Take a Leap

This week, Anna Bryner and Elyse Slabaugh drop some wisdom about freedom of religion. Good news—turns out it's not just for lawyers! They talk about sticking up for people of other/no faiths, and why Gen Z should even care about freedom of religion. Stick around to the end to hear what law school taught Anna and Elyse about Christ being our perfect advocate. Anna and Elyse are attorneys who are pa...

Moshe Nigri, the rabbi at the University of Utah, tells James and Lia about the importance of being someone's friend before sharing your religion. He also talks about how our generation is searching for purpose and suggests that the solution is—you guessed it—a connection with God. Moshe Nigri is the Rabbi at the largest Jewish student organization in Utah, with over 120 Jewish students involved....

In this special live event, BYU football players Connor Pay and Chase Roberts give James and Lia (and our live audience) the scoop on their new podcast, Two Point Conversion. They talk about what football has taught them about Christlike service and leadership, and what their podcast has taught them about balancing gospel study, school, athletics, and more. So sit back, relax, and learn from Conno...

Coming from a home of generational trauma, gospel artist Elenee Young uses music to heal her relationship with God. She tells James and Lia about her nonlinear career path (relatable) and trying to overcome imposter syndrome (also relatable), all while glorifying God. We also hear from James and Lia about how they've come to know God through various art forms, including the musicals Godspell and J...

For All the Saints podcast host Ben Hancock tells us how he gets the courage to share his faith on such a public platform and—perhaps even more nerve racking—in private interactions. He shares how the death of a family member pushed him to gain a testimony of his own, and how that testimony is now helping him prepare to be a father! Ben Hancock is the creator and host of the For All the Saints pod...

Gospel artist K-Anthony uses his musical talents to honor God and inspire others, but it hasn't been an easy road. He shares what he's learned about trusting God, from nearly drowning as a teenager, to moving to Canada from Jamaica, to now enrolling in grad school at the height of his music career. He also tells us about the symbolism behind his music video "Free." K-Anthony's early musical experi...

Is the film industry more than just bright lights and flashy action scenes? This week, Ryann Heim gives us the low down on the faith and film community. She tells us how even movies that don't explicitly mention God can teach us about Godly attributes and help us see more of the human experience. She also highlights the importance of wrestling with God and bringing Him your hard questions. Ryann H...

Podcast host Wilson Gustaveson joins the TAL Hosts to share stories of people overcoming doubts and rediscovering their faith. Whether you're struggling with your own questions or feeling firm in your faith right now, there's something in this episode for you. Wilson Gustaveson is one of the hosts of Latter-day Believers and Saints Unscripted. Latter-day Believers shares LDS conversion stories on...

Amin Aaser talks about his company, Noor Kids, which helps Muslim kids build confidence in their religious identity through picture books. Noor Kids publishes one of the world’s fastest-growing Islamic children’s book series with titles in over 250,000 homes across 25 countries. Amin shares about his rocky first attempt at writing a children's book, as well as how to invest our time for the best r...

In this episode of Take a Leap, we welcome a new co-host: James Sturdevant. James is a sophomore at BYU majoring in cybersecurity. He’s been working behind the scenes (or in TikToks) for a while, and we are happy that he is making his hosting debut. James and Lia are joined in this episode by Tivvi Pare, the executive director of Horton Center, a camp and retreat center on Pine Mountain in New Ham...

We are searching far and wide for young people of faith. As BYU students, we are no strangers to blending our everyday life and faith life. Join us as we learn about the cool things people our age are doing to better their communities across religious traditions. Take a Leap is a production of BYUradio.

Taif shares how to overcome perfectionism, recognize blessings, and better understand each other. Taif grew up in Jordan. She discusses adjusting to life at BYU and the challenges of fitting in as a visibly Muslim student. At the end of the interview, Josh asks Taif what three things she would bring to Utah from Jordan (and vice versa) —we think her answers may surprise you. Growing up in Jordan,...

