
Conference Talk
By Conference Talk Podcast

Conference TalkMay 25, 2023

S5E16: Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Parents
Feel like you're failing at parenting? Join the club. Except it's just Matthew in the club this time 😉. Today we're discussing Elder Uchtdorf's talk, Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Parents.
Resources
More Diligent and Concerned at Home by Elder David A. Bednar

S5E15: The Teachings of Jesus Christ
Follow Melissa Fugazza and recurring special guest Jennifer Roach as they discuss President Oak's amazing address where he lets the Lord Himself speak...through the scriptures.

Shorts: Why don't I drink? Because I know the Book of Mormon is true!
If a non-member friend asks you why you don't drink coffee, you might answer by explaining the Word of Wisdom. But Pres. Nelson gives us a different approach. When asked why we we live the way we live, he answered, "Because I know the Book of Mormon is true." Let's talk about that.
Resources
Be Thou an Example of the Believers by Pres. Russell M. Nelson (Oct 2010)
A Witness and a Warning by Pres. Ezra Taft Benson

S5E14: Do You Know Why I as a Christian Believe in Christ? (feat. Greg Matsen)
Bro. Ahmad S. Corbitt of the Young Men General Presidency made waves in 2022 with his devotional address decrying "Activism Toward the Church" (ATC). This April, he was sustained as a General Authority Seventy and gave his first Conference address, "Do You Know Why I as a Christian Believe in Christ?" And this one hits hard, too. Greg Matsen from the Cwic Show joins Matthew to talk about both of these timely talks and their application to today's crazy world.

S5E13: My Mind Caught Hold upon This Thought of Jesus Christ (feat. the sister missionaries)
Who should we invite to this episode? "Ask the missionaries, they can help!" 😁 Matthew is joined by his branch's missionaries, Sister Duke and Sis. Howell, to discussion Elder Andersen's long-titled talk, "My Mind Caught Hold upon This Thought of Jesus Christ."
Resources
Elder McConkie's powerful last testimony
Pres. Nelson: "Because I know the Book of Mormon is true."

S5E12:The Lord Jesus Christ Teaches Us to Minister / Jesus Christ Is Relief
This week the Stanfill's take to the mic! They discuss "The Lord Jesus Christ Teaches Us to Minister" by Elder Juan A. Uceda and "Jesus Christ is Relief" by President Camille N. Johnson.
Resources:
"Lovest Thou Me More Than These" by Jeffrey R. Holland

S5E11: Patriarch Blessings! (feat. Brad McBride)
Bummed about the Oceangate sub and looking for a more uplifting Titanic-related story? Look no further! Returning guest and blogger Brad McBride joins Matthew at the mics today to discuss not one but two unusual General Conference addresses-- Elder Bennett's and Elder Yamashita's talks about Patriarchal blessings.
Resources
That time the Prophet's wife found all twelve tribes of Israel in Europe
2 Nephi 27: "I can do mine own work."
Joseph Smith quote: "You will have all kinds of trials to pass through. And it is quite as necessary for you to be tried as it was for Abraham and other men of God. . . . God will feel after you, and he will take hold of you and wrench your very heart strings, and if you cannot stand it you will not be fit for an inheritance in the Celestial Kingdom of God."
Pres. Oaks: "[A patriarchal blessing] is given under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and should be read and interpreted under the influence of that same Spirit."

S5E10: Just Keep Going-- with Faith and He Could Heal Me! (feat. Erik Wells)
Longtime friend Erik Wells joins Matthew today to discuss two talks with strong themes related to mental health:
Resources
- Rise to Your Call by Pres. Henry B. Eyring
- "As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson
- D&C 84:85

S5E09: A Living Prophet for the Latter Days
Join The Stanfill household this week as Kevin & Shelbi discuss Allen D. Haynie's talk titled, "A Living Prophet for the Latter Days."
Resources:
"Prophets Can See Around Corners" by Sheri Dew.
"Why we need to replace question marks with exclamation points after words of prophets", by Sister Nelson.
"Quick to Observe" by Elder Bednar.
"Essential Conversations" by Joy D. Jones.

