Holy Earth

Lydia Theobald and Dr. Phil Fernberg
  • 4.6 (11)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Welcome to Holy Earth, a podcast dedicated to the intersection of faith and sustainability in the Latter-day Saint tradition, with hosts Phil Fernberg PhD and Lydia Theobald. Holy Earth is brought to you by LDS Earth Stewardship, with the support of a generous donation from The Nature Conservancy.

  1. Ben Abbott: Faith and the Fight to Save the Great Salt Lake

    4D AGO

    Ben Abbott: Faith and the Fight to Save the Great Salt Lake

    Ben Abbott, one of the foremost experts on the Great Salt Lake, talks about how he uses scientific knowledge, faith, and courage in the fight to preserve the lake and prevent environmental disaster. Holy Earth is brought to you by LDS Earth Stewardship, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, with the support of a generous donation from The Nature Conservancy. Links: “Climate Action from Around the World” (Talking Climate with Katharine Hayhoe): https://youtu.be/6FSPBmihtto?si=IblGDsR3js4BBtiP Katharine Hayhoe on the Holy Earth podcast: https://youtu.be/RJbJLccZUf0?si=p1uDbjQymH3LUaES “Cusco native develops fog catchers, bringing water and hope to Peru’s driest communities” (Orato First-Person News): https://orato.world/2024/09/03/cusco-native-develops-fog-catchers-bringing-water-and-hope-to-perus-driest-communities/ “The Fog Catcher Who Brings Water to the Poor” (BBC News): https://youtu.be/1_BJi4BkIAs?si=C0HAEr9rhf1uju7Y Grow the Flow Utah website: https://growtheflowutah.org/ United Nations World Water Report 2019: https://www.unwater.org/publications/un-world-water-development-report-2019 The Abbott Lab of Ecosystem Ecology at Brigham Young University: https://pws.byu.edu/ben-abbott-lab Elder Causse talk November 2025 talk at BYU: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/caring-for-gods-creations-elder-causse Waddell Great Salt Lake talk 2023: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/bishop-waddell-speech-water-conservation-great-salt-lake-stegner-symposium The Lake, a documentary directed by Abby Ellis: https://www.sandboxfilms.org/films/the-lake/ Abby Ellis discusses The Lake with RadioWest (KUER): https://radiowest.kuer.org/show/radiowest/2026-01-20/an-environmental-horror-story-about-great-salt-lake Holy Earth Podcast website: https://ldsearthstewardship.org/holy-earth-podcast/ Holy Earth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holyearthpodcast/ Holy Earth on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@holy.earth.podcast

    1h 4m
  2. Jenica Sedgwick, First-Ever Sustainability Manager for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

    JAN 27

    Jenica Sedgwick, First-Ever Sustainability Manager for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

    Jenica Sedgwick, the first-ever sustainability manager for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, talks about the church’s increased emphasis on sustainability and the effort to integrate Earth stewardship into church operations. Holy Earth is brought to you by LDS Earth Stewardship, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, with the support of a generous donation from The Nature Conservancy. You can donate to support the podcast at: https://ldsearthstewardship.networkforgood.com/ Links: Holy Earth Episode—Sharon Eubank on Doing Small Things (for the Earth) With Great Love: https://youtu.be/6lCBdH3YMLI?si=yUfCtkmOKElS02Fj Celestial Recycling: https://www.celestialrecycling.com/ Is There a Good Way for Religious Garments to Be Discarded? (New York Times gift article): https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/25/style/religious-garments-disposal-mormons.html?unlocked_article_code=1.7k8.1Dwc.st3tXh12IlHU&smid=url-share Salt Lake Tribune article about Celestial Recycling: https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/12/09/with-new-sleeveless-lds-garments/ Gérald Caussé piano music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Yq4cHvtEgPAq7c4tzpsWg Environmental Stewardship & Conservation Gospel Topic Essay: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/environmental-stewardship-and-conservation?lang=eng Caring for the Earth: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/caring-for-the-earth?lang=eng How Can We Better Care for the Earth: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/serve/caring/stories/how-can-we-better-care-for-the-earth?lang=eng How The Church Cares For The Earth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8neVFQ9vd_k BYU–Hawaii: Rooted in Tradition, Focused on a Sustainable Future: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js19LLTqJcE A Sacred Stewardship: How The Church Reduces Waste: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11kfurRJxbk KSL NewsRadio’s April 2025 general conference special, “Sacred Stewardship: The Church Cares for the Earth”, featuring an interview with Jenica Sedgwick: https://kslnewsradio.com/environment-outdoors/churchs-sacred-stewardship/2199870/ President Camille Johnson: “Righteous Stewards—Disciples of Jesus Christ” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/broadcasts/worldwide-devotional-for-young-adults/2025/05/12johnson?lang=eng “In the Company of Stewards” webcast featuring Graham Winkle: https://youtu.be/wzTo4oiaOkc?si=1VB2EMK7XTVcvvLo Holy Earth Podcast Website: https://ldsearthstewardship.org/holy-earth-podcast/ Holy Earth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holyearthpodcast/ Holy Earth on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@holy.earth.podcast

