LDS Geeks Podcast #50: Animorphs Re-Read (4)

In the fourth part of our Animorphs podcast series, we had some heavy hitters, including "The Change" and "The Andalite Chronicles". I had a lot of fun discussing this one!

--Spencer

Listen to Episode 50 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:

00:12 - Introductions
01:19 - 50th Episode Statistics
04:32 - Russell's Recommendation: "Miracle"
            Available for streaming on Disney Plus
07:59 - Spencer's Recommendation: Bucc-Ee's
10:57 - #13: The Change
19:45 - The Andalite Chronicles
33:06 - #14: The Unknown
39:54 - #15: The Escape
47:34 - Conclusion

Pokemon Nicknames: Disney (5)

I thought I had finished doing Disney-themed Pokemon nicknames (at least through the generations I was familiar with) but while watching Disney movies with my daughters, I thought of plenty more--we're pretty much always watching a Disney movie. I felt like I had too many new ones to fit in another blog post, so here's a sampling of the new nicknames I came up with. 

Vaporeon as Ariel

Mankey as Spot

Talonflame as Maui

Morpeko as Hamsterviel

Krabby as Sebastian

Kricketune as Jiminy

Torchic as Hei Hei

Psyduck as Ducky Momo

Spheal as Gerald

Venonat as PT Flea

"You don't need to keep coming back..."

I like to think I'm pretty in tune when it comes to connecting to illustrations of mental health in the media. Bluey is a perfect example of taking complex issues and condensing them into bite-sized stories that resonate with parents and children (and Joe). Stories like "Stickbird" and "The Show" are straightforward enough to help children (and parents) communicate and articulate their emotions. However, there's one popular episode that I have to admit went over my head: "Space"

While playing spaceship with Rusty and Jack, Mackenzie kept wandering off and acting more distracted than usual. Thinking of it like that, it's like this is Mackenzie's Stickbird moment. Something obviously bothered the young border collie, as he avoided his friends, and even got upset with them. After going through the "black hole" and seeing Calypso, he took heart, and was able to resolve the issue weighing on him.

Maybe the reason why it went over my head, at first, is because the mental issues in this episode felt even more vague than in "Stickbird" (I think Mackenzie felt scarred by thinking his mom had left him behind at the park, but it's not perfectly clear). Like "Stickbird", the unclear backstory makes it applicable to as many viewers as possible. So while this story went over my head initially, there was a day recently that made me think of Mackenzie's space exploration in a new light.

I've not been shy about my experiences returning from my mission prematurely. As each homecoming anniversary rolls around and I think about the years since taking off the missionary tag, there's always a strange mix of emotions. Especially in the first several years after coming home, my feelings of failure and shame made a mess of me at this time of year. Through much prayer and therapy, I've come to treasure that sacred time and the tears that followed. 

Pondering that period of my life and praying to Heavenly Father, I recalled Calypso's words to Mackenzie: "You know what's here. You don't need to keep coming back to this place." I've prayed many times for God's reassurance of my work as a missionary, as a father, and as a husband. As imperfect humans we have a short spiritual memory, I think the Lord is adept at sending us reassurance when needed.

That being said, a quote from Elder Holland comes to mind: "If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted in it, it is right now." (“Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence”) So while I don't know that Heavenly Father minds sending reassurances as needed, there are times when my reassurance from the Spirit comes to me more like "You already know the answer." So while praying about my relationship with God, it's no wonder that the Spirit came through with the words from Calypso.

"You don't need to keep coming back."

This doesn't just apply to your mental health (though it definitely applies to that). It applies to answers to prayer as well.

You know what's here. You don't need to keep coming back. You can trust the answers you've already received. You can move forward, and be present with what is right there in front of you.

LDS Geeks Podcast #49: Fourth Doctor Companions (1)

I'm still trying to work myself through the Fourth Doctor's adventures (it's hard these days to find time to watch 4-6 episodes close enough together to follow the story). But now that I've finished the first half of the Tom Baker era, we decided to start out with the first round of Fourth Doctor companions and stories. Here's to the man of the scarf!

