LDS Geeks Podcast #41: Sunrise on the Reaping

I thought the next recording Russell and I did would be our first installment in our Animorphs re-read. Instead, we were both enthralled by the latest Hunger Games book. Check it out!

--Spencer

Listen to Episode 41 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out Spencer's recent blog posts: click here

Check out Russell's recent blog posts: click here

Show Notes:

    Spencer's Recommendation: The Chronicles of Narnia audiobooks

    Russell's Recommendation: “Nobody” by Casting Crowns

Opposition [Inside Out] All Things

Movies don't often make me cry. They make me want to cry at times, but it's rare that the tears ever leave my eyes. An exception to this rule was Inside Out, one of the first movies I can remember physically evoking tears from me. However, the sequel had me ugly crying. Something about Riley's need to find friends and not be alone. Something about her panic attack on the ice. Something about Anxiety literally running circles in Riley's mind.

Whatever it was that make me so emotional, Inside Out 2 quickly found its spot close to my heart. So when "Pop Culture on the Apricot Tree" did their episode about the movie, I had to dive in. I mentioned this a little during my interview with Carl on our podcast, but the movie and their podcast episode struck a cord with me that cut deep. Not just because of Riley's panic attack, but also because of the lesson I learned from the Apricot Tree crew.

The unexpected lesson from Anxiety has left me thinking and rewatching this movie. "We don't get to choose who Riley is." Anxiety was echoing a comment from Joy and it hits hard. It'd be nice to think that life and emotions would be all joy, comfort, and straightforward. Life is more complex than that. I swear I can feel Anxiety running around in my head most days, trying to get done everything on my to-do list yet having no energy to do any of it. It's easy to let Anxiety run the show and make it central to how I feel about myself and how my days play out. 

I love that this movie shows just how complex emotions and personality can be. At the end of the movie, we get this line from Joy: "But every bit of Riley makes her who she is, and we love all of our girl. Every messy, beautiful piece of her." What is more affirming than that? It would be nice if life were so simple as to say "I'm a good person" like Riley started out the movie believing. Humans are too complex for that. And that's not just psychology. That's doctrine too.

"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad." (2 Nephi 2:11)

For years I've thought of that verse through the lens of mortality (which is true). Good things happen to us and bad things happen to us. But I think it also accurately describes the human condition. We have the light of Christ (see Moroni 7) but we also have the natural man (see Mosiah 3). We have both sides in us. I have premortal Spencer in my heart but I also have my mortal experiences influencing my development (makes me think of a Once Upon a Time post that Joe did before I joined the team).

All this to say that maybe we all deserve some grace. I don't do a very good job granting myself that gift, but maybe I can start by sharing that grace with others when they make a mistake. I haven't figured out how to get Anxiety to stop running around my console during the day, but maybe I can show Anxiety some kindness in the meantime. Being frustrated with my kids doesn't need to mean I'm a bad father. Running behind at work doesn't mean I'm a bad clinician. My heart hasn't been able to process and understand those complexities.

In the meantime, maybe I'll just keep rewatching Inside Out 2 and maybe with each viewing I'll get better at giving myself grace.

PS: Does anyone else just want to hug Embarrassment every time he appears?

Get to Know Your Geeks: Conference Reflections

Last year our team shared some of our favorite Easter-related scriptures. This year, as I listened to General Conference, I wanted to share some of our insights or highlights from this Conference. Good motivation for me to listen to the talks again, since I can't always listen with my kids around. We are grateful for modern-day prophets and ongoing revelation from heaven!

--Spencer

Russell: "Receive His Gift" by Elder Kearon and "Cherishing Life" by Elder Anderson

I love General Conference and the chance to hear from living prophets and apostles. As Spencer alluded to earlier, children can make paying attention the first time through difficult. I was travelling for much of the Saturday sessions and my daughter held my attention for much of Sunday's sessions. However, I always enjoy going back and reviewing the messages shared. I also cherish the first impressions I get because the Holy Ghost still testifies of the truths shared even when I cannot give full attention. I always love hearing where new temples will be built. It is a testimony to me that the work of God is moving forward. I also loved hearing apostles testify of the living, resurrected Christ. They are called to be special witnesses of Him and hearing them testify of Him is powerful. Those are my general thoughts about conference.

