BYU-Idaho/Web-Content huggingface dataset:
Disciples lead where they stand, says BYUI student | BYU-Idaho Radio

Chad Bell poses at BYU-Idaho Radio after his interview for the BYU-Idaho Disciple Journeys Podcast.

Perry Rockwood

REXBURG -- No matter what the chosen field of study, BYU-Idaho strives to help each student become the best disciple of Jesus Christ they can become. Chad Bell, a senior at BYU-Idaho, says that has been his experience.

In an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio, Bell shared what led him to the university in the first place.

"Ultimately, I did decide to tour other colleges," Bell said. "The spirit that I felt there, or just the feelings inside me, something wasn't quite right. And I knew that BYU-Idaho was the right place for me and where I needed to be. So BYUI is the only place where I submitted an application. I was excited to get in and have loved my time here."

Part of the mission of BYU-Idaho is to build disciple leaders. Bell said that, to him, being a disciple leader means to lead where you stand.

"They lead from the front. But disciple leaders, they can lead from anywhere," Bell said.

Bell said that he has met people and professors at BYU-Idaho who have helped him to just that.

"I love the faculty here at BYUI," Bell said. "Honestly, they're some of the best people I've ever met and they're definitely the best instructors I've ever had."

Bell said that from the classes, to the professors, to the people he has met and everything in between has culminated, for him, in a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

"There is a spirit here, on the campus of BYU-Idaho, and it's God's spirit," Bell said. "Sometimes we identify it as the spirit of Ricks, the spirit of belonging and love that we feel with the faculty and with the other students, and it's through God's spirit and perhaps that spirit of Ricks we sometimes call it, that we're able to draw closer to God and to Christ."

This interview is part of the BYU-Idaho Disciple Journeys Podcast.

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How one man's prayer changed his life forever | BYU-Idaho Radio

churchofjesuschrist.org

BYU-Idaho Radio · How one man's prayer changed his life forever

REXBURG-- Matthew Maroon grew up as a little bit different from a typical member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Maroon only went to church a couple of times in his young life, but one thing he held onto was daily prayer, which led him to becoming a very active member of the Church.

Maroon grew up in a divided household. His father was not a member of the Church, and his mother wasn't active.

"When I was born, she knew enough to kind of go to church so I can get a baby blessing. So, I did get a baby blessing," Maroon said. "She knew enough that when, members of the Church turned eight that they were eligible for baptism. And then was baptized when I was eight, but then we were kind of not really involved in church until one of my younger sisters got baptized."

When preparing for baptism, Maroon was taught by the missionaries that he should pray every day.

"And I think that really kind of helped me early on, even though I didn't really know why I was doing it at the time, but it did help me kind of build a relationship with God and that was something that has just been invaluable throughout all my life," Maroon said.

One night, as a 15-year-old sophomore in high school, Maroon felt impressed to ask God to help him make friends with better standards.

"I remember praying one night, kind of cutting a deal with God. I was like, 'God, will you give me new friends if I go back to church?' was kind of my deal and I don't know that you're supposed to do that, but in my scenario, I think it worked," Maroon said. "And clearly, I felt like, 'Yeah, you need to go back to church.'"

Maroon and his mom then made a New Year's resolution to go back to church. As years passed, his sisters slowly started to join them.

Maroon then served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ in Honduras. After his missionary service, he attended Ricks College. When the school was later renamed BYU-Idaho, Maroon was touched by a quote by Henry B. Eyring, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a prophecy he made during a devotional that BYU-Idaho students would become "legendary."

"After BYU Idaho, I had this incredible opportunity to move to New York City for my first job," Maroon said. "And I remember just kind of thinking, okay, this is what legendary looks like, right? I'm starting my legendary path, right. And that I was fulfilling. That was pretty powerful."

Maroon now works at BYU-Idaho as the Marketing Department chair where he teaches students that they can become legendary through their faithful covenant-making.

"But at the end of the day, I think we just need to understand that, if we've made covenants with God, let's understand what those covenants are," Maroon said. "And if we really kind of look into them if we kind of just study and pray. It's not super complicated."

This interview is part of the BYU-Idaho Disciple Journeys Podcast.

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Inside BYUI's College of Physical Sciences and Engineering | Radio

Maddie Wahlen looks on as Mike Sessions answers a question during an episode of the <i>Fulfilling the Mission</i> podcast.

BYU-Idaho Radio

BYU-Idaho's College of Physical Sciences and Engineering has more departments than any other college at the university, with eight departments.