    57 min
  3. Finding Hope in God's Promises with Sarah Sabey of For Little Saints

    JAN 13

    Finding Hope in God's Promises with Sarah Sabey of For Little Saints

    Phil and Lydia interview Sarah Sabey, who with her husband Josh is the creator of the “For Little Saints” scripture storybook series. Sarah shares her unique experiences practicing Earth stewardship in rural Idaho, along with her unique approach to retelling scripture stories to find hope in difficult situations. Holy Earth is brought to you by LDS Earth Stewardship, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, with the support of a generous donation from The Nature Conservancy. Links: 50 States, 50 Fixes (New York Times gift article): https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/climate/50-states-fixes.html?unlocked_article_code=1.BVA.jj0Y.zq55qfv4c3Ga&smid=url-share They’re in Hot Water in Idaho. Here’s Why That’s a Good Thing (New York Times gift article): https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/25/climate/boise-idaho-geothermal.html?unlocked_article_code=1.BVA.RZhp.tbhB8p-CfOC5&smid=url-share Noah, 2014 movie directed by Darren Aronofsky: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1959490 For Little Saints storybooks and audio books: https://forlittlesaints.com/ For Little Saints on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forlittlesaints/ For Little Saints podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scripture-stories-for-little-saints/id1833375451 Sarah and Josh on the Faith Matters podcast: https://www.faithmatters.org/p/sarah-and-josh-sabey-big-stories American Tragedy documentary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10914182/ Holy Earth Podcast Website: https://ldsearthstewardship.org/holy-earth-podcast/ Holy Earth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holyearthpodcast/ Holy Earth on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@holy.earth.podcast

    54 min
  4. Steven E. Snow: Tough Questions, Earth Stewardship, and Church History

    12/30/2025

    Steven E. Snow: Tough Questions, Earth Stewardship, and Church History

    Phil and Lydia talk with Steven E. Snow, an emeritus general authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a former Church Historian, and an environmental advocate. Steven talks about separating Earth stewardship from politics and about his role in clarifying Latter-day Saint history and theology. Holy Earth is brought to you by LDS Earth Stewardship, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, with the support of a generous donation from The Nature Conservancy. Links: Are religious organizations becoming green? Faith communities’ role in advancing environmental sustainability in Switzerland: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-025-01766-9 Steven Snow Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_E._Snow Steven Snow 2018 Church news video on Utah State University Sustainability conference, mentioning George Handley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVwGNBEqLU4 & full talk: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/we-are-accountable-god-how-we-treat-earth-elder-snow Steven E Snow on nuclear testing 2024: https://www.sltrib.com/news/2024/09/02/project-2025-call-nuclear-weapons/ 2025 Harvard University School of Public Health Study on the increased likelihood of cancer for people living near nuclear power plants: https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/cancer-risk-may-increase-with-proximity-to-nuclear-power-plants/ Steven E Snow on climate change 2024: https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2024/10/11/emeritus-lds-general-authority/ Steven Snow Lift & Love speech 2025: https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/06/28/retired-lds-general-authority/ Dallin Oaks 2017 BYU Hawaii Commencement Address discussing Global Warming: https://speeches.byuh.edu/commencement/push-back-against-the-world Marcus Nash 2018 address a the University of Utah Stegner Symposium: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-nash-stegner-symposium PPRI 2023 Survey: The Faith Factor in Climate Change: How Religion Impacts American Attitudes on Climate and Environmental Policy: https://prri.org/research/the-faith-factor-in-climate-change-how-religion-impacts-american-attitudes-on-climate-and-environmental-policy/ Pew Research 2025 Survey (including response on climate change){ Decline of Christianity in the U.S. Has Slowed, May Have Leveled Off: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/02/26/decline-of-christianity-in-the-us-has-slowed-may-have-leveled-off/ Caring for The Earth website: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/caring-for-the-earth?lang=eng Gospel Topics essays addressing earth stewardship: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/environmental-stewardship-and-conservation?lang=eng, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/creation-study-guide?lang=eng, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/word-of-wisdom?lang=eng How Many Animals Does a Vegetarian Save?: https://countinganimals.com/how-many-animals-does-a-vegetarian-save/ The Effects of Diet Choices: https://animalcharityevaluators.org/research/reports/dietary-impacts/effects-of-diet-choices/2014-feb/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Holy Earth Podcast website: https://ldsearthstewardship.org/holy-earth-podcast/ Holy Earth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holyearthpodcast/ Holy Earth on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@holy.earth.podcast

