Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones

Every day, millions of people around the world are turning to FamilySearch, not because of marketing or trends, but because of something much deeper happening beneath the surface: a global movement of identity, belonging, and human connection.

In this conversation with Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, former Executive Director of the Family History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we explore why 98 percent of ...

Have you ever wondered how the early Saints understood the temple? Or what the Kirtland Temple dedication can teach us about Christ today?

In this conversation, Don Bradley walks through some simple but powerful connections between the temple, scripture, and the Savior. He also shares openly about his time away from the Church, his involvement in the "ex-Mormon" community, and the experiences that led him back to faith.

This episod...

Section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants is one of the most talked about and debated revelations in scripture. Some people say it just doesn’t sound like Joseph Smith, which has left a lot of questions about who actually wrote it.

Dr. Paul Fields, an expert in stylometry — the statistical study of writing style — joins Stephen Jones to take the emotion out of the debate and look at the evidence. Using data, history, and faith, he ...

It blew our minds when we found out this connection President Oaks has to church history.

Don Bradley—a Latter-day Saint historian who once left the Church and became an atheist, then found his way back—joins us to talk about some mind-blowing connections between Martin Harris and President Dallin H. Oaks.

Don walks us through hidden pieces of Church history that show how God’s hand was moving in more people than just Joseph Smith....

What’s it really like to sit across from a living prophet and give him feedback on his words?

In this episode of Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones, Sister Reyna I. Aburto, former Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, opens up about her deeply personal experiences with President Russell M. Nelson—moments that changed how she sees revelation, leadership, and discipleship forever.

She shares what it felt like the ...

What’s it really like to observe a prophet of God receiving revelation?

In this powerful episode, former Young Women General President Elaine S. Dalton shares her deeply personal experiences with President Russell M. Nelson.  She shares her personal glimpse into the heart of a prophet. She recalls the piercing blue eyes that seemed to see straight through to her soul, the counsel he gave about identity and virtue, and the quiet but...

Among many other things, President Nelson forever transformed the way we see temples. But what happens before temples are announced?

Former Executive Director of the Temple Department, Elder Larry Y. Willson shares remarkable behind-the-scenes experiences of working closely with President Russell M. Nelson.

Elder Wilson recounts the pivotal moment when President Nelson, newly called as prophet, looked at a carefully crafted 15-year...

What does faithfulness look like when life doesn’t go according to plan? 

In this episode, Skyler Sorensen—a father, content creator, and producer at Scripture Central—shares his journey through same-sex attraction, marriage, and the heartbreaking loss of his son, Milo.

He explains why same-sex attraction wasn’t his greatest trial, how (besides his Savior) his temple marriage became his greatest strength, and how grief brought unex...

When most people think about humanitarian work, they think about money. But is there more to it? 

Sharon Eubank, director of Latter-day Saint Charities, believes that the real power to change lives comes from something much deeper.

In this episode, Sharon shares her experiences working in places devastated by war, poverty, and natural disasters. From standing at the wreckage of the Sri Lanka tsunami to learning from everyday acts o...

What would make a 7-year-old Joseph Smith refuse alcohol before undergoing one of the most excruciating surgeries imaginable—decades before the Word of Wisdom was ever revealed?

Once an ex-LDS atheist, now a faithful Latter-day Saint and renowned Joseph Smith expert, Don Bradley shares one of the most powerful discoveries he’s ever made about Joseph’s life.  This isn’t just another “Joseph Smith refused ...

Everyone says Gen Z is leaving religion… but what if they’re actually leading a spiritual revival?

In this episode of Faithful Anyway, I sit down with David Butler to talk about what’s really going on with today’s rising generation. Are they rebelling against faith—or are they spiritually starving for something deeper, more real, and more rooted in who God really is? We unpack the misconceptions, the pain points, and the surprising...

Dr. Marcus Martins made history as the first Black missionary to serve after the 1978 revelation that extended the priesthood to all worthy male members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But that’s not what he wants to be known for.

In this conversation, Dr. Martins opens up about something far more personal and powerful: his quiet, steady choice to follow Christ, even when some questions didn’t have answers.

He d...

Many faithful Saints silently wrestle with the same question: “Why do I still feel broken?” In this powerful episode, Dr. Kawika Allen unpacks the hidden spiritual struggle of scrupulosity—anxiety disguised as righteousness—and how it convinces even the most devoted disciples that they’re never enough.

What if the reason you feel unworthy isn’t because you’ve failed, but because you’ve been trying to earn what was never meant to be...

Is fatherhood just underappreciated, or is it under attack?

Thirty years ago, The Family: A Proclamation to the World declared that fathers are to preside, provide, and protect. Today, fatherhood is mocked, minimized, or erased altogether.

We’ve gone quiet—afraid the truth is too controversial, the standard too high, the damage already done.

But Dr. Tim Rarick makes a powerful case: the world doesn’t need perfect dads—it needs pres...

In a culture that’s delaying, rejecting, and redefining marriage, what’s keeping young people from the relationships they deeply want?

BYU professor Dr. Brian Willoughby breaks down the hidden fears, mixed messages, and spiritual confusion behind modern dating and what the restored gospel can uniquely offer.

We discuss:

• Why marriage and family are being dela...

What if the very thing you prayed would go away… is actually God’s invitation to know Him better?

Ron Squire was living the life he planned, until a fall left him paralyzed and full of doubt. His faith didn’t feel like enough.

But through the unlikely lens of Viktor Frankl, and a God who doesn’t waste suffering, Ron discovered something deeper: Pain isn’t punishment. It’s a privilege.

And when you stop running from it… You might ju...

Why do people lose their faith?

Psychologist and BYU-I professor, Dr. Jeffrey Thayne, uncovers the deeper desires shaping our beliefs.

Challenging the assumption that logic alone drives our convictions, Jeffrey reveals how moral intuitions, molded by our communities and culture, hold the key to navigating faith and doubt. Unlocking these answers can strengthen our own faith and help us better navigate relationships with those who h...

What happens when everything you believe suddenly unravels?

Austin Fife (Light and Truth Letter) shares his deeply personal journey through faith, doubt, and rediscovery. From powerful spiritual experiences to moments of uncertainty, Austin opens up about what led him to question his beliefs—and what ultimately brought him back.

Austin shares the moment he realized he no longer believed in God, his wife’s unexpected response to tha...