Interviews, events, and readings with Greg Kofford Books authors. For over a decade, Greg Kofford Books has been a leading publisher in Mormon Studies with award-winning books focusing on Mormon history, theology, scripture, and thought.
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Tackling issues in culture, education, independent authorship, and the occasional urban legend, this podcast has it all. Chats with Chad segments are more lighthearted and fun discussions of things going in his author and teaching journeys. Didactic Cafe segments are dealing with ethical and moral issues in education and the world in general. Culture Cuts feature book and movie reviews as well as diving into cultural controversies and touchstones of the moment. And finally, Urban Legends Unm ...
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Did you have a place to go when you were a kid that just made you come alive? Was it a meadow, a field, a club house, a secret spot? What was it about that place that just made you feel alive? And why have you lost that wonder? As I try to find my own place once more, join me for this episode to reflect, engage in a bit of nostalgia, and hopefully …
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The background and backstory of WHY I wrote the book that is quickly becoming my best reviewed and best selling novel yet. It is also about WHO the book is for, and WHAT I hope people take away from it. In addition, give a listen to the first chapter of the book that tells the story of a teenager in 1930's Germany who decides to take a stand agains…
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Didactic Cafe: School Vouchers- Who Benefits?
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With the school voucher plan in Texas dead- for now- we need to look at why it is such a big issue for politicians. Why do they want a plan to be implemented so badly that they will fail to produce school funding bills just because they don't get what they want? Is it to appease their base? Is it because they genuinely don' trust public education a…
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Leadership is a dying art in our nation, in our world. Too many people are so desirous for power that they sell themselves out and become too self involved to see they are not leading at all. They are grandstanding. Leaders are everywhere when you don't need them, and invisible or hollow when you do. We need leaders who don't want the glory and the…
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Matthew Perry was always my favorite Friend. I connected with him, saw myself in him. I will miss him. This is my tribute to him. Could I BE any more sad?By Chad Lehrmann
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Urban Legends Unmasked CLASSIC: Halloween Origins
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We will explore the beginnings of our modern tradition of Halloween, from the Celtic Samhain rituals to Stingy Jack and how they make our October 31st so creepy. The only question is, do you think the costumed kids are the only ones out for mischief on All Hallow's Eve?By Chad Lehrmann
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Urban Legends Unmasked: "Based on a True Story"
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You know when a horror movie is based on a true story, you are in for a gruesome ride. Why is that? Maybe it is that humanity is far more monstrous than the biggest, scariest beast or creature we could conjure in our imagination.By Chad Lehrmann
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A date which will live in...superstition? When the 13th of the month falls on a Friday, you may find yourself taking it more cautiously. But why? Why is 13 bad, and why does Friday make it worse? We look at the history of this superstition, and a bit of pop culture surrounding it before asking the question- Are some days just cursed?…
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Urban Legends Unmasked: Michigan Dog Lady and Arizona Skinwalkers
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A decrepit island in Michigan may be home to a feral old woman and her pack of dogs that likes to watch wayward teens who come to party. Is she real, or just a legend? AND Imagine driving down the highway at 60 miles an hour, hearing a tap on the window next to you, and you turn to see a human, wearing an animal pelt, and matching your speed. It ca…
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Chats With Chad: Are You Who You Want To Be?