--Spencer

6 Disney Movies I Could Watch on Repeat

Remember when you were a kid and you got enthralled with a new movie and would end up watching it on repeat? For me, apparently it was Alice in Wonderland. As a young parent, I get to revisit this experience with my daughters, like when they got obsessed with Frozen and Tangled (right now they're loving Shrek). Even as an adult, I get in that mode where I have my comfort show/movie. Digimon, Narnia, and plenty of others I can watch whenever I need a nostalgia boost (frankly after this past week, I think we could all use a boost). Disney has some great rewatchables so here are six of my go-to movies.

Emperor's New Groove

This movie is absolutely ridiculous and I love it. Half the things in this movie don't make sense (Kronk outright admits that toward the end of the movie) and I love it. Additionally, it's rare to have a "bad" guy as the protagonist. By the end of the movie, Kuzco is a good guy too, but the premise is pretty unique among Disney movies. Having the depth of a character like Kuzco juxtaposed with the comedy of the movie only adds to the ridiculousness. Also, this movie is one that I've been known to quote frequently in everyday conversation. And who needs the Fourth Wall anyway?

Christopher Robin

Winnie the Pooh was my little brother's repeated movie, but since becoming a father this movie hits even deeper. How many things on my to-do list are actually productive for my family? Or do they take my heart away from what they really need? In addition, we have the ridiculousness juxtaposing the seriousness. The antics of Pooh and his friends drive the adult Christopher Robin crazy. It wasn't until he embraced the nostalgia of his childhood that things improved.

Wreck-It Ralph

Particularly in Ralph's first movie, the tension of moving away from being a villain, despite being a "bad guy" pulls me in. It's anyone who spirals in feelings of shame would understand. While Ralph tries to find his place among the video game characters, he also sought for acceptance among the characters in his game. You can see throughout the movie how Felix's feelings towards Ralph evolve, from coworker to friend to brother. 

Moana

Both movies hit the spot for me, the original and the sequel. A Disney Princess without a prince, Moana overstepped cultural norms repeatedly on her island. Her passion for the ocean was forbidden, which naturally only makes a teenager want to embrace it more. Also, I love how Moana's friendship with Maui evolves during the first movie, wonderfully carrying over to the sequel.

Lilo and Stitch

The original. I still haven't seen the live-action. It's another ridiculous movie! A little girl adopts an alien as a dog. Of course antics ran high. The sisters had a tragic backstory and Stitch had to work his way into their already difficult family dynamics. The importance of family is no small thing here. And who doesn't love getting a hug from Stitch at Disneyland?

Mulan

Despite it's cringey sequel, the first Mulan is a fan favorite among Disney Princess movies. Maybe it's because of the music (including the voice of Brother Donny Osmond). Who can help from cracking into "I'll Make a Man Out of You" during some car karaoke? Mulan messed with cultural norms even more than Moana and is loved for it. I still have yet to see the live-action version (you may see a pattern about my feelings of the live-action remakes) but I can't imagine it'll match up to the original. Also, I love Mushu, so there's that.

As I wrote this, the theme of "identity" comes through each movie. Kuzco grew into a beloved emperor. Christopher Robin found his footing as a working father. Ralph fought for acceptance of himself from within and from his neighbors. Moana learned to embrace her passions despite the cultural norms she faced. Stitch changed from being a compulsively destructive force to being a loving family member to Nani and Lilo. And while working to save her father from danger, Mulan discovered a bit about herself and who she wanted to become.

The obvious answer to close out this blog post: Which movies (Disney and otherwise) are on your list of perpetual rewatch? 

Happy Birthday, President Nelson!

Happy 101st birthday to our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson! Few men live to reach that age and, as I tell my patients, getting old isn't for the weak. I thought there was no better way to celebrate President Nelson than to share some of our favorite memories/teachings from the seasoned apostle. Enjoy!

--Spencer

"Think Celestial!" 

President Russell M. Nelson has shared countless inspiring messages, but one phrase continues to echo in my heart: “Think Celestial!” In just two words, he encapsulates a lifetime of prophetic counsel; a call to lift our gaze, deepen our discipleship, and anchor our choices in eternal perspective.

