What Now

Latest Episodes:

162. Living With Purpose I Emily Snyder shares about finding purpose, belonging, and using your voice—whether single or married—in a family-centered church. Sep 30, 2025

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In this episode of the What Now Podcast, I sit down with Emily Snyder to explore her journey of finding purpose, belonging, and using her voice—whether single or married—in a family-centered church.

Emily shares her experiences working in both the professional and faith-based worlds, from collaborating with leaders like Chip and Joanna Gaines to serving in the Church’s Priesthood and Family Department, where her work shaped programs and curriculum that touched countless lives. She reflects on what each environment taught her about leadership, faith, and connection.

We also talk about Emily’s life as a single professional woman in the Church, her honest reflections on navigating belonging in a marriage-focused culture, and her insights on how openness and vulnerability can create unity in congregations. Later, she opens up about her transition into marriage at 46, becoming a stepmother, and the intentional balance of honoring her husband’s late wife while embracing her new role in a blended family.

Through each chapter of her story—whether in career, singlehood, or family life—Emily emphasizes the power of choosing connection, trusting God’s timing, and embracing your unique path. Her candid reflections offer encouragement and inspiration to women and men alike who are seeking to live with purpose in every season of life.

161. Coach Tom Peterson: Building Champions with Faith, Heart & Vision Sep 18, 2025

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In this episode of the What Now Podcast, I sit down with veteran volleyball coach Tom Peterson to explore his remarkable career and the principles that shaped his life’s work. From humble beginnings in Utah, where boys’ volleyball wasn’t yet recognized, Tom carved his own path, eventually leading teams at Penn State, BYU, and Southern Virginia University to national championships.

Tom shares how faith, unity, and a deep sense of purpose guided his coaching philosophy. Whether breaking California’s dominance in men’s volleyball or building programs from the ground up, he focused on more than athletic success—creating family-like bonds through traditions such as weekly family home evenings and teaching his players to grow as men of integrity and faith.

Beyond the victories, Tom reflects on his true legacy: mentoring young men, being a father figure to those in need, and showing that leadership is about building lives, not just winning games. His story is one of vision, heart, and lasting impact both on and off the court.

160. Faith Through Music I Gentri tenor, Casey Elliott shares the transformative nature of music and how it restores, heals and inspires us all. Sep 04, 2025

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In this uplifting episode, I sit down with Casey Elliott, one of the 3 tenors and founding member of the group, GENTRI, to explore the soul-stirring journey behind the group’s success. From early mentors who recognized his potential to the pivotal role his wife played in forming GENTRI, Casey shares how personal relationships shaped both his music and mission. We dive into the evolution of their sound—from pop experiments to the powerful embrace of spiritually inspired music—and the profound stories from fans whose lives were touched or even saved by their songs. With honesty and heart, Casey opens up about the deeper purpose driving his work. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to GENTRI, this conversation will leave you inspired by the power of music to heal, uplift, and transform.

Tickets are now on sale for their Christmas concert at www.gentrimusic.com

159.Starting Over I Portia Louder shares how she turned addiction and prison into purpose—and now helps others find healing and hope. Aug 22, 2025

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In this episode of the What Now Podcast, I sit down with Portia Louder to share her extraordinary journey of hardship, resilience, and redemption. From growing up in a loving but chaotic home, to becoming a mother as a teenager, battling addiction, and serving time in federal prison, Portia’s story is one of raw honesty and profound transformation.

Amid loss and brokenness, she discovered healing through faith in Jesus Christ, the power of the Atonement, and the structure she once lacked but found even behind prison walls. Her experience reshaped her identity, restored her family, and gave her a new purpose: to bring hope and healing to others who feel forgotten or judged.

Today, Portia is an author, coach, and advocate who uses her voice to strengthen individuals and families, proving that no one is beyond the reach of grace. Her testimony of love, faith, and second chances will inspire anyone who has ever struggled to believe in their own worth.

