Temple Bound

Will re-releases episode one of Temple Bound, a conversation with Brett Blake that never got the audience it deserved the first time around. Brett served as a mission president in Denver during COVID and shares what he learned about preparing youth for missions through temple worship and family history.What you'll learn:Why a testimony of and love for Jesus Christ matters more than any missionary training checklistHow the temple gives missionaries an actual endowment of power, not just spiritual encouragementWhy Brett tells parents the goal isn't the mission. It's the relationship with the SaviorWhat Brett saw in a generation of missionaries dealing with anxiety and isolation after COVIDHow repentance, not perfection, is what prepares a missionary's heartWhy "what does love look like here" became Brett's guiding question as a parent and mission leaderThe story of a missionary who found forgiveness after years of running from his pastSend us Fan Mail

In 2021, Jenny Komenda hit a fork in the road. Her business was growing. The opportunity in front of her was real. She could have leaned in harder. Instead, she chose her faith and her family.She didn't fully understand why that choice mattered until a year later, when her daughter landed in the hospital in a coma for almost a week.Jenny walks through the two conference talks that shaped that decision, the family history behind it (including a great-great-grandmother who crossed an ocean and stayed faithful for decades with no other church members around her), and how becoming a temple worker changed the way she runs her business, The Rooted Home.What you'll learn:Why "starting with the end in mind" led Jenny to step back from hyper growthHow Elder Renlund's heart transplant talk reframed what it means to protect a changed heartThe four-part Ho'oponopono practice Jenny uses to work through conflict with real charityWhy she said yes to becoming a temple worker, even when the timing made no senseThe story behind The Rooted Home, and the great-great-grandmother who inspired itWhat changes when you stop asking God to remove the burden and start asking him to make it lighterFollow Jenny and her Christian art company The Rooted Home: @the.rootedhome on Instagram and visit her website at therootedhome.com.Send us Fan Mail

Tia Smith hosts "Thinning of the Veil," one of the only other podcasts built around temple worship. In this episode, she and Will unpack President Nelson's talk on the temple and spiritual foundations, and Tia shares how her own near death experience with cystic fibrosis changed the way she sees the veil between this life and the next.This conversation goes beyond temple attendance. Tia lays out an actual practice for connecting with ancestors: intercessory prayer, paying attention to names and dreams, and treating family history as a two way relationship instead of a checklist.What you'll learn:Why President Nelson called this "an unprecedented time" and what that word actually meansThe difference between fishing (ordinances ready) and hunting (intercessory prayer) in family history workHow Tia survived a 20 percent chance of survival during septic shock, and what she heard in that hospital roomWhy healing in the temple isn't just spiritual. It's physical, mental, and marital tooThe story of the DeGear family Bible and how it found its way homeHow to know what's "too sacred" to share and what the Spirit is actually asking you to sayWhy parting the veil happens in increments, not all at onceIf you've ever wondered whether your ancestors are actually aware of the work you're doing for them, this episode answers that directly.Connect with TiaFacebook: Thinning of the VeilInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinning.of.the.veil/Send us Fan Mail

At 18 years old, Seth Christensen ran an experiment on his own high school. He wanted to know if five minutes of family history work a day could move the needle on anxiety and depression in his generation. The results surprised even him.Seth served as his ward's Temple and Family History Leader starting at age 13. He spoke on the RootsTech main stage last year. Now he's headed to Jakarta, Indonesia on a mission, carrying the same message with him.This episode covers his 21-Day Challenge, the survey data behind it, and why five minutes a day did what hour-long lectures never could.What you'll learn in this episode:The pre- and post-survey results from Seth's 21-Day Challenge, including mood scores that jumped from a 2-4 range to 8-10Why starting with "four generations" on FamilySearch is the single most effective first step for a beginnerThe specific FamilySearch activities that got high schoolers hooked (Where Am I From, Surname Origins, Compare-a-Face, and more)Why five minutes works better than a full hour, and what habit science has to do with itHow to reframe social media as a family history tool instead of writing it off as the enemyThe story of Thomas Reese, a scythe, and a deathbed promise that changed a family line foreverWhat Elder Holland's six words ("ask for angels to help you") mean for anyone doing family history work todaySeth's advice for parents on the single biggest mistake families make when introducing kids to their ancestorsIf you know a teenager who's struggling, or you're looking for a way back into your own family history, this episode gives you a place to start today.Explore BYU Family History Lab: https://fhtl.org/Send us Fan Mail

Forgiveness gets called a miracle for a reason. It asks us to do something that feels outside our own capability, and then it delivers peace that only the Savior can provide.In this episode of Temple Bound, host Will Humphreys sits down with Katie, an institute teacher who has spent years teaching The Divine Gift of Forgiveness by Elder Neil L. Andersen. Katie walks through what repentance actually means in its original Hebrew and Greek roots, why the Latin translation buried it in shame, and how two of the hardest experiences of her life, her father's arrest and her husband's addiction, taught her that forgiveness was never about the other person. It was about her own peace.Katie also shares how she and her late husband Brandon rebuilt trust after his struggle with pornography came to light, why she believes the real opposite of trauma is trust rather than peace, and how she found joy even in planning his funeral after he died unexpectedly of a stroke. She closes with practical guidance for anyone who feels too far gone for the Atonement, and for any parent, spouse, or bishop who wants to be a safe place when someone finally works up the courage to confess.Key takeaways:Repentance means to turn to God. The shame around it came from a Latin mistranslation, not from the original meaning of the word.Fear and pride are the Twin Bullies that stop repentance before it starts, even when they disguise themselves as humility.No one has sinned beyond the reach of the Atonement, no matter how far gone it feels.Forgiveness is not for the person who hurt you. It is for you, and it lifts a weight you may not realize you are carrying.The real opposite of trauma is trust, not peace. Peace follows once trust is in place.Saying "thank you for telling me" first can make all the difference when someone confesses something hard.Healing and joy can exist in the same moment, even in the middle of grief.If this episode means something to you, follow Temple Bound and leave a comment on the app you're listening from. It helps this reach the people who need it.Featured book: The Divine Gift of Forgiveness by Elder Neil L. AndersenSend us Fan Mail

In this episode of Temple Bound, host Will Humphreys sits down with Mike King, a longtime Old Testament and temple symbolism teacher, to trace this pattern from the Exodus of the children of Israel all the way to the ministry of Jesus Christ among the Nephites and the temples built in Kirtland and Nauvoo.Mike King walks through the symbolism of the blood on the doorposts, the crossing of the Red Sea, the pillar of fire, manna and water in the wilderness, and the mountain of the Lord, showing how each step points toward faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, the sacrament, and the temple.Topics covered in this episode includes: The temple pattern in the Old Testament. The symbolism of the Exodus.Baptism for the dead.The meaning of the baptismal font.Isaiah and the temple.Hebrews as a temple text.The Kirtland Temple and the Nauvoo Temple.The doctrine of celestial glory.The difference between going through the temple and letting the temple work on us.If this episode helps you see scripture differently, please follow Temple Bound and leave a comment on the app you are listening from. It helps this podcast reach more people who are trying to learn, grow, and come closer to the teachings of the temple. Send us Fan Mail

Will Humphreys sits down with Jennie Dildine, a certified life coach and host of the LDS Mission Podcast, to talk about what actually helps missionaries before they leave, while they are serving, and after they come home. Jennie has spent seven years coaching missionaries and their parents through anxiety, burnout, identity struggles, and the transition home, and in this episode she breaks down what she has learned.The conversation is rooted in Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk Forget Me Not from October 2011. Jennie read the talk, replaced every mention of sisters with missionaries and elders and sisters, and found something she now teaches nearly everyone she works with: five things missionaries, and the people who love them, are not supposed to forget.In This Episode, Will and Jennie Discuss:Why Jennie became a certified life coach for missionaries and their parents, and the moment that convinced her this was her callingElder Uchtdorf's Forget Me Not talk and the five things it teaches missionaries never to forgetWhy worth was never tied to goals met, lessons taught, or how a mission looks from the outsideThe normalize, validate, and repeat method for what to say when a missionary wants to come homeThe missionary spiral, and how a single hard moment turns into guilt, shame, and frustrationSupport versus challenge, and how parents can find the right balance for their missionaryHow to prepare a missionary before they leave, including five things to teach before departureNavigating romantic relationships before and during a missionThe biggest myth about returned missionaries, and what actually helps them transition homePreparing Missionary Cheat Sheet: https://www.subscribepage.com/preparingmissionarycheatsheetmissionarieswwConnect with JennyWebsite: https://jenniedildine.com/Instagram: @jennie.theldsmissioncoachPodcast: LDS Mission Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MnlUX55Lnvo66Ti13yYhk?si=03786b400bd74285Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lds-mission-podcast/id1573286056Send us Fan Mail

Denny Barney recently completed his service as a mission president in the Iowa Iowa City Mission alongside his wife Nichole. In this episode of Temple Bound, host Will Humphreys sits down with Denny during Missionary Month to talk about what it actually takes to endure a mission, and what enduring is supposed to mean in the first place.What you will learn in this episode: Why "show up, choose faith, trust the process" works as a daily framework for hard things, not just missionary work. The difference between acting charitable and becoming charitable, and why that distinction changes everything about spiritual growth. Why missionary purpose has to become personal, not just memorized. How ancient temple worship in places like Egypt and Guatemala connects to the pattern used in temples today. What Elder Bednar means when he says charity should possess us. How to talk with a missionary preparing to leave, or a child who has chosen a different path, without losing connection. Why the atonement of Jesus Christ is bigger than fixing sin, and how it applies to everything that feels unfair in life. Denny also shares a personal story from a recent family trip to Egypt, where standing at the base of the pyramids and inside the Karnak temple gave him a new appreciation for how deeply rooted temple worship is in human history, long before the Restoration.This episode is built for anyone connected to missionary service right now: a missionary in the field, a missionary preparing to leave, a missionary just home and figuring out life, or a parent walking alongside any of them.Send us Fan Mail