I’ve listened to all of President Nelson’s General Conference addresses, and I testify that he is called of God and communes with Jehovah. His words are not just wise, they are divinely inspired. Heavenly Father truly desires for each of us, including you, to return and live with Him again. That invitation is always extended. The choice to accept it is ours.

When we “think celestial,” we remember who we are and where we’re going. We are children of God, eternally connected to Him. This mindset helps us realign our priorities, endure trials with hope, and make decisions that reflect our divine heritage.

President Nelson teaches:

“The very things that will make your mortal life the best it can be are exactly the same things that will make your life throughout all eternity the best it can be! Today, to assist you to qualify for the rich blessings Heavenly Father has for you, I invite you to adopt the practice of ‘thinking celestial’! Thinking celestial means being spiritually minded. We learn from the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob that ‘to be spiritually-minded is life eternal.’

Mortality is a master class in learning to choose the things of greatest eternal import. Far too many people live as though this life is all there is. However, your choices today will determine three things: where you will live throughout all eternity, the kind of body with which you will be resurrected, and those with whom you will live forever. So, think celestial.”

This isn’t just a slogan, it’s a spiritual strategy. It’s how we navigate mortality with purpose, clarity, and peace. So today, and every day, let’s lift our thoughts heavenward. Let’s think celestial. 

-Michael 

"We Can do Better and be Better" 

 I know we’re doing favorite quotes from President Nelson but I took the liberty of sharing my favorite talk. No, I won’t quote the entire talk though it is definitely worth a re visit often (I listened to it last week). It is the talk, “We can do better and be better” from April 2019. It was given in a general conference address to the holders of the priesthood and has served as a “touchstone” address that I go to again and again for guidance and counsel at various times and stages of my life. 

In this address, President Nelson begins by addressing how prophets in the scriptures are often called upon to teach and invite people to repent. He then proceeded to share more about repentance with the following:

"The word for repentance in the Greek New Testament is metanoeo. The prefix meta- means “change.” The suffix -noeo is related to Greek words that mean “mind,” “knowledge,” “spirit,” and “breath.”

Thus, when Jesus asks you and me to “repent,” He is inviting us to change our mind, our knowledge, our spirit—even the way we breathe. He is asking us to change the way we love, think, serve, spend our time, treat our wives, teach our children, and even care for our bodies."

This serves at the backdrop for his invitation to repent in 2 specific ways: in how we treat our bodies and in how we treat the women in our lives. I find myself seeking to continually care for my body in a better way and often find the words from this talk coming to mind as I seek to do so:  "Your care of that temple is important. Now, I ask you, brethren, are you more interested in dressing and grooming your body to appeal to the world than to please God? Your answer to this question sends a direct message to Him about your feelings regarding His transcendent gift to you."

Furthermore, I find myself repeating his words about caring for the women in our lives when listening to my wife or daughter: 

"Brethren, your first and foremost duty as a bearer of the priesthood is to love and care for your wife. Become one with her. Be her partner. Make it easy for her to want to be yours. No other interest in life should take priority over building an eternal relationship with her. Nothing on TV, a mobile device, or a computer is more important than her well-being. Take an inventory of how you spend your time and where you devote your energy. That will tell you where your heart is. Pray to have your heart attuned to your wife’s heart. Seek to bring her joy. Seek her counsel, and listen. Her input will improve your output."

Doing better and being better are part of the eternal nature of progression and President Nelson's invitation to repent  was a good reminder of the need to find ways to progress. He was and is very disarming about his invitation to repent. It is not a guilt trip or a harsh invitation, rather he is inviting us to find specific ways to change and become more like our Savior.

-Russell 

"Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives"

I have a great love for President Nelson. He has been the prophet for the entirety of my marriage (I remember hearing the news of President Monson's passing while I was on my honeymoon). When contemplating which of the Prophet's teachings I wanted to share in this post, a quote kept coming to my mind: "In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

In many ways I find this equally comforting and depressing. It's hard to raise children in an increasingly evil world, which brings me down at times. However, the promise is there that with the influence of the Holy Ghost. Whether it's the temptations surrounding us on a daily basis, struggles with mental health, or struggles with interpersonal relationships, the Holy Ghost can and will guide us where we need to go or the direction we need to take. This is a hard one for me at times because I feel like my mental health struggles impede me from feeling the Spirit's comfort. It takes conscious thought at times to remember to hope for that guidance.

In this talk, he also said, "If we are to have any hope of sifting through the myriad of voices and the philosophies of men that attack truth, we must learn to receive revelation." Whether we're talking about politics, celebrities, mental health, the gospel, or anything else, the internet is saturated with garbage. There's plenty of truth out there as well, but it takes time, effort, and personal revelation to sift through it. I pray that I can internalize these principles more and I look forward to hearing from our prophet again in October.

-Spencer

Geek Tech 101: The Swan Station

I recently finished rewatching LOST and as usual enjoyed it from start to finish (even “Stranger in a Strange Land” because I had laughing gas at the dentist when I watched it). Despite what haters will say about the series, I have fond memories of the series, even with its controversial ending. The mysteries and easter eggs along the way were ahead of their time, since the series premiered before this age of streaming television. The first season in particular had a few potent mysteries: the Monster, the Others, and the Hatch.

The Hatch (known to the DHARMA Initiative as “The Swan”) was found by Locke and Boone after about a month on the Island. Decades before that, it was the site of a catastrophic electromagnetic incident. “The Incident” was affected by the appearance of the Flight 815 survivors (after having traveled through time). Honestly, it probably would have been worse if it hadn’t been for Jack, Juliet, and their bomb. Regardless, the event had a significant impact on the function of the Swan for decades.

Instead of being solely a research facility for electromagnetic research, the Swan ended up being the means of containing the energy released during the Incident. Every 108 minutes, someone would input the code (Hurley’s numbers) to allow the energy to be released little by little. Why did the code have to be that string of numbers? Why couldn’t the system be on automatic? Why did it need to be put in manually? These are among the mysteries that LOST fans will never have a satisfactory answer to.

Theoretically, the Swan was to be staffed with two individuals for a period of time and switched out with fresh team members. Each team would take shifts so that one could always sleep at one point or another. However, by the time Desmond marooned on the Island, the Swan’s only resident was Kelvin. This former US military man ultimately tried to ditch Desmond, under the assumption that the button didn’t need to be pushed. However, the first time Desmond failed to put the code in quickly, the electromagnetism brought down Oceanic Flight 815.

About a month after crashing on the Island, Locke and Boone were tracking Ethan to rescue Claire when they chanced upon the outer door of the Swan, which they dubbed the Hatch. They tried everything they could to open the door (not knowing there was a side entrance not too far away). Following Locke’s dreams, Boone ended up dying in an attempt to learn the secret of the Hatch. It wasn’t too long after that that the rest of the A-Team learned about the Hatch and opened it in an attempt to hide from the Others.

After opening the Hatch, discovering Desmond, and watching him escape, the Flight 815 survivors took custody of the Hatch and the button. For a while it was a nice reprieve at times from roughing in on the beach. Naturally, someone had to throw a wrench into the mix though… Ben Linus. Posing as Henry Gale, Ben got into Locke’s head that the button was pointless and his venture to the Pearl Station (we’ll cover that another time) didn’t exactly bolster Locke’s faith in the whole thing.

In the end, his broken faith led to Locke and Desmond letting the timer run out, seeing the electromagnetic catastrophe unfold, and turning the failsafe key. With that, the last we saw of the Swan was an empty crater where the station imploded. 

With much of the first two seasons centering around the Hatch, it was a central point of the show's heyday. Long before time travel or alternate timelines, the mystery of the Swan Station had center stage. The Hatch and the button played into some powerful themes about how faith and doubt intertwine and what it takes to keep faithful. There’s a gospel analogy in there somewhere. Despite being one of the first mysteries “solved” in the series, it also left just as many unanswered questions. But the fans would never be satisfied. It would take an info-dump to answer all the questions and they’d just complain about the dump. Already I can’t wait to rewatch LOST again (gotta finish a couple of other shows before I can entertain that idea).

4. 8. 15. 16. 23. 42. Execute.