What if the very thing you prayed would go away… is actually God’s invitation to know Him better?

Ron Squire was living the life he planned, until a fall left him paralyzed and full of doubt. His faith didn’t feel like enough.

But through the unlikely lens of Viktor Frankl, and a God who doesn’t waste suffering, Ron discovered something deeper: Pain isn’t punishment. It’s a privilege.

And when you stop running from it… You might just find the faith you’ve been missing.

Why do people lose their faith?

Psychologist and BYU-I professor, Dr. Jeffrey Thayne, uncovers the deeper desires shaping our beliefs.

Challenging the assumption that logic alone drives our convictions, Jeffrey reveals how moral intuitions, molded by our communities and culture, hold the key to navigating faith and doubt. Unlocking these answers can strengthen our own faith and help us better navigate relationships with those who have stepped away.

Most of us celebrate the Resurrection but quietly avoid the Crucifixion. Why?

In this vulnerable and eye-opening conversation, John Hilton III shares how facing Christ’s suffering can unlock a deeper connection to His love, His power, and His victory over death.

If you’ve ever felt distant from Jesus, this episode will change how you see Him—and how you feel about your covenant connection with Him.

What happens when everything you believe suddenly unravels?

Austin Fife (Light and Truth Letter) shares his deeply personal journey through faith, doubt, and rediscovery. From powerful spiritual experiences to moments of uncertainty, Austin opens up about what led him to question his beliefs—and what ultimately brought him back.

Austin shares the moment he realized he no longer believed in God, his wife’s unexpected response to that revelation, and the answers to hard questions that renewed his faith.

What happens when faith and Hollywood collide?

Early in his career, actor Scott Christopher promised the Lord that he would be open about his faith at all times and in all circumstances. Keeping that promise opened up conversations and opportunities he never expected.

In this episode of Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones, Scott Christopher shares his incredible journey—from childhood dreams of performing to landing a major role in an Amazon Prime series. But along the way, he faced an unexpected challenge that tested his values and changed everything.

He also opens up about his overall experience in the entertainment industry, what keeps him centered in his faith, and the defining moments that shaped his career.

Can you stay true to your beliefs in Hollywood?

Did the Book of Mormon Witnesses Really See the Gold Plates? What if the most controversial testimonies in Latter-day Saint history weren’t just words—but undeniable evidence of something far bigger?

In this episode of Let's Get Real, historian Don Bradley—who once left his faith but later returned—tackles the hardest, most controversial questions head-on: Were the Three and Eight Witnesses deceived? Were they part of a fabrication? Or did they really see the gold plates?

Don reveals hidden details that change everything you thought you knew about their testimonies—not just as proof of an ancient record, but as witnesses of the Resurrected Christ. Because in the end, it’s not just about their testimony—it’s about ours. You might think you know the story—but once you see this evidence, you’ll never look at their testimonies the same way again.

What lies behind the financial success of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Church Historian Casey Griffiths seeks to challenge common assumptions—that the Church's wealth is secretive, excessive, and mismanaged. He helps us understand that the Law of Consecration, a principle rooted in unity and faith, is the cornerstone of its financial practices, guiding its mission and humanitarian efforts worldwide.

We discuss common misconceptions, the balance between saving and giving, and why the Church operates differently from other religious organizations. If you’ve ever wondered where tithing funds go, why the Church invests in businesses, or how financial decisions align with spiritual principles, this conversation is for you.

Pres. Nelson’s Call to Women About Priesthood Power Is More Urgent Than Ever, Dr. Barbara Gardner | E0026

Let’s be real: there’s a lot of confusion when it comes to women and priesthood power. And that confusion? It’s holding way too many women back from fully stepping into their divine potential. In this episode, Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner, BYU Religion Professor, is here to cut through the misconceptions and get to the heart of what priesthood power really means for women—and how it can completely change the way you see your role in God’s plan. We’re not shying away from the big questions:

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Get help answering some of life's most challenging questions with Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones. This @scripturecentralofficial original series offers practical insights and ways to navigate life's challenges and heaviest questions.

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Disclaimer: THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE INDIVIDUAL CREATORS AND GUESTS ALONE AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE OFFICIAL POSITION OF SCRIPTURE CENTRAL OR THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.

Can Horror Bring Us Closer to God? Michaelbrent Collings on Heretic and Redemption | E0025

On this episode of Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones, Bestselling Latter-day Saint author Michaelbrent Collings joins us to explore the bold intersection of belief and fear. Micahelbrent gives his take on the horror film Heretic with Hugh Grant, challenges societal stigmas, unravels the complexities of storytelling, and reveals how horror can build empathy, foster community, and inspire redemption. ---

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Intro

01:05 - "Why is the Heretic so controversial, in your opinion?"

06:34 - Is there an ethical responsibility in storytelling?

11:28 - "How did you get into this world? | Michaelbrent's Personal Journey Into Horror Writing

29:33 - "I Didn't Want to Be a Writer"

43:07 - 'How could you write something like this?' | Understanding Reactions to Horror

1:18:20 - "Because of my mental problems, I spend time thinking God hates me."

2:02:41 - Michaelbrent's review of Heretic and How We Can Use Horror to Build Bridges of Empathy

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Let’s Get Real" with Stephen Jones on Scripture Central confronts the clever tactics of the adversary head-on, offering a raw, transparent, and faith-filled exploration of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In a media landscape often skewed against truth, the show balances the conversation with compelling reasons to believe, featuring real-life stories, expert insights, and audience engagement while challenging assumptions in a world where lies and truths spread rapidly.

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Disclaimer: THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE INDIVIDUAL CREATORS AND GUESTS ALONE AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE OFFICIAL POSITION OF SCRIPTURE CENTRAL OR THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.

Why These 3 Worldviews Are Leading People Away from God and Faith | Jeffery Thayne, Latter-day Saint E0024

On this episode of Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones, join our conversation with Psychology Professor Dr. Jeffery Thayne, who believes, "We often have very little idea what various world views are shaping our faith, our questions, our doubts, our convictions. These worldviews invariably frame the questions that we ask."

Does the Gospel work for me? This question, rooted in what we treasure most, reveals four competing worldviews—self-expression, prosperity, personal fulfillment, or redemption. Each worldview promises different outcomes, yet many find disappointment when life’s challenges interrupt their plans. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, however, offers a deeper, more transformative solution. By valuing reconciliation with God above all, we shift from seeking outward success to inner transformation. The Gospel of Jesus Christ works not by removing obstacles but by shaping who we become, offering lasting peace and purpose regardless of life’s circumstances.

BIO:

Dr. Jeffery Thayne graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor's degree in psychology. He continued his graduate studies, earning a master's degree in psychology and a doctorate in instructional technology and learning sciences from Utah State University. He is a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at BYU-Idaho.

“Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones” is a Scripture Central original production.