Verses and Visions: Creative Conversations

Guest: Jeremy Madsen, epic fantasy author, editor, and creative entrepreneur In This Episode: Jeremy’s journey from homeschooled storyteller to published author The inspiration behind his debut novel, “ The Pyromancer’s Scroll ” How faith and family shape his creative process and career decisions Lessons learned from marketing failures and successes (including a candid look at Facebook ads vs. Kic...

Summary: Cassidy Beck sits down with renowned sculptor Nnamdi Okonkwo to discuss his journey from Nigeria to the United States, the role of faith in his creative process, and how he overcomes adversity through art. Nnamdi shares personal stories about his family, the influence of his mother, and the spiritual lessons learned throughout his career. Discover how his sculptures celebrate womanhood, u...

In this episode of 'Verses and Visions: Creative Conversations,' host Cassidy Beck introduces her book 'Sheep Chronicles: Baptism,' dedicated to her three children, who join her for the discussion. Cassidy shares the inspiration behind the book, a story about faith and baptism told through the metaphor of sheep under the guidance of a Good Shepherd. She reflects on the personal sig...

This week on 'Verses and Visions: Creative Conversations,' host Cassidy Beck sits down with Emily Pack, a talented musician, producer, and mother who has gained popularity for her comedic songs about LDS culture. Join us as we explore Emily's journey from being a behind-the-scenes music producer to becoming a viral sensation with her humorous takes on her faith and community. Emily shares insights...

Join us for part two as Verses & Visions host, Cassidy Beck, continues the conversation with the co-creators of Latter-Day Lights podcast: Alisha Coakley and Scott Brandley.  Alicia shares her journey of writing her book 'Salted,' a pre-apocalyptic series influenced by her personal experiences and testimony, while Scott discusses the significance of taking risks despite self-doubt. Together, t...

In this episode, Cassidy talks with Alisha Coakley and Scott Brandley, the co-creators of the Latter Day Lights podcast. They discuss their journeys, the creation of their podcast, the impact of personal stories on faith, and Scott's newly released book 'Faith to Stay.' With insights on overcoming faith crises, appreciating God’s purpose, and inspiring tales from church members, this episode is a...

Join host Cassidy Beck in an insightful conversation with award-winning author and illustrator Fay Klingler on this episode of Verses and Vision's Creative Conversations. Discover Fay's journey from a single mother to a bestselling author, and how her creative passions have impacted her family and work. Fay shares her wisdom on balancing faith, creativity, and life challenges and offers pr...

Cassidy Beck, Host of Verses and Visions, welcomes Philip G. White, an award-winning author known for his science fiction, and fantasy, Join the conversation about Philip's journey into writing, from his origins during COVID to his current projects, including 'Silent Earth', 'Shadows of Light', and 'Escape from Jerusalem'. Learn about writing challenges, dealing with im...

Join host Cassidy Beck as she engages in a heartfelt conversation with Melissa Gonzalez, a multifaceted professional passionately pursuing her dream of running for the Utah State House of Representatives. Melissa shares her journey from tech industry professional to advocate for positive change, driven by her deep-rooted political interests and commitment to community service. The discussion explo...

Join us for the remarkable story of Ana Katia, who was orphaned and adopted from Costa Rica in 1981. Ana shares her incredible journey of faith and perseverance as she searches for her birth mother, a story filled with hope, resilience, and miraculous events. Learn how Ana's unwavering faith and God's divine timing led her to reunite with her birth mother after 18 years. This episode is a...

Cassidy Beck, host of Verses & Visions, interviews Lisa Mangum, managing editor at Shadow Mountain and a successful author. Lisa shares her extensive experience in publishing, discussing her work with award-winning authors and her own best-selling books. She details the immersive writing weekends at Capitol Reef National Park and offers valuable advice for aspiring authors facing rejection and...

Welcome back to Verses and Vision's Creative Conversations with host Cassidy Beck. In this heartwarming and insightful second part of our special two-part episode with guest Carrie Yost. Carrie shares the profound impact of music and faith in coping with grief. We dive deep into how creativity can be a healing force and the importance of balancing your passions with responsibilities.  Join us...

