Podcast Summary: followHIM
Episode: Joseph in Egypt – Bro. Donny Osmond – Special Episode
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Guest: Donny Osmond
Date: March 10, 2026

Episode Overview

This special episode of followHIM brings celebrated performer Donny Osmond to the podcast for an in-depth, personal exploration of Joseph of Egypt—a role Donny has embodied on stage over 2,000 times in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The hosts and Donny discuss the lessons, emotions, and enduring relevance of Joseph’s story, blending insights from scripture, musical theater, and Donny’s own faith journey. This conversation is rich with personal anecdotes, spiritual applications, and practical advice for living a faithful life amid trials.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Donny Osmond’s Unique Connection to Joseph of Egypt

• Donny shares how he has lived Joseph’s story: “I've been singing about Joseph pretty much, well, for what, 30 years?” (01:22)
• Portraying Joseph on stage gave Donny a deep, emotional connection, especially during songs like “Close Every Door.” He says:
  “There were nights, you guys, that I literally started crying because I felt like I was in jail. That was the turning point...He prevailed. He is a guiding light to me and has been for so many years.” (06:55)
• The hosts draw on Donny’s lived experience for fresh perspectives on Joseph’s emotional journey.

2. Power and Principles in the Story of Joseph

Faith and Covenant-Keeping Through Adversity

• Donny emphasizes Joseph's unwavering commitment:
  “He never gave up on his covenants. He never gave up on God.” (04:26)
• The theme of being patient and trusting in God’s timing, especially when things seem unfair—like Joseph’s imprisonment despite his righteousness.
  “There's got to be a level of things will work out eventually.” (31:12)

Temptation and Decision-Making

• On Potiphar’s wife, Donny underscores the importance of deciding how to react to temptation before it strikes:
  “If you haven't, the temptations of the flesh will take over...Make a decision beforehand. Don't put yourself in a bad situation.” (41:31; 43:33)
• Shares personal anecdotes, including choosing faith over career opportunities that didn't align with gospel standards.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

• The depth and challenge in Joseph’s forgiveness:
  “He forgave them. But he put them through the test, didn’t he?” (10:14)
• On not being defined by betrayal:
  “If I had vitriol against him, if I had anger...who loses? I do...Otherwise you're living your life in regret and anger, hatred.” (47:24–49:09)
• Letting go and moving forward is a significant, hard-won lesson.

Learning from Trials

• Donny relates Joseph’s patient suffering to his own seasons of professional setbacks—drawing hope and spiritual strength from both scripture and his personal blessings.

3. The Musical Journey—Art and Inspiration

• Donny recounts the miraculous, Spirit-led path that led to his casting as Joseph:
  “Just before I sang, I felt this: You're prepared. And I thought back to what my mother would always say...Prepare yourself, and the opportunity will come.” (19:07)

• Shares backstage stories, including risking an unscripted high note—and how Andrew Lloyd Webber embraced it:
  “He said, I actually kind of liked it. Keep it in. So every time I hear somebody sing that note, I said, that's my note, baby.” (25:53)

• The power of music:
  “Music with lyrics...It brings back memories...The notes enhance the words.” (63:14)

4. Family, Example & Legacy

• Stories of guidance from Donny’s wife, Deb, and parents—exemplifying the influence of faithful family in decision-making, such as moving to St. George on spiritual prompting (16:51).
• The Osmond family’s commitment to living and sharing their faith, in and out of the public eye:
  “Every member a missionary...People are watching you. They know you're a member of the church.” (61:38)
• Personal stories about representing faith in entertainment settings and to church leaders (including interactions with Presidents Kimball and Hinckley).

