Verses and Visions: Creative Conversations

Cassidy sits down with Austin Falter, owner of Falter Media and an expert in social media content creation. Austin shares his insights on avoiding creator burnout, the importance of storytelling in marketing, and how to use social media to grow a loyal audience effectively. With personal anecdotes, industry tips, and discussions about using AI tools to streamline content creation, this episode is...

Join host Cassidy Beck in an inspiring conversation with Bennion Ellsworth, a husband, father, and author from Cedar City, Utah. Bennion shares his unique journey from studying eight different majors to discovering his true passion for creative writing, all while balancing a career in waterworks sales. Bennion opens up about his recent ADHD diagnosis and how it has transformed his approach to both...

Joseph Ashcraft shares the immense creativity that goes into fantasy writing including: the intricacies of building entire worlds, histories, and dreams from scratch. Discover why fantasy stands out and the effort it takes to bring these imaginative realms to life.

In this special episode of Verses and Visions, the show celebrates its listeners and the winner of the most inspiring episode, Nicole Clark. Nicole, founder of Popcorn Tree Books, originally shared her journey of creating gospel-centered picture books with Verses & Visions on May 3, 2024. Her inspiring story, particularly her son's illness that deepened her faith, received the most nominations...

In this episode of Verses & Visions, host Cassidy Beck introduces the Verses & Visions Most Inspiring Episode Contest and explains how viewers can participate by nominating their favorite episodes. The contest aims to honor impactful stories, with the winner’s inspiring guest receiving a $500 donation to a charity of their choice. Cassidy then welcomes freelance editor September Fawkes, be...

This episode of Verses & Visions features guest Kyle Lund, Editor-in-Chief of Cedar Fort Publishing and Media. Lund discusses the newly released book, 'The Not So Secret Lives of the Real Mormon Wives,' which aims to provide a diverse representation of women in the LDS Church. He elaborates on the project's inspiration, driven by Emily Clark, and the importance of showcasing different narrativ...

Cassidy Beck interviews Kiri Jorgensen, publisher and senior editor at Chicken Scratch Books. Kiri discusses her extensive background in children's literature, her passion for teaching, and how these experiences led to the founding of Chicken Scratch Books—a publishing company specializing in clean, traditional, value-based middle-grade fiction. The conversation covers the company's mission, the d...

In this episode of Verses & Visions, host Cassidy Beck sits down with Kelly Price, a school psychologist turned author, to discuss her debut novel 'Spliced Up' and her writing journey. Kelly shares her experiences growing up in Southern Utah, her transition into writing, and the supportive community of writers. They discuss the importance of writing conferences, dealing with imposter syndrome,...

Cassidy Beck welcomes Erin Meads, an artist and adjunct professor who shares insights into her artistic journey, teaching experiences at J. Kirk Richards Academy, and the significance of drawing from life. They discuss the challenges of maintaining balance, learning through failure, the impact of comparison on artistic growth, and the spiritual dimension of creating art. Erin also highlights her u...

This podcast episode focuses on managing personal conflict and overcoming challenges in leadership. Cassidy introduces Clint Allred, a leader in both his religious community and professional life. The discussion delves deep into leadership strategies, handling conflict, and the importance of preparation and understanding others. He emphasizes the value of councils and collective decision-making, t...

In this compelling episode of Verses and Visions, host Cassidy Beck interviews her sister, Ashley Simmons, the CEO of SodaBeers Craft Soda Company. The discussion highlights Ashley’s transition from landscape architecture to leading the family business, originally started by their father, Larry Stillman. Ashley shares her experience dealing with imposter syndrome, shifting from bottles to cans due...

This podcast episode, hosted by Cassidy Beck, features an in-depth conversation with Natalie Hall, the Mayor of Bluffdale, Utah. Natalie shares her diverse background in marketing, emergency management, and community outreach, providing valuable insights on leadership, empathy, and balancing her professional and personal life. The discussion emphasizes overcoming imposter syndrome, seizing opportu...

