Special Issues
Have a conference, gala, or other special event coming up? Let us create a magazine issue dedicated to your organization! We’ll work in close collaboration with you to plan, write, edit, and design a special issue that tells your best stories and features your amazing team members. Check out this issue about Colt Builders for inspiration. To learn more, email sales@goodnewsutah.com. Together, we can create the perfect publication!
Spring/Summer 2022 Issue
One of the greatest gifts in life is our ability to change. Whether it be a small adjustment or a complete transformation, change is the catalyst for personal growth and evolution, and this issue of Good News Utah is filled with stories about people who are changing themselves and their communities.
Take the inspiring examples of Samson Phommabout and Levi Lieske—two former gang members who have completely transformed their lives for the better. From the time they were young boys, they were immersed in gang life. After years filled with violence, death, and prison time, they both decided to rebuild their lives to become successful business owners who give back to their community in their own unique ways (“Rising Above the Violence,” p. 48).
On our cover, we are honored to feature Tessa White. Once a struggling single mother, she is now a national sensation who is helping millions of people to improve their lives by creating a better career path (“The Job Doctor: Transforming Careers One Person at a Time,” p. 40).
In this issue, Adam Nugent also shares his weight-loss journey (“How Adam Nugent Lost 120 Pounds,” p. 58). For most of his life, he turned to food to cope with his emotions rather than face the things in his life that weren’t serving him. He was finally able to change when he decided to look inward and face the guy in the mirror.
As Barack Obama once said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” May we find the strength and courage to change our lives for the better, and may we begin today!
Winter 2021 Issue
Author and life coach Tony Robbins once said, “When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” This issue of Good News Utah is filled with people who recognize the abundance in their lives and are working hard to share it with others.
Take the example of young Timmy Hong. At 8 years old, he became distraught when he witnessed people begging on the streets during a family outing to Temple Square. With the help of his family, he created a hot chocolate stand to raise money for a local food pantry, and it has become a beloved six-year tradition for those in his community (“Warming Hearts and Feeding the Hungry,” p. 22).
Kelly and Elaine Farmer founded the nonprofit Globus Relief when they realized that surplus medical supplies could be collected and distributed to help people throughout the United States and around the world (“Healing the World Through Healthcare,” p. 40). To date, the organization has worked with hundreds of charities in more than 140 countries.
We are honored to feature the multi-talented David Osmond on our cover. He shares with us what it was like to grow up in show business and talks candidly about his ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis (“David Osmond: Looking at a Miracle,” p. 32). He is one of the most sincere and positive people you will ever meet, and as he wisely said, “No matter our circumstances, we can’t ask, ‘Why did this happen to me?’ unless we also ask the same question about every moment of happiness and joy that comes into our lives.”
Practicing gratitude can dramatically shift your perspective, and suddenly the fear of never having enough time, money, or resources is replaced by the assurance that there is more than enough to go around. May we strive to share our abundance this holiday season and in the new year.
Happy Holidays!
Fall 2021 Issue
At Good News Utah, we are constantly searching for positive stories to inspire and uplift our readers, and some of our favorites we have found are about people who have overcome their suffering and refused to let their circumstances define them. Our fall issue is filled with those stories.
David Durocher was a drug addict and convict who had spent several years in and out of prison. Then one day he made a decision that helped him to slowly build a brand-new life. Now, he helps others who have hit rock bottom to do the same (“Sharing Hope and Transforming Lives: The Other Side Academy,” p. 38).
Jennie Taylor had recently given birth to her seventh child when her husband, Major Brent Taylor, was killed in Afghanistan. To honor his legacy, she has created a new foundation to serve military families and train future leaders (“Becoming a Legacy Maker,” p. 46).
Also in this issue is the story of Utah teen Ashis Dhakal, a refugee from Nepal. He spent the earliest years of his life in a refugee camp before finally immigrating to the U.S. He now spends his time serving the local homeless community and children in Nepal who live in extreme poverty (“From Refugee to Philanthropist: How One Utah Teen Is Giving Back,” p. 22).
You’ll also read about amazing people like Nikki Walker (on our cover) who are working hard behind the scenes to create opportunities for others who might have been overlooked (“The Color of Utah: One Woman’s Quest to Improve Diversity and Inclusion,” p. 32). Not to mention the practical tips about how to make life a little easier and a little more positive.
It is our hope that the stories in this issue can help us all find renewed strength and determination to rise above the challenges we are facing and make the world a better place for others around us. What better way to show how indomitable and resilient the human spirit truly is.
Happy reading!
Summer 2021 Issue
As Dr. Alfred Adler once said, “Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.” We can’t think of a better way to help a person feel acknowledged and loved than seeking to understand what they are experiencing and walking a mile in their shoes.
This issue of Good News Utah is filled with amazing people who are using the power of empathy to serve and support others. On our cover is fitness guru Drew Manning, who intentionally gained and then lost 75 pounds so he could better understand how to help his overweight clients (“Fit to Fat to Fabulous: Drew Manning’s Up-and-Down Journey,” p. 24).
Kyle Fox, who created the nonprofit organization Follow the Flag, does everything in his power to honor the bravery and sacrifice of U.S. veterans and helps their families feel supported as they work through feelings of grief and loss. His efforts have sparked a new wave of patriotism and united communities across the country (“To Honor, Heal, and Inspire,” p. 38).
Also in this issue is a touching story about a group of Utah women who are bringing a much-needed boost to local restaurant workers (“Serving Up Kindness,” p. 20). Their acts of generosity and kindness have moved these employees to tears as they realize that people care about them and their struggles to make ends meet after an extremely tough year dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Empathy makes the world feel less lonely. When we show compassion and express empathy for someone else, it creates a way to truly connect with other people, and it’s a beautiful thing to witness.
Enjoy!
