Why We Believe

Award-winning author Heidi Tucker never planned to write books until a vivid dream on an airplane changed everything. After battling severe postpartum depression that left her hiding under her baby's crib, she discovered how to transform life's darkest moments into sources of strength and service. Her latest book, "A Necessary Lie," tells the harrowing story of North Korean defectors and is now be...

What do you do when suicide claims both your father and your 19-year-old son? Former Fortune 500 top sales executive Lark Galley shares her journey through unimaginable grief and the unexpected spiritual experiences that followed. After losing her brilliant engineering student son Christian, Lark discovered that death wasn't the end of their relationship – it was the beginning of something deeper....

Professional artist and five-time American Ninja Warrior competitor Jenedy Paige shares her extraordinary journey through unimaginable heartbreak to unexpected strength. After losing her three-year-old son Victory in a tragic drowning accident, Jenedy found herself at a crossroads with her faith - choosing to show up to her relationship with God "just mad" rather than walking away. What followed w...

In this heartfelt conversation, author and speaker Brooke Romney shares how embracing imperfection led to deeper spiritual connections in her life as a mother of four boys. She recounts a pivotal moment when God personally assured her that temple attendance recommendations didn't apply to her season of life with a nursing baby, highlighting how faith must fit individual circumstances. Brooke discu...

Join host Nathan Gwilliam and Dr. Jamie Jensen of BYU for a thought-provoking conversation that bridges the gap between lab benches and living rooms. Discover how a leading biology education researcher uses the tools of science - surveys, videography, data - to hear God's voice on her own terms. Jamie unveils reasoning patterns that keep faith and evolution in harmony, from respecting each epistem...

In this episode of the Why We Believe Show, Kacey McCallister shares his journey after losing both legs in a tragic accident at just six years old. Raised with his parents' philosophy that "can't never did anything," Kacey developed incredible resilience-completing a 50-mile hike on his hands, winning wrestling competitions, and eventually serving a full-time mission in Arizona. He recounts how hi...

In this episode, Russell Osguthorpe takes us behind the scenes of his lifelong journey of faith. Growing up as President Hinckley's neighbor, Russell shares delightful stories about the prophet's down-to-earth nature, including a memorable moment when Hinckley asked his Secret Service agents to grab shovels and help in the garden. Russell recalls his missionary experiences in Tahiti—from having a...

In this episode, Whitney Murdock shares how her journey as an introverted missionary shaped her unique approach to mentoring others. Born into a blended family with deep faith roots, Whitney discusses how her parents' divorce at age 11 led her to find solace in scripture, building the foundation for her testimony. She reveals the surprising challenges of preparing for missionary service while grie...

In this episode, May Lundy shares her journey from childhood faith to adult conviction. Born in Mexico to educator parents, May describes how her grandmother's swift conversion set the spiritual foundation for generations to follow. Her father, a stake president, instilled the vital importance of intentional faith—gathering the family to vote on making Christ the center of their lives. May details...

Unveiling the mind behind a literary phenomenon! In this episode of Why We Believe, Nathan Gwilliam sits down with Chris Heimerdinger, the mastermind of the "Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites" series that has captivated millions of readers. Heimerdinger reveals how a childhood obsession with finding a mythical "rainbow room" in Wyoming's Frost Cave sparked his imagination, leading to a dream during...

"I didn't throw footballs anymore, but I still play the piano as the organist in the Arizona Temple"—an unexpected career path for Dallas Cowboys legend Danny White, who credits his mom's stubborn piano lessons for his NFL success. White takes us behind the scenes of his controversial decision to skip a College World Series game on Sunday due to religious beliefs—a choice that led to striking out...

"I don't know what that book's doing to me," confessed the teenager to BJ Allen during his mission - a moment that revealed the transformative power of scripture. BYU marketing professor Allen shares how understanding Christ's atonement helped him overcome perfectionism and religious OCD. In this conversation, Allen discusses insights from his book, The Compensating Power of Christ, about how Jesu...

In this episode, Nate Alder, founder of Klymit and CEO of Skavengerz, shares his momentous journey of faith and entrepreneurship. Experience the power of divine timing as he recounts a providential flight to Brazil that changed his life forever, leading to both love and conversion. Through his mission experiences in Peru, Nate reveals how deep scripture study transformed his testimony and prepared...

