Audio podcast of the Interpreter Foundation

Abstract: Alma 16 is an easily overlooked chapter in the Book of Mormon. It could be dismissed as a simple summary and “tidying up” of the narrative. It comes after two of the most dramatic scenes in the Book of Mormon, wherein women and children are burned to death in Ammonihah and Alma and Amulek are miraculously delivered from prison. It also directly precedes the account of the sons of Mosiah journeying to Lamanite lands to preach the gospel. However—as is the case with other chapters in the book of Alma that serve to summarize and conclude large sections of the text—Alma 16 is carefully developed, highly structured, and beautifully written. In this article, I will analyze the literary structure of Alma 16, which is composed of two major literary units. Both units are structured as chiasms in which the matching units share many strong links and parallels. These two chiasms also work together to engage the reader with striking parallels and dramatic contrasts. Alma 16, being the concluding chapter of Alma's missionary efforts among the Nephites, reveals a particular splendor and distinction. The two main chiastic structures help with the exegesis of these verses by highlighting significant yet potentially underappreciated features. The post The Literary Structure of Alma 16 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the July 16, 2026, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Terry Hutchinson discusses the Psalms, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and their application to the ancient temple with David Larsen. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — July 16, 2026 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

How did Brigham Young's leadership during the Missouri exodus demonstrate both practical organization and deep compassion? What does the kindness shown by the citizens of Quincy reveal about human goodness in times of crisis, and how did it impact the Saints' faith? How did the experiences of the Saints fleeing Missouri shape the identity and resilience of the early Church? The post Becoming Brigham Episode 25: The Kindness of Quincy first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this episode of Conversations with Interpreter, Avram and Thora interview Dr. Ryan Davis. Dr. Davis is a specialist in ancient Semitic poetry, studying how poetry expresses the relationship between worshipers and their gods, including the God of Israel. This episode looks at his piece, “Bearing Testimony in Hebrew: A Comparison of Ancient Israelite Temple Rituals with Modern Latter-day Saint Fast and Testimony Meetings,” first given at the Temple on Mt. Zion Conference in November 2018. In this episode, Dr. Davis talks about how the Psalms give us clues into the experiences of Israelites giving thanks at the ancient Temple. He then explores how those experiences helped establish the relationship between them and the God of Israel. Dr. Davis connects this process to that of modern Latter-day Saints who give thanks in their own Fast and Testimony meetings, creating continuity between the ancient and modern experience with God. The article is available to read at https://interpreterfoundation.org/reprint-bearing-testimony-in-hebrew The post Conversations with Interpreter: Ryan Davis — Bearing Testimony in Hebrew first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

How did Brigham Young's leadership during the Saints' flight from Missouri reveal his character and prepare him for his later role as Church president? What does the kindness shown by the people of Quincy teach us about compassion in times of crisis, and how does it contrast with the persecution the Saints faced? The post Becoming Brigham Episode 24: Leave No Poor Behind first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: The significance of the Beatitudes, particularly their relationship to the remainder of the Sermon on the Mount, has long been debated. The Sermon has been shown to possess close similarities to certain instructions delivered in the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Participation in temple ordinances is regulated by a series of sixteen questions regarding beliefs and behavior that are known as the Temple Recommend Interview Questions. Fourteen of these questions are asked of an individual desirous of initial entrance into the temple and participation in specific ordinances therein. The topics of these questions appear to correlate closely with the topics the Lord introduced in the Beatitudes as recorded in the New Testament and particularly in 3 Nephi 12. The two questions omitted in the initial interview, but asked of returning applicants, pertain to the keeping of temple covenants previously entered. Keeping covenants is also discussed in the Sermon but not in the form of a beatitude. Evidence shows that, through the Beatitudes, the Lord gave a preview of the qualifications needed by an individual for initial admission to the temple and participation in temple covenants; those same qualifications exist today. A clear association exists between the Beatitudes and the Sermon that follows. The post Entry to the Temple Is through the Principles of the Beatitudes first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the July 2, 2026, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Terry Hutchinson discusses the physicality of the small plates in the Book of Mormon with John Gee from his presentation at the recent Small Plates of Nephi conference along with a paper from that conference on the unity of Isaiah. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — July 2, 2026 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

