Mormon Book Reviews Podcast

On a special "Tuesday Tangent" on Mormon Book Reviews Steven Pynakker gives a channel update and discusses the Tim Ballard situation.Links to support Mormon Book Reviews: Venmo Link: https://account.venmo.com/u/mbrven PayPal Link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/mormo... Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.com/mormonbookrev... Channel Merch Store: https://www.mormonbookreviews.com

On a very special episode of Mormon Book Reviews, Evangelical Steven Pynakker interviews Jewish Scholar Dr. Nehemia Gordon. He hosts a YouTube channel Nehemia's Wall and he has a fascination with Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and the Restoration in general. Nehemia interviews people from different religions and perspectives and he recently started a series of conversations with Dan Vogel about Joseph Smith and Mormon history. This is an epic interview just in time for the beginning of the Feast of Tabernacles! I hope you enjoy it.Check out Nehemia's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Nehemiaswall... Link to Join the Utah Interfaith Forum Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/utah.... Links to support Mormon Book Reviews: Venmo Link: https://account.venmo.com/u/mbrven PayPal Link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/mormo... Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.com/mormonbookrev... Channel Merch Store: https://www.mormonbookreviews.com

On this episode, Steven is joined by guest co-host, Kyle Beshears, to interview fellow evangelicals about their new book, Responding to the Mormon Missionary Message: Confident Conversations with Mormon Missionaries (Aneko Press, 2023). Written and edited by former Latter-day Saints who are now evangelicals, Responding offers readers insight into the missionary experience and message of Latter-day Saints from former insider perspectives from Ross Anderson, Corey Miller, Paul Nurnberg, and Joel Fauver. Listen in to this unique conversation as two never-Latter-day-Saint evangelicals encounter the Restoration with Latter-day-Saints-turned-evangelicals! #latterdaysaints #evangelical #mormonism #mormonbookreviews #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #ldspodcast #lds #mormonhistory #utah Link to purchase the book:https://www.amazon.com/Responding-Mormon-Missionary-Message-Conversations/dp/1622459334/ref=sr_1_1?crid=X8FBHFJ9ZDXJ&keywords=responding+to+the+mormon+missionary+message&qid=1695936566&sprefix=responding+to+the+%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1 Link to Join the Utah Interfaith Forum Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/utah.interfaith.forumLinks to support Mormon Book Reviews:Venmo Link:https://account.venmo.com/u/mbrvenPayPal Link:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/mormonbookreviews?country.x=US&locale.x=en_USPatreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/mormonbookreviewsChannel Merch Store:https://www.mormonbookreviews.comEmail to enter this month's book contest: mormonbookreviews@gmail.com

What do two Evangelicals from Northwest Indiana have in common with each other? Their profound interest in the Restoration and the churches of the Mormon Movement would be the answer! Pastor Kyle Beshears (PhD in Religious Studies) joins Steven Pynakker to discuss his interest in the history and theology of the Restoration. In particular Kyle's focus is on the history and beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that is best know for being founded by James Strang. I hope that you'll find this conversation interesting and perhaps a good introduction to this little known church of the Restoration. Please look out for a paper that Kyle wrote “In Love and Union: The Writings of Mr. Charles J. Douglass, Secret Plural Wife of a Mormon King". This paper is slated for publication the spring edition of JWHA's journal

On a special episode of Mormon Media Reviews on MBR, Greg Matsen is interviewed about his channel called Cwic Show. He discusses what made him decide to start the channel and the origins of the name of the show. Steven Pynakker asked Greg why he is such a lightning rod and why he is so critical of BYU and Deseret Book. We then discuss his interviews and interactions of men who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are Gay. We also talk about Greg's faith and what Jesus means to him. I really hope that the audience takes the time to watch the interview and not make comments based on the thumbnail. I also want to clarify something that I said in the interview. I mentioned that Jaxon Washburn is gay, when in reality he identifies as bisexual.

