Talks on Talks

Oh, where has the time gone?! With medical and dental boards upon us, things have been moving pretty slow here at Talks on Talks. We're still alive and kicking and we love that you're still listening. In this episode, we discuss Elder Brian K. Taylor's talk "Am I A Child of God?" The obvious answer is yes, of course, but how does that tie into our day-to-day lives? We'll give our best shot at answering this question in the episode. Let us know what you think!

After a week of going over some of the talks and reflecting on the major changes from the April 2018 General Conference, Wes and Jason sit down to talk it all out! What a conference it was, and it was almost as good reviewing. We hope you enjoy the things we took away from conference, but we'd also love to hear your thoughts. Shoot us an email at talksontalks@gmail.com or message us on Instagram - we love hearing from you!

This episode has been in the works since this time last year! It’s about time we finally got our friend and Talks on Talks listener Tyler Todd on the show to talk about the fascinating story of his conversion after watching the Book of Mormon Musical. He shared with us what it was like first learning about the church from the musical, how he transitioned to meeting with the missionaries and their mission president, and how he handled his conversion story being picked up by USA Today. Take a listen and don’t forget to wish Tyler congratulations on recently getting engaged! You go, Tyler! References: Tyler’s Article in USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/11/15/how-book-mormon-led-one-mans-conversion/93928170/ Quote from Larry King: “I remind myself every morning: ‘Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I am going to learn, I must do it by listening.” https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/larry_king_130681?src=t_listening Value Beyond Measure by Joy D. Jones: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/value-beyond-measure?lang=eng The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without It? By President Russell M. Nelson: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/the-book-of-mormon-what-would-your-life-be-like-without-it?lang=eng Exceeding Great and Precious Promises by Elder David A. Bednar: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/exceeding-great-and-precious-promises?lang=eng Spiritual Eclipse by Elder Gary E. Stevenson: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/spiritual-eclipse?lang=eng Recorded with Zencastr Music: Homeward Bound by Jonny Easton

In this episode, Michelle Gifford from Women with Fire shared with us her thoughts on Elder Pingree’s talk “I Have a Work for Thee,” from the October 2017 General Conference. As a woman with fire herself, Michelle talks about how she balances five different projects, family life, and her other responsibilities. Her insights about helping women find purpose in their lives are incredibly inspiring, and you’ll leave this interview with a few tips on exactly how to get started. Be sure to check out their podcast for more incredible stories of people putting all kinds of shoulders on all kinds of wheels! Resources: The Women with Fire Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-women-with-fire/id1156766899?mt=2 Beauty Revived: http://home.beautyrevived.com/ John C. Maxwell on multiplying value: “There is a huge difference between addition and multiplication. Adding followers to your cause is a good thing but multiplying leaders for your cause is so much better. When you add followers, you simply grow in numbers. When you multiply leaders, you grow in both capacity and consistency. When you multiply leaders who multiply leaders, you gain limitless potential.” Elder Bednar - Flooding the Earth - https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/to-sweep-the-earth-as-with-a-flood?lang=eng Brené Brown on imperfections: “Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we're all in this together.” Recorded with Zencastr Music: “Homeward Bound” by Jonny Easton

As a professional MMA fighter, Westin Wilson has made it his mission to spread the gospel. He is often referred to as “The Steve Young of MMA,” and in this episode sits down with us to talk about President Uchtdorf’s talk, “A Yearning for Home.” He shares with us the development of his testimony, life as a Mormon MMA fighter, and what “home” means after having grown up in a number of different states and continents. Make no mistake about it, Westin Wilson is one of a kind, and you’re going to love what he has to say! References: President Uchtdorf’s talk: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/a-yearning-for-home?lang=eng Westin Wilson’s site: https://westinwilson.com/ Westin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westinwilson/ Westin’s fighting record on Tapology.com: https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/41130-westin-wilson Music: “Homeward Bound” by Jonny Easton Interview recorded with Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/

