All In

John Welling is the co-founder of a non-profit whose mission is to bring sight to the blind. On this week’s episode, he discusses not only physical blindness but spiritual blindness and why he believes that God and Jesus Christ can heal both through faith and the desire to be healed.

2:53- What Are Cataracts?
5:30- Prevalence in Africa
8:45- Possible Impact
12:36- Guiding Miracles
16:20- Daybreak Vision Project
20:15- A True Story
23:50- Faith To Be Healed
29:42- Spiritual Blindness
36:24- Spiritual Eyes and Stony Hearts
40:09- Blessed To Participate
42:35- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

“It has to be something that He does for us over time and we have to be willing to undergo the operation.” —John Welling

Daybreak Vision Project - http://daybreakvisionproject.org

Elder Maxwell on Educating our desires - churchofjesuschrist.orghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org › ...“According to the Desire of [Our] Hearts”

Elder Kim B. Clark pride talk - https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/kim-b-clark/ye-stripped-pride/

Elder Maxwell on pride - https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/neal-a-maxwell/meek-lowly/

Clayton Christensen - “The strong help the weak and the weak help the strong and no one cares about who’s weak and who’s strong.” https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/testimonies/scholars/clayton-m-christensen

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manti Te’o was on top of the world when it came to football. In his senior season at Notre Dame, he was a Heisman trophy finalist who led the Fighting Irish to the national championship game. But off the football field, Manti was involved in an online relationship with someone he’d never met. It is now known as a famous catfishing scandal but at the time, Manti Te’o was just a college athlete who was trying to navigate a horrific experience in the public eye. On today’s episode, Manti discusses what he learned from the experience about the Savior’s love for us.

2:22- Testimony
5:32- Faith, Family, and Football
7:23- Leader Servants
10:22- Choosing Notre Dame
18:19- Culture Shock
23:10- Catfished But Not Alone
32:50- One Step Enough
36:55- The Love of a Parent
43:28- Forgiveness
49:43- To A Younger Manti
52:00- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

“I’ve experienced what rock bottom feels like. I know what depression feels like. I know what it feels like to have those thoughts in your head of like, ‘Man, why am I even here?’ I’ve had those dark times and then I’ve built my way back up and I didn’t do it alone.” —Manti Te’o

Links:

Clip of Manti about Forgiveness
Netflix Documentary

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lizzy Jensen is a believer that God has a work for each of us to do, that faith is the most magical thing on the planet, that Christ can help us create all of the wonderful things that we desire to make in our lives. And all we have to do to see God work through us in our lives? Show up. Answer the call. On this week’s episode, we talk with Lizzy about how she believes that as each of us answer these calls and act in faith, we will witness and be a part of a revolution of faith.

1:34- Nature vs. Nurture
3:52- “You’ve Got The Wrong Person”
8:50- Comfort Zones
11:54- Talking Openly About Faith
16:08- Teaching Jesus
22:52- Making Magic of Believing
29:42- The Living Christ Project
35:49- Creator
39:44- Your Life’s Work
46:48- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

“I think being all in is the best way to live, it’s the land where miracles happen, where you are changed more than you ever thought you could be because being all in means that you get to be a little part of the work that God is all in on too.” —Lizzy Jensen

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On May 29, 2021, US Navy Lt. Ridge Alkonis took his wife and children to hike a portion of Mount Fuji, a famous mountain where he were stationed in Japan. On their way home, they planned to stop at an ice cream shop Ridge had visited during his time serving in Japan as a missionary years earlier. Ridge was mid-conversation with his 7-year-old daughter when he suddenly lost consciousness and consequently lost control of the car he was driving, resulting in the deaths of two people. Ridge was sentenced to three years in prison. His wife and family were determined to bring him home. This is their story.

1:40- Joining the Navy
3:46- Meeting
7:54- Military Service as a Family
12:30- The Accident
18:43- The Worth of a Soul
26:15- The Tailor Shop
31:51- Everything Happens
43:39- Covenants
48:43- Forgiveness
52:56- 100 Percent Human
58:50- What Does It Mean To Be All In?