Recently I was a guest on the the very cool YouTube channel Mormonism with the Murph. It is hosted by Stephen Murphy who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he lives in Northern Ireland! I am now posting the it on my channel. I think both Evangelicals and Latter Day Saints will appreciate our constructive dialogue.

Chris Jensen author of the book Obscure Mormon Doctrine returns to MBR to discuss another topic discussed in his book, the nature of Christ. Many Christian apologists say that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches a "different" Jesus than mainstream Christianity. Is Jesus Jehovah? Is he Heavenly Father's only begotten Son? Is "Mormon" Jesus a different Jesus? Please leave your thoughts in the comments on this interesting topic.

Jaxon Washburn returns to Mormon Book Reviews to update listeners about his time pursuing a masters program at Harvard Divinity School. He and Steve discuss Jaxon's experience with coming out/identifying as bisexual and how that relates to his LDS faith and practice. Jaxon shares about some of the opportunities he's had for interreligious dialogue while at divinity school, including reading through the Book of Mormon together with one of his Evangelical peers there. Later, Jaxon provides exciting coverage of the “religious road trip” he embarked on during the summer of 2022 where he visited dozens of religious and historical sites significant to the Restoration and beyond. Whether meeting with Buddhists, Russian Orthodox Old Believers, or Mormon fundamentalists, Jaxon's trip reflected his strong commitment to promoting interreligious understanding and pluralism. He reflects on the emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of the trip, some of the misadventures he experienced on the road, and his plans for after graduation.

Chris Jensen author of the book "Obscure Mormon Doctrine" returns to MBR to talk about another subject covered in his work, polygamy. This is part of an irregular series that covers various unique doctrines and teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that Chris writes about in his book.

n this episode of Mormon Media Reviews on MBR, Steven and Rebecca sit down with award-winning broadcaster and podcast host, Steven Kapp Perry to discuss his life, his faith and his popular podcast on BYU radio, “In Good Faith.” His podcast shares stories and accounts from believers, told in their own words. He talks with believers from all walks of faith—Catholic and Episcopalian, Buddhist and Baptist, Jewish and Hindu, Presbyterian and Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim and Latter-day Saint—in other words, human beings and believers, sharing their personal experience with the sacred and the divine. Steven is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the son of prolific LDS songwriter Janice Kapp Perry. He shares many memories, experiences and perspectives in this interview that really impacted us and we know our viewers will feel the same.

David Snell, a host on the Saints Unscripted YouTube channel, joins Steven Pynakker to discuss his background and experiences with Evangeicals. David has developed a really cool friendship with Evangelical Pastor Jeff McCullough of @HelloSaints . He talks a bit about him and some other past interactions with members of the movement. David and Steven also talk about the rapid exit of young people from both the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Evangelicalism and how their channels are addressing this. This the beginning of a conversation that will continue when Steven heads out to Utah next month to appear on @SaintsUnscripted I want to thank David and and the rest of the Saints Unscripted team for helping facilitate this dialogue.

The tables are turned and Robert Messick of Book of Mormon Editions on YouTube interviews Steven Pynakker about a very unique BoM in his posession! I recently got to appear on Robert's channel and he was gracious enough to allow me to post it on my channel. Watch as we discuss this very interesting edition given to me by my friend David Hall. Here is the description Robert wrote about the episode: "What would it take to replicate the 1830 Book of Mormon, by hand? This review goes through all the details and background of the letterpress replica that was made in 2007. It's a beautiful replica and closest to the original 1830 Edition as a modern day printing can get."

Steven Horne is a special guest on Mormon Book Reviews. On this episode we get to hear Steven's story of being raised in an LDS family that has a miraculous history and how he became Born Again reading the Book of Mormon. Steven has a very unusual story to tell and I want to hear from Evangelicals and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about what you think about it. (Of course I am always happy to hear from non-believers and Never-Mo's as well) .

