Chocolate Cake Bytes

This week, I'm diving deep into the topic of ministering—what does it really mean, and how can we live it more authentically? With a few thunderstorms shaking up our July Fourth plans here in the Midwest, I've had some extra moments to reflect on what it means to be present in others' lives, not just through assignments, but through genuine, heartfelt connection. We'll talk abo...

This week, I’m inviting you into a real-life saga of modern inconvenience—my Xfinity internet meltdown. Maybe you’re enjoying a long July 4th weekend (and hopefully better weather than the current heat wave), but have you ever found your work-from-home routine completely upended by a construction crew and a vanishing internet connection? That’s exactly what happened here, all thanks to some ambiti...

This week, I’m sharing a real-life tale of unexpected challenges and creative solutions—a sudden power outage in the middle of a busy afternoon. Ever had one of those days where nothing goes as planned? Between a Zoom call with a prospect, prepping cakes to send out, and getting ready for a hot wings (well, chicken legs) challenge at our Elders Quorum activity, I quickly learned just how dependent...

This week, I’m taking a bite out of the topic of ministering—what it means, how it’s shifted over the years, and why many of us still struggle with it. Ever find yourself asking if you’re “doing enough,” or wondering what the checklist is supposed to look like now that home teaching has evolved into something so much less defined? I was recently at our ward conference and found myself in a discuss...

This week, I'm digging deep into my personal study of 3rd Nephi—the Book of Mormon chapters that capture Christ’s visit to the Americas after His resurrection. Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to stand in that crowd, to hear the voice from heaven, and to come one by one to the Savior? I find myself amazed by both the timing and the tenderness of these moments. Together, let...

This week, I'm getting real about something that's been on my mind for a while: how our early messaging and expectations shape the way we see others—especially in church. Teaching institute and revisiting Elder Neil Anderson's "The Divine Gift of Forgiveness" has me reflecting on the complexities of repentance, and why change isn't always instant or easy. I open up ab...

This week, as school winds down and the rhythms of summer begin, I’m sharing a story that’s been resonating with me and my group coaching clients—a simple yet powerful reminder that we often have a bigger impact than we realize. Maybe you’re settling into the summer break, or maybe life is just changing pace, but wherever you are, I want to dig into how small acts and simple words can ripple out i...

This week, I'm taking a fresh look at something that's been cropping up in my life—perspective. What if, instead of asking God to give us what we want, we started asking Him to show us a glimpse of what we're actually capable of? During a recent walk (inspired by a simple exercise challenge), I found myself wondering about the gap between what I believe I can do and what my Heavenly...

This week, I'm flying solo but bringing you nuggets of wisdom fresh from a recent conference that really made me pause and reflect. Have you ever stopped to consider how those heavy or discouraging thoughts you have might just be limiting beliefs—or even lies? I dive into why that simple idea struck me so profoundly and how it connects to stories and struggles we've talked about before....

I've been thinking about conflict this week—and not just the kind that involves a heated argument or a workplace showdown. This episode, I get personal about how I've often dodged difficult conversations, both in my career at FedEx and in my everyday relationships. What does it really mean to avoid discomfort, and how might that be holding us back? If you've ever found yourself side...

The Hymn of the Pearl This week, we dive into a story that’s stuck with me ever since I heard it in sacrament meeting: the Hymn of the Pearl. Have you ever felt like you were just going through the motions, forgetting who you really are? Join us as we unpack this ancient Christian allegory about a prince on a mission—sent far from his home, caught in the distractions of Egypt, and needing a powerf...

This week, I’m reflecting on something that hits close to home for so many of us—the struggle to remember our true worth and divine nature. After a few personal conversations and seeing an inspiring video, I found myself asking: Do we really understand who we are as children of God? And if we did, would we ever doubt our value or potential? I dive into honest questions about confidence, self-estee...

This week, I'm joined by Ganel-Lyn Condie: author, speaker, and, as you'll hear, self-proclaimed sourdough novice turned minister. We dive into the unique ministry she's developed through sharing homemade sourdough bread, and how something as simple as a loaf can be a conduit for connection, kindness, and even healing. Have you ever tried to turn a hobby or struggle into a way to bl...

