexity and its impact on leadership effectiveness

00:20:00 – Exploration of emotional complexity and self-complexity in leaders

00:25:00 – Examining leaders’ relationships with risk, failure, and conflict as indicators of their health

00:30:00 – Contrast between survival-focused leadership and purpose-driven leadership

00:35:00 – Investigating the quality of relationships with self, others, and various challenges

00:40:00 – The challenges of people-pleasing and its impact on leadership effectiveness

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in August 2021.

Jenny Reeder is a historian and writer, currently the nineteenth-century women’s history specialist at the Church History Department in the publications division, and was one of the first historians hired to specialize in women’s history. She holds a PhD in American history from George Mason University, specializing in women’s history, religious history, memory, and material culture. She also holds degrees from Brigham Young University, Arizona State University, and New York University.

Jenny served a mission in Italy and has served three times as a ward Relief Society president, including when she was in graduate school and fighting leukemia. Jenny has collaborated on several books about Latter-day Saint women’s history and is the author of First: The Life and Faith of Emma Smith.

2:50 Writing her book about Emma Smith. Her goal was to write about her as a pillar of the Restoration and a significant founder of the Church with Joseph, and to make her a real woman and show how complicated her life was, her commitment, and her heartbreak.

5:20 So many members of the Church have been influenced to believe she was a fallen person because she did not come west with the other pioneers, but she retained her testimony and hers is a story of redemption.

7:45 Jenny’s experience with cancer while serving as a Relief Society president during her time in graduate school at George Mason

15:15 Serving is an opportunity to learn, serve, and receive revelation in way you haven’t before, and this can be a blessing in a difficult time.

19:00 The goals of RS were to provide relief and save souls. She found relief for herself as she provided relief to others, and came to understand the Atonement on a deeper level.

21:00 Developing relationships that continue: maintaining relationships from her old ward has been powerful for everyone as they have rallied together to support each other through difficult times.

23:00 The Church was never really organized until the Relief Society was organized. Having women involved is significant and they have Priesthood authority in their stewardship. The most beneficial experience is when they are recognized for that leadership and allowed to do what they can.

27:00 Emma’s instructions in Doctrine and Covenants Section 25

36:50 The Relief Society was told to create offices to expand what they needed

39:00 Speaking up to have your voice heard: It was not normal for women to speak publicly in the 19th century, and even now women can be unaccustomed to speaking and leading

46:30 President Nelson has called for women to speak up and speak out

52:15 There was a deep commitment to Relief Society that we don’t seem to have today

57:30 The Relief Society president is enlarged as she calls on the sisters to do ministering: Eliza instructed them to go into the homes of the people and re-light the fires of the sisters; meet their needs to provide relief to them.

1:00:30 The influence of otherwise-unknown women leaders

1:07:45 These women have become her hosts, sitting with her in difficult times and as she has studied them. They can provide depth as our spiritual sisters.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Bill Luker served in the U.S. Army Reserve and was part of one of the first graduating classes in Computer Science from the University of Utah. He worked as a computer engineer/programmer for Sperry UNIVAC, Evans & Sutherland, and The Church. Bill has played the piano since age six and the organ since age 13, studying with two Tabernacle organists. He currently serves as a stake patriarch and assists the Tabernacle organists. He has previously served as a missionary in Ireland, a teacher, ward and stake organist, as a bishop and in multiple bishoprics, and as a stake president.

Lynn Peterson is retired from the U.S. Air Force. He currently serves as a Primary chorister with his wife Cindy, and loves it. He has previously served as a missionary in the North British Mission, a Primary and Sunday School teacher, elders quorum president, stake high councilor, bishop, and in a stake presidency. He has also served three church service missions with the Salt Lake Cannery, Temple Square security, and the University of Utah First Stake.

Rick Francom is Kurt’s father. He served as a bishop twice, once in a newly-formed and highly-transitory ward that was made up entirely of apartments. He was one of the last bishops to be ordained by a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in the regular process of being called as a bishop.