Who is Denver Snuffer? What is the Restoration Movement all about? Special guest Chris VanCampen editor of a book of essays titled "Rescuing the Restoration: The Lord Sets His Hand Again" joins Steven to discuss the project. A while back Brian Hales attempted to put together a book in which various writers would talk about Denver Snuffer and the Restoration Movement. Adrian Larsen wrote the introduction. While the book was never completed, it was thought that Adrian's work could be a foundation for another similar project. We also get to know Chris ,his background, and the role he played as the editor. #denversnuffer #mormonism #latterdaysaints #lds #ldspodcast

Memories of Christmas and Christmas movies in particular are often some of our most wonderful childhood memories. Steve and Rebecca sit down with prolific LDS film Director Dustin “Spanky “ Ward to discuss his two popular family Christmas films, “The Christmas Break In” and “The Santa Box.” We discuss Spanky's creative process, The many projects he's been involved with and things he hopes to work on in the future. Steve Rebecca and Spanky also discuss their own personal favorite Christmas movies and Christmas television specials from years gone by. We have a wonderful time reminiscing and laughing together in this festive holiday episode of Mormon Media Reviews on MBR. You'll definitely be feeling the Christmas spirit by the end of this episode!#christmasmovies #latterdaysaints #spankyward #santabox #mormonism

"Christmas Snows Christmas Winds” written by Donald Marshall and produced by Brigham Young University, is a little known Christmas movie from the late 70s that really tugs at your heart strings in an unexpected way and has an unforeseen impact on the viewer. It's not your typical Christmas movie and in addition to nostalgia from a bygone era, it has an angst that many can relate to. Steve, Rebecca and special guest host Nick of “Pod of Thunder” sit down to watch the movie in its entirety and discuss all the elements that resonate with us. Once you've seen "Christmas Snows Christmas Winds,” you will never forget it! Watch along with us and share your thoughts in the comments. We also want to thank the BYU Copyright Department for giving us permission to use the film. Christmas Snows Christmas Winds © Copyright 1978 Brigham Young University. Used with permission. #christmasmovies #byu #latterdaysaints #mormonism #ldspodcast #podofthunder

Did Elvis really have a copy of The Book of Mormon? Who gave it to him? Rumors have always been flying and Steve and Rebecca's guest has his own take on the urban legend. How did Milli Vanilli pull off their famous Grammy lip-sinc? What was Liberace like behind the scenes? How does it feel to play “Happy Birthday” for Johnny Carson? The world famous Gaynor Brunson gives us the inside scoop. As a faithful Latter Day Saint, Gaynor Brunson has spent decades in the music business beginning right off his LDS mission when he and his brothers formed a trumpet band, The Brunson Brothers. Arriving in Las Vegas with nothing more than their trumpets and a lot of determination, their rise to fame is an incredible and entertaining story you almost can't believe. The Brunson Brothers eventually opened their own music studio on Sunset Boulevard and rubbed elbows with music's elite crowd. They later brought the studio home to Utah where Gaynor continues to produce music for the biggest names in Mormon entertainment. Prepare to be amazed as we get the incredible and true story from Gaynor Brunson himself! #elvispresley #mormonism #latterdaysaints #ldspodcast #osmondbrothers #liberace

Brant Gardner, expert on the Meso-American model of Book of Mormon Geography, engages Evangelical Steven Pynakker. While this program has hosted many advocates of the Heartland Model of BOM events, I have been wanting someone on to discuss the Meso Model. We discuss anachronisms, possible landing sites for Lehi and the Jaredites, and Michael Coe's criticisms of a Meso setting for Book of Mormon events.

David Read author of the book "Face of a Nephite: DNA studies & the Book of Mormon" is the latest guest on Mormon Book Reviews. David asked to come on to address some of the criticisms that Thomas Murphy and Simon Southerton leveled against his book both in a paper they co-wrote as well as an appearence on MBR. My hope is that this interview will help facilitate positve dialogue. #latterdaysaints #bookofmormon #ldspodcast

On this episode of Mormon Media Reviews, Steve and Rebecca Bibliotheca sit down to interview Rebecca Bibliotheca and Landon Brophy about their recently debuted Mormon.ish Podcast! That's right, you're not seeing double, the tables have turned and Rebecca is now the interview-ee! We discuss Landon's faith journey and the origins of Mormonish Podcast, in addition to what the podcast hopes to accomplish. Landon and Rebecca also delve into why a podcast that explores living a joyful life on the other side of Mormonism is needed today. And they get candid about what it was like to interview Steve Pynakker on their podcast!

From Latter Day Saints to Protestants to Catholics to Jehovah's Witnesses, David Boice from @52churchesin52weeks visits churches of all kinds in his ongoing YouTube spiritual challenge. This week, David returns on Mormon Book Reviews with Steven Pynakker to talk about his book, travel schedule, and recent Restoration visits to the Community of Christ Stone Church (Independence, Missouri) and The Church of Jesus Christ (South Bend, Indiana). This is one interview you don't want to miss!

Steven Pynakker welcomes back to the program Mark Elwood. He is the author/illustrator of the graphic novel series The Glass Looker: Collected Tales of Joseph Smith. On this episode we discuss the second volume of the series which was recently released. He illustrates many of the stories of treasure digging that people describe Joseph Smith participated in during the 1820's. Mark also talks about some of the challenges he encountered while trying to publish this latest volume.

Steve and Rebecca interview Liz Phillips, granddaughter of polygamist AUB prophet Rulon Allred. Raised in polygamy, Liz eventually joined the mainstream LDS church and then continued her faith journey from there. Liz shares her unique perspective as we discuss how polygamists are portrayed in the media on programs like “Big Love,” “Sister Wives,” “Keep Sweet, Pray and Obey,” “Under the Banner of Heaven” and others! Liz has many personal connections to these programs and several of her close relatives are featured in them. This was a very interesting and insightful interview!

Jacob Hansen of Thoughtful Faith and Forrest Hansen of Latter Day Skeptic have a conversation with Steven Pynakker. Both are well known YouTubers who are brothers as well as advocates of opposing world views. Forrest left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he was around 18 and describes himself as an Atheist. While Jacob had his own faith struggle, he now is one of the leading apologists for the Church. What is so cool about these guys is that respect each other and still get along! Join us for this wide-ranging conversation and see how it is possible to sit down at the Holiday dinner table with believing and non-believing family and it not be a total disaster!

The annual Thanksgiving tradition continues! Apostle Patrick McKay Sr. returns to Mormon Book Reviews to discuss a Latter Day Thanksgiving. Patrick discusses the history of the holiday through a Restorationist lens. He also talks about the many things he is thankful for. A brief history of the Joint Conference of Restoration Branches (JCRB) is also discussed. Patrick is an Apostle in that group. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Evangelical Steven Pynakker recently gave a presentation to the Book of Mormon Perspectives Forum titled "A Protestant Defense of the Book of Mormon (Beta Version)". Using tools the apologists and scholars use to defend the Bible & Christianity, Steven weaves a plausible defense of the most important scripture of the Restoration. The hope is that this can help facilitate productive future dialogue between the Evangelical world and the Restoration. Please do not comment on this video based on the thumbnail. Watch the presentation and give me your thoughts. I always appreciate thoughtful and constructive criticism.

In this interview, I asked Jonathan to respond to some of his critics, particularly his LDS critics who published articles in the Interpreter earlier this year. Jonathan welcomes criticism because he advocates consideration of "multiple working hypotheses" based on established facts. But he objects to "gatekeeping" intellectuals that ban or censor interpretations they don't agree with--especially when they ban alternative faithful interpretations. He hopes the exchange in the Interpreter will lead to a more inclusive approach on the part of the Interpreter editors, as well as the gatekeepers at FAIRLDS and Book of Mormon Central. During the interview, Jonathan explains that his LDS critics don't seem to realize he is not writing only for LDS audiences so he uses citations to a variety of sources, so long as they are factual. And he looks forward to ongoing conversations with Mormon Book Reviews, the "Switzerland" of the Restoration.

