Latter-day Profiles

Host Brian Howard welcomes Jordan Abrams, Institute Director for BYU-Pathway Worldwide. Growing up in the "Napoleon Dynamite" country of Southeast Idaho, Jordan’s journey took him from a mission in Chile to a career that bridges corporate leadership and Church education. He discusses the innovative world of online learning, the unique spiritual environment of BYU-Idaho, and how BYU-Pathway is fulfilling a prophetic mission to educate and lift students in over 180 countries.

Former BYU quarterback Royce Bybee joins host Brian Howard to share a remarkable journey of faith and football. From being an All-American at Ricks College to playing under LaVell Edwards, Royce discusses his life-changing conversion and mission to England. Now serving as the Director of the Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center, he reflects on the power of mentorship, his role in coaching future generations, and how the lessons learned on the gridiron prepared him for a lifetime of service.

Host Brian Howard sits down with T.J. Packard, a CPA and partner at Packard, Appleby & Rogers. T.J. shares how a mission to Brazil and his time at BYU-Idaho forged a deep relationship with the Savior. He opens up about the trials of his single years, the "miracle" of meeting his wife Audrey, and the impact of a childhood friend who changed his life’s trajectory. A candid conversation about navigating the wait for life’s greatest blessings while finding joy in family and service

Host Brian Howard sits down with Candice Copple, Associate VP at ASU and Arizona Communication Director for the Church. A sixth-generation Arizonan, Candice shares how the Lord turned "dead ends" into divine opportunities—from a brief stint in tax accounting to seven years teaching seminary and a decade in high-stakes county politics. Discover how she uses her unique background to build interfaith bridges, lead statewide Church communications, and foster a culture of peacemaking.

Host Brian Howard sits down with Ryan Bingham, Vice President of Human Resources at Honeywell. From his early career in Idaho to leading a team of 140 professionals across the U.S. and Canada, Ryan shares his journey of designing global HR models and coaching leaders at every level. A BYU and BYU-Idaho alumnus, Ryan discusses how living abroad in Mexico and Chile shaped his "business-first" mindset and how his faith influences his commitment to developing talent and fostering positive workplace cultures.

Host Brian Howard sits down with Jennifer Fenn, FamilySearch Coordinator at the Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center. A lifelong Arizonan, Jennifer shares profound spiritual experiences that come from connecting families across the veil. She discusses her mission to empower ward and stake councils and her role in training consultants to lead with purpose. Discover how Jennifer’s simple, faith-filled approach to family history is strengthening modern families and advancing the work of salvation.

Host Brian Howard sits down with Elder Matthew Riggs, an Area Seventy and prominent Arizona attorney. From driving a UPS truck after law school to arguing landmark cases before the Arizona Supreme Court, Elder Riggs shares his unconventional journey. He discusses the divine intervention that led to his legal partnerships, the intersection of ethics and law, and his time presiding over the Washington D.C. South Mission. A fascinating look at following the Spirit in the courtroom and beyond.

Host Brian Howard sits down with Marc LeFevre, a career strategist and tech innovator. From serving as Student Body President at BYU-Idaho to founding Kalibrate.ai, Marc has helped thousands navigate the complexities of the modern job market. He discusses his mission to help individuals change their circumstances with confidence, the role of AI in career transitions, and how his faith guides his passion for lifting others during times of professional uncertainty and growth.

Host Brian Howard sits down with Cali Black, the creative force behind @ComeFollowMeStudy. A BYU-educated teacher and author, Cali shares how a simple inspired prompting led to a massive digital community dedicated to the scriptures. Discover her "One Minute" approach to daily study, her strategies for connecting teens with the gospel, and her passion for uncovering pure doctrine. Learn how this Arizona mother of three is helping families worldwide find power in the sacred word.

Host Brian Howard welcomes John Lewis, a leader whose influence spans government, business, and faith. From his tenure as Mayor of Gilbert to his service as President of the Cambodia Phnom Penh Mission, John shares how he has balanced high-level civic leadership with a deep commitment to the Gospel. Hear about the miracles witnessed in Cambodia, the growth of the Church in Arizona, and his current role as an Area Seventy. A powerful testament to the impact of a life dedicated to service.

Devin Durrant is the author of The Values Delta, an inspirational speaker, and a successful real estate entrepreneur. A former professional basketball player, Devin was a consensus All-American at Brigham Young University before playing for the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns, and he is consistently ranked among Utah's top college basketball players of the 20th century. Following his athletic career, he became a real estate investor. He developed his core philosophy, The Values Delta, which focuses on adding value to properties, careers, and personal life by prioritizing moral values. Devin has also been a prominent leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having presided over the Texas Dallas Mission and served as a counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency. He and his wife, Julie, reside in Idaho and are the parents of six children.

Roger Connors is a four-time New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, known for his over 35 years of expertise in organizational culture and leadership. He is the co-author of highly influential books, including The Oz Principle and Change the Culture, Change the Game. Roger is the co-founder and former CEO of Partners In Leadership (PIL), a globally recognized consulting firm that has trained millions of people in accountability. A convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Roger and his wife, Gwen, presided over the Washington Kennewick Mission, and he has served in various leadership capacities, including as a stake president and currently in a YSA stake presidency. He shares his business expertise as a graduate faculty professional member at Utah Valley University.

