PODCAST · religion
Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones
by Scripture Central
Get help answering some of life’s most challenging questions with Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones. This Scripture Central original series offers practical insights and ways to navigate life’s challenges and heaviest questions through the lens of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.The show covers various topics, from life skills, personal development, Church history/culture, service, and personal relationships, all through the lens of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Episodes
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This Temple Pattern Is Hiding in Plain Sight Throughout Scripture | Dr. John Thompson | EP63
This Temple Pattern Is Hiding in Plain Sight Throughout Scripture | Dr. John Thompson | EP63Most Latter-day Saints have seen the Plan of Salvation drawn as circles and lines.Egyptologist Dr. John Thompson argues this may be why we’ve missed something much bigger.In this episode, he reveals a…
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2,000 People Who Beat Addiction & Crime Taught Me This About Change | E0062 Joseph Grenny
What does it actually take for a person to change?Joseph Grenny has spent decades studying human behavior, influence, and transformation. But some of his deepest lessons came when those ideas collided with his own family, including his son’s struggle with heroin addiction and Joseph’s painful...
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Why Did Joseph Smith Receive the Golden Plates on Sept. 22? | Don Bradley E61
Why did Joseph Smith receive the gold plates on September 22, 1827?Historian Don Bradley began asking that question while reconstructing the timeline surrounding the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. What he found was a striking sequence connecting the events that followed to the Jewish fall...
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We May Have Misunderstood What Joseph Smith Really Found | Don Bradley E0061
Everyone knows the story: Joseph Smith went to a hill and found the gold plates. But historian Don Bradley believes we may have misunderstood what he actually found.In this episode, Don takes a closer look at the objects associated with the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and places them...
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Can Faith Solve Poverty? Inside BYU–Pathway’s Global Mission | President Brian Ashton E0060
What if poverty is not only a financial problem, but a spiritual one? President Brian Ashton explains why intelligence is widely distributed, but opportunity is not. He shares how BYU–Pathway Worldwide combines faith, education, practical skills, and employment to help people build lasting...
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Emma Smith: Untold Stories That Will Change How You See Joseph Smith | Don Bradley E0059
The woman who knew Joseph Smith better than anyone never stopped testifying that he was a prophet. So why has history remembered her almost entirely through controversy? In this episode of Let’s Get Real, historian Don Bradley takes a fresh look at Emma Smith, separating the historical record…
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We're Asking The Wrong Question About Why Latter-day Saints Leave | E0058 Justin Dyer
For years, many Latter-day Saints have looked at declining activity rates and wondered the same thing: Is the Church failing? In this episode, I sit down with BYU Studies Editor-in-Chief Justin Dyer to examine what the data actually says about retention, religiosity, mental health, and why people...
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The Lost Prequel That Changes How the Book of Mormon Begins | Don Bradley E0057
"I, Nephi . . . ." We’ve all read the beginning of the Book of Mormon. Lehi is warned. Nephi is sent back. Laban is drunk. The story moves fast and feels familiar. But what if we’ve been reading it without understanding the setting it's unfolding in? In this episode, I sit down with church...
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The Silent Force Pulling People Away from Their Faith | David Snell E0056
Most people don't walk away from their faith in a dramatic moment. They don't deconstruct overnight. They slowly stop caring. In this episode of Let’s Get Real, I sit down with David Snell from @keystonelds to talk about the quiet threat that is pulling more people away than doubt or hard...
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The Uncomfortable Truth About Accountability and Healing from Sexual Abuse | Sage Williams E0055
Some think healing means being kind, moving on, and keeping the peace. But what if that approach is actually keeping people stuck? We’re taught to avoid discomfort. We’re taught not to make things worse. We’re taught that compassion means letting things go. But over time, the same pain keeps…
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What Working With The Top 0.1% Podcasters Taught Me About Faith’s Revival | Ben Hancock E0054
Many people think faith is declining. Ben Hancock has worked behind the scenes on one of the world’s top podcasts, alongside voices like Chris Williamson of "Modern Wisdom" and interacting with some of the most influential thinkers in media. From the inside, he noticed something unexpected. Not...
