Leading Saints Podcast

Andrea Lystrup, a licensed marriage and family therapist, discusses the spiritual exhaustion many face today. She explores the increased challenges post-COVID, emphasizing the importance of supportive church environments. Andrea shares insights on the complex relationships individuals have with their faith communities, urging compassion and open dialogue. She highlights the significance of self-acceptance and unconditional love in healing, especially for those affected by trauma. Her advocacy for understanding and presence resonates throughout the conversation.

This podcast is a group discussion about the Heart of a Woman retreat, a 3-day intensive experience for women of faith. The retreat provides a space for women to connect with God, other women, and themselves. It includes presentations, time for reflection, and opportunities for prayer and worship. The guests discuss their own experiences with the retreat and how it has impacted their lives. They also share insights on the importance of women’s leadership and the power of prayer. Melanie Meszaros is a wife, mother, grandmother, certified professional coach, business manager, and avid music lover. With a master’s in Education, Melanie has spent her adult life providing women and couples with opportunities to learn and develop skills to improve their lives, their relationships, and their families. As co-founder of Heart of a Woman, Melanie is passionate about helping women develop a profound connection with God, restore their feminine heart, and rediscover who God created them to be. In the Church she has enjoyed serving in music callings, as a teacher, as a counselor in each of the women’s organizations, and as a ward and stake Relief Society president. Kristy Willhite was baptized as a child and chose the gospel of Jesus Christ as an adult. She served for 17 years in the Primary organization in every calling except chorister. Kristy has served in Relief Society presidencies, as a Young Women president, and currently serves in her stake Young Women presidency. She loves reading, knitting, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University-Idaho in Advanced Family History Professional Studies. Kristy and her husband James have been married 26 years and have four great kids. Jolene Duckworth attended the October 2024 Heart of a Woman retreat and found herself forever changed by the experience. She is the mother of six and serves as the chair of the hospitality committee for BYU’s Women’s Conference, and in the Church as a Relief Society service coordinator and a temple worker. Jolene has a bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts from BYU and is the experience design director for Idylli, a leadership development company she runs with her husband, Dan Duckworth. Links TheHeartofaWoman.net (Use the code LEADMAY25 for a Leading Saints discount) 5 Easy Questions to Invite Anyone to Learn About the Gospel | An Interview with Murray Meszaros The Subtle Attack of Shame on Spirituality | An Interview with James Willhite Creating a Transformational Sunday School | An Interview with Dan Duckworth Warrior Heart Boot Camp Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Melanie, Christy, and Jolene, delve into the Heart of a Woman retreat, an interdenominational experience designed to foster deeper connections with God among women of faith. Melanie explains that the retreat offers a three-day immersive experience where women can unplug from the world, engage with the Word of God, and pray together in a supportive environment. The guests discuss the transformative power of the retreat, highlighting how it provides women with the opportunity to connect with God on a personal level. Jolene shares her own experience of attending the retreat, describing how it helped her recognize her worth and empowered her to pray with others, ultimately leading to meaningful connections and support for those in need. Throughout the episode, the group emphasizes the significance of identity in faith, particularly for women, and how the retreat helps participants understand their intrinsic worth as children of God. They discuss the challenges women face in leadership roles within the Church and how the retreat equips them with the confidence to embrace their unique gifts. The conversation also touches on the importance of interfaith experiences, the role of worship music, and the need for rest and renewal in spiritual practices. 05:30 – Purpose of the Heart of a Woman Retreat 06:50 – Interdenominational Nature of the Retreat 08:10 – Comparison to Men’s Retreat Experience 09:30 – Importance of Adult Retreats in Faith 10:50 – Jolene’s Experience at the Retreat 12:15 – Women Seeking Rest and Refreshment 13:30 – Individual Desires and God’s Messages 15:00 – The Power of Prayer in Community 16:30 – The Importance of Silence and Reflection 18:10 – Worship Music and Its Impact 20:00 – Holy Envy and Embracing Other Faith Practices 22:00 – Identity and God’s Love for Women 24:30 – Personal Stories of Transformation 26:00 – Leadership and Identity in the Church 28:30 – The Role of Women in Leadership 30:00 – The Power of Personal Encounters 32:00 – The Impact of the Retreat on Motherhood 34:00 – Nuts and Bolts of the Retreat Experience The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Matt Bardsley, a seasoned seminary teacher and dedicated church leader, joins Kimberly Perkins, a passionate coach specializing in healing and connection. They delve into the significance of mentorship in youth leadership, emphasizing relational ties and purpose-driven connections. The conversation highlights innovative training strategies and the importance of communication and vulnerability in cultivating future leaders. They also provide effective, engaging techniques to enhance youth participation and personal growth within church settings.