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Moments of reflection are vital to growing your identity and your sense of self. But you have to be honest. You sometimes have to be raw and uncomfortable. Don't be afraid to sit in those moments where you realize this is your life, and ask yourself 'Am I who I want to be?"By Chad Lehrmann
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Reviewing two great pieces of culture this week. The Eradic by S. Goodey is a great fantasy novel with excellent characterization and awesome twists. Check out his Etsy store, too. The Beautiful Letdown Covers album from Switchfoot is filled with great artists paying respects to an amazing album that changed the direction of my favorite band foreve…
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Didactic Cafe: Indoctrination- It Doesn't Mean What You Think It Does
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"Public schools are indoctrinating our kids." Yep. They are. But did you know indoctrination means teaching? Oh, you meant forcing ideologies on kids that support partisan or specific beliefs? Like pledging allegiance to the flag? Oh, you meant indoctrinating students on things you disagree with! Well, is it okay if we indoctrinate them on things y…
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Urban Legends Unmasked: Ayers Island Maine and Alaskan Triangle
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Two legends for the price of one! The new legend details the possibly cursed island in the middle of the Penobscot River- Ayers Island. Is it home to spirits cursed to die and remain long after their lives have ceased? Are there dark places on earth that no one should go? Why would you bring a baby on a ghost hunt? The second is a classic legend- t…
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Over the last few months, much has been made about Artificial Intelligence and its capabilities and threats. As a writer and educator, I have seen it filter into both fields. Some think it is the destroyer of our world and livelihood as we know, others think it can make the world a better place. Should we approach AI with fear, embrace it fully, or…
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On Tuesday, August 22, a normal day of school turned into anything but normal. An alarm telling everyone to evacuate led to scary few hours, but also to demonstrations of the best public education has to offer. We were lucky, and the threat was a hoax- but we can all learn and grow more prepared to face the unfortunate culture that has seemingly no…
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Didactic Cafe: We Need to Talk About Teacher Pay
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It has been said that if you have not seen a 20% pay raise over the last two years, you are behind the cost of living increase. I don't know of a single teacher who has seen anywhere near that. Educators have notoriously been underpaid, but the problem is reaching an apex of danger. What happens when quality teachers cannot afford to stay? We will …
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Urban Legends Unmasked: Alabama Dead Children's Playground
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Classic Episode: In Huntsville, Alabama, there is a playground situated near the oldest cemetery in town. Legend has it that the ghost of children buried there haunt the playground, and there may be even darker spirits that take a ride on the swing. This is the first in a series looking at the creepiest urban legends in each state.…
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Chats With Chad: Who Are The Edelweiss Pirates?
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My latest book, In The Fields Of The Eagle, tells the story of Klaus Volk, a teenager in Nazi Germany of the 1930s. While the book is historical fiction, the events are real, and Klaus is inspired by some real-life teenage rebels called the Edelweiss Pirates. They engaged in sabotage, pranks, and eventually even armed rebellion against the Nazis. T…
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Small towns have been in the news lately, with the controversy around Jason Aldean's "Try That in a Small Town." This song has touched a nerve with some, inspired others, and sparked debate. But I believe the premise that small towns are idyllic and great at taking care of their own is inherently flawed because it is based on the myth of small town…
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Show description: In this episode, we talk with Joseph M. Spencer, author of The Anatomy of Book of Mormon Theology, Volumes One and Two. We discuss how this project emerged, highlight some of the essays in the collection, and talk about the development of Book of Mormon studies over the past two decades as well as where Joseph sees the field going…
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Authorcast #129: Trevan Hatch and Leonard Greenspoon, The Learning of the Jews: What Latter-day Saints Can Learn from Jewish Religious Experience
Show description: In this episode, we talk with Trevan Hatch and Leonard Greenspoon, co-editors of The Learning of the Jews: What Latter-day Saints Can Learn from Jewish Religious Experience. We discuss how this project emerged, some of the voices and topics discussed, and how this anthology makes a unique contribution to Latter-day Saint and Jewis…
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Show description: In this episode, we talk with Blake T. Oster about Exploring Mormon Thought, Vol 4: God's Plan to Heal Evil. We begin by giving an overview of the first three volumes in the Exploring Mormon Thought series, then move into the fourth volume, discussing the problem of evil. Blake gives us an overview of the problem, solutions propos…
