Latter-day Profiles

Church News reporter and podcast host Mary Richards shares inspiring stories of faith, global service, and witnessing the Lord's hand in everyday life. From her early career at KSL NewsRadio to traveling the world amplifying the testimonies of Church leaders and members, Mary discusses her passion for journalism, motherhood, and building faith. Tune in to hear her heartwarming perspective on family life, raising five children, and finding uplifting stories in every corner of the world.

Film director and editor Tanner Christensen shares his journey behind the camera, following in the footsteps of his father, T.C. Christensen. After two decades editing faith-filled projects like The Cokeville Miracle and Studio C, Tanner stepped into the director’s chair with the inspiring documentary Standout: The Ben Kjar Story. Tune in to hear his perspective on independent storytelling, overcoming career challenges, and sharing uplifting, true stories that inspire faith and resilience.

World Champion wrestler and international speaker Ben Kjar shares his incredible story of overcoming Crouzon Syndrome to become a victor, not a victim. As Utah Valley University's first NCAA Division I All-American wrestler and subject of the award-winning film Standout, Ben discusses how faith, resilience, and setting bold goals empower us to achieve the impossible. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on choosing victory through trial and trusting in God's plan for our lives.

From Iranian refugee to top BYU law professor, Shima Baughman shares her remarkable journey of faith, family, and public service. A Distinguished Fellow at the Wheatley Institute and nationally recognized legal scholar, Professor Baughman explores how gospel principles like forgiveness and religious devotion transform criminal justice and enrich daily life. Join us as she discusses her passion for teaching, her love of Jesus Christ, and how worshiping in the temple grounds her family.

Host Brian Howard welcomes Jordan Abrams, Institute Director for BYU-Pathway Worldwide. Growing up in the "Napoleon Dynamite" country of Southeast Idaho, Jordan’s journey took him from a mission in Chile to a career that bridges corporate leadership and Church education. He discusses the innovative world of online learning, the unique spiritual environment of BYU-Idaho, and how BYU-Pathway is fulfilling a prophetic mission to educate and lift students in over 180 countries.

Former BYU quarterback Royce Bybee joins host Brian Howard to share a remarkable journey of faith and football. From being an All-American at Ricks College to playing under LaVell Edwards, Royce discusses his life-changing conversion and mission to England. Now serving as the Director of the Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center, he reflects on the power of mentorship, his role in coaching future generations, and how the lessons learned on the gridiron prepared him for a lifetime of service.

Host Brian Howard sits down with T.J. Packard, a CPA and partner at Packard, Appleby & Rogers. T.J. shares how a mission to Brazil and his time at BYU-Idaho forged a deep relationship with the Savior. He opens up about the trials of his single years, the "miracle" of meeting his wife Audrey, and the impact of a childhood friend who changed his life’s trajectory. A candid conversation about navigating the wait for life’s greatest blessings while finding joy in family and service

Host Brian Howard sits down with Candice Copple, Associate VP at ASU and Arizona Communication Director for the Church. A sixth-generation Arizonan, Candice shares how the Lord turned "dead ends" into divine opportunities—from a brief stint in tax accounting to seven years teaching seminary and a decade in high-stakes county politics. Discover how she uses her unique background to build interfaith bridges, lead statewide Church communications, and foster a culture of peacemaking.

Host Brian Howard sits down with Ryan Bingham, Vice President of Human Resources at Honeywell. From his early career in Idaho to leading a team of 140 professionals across the U.S. and Canada, Ryan shares his journey of designing global HR models and coaching leaders at every level. A BYU and BYU-Idaho alumnus, Ryan discusses how living abroad in Mexico and Chile shaped his "business-first" mindset and how his faith influences his commitment to developing talent and fostering positive workplace cultures.

Host Brian Howard sits down with Jennifer Fenn, FamilySearch Coordinator at the Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center. A lifelong Arizonan, Jennifer shares profound spiritual experiences that come from connecting families across the veil. She discusses her mission to empower ward and stake councils and her role in training consultants to lead with purpose. Discover how Jennifer’s simple, faith-filled approach to family history is strengthening modern families and advancing the work of salvation.

Host Brian Howard sits down with Elder Matthew Riggs, an Area Seventy and prominent Arizona attorney. From driving a UPS truck after law school to arguing landmark cases before the Arizona Supreme Court, Elder Riggs shares his unconventional journey. He discusses the divine intervention that led to his legal partnerships, the intersection of ethics and law, and his time presiding over the Washington D.C. South Mission. A fascinating look at following the Spirit in the courtroom and beyond.

