Podcast Summary: followHIM Episode – “Talk Show Truth • followHIM Favorites • December 9 - 15 • Come Follow Me”

Release Date: December 5, 2024
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Podcast Title: followHIM
Episode Title: Talk Show Truth • followHIM Favorites • December 9 - 15 • Come Follow Me

Introduction to the Episode

In this engaging episode of followHIM, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway delve into the themes of faith, identity, and personal integrity as they relate to the teachings of Moroni 7-9 from The Book of Mormon. The episode centers around an inspiring story involving actor Jonathan Heder, best known for his iconic role in Napoleon Dynamite, highlighting how steadfast faith shapes one’s character and public persona.

Jonathan Heder: A Testament of Faith

The discussion begins with Hank Smith recounting a memorable story from Moroni 7:48, which emphasizes that living with faith, hope, and charity leads individuals to become like Jesus Christ. Hank relates this scripture to Jonathan Heder’s life, illustrating how his genuine faith has become an integral part of his identity.

Hank Smith shares:

“[00:02] …Moroni says, if you live with faith, hope and charity, eventually you will become like Jesus. And when he shall appear, we shall be like him. It's not about, I'm done a lot of charitable things. It's, I've just become charity.”
(Hank Smith, 00:02)

John Bytheway reminisces about Jonathan’s early days:

“[00:39] I made a roll on a spreadsheet, an attendance roll where students could just check the box. Jonathan did not check the box. He doodled dragons up and down, going.”
(John Bytheway, 00:39)

This anecdote underscores Jonathan’s unique personality and hints at his inherent creativity and authenticity, traits that would later shine in his acting career.

A Moment on National Television

The crux of the episode revolves around Hank recounting an encounter with Jonathan Heder during a national talk show appearance. Hank describes the unexpected moment when he saw Jonathan discussing his faith under the probing questions of the talk show host.

Hank Smith narrates:

“[01:08] John, he probably learned it all from you. I gave him that character, right? No, no, he brilliantly created that character. It was amazing.”
(Hank Smith, 01:08)

During the interview, the host persistently inquires about Jonathan’s Mormon faith and its impact on his lifestyle, particularly in the context of Hollywood’s party scene.

Hank Smith continues:

“[02:30] …she kept pushing and pushing him. I don't know if he got uncomfortable with it. He seemed to think. …He wasn't upset, he wasn't angry. He just ended the conversation. When he said, well, look, it's who I am. It's not that hard.”
(Hank Smith, 02:30)

Jonathan’s composed and humorous responses exemplify his sincere commitment to his beliefs. His assertion, “I actually not super tempted because it's who I am,” highlights the profound integration of his faith into his identity.

Becoming Like Christ Through Consistent Faith

John Bytheway ties Jonathan’s experience back to the teachings of Moroni 7 and insights from President Oaks:

“[03:57] …That's what President Oaks reminded us of in that talk. The challenge to become. It's not just to know what to do but when you know what to do and you do what you know, you begin to become something different.”
(John Bytheway, 03:57)

This segment emphasizes that embodying Christ-like attributes is a continuous process of aligning one’s actions with one’s beliefs. Jonathan’s life serves as a practical example of how consistent righteousness transforms character.

Hank Smith adds:

“[04:11] …I’ve lived my life in a way that it becomes very natural at first. Things are tempting, I think, when we're young, John, but as we get older, it becomes who we are.”
(Hank Smith, 04:11)

The hosts discuss how personal growth leads to a natural inclination towards virtues such as patience and gentleness, reducing susceptibility to earlier temptations.

Insights on Personal Integrity and Public Perception

The conversation shifts to the importance of integrity, especially for public figures. Hank Smith praises Jonathan’s ability to remain true to his faith despite the pressures of Hollywood:

“[04:35] …you get home and Sarah wasn't there. …And he said, well, look, it's who I am. …I loved that. Aren't you tempted by smoking and drinking and doing drugs and all of these immoral things? Aren't you tempted? He simply said, I actually not super tempted because it's who I am.”
(Hank Smith, 04:35)

This exchange illustrates how Jonathan’s self-identity, rooted in faith, naturally guards him against societal pressures and temptations.

John Bytheway echoes the sentiment:

“[04:41] …Everybody should be this way. Just. No, it's.”
(John Bytheway, 04:41)

They highlight that maintaining personal integrity is less about resisting temptation and more about embodying one’s true self, as dictated by faith.

Conclusion and Invitation

As the episode concludes, Hank Smith extends gratitude to Jonathan Heder for being a living example of faith in action:

“[04:45] …If anybody knows Jonathan out there, if Jonathan, in case you're listening, who have no idea. Thank you for your goodness. … We'd love to have you join us on our full podcast.”
(Hank Smith, 04:45)

The hosts invite listeners to explore the full followHIM podcast for deeper discussions on Moroni 7-9 with guest Dr. Mark Ogletree, promising insights that inspire personal growth and better parenting.

Key Takeaways

1. Integration of Faith into Identity: Jonathan Heder exemplifies how living with faith, hope, and charity becomes second nature, making righteousness a defining aspect of one’s character.

2. Handling Public Scrutiny: Maintaining personal integrity in the public eye requires genuine commitment to one’s beliefs, as demonstrated by Jonathan’s composed responses during the talk show interview.

3. Continuous Personal Growth: Embracing virtuous attributes leads to natural resilience against temptations, evolving one’s character to mirror Christ-like qualities.

4. Encouragement for Listeners: The episode encourages listeners to embody their faith authentically, assuring them that true change stems from consistent application of their beliefs.

Notable Quotes

• Hank Smith (00:02): “If you live with faith, hope and charity, eventually you will become like Jesus.”

• Hank Smith (02:30): “He wasn't upset, he wasn't angry. He just ended the conversation. …It’s who I am.”

• John Bytheway (03:57): “When you know what to do and you do what you know, you begin to become something different.”

• Hank Smith (04:35): “Things are tempting, I think, when we're young, John, but as we get older, it becomes who we are.”

Connect with followHIM

• Show Notes: followhim.co
• YouTube: FollowHimOfficialChannel
• Instagram: instagram.com/followhimpodcast
• Facebook: facebook.com/followhimpodcast

The followHIM Podcast is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The opinions expressed reflect those of the guests and podcasters alone.

This episode of followHIM serves as a compelling reminder that true faith is not merely about actions but about becoming a living testament to one’s beliefs. Through Jonathan Heder’s story, listeners are inspired to integrate their faith deeply into their identities, fostering personal growth and resilience against societal pressures.