Amy Trent is an author known for her fairy tale and folklore-inspired stories. She shares her journey in writing, discussing her love for storytelling as a way to process emotions and life events while balancing familial responsibilities and creative pursuits. She discusses the importance of carving out time for creativity, understanding personal values, and accepting life's seasons, such as disru...

In this episode of Verses and Vision: Creative Conversations, host Cassidy Beck welcomes guest Faith St. Claire. Faith shares her journey of balancing her varied interests with family life. Faith discusses her early exposure to theater, her diverse career path, and her experiences with imposter syndrome. Faith emphasizes the importance of pursuing passions despite societal expectations and the con...

Andrea Kestner, a mother of seven and a long-time aspiring writer, recounts her writing journey. Despite internal and external doubts, Andrea shares how she overcame her self-criticism and the challenges of finding time to write. She redefined her idea of success from traditional publishing to self-publishing. She also decided that personal fulfillment and the joy her stories bring to readers are...

Rebecca Burnham, an award-winning columnist and community theater leader, joins us on the show today. Rebecca shares her extensive experience in musical theater, recounting how it helped her family integrate into a new community and build meaningful relationships. She discusses her initiative, Summit Stages, aimed at using musical theater to bridge social and ethnic divides. Rebecca highlights her...

Tyler Tarter explores his unique journey across two careers—cybersecurity and writing. He discusses balancing a demanding IT job with writing novels. He reflects on his creative process, his transition from traditional to indie publishing after his publisher collapsed, and the role of his military background in his storytelling. Tyler shares insights on using writing to cope with personal challeng...

Comic creator, freelance illustrator, and graphic designer Austin Shurtliff shares his unique journey through challenges with severe learning disabilities, multiple academic degrees, and the struggle with imposter syndrome. He emphasizes perseverance and how mentors and structured systems have helped him stay focused and motivated. Austin shares balancing family life with professional aspirations,...

Host Cassidy Beck is joined by Dr. Tyler Stillman, an assistant professor at Southern Utah University and director of the Entrepreneurship Center. Dr. Stillman shares his background, skepticism, and eventual acceptance of imposter syndrome. The episode also touches on Dr. Stillman's career journey, his unique church initiative to foster community connections and his reflections on personal gro...

Jen Pratt, a passionate nature photographer and hiker who founded utahikingbeauty.com, shares her journey from teaching elementary education and ESL to creating a successful hiking website. They discuss the joys and challenges of balancing family life with personal interests, the importance of helping others and navigating imposter syndrome. Jen emphasizes the value of small, consistent efforts an...

Adrian Booher is a mental health wellness advocate and mother of ten, who discusses her journey out of a cycle of anxiety and depression. Adrian talks about her first book 'Love Yourself First' and its companion workbook 'Friend Yourself First.' She shares insights on self-acceptance, overcoming imposter syndrome, the power of the golden rule, and continuous personal growth.

Josh Sabey, co-author of 'The Book of Mormon Storybook, shares his process of making stories from the Book of Mormon accessible and meaningful for all readers. Josh and his wife Sarah aimed to depict these stories as those of real people loved by a real God. Josh discusses his experience producing documentaries that address complex issues in non-polarizing ways, emphasizing the importance of s...

Host Cassidy Beck engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Angela Young, owner of Thrive Chiropractic, from her entrepreneurial roots with a candle business in high school to her current role as a chiropractor who seamlessly integrates chiropractic with yoga. Angela candidly shares her experiences, including battling imposter syndrome, navigating a divorce, and overcoming the challenges of CO...

Cassidy Beck speaks with Jason Lamont Jones, a computer science graduate from BYU, about his debut time-travel novel 'One Day a Year.' Jason discusses the eight years it took to develop his novel, starting with an idea inspired by historical sites in Salt Lake City. It was initially attempted as a screenplay and ultimately completed as a book. Jason also talks about his meaningful family c...

Holly Papa is an author, illustrator, and fine artist. from Boise, Idaho. Despite her feelings of not being good enough, Holly pursued art alongside her responsibilities as a mother. A key turning point came when advice from a friend inspired her to revive her passion for art. Holly shares her creation of the comic character Ruffleduck, and the development of her coloring book 'Drops of Love.&...