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Inside the Church Councils Where Temple Changes Happened | Sister Jean Bingham E0053
Temple changes don’t just appear overnight. They are often preceded by thoughtful conversations in leadership councils where perspectives are shared and revelation is sought. In this episode of Let’s Get Real, former Relief Society General President Jean B. Bingham offers a rare glimpse into…
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The “Racial Curse” in Abraham Isn’t What You Think | Don Bradley E0052
Which chapter of scripture includes a vision of God, an attempted human sacrifice, and a phrase many believe justified a racial priesthood ban? And have we been reading it wrong? When Abraham 1 describes Pharaoh as “cursed as pertaining to the priesthood,” what did that actually mean? Was it…
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Why It’s Easier to Flatten Brigham Young | Dr. Dan Peterson E0051
The prophet Brigham Young did not become controversial because he was simple. He became controversial because we stopped allowing complex people from the past to be understood as human beings. In this conversation, Dr. Dan Peterson, noted Latter-day Saint scholar and historian, helps us follow…
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Why The Bible Doesn’t Make Sense Without Moses Ch. 1 | Don Bradley E0050
What if the Bible’s most dangerous distortions don’t come from bad intentions, but from skipping its preface? Many people experience faith as exhausting. Commandments feel heavy. Scripture feels fragmented. And belief slowly collapses into rules. This conversation challenges a core assumption…
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Why Trying Harder Isn't Working | Blake Erickson E0049
What if the reason you’re not seeing miracles is that your goals don’t require them? Blake Erickson details a counterintuitive principle taught in the restored gospel: God gets involved when your goals are bigger than what you can accomplish on your own. From missions and business to family…
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Why the World Is Flocking to FamilySearch | Elder Kevin S. Hamilton | E0048
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,...
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What No One Told Me About the Temple - Don Bradley | E0047
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…
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New Research on Joseph Smith & Brigham Young | What We Found in Section 132 | E0046
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…
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Joseph's First Revelation...Gives Our 18th President | Dallin H, Like Martin Harris Oaks | Don Bradley | E0045
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…
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Working With President Oaks & Nelson Wasn’t What I Expected | Sister Reyna Aburto | E0044
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…
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President Nelson Personally Prayed for Me: Here's What He Said | Sister Elaine Dalton E0043
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...
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What Really Happened Before Pres. Nelson Announced Temples | Elder Larry Y. Wilson E0042
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...
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I Could've Said I'm Out of The Church, But I Stayed | Skyler Sorensen E0041
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...
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Money Can’t Save the World - Here’s What Can | Sharon Eubank, Global Humanitarian Leader | E0040
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...
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Joseph Smith Expert: "My Biggest Discovery Happened While Out of The Church" | Don Bradley E0039
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...
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This Is Why Gen Z Is Coming Back to God | David Butler E0038
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…
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Marcus Martins | First Black Missionary After the 1978 Revelation - E0037
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…
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Church Psychologist: Why So Many Latter-day Saints Still Feel Unworthy | Dr. Kawika Allen E0036
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...
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This Fatherhood Research Validates Latter-day Saint "Family Proclamation" | Dr. Timothy Rarick E0035
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…
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You Can Date Anyone. So Why Are We So Alone? | Dr. Brian Willoughby E0034
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...
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Why God Let Me Fall off A Cliff—Purpose in The Pain | Ron Squire E0033
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...
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Faith Crises: Why You Can't Get Through to Them | Jeffrey Thayne Ph.D. E0032
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...
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The Cross: 9 out of 10 Latter-day Saints Miss This | John Hilton III E0031
Most of us celebrate the Resurrection but quietly avoid the Crucifixion. Why? In this vulnerable and eye-opening conversation, John Hilton III shares how facing Christ’s suffering can unlock a deeper connection to His love, His power, and His victory over death. If you’ve ever felt distant from...
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He Didn’t Think He’d Believe Again—But Then This Happened | Austin Fife E0030
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...
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The Cost of Fame - Can You Stay True in Hollywood? | Scott Christopher E0029
What happens when faith and Hollywood collide? Early in his career, actor Scott Christopher promised the Lord that he would be open about his faith at all times and in all circumstances. Keeping that promise opened up conversations and opportunities he never expected. In this episode of Let’s Get...
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This Changes Everything About the Book of Mormon Witnesses | Don Bradley E0028
Did the Book of Mormon Witnesses Really See the Gold Plates? What if the most controversial testimonies in Latter-day Saint history weren’t just words—but undeniable evidence of something far bigger? In this episode of Let's Get Real, historian Don Bradley—who once left his faith but later...
