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Kenneth Rooks: A Tale of Two Steeplechase Races

Olympic silver medalist Kenneth Rooks shocked the world when he worked his way from the back of the pack to become the second American to medal in the 3,000-meter steeplechase since 1984. But those who recognized Rooks’ name know that this isn’t the first time he’s come from behind. In fact, in 2023, Rooks fell in his third lap at the USA Track and Field Nationals but came back to win the race. Both races were a spectacle—incredible athletic feats—and, on today’s episode, we talk with Rooks about what he’s learned from them.

Ore Kaffo: The Transformative Difference of Understanding Your Identity as a Child of God

When she was just 7 years old, Ore Kaffo was abducted from her foster family—the only family she had ever known—by her birth mother. After living her entire life in England, a place that had always been happy for her, she found herself back in her home country of Nigeria. Her entire world was changed, and along with that, she struggled to make sense of her identity. As she wrestled to understand her new existence, she came to realize that she is, first and foremost, a child of God. On this week’s episode, Ore shares her remarkable story and her undeniable light.

How to Navigate Polarizing Situations in a Christlike Way

In our lives, there are many scenarios we run into that feel polarizing or tricky to navigate. You might have someone in your ward that you feel strongly about because you disagree with their political viewpoints in the upcoming election, even though they hold a trusted calling. Or with general conference just last week, perhaps you’re running into conversations at the dinner table that get heated because of how some messages are being interpreted. Or as you’re heading into the holiday season, you’re gearing up for a snarky comment to be made at the extended family party about your parenting styles. However, at Magnify, we strive to be a force for good, and a powerful way to do that is by being peacemakers, especially in these polarizing situations.

Jenny Oaks Baker: The Wisdom in God's Plan For Our Lives

Jenny Oaks Baker began playing the violin before elementary school and she has not stopped since. Her violin has taken her all around the world and given her opportunities she’d never dreamed of. But there have also been opportunities she has sought that have never come to fruition and other opportunities she didn’t even know to seek that have made her life much richer than it would have been otherwise. On this week’s episode, Jenny shares her witness that sometimes the Lord’s plans are much better than the plans we have for ourselves.

3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi: Fullness of Joy

Christ asked His disciples in America three questions before His ministry there ended: 1) What shall I give unto you? 2) What do you desire of me? 3) What should I do unto you? We can think about how we would answer these questions today and learn a lot from the people’s responses in 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi. Their answers set up one of the great eras of unity recorded in the Book of Mormon.

Mormon 1–6: Fair Ones

Take a moment and place your hand over your heart. How is your heart today? If it could talk, what would it say? Have you ever heard the sound of your own or a loved one’s beating heart on a stethoscope or ultrasound? Of all the things to hear, it is the heart that connects you to life because it is life. And for today’s discussion of Mormon 1–6, the heart dictated life for the Nephite people. Let’s dive into the impact their hearts had not only on themselves but also on our lives today.

Seeing Miracles and Purpose in the Right Now

It’s often easier in hindsight to see what God has orchestrated in our lives. President Eyring has even said, “When we find ways to recognize and remember God’s kindness it will build our testimonies.” In theory we know this works. And we do it in practice as many of us make gratitude lists this time of year. But how do we make it so that we’re seeing God’s great work in our lives like it’s second nature, be it a moment of hardship or joy?

How Mary Teaches Us that the Lord Will Magnify Our Part

As we’re getting into the Christmas spirit, I am sure many of us ponder and study the life and birth of Jesus Christ. Many families put together a Christmas pageant where everyone takes on a role in the nativity scene to help us reflect on the birth of the Savior. And one role in that story that we want to dive deeper into is Mary the mother of Jesus. Her background and mention in the scriptures is relatively small. But in today’s guest’s words: “Her story reminds us that God is aware of all of His children and that He calls ordinary men and women to participate in extraordinary ways to help build His kingdom.”

Alma 39-42: Mercy

This week, we’re going to celebrate a little Christmas in August. In Alma 39–42, we hear a familiar chorus from the song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” What can we learn about “glad tidings” from Alma’s words to his sons? And how can we lean on this good news when times get hard?

Making the Next Good Choice with Lisa Valentine Clark

There are so many things coming at us! In the hustle and hard of daily life, it can be easy to lose sight of the peace, relief, comfort, and joy that are available through Christ right now. So that’s why we’re inviting you to Lift Up Your Heart, A Magnify Gathering. It’s a day-long gathering of Latter-day Saint women, meant to remind us of what we know—that Jesus Christ is our answer, and that we’re not alone! One of our keynote speakers is Lisa Valentine Clark, and in this episode, you’ll hear how she shares about how she is striving to be a force for good, what miracles look like in her every day, and how to focus on the lighter side of life! Brooke Walker hosts this exciting episode.