In this episode of the What Now Podcast, I sit down with Robin Ritch, author of Using Friction to Grow, to talk about the powerful stories of LDS women who navigated faith, culture, and personal purpose during a time of major change. Robin shares what she learned from interviewing women who stayed rooted in their faith while forging unique paths through work, family, and personal revelation.

We talk about the idea that life isn’t “either or” but “and”—that each woman’s path with God is personal and evolving. Robin explains how friction, rather than being something to fear, can actually refine us, deepen our relationship with God, and help us grow into who we’re meant to become. At the center of it all is the importance of personal revelation, trusting God with your path, and giving grace to others doing the same.

Link to the small group women’s workshop ⬇️

https://bit.ly/WhatNowAtHome

Austin Fife, author of The Light and Truth Letter, shares about his journey from a personal faith crisis to rebuilding a deeper, more thoughtful testimony. Austin shares how a pivotal moment with his wife led him on a ten-year search for truth, where he set out to find something greater—only to discover that the answers he was looking for kept pointing him back to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We discuss the complexity of the Book of Mormon, why it continues to challenge critics, and how questions can actually strengthen faith when approached with honesty and patience. Austin also shares powerful insights on navigating doubt, recognizing misinformation, and learning how to think clearly in a world full of competing narratives. At the heart of it all is a simple truth: when we apply the teachings of the Book of Mormon, our lives change for the better.

Jasmin Rappleye talks about the meaning behind temple worship, sacred symbolism, and why so many people feel unsure when they first encounter these practices. Jasmin explains how the temple connects us to ancient scripture and helps us see ourselves not as perfect people, but as children of God, continually learning and growing.

We also talk about the “Mormon moment” happening in media and why now may be one of the most important times to share authentic stories of faith.

In this episode, artist Jenedy Paige shares how faith, grief, and personal loss shaped the powerful artwork she creates today. Her paintings tell stories about identity, healing, and the truth that we are children of God with divine potential.

Jenedy also shares the surprising prompting that led her to compete on American Ninja Warrior, despite having no athletic background. Her story is a powerful reminder that when we trust God and keep moving forward, we often discover strength we didn’t know we had.

This conversation explores the idea that achievement and financial success, while meaningful, don’t always bring the fulfillment we expect if they aren’t connected to something we truly care about.Over time, we realize that what we choose to pursue shapes not just our lives, but our sense of purpose.The real question isn’t simply whether we succeed, but whether we are investing our time and energy in what matters most.

In this episode, Church historian Emily Utt shares about the sacred sites that witnessed the Restoration. From the Kirtland Temple to the stories of faithful women like Emma Smith and Eliza R. Snow, Emily shares how these places and people remind us that God works through ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary things.

When we understand these stories more deeply, our faith in the Restoration, and in our own role in God’s work, grows stronger.

how preserving sacred Church history sites deepens our understanding of priesthood power, highlights the vital leadership of women in the Restoration, and offers a faith-filled perspective for navigating difficult questions about the past.

Austin Falter, media creator and strategist, shares how he felt a clear pull to step into faith-based media.

We talk about the world Gen Z is growing up in online — the constant stream of information, the confusion around identity, and the pressure to find truth in the middle of digital noise. Austin explains how to meet young people where they are and how storytelling and short-form media can be powerful tools for clarity, connection, and hope.

Lauren Yarro, mother, creator, and the voice behind The Blonde Apologist. talks about standing for faith in a world that often challenges it. Growing up as a Latter-day Saint in the Bible Belt, Lauren faced criticism for her beliefs early on, but instead of growing bitter, she chose compassion and courage.

She shares how that foundation prepared her to share her faith online, creating an authentic space for women who are trying to hold on to belief amid a world obsessed with perfection. We talk about overcoming fear, separating culture from doctrine, and finding strength in God’s call, even when you feel unqualified.

Lauren’s story is a reminder that your voice matters and that faith shared sincerely can inspire others to stay true to what’s real and eternal.

Ben Iverson discusses spiritual versus secular learning and how God trusts us to use our agency, move forward in faith, and make meaningful decisions—even when we feel alone or unsure.

Christian Williams and Travis Lish,

from The Holy Rebellion podcast, discuss how they are using their platform to address misinformation surrounding doctrine and teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by offering clarity, context, and accurate explanations. They guide church members to trustworthy sources, equipping them to defend their faith in peaceful and appropriate ways. They also share practical, easy-to-implement strategies for countering negative online algorithms and helping course-correct digital narratives in simple ways anyone can do.