Catch engaging conversations, heartfelt stories, and faith-filled insights from your Cary 1st Ward neighbors. Every episode, we’ll dive into topics that strengthen our spiritual bonds and foster connection beyond the chapel. Whether you’re a ward member or just curious, come listen in as we grow together—in spirit and in community.
What does it mean to truly feel the spirit of family? Sister Tara Guthrie opens up about her unique journey from growing up in a single-parent household in North Carolina to becoming a devoted member of the LDS community. Her story is not just about faith, it's a testament to resilience and the deep connections we can build, even in unconventional circumstances.
In this heartfelt episode, Tara shares her spiritual evolution, highlighting key moments that shaped her beliefs and strengthened her relationship with the Savior. You'll discover how a simple encounter with her bishop led to her baptism at age eleven, despite her mother's initial hesitations, and the pivotal experiences she had in the temple that deepened her faith and sense of belonging.
2 Oct 2026
Grahme Jensen
Meet Grahme Jensen, a cherished member of the Cary First Ward, as he shares his extraordinary journey from the lush landscapes of Australia to North Carolina. This episode isn’t just about a life story, it’s about resilience, transformation, and the power of community.
As Grahme recounts his upbringing during World War II in a farming community, listeners will discover how his idyllic childhood shaped his values and faith.
You'll uncover insights into Grahme's early life, filled with adventure and challenges, from navigating a world of rationing and limited resources to the joys of roaming freely in nature. He paints a vivid picture of his experiences growing up in a close-knit village, where the simple pleasures of life, like swimming and fishing, cultivated a rich sense of belonging.
We delve into Grahme's transition from his early life in Australia to his unexpected introduction to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sparked by a chance encounter with the woman who would become his beloved wife, Loris. You'll learn how a pivotal invitation to church changed the trajectory of his life, leading him to embrace a new faith and community that would guide him through the years.
This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the importance of connection and faith, especially during uncertain times. Grahme's story is not just about personal growth, it’s a testament to the strength of community bonds and how they can lead to transformative change.
Perfect for anyone seeking inspiration or looking to connect with a story of faith, resilience, and the beauty of life's journey. Tune in to hear how Grahme's experiences can resonate with your own life, and be inspired to find your own path in the search for belonging.
25 Sept 2026
Marsha Anderson
How do faith, family, and personal convictions intertwine to shape a life’s journey? Join Sister Marsha Anderson as she unravels her inspiring story of transformation on the Cary First Ward podcast.
From her early days in the Baptist church to her conversion, Sister Marsha shares the pivotal moments that led her to embrace a new faith and how it has influenced her family dynamics and career.
In this engaging conversation, you’ll discover the challenges Marsha faced as she navigated questions about faith that many people grapple with. She reveals how unanswered questions about salvation and the nature of God pushed her to seek deeper truths, ultimately guiding her to a profound understanding of her beliefs. You'll hear about her unique experiences teaching in a prison, where she not only educated students but also learned invaluable life lessons.
Tune in to hear how Sister Marcia Anderson's journey can inspire your own path toward understanding and growth.
6 Sept 2026
Susie Youd
In this episode of the Cary First Ward podcast, we sit down with Sister Susie Youd to talk about faith, family, service, revelation, and learning to move forward when the answers aren’t always clear.
Susie shares her journey from growing up in Maine and attending BYU to building a career in workplace experience, meeting her husband Nate in Manhattan, and raising a growing family. She reflects on how her understanding of revelation has evolved as life has become more complicated—and what it means to trust the Lord when prayer doesn’t bring an immediate answer.
We talk about overthinking, taking a step into the dark, serving in Young Women’s, journaling and gratitude, and recognizing that giving 100% effort can look different in different seasons of life.
And, naturally, we finish with the really important questions: Where should you sit in the chapel? Physical scriptures or audio? And where’s the best parking spot?
28 Aug 2026
Stephanie Nielsen
Today we're talking with Stephanie Nielsen. She is a marketing pro by day, aspiring cookie shop owner by nap break, and the woman responsible for renaming the Holy Ghost "the Holy Chicken" in her house (ask a Primary kid, it'll make sense).
She's also the one who once rewrote the entire "Under the Sea" as an out-of-office reply and bribed coworkers with cookies to sing it.
...But laughs aside, Stephanie gets real too: on losing her dad young, weekly temple trips that save her sanity, and why showing up on Sunday is basically just feeding a fire.
Stick around for this one. Let' s meet Stephanie.
21 Aug 2026
Justin Fawson
Today we're sitting down with Justin Fawson. He's currently serving as Elders Quorum president... for the third time!