Rod Gustafson is a seasoned media professional and currently serves as a Coordinating Producer at BYU Broadcasting, where he manages a diverse portfolio of over 20 national and international broadcast projects, including scripted series and feature films, spanning the entire production process. In addition to his leadership role, he is deeply involved in mentoring students of all faiths who are aspiring to work in media, helping them build strong spiritual and professional foundations. Rod has a rich background in media and journalism, having served as a contract television journalist for CTV News and as a Senior Radio Producer for a national series on SiriusXM. He also founded and was President of Parent Previews, a pioneering media literacy resource that offered family movie reviews and trained parents to help their children become critical thinkers regarding media consumption.

Jonathan Wing is the Director of Events at FamilySearch, where he oversees the production of RootsTech, the world's largest genealogy and family history conference. An alumnus of the Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business, Jonathan has an impressive and diverse academic background, having studied at the renowned culinary school Le Cordon Bleu and earning an MSc in International Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science. His varied professional experience includes roles from The Los Angeles Times editorial food team to consulting with the Disasters Emergency Committee in the UK. He currently shares his expertise as an adjunct professor at Ensign College and is committed to spending time with his wife, Emilia, and their four children.

Lee Cummard is the newly appointed Head Coach of BYU Women's Basketball, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the university's mission. A former standout player for the BYU men's team, where he earned All-American and Mountain West Conference Player of the Year honors, Cummard has spent over a decade with the Cougars' basketball programs, serving on the coaching staffs for both the men's and women's teams. Prior to taking the head coach role, he helped the women's program achieve a WCC regular season title and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. A Mesa, Arizona native who served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tennessee, Coach Cummard played professionally overseas and is committed to fostering excellence both on and off the court for his student-athletes.

John Dye is the Executive Director of the Faith & Media Initiative, a non-profit dedicated to ensuring accurate, balanced, and inclusive representations of all faiths in news and entertainment globally. He is passionate about preparing the next generation of faith-driven media professionals by providing hands-on learning, internships, and strategic career placements. John previously served as the lead social media strategist and influencer marketing director at Bonneville Communications (Boncom), and as President of the integrated marketing firm, Fluid Studio. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University, holding both a Master's and a Bachelor of Arts in English, and has shared his expertise as an adjunct faculty member teaching English and Communications at institutions including BYU and Utah Valley University for over seven years. He currently serves on the board for BYU Alumni and the editorial board for the BYU Magazine.

Bruce Kusch is the respected President of Ensign College (formerly LDS Business College), a role he began in 2017 after serving as the Chief Academic Officer. An accomplished academic leader, he has focused on enhancing the college's learning and teaching frameworks, resulting in increased student success and strong employer relationships. Prior to his current role, President Kusch held various administrative and faculty positions at BYU-Idaho and was an executive in Silicon Valley for companies including IBM and Logitech. He received a PhD in Instructional Design from Idaho State University, an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management, and a BS from the University of Phoenix.He also has significant Church service, having presided over the Mexico Cuernavaca Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with his wife from 2012 to 2015.

Hank Smith is a beloved instructor at BYU, a renowned speaker, and co-host of the popular Follow Him podcast, known for his ability to connect deeply with youth and young adults through engaging scripture teaching. A master teacher, Hank holds degrees from Dixie State University, Utah State University (MBA), and Brigham Young University (PhD), and previously spent fourteen years as a Seminary and Institute instructor. In addition to his extensive speaking engagements at events such as BYU Education Week and Especially for Youth, he is an author with Covenant Communications and consults on creating high-trust organizational cultures. He and his wife, Sara, are the parents of five children and reside in Mapleton, Utah.

Tom and Ali Durham are a dynamic creative duo blending storytelling, science fiction, family life, and faith. Tom is an Emmy-winning writer and director known for his cult-favorite sci-fi feature 95ers and his boundary-pushing work in TV, animation, and film. With a love for all things geek—from D&D to Star Trek—Tom brings humor and heart to every project he tackles through his production company, Martian Studios. He’s also an advocate for young storytellers, sharing his industry knowledge and love for the Oxford comma with the next generation of creators.Ali Durham, an actress, voiceover artist, chef, and mother of four, brings her own creative spark to the team. With a degree in Theater and Media Arts from BYU, Ali has worn many hats in the entertainment world—from performing and producing to writing and art direction. In their Latter-day Profile interview, Tom and Ali share how their shared love of faith, family, and film fuels their work. Together, they offer a refreshing perspective on balancing creativity with conviction—and finding joy in telling stories that uplift and inspire.

Shawn Stevens rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in hit television shows like Eight Is Enough, Days of Our Lives, and The Facts of Life. But behind the Hollywood lights was a deeper story—one of faith, sacrifice, and transformation. After discovering The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while filming in Utah, Shawn was baptized at age 19, a decision that cost him family support and slowed his acting career. Still, he held to his beliefs, turning down roles that didn’t align with his values and eventually finding new purpose off-screen.In his Latter-day Profile interview, Shawn reflects on his remarkable journey—from early stardom to a life grounded in discipleship. He shares how faith guided his choices through career highs and lows, and how stepping away from the spotlight helped him build a strong family foundation. After nearly 30 years behind the scenes, he returned to acting in the inspiring film The Cokeville Miracle. Shawn’s story is a powerful testament to the courage it takes to follow Christ in any industry—and the peace that comes when you do.