The Influence of President Russell M. Nelson

Published September 30, 2025 at 3:33 PM MDT

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints smiles while having lunch with local dignitaries in Concepcion, Chile on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018.

On Saturday, Sept. 27, Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at his home. He was 101 years old.

Nelson led the church during a time of significant change, navigating challenges like the global pandemic and shifts within the church’s membership and culture. A former heart surgeon, he brought a decisive, efficient leadership style that reshaped many aspects of Mormonism. Today on “RadioWest,” we’ll discuss his influence and legacy.

GUESTS:

Benjamin E. Park | Associate Professor of History at Sam Houston State University. His YouTube channel is Professor Benjamin Park.

Jana Riess | Historian, senior columnist for Religion News Service and author of “The Next Mormons.” [Bookshop | Amazon]

Patrick Mason | Professor of Religious Studies and History at Utah State University.

Matthew Bowman | Associate Professor of Religion and History and the Howard W. Hunter Chair of Mormon Studies at Claremont Graduate University.

Original Airdate: Wed., Oct. 1, 2025 at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.