S5E08: Safely Gathered Home (feat. Mike Rush)
This week we're covering Elder Quentin L. Cook's talk, "Safely Gathered Home" which is all about the gathering of Israel. Which means we got to invite a guest who's a total "gathering and restoration of Israel nerd," author Mike Rush! We talk about the amazon promises the Lord has given about covenant Israel in the last days-- the likes of which will "be a more spectacular event than the children of Israel coming out of Egypt in Moses’ day."
Resources
Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives by President Russell M. Nelson
Let God Prevail by President Russell M. Nelson
Bible Dictionary: Israel, Kingdom of

S5E07: There Can Be Nothing So Exquisite and Sweet as Was My Joy / Have I Truly Been Forgiven
A few days late, but that's how the Fugazza family rolls! That's right! Join regular host Melissa Fugazza and her family (Rob, Giada and Sophia), as they discuss two FANTASTIC talks from Elders Christensen's talk, "There Can Be Nothing So Exquisite and Sweet as Was My Joy" and Elder Nattress talk, "Have I Truly Been Forgiven?"

S5E06: Accessing God’s Power through Covenants
Melissa & Shelbi host this weeks episode by discussing Elder Renlund's address, "Accessing God’s Power through Covenants." Melissa and Shelbi are temple fans and couldn't be more obsessed with it. They share insights they have learned about covenants and share ideas on how to gain a testimony of the temple and covenants.
Resources:
"One In Christ" , Story of The Amazon River by Elder Ulisses Soares
Creating Lift by Elder Uchtdorf
"The Power of Spiritual Momentum" by President Nelson
Not Making a Choice is a Choice by President Bednar
The Rocket Example by Elder Renlund

S5E05: Peacemakers Needed!
We welcome Dr. Civility himself, Ben Pacini, to sit down with Matthew on the podcast today to discuss Pres. Nelson's loving rebuke of a talk, "Peacemakers Needed."
Resources
More Love, Less Contempt by Arthur C Brooks (BYU Devotional)
The Cost—and Blessings—of Discipleship by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Prophets, Leadership, and Divine Law by President Russell M. Nelson
The Inconvenient Messiah by Elder Jeffrey R Holland
Grandstanding: The Use and Abuse of Moral Talk

Shorts: Death by Planning
Did you know a group of vultures is called a committee? Our committees and councils in the Church feel that way sometimes-- we huddle around a pick at a problem but rarely actually help. Pres. Ballard and Elder Arnold have some haunting stories to share about that. We need more ministering and less administering.

S5E04: The Work of the Temple and Family History—One and the Same Work / A Voice of Gladness!
Shelbi & Chanelle are your hosts this week, they tackle two talks: "The Work of the Temple and Family History—One and the Same Work" by Elder Benjamín De Hoyos and "A Voice of Gladness" by Elder Kevin R. Duncan. Come listen to insights about the temple, family history, and the importance of holding on in faith.

Shorts: Please don't throw things when you're angry!
Someone threw a knife at the prophet! Pres. Nelson recounted having a scalpel angrily thrown at him when he was interning at a surgeon's practice. But that's not the only time we've talked about throwing things in anger in General Conference. Pres. Monson and Pres. Hinckley both shared stories about rage monsters throwing items around and I think that's interesting.
Resources

S5E03: Ministering
Join Matthew and Meg as we discuss Elder Gong's talk, Ministering. Matthew recently finished a few years as Elders Quorum President and Meg is just starting in her calling as Relief Society President so there is a lot to discuss on this one!

S5E04: The Greatest Easter Story Ever Told
On this weeks episode the Stanfill's hop on the mic's! Come and listen to Elder Stevenson's talk, "The Greatest Story Ever Told." There are no reosurces for this episode but there is a lot of fun thought provoking ideas on how to make Easter more Christ Centered.

S5E01: Conference Talk April 2023 Recap
Tune in as our Conference Talk hosts share their favorite moments from the most recent sessions of General Conference!

Shorts: The Five Dollar Lawn
In the early 2000s, I mowed laws in the neighborhood. Though my neighbors offered $20 a pop, I never accepted more than $5. And you can thank a conference talk Bishop Vaughn J. Featherstone gave in 1973 for that!
Resources
The story of the Five Dollar Lawn by Bishop Featherston
Pres. Kimball's quote about how we can be perfect in certain aspects

S4E24: Nourishing and Bearing Your Testimony
Don't be fooled when Melissa starts the episode by mistakenly citing "Elder Stevens" talk, because this amazing talk about testimonies was given by Elder Gary E. Stevenson! Join Meg Tilton and Melissa Fugazza for fun stories of weird missionary experiences, detecting fraud and following some basic things we can do to be spiritually stronger.
Resources:
"Nourishing and Bearing Your Testimony"-Elder Gary E. Stevenson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/10/55stevenson?lang=eng
"Just Give Me Jesus"-Anne Graham Lotz (quoted in episode)

S4E23: Put On Thy Strength, O Zion
Matthew and Michael discuss Elder Bednar's powerful talk, Put On Thy Strength, O Zion. A lot of Temple references, and some sobering thoughts about the Second Coming!