He's a former Utah state legislator, former church security guy, and current business strategist who somehow also picked up German, Italian, Spanish, and Arabic along the way.
Listen in to learn how his mission call to Italy came as no surprise to his dad, who'd dreamed it months earlier. Justin gets real about the fear of talking faith with people who don't share it, and offers a porch-light metaphor for losing your way that you won't forget.
Good, honest stuff here. Let's meet Justin.
14 Aug 2026
James Butler
Meet James Butler, a Palmyra-adjacent New Yorker turned Missouri farm kid turned BYU microbiologist who somehow ended up writing 23 books and building a career in franchise development.
Listen on to get to know James a little better.
7 Aug 2026
Marcel Kinard
What happens when a simple prompting leads to a powerful reminder of how God is watching over us?
In this episode, we sit down with Marcel Kinard—a longtime member of our congregation whose journey has taken him from a new convert discovering the Church to a lifetime of service, growth, and meaningful experiences.
Marcel shares stories of unexpected opportunities, including a moment when following a quiet prompting may have prevented a serious injury, and how those small spiritual nudges have shaped his faith. He also reflects on serving others, finding balance in a busy life, and the lessons learned through decades of callings and service.
With humor, humility, and a genuine love for the gospel, Marcel reminds us that the Lord often teaches us in both ordinary and extraordinary moments.
10 May 2026
Mothers Through Little Eyes
In this special Mother’s Day episode, children from our congregation share funny, surprising, and heartfelt thoughts about their moms—including a few discoveries about how moms apparently survive on hugs, prayers, and reminding people to clean things up. Through simple conversations, they describe love, kindness, comfort, faith, and the little things that make mothers so special. Their honest words remind us of the Christlike influence mothers have in our homes and lives.
13 Jan 2026
John White
Our guide in this episode is John White, a former bishop of our ward and now serving as a Sunday School instructor.
We chat about the Old Testament—this year’s curriculum, a focus that John admits he’s yet to teach.
We discuss about how he leads discussions on Sunday translates to how we lead in the home.
Stay tuned to find out why the best answer in class is often just awkward silence.
6 Jan 2026
Katie and Luke Peterson
Today’s episode is a little different—and you won’t want to miss it. Bishop Luke Peterson sits down with his wife, Katie, for a conversation that includes competitive jump-roping, a childhood prediction that has kind of come true, and a few stories that may permanently change how you see the Peterson family.
It’s a warm and fun conversation. So stick around.
27 Sept 2025
Kendra Cope
Our guide in this episode is Kendra Cope. You may know her as the Raleigh Stake Relief Society President. But what you may not know is that Kendra is also a pediatric speech pathologist with Wake County Public Schools. She works at Reading Creek Elementary with students from kindergarten through fifth grade, helping them communicate more effectively. In this episode, we talk about her career and her two and a half years serving in her stake calling. She'll also share a funny story about a $5 word that proves she is a true proprietor of language. Let's get to know Kendra.
31 May 2025
Aaron Stander
What happens when an ordinary day turns into a life-altering moment?
In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Stander—a member of our congregation with an electrifying story and a shocking lesson about resilience, recovery, and the power of perspective.
He faced what most of us can’t even imagine… and lived to tell it with humor, humility, and hard-earned wisdom, and yes, throws around a few puns.
Trust me—you won’t want to miss a second of this powerful story.
22 Apr 2025
McKensie Wilkinson
McKensie Wilkinson has led as president of the Relief Society, the women’s organization of the Cary 1st Ward in North Carolina, for three years.
She joins to discuss themes from the April 2025 General Conference which she found uplifted her spiritually, strengthening her resolve to continue striving toward living closer to the teachings of Christ despite life's challenges. She was inspired by messages about service, patience, and the importance of small daily acts of kindness and faith.
Listen on to discover the hilarious adventures of McKenzie as she shares tales of her past, dining with dolls and cracking up over crackers—funny moments that’ll have you laughing out loud!
22 Apr 2025
Luke Peterson
Luke Peterson has led as bishop of the Cary 1st Ward in North Carolina for nearly a year and recently sat down to share insights on creating this podcast, its mission to strengthen faith and foster community bonds.
Reflecting on themes from the April 2025 General Conference, Bishop Peterson discussed how messages about vulnerability in leadership deepened his approach with empathy. He shared how these teachings shape his counseling efforts, emphasizing understanding and connection.
Listen on to discover Bishop Peterson’s guilty-pleasure TV show obsession, joyful moments bonding with his daughter through her ballet performances, and a lighthearted reveal of just how much he knows (or doesn’t) about Taylor Swift!
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