JD and Kendra Dockstader have taught temple prep for three years, and they've watched the class change right along with the kids sitting in it. This episode is for parents, temple prep teachers, and anyone trying to figure out how to talk about the temple with a generation that gets most of its information from TikTok before it ever gets to church.JD and Kendra walk through what they actually teach: the five covenants, the difference between worthiness and perfection, and why leaning into symbolism works better than starting with Solomon's Temple. They talk about covenant path versus life plan, why comparison is the real threat to these kids, and what it means that the temple manual most wards are using was written in 1978.Will, JD, and Kendra also get into something bigger than curriculum. Kids are being trained to see the temple through influencer content whether their parents opt in or not. The conversation covers what that training looks like, how to counter it without being combative, and why moral authority (living it, not just explaining it) is the most convincing lesson a parent gives.Topics covered:Why the standard temple prep manual hasn't kept up with how youth learnTeaching the five covenants without making them feel like a surpriseWorthiness versus perfection, and why kids confuse the twoCovenant path versus life plan, and the pressure of doing things in a certain orderSymbolism as a teaching tool, from the altar to the clothing to the building itselfHow proximity to a temple (or distance from one) shapes a family's relationship with itAdvice for anyone newly called as a temple prep teacherIf you're a parent wondering when to start these conversations, or a teacher trying to figure out how to reach kids who already think they know what's inside, this one gives you a real starting point.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Temple Bound, Will Humphreys sits down with Sadie to talk about what changed. She walks through the five elements of the doctrine of Christ (faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end) and teaches it live, the way she would teach a friend on her mission.Sadie also opens up about growing up with OCD and perfectionism, the health crisis that nearly kept her from serving, and why her transition home has felt different than most returned missionaries describe. She shares the rocks, pebbles, and sand framework she now uses to prioritize temple attendance, and the simple daily habit any member, missionary or not, can start today to build real conviction in the doctrine of Christ.Topics covered: Doctrine of ChristLDS mission baptismsReturned missionary transitionTemple attendance, faith and repentanceOvercoming the adversary, OCD and faithBook of Mormon studyHer Journey from Jacksonville Florida mission.If you're preparing for a mission, supporting someone who is, or you're newly home and trying to keep your fire burning, this one is for you.Subscribe to Temple Bound for more conversations on faith, family history, and the temple.Send us Fan Mail

What does it mean to grow up in a country where faith is forbidden, where your father could go to jail for painting the Beatles on the kitchen wall, and where your hunger for God has nowhere to go?For Eva Timothy, that was not a metaphor. That was childhood in communist Bulgaria.In this episode of Temple Bound, host Will Humphreys sits down with fine art photographer and founder of the Enlighten podcast, Eva Timothy, whose story stretches from the cement rooftops of Sofia to the altars of the Salt Lake Temple. Eva shares how the fall of the Berlin Wall opened Bulgaria to missionaries, how a picture of the Savior on a street board stopped her mid-walk and changed her life forever, and why she believes that every person on earth has been given a creative gift from God.Eva is known for her award-winning series The Lord Is My Light, a photo-painting collection displayed in institutions including the Smithsonian. Her work uniquely omits the face of the Savior in every piece, a prompting she received when the series began, so that every viewer can place themselves into the moment with Christ.This conversation covers:The reality of growing up under communism with no religious freedom and no First AmendmentHow Eva found the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through a chance encounter with missionaries in a parkHer first prayer ever, offered during sacrament meeting in a rented room above a soccer stadium in BulgariaWhy photography literally means to write with light, and how that shaped her entire artistic visionThe concept of chiaroscuro, the Renaissance technique of using darkness to make light more brilliantHer mission president's challenge to create something for Jesus, and the seven years it took for that prompting to become The Lord Is My LightWhy she never shows the Savior's face in her art, and what that invites the viewer to doThe painting Lord Save Me, depicting Christ pulling Peter from the water, and what it means to be held with both handsThe temple as a masterclass on creation, and how going to the house of the Lord empowers our creative giftsDoctrine and Covenants 109:22 and the promises given to those who come forth from the temple armed with God's powerHow repentance and the Spirit are essential ingredients in the creative processAdvice for people who believe they have no creative gifts, and why that belief is a lie from the adversaryHow to seek your gifts through prayer, patriarchal blessings, and the things that make you lose track of timeIf this episode touched something in you, please follow Temple Bound and leave a comment on the platform you are listening on. Every follow and review helps this podcast reach more people who are searching for light. Follow Eva on her podcast:Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7rNGJgBEbSNED6lefM7p7Q?si=7bf720f254174a27Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/enlighten/id1770341207YouTube - https://youtube.com/@eva_timothy?si=5yxoxihNx9CveDO-Connect with Eva:Website - www.evatimothy.art Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eva_timothy/Send us Fan Mail

What do you do when a temple marriage ends in divorce and you wonder if God still has something beautiful ahead for you? Scott and Lori answer that question with their lives. Both in their mid-60s, both previously married in the temple, both carrying the kind of heartbreak that makes starting over feel impossible, they met on a dating app, and six months later they were sealed in the Draper Utah Temple.In this episode of Temple Bound with Will Humphreys, Scott and Lori share the full journey: the pain of divorce after a temple sealing, the years of single life and faithful temple attendance that sustained them, the divine promptings that led Lori back to Salt Lake City, and the miraculous week in which Scott received confirmation through prayer, fasting, priesthood blessing, and temple worship that Lori was the companion he had prayed for.If you are navigating divorce, dating again after heartbreak, or wondering whether God still has a plan for your eternal family, this episode is for you.What You Will Learn in This Episode:How regular temple attendance became the spiritual foundation that carried Scott and Lori through years of painful marriages and difficult divorcesWhy Lori moved back to Salt Lake City on faith even though she did not want to leave FloridaHow Scott received divine confirmation about Lori within six days of meeting her through prayer, fasting, priesthood blessing, and a prompting from a trusted friendWhat Lori heard in the celestial room of the Orlando Temple that changed everything: "You are mine"The role the word "bridegroom" played in helping Lori anchor her identity to the Savior rather than to her marital statusWhy Scott calls Heavenly Father "a great matchmaker"Practical advice for couples in difficult marriages and individuals who are rebuilding after divorceHow spending 20 minutes daily on your knees can transform your testimony and your sense of personal worthWhat President Holland said about bringing the temple out into the world and into your marriageScripture and Conference Talk References:President Russell M. Nelson on temple covenants as protection during life's stormsPresident Jeffrey R. Holland on bringing the temple into your daily lifeElder Neil L. Andersen, "Eternal Marriage Is an Eternal Joy," April 2026 General ConferenceThe Family: A Proclamation to the WorldSUBSCRIBE to Temple Bound for new episodes every week featuring real people whose lives have been transformed by temple covenants.Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.Send us Fan Mail

What if the most powerful thing you could do for your children, your faith, and your own mental health was simply to tell your story?In this deeply moving episode of Temple Bound, host Will Humphreys sits down with Rachel Trotter, a professional storyteller, family history educator, newspaper reporter turned author, and longtime RootsTech speaker. Rachel brings over 15 years of storytelling experience to a conversation that will change how you think about your family, your past, and your future.Rachel is the coauthor of the upcoming book Changing the Ending: Writing Your Life Story, and a longtime contributor to Evalog.life, a service helping individuals and families document their stories through oral histories and life story books.This episode is a must listen for anyone who has ever thought their story is not interesting enough to tell. What You Will Learn in This Episode:Why writing your life story changes your future Rachel explains the central idea behind her new book: when we give voice to our experiences, we start to see ourselves as people who have triumphed, grown, and endured. How family stories create belonging for youth In a world of social media noise and comparison, this kind of grounded identity is a gift.The spirit of Elijah and the power of connection This is not just a conversation about preserving history. It is a conversation about eternal belonging.How to start telling your story today Rachel gives practical, guilt free advice for beginning your storytelling journey. Tips from a professional: how to tell an effective story That emotional truth is what people remember, what invites the Spirit, and what connects us across generations.What Elder Mark Bragg told Rachel the day before she spoke at RootsTech In a simple yet profound exchange, the General Authority overseeing FamilySearch gave Rachel a reminder that stopped her in her tracks: this work begins and ends with the Savior.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Evalogue Life (https://evalogue.life/) — Oral histories, life story books, and storytelling services FamilySearch Memories App — Record voice stories, tag family members, and preserve your history directly on FamilySearch Download via https://apps.apple.com/us/app/familysearch-memories/id885970971FamilySearch Family History Centers (https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/) — Interactive spaces to explore your family history with guided tools and booths RootsTech Event (https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/event/rootstech-2026) — The world's largest family history conference held in Salt Lake City each yearMan's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl — Referenced by Will in connection with meaning, purpose, and suffering Changing the Ending: Writing Your Life Story — Upcoming book by Rachel Trotter and Rhonda Lauritsen, releasing this DecemberConnect with Rachel: Email: [email protected]: https://evalogue.life/Evalogue.Life Social Media AccountsInstagram: @evalogue.lifeFacebook: Evalogue.life Rachel's Personal Social Media AccountsInstagram: @racheljtrotterFacebook: Rachel Jackson Trotter X: @racheljtrotter LinkedIn: @racheltrotterSend us Fan Mail

What happens when the loudest message God ever sends you is a last name on a piece of paper? In this powerful episode of Temple Bound, host Will Humphreys sits down with Richie Steadman, the veteran host of The Cultural Hall podcast, for one of the most honest and faith affirming conversations this show has ever had.Richie shares his full faith journey, from navigating his parents' divorce as a teenager and wrestling with a black and white view of the gospel, to receiving a mission call to Cleveland, Ohio that changed everything. He opens up about serving near the Kirtland Temple, the sacred covenant he made at the Newell K. Whitney Store, and a spiritual experience while running near the temple that gave him a glimpse of the early Latter day Saints in their time. These experiences became the foundation of his testimony.Topics Covered in This Episode:Growing up in the LDS Church through a family divorce and the cultural pressures of youthWhy Richie started The Cultural Hall podcast in 2011 and what keeps it goingReceiving a mission call to Cleveland, Ohio and overcoming disappointment about a stateside assignmentServing near the Kirtland Temple and what it meant to walk the same ground as Joseph SmithMaking covenants at the Newell K. Whitney Store at the start and end of a missionA sacred and personal vision of the early Saints during a morning run near the Kirtland TempleThe unique spiritual weight of serving in Church history sitesComing home from a mission and being excommunicated within a yearWhat excommunication actually feels like from the inside and what the Church can do betterWhy Richie kept coming to church every week for nearly a decadeThe moment at the Jordan River Temple when a last name on an endowment card said everythingHow unconditional love is the only right response to someone navigating excommunicationRichie's definition of perfection: the only thing you can truly be perfect in is never giving upWhether you are navigating a faith crisis, supporting a loved one who feels on the outside, or simply trying to show up better for the people around you, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.Find Richie: Podcast: The Cultural Hall (available everywhere) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3VBCeQ9B2iG7ODniikObTG?si=b3fbf7e2a7954131Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cultural-hall-podcast/id459622595YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCulturalHallInstagram/Socials: @TheCulturalHall - https://www.instagram.com/theculturalhall/@RichieTSteadman - https://www.instagram.com/richietsteadman/Send us Fan Mail

