300 episodes

Leading Saints is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help Latter-day Saints (LDS, Mormon) be better prepared to lead.



Here are 4 ways Leading Saints accomplishes the above mission statement:



1. Connect Latter-day Saint Leaders



2. Enhance Leadership Ability



3. Present Leadership Scholarship & Research



4. Celebrate Divine Guidance



Podcast Host:



Kurt Francom is the founder and executive director of Leading Saints, a nonprofit organization helping Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. He manages the day-to-day efforts of Leading Saints and is the host of the podcast by the same name. Leading Saints has reached individuals internationally and has received over 2 million downloads. Kurt currently lives in Utah with his lovely wife Alanna. They are blessed to have three children. He enjoys drawing caricatures, playing basketball, reading, and watching college football. Kurt has served as a full-time missionary (California Sacramento), as a bishop, 1st counselor in a stake presidency, and elders quorum president.

Leading Saints Podcast Leading Saints

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 5.0 • 15 Ratings

Leading Saints is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help Latter-day Saints (LDS, Mormon) be better prepared to lead.



Here are 4 ways Leading Saints accomplishes the above mission statement:



1. Connect Latter-day Saint Leaders



2. Enhance Leadership Ability



3. Present Leadership Scholarship & Research



4. Celebrate Divine Guidance



Podcast Host:



Kurt Francom is the founder and executive director of Leading Saints, a nonprofit organization helping Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. He manages the day-to-day efforts of Leading Saints and is the host of the podcast by the same name. Leading Saints has reached individuals internationally and has received over 2 million downloads. Kurt currently lives in Utah with his lovely wife Alanna. They are blessed to have three children. He enjoys drawing caricatures, playing basketball, reading, and watching college football. Kurt has served as a full-time missionary (California Sacramento), as a bishop, 1st counselor in a stake presidency, and elders quorum president.

    Bearded Bishops, Rated-R Movies, & the Honor Code | An Interview with John Hilton III

    Bearded Bishops, Rated-R Movies, & the Honor Code | An Interview with John Hilton III

    This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in April 2020.



    John Hilton III was born in San Francisco and grew up in Seattle. He served a mission in Denver and earned a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, where he met his wife, Lani. They have lived in Boise, Boston, Miami, Mexico, Jerusalem, and China. Currently they live in Utah, and have six children. John has a master's degree from Harvard and a PhD from Brigham Young University, both in Education. John is a professor of Religious Education at BYU.



    John has published several books with Deseret Book, including Considering the Cross and his latest book, Voices in the Book of Mormon. He is also the author of the podcast and video series, “The Book of Mormon: A Master Class.” John loves being with his family, doing humanitarian work, learning Chinese, and performing magic.



    ©BYU PHOTO 2011 All Rights Reserved

    Links

    The Founder of Our Peace: Christ-Centered Patterns for Easing Worry, Stress, and Fear

    John's article discussing this topic: A Fence Around the Law – Safety Net or Beam in Our Eye

    John Hilton III books

    John's education research

    There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here.

    Transcript coming soon

    Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library



    Highlights

    7:04 John quotes President Uchtdorf addressing the many “shoulds” and “should nots” that become a challenge in our lives. We can lose peace in our lives when we focus on admittedly good ideas, but aren’t grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.



    8:50 What are “Fence Laws”? Imagine an unfillable hole in your backyard, which poses a threat to children who may fall in. You therefore put a fence around this hole, which represents sin. The fence represents the protective effort against anybody falling into the sin.



    9:45 We are already protected from sins by commandments, which John refers to as “core laws”. Yet some still feel the need to add additional “fence laws”. E.g.:



    * Core Law: The law of chastity, i.e., no sexual relations outside of marriage

    * Fence Law: No kissing until the fourth date, and kiss will last no longer than five seconds

    * Fence Law: No going into the bedroom of a member of the opposite sex



    10:47 Some fence laws have prophetic sources, like those found in the For the Strength of Youth, etc. There is a goodness to fence laws as guided by the Spirit or other divine sources, like prophets.



    13:57 Examples of positive fence laws



    15:22 Dangers of focusing on the fence laws while forgetting the commandments: “I didn’t go into the bedroom of a member of the opposite sex, but I still broke the law of chastity.” Children need fences, but the choices should shift away from extrinsic fences to self-imposed fences.