This STEM-focused college includes the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, the Department of Design and Construction Management, the Department of Engineering Technology, the Department of Geology and Environmental Science, the Department of Mathematics, the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering and the Department of Physics.

Mike Sessions, the dean for the college, characterizes the college as one that has a high job placement rate for students after graduation. He says those jobs tend to be high paying. Because this is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math-based college students will take multiple math-related classes.

Maddie Wahlen grew up in Rigby and went to Utah State University right out of high school. She decided to transfer to BYU-Idaho where she majored in biochemistry and was able to become the president of the Student Success Council where she represented the college. She says the council was a way to help solve problems, like freshman retention.

"We were really focused on getting freshmen involvement in student societies and seeing them continue to participate and increase freshmen retention because of that," she says.

The mission of BYU-Idaho, which is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is "to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities." Sessions' background is in construction design and likes to use the example of Jesus Christ as a carpenter when he talks about fulfilling the mission of BYU-Idaho.

"So many of the symbols in the gospel are carpentry tools," he says, "and when you're in the construction field, you learn what those tools are used for, how they're used, why they're used. And so the symbols are no longer symbolic, they take on meaning."

Wahlen says in her classes in chemistry and biochemistry, she also saw direct correlations between what she was learning and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

"I learned for myself that God is a chemist. God is someone that puts together these beautiful machines that are inside of us," Wahlen says.

Learn more about the College of Physical Sciences and Engineering and explore the majors in each of the departments.

You can watch the **Fulfilling the Mission** podcast episode featuring Dean Mike Sessions and Maddie Wahlen on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all your favorite podcast apps. You can also watch it below.

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'I think the most spiritual major is Physics' | BYU-Idaho Radio

Physics student Brian Palmer talks about his experience in the Department of Physics as Department Chair Evan Hansen listens.

BYU-Idaho Radio

At BYU-Idaho, the Physics Department is about more than equations; it's a place where discipleship and academic excellence meet.

Evan Hansen, Physics Department chair, and Brian Palmer, a student studying physics, sat down with Natalia Hepworth to talk about how the department's unique approach helps shape BYU-Idaho students into disciple leaders.

The Department of Physics offers a variety of bachelor's degrees including Physics: Astronomy, Physics: Engineering, Physics Education, Physics: Mathematical, Physics: Chemistry, Physics: Medical, Physics: Biophysics, Physics: Pre-Medical, Physics: Geophysics and Physics: Computational.

Palmer transferred from Virginia Tech University and said BYU-Idaho's Physics Department has uniquely prepared him to thrive academically and spiritually.

"And so here, not only do they do really well at explaining to us, you know, the physics and the math, but they allow us to kind of come into our own in our personality wise and be able to be confident in sharing our passions," Palmer said.

The department faculty members work intentionally to help every student succeed. Faculty members meet weekly to check progress and provide personal support to students. Especially freshmen, who are not only new to navigating college but also new to the difficult academic load that is a Physics degree. From day one, new students find a sense of community and mentorship through the Student Physics Society and faculty members who truly care.

Internships at places like the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and UC Davis provide students with real-world experiences that often surpass those of some professors. Through these opportunities, students learn how to learn, becoming confident problem solvers and passionate learners.

The professors also make sure to bring in the gospel of Jesus Christ when they teach about physics.

"I think the most spiritual major is physics, because you really get to understand the way that God works," Palmer said.

"The best physics students are the best disciples of Christ," Hansen said.

The Department of Physics mission is clear: to prepare BYU-Idaho students who are not only skilled physicists but strong disciples of Christ.

Learn more about the Department of Physics.

You can watch or listen to this episode of the **Fulfilling the Mission** podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. The episode is also available below.

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Kevin Cooper: Seeing God's hand in military life | BYU-Idaho Radio

BYU-Idaho Radio · Kevin Cooper: God's Hand in Military Life

REXBURG-- In the course of his service in the United States Army Reserve, Kevin Cooper found himself amidst a war not only of political stature, but a war of religious diversity.

Kevin Cooper is a faculty member in the Nutrition Department at BYU-Idaho and is also a current member of the Army Reserve. His military service has taken him to many corners of the world, including the Middle East, allowing him to experience different cultures and backgrounds.

In an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio, Cooper was questioned about how he managed to uphold the standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while deployed in foreign countries for military service.

"It is really challenging. But I will say that when it comes to the Church and religion, I'm a firm believer that you just got to make your standards and expectations known right off the bat," Cooper said. "Let people know who you are. You're a member of the Church. Don't hide it or try to be shy from that."