In this powerful episode, host Will Humphreys sits down with Keith Harr, a 30-year veteran of Seminary and Institute, husband of 45 years, father of 9, and grandfather of 38 for a conversation that will change how you think about covenant living, parenting, and the infinite power available to you through your sacred promises with God.Keith and Will met on a service trip to Kenya, and from the moment they started talking, it was clear Keith carries hard-won, deeply practical wisdom about how the gospel actually works in real family life.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why covenants aren't just promises, they are conduits of power, and how to access that power dailyThe 5 levels of temple covenants and how they connect to the Abrahamic Covenant (posterity, land, and the priesthood/gospel)How the world's greatest crises: pornography, broken families, loss of identity are direct attacks on those same Abrahamic covenantsThe offense vs. defense framework for raising covenant-keeping children in the latter daysHow to build individual, one-on-one, and family spiritual rhythms that don't feel forcedWhy your child bringing their heart to you is like an offering on an altar, and how to receive it with tendernessConnect with Temple BoundInstagram: @TempleBoundPodcastHost: Will HumphreysEnjoyed the show? Please leave us a review and share this episode with someone who needs a boost of confidence today!The "secret handshake" principle: how to stay relationally connected to your kids as they grow and changeWhy parenting shame often comes from the adversary, and how the Atonement covers your imperfect parenting tooThe surprising connection between covenant living, service, gratitude, and anxiety reliefHow consecration isn't just giving everything away, it's accessing God anytime, anywhereSend us Fan Mail

In this powerful return episode, Curtis Keller joins host Will Humphreys for one of the most heartfelt conversations yet on Temple Bound. Curtis opens up about how a book recommendation from a friend transformed his approach to prayer, moving from rushed, going-through-the-motions prayers to intentional, timer-set, 10-minute morning conversations with God. That shift opened the door to a deeper reckoning: Do we really understand what it means to rely wholly upon the merits of Jesus Christ, or are we secretly trying to save ourselves?This episode touches on grace vs. works, what "after all we can do" really means, the protective power of temple worship for our families, and how to keep parenting in faith even when children exercise their agency in unexpected ways. Curtis also shares his favorite temple quotes from Elder Bednar, Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone, President Nelson, and Richard G. Scott, drawn from the binder he's kept for years that first inspired this podcast.We go deep on:The prayer habit that transformed Curtis's mornings (hint: a timer is involved)Why 15 minutes of daily prayer = exactly 1% of your day, and what that number should make us feelWhat "after all we can do" actually means, and why the common interpretation is quietly exhaustingHow the veil of the temple is a symbol of Jesus Christ, and why passing through it is a picture of pure graceWhat to do when your children make choices that break your heartElder Bednar, President Nelson, Elder Featherstone & Elder Richard G. Scott quotes from Curtis's legendary binderThis episode will change how you pray. It will change how you attend the temple. And it might just bring peace to a parent who's been trying too hard to be their child's savior.Resources Mentioned:Temple Quote Binder Copy - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hMuPlfsN8dbYoCk5WAerBJt0Qpe0Ul-M?usp=sharingSend us Fan Mail

What happens inside a Latter-day Saint temple, and why does it matter?In this episode of Temple Bound, host Will Humphreys sits down with Jasmin Rappleye, a trusted voice in the Latter-day Saint digital space, for a conversation on temple preparation, ancient symbolism, sacred garments, and finding Jesus Christ throughout the temple endowment.Whether you're preparing for your first temple visit, returning after a difficult experience, or looking for deeper meaning in worship, this episode offers practical guidance and spiritual insight.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why the Lord uses ancient rituals and symbols in temples, and how they connect to the Old Testament, the Abrahamic Covenant, and Jesus ChristHow to prepare for a first temple visit with realistic expectations and practical guidanceThe meaning behind the temple garment through Adam & Eve, the Hebrew word kippur (“to cover”), and Christ’s AtonementWhat “tokens” symbolize and how they represent our journey back to GodWhy repetition deepens temple understanding over timeHow the temple narrative centers on mercy, redemption, and the Atonement of Jesus ChristHow to support someone who had a difficult first temple experienceConnections between sacred clothing in ancient religions and Latter-day Saint temple worshipWhy Christ is central to the endowment, even when not directly namedSubscribe to Temple Bound for more conversations on faith, temples, and discipleship. If this episode strengthened your testimony, leave a comment sharing one thing that helped you love the temple.Send us Fan Mail

In this powerful General Conference review episode of Temple Bound, host Will Humphreys sits down with returning guest Brad Farr to break down the April 2026 General Conference through the lens of temples and covenants.Brad brings statistical analysis, personal stories, and four remarkable thematic threads, what Will calls "The Bradford Flow"  that connect the entire conference into one unified, temple-centered message.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeThe Bradford Flow: 4 Themes Connecting Temple & Covenant Teachings:The Atonement and Resurrection Make Eternal Families Possible Talks by Elder Anderson, Elder Cook, and Elder McCulloch all pointed to the sealing power restored through Elijah and how Christ's resurrection is the foundation of eternal family doctrine. Brad shares a moving story from his workplace that illustrates how this teaching resonates even outside the faith.Temple Covenants Give Us Access to Divine Power From Elder Holmes' blind marathon runner tethered to his guide, to Sister Freeman's quote from For the Strength of Youth, this section unpacks the real, tangible spiritual power available to those who make and keep temple covenants.The Temple Strengthens Our Personal Relationship with God Elder Mutombo's deeply moving account of losing multiple children while being pressured by family to leave his wife, and finding peace through his temple sealing covenant, anchors this theme in real human experience.Temple Covenants Transform Us to Become Christlike Elder Bednar's message on becoming new creatures in Christ, and Elder Tay's humble testimony of incremental change, remind us that transformation is a process, not an event.Scriptures & Sources ReferencedDoctrine & Covenants 49:16 — The purpose of marriage and the earthMatthew 5 — Love your enemies (Sermon on the Mount)Mosiah — The mighty change of heartFor the Strength of Youth — Sister Freeman's quote on temple ordinancesThe Chosen series — Passover scene parallel to President Hinckley's quoteIf this episode blessed you, share it with someone preparing for the temple, navigating a hard season of marriage, or curious about what Latter-day Saints believe about eternal families. Send us Fan Mail

What if the key to overcoming addiction, making better choices, and living with more purpose came down to one thing, knowing who you truly are? In this episode, Will sits down with close friends Wade & Jennifer Beckstead to dive deep into Tad Callister's powerful talk on our divine identity and eternal destiny. From the concept of spiritual identity theft to the logic of "like begets like," this conversation will challenge and inspire you to see yourself, and everyone around you through God's eyes.They explore why we are not just creations of God but His literal offspring, what that means for our potential to become like Him, and how the temple is the very place where that transformation begins. Plus, Wade and Jen get refreshingly personal about parenting, marriage, faith, and the spiritual gifts they've had to earn the hard way.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why President Nelson's answer to pornography addiction was "teach them their identity and purpose" and why that's more powerful than it soundsThe difference between being a creation of God vs. an offspring of God, and why it completely changes your sense of worth and potentialHow "spiritual identity theft" works and how to recognize it in your own lifeWhat five categories of witnesses, scripture, early Christians, poets and authors, logic, and history, teach us about our quest for godhoodWhy C.S. Lewis said "there are no ordinary people" and what that means for how we treat othersHow ordinances and covenants in the temple are the keys to unlocking godly power in our livesWhy spiritual gifts are not just given, they are earned, and how to seek them intentionallyThe surprising way temple robes connect to a physical therapy research study on visualization and growthLeave a comment below! What spiritual gift are you currently seeking or working on? We'd love to hear from you. Don't forget to Subscribe to Temple Bound for your weekly dose of eternal perspective! Resources & References Mentioned:Talk: Our Divine DNA by Tad Callister https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/tad-r-callister/our-identity-and-our-destiny/Book: Look to Me in Every Thought by Dennis DeatonScripture: D&C 84:20–21Scripture: John 17 "That they may be made one"Send us Fan Mail

Most of us are taught to view the Atonement through a "legal" lens: we owe a debt, we can’t pay it, and Jesus steps in as our defense attorney to satisfy an angry judge. But what if that transactional model is actually blocking us from a deeper connection with God?In this powerful episode of Temple Bound, host Will Humphreys sits down with Cameron LaDuke, a scholar of Ancient Judaism and Religious Studies, to flip the script on how we view the Atonement. Cameron shares how his own "mental block" regarding God’s justice led him on a 20-year journey to discover a more beautiful, transformational model hidden within the temple endowment: The Creation Model.Together, they walk through the symbolic geography of the Tabernacle—from the "lone and dreary world" of the outer courtyard to the Holy of Holies—explaining how every step of the temple is designed to transfer God's "glory" (His actual essence and power) back into our lives. If you’ve ever struggled to see the Savior in the creation story or felt that repentance is just about "getting back to zero," this episode will change how you experience the temple forever.Key TakeawaysThe Problem of "Courtroom" Theology: Why viewing God as a "debt collector" can hinder our love for Him and how the temple offers a more merciful alternative.Atonement as "Re-Creation": How the Savior uses the same power He used to organize the earth to organize the chaos and darkness in our individual lives.The "Coat of Skins" as Mercy: A deep dive into how God’s first act after the Fall was an act of protection, covering us in His own goodness (Grace).The Symbolism of the Altar: Understanding the "Altar of Sacrifice" and the "Altar of Incense" as physical representations of the Savior’s proximity to us in our fallen state.The Veil as a Rescue Operation: Why the "Sentinels" at the veil aren't there to keep us out, but to ensure we are physically prepared to handle God's glory without being destroyed.Resources Mentioned Cameron’s Original YouTube Presentation - https://www.youtube.com/live/o8Dtw3E6kmM?si=fSNSKNoYmP8Cd8UVSend us Fan Mail

In this powerful episode of Temple Bound, host Will Humphreys sits down with Michelle Bentley to dive deep into the visual and transformative teachings of Elder Edward B. Rowe’s talk, "Jesus Christ, Our Rock and Covenants, Our Anchors."Whether you are navigating the "turbulence" of a health scare, career uncertainty, or the daily anxiety of the "what-ifs," this conversation provides a roadmap for finding peace that is "night and day" different from what the world offers. Michelle shares her vulnerable story of a life-threatening medical emergency and how her "worst-case scenario" became her greatest witness of God’s love.Key Takeaways:The "What-If" Game: Understand how our brains are wired for survival and how to flip the script from fear-based thinking to faith-based scenarios.The Umbrella of Covenant Relationship: Learn the vital distinction between making covenants (the outward ordinance) and keeping covenants (the daily living and integrity).The Rock Climbing Analogy: How to see life’s trials not as failures, but as "slips" on a rock face where Jesus Christ is the solid granite and covenants are the pre-placed anchors.Confidence vs. Capability: Why true confidence isn't about our own strength, but about our connection to the Savior’s strength.The Power of the Atonement in Failure: Will shares his personal story of a 50-foot fall and how the Savior rescues us even when we fail to "clip in."Resources Mentioned:Talk: Jesus Christ, Our Rock and Covenants, Our Anchors by Elder Edward B. Rowe (BYU Devotional, Nov 2025).Scripture: John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you..."Scripture: Helaman 5:12 - "Remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer..."Scripture: Doctrine & Covenants 84:20 - The power of godliness in ordinances.Join the ConversationWhat is a "what-if" you are currently handing over to the Savior? How has keeping your covenants given you confidence during a storm? Leave a comment below, we read every one!Enjoyed this episode?Subscribe to Temple Bound for more deep dives into LDS doctrine and discipleship.Share this video with someone who is struggling with anxiety or feeling "untethered." Leave a Review on your favorite podcast platform to help us grow!Send us Fan Mail

