Letsgetrealwithstephenjones

Shows

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesFaith Crises: Why You Can't Get Through to Them | Jeffrey Thayne Ph.D. E0032Why 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. 2025-05-091h 31

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesThe Cross: 9 out of 10 Latter-day Saints Miss This | John Hilton III E0031Most 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. 2025-04-1053 min

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesHe Didn’t Think He’d Believe Again—But Then This Happened | Austin Fife E0030What 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. 2025-03-201h 13

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesThe Cost of Fame - Can You Stay True in Hollywood? | Scott Christopher E0029What 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 open...2025-03-061h 17

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesThis Changes Everything About the Book of Mormon Witnesses | Don Bradley E0028Did 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 a...2025-02-221h 46

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesThe Truth Behind the Church’s $100 Billion+ Fund E0027What 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 busi...2025-02-081h 53

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesPres. Nelson’s Call to Women About Priesthood Power Is More Urgent Than Ever, Dr. Barbara Gardner E0026Pres. 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...2025-01-171h 36

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesCan Horror Bring Us Closer to God? Michaelbrent Collings on Heretic and Redemption | E0025Can 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...2025-01-172h 18

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesWhy These 3 Worldviews Are Leading People Away from God and Faith | Jeffery Thayne, Latter-day SaintWhy 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, ye...2024-11-0334 min

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesThe ACTUAL Life of a “Mormon” (Latter-day Saint) Wife, Influencer, and Mother E0023Why are Latter-day Saints often portrayed so negatively in pop culture? We sat down with Jasmin Rappleye from Scripture Plus to uncover why that may be and determine what we can do about it. A few years ago, Jasmin noticed an influx of negative content about the church on platforms like TikTok. Seeing this rise in critical content galvanized her to do what she could to add more positive messages to the conversation. With the support of Scriptures Central and a passion for the truth, Jasmin crafts engaging content that cuts through the noise, helping...2024-08-301h 26

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesDid This Research Just Validate the Latter-day Saint (LDS) Belief of Eternal Families? - Jenet Erickson E0022What is the ideal family? How can we shoot for the ideal while leaving room for those who can’t meet it? Jenet Erickson is a BYU professor and researcher. She walks us through the unique roles mothers and fathers play in shaping their children’s lives. Jenet shares how these eternal roles stem from something deeper than tradition. We also talk about the effects of fragmented families and what we can do to create stronger, more connected homes. 2024-08-161h 20

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesFrom Muslim Prisoner to Latter-day Saint: Forgiveness after Family Betrayal and Imprisonment E0021How can Christ help us forgive those who have wronged us in the most egregious ways? As a young, Muslim girl in Iran, Shima Baughman’s mom was betrayed by a family member and sent to one of the world’s worst prisons in the middle of a war-torn country. Shima shares how her family has navigated the deep wounds of betrayal. Can she and her family forgive the woman who betrayed her mom? 2024-07-191h 26

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesChurch Historian: Here’s How I Approach Complex Church History - Dr. Steven C. Harper E0020If you, or someone you love, has struggled to reconcile complex church history, join us in our conversation with Dr. Steven C Harper. Exploring the mystery of multiple First Vision accounts, Stephen Jones sits down with BYU Professor Dr. Steven Harper, a renowned historian and expert on Latter-day Saint history. They unravel the reasons behind the discrepancies and shed light on the broader implications for faith and history, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of this foundational event. ------ Credits: Hosted by Stephen Jones Written and Produced by Stephen...2024-07-031h 41

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesBYU President: "This Is the Most IMPORTANT Decision I'll Make" | Pres. Shane Reese E0019BYU President Shane Reese has been in his role for a year now. We had a lot of questions for him. Is there anything he’d do differently? What is BYU's "divinely established" mission? What's at stake if BYU doesn't fulfill its mission? What is the current student experience, and how can we improve it? We discuss President Reese’s hard time acclimating as a new student at BYU, what it’s like to report to General Authorities, and his hopes for the future of BYU. If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing on you...2024-05-091h 10

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesBlack Pioneer Slaves? LDS Grammy Winner Reconciles Painful Past in an Unexpected Way | E0018For episode 18, I get real with Grammy Award-winning vocal director Mauli Bonner. After uncovering controversial and lesser-known stories about Black pioneers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mauli, feeling embarrassed about his ignorance, is inspired to become a film writer and director. His mission: To craft an enlightening film that breaks the silence. Despite facing societal hesitation to confront painful, controversial histories, Mauli aims to use the film's proceeds to fund a monument at This is the Place, transforming his newfound knowledge into a beacon of awareness and reconciliation. 2024-04-261h 18

