LDS Podcast "Latter-Day Lights" - Inspirational LDS Stories

Scott Brandley and Alisha Coakley
  • 4.7 (43)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Popular LDS Podcast "Latter-Day Lights" gives members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints the opportunity to share their stories of inspiration and hope to other members throughout the world. Stories that members share on Latter-Day Lights are very entertaining, and cover a wide range of topics, from tragedy, loss, and overcoming difficult challenges, to miracles, humor, and uplifting conversion experiences! If you have an inspirational story that you'd like to share, hosts Scott Brandley and Alisha Coakley would love to hear from you! Visit LatterDayLights.com to share your story and be on the show.

  1. The Story Behind Writing Alan Osmond's Autobiography "One Way Ticket" - Debbie Ihler Rasmussen

    2d ago

    The Story Behind Writing Alan Osmond's Autobiography "One Way Ticket" - Debbie Ihler Rasmussen

    How does a fantasy author end up writing the autobiography of a music legend? In this inspiring episode, author Debbie Ihler Rasmussen shares her remarkable journey from writing stories as a young girl to becoming a published author, editor, writing instructor, and eventually the ghostwriter behind Alan Osmond's life story. Along the way, she discovers how a teacher's encouragement, unexpected mentors, and a series of divinely guided opportunities helped shape a career she never could have planned for herself. Debbie opens up about self-publishing her first novels, learning from bestselling author Richard Paul Evans, and the unforgettable experience of working closely with Alan and Suzanne Osmond to tell their story. Through every chapter of her journey, Debbie shares powerful reminders about faith, persistence, and trusting God's timing—even when the path ahead isn't clear. *** Please SHARE Debbie's story and help us spread hope and light to others. *** To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/CBkhgJj02mI ----- To READ Debbie’s Mystic Trilogy series and other books, visit: https://www.authordebbieihlerrasmussen.com/ To READ Alan Osmond's Autobiography "One Way Ticket", visit: https://a.co/d/0gXvaOid ----- To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/ ----- Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us. #LDSPodcast #ChristianStories #LatterDayLights

    52 min
  2. The Hinge Point Story: How Three Sisters Turned Fear into Hope Through Christian Music

    Jun 14

    The Hinge Point Story: How Three Sisters Turned Fear into Hope Through Christian Music

    Can God use a difficult season to reveal your purpose? When COVID brought the world to a standstill, sisters Kandy, Kassidy, and Kalli found themselves searching for purpose, peace, and direction.  What began as a difficult season of uncertainty became a defining hinge point in their lives—one that ultimately led them to form the Christian music group Hinge Point and dedicate their talents to sharing the love of Jesus Christ through music.  In this uplifting episode, the sisters share how faith and music shaped their childhood, the unexpected inspiration behind some of their most meaningful songs, and how God opened doors they never imagined possible.  From writing lyrics in the middle of the night to recording their first songs with a single microphone, their story is a powerful reminder that when we place our gifts in God's hands, He can magnify them far beyond what we thought possible.  Join us as we explore the faith, family, and divine guidance behind Hinge Point's journey—and discover how God can use ordinary people in extraordinary ways when they're willing to simply take the first step. *** Please SHARE Hinge Point's story and help us spread hope and light to others. *** To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/DV0Swc1FzCs ----- To WATCH Hinge Point's music videos, visit: https://www.youtube.com/@hingepointmusic To VISIT the official Hinge Point website, go to: https://hingepointmusic.com/ ----- To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/ ----- Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

    47 min
  3. Trusting God's Guidance Through Life's Detours: JoLynne Lyon's Story - Latter-Day Lights

    Jun 7

    Trusting God's Guidance Through Life's Detours: JoLynne Lyon's Story - Latter-Day Lights

    Can God still guide your life when your dreams seem to be on hold? In this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, Scott and Darla sit down with author and Storymakers Winner, JoLynne Lyon, who shares how a lifelong passion for creativity and writing often took a backseat to raising children, building a career, and caring for her aging parents. As she navigated the demands of family life, the loss of a sister, and years of caregiving, JoLynne wrestled with the tension between pursuing personal dreams and showing up for the people who needed her most. Through it all, she learned to trust that Heavenly Father’s timing was different from her own. JoLynne reflects on the unexpected doors that opened when she chose family over career advancement, the lessons she learned about success beyond money and recognition, and how her dream of becoming a published author ultimately came true in a season she never could have planned. She also shares the story behind her novel, The Madres Deal, and the real-life experiences that inspired its unique premise. Her story is a heartfelt reminder that God’s plans are often still unfolding, even when our own seem delayed. *** Please SHARE JoLynne's story and help us spread hope and light to others. *** To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/flzGRCZy52w ----- To READ JoLynne’s book, “The Madres Deal,” visit: https://a.co/d/0710IFqq ----- To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/ ----- Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

