BYU celebrates 150 years with ‘gifts of light,’ featuring President C. Shane Reese and Vice President Keith Vorkink
In recognition of Brigham Young University’s 150th anniversary and its sesquicentennial theme of “Celebrating Gifts of Light” (see Doctrine and Covenants 50:24), students, faculty and alumni are invited to perform 150 hours of service each. Throughout the yearlong celebration, BYU continues its mission to nurture divine light in its students, who then share the Light of Jesus Christ with the world by honoring the past and envisioning the future.
On this episode of the Church News podcast, BYU President C. Shane Reese and BYU Advancement Vice President Keith Vorkink join reporter Mary Richards. They underscore the university’s commitment in maintaining its faith-based mission, providing an excellent education and experiences to its students, and preparing its graduates for a lifetime of commitment to “go forth to serve.”
The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.
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The rededicated Hill Cumorah helps visitors strengthen their testimonies as it serves as ‘the cradle of the Restoration’
The recently refurbished and rededicated Hill Cumorah in Manchester, New York, is a historic and sacred site for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles called the reforested and refurbished area “the cradle of the Restoration.” The area was a pivotal place for the instruction of the young Prophet Joseph Smith, as well as the receiving and translation of the ancient gold plates that we now have as the Book of Mormon.
In this episode of the Church News podcast, Church News editor Ryan Jensen is joined by Benjamin Pykles, director of historic sites for the Church, and Sam Palfreyman, site manager for the Palmyra area, to explore the sacred significance of Hill Cumorah, the faith-promoting experiences of visiting historic Church sites, and how understanding the early history of the Church can help individuals gain and strengthen their testimonies of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.
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President Dallin H. Oaks: Man of faith, family and law
President Dallin H. Oaks was set apart as the 18th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 14, 2025, succeeding President Russell M. Nelson after the latter's death. This calling continues the Lord's established pattern, confirming the longest-serving living apostle as the new Prophet through revelation and priesthood authority.
On this episode of the Church News podcast, Church News editor Ryan Jensen explores the life of President Oaks with excerpts from interviews conducted in the days and weeks surrounding the prophetic calling. Family members, general Church leaders and the counselors in the First Presidency share lessons from their experiences and observations of the Prophet of the restored Church. They testify of President Oaks' preparation for this role as the Lord's mouthpiece to the world (see Doctrine and Covenants 21:5), as he has proven himself a man of faith in Jesus Christ, family and law.
The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.
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Trusting the Lord on the football field and in family life, featuring Porter and Carlie Ellett
Trusting in the Lord might not come easy to everyone, but those who develop that faith are promised, “He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). For husband-and-wife team Porter and Carlie Ellett, much of their journey of trust has played out on the field of the biggest sport in the United States. In this episode of the Church News podcast, the Elletts join Church News editor Ryan Jensen to share their story of faith, family and the unique experience of working in the environment of the National Football League with the Kansas City Chiefs as an assistant coach. Porter Ellett talks about overcoming a childhood accident that resulted in an amputation years later as a teenager. He and Carlie Ellett share how communication and faithfully living the gospel of Jesus Christ have helped them develop trust and resilience with God and in family life.
The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.
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Record seminary and institute enrollment blesses young people worldwide
Seminary and institute enrollment among youth and young adult members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is at a record high, following the late President Russell M. Nelson’s invitation to become closer to Christ through regular attendance and participation. On this episode of the Church News podcast, reporter Mary Richards is joined by Brother Chad H Webb, administrator for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion and the first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency, and Becky Scott, associate administrator of operations for seminaries and institutes, to discuss the growth and impact of these programs. They emphasize the importance of seminary in fostering faith, supporting youth and encouraging life, missionary and temple preparation.
The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.
Experience behind-the-scenes stories and interviews relating to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Join Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards as they interview Church leaders, members who are making a difference, and writers from the Church News team.
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