S4E22: And They Sought to See Jesus Who He Was
Matthew sits down with Sky from the Sit Down with Sky Podcast to discuss And They Sought to See Jesus Who He Was by Elder James W. McConkie III.
Resources
All the places you can find Sky and his podcast
Pres. Nelson's Topical Guide study challenge

Shorts: Pres. Nelson is bringing chivalry back into style!
Brethren, you stand when an Apostle enters the room. But do you stand when a woman enters the room? According to Pres. Nelson, maybe you should. Today, for International Women's Day, study these words from our Prophet and maybe we can bring chivalry back into style!
Resources

S4E21: Lifted Up upon the Cross
On this episode The Stanfill's feel so blessed to be able to talk about Elder Holland's talk titled "Lifted Up upon the Cross." Join in their discussion about the symbolism of The Cross as related to being members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Shelbi shares a personal story about discipleship and Kevin hits home on how the absence of The Cross says more about our religion than anything.
Resources:
Elder Holland: Suffering: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRLDdNk5G4Y
Hope Works Video: Spiritual Beings and The Human Experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXw_5r5ZHpM&list=PLAYgY8SPtEWEDhEa13V4-TFSR7QrV7ahS&index=32

S4E20: Wholehearted / We Can Do Hard Things through Him
Join as The Tilton household takes over this week as they discuss two talks this week. The first, Elder Isaac K. Morrison's talk, "We Can Do Hard Things through Him" and Michelle D. Craig's talk titled , "Wholehearted." We were excited for you to listen and let us know what you think!

Shorts: Efficiency paralysis-- when it just doesn't matter!
Do you sometimes experience a loss of words giving a blessing? Take heart, because so does President Oaks!
Why is it we think some priesthood holders give better blessings than others? How can we give blessings when the words don't come? Is the inspiration the Spirit or just me? How can we know the best options for my life?
Matthew shares his thoughts on "efficiency paralysis," bringing in some important teachings Pres. Oaks shared in April 2010.

S4E19: Happy and Forever
We have a special guest this episode, Carol Rice who is partnered with Public Square Magazine & TheFamilyProclimation.org! We could not think of a better expert to discuss with Kevin Elder Gong's address, "Happy and Forever." So many great nuggets of gold. We hope you enjoy listening to this weeks episode.

Shorts: Commanding a Submarine in the name of Jesus
Do you ever invoke the power of God outside a formal ordinance or blessing? Pres. Monson shared an insightful experience of doing just that.
Resources
To Learn, to Do, to Be by President Thomas S. Monson
Pres. Nelson's insights on prayer and fishing

S4E18: His Yoke Is Easy and His Burden Is Light
Sis. Dennis's talk, His Yoke Is Easy and His Burden Is Light is Matthew's least favorite conference talk of all time! Frankly, he felt it was so heavy on "don't judge" that it bordered on minimizing disobedience. But as he thought about it, the Spirit whispered, "a talk you struggle with is the one you need the most." So he decided to sink his teeth into this talk, dig through it to find some gems, and share it with us. Join Matthew and Melissa in discussing the tug of war between clarity v charity and niceness v kindness. And tons more dog puns. 🐶
Resources
Truth and Tolerance by Pres. Dallin H. Oaks
The Cost—and Blessings—of Discipleship by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
The Second Half of the Second Century of Brigham Young University
Kindness, Charity, and Love by President Thomas S. Monson
You Are My Hands by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence by Elder Jörg Klebingat

Shorts: Faith when you don't feel it
Faith and fear are opposites... right? Well, sort of. It depends how you define them. Matthew was inspired by Meg's episode a few weeks back and studied what fear and faith mean within a Gospel context and his personal experiences with both.
Resources
Matthew's blog post on this topic
The episode that inspired this one
Pres. Packer: "Fear is the opposite of faith."
It’s True, Isn’t It? Then What Else Matters? by Elder Andersen
You Know Enough (also by Elder Andersen)