Meet Tami Hymas, a hairstylist whose spiritual journey began with a simple challenge and a 25-cent soda. In this episode, Tami shares how a devastating ski accident transformed her from a successful salon owner into someone who sees beauty in an entirely new way. Through her companies BeUtofullness and inUpowers, she now teaches others to embrace both their inner and outer beauty using innovative...

Discover how BYU law professor Shima Baughman's journey from Iran to America became a testament to divine intervention. Through her mother's prophetic dream in an Iranian prison to their last-minute escape, Shima's path to finding Christ is nothing short of miraculous. She shares how temple attendance transformed her marriage, why she boldly shares her faith on TikTok, and how her research proves...

What happens when God's plan looks nothing like we expected? In this powerful episode, award-winning author AL Carraway shares how becoming homeless with three young children transformed her understanding of divine timing. Through vibrant storytelling, she reveals how seeing God in unexpected places – from hotel rooms to church history sites – deepened her faith in remarkable ways. Get ready for f...

What does it take to balance faith and high-powered success? Join me as I sit down with Jonathan Guynn, a partner at Jones Day and advocate for religious liberty, who learned profound lessons about faith from an unexpected source - a ward filled with corporate titans who put God first. Through stories of his grandfather's pivotal challenge to be in the "top 10%" and personal trials that reshaped h...

This week, I sat down with Jon Cheney, an entrepreneur, musician, and lifelong student of the gospel. Jon shares how his early years as a mission president's son in Paraguay and his own mission in Taiwan laid a foundation of unshakeable faith. Learn how carrying a Book of Mormon in his pocket since childhood prepared him for both business triumphs and challenges. Jon opens up about finding spiritu...

At 75, Skip Weeks has lived many lives - debate champion, business consultant, photographer, and author. But his most meaningful discoveries came when he stopped chasing success and started serving others. Through giving over 450 patriarchal blessings and writing books about joy and abundance, Skip shares what he's learned about finding meaning in unexpected places. He opens up about his daughter'...

This week, I got to sit down with Clint Argyle, an entrepreneur and chairman of the Doing Good Foundation. Clint shares how his faith has shaped his journey. Learn about the impact of living prophets, the importance of temples, and how "thinking celestially" can transform your life. Clint opens up about overcoming business challenges through prayer and reliance on God, offering inspiration for nav...

What does it take to create art that touches millions of souls? In this week’s episode, renowned Latter-day Saint artist Del Parson reveals his incredible journey from a self-described "juvenile delinquent" to an influential religious artist. Parson shares profound spiritual experiences that shaped his life and art, including heart-wrenching personal tragedies that ultimately strengthened his fait...

In this powerful episode, Elizabeth Nielson shares her inspiring journey of faith through profound loss and challenges. From losing her mother at 16 to navigating a marriage where her spouse left the church, Elizabeth's unwavering commitment to her beliefs shines through. Her insights on maintaining faith amidst doubt and the importance of covenant-keeping offer hope and guidance to listeners faci...

Discover the incredible journey of Andrew Van Noy, a man who turned his greatest challenge into his personal symbol of faith and his commitment to God. Andrew's story of faith, overcoming limitations and building his foundation in Christ. Learn how he found strength in his weakness and used it to share his faith with others. Andrew shares some of his moments of spiritual awakening, including a mir...

In this episode, Jenn Zingmark shares her remarkable journey from divorce to remarriage. Discover how Jenn's trust in God not only guided her through the tumultuous waters of divorce but also led her to a new purpose as a life coach. Learn valuable insights on making difficult decisions, navigating the complexities of new families, and finding hope when life takes unexpected turns. Find the hope a...

Step into the world of Olympic shooting with Lexi Lagan, a two-time Olympian who's not just aiming for gold but for a higher purpose. In this gripping episode, Lexi shares her journey from a small-town Nevada girl to an international competitor, revealing how her faith has been her anchor through triumphs and trials. Discover the power of prayer on the Olympic stage as Lexi recounts a viral moment...