Do you ever play the "what-if" game? It’s that spiral of worst-case scenarios that feeds our anxiety and drains our confidence. In this episode of Temple Bound, host Will Humphreys welcomes back Kyle Black—a devoted father, Bishop, and physical therapy leader—to discuss the tactical, scripture-rooted power of "lifting where you stand."Inspired by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s iconic address, Will and Kyle dive deep into why there are no "small" callings in the Kingdom of God. They explore how responsibility acts as an invitation to exercise agency, why the "mantle" of leadership is actually a gift of love, and how our service in local wards directly mirrors the life-giving work we do within the walls of the Temple. Whether you are leading a family, a business, or a Sunbeam class, this episode will help you trade fear for the "forces of confidence" found in the Savior.Key TakeawaysThe Piano Principle: Why "lifting where you stand" is the only way to move the heavy "gravity-defying" obstacles in our lives.The Anatomy of a Calling: Why a responsibility is more than a chore—it’s a divine invitation to exercise faith and receive personal revelation.The Power of Being "Set Apart": Kyle explains the spiritual significance of priesthood keys and how they empower us to perform tasks beyond our natural talents.Leadership as Love: How the best leaders aren't the most "efficient," but the ones who love the most.The Temple Connection: How our work for the dead is the ultimate act of "lifting where we stand" for our ancestors and descendants.The Legacy of John Rowe Moyle: The incredible story of the man who carved "Holiness to the Lord" on the Salt Lake Temple after a brutal personal tragedy.Links & ResourcesTalk Referenced: "Lift Where You Stand" by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.Book Mentioned: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl.Connect with Kyle BlackInstagram: @kyleblack12 | @dr.kyleblackptLinkedIn: Kyle Black, PT, DPTConnect with Temple BoundInstagram: @TempleBoundPodcastHost: Will HumphreysEnjoyed the show? Please leave us a review and share this episode with someone who needs a boost of confidence today!Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Temple Bound, host Will Humphreys sits down with Jared Lambert, a historical linguist specializing in Persian and the Hebrew Bible. Jared’s journey is anything but typical, from failing high school Spanish to serving as a military linguist and eventually pursuing seven degrees in his quest to understand the "soft" conceptual language of the ancient world.Jared breaks down how modern, rigid "hard" languages often flatten the deep, multi-layered meanings of scripture. He explains why the Garden of Eden is linguistically the "Temple of Eden," and why the restoration of the gospel is an ongoing process of returning to the beautiful, relationship-based worship of the First Temple of Solomon.Key Discussion Points:The Persian Influence: How the transition from an oral tradition to a written alphabet under Cyrus the Great shifted our understanding of the Hebrew Bible.Hard vs. Soft Language: Why we struggle to understand symbolism because we treat ancient visionary texts like modern technical manuals.The First Temple vs. The Second: Discovering the "Elohim"—the divine council and the worship of the relationship between man, woman, and family.The "Women Weavers": The hidden history of priestesses in the First Temple who wove the veils and garments, and how Joseph Smith sought to restore this role in the Nauvoo Relief Society.Covenants in Motion: A sneak peek into Jared’s upcoming book series on the evolution of temple ordinances from the Sacred Grove to the modern day.Shammah: A linguistic deep dive into the word "hear" and why it actually implies a "covenant in motion"—to internalize and perform.Resources Mentioned:Veiled Roots: veiledroots.com (Register for classes and "Come Follow Me" linguistic deep dives).Bible Hub (https://biblehub.com/) A free tool for interlinear Hebrew study.PodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dcNiuVjhWAF1Kwv9F7DbrYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@faithmattersfoundationApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faith-matters/id1307757928About the Guest:Jared Lambert is a PhD candidate and a "Tommy Boy of Scholarship" who has spent 20 years in higher education. A former military linguist fluent in nearly nine languages (including Persian Farsi and Afrikaans), he focuses on bridging the gap between high-level historical linguistics and the everyday faith of Latter-day Saints.Send us Fan Mail

In this special crossover episode, we sit down with Ellis and Eddie, the dynamic hosts of the Come Study With Me podcast. We dive deep into the "psychological warfare" of the adversary that targets young adults today, specifically the heavy burden of shame and the false idea that worthiness equals flawlessness.From navigating anxiety during endowment sessions to the "Little Caesars vs. the Gym" analogy of post-temple life, this episode is a raw, honest look at what it means to keep showing up for the Lord when you feel like you aren't enough.In this episode, we discuss:The "Busyness" Trap: How the pressure of internships and finance degrees (shoutout to BYU Marriott School) can become a tool of deception.Faith vs. Infallibility: Discussing President Holland’s powerful reminder that the Gospel asks for effort, not perfection.Temple Anxiety: A vulnerable look at why some struggle with endowment sessions and how to find peace through initiatories and sealings instead.Trusting the Keys: What to do when you have a difficult relationship with your Bishop, and why his priesthood keys matter more than his personality.The "Unstoppable" Savior: Eddie shares a stirring message on Christ's tenacity and how we can become "bellwethers" for those lost in the dark.Mental Health & Resilience: Real talk on antidepressants, grieving the loss of loved ones, and why "putting on your own oxygen mask" is a spiritual necessity.Resources Mentioned:Book: The Divine Gift of Forgiveness by Elder Neil L. AndersonTalk: "Your Repentance Doesn't Burden Jesus; It Brightens His Joy" – Sister Tamara RuniaScripture: D&C 61:2; Philippians 4:13WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!Our community grows when we share our light. Please scroll down to the comment section and let us know:What is one "small win" you’ve had with your mental health this week?Do you have a topic or a specific question about the temple you want us to dive into next?🔗 JOIN THE TEMPLE BOUND FAMILYIf this episode touched your heart, don't keep it to yourself!SUBSCRIBE to Temple Bound on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/YouTube] so you never miss an episode.SHARE this episode with one friend who needs to hear that they are enough.FOLLOW our guests: Check out Ellis and Eddie over at the Come Study With Me podcast for more YSA-focused insights.Instagram: (Follow Ellis & Eddie!) https://www.instagram.com/comestudywithmepodcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1f0QewYAtbcfVRsY7rxDJYApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/mo/podcast/come-study-with-me/id1787462614YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc5yYrpPFm2uZ7iAJ05ju5tpURV13TKhFSend us Fan Mail

This week on Temple Bound, host Will Humphreys sits down with Toni Gaines and Janelle Hillyer, the creators and hosts of the Every Temple Podcast. Together, they explore the fascinating intersection of architectural detail, local history, and the profound sacrifices made by Saints across the globe to bring these holy houses to life.Toni and Janelle share how their deep dive into the "spirit of the building" has revealed a global tapestry of faith, proving that the restoration of the gospel isn’t just a past event, it is an unfolding evolution written in stone and glass.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The Symbolism in the Details: Why local flora and culture (like the agave in Arizona or the lanterns in Tokyo) are intentionally woven into temple designs to connect the building to the people.Miracles Behind the Iron Curtain: The incredible story of the Freiberg Germany Temple and how a request for "forgiveness" paved the way for a temple in a communist state.The Global Family: Will shares his personal experiences at the Tokyo and Johannesburg temples, reflecting on how travel and temple worship act as a "cure for prejudice."The Law of Sacrifice: Stories from the Philippines to Guatemala of Saints bailing out flooded basements and traveling for days to serve, illustrating how sacrifice creates a sense of "ownership" in the Lord’s house.A "Restoration" of Every Temple: How the evolution of temple building mirrors our own spiritual growth, messy, iterative, and deeply personal.Featured Temples in This Episode:Gilbert Arizona Temple: Desert symbolism and the agave plant.Tokyo Japan Temple: Finding a nature preserve in the middle of chaos.Freiberg Germany Temple: A beacon of light in East Germany.Manila Philippines Temple: Miraculous protection during a government coup.Johannesburg South Africa Temple: The connecting link to Nauvoo.Guatemala City Temple: A history of incredible distance and dedication.Connect with Our Guests:Toni Gaines and Janelle Hillyer are the hosts of the Every Temple Podcast, where they are on a mission to document the history, miracles, and unique details of every temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Follow Every Temple Podcast:Instagram: (@EveryTemple) https://www.instagram.com/everytemplepodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EveryTemplePodcastApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/every-temple-podcast/id1788219184Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3MFwojsSX5Fm45lD0dZwGjSend us Fan Mail