S4E17: Lasting Discipleship / Patterns of Discipleship
On this weeks episode we have Kevin & Shelbi Stanfill discussing two talks. The first is Elder Lund's Talk titled, "Lasting Discipleship" and Elder Sitati's talk titled, "Patterns of Discipleship." If you haven't guessed it already discipleship is a big topic in this podcast! We hope you enjoy!
Refrences:
"Flashes of Light" by Elder Lund BYU Speech

Shorts: Pres. Eyring's Temple Experience
We're trying something new: Conference Talk Shorts! A mini episode about 5 minutes long, sharing a brief insight about a talk from older conference talks or devotionals. Less formal, way shorter, hope you enjoy.
Pres. Eyring gave two talks within 18 months of each other, telling the same story in each, but adding some sacred detail to the second retelling. Join Matthew in considering that story and the lesson on personal revelation he got out of it.
Resources
Holiness and the Plan of Happiness by Pres. Eyring - October 2019
I Love to See the Temple by Pres. Eyring - April 2021
Elder Bednar: "How do I know if it's me or the Spirit?"
Pres. Nelson: "increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can."

S4E16: The Eternal Principle of Love
On this weeks episode Meg Tilton and guest Rhonda Farr discuss Elder Montoya's talk, "The Eternal Principle of Love." Meg & Rhonda have worked together in the professional world but now come together to discuss spiritual application with their background in life coaching. We hope you enjoy this weeks episode.

S4E15: Drawing Closer to The Savior / The Answer is Jesus
Join Chanelle and a very special guest, Lynnette Sheppard this week as they discuss two talks, Elder Andersen's talk, "Drawing Closer to The Savior" and Elder Olsens Talk, "The Answer is Jesus." Wonderful insights were shared on this episode that are sure to strengthen your testimony in our Savior Jesus Christ.

S4E14: The Doctrine of Belonging
We all belong in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. There is a place for each and every one of us in the Kingdom of God. Come and listen to Melissa & Matthew discuss, "The Doctrine of Belonging" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson.
References:
Michael Goodman
https://ldsperspectives.com/2017/03/15/lds-doctrine-michael-goodman/
"And Nothing Shall Offend Them" by Elder David A. Bednar
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/10/and-nothing-shall-offend-them?lang=eng
"Trial of Your Faith" by Elder Neil L Andersen
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/10/trial-of-your-faith?lang=eng
"The Needs Before Us" by Bonnie L. Oscarson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/10/the-needs-before-us?lang=eng

S4E13: Are You Still Willing / Building a Life Resistant to the Adversary
This we we have Meg & Greg Tilton discussing "Are You Still Willing" by Elder Kevin W. Pearson and "Building a Life Resistant to the Adversary" by Jorge F. Zeballos. We felt these two talks really complimented one another and we hope you find reviewing & listening to them helpful.

S4E12: The Virtue of the Word (feat. Shawn Rapier)
Guest Shawn Rapier joins Matthew in discussing Shawn's friend, Elder Mark D. Eddy, and his talk, "The Virtue of the Word." We deep dive into Book of Mormon history, enjoy a delicious barbecue analogy, and Shawn shares a powerful story from his mission.
Resources
The story of the missionary who was losing his testimony (it was Pres. Ballard, not Elder Scott)
If you're a Disneyland/DisneyWorld buff, check out Shawn's podcast, "Castle Collective!" And the archives of his inspiring faithful stories podcast, "Latter-Day Lives."

S4E11: In Partnership with The Lord
Kevin & Shelbi head up this episode of Elder Soares talk titled, "In Partnership with The Lord." Kevin & Shelbi have been married for 3 1/2 years and added some of their own tips and insights on their marriage so far in accordance with the principles Elder Soares discusses in his talk. Join in to let us know what you think!
Resources:
The Family Proclamation
Definition of "Help Meet"

S4E10: Our Earthly Stewardship
Join in this week as Meg & Erin discuss Bishop Gérald Caussé talk, "Our Earthly Stewardship." They give some advice and tips to help us become better stewards of the earth.

S4E09: Follow Jesus Christ with Footsteps of Faith
We are all pioneers...and it's cool! Listen to Melissa Fugazza and special guest Jennifer Roach, as they discuss President Ballard's amazing talk!

