You’re Not Alone – Finding Light in Difficult Trials: Christine Maynor’s Story
What if your hardest moments are actually preparing you to help uplift others? In todays episode of Latter-Day Lights, Christine Maynor shares a powerful journey of faith shaped through both quiet growth and deep personal trials. From a childhood rooted in strong values to discovering her voice through faith-centered poetry, she’s learned to turn life’s...
The Compensating Power of Christ in an Imperfect World: BJ Allen’s Story
How does Jesus Christ make up the difference when life feels unfair, overwhelming, or beyond our ability to fix? In this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, Scott and Darla Brandley sit down with BYU professor and author, BJ Allen, to explore the concept of “the compensating power of Christ,” and how these unique revelations led...
Autism in Christ’s Church: Faith on the Spectrum: Liberty Kepford & Robert Johnson’s Story
How can small acts of understanding make a big difference in someone’s spiritual journey? In this week’s episode of Latter-day Lights, Scott Brandley sits down with father-daughter duo — Robert Johnson and Liberty Kepford — to share the inspiration behind their book, “Autism in Christ’s Church.” Drawing from their extensive experience working with, interviewing, and...
Called to Serve? Women’s Stories from Doubt to Direction: Tayma Johnson’s Story
What do you do when God’s plan for your life looks completely different from the one you carefully mapped out? In this week’s episode of Latter-day Lights, Scott and Emily sit down with author and special guest — Tayma Johnson — to share her journey from never planning to serve a mission, to feeling unmistakably...
Alisha Says Goodbye – Scott & Alisha Reflect on Four Years & 200 Stories of Faith
What have we learned after four years and nearly 200 stories of faith? As the show passes the four-year mark, long-time co-host Alicia Coakley shares why she is reluctantly stepping away, and together she and Scott revisit several moments of hope, healing, and inspiration that have changed their lives and those of the Latter-Day Lights...
When Creative Dreams Face Rejection: Trusting God’s Plan: Heather B. Moore’s Story
How do you keep pursuing your dreams when rejection, discouragement, and life’s responsibilities seem to stand in the way? In this week’s episode of Latter-day Lights, Scott and Darla Brandley sit down with U.S. Today’s bestselling author, Heather B. Moore, to hear how she built a full-time writing career through perseverance, prayer, and years of...
From Excommunication to Redemption Through Christ: Clint Huston’s Story
What happens when everything you’ve built your life on falls apart in the blink of an eye? In this week’s episode of Latter-day Lights, special guest Clint Huston shares his deeply personal journey from being raised in the Church and appearing to do everything “right” on the outside, to an affair that led to divorce,...
Turning Testimony to Music in the Age of Technology: Jake Jacobsen’s Story
What opportunities are possible like when faith, creativity, and technology collide later in life? In this week’s episode of Latter-day Lights, Scott and Emily sit down once again with former Bering Sea Captain and guest, Jake Jacobsen, to explore a life-changing chapter of his journey—using AI and modern technology to bring decades-old lyrics, spiritual reflections,...
Spiritual Resilience and the Power of Covenant Living: Sharla Goettl’s Story
How do we build spiritual resilience and encourage the youth of today to do the same? To celebrate the anticipated release of her latest book, “Covenant Power,” Scott and Emily sit down with author, seminary teacher, and temple ordinance worker Sharla Goettl to explore what spiritual resilience really means, and how it’s formed over time....
From Grief to Grace: When God Rewrites Your Story: Anneka Walker’s Story
How do you keep your faith in God when grief keeps rewriting the life you always dreamed of? In this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, Scott and Emily sit down with author, mother, and Praiseworthy Award Winner Anneka Walker, to explore how faith, loss, and creativity brought about healing and renewed purpose into her journey...
