In Episode 12 of Space for Faith, Matt sits down with Dustin Eskelsen — the State Director of MUFON Utah, a Field Investigator, and a key member of MUFON’s Experiencer Resource Team — for one of the most wide-ranging and insightful conversations yet.

If you’ve been curious about the UFO/UAP phenomenon, the experiencer community, or how people of faith can make sense of extraordinary encounters, this podcast is a must-listen.

Dustin brings years of investigative experience, countless field cases, and a compassionate approach to experiencers who report contact, sightings, or high-strangeness events. In this conversation, Matt and Dustin explore:

• The reality of the UAP phenomenon and why the evidence keeps pointing toward something genuine and unexplained
• Dustin’s role as State Director of MUFON Utah and the unique sightings in the region
• What the Experiencer Resource Team does and how Dustin responds to people navigating frightening, confusing, or transformative encounters
• Patterns in abduction and close-contact reports, including the themes that show up again and again

Dustin shares thoughtful guidance on how to support someone who has had an anomalous experience, and why humility is essential when dealing with the unknown. Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or someone cautiously exploring the topic, Dustin’s experience brings clarity to a field often misunderstood.

This episode is perfect for listeners searching for:
• MUFON interviews
• UAP and UFO investigation insights
• Experiencer and abduction resources
• Faith-based perspectives on extraterrestrial life
• Utah UFO sightings
• High-strangeness stories
• Practical advice for those trying to make sense of a personal encounter
• The intersection of spirituality, science, and the anomalous

If you’re intrigued by the UAP phenomenon or you’re looking for a thoughtful, grounded conversation that bridges science, mystery, and faith, this episode offers depth, compassion, and real investigative experience from someone on the front lines.

Episode 11 – Return from Rysa: UFOs, Faith, and the Lost Tribes of Israel with Rick Nelson & Phill Wright

What happens when faith, scripture, and UFO phenomena intersect? In this thought-provoking episode of Space for Faith, Matt sits down with authors Rick Nelson and Phill Wright, creators of the Return from Rysa series—a groundbreaking exploration of how God’s plan of salvation might extend across the universe.

We dive into:

• The inspiration behind Return from Rysa and how it bridges Christianity with UFO and extraterrestrial experiences.

• A powerful parable about God’s interactions with His children on other worlds, and how the atonement of Jesus Christ applies universally.

• Scriptural insights on the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel—where they may have gone, and whether they could be hidden here on Earth… or elsewhere.

• The Book of Mormon’s warnings about secret combinations and what they mean for today’s society.

• Extraterrestrial life, disclosure, alien abduction accounts, and why faith and preparedness matter in a time of uncertainty.

Rick and Phill also share books that shaped their own journeys of faith—like The Heavenly Man and Visions of Glory—and preview their upcoming release, Return from Rysa: Book 3.

Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or just curious about how spirituality and the UFO phenomenon might connect, this episode will challenge your thinking and inspire you to prepare both spiritually and mentally for the days ahead.

👉 Learn more about Rick & Phill’s work at returnfromrysa.com.
👉 Listen, follow, and share Space for Faith for more deep conversations at the intersection of religion, extraterrestrials, and the future of humanity.

Title:
Encounters with the Unknown: Jordan Anderson on Faith, Mystery, and Keeping Belief Alive

Description:
In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode of Space for Faith, host Matt Checketts sits down with Jordan Anderson—a devoted family man, hospitality professional, and Matt’s lifelong friend—to explore the intersection of faith, family, and mysterious encounters. Jordan openly shares powerful stories of unexplained experiences both he and his loved ones have faced, delving into how these moments shaped their spiritual journeys and reinforced their belief systems. Through heartfelt discussion, Matt and Jordan reflect on maintaining faith amid uncertainty, confronting the unknown, and how spirituality grounds us even as we explore profound mysteries.

Perfect for those intrigued by faith-driven perspectives on anomalous phenomena, this conversation offers insights, comfort, and inspiration for anyone navigating the complexities of belief in the face of life's biggest questions.

Keywords: faith, family, spirituality, UFOs, unexplained experiences, anomalous phenomena, belief, mysteries, hospitality industry, lifelong friendship

🎙️ Episode 9 — Kurt Francom: Leadership, Faith, and “Is God Disappointed in Me?”

In this powerful episode of Space for Faith, host Matt sits down with Kurt Francom, founder of Leading Saints, to explore the intersection of Latter-day Saint leadership, personal faith, and the mysteries of the cosmos.

