I SO ADORE Hank Smith! He is my all-time favorite speaker!
I have been blessed to work with him a few times--he is just as great in person as he is on his CD's!
And now you can listen to him for FREE with a Bookshelf Plus Subscription
I love everyone of his CD's! Take a look at what awesomeness!
Be Happy -- Audiobook
You can be happy—solidly, genuinely happy—no matter what's going on around you, no matter what happens to you, no matter what storm comes along to batter and bruise you.
Keep reading, and I'll show you how ...
Face it: it's not always easy to feel happy. With all of the worries and trials of day-to-day life, the cares of the world can seem overwhelming. But as popular speaker and author Hank Smith demonstrates, no matter your circumstances, you can be happy—the kind of happy that illuminates you from the inside out, a joy that does not depend on what happens to you, but what you do with what happens. With his characteristic humor, Hank offers readers a fresh perspective on finding joy in the journey with a collection of tools and strategies designed to inspire genuine happiness, such as:
- Learning to develop an optimistic outlook
- Understanding how to deal with feelings of depression
- Mastering ten simple tricks to jump-start your joy each day
Featuring an inspiring collection of real-life examples, enlightening doctrinal direction, and motivating goals, Be Happy is the guide you need to start living a happier life, today!
Fighting For And Not With Your Family -- Audiobook
We all want to be part of a forever family, right? But why do we seem to be on our worst behavior when we're with our family? Why do we seem to get along with everyone besides our family? What can we do to really want to spend eternity with our family? Hank can help! In this entertaining and enlightening talk by everyone's favorite youth speaker, Hank Smith tackles the problem of family unity and talks about what we can do to get that love at home we all sing about but sometimes miss in all the chaos of arguing, sibling rivalries, and good old-fashioned grumpiness. Using stories, examples from the scriptures, and plenty of his trademark humor, Hank gives practical solutions to an age-old problem. (Too bad Hank wasn't around when Nephi and his brothers weren't getting along!) Isn't it time we start fighting for instead of with our family?!
Build Your House Upon a Rock -- Audiobook
Hank Smith loves the youth of the Church, and it's easy to see why they love him in return. Hank has a unique ability to connect with youth, to make them laugh, to help them feel the Spirit, and to want to do better in life. In Build Your House Upon a Rock, Hank encourages youth to look at their foundations—those things they do that are part of their private or unseen life. He shares with them specific things they can do to learn self-mastery, to overcome temptations, and to live the standards found in For the Strength of Youth. Using the example of the new Provo City Center Temple, he gives youth hope that they can overcome any challenges as they examine their own foundations and turn to the Savior. This extended-length talk delivers a life-changing message that both youth and their parents will treasure.
Being Happy in an Unhappy World -- Audiobook
Anyone who's spend time around Hank Smith knows he's a happy person. Have you ever wondered why he's smiling all the time? Is it because his twins are finally sleeping through the night? Could it be because he's finally done with his PhD program? Maybe he's just thinking about ice cream! In his newest talk, Being Happy in an Unhappy World, Hank shares what he's learned from studying happiness. He expounds on what science has to say on the subject, what teenagers think happiness is, and what prophets and other Church leaders teach. He then highlights four key principles of happiness from the Book of Mormon that can help us be happy, too:
- Accentuate the positive.
- Learn to work.
- Keep the commandments.
- Drop the contention.
Of course, Hank uses laughter to teach about happiness. He says, “I think when people laugh, they learn more.” He'll keep you smiling and positive with his inspiring stories, personal examples, and testimony that teach you that even in a world filled with frowns, you can be happy, too.
Suit Up -- eBook
The Deseret Bookshelf version is enhanced with video.
The Lord needs more missionaries and He needs better prepared missionaries. He needs YOU!
From the bestselling authors that brought you Armor Up! this unique little book is intended to help teens get ready for all they will encounter as they embark on the unique adventure of missionary work. There has never been a more exciting time to be alive—and there has never been a more exciting time to be a missionary.