S4E08: Be True to God and His Work (feat. Greg Matsen)
Greg Matsen, host of the Cwic Show, joins as a guest for this episode discussion Elder Cook's talk, Be True to God and His Work. We talk about testimonies, repentance, the new For the Strength of Youth pamphlet, and so much more
Resources
Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives by Pres. Russell M. Nelson
Activism v Discipleship by Bro. Ahmad S. Corbitt
Why You Should Put YOUR MASK On First (My Brain Without Oxygen) - Smarter Every Day
Gospel Principles Manual, Chapter 7: The Holy Ghost
The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation by President Russell M. Nelson
To Acquire Spiritual Guidance by Elder Richard G. Scott
Joseph Smith quote about sexual sin being the defining sin of our dispensation
And Nothing Shall Offend Them by Elder David A. Bednar
Personal Peace in Challenging Times by Elder Quentin L. Cook
The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt
Why the past 10 years of American life have been uniquely stupid by Jonathan Haidt
The Peace of Christ Abolishes Enmity by Elder Dale G. Renlund
Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Youth by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
A Framework for Personal Revelation by Elder Dale G. Renlund

S4E07: What is True / Overcome The World and Find Rest / Focus on The Temple
On this weeks episode Melissa & Chanelle undertake discussing ALL 3 of President Nelsons talks given at this past October 2022 General Conference. President Nelson's talks included, "What is True?", "Overcome The World and Find Rest", and "Focus on The Temple." We hope you enjoy it!

S4E06: This Day
Listen in this week in The Stanfill home as Kevin & Shelbi discuss Elder Rasband's Talk, "This Day." They had some fun insights & discussion about The Book of Mormon & personal Experiences that they have shared individually and as a couple.
Resources:
The Book of Mormon Podcast: https://anchor.fm/christccpodcast-bom

S4E05: A Framework for Personal Revelation (feat. Brad McBride)
Blogger and author Brad McBride joins Matthew and Shelbi in discussing Elder Dale G. Renlund's talk, "A Framework for Personal Revelation." This talk was definitely one of the heavy-hitters of the October 2022 General Conference!
Resources
A Quarter and Two Big Lies by Brad McBride
Two Lines of Communication by Pres. Dallin H. Oaks
Elder Pearson: Don't pray about whether to go on a mission
Now Is the Time to Serve a Mission! by Elder Richard G. Scott
By Divine Design by Elder Ronald A. Rasband
Alternate Voices by Pres. Dallin H. Oaks
Elder Bednar quote on telling if it's you or the Spirit
Moroni 7: "I show unto you the way to judge"
Spiritually Defining Memories by Elder Neil L. Andersen

S4E04: Bonus Episode "Choices for Eternity"
Get ready for a wonderful episode hosted by Matthew Watkins and Melissa Fugazza. In this episode they discussed President Nelsons World Wide Devotional to the youth titled, "Choices for Eternity." You may even hear some of Google's voice in this episode. Let us know what you think & enjoy the episode!
Resources:
Sister Wendy Nelsons talk, "One Question That Can Change Your Life"

S4E03: Jesus Christ is the Strength of Youth
Listen in on Michael Young and Matthew Watkins as they discuss Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk "Jesus Christ is the Strength of Youth" from the Saturday Morning Session of the October 2022 General Conference.

S4E02: Helping The Poor and Distressed / Let Doing Good Be Our Normal
Listen in on The Stanfill home and the thoughts they had on President Oaks Talk, "Helping The Poor and Distressed" and Elder Rafael E. Pino's Talk, "Let Doing Good be Our Normal".
Resources:
Biography of The Seventies: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/quorum-of-the-seventy?lang=eng
Biography of The Quorum of The Twelve & First Presidency: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/global-leadership-of-the-church?lang=eng

S4E01: October 2022 General Conference Thoughts
On this special episode come & listen as Matthew Watkins and husband and wife duo, Shelbi & Kevin Stanfill share their biggest take aways from this most recent General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

S3E24: Our Heartfelt All
Join in on this FINAL episode of the season covering the last 6 months between April 2022 and October 2022 General Conferences of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This final episode of the season is with Meg Tilton & Kevin Stanfill as they discuss Elder Uchtdorf's talk, "Our Heartfelt All" .