“There’s no guarantee in the scriptures that says, ‘If you are really, really righteous nothing bad is going to happen to you,’ and we don’t talk about that enough.” —Ridge Alkonis

“I’m still here. …To me, that’s what all in is. It’s not always understanding, the plan of happiness doesn’t mean you’re always happy but I’m still here. I’m still waiting for understanding and I’m still praying for peace that I know one day will come.” —Brittany Alkonis

Links & References

https://bringridgehome.blogspot.com

https://bringridgehome.org

https://www.instagram.com/bringridgehome/

Deseret News article about Ridge's release

Recent interviews on CNN and Fox News

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morgan Choi and her husband have lived in four very different countries during their young marriage. They have also experienced very difficult things in lands far from home but what they have found is that God is everywhere and when we seek to feel His love, we will always find it. On this week’s episode, Morgan shares her witness that prayers are heard and answered all around the world.

“Being curious is such a positive thing, you’re asking questions about someone, you’re wanting to get to know them more and understand them and it can lead to friendship and growth. Being judgmental is just having this fixed idea and it’s negative and it’s not allowing you to grow and to love a person as well.” —Morgan Choi

1:43- To Know Something’s True
6:04- Living and Worshiping Around the World
14:20- Recipient of Service Worldwide
18:33- A Gospel For All People
21:00- Infertility
33:18- Book of Mormon Timeline
35:41- Traveling With Kids
39:24- Changed
41:33- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Benjamin Bikman’s book has 4.8 stars on Amazon and 3,445 reviews. The researcher of metabolic health and BYU professor has developed a loyal fanbase by sharing evidence that shows that many major diseases have a common root—one that is easily fixed by conscious lifestyle changes. He calls his desire to share these things and their impact a crusade and on this week’s episode, he shares why, as a Latter-day Saints, that crusade is fueled by a firm belief in the Word of Wisdom.

“Maybe the deepest level of the Word of Wisdom is the sentiment of learning to control the power that we have within our bodies because in so doing we show to Heavenly Father our worthiness and our fitness…us being fit for or found worthy of being given greater responsibility and greater power.” —Benjamin Bikman

Show Notes

2:24- Why Care About Insulin Resistance?
11:41- Incorrect Principles
21:47- Plagues of Prosperity
31:01- Moderation in all things?
37:53- The Discomfort of Change
42:52- Preparing for Eternal Progression
45:00- Snack Ideas
50:12- Do Your Homework
53:29- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Why We Get Sick book

Plagues of Prosperity - BYU Speech

President Russell M. Nelson, "Think Celestial":

Dr. Bikman's upcoming release

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Natalie Hill Jensen was a single adult when she attended her sister’s wedding. There, the sealer who is also an apostle of God told her that heaven would help her as she searched for someone to marry. That heavenly help did come as promised and it eventually included finding her husband but first, it came in the form of an invitation issued in a talk by Sister Wendy Watson Nelson, wife of our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. On this week’s episode, Natalie shares how accepting that invitation continues to bless her life.

“I’ve had peace when I should’ve never had peace. I’ve had my personality enhanced to make new friends. I feel like every blessing I have in this new phase of my life has been a direct blessing of weekly temple attendance.” —Natalie Hill Jensen

4:03- Raising Girls
11:05- On Broadway
15:36- Knowing Who You Are
17:25- Temple Garments
22:47- Going All In
29:49- Blessings of the Temple
36:46- “A Great Story in 5 Years”
40:49- Deliberately Creating a Home
43:30- What Does It Mean To Be All In?

Sister Wendy Watson Nelson “My Soul Delighteth in the Covenants of the Lord”

Video of Sister Nelson’s talk - "My Soul Delighteth in the Covenants of the Lord" by Wendy W. Nelson | BYU Women's Conference, 2015

Natalie as a little girl in The Children’s Video Songbook- The Children's Video Songbook - Volume 1

Recent Studio 5 Interview with Natalie d- Take 5: Natalie Hill Jensen answers your best get-to-know-you questions

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrated as the voice of Dolores Madrigal in Disney’s Encanto, a character with a remarkable gift of enhanced hearing, Adassa shares her experiences with a different kind of listening – the art of tuning into the still, small voice of the Spirit. In this week's episode, join us as Adassa, a devoted Latter-day Saint, opens up about her journey in seeking God's will.

