Podcasts about history matters

What we teach kids about history shapes how they see the world, and themselves. In this meaningful and eye-opening conversation, Wendy sits down with Brooke Knight, co-founder of Honest History, to talk about why truthful history matters and how we can teach kids about the past in a way that builds empathy, curiosity, and confidence. Brooke shares the heart behind Honest History, a beautifully designed educational platform that helps kids explore real stories from the past through engaging storytelling, diverse perspectives, and honest conversations. Together, she and Wendy unpack how history doesn't have to be boring, overwhelming, or watered down. It can be inspiring, empowering, and deeply human. This episode will help you feel more confident talking with your kids about hard topics, current events, and the complexities of the world, without fear, shame, or confusion. If you've ever wondered how to raise thoughtful, compassionate kids who understand the world and want to make it better, this conversation is for you. ➡️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/328 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more info and links.⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when faith and politics collide? In this episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore one of the most fascinating and controversial chapters in Latter-day Saint history: Joseph Smith's views on religion, government, and the United States Constitution. What happened when Joseph Smith met with President Martin VanBuren? What concerns did he have about the protection of religious liberty in America? And what led him to launch an unexpected campaign for President of the United States in 1844? Join Scott and Casey as they examine the political and religious climate of Joseph Smith's day, the persecution that shaped his views on government, and the reforms he proposed in his presidential platform. Along the way, they discuss Joseph's teachings about constitutional principles, the role of religion in public life, and why his candidacy became a significant moment in both American and Latter-day Saint history. Whether you're interested in Church history, American history, or the ongoing relationship between faith and politics, this episode provides important context and thoughtful insights into Joseph Smith's vision for the nation and his enduring reverence for the Constitution. #ChurchHistoryMatters #JosephSmith #Constitution #LDSHistory #ChurchHistory #AmericanHistory #ReligiousFreedom #PresidentialCampaign #LatterdaySaints #ScottWoodward #CaseyGriffiths

This week, Scott covers 800 years of history - including the execution of six accused "Regulators" in Hillsborough in 1771. The post History Matters: 800 Years of History appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

This final episode in the Church History Matters series on the Word of Wisdom untangles the difference between revelation, policy, science, folklore, and culture, showing how modern-day science on health matches up against a revelation on health from 1833. Through historical sources, prophetic statements, and changing scientific principles over time, we explore the Word of Wisdom verse by verse and compare it to modern day medical knowledge. Whether you've wondered about meat in the Word of Wisdom, the Church's history with caffeinated drinks, or how certain cultural assumptions developed among Latter-day Saints, this episode provides important context, clarity, and nuance for one of the most discussed revelations in Church history.

Founding-era leader Roger Sherman takes center stage, for contributions both around the Revolution and the framing of the Bill of Rights. The post History Matters: Roger Sherman of Connecticut appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

In this episode of Church History Matters, we trace the fascinating and sometimes surprising history of the Word of Wisdom throughout the 1900s. How did a revelation originally framed as “not by commandment or constraint” become one of the defining markers of Latter-day Saint identity? Along the way, we explore the influence of Elder John A. Widtsoe and Leah Widtsoe's influential book The Word of Wisdom, the leadership of President David O. McKay, and the growing cultural debates surrounding caffeine, chocolate, meat consumption, and other “gray areas” that shaped Mormon life in the twentieth century. We'll examine how Saints and leaders wrestled with questions the revelation itself does not explicitly answer: Is caffeine against the Word of Wisdom? What about cola drinks? Why did some members avoid chocolate or hot soup while others focused only on coffee, tea, alcohol, and tobacco? And how did cultural traditions, personal opinions, and local teachings sometimes become confused with doctrine?

Each June, Delawareans celebrate Separation Day - the day the First State stopped being part of Pennsylvania and became its own entity.This year's Separation Day celebrations have added significance, occurring in the leadup to the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.In this edition of History Matters, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny learned more about how the state is marking Separation Day and the nation's 250th birthday from two people closely involved with planning the events, beginning with Erik Raser-Schramm, director of Delaware 250 and then Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Historic Sites Team director Daniel Citron.