In Suit Up, several of your favorite youth speakers share lessons about preparing for a mission based on the scriptural advice contained in Doctrine and Covenants 4. If you're thinking about a mission, if you've already started preparing, or if you've got your call, you'll benefit from the messages and advice in Suit Up.
Contents
- “The Lord’s Marvelous Work” by Hank Smith
- “Give it Everything You’ve Got” by John Bytheway
- “I’ll Be What You Want Me to Be” by Jennifer Platt
- “Thrusting in our Sickle” by Brad Wilcox
- “The Essential Credentials” by Anthony Sweat
- “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” by Laurel Christensen
- “Ask and Ye Shall Receive” by John Hilton III
Filled with quotable quotes, it’s the perfect book for those who are ready to Suit Up!
Be of Good Cheer -- Audiobook
In his latest talk, Hank Smith shares a warm message of hope amidst the adversities of life. As always, Hank uses humor, teachings from the scriptures, and tender stories from his own life to make his point. He says that one of the best ways to be of good cheer when nothing seems to go right is to learn to laugh. Quoting from a study on the subject, Brother Smith says: "Laughing lowers your blood pressure, it reduces your stress hormone levels, it raises the level of infection-fighting antibodies, it lowers your blood sugar, it improves your memory, and triggers the release of endorphins. It will extend your life and make the lives of all around you more enjoyable." The good news is, Hank's message will make you laugh as it helps you keep the commandment to "Be of good cheer."
Running Down Your Dreams -- Audiobook
Hank Smith has been entertaining and inspiring his listeners for years with talks that teach important gospel principles in unique and memorable ways. In Running Down Your Dreams, Hank is back with a powerful message about setting goals, overcoming obstacles, achieving dreams, and, most important, following the Savior. He reminds listeners to remember their divine heritage. “If you want something to happen in your life, make it happen. You are the children of a Creator — He expects you to create.” Using the analogy of a marathon, Hank shares stories and examples of ways we can “finish the race.” He points out that we can have a positive influence on others when we strive to achieve our goals. “If you want to inspire your family and your friends, don’t just be their cheerleader,” says Brother Smith. “Show them how to break through limitations, and they will follow you. They will want to do it just like you have done.” Running Down Your Dreams shares a life-changing message of inspiration and motivation that the whole family will enjoy.
Armor Up! -- eBook
The Deseret Bookshelf version is enhanced with video.
“Take upon you my whole armor that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.” —D&C 27:15
These words are as true today as they were back in 1830 when Joseph Smith received them in revelation — almost more so as today’s youth face the growing challenges of our society. But now in this compact yet powerful book, today’s most beloved youth speakers explain how wearing that spiritual armor can not only help youth face those difficult challenges in life, but also conquer them.
Contents
- “Girt About with Truth” by Brad Wilcox
- “A Bulletproof Breastplate” by John Hilton III
- “Put on Your Gospel Shoes” by Anthony Sweat
- “Shields Up!” by John Bytheway
- “Buckle On Your Helmet” by Hank Smith
- “Your Spiritual Sword” by Laurel Christensen
Filled with quotable quotes and video QR codes, this is the perfect book for those who want to line up on the Lord’s side and Armor Up!
Real Life -- eBook and Audiobook
Sometimes, life doesn’t go exactly as planned. The fact is, in spite of our best efforts, real life can be tough and living the gospel can be difficult. In this inspiring and entertaining talk from popular speaker Hank Smith, we are reminded that life has its challenges, but eternal life has its rewards. Brother Smith likes Paul’s analogy of putting on the whole armor of God because armor isn’t designed for comfort. “We wear the armor of God,” says Brother Smith, “not the ‘sweats of heaven.’ We don’t put on the ‘hoodie of happiness,’ we put on the breastplate of righteousness. It’s not the ‘beanie of benevolence,’ it’s the helmet of salvation. Remember, the armor of God isn’t meant to be comfortable or convenient, it’s meant to protect us.” Using enlightening stories and impactful scriptures, Brother Smith teaches us how we can be sure we are on the Lord’s team and following His path. He reminds us that there is great power in truly living the gospel in real life.
