Paul grew up here in his beloved Boise Valley, but graduated from high school in Independence, Missouri where his parents presided over the mission. After the life-changing blessing of studying in the Holy Land, he served a mission to Korea. Between undergrad (BA in English) and graduate schools (MBA and law degrees) at BYU, Paul backpacked around the world for a classic education, worked on Capitol Hill in Washington DC for a senator, and started a small importing business. Professionally he enjoys solving large infrastructure problems to create master planned communities. He and two other developers created and incorporated the Town of Saratoga Springs, Utah after solving the problem of how to bring water and sewer services to the area.

Highlights from this past year in Paul’s life include volunteering at a Ukrainian refugee aid station at the train station in Krakow, Poland; helping to start a school for Rohingyan orphan, refugee girls in the world’s largest refugee camp in Bangladesh; and attending his youngest daughter’s high school basketball games. 

Paul and Alice have four children, three of whom are out of the nest.

When Bonnie was a young mother she co-authored a book that was later used as a text in the child development course at Ricks College.  

Once the children were in school, Bonnie began a career in the insurance industry where she worked as an agent, Regional sales manager, and State sales trainer. 

Bonnie has fulfilled many service and teaching positions in her church and has especially loved working with children and young women.  She has traveled throughout the world as a motivational speaker for many churches, businesses, and adolescent centers.  

She has taught community education classes, organized a support group and became a peer counselor, where she visits hospitals to counsel with and encourage new amputees.

     In 2007, Bonnie was chosen as the Idaho Mother of the Year by American Mothers, Inc.  During that year she toured throughout the state speaking at business and civic organizations.  

Bonnie loves to spend time with her grandchildren as well as reading, gardening, cooking, and using herbs from her garden to make lotions and soaps.  She also loves volunteering in the ESL classes helping refugees learn to read, write, and speak the English language.

She has a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Spanish minor from the University of Idaho.  She has been the Chairman for the Distinguished Young Women program in Kuna for the last 12 years. Her amazing talents and volunteer service in this program has blessed so many lives. 

She is currently a Primary teacher who loves her little 4 year olds.  Sister Peterson has served in various positions in the church including the Young Women’s, Relief Society, Ward and Stake primary.  

Dana and her husband Charlie are the parents of 4 children.  They live on a 10-acre hobby farm in Meridian, Idaho raising their children around dirt, animals, bugs and old fashioned hard work.  For this they feel so grateful and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Eric served a mission in La Paz, Bolivia. He learned both Spanish and Aymara, an Indian dialect spoken by natives in the Lake Titicaca area. During the final 2 months of his mission, Eric traveled the Bolivian altiplano researching words to assist in the translation of The Doctrine and Covenants into Aymara. 

Eric received a bachelors degree from BYU, a medical degree from the University of Florida, an internship and residency in Otolaryngology at the University of Texas in San Antonio. This was followed by a fellowship in Facial Plastic Surgery in Chicago Illinois. When he had finished all of his school and training, Eric Garner and family moved to Boise, Idaho where Eric began his practice of Otolaryngology with an emphasis on Facial Plastic Surgery.

Brother Garner has served in various capacities in the church, including Priest Quorum advisor, High Counselor, Bishopric Counselor, Bishop, Scout Master, Stake young Men’s President, YSA ward bishop.

Eric and Gloria are the parents of 7 children and 20 grandchildren.

Born and raised in Modesto, CA with 2 brothers and 2 sisters, he played Water Polo, loved to snow ski and water-ski. Dan served a church mission in Columbia, South Carolina.  Throughout his life he has served in numerous callings, with the majority being in the YM’s program. 

Dan became a financial advisor in 1986, and his main purpose is to empower and educate families and business owners to control and manage their financial future. Owner and founder of Wise Money Tools, Eagle Capital Management, Becoming your Own Bank, and Oakmont Signature Homes, he constantly provides strategies and ideas for anyone to succeed financially. 

Dan is an advocate for the Church’s principles of clean living and pursuing an active healthy lifestyle. He has always put God first in his life and constantly trying to communicate and listen to God’s will is foremost in his life.