Today we sit down with Evan Sharley, who is a member of Community of Christ. They put forward a "resolution" (a piece of legislation) which seeks to put Community of Christ's scriptures online for free. This resolution will be debated at Community of Christ's World Conference in 2023.We also talk about what Evan's vision of Community of Christ's future is, including who may be the next prophet (a female?). Evan also talks about being legendary Redditor Gileriodekel!#communityofchrist #ldspodcast #mormonism

Steve and Rebecca sit down with Emmy award winning documentary filmmaker, Geoff Pingree to discuss his highly celebrated documentary, “The Return of Elder Pingree - Memoir of a Departed Mormon.” The documentary represents an intensely personal quest to find meaning and truth by returning to Geoff's mission field in Guatamala decades later. Geoff discusses what led to his decision to undertake the project and why it took over 13 years to complete. We discuss his personal faith journey, the reaction to the documentary, his relationship with his family, his incredible career as a documentary filmmaker, award winning photographer, writer, and more. Geoff is an amazing individual and this interview was absolutely riveting.

Did you know there's a brand new virtual Book of Mormon Art Catalog available to browse online? Steve and Rebecca sit down with scholar of Latter-day Saint visual art, Jenny Champoux to discuss this wonderful project. As the director of the Book of Mormon Art project, Jenny gives us insights into how the catalogue was created, how they selected the artwork and made it user friendly so anyone can search it to find Book of Mormon art that speaks to them. The catalogue contains artwork inspired by The Book of Mormon from the earliest 19th-century images to the present. The catalogue is comprehensive collection of Book of Mormon art from a range of public and private collections, museums, and the collections of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including artwork that isn't posted anywhere else. Steve, Rebecca and Jenny discuss several of Jenny's favorite pieces of art in the catalogue and she shows us the many different ways to search the database by topic, medium, scripture reference, date and more. Steve also discusses the pivotal role that BOM art played in his journey. This is an absolutely beautiful episode of Mormon Media Reviews you will definitely want to watch. You can even learn how to submit your own artwork! #ldspodcast #bookofmormon #mormonism

Thomas Murphy and Simon Southerton join Steven Pynakker to discuss their latest paper that they co-authored along with Angelo Baca titled "Science and Fiction: Kennewick Man /Ancient One in Latter-day Discourse". It is a paper that describes the work of David Read 's "Face of a Nephite: DNA Studies & the Book of Mormon". Read is an author who advocates a "Heartlander" view of BOM events. He concludes that the remains known as Kennewick Man are that of a Nephite. Simon & Thomas demonstrate in their paper that this is probably not the case. We also talk about their past works involving DNA and The Book of Mormon and how this served as one of the catalysts for Rod Meldrum to start his FIRM Foundation organization. This is the leading Heartlander group. Simon then briefly discusses his role in the recent 60 Minutes Australia report "Cooking the Book of Mormon". #lds #mormonism #bookofmormon

Join Steve and colleague Valerie Hamaker as they talk about the attention her recent podcast Latter Day Struggles episode has been receiving due to her review of Carol Lynn Pearson's book “No More Goodbyes” from the lens of her background as a psychotherapist helping people heal from all kinds trauma. This book captures the essence of the harm and pain experienced by gender and sexual minorities in the LDS church due to its current doctrine and policies and Valerie's podcast seems to be helping people articulate their own discomfort and concerns with this [and other] issues in a bold yet respectful way. Steve and Valerie also talk about this issue from a larger religious and political framework and offer grace for the reality that we are all a work in process and that life is a gradual awakening for each of us in countless ways. #latterdaysaints #ldspodcast #mormonism

Jonathan Neville returns to Mormon Book Reviews to give his perspective of the two news stories about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints finances that recently aired. The Fifth Estate in Canada and 60 Minutes Australia released investigative reports about the way tithing funds are handled in those countries. Jonathan also responds to my interview with Nigel Kennett whose contact with the Fifth Estate helped trigger these investigations. Jonathan gives a faithful perspective and he discusses his experience in the financial world to offer some clarification on some of these issues. We also preview a future conversation where he will respond to some of his critics. #lds #mormonism #60minutesaustralia #cbc