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The Truth Behind the Church’s $100 Billion+ Fund E0027
What lies behind the financial success of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Church Historian Casey Griffiths seeks to challenge common assumptions—that the Church's wealth is secretive, excessive, and mismanaged. He helps us understand that the Law of Consecration, a principle…
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Pres. Nelson’s Call to Women About Priesthood Power Is More Urgent Than Ever, Dr. Barbara Gardner E0026
Pres. Nelson’s Call to Women About Priesthood Power Is More Urgent Than Ever, Dr. Barbara Gardner | E0026 Let’s be real: there’s a lot of confusion when it comes to women and priesthood power. And that confusion? It’s holding way too many women back from fully stepping into their divine…
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Can Horror Bring Us Closer to God? Michaelbrent Collings on Heretic and Redemption | E0025
Can Horror Bring Us Closer to God? Michaelbrent Collings on Heretic and Redemption | E0025 On this episode of Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones, Bestselling Latter-day Saint author Michaelbrent Collings joins us to explore the bold intersection of belief and fear. Micahelbrent gives his take on…
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Why These 3 Worldviews Are Leading People Away from God and Faith | Jeffery Thayne, Latter-day Saint
Why These 3 Worldviews Are Leading People Away from God and Faith | Jeffery Thayne, Latter-day Saint E0024 On this episode of Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones, join our conversation with Psychology Professor Dr. Jeffery Thayne, who believes, "We often have very little idea what various world…
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The ACTUAL Life of a “Mormon” (Latter-day Saint) Wife, Influencer, and Mother E0023
Why are Latter-day Saints often portrayed so negatively in pop culture? We sat down with Jasmin Rappleye from Scripture Plus to uncover why that may be and determine what we can do about it. A few years ago, Jasmin noticed an influx of negative content about the church on platforms like TikTok....
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Did This Research Just Validate the Latter-day Saint (LDS) Belief of Eternal Families? - Jenet Erickson E0022
What is the ideal family? How can we shoot for the ideal while leaving room for those who can’t meet it? Jenet Erickson is a BYU professor and researcher. She walks us through the unique roles mothers and fathers play in shaping their children’s lives. Jenet shares how these eternal roles stem…
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From Muslim Prisoner to Latter-day Saint: Forgiveness after Family Betrayal and Imprisonment E0021
How can Christ help us forgive those who have wronged us in the most egregious ways? As a young, Muslim girl in Iran, Shima Baughman’s mom was betrayed by a family member and sent to one of the world’s worst prisons in the middle of a war-torn country. Shima shares how her family has navigated…
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Church Historian: Here’s How I Approach Complex Church History - Dr. Steven C. Harper E0020
If you, or someone you love, has struggled to reconcile complex church history, join us in our conversation with Dr. Steven C Harper. Exploring the mystery of multiple First Vision accounts, Stephen Jones sits down with BYU Professor Dr. Steven Harper, a renowned historian and expert on…
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BYU President: "This Is the Most IMPORTANT Decision I'll Make" | Pres. Shane Reese E0019
BYU President Shane Reese has been in his role for a year now. We had a lot of questions for him. Is there anything he’d do differently? What is BYU's "divinely established" mission? What's at stake if BYU doesn't fulfill its mission? What is the current student experience, and how can we improve...
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Black Pioneer Slaves? LDS Grammy Winner Reconciles Painful Past in an Unexpected Way | E0018
For episode 18, I get real with Grammy Award-winning vocal director Mauli Bonner. After uncovering controversial and lesser-known stories about Black pioneers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mauli, feeling embarrassed about his ignorance, is inspired to become a film writer…
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Why Curses ARE NOT About Race In Scripture | Egyptologist Dr. John Thompson E0017
In E17 of Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones, Dr. John Thompson tackles a topic that's often misunderstood: the concept of "curses" within sacred texts, especially regarding Latter-day Saint teachings. He explains that what some might interpret as racial curses in scripture, like those mentioned…
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This FBI Investigation Proves Joseph Smith didn’t WRITE the Book of Mormon | John Hilton III E0016
I sat down with Dr. John Hilton III and discussed the FBI investigation that proves Joseph Smith DIDN'T write the Book of Mormon. From this episode, you will learn how stylometry, the same method that unmasked the Unabomber, unveils the complex tapestry of voices within the BOM, suggesting a…
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How Former Pastor, Jennifer Roach Survived Abuse and Became an LDS Abuse Expert | E0015
On this episode of Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones, I sat down with Jennifer Roach, a licensed mental health Therapist and Senior Research Associate at FAIR Latter-day Saints. From an ordained Anglican Pastor to a passionate mental health therapist in the LDS community. Overcoming her own...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Get help answering some of life’s most challenging questions with Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones. This Scripture Central original series offers practical insights and ways to navigate life’s challenges and heaviest questions through the lens of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.The show covers various topics, from life skills, personal development, Church history/culture, service, and personal relationships, all through the lens of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones have?
Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones currently has 64 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones about?
Get help answering some of life’s most challenging questions with Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones. This Scripture Central original series offers practical insights and ways to navigate life’s challenges and heaviest questions through the lens of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.The show covers various...
How often does Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones release new episodes?
Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones has 64 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones?
Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones is created and hosted by Scripture Central.
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