Break Up With the World -- Audiobook
Popular speaker Hank Smith says the inspiration for this talk came when his five-year-old daughter announced that she has a boyfriend! Hank was so shocked that the only thing he could think to say was, “What’s his name?” His daughter answered that she didn’t know but she was sure he likes her because he chases her at recess and tries to kiss her! At this point, Hank, ever the protective parent, tried to remain calm and said, “You have to break up with him.” Her response was: “What does that mean?”
In this entertaining and inspirational talk, Brother Smith explains the importance of “breaking up” with the things of the world that keep us from getting closer to the Savior. For some people these things may be TV shows or other media that offends the Spirit. For others it may be an unhealthy relationship or obsessive comparisons and competitions. Using his trademark humor and stories, Brother Smith teaches us to “lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better” (D&C 25:10). Break Up With the World is a talk youth will relate to and the whole family will enjoy.
Do's and Don'ts of Dating -- eBook and Audiobook
If Hank Smith could have things his way, he would give all young men and young women an expensive sports car to help them learn about the do's and don'ts of dating. But unfortunately, even though he can do a great "rich guy look," Brother Smith isn't made of money - so you'll just have to settle for him telling you about this amazing car and what it has to do with dating. With his trademark humor, Hank shares a message from the "owner's manual of dating." Drawing on some hilarious experiences from his own dating years, poignant stories of others, and the wise counsel of the prophets and other Church leaders, Brother Smith shares an important message that youth will relate to and appreciate. Whether you're in the middle of the dating scene or still not quite old enough to drive, The Do's and Don'ts of Dating will take you on an entertaining and inspiring ride you won't soon forget.
Wake Up From Your Phone -- Audiobook
Not long ago Brother Hank Smith was standing in his kitchen, doing something "very important" on his cell phone (like playing "Candy Crush"), not realizing that his nine-year-old daughter was trying to get his attention: "Dad...Dad...Dad...DAAAD...HANK!" Finally he heard her and turned to see what she wanted. "She looked at me with a little attitude, hands on her hips, and said 'Dad, wake up from your phone!' Then she turned around and left."
In this enlightening talk, Hank Smith tackles a problem that can affect all of us in one form or another if we're not careful. Whether our challenge is an obsession with phones, video games, social media, the Internet, or other kinds of technology, the results can be equally devastating. Hank quotes Elder David A. Bednar, who says, "Sadly, some in the Church today ignore things as they really are and neglect eternal relationships for digital distractions, diversions, and detours that have no lasting value."
Using stories, scriptures, and quotes from Church leaders, Hank shares a timely message that will bless both teenagers and their parents.
I Love My Friends -- eBook and Audiobook
Popular speaker Hank Smith asks, “Have you ever heard your parents say, ‘If all of your friends jumped off a bridge, would you jump too?’ How are you supposed to answer that?” Brother Smith suggests that your response depends on knowing the answer to a few other questions, like, “How high is the bridge? How deep is the water below? Is someone on the bridge trying to kill me?!” In this positive and uplifting talk, Hank Smith discusses the life-changing importance of choosing good friends and of being a good friend. Quoting from For the Strength of Youth, Brother Smith says, “Choose your friends carefully. They will greatly influence how you think and act and even determine the person you become.” Using his trademark humor, colorful stories and examples, and quotes from the prophets and apostles, Brother Smith illustrates just how true this statement is. He says that a true friend can help you make wise choices and can even save your life. “A real friend will stand between their friend and a horrible choice and at least say something,” emphasizes Brother Smith. “Your friend might just say ‘forget you,’ but at least they’ll know you said something. Sometimes in order to save the friend you have to ruin the friendship.”
Brother Smith encourages youth to avoid risking their future on bad friends and above all to “become friends with Jesus Christ. He will greatly influence how you think and act. Let Him determine the person you will become.”