We are excited to welcome author Declan Hyde, an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who just released a Mormon Horror novella THE RESURRECTION BOX. In this special Halloween episode of the podcast, Declan discusses what drove him to write a "Mormon" Horror work of fiction and what that means. We also talk about the relationship between horror and religion, Twilight, Stephen King, The Exorcist, Bigfoot, the Passion of the Christ, and more! #lds #ldspodcast #halloween #napoleondynamite

In an exclusive interview, Steven Pynakker and Rebecca Bibliotheca get up close and personal with Nigel Kennett, the accountant who is featured on a recent episode of Canada's The Fifth Estate titled "The Mormons' Books.” The episode discusses the LDS church's tithing practices in Canada and their donations to LDS universities like BYU. We learn more of Nigel‘s personal story, his background in the LDS church, how he discovered little known information about LDS tithing in Canada, and why he eventually decided to go public with it. Now that the episode has aired on the CBC, we also discuss the reaction he is receiving from friends and family and other members of the church and also delve into more of his reasons for releasing the information. Nigel is a very thoughtful and sincere person and we can all benefit from his perspective and the unique position he finds himself in. A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be coming on the program next week to give their perspective on the report and this interview. Stay tuned!#lds #cbc #mormonism #ldspodcast #fifthestate

Brent Ashworth returns to Mormon Book Reviews to present another historical artifact for "Show & Tell"! On this episode Brent discusses how he was able to acquire one of William E McLellin's lost journal volumes. He reads some very moving passages in the journal. McLelllin became a bitter rival and enemy to Joseph Smith. However, his testimony of the Witnesses and the Book of Mormon later in life is one of the most powerful ones ever given. #lds #ldspodcast #mormonism #communityofchrist

Aron Ra one of the biggest Atheist influencers on YouTube comes on Mormon Book Reviews to discuss the Book of Mormon with Evangelical Steven Pynakker! He discusses why he believes all religion's scripture is man made and why he decided to do a series about the Book of Mormon on his YouTube channel. Steven talks about watching Aron's program while he was an Athiest/Agnostic and explains the value of people like Aron who expose charlatans like Kent Hovind of the Christian community. I know that Aron will be a controversial guest for some of my viewers, but I do think it is important to know what kind of information that many of your children and grandchildren are consuming. I do think that Aron has integrity because he goes after all religions and not just Christianity. I also realize that about a third of my audience is Atheist/Agnostic and it is important that their voices be heard as well. Especially being a former one myself. I look forward to reading your comments! #aronra #ldspodcast #kenthovind

Some researchers have concluded that the wine was spiked in the 1st century Christian church. This would lead to visions of a resurrected Christ and other spiritual manifestations. History communicator & independent researcher Bryce Blankenagel has recently co-authored a paper with Brian Kassenbrock, published by the John Whitmer Historical Association Journal, that advocates a similar hypothesis for the early days of Mormonism. Bryce joins Evangelical Steven Pynakker in a conversation about the use of plants and fungi that were used commonly as ingredients in 19th century folk medicine. Emma Smith's use of them is explored as well. The idea that substances with psychoactive properties were used in the early church services of the Restoration is also explored. Steven also pushes back a little on this hypothesis and asks if Bryce, an atheist, if he has ever had an experience that gave him pause about the possiblity of the existence of the supernatural. This was a fascinating conversation and it was a real privilage for Bryce of the legendary podcast Naked Mormonism to come on my program and be interviewed. #lds #ldspodcast #psychedelic

