The Interpreter Foundation Podcast

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. 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.

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 everyone, everywhere. This strongly reflects the vision of the Book of Mormon as a book to all nations and also gives readers of the Book of Mormon cause to reflect on the great mercy of Jesus Christ. One of Nephi’s primary messages is that the redemption and the resurrection of Jesus Christ is available to all of humanity, showing a wideness of focus that reflects God’s love for his children. The post Conversations with Interpreter: Matthew Bowen and Upon All Nations: Nephi and Isaiah on the Nations first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

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 post Interpreter Insights Podcast — March 26, 2026 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

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 the School of the Prophets. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 9: Did Brigham really have the Gift of Tongues when he first met Joseph Smith? first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

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 episode, Dr. Bradshaw explores the advantage of a commentary format for Latter-day Saints, pointing ways in which this format can help us become richer readers of the scriptures. He also discusses how the Abrahamic Covenant impacts women and men in our desires to become more like God and to follow the covenant example of not only Patriarchs like Abraham, but also Matriarchs like Sarah and Hagar. The post Conversations with Interpreter: Jeff Bradshaw and Two New Books on Abraham and Sarah first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

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 still a very useful book for Latter-day Saints and well worth their attention. Specifically, this book helps Latter-day Saints better understand other Christian denominations and beliefs, can help them communicate their own beliefs more clearly to others not of our faith, and (though not written for this intent) provides good apologetic grounds for the restoration of the gospel as Latter-day Saint belief is compared with the theology of early Christianity. This book would be a welcome addition to any Latter-day Saint’s library. The post A Fresh Investigation of Latter-day Saint Theology first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

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 Nephite or Nephi with ideas that are positive and pleasing to God. In this article, Dr. Bowen contrasts that with names coming from the Hebrew root mlk, which refers to kingship or rulership. In the podcast, Bowen discusses how this can indicate oppressive behavior that is displeasing to God. Mormon uses this wordplay in Alma to illustrate how the Lord wants individuals to focus on the true king, Jesus Christ, who brings everything good. The post Conversations with Interpreter: Matt Bowen and “Inspired by a Better Cause” first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

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 gospel. Its unsystematic and lay approach, however, is neither apologetic nor scholarly. The post An Unsystematic Dive into Gospel Questions first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.