5. Application for Listeners—Handling Modern Trials

• Advice for holding on during personal darkness:
  “It’s not going to save you from your divorce or your problems… but it'll give you strength…If you're living your life right, you're going to be in those moments where, guys, I don't think I can do this. I trust you, Lord, and you take the step and he will follow you.” (35:00)
• "Forgive yourself. Try harder. Pick yourself up. Start again. Allow the Atonement to be applied in your lives." (89:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Joseph's Humanity and Forgiveness

• “There are five places in Genesis where it mentions that Joseph wept. He bawled his eyes out...I think one of the reasons why he had to leave the room and cry his eyes out—His brothers tried to kill him.” —Donny Osmond (08:17)
• “Don’t let [anger] get you. That’s why he had to leave and cry many times...He ultimately forgave them.” —Donny Osmond (10:14)

On Making Decisions Before Temptation

• “Sometimes...you find yourself in a compromising situation. Have you already made a decision beforehand what you're going to do in that situation?...If you haven't, the temptations of the flesh will take over.” —Donny Osmond (41:31)

On the Power of Preparation and Faith

• “Prepare yourself and the opportunity will come. You don't prepare yourself when the opportunity presents itself.” —Donny Osmond (19:07)
• “He believed in my God and he believes in me. I can prevail.” —Donny Osmond (26:14)

On Performing Joseph

• “When I sing it, I'm singing it as Joseph, not as Donny Osmond...Children of Israel are never alone.” —Donny Osmond (55:47)
• “Sometimes when I sing...I go to a different place. I actually live the experience.” —Donny Osmond (53:50)

On the Role of Music

• “The words are important, but the notes enhance the words. Get your words, you convey the feeling.” —Donny Osmond (64:01)
• “This is inspired. This is one of God’s prophets (Joseph); we’re singing about him. Is that inspiration to you?” —Hank Smith (65:00)
• “I'm convinced [Andrew Lloyd Webber] was [inspired] because it has withstood the test of time. It comes from holy writ.” —Donny Osmond (65:10)

On Public Faith

• “Either believe it or you don't. Make a choice. There's no gray area. Do you believe the gospel is true or you don't? If you believe it's true, then live it.” —Donny Osmond (61:40)

Closing Counsel

• “Be of good cheer. The Lord’s in control...We know the ending of the story. The Savior wins in the end...What a wonderful time to be living, when all of these prophecies are being fulfilled.” —Donny Osmond (87:49)
• “Forgive yourself. Try harder. Pick yourself up. Start again. Allow the atonement to be applied in your lives.” —Donny Osmond (89:25)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:55 – Donny introduces his personal “Joseph journey”
• 04:26 – Lessons from Joseph’s covenant-keeping and adversity
• 08:17 – Joseph’s tears and the depth of human emotion in forgiveness
• 16:51 – The faith-led journey to playing Joseph; family guidance
• 19:07 – The “miraculous” audition and Spirit-led preparation
• 25:53 – The high note “story” and the blessing of personal preparation
• 31:12 – Patience when blessings are delayed; the long arc of “things working out”
• 35:00 – Finding hope in darkness (spiritual and professional setbacks)
• 41:31/43:33 – On resisting temptation; pre-deciding values
• 47:24 – Coping with betrayal; letting go of bitterness
• 53:50/55:47 – The emotional grind and spiritual impact of performing Joseph
• 61:38 – On missionary example and family legacy
• 63:14/64:01 – The unique power of music to teach and heal
• 65:00 – Divine inspiration in storytelling and music
• 83:21 – Guiding family counsel: “Never do a performance you wouldn’t do in front of a general authority—or the Savior.”
• 87:49 – Donny’s closing counsel: faith, hope in Christ, and the ultimate victory

Takeaways for Listeners

• Trust God during uncertainty. Like Joseph, endurance, faith, and integrity lead to eventual redemption, even if the path is long and hard.
• Forgive yourself and others. Healing and moving forward requires letting go of anger and self-condemnation.
• Decide now who you are. Commit to standards and values before tough decisions—make choices with conviction.
• Music and stories can bring scripture to life. Donny’s journey illustrates how creative retelling can deepen spiritual understanding.
• Christlike humility and example matter. No matter your “stage” in life, strive to reflect the principles of the Savior.

Closing Quote

“Whatever questions you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Turn to him. Follow Him.” – Hank Smith & Donny Osmond (91:04)

For those seeking inspiration from scripture and modern discipleship, few episodes unite scripture, art, humor, and heartfelt testimony with this much energy and sincerity.