How Firm a Foundation: Recent Episodes
UofU Institute
This podcast series is produced at the Institute at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. Student-hosted podcasts include various guests, exploring a variety of gospel topics. Each episode seeks to help listeners find ways to fulfill President Russell M. Nelson’s October 2021 charge to ”strengthen our personal spiritual foundations.”
The Salt Lake Temple is being renewed and strengthened so that it will continue to function and last into the Millennium. We too need to renew and strengthen the spiritual foundations in our life. In this episode Ivy Black has a conversation with George Bonnet about temple foundations and spiritual foundations. Brother Bonnet is currently a temple sealer in the Jordon River Temple, and he has spent much of his working life dealing with temple foundations. Listeners will be aided in their efforts to strengthen their personal spiritual foundation by listening to this episode. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
Often, we may feel that we are just not measuring up in life. A little divine discontent is good, but we also need to have hope that we are not just failing out of life. This is the very topic that Jonathon Soriano discusses with Aaron Shamy. Aaron Shamy spent 10 years as a professional rock climber and competed in national and international competitions. He won many accolades during his rock-climbing career including world cups and gold medals. Aaron served a two-year mission in Italy and is married to his high school sweetheart Morgan McDonald. Aaron and Morgan have four lovely children. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
We hear about the Savior Jesus Christ's ability to help us in mortality because He accomplished an atoning sacrifice. However, we often have a hard time figuring out how to rely on the Savior in such a way that He can help us. In this episode Dax Sorenson interviews Shawn Bills about this very subject. Shaw Bills is a religious educator at the University of Utah. He has taught religion classes for over 20 years, and he is incredibly adept at it. Along with the years of experience and skills that Shawn has developed learning and teaching the Gospel, he has also had many life experiences that give him a powerful perspective on the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
As we approach the end of the semester it is good to think about where we are with our spiritual foundation. The purpose of this podcast series was to invite and encourage students to strengthen their spiritual foundation. In this episode, two students take time to think about where they are at with their spiritual foundations. Raquel Bucio and Jacob Smith are two stellar students from the University of Utah, and they take time to speak sincerely and authentically about what they have learned about strengthening their spiritual foundation. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
There are many events of the restoration that are key to strengthening our spiritual foundations. One of these events is the First Vision. As the first Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles testified in 2020, “In humility, we declare that in answer to his prayer, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph and inaugurated the “restitution of all things” (Acts 3:21) as foretold in the Bible.”(Restoration Proclamation, April 5, 2020). Mary Ward and Grace Michaels sit down to talk about what we can learn about The First Vison and how this event can strengthen our spiritual foundation. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
Being busy is easy while being faithful can be hard. It is simple to fill our time with any number of activities and pursuits, so finding the motivation to strengthen our spiritual foundation is necessary for spiritual survival. We need this type of motivation to make time for the Lord and strengthen our foundations. In this episode Summer Stevens Hughes and Maya Allred discuss some of the powerful practices they have learned about increasing motivation to follow the Savior in a busy world. Both Summer and Maya are successful and hardworking students at the University of Utah, and both are seeking to be the disciples of Jesus Christ. Maya Allred is a master’s student pursuing a degree in Human Development with an emphasis in Disabilities Studies and will marry the best fiancée in the world in May. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
Strengthening our spiritual foundations is part of our ultimate goal of becoming like the Savior Jesus Christ. This process includes developing the attributes of the Savior Jesus Christ. In this episode of How Firm a Foundation, Ivy Black interviews Todd Goodsell about developing Christlike attributes. Todd Goodsell holds a PhD from the University of Michigan in Sociological Theory. He is a researcher for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is currently pursuing a Master of Theology from Saint Meinrad. This conversation is not only interesting but will also provide helpful thoughts about developing Christlike virtues (attributes). To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
When building our spiritual foundation, we must have the proper perspective. This is hard to do in a day and age filled with multiple different philosophies and voices vying for our attention. Fortunately, the Gospel gives us a different perspective. In this episode Alex Yardley has a conversation with Brother Brian Coleman about the different isms that affect how we view truth, identity, and reality. They also share some of the ways that a gospel perspective can help us to navigate some of the confusion in a world of isms. Brother Coleman is an incredible institute teacher and has had a life full of interesting experiences (e.g. serving as a military criminal investigator). To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
