The Interpreter Foundation Podcast

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 Inte...

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...

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 tha...

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: O...

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 Epis...

For this episode we talk with Matthew L. Bowen about his article “Upon All the Nations”: The gôyim in Nephi’s Rendition of Isaiah 2 (2 Nephi 12) in Literary Context.” Dr. Bowen discusses places where Nephi’s version of Isaiah 2, preserved in 2 Nephi 12, differs from Isaiah in the received Hebrew. He argues that this reflects Nephi’s focus on all nations and desire to spread the gospel message to e...

In the March 26, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Terry Hutchinson and his guest Kevin Christensen discuss Taylor Halvorson's 2023 Interpreter Article about Nephi emulating Moses and not David (https://interpreterfoundation.org/journal/nephi-wanted-to-be-a-prophet-like-moses-not-a-king-like-david) and the various theories on the Deuteronomist school in LDS letters. The po...

Sometimes humble settings and ordinary people set the stage for extraordinary spiritual experiences. While discussing Brigham Young’s surprising interactions with the prophet Joseph Smith, our hosts explore the historic Newell K. Whitney store. This original 1830s building became far more than a community store. It served as the Church’s headquarters, Joseph and Emma’s home, and the setting for th...

Jeffrey M. Bradshaw discusses two new commentaries on the life and ministry of Abraham, Sarah, and their families. The first of these books is part of his commentary series on Genesis, In God’s Image and Likeness , written with co-authors (and Conversations with Interpreter guests) Matthew Bowen and John Thompson. The second book is a shorter version called Look unto Abraham and Sarah . In this ep...

Review of Grant Underwood, Latter-day Saint Theology among Christian Theologies (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2025). 640 pages. $39.99 (hardcover). Abstract: Grant Underwood’s recent book, Latter-day Saint Theology among Christian Theologies , is an excellent treatment on the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints written primarily for those outside of our faith. However, it is...

In the March 19, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Martin Tanner discusses Joseph's priesthood garment and his marriage to Aseneth, who converted to Judaism. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — March 19, 2026: Joseph’s Priesthood Garment and Marriage to Aseneth first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation .

Dan, Camrey and Johnny discuss the conversion and baptism of Brigham Young. It took Brigham two years to accept the restored gospel. But once he did, he was totally committed. Our hosts also visit the grave of Brigham's first wife, Miriam Works Young. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 8: Was Brigham Young unsure about the Book of Mormon? first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation .

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Bowen discusses his recent article in Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship , where he analyzes Mormon’s wordplay in what are commonly called the war chapters in Alma. Dr. Bowen builds on his previous work, connecting Nephi’s name with the Egyptian word nefer , meaning “good,” showing how the Book of Mormon authors will often associate Nephit...

Review of Michael Hawkins, Infinite Contingencies: Insights on Latter-Day Saint Doctrine and Practice (Springville, UT: Cedar Fort, 2025). 120 pages. $16.99 (paperback). Abstract: A recent book by Michael Hawkins provides subjective answers to timeless gospel questions and practices. Some readers will enjoy its novel approach and will gain insights that will help them live and apply the Restored g...

In the March 12, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Terry Hutchinson and his guest John Gee discuss John’s background, Hugh Nibley, and Joseph in Egypt. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — March 12, 2026 with John Gee first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation .

Camrey continues her conversation with Susan Easton Black about the youthful Brigham Young. Our hosts also explore how Brigham came to encounter the Book of Mormon, and how he reacted to this new book of scripture. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 7: Young Brigham Young, Part Two first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation .

In this episode, Stephen Smoot talks about his new study edition of the Pearl of Great Price, published by Scripture Central and the Interpreter Foundation. Stephen shares why he wrote this commentary, and what he feels Latter-day Saints can learn from reading a commentary on the Pearl of Great Price. The commentary builds on years of new work in the study of the Pearl of Great Price, making it an...

In the March 5, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Terry Hutchinson and his guest Brent Schmidt discuss BYU’s New Testament Commentary series, which Brent has been involved in. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — March 5, 2026 with Brent Schmidt first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation .

We tend to think of Brigham Young as the stern-faced old man from the few existing photos. But what was he like during his formative years? Our hosts explore this question, and Camrey interviews Susan Easton Black to get the historian's perspective on the young Brigham. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 6: Young Brigham Young, Part One first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation .

In this episode, Avram and Thora interview Matthew L. Bowen, a professor of Religious Education from Brigham Young University-Hawaii. Bowen has published numerous studies on ancient wordplay in the Book of Mormon. Bowen discusses his study recently published in Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship which explores Mormon’s use of the Hebrew root ḥayil/ḥêl, a root that has...

Review of Patrick Q. Mason and J. David Pulsipher, Proclaim Peace: The Restoration’s Answer to an Age of Conflict (Provo, UT: Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, Brigham Young University; Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2021). 290 pages. $19.99 (paperback). Abstract: Proclaim Peace is a very timely and serious engagement with questions of peace. Consisting of roughly equal parts cha...

Abstract: God didn’t “set a mark” on Cain. Instead, he gave Cain a sign. The unfortunate translation of Genesis 4:15 in the King James Bible (KJV) has been the source of much misunderstanding over the years. This article is about the English words that the King James translators chose in Genesis 4:15 and the Hebrew words from which they are translated. It shows that the renderings of the words in...

In the February 26, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Terry Hutchinson and his guest John Thompson discuss John's new book Abraham and His Family in Scripture, History, and Tradition , coedited with Jeffrey M. Bradshaw, Matthew L. Bowen, and David R. Seely, and his article “‘Being of that Lineage’: Generational Curses and Inheritance in the Book of Abraham” from Volume 54...