Modern Miracles from the Medical World: Dr. Mark Saunders’ Story
When life feels uncertain and stakes are high on the operating table, how do we learn to trust in the Lord’s plan? On this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, Scott and Emily sit down with Dr. Mark T. Saunders, a semi-retired OB/GYN whose quiet, faithful listening opened the door to dozens of sacred and miraculous...
The Eternal Perspective of Loving Through Depression: Amanda Harms’ Story
When depression shapes the life of the person you love the most, will your faith hold—or begin to break under the pressure? In this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, Scott and Emily sit down with Amanda Harms — a counselor, mother of six, and newly minted PhD in social psychology — to share her personal...
Guided Back to God with the Gift of Interpreting Dreams: Tyler Christen’s Story
How does Jesus reach for us when we’re convinced we can never return back to Him? In this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, Tyler Christen—a returned soldier and lifelong Latter-Day Saint who spent years in and out of the Church—shares his raw, unfiltered journey through addiction, isolation, spiritual darkness, and repeated attempts to walk away...
Walking the Via Dolorosa & Learning The Language of Heaven: Trina Boice’s Story
How can the ancient Hebrew language unlock a deeper way of listening to Christ with our whole heart, soul, and might? In this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, Scott Brandley and guest co-host Emily Hemmert sit down with Dr. Trina Boice—university professor, longtime author, avid scripture educator, and Hebrew enthusiast—to explore the “Via Dolorosa,” more...
Surviving Loss, Overcoming Trials, and Keeping the Faith: Leilani Speck’s Story
What if the trials in your life were actually invitations to hear God more clearly? In this episode, Leilani Speck shares her touching story—from being adopted and growing up in a foster home, to early encounters with real spiritual darkness, sacred moments with angels, and a life of service that included a rare stake mission...
Still Serving: Faith through Chronic Illness and an Early Return: Kenley Broadbent’s Story
How do you hold onto faith when life takes a turn you never expected? On this week’s episode of Latter-day Lights, early-returned missionary Kenley Broadbent opens up about the day everything changed on her Peru Lima East mission. What started as occasional migraines spiraled into debilitating dizziness, nausea, and unexplained symptoms that eventually sent her...
Sculpting a Legacy to Christ w/ The Monument of The Americas: Steve Neal’s Story
What if God called you to build something far bigger than yourself? In this inspiring and educational episode of Latter-Day Lights, former plastic surgeon-turned-sculptor and painter Steve Neal shares how a lifetime of small artistic promptings—and a powerful temple experience—led him to an unexpected divine calling: building The Monument of The Americas, a large-scale Book...
Rising Above Self-Doubt Through Faith & Creation: Cassidy Beck’s Story
What happens when divine identity collides with self-doubt—Can our fears become the doorway to purpose? This week on Latter-Day Lights, fellow author, podcaster, and life coach Cassidy Beck shares her deeply personal journey through imposter syndrome. After interviewing her father during his final moments on Earth, in an attempt to write his life’s story, she...
On Grieving and Healing After Child Loss: Lawrence & Melissa Stone’s Story
When tragedy strikes not once but twice, how do you keep your faith — and your loved ones — from falling apart? In this deeply moving episode of Latter-Day Lights, Lawrence and Melissa Stone open up about the unimaginable loss of their children due to a driving accident and miscarriage. But from the heartbreak, take...
Raised in Isolation. Denied an Education. Saved by Faith: Calvin Bagley’s Story
What do you do when the people who were supposed to protect you… become the source of your deepest wounds? In this unforgettable episode of Latter-Day Lights, author Calvin Bagley shares his extraordinary journey from isolation, abuse, and “no-schooling” in the Utah desert to faith, healing, and freedom. Once a boy who hid from the...
Sunflowers After the Storm: Turning Their Mother’s Death Into Hope & Light – Jessie Lake and Molly Johnson’s Story
What do you do when your mother’s voice is silenced—but her words refuse to be forgotten? In this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, we sit down with sisters Jessie Lake and Molly Johnson, whose mother was tragically killed as a result of domestic violence. Years later, while unpacking old boxes, they uncovered something extraordinary—eight beautifully...