How did Joseph Smith's experience in Liberty Jail transform him spiritually, and why do many historians call it both a prison and a temple? What specific leadership skills and experiences did Brigham Young gain while Joseph was in Liberty Jail that prepared him to lead the Church after the Prophet's death? Why is it significant that Brigham Young was already exercising authority to ordain Apostles and direct the Saints' exodus before Joseph's martyrdom—and what does that reveal about the foundation of Church leadership today? The post Becoming Brigham Episode 23: Liberty—Jail or Temple? first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this episode of Conversations with Interpreter, Avram and Thora interview David Calabro about his intriguing article where he argues that there is an underlying Christian ritual context for the Book of Moses. This article, entitled “An Early Christian Context for the Book of Abraham,” was published in Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. Drawing on a variety of ancient Christian baptismal texts, Dr. Calabro argues that there is a distinctive ritual progression visible in the Book of Moses that gives that a distinctive structure and context to the materials in Moses. The interview discusses how Dr. Calabro came to this position, potential difficulties with it, and new evidence for this Christian background that he has discovered since the original publication of the article. The post Conversations with Interpreter: David Calabro — An Early Christian Context for the Book of Moses first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: The Annotated Edition of the Book of Mormon, edited by David Hocking and Rod Meldrum, compares Caractors Document glyphs to purported Native American Mi'kmaq glyphs to support the theory that the Book of Mormon took place in the eastern United States. The glyphs used to support the theory are, in fact, taken from the Anthon Transcript document forgery produced by Mark Hofmann. The post Mi'kmaq, Meldrum, May, and Mark first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: Doubt is not the opposite of faith but functions as a constructive spiritual gift that often facilitates faith development, protects against dogmatism, and reframes faith as relational fidelity rather than intellectual certainty. Drawing on scriptural theology and developmental perspectives on meaning-making, doubt commonly—though not universally—serves as a catalyst through which belief matures from inherited assumption to reflective commitment and ultimately toward greater openness, complexity, and compassion. Doubt also performs a vital epistemic role by preventing rigid certainty and fostering intellectual humility within religious life. By reconceptualizing faith as sustained trust and commitment in the presence of uncertainty, doubt distinguishes itself from nihilism. The true erosion of faith occurs not through questioning but through the loss of meaning itself. Ultimately, doubt, when properly understood, does not weaken discipleship but frequently deepens and refines it, enabling believers to engage faith with greater resilience, relational depth, and moral maturity. The post The Opposite of Faith Is not Doubt: The Spiritual Gift of Doubt first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the June 25, 2026, episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Martin Tanner discusses the Constitution Hanging by a Thread and How it Could be Restored. The audio track is also included in our podcast feed (

How did God dramatically protect Zion's Camp from a violent mob? Why did the Lord call Zion's Camp a success even though they didn't redeem Zion or fight any battles? How did the hardships of Zion's Camp transform Brigham Young and prepare him to lead the Saints westward? This episode concludes the story of Zion's Camp, the 2,000-mile journey undertaken by Brigham Young, Joseph Smith, and roughly 200 others to aid the persecuted Saints in Missouri. Upon arrival, the group faced disappointment when Governor Dunklin refused to help restore their lands. As tensions rose and mobs threatened to attack, a sudden, violent storm with hail and flooding miraculously protected the camp. Despite the hardships and apparent failure to redeem Zion, the Lord revealed in Doctrine and Covenants Section 105 that their sacrifices were accepted. The episode explores the deeper spiritual purpose of the journey: it served as a refining experience and training ground for future Church leadership. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 22: Out of the Storm first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Why did ordinary men like Brigham Young leave everything behind to walk over 1,000 miles under brutal conditions to help the Saints in Missouri? How did Joseph Smith demonstrate remarkable leadership and patience while leading a group of exhausted, complaining men on Zion's Camp? What can we learn from the extreme sacrifices of the early Saints—and the women left behind—when facing trials that don't turn out as expected? The post Becoming Brigham Episode 21: Zion's Camp — Rescue or Ruin? first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this episode of Conversations with Interpreter, Avram and Thora interview one another, discussing their education and research interests. They also talk about their most recent project together, a paper presented at “For a Wise Purpose in Him” The 2026 Small Plates of Nephi Conference In Honor of President Jeffrey R. Holland. This paper looks at evidence that there was a gradual loss of knowledge of the full name and mission of Jesus Christ between Jacob and King Benjamin, because Benjamin receives this information from an angel. The post Conversations with Interpreter: Avram and Thora Shannon — The Loss of Jesus in the Small Plates of Nephi first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: The Book of Mormon presents a wealth of important information related to how we should understand our lives and relationship with God. Frustratingly, it leaves unwritten a large body of information that we would like to know. This note tries to read between the lines to suggest the reason Nephihah became chief judge after