He believes in helping and serving others and has his own non-profit, “Peace and Prosperity,” which helps single moms become financially independent and improve their situations.

Dan and Sharon are the parents of  5 children and 17 grandchildren.

As a teenager, her older brother passed away in a tragic fishing accident, and then a few years ago her little brother passed away due to the flu. When Carrie was in her early twenties, she was in a life-threatening automobile accident. Due to these experiences, and many other life lessons, Carrie has felt inspired to write a book on remaining faithful despite life's obstacles, which she is now working on publishing. Her goal in life is to share her testimony of finding happiness no matter the opposition! With this goal in mind, she has spoken at BYU Idaho's Education Week two years running, and at Retreat for Girls. She is now more than thrilled to speak at the Boise Idaho Institute!

Sister Motyer has served in Primary and Relief Society presidencies and ward and stake Young Women’s presidencies. While she currently serves as the Communications Director for the Meridian Victory Stake, Tara maintains that her favorite place to serve is the Nursery. 

Tara loves camping, kayaking, traveling, reading and baking.

The Motyers are the parents of 4 adult children.

While attending college he married his beautiful wife Amy.  Brother Betzold has lived in Middleton, Idaho for the past 20 years. He has served in many capacities, including Bishop and Stake President. He works for Travere Therapeutics as an immunology specialist. 

When Brother Betzold has free time he enjoys being in the great outdoors of Idaho with his family and friends. Fred and Amy are the parents of three children, and two grandchildren.

Brother Erekson served a church mission in Manchester England.  After he and Tina Thurber married, he was called as a bishop in 1999, a Stake President in 2006, an area Seventy in the Idaho area in 2013.  Then in July of 2022 Jeff and Tina returned home after serving for 3 years as Mission Leaders in the Hamilton, New Zealand Mission.

Jeff Erekson graduated from Boise State university in Finance. He has worked and managed two different financial companies, prior to starting  his own firm, Allegis Financial Partners, which is based in Nampa, Idaho with multiple offices now throughout the Northwestern United States.

Jeff and Tina are the parents of 6 beautiful daughters, 4 son-in-law’s, and 12 grandchildren.

Through raising her children, lots of personal study and following the guidance of the Holy Ghost, she is a master at raising happy children and building a loving marriage. Sister Tanner has been teaching parenting and marriage classes for over 30 years.

To learn more from Carleen Tanner, visiter her Positive Parenting website: http://www.carleentanner.com/

The search for truth is something mankind has been doing since the world began.  Today, two young adults share their search for truth, and how their desire to find Christ, led them to conversion into His church.  Each young adult has a unique story to share, as well as an intertwined friendship.  Enjoy this episode as Michelle Burk talks with Justin Kase and Justin Lee. 

Montey Stile's website is discussed briefly. Here is the link to that: https://www.montestiles.com/

 Megan is the owner of M Design.  She incorporates all of her event, construction and marketing experiences into one company. She creates unique spaces & events with exemplary touches. Her vision and passion for the statement that "perfection is truly in the details" have set a high mark for M Design’s commitment to excellence.  

 Megan has earned her stripes working for the Humanitarian Bowl as an event planner and sponsorship fulfillment lead.  Megan led the charge with all game production, event tailgating, sponsorship VIP meals, out-of-town VIP guests, and coordination with event centers for programs and meals for over 300 people.   

Megan was also the lead Sports Sales Manager for the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau. She has consulted and fostered local events, such as BAM JAM and Idaho Youth Soccer’s Far West Regionals.    

Fun fact:  Megan grew up in the halls of the Boise Institute—her father is Morris Bastien, a past Institute Director. She began attending noon Friday luncheons as early as high school and watched the one-story building expand into the 2-level Institute we use today. 

Jim Duthie was born in Mesa, Arizona.  After attending a year of college at Arizona State University in Tempe, he served a two-year mission in Pennsylvania.  After returning home, he married his wife, Tammy, in the Mesa Arizona Temple.  After another year at Arizona State, and after the birth of their first baby boy, they moved to Salt Lake City.  Jim attended the University of Utah, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology.  Jim worked in private weather forecasting as well as broadcasting on television and radio, which kept the Duthies in the Salt Lake area for almost 18 years. 

