Star 3rd Ward Podcast

Stories That Bind: Jane and Gordon Browning

In this heartfelt episode of the Star 3rd Ward Podcast, we sit down with Jane and Gordon Browning to explore the stories that have shaped their lives—and the quiet strength that binds them together.
From a chance meeting at church as teenagers in Central California to 65 years of marriage, raising eight children, and serving a mission at the Family History Center in Salt Lake, Jane and Gordon share a journey filled with faith, sacrifice, and enduring love. Gordon reflects on his pioneering work in fiber optics—helping lay the foundation for the internet—while Jane offers wisdom from the home front, holding the family together through decades of change.
Together, they reflect on the hand of the Lord in their lives, the promises of eternal covenants, and the joy of watching their posterity grow. This episode is a reminder that it’s not just the big moments that define us, but the stories we carry, the people we love, and the faith that binds it all.

Faith, Loss, and New Beginnings: Jeremy Aldrich’s Journey

In this heartfelt episode, Ryan Riley sits down with Jeremy Aldrich, a dedicated and selfless member of the Star 3rd Ward, to uncover the depth of his journey through faith, family, and resilience. Jeremy shares his story of love, loss, and rebuilding—growing up in Star, meeting his wife Jocelyn, raising a family, and the heartbreaking experience of losing her to cancer. With raw honesty, he reflects on navigating grief, finding strength in the Lord, and embracing love again with his wife Mary.
 
Jeremy’s journey is one of endurance, faith, and divine guidance—even when facing Everest (literally). Through his experiences, he offers wisdom on cherishing family, trusting in God’s plan, and the power of leaning on others when life feels overwhelming.
 
Join us for an inspiring conversation about love, loss, and the unexpected paths that lead us to joy.

Faith, Family, and Finding Purpose: The Life of Brother Tom Janness

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Brother Tom Janness, a beloved and humble member of our ward, to hear his incredible life story. From his early childhood in North Dakota and Montana to his distinguished career as a professor at the University of Idaho, Brother Janness shares memories of faith, family, and perseverance.
He reflects on his experiences with education, debate, and theater, as well as the deep lessons he learned through marriage, fatherhood, and later, finding love again after loss. With wisdom gained over decades of service in the Church, Brother Janness offers invaluable advice on strengthening marriages, staying spiritually engaged, and finding purpose after great change.
Join us as we celebrate the journey of a man who has touched countless lives through his kindness, dedication, and unwavering faith.

Faith, Family & Fifty-Nine Years: The Faulkner’s Journey of Love and Devotion

In this heartfelt episode of The Star Third Ward Podcast, host Ryan Riley sits down with Steve and Maureen Faulkner to share their incredible story of love, faith, and family. Married for nearly 59 years, the Faulkners take us back to their first meeting as teenagers in Hawthorne, California, their young love, and the life-changing decision to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
They open up about the joys and challenges of raising six children, the strength they found in their faith through life's hardships, and how the gospel has shaped their journey. From Steve’s career in the meat industry to Maureen’s impressive success in direct sales, their story is one of dedication, resilience, and unwavering belief in God's plan.
Tune in as they share treasured memories—from being sealed as a family in the Los Angeles Temple to the incredible experiences that strengthened their faith over the years. Their story is a testament to the power of love, community, and the blessings of the gospel.
Join us for an inspiring conversation that reminds us of the importance of faith, family, and the connections that make us stronger.

Faith, Family, and the Journey of a Lifetime: Brother Cattin’s Story

In this powerful episode of The Star 3rd Ward Podcast, we sit down with Brother Gerard Cattin, whose journey of faith spans continents, cultures, and generations. Growing up in Switzerland in a family that discovered the gospel through an act of pure charity, Brother Cattin shares the incredible story of how his grandmother’s conversion to the Church changed the course of their family’s history.
From surviving the turmoil of World War II to helping build the Swiss Temple, Brother Cattin’s story is a testament to faith in action. He also reflects on the challenges of living the gospel in a place where the Church was small and facing opposition, his experiences serving as a young missionary in France and Belgium, and the personal sacrifices he made to stand firm in his beliefs—even while serving in the Swiss military.
Join us for this inspiring conversation about faith, resilience, and the power of service. Brother Cattin’s experiences remind us that the gospel is not just about what we believe—it’s about how we live, love, and serve others.
Tune in to hear his remarkable journey and discover what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ in every circumstance.

A Journey of Faith and Friendship: Dallan Riley & Brandon Holt’s Missionary Send-Off

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Dallan Riley and Brandon Holt, two recent high school graduates from our ward, who are about to embark on their missionary journeys. As they prepare to leave—Brandon in just a week and Dallan in early September—they reflect on their deep friendship and how it has shaped their faith.
Dallan and Brandon share insights into their high school experience, discussing the importance of choosing friends who uplift and inspire. They also speak warmly about Brother Fisher, a mentor who has had a profound impact on their spiritual growth.
Listen in as they talk about their experiences working in the temple and how it has helped them prepare for their missions. This episode is a beautiful testament to the power of friendship, the guidance of strong mentors, and the sacred journey of preparing to serve. Whether you’re preparing for a mission, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking inspiration, Dallan and Brandon’s stories will resonate deeply.
Join us for this inspiring conversation as we send off two of our ward’s finest with love, faith, and a community’s blessings.