Ever wondered how you could better use social media to share your testimony? In this episode, Cory Schow of Pilot Vlogs discusses how Elder Pingree’s October 2017 talk “I Have a Work for Thee” inspired him to utilize the skills he developed as a successful vlogger and direct them towards sharing the gospel. He has a message for those who feel inadequate and unprepared to begin doing the work their Heavenly Father has prepared for them, and how to go about finding out what they can do to help in His plan. Make sure you stick around, since Cory takes a minute near the end of the show to tell us a little bit about his future plans as a social media missionary! REFERENCES: Elder Pingree’s talk, “I Have a Work for Thee”: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/i-have-a-work-for-thee?lang=eng Pilot Vlogs YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC82it0Cx5UAWdH06-GalyuA/featured Elder Uchtdorf’s message on connecting the dots moving backward, never forward (quoted from Steve Jobs): https://www.lds.org/church/news/commit-to-christ-follow-his-path-elder-uchtdorf-tells-young-single-adults?lang=eng Our episode with Rosie Card: https://www.talksontalks.com/podcast/2018/1/6/34-rosie-card-qnoor-the-importance-of-articulating-our-faith-and-listening-to-others Greg Trimble’s book, “The Virtual Missionary”: https://www.amazon.com/Virtual-Missionary-Power-Digital-Testimony/dp/1462121063 CS Lewis quote on “Mere Mortals”: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/282593-it-is-a-serious-thing-to-live-in-a-society Virtuous Lovely Good Report: “Traveling Light” by Max Lucado: https://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Light-Max-Lucado/dp/0849913454 Recorded with Zencastr Music: “Homeward Bound” by Jonny Easton

Although we are releasing this in January, Jason and I had the idea to do this episode right after General Conference in October. So many talks referenced President Monson’s April 2017 challenge to read the Book of Mormon every day, and we thought it would be fitting to see how people responded to the call. We listened to the talks, prepared ourselves for the discussion, and scheduled to make it happen. Twice. Each time, something came up. Our schedules just weren't having it. I’m grateful that it took so long, though, because it finally worked out soon after President Monson’s passing. Having the discussion at this time allowed us to reflect on President Monson’s last General Conference talk as we remembered his life of service, also while preparing ourselves for the organization of a new First Presidency. How fitting that the focus of this episode was also how our new president of the church, President Russell M. Nelson, responded to the prophet’s challenge to read the Book of Mormon every day! As a tribute to both of these great men, along with all others who bore testimony of the power of President Monson’s challenge, we hope you gain something from listening to our discussion. Show Notes: The talk where President Monson challenged us to read the Book of Mormon every day: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/the-power-of-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng Video of President Monson’s first talk as an Apostle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpdyCxUgvZU President Monson’s talk “Finding Joy in the Journey”: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/finding-joy-in-the-journey?lang=ase Math to find out when President Erying might have begun reading the Book of Mormon every day for more than 50 years. Current age: 84. 84-50 = 34 years old. So since before he was 34 years old, President Eyring has read the Book of Mormon every day. Elder Evan’s talk “The Truth of All Things”: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/the-truth-of-all-things?lang=eng Elder Ardern’s talk “Seek Ye Out of the Best Books”: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/seek-ye-out-of-the-best-books?lang=eng Elder Andersen’s talk “The Voice of the Lord”: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/the-voice-of-the-lord?lang=eng President Nelson’s talk “The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without It?”: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/the-book-of-mormon-what-would-your-life-be-like-without-it?lang=eng The analogy of the Book of Mormon and the Bible being two points, through which you can only draw a single line comes from Tad R. Callister’s talk “The Book of Mormon - A Book From God”: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-book-of-mormon-a-book-from-god?lang=eng Rainn Wilson’s post about being visited by Sister missionaries: https://www.instagram.com/p/BbijWuknJzm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_ufi JB Rittenhouse’s poem “My Wage”: http://holyjoe.org/poetry/rittenhouse2.htm Theme Music: “Homeward Bound” by Jonny Easton

Andrew Rail, the man behind Classical Mormons on Instagram, has an amazing backstory of gospel service. In this episode, he shares with us his thoughts on Elder Holland’s talk, “Be Ye Therefore Perfect… Eventually” from the October 2017 General Conference. Andrew brought some wisdom and a series of fascinating life experiences to Talks on Talks, and we know you’ll learn a thing or two from this man of many memes! References: Elder Holland’s talk: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/be-ye-therefore-perfect-eventually?lang=eng Andrew’s favorite talk: David B. Haight’s “This Work is True” - https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1996/04/this-work-is-true?lang=eng Brad Wilcox’s talk on Grace: “His Grace is Sufficient” - https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/brad-wilcox_his-grace-is-sufficient/ President (then Elder) Nelson’s talk: “Perfection Pending” - https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1995/10/perfection-pending?lang=eng Virtuous, Lovely, and Good Report: Quote from Seneca: “True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing. The greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not.” - https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/222770-true-happiness-is-to-enjoy-the-present-without-anxious-dependence Music: “Homeward Bound” by Jonny Easton

