Podcast Summary: followHIM Favorites — December 29 - January 4 — Come Follow Me

Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Release Date: December 25, 2025
Episode Theme: Embracing the Old Testament—Making the "Old" Feel New

Episode Overview

This episode of followHIM Favorites serves as a heartfelt and relatable introduction to the upcoming year of Come, Follow Me study focused on the Old Testament. Rather than discussing a specific scripture block, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway use personal stories and analogies to help listeners overcome any intimidation they might feel when approaching the Old Testament. Their goal is to make the ancient scriptures more approachable, relevant, and engaging for modern-day learners.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Old Testament is More Approachable Than We Think

• Hosts acknowledge the common apprehension: Many feel overwhelmed or intimidated by the Old Testament, echoing the manual's suggestion that it's okay to feel that way.

• Personal story as a metaphor: Hank shares a childhood memory about visiting cemeteries with his grandmother, initially finding the experience boring or even uncomfortable until a realization dawns on him.

  "It changed my perspective on her to realize that at one point she was young, in living color, living her life with all the emotions of a young person. I think about that a little bit with the Old Testament. To us, it's always been old, but at one point, it was alive.” – Hank Smith (03:03)

• Relating scripture to lived experience: The story symbolizes how we perceive the Old Testament as "old," yet, for its people, it was vital, current, and alive—just as our own stories are today.

The Old Testament in Context

• Scriptures are personal and contemporary: John reminds listeners that the Old Testament was the living scripture of Jesus and Nephi.

  "When Jesus says, ‘search the scriptures,’ he's talking about the Old Testament." – John Bytheway (03:39)

  "When Nephi goes back to get the brass plates, what's he getting? He's getting what you and I call the Old Testament." – Hank Smith (03:53)

• Invitation to empathy and connection: Both hosts emphasize viewing Old Testament figures as real people facing real situations, worshipping the same God.

  "One thing...is we can have this realization that these are real people in real situations who believe in the same God that we do, who worship the same God that we do." – Hank Smith (03:57)

Relevance and Application for Today

• Old can become new: The hosts highlight the transformative potential of Old Testament study, drawing parallels between the faith trials of the ancients and our modern challenges.

  "Their lives were different than ours...But many of the things they had to do in regards to believing, in regards to trusting in God, very similar to what we have to do." – Hank Smith (04:52)

• Making ancient texts relevant: Citing Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Hank observes:

  "With the Old Testament, you find relevancy in antiquity. It comes alive for you." – Hank Smith (05:08)

• Developing a personal connection: John adds that, over time, the scriptures can become "new friends" and a source of lasting inspiration.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Childhood Realization:

  • "Grandma, these are the people you had dinner with? These are the people you went on vacations with?" – Hank Smith (02:42)
  • "Well, don't worry, dear. I knew they were gone before we got here." – Hank’s grandmother, recounted by Hank Smith (02:53)

• Parallel with the Audience’s Study:

  • "We can get into these stories and all of a sudden, that which was old becomes new." – Hank Smith (05:07)
  • "These scriptures can become new friends." – John Bytheway (05:20)

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:03] – Introduction; Hank's childhood story about the cemetery
• [02:28] – John recalls his own realization about family generations
• [03:26] – Comparing the "oldness" of the Old Testament to living memories
• [03:39] – Discussing Jesus and Nephi’s relationship to the Old Testament
• [04:11] – Recognizing Old Testament individuals as real, relatable people
• [04:52] – Drawing connections between their faith journeys and ours today
• [05:08] – Elder Maxwell quote about finding relevance in antiquity
• [05:20] – John’s encouragement that scriptures can become friends

Tone and Language

The episode’s tone is warm, conversational, and encouraging. Hank and John share authentic personal stories and use gentle humor to break down barriers to Old Testament study. Their language is inclusive, faith-promoting, and designed to inspire confidence and curiosity in their listeners.

Final Invitation

• [05:25] – The hosts invite everyone to listen to the full followHIM podcast, especially this week’s episode featuring Old Testament scholar Dr. Josh Sears for deeper insights and motivation.
• They encourage listeners to join each week and to approach the Old Testament not as an intimidating “old” relic, but as a collection of stories about real people who can deeply resonate with us today.

By blending personal reflection with scriptural context, Hank and John set an inviting stage for a year of meaningful Old Testament study—reassuring listeners that what was once “old” can indeed become new.