Generations of Faith with Brooke Jones

Tom Russell is an award-winning advertising executive, college professor, filmmaker, and disciple of Christ. Tom cared for his wife Angie and their children as she battled cancer, which eventually took her life. He was later led to an incredible woman, Courtney, through what he describes as divine intervention. She joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and they moved forward together, raising their five children. 

Tom began working in the advertising industry as a copywriter and director. After working as a senior copywriter and creative director at a regional agency in California, he became a managing partner of his own agency. During that time, he received over 40 Addy Awards, four Auroras, five Silver Microphones, and awards for long-form corporate film. His work as a director and writer has been recognized by multiple film festivals throughout the country. Tom is currently a professor of media arts at Brigham Young University, where he teaches screenwriting and advanced directing courses.

Michelle Cook was born and raised in Paradise, California as the seventh of nine children. A turning point in her life was when her father was called to be the mission president of the Independence, Missouri Mission in 1985 when she was a teenager. Michelle met her husband, Ben Cook, by being set up on a blind date, and they were married 1 1/2 years later. They have four children, and Michelle loves and cherishes being a mom. She enjoys hiking, mountain biking, playing games, Swig runs, and spending time with her family. 

Michelle and Ben teach a popular mission and temple preparation course in their home each week, teaching youth about temple covenants and discipleship. In this episode, Michelle teaches us why this gathering is important and how she connects with youth with intention, genuine love, and positivity.

How do we receive power from our covenants as we navigate challenging circumstances? Our guest, Allyson Frankman, shares tender experiences that led her to find the answer to that question in her life, as a faithful mom and disciple of Christ.

We feel honored to share this insightful episode of wisdom and hope with you. We are confident you will draw strength from her words and experiences.

Allyson grew up in Cache Valley. She attended BYU and graduated in Chemical Engineering. She worked at Bain & Company as an Associate Consultant for several years out of Dallas, Texas, before returning to graduate school at BYU in Chemical Engineering. There, Allyson met her husband, Dave. They now have seven children -six they are lucky enough to raise here on earth and one stillborn child in heaven. Allyson loves Jesus Christ, family history, the temple, and exploring God's beautiful creations with her family. 

Bentley Plouzek has an enthusiasm for life. It spills out in his easy connection with people, no matter their background or beliefs. It fuels his dedication as an EMT, lifeguard manager, and disciple of Christ.

When you meet Bentley, you might first see a laid-back, adventurous teenager, but look closer, and you'll find a heart overflowing with service, a mind brimming with curiosity, and a spirit ready to embrace the world, one connection at a time. 

Bentley thrives on learning, constantly pushing himself to understand the world around him, a hunger for knowledge that will serve him well as he embarks on a new adventure as a newly set apart missionary called to serve in the Chile Concepcion South mission. 

At the time of this interview, Bentley was training as a missionary in home MTC. Following a week of home MTC, he spent five weeks in the Mexico City Missionary Training Center and now serves the people of Chile as a full-time disciple of Christ. He enjoys sharing the gospel's good news with the wonderful people of Chile.

In this episode, Elder Plouzek shares insights into the life of a newly set apart missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as his feelings about recently receiving his endowment in the House of the Lord. 

Justin Kunz is a painter, illustrator, concept designer, and educator. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Painting from Laguna College of Art and Design and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from Brigham Young University. Justin's work is exhibited in various museums and galleries. In addition, his art can be found in books, magazines, calendars, and websites.

Justin has provided visual imagery for video games, coins, medals, figurines, and an award-winning film. As a member of the Artistic Infusion Program for the United States Mint, he has created dozens of numismatic designs, including at least 18 coins and medals. 

Justin is an Associate Professor of Illustration at Brigham Young University and lives with his wife and children in the foothills of Mt. Timpanogos, Utah.  

In this episode, Justin shares how he prepares spiritually to paint the Savior. He walks listeners through his preparation and the process of creating sacred art.

During this Christmas season, Justin Kunz's paintings, The Days Were Accomplished and Good Tidings of Great Joy, are especially meaningful. @jkunz.art has graciously given us permission to share these images with you. Head over to our Instagram page, @arise.with.christ, to see those incredible depictions. 

As a busy college student at BYU-Idaho, Isaac navigates life with creativity, leadership, and a strong work ethic.

The oldest of four brothers, Isaac inspires his siblings with his contagious enthusiasm for life. His artistic spirit finds expression in a myriad of mediums, from design and woodworking to photography.

Isaac has a deep appreciation for the natural world and can often be found outdoors, where he enjoys biking, cliff-jumping, and casting a line into a lake.

A natural problem solver, Isaac is always seeking ways to improve the world around him, finding innovative solutions to everyday challenges. In this episode, Isaac shares how anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder have impacted his life.

Isaac loves the Lord and served him as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Colorado Denver South Mission and then transferred to a service mission in the Utah Orem Mission. His passion for life is infectious, motivating those around him to embrace their own unique talents and make a positive impact on the world.

The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation by President Russell M. Nelson

Meeting Jesus in the House of the Lord by Allen D. Haynie 

The Book of Mormon, Ether 12:27

Jason Whiting researches the love lives of couples, focusing on how deception and conflict take root in even the best of relationships. His goal is to apply social science to help couples to be more loving and authentic. You can read more about this in his book, “Love Me True.” 

Dr. Whiting received his PhD from Michigan State University and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He has won awards for his research and writing and is currently a professor in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University. 

Find more information about Dr. Jason Whiting's work here.

Jeff Skousen is currently serving as bishop in the Cedar Hills 8th Ward. He loves spending time outdoors with his family, camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and riding horses. Jeff was sealed to Tricia Pinegar in 1996 and they are the parents of 5 beautiful children ages 24 – 13. They eagerly anticipate their first granddaughter later this year. Jeff served a full-time mission in the New York Rochester Mission and later graduated from BYU with a degree in Business Management. For the past 13 years, Jeff has been running sales for Domo, a software technology company. Jeff has served in many callings in the church, including ward mission leader, elders quorum presidency member, ward young men president, stake young men president, and bishopric counselor. 

Brooke Jones values family, past and present, and her identity as a child of God. She is the daughter of wonderful parents and the oldest of six children. In this episode, Brooke shares how her mother's intentional efforts have meaningfully impacted her temple worship. The influence of Brooke's grandparents has also been profound. Brooke shares lessons learned from her grandparents, Patricia and Ed Pinager. 

Brooke has a special love for the Primary and takes us on a journey through its originations with its humble founder, Aurelia Spencer Rogers. Together, we learn that small and simple actions can lead to glorious outcomes.

Brooke served a mission in the Washington Tacoma mission and graduated from Ricks College and Brigham Young University. She is married to Clayton, and they currently serve in a Provo young single adult ward. They are the parents of three children. Brooke enjoys traveling, walking, riding her e-bike, backyard birding, sports, and being in nature. She enjoys teaching the gospel and strives to receive revelation and recognize miracles in her life.