Blessed Beyond Coincidence-The Miracles of a Mother’s Faith: Tiffaney Castañeda’s Story
When life seems to unravel all at once, will you trust that God is still there? In this deeply moving episode of Latter-Day Lights, Scott and Alisha sit down with lifelong Latter-Day Saint—Tiffaney Castañeda—as she shares her remarkable journey of faith through unimaginable trials and unmistakable miracles. From her daughter’s near-fatal battle with autoimmune hepatitis,...
Embracing Rebirth in Midlife – From Breakdown to Belief: Aisha Jermy’s Story
Is it ever too late to come home to Heavenly Father? When life’s pressures nearly consumed her, Aisha Jermy reached a breaking point that affected her emotionally, physically, financially, and, most importantly, spiritually. But through one unexpected encounter on an airplane, she discovered the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. And from that moment on, everything...
Beyond Prison Walls: Finding Faith Amid Workplace Misogyny: Jac Woodhouse’s Story
What if the struggle that nearly broke you was the path God used to bring you back to His light? Aussie mom and former maximum-security corrections officer, Jac Woodhouse, hit rock bottom in a myriad of ways—dehumanizing workplace misogyny, parting from a 15-year career, navigating her son’s serious health challenges, and fighting her own battle...
Becoming Nephi’s Apprentice: How One Father Is Revitalizing LDS Youth Programs: Josh Chapman’s Story
What if your child’s youth nights became adventures modeled after Book of Mormon heroes? On today’s episode of Latter-day Lights, we’re joined by Josh Chapman, a creative father of six from Ogden, Utah, who retired from his day job to create ‘Nephi’s Apprentice’. Nephi’s Apprentice is a gospel-centered program that takes life skills like compass...
Planking Through Prayer—Turning Habits into Record-Breaking Miracles: DonnaJean Wilde’s Story
What happens when years of faith-formed grit turn minutes of daily discipline into record-breaking triumphs? This week on Latter-day Lights, Scott and Alisha welcome Guinness World Record holder, book worm, and Gospel-loving Latter-Day Saint—DonnaJean Wilde—to the show, whose once broken wrist and five-minute planking challenge sparked a decade-long journey of fitness fueled by scripture study...
Fostering Creative Community through Faith-Driven Fiction: Michael House’s Story
What creativity sparks within when one faith-led author blends scripture, sci-fi, and service to inspire a community? This week on Latter-day Lights, Scott and Alisha welcome back M.D. (Michael) House—novelist and president of LDSPMA—to walk us through his unlikely path from corporate finance to an anthology of stories that intentionally spread the light of the...
Discovering Life’s Purpose through Singleness and Beyond: Sharon Lamar’s Story
What if the life you dreamed of for yourself never showed up—because God used it to write an even better story? This week on Latter-Day Lights, life coach and host of “The Single LDS Woman Podcast,” Sharon Lamar, opens up about spending 30 years of her life as a single Latter-Day Saint before marrying at...
Animating The Book of Mormon – From Scripture to Storyboards: Pablo Smith’s Story
What if the perfect once-in-a-lifetime opportunity ended up being the one God meant for you to turn down? This week on Latter-day Lights, Scott and John Brandley sit down with animator Pablo Smith to share the story of how he combined his two greatest passions in life: teaching the gospel, and animation. Having worked at...
Igniting Faith-Inspired Art & Enterprise with LDSPMA: Steve Piersanti’s Story
What unfolds when faith-driven creators stop flying solo, and start building together? This week on Latter-day Lights, Scott Brandley and co-host Larry Johnson sit down with publishing veteran Steve Piersanti—founder and CEO of Berrett-Koehler Publishers, and the driving force behind LDSPMA (Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media & the Arts). Together, they retrace Steve’s path to...