Alma2 abdicated that position. The post A Proposed Kinship between Alma2 and Nephihah first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the June 11, 2026, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Terry Hutchinson continues his survey of Interpreter Journal volumes with a brief review of Volume 6 from 2013. He is then joined by guest Tom Grover, an attorney from Las Vegas who discussed his presentation at the current Mormon History Association conference titled “Las Vegas Estate Litigation over Howard Hughes's ‘Mormon Will': Litigation, image & Institutional Restraint.” The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — June 11, 2026 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Welcome. I'm Daniel Peterson, president of the Interpreter Foundation and executive producer of the Becoming Brigham series. If you're not yet familiar with this series, you can find it on this website at https://interpreterfoundation.org/study/series/category/becoming-brigham, at the Becoming Brigham channel on YouTube, or at BecomingBrigham.com. Join us as we visit with experts and scholars regarding the […] The post Becoming Brigham Interviews: Sam Weston first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

What does it reveal about Joseph Smith that even he sometimes didn't get immediate answers from God during moments of crisis? How can the experiences of the Missouri persecutions help us better understand and empathize with refugees and displaced people in our world today? The post Becoming Brigham Episode 20: Peace or Violence? Part Two first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: Members of the 1834 Zion's Camp expedition inspected a large mound along the Illinois River where a skeleton was uncovered and Joseph Smith had a revelatory experience identifying the individual as Zelph. Recent archeological excavations place the revelation in a chronological and ancient cultural context that now allows additional verification and interpretation of this revelatory event. In addition, with this new information, it is possible to determine whether the individual and location can be interpreted as being a part of the Book of Mormon culture and geography. The post A Scientific Evaluation of the Zelph Revelation first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the June 4, 2026, episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Martin Tanner discusses Becoming Brigham, Interpreter's web video series debunking misconceptions and misunderstandings about Brigham Young. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — June 4, 2026: Brigham Young first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Why does Brigham Young's complicated legacy—full of both remarkable achievements and difficult decisions—still inspire deep reflection and admiration 225 years later? In this special birthday episode of the documentary series, hosts Camrey Fox, John Wilson, and Professor Daniel Peterson gather at Brigham Young's winter home in St. George, Utah, to celebrate his 225th birthday. The hosts highlight his profound devotion to building of the Kingdom of God, particularly through temple construction. They share stories that show the human Brigham: his temper and self-control as a father, his hands-on leadership style, his care for individual Saints, and his unexpected support for the arts and theater. This episode paints a nuanced portrait of Brigham Young—not as an infallible icon or harsh autocrat, but as a dedicated, practical, and very human figure whose legacy continues to shape the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 225 years after his birth. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 19: Another Birthday! Celebrating a 225 Year Legacy first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: This study reinterprets the political and military upheavals of the book of Alma through the lens of dynastic competition among Nephite, Mulekite, and Jaredite lineages. It builds on the work of Hugh Nibley, John Sorenson, Noel Reynolds, and more recently, Val Larsen and Lyle Hamblin, among others. Their research suggests that hereditary legitimacy and rival bloodlines shaped later Nephite history as deeply as did religious conviction or moral struggle. The merger of the Nephite and Mulekite peoples appears to have produced a fragile political order that fractured when traditional royal authority was replaced by the reign of judges. Alma2's abdication, the apparent weakness of Nephihah and Pahoran as executives, and the appointment of Captain Moroni are examined as deliberate efforts to stabilize a government suffering from dynastic instability. Tracing the intersection of lineage, legitimacy, and divine favor illuminates how the Book of Mormon frames its wars not merely as moral conflicts but as struggles to preserve righteous authority amid inherited divisions. The post Dynastic Dynamics: Competing Bloodlines and Political Legitimacy in the Book of Mormon first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the May 28, 2026, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Terry Hutchinson continues his survey of Interpreter Journal volumes with a brief review of Volume 5 from 2013. He's then joined by guest Kevin Christensen to discuss Joshua and the Deuteronomistic History, which will be covered in Come Follow Me until mid-July. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — May 28, 2026 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Our hosts examine the tension between the Latter-day Saint commitment to peace and the violent realities of early American history. The discussion turns to Zion's Camp, the 1834 expedition to Missouri that Brigham Young went through as a formative spiritual experience under the guidance of Joseph Smith. Though often viewed as a military failure, the discussion turns to how Joseph Smith deliberately chose a peaceful resolution over armed conflict after receiving a revelation that the camp should return home rather than fight. