Star 3rd Ward Podcast

Why We Belong: Reflections from Jason and Debby Holt

In this heartfelt episode of The Star 3rd Ward Podcast, we sit down with Jason and Debby Holt as they prepare to transition out of the ward they’ve deeply influenced. Through laughter, tears, and treasured memories, the Holts reflect on the unexpected ways the Lord shaped their time in Star—from Debby’s powerful conversion experience to her transformative service as Relief Society President.
With humility and honesty, they share how ministering became a doorway to true belonging, how meaningful friendships—like the one between their son Brandon and Dallin—were clearly orchestrated by divine design, and how seemingly small acts of service, like delivering bread and eggs, opened hearts and homes. Jason offers touching insight into supporting others through callings, while Debby’s reflections on learning to love, lead, and let go offer wisdom for anyone navigating change.
This is more than a farewell—it’s a reminder that when we open ourselves to growth, connection, and trust in the Lord’s timing, we find exactly where we belong.

From Addiction to Atonement: Jeff Wood’s Journey of Faith, Family, and Service

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Star 3rd Ward Podcast, Ryan sits down with Jeff Wood—beloved former bishop, interpreter, chaplain, and a pillar of empathy within our community. Jeff opens up about his deeply personal journey growing up in a family profoundly affected by addiction, his own struggles, and the life-changing moment when the Atonement of Jesus Christ reshaped his path forever.
From Southern California roots to missionary service in Washington, D.C., and eventually building a life and legacy here in Star, Idaho, Jeff’s story is one of resilience, redemption, and deep compassion. He shares the transformative power of an inspired bishop’s love, his unexpected introduction to sign language through family, and his current role as a chaplain for the Ada County Sheriff’s Department—a calling that allows him to minister to first responders with the same empathy that has defined his life.
This conversation dives into the unseen battles, the miracles of second chances, and the importance of letting Christ’s love shape our interactions with others. Jeff’s honesty, humility, and humor shine through every story he shares—offering listeners a testament of hope, service, and enduring faith.
Tune in to discover how Jeff Wood’s life stands as a living witness to the power of the Atonement and the beauty of a heart committed to lifting others.

Seeing in Color: The Houghtons’ Journey of Church, Change, and Choosing Again

What happens when the path you were raised to walk no longer feels like your own? In this episode, Cole and Libby Houghton open up about their winding spiritual journey—one marked by tradition, transformation, and the courage to choose again.
From growing up in strong Latter-day Saint families to serving missions and marrying young, the Houghtons began adulthood immersed in the church. But when Cole shared his doubts just six weeks into marriage, everything shifted. Together, they navigated disconnection, cultural pressures, and multiple moves across the country—each bringing new perspectives on belief, community, and identity.
Through deeply honest reflection, they share what it was like to step away from church, rediscover spirituality in unexpected places, and ultimately find their way back—not out of obligation, but desire. With humor, humility, and hope, Cole and Libby remind us that faith doesn’t have to be black and white. Sometimes, the most sacred journeys begin when we finally start seeing in color.

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.