How do we keep going when life feels heavy and the adversary whispers that we aren't enough? In this episode, Kristen Walker Smith joins Will Humphreys for a soul-stretching deep dive into the teachings of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.Together, they peel back the layers of the "simple" gospel to reveal its true power: the ability to transform despair into hope and trials into divine refinement. Kristen opens up about her personal journey with mental health, the life-changing impact of apostolic words, and why gratitude is the ultimate weapon against discouragement. This isn't just a conversation about surviving; it’s a masterclass on drawing closer to the Savior and claiming your identity as a child of God.Key Takeaways:On the Nature of TrialsThe Gratitude Antidote: Gratitude isn’t just a "nice to have", it is a powerful tool to neutralize despair.Pain vs. Suffering: While pain is often inevitable, the suffering caused by despair is something we can navigate with faith.The Refiner’s Fire: Finding specific blessings within trials can fundamentally shift your perspective from victim to victor.On Gospel SimplicitySimple, Not Easy: The gospel is fundamentally straightforward, but walking the path requires daily courage.Divine Potential: We are never defined by our sins or our stumbles, but by our eternal potential to grow.The Invitation of Repentance: Repentance is a joyful invitation for improvement, not a punishment for failure.On Spiritual SupportApostolic Anchors: Elder Holland’s words serve as a bridge to personal revelation and guidance.Help Across the Veil: You are never alone; there is active support coming from both sides of the veil in your moments of struggle.Authenticity Wins: Being open about our trials fosters the deep, authentic connections we all crave.We Want to Hear From You!Our mission is to share stories that bridge the gap between our earthly struggles and our eternal potential. If this episode touched you, or if you know someone with a powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and temple worship:Comment below with your suggestions for future guests you’d like to see on the show.Share this episode with a friend who might need to hear that they are "freaking loved" today.Subscribe so you never miss these essential conversations.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we sit down with Tanya Kimball. Over the last 18 months, Tanya has navigated the unimaginable loss of her husband, Drew, and two of her sons, Braden and Grahm.This conversation isn't just about tragedy; it’s a masterclass in the "paradigm of two truths" how extreme sorrow and extreme miracles can exist in the same moment. Tanya shares her raw experience with "dying without death," the power of recording daily "evidence of God," and how the temple became her survival-grade "modern-day Liahona."In this episode, you’ll learn:The "Silent Saturday" Perspective: Understanding the gap between the "Friday" of crucifixion/loss and the "Sunday" of resurrection/promises.Mental Health Stewardship: Why asking your child "What is your biggest worry?" can be a life-saving intervention.The God of Compensation: How Tanya identifies miracles and "heart rocks" amidst devastating grief.Recruiting an Army of Angels: The literal power of family history and temple work in providing strength to those still on earth.The "I Freaking Love You" Legacy: How a simple phrase from Tanya’s husband became a movement of connection and validation.We know that the topics of grief, suicide, and mental health are heavy, and we hope Tanya’s story provided a beacon of light for whatever "Saturday" you might be walking through.We Want to Hear From You!Our mission is to share stories that bridge the gap between our earthly struggles and our eternal potential. If this episode touched you, or if you know someone with a powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and temple worship:Comment below with your suggestions for future guests you’d like to see on the show.Share this episode with a friend who might need to hear that they are "freaking loved" today.Subscribe so you never miss these essential conversations.We’ll see you next week, but until then, keep looking for your own "evidence of miracles."Send us Fan Mail

In this powerful episode, Will Humphreys sits down with Nathan Shields for a deep dive into the progressive nature of the covenant path. Nathan brings a unique "triad" of talks to the table, connecting the dots between an emotional testimony, the deepening of conversion, and the ultimate step of lifelong consecration.Together, they explore the transition from knowing the gospel is true to becoming a new being through Jesus Christ. From the "on fire" delivery of Elder Kevin Brown to the apostolic clarity of Elder David A. Bednar and the profound insights of Elder Neal A. Maxwell, this conversation is a roadmap for anyone looking to bridge the gap between "sowing" righteous actions and "reaping" spiritual transformation.Key TakeawaysThe Path as a Cycle: Discipleship isn't a one-and-done staircase; it is a "rinse and repeat" cycle of gaining testimony, deepening conversion, and submitting our will through consecration.Defining "The Gap": That space between doing the right thing and feeling the reward has a name: Faith.The Only True Gift: Following Elder Maxwell’s teaching, the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar is our individual will.Losing Self to Find Identity: Consecration isn't about losing your personality or hobbies (like quilting!); it’s about losing the "old self" to find your true, upgraded identity in Christ.The Power of Daily Repentance: Repentance isn't just a correction to the path—it is the path. It is the process by which our desires are educated and our hearts are changed. Send us Fan Mail

What do you do when you’ve followed the "checklist" of a faithful life, yet your world seems to be crumbling? In this powerful episode of Temple Bound, we sit down with Kristen Smith, who opens up about the raw, often lonely journey of navigating a decades-long marriage after her husband stepped away from the Church.Kristen shares how she moved from a place of judgment, physical exhaustion, and "three-day-long stays in bed" to a life of vibrant health and deep, unconditional love. We dive into the profound shift that occurred when she stopped trying to "fix" her husband and started allowing the Savior to transform her own heart.Key Moments in This Episode:The "Right Things" Trap: Dealing with the confusion and pain that arise when life doesn't align with our gospel expectations.Healing the Three Temples: How Kristen integrated physical health, mental clarity through coaching, and spiritual grounding to find peace.The Shift from Judgment to Love: Learning to see a spouse’s different path not as a personal offense, but as an opportunity to love like the Savior.Finding Stillness in the House of the Lord: Kristen’s unique take on using temple worship as a space for meditation and receiving personal revelation.Miracles of Connection: How changing herself—not her husband—unexpectedly opened the door for them to discuss the gospel and celebrate 30 years of marriage with more joy than ever.Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review and share this story with someone who needs to hear that they aren't alone in their struggle.Send us Fan Mail

What would you say to a group of young adults who are preparing for the temple, but live days away from the nearest one? In this episode, we are joined by Aly Brandon, President of Care for Life, who shares her experience leading a powerful fireside in Mozambique, Africa.Aly dives deep into why the temple matters even when we aren't physically inside its walls. We explore the transition from viewing covenants as "contracts" to seeing them as a living covenant relationship with a God who knows us, loves us, and wants to help us. Whether you are preparing for your first time or have been attending for decades, this conversation offers a beautiful, foundational perspective on how the temple is meant to change our hearts and our everyday lives.In This Episode, We Discuss:The Mozambique Experience: The unique spiritual landscape of Beira and the hunger of the young adults there for temple connection.Covenants vs. Contracts: Why President Nelson’s teachings on hesed (covenant love) shift the way we view our promises to God.The Three Elements of the Temple (Jeremiah 31:33):Establishing a Covenant Relationship.Receiving God’s Law in our inward parts.Being Changed and made holy.A Simple Way to Remember: Aly shares a clever hand-gesture tool to remember the five main covenants of the endowment.The Temple-Sacrament Connection: How the weekly sacrament acts as a "return and report" session for our temple commitments.Building Capacity: Aly explains the Care for Life philosophy of "layered leadership" and how helping others solve their own problems mirrors the way God empowers us.What is one way the Lord wants you to prepare for the blessings of the temple right now, regardless of how close you live to one? Take a moment to write down the impression that comes to your heart.Send us Fan Mail

In this special crossover episode, Wil Humphreys (host of Temple Bound) joins Julie and Kevin from the Teaching Restored podcast for a deep dive into how we share the beauty of the temple with those we love.If you’ve ever felt like teaching the temple was just about checking off a list of "shoulds," this conversation is for you. Wil reframes temple worship not as a task to be completed, but as a divine antidote to the anxiety and disconnection facing youth and adults today.In this episode, we discuss:The "Belonging" Antidote: How connecting to our ancestors and the House of the Lord can literally move the needle on anxiety and depression.Meeting Youth Where They Are: Moving past the "checklist" mentality to help teenagers feel seen, heard, and valued through the Savior.The Gift vs. The Wrapping Paper: A powerful analogy for understanding the symbolism of the endowment without getting lost in the "Old Testament" details.Redefining Our Language: Why shifting from "taking out" an endowment to "receiving" a gift changes our entire perspective.Patterns of Daily Living: How the five covenants made in the temple aren't just for the altar—they are patterns that help us become more like Jesus Christ every single day.Connect with Temple Bound:Subscribe for more deep dives into temple worship.Follow us on social media for daily insights.Send us Fan Mail

What happens when you walk away from the peak of a successful private equity career to answer a spiritual calling? In this episode of Temple Bound, we sit down with Peter Sturgeon, CEO of Mentors International, to discuss his profound shift from wealth-building to world-building.Peter shares how a mission to India first broke his heart for the poor and how, years later, a series of powerful temple revelations guided him and his wife, Sarah, to "jump off the cliff" and dedicate their lives to entrepreneurship-based poverty alleviation. We explore the true meaning of the Law of Consecration, stories of staggering sacrifice from Saints in India and Kenya, and why the temple is the ultimate place to receive revelation—not just for our own problems, but for the needs of our global neighbors.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The Pivot to Purpose: How Peter transitioned from a high-stakes business career to leading a global charity without looking back.Temple Revelation: The specific advice from a patriarch that helped Peter balance a grueling global travel schedule with his role as a father of five.Consecration vs. Sacrifice: Why Peter views the Law of Consecration as a "key to happiness" rather than a burden of guilt.Global Perspectives of Faith: Stirring stories of Indian Saints who sold everything they owned for a single trip to be sealed in the Hong Kong temple.The "Matatu" Miracle: How the growth of temples in places like Nairobi is changing the lives of Saints in Africa.Expanding Your "Neighbor" Definition: Practical ways to seek revelation for those outside your immediate circle and find meaning through local and global service.Connect with UsInstagram: @TempleBoundPodcastSubmit a Question: Leave a comment in the show notes with your thoughts on today's episode or suggestions for future guests!Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Temple Bound, we sit down with recurring guest Brad Farr to dissect the core themes of the most recent General Conference. This was a unique session, marking the first conference following the passing of President Russell M. Nelson.We discuss the "shifting focus" of the Church—moving from the rapid announcement of new temples to the sacred work of getting members inside to receive their ordinances. From the construction sites in Sierra Leone to the power of Primary songs, Brad identifies four transformative themes that bridge the gap between our everyday struggles and the power of godliness.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why President Oaks and the Quorum of the Twelve are "slowing down" temple announcements.The personal impact of the recent change to the temple recommend questions.How to find power in the temple when you're in the "trenches" of parenthood or life.The profound connection between temple covenants and overcoming personal anger or doubt.Featured General Conference Talks:The Power of Ministering to the One — Elder Peter M. JohnsonTaking Upon Us the Name of Jesus Christ — Elder Dale G. RenlundThe Lord Is Hastening His Work — Elder Quentin L. CookTune Your Heart to Jesus Christ — Sister Tracy Y. BrowningSubscribe for more deep dives into the Covenant Path. Follow us on Instagram: @templeboundpodcastSend us Fan Mail

How do you prepare for a journey where the destination is becoming like God? In this profound conclusion to our conversation with Michael King, we shift from the history of the temple to the personal application of its covenants. Mike breaks down the "why" behind the endowment through the eyes of Adam and Eve, revealing that the temple isn't just a ceremony—it’s a roadmap for the soul.From the symbolic "fig leaves" we use to hide our imperfections to the "coat of skins" that represents the Savior’s ultimate covering, this episode explores how we can move from "blind obedience" to a deep, intentional relationship with Jesus Christ. If you’ve ever felt like the person you are in the temple is a stranger to the person you are in traffic, Mike’s insights on the "celestial mold" will offer you hope, humor, and a clear path forward.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The First Temple Journey: How Adam and Eve’s experience in the Garden of Eden and the wilderness parallels the modern endowment.Fig Leaves vs. Coats of Skins: Why we often try to "fix" our sins through our own efforts, and how the Savior’s grace is the only true "covering."The "ASK" Principle: A unique breakdown of Asking, Seeking, and Knocking as a model for spiritual learning.The Five Laws of the Temple: How the laws of Obedience, Sacrifice, Gospel, Chastity, and Consecration are found throughout the Book of Moses.Zion and the Power of One: The "synergy" of the Law of Consecration and how being of "one heart and one mind" changes a community.The "Real You": How to conduct yourself in the "lower regions" of life using the memory of what you’ve seen "higher up" on the mountain of the Lord.Send us Fan Mail

