Podcast Summary: followHIM Favorites — "I'll Pass Almost Every Penny On To You"

Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Episode Date: September 11, 2025
Referenced Scriptures: Doctrine & Covenants 102–105
Guest Mentioned: Dr. Matt Godfrey (on the full-length podcast)

Overview:

In this "followHIM Favorites" mini-episode, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway share a personal, stand-alone story to complement the week’s "Come, Follow Me" lesson, focusing on themes of integrity, financial responsibility, and family legacy inspired by Doctrine & Covenants Section 104:78. The episode aims to offer listeners an uplifting real-life example related to scriptural teachings, separate from their main podcast content.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Clarification about "Favorites" Segment

• Hank begins by emphasizing that this segment features unique stories not found in the main podcast.

  "Some people have asked me, oh, is this just a piece of the podcast? No, this is not found on the podcast. This is just because you and I like to tell stories." – Hank Smith [00:09]

2. Scriptural Context

• This week’s lesson discusses Doctrine & Covenants 102–105.
• John centers his story around D&C 104:78:

  "Again, verily I say unto you concerning your debts, behold, it is my will that you shall pay all your debts." – John Bytheway (paraphrasing scripture) [00:27]

3. The Story of Fred Snowberger

• John relays Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin’s story from the April 2004 talk "Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts":
  • Fred Snowberger opened a pharmacy during the Great Depression.
  • Business failed, but Fred insisted on repaying his loan rather than filing for bankruptcy.
  • He and his family lived frugally to meet this commitment, echoing the phrase:

    "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without." – John Bytheway [01:45]

  • After years of sacrifice, Fred repaid every penny.
  • The lender, moved to tears, told Fred:

    "You not only paid back every penny, you taught me what a man of character and honesty is." – Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (quoted by John Bytheway) [02:41]

  • The story continues to inspire Fred’s descendants 70 years later.

4. Reflections and Relevance

• Hank and John underscore the rarity and importance of such integrity:

  "That's beautiful. And that's not always possible. We get that. But in this case, it was. And the family's proud of it." – Hank Smith [03:01]

• They encourage listeners:

  "If that's the Lord's will and you need help, you could probably ask him for help to help fulfill that." – John Bytheway [03:09]

5. Humor & Memorability

• The hosts share a light moment on surnames:

  "Snow Burger. Sounds like something you get a Dairy Queen." – John Bytheway [00:55] "Something you'd get at Arctic Circle." – Hank Smith [01:16]

• Hank jokes:

  "Up in the spirit world, you could say, 'I'd like to have two snow burgers, please.' And have them come." – Hank Smith [03:22]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Family Mottos and Sacrifice:

  "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without." – John Bytheway [01:45]

• On Lasting Influence:

  "This act of honor and nobility has lived through the decades as a cherished example of family integrity." – Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (as quoted by John Bytheway) [02:56]

• On Spiritual Application:

  "If that's the Lord's will and you need help, you could probably ask him for help to help fulfill that." – John Bytheway [03:09]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:09] — Hank clarifies this segment isn’t in the main podcast.
• [00:27] — John introduces the D&C context and the story’s scriptural link.
• [00:55] — The hosts joke about the surname “Snowberger.”
• [01:18–02:56] — Full telling of the Fred Snowberger story.
• [03:01] — Hosts reflect on integrity and family pride.
• [03:09] — Invitation to seek divine help in fulfilling obligations.
• [03:22] — Closing humor.

Closing Invitation

• Hank invites listeners to the main podcast (this week featuring Dr. Matt Godfrey and stories about Zion’s Camp and Joseph Smith), and encourages them to return next week for another Favorite.

Tone: Warm, humorous, and faith-affirming — the hosts maintain friendly rapport and a spirit of encouragement throughout.
For Listeners: This episode is ideal for anyone seeking an inspiring example of living gospel principles in modern life, especially as related to honesty, self-reliance, and family legacy.