We were so honored to have Derrick Porter in our studio!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently named Derrick Porter as the new executive producer, principal writer, and host of Music and the Spoken Word – a long-running religious radio & television series. Derrick and his wife Rebecca are the parents of six children. Family is important to them, music is important to them, and we’re excited to learn more about him – and his hopes – as he enters this new role.
Derrick shares thoughts about his first broadcast, family togetherness, and their relationship with music.
Embracing the Opportunity
When asked about his reaction to receiving this opportunity, Derrick shared, “My first reaction was to about fall over. This is something I had never envisioned, thought of, nor dreamt of in my life. But very quickly it was followed by a resounding desire to say yes and to say, let’s dive in and do this.”
First Broadcast Experience
Reflecting on his first broadcast, Derrick said, “I thought for sure I was going to be nervous, but I walked out on that stage the first time and felt completely normal. I looked down in the audience and saw friends and family, and a whole bunch of people I didn’t know, but everyone there had smiles on their faces. I just felt at home and it has felt comfortable ever since.”
Lloyd Newell’s Advice
Derrick’s predecessor, Lloyd Newell, served in the position for 34 years. Derrick shared a piece of advice from Lloyd that resonated with him: “Always remember, this is not about you. This is about the people of the world. This broadcast goes out to more than 50 countries, thousands of television and radio transponders. This is really a gift to the world of peace, of hope, of joy, and even of confidence,” Lloyd said.
Quality AND Quantity Matters
In a recent interview, Derrick emphasized the importance of both quality and quantity of time spent with family. “My first 10 years of marriage, I was gone a thousand nights on the road trying to build my business.” Derrick went onto explain, “It was incredibly busy. I began to think more and more about the quantity of time and what impact that might have. One night, I had a trip canceled and I was at home with nothing to do. One of my boys came in and said, ‘Dad, I have a question,’ and it led to a meaningful discussion. That would have never happened if the quantity of time hadn’t been there.”
Family Motto: “Porters Can Do Hard Things”
Derrick shared a family motto that is painted in their garage: “Porters can do hard things.” He explained, “This world we live in is volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous, and challenging. But if we tell ourselves, ‘I can do something hard,’ giving ourselves that permission to have grit, to keep going, to try to pick ourselves up when we fall, it’s okay. It’s no longer about succeeding or failing. It’s just about pressing forward and finding true joy in the journey.”
The Power of Music and Faith
Derrick, who grew up singing and performing, believes in the profound connection between music and faith. “Music is a language that connects people regardless of verbal language spoken because it connects us at the heart. Music can stir our souls, inspire us, and move us to righteous action. One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about ‘Music and the Spoken Word’ is being able to sit there every Sunday and hear this beautiful music. Walking away every Sunday, having felt and learned, and having that change me is something I am thrilled to share with the world.”
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