Richard is a filmmaker and former Latter-Day Saint who is credited and widely known as “the father of Mormon Cinema.” His films include God’s Army, Brigham City, States of Grace, and others. 

After a life-changing spiritual experience, Richard left the LDS Church. For over a decade he “wandered in a spiritual wasteland” (his words), exploring Buddhism, Hinduism, and hedonism, until finding his faith as a follower of Jesus Christ.

He is the father of seven children.

Richard is the “Station Manager” of The Way Station.

“The Way Station is exactly the kind of community that I desperately needed - but didn’t have - when I was leaving the LDS Church. When I left, all I experienced was loss and disillusionment and despair. I didn’t have support. I didn’t have anyone who understood me. I didn’t have a community. I didn’t have anyone who had walked the path I was walking and who could encourage me toward light and truth and joy. I had to keep walking alone, hoping that someday I would catch a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel. I don’t want other people to stumble along in that dark tunnel for ten years like I did. And that’s why The Way Station exists.”