    1 hr
  5. In Awe of the Earth with Marcus Smith

    12/16/2025

    In Awe of the Earth with Marcus Smith

    Lydia and Phil talk with Marcus Smith, executive producer and host of the Constant Wonder podcast. Holy Earth is brought to you by LDS Earth Stewardship, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, with the support of a generous donation from The Nature Conservancy. Links: Our Sacred Lake event at the Cathedral of the Madeline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRdO9Axg86U “I Am the Great Salt Lake” performance at the Cathedral of the Madeline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hThDNQjKWg0 “I Am the Great Salt Lake” by Utah Pioneer Heritage Arts: https://youtu.be/yHTj9yLCbBc?si=UBPxrxRPaQR2WtR Marcus Smith Address at the LDSES Fall Forum 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrPhiGegBrY Fall Forum General Session 2025, including premier performance of ‘I am the Great Salt Lake” and Steward of the Year award presentation to Carolina Allen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F09nkBiWHBY&t=289s The Constant Wonder podcast: https://www.byuradio.org/constant-wonder Marcus Smith on Substack: https://marcussmith800.substack.com/ Holy Earth Podcast Website: https://ldsearthstewardship.org/holy-earth-podcast/ Holy Earth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holyearthpodcast/ Holy Earth on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@holy.earth.podcast

    1 hr
  6. Climate science, faith, and how you can help - Katharine Hayhoe

    12/02/2025

    Climate science, faith, and how you can help - Katharine Hayhoe

    Phil and Lydia talk to acclaimed atmospheric scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe about climate science, faith, and working as a community to build a sustainable future. Katharine answers the question, “What can I do?” by sharing the six most effective actions people can take to help mitigate climate change. Holy Earth is brought to you by LDS Earth Stewardship, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, with the support of a generous donation from The Nature Conservancy. Links: “Caring for God’s Creations” address by Gérald Caussé: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/caring-for-gods-creations-elder-causse University of Louisville Green Heart Project & The Nature Conservancy study: residents’ inflammation lower after trees added to neighborhoods: https://www.nature.org/en-us/magazine/magazine-articles/tree-planting-human-health-louisville/ Katharine Hayhoe’s website: https://katharinehayhoe.com/ Talking Climate with Karharine Hayhoe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/583MdhAsDvn46YcPpvOJkR Talking Climate with Katharine Hayhoe on Substack: https://substack.com/@katharinehayhoe Katharine Hayhoe on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katharine.hayhoe Katharine Hayhoe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katharinehayhoe/ Katharine Hayhoe on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.katharine Katharine Hayhoe’s book, Saving Us, on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=saving+us+katharine+hayhoe The MWEG Proclaim Peace podcast: https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace Holy Earth Podcast website: https://ldsearthstewardship.org/holy-earth-podcast/ Holy Earth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holyearthpodcast/ Holy Earth on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@holy.earth.podcast