President Benson once taught that, "the plaguing sin of this generation is sexual immorality" ("A Witness and a Warning", p.74). Satan is doing all that he can to destroy the sacred intimate relationship between wives and husbands. Pornography is one of the weapons that the Adversary seems to wield against many saints in our day as part of his attempts at destroying relationships. In this episode Christian Jackson, interviews Hayden and Savannah Paul about their story of overcoming pornography. Hayden and Savannah run a podcast where they seek to help others in their battles with pornography. Listeners will find an encouraging message about following the Savior when facing a difficult situation. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
There is almost always a conversation happening around the Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Today’s episode jumps into this conversation by discussing how following the prophet helps us to build a strong spiritual foundation. For this episode, Jacob Smith speaks with Kristen Tuntland about prophets. Kristen has a unique perspective because she did not always know about living prophets, and as part of learning about the church she was exposed to a lot of negative messaging about Joseph Smith. Jacob and Kristen offer some great insights about the role of prophets and the teachings of prophets. Kristen holds a BA in International Relations from UC Davis, and she was just accepted into the MSW program at the University of Utah. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
Both interviews this week align with the Come Follow Me curriculum. Patriarchal blessings and family history are important for understanding what is happening in the last chapters of Genesis. They are also important topics for having a firm spiritual foundation in a day when we are striving to gather Israel. In Episode Eighteen, Raquel Bucio interviews Armand Johansen about questions, blessings, and challenges with patriarchal blessings. This interview includes incredible insights about patriarchal blessings that listeners will find helpful and encouraging. Brother Armand Johansen is a volunteer teacher at the U of U Institute of Religion, and he has been serving as a patriarch for the past three years. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
Both interviews this week align with the Come Follow Me curriculum. Patriarchal blessings and family history are important for understanding what is happening in the last chapters of Genesis. They are also important topics for having a firm spiritual foundation in a day when we are striving to gather Israel. In Episode Seventeen, Sharly Coombs interviews her friend Linny Johnson about family history work and temple work. Linny is a former Junior Project Manager for the Family History Department, and a descendent of hooligans and horse thieves. To say that Linny has an educated personal perspective on family history work would be an understatement. Listeners will be treated to a powerful personal story and witness to the healing blessing that can come from family history and temple work. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
It can be difficult to follow the Savior, but the difficulty can increase when we seek to do the right things and it still does not seem to work out. Fortunately, there are many disciples of Christ who have experienced this, two such disciples are Zack Christensen and Andrew Carlson. In this episode Zack and Andrew sit down to share some of their experiences and discuss what they have learned about following the Savior even when plans don’t work out. Both Zack and Andrew are incredibly talented and insightful—both are currently students at the University of Utah. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
Politics is all too often the source of contention between families, friends, and neighbors. In this episode Summer Stevens sits down with Aaron Coombs to discuss some ideas about approaching political discourse without losing our gospel foundation. Aaron is a religious educator at the Salt Lake U of U Institute. He completed his undergraduate degree at BYU in marriage family human development, an MPP and demography certificate from the University of Utah, and he is currently a PhD candidate in political theory and American politics at the University of Utah. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
This week’s episodes continue the change in theme to focusing on how to keep our foundations firm when we face the challenges and hardships of mortality. In Episode Fourteen Chris Ogle interviews Steven Sharp Nelson on what he has learned about following God through both his failures and successes. Most people know Steven through his work with the Piano Guys, but Steven learned a lot from his journey in life before the Piano Guys and even with fame after the Piano Guys. Steven talks about timing, habits, life, and trusting and hoping in the Lord. Steven Sharp Nelson is a world-famous cellist and an even better father. He holds a bachelor’s degree and MPA from the University of Utah. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
This week’s episodes continue the theme of how to keep our foundations firm when we face the challenges and hardships of mortality. In Episode Thirteen Dax Sorensen takes time to interview Mike Gregson about adversity. Mike has personal experience dealing with tests, trials, and adversity, and he takes time to share some of the perspectives that have come from his experiences. Mike Gregson and his wife Alisha have three children and enjoy impromptu dance parties at home. If you visit their house, you better be ready to bust a move. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
You can learn more about Mike's personal story here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuDKkjdngtw
In this two-part edition of How Firm a Foundation, Gabe Frei takes time with Brother Jared Halverson to discuss anti-religious rhetoric, doubts, and unanswered questions. This topic is the beginning of a shift in the podcast series from focusing solely on basic gospel principles to applying those principles in difficult and challenging situations. Jared Halverson is a professional religious educator with over twenty years of experience teaching in and directing religious education programs. He has a BA in history and an MA in religious education from BYU, and a second MA in American religious history from Vanderbilt, where he recently completed a PhD in the same subject, focusing on the history of anti-religious rhetoric. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