On a special "Show & Tell" segment on MBR, Brent Ashworth returns to describe another rare find in his collection. This particular object has a direct connection to Nathan Smith, the doctor who performed the leg surgery on a young Joseph Smith (no relation). Brent discusses how this revolutionary surgery saved Joseph's leg and how if it had been amputated, Joseph may well have not been able to be a catalyst for the Restoration. I want to thank Brent for coming back on. A lot of people heve been asking to have him back on the program and I'm excited to continue this series! #lds #ldspodcast #mormonism

On a special episode of Mormon Book Reviews Pastor Jeff McCullough of Hello Saints returns to discuss his recent attendance at General Conference with Steven Pynakker! We also discuss the explosive growth of his YouTube channel, what it's been like to be present in the sacred spaces of the Restoration, dealing with street preachers at General Conference, and forging important friendships with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. #lds #hellosaints #ldspodcast

David Boice of 52 Churches in 52 Weeks Talks LDS Experiences!After a string of bad first dates and no church to call home, Dave Boice chronicles his yearslong spiritual journey in search for something more on YouTube and in a book. What started as a simple endeavor to find a hometown church turned into a thrilling spiritual adventure that is sidesplittingly witty and deeply emotional. Of note, David had some unexpected experiences attending two church services of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is still processing it and discusses it with Steven Pynakker of Mormon Book Reviews! From the streets of Manhattan to the beaches of Orange County, Boice explores numerous denominations including Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, Quaker, Greek Orthodox, Christian Science, and other churches. From 20,000-seat megachurches to being the lone congregant at a Scientology service, no building was too big (or as a visit to “The World's Smallest Church can attest) too small. He danced with Pentecostals in Arkansas, immersed himself in prayer with monks that make beer in Massachusetts, worshipped at a Viking church in Wisconsin, and headbanged at a church known for heavy metal music in Ohio. You'll hear sermons from some of Christianity's most widespread preachers (Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes), most intellectual (Tim Keller and Os Guinness), most emergent (Nadia Bolz-Weber and Jay Bakker), to even the most curious (Todd Burpo from Heaven is For Real). Boice's unique undertaking and honest reflection reveals startling epiphanies and insights that will engage both believers and skeptics. 52 Churches in 52 Weeks YouTube channel is a must-see for anyone who wrestles with faith in the 21st century.

Jenn Kamp joins Steve and Rebecca on the latest episode of Mormon Media Reviews on MBR to introduce her new podcast,”Our Truth Be Told” which will premiere on Monday, October 10th. Jenn updates us on everything that's been going on in the past few months and tells us about her journey going forward with the new podcast, her new farmhouse and all the exciting changes in her life. This is Jenn's first time in months that she has publicly spoken and it was a pleasure having her on to tell her truth. #lds #ldspodcast #mormonstories

Join Steve this week as he interviews therapist Valerie Hamaker and her husband Nathan, new voices in the Mormon podcasting world. Valerie started this podcast on a whim, wanting to share insights and thoughts about her ongoing experiences with struggling Latter Day Saints in the therapy room and was shocked when this show started to rapidly grow. The frequent letters that come to Valerie commend her boldness, candor, and respectful but fearless truth telling and compassionate way of making sense of the real-time suffering of many members of the LDS church. Their growing audience also loves the respectful but firm invitation to the institution to look at issues that bring people who desire to be faithful in the LDS tradition a lot of pain and sometimes the agonizing need to withdraw. #lds #ldspodcast #mormonism

Do you have fond memories of old LDS church videos from decades ago? You're not alone! Many people have very nostalgic memories of the videos they watched in Sunday School, Seminary, for Family Home Evening and more. If you're wondering where all those cherished videos went, the answer is Tom Doggett and his Hard to Find Mormon Videos Channel on YouTube! Steven, Rebecca Bibliotheca and Tom sit down to talk about Tom's wonderful collection of Mormon videos and other media from days gone by. Find out which videos are Steven's favorite and which video taught Rebecca everything she ever knew about dating. Join us for a quirky and fun trip down video memory lane! #lds #mormonism #ldsmovies