In 1998 they moved to Idaho to work for two local television stations, as well as private weather consulting.  In addition to working for KTVB Channel 7 in Boise, Idaho, Jim also hosts a weekly gardening feature called “You Can Grow It”.   

Brother Duthie enjoys gardening, reading, camping, kayaking, and traveling.  Together with Tammy, their travels have taken them throughout much of the U.S., parts of Canada and Mexico, as well as eight European countries.   

Jim and Tammy love Idaho and have made it their home.  They look forward to pending retirement and serving in whatever capacity the Lord may find to use them.   

During a decade-long investigation of international drug smuggling and money laundering, Monte worked closely with foreign, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in the pursuit of evidence and witnesses in Hong Kong, Thailand, Fiji, Australia, Canada, and various locations in Europe. Because of the nature of his caseload, Monte was also a sworn Special Deputy United States Marshall.  

In 2011, Monte left government service and devoted all his time to

teaching. He is now a frequent keynote speaker and trainer at state, regional,

and national conferences relating to drug policy, law enforcement, youth

leadership, drug prevention, corporate training, and maintaining safe

communities. He is particularly focused on national policies that impact youth

substance abuse.

Brother Stiles is also an avid outdoor photographer. Monte and his

wife Sandi are the proud parents of five children, and fourteen grandchildren. 

Brother Huff served a mission in Maceio, Brazil. He met his wife, Serena, at Idaho State University. They were married in the Boise Idaho Temple and are the parents of 4 children.   

Matt decided that he was going to be rich and dropped out of college his sophomore year. He made a promise to his wife that he would complete his education. He went on to get a bachelor’s degree from George Fox University and is currently working on his master's degree from Boise State University in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning program. 

Brother Huff owned a few different businesses in the first 12 years of his career. Five years ago, he sold them and is now living his dream of helping youth and young adults come to know and love Jesus Christ as a Seminary and Institute teacher.

His first job was in Los Angeles, California, working for the largest fertility clinic on the west coast. In 1999, he moved to Boise to help the people of Idaho in their struggle from infertility to family.  

Bret enjoys spending time outside with his family hiking, camping, or on the lake.  A personal interest in road cycling. Together with his wife Sharon, they have 4 children.

Sister Belnap is also an Idaho native. When she was 8 years old, her father accepted a teaching position at a church school on the island of Western Samoa where she spent 3 years of her impressionable young life. Sister Belnap has a deep love for the Polynesian people and culture because of this invaluable experience. Sister Belnap graduated from Homedale High School and also attended BYU Hawaii.

In their free time, they love being with family, boating, camping, and traveling. A couple of their future dreams include going on a mission together someday and also building a camper-van and traveling around the United States just for fun! Bishop and Sister Belnap met in a YSA ward in Boise and have been for married 35 years. They have four daughters, four son-in-laws and 6 grandchildren with one more on the way. The Belnaps are currently serving in the Bishopric of the Boise YSA 4th Ward.

Many years later, as a certified life coach, Heather Rackham is the host of the Latter-day Life Coaches podcast and director of Latter-day Saint Life Coach Directory, ldslifecoaches.com 

That 14-year-old girl had no idea she would get to spend much of her life helping others find the coaches and tools to empower themselves in the same way: choosing who you want to be, on purpose.

Aaron spends his free time fishing, camping, and enjoying the outdoors as much as possible with his family. He has been married to his wife, Caroll for 22 years and together they have 5 children.

In January of 1979, he married his high school sweetheart, Holley Grant.  Together they have four children–three daughters and one son. Today they have fourteen grandchildren. 

Bro. Rademacher has served in numerous callings throughout the Church; serving in every organization with the exception of the Primary. 

In October of 1979, he joined the staff of the Relyea Funeral Chapel and with his father-in-law, as a partner, they purchased the business from Mr. Relyea on October 1, 1982. His father-in-law retired in 1991 and Bro. Rademacher purchased the remaining half of the business from him. 

As a family, they spend many hours together enjoying boating, wake surfing, and skiing. 