In this episode we take a nostalgic journey back to the 1970s and 1980s, delving into the experiences, challenges, and dynamics of church leadership in a different era. We touch on various topics, including administrative tasks, welfare programs, the emotional toll of leadership, and the sometimes-unconventional challenges bishops faced.

00:06:08 – Lynn Peterson’s Bishopric Experience

00:07:40 – Bill Luker’s Brief Bishopric Tenure

00:08:53 – Rick Francom’s Journey as Bishop

00:12:26 – Ordination by a General Authority

00:15:35 – Lynn’s Unexpected Call

00:17:09 – Bill’s Stake Presidency Call

00:19:07 – Leadership Challenges

00:25:26 – Financial Concerns in Leadership

00:28:12 – Budgeting and Fundraising

00:30:38 – Welfare and Assistance Programs

00:33:02 – Administrative Tasks and Check Writing

00:40:02 – Unique Welfare Experiences

00:42:06 – Personal Challenges of Members

00:43:34 – General Authority Visits

00:47:19 – Quarterly Conferences and Technology

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in June 2021.

Mike Houghtaling was raised in Bellevue, Washington, and Raleigh, North Carolina, and served in the Argentina Cordoba Mission. He and his family have lived in Georgia for over 30 years. Since entering recovery, he served as a bishop’s counselor, a high councilor, and at the time of this recording was serving as the bishop of the Fayetteville Georgia YSA Ward. He worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for 37 years, most of those as an air traffic controller, retiring in 2019. Mike and his wife Andrea have five children and seven grandchildren. Mike tries to work his recovery just one day at a time.

Mike candidly shares his decades-long struggle with pornography addiction and the profound impact it has had on his life and leadership. He describes how the addiction served as an escape from underlying emotional difficulties rooted in his childhood, highlighting that pornography is often a symptom of deeper unmet needs rather than the core issue.

A pivotal turning point came when Mike hit rock bottom after his wife discovered his secret. This led him to the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP). He emphasizes that recovery is an ongoing lifestyle, not a quick fix, and involves addressing the underlying wounds that fuel addictive behaviors.

After years of sobriety, Mike was called to serve in various leadership positions. Throughout these callings, he has been remarkably open about his past, aiming to build trust and demonstrate that God’s love and healing are available to everyone.

Mike offers valuable advice for leaders. His story is a powerful testament to the possibility of healing and the transformative potential of vulnerability and understanding in leadership.

Highlights

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Brandon Doman was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and graduated from Skyline High School. He was quarterback for Brigham Young University Football and then for the San Francisco 49ers. Brandon has since been BYU Football’s quarterbacks coach and currently offensive coordinator. He is also president and co-owner of Leap Innovations, developing and manufacturing trailer hitches, precast decorative concrete landscape products, outdoor basketball hoops, pickleball nets, and outdoor lighting. Brandon is married to Alisha Barker and they have six children, ages nine through 23. He currently serves as stake president of the Alpine Utah YSA Stake.

Brandon talks about the parallels between athletic and church leadership as a YSA stake president, and the principles that translate from sports to his current church role, emphasizing service and love in his leadership approach.

The conversation delves into the impact of Brandon’s high school coach, Roger Dupaix, and his unique coaching style, which instilled work ethic, consistency, and attention to detail. Brandon shares how these principles seamlessly transitioned to his college football experience at BYU under the legendary coach Lavell Edwards. He illustrates Lavell’s unwavering leadership, delegation style, and the environment of trust he fostered among his coaches.

Brandon reflects on his experience as a counselor in a married student ward bishopric while still playing at BYU—an early calling that provided valuable spiritual growth and a crucial perspective. Currently serving as a stake president for a young single adult stake, Brandon shares the unique aspects of this calling, including the transition to having young adults in all leadership positions. He notes the challenges faced by young adults today and how the stake strives to create a supportive and spiritually nourishing environment.

The discussion explores the specifics of leading a YSA stake, including the geographic considerations and the collaborative approach with family stakes in calling bishops. Brandon emphasizes the role of the bishop and his wife as examples and guides for the young adults. He also discusses the dynamic with his counselors and the focus on temple ordinances and training. Brandon shares key principles, such as prioritizing the most important aspects and the constant need to adapt and learn. He highlights the valuable training provided by church leadership, the importance of finding and gathering all individuals, and his belief in the divine potential of each young adult to receive a full inheritance.