Unexpected Journeys: Cory and Jodi Winegar on Faith, Challenges, and Divine Detours

In this enlightening episode of The Star 3rd Ward Podcast, join us as we explore the winding paths of life with Cory and Jodi Winegar. From the serendipitous moments of how they met to the rigorous challenges of medical school, the Winegars share their story, reminiscent of a 'Family Circle' comic strip, full of unexpected twists and profound faith.
Discover how their journey, though filled with ups and downs, has been guided by a deeper understanding that the path Heavenly Father has for us might not always align with our initial plans. Cory and Jodi's experiences highlight the beauty of embracing divine detours and finding joy in the journey. Tune in to find inspiration in their story and perhaps reflect on the unexpected paths in your own life.

The Thomases - Building Faith and Foundations at the Rome Temple

In this inspiring episode of 'The Star 3rd Ward Podcast,' we delve into the remarkable journey of Pat and DeAnn Thomas and their significant roles in the construction of the Rome Temple. Their story is a testament to faith, dedication, and divine guidance.
Pat Thomas, serving as the landscape superintendent, was pivotal in bringing to life the vision of the temple's site plan and landscape architecture. His expertise and commitment ensured that the grounds of the temple would not only be beautiful but also a serene sanctuary reflecting the spirit of the sacred structure.
Sister DeAnn Thomas contributed in a vital public relations capacity, supporting the overall project and facilitating the visits of Church leaders. Her role was crucial in bridging communication between the Church, the community, and all stakeholders involved, ensuring that the project not only progressed smoothly but also fostered goodwill and understanding.
Together, Pat and DeAnn share their personal experiences and the challenges they faced during this monumental project. They reflect on the profound sense of the hand of the Lord guiding their efforts and the miraculous moments that underscored their service. This episode is not just about the construction of a temple but about building foundations of faith and the deep impact such service can have on individual lives and the broader community.
Join us for a conversation with the Thomases as they recount the spiritual journey of building not just one of the Church’s most significant structures but also their own lasting legacy of faith and dedication.

The Mechams - Love, Labor, and Life's Lessons

In this episode of 'The Star 3rd Ward Podcast,' we sit down with Brother and Sister Mecham to explore their heartfelt journey through life, love, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Their story begins at Utah State, where their paths first crossed, setting the stage for a lifelong partnership grounded in mutual respect and affection.
Brother Blaine Mecham shares insights from his years working alongside his father on the family farm, reflecting on the deep-seated values of hard work and perseverance that have shaped him. Yet, amidst the demanding farm life, the Mechams open up about their regrets, particularly the times spent away from family and the initial lack of emphasis on temple attendance, highlighting how these experiences have realigned their priorities over the years.
Beyond the fields, Brother and Sister Mecham also share their passion for sports and music—a testament to their belief in living a balanced life. From golf and tennis to their musical endeavors, these hobbies have not only brought joy but also valuable life lessons and family bonding opportunities.
Rounding out their narrative is the touching story of adopting their middle child during a simpler time, adding a unique and enriching chapter to their family life. The Mechams discuss the joys and challenges of raising five children, the evolution of their family dynamics, and the deep love that has been both a foundation and a guide through their journey together.
Join us as the Mechams offer a window into their lives, filled with enduring love, the rewards of hard labor, and the wisdom gained from a life well-lived. Their story is a beautiful reminder of the importance of family, faith, and finding joy in every aspect of life.

Sister Lorraine Ball - A Lifetime of Love, Service, and Faith

In this heartfelt second episode of 'The Star 3rd Ward Podcast,' we are honored to welcome Sister Lorraine Ball, a beloved member of our ward family, who shares with us her rich tapestry of life experiences woven through love, wisdom, and an unwavering faith. With a spirit as nourishing as the meals she lovingly prepares, Sister Lorraine opens up about the pillars that have supported her through six decades of marriage with her husband, Ralph, and the challenges that have deepened her testimony.
Sister Lorraine's story is a testament to the enduring power of family, connection, and community service. She takes us on a journey through her life, highlighting the significant role that food and service play in bringing people together and fostering lasting bonds. From meeting Ralph to celebrating 60 years of companionship, her narrative is sprinkled with insights on maintaining relationships, the importance of the temple, and the strength found in the teachings of the Savior.
This episode is not just a recounting of personal history but a profound reflection on the Plan of Happiness that Heavenly Father has for each of us. Sister Lorraine's experiences offer a mirror to our own lives, encouraging us to cherish our loved ones, serve our community, and grow our faith through the trials and joys of life.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sister Lorraine Ball, as we explore the essence of what makes life truly meaningful. Her wisdom and testimony are gifts to our ward, reminding us of the beauty in our journey together toward eternal happiness.