Salty Saints

Hayden Holm
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Inspiring Latter-day Saint content, without the spirit voice or green jell-o, to strengthen your faith, family, and community. Join us as we navigate staying faithful in spite of the world, the culture, and social media. Tune in for debunkings, discussions on gospel topics, missionary stories, cultural callouts, and navigating questions faithfully.

  1. 3d ago

    Ep. 154 - The Declining LDS Modesty Standards: Are Rules Changing or Are We?

    Has the standard of LDS modesty shifted, or have we simply stopped teaching boundaries in an era of influencer culture and social media validation? In this episode of Salty Saints, host Hayden sits down with special guests to examine why talking about dress, presentation, and temple garments has become one of the most controversial conversations in the modern Church.Together, they unpack the cultural friction between institutional expectations and modern aesthetics—from social media trends to the pedagogical shift in the updated For the Strength of Youth manual. Did Church leaders lower the bar when moving from specific rules to principle-based agency, or are parents and youth confusing a "higher and holier" invitation with a lawless grey area? From the impact of "aesthetic faith" to preparing the next generation for sacred temple covenants, this livestream delivers an honest, non-shaming discussion on how to navigate sacred presentation, escape passive cultural defaults, and teach intentional discipleship in the home.Join our community of dads: https://strengthofdads.com/Sign up for the FSD retreat: https://strengthofdads.com/event-retreatChapters00:00 Introduction to the Modesty Conversation01:59 The Paris Twins Foam Party Incident05:08 Initial Reactions and Cultural Context06:59 Comments and Reactions to Modesty Standards11:02 The Larger Conversation on Modesty in the LDS Church12:53 Modesty as an Attitude and Inner Virtue16:01 The Shift in Church Manuals and Standards19:50 Parenting and Setting Personal Standards25:01 The Role of Community and Personal Discretion29:52 Teaching Modesty to Children and Youth40:05 Judgment, Culture, and Personal Responsibility50:02 Practical Tips for Parents and Leaders01:00:03 Society’s Baseline of Modesty and Media Ratings01:05:02 Conclusion: Balancing Standards, Culture, and Faith#lds

  2. 5d ago

    Ep. 151 - Why Church Mission Prep Isn’t Enough: An RM & Dad's Unfiltered Advice

    Is church-sponsored mission prep enough to prepare young men for the spiritual, mental, and physical friction of modern missionary work? In this episode of Salty Saints, host Hayden is joined by author Jeff Borders (The Antichrist Playbook) and his returned missionary son for an unfiltered breakdown of the gap between basic institutional preparation and true, habit-based mission readiness.Featured Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:Strength of Dads Community & Main Site: strengthofdads.comUpcoming November Men's Retreat: strengthofdads.com/event-retreatDash of Salt Opener Reel: Instagram - #SundayGunday ReelFeatured Mission Prep Reel: Instagram - Mission Prep Habits ReelChapters:00:00 - Intro1:58 — Welcome back and guest intro2:56 — “A dash of salt” and the garment tank-top discussion8:52 — Mason’s intro and post-mission update13:00 — Mission prep advice begins: building habits before the field19:41 — Scripture study vs. reading24:12 — Culture shock and adjustment in the mission field27:27 — How parents can help missionaries adapt32:10 — Jobs, hard work, and mission prep36:02 — Church prep vs. upbringing39:09 — Stripling Warriors and intentional parenting40:05 — Normalizing mission discomfort and the benefits of missions47:53 — Weekly calls, homesickness, and parental firmness52:54 — Key takeaways for dads and mission prep57:46 — Temple prep and spiritual readiness62:12 — Dating update and wrap-up

  3. Sep 12

    Ep. 153 - 1-Year Missions for Athletes: Exception or New Precedent? (w/ Cougar Chronicle Author)