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Show description: In this episode, we talk with Samantha Richardson, co-editor of Miracles Among the Rubble, by Carol R. Gray. Samantha is the second of Carol Gray’s seven children and accompanied he rmother on her first humanitarian aid trips to Bosnia in 1992–93. We discuss Samantha's personal experiences and memories of her humanitarian convoys …
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Show description: In this Kofford Lecture Series livestream event, we will be talking with Richard G. Moore about Oliver H. Olney, a little-known figure in Mormon history. Despite his falling out from the Church, and subsequent excommunication, Oliver remained part of the Nauvoo community, writing down the events he witnessed and publishing booklet…
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Show description: Michael Austin, author of Re-Reading Job: Understanding the Ancient World's Greatest Poem, discusses common misperceptions about the story of Job, how it fits into the Persian poetry tradition, what the story was trying to teach, and how we can relate the story to our modern times. Michael Austin is the author of several books inc…
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Show description: In this episode, we chat with Richard G. Moore, editor of The Writings of Oliver H. Olney: April 1842 to February 1843—Nauvoo, Illinois. We discuss this lesser-known figure in Mormon history and what makes him important to the Nauvoo era, his falling out with church leadership, his own reports of visions and revelations, and some …
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Show description: Neylan McBaine discusses progress towards greater visibility and voice for women in the LDS Church since the publication of Women at Church in 2014, the effects of the pandemic and "house church" on women, and recent research published by BYU regarding women's voices in predominantly male group settings. Neylan McBaine, a life-lon…
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Authorcast #122: Kofford Lecture Series - Charles R. Harrell and the Development of Mormon Theology, Part 4
Show description: Part 4 of our lecture series with Charles R. Harrell, author of This is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon Theology. In this final installment, we discuss the developing theology of premortal existence within Mormonism examining early Christian and Second Great Awakening thought and Joseph Smith's teachings of spirit creation …
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Authorcast #121: Kofford Lecture Series - Charles R. Harrell and the Development of Mormon Theology, Part 3
Show description: Part 3 of our lecture series with Charles R. Harrell, author of This is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon Theology. In this installment, we discuss the developing theology of Godhead within Mormonism examining shifts through Joseph Smith's scriptural output as well as later developments in Utah under Brigham Young. Part 1 - W…
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Authorcast #120: Kofford Lecture Series - Charles R. Harrell and the Development of Mormon Theology, Part 2
Show description: Part 2 of our lecture series with Charles R. Harrell, author of This is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon Theology. In this installment, we discuss Joseph Smith's theology of restoration, examine the use of restoration in the Old and New Testaments, and compare how restoration was understood among evangelical, Universalist, a…
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Authorcast #119: Kofford Lecture Series - Charles R. Harrell and the Development of Mormon Theology, Part 1
Show description: Coming to you via Facebook Live! We are pleased to bring you a lecture series with Charles R. Harrell, author of This is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon Theology. In this four-part live series, we'll be discussing the nature of doctrine as well as Joseph Smith's theology of restoration, the Godhead, and premortal existence.…
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Show description: In this episode, we chat with Joseph M. Spencer about his newest book, 1st Nephi: A Brief Theological Introduction (Maxwell Institute) and how this new work ties into his previous work on Nephi's use of Isaiah: The Vision of All: Twenty-five Lectures on Isaiah in Nephi's Record. We then switch gears and analyze a few passages in I…
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Show description: We are pleased to bring you part five of our five-part conversation with Brant Gardner about the Book of Mormon. In this final episode, we discuss the purpose of the Book of Mormon. Topics discussed in this series include anthropology, Joseph Smith's translation process, authorship of the Book of Mormon, historicity and anachronis…
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Show description: We are pleased to bring you part four of a five-part conversation with Brant Gardner about the Book of Mormon. In this episode, we discuss geographic models for the Book of Mormon. Topics discussed in this series include anthropology, Joseph Smith's translation process, authorship of the Book of Mormon, historicity and anachronism…
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Show description: In this episode, we are pleased to bring you part three of a five-part conversation with Brant Gardner about the Book of Mormon. Topics discussed in this series include the organization of the small and large plates, Joseph Smith's translation process, authorship of the Book of Mormon, historicity and anachronisms, archaeology, ge…
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Show description: In this episode, we are pleased to bring you part two of a five-part conversation with Brant Gardner about the Book of Mormon. Topics discussed in this series include the organization of the small and large plates, Joseph Smith's translation process, authorship of the Book of Mormon, historicity and anachronisms, archaeology, geog…