This week in history: Harriet Tubman moves around to fight for freedom - while Claudette Colvin fights for freedom by staying in place. The post History Matters: Bigger Than Any One Person appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Join hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths for a fascinating deep dive into the evolution of the Word of Wisdom from the era of Brigham Young to Heber J. Grant. Discover how early Church leaders viewed the revelation as inspired counsel rather than a strict commandment, why enforcement varied across generations, and how attitudes toward tea, coffee, alcohol, and tobacco gradually changed over time. The episode also explores John Taylor and the intriguing “lost revelation” theory connected to the Word of Wisdom during his administration. Finally, Scott and Casey examine the pivotal moment under Heber J. Grant when full adherence to the Word of Wisdom became a requirement for temple attendance, forever shaping modern Latter-day Saint culture and identity.

This week: Star Wars hits theaters, Jesse Owens sets records, Rachel Carson saves the ecosystem, and Dorothea Lange documents the Depression. The post History Matters: 5-25-77 appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

In this episode of Church History Matters, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore the Latter-day Saint perspective on the divinely inspired nature of the United States Constitution as taught in the Doctrine and Covenants. What did Joseph Smith and early Church leaders think about the Constitution? What does it mean that God “established” the Constitution? Why is it applicable to all nations? And how should modern disciples understand these revelations today? Together, Scott and Casey dive into key passages from the Doctrine and Covenants, including Sections 98 and 101, while unpacking the historical context surrounding religious liberty, agency, and the role of constitutional government in God's plan. They also address common misunderstandings, modern political assumptions, and how faithful Saints can approach these teachings with both conviction and nuance. Whether you're interested in Church history, constitutional principles, or restored doctrine, this episode offers thoughtful insights into one of the most discussed themes in Latter-day Saint scripture.

Scott and Aaron look back on Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, and a third pilot who's more famous for her time in the water. The post History Matters: Whoop-De-Doo For Charles Lindbergh appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

What did the Word of Wisdom actually look like in the days of Brigham Young? In this fascinating episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore how early Latter-day Saints understood, practiced, and sometimes struggled to live the Word of Wisdom during the pioneer era. From frontier medicine and tobacco use to coffee, tea, and homemade alcohol, Brigham Young's generation approached the revelation in ways that may surprise modern members of the Church. Scott and Casey examine Brigham Young's teachings, personal example, and efforts to gradually encourage the Saints toward greater obedience while building Zion in the American West. Along the way, they uncover stories about pioneer culture, the economic push to produce local goods instead of importing “Gentile” products, and the slow evolution of the Word of Wisdom from inspired counsel into a temple worthiness standard. This episode provides important historical context for one of the most recognizable practices in Latter-day Saint life today.

National Train Day was last Saturday - May 9th. To mark the occasion, the Lewes Junction Railroad & Bridge Association unveiled its newest arrival- an early 1900s steam engine.And Delaware Public Media's Isreal Hale was on hand for that event for this edition of History Matters.

This week marks the anniversary of the 1771 Battle of Alamance and the start of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The post History Matters: A Golden Corral of History appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

In this episode, we explore how Joseph Smith personally kept the Word of Wisdom as a divine principle of health, spiritual strength, and wise living—not just a list of restrictions. Revealed in 1833 and recorded in Doctrine and Covenants Section 89, the Word of Wisdom was originally given as “a principle with promise,” offering guidance on caring for the body and drawing closer to God. Join us as we trace the history of the Word of Wisdom in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, from its early introduction during Joseph Smith's lifetime to its development as a defining standard of faith and discipleship. Discover how this revelation shaped Latter-day Saint identity and why it remains one of the most discussed and important teachings in the Church today.

Historical theology is not history for history's sake. It helps Christians ask an important question: Do we believe the same truths the church has always believed, or have we created something new?In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff Cranston introduces historical theology and explains why it matters for every follower of Jesus. Historical theology traces how believers throughout the centuries have understood, defended, debated, and articulated biblical truth. This includes major doctrines, important theologians, church history, creeds, confessions, and the theological controversies that helped shape the Christian faith. 01:20 What Is Historical Theology?Historical theology gives an overview of Christian doctrine through the centuries, including important trends, debates, and theological developments in church history.03:15 Why Church History MattersChristians should know not only what they believe, but also who else in church history believed it and why.04:15 Are We Believing Historic Christian Truth?Historical theology helps believers ask whether their beliefs align with the truths the church has always confessed, or whether they have adopted something new and novel.05:00 Theology Is Meant to Be AppliedPastor Jeff reminds listeners that studying theology is not only about knowing truth, but learning how to apply it faithfully as followers of Jesus.“Do we believe the same truths that the church has always believed, or have we come up with something new and novel?” – Pastor Jeff Cranston

