135: Morgan Jones on Being All-In

Morgan Jones is the host of the All In podcast and the manager of audience engagement for Deseret Book. She previously wrote for the Deseret News where she published more than 480 stories. Her new book, All In: Exploring What It Means to Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ, shares what she has learned from interviewing over 130 people about their faith in Jesus Christ. Morgan is happiest when wearing sweatpants and will never get enough dark chocolate. She currently lives in Salt Lake City, but will forever be a North Carolina Tarheel. Today’s episode is sponsored by Christian Mingle. Go to christianmingle.com/mintarrow to find a like minded partner that you can make a real connection with.   Time Stamps: [00:54] - Morgan Jones recalls the ultimate reason she originally started her podcasting journey. [03:47] - The idea of the All In podcast shifted before its official launch. Morgan gives credit to the people who contributed to the overall concept along the way. [06:10] - Morgan works in the journalism space now, but in college, she ended up choosing a Public Relations major over a Journalism major. [09:06] - Morgan shares a theme she noticed after doing many interviews with influential people who trust Heavenly Father. [11:59] - What are Morgan’s thoughts about connecting with others on a personal level, especially as a person devoted to faith? [14:33] - Part of the purpose driving Morgan is the hope to help other faith-based people feel less alone. [16:41] - Morgan talks about how she faces adversity in the midst of doing good work.  [19:25] - Morgan tells a story about a couple who prayed for a child. [22:03] - Morgan explores the idea of whether people choose the difficulties before being born or if God decides the challenges to give to people. [24:35] - Morgan says that we are specifically equipped to take on the challenges we face in life, even the ones that feel past our capacity. [26:40] - What do challenges teach us? How are we able to help others through our challenges? [28:16] - Why does Morgan feel including people of other faiths is important? [31:01] - Morgan shares a moment of joy she experienced in an interview from a small act of kindness. [33:19] - Corrine shares her own funny story of interviewing during her podcast. Then, she moves the conversation back towards broader conversations of faith. [35:08] - Where did Morgan gain the inspiration for the main question in the All In podcast? [38:09] - Listen to Morgan talk about reflecting on her interview experiences to help write the book. [40:28] - There are different levels of being “all in”. Morgan dispels the misconception of “all in”, and describes the true meaning behind the name of the podcast. [42:50] - Corrine and Morgan share thoughts on when people take ownership of their problems.  [45:00] - Who are the top names on Morgan’s Interview Wishlist? Of everything Morgan learned from interviews, what is her new understanding of “convenance”? [47:29] - Morgan discusses the understanding of faith, promises, and appreciating covenants. [49:43] - Instead of division or isolation, Morgan promotes understanding, community, and honesty. [51:14] - Morgan reflects that regardless of how we witness God, we can feel the presence of God.   Supporting Resources: “All In: An LDS Living Podcast” Hosted by Morgan Jones  Morgan’s Book “All in. Exploring What It Means to Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ”