Podcast

STRONG

Religion & Spirituality

STRONG is a weekly series for the youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Hosted by Kirby Heyborne, every episode is tied to that week's For the Strength of Youth curriculum: honest conversations, object lessons, real scriptures and doctrine, music, and a specific challenge to put it into practice.

STRONG meets youth where they are and invites them somewhere better, with guests, questions, and challenges.

Built for teens, families, teachers, and leaders to use as a shared resource and conversation starter.

New episodes every week. Subscribe and bring your class, quorum, or family along.

STRONG Youth Foundation

Episodes
10
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
26 min
On air since
2026
Latest episode
4 days ago

Episodes

10 episodes, newest first

  1. FSY Nov. Week 2: What If I Don’t Feel the Spirit When Reading Scriptures? (feat. TJ Faamausili)

    Season 1, Episode 10

    Show notes

    Have you ever finished reading a page of scripture only to realize your mind was somewhere else entirely? In this episode of STRONG, host Kirby Heyborne sits down with seminary teacher and This Is Kingdom co-host TJ Faumausili to explore the "For the Strength of Youth" (FSY) topic "Truth Will Make You Free: Studying the Scriptures." Together, they tackle a hilarious blind bag challenge, unpack how to ask better questions in your personal study, and share what to do when you read and don't feel anything. Plus, TJ performs his original song "He Can Lift You High" live in the studio!

    In this episode, you will learn:

    • How to Slow Down: Why treating scripture study like a careful recipe uncovers meaning you might otherwise miss.
    • Studying with Questions: How using your patriarchal blessing, gospel topics, or personal questions brings verses alive.
    • Real Talk on Revelation: Why not feeling an instant spiritual high doesn't mean you're doing something wrong.
    • Line Upon Line Guidance: How a verse read years ago can suddenly become the answer to today's prayer.

    Take Kirby's weekly challenge: pick one gospel word or question that matters to you, pray for understanding, read a chapter or passage around it, and write down one thing you learn about Jesus Christ!

    Visit https://strongyouthfoundation.com/ for more episodes, study guides, and resources!

    28 min
  2. FSY Nov. Week 1: Truth Will Make You Free (feat. Mike Littlewood)

    Season 1, Episode 9

    Show notes

    Why does God want us to keep learning, and how can what we learn bless the people around us?

    In this episode of STRONG, host Kirby Heyborne is joined by former BYU baseball coach and D1 basketball referee Mike Littlewood. Together, they dive into the "For the Strength of Youth" (FSY) curriculum topic "God Wants You To Keep Learning," exploring how to wrap your thumb around life's tough challenges, seek learning by study and faith, and stay true to your beliefs under pressure.

    In this episode, you will learn:

    • How to Handle Getting Stuck: Why struggling is part of learning and how Heavenly Father helps us navigate problems.
    • Seeking Learning by Study and Faith: How acting on gospel principles brings enduring understanding.
    • Integrity on the Line: Standing strong in your beliefs when you are the only one on the team bus.
    • Real Talk on Failure & Comparison: What to do when you pray for help but still feel like you're falling behind.

    Take Kirby's weekly challenge: pick one thing you're learning that feels hard, tell Heavenly Father where you're stuck, ask for His help, find someone to guide your next step, and write it down!

    Visit https://strongyouthfoundation.com/ for more episodes, study materials, and resources!

    28 min
  3. FSY Oct. Week 4: Does It Even Matter Who You Are When No One Is Watching? (feat. Ron Fife)

    Season 1, Episode 8

    Show notes

    Who are you when the room is empty and nobody is scoring your choices?

    In this episode of STRONG, Kirby Heyborne is joined by his uncle, retired Fire Chief Ron Fife, to explore what it truly means to live as a covenant son or daughter of God. From attempting a grueling firefighter physical test to discussing behind-the-scenes integrity, this episode unpacks the core of the "For the Strength of Youth" (FSY) curriculum on covenant living and virtue.