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Show description: In this episode, we are pleased to bring you the first part of a five-part conversation with Brant Gardner about the Book of Mormon. Topics discussed in this series include the organization of the small and large plates, Joseph Smith's translation process, authorship of the Book of Mormon, historicity and anachronisms, archaeology…
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Show description: In this episode, we bring you a recording of a live author event with Don Bradley at Writ & Vision rare books and gallery in Provo, UT. Don discusses his new book, The Lost 116 Pages: Reconstructing the Book of Mormon's Missing Stories. He discusses his background, faith journey, research into the missing pages, and how piecing to…
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Authorcast #111: Don Bradley, author of The Lost 116 Pages: Reconstructing the Book of Mormon's Missing Stories
Show description: In this highly anticipated work, author Don Bradley presents over a decade of historical and scriptural research to not only tell the story of the lost pages but to reconstruct many of the detailed stories written on them. In this interview, Don Bradley discusses his methodology for reconstructing the missing stories as well as pr…
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Authorcast #110: Bradley J. Kramer, author of Gathered in One: How the Book of Mormon Counters Anti-Semitism in the New Testament
Show description: For devotees of Christian scripture, the suggestion that the New Testament contains anti-Semitic rhetoric is challenging. After all, how could the New Testament, largely written by Jewish authors about the Jewish Messiah contain any trace of disdain towards its own people? However, centuries of Christian hatred towards Jews demons…
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In this episode of the Greg Kofford Books Authorcast, we chat with David B. Ostler about his book, Bridges: Ministering to Those Who Question. We discuss his personal story and what led him to write this topic as well the larger trends of disaffection and disaffiliation from religion in Western society and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day S…
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Authorcast #108: Gary and Gordon Shepherd, authors of Jan Shipps: A Social and Intellectual Portrait
In this episode of the Greg Kofford Books AuthorCast, we chat with Gordon Shepherd and Gary Shepherd about their latest book, Jan Shipps: A Social and Intellectual Portrait. We discuss their background and what led them to write about Jan Shipps as well as Jan's importance in the field of Mormon Studies, particularly as a role model for female scho…
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Authorcast #107: James McLachlan, editor of Element, journal for the Society of Mormon Philosophy and Theology
On this episode, we chat with James McLachlan, co-editor of Element: The Journal for the Society of Mormon Philosophy and Theology (SMPT). We discuss James's background, give a basic primer on a few schools of thought within philosophy and their relationship to Mormonism. We also discuss the origins of SMPT, the most recent issue of Element, and th…
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Authorcast #106: Melvin C. Johnson, author of Life and Times of John Pierce Hawley: A Mormon Ulysses of the American West
On this episode, we chat with Melvin C. Johnson, author of Life and Times of John Pierce Hawley: A Mormon Ulysses of the American West. We discuss Hawley's following Lyman Wight to the Mormon colony in TX, his conversion to Brigham Young's LDS Church in Utah, accusations of John's involvement with the massacre at Mountain Meadows, John's eventual s…
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On this episode, we chat with Talana S. Hooper, author of Lot Smith: Mormon Pioneer and American Frontiersman. “This is a fascinating book worthy of a truly fascinating nineteenth-century frontiersman.” — Gene A. Sessions, editor of Mormon Thunder: A Documentary History of Jedediah Morgan Grant Lot Smith: Mormon Pioneer and American Frontiersman By…
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Authorcast #104: Laura Rutter Strickling, author of On Fire in Baltimore: Black Mormon Women and Conversion in a Raging City
On this episode, we chat with Laura Rutter Strickling, author of On Fire in Baltimore: Black Mormon Women and Conversion in a Raging City. On Fire in Baltimore: Black Mormon Women and Conversion in a Raging City By Laura Rutter Strickling $20.95 paperback $34.95 hardcover 197 pages Free sample preview Q&A with the author Download Subscribe in Pocke…
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Episode 103: The Expanded Canon Hosted by Brian Whitney On this episode, editors Blair Van Dyke, Brian Birch, and Boyd Petersen discuss the development of the Mormon Studies program at Utah Valley University, their annual conferences, the new UVU Comparative Mormon Studies series with Greg Kofford Books, as well as the contributors and topics in th…
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Episode 102: Interview with Charles Randall Paul Hosted by Brian Whitney In this episode, Charles Randall Paul discusses his forthcoming book, Converting the Saints: A Study of Religious Rivalry in America, as well as the interfaith organization he founded, the Foundation for Religious Diplomacy, and offers a few suggestions for dealing with religi…
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Episode 101: Interview with Blake Ostler Hosted by Brian Whitney Blake T. Ostler is an independent scholar residing in Salt Lake City, Utah,and the author of the multi-volume Exploring Mormon Thought series. Volume 1: The Attributes of God has recently been re-issued in paperback. In this interview, Blake discusses his background, the series, some …
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