Advertise on podcast: Latter Day Lives - Talking with Latter Day Saints

Our guest on the show this week is Clare Thomas. Clare grew up in a very large, active Latter-day Saint family. As a teenager, she left the church and eventually married a man who comes from a very anti-Latter Day Saint background. Eventually, Clare made her way back into the faith and now uses social media to share her story. She also has a podcast where she shares the stories of people who have left and come back. Clare's story is a beautiful example of the power of the atonement in our lives. Clare is so funny, energetic, and open. You will love her story!

Our guest this week is Tess Frame. In the episode, we talk about: - Growing up in California - Facing severe bullying - Going away to college - Meeting her husband - Becoming a "boy mom" - Dealing with an incredibly difficult pregnancy - Blogging - Becoming a wildly popular social media creator - How we can all find joy in the gospel Tess is amazing. Her energy is infectious. You will love this conversation!

Jeff Byers is a talented architect who has worked on temple design all around the world. He is also the author of the book Embracing Eternal Progression. In the episode, we talk about: - growing up in Southern California - how skateboarding impacted his life - a perfect attendance record at seminary - serving a mission - meeting his wife and getting married - becoming an architect - the sacred nature of temples - what inspired him to become an author - his amazing insight on eternal progression Jeff is a brilliant, humble, and all-around amazing man. You will love this conversation.

This week, our guest is Amy Stewart. She is the founder of Hope in Parenting, dedicated to giving resources to parents and families. In the episode, we discuss: - Dealing with medical issues and infertility - Working through loss from miscarriage - Finding adoption - Creating a beautiful, diverse family - How the gospel affects it all Amy is a powerful woman and an incredible voice in the adoption community. Her Christ-like love for her family and others will surely inspire you.

In this episode, we get to meet Chris and Perla, our new producer and social media manager.

Timothy Heywood lives life to the fullest. Whether running ultra-marathons, learning multiple languages, playing multiple instruments, or moving to India to study yoga, Timothy gives everything his all. In the episode, we discuss growing up as the youngest of ten kids, serving a mission to Russia, picking up musical instruments, traveling the world. ultra-running, getting married in his mid 30's, his thirst for experience, understanding and knowledge, and how being a member of the church affects it all. Timothy is truly inspiring. You will love his story!

Michaelle and Jevonn Branch have built an incredible social media following as they share the gospel. In the episode, we talk about Michaelle finding, leaving, and ultimately returning to the church, meeting Jevonn, his difficult upbringing, his conversion, going to church together, overcoming major trials, finding peace in Christ, and sharing it with the world on social media. These are two incredible souls with a beautiful story. You will love this episode!

Paul Wuthrich has starred in several amazing films. In the episode we discuss growing up in Northern Utah, his mission to Africa, the pain of divorce, getting into film acting, the joy of a 2nd marriage, taking on starring roles, staying grounded, being happy, and how being a member of the church affects it all. Paul is an incredible actor and an amazing soul. You will love his story!

This week we are joined by husband and wife Nate and Miriam Benson, They are two of the top competitive BBQ cooks in the country. In the episode, they talk about their lives growing up, the funny backstory as to how they met, how they got into competitive cooking and how being members of the church affects it all. Nate and Miriam are so talented and widely loved and respected. You will love their story!

Jeff Borders emerged from the beautiful forests of the Pacific Northwest. Some might call him a “chronic overachiever,” but they don’t know the half of it. When not writing and spending time with his family, he works as a respiratory therapist. Jeff retired from being a volunteer firefighter in 2025, where he served for 16 years, including his final years as Station Captain. After publishing some incredible fantasy books, he turned his talents to religious works. His first religion book is called “The Antichrist Playbook: A Guide For Young Saints to Avoid Deception and Defeat the Devil.” This book is intended to help people see Satan’s deceptions in our day through the examples of antichrists in the Book of Mormon. This book functions like a workbook with plenty of opportunities for self-reflection and is riddled with Gen-Z humor. Jeff is so insightful and engaging. You will love this conversation!

Geoff Thatcher's work can be seen all around the world. Whether it's a museum, live event, or other interactive experience, Geoff makes experiences come to life! In the episode we talk about getting his start at an amusement park, getting into creative experience design, what makes for a successful event or experience, being a YSA Branch President, and how being a member of the church affects it all. Jeff is so energetic and so much fun. You will love this conversation.

Tony Rahlf , better known as the world's strongest seminary teacher on Instagram, is an amazing man. He is an early morning seminary teacher who competes in strongman competitions. In this episode we discuss: his early life, his mission to Germany, meeting his wife, his decision to go into the National Guard, how he got into power lifting, and how he built an amazing social media following by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. You will love Tony's story.

Toni Gaines and Janelle Hillyer are the hosts of the Every Temple Podcast. In the episode, we discuss their younger lives, how they met, the inspiration behind their awesome podcast, the importance of temples, and so much more. You will love their stories!

Becky Squire is a force for good. Through social media and public speaking, she is sharing the gospel with so many. In the episode, we talk about her young life in a big family, dealing with family health issues, meeting her husband, having kids, becoming a blogger, starting a magazine, blowing up on Instagram, and how being a member of the church affects it all! You will love Becky's story.

No episode this week BUT we will be back next week!