    When a high-profile student-athlete decides to serve a 1-year mission instead of the traditional 2-year standard, does it represent a tailored, individual calling—or the start of a major cultural shift? In this episode of Salty Saints, host Hayden sits down with the author of a recent Cougar Chronicle op-ed to examine the online debate, systemic questions, and priesthood standards surrounding 1-year missions in college athletics.Together, they dive deep into the tension between institutional expectations and personal circumstances. Does an abbreviated mission timeline risk normalizing a "halfway" approach to discipleship, or does it offer a flexible path for unique careers? From scriptural warnings against lukewarm service to historical parallels like "burning the ships," this broadcast breaks down what is lost—and gained—during the second year of missionary service, offering dads and leaders an honest, non-judgmental look at how to guide young men through high-friction decisions.Join our community of dads and men: https://strengthofdads.com/Grab your ticket to our upcoming event: https://strengthofdads.com/event-retreatChapters00:00 Introduction and episode overview02:01 Discussion of one-year missions and their impact03:12 Salt of the week: energy drinks at church05:26 Thoughts on snacks and reverence in sacrament meeting07:30 Story of Ryder Lions and the controversy over short-term missions10:32 The importance of serving on God's terms13:44 The influence of social media and social expectations16:46 The significance of full dedication and standards24:04 Elder Holland's teachings on sacrifice and commitment25:58 Considering the path of our feet and standards33:02 Personal stories of service and sacrifice43:02 The power of full heart and conviction in service50:23 The gospel of Jesus Christ and moral agency01:00:17 The importance of standards and obedience01:01:08 The role of faith and priesthood authority01:02:31 Closing remarks and where to find the speakersResources: Article:https://thecougarchronicle.com/op-ed-mixed-messages-one-year-missionCracking cold ones at church?https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc9NySbspax/ Elder Holland Spitting Barshttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/12holland?lang=eng#lds

  4. Sep 9

    Ep. 152 - The Temple Prep Mistake Most LDS Parents Are Making ft. Austin Falter

    Why do so many active youth experience shock, disorientation, or confusion when entering the temple for the first time? In this episode of Salty Saints, host Hayden sits down with author Austin Falter to dissect the cultural flaw in modern LDS parenting: keeping temple preparation a silent secret until age 18, rather than building sacred, symbolic literacy early in childhood.We kick off with our "Dash of Salt" commentary reacting to Jasmine Rappleye's viral reel about her first temple experience, illustrating how surface-level prep leaves young adults flat-footed when facing the rich, symbolic landscape of temple covenants. Austin then breaks down his new children's book, Seek and Find with My Eternal Mind: Temple Symbols, demonstrating how fathers can teach foundational sacred iconography to 6-year-olds in a reverent, age-appropriate way. From Plato's Allegory of the Cave to the story of young Samuel in the tabernacle, this stream provides an actionable playbook for dads who want to prepare their children for covenant power long before they enter the MTC.Follow:  @SmallSimpleScreens  Featured Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:Featured Children's Book: https://plainandpreciouspublishing.com/products/seek-and-find-with-my-eternal-mind-temple-symbols Main Community Hub: https://strengthofdads.com/ Upcoming Event: https://strengthofdads.com/event-retreatChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Temple Symbolism and Preparation04:52 First Impressions and Common Reactions to the Temple08:30 Temple Prep Experiences and Missteps11:25 Talking About the Temple with Youth and Parents15:34 The Power of Ritual and Symbolism in Faith20:18 Understanding Justification and Sanctification in the Temple26:01 Creating Children's Books to Teach Temple Symbols30:06 Symbols on the Salt Lake Temple and Their Meanings40:10 The Significance of Gates and Boundaries in the Temple45:05 The Celestial Symbols: Sun, Moon, and Stars50:40 Stories and Symbols from Pioneer Temples

  5. Sep 2

    Ep. 150 - The YM Presidency's Latest Post Highlights What YM Activities Are Currently Missing

