In this episode, we sit down with Utah-based indie singer/songwriter Alli Barker, a planner at heart and an artist by calling. Raised in Pleasant Grove as the eldest of four, Alli learns early how to lead, organize, and dream big—launching her first neighborhood business at just 11 years old, competing in tennis, and performing on stage through high school theatre.

But Alli’s story runs deeper than ambition and creativity. Despite serving an honorable mission and being married in the temple, she carries lasting trauma from both her mission experience and her now ex-husband—experiences that have profoundly shaped her personal and creative journey.

We talk about the unexpected moment that shifts her path toward music, how songwriting became a way to process pain and rediscover her voice, and what perseverance and faith look like when life doesn’t unfold as planned. Alli shares openly about navigating loss, rebuilding identity, and moving forward with honesty and hope—both as a person and as an artist.

You’ll hear the story behind the music, the resilience behind the melodies, and a glimpse of what’s next, as Alli prepares to release new music later this year.

What started as a simple question—“Is there a better way to go?”—became a groundbreaking invention that flipped bathroom habits upside down (or should we say, feet up?). From a moment of inspiration to viral fame, Judy Edwards, the creator of the Squatty Potty shows that innovation can come from the most unexpected places… even the bathroom.

Today’s episode is all about thinking outside the bowl and how Judy turned a bathroom problem into a world-famous solution with a product that proved good posture isn’t just for school pictures.

So get comfortable, put your feet up—metaphorically—and let’s dive in. Trust us, this story is number one… and number two approved.

Originally released in 2023, we are republishing this episode after our podcast platform host removed it since we played one of the group’s songs at the end of the episode without going through the proper copyright process. The song is now removed and the episode is uploaded again because it would be a shame to not have this available for all to hear. Enjoy!

MIA the rest of 2025. Stay tuned for 2026!

Dane Astle, founder of Edifice Architecture, a boutique commercial firm with projects spanning Arizona. Dane’s journey to opening Edifice in 2018 was more than a career move—it was the fulfillment of a ten–year vision that began when he graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in architecture.

But the roots of his determination stretch back even further. Growing up as the seventh of nine children, Dane learned early the value of hard work and resilience. When his family relocated from Huntington Beach, California, to Provo, Utah, after his father’s development work slowed, life required sacrifice and grit. Whether earning half the money for a school trip or pitching in at home, those lessons shaped the work ethic that would eventually fuel Dane’s success as a business owner. Dane now shares how faith, perseverance, and vision helped him build a firm that not only designs buildings, but brings lasting value to every client it serves.

A double encounter with pungent passengers on his flight to and from his destination sparks Michael DeLeeuw to create the essence ring, a sanctuary for the olfactories.

However, just like any good flight will experience moments of turbulence, the journey to get his invention off the ground didn’t come without its bumps. But with good old fashion hard work, self belief, and a deal on the hit TV show Shark Tank, Michael and his wife Tami are poised to grow their business from the front room to the board room.

In this episode of Fortune and Faith, we share the story of Allison Brown—a high achiever who always embraces a challenge. From excelling as a three-sport athlete and valedictorian in Palmdale, CA, to pursuing her dream of attending Brigham Young University, Allison seems on track to achieve everything she sets her heart on. Her artistic talents flourish at BYU’s fine arts program, but life takes an unexpected turn.

When Allison isn't accepted into her desired graphic design program and her fiancé is offered a job back in Southern California, she makes the difficult decision to leave school and step into the unknown. With faith as her guide, Allison learns to let go of her original plans and trust in a path she never imagines.

Tune in as Allison shares how faith, resilience, and unexpected detours shape her journey.

Though now celebrated for their genre-defying blend of classical, pop, and rock music, Jon Schmidt's path to the piano was far from certain as the pianist of the world renowned group - The Piano Guys.

As the youngest of five children in a family of German immigrants who fled WWII, Jon’s early piano lessons came from his older sister. Despite his natural gift, it wasn’t until a profound loss and a powerful admonition from his mission president that Jon fully embraced his God-given talents.

Jon also opens up about the heartbreaking passing of his daughter Annie, who disappeared in 2016 during an outdoor hiking trip in Oregon and how his past experiences helped buoy his faith in the greatest time of questions and uncertainty.

If you enjoyed our conversation with cellist Steven Sharp Nelson back in August 2023, you won’t want to miss this intimate look at "the other guy" behind the piano. Jon’s story is one of faith, family, and finding purpose through music.

Tune in to hear how Jon’s journey from reluctance to recognition continues to inspire audiences—and why he believes our talents, and our faith, are never meant to be buried.