Explore every episode of the podcast Zion, We Need to Talk

In Episode 7, Aaron tackles one of the more complicated questions surrounding Sabbath observance: what happens when your profession requires you to work on Sunday? He shares the story of former BYU and NFL prospect Eli Herring, whom Aaron knew as a teammate, and his decision to turn down a lucrative NFL contract rather than play on Sunday. Then Aaron looks at the careers of former NFL players S. Gifford Nielsen and Vai Sikahema, both of whom went on to serve as General Authorities. What does all of this tell us about the Sabbath, professional employment, personal conviction, and what the Church actually expects?

In Episode 6, Aaron talks about the Word of Wisdom and, more specifically, our relationship with soda. From the difference between what is technically prohibited and what is actually wise to Utah’s obsession with dirty sodas, this episode explores how Latter-day Saints sometimes approach the Word of Wisdom as a list of rules rather than a principle meant to guide our choices. The question isn't simply, “Is this allowed?” Maybe it's time we also ask, “Is this wise?”

In Episode 5, Aaron takes on one of the Church’s most distinctive youth experiences: Trek. Drawing from his own family’s experiences, he asks whether we’ve confused remembering the pioneers with recreating their suffering. Trek can build friendships, create memories, and challenge young people, but are we focusing too much on recreating the circumstances of the pioneers and not enough on applying the lessons of their faith, sacrifice, courage, and perseverance to the challenges young people face today? Aaron explores what it might look like to create youth experiences that honor the pioneer legacy while preparing a new generation to face its own journey.

In Episode 4, Aaron talks about worship music and asks why so much of the incredible Christian music being created outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seems to live in a separate category from the music we use in our own worship. From Elevation Worship’s “Praise” to some of the Church’s own exceptional music, this episode explores the difference between “Church music” and “worship music,” the role of tradition, and whether great music really needs a Church label before we can embrace it. Because if good music can inspire faith, bring peace, and turn our hearts toward Jesus Christ, maybe all good music belongs to heaven.

In Episode 3 of Zion, We Need to Talk, Aaron takes on one of his favorite Sunday annoyances: announcements. From paper programs and church emails to clipboards, Dutch oven socials, and the precious minutes they consume, Aaron asks whether we’ve held onto an outdated way of communicating simply because it’s the way we’ve always done it. With a little help from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, he makes the case for a Sunday with fewer announcements and more time to worship, learn, teach, and actually talk to one another.

In Episode 2 of Zion, We Need to Talk, Aaron takes on the Church’s new 25-minute second-hour schedule. Is shorter actually better? What happens when Sunday School becomes less about delivering a lesson and more about having a conversation? Aaron explores the changing role of teachers, what adults can learn from Primary, the death of the “quick recap,” and whether 25 minutes is enough time to have a meaningful Gospel discussion.

In this inaugural episode of Zion, We Need to Talk, Aaron explores the often-overlooked challenges facing stay-at-home mothers. Inspired by the Lindsay Clancy trial, he reflects on LDS teachings about family responsibilities, the realities of parenting young children, postpartum struggles, and the importance of remembering that mothers need nurturing, support, and sometimes—just a padded chair.