    The YM Presidency just dropped a brand-new post highlighting how every activity should help young men build faith and become true disciples of Christ. But let's be honest—when left entirely unguided, the calendar too often defaults to empty routines, trivia, and "chair soccer."In this discussion, we break down the latest official resources from the Youth Activities Manual, examine why low-friction activities are failing our youth, and explore how strong father figures and purposeful, challenging adventures can transform young men. Joined by Jeff Borders (author of The Antichrist Playbook), we talk about modern distractions, the power of mentorship, and how moving from "Indoor Boy" comfort to real-world challenges builds lifelong resilience.Join our community of dads: https://strengthofdads.comResources Mentioned:Official Youth Activities: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/youth-activitiesThe Antichrist Playbook by Jeff Borders: https://plainandpreciouspublishing.com/products/the-antichrist-playbookChapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and main themes02:00 Discussion on church activity calendars and purpose04:11 Insights on state conference experiences and remote participation06:58 Tips for planning effective youth activities12:01 Brother Nichols on outdoor activities for young men14:00 The importance of outdoor adventures in character building16:51 Challenges and solutions for youth activity planning19:59 The role of outdoor activities in developing resilience22:05 The significance of mentorship and relationship building24:03 Examples of outdoor activities and their purpose32:57 Using purpose-driven planning to transform youth activities40:01 The importance of intentionality and purpose in activities44:07 Adapting activities for different settings and resources45:02 The value of outdoor challenges in youth development48:14 The importance of leader involvement and mentorship49:57 Closing remarks and resources for youth leaders#lds

  6. Aug 26

    Ep. 150 - 5 Steps to Run an Unbeatable 25-Min Elders Quorum

    With the upcoming shift to 25-minute Elders Quorum and Relief Society meetings, many leaders are making a critical mistake: trying to rush through traditional 45-minute lectures in half the time. But this schedule change isn't meant for faster talking—it’s designed to eliminate filler, increase fellowship, and refocus our gatherings on Jesus Christ.In this episode, we sit down with Justin Keate, a Utah high school principal and experienced educator, to unpack how to transform 25-minute quorum meetings into dynamic, life-changing councils. We trace the history of the early Elders Quorums as true brotherhoods of ministers, compare it to modern handbook guidance, and break down a practical 5-step blueprint that any presidency can implement immediately.In this episode, we cover:The Lecture Trap: Why talking faster to "get through the material" destroys engagement and connection.The Stated Purpose: Aligning your quorum with official Church guidance to deepen faith, home learning, and community.The Historical Brotherhood: How early Elders Quorums operated as circles of trust, ministering, and mutual support.The 5-Step Unbeatable Model: Actionable strategies—from pre-meeting feedback to small-group seating—that rebuild trust in 25 minutes.Resources & CommunityJoin our community of fathers, husbands, and leaders dedicated to building strong homes and brotherhoods:🌐 Website: https://strengthofdads.comChapters00:00 Introduction and episode overview02:01 Justin Keat's background and the focus on Elders Quorum03:21 Discussion on millennial dads and parenting time08:08 The spiritual strategy of just showing up at church10:24 Adapting to new formats and short meetings13:35 Step 1: Using anonymous forms to identify needs20:44 Step 2: Group seating and discussion dynamics22:45 Step 3: The power of snacks and informal bonding28:33 Step 4: Group discussion leaders and rules34:01 Step 5: Using conference talks and addressing concerns43:50 Historical context: Elders Quorum as a brotherhood of ministers45:14 Reviving the original purpose of Elders Quorum49:17 Summary of five steps and practical takeaways

