Best 5 Plain Questions Podcasts (2025)

1
Joe Horse Capture 47:39

1d ago47:39

47:39

Joe Horse Capture's episode presents a compelling narrative of his evolution as a leading figure in Native American art curation. The discussion intricately weaves through his personal history, detailing his journey from a childhood influenced by the Alcatraz occupation to a distinguished career as the Vice President of Native Collections at the Au…

1
When You Don’t Know What They’re Hiding…. With Andrea Merriman Ep. 161 42:27

3d ago42:27

42:27

Andrea Merriman went to bed one night thinking she and her husband had $10M in the bank and a nice life ahead. The next day she found out they were broke, all of their assets were frozen and her husband was a Ponzi Schemer headed to prison. She and her kids had nothing and had to rebuild their lives. Listen to hear her amazing story of total collap…

1
He Said/ She Said: Finding the Truth When it Counts Most with Marla Moore Ep. 160 34:11

10d ago34:11

34:11

How exactly can you find the truth in high stakes situations? Attorney Investigator Marla Moore tells us exactly how she gets to the bottom of sexual harassment, discrimination and corporate bullying cases when millions of dollars are on the line. She has 5 factors she uses to reveal the truth that you’ll be able to use for yourself. Help support t…

1
The Crisis Shop: with Nate Miller CEO of Miller ink Ep. 159 34:35

1M ago34:35

34:35

Learn how Chinese Spies, Nazi era interests and the Mexican Cartel’s plans get foiled by reputation management pro Nate Miller, CEO and founder of Miller Ink. He develops and implements media campaigns to make sure the truth is heard, change public opinion and right the wrongs done to his clients. Help support the show and buy us a coffee. Your don…

1
Rich People Space Camp with Funny Man Pat Dwyer Ep. 158 26:05

1M ago26:05

26:05

If you just want to laugh at some funny crimes, this episode is for you. Special Guest and Second City Alum Pat Dwyer joins Traci to review some of the most ridiculous issues of the day: Gayle King and Katy Perry in Space---did it really happen, and what's the real rocket science behind it all.? We'll find out. And also talk swimming in the fish ta…

1
5 Pressing Questions for Dallas Goldtooth 45:34

2M ago45:34

45:34

In this compelling episode of 5 Plain Questions, host Joe Williams engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Dallas Goldtooth, a prominent Indigenous activist, actor, and comedian. Their conversation is framed by the pressing concerns surrounding the current political climate and its potential ramifications for Indigenous communities across the …

1
Gambling, Drugs and Hollywood’s Diva Whisperer with Jonathan Schwartz Ep. 157 47:32

2M ago47:32

47:32

Jonathan Schwartz was one Hollywood’s most trusted advisors, managing icons like Beyonce, Matthew McConaughey, Mariah Carey and Gwyneth Paltrow. He seemed untouchable. But behind the glitz and glam, his secret drug & gambling addictions led him to embezzle almost $7mllion from the very clients he was meant to protect resulting in a fall from grace …

1
DY Begay 55:33

2M ago55:33

55:33

The conversation with DY Begay unfolds against the backdrop of her rich Navajo heritage, as she shares insights into her identity as a member of the Tótshoníí (Big Water) and Tachinii’ (Red Running into Earth) clans. Her narrative is steeped in familial connections, particularly highlighting her lineage as a fifth-generation weaver, which illuminat…

1
Tell Me Everything with Retired Secret Service Agent Brad Beeler Ep. 156 47:53

3M ago47:53

47:53

Tune in to learn about the False Confession Industry and how experienced interrogators find the truth using Polygraph exams, the Reid Technique, Body Language and more. Brad reveals simple ways to know the truth from anyone and put them at ease in the most intense situations. This is one episode you don’t want to miss. Be sure to connect with Brad …

1
Inside Police & Military Interview & Interrogation Training Ep 155 48:11

3M ago48:11

48:11

Traci and her friend Pat Dwyer make their private conversation public, talking about what really goes on during John Reid Interview and Interrogation training. You'll learn the somewhat contriversial process of getting a confession. How to detect lies and lots more. Help us keep the show going and Buy us a Coffee. Your donation goes a long way.…

1
The Sense of Betrayal is Horrible with Tim Smith Ep. 154 41:28

5M ago41:28

41:28

‘My advisor said the money would be back in my account today….’ Is what Tim Smith heard when he picked up the phone one day. One of the financial advisors in his company had taken millions from clients in his own Ponzi scheme. Find out how you can avoid becoming a part of this $40 Billion per year problem by knowing exactly who you can trust as you…

1
5 More Questions for Joseph J Allen 53:40

5M ago53:40

53:40

Joseph J. Allen, a Minnesota-based photographer and returning guest, shares insights from his artistic journey and community work in this engaging conversation. He discusses his evolution from photojournalism to a more artistic approach, emphasizing the importance of subjective storytelling in photography. As the director of the Gizhiigin Arts prog…

