Latter Day Lives - Talking with Latter Day Saints

Susan Rapier had a colorful young life. Born in England, she moved to Canada as a baby, to Australia in her young teens and finally to the United States at age 20. In the conversation, we discuss her early life, the church in remote areas, family and how all of these experiences built her faith. Susan is funny, open and has a great story to tell. (Among many other roles, Susan is also the mother o...

To support the social media fast and because the host of the show is in the middle of a social media fast, there is no episode this week. Instead, Shawn just gives a few thoughts on the fast. Tune in next week for a new episode!

Chantelle Squires is the director of the incredible film Jane and Emma. In this episode, we talk about her family, time at BYU, filmmaking career, and the need for strong women in the arts and in the church. Chantelle is so talented, open and passionate about her art. Of course, we also spend a lot of time discussing her amazing movie.

Parker Jacobs is a remarkably talented artist and creator. In the conversation, we talk about his work on The Aquabats Super Show, Yo Gabba Gabba, Goon Holler and as a designer for Paul Frank. We also discuss growing up as a child actor in Hollywood, his mission, his family and how being a member of the church affects it all. Parker is one of the most creative people out there and yet so grounded...

Dallin and Maren Droubay are the husband and wife hosts of the podcast Both Of Us. In the episode, we discuss how they met, their missions, marriage, health struggles, children, their awesome podcast and how being a member of the church affects it all. They are such a fun and energetic young couple who are doing a lot of good in the world.

Kurt Francom is the founder of the non-profit LeadingLDS, an organization focused on building leadership tools for lay leaders within the church. In this episode, we talk about his life in church leadership, ministering, his artistic talents and how being a member of the church affects it all. Kurt is an amazing, energetic and inspiring guy. You will love this conversation.

Nathan Smith Jones is the author of of the amazing book Dragonkyn. He is also an actor and stand-up comic. On the show, we discuss all of his projects, his upcoming new book and how being a member of the church affects it all. Nate is funny, genuine and so engaging.

When Williamson Sintyl was just sixteen years old, a massive earthquake hit his home island of Haiti. Williamson was trapped in a collapsed building for twenty seven hours before being rescued. He soon after found the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and became a member. He has since served a mission, moved to the United States and started a family. He founded the Arise Project For Huma...

As a young man, Shawn Stevens became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He quickly also became a famous actor with roles on hit 70's and 80's shows such as Eight is Enough, Chips, Buck Rogers, and the Facts of Life. He starred in the ABC family drama The Mackenzies of Paradise Cove. He also had long running parts in daytime dramas Search For Tomorrow and Days Of Our Lives...

Ganel-Lyn Condie is a well known speaker and author. Through books such as "You Are More Than Enough, You Are Magnificent" and "I Can Do Hard Things With God" as well as through speaking to thousands, she has spread the joy and hope that come through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. In this episode we discuss her book and speaking career, her role in Hi-5 Live, health issues, financial challen...

Zach Cordell is a dietitian and nutritionist. He is a professor at Daytona State College teaching his extensive knowledge of all things diet related. In addition, Zach is the host of the Mormon Nutritionist Podcast. He has an amazing way of combining the science of nutrition with gospel principles. Zach is a brilliant and really interesting guy making a difference in the world.

Rodney Norman is a popular stand-up comic and ac tor. We talk about his life growing up working on race cars, his mission, his time as a Marine, meeting his wife, how he got started in comedy, his love of philosophy, and how being a member of the church affects it all. Rodney is a very funny and all around great guy.

Cindy Thredgold's son passed away while he was serving a mission in Taiwan. Since then, Cindy has been on a mission to document missionaries who have died while serving. Cindy's faith and spirit are extraordinary. It is an emotional and uplifting conversation.

Kori Andrews has dedicated his life to sharing the Gospel and making it fun, exciting and accessible to all. Kori is a full time seminary teacher. He is also part of the team at Hi-5 Live. Every day, Hi-5 Live hosts a short devotional on Facebook. People share their stories of faith and their testimonies. On this episode, Kori talks about his unexpected mission call, the amazing Pathways education...

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Smith is a therapist, psychologist and marriage expert. We talk about her journey discovering worth and strength as a woman in the church, marriage, intimacy and issues facing today's LDS couples. Dr. Finlayson-Smith is so open and fascinating about her own journey and how she is helping LDS couples have more rewarding marriages.

Daren Smith is an author, filmmaker and producer. We talk about his life, family, film career, his work on BYUtv's Relative Race and how his daily Book of Mormon e-mail has lead to a new book, Daily Mormon. Daren is a great soul with an incredible attitude. You will love his story!

Q. Bryce Randle is a Disney Animation Editor and Developer. Bryce has worked on projects such as Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Phineas and Ferb, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Kung Fu Panda 3, and Tron: Uprising. We talk about his life in Hollywood, finding other members of the church in the film industry, his family and how being a member of the church affects it all. Bryce is remarkably talented a...

Shaun Barrowes is a well known singer who has toured the country with his amazing voice and incredible piano talents. In The Conversation, we talk about his musical family roots, his experience finishing in the top 30 of American Idol, and finding love. Shaun is so talented and energetic, you will love hearing his story!

Shaun Parry is a talented actor, dancer and singer. He has starred in multiple Broadway and touring productions. He runs Promethean Spark, a non-profit that teaches life skills to impoverished youth throughout the world through the arts. In The Conversation, we discuss his mission, time as a seminary teacher, how BYU lead him to the arts, his Broadway career and his philanthropic efforts. Shaun is...

Portia, Chloe and Krista Rapier are the daughters of host Shawn Rapier. They were all adopted in to their family at different times and different ages. In this special episode, they share their experiences in the foster care system, the challenges and joys of being adopted and the role of the gospel in their lives and family. These amazing young ladies are beautiful examples of surviving and then...

Brittany Wiscombe is the writer and director of the new film "In Emma's Footsteps". We talk about the filmmaking process, working with family and why telling Emma's story is so important. It is a fascinating discussion with a very talented filmmaker.

On this episode, Abe and Rachel Mills of family band and hit YouTube channel Sunshine Mafia talk about how they met, Abe's time in the hit band Jericho Road, their talented family, spreading the gospel and how the Lord has guided them in all of it. They are amazing people living truly blessed lives.

Rob Ferre is a successful DJ, entertainer and corporate speaker. In this episode, we talk about his mission, his time working for Disney and Universal Studios, how to have an awesome wedding reception as well as his own reception, complete with raptors! Rob is fun, open and inspiring. He is sure to make you smile.

Kerry Summers is a magician, ventriloquist, musician and Elvis tribute artist. He is a well known performer who tours all around the world spreading joy with his performances. In this week's episode, we discuss Kerry being an entertainer on his mission, what makes Elvis Presley so special, how being an LDS performer helps share the gospel and so much more. Kerry is fun, open, funny and an all arou...

On this episode, my guest is comedian and owner of Wiseguys Comedy Club, Keith Stubbs! We talk all things comedy, Keith's life growing up in the south, family and what national comedians think of Utah. Keith is humble, funny and open.