Kurt shares the inspiring origin story of Leading Saints, a nonprofit organization and podcast that supports Latter-day Saint leaders worldwide. He opens up about his spiritual journey and the insights that led to his thought-provoking new book, Is God Disappointed in Me?, which challenges common misconceptions about God’s expectations and our worthiness.

Matt and Kurt also venture into unexpected terrain — discussing UAPs (unidentified anomalous phenomena), how curiosity fits into faith, and what Church leadership might look like in a rapidly changing world.

Whether you’re a church leader, a seeker of spiritual truth, or simply curious about the edges of belief, this conversation offers hope, depth, and actionable wisdom.

• Kurt Francom

• Leading Saints podcast

• Is God Disappointed in Me book

• Latter-day Saint leadership

• faith and doubt in Mormonism

• UAPs and religion

• Space for Faith podcast

• LDS mental health and worthiness

• Church leadership challenges

Episode 8 of Space for Faith is a solo deep-dive with Matt into three transformational books that weave together UFO encounters and the hope of divine truth. In this episode, Matt shines a light on what’s happening in our world with the aim of strengthening your faith in God the Father and in Jesus Christ.

What You’ll Hear:

• A recommendation for Whitley Strieber’s classic Communion—the book that brought “alien abduction” into the mainstream—by award-winning author Whitley Strieber.

• The remarkable true story in UFO of God by Chris Bledsoe (whose experiences blend missing time, miraculous healings, and encounters with agencies) and why it matters for believers.

• Jonathan Cahn’s prophetic exploration in Return of the Gods from bestselling author Jonathan Cahn, unpacking ancient patterns reemerging in our day.

Why Listen?
Matt connects the dots between UFO phenomena and spiritual awakening—showing how each of these books, in its own way, points us back to the Creator. Whether you’re skeptical or curious, you’ll come away with fresh perspectives on how extraordinary encounters can fortify trust in God’s love, purpose, and sovereignty.

Links to Explore:

1. Communion by Whitley Strieber

   • Amazon ▶️ https://a.co/d/7e7OdlG

   • Author ▶️ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitley_Strieber

2. UFO of God by Chris Bledsoe

   • Amazon ▶️ https://a.co/d/7K32Z8G

3. Return of the Gods by Jonathan Cahn

   • Amazon ▶️ https://a.co/d/3345kNC

   • Author ▶️ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Cahn

Tune in and be encouraged—these stories may challenge what you thought you knew about UFOs, but more importantly, they all direct us toward a loving creator at work in ways we’re only beginning to understand.

Space for Faith — Episode 7: Faith and the Unknown with Jena G., RN

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Jena G., a registered nurse whose deep faith in Jesus Christ shapes her thoughtful perspective on the mysterious world of UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena). Jena brings a unique blend of clinical insight and spiritual clarity as she shares her experiences and reflections on how believers can navigate the growing flood of information and speculation about UAPs with faith, hope, and discernment.

Join us for an engaging conversation that bridges spirituality, and the unknown — offering encouragement to all who seek to keep their faith strong amid today’s unfolding cosmic mysteries.

Whether you’re a skeptic, a seeker, or a believer, this episode will inspire you to view the UAP phenomenon through a hopeful and faith-affirming lens.

Episode 6 – Faith, Mystery, and the Unexplained with Jennifer Rushton

In this episode of Space for Faith, we’re joined by Jennifer Rushton, a thoughtful and grounded voice from Louisville, Kentucky. Jennifer works as a paralegal in a real estate firm and holds a degree in Human Resource Management—but beyond her professional background, she brings a deep personal faith and a sincere curiosity about the anomalous.

Together, we explore the intersection of belief and mystery, delving into topics like the Travis Walton abduction case, the controversial work of Luis Elizondo, the persistent enigma of UAPs, and the unsettling patterns found in David Paulides' Missing 411 research. Jennifer shares her reflections on how these phenomena may challenge or reinforce faith, and how a spiritual lens can offer a unique perspective on the unexplained.

Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, this episode invites you to consider how faith and the unknown might not be at odds—but instead part of the same quest for truth.

In this episode of Space for Faith, host Matt takes listeners on a thoughtful journey into the intriguing world of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs). Whether you're a skeptic, a believer, or simply curious, this podcast explores how discoveries related to UAPs intersect profoundly with spirituality, faith, and our understanding of the universe.

This episode is specially designed for those new to the subject, offering clear and approachable suggestions on where to begin your exploration. Matt shares carefully curated recommendations for compelling books, insightful podcasts, and fascinating TV series that provide a solid foundation for understanding and engaging with the UAP phenomenon.

Join us as we bridge the gap between faith and the unknown, diving deep into a topic that continues to challenge perceptions, ignite curiosity, and expand our collective horizons.