followHIM
Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Do you ever feel that preparing for your weekly Come, Follow Me lesson falls short? Join hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway as they interview experts to make your study for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Come, Follow Me course not only enjoyable but original and educational. If you are looking for resources to make your LDS study fresh, faithful, and fun--no matter your age--then join us every Wednesday morning. Show notes: https://followhim.co YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FollowHimOfficialChannel Instagram: Instagram.com/followhimpodcast Facebook: Facebook.com/followhimpodcastThe followHIM Podcast is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The opinions expressed on episodes represent the views of the guest and podcasters alone.
Episodes
Mentioned books
130 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 1h 11min
Genesis 18-23 Part 1 • Dr. Carli Anderson • Feb. 23 - Mar. 1 • Come, Follow Me
Dr. Carli Anderson, an assistant professor specializing in biblical women and ancient Near Eastern context, reframes Sarah, Hagar, and Abraham through ancient legal, linguistic, and cultural lenses. She explores Hebrew wordplay, Sarah’s royal stature, Hagar’s complex status, covenant name changes, and the dramatic scenes around promises, laughter, and justice. Short, vivid takes on layered meanings and ancient power dynamics.
Feb 12, 2026 • 4min
Sibling Unrivalry • followHIM Favorites • Feb. 16-22 • Come, Follow Me
A look at sibling conflict through Abram and Lot's split, framed as a model for peacemaking. Funny seminary stories about chores and anger bring real-life tension into focus. An inventive trick—doing others' chores to avoid fights—gets spotlighted as a practical solution. Lighthearted reflections and playful teasing keep the talk warm and relatable.
97 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 1h 4min
Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2 Part 2 • Dr. Jenae Nelson • Feb. 16-22 • Come, Follow Me
Dr. Jenae Nelson, a religious studies scholar who researches scripture, covenants, and identity, weaves her life story into Genesis 12–17 and Abraham 1–2. She explores covenants as relationship-shaping, divine timing and patience, wilderness seasons, generosity versus hoarding, and how purpose emerges where gifts meet need. Short, reflective, and personal.
131 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 1h 15min
Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2 Part 1 • Dr. Jenae Nelson • Feb. 16-22 • Come, Follow Me
Dr. Jenae Nelson, a developmental psychologist and BYU professor focused on youth development and faith, links Abraham’s journey to covenant identity, healing from trauma, and claiming priesthood power. Short takes: leaving survival modes, covenants as healing markers, priesthood power vs authority, boundaries and belonging, and becoming a finisher in faith.
60 snips
Feb 9, 2026 • 1h 16min
Thoughts to Keep in Mind #2 • The Covenant • Dr. Ross Baron • Feb. 9-15
Dr. Ross Barron, BYU professor and Old Testament scholar, offers concise reflections on the covenant. He traces its roots to premortality and Abraham, explains covenant signs and obligations, connects covenants to temple, family, and priesthood, and shows how covenant living shapes service, trials, and daily identity.
Feb 5, 2026 • 5min
Faith at Full Throttle • followHIM Favorites • Feb. 9-15 • Come, Follow Me
Short reflections on Moses 8:27 and the comforting image of Noah walking with God. A dramatic A-37 dragonfly rescue story about a burning jet and split-second spiritual prompting. A technical twist about why ejection would have been fatal. Thoughts on focus, trust, and following divine direction.
97 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 1h 5min
Genesis 6–11; Moses 8 Part 2 • Dr. Michael Cottle • Feb. 9-15 • Come, Follow Me
Michael Cottle, a church educator and scripture teacher who explores temple symbolism, shares perspectives on Genesis 6–11 and Moses 8. He links the ark to the temple, contrasts it with the Tower of Babel, and discusses covenant language, sanctification, and healing through temple worship. He also shares personal testimony about finding solace and renewal amid profound loss.
96 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 1h 13min
Genesis 6–11; Moses 8 Part 1 • Dr. Michael Cottle • Feb. 9-15 • Come, Follow Me
Michael Cottle, seminary instructor with a doctorate in education, reframes Noah and Moses 8 as a microcosm of the plan of salvation. He discusses the flood as mercy, Noah’s prophetic role, covenant order vs rebellion, and the ark as a symbol of Christ’s protection. Short, thoughtful reflections connect repentance, parental responsibility, and public versus private faith.
10 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 3min
Step One to Be One • followHIM Favorites • Feb. 2-8 • Come, Follow Me
They highlight a youth testimony that sparked apologies and changed a meeting. They warn about gossip and judgment undermining unity. They encourage inviting repentance, offering apologies, and standing with others. They stress playing on the same team and practical ways to support ward members and build friendship.
122 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 51min
Moses 7 Part 2 • Bro. Danny Ricks • Feb. 2-8 • Come, Follow Me
Danny Ricks, a scripture professor and LDS educator, offers doctrinal insights on Moses 7 and personal application. He explores Enoch’s vision, the veil of darkness, and the meridian of time. He reflects on covenantal hope, compassion over judgment, and finding comfort in Christ amid loss and sorrow.