    16:50 Too many good fences can become a burden.



    22:58 “Take my yoke upon you” meaning



    25:49 Ward traditions that become fences



    28:56 Allowing the Spirit to fill in the details around prophetic direction



    30:14 Anecdotes where a personal fence laws caused harm:

    • 1 hr 4 min
    Changing Church Culture by Gathering the Saints | An Interview with Jacob Hansen

    Changing Church Culture by Gathering the Saints | An Interview with Jacob Hansen

    Jacob Hansen grew up immersed in and passionate about ideas about the world. He grew up near Sparks, Nevada, in a blue-collar family with parents who now serve as a State Senator and in the Nevada State Assembly. He served a Church mission to Argentina and attended both Brigham Young University and BYU-Hawaii, graduating with a degree in Operations/Supply Chain Management. He then partnered with another recent-grad to start a company that continues to grow. Jacob married his college sweetheart, Erica, and they have four children. He loves just about anything that takes him on an adventure.

    Links



    YouTube @thoughtfulfaith2020

    "Creating Genuine Belonging: Could This Revolutionize the Church?"

    Thoughtful-Faith.com

    Facebook Thoughtful Saints group

    There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here.

    Transcript coming soon

    Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

    Highlights

    1:40 Introduction to Jacob Hansen, the creator of Thoughtful Faith YouTube channel.



    3:10 A part of Jacob’s YouTube channel are formal debates. Listening to Christian vs Atheist debates saved Jacob’s testimony.



    6:30 Contrast is what creates clarity. That’s why Jacob likes to talk to people that disagree with him and have debates.



    7:30 Should most people debate? Formal debate is a skill set and not recommended for everyone. It’s not a good way to minister to someone.



    10:00 Although argument doesn’t create conviction and belief, a lack of argument destroys the climate where belief can flourish.



    11:30 Interest-based programs. Why are they important in the Church? We can combine values and people’s interests to create a great experience.



    17:00 Ministry should happen at a ward level but when it comes to interest based activities you can do them at a stake level. Stop forcing people to go to activities they have no interest in.



    20:30 We need to gather in these sub-interest groups for community and human connection between the saints. It’s not about entertainment.



    22:00 How can Relief Society presidents and elders quorum presidents begin to implement interest-based activities? It can happen at the ward level but it’s easier for stake leaders because there are lots of people.



    26:45 More people will engage in these interest-based activities because it’s actually something they are interested in. It’s also something that non members will show up to. Activities are a much better way to do missionary work.



    29:30 These activities are not a ploy to get people baptized but we are bringing the Spirit into someone’s life and then they can decide what they want to do with it. We are facilitating opportunities and loving people.



    34:00 Ultimately life is about being one with God and one with each other. The most valuable thing that we have in our lives is our relationships. That's why we do what we do. That’s why we are building community and groups.



    35:50 What about the budget? Start with activities that you don’t need a budget for, such as a yoga night or jujitsu night.

    • 50 min
    From Stake President to Regional Rep | An Interview with Douglas McKinlay

    From Stake President to Regional Rep | An Interview with Douglas McKinlay

    Doug McKinlay has a masters degree from Brigham Young University in Mass Communications, ran his own successful $35MM company for 17 years, and won national awards for advertising results and creativity. He has also taught as faculty at Brigham Young University for 16 years. Doug loves serving his fellow beings. In the Church, callings have included service as an elders quorum president, ward and stake Young Men president, stake executive secretary, stake high council, stake president and counselor, Regional Representative of the Twelve, mission president, and bishop.

    Links

    BYU Devotional: "The Approachable Master"

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    Watch on YouTube

    Transcript coming soon

    Highlights

    3:10 Introduction and background to Doug McKinlay



    4:30 Doug shares his background of growing up in Utah. His career and leadership experience in the Church. He has served numerous callings such as stake president, counselor in the stake presidency, regional representative, and mission president. He is now 82 years old.



    16:00 Getting called as stake president and calling counselors



    20:20 Back in the day they used to fly stake presidencies into Salt Lake for leadership meetings in the Tabernacle. President Packer taught that the handbook is the what of church leadership and the scriptures are the how of church leadership.