How does a 4-foot-8 grandmother complete 20,000 temple endowments? In this powerful episode of Temple Bound, we sit down with Michael King to explore the temple not just as a destination, but as a transformative journey. Mike shares the incredible legacy of his grandmother, Hilda, and dives deep into the "why" behind sacred ordinances, explaining how they are designed to "steel" us, fortify and strengthen us, for the trials of life.From the symbolism of Jacob’s Ladder to the pre-mortal covenants we made to be "saviors on Mount Zion," this conversation reframes temple worship from a "have-to" obligation into a "get-to" gift. Whether you are a seasoned temple-goer or someone searching for peace amidst a "wrestle" with faith, Mike’s insights on "faith seeking understanding" will change the way you view your covenants.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The Temple as a Journey: Why the temple mirrors the path of leaving home, experiencing the world, and returning to become like our Heavenly Parents.Steeling for the Battle: The meaning of being "steeled" (hardened and strengthened) by the endowment to face life’s winters and "mobs."The Legacy of 20,000 Endowments: The awe-inspiring true story of Mike’s grandmother and her tireless service in the Idaho Falls Temple.What is an "Ordinance"?: A deep dive into the word order—how physical gestures help us organize our lives after the "Holy Order" of the Son of God.Saviors on Mount Zion: The pre-mortal "partnership" we entered with the Lord to ensure every child of God has a chance to hear the name of Jesus Christ.Faith Seeking Understanding: Why having "many questions but no doubts" is a healthy, productive way to approach the gospel and the temple.Send us Fan Mail

What happens when you do everything "right", you pray, you wait for a "yes" from the Lord, you marry in the temple, and it still ends in divorce?In this moving episode of Temple Bound, host Will Humphreys sits down with Sarah Bingham to discuss the raw and often unspoken reality of temple marriages that fail. Sarah shares her journey from "journaling to her future husband" at age eight to the devastating fallout of an eight-year marriage that left her shaking her fist at God.Sarah opens up about the "Prodigal Son's Brother Syndrome", the pain of watching those who made poor choices seemingly get "celebrated" while you struggle to survive. She discusses how she reconciled the concept of eternal agency with temple covenants and how a literal hike toward forgiveness led to a miraculous softening of hearts.Whether you are currently navigating a divorce, struggling with "cloudy days" of trauma, or trying to rebuild your trust in God’s plan, Sarah’s story is a powerful testament that through Christ, what is broken can indeed be mended.In this episode, you’ll learn:The Conflict of the "Yes": How to handle the confusion when a marriage you felt prompted by God to enter doesn’t last.Agency vs. Covenants: Why God respects the agency of individuals even within the bounds of a temple sealing.The Healing Power of Nature: Sarah’s unique "forgiveness hikes" and finding God on the mountaintops when the temple felt too painful.The Miracle of Co-Parenting: How Sarah went from years of "ugly" legal battles to a peaceful, blended family dynamic that includes her ex-husband.Mish Mo Creations: Sarah’s new mission to start "missionary moments" through scripture-inspired apparel.Resources Mentioned:The Shack (Movie/Book): A resource Sarah used to understand the forgiveness process.The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: A discussion on healing from trauma and how the body remembers the past.Mish Mo Creations: Check out Sarah’s line of intentional, scripture-based clothing https://bodysoulmaintenance.com/products/short-sleeve-unisex-t-shirt-1?Quotes by: President Russell M. Nelson, Elder Dale G. Renlund, and Sister Kristin M. Yee.Send us Fan Mail

In this deeply moving and transformative episode of the Temple Bound Podcast, host Will Humphreys sits down with five remarkable young adults, Emmanuel Mwaringa, Esekom Kelly Etabo, Grace Aoko, Monicah Loko, Yvonne Koki  who share their personal journeys of survival, faith, and triumph after being rescued by Mully's Children's Family (MCF) in Kenya, Africa.You will hear firsthand accounts of extreme poverty, abandonment, and abuse, and how the love, structure, and spiritual nourishment provided by Dr. Charles Mully and the MCF family turned their lives around. This episode is a testament to the power of hope, forgiveness, and Christ-centered intervention.Key Stories & HighlightsEmmanuel's Journey (Coastal Kenya):Born into a challenging family situation where the absence of a male heir led to his mother's mistreatment.His story of chronic illness, working dangerous physical labor (offloading cement) at age 14, and being rescued after collapsing from exhaustion.His academic and artistic success, culminating in representing MCF and Africa in a music program tour in Canada.Powerful Takeaway: "No situation is permanent... Read Jeremiah 29:11... Standing with God, and everything will be possible."Esekom (Nairobi Slum):Rescued as an infant from the harsh, disease-prone environment of the Mathare slum, living in a mud shack.Graduating with a degree in Construction and Property Management and now working to transform the slum area she came from.Powerful Takeaway: Her commitment to following Dr. Mully's footsteps: "Instill love, instill discipline, instill hope... I want to really one day go there and transform [my back home]."Grace Aoko’s Path to Social Work (Eldoret Market):Abandoned in an Eldoret market at the age of eight, left to wander until taken to a police station.Her rescue by Dr. Mully from a children's remand home after he saw her joyful singing.Her journey to get a Diploma in Community Development and Social Work and successfully reuniting and forgiving her mother.Powerful Takeaway: "God cannot abandon us... There will always be a good Samaritan somewhere sent by God to take us through this life."Monicah's Global Recognition (Machakos County)Rescued from a desperate home situation where she was often forced to escape to the forest to avoid mistreatment from cousins.The overwhelming love and support she received from Dr. Mully and Mama Mully after an unexpected pregnancy in high school, where they encouraged her to continue her education.Graduating with a degree and receiving a scholarship to study International Human Rights Law in the US.Global Recognition: Her team placed third worldwide in an international criminal law moot court competition.Powerful Takeaway: "Your past does not determine who you are, but where you are at that point. With your focus forward, then you can use that past as a driving force for you to achieve the best." (Note: The host/guest identifies this person as "Monica" late in the interview, but this name is already used. Since the transcript does not confirm a unique name, the description focuses on her unique achievement.)Yvonne's Story (Eastern Kenya):Rescued as a destitute 14-year-old girl at risk of early marriage; her entire family of six siblings was eventually rescued by MCF.She pursued a diploma in Agriculture, served in the MCF farm department for years, and now works in Dr. Mully's office after writing an impressive request letter.Powerful Takeaway: Her belief that God is living: "People should trust that without God, nothing is possible. But with God, everything is possible."Send us Fan Mail

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Vernesa, a remarkable 24-year-old woman who embodies selfless love and unwavering faith. We meet Vernesa at the newly dedicated Nairobi Kenya Temple just hours before she enters for the first time to perform baptisms for the dead.Vernesa shares her harrowing yet inspiring life story:A Child of Trauma: At age six, Vernesa survived the accident that claimed her parents' lives. She was taken in by a loving family, but the ensuing years were marked by abuse from extended family members, forcing her to leave her new home around age 10.Mother Mildred's Embrace: Her life changed when Mildred, an extraordinary woman and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, rescued her and brought her into an orphanage she ran. Mildred provided the love and healing that Vanessa desperately needed, becoming her third "mother." Vanessa describes the beautiful yet challenging environment of the orphanage, where older children cared for the younger ones, passing on a culture of love and service.An Unimaginable Loss & Call to Service: Just one year after Vernesa’s own baptism into the Church, Mother Mildred tragically passed away at age 40. In the wake of this devastating loss, the other orphans rallied, urging Vanessa to take Mildred's place. Vernesa chose to stay, becoming the mother figure for 272 orphans, 72 of whom she currently houses in a small, five-bedroom home after a flood destroyed the main orphanage building.Peace Through Christ: Amidst unbelievable challenges, managing a large family in confined spaces, addressing trauma, and securing basic needs, Vernesa reflects on how her faith in Jesus Christ is her constant source of peace and strength. She shares how prayer and the love of God have brought about daily miracles of provision and help.Hear Vernesa’s powerful testimony about the ultimate form of leadership, motherhood, and the profound impact of extending kindness, even when you've seen the worst of humanity. Her story is a testament to the fact that God always keeps His promises, sending angels to help those who trust in Him.Send us Fan Mail

Join us for a truly inspiring conversation with Dr. Charles Mulli, founder of the Mully Children's Family (MCF) in Kenya. Dr. Mulli shares his remarkable and miraculous life journey, beginning with being abandoned by his parents at age five and spending his childhood begging on the streets.This episode traces his path from utter destitution to becoming a highly successful entrepreneur in Kenya, owning a fleet of buses and an oil distribution business. The pivotal moment came when God directed him to sell everything, his businesses, cars, and assets, to become a father to the fatherless.Dr. Mulli details the spiritual struggle and the incredible faith required to transition from a life of wealth to serving the poorest of the poor. He recounts the early challenges of caring for children in a dry, barren land, including the tragic loss of children due to illness, and the subsequent miracles of provision, from finding unexpected money transfers to the incredible provision of water that has since transformed the land into an abundant, green ecosystem.Today, MCF is recognized as the largest family in the world, having rescued and rehabilitated over 40,000 children. Discover the foundational principles of love, forgiveness, and spiritual nourishment that have enabled these children to grow up, become successful professionals (lawyers, doctors, professors), and carry on Dr. Mulli's legacy of leadership and service around the globe.Key Takeaways:From Abandonment to Entrepreneurship: Dr. Mulli was abandoned at age five and grew up begging on the streets. He later channeled his work ethic into a lucrative business career, becoming one of Kenya's wealthiest individuals.The Pivotal Moment: His comfortable life was interrupted by a deep spiritual conviction, sparked by the sight of street boys watching his car—a scene that mirrored his own childhood. He felt called to become a father to the fatherless.The Power of Forgiveness: A profound message on the power of forgiveness heard in a church service saved him from committing suicide at age 16 and later enabled him to release his anger toward his father, becoming a core principle of MCF’s rehabilitation program.A Legacy of Miracles: Learn about the incredible divine intervention that sustained MCF, including the moment a missing car led to a three-year quest for purpose, and the unexpected financial transfers that ensured the ministry never ran dry.The Largest Family in the World: MCF has rescued and educated over 40,000 children, many of whom return as doctors, engineers, and teachers to serve the next generation.Discover the miracles, the struggles, and the foundational principles of love and mentorship that have allowed Dr. Mulli to become a father to over 40,000 children and transform a dry, barren landscape into a thriving, self-sustaining family.You can also watch the documentary about Dr. Mulli and MCF: The Mully Movie (available on Prime Video). https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Mully/0JGL274EWOE7V9N8U3TRQ8LWNNSend us Fan Mail

