In this episode, Whitney Murdock shares how her journey as an introverted missionary shaped her unique approach to mentoring others. Born into a blended family with deep faith roots, Whitney discusses how her parents' divorce at age 11 led her to find solace in scripture, building the foundation for her testimony. She reveals the surprising challenges of preparing for missionary service while grieving her brother's suicide just two weeks before her departure date. Whitney details her struggles with perfectionism during her Portland, Oregon mission, and how a mission president's blessing about "finding the one" helped her overcome social anxiety. Her insights about mental preparation for missionaries offer practical guidance for introverts facing similar challenges. Whitney's story highlights how God works through our authentic personalities rather than despite them, demonstrating that our "loaves and fishes" offerings become magnified when surrendered to divine purpose. This conversation provides valuable perspective for anyone feeling inadequate in their spiritual journey or questioning if they have what it takes to serve effectively.

In this episode, May Lundy shares her journey from childhood faith to adult conviction. Born in Mexico to educator parents, May describes how her grandmother's swift conversion set the spiritual foundation for generations to follow. Her father, a stake president, instilled the vital importance of intentional faith—gathering the family to vote on making Christ the center of their lives. May details her decade-long sprint through dual college degrees across two countries, leading to her eventual physical and emotional collapse while working at Deseret Digital Media. The turning point came during a desperate prayer on her living room floor, when three simple words changed her approach to discipleship. May discusses the misconception that grace only arrives at the finish line, instead discovering that Christ walks beside us through every step of our trials. Her insights on finding joy within hardship, not just beyond it, offer a fresh perspective on living with intention. May also shares wisdom gleaned from working with Elder Clark Gilbert and practical approaches to creating a home centered on Christ. This conversation invites listeners to reconsider what it truly means to walk hand-in-hand with the Savior in both struggle and success.

Unveiling the mind behind a literary phenomenon! In this episode of Why We Believe, Nathan Gwilliam sits down with Chris Heimerdinger, the mastermind of the "Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites" series that has captivated millions of readers. Heimerdinger reveals how a childhood obsession with finding a mythical "rainbow room" in Wyoming's Frost Cave sparked his imagination, leading to a dream during his mission that launched his writing career. His conversion story takes unexpected turns—from skeptical teenager to BYU film student who fasted and prayed in a secluded grove seeking truth. Heimerdinger shares intimate details about crafting emotionally charged scenes, admitting he wept throughout the writing process of his most impactful chapters. With surprising vulnerability, he discusses personal struggles including divorce, emphasizing that success as a religious author doesn't provide immunity from life's trials. This fascinating conversation explores how following unexpected spiritual guidance transformed Heimerdinger from aspiring stand-up comedian into a bestselling author whose work continues bringing readers back to scripture decades after its first publication.

"I didn't throw footballs anymore, but I still play the piano as the organist in the Arizona Temple"—an unexpected career path for Dallas Cowboys legend Danny White, who credits his mom's stubborn piano lessons for his NFL success. White takes us behind the scenes of his controversial decision to skip a College World Series game on Sunday due to religious beliefs—a choice that led to striking out in the championship but ultimately directed him toward football stardom. He offers an insider's perspective on competing alongside Roger Staubach (who once added a paper cup to a barbell to outdo White's bench press record) and playing for legendary coach Tom Landry, highlighting how both men excelled without compromising their principles. White speaks openly about the infamous fumble that cost the Cowboys a Super Bowl appearance and shares how his faith sustained him through losing his son and wife within months of each other. With wisdom gained from triumph and tragedy, White reminds us that true success requires ensuring our ladder of achievement is "leaning against the right tree.”

In this episode, Nate Alder, founder of Klymit and CEO of Skavengerz, shares his momentous journey of faith and entrepreneurship. Experience the power of divine timing as he recounts a providential flight to Brazil that changed his life forever, leading to both love and conversion. Through his mission experiences in Peru, Nate reveals how deep scripture study transformed his testimony and prepared him for future challenges. His story includes the incredible conversion of a Jehovah's Witness family whose faith revolutionized their local ward, and powerful insights about maintaining spiritual strength while building successful businesses. Nate's unique perspective on viewing the world through a gospel lens offers fresh inspiration for anyone navigating their own path of faith. Join us for an episode filled with riveting stories of divine guidance, perseverance, and the unexpected ways the gospel touches lives around the world.

Meet Tami Hymas, a hairstylist whose spiritual journey began with a simple challenge and a 25-cent soda. In this episode, Tami shares how a devastating ski accident transformed her from a successful salon owner into someone who sees beauty in an entirely new way. Through her companies BeUtofullness and inUpowers, she now teaches others to embrace both their inner and outer beauty using innovative approaches, including cartoon characters that help people process difficult emotions. Her remarkable story demonstrates how life's greatest challenges can become divine stepping stones to discovering one's true purpose and shows us that real beauty begins with understanding our inherent worth as children of God.

Discover how BYU law professor Shima Baughman's journey from Iran to America became a testament to divine intervention. Through her mother's prophetic dream in an Iranian prison to their last-minute escape, Shima's path to finding Christ is nothing short of miraculous. She shares how temple attendance transformed her marriage, why she boldly shares her faith on TikTok, and how her research proves faith's power in solving society's challenges. Experience a story of divine timing, unexpected miracles, and the profound truth that God's plans surpass our own. This conversation will renew your faith in miracles and inspire you to trust in divine guidance.