While deployed in the Middle East, Cooper was among many Muslim people and didn't see many other Latter-day Saints. He says he took a message from Church President Russell M. Nelson to heart.

"And one thing that I think President Nelson and many of the prophets have tried to help us understand as Latter-day Saints is you never treat anyone differently ... you treat them the same with kindness and love and respect for their religious beliefs. And then they usually do for ours as well," Cooper said.

Cooper's confidence as a disciple of Christ led to unlikely friendships and mutual respect with members of other religious denominations. It didn't come about by happenstance, but by faithful action.

"As long as you have those key things, daily personal prayer, stay close to the Lord, you'll be able to keep your testimony strong," he said. "Even if times are tough and maybe you make some mistakes or even fall short on obedience, as long as you are doing those key things, your testimony can stay strong."
Sneak preview teases BYU-Idaho choirs Christmas show | BYUI Radio

BYU-Idaho Christmas sneak preview

Randall Kempton

BYU-Idaho Radio · Sneak preview teases BYU-Idaho choirs Christmas show

If anyone is looking to get into the Christmas spirit before we even reach Thanksgiving, BYU-Idaho has just the event for you.

The BYU-Idaho Christmas sneak preview is happening this Saturday in the Barrus Concert Hall in the Eliza R. Snow Building on campus.

The concert features several holiday songs such as "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" with around 270 singers from various groups, including the Men's and Women's choruses.

This concert is just a preview for the main event, the BYU-Idaho Christmas show, which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the BYU-Idaho Center. It will feature "Great Gatsby" and "Newsies" Broadway star Jeremy Jordan.

Randall Kempton, the director of choral activities at BYU-Idaho, says the Barrus Concert Hall makes the performances feel special.

"Such a great acoustic space when you have singers behind you, around you, in front of you, there's a physical feeling that you just don't get by listening online," Kempton said. "You're hugged by the sound. It makes your body vibrate. It's like being at a rock concert in a way."

For anyone listening to BYU-Idaho Radio, Kempton shares an exclusive sneak peek of the show Saturday.

"We'll be singing 'Tennessee Christmas' but with our own version of the words," Kempton said. "It's sort of in the Meredith's honor since they're from Tennessee. If you come to the show, you'll hear the full version of the words that you won't hear in the BYU-Idaho Center."

As for the main event, Kempton says the prices to see a Broadway star like Jeremy Jordan are "absolutely a steal."

"To see currently a lead on Broadway in 'The Great Gatsby,' and he having an understudy do his role in New York to come here to Idaho and sing in our show," Kempton said. "To only have $10 for the ticket price for a student? It's absolutely ridiculous. Anywhere else in this country, you'd be paying $50 at minimum for the nosebleed seats."

For more information regarding ticket prices, event dress, dates and times, visit BYU-Idaho's website for the Christmas Sneak Preview and the Jeremy Jordan BYU-Idaho Christmas concert.

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Students and locals cheer on BYU football from afar | BYU-Idaho Radio

BYU-Idaho Radio · Come Cheer on the Cougars on Campus

REXBURG--This season, BYU Cougars football is reaching heights it has not seen for several years and is on course to do something it hasn't done since 1984. If you ask a group of BYU-Idaho students, they might tell you it is thanks, in part, to them.

Each Saturday, the Manwaring Center on the campus of BYU-Idaho transforms into Lavell Edwards Stadium North. On gameday, BYU-Idaho students and Rexburg locals come together to cheer on the Cougars from afar. The experience is as close as it gets to being at the stadium itself. During what they call the "IROC Watch Party," the game is shown on the big screen, the audio is blasted on the speakers, and the fans take care of the rest.

From first downs, to big plays, to touchdowns, Cougars fans cheer their hearts out and hang on every play.

Along with making their passion heard, fans also come dressed from head to toe in Cougars gear, waving flags and shaking pom-poms. BYU even sends Cougar Tails to Rexburg for the watch parties. So, the only places you can get the foot-long maple bars are at Lavell Edwards Stadium and on Saturdays at the Manwaring Center.

BYU-Idaho student and avid Cougar fan, Bridger Cleverly, has been coming to the watch parties since the season started and says he wouldn't want to be anywhere else on gameday.

"What are you doing if you haven't come?" Cleverly asked. "It's a party. You get face painting. There's just a cool energy. You get to meet a lot of cool people, and it's just a good way to watch a game. It beats sitting on your couch watching it."

During commercial breaks, music is played over the loudspeakers. For the halftime intermission, three people go head-to-head to see who can finish off a Cougar Tail the fastest. Organizers also raffle off Cougars gear.