    45 min
  4. From Depression and Despair to Divine Purpose: Juan Panchano's Story - Latter-Day Lights

    May 31

    From Depression and Despair to Divine Purpose: Juan Panchano's Story - Latter-Day Lights

    Can God turn our darkest moments into the beginning of something greater? In this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, Scott and Darla sit down with author and father Juan Panchano. Growing up in Colombia amid cartel violence, political unrest, and family instability, Juan carried deep wounds from abandonment, rejection, and loneliness. After moving to the United States as a child, those struggles only intensified, eventually leading him down a path of alcoholism, depression, and a suicide attempt that left him physically broken. But in his darkest moment, a simple plea to God sparked an experience that would change the course of his life forever. In this powerful discussion, Juan shares the remarkable spiritual experiences that followed his recovery, including a miraculous healing, personal revelations, and the unexpected journey that led him to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Juan also discusses his book, “Latino by Birth, American by Choice,” and shares why he believes true freedom begins with a personal relationship with God. His story is a moving reminder that no matter how broken life may feel, God is aware of us, loves us, and can transform even our deepest pain into purpose. *** Please SHARE Juan's story and help us spread hope and light to others. *** To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/qo-pxu_Tc3k ----- To READ Juan’s book, “Latino by Birth American by Choice,” visit: https://a.co/d/03OGFs7D ----- To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/ ----- Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

    1h 26m

  5. May 24

    The Gift of Creativity and Finding Your Voice: Fay Klingler's Story - Latter-Day Lights

    How do we recognize the gifts God has given us, especially when fear, grief, or self-doubt make them hard to see? In this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, award-winning author and illustrator—Fay Klingler—shares a heartfelt conversation about creativity, spiritual promptings, and learning to trust the quiet ways Heavenly Father guides our lives. From writing bestselling books and raising a blended family of 12 children, to navigating the painful loss of her husband, Fay reflects on how God continues to shape and refine her purpose through every season of life. Fay also opens up about her lifelong struggle with music and performance anxiety, despite receiving a patriarchal blessing that promised her the gift of music. With this, she shares the journey that inspired her children’s book “Finding Rena’s Voice,” as well as her current experience adapting to profound hearing loss and cochlear implants—all while continuing to fight for the ability to sing again. Her story is a moving reminder that our gifts are often meant to be cultivated over time, and that God can continue calling us to grow, create, and serve at any age. Stay tuned to learn how you can use your talents to bless others and ourselves, even when they feel inconvenient or impossible. *** Please SHARE Fay's story and help us spread hope and light to others. *** To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/H2LjWU9N5eE ----- To LEARN MORE about Fay’s work, visit: https://www.klinglerauthor.com/ To READ Fay’s book, “The LDS Grandparents’ Idea Book,” visit: https://a.co/d/02EY6Mu9 To READ Fay’s book, “Women’s Power,” visit: https://a.co/d/05ozr7nh To READ Fay’s children’s book, “Finding Rena’s Voice,” visit: https://a.co/d/05bnZriS To READ Fay’s book on betrayal, “Shattered,” visit: https://a.co/d/0315Ek6R ----- To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/ ----- Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

    53 min
  6. Overcoming Burnout: When Creativity Becomes a Calling: Vanessa Thurgood's Story - Latter-Day Lights

    May 17

    Overcoming Burnout: When Creativity Becomes a Calling: Vanessa Thurgood's Story - Latter-Day Lights

    What do you do when the career you worked so hard for leaves you feeling burnt out? In this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, Scott and Darla sit down with author and Praiseworthy Award Winner, Vanessa Thurgood, to share how stepping away from the career that caused her burnout, unexpectedly led her toward a new calling: writing epic fantasy novels filled with themes of courage, faith, and resilience. What began as merely an entry in an old dream journal eventually became “The Comstock Chronicles,” a fantasy series that has touched readers in deeply personal ways. Vanessa shares how writing emotionally honest, deeply human characters allowed readers to see themselves in the story—especially during difficult seasons of their lives—and how one message from a reader helped her realize the true impact her work could have. Apart from navigating imposter syndrome, learning to trust spiritual promptings, and discovering how storytelling can become a powerful way to share light, Vanessa also shares how her creative journey expanded beyond books and into creativity retreats designed to help women reconnect with creativity, joy, and themselves. Vanessa’s story is a heartfelt reminder that the gifts we’re given often have a greater purpose, and that when we choose to share our light, we may end up helping others find theirs, too. *** Please SHARE Vanessa's story and help us spread hope and light to others. *** To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/ukTnYo_FBV8 ----- To READ Vanessa’s book series, “The Comstock Chronicles,” visit: https://a.co/d/0066TVh9 To LEARN MORE about Vanessa’s work, visit: https://vanessathurgood.com/ ----- To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/ ----- Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