Rosie Card is a former fashion model turned temple dress designer and public speaker. She owns and operates Q.NOOR, a line of temple and baptism dresses designed to help more women feel more comfortable in the House of the Lord. Rosie is passionate about helping women rise up to their full potential as disciples of Christ. She lives in Salt Lake with her goldendoodle, Ted, and is a proud pioneer of the stay-at-home YSA lifestyle. In this episode, Wes sits down with Rosie to discuss the importance of articulating our faith. Rosie’s passion for getting people involved in “the wrestle” is infectious, and hopefully you leave the interview with a newfound desire to be creative in the ways you share your thoughts on the gospel with others. This episode also pays special tribute to the memory of President Thomas S. Monson. We thank thee, O God, for our prophet! References: Rosie’s favorite talk: Come what may and love it by Joseph B. Wirthlin: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/come-what-may-and-love-it?lang=eng Sister Eubank talk, Turn on Your Light: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/turn-on-your-light?lang=eng The pastor saying “Don’t judge the path that I’m walking,” from Elder Holland’s talks “Be Ye Therefore Perfect - Eventually”: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/be-ye-therefore-perfect-eventually?lang=eng “A person's success in life can usually be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have.” - Tim Ferriss “Are You Sleeping Through the Restoration?” by President Uchtdorf: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/are-you-sleeping-through-the-restoration?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lds-inspirational-messages-eng+%28Daily+Messages%29&lang=eng Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Bushman: https://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Smith-Rough-Stone-Rolling/dp/1400077532 “Will You Engage in the Wrestle?” by Sister Sheri Dew: https://www.byui.edu/devotionals/sheri-dew President Monson’s first address as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve: “I Stand at the Door and Knock: http://scriptures.byu.edu/gettalk.php?ID=1285 Music: “Homeward Bound” by Jonny Easton

The end of December is always abuzz with talks of New Year’s Resolutions, so we decided to do something different for this episode in honor of the hopeful changes for 2018. To help you develop New Year’s Resolutions, this episode is a quick trip through eight invitations from the October 2017 General Conference. Referencing these quotes will hopefully assist your as you make your goals! References: “Turn on Your Light” by Sharon Eubank: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/turn-on-your-light?lang=eng “The Needs Before us” by Bonnie L. Oscarson: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/the-needs-before-us?lang=eng “Repentance is Always Positive” by Stephen W. Owen: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/repentance-is-always-positive?lang=eng “Unstuck: How the Savior Frees Us from Our Favorite Sins” by Robert Reynolds: https://www.amazon.com/Unstuck-Savior-Frees-Favorite-Sins/dp/1629721158 “By Divine Design” by Elder Ronald A. Rasband: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/by-divine-design?lang=eng “The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without It?” by President Russell M. Nelson: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/the-book-of-mormon-what-would-your-life-be-like-without-it?lang=eng “That Your Joy Might Be Full” by Jean B. Bingham: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/that-your-joy-might-be-full?lang=eng “Seek Ye Out of the Best Books” by Ian S. Ardern: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/seek-ye-out-of-the-best-books?lang=eng “Be Ye Therefore Perfect - Eventually” by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/be-ye-therefore-perfect-eventually?lang=eng Elder Andersen’s testimony: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/the-voice-of-the-lord?lang=eng Quote from Leo Tolstoy- “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” - https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/leo_tolstoy_105644 Music: “Homeward Bound” by Jonny Easton

In our last episode before Christmas, we thought it appropriate to sit down and review the First Presidency Devotional for 2017. We discuss the excellent talks from Sister Franco, Elder Duncan, and President Uchtdorf, and share how the Christmas season ties into our goals for 2018! This episode is packed full of quotes and references to other awesome resources, so be sure to follow the links in the show notes and learn even more about how the spirit of Christmas ties in to the rest of the year. Show Notes: Sister Franco’s talk: https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2017/12/christmas-a-season-to-love-serve-and-forgive-one-another?lang=eng The Infinite Atonement by Tad R. Callister: https://www.amazon.com/The-Infinite-Atonement/dp/1573456233/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1513688283&sr=1-1&keywords=the+infinite+atonement Elder Duncan’s talk: https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2017/12/heavenly-gifts?lang=eng Benjamin Franklin on Christmas and commandments: "How many observe Christ's birthday! How few, his precepts! O! 'tis easier to keep holidays than commandments." President Uchtdorf’s talk: https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2017/12/scatter-your-crumbs?lang=eng Elder Bednar on balance and plates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipwv8GDJRi0 Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief: https://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/a-poor-wayfaring-man-of-grief?lang=eng&_r=1 Bruce C. Hafen on the process of perfection: “It is natural to assume that when we don’t appear to be doing excellently’ the perfection process is not working. But the exact opposite may be true. Our moments of greatest stress and difficulty are often the times when the refiner’s fire is doing its most purifying work.” (Broken Heart, 97) Story about not firing someone who just cost the company tons of money: https://www.peoplehr.com/blog/index.php/2015/06/26/what-would-you-do-if-an-employee-made-a-600000-mistake/ Why angels came to the shepherds: http://www.templestudy.com/2009/12/18/shepherds-christmas-story/ Music: “Homeward Bound” by Jonny Easton