This week in history: the Morehead Planetarium opens in Chapel Hill, and a bad student paper leads to a Constitutional amendment. The post History Matters: Where You Are in the Universe appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

In this exciting new series, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths dive into one of the most talked-about and most requested topics from listeners of the show: the Word of Wisdom. First revealed to Joseph Smith in 1833 as a revelation from the Lord (Doctrine and Covenants Section 89), the Word of Wisdom began as loving counsel for the Saints and has grown into a vital commandment and covenant marker for Church members around the world. Scott and Casey explore the origins of the revelation in Kirtland, the cultural context of health reform in early America, and the Lord's counsel regarding strong drinks, tobacco, hot drinks, wholesome herbs, grains, and meat. They also trace how the Word of Wisdom gradually evolved from inspired advice into a standard for temple worthiness and full fellowship in the Church. Why do some things seem emphasized more today than others? How did early Church leaders and members understand and live this law? And what does the Word of Wisdom teach us about obedience, revelation, and caring for both body and spirit? Join Scott and Casey for a fascinating historical and doctrinal journey through one of the most recognizable and sometimes misunderstood principles of the restored gospel. Whether you've wondered about coffee, tea, health practices, or the deeper spiritual purpose behind this commandment, this episode offers context, clarity, and powerful insight.

This week, Scott and Aaron remember poet Gwendolyn Brooks, who became the first Black writer to win a Pulitzer Prize this week in 1950. The post History Matters: Live In The Along appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

In this episode, hosts Scott Woodward, Casey Griffiths and Lisa Tait explore the powerful and often overlooked theme of Joseph Smith's vision of women as part of a “kingdom of priests.” From the earliest days of the Restoration in 1830, Joseph Smith taught expansive ideas about spiritual authority, inviting women into sacred spaces like the temple and organizing the Relief Society with language that echoed priesthood power, purpose, and covenant identity. Women in the early Church blessed the sick, participated in temple ordinances, and understood themselves as active contributors in building God's kingdom—not just as supporters, but as partners in a divine work rooted in shared access to heavenly power. As the Church grew and developed through the 19th and 20th centuries, the way these teachings were interpreted and practiced shifted, leading to a more formal distinction between priesthood office and women's roles. Yet the original vision of a covenant community—where women and men alike are endowed with spiritual power—continues to shape conversations today. This episode traces that journey from Joseph Smith's Nauvoo teachings to the present, highlighting both the continuity and the tension in how Latter-day Saint women relate to priesthood authority, and inviting viewers to reconsider what it means to truly become a “kingdom of priests” in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Steiny & Guru are live in Novato for the 3rd annual Agape Charity Golf Tournament to break down the San Francisco 49ers recent draft and why some people are more frustrated than others...

For Earth Week, Scott and Aaron talk environmental protection - including the 1920 dedication of the Grand Canyon as a national park. The post History Matters: Something in the Water appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

In this episode, hosts Scott Woodward, Casey Griffiths, and Lisa Olsen Tait explore the rich and often overlooked history of women's interaction with temple worship in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Beginning in the era of Joseph Smith, they examine how women participated in sacred ordinances, contributed to temple preparation, and understood their relationship to priesthood power within these holy spaces. Tracing developments from the early days of the Church through the 20th century, the discussion highlights how women's roles in temple work expanded and adapted over time. From the Nauvoo Temple to later temple practices, the hosts uncover key moments, teachings, and experiences that shaped women's spiritual authority and participation. This episode offers thoughtful insight into how temple worship has been a central place for women to engage with covenant-making, service, and the power of God throughout LDS history.