    44 min
  7. What Really Happened to Frederick G. Williams? : Sherrie Dunford's Story - Latter-Day Lights

    May 10

    What Really Happened to Frederick G. Williams? : Sherrie Dunford's Story - Latter-Day Lights

    What happens when a forgotten piece of Church history becomes a personal calling? In this episode of Latter-Day Lights, Sherrie Dunford shares the story of her ancestor, Dr. Frederick G. Williams—early Church leader, counselor to Joseph Smith, physician, and one of the most misunderstood figures of the Restoration. Through spiritual promptings and years of research, Sherrie felt compelled to finally tell the story of a man whose faith endured hardship, loss, and public misconception with her book, “Whatever Happened to Frederick G.?” As she retraces Frederick G. Williams’ life, Sherrie reflects on the sacrifices of the early Saints, the realities of Kirtland and Missouri, and the quiet humility that defined her ancestor’s legacy. This conversation is a moving look at perseverance, loyalty, and the power of remembering the stories that shaped the founding of the Church. *** Please SHARE Sherrie's story and help us spread hope and light to others. *** To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/LfhGN2l5Wfg ----- To READ Sherrie’s book, “Whatever Happened to Frederick G.?” visit: https://a.co/d/043THKOu To LEARN MORE about Sherrie’s work, visit: https://www.sherriefarrdunford.com To READ “The Life of Frederick G. Williams: Counselor to the Prophet Joseph Smith” by Frederick Williams, visit: https://a.co/d/0fLOqgMC ----- To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/ ----- Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

    1h 5m
  8. Finding Light After The Fall: Turning Music into a Mission: Jerald Simon's Story - Latter-Day Lights

    May 3

    Finding Light After The Fall: Turning Music into a Mission: Jerald Simon's Story - Latter-Day Lights

    What if a single moment could completely reshape how you see your life and your purpose within it? In this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, Jerald Simon shares his remarkable journey as a composer, author, and lifelong student of faith and creativity. After surviving a traumatic fall from a 100-foot cliff as a child—an experience that erased his early memories and led to years of recovery—Jerald began to view life through a profoundly different lens. That pivotal moment became the foundation for how he approaches challenges, growth, and the quiet decision to keep getting back up, no matter how hard we fall. Raised in a home where music was a daily discipline, Jerald was surrounded by creativity from a young age. Today, he channels his newfound perspective into music designed to heal and uplift. From composing custom piano pieces for students in real time, to creating meditation and relaxation music layered with organic sounds and intentional rhythms, his work centers on helping others experience peace and positivity. He also shares how he uses music as a spiritual language—shifting keys, tempo, and tone to reflect darkness, light, and transformation. Through his story, Jerald reminds us that even life’s most disorienting moments can become a source of clarity—and that sometimes, the path forward begins by learning to listen to the music within. *** Please SHARE Jerald's story and help us spread hope and light to others. *** To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/wm63DYxqjyI  ----- To READ Jerald’s book, “The Musical Realm,” visit: https://a.co/d/0hnnfUC8 To LISTEN to Jerald’s album, “Sweet Melancholy,” visit: https://open.spotify.com/album/7a5HMciPmMWE06XzPP8ze1?si=4YKLa7wzQQCqPYPL5T5KSg To READ Jerald’s music compositions from “Sweet Melancholy,” visit: https://www.musicmotivation.com/sweet-melancholy-by-jerald-simon-pdf-book To LISTEN to Jerald’s rearrangement hymn album, “Hymns of the Heart,” visit: https://open.spotify.com/album/6AJhBW6bmJ1NIBOjdmE6kN?si=khPj9mgTSnqhXpVxZhSpJg To READ “The ‘As If’ Principle (Motivational Poetry),” visit: https://a.co/d/08EfhpAb To LEARN MORE about piano lessons with Jerald, visit: https://www.musicmotivation.com/ To LISTEN to Jerald’s podcast, “Music, Motivation, and More - The Positivity Podcast with Jerald Simon,” visit: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hVYdJrrsfwyKgBpwoT1Ci?si=e07f9b40cb3649b7 ----- To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/ ----- Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

    1h 6m
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4.7
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

Popular LDS Podcast "Latter-Day Lights" gives members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints the opportunity to share their stories of inspiration and hope to other members throughout the world. Stories that members share on Latter-Day Lights are very entertaining, and cover a wide range of topics, from tragedy, loss, and overcoming difficult challenges, to miracles, humor, and uplifting conversion experiences! If you have an inspirational story that you'd like to share, hosts Scott Brandley and Alisha Coakley would love to hear from you! Visit LatterDayLights.com to share your story and be on the show.

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