Dennis Atkinson grew up in Middleton, Idaho. Following graduation from Middleton High School, Dennis served a church mission in the California Riverside and California San Fernando Missions.  Weeks prior to leaving on his mission, Dennis went out on a blind date with Jannea Bojarski who was visiting from Alaska with her family.  Their relationship continued as they wrote letters every week for 2 years until he returned home.  They were married in Boise in July 1995.  

Brother Atkinson graduated from Boise State University with a degree in Biology. He worked for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in various capacities.  He moved on to the University of Idaho working at the Parma Research and Extension Center managing the Potato and Onion Research Program for Southwest Idaho.  While at the University of Idaho he obtained a Master’s Degree in Plant Science.  

In 2006 Dennis began his career with Seminis Vegetable Seeds where he is currently the Market Development Lead for the Western United States.  He leads a team of 8 employees responsible for testing new vegetable hybrids for market acceptance and potential commercial launch. Dennis enjoys running, cycling, gardening, and volunteering as the cross country coach at Parma High School.

Dennis and Jannea are the parents of 4 Children.

I am Michelle Burk, and you are listening to the “I AM IN” podcast

Kari Smith Gray grew up on a farm in Warden, Washington.  Following high school graduation, Kari was in an accident that left her paralyzed for the last 37 years.  She went on to attend Ricks College and BYU where she earned her bachelors degree in Elementary Education.  During college, she met and married Mike Gray in 1986 and enjoyed 27 wonderful years together, before his passing almost 10 years ago.  Together they had 6 children and now have 12 grandchildren.  During her life Kari has lived in Washington, Idaho, Ohio, South Dakota, and 21 years in Alaska. The biggest joy in her life is being a Mother and Grandmother.  She enjoys swimming, reading, baking cookies, volunteering at the English Learning Center, and going on walks with her dog.  For one who has faced so much heartache and sorrow, you will find love, gratitude, and an abundance of Joy from her message. 

This is Michelle Burk, and today on the “I AM IN” podcast, you will hear from Dr. Brian Affleck.  

Brian grew up in Ammon, Idaho. He served a Spanish-speaking mission in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. He attended medical school at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Science, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine. After medical school, he began his surgical training at Travis Air Force Base in California. After a year of surgical training, he served in the Air Force as a Flight Surgeon for six years. During that time he deployed to multiple locations and participated in a variety of missions including combat sorties, humanitarian and medical support, and direct Presidential support for George W. Bush. He served as a Squadron Commander and Chief of the Medical Staff. He retired from the Air Force after 25 years of service to his country.

After retirement, the Afflecks moved to La Grande, Oregon for two years and ultimately settled in Southwest Idaho now working at Saltzer Medical Group as an ENT. He practiced in Nampa for eight years and has recently moved to a new office in Meridian. Brother Affleck serves in the community as the Scoutmaster for Troop 888 in Meridian and has been heavily involved in scouting since he turned 18.

Brian married Mary Webb and together they have five children and ten grandchildren. Brother Affleck has served in a multitude of callings including nursery, primary, young men’s, bishopric, high council, and stake young men’s president. He currently serves as the Primary Chorister in his ward. 

This is Michelle Burk, and you are listening to the “I AM IN” podcast.  

Today’s speaker, Jason Ellsworth, leads Clēnera as President and CEO.  Clēnera is a national leader in developing, building, and operating large-scale renewable energy (solar and battery) facilities.  Jason co-founded Clēnera in 2013, with long-time friend and business partner Adam Pishl. Prior to Clēnera, Jason was founder and CEO of Sunlight Partners, a U.S. volume developer of small utility-scale solar energy plants. Prior to that, Jason was Vice President and General Manager of U.S.-based solar manufacturer SolFocus. He has held a number of management positions in advanced materials and technology. Jason has a bachelor’s degree in International Business from Boise State University and an MBA from Harvard University. He currently serves in a Stake Presidency in Boise Idaho.

This is Michelle Burk and you are listening to the “I AM IN” podcast.  