Scott and Aaron remember the vice-principal at Little Rock Central High School who protected Black students after integration in 1957. The post History Matters: I Heart Huckaby appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

This episode explores the sweeping changes that reshaped The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the mid-20th century, focusing on the rise of the correlation movement under Harold B. Lee. As the Church experienced rapid global growth, leaders sought to simplify complex programs, unify curriculum, and create a structure that could function across cultures and languages. What began as an effort to streamline administration soon evolved into a broader theological and organizational shift—placing priesthood authority at the center of all Church functions. This transition helped the Church become a truly international faith, but it also redefined leadership dynamics, particularly for women, as long-standing auxiliary organizations were integrated into a more centralized, priesthood-led framework. The discussion highlights both the gains and the losses of this transformation for women in Church leadership. While correlation made programs more adaptable and scalable worldwide, it also reduced women's institutional autonomy, limiting their control over budgets, publications, and decision-making processes. The episode thoughtfully examines how this era reinforced male headship structurally, even as it laid the groundwork for future collaboration and expanded influence for women in later decades. By wrestling with questions of authority, partnership, and global diversity, this conversation invites viewers to consider how evolving structures have shaped—and continue to shape—the relationship between women, priesthood, and leadership in a worldwide Church.

This week: the first sale of matches, the start of the Civil War, and a discussion about those all-important small events in history. The post History Matters: Literally Playing With Fire appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Don't get it twisted, Will McClay has lasted the test of time and has been the common denominator on building the board and presenting this board to the front office and coaching staff. Under McClay he Cowboys have built draft tendencies and we are going to look at these tendencies and who the Cowboys real draft targets could be... #DallasCowboys #CowboysDraft #CowboysPodcast #NFLDraft

In this episode, hosts Scott Woodward, Casey Griffiths, and Lisa Olsen Tait explore the vital ecclesiastical presence of women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and how their roles have developed alongside the history of the priesthood. Drawing on historical records and doctrinal context, they examine how women have actively participated in the work of the Church through leadership, service, and organization, even as priesthood offices have been held by men. A special focus of this episode is the development of the Relief Society and Young Women organization and its significance in shaping the spiritual lives and leadership opportunities of young women in the Church. From its 19th-century origins to its modern global influence, the hosts highlight how this organization reflects broader patterns of women's involvement in ecclesiastical structures. Through insightful discussion, they illuminate how women's contributions continue to be central to the growth and strength of the Church today.

This week in history: an inventor cashes in on his greatest invention - just in time for the patent to be rescinded. The post History Matters: Hyman Lipman’s Last Laugh appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

In this episode, hosts Lisa Tait, Casey Griffiths and Scott Woodward explore a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in Latter-day Saint history: the role of women in performing healing rituals. Drawing on early Church records, personal journals, and historical accounts, they highlight how women in the 19th-century Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints exercised profound faith by administering to the sick, offering blessings, and participating in sacred acts of healing.   Figures like Eliza R. Snow and other Relief Society leaders emerge as powerful examples of women who understood healing as a spiritual gift rooted in faith, compassion, and covenant relationships. As the discussion unfolds, Casey, Scott and Lisa examine how these practices developed over time and how Church leadership gradually clarified the relationship between healing rituals and priesthood authority. While modern practices differ from those of the early Church, the episode emphasizes continuity in the principle that faith in Jesus Christ brings healing and power into individuals' lives. This thoughtful conversation invites viewers to better understand the historical context of women's spiritual contributions and to appreciate the enduring influence of their faith within Latter-day Saint theology.

Our exclusive interview with Dorie McCullough Lawson, and Michael Hill continues as we discuss the newest release "History Matters", which shares special and unpublished works by David McCullough. You don't want to miss this episode today and if you want to hear more you can listen to the full interview on The Public Square®. The Public Square® Long Format with host David Zanotti. thepublicsquare.com Release Date: Wednesday, March 25th, 2026

Join Scott Woodward, Casey Griffiths, and special guest Lisa Olsen Tait as they explore a fascinating chapter in LDS history: the role of women in performing healing blessings and administering to the sick in the early church. In this episode, the hosts examine how women participated in priesthood-related blessings and ministering practices in the 19th century—practices that, while common in the early church, are no longer performed today. Through historical documents, accounts, and scripture, this discussion illuminates how women exercised spiritual authority in healing and caring for others, offering a richer understanding of women's roles in the foundations of the church. Perfect for members, scholars, and anyone curious about the evolving role of women and the priesthood.