1
5 More Questions for Xavier Tavera 51:51

6M ago51:51

51:51

Xavier Tavera joins us once again on 5 Plain Questions, bringing his unique perspective as a Minnesota-based photographer and cultural storyteller. In this engaging conversation, he reflects on the evolving nature of storytelling and representation in his work, emphasizing the importance of listening and understanding the narratives of marginalized…

1
Ben West 1:03:37

6M ago1:03:37

1:03:37

The podcast welcomes Ben West, a dynamic Indigenous filmmaker whose work centers on Native American narratives and experiences. West's background is rich, having grown up in Washington, D.C., and Albuquerque, New Mexico, with deep ties to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. His professional journey is marked by collaborations with notable …

1
Through a Glass Darkly: Restoring Translation to the Restoration?

7M ago

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Review of James W. Lucas and Jonathan E. Neville, By Means of the Urim & Thummim: Restoring Translation to the Restoration (Cottonwood Heights, UT: Digital Legend Press & Publishing, 2023). 288 pages. $19.95. Abstract: In By Means of the Urim & Thummim, James Lucas and Jonathan Neville valiantly seek to defend Joseph Smith’s role as […] The post Th…

1
Trust Us, We’re Lawyers: Lucas and Neville on the Translation of the Book of Mormon

7M ago

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Review of James W. Lucas and Jonathan E. Neville, By Means of the Urim & Thummim: Restoring Translation to the Restoration (Cottonwood Heights, UT: Digital Legend Press & Publishing, 2023). 288 pages. $19.95. Abstract: In their book, James Lucas and Jonathan Neville present two major theses relative to translation of the Book of Mormon. The […] The…

1
Dr. Anton Treuer 41:41

7M ago41:41

41:41

Dr. Anton Treuer, a professor of Ojibwe and prolific author, joins Joe Williams on 5 Plain Questions to share his insights on language revitalization, cultural identity, and the importance of community engagement. With a rich background rooted in his mother's experiences on the Leech Lake Reservation and his father's immigrant journey, Dr. Treuer h…

1
A Closer Look at Transliterations in Divine Translations

7M ago

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Abstract: The Book of Mormon contains many words left untranslated by Joseph Smith, such as cureloms, cumoms, senine, and ziff. While some might wonder why these words are left untranslated, a closer examination of the kinds of words that are simply transliterated as well as the frequency at which these phenomena occur provide evidence that […] The…

1
A Plain Exposition of Book of Mormon English by Means of Short Questions and Informed Answers

7M ago

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Abstract: Because many questions have arisen regarding the discovery of real early modern influence in the dictated language of the Book of Mormon, some of these are considered and answered in this essay. The answers reflect insights from an exploration of the data that drove the conclusions published in previous papers. Numerous considerations ind…

1
Rick Kagigebi 1:36:56

7M ago1:36:56

1:36:56

Joe Williams engages in a captivating conversation with Indigenous artist Rick Kagigebi, who has dedicated his life to creating meaningful blankets that tell stories and serve as ceremonial gifts. Rick shares his journey from humble beginnings, learning to sew without any prior experience, to becoming a respected fiber artist recognized for his uni…

1
A Deep Dive on War

7M ago

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Review of Morgan Deane, To Stop a Slaughter: Just War and the Book of Mormon (Middletown, DE: Morgan Deane, 2024). 138 pages. $14.99 (paperback). Abstract: Morgan Deane’s To Stop a Slaughter: Just War and the Book of Mormon defines and discusses the concepts of war in the Book of Mormon and places “just war” within a […] The post A Deep Dive on War…

1
Verbal Punctuation in the Book of Mormon III—Behold

7M ago

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Abstract: As an ancient book, the Book of Mormon employed verbal punctuation rather than typographical punctuation. An example of this verbal punctuation is the word behold, which is used in the Book of Mormon to point things out, to highlight unexpected effects of situations, and to modify a previously expressed proposition. This corresponds to an…

1
Matt Johnson 39:17

7M ago39:17

39:17

Matt Johnson, a talented musician and songwriter, shares his journey of growth and self-discovery in the latest episode of Five Playing Questions. With a deep connection to his Native American heritage, Matt reflects on how his family’s musical legacy has shaped his artistic path. After overcoming the challenges of addiction, he found clarity and i…

1
“Behold, I Went to Hunt Beasts in the Forest”: An Addendum on Enos, Esau, and the Symbolic Geography of Seir

7M ago

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Abstract: Enos’s use of the onomastic wordplay in the Jacob and Esau cycle enables him to meaningfully allude to the symbolic geography of those stories and incorporate it into his New World setting (e.g., allusions to the river Jabbok and Peniel/Penuel, the site of Jacob’s “wrestle” with the divine “man”). A third instance of this […] The post “Be…

1
Die Prophezeiung Henochs: Some Observations on Section 36 in the German Edition of the Community of Christ Doctrine and Covenants