In this powerful episode of Temple Bound, we continue our deep dive into Mark’s groundbreaking book by exploring the second half, where ancient temples, Restoration revelation, and modern temple worship connect into one unified pattern.Mark walks us through a sweeping scriptural and historical journey, from the Garden of Eden, to Adam-ondi-Ahman, to Mount Sinai, to the Tabernacle, and ultimately to the Restoration of temple ordinances in Kirtland.If you’ve ever wondered:Did temples really exist anciently?How does Eden function as the first temple?Why did the Lord restore temple ordinances in our day?What exactly happened in the Kirtland Temple, and why does it matter today?If this conversation strengthened your understanding and love of the temple, subscribe and share this episode with someone preparing to enter the House of the Lord.Send us Fan Mail

In this incredibly insightful episode of Temple Bound, we sit down with Mark and Mandy Mathews, a Stake President and veteran Seminaries and Institutes teacher, and author of the groundbreaking book, Understanding Your Temple Experience. Mark shares the passion that drove him to write this vital guide, the heartbreak of a newly endowed student who felt "confused" by the temple endowment.Mark explains how his book, praised by the hosts as the book they wish they had before their first temple experience, addresses the modern generation's need for greater transparency and preparation regarding sacred ordinances.We explore how to effectively prepare for the temple, focusing on Mark's core framework: the temple is the Lord's invitation to meet with us here and now.Key Takeaways You'll Discover:Preparing for God's Presence: Mark outlines the ultimate purpose of the temple: everything is a journey back to the presence of God.The Initiatory as Preparation: Understand the three phases of the Initiatory—washing, anointing, and clothing—as a necessary cleansing from the "blood and sins of this wicked generation" and a spiritual coronation ceremony .The Garment as a Sacred Symbol: Deepen your appreciation for the temple garment as a literal symbol of being "covered by Christ" and a daily affirmation of your covenants, armed with spiritual power.Seeing Past the "Wrapping Paper": Learn how to focus on the gifts of the endowment rather than getting distracted by the "Old Testament wrapping paper" of unfamiliar ritual and symbolism.The Endowment as a Vision: Mark explains why the endowment session is essentially an opportunity to receive a "visual revelation"—a sacred, personal vision of the Plan of Salvation, much like Moses and Abraham.Temple Marriage is the Gate: Discover the profound doctrinal truth that eternal marriage is the "gate to exaltation," unlocking the capacity to become like our Heavenly Parents and receive a "continuation of the seeds forever."President Nelson’s Promise: The one key takeaway Mark shares to help any sincere seeker: "Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find him in the temple."Whether you are preparing for your first temple visit or seeking to deepen your understanding after years of attendance, this episode will provide the framework, knowledge, and comfort you need to appreciate the sacred beauty and power of the house of the Lord.Send us Fan Mail

This week on Temple Bound, prepare for the most fun you've ever had listening to an episode! We welcome the incredibly talented and viral Latter-day Saint comedian and musician, Emily Pack.Emily, known for her uplifting, positive, and hilarious ukulele songs about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints culture, shares her powerful conversion story—an arc filled with light and darkness, humor and healing.She opens up about battling generalized anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and how mental health professionals encouraged her "Hail Mary" return to the Church, leading her to realize that true healing and purpose were found in the gospel.Key Takeaways from This Episode:Laughter is of the Spirit: Emily discusses how her comedy is an expression of her testimony, emphasizing that the spirit is multilingual and that humor can be a profound way to share the truth and love of Jesus Christ.The Power of Belonging: Hear about Emily's journey from feeling like a "ghost" who didn't belong to realizing her place as a daughter of God, particularly within the walls of the temple.Temple Revelations: Emily shares intimate, funny, and powerful moments of receiving personal revelation in the temple, including a moving experience with a clipboard at the veil, which brought an unexpected sense of empowerment.Change in the Church: The conversation dives into recent changes in Church policies and practices, like the new temple garment styles, and how they relate to the unchanging Atonement of Jesus Christ (the "trunk of the tree").Live Performances: The episode is bookended by Emily performing beautiful and hilarious songs, including her viral "Tank Top Garment Song" and the beautiful hymn "The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning."Join us for a conversation that will leave you laughing and deeply moved, as Emily reminds us all that we don't have to be anything other than 100% who we are to be a loved child of God.Listen, subscribe, and share!Send us Fan Mail

Host Will Humphreys welcomes former Primary President Lari Hunt for an inspired discussion on how even the youngest members of the Church can become powerful leaders in the work of salvation. Lari shares her journey, prompted by the direction of former General Primary President Joy D. Jones, to ignite a fire in her ward—starting with the Primary children.This episode reveals the powerful, often-unseen potential of involving children in finding ancestors, indexing, and preparing names for temple ordinances. Lari shares incredible, faith-building experiences where children, sometimes as young as five, led adults (including their parents and ward leaders) in completing temple work.Key Takeaways & Discussion Points:The Power of Peer Teaching (0:18:48): Lari emphasizes that you don't need to be a technology expert; it's often more powerful to learn alongside your child. When kids teach each other, they retain the concepts better and boost their confidence.A "Why" for Baptism and Beyond (0:29:18): Learn how to transfer the excitement of a child's baptism to temple and family history work, giving them a purpose (a "why") immediately after they are baptized.The 100 Ancestors in 100 Days Challenge (0:40:13): Hear the full, faith-promoting story of the ward-wide challenge that saw Primary children inspiring youth, adults, and even ward council members to complete 117 ordinances in the first year!Let the Kids Take the Wheel (0:48:20): Lari shares crucial advice on how to structure activities to let children lead the technology and the finding process, rather than the adults taking over.Anchor Your Testimony (0:56:25): Lari shares her powerful, multi-generational testimony of the promises and miracles that flow into your life when you put temple and family history work together.This discussion is essential for Primary leaders, parents, and grandparents seeking spiritual inspiration and practical ways to involve their children in gathering Israel.Send us Fan Mail

Will Humphreys with author and temple educator Melinda Wheelwright Brown to discuss her powerful book, An Endowment of Love: Embracing Christ’s Covenant Way of Living and Loving. This episode is a must-listen for anyone preparing for the temple or seeking a deeper, more expansive understanding of the covenants we make.Melinda shares the key mental shifts that can transform the way we view the temple. Learn why we should think of the core covenants, obedience, sacrifice, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, chastity, and consecration, not as rigid laws, but as eternal principles of love that bless every relationship in our lives. Discover why the endowment is a "starting point, not a finish line," and how understanding God’s love as preceding everything we do is fundamental to our covenant path.Key Takeaways:Reframing the Five Laws: Learn to view laws like obedience and sacrifice as principles of loyalty, trust, commitment, and investment in every relationship.Temple Anxiety: Melinda offers profound insights to relieve the pressure of the first visit, emphasizing that the core message is God’s love and your belonging.Thinking Bigger: Discover the expansive nature of the law of chastity as reverence for life and the law of consecration as a stewardship mindset—a partnership with Christ to build Zion.Christ's Covenant Way of Living and LovingMelinda re-frames the five temple covenants, offering a "bigger, more expansive idea" that helps us apply them instantly to our lives outside the temple doors: DOWNLOAD WORKSHEET HERE.This insightful discussion will help you fine-tune your vision to see all things more divinely and apply the power of the temple instantly to your daily life.Temple Bound is in Kenya!We’ve officially arrived! From November 2nd to 9th, we’re partnering with a local group to help members of the Church attend the temple for the very first time.Here’s how you can be part of this incredible experience:Follow the Journey: Tune in to our daily podcast episodes as we share stories and updates straight from Kenya. Follow us on all social media platforms to see the impact unfold in real time. Support the Mission:We’re raising funds for essential medical supplies, food, and shelter for a local orphanage. Every donation makes a direct difference here on the ground.  Book Giveaway Alert!We're giving away copies of An Endowment of Love by Melinda Wheelwright Brown! Want to win and dive deeper into these concepts?How to Enter:Listen to this episode of Temple Bound.Answer this question (found within the episode discussion): What two basic premises does Melinda say can relieve the pressure of not knowing what's ahead in the temple?Go and follow our Instagram page (@templeboundpodcast).Find the giveaway post and comment your answer and tag two friends who would love this book!Giveaway closes November 10, 2025. Winners will be notified via Instagram DM.Send us Fan Mail

Parenting can make it hard to inspire a passion for temple worship in our kids, but today’s guest, Jacki Hanks, shares a miraculous story that completely changed her family’s culture. What started as a competitive "game" between siblings snowballed into an outpouring of faith, resulting in her family completing over 15,000 temple ordinances in a single year!Jacki shares the pivotal moment, a flat tire turned spiritual victory that ignited their fire for temple service. Hear how they leveraged family dynamics, technology like the Get Involved App, and a competitive spirit to co-create a sustainable, powerful, and deeply spiritual family tradition. This story is an unforgettable testament to the Spirit of Elijah and the blessings of making the temple a central part of family life.Jacki's journey from feeling like a "loser" to seeing her entire family, friends, and community rally around a massive goal will inspire you to find the "game" that works for your family.Key Takeaways & Discussion PointsFinding the Game: How to create engaging, co-created experiences that make temple worship fun for your children.The Power of Resilience: Turning setbacks (like a flat tire) into spiritual victories, denying the adversary a win.Gamification & Technology: Leveraging apps like FamilySearch and the Get Involved App to make indexing and family history engaging.Consistency is Key: Why frequent temple attendance can become a spiritual "high" that families miss when it's absent.Thinking Big: Setting "impossible" goals (like 15,000 ordinances) to force exponential spiritual growth.Travel Opportunity & Humanitarian Appeal!Temple Bound is going to Kenya! From November 2nd through the 9th, we are partnering with a local group to help members of the church attend the temple for the very first time.How you can join this effort:Follow Us Remotely: Check out our daily podcast episodes while we're over there. Follow us on all social media platforms to track our journey and see the impact.Donate: We are also raising money for crucial medical supplies, food, and shelter for a local orphanage. Come With Us: We have a limited number of seats available for those who want to join this effort of sharing good overseas! Please reach out to learn more.Send us Fan Mail