With the win on Saturday, the Cougars are now 8-0 and ranked ninth in the country. This week is a bye week for BYU, but they will get back at it on Nov. 9 and reignite the Holy War rivalry with the University of Utah.

Game time is set for Nov. 9 at 8:15 p.m. from Rice Eckels Stadium in Salt Lake City. To find more about the watch parties, visit the I-Belong page of the school website.
The Spot Podcast Returns for Fall 2025 | BYU-Idaho Radio

As the leaves begin to turn and a new semester gets underway at BYU-Idaho, **The Spot** returns for another season of thoughtful conversations, student perspectives, and campus insights. In our Fall 2025 premiere episode, we are excited to introduce our new hosting team: Maiya Waddell, Bea Mattos, and Grace Andrus.

This opening episode sets the tone for the season. Our hosts reflect on the first week of classes, share their initial thoughts and experiences, and begin to shape the direction of this semester's discussions. Whether you're a returning listener or new to **The Spot**, you'll find a welcoming space where real student voices take center stage.

More than just a podcast, **The Spot** is a platform built around you. The students of BYU-Idaho. We're committed to talking about the topics that matter most to our campus community. And this semester, we want your input more than ever.

What would you like to hear us talk about? 
 Whether it's campus culture, academic tips, spiritual life, or something totally unexpected, your ideas are welcome. Reach out through the comments, social media, or email and let us know what's on your mind.

As always, thank you for listening, supporting, and engaging with **The Spot**. We're excited for what's ahead and hope you'll join us each week as we continue to explore the conversations happening right here at BYU-Idaho.

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The Spot: Rock Climbing | BYU-Idaho Radio

BYU-Idaho Radio · The Spot: Rock Climbing

Join hosts Christian Nelson, Brianna Leal and Chandler Guadagnin as they talk about the sport captivating many students in Rexburg -- rock climbing.

This week, they are joined by special guest, Kira Martin, the owner of The Rock Gym Rexburg.

They discuss why rock climbing is so popular, how to get started, and what gear you need.

Slide on your climbing shoes and climb aboard for this week's episode of The Spot!
What you need to know about BYU-Idaho Grad Night

BYU-Idaho Radio · What you need to know about BYU-Idaho Grad Night

BYU-Idaho's Fall 2025 semester commencement is here, and the Alumni Office is hosting Grad Night to usher in new beginnings for the graduating seniors.

Emma Hyde, alumni engagement coordinator, says this will be the fourth Grad Night the school has thrown in recent years. She says the school puts the event on for two reasons: to give graduates one more chance to get together and experience the Spirit of Ricks and to welcome them into the Alumni Association.

Hyde remembers how she felt as she attended Grad Night before her own graduation about a year ago.

"The energy in the room is high with goals of the future. But it's also very--I'm saying bye to, you know, campus, my apartment, the devotional. It's all going to come to an end tomorrow when I walk across that stage. So, it's kind of an interesting feeling, but it's neat. It's neat to be a part of," Hyde said.

Grad Night begins with a meet-and-greet with BYU-Idaho President Alvin F. Meredith III and Sister Jennifer Meredith. Graduates can have an opportunity to step up to greet them, and that will be followed by a devotional from the Merediths. They'll offer grads life advice and inspiring insights on how they can carry the spirit of BYU-Idaho with them into their futures.

"And each graduate that comes actually gets a gift from the Alumni Office," Hyde said. "So, you'll get a bag that's got some goodies in it. Just a parting goodbye. 'Goodbye to BYU-Idaho, welcome to the Alumni Association' gift from us."

Hyde says the event will be engaging and uplifting for students. She says they can expect to have fun, learn new things, hang out with their friends and have refreshments.

You can find more information about the order of events on BYU-Idaho's Grad Night website.

Grad Night will take place Wednesday evening in the Taylor Chapel starting with the meet-and-greet at 5 p.m., and the devotional at 6 p.m.
Chandler Guadagnin | BYU-Idaho Radio

Chandler Guadagnin has worked in radio broadcasting for nine years. He began as a junior in high school for Deer Creek Broadcasting in Chico, CA.

Following high school, Chandler served as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Nebraska Omaha Mission.

Over nearly a decade of broadcast experience, he has worked as a board operator, halftime and postgame show host, and reporter. He currently works as a reporter and host for All Things Considered.

In his free time, Chandler enjoys watching and playing sports. He is a big baseball fan. His favorite teams are the San Francisco Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and BYU Cougars.

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