Conference Conversations

As the world feels increasingly hostile, it’s easy to feel like nothing can be done to unify our society. But there’s a growing number of leaders who have found a path forward – a path towards unity – using faith. In this KSL NewsRadio special, Amanda Dickson sits down with a panel of government leaders to find out how they use faith to bridge the political divides and find common ground. State Rep. Anthony Loubet, former Director of the Utah Department of Commerce Francine Giani, and State Rep. Verona Mauga join her to share their secrets on how they use their faith to unify and inspire those around them. Hosted and produced by Amanda Dickson; co-produced by Becky Bruce and Ryan Meeks Conference Conversations is special programming with content brought to you by KSL NewsRadio for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during General Conference weekends.

President Dallin H. Oaks became the 18th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints six months ago. During the short time he has carried the holy mantle as the Lord’s Prophet to the world, President Oaks has taught about the role of temples in God’s plan for His children, the responsibility to share the gospel, and the need to look forward with optimism. On this Church News podcast conference radio special, Church News editor Ryan Jensen guides listeners through President Oaks’ recent messages, and introduces the newest leader of the Church through his own words and those of his family, wife, and fellow leaders. Hosted by J. Ryan Jensen; produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen Conference Conversations is special programming with content brought to you by KSL NewsRadio for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during General Conference weekends. ... The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

Is a new generation rediscovering faith or is the data telling a different story? Despite claims of a religious revival among young Americans, national research from the Pew Research Center shows religious participation among Gen Z remains largely unchanged. In A Return to Faith, host Maria Shilaos explores the gap between statistics and lived experience. Through conversations with faith leaders and young adults across multiple religious traditions, this hour-long KSL NewsRadio special examines why some Gen Z Americans are returning to church, synagogue, or sanctuary — and what continues to inspire faith in an increasingly secular America. Hosted by Maria Shilaos; produced by Andy Cupp Conference Conversations is special programming with content brought to you by KSL NewsRadio for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during General Conference weekends.

As immigration enforcement intensifies nationwide, this one-hour special brings listeners inside the lives shaped by immigration policy in Utah -- those who support enforcement, those who defend it, and those who live under its weight. Hosted by Inside Sources’ hosts Greg Skordas and Holly Richardson, this KSL NewsRadio special examines the calls for stronger enforcement alongside the lived realities of immigrants and refugees in Utah. From families afraid to leave their homes to those rebuilding their lives, at what point does enforcement go too far? Through multiple perspectives, the hosts explore whether enforcement and compassion can coexist – and who pays the price when they don’t. Hosted by Greg Skordas and Holly Richardson; produced by Caitlyn Johnston Conference Conversations is special programming with content brought to you by KSL NewsRadio for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during General Conference weekends.

In September 2025, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commemorate the 30th anniversary of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” Known by many in the Church as the family proclamation, this document teaches that marriage between a man and a woman and the creation of families are central parts of God’s plan. In this Church News podcast radio special, editor Ryan Jensen and reporter Mary Richards discuss reinforcing research, personal blessings, and the words of Church leaders, in support of the family as the fundamental unit of society. This special is produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen. Conference Conversations is special programming with content brought to you by KSL NewsRadio for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during General Conference weekends. Listen for great conversations on faith that will appeal to members of the Church but also Christians in general. ... The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square has been spreading the gospel and bringing members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints together for almost a century. The hymns echoing off the historic Tabernacle walls have been heard in homes and churches all over the world. This conference special celebrates and looks back at the five-thousandth episode that aired earlier this year. Hosted and produced by Verl Johansen and Alexandrea Bonilla Conference Conversations is special programming with content brought to you by KSL NewsRadio for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during General Conference weekends.

Throughout the human experience, there are several kinds of emotions we all experience at one time or another. One of the hardest emotions to process and work through is grief. Grief can manifest itself in so many different ways, and its trigger can be widely varied as well. This can make life harder, but not impossible. In this special, KSL NewsRadio’s Maria Shilaos speaks with mental health experts about grief: the stages, how to process it, and how it can help us grow. She also discusses grief from a spiritual perspective, speaking with a religious leader to learn how faith can assist a grieving person. Guests on this KSL NewsRadio special include Allan Pauole, clinical mental health counselor with Revere Health; Dr. Ben Christiansen, clinical neuropsychologist with Ogden Clinic; and Father George Nikas, Cathedral Dean of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Salt Lake City. Hosted by Maria Shilaos; produced by Andy Cupp Conference Conversations is special programming with content brought to you by KSL NewsRadio for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during General Conference weekends.

When parents see a movie rating, do they really understand what it means? What goes into a movie rating? Who rates the movies in the first place? In this special, Andy Farnsworth examines the movie rating process and how it can help parents best decide what movies are the most appropriate for their kids. He explores the process of rating a movie, discusses what the MPAA looks at when considering how to rate a movie, and delves into the reaction from filmmakers and studios to those ratings. He also takes a closer look at what a rating might mean for box office returns. Hosted and produced by Andy Farnsworth Conference Conversations is special programming with content brought to you by KSL NewsRadio for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during General Conference weekends.

In the wake of rising political violence — including the tragic killing of Charlie Kirk that took place on the campus of Utah Valley University — Holly Richardson and Greg Skordas confront a critical question: What kind of example are we setting for the next generation? In this special hour, the hosts of Inside Sources explore how we can restore civility, not only for ourselves, but also for our kids. Hear from psychologists, thought leaders, and more to learn how we can build bridges across divides, starting inside the home and expanding to the larger community. Can we model respectful discourse in what seems to be a broken world? As Governor Cox stated, “This is our moment: Do we escalate, or do we find an off-ramp?” Hosted by Greg Skordas and Holly Richardson; produced by Caitlyn Johnston Conference Conversations is special programming with content brought to you by KSL NewsRadio for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during General Conference weekends.

