Called to Create: An LDSPMA Podcast

Host Cassidy Beck welcomes Heather Preece—wife, mother, school counselor, and psychology adjunct professor—who writes about motherhood, disability, mental health, faith, and finding peace when life doesn’t go as planned. Heather shares how a nudge to submit a personal essay launched her vulnerable storytelling, despite insecurity and fear of judgment, and how reader connection keeps her going. She...

Steve VanWagenen shares his perspective on finding and sharing gospel truths through unexpected sources. For those that want to contact Steve directly, or purchase any of his books -- CreativeApplicationsLLC@gmail.com Information about his custom illustration work -- www. IllustrateMyIdea.com Learning more about his published books: -- Brick of Mormon Stories -  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K3HWGW...

  Welcome back to Called to Create ! In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, we sit down with fantasy author, creativity mentor, and 2025 Praiseworthy Award winner Vanessa Thurgood to talk about creativity, faith, storytelling, motherhood, and learning to trust God through unexpected life pivots.  Vanessa shares how she never intended to become a writer. From growing up around horses in Rexburg,...

Spark Award recipient, Lisa Smith, talks about her recipe book, "Desserts that Delight," and the joy that comes from sharing what we have with others.

Interview with Greg Matsen about his YouTube channel and podcast,  Greg Matsen is the founder of Cwic Media and the host of Cwic Show found on YouTube and podcast platforms, as well as the Editor for the Substack, "Alive and Intelligent." 

 Jason Lamont Jones, LDSPMA Praiseworthy Award Recipient, talks about the process of publishing his book, "One Day a Year." Biggest surprise for him was who the book ended up making the biggest impact on. 

 Meghan Hoesch is a professional editor with five years of experience working freelance for various publishing companies and other clients. Though she's done all aspects of the editing process, she specializes in copyediting/line editing and proofreading, and she enjoys finding mistakes and helping authors make their work shine. Last year, she won the LDSPMA Spark Award for her short story, D...

Welcome back to Called to Create ! In this deeply inspiring episode, hosts Scott and Darla Brandley sit down with BYU business professor, author, and Praiseworthy Award winner BJ Allen to explore a powerful and often overlooked aspect of the Savior’s atonement—His compensating power . BJ shares the story behind his book, The Compensating Power of Christ: How the Atonement Rights the Wrongs of an U...

Today we’re joined by author Kenneth Chamberlain. Raised across the American West and a former missionary to Brazil, Kenneth built an international business career working with startups, Fortune 500 companies, and organizations around the world before returning to his first love—storytelling. He now writes faith-centered novels that blend history, scripture, and real-world struggles, and he’s the...

  From Rejection to Bestseller: Heather B. Moore's 20-Year Writing Journey In this inspiring episode of Called to Create, Scott and Darla Brandley sit down with award-winning author Heather B. Moore to explore her remarkable journey from aspiring writer to published success. Heather shares the raw truth about her early writing career—starting at age 30 while helping her grandmother with her p...

Spark Award winner Melody J Williams Season 6 - Episode 5 of LDSPMA's "Called to Create" podcast  “ When you find that thing that is at that creative outlet that lets you just recharge and fill your cup when it's empty, it makes all the difference.”

Author Anneka Walker talks about finding purpose in her writing that helped her through trials in her life in our latest episode of "Called to Create" Season 6. Please subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

Interview with Spark Award winner Roy Fullmer. "I am an artist that loves writing my recent songs. They are all songs that reflect in my personal life and trying to inspire to become more of a power anthem for others." 

Called to Create Season 6 - Episode 2 Interview with Spark Award winner Gunnar Andersen on his creative journey in composing music to tell the story of the Restoration.

Praiseworthy Award winning podcaster, Cassidy Beck, joins Scott & Alisha for our Season 6 premiere.

In this heartwarming episode of Called to Create, Guest Host M.D. House, president of LDSPMA, welcomes Alisha Coakley and Scott Brandley from the Latter-Day Lights podcast. They discuss their experiences with creating over 150 episodes, the importance of networking within the LDS podcasting community, and how these platforms help spread light and inspire listeners. The trio also touches on their f...

Join guest host, renowned author Brandon Mull, as he interviews Eva Timothy, an accomplished author and photographer. Eva, originally from Bulgaria, shares how her upbringing under communism influenced her artistic vision and the pivotal role her father played in nurturing her love for beauty and light. From discussing the power of dreams and hard work to the profound relationship between creativi...

Guest host Jenna Carson, a chaplain and captain in the U.S. Air Force, interviews filmmaker and comedian Mallory Everton. Best known for her work on BYUtv's Studio C and JK Studios' Freelancers, Mallory shares her journey from nursing aspirant to established artist. The conversation focuses on  her creative process, the importance of comedy in dark times, and how she navigates the challe...

Assistant Producer Cassidy Beck interviews MD House, the current president of Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media, and the Arts (LDSPMA). They discuss Michael's transition from a successful career in corporate finance to becoming a passionate writer. Michael shares his experiences with LDSPMA, detailing its volunteer-driven community, mentoring programs, and conferences. The conversation a...

Join guest host CJ Madson, adjunct faculty at BYU School of Music, as he interviews his younger brother, Jeremy Madson, a talented author and graduate in biblical Hebrew. Discover Jeremy's journey from childhood sibling rivalry to writing his first epic fantasy novel, 'The Pyromancer Scroll.' Learn how faith, family support, and financial stewardship have played crucial roles in the...

In this episode of Called to Create, guest host Heidi Tucker, a speaker and author of five award-winning books, interviews the renowned storyteller, traveler, and teacher Glenn Rawson. Known for inspirational tales broadcasted on over 50 radio stations and authoring over 30 books, Glenn shares his journey from a cowboy in Idaho to a beloved storyteller. They discuss his unique experiences, motivat...

Join host Scott Christopher as he interviews Joel McCausland and Kevin Peay, the dynamic duo behind Afterglow, a staple in the LDS and faith-based music community. Discover how these lifelong friends from Utah Valley transitioned from high school harmonies to producing inspirational music that has touched thousands. The episode delves into their creative processes, their balance between music and...

Join guest host Adassa, a renowned singer and actress, as she interviews professional oil painter and American Ninja Warrior athlete Jenedy Page. They discuss Jenedy’s journey from a novice artist to showcasing her paintings in national galleries, all while balancing motherhood and training for Ninja Warrior competitions. Jenedy reveals how divine guidance, mentorship, and perseverance helped her...

In this captivating episode, Guest Host Jenna Carson, a chaplain and captain in the U.S. Air Force, interviews McKay Coppins, a renowned staff writer at The Atlantic. McKay shares his experiences at The Atlantic, insights from his acclaimed articles and books, and the challenges and rewards of balancing skepticism and cynicism in political journalism. They also discuss the importance of diverse pe...

Elspeth has been a full-time Artist of Al Young Studios since 2002. Her paintings seek to celebrate lesser-known heroines and heroes of everyday life whose courage and devotion evince the deepest reverence for Deity. Each painting is intended to invite others to look Heavenward in order to solve life’s challenges, and appreciate the majesty of the individual in all races and cultures. Her training...