5 Temptation Killers -- Audiobook
Freedom to choose is an essential part of our Heavenly Father’s plan. Quoting from Dumbledore, Hank Smith reminds us that “it is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” Unfortunately, we don’t always make the best choices. “We are all going to be tempted and sometimes we might give in and fall,” says Brother Smith, “but we don’t have to.” Drawing on stories from the scriptures, real-life examples, and his trademark sense of humor, Brother Smith shares five powerful “temptation killers” that can help youth deal with the “opposition in all things” that is part of our earthly existence. “I want to give you some ways to overcome temptations so you can become the missionary you were meant to be, so you can become the mom you were meant to be, so you can become the example you were meant to be if you can get by these things,” says Brother Smith. Once again, Hank Smith delivers a timely message that will be a great blessing for youth and parents alike.
Thou Shalt Be Nice -- eBook
When it comes to chickens, Hank Smith knows a lot more than he used to. Before he met his future father-in-law, Hank’s experience with chickens was pretty much limited to the fingerlickin’ good kind or those little nugget things you dip in sauce. But Hank learned that chickens have a “pecking order” within the flock and that at the bottom of this order is often found a scrawny, pathetic bird just struggling to survive. Hank also learned that people can be a lot like chickens — especially in junior high and high school. In order to make themselves more “popular,” teens often break into little groups and pick on someone who doesn’t quite fit in. In this entertaining and eye-opening talk, Brother Smith describes how his life was changed by the example of someone who didn’t follow the flock, but instead reached out to others to help them feel loved. He shares what he calls the “Laura Larsen Challenge” as he invites others to rise above the pecking order and be nice!
My Soul Hungered and My Stomach Growled -- Audiobook
Popular speaker and teacher Hank Smith confesses that when he was growing up he had a really hard time fasting. He kept hoping that somehow there had been a typo somewhere and that instead of fast and testimony meeting, it was really supposed to be feast and testimony meeting! Whenever he fasted, he found himself being irritated and grouchy and just downright miserable.
Through the years, Hank gained a testimony of fasting and its purpose. But his earlier experiences helped him realize the effects of being spiritually hungry. “Just as our bodies hunger for food when we are fasting, our souls hunger for daily nourishment,” says Brother Smith. “If you’re not praying, studying the scriptures, and going to the temple, it’s like letting the battery on your cell phone run down. You get grouchy and depressed and start questioning your testimony. Your spiritual batteries need recharging, too.” He quotes Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, who says that if we don’t seek the crucial bread of eternal life, we may be choosing to be “spiritually malnourished, willfully indulging in a kind of spiritual anorexia.” With his trademark humor, inspiring stories, and enlightening quotes, Hank Smith once again shares a message that youth will relate to and remember.
Mothers are Like... -- eBook
Using his trademark humor interwoven with powerful personal, historical, and spiritual stories, author Hank Smith illustrates how mothers are like elephants, bears, thermostats, and referees. Don't worry — it's all complimentary. Hank also shows how mothers are symbolic of the Savior in the sacrifices they make for their children as they provide advice and wisdom, order and discipline, and protection and warmth. Let the mothers in your life know how you feel about them with this humorous and loving homage to moms everywhere.
Be Who You Are -- eBook
President David O. McKay said, “Always be yourself, your best self, in no matter whose company you may find yourself.” Hank Smith adds that “believing your best self isn't always popular. It might mean you have to drop some friends.” Using examples from the scriptures, enlightening stories, and hilarious experiences from his own life, Brother Smith illustrates the importance of being true to who you really are and what you believe. “Before you can even begin to make a difference in the lives of other people, you have to know who you are,” says Brother Smith. “People will respect you more if they see you are the same person in church as you are at school or at home. You are the same person — the best person you can possibly be. You'll have more friends that way because you are trustworthy.”
Brother Smith teaches what it means to be a believer; it isn't enough just to say we believe — we have to act. “Believing in Christ is good, but it really doesn't do anything for you until you act on your belief. That's when you can truly make a difference in the lives of your family and your friends.”
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Hank Smith says that, as he travels around the country, he often runs into people who have gone through some really hard things. "But," he says, "They almost always tell me something like this: 'You know, it has really turned out to be a blessing.'"