7M ago

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Abstract: Multiple translations of the Doctrine and Covenants into German have been produced over the past century and a half. This essay looks at a more recent example of these translations as found in the Buch der Lehre und Bündnisse published electronically by the Community of Christ. Focusing on Community of Christ Doctrine and Covenants […] Th…

1
Birth and Rebirth: The Fish in Mesoamerican Art and Its Implication on Stela 5, Izapa, Chiapas, Mexico

7M ago

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Abstract: A revealing analysis of fish iconography in Mesoamerica, in relation to the ancestral couple on Stela 5, Izapa, Chiapas, Mexico, holds an unforeseen element that may reveal a key to the Tree of Life referred to in the Book of Mormon. This key is supported by Mesoamerican, Hebrew, and Egyptian traditions. There have been […] The post Birth…

1
Christina Woods 48:21

8M ago48:21

48:21

Christina Woods, the first Anishinaabe Executive Director of the Duluth Art Institute, shares her journey of transforming a predominantly white institution into a BIPOC-led hub for the arts. With over 35 years of experience working with underserved communities, Christina emphasizes the importance of community engagement and inclusivity in the arts.…

1
The Seed of the Serpent and the Seed of the Woman in the Standard Works

8M ago

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Abstract: The curse of the serpent in Genesis 3:15 is presented as an archetype for the battle between good and evil. An ancient Hebrew literary form that ties together multiple stories through a common set of images, situations, repeated words, and phrases, is termed a leitmotif. A biblical leitmotif based on the curse of the […] The post The Seed…

1
When Take Downs Go Wrong with US Customs Undercover Agent Mario Bogran Ep. 43:25

8M ago43:25

43:25

Working for US Customs is so much more than just checking people’s bags at the airport. Mario Bogran worked the ports undercover to stop the drug trade. He laundered millions of dollars, acting like he was on the inside-- to make the case on his targets. Listen to find out the craziest thing he sent to Columbia, how a take down really goes, what ca…

1
Fall 2024 update 3:38

8M ago3:38

3:38

5 Plain Questions is moving platforms, so there will be no new episode this week. But don't fear, new episodes will be coming next week. In the meantime, check out Beyond the Art by myself and Cray Bauxmont-Flynn and Beyond the Design with Cray. Also, check out Sage-Based Wisdom with Jana Schmieding and Brian Bahe.…

1
It Helps to Have a Village

8M ago

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Abstract: In preparing the next generation, it really is helpful when parents don’t stand alone and they have the help of others outside the family. This is one of the reasons why the seemingly growing gulf between gospel values and the values of the societies around us is such a cause for concern: “The truths […] The post It Helps to Have a Villag…

1
UrbanAztec Jesse Hernandez 1:13:26

8M ago1:13:26

1:13:26

Jesse Hernandez (@UrbanAztec) is a visual artist born and raised in the San Francisco bay area. He is most widely recognized for his street art murals, vinyl toys, and diverse Illustration work. His style is known as Urban Aztec, a combination of graffiti and ancient indigenous culture. Hernandez’s artwork has been featured by Marvel, Warner Bros, …

1
2024 Vice Presidential Debate: Body Language of Vance & Walz Revealed Ep. 152 9:01

8M ago9:01

9:01

Debate Begins: JD Vance and Tim Walz take the stage for the Vice Presidential debate. Vance's Deceptions: Throughout the debate, JD Vance displays deceptive body language, particularly when discussing his past support for Donald Trump and his policies. Eye Blocking: Vance closes his eyes longer than a normal blink when confronted with questions abo…

1
The Pathophysiology of the Death of Jesus the Christ

8M ago

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Abstract: Centuries-long speculation continues regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of the Savior. Over the past century, the Savior’s tribulations between the Last Supper and his death on the cross have been scrupulously examined from a medical viewpoint. In this article I review many of these studies and, using current medical acumen…

1
Chris Pappan 47:00

8M ago47:00

47:00

Chris Pappan is an enrolled member of the Kaw Nation and honors his Osage and Lakota heritage. His cited artistic influences are the Lowbrow art movement, Heavy Metal and Juxtapoz magazines, and taps into the American cultural roots of 1970s underground comics, punk, and hot rod cultures. His art literally reflects the dominant culture’s distorted …

1
Accessing Nephi’s Bountiful: A New Proposal for Reaching Irreantum

8M ago

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Abstract: Many Latter-day Saint scholars recognize that an excellent candidate for Nephi’s Bountiful is found at the inlet Khor Kharfot in southern Oman at the end of the lengthy Wadi Sayq. Many researchers have reasonably assumed that Lehi’s eastward travel from Nahom must have led to Wadi Sayq, which then leads directly to Khor Kharfot. […] The p…

1
More Evidence for Alma as a Semitic Name

8M ago

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Abstract: Beginning with Hugh Nibley, several Latter-day Saint scholars have highlighted a deed found among the Bar Kokhba documents as evidence of the name Alma as a Jewish male name in antiquity. Here we highlight a second attestation of the same name used for a Jewish male from a slightly earlier period, as well as […] The post More Evidence for…

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