Welcome to the Fishers 2nd Ward! This podcast will give you an opportunity to get to know some of the members of the ward as well as its leadership. We look forward to knowing you better!
From Utah’s powder to Indiana’s trails, David Wypert shares a compelling journey of place, language, and faith. He recounts growing up a “ski snob” in Alpine/Highland, Utah, surfing and skating in Southern California, and moving his family to Fishers, Indiana in early 2022 for affordability and priorities that let his wife stay home with their kids. Along the way, David’s Spanish—refined during a mission in Hermosillo, Mexico and now used daily as a pharmacist—shifted from translation to true fluency, unlocking richer understanding in both everyday life and scripture study.The conversation deepens as David opens up about overcoming addictive behavior through the Church’s Addiction Recovery Program. He describes the transformative power of surrender to Christ—reshaping expectations, parenting, and how he serves others. Ken and David explore how learning languages changes how we think, why Hebrew roots illuminate scripture, and how grace meets us in real life. It’s equal parts humor, humility, and hope.
This week, we sit down with Dustin Anderson. In this conversation, Dustin shares his journey from growing up in small-town Utah and Montana to finding his place here in Fishers, Indiana.You'll hear about Dustin's big family (he's one of ten siblings!), how he met his wife Heather (yes, there are two back-to-back Anderson episodes, and you’ll hear both sides of their story!), and his unique career journey from studying child development to running his own paintless dent repair business. Dustin also dives into his love of music, from playing piano and singing in choir to—believe it or not—playing the nose flute.Plus, get a peek into the Andersons’ favorite family activities, their top sushi spot in town, and some fun family traditions. Dustin opens up about faith, family, business, and what he loves about being a part of the Fishers 2nd Ward community.Whether you’re looking to get to know your neighbors or just want to hear an uplifting story, you won’t want to miss this episode!
This week, we meet Dustin Anderson, one of the ward's own, about his journey from small-town Utah and Montana to life in Fishers, Indiana. Dustin talks about growing up in a family of ten kids, meeting his wife Heather (and shares his side of their love story), and what led him from studying child development to running his own dent repair business.You'll also hear about his musical talents (including a love for piano and even the nose flute), favorite local spots, and how the Andersons enjoy family time. Dustin opens up about faith, family, work, and what it means to be part of this community. Don’t miss this chance to get to know one of your neighbors a little better!
In today’s episode, we sit down with Heather Anderson, a vibrant member of our community who shares her story of faith, resilience, and the unexpected turns life can take. Heather talks about her roots in Reno, Nevada, her experiences serving a mission in Concepción, Chile, and the pivotal moments that guided her journey—from supporting her mother through a cancer diagnosis to following promptings that led her to BYU-Idaho, where her life changed in ways she never anticipated.Heather gives us an inside look at the challenges and blessings of coming home early from her mission, navigating big decisions that went against the “norm,” and building her family in unexpected ways. Whether it’s her passion for board games, her love of Harry Potter, or her heartfelt reflections on following spiritual promptings—even when they make no logical sense—Heather’s story is a testament to trusting in a bigger plan and finding assurance that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.Tune in for a warm, candid conversation that reminds us all about the power of community, following your own path, and recognizing the little tender mercies along the way.
He spent most of his growing up years in the small town of Paige, Arizona and now Josh has made Fishers his home. He's a mechanical engineer, a 3D printmater, father to two-year-old Ella, and husband to Brianna. He's a fan of comedy and board games, and loves spending time with family.Meet Josh Johnson.
Ready with a rebuttal to her husband, Hansen's episode, this week, we learn about Cassidy Blake. Coming to Fishers from the dry heat of Las Vegas, Cassidy's young family has enjoyed their time in Fishers, and they love traveling and spending time with extended family.Meet Cassidy Blake
Brett is a Utah native, who found his way to Fishers in 2023. He brings his Communications degree, his wife, Rachel, and kids Max and Hallie.
After his mission to Chile, he has overcome anxiety to discover that with faith, he can accomplish anything.
Meet Brett Mathews
Typically in the driver's seat for the ward podcasts, this week, Ken Williams sits in the Interview Chair, with Jeff French taking over as host.
A long-time Fishers Resident with five kids and a recently retired work schedule, Ken shares his mission, mindset, and marriage experiences that have led him to be solidly in the Fishers 2nd ward.
Meet Ken Williams
Growing up in a suburb of Dallas, then serving a mission-cut-short in Kennewick Washington, then getting an Accounting degree from BYU Provo, and on to Las Vegas to live close to his in-laws, Hansen has bounced around, learning and being molded along the way. He credits much of who he is to his marriage to his wife, as well as to the illness that cut his mission short.
Meet Hansen Blake
FromFrom Minnesota, to Southern California, to Washington, back to California, then Oregon, and finally Indiana, Tyler Payne has experienced a variety of cultures that have shaped his experiences.
If you are willing to share your story, schedule a time to chat at
https://tidycal.com/kenwilliams/ward-podcast-interview
From Minnesota, to Southern California, to Washington, back to California, then Oregon, and finally Indiana, Tyler Payne has experienced a variety of cultures that have shaped his experiences.