00:00:00 – Introduction to YSA Leadership and Transition

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Calvin Griffin was born in Northern Mississippi, where he grew up and attended high school and college. After graduation he became a franchisee of a successful national pizza chain in New Orleans, and also became engaged to Avemaria Champagne. President and Sister Griffin joined The Church one month apart from each other and have been faithful members for 37 years. They were both professionals in the pharmaceutical industry, and President Griffin worked as a senior category manager for a national pharmaceutical wholesale company. They have five children, ages 24 to 34 years.

President Griffin has a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and His role as Savior & Redeemer. He has served in a stake mission presidency, as a ward mission leader, Sunday School teacher, Young Men basketball coach, in an elders quorum presidency and high priest group leadership, as a bishop and stake high councilor, and as a stake presidency counselor. He currently serves as president of the Denton, Texas stake, loves the gospel, and extends an invitation to all to come unto Christ.

President Griffin shares his conversion story and leadership journey. He discusses his experiences as a leader and emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with prophetic keys and the Spirit. President Griffin highlights the need to expect the unexpected in leadership. He also shares how he connects with and cares for his ward members, despite his busy calling.

Highlights coming soon

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Jennifer Rockwood is the first and only head coach for the Brigham Young University women’s soccer team, a position she has held since 1989 after graduating from BYU. Her teams have over 450 wins and made the NCAA tournament 25 times in 31 years. She talks about her career path and the leadership principles she has relied upon in leading young adult women athletes. This podcast was recorded with a live audience on the 2025 BYU Cruise.

Coach Rockwood shares her journey into coaching, her philosophy on leadership, team culture, and her experiences coaching at BYU for decades. She emphasizes the importance of leading within one’s own personality, fostering a supportive team environment built on love and respect, and navigating the challenges of coaching young athletes. The conversation also touches on recruiting, dealing with parents, the impact of NIL, the transition to the Big 12 conference, and how her faith has influenced her coaching career.

[05:03] Jennifer’s Background and Journey into Coaching

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Amy Jo Schenewark holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Development and Training from Brigham Young University. She works as a 911 dispatcher and training officer. Amy has served as a ward Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary president, as a Seminary teacher, nursery leader, activity director, and counselor in stake Primary and Relief Society presidencies. She currently serves as a stake Relief Society president.

Coming soon

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Rick Reynolds is one of America’s foremost authorities helping individuals and couples struggling with affairs and compulsive sexual behaviors, with over 30 years of experience and insight. He holds a master’s degree in Social Work and is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Rick’s company, Affair Recovery, offers anonymous online group support worldwide for those impacted by infidelity. Rick has authored numerous guides, curricula, and papers detailing reasons why people cheat, how couples can overcome the pain, heartache, and distrust, as well as ways to move forward, both individually and as a couple.

Rick talks about the complexities of affairs within a Christian context. He shares his personal experience with infidelity [04:32]. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and seeking guidance from God [05:46]. Rick highlights the concept of “trickle truth” as particularly damaging [15:59]. He stresses the need for full disclosure to the betrayed spouse. They explore different types of affairs [12:04]. Rick also offers advice for church leaders on how to support couples dealing with infidelity [12:53].

Rick explains that the betrayed spouse needs help with trauma and understanding [14:53]. He introduces the concept of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) [21:32]. This condition can significantly hinder the healing process. Rick shares effective treatment methods for trauma [25:29]. He also emphasizes the importance of community and support systems in recovery [33:34]. They discuss the timeline for healing from infidelity [37:14]. Rick also addresses the challenges of navigating relationships with affair partners [40:01].

Rick shares his perspective on involving children in the disclosure process [43:13]. He advocates for prioritizing individual healing before focusing on saving the marriage [45:42]. They explore the reasons why people have affairs [53:39]. Rick also touches on the differences between men and women in affairs [58:21]. He underscores the importance of a strong recovery program for the wayward spouse [01:01:06].

Podcast Chapters

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.