Matt discusses his personal journey through losing his vision and finding his faith. In studying Black Studies and Restorative Justice, Matt found a new purpose in helping others feel community and compassion. Finally, Matt encourages listeners to engage locally and help create a more whole and healed world. Matt Lowe is a Disability liberation theology scholar. While the majority of Matt’s work s...

Becca Black tells the TAL hosts how she finds God in nature and cares for our planet. Becca talks about hiking in Wisconsin and of her Kwik Trip. Josh has never been to Wisconsin. When they get back on track, Becca shares insights on working with Grow the Flow, a non-profit focused on preserving the Great Salt Lake. She also tells personal stories that influenced her decision to work in ecology. T...

Kyle Saurer, setter on the men’s volleyball team at BYU, opens up about his faith life and identifying in Christ. They talk about his pre-game rituals as well as his experiences as an athlete at BYU. Kyle focuses on the idea of maintaining an eternal perspective, especially on the heels of a tough loss, or even a win. We believe, however, that this episode is a win—hope you enjoy! Saurer redshirte...

Artist Gracie Morbitzer explains her creative process in making the Saints modern and more relatable. In this episode, Take a Leap hosts talk with Gracie about her creative upbringing, college experiences, and current Modern Saints project. The three describe which Saint best represents each of them, and how Gracie decides what hairstyle and clothes to give each of the Saints. This episode is exci...

Learn how one Muslim BYU student rallies her peers to support Gaza. Noureen Salah talks about her experience growing up Muslim in Utah, and her decision to attend BYU. She discusses founding the Arab Student Association at BYU and running the "Gather for Gaza" initiative. Noureen also shares her various humanitarian efforts and how her faith fuels her passion for service. Noureen Salah is a junior...

Sean Moothart explains how his involvement in public policy helps the margins of society. By following this Christlike call to action, Sean tells the TAL hosts about a few times that he has seen blessings come because of his work in public transportation; by small and simple things are great things brought to pass. Working in public policy is just one of the many ways that we can show other people...

Sarah Johns shares how we can be “toight” with the Lord. She talks about her work with the Êzidi people and members of the LGBTQ+ community. She also describes ways that she and her classmates at BYU took care of themselves and others while in Law school. So, pop on a face mask, make some hot chocolate, and enjoy this episode of Take a Leap.? Sarah Johns is a recent graduate of BYU's J Reuben Clar...

Nava Esmailizadeh talks to the Take a Leap hosts about her passion for fashion and improving the world. She inspires the Take a Leap hosts to not only improve the world, but to look good doing it. Nava Esmailizadeh is the Head of Brand at Ambercycle and creator of the cycora® brand, works to advance circularity in fashion, shaping a future where sustainability is central to design. Her work center...

Lia King and Josh Orton tell us about their favorite Christmas traditions, movies, and what this time of year means to them. DM us on Instagram (@takealeappodcast) if you want more of these fun and fresh bonus episodes.

Lauren Kim discusses the changing climate from an Evangelical perspective. Listen as she shares her love of cows and God’s other creations. Lauren Kim is the National Organizer and Spokesperson for Young Evangelicals for Climate Action (YECA) and has been involved with them since 2019. She is passionate about clean water, natural preservation, and animals (especially horses and cows after living i...

Have you ever been single? Then this episode is for you! In this episode, Mallory Everton and Diana Brown talk about their relationship statuses (everyone’s favorite topic of conversation). They explain some of the difficulties of being single in a family-oriented religion and how we can support our single friends. Mallory Everton is a comedian, actor, and writer. Many LDS listeners will recognize...

The TikTok Pastor himself helps us navigate social media and our faith. He describes the processes for writing books, responding to hate comments, and making TikTok videos. From Brandan we learn important lessons in humility and turning the other cheek. Rev. Brandan Robertson is a noted author, activist, and public theologian, working at the intersections of spirituality, sexuality, and social ren...

Learn about this beauty product that changed the game (for the better). Sisters and co-founders of SadieB Personal Care, Sadie and Abby Bowler combined their desire to support girls’ mental health with a passion for incredible products, and SadieB was born. This episode discusses the importance of good hygiene (seriously, people, you need to shower), how we can be anxiously engaged in a good cause...