“He can see us. He’s not trying to change us. He’s trying to magnify who we already are.” —Adassa

1:17- A True Story
3:27- Religious Roots and New Beginnings
6:50- Motherhood
12:59- Your Personal Conversion Story
17:08-  The Miracle of Encanto
35:41- Better Than Expected
38:52- Coincidence?
45:31- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

In Jesus We Are One

• Deseret Book
• Spotify

“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” with Vocal Point and One Voice Children’s Choir

“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” performances

• Hollywood Bowl
• Oscars

“The Family Madrigal” Live from The Hollywood Bowl

Adassa with the Tabernacle Choir

Dos Oruguitas with the Tabernacle Choir in Mexico

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Martin, a Nashville songwriter who has written 16 #1 country music hits, is a believer as a songwriter that anything you’re immersed in will show up in your writing. So, when you know that Martin has been called to be a seminary teacher three times and has taught Sunday School, it comes as no surprise that religious themes have, at times, snuck into the country songs he writes for a living. But on this week’s episode, Martin talks about writing deliberately spiritual songs for the first time.

2:55- ‘Just What My Dad Did’ 
6:37- A Songwriter’s Process
12:40- Writing From Experience and Imagination
15:40- Criticisms and Evolution of Country Music
20:37- ‘I Believe Him’ 
23:47- The Book of Mormon—An Addition
25:18- ‘Old Man Said He Saw a Tree’
29:36- Jacob’s Ladder and Working Out Your Own Salvation
33:03- The Horn Player
35:05- God Needs Drummers
38:56- The Lord Speaks To Everyone Differently
41:30- Giving Something Away For Nothing
45:31- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? 

“The Lord…wants good people to make music, the Devil doesn’t need to have all the good things.” —Tony Martin

Witness: A Nashville Tribute to The Book of Mormon

• Spotify
• Deseret Book

“Just to See Your Smile”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BYU Marriott School Dean, Brigitte Madrian, has loved learning her entire life. In fact, she was in the 8th grade when she decided she wanted to get a PhD. Since then, she has worked at some of the most prestigious institutions of learning in the country. Still, she recognizes that this love for learning at such a young age is unique and knowing what you want to do with your life in the 8th grade? Even more rare. Perhaps that is why she is so passionate about helping others discover their own thirst for knowledge.

2:44- An 8th Grader’s Dream
6:47- Using Research To Serve
12:04- 1989 BYU Commencement Address
18:53- Approaching Big Decisions
28:04- A Healthy Approach to Strengths and Weaknesses
36:44- ‘For Such A Time As This’
44:44- Spiritual Component to Secular Learning
50:46- Lifelong Learning
53:16- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? 

“The Holy Ghost teaches us and testifies of truth—all truth—not just the truth that’s in the scriptures that we recognize but all truth, truths about running a business, truths about being a good leader…whatever the truths are, the Holy Ghost can testify of truth.” —Brigitte Madrian 

Alice in Wonderland quote - “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.”

President Kimball talk

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a man whose love inspires people during this time of year. Some might say it’s a man with a white beard who delivers Christmas presents to children around the world on a sleigh pulled by reindeer. But renowned Latter-day Saint painter Greg Olsen believes it is actually the Savior of the world who inspires Santa Claus himself. On this week’s episode, we talk with the artist about how he began painting in the first place but then why he chose to paint Santa Claus in addition to his many well-known paintings of Jesus Christ. 

“Done in the right way, seen from the right perspective, Santa—that tradition—does carry on the mission of Jesus. Doing unto others, giving, serving, spreading love and cheer…it’s hard to separate those two.” —Greg Olsen 

Show Notes

2:09- It Takes a Village To Raise an Artist
5:24- A Prophetic Statement
20:37- A Branch Full of Good Things
23:10- Reaching Outside of the Latter-day Saint World
28:57- Santa and the Savior
32:49- We Follow What Is Good
37:13- Lost and Found
42:02- Everyone’s an Artist
45:54- What Does It Mean to Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? 

Greg’s website

Paintings referenced in the episode:

The Spirit of Christmas

Story of Christmas

The Nativity

Lost and Found

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chad Truman recalls a specific moment on his mission where he had questions—not a faith crisis, just questions. He remembers hearing the words: “After your faith comes the witness.” Truman Brothers now sing songs of faith—songs that make a deliberate effort to represent a real faith journey. On this week’s episode, we discuss music’s ability to testify of Christ while acknowledging that our testimonies rarely grow linearly.