Specifically, Elder Anderson and Elder Kearon's talks stuck out to me. Elder Anderson's story about the couple expecting a child with trisomy 21 made me think of my cousin and his wife who recent had and then subsequently buried their daughter who had trisomy 23. They learned of their daughter's condition fairly early on in the pregnancy and my cousin's wife endured the entire pregnancy and birth. They considered it a miracle that they had 3 days with their daughter. I suppose there is a connection between Elder Anderson's and Elder Kearon's talks. Elder Kearon spoke about the gift of knowing that you are a child of God. This knowledge can be life changing and quite comforting in times of trial, hardship, and difficulty. Heavenly Father knows us and loves us very much. I love that Elder Anderson spoke of the sanctity of life and that Elder Kearon spoke of the gift of knowing what it means to have a life as a child of God.

Spencer: "Right Before Our Eyes" by Elder Rasband

I went into General Conference this year with a more specific prayer than usual. The last few months (and the last year) have been a struggle to keep up with the seemingly increasing number of changes in my life. I've felt for the past year (maybe longer) that Heavenly Father wants me to focus on taking care of myself, instead of exhausting myself to the point of breakdown. As I listened to Conference (and as I've relistened to talks I missed or forgot) I was reminded of the importance of developing a relationship with the Savior. Elder Rasband's talk was one of these, teaching about how our lives, our priorities, and our outlooks change as we come to understand our Heavenly Father and our Savior. Ever since these talks (and whenever I listen to a talk that reminds me of that impression) I try to think of how I can slow down and focus on the basics. How can I let go of my temporal worries and trust in the Father? He's always provided for me and my family in the past. Why not now? Just like any relationship, it's important to keep the relationship strong. It doesn't take long for a relationship to dwindle, so it's vital to take stock of important relationships and keep them close. I'm still trying to figure out what developing that relationship with God means for me, but the frequent reminders from General Conference help.

Michael: "Right Before Our Eyes" by Elder Rasband

As I prepare to defend my dissertation from BYU, Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s April 2025 General Conference talk, “Right Before Our Eyes,” resonated deeply with me. He emphasizes the Lord’s hastening work, highlighting the expansion of the Church through increased membership, missionary efforts, temple construction, and educational opportunities. Elder Rasband notes the fulfillment of Joseph Smith’s prophecy that the Church would fill the world, stating, “That prophecy is being fulfilled ‘right before our eyes.’” His message underscores the significance of education in this divine acceleration, aligning with my own experiences at BYU. Elder Rasband’s counsel to “give the Lord equal time” serves as a reminder to balance secular learning with spiritual growth. As I transition from student life, his words inspire me to continue contributing to the Lord’s work, recognizing the majesty of this moment and the role education plays in preparing us for future service. On a personal note I know that I would not have been able to graduate without the Lord's help and thanks to attending the temple and scripture studying I have been able to do something I know I wouldn't be able to do on my own. I am so grateful that the work of the Lord is being hastened so others can feel of the great joy that God brings to our lives.

 

Pokemon Binge List: Indigo League (2/3)

I can't say I'm a perfect parent, but I think I'm doing a great job indoctrinating my kids with Pokémon. Between my older daughter joining me for Pokemon TCG Pocket and feeding her Eevee daily on Pokemon Go, I think she might be investing in the franchise more (the Clefairy Squashmallow she got for Christmas from my brother might have helped too). And naturally I keep inviting (making) her watch the anime.

We finished the highlights of the Indigo League, but we still have plenty of other options to watch. As of the end of my last Pokémon Binge List, here's where Ash's badge count and our main characters' team rosters stood:

Ash’s Badge Count: 3

Ash’s Team: Pikachu, Butterfree, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle   

Misty’s Team: Staryu, Starmie, Goldeen 

Brock’s Team: Onix, Geodude, Zubat

Jessie’s Team: Ekans 

James’s Team: Koffing

Season 1, Episode 19: "Tentacool & Tentacruel"
Click here to watch

They lay the tree hugging message on pretty thick, but the antagonist is literally named Nastina. It's hard to not be against her and on the side of the Tentacool. But here's where Misty gets her poor little Horsea.