I am so excited to be able to feature the host of the new up & coming Youtube channel "Mormonism with the Murph"! This Northern Ireland based channel has already booked some of the biggest names in Mormon scholarship including Dan Vogel & Brian Hales. Get to know "The Murph" on a special Mormon Media Reviews segment here on MBR. #lds #bookofmormon #mormonismwiththemurph

On a very important episode of Mormon Book Reviews, Dr. Amos Brown Civil Rights leader and personal friend of President Russell M. Nelson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is interviewed by Evangelical Steven Pynakker. In the interview we discuss whether BYU should change its name, does Dr. Brown forgive Brigham Young for his racist views, is the money the Church gives to the NAACP and other civil rights organizations a type of reparations, why he loves and respects Joseph Smith, and what it is like to be friends with President Nelson. We also discuss his background and church. I want to thank Dr. Brown for coming on and I hope this will be the beginning of a series of interviews that I will have with him. #lds #naacp

On a very special edition of Mormon Book Reviews Steven Pynakker is joined by his mother Elizabeth for a book review of "Upon Destiny's Song" by Mike Ericksen & Sage Steadman. In this historical novel, which is based on real facts and history, my Mom found a very compelling story and she wanted to share her thoughts and give us her review! I plan on having on the authors on soon to discuss the book as well. Thanks Mom! #lds #mormonbooks

On a special Mormon Media Reviews segment on MBR, Rebecca Bibliotheca returns to co-host with Steven Pynakker! "The Good Shepherds,” a musical written, composed and directed by David Nolan and Chris Metz, shines a light on the finances of the LDS church and other religious organizations and asks the question, is the sizeable wealth of religious organizations like the LDS church really being used to help those who need it, specifically marginalized groups. Do religious organizations follow the adage WWJD when it comes to spending their money? Both directors have a personal connection to the storyline and use song, dance and individual stories from the cast to get the play's message across. Deemed controversial, many people involved in the production have faced backlash for their participation, but most remained committed to the message. #mormonmusical #lds

On the latest episode of Mormon Book Reviews, Joseph Smith image expert Shannon Tracy for the first time publicly discusses his thoughts on the recently identified daguerreotype that might be of Joseph Smith. Recently the John Whitmer Historical Association Journal published a paper co-authored by Ronald Romig & Lachlan Mackay that makes a very strong case that the image may very well be authentic. Shannon then talks about his projects that he has worked on to reconstruct the face and complete anatomy of Joseph and Hyrum. He believes that along with other forensic evidence that it will be possible to the reconstruct what really happened to Joseph & Hyrum Smith in Carthage Jail! #JosephSmithPhoto #lds #communityofchrist

On a special episode of Mormon Book Reviews, Podcasters Mitchell Cosgrove & Garrett Jefferies talk with Steve Pynakker. The name of their new podcast is Latter Day Bridge Builders. They share how their podcast is dedicated to building bridges between people in LDS culture. Specifically trying to build the bridge between ex members and true believing Latter-day Saints. They also talk about how they want to build bridges between other groups of people who have been effected or are just curious about Mormonism as well. Mitchell and Garrett are both RM's and they share their mission experinces as well as what led up to them starting the podcast. It was really cool to have them on. This is part of our new series here on MBR called Mormon Media Reviews where we feature other media unrelated to books. Stay Tuned! #latterdaybridgebuilders #ldsmedia #mormonpodcast

Jonathan Neville returns to Mormon Book Reviews to preview a response he is going to give to some critics of his work. He then debuts a new painting (a rough sketch as he calls it) he did of the Stone In the Hat Demonstration that he believes will be a helpful visual aid to support his hypothosis of Joseph Smith being a conventional translator. Jonathan also discusses a very rare John Sorenson manuscript he has in his possession . We then talk about the great Book of Mormon online resources the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides and KC Kern's revolutionary online BOM study guide. Speaking of KC, I want to thank him for helping salvage this interview with the added b-roll. I had major issues with zoom and it all ended working out in the end! #lds #bookofmormon #JosephSmithPainting