    58 min
  7. Power in Plant-Based Eating with Ali Essig

    11/25/2025

    Power in Plant-Based Eating with Ali Essig

    Phil and Lydia talk with Alisia Essig, plant-based eating advocate and founder of PlantWhys. To donate to our 2025 Giving Tuesday campaign, please click on this link: https://ldsearthstewardship.networkforgood.com/projects/262164-ldses-2025-giving-tuesday Holy Earth is brought to you by LDS Earth Stewardship, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, with the support of a generous donation from The Nature Conservancy. Links: Links to Ali’s recipes PLUS a free 30-day membership to PlantWhys: Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes that taste amazing: https://www.plantwhys.com/blog/Rustic-Garlic-Mashed-Potatoes Apple pie so good and healthy, you could eat it for breakfast (same with all my pies!): https://www.plantwhys.com/blog/apple-pie Pumpkin Pie: https://www.plantwhys.com/blog/Plant-Based-Pumpkin-Pie Berry Pie: https://www.plantwhys.com/blog/vegan-berry-pie-oil-free-crust Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole: https://www.plantwhys.com/blog/dairy-and-oil-free-sweet-potato-casserole Super Easy Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole: https://www.plantwhys.com/blog/dairy-free-green-bean-casserole My most popular recipe: https://www.plantwhys.com/blog/lasagna-soup 30-day free PlantWhys membership: https://www.plantwhys.com/offers/7PC2oD48/checkout Holy Earth Podcast Website: https://ldsearthstewardship.org/holy-earth-podcast/ Holy Earth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holyearthpodcast/ Holy Earth on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@holy.earth.podcast PlantWhys website: https://www.plantwhys.com/ Alisia Essig’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@EATMEATSPARINGLY PlantWhys YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@plantwhys Results of the American Gut Project study: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/msystems.00031-18 Gastroenterologist explains how to eat 30 plants a week: https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/mas/news/eating-30-different-plants-a-week-how-to-do-it-2483697 Holy Earth is brought to you by LDS Earth Stewardship, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, with the support of a generous donation from The Nature Conservancy.

    1 hr
  8. How Indigenous Wisdom Will Save the World with Darren Parry

    11/10/2025

    How Indigenous Wisdom Will Save the World with Darren Parry

    Phil and Lydia talk with Darren Parry, author, educator, advocate, and former chairman of the Shoshone Nation. Darren’s new book, Tending the Sacred, makes the case for why indigenous wisdom is the medicine we need to heal our broken relationship with the Earth. Holy Earth is brought to you by LDS Earth Stewardship, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, with the support of a generous donation from The Nature Conservancy. Links: Darren Parry’s new book on Amazon: Tending the Sacred: How Indigenous Wisdom Will Save the World. https://www.amazon.com/Tending-Sacred-Indigenous-Wisdom-World/dp/1961471248 The Bear River Massacre: A Shoshone History by Darren Parry: https://www.amazon.com/Bear-River-Massacre-Shoshone-History/dp/1948218208 The InterTribal Buffalo Council website: https://www.itbcbuffalonation.org/ The Nature Conservancy buffalo preservation partnerships: https://www.nature.org/en-us/newsroom/hundreds-of-buffalo-returned-too-ancestral-lands-in-nationwide-indigenous-led-movement/ Bison restoration and the Karner blue butterfly: https://www.nps.gov/articles/bison-bellows-8-4-16.htm Story about rattlesnakes visiting Zion’s camp: https://josephsmithfoundation.org/zions-camp-2/ The 1970 “Crying Indian” public service commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7OHG7tHrNM Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation Wuda Ogwa Cultural & Land Restoration: https://nwbshoshone.com/wudaogwa/ Holy Earth Podcast Website: https://ldsearthstewardship.org/holy-earth-podcast/ Holy Earth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holyearthpodcast/ Holy Earth on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@holy.earth.podcast

    1 hr
See All (13)

4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to Holy Earth, a podcast dedicated to the intersection of faith and sustainability in the Latter-day Saint tradition, with hosts Phil Fernberg PhD and Lydia Theobald. Holy Earth is brought to you by LDS Earth Stewardship, with the support of a generous donation from The Nature Conservancy.

Information

  • Creator
    Lydia Theobald and Dr. Phil Fernberg
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Holy Earth

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