Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones

Why the World Is Flocking to FamilySearch | Elder Kevin S. Hamilton | E0048

Every day, millions of people around the world are turning to FamilySearch, not because of marketing or trends, but because of something much deeper happening beneath the surface: a global movement of identity, belonging, and human connection.
In this conversation with Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, former Executive Director of the Family History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we explore why 98 percent of the people who use FamilySearch are not Latter-day Saints, yet are contributing to one of the most ambitious projects in human history: building the family tree of humanity.
This is not just a story about genealogy. It is a story about roots, memory, resilience, and what unfolds when technology, spirituality, and human longing intersect.Inside this episode, you will learn:• Why hundreds of millions use FamilySearch every year • How global archives, AI tools, and more than 130 years of record gathering fuel the world’s largest family history database • The emotional science behind family narratives and resilience • How wars, disasters, and endangered archives have created urgent preservation efforts • Why nonreligious users are powering a movement with profound spiritual implications • What “gathering Israel” looks like in the digital age • How African oral genealogies, Ukrainian archives, and worldwide records are reshaping family identity
This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered:“Where do I come from?” “Who do I belong to?” “And why does family history matter now more than ever?”
Whether you are religious or not, whether you have used FamilySearch or are hearing about it for the first time, this conversation looks at what it means to be human and why the world is suddenly flocking to discover its story.
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What No One Told Me About the Temple - Don Bradley | E0047

Have you ever wondered how the early Saints understood the temple?Or what the Kirtland Temple dedication can teach us about Christ today?
In this conversation, Don Bradley walks through some simple but powerful connections between the temple, scripture, and the Savior. He also shares openly about his time away from the Church, his involvement in the "ex-Mormon" community, and the experiences that led him back to faith.
This episode isn’t dramatic or sensational — it’s just thoughtful, clear, and centered on Christ.I’m grateful for Don’s honesty and the insights he brought to this discussion.

New Research on Joseph Smith & Brigham Young | What We Found in Section 132 | E0046

Section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants is one of the most talked about and debated revelations in scripture. Some people say it just doesn’t sound like Joseph Smith, which has left a lot of questions about who actually wrote it.
Dr. Paul Fields, an expert in stylometry — the statistical study of writing style — joins Stephen Jones to take the emotion out of the debate and look at the evidence. Using data, history, and faith, he puts this revelation to the test to find out who really wrote Section 132.
What he discovered might not just answer a question about authorship. It might change the way we think about revelation itself.
Knowhy:https://scripturecentral.org/knowhy/what-does-the-science-of-stylometry-indicate-about-the-authorship-of-doctrine-and-covenants-132

Joseph's First Revelation...Gives Our 18th President | Dallin H, Like Martin Harris Oaks | Don Bradley | E0045

It blew our minds when we found out this connection President Oaks has to church history.
Don Bradley—a Latter-day Saint historian who once left the Church and became an atheist, then found his way back—joins us to talk about some mind-blowing connections between Martin Harris and President Dallin H. Oaks.
Don walks us through hidden pieces of Church history that show how God’s hand was moving in more people than just Joseph Smith. We talk about Martin Harris’s early revelations before the Church was even organized, the meaning behind the Feast of Tabernacles, and how those same patterns show up again with President Oaks.
It’s one of those conversations that makes you realize the Restoration isn’t just a story from the past.
It’s still unfolding today.

Working With President Oaks & Nelson Wasn’t What I Expected | Sister Reyna Aburto | E0044

What’s it really like to sit across from a living prophet and give him feedback on his words?
In this episode of Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones, Sister Reyna I. Aburto, former Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, opens up about her deeply personal experiences with President Russell M. Nelson—moments that changed how she sees revelation, leadership, and discipleship forever.
She shares what it felt like the day President Nelson unexpectedly invited her and the other sisters of the presidency into his office to read and critique his upcoming talk—“Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel.” From his humility and love to the way he truly listened, Sister Aburto saw firsthand how revelation unfolds at the highest levels of the Church.
She also reflects on her gratitude for President Dallin H. Oaks, the tenderness behind his often “stern” demeanor, and her confidence that the Lord continues to guide His Church through inspired servants.

President Nelson Personally Prayed for Me: Here's What He Said | Sister Elaine Dalton E0043

What’s it really like to observe a prophet of God receiving revelation?
In this powerful episode, former Young Women General President Elaine S. Dalton shares her deeply personal experiences with President Russell M. Nelson.  She shares her personal glimpse into the heart of a prophet. She recalls the piercing blue eyes that seemed to see straight through to her soul, the counsel he gave about identity and virtue, and the quiet but transformative moments that confirmed for her that he was called of God.
This is more than just memories of a prophet—it is a witness of Jesus Christ. Sister Dalton testifies of the ways President Nelson pointed her, and all of us, back to the Savior, reminding us of our divine identity, the power of covenants, and the confidence we can have in Christ. Her stories pull back the curtain on what it feels like to be in the room when revelation is received, and why those moments changed her life forever.

What Really Happened Before Pres. Nelson Announced Temples | Elder Larry Y. Wilson E0042

Among many other things, President Nelson forever transformed the way we see temples. But what happens before temples are announced?
Former Executive Director of the Temple Department, Elder Larry Y. Willson shares remarkable behind-the-scenes experiences of working closely with President Russell M. Nelson.
Elder Wilson recounts the pivotal moment when President Nelson, newly called as prophet, looked at a carefully crafted 15-year temple plan and boldly said, “I would feel better about your plan if there were another zero.” That prophetic vision transformed temple building from dozens to hundreds, reshaping the Church’s future forever.
Alongside these historic insights, Elder Wilson also shares deeply personal stories of President Nelson’s ministry—from his surprising text messages of encouragement during times of illness, to his genuine warmth and consultative leadership style in councils. 
Come listen to firsthand accounts of how President Nelson balanced global leadership with individual, personal ministry.
This episode gives a rare and intimate look at how revelation, leadership, and love guided the Church during a period of historic change.

I Could've Said I'm Out of The Church, But I Stayed | Skyler Sorensen E0041

What does faithfulness look like when life doesn’t go according to plan? 
In this episode, Skyler Sorensen—a father, content creator, and producer at Scripture Central—shares his journey through same-sex attraction, marriage, and the heartbreaking loss of his son, Milo.
He explains why same-sex attraction wasn’t his greatest trial, how (besides his Savior) his temple marriage became his greatest strength, and how grief brought unexpected clarity to his faith.
This conversation explores what it truly means to stay on the covenant path when life becomes complex, and why the gospel can be profoundly simple amidst loss.
 In This Episode: • Why Skyler believes faith is still worth choosing • How grief can deepen, not destroy, testimony • Why ideals matter even when we fall short • What the balance of grace and truth looks like in real life • How marriage and family can be both messy and divine
Skyler’s new series with Scripture Central:Faithful Anyway: Discipleship Through Complexity
https://www.youtube.com/@sitdownwithsky