Today’s speaker, Trevor Dougal, and his wife are the parents of five awesome kids ranging in age from 11 years to 8 months. Brother Dougal has taught seminary and institute classes for the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints all over the Treasure Valley.  In addition to teaching youth and young adults, he and his wife run two other businesses.  The first is a youth ballroom dance program called Breakaway Ballroom. The second is a shoe business for children called Joyful Nest. Any time we get to hear from Trevor Dougal is a treat! We are so grateful to hear from him today.

Sam Swenson currently owns and operates podcast production companies.  From a studio in his home garage, he produces several podcast shows weekly. Sam has navigated a circuitous road through the industries of marketing and entrepreneurship. He has owned and operated many marketing agencies, web development firms, and has a long track record as a hired-gun helping businesses as a brand-development specialist. 

He is energized by tight deadlines. “When I know that people are depending on me, that’s when I shine.” He has a strong testimony of the power of forgiveness. 

Sam and his amazing wife are the parents of three beautiful children which he will openly declare as his biggest success stories in life.

While juggling church assignments, a growing family of five children and a heavily indebted business, they found Scentsy—a company famous for creating flameless candles. 

The perfect balance of rudder and sail, Heidi and Orville partner in leading Scentsy with the same passion, dedication and commitment they strive to give the Lord and their family. 

In July 2021, the Thompsons will stepped down from their business at Scentsy to serve for three years as the Mission President and Companion for the England London Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Heather is an inspirational speaker and Co-founder of the nonprofit “Chair The Hope. This nonprofit organization is committed to bringing mobility to those in need around the world. Since 2018 they have distributed over 2000 wheelchairs globally in various countries: Peru, Ghana, Costa Rica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.

Neal Hunt was born in Boise Idaho where he grew up playing sports, hunting and fishing.  He graduated from Borah High School in 2003 and then shortly left on his mission to Indiana.  Neal now has five kids and has been married to his wife for 10 years. He runs and operates his business “Diamonds By Appointment” out of Meridian Idaho where he specializes in selling engagement rings, diamonds, and jewelry.  Neal still loves and enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his family.  His other hobbies include catching bags of rattlesnakes and catching badgers.

Brother Dave Callister grew up in Boise Idaho, the only son of Judge Marion J. Callister.  It was a celebration in the whole community when after 8 daughters, the local federal judge finally had a son.  Three more sisters followed making the family an even dozen.  Dave graduated from Borah High School, served a church mission in Boston Massachusetts, and attended college at BYU in Provo, Utah.  It was during his college years that he started his first business—5 buck pizza.  He is a local businessman who has developed land, built subdivisions, and owned numerous businesses—Big River construction, Hard Rock Excavation and most recently Roma Designs Jewelry. He enjoys a good risk, especially when it follows with a big reward.  Dave’s love for the outdoors has also been shared with the young men he has worked with over the last 3 decades.  He has blessed many with his testimony of christ through both the youth program at church and the Boy Scout program in the community. He and his wife Becky are the parents of four incredible kids.

Brother Will Johns has lived the majority of his life in Idaho and enjoys the outdoors and beauty of his home state. As a young man growing up he was not raised in a religious household and it wasn’t until he was 17 that a group of friends invited him to church and which led to an invitation to be baptized. His baptism changed the trajectory of his life and became the start of a journey that has brought him many great blessings.

After serving a church mission in the South Carolina Columbia Mission, Brother Johns returned home and began attending classes at the Institute. As predicted by his mission president, he found a beautiful young lady to marry.  Will and and Ali were married on August 18th, 2011. He considers this day one of the highlights of his life. Brother Johns and his wife are the parents of 4 boys.

Brother Johns and his wife Ali both attended and completed their education at Idaho State University. After majoring in exercise science, Brother Johns intended on going into the medical field and began chiropractic school in San Francisco, CA. After nine months, a spiritual prompting came to teach seminary and after some hesitation and diligent prayer, Brother Johns dropped out medical school and began the journey of becoming a seminary teacher. He has since completed a Master’s degree at Boise State in Education, Curriculum and Instruction and is blessing the lives of youth and young adults both at Seminary and Institute classes in the Treasure Valley.