What unfolds when faith-driven creators stop flying solo, and start building together?

This week on Latter-day Lights, Scott Brandley and co-host Larry Johnson sit down with publishing veteran Steve Piersanti—founder and CEO of Berrett-Koehler Publishers, and the driving force behind LDSPMA (Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media & the Arts). Together, they retrace Steve’s path to success; from launching BYU’s Century Two journal, to rallying 45 volunteers in 2015, and growing that circle into 2,800 members united by one mission: to spread light and truth through books, film, podcasts, music, and more.

They break down the process of building a volunteer-run nonprofit—from the early challenges, to launching pitching sessions, deep-dive workshops, and Praiseworthy/Spark awards—all the while emphasizing the faith-based community that keeps LDS creators and entrepreneurs coming back every time. Scott even throws in the serendipitous conversation that inspired Latter-Day Lights itself—and why showing up in media spaces matters just as much as showing up at Church.

If you have a talent that’s waiting to be seen, this conversation may be the nudge you need to step forward, link up, and create something that makes the world a better place. Tune in to find out how LDSPMA could be the bridge between your gift and the people who need it.

*** Please SHARE Steve's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/ob4OwpaaPKQ

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To LEARN MORE about LDSPMA (keynotes, conferences, workshops, etc.) visit: https://ldspma.org/

To VOLUNTEER at LDSPMA, visit: https://ldspma.org/volunteer/

To DONATE to LDSPMA, visit: https://ldspma.org/donate/

To LISTEN to Scott & Alisha's guesting on the LDSPMA Podcast, "Called to Create," visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1696705/episodes/17374653

To READ Scott’s book “Faith to Stay,” visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

What if you had a front-row seat to literally watch the Spirit of Elijah sweep across the earth?

In this powerful episode of Latter-day Lights, we sit down with Rachel Crump Mathews, a devoted disciple, Relief Society president, and one of the inspired leaders behind the global RootsTech conference.

What began as a temporary job over a decade ago soon became a sacred calling—one that placed Rachel on the front lines of helping to grow and expand the Church's family history and genealogy efforts.

With humility and deep spiritual insight, Rachel shares how she followed promptings, overcame uncertainty, and witnessed miracle after miracle as RootsTech grew from a small Utah-based event into a worldwide movement - helping millions connect to their ancestors.

If you’ve ever wondered whether the Lord is truly directing His work in these latter days—this story will leave no doubt.

*** Please SHARE Rachel's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/q3yhip7RG6Y

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To VISIT the RootsTech website, go to: https://www.rootstech.org

To VISIT the Family Search website, go to: https://www.familysearch.org

To READ Scott’s book “Faith to Stay,” visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

#LDSPodcast #ChristianStories #latterdaylights

When Heaven hands you another chance at life, what legacy will you protect for your bloodline?

This Sunday on Latter-Day Lights, hosts Scott and Alisha welcome Joseph Smith Skeen to the show. As a direct descendant of Hyrum Smith, Joe unveils how near-death and a second chance at life became the spark that led him to safeguard his ancestor’s relics—from Alvin’s toolbox that once cradled the gold plates, to Hyrum’s bullet-scarred pocket watch, and even Civil War rifles used at Carthage.

Now an author of devotional books drawn from decades of faith-driven experiences, Joe weaves God’s calling, family heirlooms, and profound revelations into a testimony that proves the Lord can preserve hearts and history all at once.

Tune in to Joe’s story to discover how tangible relics and personal miracles intertwine, leaving you with fresh resolve to trace, treasure, and testify to the sacred narratives in your own family for generations to come.

*** Please SHARE Joe's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode, visit: https://youtu.be/7QAIlCNLGNs

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To READ Joe's first book, "Testimony: How to Find Peace and Strength in a Troubled World," visit: https://a.co/d/eFVf4j9

To READ Joe's second book, "Today's Thought: For Missionaries and Families," visit: https://a.co/d/hIMCcoc

To READ Joe's third book, "Affirmation: Stories and Artifacts of Joseph, Hyrum, and The Smith Family" (use code AFFIRM20 for 20% off,) visit: https://www.ssstechnologies.net/store/AFFIRMATION-Stories-and-Artifacts-of-Joseph-Hyrum-and-the-Smith-Family-p670324639

To READ Scott’s book “Faith to Stay,” visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.