We’re back! This time with an interview with Nate Fenwick Smith of the band Wait for the Moment. Nate shares with us some of his favorite quotes from the October 2017 General Conference and opens up about his career, his struggles, and the faith that keeps him going. Be sure to check out his band’s new album, “Visionaries”! Show Notes: Nate Fenwick Smith’s IMDb account: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5654064/ Wait For the Moment: http://www.wftmmusic.com/ Sister Oscarson’s “The Needs Before Us”: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/the-needs-before-us?lang=eng Elder Holland’s “Be Ye Therefore Perfect”: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/be-ye-therefore-perfect-eventually?lang=eng Bishop Waddell’s “Turn to the Lord”: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/turn-to-the-lord?lang=eng Elder Ellis’s “Do We Trust Him? Hard is Good”: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/do-we-trust-him-hard-is-good?lang=eng Elder Stevenson’s “Spiritual Eclipse”:  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/spiritual-eclipse?lang=eng President Uchtdorf on your choice of career being less than your choice to serve the Lord: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/you-matter-to-him?lang=eng Bishop Waddell on the importance of applying sacrifice in “The Opportunity of a Lifetime.”: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-opportunity-of-a-lifetime?lang=eng Quote from CS Lewis on mere mortals: “https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/282593-it-is-a-serious-thing-to-live-in-a-society” Music: "Homeward Bound" by Jonny Easton

It's only been a few days since conference, and we hope the messages are still ringing in your ears! In this episode, we discuss some of the highlights of the conference and give an overview of the talks that touched us. We are looking forward to our upcoming interviews with all of you about the conference and the messages that stood out to YOU, so please reach out and share with us your favorite quotes! References: The talks: https://www.lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng Rosa's Pizza and "Slices for the homeless": http://www.rosasfreshpizza.com/shop/slices-for-the-homeless "All the Water in the World": http://www.quotes.thinkexist.com/quotation/all_the_water_in_the_world-however_hard_it_tries/188653.html Music by Jonny Easton

This is the final talk we were able to cover before the Sept/Oct General Conference of 2017. In it, we chat with Andrew Astin about Bishop Causse's talk "Prepare the Way," and we learn a lot about how to maximize the potential of our Aaronic Priesthood brethren. Andrew is a medical student in North Carolina, and he brings a wealth of knowledge to the table about all sorts of subjects. Don't forget to stick around for the Virtuous, Lovely, and Good Report when Andrew shares some amazing insight he received from one of his mentors! ​​​​​​​References: The talk itself: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/prepare-the-way?lang=eng President Ucthdorf’s talk on Alma and Amulek: https://www.talksontalks.com/podcast/2017/3/9/09-learn-from-alma-and-amulek-lessons-for-leaders-and-self-reflection?rq=alma Elder Ballard’s talk “Return and Receive”: https://www.talksontalks.com/podcast/2017/9/2/return-and-receive-making-plans-and-going-for-the-goal-ed From Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage: “Even the profane sinner in the foul sacrilege of his oath acclaims the divine supremacy of Him whose name he desecrates.” (https://www.lds.org/manual/jesus-the-christ/chapter-1?lang=eng) President John Taylor on “Boys will be men.”: “What will the boys be when they are grown up. They will be men, will they not? They are now the sons of men. If a man be inducted into the family of God, and becomes a son of God, what will he become when he gets his growth? You can figure that out yourselves.” This was used by President Taylor to show that we will become as God is, but it also clearly articulated Andrew’s point about boys turning into men!” President Hinckley’s “Lessons I learned as a boy.” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naqX9iYE0V0 “Don’t be a donkey” - “The Ass of Buridan” - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buridan%27s_ass Andrew’s OB/GYN doctor on healing people spiritually - “They’re not going to allow you to try and help them spiritually, but you still can. Every single patient I have, no matter what, before I go into the room I say a quick, short prayer for them. That they’ll be able to feel the spirit and to be able to have some kind of spiritual health in their life, even if this is the only time that anyone prays for them.” Music by Jonny Easton

We've had a great response to our last episode where Jason peeled back the layers and gave us a peek into how he views the world. In this episode, Jason turns the tables on Wes and we find out a little about him, as well! We know you've come to Talks on Talks to learn about General Conference talks, but we hope that getting to know the hosts will help give some insight on to how they view the talks and what they hope to accomplish through this podcast! Thank you for listening! Music: Homeward Bound by Jonny Easton