Host Brian Howard sits down with Marc LeFevre, a career strategist and tech innovator. From serving as Student Body President at BYU-Idaho to founding Kalibrate.ai, Marc has helped thousands navigate the complexities of the modern job market. He discusses his mission to help individuals change their circumstances with confidence, the role of AI in career transitions, and how his faith guides his passion for lifting others during times of professional uncertainty and growth.

Host Brian Howard sits down with Cali Black, the creative force behind @ComeFollowMeStudy. A BYU-educated teacher and author, Cali shares how a simple inspired prompting led to a massive digital community dedicated to the scriptures. Discover her "One Minute" approach to daily study, her strategies for connecting teens with the gospel, and her passion for uncovering pure doctrine. Learn how this Arizona mother of three is helping families worldwide find power in the sacred word.

Host Brian Howard welcomes John Lewis, a leader whose influence spans government, business, and faith. From his tenure as Mayor of Gilbert to his service as President of the Cambodia Phnom Penh Mission, John shares how he has balanced high-level civic leadership with a deep commitment to the Gospel. Hear about the miracles witnessed in Cambodia, the growth of the Church in Arizona, and his current role as an Area Seventy. A powerful testament to the impact of a life dedicated to service.

Devin Durrant is the author of The Values Delta, an inspirational speaker, and a successful real estate entrepreneur. A former professional basketball player, Devin was a consensus All-American at Brigham Young University before playing for the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns, and he is consistently ranked among Utah's top college basketball players of the 20th century. Following his athletic career, he became a real estate investor. He developed his core philosophy, The Values Delta, which focuses on adding value to properties, careers, and personal life by prioritizing moral values. Devin has also been a prominent leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having presided over the Texas Dallas Mission and served as a counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency. He and his wife, Julie, reside in Idaho and are the parents of six children.

Roger Connors is a four-time New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, known for his over 35 years of expertise in organizational culture and leadership. He is the co-author of highly influential books, including The Oz Principle and Change the Culture, Change the Game. Roger is the co-founder and former CEO of Partners In Leadership (PIL), a globally recognized consulting firm that has trained millions of people in accountability. A convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Roger and his wife, Gwen, presided over the Washington Kennewick Mission, and he has served in various leadership capacities, including as a stake president and currently in a YSA stake presidency. He shares his business expertise as a graduate faculty professional member at Utah Valley University.

Rod Gustafson is a seasoned media professional and currently serves as a Coordinating Producer at BYU Broadcasting, where he manages a diverse portfolio of over 20 national and international broadcast projects, including scripted series and feature films, spanning the entire production process. In addition to his leadership role, he is deeply involved in mentoring students of all faiths who are aspiring to work in media, helping them build strong spiritual and professional foundations. Rod has a rich background in media and journalism, having served as a contract television journalist for CTV News and as a Senior Radio Producer for a national series on SiriusXM. He also founded and was President of Parent Previews, a pioneering media literacy resource that offered family movie reviews and trained parents to help their children become critical thinkers regarding media consumption.

Jonathan Wing is the Director of Events at FamilySearch, where he oversees the production of RootsTech, the world's largest genealogy and family history conference. An alumnus of the Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business, Jonathan has an impressive and diverse academic background, having studied at the renowned culinary school Le Cordon Bleu and earning an MSc in International Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science. His varied professional experience includes roles from The Los Angeles Times editorial food team to consulting with the Disasters Emergency Committee in the UK. He currently shares his expertise as an adjunct professor at Ensign College and is committed to spending time with his wife, Emilia, and their four children.

Lee Cummard is the newly appointed Head Coach of BYU Women's Basketball, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the university's mission. A former standout player for the BYU men's team, where he earned All-American and Mountain West Conference Player of the Year honors, Cummard has spent over a decade with the Cougars' basketball programs, serving on the coaching staffs for both the men's and women's teams. Prior to taking the head coach role, he helped the women's program achieve a WCC regular season title and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. A Mesa, Arizona native who served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tennessee, Coach Cummard played professionally overseas and is committed to fostering excellence both on and off the court for his student-athletes.

John Dye is the Executive Director of the Faith & Media Initiative, a non-profit dedicated to ensuring accurate, balanced, and inclusive representations of all faiths in news and entertainment globally. He is passionate about preparing the next generation of faith-driven media professionals by providing hands-on learning, internships, and strategic career placements. John previously served as the lead social media strategist and influencer marketing director at Bonneville Communications (Boncom), and as President of the integrated marketing firm, Fluid Studio. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University, holding both a Master's and a Bachelor of Arts in English, and has shared his expertise as an adjunct faculty member teaching English and Communications at institutions including BYU and Utah Valley University for over seven years. He currently serves on the board for BYU Alumni and the editorial board for the BYU Magazine.