Watching the Gathering Unfold – The Incredible Story of RootsTech: Rachel Matheus’ Story
What if you had a front-row seat to literally watch the Spirit of Elijah sweep across the earth? In this powerful episode of Latter-day Lights, we sit down with Rachel Crump Mathews, a devoted disciple, Relief Society president, and one of the inspired leaders behind the global RootsTech conference. What began as a temporary job...
Preserving Hyrum’s Heirlooms & A Heaven-Sent Second Chance: Joe Skeen’s Story
When Heaven hands you a second chance at life, what legacy will you protect for your bloodline? This Sunday on Latter-Day Lights, hosts Scott and Alisha welcome Joseph Smith Skeen to the show. As a direct descendant of Hyrum Smith, Joe unveils how near-death and a second chance at life became the spark that led...
Transforming a Secret Addiction into Radical Honesty: Heather & Cameron Berry’s Story
When decades of lies and betrayal suddenly unravel, can the atonement stitch a marriage back together? On today’s episode of Latter-day Lights, we meet Heather and Cameron Berry—a couple whose world collapsed the instant one accidental photo exposed Cameron’s hidden, 30-year pornography addiction. In a single breath, trust was gone, and a once-steady marriage felt...
Having Faith to Stay with Carter Ellis & Jon Coakley | Faith to Stay Episode 5
When trials get steep and hope runs thin, what keeps you hanging on to faith? This Sunday, our 5-part “Faith to Stay” miniseries reaches its finale with a candid round-table discussion on “Enduring to the End.” Latter-Day Lights hosts Scott Brandley and Alisha Coakley welcome viral missionary Carter Ellis, and faith-forged father Jon Coakley—to unpack...
The Book of Mormon with John & Myron Brandley | Faith to Stay Episode 4
When you discover ancient artifacts and petroglyphs near Nauvoo Illinois that support the Book of Mormon, do you keep it to yourself or share it? Episode 4 of our 5-part miniseries “Faith to Stay” unearths several ancient artifacts & petroglyphs—a vivid chapter in Latter-Day Lights host & founder Scott Brandley’s new book on standing firm...
Repentance & Forgiveness with Dave Higham & Kellen Winslow | Faith to Stay Episode 3
When guilt feels heavier than hope, can forgiveness still rewrite our story? Episode 3 of our 5-part miniseries “Faith to Stay” tackles “Repentance & Forgiveness”—a burning topic in Latter-Day Lights host & founder Scott Brandley’s new book about navigating life’s fiercest spiritual storms. How are repentance and forgiveness interconnected, and how do we walk through...
Primary vs. Secondary Questions with Jerry Paskett & Fred Dodini | Faith to Stay Episode 2
How do you keep your faith when questions feel louder than answers? This Sunday, episode 2 of our 5-part “Faith to Stay” miniseries dives into the idea of “Primary vs. Secondary Questions”—a core principle from Latter-Day Lights host and founder Scott Brandley’s new book on weathering spiritual storms. Joined by returning guests—near-death survivor, Jerry Paskett,...
Faith in The Church Today with Sheri Ramirez, Shane Baldwin, & Dusty Smith | Faith to Stay Episode 1
How do you keep your faith strong in the world we live in today? This Sunday, we kickoff a special 5-part miniseries called “Faith to Stay”, that discusses topics from Latter-Day Light’s host and founder, Scott Brandley’s latest book on “strengthening faith during the storms of life.” In episode 1, past guests Sheri Ramirez, Shane...
Breaking the Cycle of Abuse with The Book of Mormon: Becky Sheffer’s Story
What if the darkest parts of your past were the very things God used to lead you home? On today’s episode of Latter-day Lights, we meet Becky Sheffer—a woman whose childhood was marked by addiction, neglect, trauma, and instability. But through it all, small miracles began to appear—moments that quietly pointed her toward something greater....