In this inspiring episode of Temple Bound, host Will Humphreys talks with Isabel Dizon "Sab" about her journey of finding deeper faith and resilience after a devastating typhoon hit her family in the Philippines.The conversation takes a powerful turn as Sab describes the terrifying moment when Typhoon Egay (Typhoon Emong) flooded their home in La Union, Philippines, in July. With water rising fast and roads blocked by fallen trees, she and her husband led their terrified children in worship and prayer to find calm amidst the chaos. They lost their home and many possessions, yet they held onto a profound sense of hope.Key Takeaways from Sab’s Story:Storms as a Path to Purpose: Sab shares her powerful realization: "Sometimes God allows storms not to break us but to bring us somewhere we are meant to be."Letting Go and Receiving Blessings: Amidst their losses, the family decided to let go of their destroyed possessions, trusting that God would provide. They were surprised by a small but significant miracle when appliances they thought were ruined still worked.Compensating Blessings: After being like "nomads" for months, moving between Airbnbs and family homes just for a shower and electricity, the family moved to a new home in Manila in October. Sab highlights the peace of mind and security they now have, as well as being closer to family, as compensating blessings from God.Greater Confidence in Christ: Sab’s biggest takeaway from the trial is a dramatically improved confidence in Christ. She learned to trust Him more deeply, realizing that God never leaves us, even in the storm.The Power of Hesed: Sab discusses the Hebrew word Hesed (loving-kindness or mercy), learning that God's faithful, unfailing love was made manifest through the kindness of Will, the Temple Bound team, and others who supported her family.Temple Bound as a Spiritual Tool: Sab shares how working on the podcast and engaging with the messages, even as a non-member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has transformed her personal faith and deepened her relationship with Jesus Christ. She realizes the temple is us and that we are all responsible for spreading the word of Christ.Will and Sab also discuss the nature of temples for Latter-day Saints and the opportunity for everyone to visit a temple open house to learn more about the structure and covenants that unite us all in the love of the Savior.Join us for this deeply moving and uplifting discussion on faith, resilience, and the power of finding Jesus in the midst of life's greatest challenges. You won't want to miss it.Temple Bound is Going to Kenya!Will you join us? Temple Bound is heading to Kenya, Africa, November 2nd through the 9th, to help a local group of members attend the temple for the first time! We are also raising money for an orphanage to provide medical supplies, food, and shelter.How You Can Help:Follow Us: Stay connected and follow our daily journey on social media! Follow us on Instagram: @TempleBoundPodcastDonate: Support our humanitarian efforts via https://www.gofundme.com/f/templebound-in-africaCome With Us: We have a limited number of seats! Reach out to join us in sharing this good work overseas.Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever struggled with the feeling that you’re just not measuring up? In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the concept of toxic perfectionism and the freedom found in truly understanding the Savior’s commandment, "Be ye therefore perfect." Our guest Jeff Benintendi shares his intensely personal 25-year struggle with self-doubt and feeling unworthy, even while serving faithfully in the Church and as a temple worker.Inspired by a talk from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, we explore how the adversary distorts the gospel’s ideals, turning commandments into a source of self-loathing and despair. Jeff recounts a powerful, life-changing blessing he received that instantly lifted the burden of his chronic lack of peace of conscience, opening the floodgates to finding joy in the temple and a new perspective on true worthiness.We discuss the vital distinction between toxic perfectionism, the fruitless self-battering that Satan loves to encourage, and being perfected in Christ, a surrender to His power and a focus on His achievements over our own failures. Learn how to discern the negative, shaming whispers of the adversary from the loving, encouraging voice of the Spirit, and discover how to finally give up the impossible quest for perfect performance to embrace the joy of the Atonement.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the constant comparison of their "worst to everyone else's best," and who is ready to receive the peace that Christ offers.Key Discussion Points:Elder Holland's sympathetic counsel on feelings of self-doubt and belonging.The adversary's masterful craft of turning covenants into curses and inspiration into self-loathing.How comparing your "worst" to others' "best" is a destructive path.The true meaning of the commandment to "Be ye therefore perfect" as a tribute to God and what we can achieve with Him.Jeff's 25-year struggle with feelings of unworthiness and the spiritual breakthrough that brought instant peace.Discerning between the Spirit's voice and the adversary's shaming whispers.Why "beating up on ourselves" is ineffective and harmful to true spiritual growth.The difference between toxic perfectionism (giving up the self-imposed, impossible performance) and being perfected in Christ (surrendering to the Savior's grace).It's time to stop comparing your worst to everyone else's best. Discover the freedom in surrendering the impossible quest for perfect performance and embracing being perfected in Christ. Learn how to discern the shaming whispers of darkness from the loving voice of the Spirit, and find the joy and worthiness that are truly yours.Temple Bound is Going to Kenya!Will you join us? Temple Bound is heading to Kenya, Africa, November 2nd through the 9th, to help a local group of members attend the temple for the first time! We are also raising money for an orphanage to provide medical supplies, food, and shelter.How You Can Help:Follow Us: Stay connected and follow our daily journey on social media! Follow us on Instagram: @TempleBoundPodcastDonate: Support our humanitarian efforts via https://www.gofundme.com/f/templebound-in-africaCome With Us: We have a limited number of seats! Reach out to join us in sharing this good work overseas.Thanks for listening! If this episode inspired you, please share it with a friend who might be contemplating temple service.Send us Fan Mail

Is Your Life TOO Busy for Temple Service? Find Out Why Bart McDonald Said YES to Being an Ordinance Worker!Many of us believe that serving as a temple ordinance worker is a calling reserved for retirement or when life finally slows down. But what if the Lord is asking you to serve right now, in the middle of your busiest season?In this inspiring episode of Temple Bound, host Will speaks with Bart McDonald, a business builder, father, and former bishop who accepted the invitation to serve in the temple before his life quieted down.Bart shares his personal journey of balancing a demanding work schedule (including a company merger!), raising a family, and serving in the Church, all while finding time to serve in the temple every week. Discover how this commitment profoundly changed his schedule, marriage, discipleship, and heart, proving that making an appointment with the Lord is possible, and vital, no matter how full your plate is.Tune in to hear Bart discuss:The spiritual nudge to serve in the temple that just wouldn't leave him aloneHow the Lord "parted the Red Sea of time" to provide extra energy and sanity to his busy lifeHis experience as a Baptistry Coordinator and the profound insights he gained while serving side-by-side with his wife The incredible spiritual power of seeing youth and pre-missionaries embrace temple service How serving as an ordinance worker became "the most impactful way" he’s ever served the Lord, changing his heart and prioritiesThe modern shift in temple work: The emphasis is now on spiritual preparation and impact, not perfect memorizationA powerful, heart-searing story of a father and his 11-year-old daughter in the baptistry that illustrates the "gathering of Israel on both sides of the veil"If you've ever thought, "I don't have time," this conversation will inspire you to take it to the Lord and find a way to serve in His house now.Temple Bound is Going to Kenya!Will you join us? Temple Bound is heading to Kenya, Africa, November 2nd through the 9th, to help a local group of members attend the temple for the first time! We are also raising money for an orphanage to provide medical supplies, food, and shelter.How You Can Help:Follow Us: Stay connected and follow our daily journey on social media! Follow us on Instagram: @TempleBoundPodcastDonate: Support our humanitarian efforts via https://www.gofundme.com/f/templebound-in-africaCome With Us: We have a limited number of seats! Reach out to join us in sharing this good work overseas.Thanks for listening! If this episode inspired you, please share it with a friend who might be contemplating temple service.Send us Fan Mail

Feeling anxious about the Second Coming? Join host Will Humphreys and guest Rachele Bascom as they explore Elder Dale G. Renlund's talk, "Personal Preparation to Meet the Savior," and discover how preparing for Christ's return can bring peace and joy.In this episode, they discuss the three parables Jesus shared to help us prepare for His Second Coming:The Parable of the Ten Virgins: Learn how to "add drops of oil" to your lamp and avoid deception by focusing on Christ and inviting the Holy Ghost.The Parable of the Talents: Understand the importance of magnifying your unique abilities and avoiding the "thief of joy"—unhealthy comparison.The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats: Discover how serving others is a key way to serve God and become the leaders He wants us to be.Rachele also shares her family's theme, "Focus on Christ," and how it has transformed their daily lives, helping them recognize the hand of God and feel more confident in their discipleship. They also discuss the power of the temple, consistency in our efforts, and how to teach children to trust the Lord and find their identity as sons and daughters of God.Key Takeaways:Preparation over Fear: The goal of personal preparation is not to live in fear but to find joy and confidence in the process.Consistency is Effort: Consistency doesn't mean perfection; it means continually trying, getting up when you fall, and putting forth sincere effort.The Power of the Holy Ghost: Helping children recognize how they "feel" when exposed to different media or people can help them learn to listen to the Spirit and avoid deception.Service brings Joy: Deflecting focus from ourselves and serving others is one of the quickest ways to find happiness and draw closer to the Savior.Find Your Joy: Simplify your personal preparation by focusing on Christ, and you will find that living the gospel is a source of optimism, not anxiety.Listen now and learn how to feel more prepared and joyful as you prepare to meet the Savior!Learn More & ConnectSupport Temple Bound: Learn about our humanitarian trip to Kenya and how you can help! Here’s a GoFundMe link to donate medical supplies, food, and shelter for a local orphanage. >> https://www.gofundme.com/f/templebound-in-africaCome with Us! We have a limited number of seats available for our humanitarian trip to Kenya from November 2nd-9th.Follow us on social media for daily updates from our trip.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Temple Bound, host Will Humphreys is joined by Bishop Brock Booher and his wife, Britt, for a heartfelt conversation on the principle of sustaining—inspired by Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s General Conference talk, “Behold, I Am the Light Which Ye Shall Hold Up.”The Boohers share personal stories, including their family’s pioneer journey to the Manti Temple, and expand the idea of what it means to be a pioneer in today’s Church. Together, they explore:How sustaining leaders and loved ones strengthens families and wardsWhy bishops and their families need trust, grace, and supportThe connection between seeking counsel from leaders and receiving revelation in the templeHow living our covenants and sustaining the prophet helps us “hold up the Lord’s light”Practical ways the temple helps us discern truth from errorThe episode also spotlights an upcoming humanitarian trip to Kenya, supporting Saints in attending the temple for the first time and raising funds for a local orphanage.Whether you’re a new convert, lifelong member, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode will deepen your understanding of sustaining and its role in building faith legacies for generations to come.Learn More & ConnectSupport Temple Bound: Learn about our humanitarian trip to Kenya and how you can help! Here’s a GoFundMe link to donate medical supplies, food, and shelter for a local orphanage - https://www.gofundme.com/f/templebound-in-africaCome with Us! We have a limited number of seats available for our humanitarian trip to Kenya from November 2nd-9th.Follow us on social media for daily updates from our trip.Please leave us a review and let us know what topics you'd love to hear about next!Send us Fan Mail