Married to his high school "friend," Taryn, Tyler talks about mission, family, and relationships that have brought him to the Midwest. Meet Tyler Payne.
If you are interested in sharing your story, schedule a time to chat at
https://tidycal.com/kenwilliams/ward-podcast-interview
He's been a clerk or in the Elders Quorum for most of his adult life.
Meet David Lowe. Transplanted to Indiana (originally from Virginia, by way of Utah), David calls him self a boring math lover.
Expecting their third, David enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family.
Get to know David!
For nearly two decades, Josh and his family have lived in Fishers. They have three boys, and Josh has a love of music and logistics.
Spend a few minutes to meet Josh McMahan
The Silvermans have been in the ward less than two months, and already Brian has a calling, has given a Sacrament Meeting talk, and he's on the Ward Podcast.
A recent convert, Brian's father is Jewish and his mother is catholic, and he always thought of himself as a Christian. And when he met Tara, he knew it was going to be great.
Three kids and a conversion later, it HAS been great, including a recent move to the not-nearly-as-hot-as-Las-Vegas city of Fishers, Indiana.
Welcome Brian Silverman
Richard Tensmeyer is a long-time Fishers resident, and an even longer-time Hoosier. Spending most of his life around the state of Indiana, he has a love for the area and has watched the growth of the Church flourish in recent years.
Rich shares about his life, his mission, and his family.
Meet Rich Tensmeyer
Carissa and I recorded this a few months ago, but since she is in town (briefly) for some wedding planning, I decided to bring this conversation to the ward.
Carissa is a Biology student at BYU-I, and she is planning to get married in a few weeks.
Meet Carissa Williams
Eric Tesch is a Catholic-turned-athiest-turned agnostic-turned Latter-day Saint. His journey has taken him around the world, and he has seen the vastness of the seas and the skies.
His path has been surprising at times, but he couldn't be happer with his membership in the Church, his three children, and his wife (who has been a perfect partner for him)
Meet Eric Tesch
Kourtni grew up in Michigan, is from a biracial family, and is a photographer of newborns.
Her first date with now-husband Josh ended before she even realized it was a date. But by date number 3, she knew she had found the one.
Meet Kourtni Steorts!
Josh is a Michigan fan, an IT professional, and the father to four children. His path hasn't always been direct, from meeting his wife to adopting London. But he has seen the Lord's hand in his life.
Meet Josh Steorts!
Newlyweds Dayton and Ella Wright moved into the Fishers 2nd ward just three weeks after getting married. Their relationship flourished in the middle of the pandemic, and they moved to Fishers because, well, it's not Utah.
Ella has her own podcast, "Start the Conversation," and she loves talking about how to have difficult conversations.
Dayton loves to surf, and they love developing friendships.
Meet Dayton and Ella Wright.
On June 22-25, 2022, the Young Men went to West Virginia for their first High Adventure trip since the pandemic began.
Meet Gavin Foster, Will James, Sam Wing, and Grant Ingram as the give the rundown of the events (and even some lessons learned) from their rafting, rock climbing, and hiking activities.
Zach Battraw is a Service Missionary with the assignment to serve in the Fishers Stake. He (and his family) have lived in the ward for several years, and he calls Fishers home.
During high school and his mission, Elder Zach discovered some of his talents and passions, and he has learned how to match the desire and the ability to serve.
Meet Elder Zach!
Maybe I'm the only one who was confused when Alan Culwell moved into the ward, because in my previous ward (Fishers 1), there was already a different Alan Culwell!
Meet Alan and Louise, who spent most of their recent past in the Pacific Northwest. An interest in family, including genealogy, helped them land in Fishers 2nd Ward, and we're grateful they're here!
Get to know the Culwells!
John, as a young man, was encouraged to advance his education, and he graduated high school at age 16.
Deatra, as a young mother, taught non-English-speaking kids to communicate in their new language.
Together, they have brought the gospel ordinances to hundreds of deceased family members.
Meet John and Deatra Ogden
Marcia French has been in Fishers for over 20 years, and with her husband, Jeff, she has served two service missions and two foreign missions.
She has grappled with dyslexia her entire life, but it wasn't until she was an adult that she knew her diagnosis. Now, with a PhD, she hopes she's finally done with school.
Get to know Marcia French.
Meet Curtis and Jennifer Larson. Self-proclaimed "nomads," who have purchased their first home in Fishers, Indiana.
Members of the ward for about eight years, they are not well known, but their story takes them from the East coast, to Utah, and to Indiana.
Get to know the Larsons.
Meet the Butlers. They're the missionary couple that has been in the ward since June, 2021.
They share about why they chose to serve a mission, how their family dynamic shaped their missionary service, and what will likely come next.
Get to know the Butlers with us!
He goes by Eddison, Eddie, Ed, E, and maybe a few more names. He's a recently-ordained priest in the ward, and he's had the unique experience of doing proxy baptisms in both the Rome and the Lisbon temples.
Get to know how Eddison is strengthening his testimony.
Jeff French has been a member of the Church for over 40 years, and he has lived in Fishers for 24. In this episode, he shares how he found the Church and how it has helped him through some of the challenges of his life.