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158. From Poverty to Pediatrician I Dr. Carla Suarez, first-generation American, shares her journey of faith, resilience, and hope. Aug 07, 2025

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In this episode of the What Now Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Carla Suarez, a pediatrician whose inspiring journey began in poverty as a first-generation American. Raised by a single mother after her father left, Carla faced food insecurity, cultural barriers, and emotional hardship, but through faith, community, and her passion for learning, she found a way forward.

Carla shares how her testimony of a loving Heavenly Father began as a child and deepened through experiences with missionaries, church service, and quiet spiritual moments. With the support of mentors, counselors, and her devoted husband, she pursued her dream of becoming a doctor, graduating debt-free and now serving immigrant families with empathy rooted in lived experience.

She opens up about the miracles that shaped her path, the strength she found in service and scripture, and her message for young women who feel unseen: God knows your heart, and He will guide you.

✨ New episodes every two weeks!

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157. Comedy, Culture & Calling: Stephen Jones talks about his journey of faith as a black Latter-day Saint. Jul 24, 2025

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In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, comedian-turned-podcaster Stephen Jones shares his powerful journey from the stage to the classroom—and eventually to the microphone as the host of the faith-filled podcast Let’s Get Real. As a Black member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Stephen opens up about the experiences that shaped him, including the turning point that led him to leave a successful career in stand-up and acting to teach Institute and dive deeper into his spiritual purpose. Now, through Let’s Get Real, he’s helping others share raw, real-life stories that build faith, hope, and healing within the Church community. This episode is a moving reminder that God can redirect our lives in unexpected and beautiful ways.

156.Faith. Grit. Victory. I NCAA champ Jeremy Brown shares how living his faith—on and off the court—changed everything. Jul 11, 2025

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NCAA volleyball champion Jeremy Brown shares how faith, family, and a humble coach shaped his path—from a sports-filled childhood in Arizona to a national title at Southern Virginia University. He opens up about his mission during COVID, a teammate’s miraculous recovery, and how staying rooted in the gospel helped him rise as both an athlete and disciple of Christ. He shares a powerful story of perseverance, purpose, and divine guidance.

155. Redefining Success I Amy Rees Anderson talks about failure, resilience, and integrity. Jun 26, 2025

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Amy Rees Anderson found herself as a young single mother of two in her 20s, facing an uncertain future. But through grit, faith, and determination, she turned her challenges into opportunities—ultimately building one of the largest medical record retrieval and management companies in the U.S. In this powerful conversation, Amy opens up about her biggest wins, her hardest failures, and the unwavering trust in the in Lord that carried her through it all. She shares how choosing integrity—despite the risk of financial loss—became a defining moment that shaped her leadership and deepened her faith. If you’ve ever felt like life isn’t going as planned, Amy’s story will inspire you to hold on, keep going, and trust in the amazing plan the Lord has designed specifically for you.

153.Disengaged | Thaniel on red flags, rebuilding confidence & finding hope & faith after a breakup. May 30, 2025

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Join me as I talk with Thaniel Openshaw about the heartbreak of a broken engagement and his journey to healing, rebuilding confidence, and moving forward with faith. He shares key lessons learned, red flags to watch for, and how setbacks can ultimately lead us to the right person.

152.Dating Essentials | John Bytheway on finding a healthy match, spotting red flags, and moving on May 24, 2025

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In this powerful episode, bestselling author and beloved speaker John Bytheway shares essential dating tips to help you navigate love with more clarity and confidence. Whether you're hoping to find the right match, wrestling with doubts, or healing from heartbreak, John offers wisdom rooted in faith and over 30 years of experience working with young adults. We cover what to look for in a spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually compatible partner, how to identify red and green flags, and why you should never settle. John also shares practical advice on how to get out of an unhealthy relationship—and how to move forward when the ending feels like your world is falling apart. With humor, heart, and real-life insight, this episode will help you date more intentionally and build a foundation that leads to lasting happiness.

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