    In this episode, you will learn:

    • Virtue Behind the Scenes: Why what you choose in private defines your character and spiritual strength.
    • Lessons from First Responders: How quiet, unseen preparation builds the foundation for life's biggest battles.
    • Scriptural Integrity: How the Stripling Warriors, Emma Smith, and Proverbs 31 model covenant living without an audience.
    • Real Talk on Integrity: Why your private and public behavior shapes who you become when it counts.

    Kirby's weekly challenge: pick one area of your private life to live the gospel fully without telling anyone, and notice how Christ’s strength fills in where yours runs out.

    Visit https://strongyouthfoundation.com/ for more episodes, curriculum guides, and resources!

    29 min
  4. FSY Oct. Week 3: Am I Damaged if I Made Mistakes? (feat. Carmen Rasmussen)

    Season 1, Episode 7

    Show notes

    How does living the law of chastity build real spiritual confidence and personal power?

    In this episode of Strong, Kirby breaks down Topic 10 from the "For the Strength of Youth" (FSY) curriculum, focusing on self-worth and the law of chastity.

    Listen as Kirby Heyborne sits down with American Idol finalist, former Young Women president, and mom of four, Carmen Rasmussen Herbert. Together, they take on the "Last One Standing" tower challenge, discuss what it feels like to have your worth judged by millions, and perform a powerful duet of the original song "Beauty in Me."

    In this episode, you will learn:
    - Why virtue garnishings lead to confidence in the presence of God (D&C 121:45)
    - The four areas to guard: thoughts, words, actions, and media choices
    - How to handle mistakes, repentance, and overcoming the lie that you are "damaged"
    - How to build a "holy place" when no one else is watching

    Visit strongyouthfoundation.com for more episodes and resources!

    35 min
  5. FSY Oct. Week 2: Understanding the Word of Wisdom: Health, Revelation & Integrity (feat. Rylee Egbert)

    Season 1, Episode 6

    Show notes

    How does what you put into your body affect how clearly you can hear the Spirit? In this episode of Strong, Kirby breaks down the "For the Strength of Youth" (FSY) curriculum covering the Word of Wisdom (Doctrine & Covenants 89).

    Listen as Kirby Heyborne sits down with varsity tennis star Rylee Egbert and takes on a hilarious water balloon tennis challenge to show what peak performance and preparation look like on the court. Plus, Kirby shares how trusting an improv coach helped him book a major TV show, Rylee shares a personal story of breaking a soda habit through her "personal word of wisdom", and they unpack Daniel's famous 10-day test in Babylon.

    In this episode, you will learn:

    • How Daniel and his friends gained 10x more wisdom through obedience
    • Why the Word of Wisdom is as much about spiritual revelation as physical health
    • How small daily choices build integrity and character
    • What to do when facing peer pressure or struggling with habits/addictions

    Visit strongyouthfoundation.com for more episodes and resources!

    26 min
  6. FSY Oct. Week 1: Your Body is Sacred (feat. Dr. Ryan Beck)

    Season 1, Episode 5

    Show notes

    Why does God care how you treat your body, and how does the Word of Wisdom bless your life right now?

    In this episode of Strong, Kirby breaks down topic 10 from the "For the Strength of Youth" (FSY) curriculum, "Your Body is Sacred".

    Listen as Kirby Heyborne sits down with sports chiropractor Dr. Ryan Beck (Beck Spinal Care, former BYU football player) and braves an arm acupuncture demonstration while singing Primary songs to test his brain-body focus! Plus, Kirby shares a story about donating blood on his mission in the Dominican Republic, and Dr. Beck shares the 5 pillars of health, inspiring recovery stories, and a moving tribute to his aunt's final hours.

    In this episode, you will learn:
    - Why spirit and body together form the soul of man (D&C 88:15)
    - The 5 Pillars of Health: Eat right, move right, think right, check your nervous system, and sleep
    - How keeping the commandments protects and enhances your physical potential
    - What to do when facing physical limitations, illness, or disabilities

    Visit strongyouthfoundation.com for more episodes and resources!

    25 min
  7. FSY Sept. Week 4: What Does it ACTUALLY Mean to Be a Covenant Child of God? (with Hank Smith)

    Season 1, Episode 4

    Show notes

    What does it actually mean to live as a covenant son or daughter of God?

