How Actor Jackson VanDerweken Prepared Spiritually & Physically for the Role of Nephi

How Actor Jackson VanDerweken Prepared Spiritually & Physically for the Role of Nephi | E0007

Рет қаралды 10,442

Жыл бұрын

Jackson VanDerweken, the actor who portrayed Nephi in The Book of Mormon videos, opens up about his spiritual and physical transformation journey in this episode. Learn how Jackson prepared for the iconic role by overcoming obstacles, deepening his faith, and gaining 15 pounds of muscle in just 1.5 months.
Insights on connecting with the prophets, becoming more like Jesus, and playing Nephi changed his life forever. Jackson shares the impact of an apostolic blessing on his portrayal of the character and how embracing gratitude and focusing on spiritual growth led to his life's most meaningful and powerful experiences.
From auditioning for the role to stepping into the shoes of one of the most revered figures in The Book of Mormon, Jackson's story is a testament to the power of faith, dedication, and embracing one's spiritual path.

Пікірлер: 31

@Drawn-by-Abundance Жыл бұрын

Loved this interview; very interested in seeing more of this genre. Consider bringing on other actors, like those that portrayed Laman & Lemuel, and getting their perspectives as well!

@mikegillettify Ай бұрын

The actors who portrayed Laman and Lemuel were awesome! I’d love to hear from them.

@kathrinebeeder9892 2 ай бұрын

Wow! I am so glad I watched this. I grew up with sibling issues. Beyond what my parents could control. But I did love them in spite of their behavior. And this actor was blessed to feel what Nephi felt, and him sharing what he learned and felt and what he learned about life and how the Lord is so much part of our lives. I just happened on this podcast. I didn’t know it even existed. I am near to tears thinking of how you combined the story with introspection of Christ and His experiences and the relationships we have with Him and other characters in scripture.

@whitneylin4297 Жыл бұрын

I loved Jackson’s insight about how we shouldn’t focus on the prophets, but on how they point us to Christ. I am going to write “disciple of Jesus Christ” next to the name of the book on every page of my Book of Mormon to help me remember this.

@LetsGetRealSJ 11 ай бұрын

That’s a perfect idea. I believe when they wrote the Book of Nephi, Jacob, Enos, etc. I believe they were saying, this is my record and witness of the dealings of me and my people with Christ. Jesus is the exemplar, not the author. Thank you for your comment.

@elisabethj.gawthrop9312 Жыл бұрын

Enjoyed the behind the scenes perspective!

@StompMom5 Жыл бұрын

Such a beautiful interview. I'm hearing things I never even thought of and I have the book of Nephi memorized. I loved it when he talked about the betrayal of his brothers and how that might have hurt. I have dealt with a great deal of that myself and he's spot on!! You don't fight back, you feel too much sorrow. Thanks for doing this, I thoroughly enjoyed it🎯🎯

@LetsGetRealSJ Жыл бұрын

What’s up? I remember you asked for the link on IG. It’s good to see you got a chance to check it out. When he paused in that part about his brothers, the spirit in the room seemed tangible. It was one of my favorite moments making this podcast so far.

@suspence25 Жыл бұрын

I need to go back and watch these BOM videos. I like to hear that HF was in the fine details and he noticed it. He did seem a bit young and small for Nephi, But he was young. Very neat.

@braedynsmith7327 Жыл бұрын

I desperately needed to see this today. Thank you.

@Tova-Barin Жыл бұрын

I don’t watch church movies, but, dang, what awesome insights. Love it. Thanks for sharing.

@davidmickelson7537 Жыл бұрын

Can't wait to watch this one!

@LetsGetRealSJ Жыл бұрын

Jackson has a very wise soul. He is very mature for his age. I learned a lot from him doing this one.

@LetsGetRealSJ Жыл бұрын

What did you think?

@davidmickelson7537 Жыл бұрын

@@LetsGetRealSJ as usual, very well done. Jackson was very thoughtful in his responses. A man of faith and makes the gospel so simple.

@tammyclark474 Жыл бұрын

This is an amazing interview.

@MakelleBell 9 ай бұрын

Wow! This interview really changed my day. I felt the spirit. Thank you both for this.

@CarlosRomero-pl9tk 9 ай бұрын

this right here... powerful insight, I have never looked at Nephi's experience in this way, just wow!

@Kalain2237 Жыл бұрын

This is awesome!

@noahheaton4005 Жыл бұрын

So many fun facts. Loved this one!

@kearleeq 18 күн бұрын

Bow discussion around 45:00, Lehi could have seemingly purchased Laman and Lemuel’s bows earlier on from a one merchant, and Nephi (and Sam’s) from a different merchant few years (4-6) later. Hence, one craftsman’s bows were wrong temp and lost their spring, another craftsman’s steel bows break. So interesting. Thanks for that information!

@winniecoronel5748 5 ай бұрын

Love this interview 👏

@amandaspencer4686 11 ай бұрын

Loved this. I really connected with the way Nephi was portrayed in the videos. Nephi has always been my favorite and his words and testimony have been an anchor in my life. I really admire the goodness of this young man, Jaxson. It is SO evident in his demeanor that his sweet spirit shines through and depicts a connection with the Lord and fruits that come from living the gospel.

@LetsGetRealSJ 11 ай бұрын

I agree 100%. I’m glad I’m resonated with you.

@establishingzion688 Жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed this interview! Great job, Jackson!

@saintinlower48 Жыл бұрын

I loved this interview. I have watched it throughout the week so that I could ponder what I have learned and it's been worth my time. Thank you for giving this interview and I've enjoyed sharing some of this with my son who is on a mission in Alaska.

@jacoblines6364 9 ай бұрын

The scene of Nephi being tied up by his brothers is so well done because I can see Nephi's pain over his brother's decisions because he loves them so much and just can't understand why they won't believe... It is a great scene that teaches a lot.