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesWhy Curses ARE NOT About Race In Scripture | Egyptologist Dr. John Thompson E0017In E17 of Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones, Dr. John Thompson tackles a topic that's often misunderstood: the concept of "curses" within sacred texts, especially regarding Latter-day Saint teachings. He explains that what some might interpret as racial curses in scripture, like those mentioned in the Book of Abraham, is about something entirely different. John S. Thompson is an acclaimed Egyptologist with a rich background in ancient scriptures and modern religious studies, including a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Thompson has dedicated his life to exploring the depths of ancient Egyptian culture and...2024-03-2155 min

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesThis FBI Investigation Proves Joseph Smith didn’t WRITE the Book of Mormon | John Hilton III E0016I sat down with Dr. John Hilton III and discussed the FBI investigation that proves Joseph Smith DIDN'T write the Book of Mormon. From this episode, you will learn how stylometry, the same method that unmasked the Unabomber, unveils the complex tapestry of voices within the BOM, suggesting a divine collaboration beyond Joseph Smith's capacity. You will learn of Joseph Smith's translation process, highlighting his divine gift and the remarkable efficiency with which the BOM was translated, reinforcing our appreciation for this sacred text. John Hilton III is an associate professor of Ancient Scripture at...2024-02-0257 min

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesHow Former Pastor, Jennifer Roach Survived Abuse and Became an LDS Abuse Expert | E0015On this episode of Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones, I sat down with Jennifer Roach, a licensed mental health Therapist and Senior Research Associate at FAIR Latter-day Saints. From an ordained Anglican Pastor to a passionate mental health therapist in the LDS community. Overcoming her own traumatic experiences in high school at the hands of her church pastor, Jennifer now offers her expertise to support trauma survivors. She shares her personal story and research, providing invaluable perspectives on preventing abuse. Her narrative is both enlightening and poignant, serving as a guide to resilience and s...2023-12-131h 21

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesWhy LDS Young Men Leader Brad Wilcox Believes God’s Grace Is The Key To Overcoming THIS New EpidemicE0014 of Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones features Brother Bradley Wilcox, First Counselor in the General Young Men's Presidency, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brother Wilcox shares how his early life experiences, including his childhood in Ethiopia, have shaped his unique perspective on life's most challenging questions.In this thought-provoking episode, Brother Wilcox takes us through his journey from his early days in EFY to his role in the General Young Men Presidency of the LDS Church. Discover how he manages to balance a demanding professional life with a spiritually f...2023-11-281h 15

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesWhy LDS Polygamy and Joseph Smith Historian Left and Came Back to the LDS Church (Pt 2) | E0013Don Bradley speaks candidly about why he left and came back to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2023-09-251h 20

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesWhy LDS Polygamy and Joseph Smith Historian Left and CameBack to the LDS Church (Pt 1) | E0012In this episode, Stephen talks to LDS Polygamy and Joseph Smith Historian, Don Bradley, and discusses why he left and came back to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 2023-09-181h 44

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesScientist to President: How was Scientist Dr. John ”Keoni” Kauwe Chosen to Lead BYU–Hawaii? | E0011Stephen sits down with Dr. John S.K. Kauwe III and discusses his unique path to becoming BYU–Hawaii's youngest president while balancing faith, science, and service at the same time. 2023-09-181h 13

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesOne to One Phone Call w/ Apostle David A. Bednar About Temples, Peace, & Hope For The Future | E0010If you ever feel hopeless, watch until Elder Bednar gives his advice about hope and how to find it. The conversation gets really deep. Elder Bednar, an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, previously never imagined there would be a temple in Bentonville, Arkansas, in his lifetime. Elder Bednar answers questions about the special significance of the Bentonville, Arkansas Temple to him and his family, what he hopes people understand about worshiping in temples, what encourages and gives him hope for the future, and more. 2023-06-1914 min

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesPre/Post-American Idol, Broken Heart, Hitting Rock Bottom, Not Left Alone, Ashley Hess’ Story | E0009We connect with @AshleyHessMusic of @thekingwillcome and a memorable finalist from American Idol 2019. Discover Ashley's unique journey, from her transition from being a dental hygienist to a recognized performer, and the unexpected path she treads after leaving the American Idol stage. Post-Idol, Ashley's experience was not just about the music. She opens up about feeling isolated, the challenges she faced, and the spiritual transformation she underwent. Hear her candid account of wrestling with her faith, her poignant experience of hitting rock bottom, and the surprising realization of God's constant presence in her life. We also...2023-06-131h 17

Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones”Mormon” Church: Taxes, Trust, Transparency: Deeper Context | E0008Controversial Allegations Against the "Mormon" Church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints): Exploring the Truth Behind the Headlines This episode is an analysis and discussion with Aaron Miller, an expert in non-profit management and ethics. He is a professor at Brigham Young University and co-author of The Business Ethics Field Guide and The $100 Billion ‘Mormon Church’ Story: A Contextual Analysis. 2023-06-071h 13

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesHow Actor Jackson VanDerwerken Prepared Spiritually & Physically for the Role of Nephi | E0007Jackson VanDerweken, the actor who portrayed Nephi in the Book of Mormon videos, opens up about his spiritual and physical transformation journey in this episode. Learn how Jackson prepared for the iconic role by overcoming obstacles, deepening his faith, and gaining 15 pounds of muscle in just 1.5 months. Insights on connecting with the prophets, becoming more like Jesus, and playing Nephi changed his life forever. Jackson shares the impact of an apostolic blessing on his portrayal of the character and how embracing gratitude and focusing on spiritual growth led to his life's most meaningful and powerful experiences. From...2023-05-1053 min

Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones4 Skills to Improve Your Relationships | Doctor Matt Townsend (Part Two) | Let’s Get Real | E0006In this episode, Matt Townsend talks about how he believes effective communication is critical to building healthy relationships and can help resolve even the most complex issues. In Part One, Matt shared his insights on "Real Communication," a concept he discovered while reading 3 Nephi 11-17 in the Book of Mormon. In addition, he revealed the four skills he learned from the Savior's visit to the Americas after His crucifixion and resurrection, which can help anyone communicate and connect with others more effectively. Matt emphasized the importance of meeting someone's most basic human needs, such as...2023-05-0440 min

Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones4 Skills to Improve Your Relationships | Doctor Matt Townsend (Part One) | Let’s Get Real | E0005In this episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing Matt Townsend, a renowned relationship expert who has helped thousands of people worldwide. Matt believes effective communication is critical to building healthy relationships and can help resolve even the most complex issues. During our conversation, Matt shared his insights on "Real Communication," a concept he discovered while reading 3 Nephi 11-17 in the Book of Mormon. In addition, he reveals the four skills he learned from the Savior's visit to the Americas after His crucifixion and resurrection, which can help anyone communicate more effectively. Matt emphasizes the importance of...2023-05-0436 min

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesCan Prophets Make Mistakes? A Candid Conversation with Scott Woodward Part 2 | E0004This episode discusses the sensitive topic of prophetic error and the Church’s black African priesthood & temple restriction that was in place more or less for over 100 years. As the history is discussed, it may be helpful for viewers to remember the following crucial statement made in the Church’s 2013 Race & Priesthood essay: “Today, the Church disavows the theories advanced in the past that black skin is a sign of divine disfavor or curse, or that it reflects unrighteous actions in a premortal life; that mixed-race marriages are a sin; or that blacks or people of any other race or eth...2023-05-0440 min

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesCan Prophets Make Mistakes? A Candid Conversation with Scott Woodward Part 1 | E0003In this episode, we sit down with Scott Woodward, a passionate educator and devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to discuss some of the most challenging topics related to LDS Church history and doctrine. We discuss complex issues associated with LDS Church history and doctrine, including plural marriage, uncomfortable truths, and the myth of a prophet's infallibility. Whether you're a young adult in the Church or interested in learning more, this thought-provoking conversation offers valuable insights and perspectives. Scott Woodward is the Operating Directory of Doctrine and Covenants Central https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/2023-05-0445 min

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesHow Living the Gospel Brings Success in Life with Parker Walbeck | E0002This episode includes the life and lessons of Parker Walbeck, a renowned online educator and successful entrepreneur. Discover the principles he put into action to achieve success while staying true to his beliefs. From working with Devan SuperTramp to going out on his own, Parker reveals the challenges he's faced and how he's managed to balance his spiritual life with his thriving career. Throughout this episode, you'll uncover valuable insights on redefining success, embracing hardship, and the importance of stewardship. Parker shares his personal experiences in turning scripture study and living the gospel from burdens to sources...2023-04-2055 min

Let’s Get Real with Stephen JonesChad Lewis: Why Does God Allow Hard Things to Happen to Good People? | E0001Why does God allow hard things to happen to good people? When Chad Lewis was 19, he experienced one of the heaviest trials ever—his dad's fight for life. In this episode, Chad also reveals how he stays connected to God, why he reads the Book of Mormon every day, how he kept the Sabbath Day holy as a professional football player, and what it was like having Andy Reid as a coach. 2023-03-141h 05