  7. Aug 22

    Ep. 149 - Does the Church Struggle with Therapists? Male LDS Therapist Responds

    When a professional therapist asks why the Church "struggles with mental health professionals," it raises a critical question: Where is the line between legitimate clinical care and ideological activism?In this episode, we are joined by a licensed male therapist to break down why so many Latter-day Saint families, parents, and leaders feel guarded around modern therapy culture. From therapists leveraging their professional credentials to target church history on social media, to high-profile cases like the Hamakers using mental health platforms during their exit from the faith, we expose how clinical authority is sometimes weaponized against family covenants.In this episode, we cover:The "Therapy vs. Activism" Divide: How to tell if a clinician is helping you heal or actively deconstructing your faith.The Weaponization of Credentials: Why therapists targeting Church doctrine online destroys trust for faithful practitioners.The High-Profile Shift: Examining how media outlets and online figures leverage mental health narratives during faith transitions.The Leader & Parent Playbook: Practical questions to vet a therapist so you can protect your marriage, home, and spiritual grounding.Resources & CommunityJoin our community of fathers and leaders dedicated to building strong, resilient homes:🌐 Website: https://strengthofdads.comChapters00:00 Introduction and episode overview02:01 Panel introduction and topic setup04:07 Mom's bathroom ice therapy trend discussion07:37 Critique of anti-religious social media content10:04 Church's relationship with mental health professionals14:30 Analysis of anti-LDS activism online15:27 How to evaluate therapists' credentials and motives20:27 Finding trustworthy therapists in the digital age27:09 The role of neutrality and bias in therapy37:00 Addressing religious trauma and faith deconstruction44:32 The importance of family and community support52:35 Practical advice for vetting therapists and supporting faith54:59 Closing remarks and resources for families

  8. Aug 19

    Ep. 148 - The Shocking Stats and Spiritual Dangers Behind AI Relationships

    🚨 Is synthetic intimacy replacing real-world family, faith, and friendship?Recent studies reveal a shocking trend: nearly 30% of young people now say they prefer interacting with AI chatbots over real human friends. But this isn't just a screen-time issue for kids. From teens relying on digital companion tools to husbands confessing in counseling that they feel more emotional support from an LLM than their spouse, artificial intimacy is rapidly infiltrating our homes.In this livestream, we are joined by Austin Falter from  @SmallSimpleScreens  to break down the psychological hooks behind AI companions, the hidden spiritual dangers of non-judgmental digital validation, and—most importantly—the practical playbook fathers and ward leaders must use to restore real, unshakeable human connection in our homes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI's Impact on Youth03:56 Cultural Context of Breastfeeding in Public11:36 Rise of AI Companions and Their Market12:34 AI as a Source of Comfort and Support13:38 Risks of Dangerous AI Support and Support for Self-Harm23:32 Risks of AI in Social and Identity Development32:36 Parental Responsibilities in the Age of AI36:57 The Need for Resistance and Hard Things44:28 Trek and the Value of Hardship50:17 Building Self-Identity and Overcoming AI Dependency54:41 Creating Phone-Free Zones and Boundaries55:14 Future Solutions and Guardrails for AI Use56:27 Teaching Kids About AI and Its Limitations57:37 Guest Austin Falter and His Projects🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES📊 Children and Screens Research Report: https://www.childrenandscreens.org/learn-explore/research/ai-social-companions-and-youth-what-parents-need-to-know/📸 Children and Screens Summary Reel: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZNcw9kRNHN/🧂 Dash of Salt Opening Clip: https://www.instagram.com/p/Db1hg2gBRiV/🎬 Small & Simple Screens (Austin Falter):  @SmallSimpleScreens  🛡️ Strength of Dads Community: https://strengthofdads.com 🏔️ Register for the Upcoming November Retreat: https://strengthofdads.com/retreat

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About

Inspiring Latter-day Saint content, without the spirit voice or green jell-o, to strengthen your faith, family, and community. Join us as we navigate staying faithful in spite of the world, the culture, and social media. Tune in for debunkings, discussions on gospel topics, missionary stories, cultural callouts, and navigating questions faithfully.

Information

  • Creator
    Hayden Holm
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Hayden Holm
  • Show Website
    Salty Saints