    In this episode of Strong, Kirby breaks down the "For the Strength of Youth" (FSY) curriculum covering covenant identity, Emma Smith, and Joseph Smith.

    Listen as Kirby Heyborne and popular speaker, author, and podcast host Hank Smith take on a distorted mirror drawing challenge to show how looking through the world's lens messes with our perception of who we really are. Plus, Kirby shares the personal story of receiving his patriarchal blessing, and Hank offers a powerful 30-second explanation of why you were born for a promise made over 2,500 years ago.

    In this episode, you will learn:

    • Why God calls you specifically by name and knows your divine purpose
    • The difference between looking at yourself through the world's mirror vs. God's truth
    • How Emma and Joseph Smith fulfilled distinct, essential roles in the Restoration
    • What to do when you feel like you don't fit in or feel any different than your peers

    Visit strongyouthfoundation.com for more episodes and resources!

    22 min
  8. FSY Sept. Week 3: Who Holds Priesthood Keys & What Do They Unlock? (feat. Dave Nibley)

    Season 1, Episode 3

    Show notes

    Who actually holds priesthood keys in your ward, and what do they unlock for you personally?

    In this episode of Strong, Kirby Heyborne breaks down the "For the Strength of Youth" (FSY) curriculum covering delegated priesthood authority, ward callings, and divine keys.

    Listen as Kirby and his guest, actor Dave Nibley (The Best Two Years), take on a messy egg and lockbox challenge to show why having the right key makes all the difference. Plus, hear real youth share what it felt like to be set apart, get an honest answer to how priesthood authority applies to young women, and learn how even a 12-year-old Deacons Quorum President holds actual priesthood keys.

    In this episode, you will learn:

    • What delegated priesthood authority is and how you use it in a calling
    • Why priesthood keys open the "gates of heaven" (Elder Gary E. Stevenson)
    • How young women act with God's authority when set apart to serve

    Visit strongyouthfoundation.com for more episodes and resources!

    14 min
  9. FSY Sept. Week 2: Understanding Priesthood Keys & Restoration of Authority (feat. Gwen Heyborne)

    Season 1, Episode 2

    Show notes

    Is the Restoration just history, or is God's authority actively working in your life today? In this episode of Strong, Kirby Heyborne breaks down the "For the Strength of Youth" (FSY) curriculum covering the restoration of priesthood keys, apostolic authority, and divine messengers.

    Watch as Kirby and his daughter, Gwen Heyborne, take on a blindfolded flashlight assembly challenge to show what it’s like trying to build truth without divine light. Plus, hear Gwen share her Argentina mission call, discover how priesthood authority traces directly back to Jesus Christ, learn what to do if you've become "nose blind" to the gospel, and enjoy a father-daughter duet performance.

    In this episode, you will learn:
    ⚬ The difference between a reformation and a full restoration
    ⚬ How heavenly messengers (John the Baptist, Peter, James, John, Moses, Elias, and Elijah) restored specific keys
    ⚬ How to ask God with real intent and know the truth for yourself

    Visit strongyouthfoundation.com for more episodes and resources!

    23 min
  10. FSY Sept. Week 1: Why We Need Priesthood Power (feat. Devin Supertramp!)

    Season 1, Episode 1

    Show notes

    Why do we need the priesthood, and how does God's power actually enter our lives?

    In this episode of Strong, Kirby breaks down the "For the Strength of Youth" (FSY) curriculum covering priesthood keys, ordinances, and divine authority.

    Watch as Kirby gets stranded on a paddleboard with YouTuber Devin Supertramp to demonstrate why having the right tools—and the right authority—is essential to reach where we're going. Plus, hear a powerful real-life miracle story from Kenya, get answers to what to do when you don't feel the Spirit during the sacrament, and listen to an original musical performance by Kirby Heyborne.

    In this episode, you will learn:
    ⚬ How priesthood authority traces directly back to Jesus Christ
    ⚬ How priesthood keys and callings apply to both young women and young men
    ⚬ Why feelings follow faithfulness

    Visit http://strongyouthfoundation.com for more episodes and resources!

    18 min