Welcome to a very special interview discussing "History Matters" by David McCullough, Dorie McCullough Lawson, and Michael Hill. David McCullough's legacy continues with Dorie McCullough and Michael Hill who have worked tirelessly compiling and selecting his unpublished and forgotten works. These authors have been reviving American History back to print, back to our schools, and back to our hearts and minds. Please don't miss this episode today on The Public Square®. The Public Square® Long Format with host David Zanotti. thepublicsquare.com Release Date: Friday, March 20th, 2026

In July 2025, we explored how a piece of history - the historic Steam Locomotive No. 60 - was coming to Delaware for restoration and display.Almost a year later, the engine is almost ready to debut at its new home in Lewes. And to help drive the golden spike on this effort in time for National Train Day in May, the Lewes Junction Railroad and Bridge Association is holding a fundraising campaign, “Bring No. 60 for 250.”In this edition of History Matters, producer Jay Shah chats with two members of the association's board of directors - Cathy Tatman and David Ludlow about the campaign and their effort to honor Lewes' railroad heritage.

This week in history: Scott and Aaron remember St. Patrick and Mr. Rogers - as well as a dog who became celebrated as a World War I hero. The post History Matters: Saint Patrick, Mister Rogers, and Sergeant Stubby appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Join hosts Scott Woodward, Casey Griffiths, and special guest Lisa Olsen Tait as they explore the fascinating history of the priesthood in the Latter-day Saint tradition. In this episode, the team delves into the 19th century, examining how church leaders, scripture, and policies shaped the understanding of the priesthood—and where women fit within that evolving framework. From early church practices to key developments in doctrine, this discussion sheds light on the dynamic role of women in the religious life of the 19th-century LDS community. Whether you're a scholar, member, or simply curious about church history, this episode offers thoughtful insights into how the priesthood and women's participation have been interpreted and defined over time.

Send us a text! We love hearing from listeners. If you'd like a response, please include your email. "For most of history, Anonymous was a woman." — Virginia Woolf    In this episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery, Dianne and Jennie follow a single name etched on a simple marble stone in the Pioneer section of Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs - Lorenda Judd. She rests there alone. No husband, no children beside her. After Lorenda's death, her family moved on, and the record of her life thinned to almost nothing. What we do know comes filtered through other people: a marriage certificate, a few lines mentioned through her youngest son, the bare facts of a woman who was born in New York in the early 1800s, migrated to Illinois, and later crossed into Colorado Territory as a wife and mother. We don't have her letters, her opinions, or any account of how she felt about leaving home and building a life on the frontier.This episode asks what's lost when women's stories are reduced to their relationships to the men in their lives, and why that loss matters. Lorenda's missing narrative isn't an anomaly; it's the pattern. Throughout history, women's lives slip out of the archive, and “ordinary” women become extraordinary precisely because we have to work to see them, and why preserving and amplifying their stories changes how we understand history itself. Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.comFamily Tales: A free printable, is now available! Gather 'round the table and dig into your roots! This interactive family history game is perfect for holidays, reunions, or just because. Ask, listen, and laugh your way through generations of stories and secrets. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UT_R56qEwNTIxIBrTy8KFyVmGnFOe7g8/view?usp=sharingSupport the show

This week in history: Alexander Graham Bell patents the telephone, Juliette Low founds the Girl Scouts, and the 1918 flu epidemic begins. The post History Matters: Telephones To Help The Deaf? appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

In this episode of Church History Matters, hosts Casey Griffiths and Scott Woodward sit down with special guest Lisa Olsen Tait to explore one of the most frequently asked and historically complex questions in Christian history: Were women ever allowed to be priests or hold priesthood authority? Together they examine the evidence not only within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but also across broader Christian traditions, tracing how different communities have understood women's spiritual authority over time. From the early Christian world to modern debates, the conversation carefully separates assumption from documentation and myth from history. The discussion also highlights a pivotal moment in Latter-day Saint history—temple worship in Nauvoo, where in the Nauvoo Temple men and women participated in sacred ordinances involving priesthood functions in ways that were new and significant. What did this mean in the 1830s? How did early Latter-day Saints understand women's relationship to priesthood power? With careful scholarship and a positive, faith-centered approach, this episode offers historical clarity while inviting thoughtful reflection on women, authority, and divine partnership throughout Christian history.