Misty’s Team: Staryu, Starmie, Goldeen, Horsea

Season 1, Episode 21: “Bye Bye Butterfree”
Click here to watch

Why did Pokemon have to go and break our hearts? Ash's original team was only around for a handful of episodes when you think about it, but it remains iconic and Butterfree's departure will make you cry. PS: When can we get pink Butterfree in Pokemon Go?

Ash’s Team: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle   

Season 1, Episode 24: “Haunter Versus Kadabra”
Click here to watch

This episode concludes the trilogy of episodes about Ash getting the Marsh Badge from Sabrina. Despite never actually catching Haunter, Ash was able to coerce a badge from Sabrina and reunite her family. As a father, I approve. But you can also check out "Abra and the Psychic Showdown" and "The Tower of Terror" before viewing this one.

Ash’s Badge Count: 4

Season 1, Episode 25: “Primeape Goes Bananas”
Click here to watch

I suppose it's cute they gave a backstory to Ash's favorite hat. And while they don't keep Primeape around for very long (or revisit him ever again), here's where we meet Ash's first fighting Pokemon and his first disobedient Pokemon.

Ash’s Team: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Primeape

Season 1, Episode 26: “Pokémon Scent-sation!”
Click here to watch

In case you needed a reminder that Ash is an immature ten-year-old, he's disrespectful to all the girls at the Celadon City Gym. But he kind of redeemed himself by stopping the gym from burning down. So I guess that deserves a badge?

Ash’s Badge Count: 5

Season 1, Episode 27: “Hypno's Naptime”
Click here to watch

This episode hits harder as a parent. And it's super creepy. It's hard to like Hypno. And then Psyduck catches itself? I gotta ask though... why did Misty feel compelled to keep it?

Misty’s Team: Staryu, Starmie, Goldeen, Horsea, Psyduck

Season 1, Episode 28: “Pokémon Fashion Flash”
Click here to watch

We don't get a lot of moments where Brock is really shown as a budding Pokemon breeder. Despite still being a kid, he shows his maturity compared to Ash and Misty. No better deserving trainer for Vulpix.

Brock’s Team: Onix, Geodude, Zubat, Vulpix

Season 1, Episode 29: “The Punchy Pokémon”
Click here to watch

After only having Primeape for a handful of episodes and a rocky relationship, Ash was able to make peace with his fighting friend... only to leave him behind. 

Ash’s Team: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle

Season 1, Episode 30: “Sparks Fly for Magnemite”
Click here to watch

Another weird tree-hugging episode. And after being so antagonistic during this episode, Muk always appears so affectionate afterwards. It makes me wonder why catching a Pokemon changes its nature.

Season 1, Episode 31: “Dig Those Diglett!”
Click here to watch

Yet another tree-hugger episode. But what really makes this episode really weird is that Team Rocket basically willed their Pokemon to evolve with their tears.

Jessie’s Team: Arbok

James’s Team: Weezing

Season 1, Episode 32: “The Ninja Poké-Showdown”
Click here to watch

Maybe if it weren't for Team Rocket, Ash could actually have a normal gym battle. But Ash got his Soul Badge and we discovered that Psyduck has some useful powers... sometimes.

Ash’s Badge Count: 6

Season 1, Episode 35: “The Legend of Dratini”

This episode was never dubbed into English (because guns) but it's worth noting its existence since Ash caught his thirty Tauros here. I remember being confused about that later on at Professor Oak's lab.

Season 1, Episode 43: “The March of the Exeggutor Squad”
Click here to watch

So the Exeggcute guy is super creepy. I can't get over that. But at least it got Charmander to evolve... only for Charmeleon to start disobeying in the next episode.

Ash’s Team: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charmeleon, Squirtle

Season 1, Episode 46: “Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon”
Click here to watch

Dino Pokemon are cool. Simple as that. Plug Charmeleon evolved into Charizard and we got the mysterious Pokemon egg. But we'll have to wait until the third installment of this list before it hatches.

Ash’s Team: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Squirtle

And there we go for this round. As of now, all Indigo League episodes is available on the Pokemon TV YouTube channel. Gotta watch ‘em all!