Episodes
Jef Rawls owns and operates an improv theater in Arizona. In this episode of Why I Believe Jef talks about entertaining audiences with humor while maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere.
Published 10/17/11
The Dutton children were pre-schoolers when they began learning to play violins. It was a way for their parents to teach a strong work ethic. Today the family performs all over the world, and their home base is The Dutton Family Theater in Branson, Missouri. In this episode the family shares their thoughts on music, performing, the gospel, and the importance of family.
Published 09/26/11
Guest host Clayton Pixton interviews Jerell Cotton and Lin Walker about their conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although they are two individuals on the "opposite ends of life," they have found an inspiring unity in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Published 09/19/11
Matthew and Olivia Meikle are raising their three boys in China. Sister Meikle shares her experiences as a Latter-day Saint wife, mother, and American in Beijing.
Published 09/12/11
Filmmaker T. C. Christensen and pioneer descendent Amy Stinger discuss the miracles they experienced while working on a major motion picture about pioneer handcart companies.
Published 09/05/11
Kieth Merrill is a story teller. As a writer and director, Kieth has a long list of film credits and awards including an Academy award for the film, "The Great American Cowboy". You may know Kieth as the director of the Church films, "Legacy" and "The Testaments".
Published 08/29/11
Steve Mikita was the first wheelchair freshman in the history of Duke University, where he graduated magna cum laude with a double major in Political Science and Religion. He has been a Utah Assistant Attorney General for 28 years. In this episode of Why I Believe Steve shares stories of struggle, faith and determination.
Published 08/22/11
After World War II, allied pilots delivered needed food and supplies to the people of Berlin. One of those pilots, Gail Halvorsen, became known as "the Candy Bomber" because he repeatedly dropped packages of candy to German children. In this episode of Why I Believe, the Candy Bomber shares memories of bringing joy to children in war-torn Berlin.
Published 08/15/11
Olympic medalist and paraplegic Mike Schlappi discusses how keeping a positive attitude through challenges has affected his life.
Published 08/08/11
Guest host Kendal White talks with Bishop Ricardo Olea, a native of Chile and a convert to the Church.
Published 05/06/11
The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is the most wonderful message we can share; and who better to share it with than our friends?  In this episode of Why I Believe, four longtime friends talk about their experiences growing up together and sharing the gospel with each other.
Published 04/25/11
In 1890 Jacob Spori, the first principal of the institution that became BYU-Idaho, paid $177 from his own pocket to keep the school open.  He even worked on the railroad for a time and used those earnings to pay the salaries of teachers.  Brett Sampson, who works with LDS Philanthropies, discusses the sacrifice and service of those who support BYU-Idaho.
Published 04/11/11
Janice Freij is the curator at the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.  In this episode of Why I Believe, she discusses her conversion and her work building understanding between cultures.
Published 03/28/11
On the night Brian Payne returned home from his mission, he commented that his jaw was stiff and sore. Within four months, Brian passed away after losing a valiant battle with cancer. In this episode of Why I Believe, Brian's family discusses Brian's life and the spiritual growth they experienced as a family.
Published 03/04/11
Bradford Waldie graduated first in his class at the United States Air Force Academy. He interrupted his education and career to serve a Mandarin-speaking mission in Canada. He is now doing graduate work in London, England, as part of a special Air Force program.
Published 02/25/11
Mormon Mark Paredes is the former executive director of the Los Angeles office of the Zionist Organization of America. In this episode of Why I Believe, Mark discusses the beliefs shared by the Mormons and Jews and how Christians and Jews are working together in communities around the world.
Published 02/14/11
Ksenia Andriyanova grew up in the mountains of Russia. In this episode of Why I Believe, she tells of her conversion to the gospel and her choice to serve a mission in her native Russia.
Published 01/07/11
Anya Patti defected from the Soviet Union in Canada. She joined the Church, came to the USA, served a mission, married, had children, and was ordered to leave the country she had come to know as home. Hear about Troy and Anya Patti’s struggle to find a country they can call home.
Published 12/31/10
During the American Civil Rights Movement, Brad Douglas, a white high school senior, was bused to an inner-city school which was predominantly African American. What at first seemed to be an unfortunate turn in his life proved to be a great blessing, as Brad made new friends and learned life lessons that have been a blessing in his life and the lives of his children.
Published 12/27/10
Two-time cancer survivor Chante Wouden shares her struggles and the lessons learned.
Published 12/13/10
Author Jeff Benedict interviewed eight Mormon business leaders and shares their stories of struggle, their work ethic, and their faith.
Published 12/08/10
Hear how the LeRoy Family was blessed by their son and brother Jake, who was born handicapped and died at age seven.  They share how they gained a better understanding of many gospel principles, including service, sacrifice, faith, priesthood blessings, and eternal families.
Published 11/29/10
Steve Heywood grew up building chapels throughout the United States with his father, who was called as a construction missionary. He shares his experiences and the lessons learned in this episode of Why I Believe.
Published 11/22/10
Vai Sikahema, a member of Brigham Young University's 1984 national championship football team, a Pro Bowl National Football League punt and kickoff receiver, and a sports broadcaster in Philadelphia, joins us on Why I Believe. He shares why he switched from an amateur boxer to a football player and how he was led to go on a mission after playing football at BYU. Vai also talks about living the gospel and sharing his beliefs while playing in the NFL and being a sports broadcaster.
Published 11/15/10
Tami Stanley slid into third base while playing softball and broke her leg, which led to a bone infection that doctors should have been able to cure. Instead, Tami's leg was amputated. Hear about her struggle with the amputation and how she was able to accept Heavenly Father's plan for her. Tami is now an advocate for the disabled and has been able to share the gospel with many who are struggling. She is an avid skier, biker, and hiker and was even a member of the Disabled Olympic bobsled team.
Published 11/08/10