In this two-part edition of How Firm a Foundation, Gabe Frei takes time with Brother Jared Halverson to discuss anti-religious rhetoric, doubts, and unanswered questions. This topic is the beginning of a shift in the podcast series from focusing solely on basic gospel principles to applying those principles in difficult and challenging situations. Jared Halverson is a professional religious educator with over twenty years of experience teaching in and directing religious education programs. He has a BA in history and an MA in religious education from BYU, and a second MA in American religious history from Vanderbilt, where he recently completed a PhD in the same subject, focusing on the history of anti-religious rhetoric. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
Repentance is often a topic that engenders feelings of fear and trepidation. However, Elder Renlund has invited us to see repentance as a "joyful choice". In this episode Jonathan Soriano interviews Joaquin Barrios about repentance. Specifically, Jonathan and Joaquin discuss how we can make repentance a joyful and hopeful experience. Joaquin is a student at the University of Utah studying marketing, he was born in Uruguay, and he loves to run. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
Who am I? This is one of the most profound and complex questions someone can ask in this life, and there are a number of answers that could be given. However, the most important answer has to do with our divine identity. In this episode Sam Sorensen interviews Brother Brandon Porter about this topic to learn how knowing about our divine identity can help us to build a firm foundation. Brother Brandon Porter was born in Ogden Utah and holds a master’s degree in family and human development and a PhD in education from Utah State University. He has been a seminary teacher and institute teacher for many years, and now writes curriculum. He is married to the captivating Danielle Taylor, and they are the happy parents of four daughters and two sons. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
Gaining, keeping, and strengthening a testimony are difficult for anyone who chooses to believe. In this episode Spencer Hall has a conversation with Anna Gubbay about testimonies. Specifically, Spencer and Anna discuss how to strengthen the foundation of our testimony in this day and age. Anna Gubbay served a full-time mission and is a singer and is currently a full-time student at the University of Utah. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
Church attendance can be difficult for many people, and it is on the decline in America. However, attending church is an action that helps us to build our spiritual foundations. Gabe Frei and Johnny Bowers discuss the topic of church and church attendance and how it applies to young adults in this episode. Jonny Bowers is currently a graduate student at the University of Utah. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
We often forget how important the ordinance of the sacrament is for receiving spiritual strength. In this episode Mary Ward interviews Mike Day on the topic of the sacrament. Mike Day is a teacher at the Institute of Religion at the University of Utah. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Utah in world languages and comparative literary and cultural studies with an emphasis on classic Greek and Hebrew. Brother Day has specialized in the Hebrew Bible, and this allows him to give a great perspective on the sacrament. The “Show Notes” that Brother Day refers to in the podcast can be found here. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
Faith is essential to building a firm foundation in Jesus Christ. In this episode Spencer Hall interviews John Jewkes about faith. John has spent his career as a religious educator teaching youth and young adults in seminary and institute. His years of investing in learning and teaching the gospel have led to a lifetime of knowledge and insight. Listeners will find this conversation not only interesting but valuable. John Jewkes is currently serving as an LDS bishop. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
Studying scriptures with real intent can make a big difference when seeking to strengthen our spiritual foundation. Jonathan Soriano interviews his friend Noah Blake about the challenges and benefits of scripture study for young adults. Listening to this episode will not only remind listeners of the power of daily intentional scripture study, but it will also give listeners some great ideas and information about how to study scriptures in a busy world. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
How can prayer help us to strengthen our spiritual foundation? This is the question at the heart of the discussion in this episode of the How Firm a Foundation podcast series. Grace Michael takes some time with two wonderful full-time sister missionaries to discuss the importance and power of prayer. This episode is a great reminder to all of us that prayer is a key part of building a spiritual foundation. To enroll in the U of U Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
Brother Marshall McDonald sits down with Sister Trina Garlick to discuss what we can learn about building a strong foundation from the hymn "How Firm a Foundation". Both Brother McDonald and Sister Garlick are choir directors at the Salt Lake U of U Institute. Sister Trina Garlick is currently teaching a class titled "Latter-Day Hymns". To enroll in the UofU Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.
In this kickoff episode for the series, Raquel Bucio and Troy L. Virgin discuss insights from President Nelson's talk, "The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation". Troy L. Virgin is the institute director at the University of Utah. He has worked for Seminaries and Institutes for 27 years. Troy has served in multiple church callings and he and his wife Amy have 5 children and a new grandchild. To enroll in the UofU Institute class related to this podcast series, see this linked webpage.