    21:50 When he was released as stake president he was called as a Regional Representative of the Twelve. Douglas explains the responsibilities and duties of this calling.



    28:15 In the 80's and 90's they had regional conferences for all members and a member of the twelve would be there. As regional representative he would organize it.



    29:30 As part of his calling, Doug was always there when a stake president was called and he also helped with training.



    32:20 Doug helped President Hinckley find temple sites.



    33:40 He served as regional rep for five years and then was called as mission president. Douglas describes the process and interviews he had before getting called. President Faust was the one who called him.



    37:40 Doug was mission president in Tucson, Arizona. The mission was quite disobedient at the time and it took about a year to turn the ship around.



    40:15 Shifting the mission culture. Making obedience cool.



    42:15 Doug created doctrinal diagrams. Creating these diagrams helped with visual learning.



    45:40 Get out from behind the desk and do what you proclaim. When Doug was stake president he figuratively released himself and called himself on a stake mission for a month. Focusing on mission work they were able to finally not only reach their baptismal goal but go over it.



    49:50 What is your advice on having to get up and speak to an audience? Be timely and topical, as President Hinckley was.



    52:00 He skipped being bishop and went straight to being stake president but in his sixties he was called as a bishop.



    55:00 Doug is now 82 years old and is in a new phase of life. He gets to let others lead.



    55:40 Doug’s final thoughts on being a follower and being a leader



    The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at a ...

    • 59 min
    What Every Bishop Needs to Understand About Betrayal Trauma | An Interview with Ashly Leavitt

    What Every Bishop Needs to Understand About Betrayal Trauma | An Interview with Ashly Leavitt

    Ashly Leavitt has an associate degree in theatre and music, a bachelor's degree in broadcast communications, and a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. After a 10-year career as an educator, Heavenly Father made it clear that He wanted her to shift to counseling and specialize in betrayal trauma recovery, relationship repair, and divorce recovery. Ashly loves helping those who have experienced betrayal trauma to discover and reconnect with themselves again. As a co-founder of Rejoice! Recovery, she enjoys using her educator and counselor experiences together to create classes on healing and relationships, leading discussions on boundaries, and co-hosting the podcast, Phoenix Forte: Connecting to Healing and Joy After Divorce.



    You can catch Ashly presenting at conferences and retreats. On Sunday, you'll find her serving in her all-time-favorite calling as a Relief Society instructor. Ashly has previously served in Primary and Young Women's Presidencies, but she's been honored to serve by teaching Relief Society in multiple wards over the last 12 years. However, Ashly’s biggest accomplishment is managing to survive as a single mom of two. During her free time (if such a thing exists) you would find Ashly supporting the local theatre scene, playing board games with friends and family, participating in the Lamb of God Easter production on Temple Square, and laughing with her kids while they dance in the kitchen together.





    Links

    The Choice to Leave Abuse, by Ryan Anderson

    PsychologyToday.com

    There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here.

    Watch on YouTube

    Transcript coming soon

    Highlights

    2:10 What is betrayal trauma? Why do church leaders need to understand it?



    4:10 Ashly explains betrayal trauma and the sub-behaviors that come along with it. Betrayal trauma has lots of side effects on your health.



    7:45 A common source of betrayal trauma is sexual infidelity.



    9:00 The "hit by a truck" analogy. The importance of focusing on the person that was betrayed or wounded. Too often we focus on fixing the person that is looking at pornography or being unfaithful.



    13:15 The other behaviors that normally come with cheating or viewing pornography. There are abuse tactics, such as lying, gaslighting, blaming, and defensiveness.



    15:30 What is gaslighting? Making someone question the truth and their own sanity. Making them second guess themselves. A lot of women have their intuition saying that something is off but their husband makes them feel like they are crazy.



    18:00 Often the shame spiral keeps people from telling the whole truth. They are scared of what people will think if they share everything that is going on. In cheating scenarios the wife feels something off but the husband says they are fine.



    18:50 Bishops should work with the individuals instead of the marriage. Talk to the husband and wife separately so that they can speak their truth and get validation.



    19:45 Everybody in the relationship is trying to maintain control. Wives try to control the behaviors and situations to feel safe and stop from getting hurt again.



    22:20 The bishop isn’t supposed to be the one healing everyone. Don’t take on roles that aren’t yours.