This week, I’m sharing some thoughts fresh from a talk I gave in sacrament meeting—and giving you a peek behind the curtain about what was on my mind as I wrote it. Ever wonder how we actually “find the Savior in everyday life”? It’s a question I was assigned to wrestle with, and it got me thinking: do we stumble into moments where we feel Christ’s presence, or do we have to search for Him intenti...

This week, I’m not alone in the Chocolate Cake Bytes studio—Verlin from the Cultural Hall podcast joins me for a conversation that’s more lively (and maybe less wisecracking) than going solo. We take on a topic that gets thrown around a lot in church settings: is there really a difference between conflict and contention? And are we “of the devil” every time we disagree? Verlin and I go deep into w...

Easter is just around the corner, and this week I'm getting thoughtful about how we experience and understand Holy Week. Why are so many of us in the Church increasingly focused on Easter as a season, not just a one-day celebration? I share some personal reflections on what Easter means to me, and why this time of year draws my heart back to the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the gift of forgi...

This week, I'm diving into something a little more personal as I sift through old memories and rediscover moments that shaped my journey. Ever wonder about the artifacts and stories you leave behind? As I archive photos, report cards, and even my Eagle Scout project, I'm reflecting on how these pieces become threads in the tapestry of legacy—one that's bigger than ourselves and migh...

This week, I’m joined by Sarah as we dive deep into the idea of “life as a test.” Why does this phrase feel so heavy, and is there a better way to view our existence? We wrestle with gospel culture, expectations, and the pressure to get everything “right”—from church checklists to phrases like “multiply and replenish the earth.” Is test really the wrong word for what we’re doing here, and how much...

This week, I'm digging into the tricky world of decision-making, and I want to know—how do you decide if you’ve made the “right” choice? Whether you’re choosing where to live, what glasses to buy, or reflecting on the monumental choices faced by the Mormon pioneers crossing the plains, these moments shape our lives in profound ways. Join me as I wrestle with how we balance faith, stewardship,...

This week on Chocolate Cake Bytes, I invite you to dive into the sweet and sometimes surprising layers of questions that shape our journey in the gospel. We’ll talk about the gifts we’re given—some churchy, some not so much—and how asking deep, meaningful questions can unlock new ways of seeing ourselves and drawing closer to Christ. I share a few of my favorite prompts and invite you to reflect:...

This week, I'm diving into a topic that I wrestle with often—what does it really mean to repent, and how does it connect to forgiveness? After wrapping up my teaching term with Pathways Institute, where we explored Neil Anderson's "The Divine Gift of Forgiveness," I share some personal stories (including a playful moment with my daughter and some very green food coloring) and g...

This week, I share a slice-of-life experience fresh from becoming a grandfather—again. What do you do when the day unfolds in unexpected ways, and how do you decide what kind of experience you'll have? From waiting in the hospital with a bag of burgers to navigating the shifting schedules of new parents and growing families, I found myself reflecting on how we can choose our reactions, no mat...

This week, I dive into a question that’s sparked discussion both in my YSA Institute class and in my own study: What’s the real difference between doctrine, policy, practice, and commandments—and why does it matter for our faith? From stories in the Old Testament to examples drawn straight out of modern Latter-day Saint experience, I explore why putting our confidence in eternal, unchangeable trut...

In this reflective solo episode, Ken dives into the powerful idea that “nothing changes until something changes”—and that “something” is usually us. Drawing from personal experience, client conversations, and scriptural insight from the Book of Mormon about things to act and things to be acted upon, Ken challenges listeners to stop waiting for external circumstances, revelations, or perfect timing...

In this reflective and hope-filled episode, Ken reframes the notorious “Quitters Day” and the shame that can trail failed resolutions. Drawing from personal experiences and recent conversations with clients, he reminds listeners that missing goals does not equal being a failure. Your worth is intrinsic, permanent, and unearned—no checklist or timeline can add to or subtract from it. Ken also widen...