Show Notes

2:00- Sons of Dan Truman of Diamond Rio
6:51- Motivation
9:00- Uplifting Without Being Cheesy
12:09- The Power of Music
17:25- Husbands and Fathers
24:18- Atonement in Music
27:31- Not a Faith Crisis
32:30- Witness: A Nashville Tribute to the Book of Mormon
33:40- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

“I will ebb and flow on opinions, I will ebb and flow on confidence in certain pieces of testimony but the rod is just going to remain in my hands and that’s what all in is for me. I will go through this experience committed and I will respond to things as I do but nothing will row the boat enough to toss me.” —Ben Truman

Truman Brothers - “Sounding Joy”

“Oh Child” music video

“Before the Calm” music video

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In recent years, Michael McLean has encountered profound lessons about a father’s love. Although seemingly a shining light of optimism and success known for his work in the Latter-day Saint film and music space, McLean grappled with chronic depression, fostering self-doubt for an extended period. Nearly two decades ago, when his son came out and conveyed discontent about his upbringing, McLean's deepest insecurities seemed validated. Moreover, the silence from a perceived absence of God amplified his distress. On this week’s episode, we discuss McLean’s Forgotten Carols but, more importantly, how a loving Father never forgets His son.

“The Atonement is not some cool thing that happened back in Gethsemane. It’s ongoing. He’s not stopping His work until He’s got us all healed—until He’s brought us all home.” —Michael McLean

Show Notes

2:10- What Could’ve Been the End
12:59- Depression and the Forgotten Carols
18:44- Mr. Krueger’s Christmas
31:57- When God Seems Quiet
36:34- Two Fathers
48:42- “Let Him In”
51:51- What Does It Mean To Be All In?

Links:

The Forgotten Carols

Michael’s video for the Church

“Let Him In”

“Mr. Krueger’s Christmas”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was considered one of the biggest snubs of the Women’s World Cup in 2023. Ashley Hatch has been around the United States Women’s National Team since 2016, and even played in multiple games for the national team in 2023. And yet, when the roster for the Women’s World Cup team was released, Ashley’s name wasn’t on it. The tough thing is that, like many disappointments in life, Ashley doesn’t really have an answer for why it didn’t work out the way she’d hoped. She does, however, recognize that she has the power to choose how she responds to that disappointment.

“It’s an opportunity to either lean into your faith, lean into your testimony, or it’s an opportunity to lean away or push it away.” —Ashley Hatch

Links & References:

World Cup snubs

The latest on Ashley’s Olympic hopes

Temple open house story

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chad and Cherisse Lunt’s life took an unexpected turn when they welcomed their third child, Lucy, into the world. Unbeknownst to her parents, Lucy was born with a severe neuromuscular condition known as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). At the time of her diagnosis, Lucy wasn’t expected to live beyond her second birthday but just last month, she ordered all the supplies, sent all the invites, and threw her own 15th birthday party.

“Weirdly enough, I’ll be a little sad [in the resurrection] because I won’t have my girl to hold or take care of.” —Chad Lunt

Show Notes 

1:56- Diagnosis and Prognosis
8:00- Why Not Us?
12:13- A Mother’s Care
15:10- Lucy Today
21:31- Advocating For Another
23:08- Quality of Life
25:35- Ministering in the Savior’s Way
33:42- Siblings Who Know the Plan
38:30 Why Serve Outside the Home?
41:55- Hope of a Resurrection
46:07- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Links & References: 

Cherisse’s Instagram documents the Lunts’ journey with Lucy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Remembering those who have gone before us and recognizing that death is not the end—these are critical aspects of our faith as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are also at the core of the celebration known in Hispanic culture as Día de los Muertos. On this week’s episode, we learn more about how this celebration intersects with faith and tradition, and reminds us of the eternal nature of our family bonds.

“If we were just to learn about all of the experiences that the Nephites had with our Savior Jesus Christ—if we were to pass that down and we were to believe it and put it into action in our lives, we would be better people and we would have a better connection with our Savior so that’s why I think our ancestors are so important to celebrate.” —Shiegrid Hernandez

Show Notes

1:47- Growing Up in Mexico
6:13- Challenges of Coming to America
8:44- Embracing Latino Culture
10:37- A Recognizable Book
14:32- Honoring Ancestors
18:52- What Is Dia De Los Muertos?
22:24- Why the Skulls and Skeletons?
25:48- Symbolism in the Ofrenda
33:12- The Temple as a Latina Latter-day Saint
36:37- What Does It Mean to Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

McKay Coppins began covering Mitt Romney during the 2012 presidential race and because the two shared a common faith as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, other reporters often looked to McKay, a very young journalist at the time, as a source on Romney’s religion. Over a decade later, Coppins’ new biography profiles the Latter-day Saints’ life and career in the public sphere. In anticipation of the book’s release, we talk with Coppins on today’s episode about the faith that is deeply embedded into both he and Romney’s lives. 