It's Scott's birthday! He and Aaron look back on the etymological origin of the word "tennis" and the invention of the modern dishwasher. The post History Matters: Tenez! appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

This week on Church History Matters, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths kick off an important new series exploring women and the priesthood, joined by cohost Lisa Olsen Tait, a respected scholar of Latter-day Saint women's history. In this opening episode, the team lays a thoughtful historical foundation—examining how women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have understood, accessed, and spoken about priesthood power from the 19th century to today. Drawing on original documents, sermons, Relief Society minutes, and lived experience, they explore how Mormon women have been taught about priesthood authority, temple covenants, healing blessings, and spiritual gifts across generations. With clarity and optimism, Scott, Casey, and Lisa frame the discussion around a powerful truth: women have always had a vital and meaningful connection to the priesthood of God. Rather than focusing solely on policy questions, this series seeks to illuminate doctrine, covenant relationships, and the ways Latter-day Saint women participate in and access priesthood power in their homes, congregations, and temples. This is the first episode in a multi-part series that promises historical depth, faithful scholarship, and a hopeful exploration of how priesthood power blesses the entire covenant community.

In this final episode of the Church History Matters Science and Religion series, hosts Casey Griffiths and Scott Woodward sit down with BYU religion professor Ben Spackman, whose groundbreaking dissertation explores the historical relationship between science, the Bible, evolution, and Latter-day Saint thought. Together they trace how interpretations of Genesis, debates over Darwinian evolution, and shifting cultural pressures shaped conversations among members and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From early 20th-century tensions to more nuanced modern approaches, this episode carefully unpacks how Saints have wrestled with questions at the intersection of revelation and reason. Casey, Scott, and Professor Spackman examine the divide between “fundamentalist” and “modernist” approaches to scripture—exploring how different assumptions about prophetic authority, biblical literalism, and scientific discovery have influenced Latter-day Saint perspectives. Rather than framing science and faith as enemies, the discussion highlights the importance of historical context, careful interpretation, and intellectual humility. As the capstone to the series, this episode invites listeners to approach both scripture and science with faith, patience, and a deeper understanding of how past conversations can inform present discipleship.

In this conversation, author Steve Berry discusses his deep-rooted love for history, the intricate process of crafting thrillers that intertwine historical facts with modern narratives, and the importance of research in his writing. He also shares insights into his philanthropic efforts through the History Matters initiative, which focuses on preserving local history, and hints at future adventures for his protagonist, Cotton Malone, in unexplored regions of the world. Takeaways Steve Berry's love for history began in childhood. His writing combines action, history, and conspiracies. The formula for his books is 'the same but different.' Research is crucial for creating engaging narratives. The 'ooh factor' is essential in selecting historical elements. History Matters has raised nearly $3 million for preservation. Berry's research trips are meticulously planned. He seeks unique insights during his travels. Cotton Malone will explore new regions in future novels. Berry aims to continue writing for many more years.   Steve Berry is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of twenty Cotton Malone novels, six stand-alone thrillers, two Luke Daniels adventures, and several works of short fiction. He has over twenty-six million books in print, translated into forty-one languages. With his wife, Elizabeth, he is the founder of History Matters, an organization dedicated to historical preservation. He serves as an emeritus member of the Smithsonian Libraries Advisory Board and was a founding member of International Thriller Writers, formerly serving as co-president. Check Steve out on Facebook or his website Chapters 00:00 The Roots of a Historian 02:58 Crafting Thrillers with Historical Depth 05:49 Researching History for Modern Thrillers 08:45 Giving Back: The History Matters Initiative 11:41 Future Adventures in Historical Fiction Learn more about the brand new book from Jeff Utecht https://humanstillrequired.com/  

In this episode of the Church History Matters podcast, we explore the long-standing tension many Latter-day Saints have felt between scientific discovery and religious belief. From the rise of evolutionary theory to advances in geology and biology, new ideas have sometimes seemed to challenge traditional readings of scripture. Historically, some Church leaders spoke strongly against evolution and certain scientific claims, reflecting the concerns of their times and a desire to protect faith. This episode places those statements in historical context, showing how questions about science and religion are not new but part of a continuing conversation. At the same time, the video emphasizes a hopeful and faithful perspective: that religion offers meaning, moral grounding, and a relationship with God that science alone cannot replace. Rather than framing science and faith as enemies, the podcast invites viewers to see them as different tools for discovering truth—one focused on the how of the universe, the other on the why of our existence. For Latter-day Saints, this balanced approach encourages both intellectual honesty and spiritual commitment, showing that sincere faith can coexist with thoughtful engagement in science.