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 18: Peace or Violence? first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: This article proposes that priesthood keys are of two general categories: 1) keys of authority and 2) keys of knowledge. The keys of authority are the type most often discussed in meetings and classrooms, and thus, are relatively familiar. However, keys of knowledge, though an extension of the keys of authority, may be less familiar. The word key in this second case is used in a broad sense, including the keys of both knowledge and intelligence, which are richly featured in the revelations of the Doctrine and Covenants, as well as in the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. After some preliminaries, I examine the keys of authority and the keys of knowledge. Then, I demonstrate that keys of knowledge can also be of two sorts: 1) formally revealed scriptural keys of knowledge and 2) informally revealed non-scriptural keys of knowledge. The paper finishes with a related discussion of the special keys of authority and power (if not also knowledge) that Jesus Christ holds over death, hell, and final judgment. The post Joseph Smith and the Twin Priesthood Keys of Authority and Knowledge first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the May 21, 2026,episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Martin Tanner reviews “Seers and Stones: The Translation of the Book of Mormon as Divine Visions of an Old-Time Seer” by Stan Spencer in Volume 24 of Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — May 21, 2026: Seers and Stones: The Translation of the Book of Mormon as Divine Visions of an Old-Time Seer first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Our hosts examine the tension between the Latter-day Saint commitment to peace and the violent realities of early American history. The discussion turns to Zion's Camp, the 1834 expedition to Missouri that Brigham Young went through as a formative spiritual experience under the guidance of Joseph Smith. Though often viewed as a military failure, the discussion turns to how Joseph Smith deliberately chose a peaceful resolution over armed conflict after receiving a revelation that the camp should return home rather than fight. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 17: A People of Peace? first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: Holy stands come in all shapes and sizes. We need to be careful that we don't unknowingly fashion a Rameumptom that blinds us to the ways in which God works with imperfect people of all eras. The post Atop the Rameumptom first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the May 14, 2026, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Terry Hutchinson begins a survey of the previous Interpreter Journal articles from its inception in 2012. The survey reintroduces past articles to the current listenership. The first four volumes of the Interpreter Journal are included in this episode. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — May 14, 2026 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

How did Emma's deeply personal, spousal view of Joseph differ from Brigham Young's reverent, disciple-like view of the Prophet? In what ways did both Emma and Brigham remain deeply loyal to Joseph Smith, even though they expressed that loyalty very differently? Our hosts reflect on the contrasting ways Emma Smith and Brigham Young related to Joseph Smith and how those differences contributed to tension after his death. Camrey and Johnny discuss how Emma knew Joseph intimately as his young wife — seeing both his prophetic calling and his human weaknesses — while Brigham knew him primarily as a disciple knows a prophet, showing deep reverence and unwavering loyalty to every revelation Joseph taught. And yet, despite their differences, both Emma and Brigham died calling upon the name of Joseph, each cherishing the Restoration in their own way. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 16: Sweeter than Honey first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: Based on Doctrine and Covenants 131:1, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that there are three degrees within the celestial kingdom. There has been a proposal that this teaching is incorrect and instead this scripture should be interpreted as a reference to the three kingdoms described in Doctrine and Covenants 76 (celestial, terrestrial, and telestial). This proposition is based on two claims. First, the word celestial, in Joseph Smith's day, meant heavenly or belonging to heaven, so Doctrine and Covenants 131:1 should be interpreted to mean “in heaven there are three degrees.” The second claim is that interpreting Doctrine and Covenants 131:1 as referring to three degrees in the celestial kingdom is a twentieth-century innovation based on one sermon by one Apostle, with almost no other apostolic support before or after that sermon. This article shows that the first claim is very likely incorrect and the second is demonstrably false. The article then briefly addresses the question of degrees in the terrestrial and telestial kingdoms. The post Multiple Degrees within the Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial Kingdoms first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Camrey interviews historian Dr. Casey Griffiths about the complex and often misunderstood relationship between Brigham Young and Emma Smith. He highlights trauma, grief, and clashing priorities as central causes of the tension. Emma was a widowed mother trying to protect and provide for her children in Nauvoo, while Brigham felt responsible for leading thousands of Saints safely west. Griffiths emphasizes that there are no clear villains in the story. Both Emma and Brigham were acting from sincere, faithful places amid immense loss and pressure. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 15: The Lion and the Lady first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: Given that only four colors are mentioned in the Book of Mormon (white, black, red, and gray), readers may ask, “Where are all the other colors?” But this is a distinctively modern question, that is, one keyed to the early modern understanding of color pioneered by Isaac Newton. The Book of Mormon does not embody this understanding. Instead, it reenacts difficulties associated with grasping color meanings intrinsic to the Bible and Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. These difficulties support the claim that we are reading an ancient record. The post Color in the Book of Mormon first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the April 30, 2026, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Martin Tanner surveys the Doctrine of a Mother in Heaven in LDS, Christian and Jewish Belief. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — April 30, 2026: Mother in Heaven first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

John Wilson continues his conversation with historian Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat. They explore Brigham Young's deep, unwavering loyalty to Joseph Smith and how it shaped his life and leadership. The discussion highlights how Brigham wrestled with some of Joseph's most radical doctrines, such as the three degrees of glory, baptism for the dead, and plural marriage. Even when these teachings conflicted with his previous beliefs, Brigham ultimately chose to accept them because they came through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 14: The Prophet's Shadow first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this episode of Conversations with Interpreter, Dr. Kent Jackson, Emeritus Professor of Ancient Scripture at BYU, looks at the translation of Genesis 4:15. Dr. Jackson has published his own translation of Genesis, which gave him important insights into the biblical text. He points out that the translation is the King James Version of the Bible is misleading in this verse and that by translating the verse differently, a clearer understanding observes. Bible readers since Late Antiquity have wrestled with this verse, but Dr. Jackson argues that it is actually straightforward and the KJV reference to a “mark” on Cain should be understood as a “sign” for Cain. We also discuss Bible translations and the value in modern Bible translations. Kent Jackson's article was recently published in The post Conversations with Interpreter: Kent Jackson — The Lord Gave Cain a Sign first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: Based on Lehi's teachings in 2 Nephi 2, many Latter-day Saints conclude that it was necessary for Adam and Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit to acquire the ability to have children. While this appears to be a straightforward reading of the text, it sets up the dilemma of conflicting commandments—obedience to one of the two commandments they were given in the Garden of Eden would require that they disobey the other. In this article, the author argues that the larger rhetorical context presents a different framework in which these teachings may be read—one that does not raise this dilemma. Lehi presents his teachings on the consequences of the Fall in two parallel chiasms. The rhetorical links within and between these chiasms (and with the other sections of Lehi's teachings) suggest that God's purposes for mankind may not have been frustrated if Adam and Eve had obeyed him. While their Fall was likely inevitable, it may not have been a required element in God's eternal plan for his children. Rather, it might have been something he expected and for which he prepared. The post A New Reading of Lehi: A Rhetorical Context for Understanding His Teachings about the Fall of Adam and Eve first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the April 24, 2026, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Terry Hutchinson interviews his guest Spencer Kraus about his writings for the Interpreter Foundation Journal and conferences, the mentorship he received and his personal experience as a young and developing scholar. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — April 24, 2026: Spencer Kraus first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this episode the hosts explore the final days of Joseph Smith's life and how those events shaped both Emma Smith and Brigham Young. The episode also examines the decisions Brigham Young and the Twelve made after the martyrdom. With mobs threatening Nauvoo, the brethren chose to focus on finishing the temple while preparing to go west. John Wilson interviews Church historian Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat who contrasts Joseph Smith's passionate, dramatic personality and conversion experiences with Brigham Young's more gradual, deliberate path to faith, and points out that once Brigham was converted, he never looked back. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 13: Joseph, Joseph, Joseph! first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this episode of Conversations with Interpreter, Jonathon Riley discusses his presentation and publication about Hebraisms in the Book of Moses. There has been a lot of discussion over the years about Hebraisms in the Book of Mormon, but Dr. Riley looks at the rich possibilities in thinking about the possibilities of an underlying Hebrew text for parts of the Book of Moses. The Book of Moses is an extract of Joseph Smith's New Translation of the biblical book of Genesis, which makes it somewhat more complicated to look at, because not all JST changes are doing the same thing. However, Dr. Riley walks us through places where we can see a Hebrew substrate in the Book of Moses and shows ways in which this can enhance readers understanding of our scriptures. The post Conversations with Interpreter: Jonathon Riley — Hebraisms in the Book of Moses first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: Many are familiar with the so-called gamma marks as they are portrayed on early medieval mosaics in Ravenna and Rome. They appear as right-angle marks, usually with toothed ends, or in a shape like a capital H on the corners of angels' and worthies' robes or mosaics depicting textiles such as altar cloths and […] The post Gamma Marks: Recent Works Relevant to Their Study first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the April 16, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Martin Tanner discusses the closeness of those beyond the veil: angels, deceased lowed ones, and miracles. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — April 16, 2026: The Closeness of Those Beyond the Veil first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Our hosts return to Nauvoo to explore the tragic events of June 1844 leading up to Joseph Smith's martyrdom. John Wilson interviews local historian Joseph Johnston, who explains how these tensions escalated into calls for violence. Meanwhile, Camrey and Dan visit the Mansion House to discuss Joseph and Emma Smith's relationship and their heart-wrenching final days, as well as to delve into Joseph's painful decision to return to Nauvoo—knowing it likely would mean his death. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 12: Deep Waters first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this episode of Conversations with Interpreter, John E. Cochran II and Joseph Cochran explore the societal and cultural changes that seem to have allowed the Lamanites to be receptive to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Cochrans lay out their argument in an article entitled, “From Wilderness to Covenant Threshold: Land, Literacy, and Religious Readiness in the Book of Mormon,” published in Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. In this episode, they observe that the descriptions of Lamanites in early parts of the Book of Mormon do not always coincide with what the sons of Mosiah find in their missionary journey. They argue that it is the language and culture brought by Amulon and the wicked priests actually helped prepare the Lamanites for the gospel of Jesus Christ, showing how God prepares people in ways that are sometimes different from what we expect. God wants all of his people to return to him and he is constantly finding ways to prepare people, including cultural and societal changes. The post Conversations with Interpreter: John Cochran II and Joseph Cochran — Covenant Thresholds first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the April 9, 2026, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Terry Hutchinson and his guest Mark Johnson review Moses literature and sources for study as well as Interpreter resources on Moses. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — April 9, 2026 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this episode our hosts dive deeper into Brigham Young's dramatic first meeting with the Prophet Joseph Smith, and highlight a surprising detail: Brigham was not immediately welcomed into Joseph's inner circle or invited to stay in Kirtland. Our hosts also explore Brigham's remarkable humility, obedience, and his lifelong, deeply personal devotion to Joseph. Provocative questions addressed: Did Joseph Smith prophesy that Brigham Young would one day lead the Church—and how did that affect Brigham? Why didn't Joseph immediately bring this impressive new convert into his inner circle, even after such a powerful spiritual experience? The post Becoming Brigham Episode 11: In Search of a Prophet first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

This episode features Dr. Daniel C. Peterson, professor emeritus and president of the Interpreter Foundation. Dr. Peterson discusses the exciting new web series Becoming Brigham, which presents a fuller picture of the person and ministry of Brigham Young than is sometimes presented in our broader discourse. Although definitely a product of the Nineteenth Century, the historical evidence shows that Brigham Young was not the authoritarian leader of popular imagination. In the podcast, Dr. Peterson shares some of his favorite stories about President Young that give a different perspective on him, including on issues of race and plural marriage. This episode serves as a taste of what is available to watchers of Becoming Brigham. The post Conversations with Interpreter: Daniel Peterson and Becoming Brigham first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: Easter should be a feast for all our senses. Early Christians recounted the events between Christ's death and Resurrection with joy, and much in their accounts is familiar to us. Doctrine and Covenants 138 describes and celebrates Christ's visit to the world of the spirits between his death and Resurrection. As this revelation becomes […] The post Easter and Doctrine and Covenants 138: Our Harrowing of Hell, Our Descensus Christi ad Inferos, Our Anastasis first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the April 2, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Martin Tanner is joined by Stanford Carmack to discuss the language of the Book of Mormon. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — April 2, 2026: Stanford Carmack and the language of the Book of Mormon first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

This episode contrasts historical manifestations (speaking and singing in unknown languages) with modern Latter-day Saint experiences, especially missionaries seeking the gift to learn and teach in foreign languages. Our hosts dive into Doctrine and Covenants 46, where Joseph Smith taught that spiritual gifts should be sought earnestly but used for the right reasons. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 10: Gifts and Prophecies – Part One first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.