Parker Walbeck, a millennial content creator known for his "True Millennial" YouTube channel, shares insights from his impactful journey of sharing the gospel. He reflects on traveling with Elder Neil L. Andersen in the Philippines, emphasizing the apostle's genuine care and commitment to basic gospel principles. The conversation covers modern strategies for engaging younger audiences through social media, the significance of personal testimony, and the simplicity of sharing faith in an authentic manner. Parker advocates for humility and community involvement in faith-sharing.

Tanner Pursley, a Bishop in Morenci, Arizona, shares his rich background working with troubled youth at Arivaca Boys Ranch and EFY. He discusses his innovative 'I Can Do Hard Things Challenge,' designed to empower young people across spiritual, social, intellectual, and physical dimensions. Tanner highlights how this program draws from scouting initiatives to inspire youth involvement and community engagement. With personal anecdotes, he emphasizes the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and fostering support from parents to cultivate growth and resilience among young members.

Danny and Emily Deaton, co-founders of Living Proof Recovery Services, share their powerful insights on addiction and recovery. Danny opens up about his harrowing journey through opioid addiction, emphasizing the life-changing support from his family. Emily discusses the crucial role of family involvement in healing and the need for patience during recovery. Together, they highlight the importance of community support, establishing boundaries, and educating oneself about the complexities of addiction, making it a truly enlightening conversation.

Jodi Atkinson, a dedicated Stake Young Women's President from Shawnee, Kansas, shares her transformative insights on youth leadership. She emphasizes that youth are not problems to solve but solutions to embrace. Discussing her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jodi highlights the importance of innovative thinking and active youth involvement in decision-making. She reflects on how strong relationships nurture a supportive environment and how serving others enriches leadership, ultimately advocating for a purpose-driven approach to youth engagement.

Skyler Sorensen, an active Latter-day Saint and author of "Exclude Not Thyself", shares his journey navigating same-sex attraction within his faith. He discusses the importance of open dialogue and understanding in reconciling LGBTQ identities with religious beliefs. Skyler reflects on the challenges of marriage and family life, emphasizing compassion and support for LGBTQ Latter-day Saints. He also highlights resources like the North Star Conference, aimed at fostering community and compassion within the church.

Tony Overbay, a licensed marriage and family therapist and mental health podcaster, dives into the unhealthy ways leaders seek validation. He discusses the pitfalls of codependency and the 'nice guy syndrome,' particularly in faith-based communities. The conversation highlights the need for self-acceptance and the dangers of external validation. Overbay emphasizes aligning actions with personal values and understanding one's unique journey to foster authentic leadership. Personal anecdotes add a light touch, making the insights relatable and thought-provoking.

Steven Hitz, co-founder of Launching Leaders Worldwide and author of "Igniting the Holy Flame," shares his profound journey following the tragic loss of his son. He discusses the challenges young adults face in maintaining faith amid negative church cultures that prioritize rules over love. Hitz introduces concepts like "fabricated fellowship" and "harmful religiosity," advocating for authentic connections and genuine support within communities. His insights emphasize the need for empathy, mental health awareness, and the nurturing of individual spiritual growth.