Explore the ongoing debate between science and religion through the lens of fundamentalism versus modernism, a conversation that has shaped religious thought for over a century. Scott and Casey dive into the historical roots of the conflict—highlighting modern scientific thought and modern Latter-day Saint thinking. Learn how cultural shifts led some believers to defend scripture strictly while others sought harmony between revelation and reason. Viewers will gain context for how these two approaches emerged and why the discussion still matters today in classrooms, churches, and public discourse. From a Latter-day Saint (LDS) perspective, this episode emphasizes that faith and scientific inquiry need not be enemies. Many Latter-day Saints see truth as coming from both divine revelation and honest study of the natural world, trusting that all truth ultimately aligns in God's eternal framework. By examining scripture, prophetic teachings, and the LDS tradition of education and learning, this video presents a thoughtful case for religious belief that welcomes discovery while maintaining devotion to God. Whether you are a person of faith, a student of science, or simply curious, this discussion invites respectful dialogue and deeper reflection.

In this episode, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore one of the most enduring questions in the science-and-faith conversation: how should religious believers approach evolution? Using the famous Scopes “Monkey” Trial as a historical touchpoint, they unpack how the early 20th-century clash between fundamentalist and modernist perspectives shaped the broader American debate over science and the Bible. They explain what those two models mean—fundamentalism emphasizing strict, literal readings of scripture, and modernism seeking to reconcile faith with emerging scientific knowledge—and how these frameworks still influence discussions today. The hosts then bring the conversation into a Latter-day Saint context, tracing how members and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have wrestled with evolution over time. Rather than framing the issue as a simple conflict, they highlight the diversity of views within the LDS tradition and the Church's general focus on spiritual truths over scientific declarations. The result is a thoughtful, historically grounded discussion that invites viewers to think deeply about how faith and science can interact, coexist, and even enrich one another.

How should Latter-day Saints think about evolution—and has that thinking changed over time? In this episode, hosts Casey Griffith and Scott Woodward explore why members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are uniquely positioned to engage the conversation between evolution and Christian faith without fear or false dichotomies. Drawing on LDS scripture, prophetic teachings, and historical context, Casey and Scott trace how Latter-day Saint perspectives on creation, science, and revelation have developed over time, and why ongoing revelation allows room for both faithful belief and scientific discovery. Rather than framing evolution as a threat, this conversation invites viewers into a more nuanced, faithful approach—one that embraces truth wherever it is found and models how believers can wrestle honestly with complex questions in a modern scientific world.

In this episode, hosts Casey Griffiths and Scott Woodward sit down with BYU biology professor Jamie Jensen to explore how science and religion can work together rather than compete. Drawing on her experience in the classroom, Professor Jensen shares how today's students wrestle with big questions about faith, evolution, scripture, and evidence—and how honest inquiry can actually strengthen belief rather than undermine it. She explains how a scientific worldview, when properly understood, invites humility, curiosity, and awe, qualities that resonate deeply with religious Faith. The conversation also turns personal as Professor Jensen bears testimony of the gospel and reflects on how her faith informs her approach to teaching science. She discusses the toughest questions students bring to her—from perceived conflicts between science and scripture to doubts sparked by academic study—and how she responds with empathy, clarity, and trust in both truth and revelation. This thoughtful interview offers reassurance to students, parents, and believers seeking a faithful way forward, showing that pursuing scientific understanding and nurturing spiritual conviction can be a complementary and faith-building journey.

How does modern science influence the way we read and understand scripture—without diminishing faith? In this episode, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore how scientific discovery can deepen, rather than threaten, a religious worldview. They discuss how scripture is primarily concerned with teaching eternal truths about God, humanity, and purpose—the “why” of existence—while science excels at uncovering the “how” of the natural world. When each is allowed to operate within its proper sphere, science can clarify historical context, illuminate metaphor and symbolism, and help believers read sacred texts with greater humility and insight. Rather than framing science and religion as competitors, Scott and Casey show how faith has often grown stronger when believers engage honestly with scientific knowledge. From creation accounts to miracles, they explain why not every scriptural passage is meant to be read as a scientific textbook—and how that realization can actually protect faith during moments of doubt. This conversation offers a thoughtful, faith-forward approach to scripture study, encouraging viewers to embrace both revelation and reason as complementary gifts from God that work together to point us toward truth.