Show Notes 

2:08- Varied Latter-day Saint Characters
5:04- “I’m Actually a Member of This Church”
7:27- Folding Into Faith
11:27- The Latter-day Saint on the Campaign Trail
16:22- Sharing Faith in a Secular Biography
22:24- Refusal to Denounce Faith
28:50- A Young Missionary in France
35:24- More To Your Life Than Making Money
40:38- The Worth of Integrity
45:21- By Their Fruits
49:10- Legacy
53:03- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? 

“I realized in that moment that I could do both. I didn’t have to pretend like I wasn’t a Latter-day Saint to be a good reporter and I didn’t have to be a bad reporter to be a good Latter-day Saint. I could do all of it and I wasn’t going to set aside my faith.” —McKay Coppins 

Links & References: 

Romney: A Reckoning biography 

Romney on CBS News

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Osmonds reached what was arguably the peak of their fame in 1973. That year, the band made what many considered an interesting decision and released The Plan, a landmark album that explored the eternal nature of God’s plan and the role of Jesus Christ in salvation. Alan Osmond almost always sang backup vocals but, as the oldest of the Osmond brothers, was in many ways the leader of the brothers’ group and the writer of many of the Osmonds’ songs. In this episode, Alan shares the inspiration behind The Plan as we celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the album. 

“We’re not ashamed of the gospel and that’s why I just can’t be quiet about it.” 

Show Notes

1:46- Beginnings
8:10- Sharing the Gospel Through Music
14:31- A Rock Opera 
28:06- Osmondmania
34:59- Support of the Church
41:48- Multiple Sclerosis
47:51- Elvis and the Queen
49:57- What Does It Mean to Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? 

Links & References:

Listen to “The Plan” album in full
The Plan Promo video
LDS Living stories about The Osmonds

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Latter-day Saint scholar Rosalynde Welch has been involved in two recent projects that may, on the surface, seem very different. One, ushering the last words of a beloved friend through to publication after the friend’s passing, and the other, an exploration of words written in holy scripture two millennia ago. And yet, on this week’s episode, we explore how both books capture the power of a woman’s witness of Jesus Christ.

Show Notes

2:19- Contrast Between Two Books
6:50- Who is Kate Holbrook?
17:51- Housework and Motherhood
22:56- Legacy
26:54- The Gospels of Abish and Mary
30:41- 1 Nephi 11
35:18- A Nativity Story
39:18- Witnesses of Christ

“In the two beams of the cross—those are never going to be made parallel with each other. They are always going to be at cross purposes to one another and, as disciples, we’re called to take up our cross. And sometimes that means having the patience and the largeness of mind and heart to live with two things that are true but not easily reconciled.”

Links & References:

Both Things Are True book

Seven Gospels book

Kate Holbrook and Samuel Brown - All In

Faith Matters - Kate Holbrook

Morgan’s tribute to Kate Holbrook

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sy Snarr’s son, Zachary Snarr, was a senior in high school when he was shot and killed by a complete stranger. After 17 years in prison, Jorge Benvenuto, the man who killed Zachary, wrote a letter to tell the Snarr family that he was sorry for taking their 18-year-old son and brother’s life. What happened next captivated listeners of KSL’s “The Letter” podcast and, on this week’s episode of “All In,” we explore the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ that is woven throughout the Snarr family's remarkable example of forgiveness. 

Show Notes

2:34- Before
3:57- Regret
7:15- The Bind of Bitterness
12:45- Who Hate Hurts
15:47- You Have To Want It
18:12- The Sacrament Talk That Changed Everything
20:38- Losing a Second Son
23:29- The Very Real Pain of Loss
25:51- Jorge
32:21- Since the Letter
36:34- Atonement For All
40:34- A Spiritual Experience
43:50- What Does It Mean To Be All in?

“My soul was tortured, it was broken with this anguish I carried…and the way you [forgive] is you fight back, you turn to God, you turn to the Savior, you pray a lot and let Them guide you.” —Sy Snarr

Links & References: 

Listen to The Letter podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.