Host Cassidy Beck welcomes Carrie Yost, a former athlete turned songwriter. Carrie shares her inspiring story of transitioning from a decorated athlete at Utah State to overcoming a life-changing health condition that redirected her path towards music and songwriting. Despite being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2021, Carrie explains how her faith and creativity helped her embrace this new c...

In Part 2 of their conversation, Laura Bytheway dives into themes of authenticity and clarity, exploring how to be true to oneself while navigating life's challenges. They discuss removing masks, co-creating clarity through action, and overcoming obstacles like narcissistic influences on gospel principles. Laura also shares her journey as a coach and author, offering profound wisdom on blendin...

Host Cassidy Beck engages in an insightful conversation with Laura Bytheway—a powerhouse coach, mentor, and the bold voice behind the Post Narc Life podcast. Laura shares her journey of overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing one's unique gifts, and navigating the different flavors of imposter syndrome manifest in our lives. Learn about the brain's three jobs, the power of staying authentic, and h...

As a father, musician, educator, composer, and podcaster, Dr. Steve Danielson shares his inspiring journey through music and faith. From his early start in a family singing group to conducting choirs internationally, Steve's story is a testament to the power of music in worship and community. Learn how he balances his passion for music with his calling as a teacher, and how he uses his talents to...

Amy Bell, a system administrator by day and an aspiring writer by night, joins Cassidy Beck in this episode of Verses and Visions. Amy shares her journey from writing stories in her head during childhood road trips to becoming a co-host of the podcast 'How to Survive Until You're Published'. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of the writing journey, the importance of maintaining faith, and t...

Cassidy Beck welcomes Jayne Ann Osborne, a stay-at-home mom, author, illustrator, and co-owner of Merry Robin Publishing. Explore how Jayne Ann's personal struggles and triumphs, including her battle with a debilitating pregnancy disorder and her experience with miscarriage, have shaped her creative journey. Learn about her impactful projects such as personalized watercolor angel portraits and chi...

Award-winning actor and director Paul Cartwright joins host Cassidy Beck to explore his journey in the arts, overcoming fear, and embracing faith. Paul shares his experiences from studying at the Royal Conservatoire in England to his career challenges and triumphs in Los Angeles and Utah. He discusses the importance of pushing past fear, dealing with imposter syndrome, and staying true to personal...

Cassidy Beck welcomes Cassidy Lamm for an engaging and inspiring conversation. Cassidy Lamm is a driven and ambitious fourth-year pre-med student at the University of Utah. Raised in McCall, Idaho, Cassidy Lamm balances her roles as a student, Vice Wing Commander in the Air Force ROTC, and part-time medical assistant. In this episode, she shares her journey, the support from her community and pare...

Cassidy Beck welcomes Seantae Jackson, a compelling speaker, advocate, and storyteller. After surviving a life-altering car accident, Seantae dedicated her voice to helping others navigate medical trauma and find purpose in adversity. Seantae shares her experience of battling imposter syndrome at a speaking engagement with firefighters, emphasizing the importance of showing up authentically and re...

Host Cassidy Beck sits down with Paul Schwartz, founder of the community performing arts organization, A Voice for Good in this fantastic episode of Verses & Visions. Discover Paul's journey and insights into using creativity and faith to make a difference. Learn how Mr. Rogers influenced Paul's work and the profound impact of nurturing one-on-one connections in media and productions. Dive dee...

Join host Cassidy Beck in this Verses and Visions Creative Conversations episode as she engages in an inspiring dialogue with Neylan McBaine, a pivotal advocate for Latter-day Saint women. Neylan shares her impactful journey, from her monumental book 'Women at Church' to founding Better Days 2020. They discuss the importance of women's leadership in faith communities, the historical ro...

Join host Cassidy Beck in an uplifting Verses and Visions Creative Conversations episode to learn about M.D. House's journey from a corporate finance leader to a successful author and president of LDSPMA. Discover LDSPMA's mission, its community impact, and upcoming initiatives like the Christian Creatives Expo. Gain insight into House's writing process, his inspirations, and his recent projects,...

In this Verses and Visions Creative Conversations episode, host Cassidy Beck welcomes Becky Kemp, a leadership speaker, author, and intentional language expert. They explore the significance of words in our lives and how shifting language can foster joy, resilience, and success. Becky shares her transformative journey, including her business 'Becoming Threads' and her book 'The Word Effect: Seven...