    23:30 What should leaders and couples consider when the betrayal bomb goes off?



    25:20 A great question that a bishop can ask is, "How can I help you feel safe?" Prioritize safety and not the emotions of the betrayer.

    • 1 hr 1 min
    Sons of Thunder in Elders Quorum | An Interview with Aaron Jaussi

    Sons of Thunder in Elders Quorum | An Interview with Aaron Jaussi

    Aaron Jaussi grew up in Riverton, Utah, in "the best family that someone could ask for." He is the second of five children and grew up an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He earned a bachelor's degree in Plant Science/Horticulture from Utah State University and currently works for Intermountain Farmer's Association (IFA).



    Aaron and his amazing wife, Christa, have been married for nearly 14 years, have five great kids ranging in ages from 12 years to 10 months, and currently live in Payson, Utah. His church leadership has included service as a Young Men president, bishopric counselor, high councilor, and currently as elders quorum president.

    Links

    SonsofThunderProject.com

    Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret to a Man’s Soul

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    Read the transcript of this podcast

    Highlights

    3:15 Aaron is an elders quorum president in Payson, Utah, and is working on a side project called Sons of Thunder, a blog that is focused on men and helping them connect with positive masculinity.



    4:30 Aaron shares his background.



    5:30 Why Aaron started his project, Sons of Thunder. It began with reading the book Wild at Heart. Aaron shares things that resonated with him from the book and started him on the journey of self reflection and understanding manhood.



    11:00 Those calls to do more or calls to repentance are a call to adventure. You can shift your attitude towards your duties and responsibilities as a man and church member. Think of all the people you can meet and help.



    15:30 Starting his blog and website. How Sons of Thunder was born. The main purpose is for men to share their stories and thoughts on masculinity and other topics.



    21:20 Elders quorum is refreshingly engaged.



    22:50 How the Sons of Thunder shows up in his elders quorum and things that have made the quorum successful.



    24:40 What makes a good elders quorum teacher? How do they engage the men?



    25:30 Working together as an elders quorum presidency. Having consistent meetings.



    27:00 How they do visits and interact with everyone active or inactive



    28:30 Doing birthday cards and visiting people for their birthday



    30:30 Annual men's retreat. A great way for men in the ward to connect with food, games, and a devotional. They keep it simple.



    32:40 Using group messaging for the quorum instead of just email



    34:10 Wild at Heart can be a great resource to use as an elders quorum president to tap into the hearts of men and help them.



    35:40 The gospel is individual.



    The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

    Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, ...

    • 38 min
    So You’ve Been Called as Stake President: Now What?

    So You’ve Been Called as Stake President: Now What?

    In this solo episode, Kurt reflects on his suggestions from a series of newsletter messages for stake presidents.

    Links

    Read the newsletter messages related to this episode

    How I Lead as the Bishop’s Wife | An Interview with Alanna Francom

    Join the Leading Saints Community

    Watch on YouTube

    There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts .

    Read the transcript of this podcast

    Highlights

    3:00 Be intentional about your leadership and it will reach more people.



    4:00 Kurt served as a bishop and then served in a stake presidency.



    5:40 Principle one - Lead the leaders NOT the stake



    9:05 Principle two - Consider mandatory stake programs and themes



    11:40 Principle three - How to lighten the load through overcommunication



    13:45 Principle four - Minimizing targets



    16:00 Principle five - Shepherding the lost



    19:00 Principle six- Empower the stake Relief Society president



    20:30 Principle seven - Being a stake president also has to do with the president’s wife. Invite her into the experience.



    22:30 Principle eight - Take a three year reset



    The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

    Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, a href="https://leadingsaints.

    • 26 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
15 Ratings

15 Ratings

Lizzie..W ,

Fantastic 🌟🌟🌟

So much good advice and quality listening to help and bless not only myself, but others as well.
Thanks so much !

Bovey a Latter-day Saint ,

Love what you do!!!

Thank you so much for all the good works you do!!! Your effort blesses lives!!!

Mark Berends ,

Love the Temple

Really enjoyed this interview with Mark Mathews, learnt so much. A must for all members, should not be missed. Look forward to the next discussion with Mark.
Keep up the great work Kurt.

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