Reps for Jesus

From the outside looking in, Lisa McConnell has every right to be bitter. From developing a brain tumor in her early twenties and subsequently having 82 surgeries, to losing her marriage and her home, being a single mother for 9 years, and relearning how to walk three times, Lisa has had more than her fair share of pain. And yet, she is joyful and confident. She moves forward with boldness. She is a force for good. And she knows who she is. In this episode we break down how she went from hating God to having an undeniable closeness with Him. How her unshakable understanding of her own divine identity has come through her relationship with God. The importance of reading and trusting the promises in our patriarchal blessing.The commandment to not fear.How to transform prayer from routine to relationship building. Her admonition to act when instructed, and her experiences serving around the globe. How to find joy in the midst of sadness and chaos through repentance. And how, at the end of the day, the only opinion that truly matters is what God thinks of us.

Welcome back to the Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by Alena Flegel, the first friend that she made after moving to South Bend. Alena shares her experience in turning to God in her lowest moment and how she has applied the Atonement of Jesus Christ in her daily life. They discuss why they desire a close relationship with God, how they have been improving their prayers, and the peace that comes with trusting God's will. They both exchange experiences about how they have felt the constant love of God, regardless of what they had to offer. Alena shares her humble, heartfelt testimony of the power of prayer and the love of God.

In his first ever role as interviewer for the "Reps for Jesus" podcast, Tyler gets an opportunity to interview Kaleb Reil. Not only is Kaleb a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he also identifies as gay. With many questions on the table, Tyler and Kaleb walk through what the past has been like, what he currently is pondering, and what the future might hold for him while Kaleb tries to answer these difficult questions for himself.

Welcome back to the Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by Kaleb Reil, a dear friend from Notre Dame. They discuss Kaleb's journey in seeking God's will for his future and the questions he has wrestled with as a gay member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He shares the miraculous path God provided for him to attend Notre Dame, how he has come to understand his divine identity as a son of God, and the absolute importance of our mortal experience on Earth. Kaleb is incredibly intelligent, articulate, and generously shares his powerful testimony of the love of God and Jesus Christ. 

Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by her dear friend, Kelsie Midence! They discuss what it means to be a disciple of Christ, being bold for Christ, how Kelsie came to know of the reality of God, and how she includes God in her work as a photographer.

Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by her dear friend, Gabriel Baldonado! Gabriel shares how he has been able to develop a close relationship with God.

Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by her mom, Yuu Bates! YuuB shares how she's been able to build rock solid faith, and how life is a process of continuing to turn back to God. 

Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by dear friend, Corb Heath. Corb shares his extraordinary experience finding the gospel in his youth, how the Lord has been guiding him throughout his life, and how ultimately you get to choose what you do with the life God has given you.

Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by dear friend, McKell Parsons. McKell shares her experience releasing bitterness toward God and how she's learned to trust Him even when it feels like prayers are going unanswered.

Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by her dad, Kent Bates, to get some advice before moving to Indiana for grad school. Her dad shares about viewing new opportunities as exciting adventures, this life being an opportunity to grow and learn about the Savior, and the importance of being careful over casual with our testimonies. 

Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Jess and Kiana discuss how Christ is showing up in their lives right now, Kiana's process in finding housing for her upcoming move, the importance of trials and hardships, collateral damage when following the Savior, and the story of Elisha. 

Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by her dear friend, Dalton Calderwood, to discuss the beauty of knowing God as our Heavenly Father, how we've been able to develop a relationship with Him, and the role that Christ plays in our lives. 

Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by her dear friend, Amie Serassio, to talk about keeping an eye single to the glory of God and how we can glorify Him no matter the circumstances of our lives.

Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by filmmaker and family friend, Andy Lindsay, to talk about using your talents for good, and how the purpose of trials is who we become in the process.

Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Jess and Kiana discuss Kent turning 33 and the year of the cross—the joy and peace that comes through being yoked with Christ, President Nelson’s talk about confidence in the presence of God, the impact of attending the temple, and how we can do all things for Christ. 

Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Jess and Kiana discuss cultivating Christ-centered homes, Jesus Night and the importance of gathering, charity in action, and how removing social media has strengthened our relationship with Christ.

Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by heritage artist Vou Fitisemanu to discuss his journey in leaving behind football to pursue art, how he's taken steps into the darkness and trusted the process, and the importance of remembering your divine heritage.

Welcome back to the Reps for Jesus podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by two of her friends, Spencer Burns and Carter Blakley, to discuss being co-creators with God, their conversion stories, and what they learned from their missions.

Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Jess and Kiana share their life updates--grad school and moving--and how charity gives us confidence.

Welcome back to Reps for Jesus Podcast! In this episode, Kiana is joined by one of her best friends, Hannah Geppert. Kiana and Hannah dive into the power of our minds, the importance of gratitude, and trusting in God.

Today we are joined by a very special guest, Baachan! 

In this episode, Jess, Kent, and Kiana discuss gratitude, our intentions for Lent, and how we combat fear

We have a very special guest on today's podcast: Jess' husband and Kiana's brother, Kent Bates!In preparation for Easter and the beginning of Lent this week, we are discussing fasting--why we fast and core experiences we've had while fasting.

In this episode, Jess and Kiana talk about:When we are seeking for answers and God says that it's just not time to know yetGod slowing us down so we are in time for our blessingsTrusting that God wants to communicate with usPreparing for revelationIt's okay to be discouragedChoosing to turn to ChristWho we are becoming in the processGod's greatest creation is US

In this episode Jess and Kiana talk faith. The story of Moses. Joshua. How faith is a principle of action of power. Seeing Jesus enter our stories in miraculous ways. The importance of keeping a record of manifestations of God's love in our lives. The gift of being part of the journey. And how most of the time, we don't see God's hand in our lives until we look back.

In this episode, Jess and Kiana discuss the powerful and sometimes perplexing journey of understanding and aligning with God’s will for our lives. From moments of uncertainty to the deep peace that comes with trusting His timing, we explore how to discern His voice and respond faithfully when things don’t go according to our plans.Join us as we share personal stories, biblical insights, and practical tips for cultivating patience and trust in God’s perfect timing. Whether you're in a season of waiting, struggling with direction, or seeking reassurance, this episode will encourage you to rest in the truth that God’s plan for you is always unfolding in the best possible way.