President Russell M. Nelson, 17th prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away one week ago at the age of 101. He leaves behind a legacy of service. Known as both a spiritual and physical healer, he led millions of church members through the COVID pandemic. He also leaves behind a legacy of temple building and church growth. In this special presentation, KSL NewsRadio takes a closer look at his life. Conference Conversations is special programming with content brought to you by KSL NewsRadio for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during General Conference weekends.

As a global church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints works to be a good steward of the earth — believing that caring for the earth is a sacred responsibility. In this special general conference edition of the Church News podcast, Church News reporter Mary Richards interviews Jenica Sedgwick, the Church sustainability manager. They discuss how the Church’s sustainability efforts include waste reduction, increasing energy efficiency, using renewable energy, water conservation, and much more. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen. Conference Conversations is special programming with content brought to you by KSL Newsradio for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints during General Conference weekends. Listen for great conversations on faith that will appeal to members of the Church but also Christians in general.

The New York Times reports that a full-time working mother today spends more time with their kids than a stay-at-home mom in the 1970s. In this special, Dave Noriega and Debbie Dujanovic speak with a psychologist and share ways to de-stress your parenting life. Hosted by Dave Noriega and Debbie Dujanovic; produced by Noah Giles

In a world of doomscrolling and short attention spans, some people who grew up on their phones make a switch to an offline life. In this special, we focus on what it takes to go offline. We speak with some of the people who have not only logged off social media but have also made the switch away from smart phones. If you aren't quite ready to make the big switch, we explore ways to gain back your time and attention span. Hosted and produced by Jessica Lowell and Caitlyn Johnston

On the tail of Brigham Young University football’s 2024 success and after over two decades with the institution, BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe has decided that “this is the right time” to retire. On this special conference edition of the Church News podcast, Church News editor Ryan Jensen interviews the award-winning sports legend and former Cougar defensive back on faith, football, and moving forward with prayer in life transitions. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen. Conference Conversations is special programming with content brought to you by KSL Newsradio for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during general conference weekends. Listen for great conversations on faith that will appeal to members of the Church but also Christians in general.

On Sept. 9, 2024, President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, turned 100 years old. In his tenure as leader of the Church, he has guided members through a worldwide pandemic, spearheaded a home-centered and Church-supported curriculum with the “Come, Follow Me” program, announced 168 temples worldwide, and reminded members to “Keep on the covenant path.” In this radio special, Church News‘ new editor and podcast host, Jon Ryan Jensen, explores this man of faith and science. Conference Conversations is special programming with content brought to you by KSL Newsradio for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during General Conference weekends. Listen for great conversations on faith that will appeal to members of the Church but also Christians in general.

Inside Sources and Sunday Edtion’s host Boyd Matheson explores a landmark address from a senior leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with scholars and experts regarding the origins, creative process, and staying power of the Constitution of the United States of America. Some have said the Constitution is part of the problem in a polarized country, while others see it as a unifying document that is as timely as it is timeless. Boyd examines lessons learned from a document that, while not perfect, has produced a republic truly extraordinary in world history. Conference Conversations is special programming with content brought to you by KSL Newsradio for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints during General Conference weekends. Listen for great conversations on faith that will appeal to members of the Church but also Christians in general.

In May 2024, Sarah Jane Weaver was named editor of the Deseret News; this appointment comes after nearly 30 years as a reporter and editor working to create “a living record of the Restoration” of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Church News. In this radio special, Sarah sits down with the new Church News editor, Ryan Jensen, to discuss the sacred responsibility to report and elevate understanding. Conference Conversations is special programming with content brought to you by KSL Newsradio for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints during General Conference weekends. Listen for great conversations on faith that will appeal to members of the Church but also Christians in general.

As technology becomes more prevalent in our everyday lives, so too does the need for better security and awareness. In this special, sponsored by Be Ready Utah, a Division of Emergency Management, Tim Hughes sits down with Utah Department of Public Safety's Sergeant Jeffrey Plank to discuss ways you can keep you and your family safe from cyber-attacks. Hosted by Tim Hughes; produced by Randall Jeppesen.

KSL NewsRadio hosts Amanda Dickson and Jeff Caplan look ahead to the 2034 Winter Olympics and how the state of Utah will get ready. They go in-depth about the events, volunteers, and transportation with the CEO of US Ski & Snowboard, Sophie Goldschmidt; Event Manager at the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, Mari Riser; and Executive Director of Utah Transit Authority, Jay Fox. Finally, they get the athlete perspective from two-time Olympic Medalist Shannon Bahrke Happe & future Olympic-hopeful Mason Schwarzenbach.

A new meta-analysis looking at years of studies on alcohol consumption shows that alcohol is never healthy for us, in any amount. Dr. Tom Miller, Chief Medical Officer at University of Utah Health, breaks down this analysis and simplifies its findings for listeners who choose to enjoy libations. But there is more to consider than alcohol's impact on the body alone. Randall Carlisle, Media and Community Affairs Specialist at Odyssey House of Utah, shares his story about alcohol addiction. Hosted by Dave Noriega; produced by Mitch von Puttkammer.