Holding Onto Hope After the Hardest Goodbye: Larissa Dagley’s Story
How does a parent stand back up when every corner of home echoes with grief? For EMT, educator, and loving mother Larissa Dagley, tragedy began at her teen son Cody’s shooting incident—a moment that left Cody drowning in relentless nightmares and bullying for the remainder of his life. Overwhelmed by guilt and depression, Cody took...
A Grieving Father’s Climb Toward Tender Mercies: Eldon Buchanan’s Story
When a father’s greatest nightmare strikes his family not once but twice, can Heaven still find a way to spark hope? Idaho rancher, husband, and devoted father Eldon Buchanan returns to Latter-day Lights to share the sacred tender mercies that steadied him after losing his son to suicide: Feeling the invisible strength of his son...
Hit Head On by a Drunk Driver, Protected by Angels: Tracy Jo Rollins’ Story
What if the worst day of your life was actually part of a divine plan to save someone else? In this powerful episode of Latter-day Lights, Tracy Jo Rollins returns to share the miraculous story of her near-fatal car crash, the traveling angels who protected her, and the unexpected calling that followed. From life-threatening injuries...
From Faith Crisis to “Faith to Stay” – The Origin of Latter-Day Lights: Scott Brandley’s Story
When pillars of certainty crumble, is it possible to rebuild something even stronger in their place? When two trusted ward members announced they were leaving the Church, newly called bishop Scott Brandley was rocked to the core. Overnight, the man called to strengthen spirituality in others found himself wrestling with his own doubts, spiralling into...
Finding God in the Little Things – Stories of Hope & Inspiration: David Anderson
Have you ever stopped to consider how many small miracles have quietly shaped your life? In this week’s episode of Latter-day Lights, we sit down with David Anderson—a husband, father of eleven, and grandfather of twenty-eight—whose life is a beautiful tapestry of tender mercies, quiet revelations, and sacred moments. From losing his mother as a...
Preserving Sacred Text with The Book of Mormon Census: Robert Messick’s Story
When a simple curiosity of well-worn scripture leads to a full-fledged passion, can the pages of history strengthen our faith even more? For family man and dedicated Book of Mormon collector, Robert Messick, the answer is a resounding YES! In this fascinating episode of Latter-day Lights, Robert takes us on a journey through centuries of...
From Homeless & Hopeless to Healing & Purpose: Bethany Harger’s Story
What if your most devastating life storms are actually clearing the path to your greater purpose? From the outside, Bethany Harger was living the dream—temple marriage, young children, and a promising future. But behind closed doors, crippling depression left her bedridden while her husband battled addiction. After two divorces, custody battles across state lines, and...
Escaping Addiction Through the Gift of Dreams: Orlando Mora’s Story
When years of crippling addiction tighten its grip, can a sliver of lasting change still exist? For carpenter, devoted husband, and former addict Orlando Mora, the path out of darkness was illuminated not just through sobriety and faith, but by a heaven-sent “gift of dreams.” From his first prayer of desperation to the day he...
Promptings, Miracles, and a Second Chance at Life: Kaitlynn Smalley’s Story
What would you do if you felt an undeniable prompting that could mean the difference between life and death? In this episode of Latter-Day Lights, Kaitlynn Smalley shares how a series of quiet but urgent promptings guided her through a sudden life-threatening medical crisis that ultimately led to a miraculous liver transplant. Through every challenge,...
Alleviating Poverty with The Marcovia Project: Anthony Hemmert’s Story
When the weight of financial and emotional struggles weigh down an entire community, can one visionary effort hold the power to lift them all? For mental health therapist and father of four, Anthony Hemmert’s path to aiding others began with a heartfelt desire to do more than just hand out money. Together with his wife...
The Long Road Back After a 30-Year Absence Away from the Church: Melanie’s Story
Have you ever felt like no matter how far you drift, something keeps pulling you back? In today’s episode we hear the story of Melanie, who grew up without religion, found the Church, and then walked away from it for nearly 30 years. But fortunately, through a series of miracles, she found her way back....