Best BYU Religious Education Podcasts (2025)

1
Crowned with Commandments: Finding Blessings in Obedience (Doctrine & Covenants 58-59) 34:02

1d ago34:02

34:02

Life changes fast—and so did things for the early Saints in Missouri. In this episode, we explore Doctrine and Covenants 58 and 59 to talk about trusting God in seasons of change, moving forward without knowing the full plan, and how the Lord turns tribulation into blessings. Real talk, real-life application, and some powerful spiritual takeaways. …

1
Standing Fast: How Ordinary Saints Built Zion (Doctrine and Covenants 51–57) 33:42

8d ago33:42

33:42

Building Zion in the 1830s required both practical labor and spiritual dedication. This episode explores how early Saints were called to temporal tasks and spiritual growth, revealing how the Lord prepares His people to become true stewards in His work. Come study these scriptures with young adults Sara Acosta, Noah Canon, our host Ellis Sondrup, a…

1
Discerning the Spirit: Clarity in Chaos (Doctrine & Covenants 49-50) 36:19

15d ago36:19

36:19

Get ready for a powerful dive into Doctrine and Covenants 49 and 50! In this episode, we unpack what these sections teach about marriage, spiritual manifestations, and how to truly recognize the Spirit in our lives. Whether you're navigating big decisions or just trying to figure things out, this episode is full of insight, real talk, and spiritual…

1
Episode 128: Following Prophets When We Have Questions (Travis Searle) 44:57

16d ago44:57

44:57

When some elders criticized the language of Joseph Smith’s revelations in 1831, the Lord provided powerful truths in Doctrine and Covenants 67 to strengthen their faith—truths that remain vital for us today. In this podcast, Professor Searle outlines five key principles from the section that can help us build greater trust in prophetic counsel: (1)…

1
Wrestling with Faith—and Why That’s Okay (Doctrine and Covenants 46–48) 33:59

22d ago33:59

33:59

In a time of spiritual confusion and rapid growth, the Lord revealed powerful truths about spiritual gifts—reminding early Saints (and us today) that these manifestations are real, divine, and given to bless all who seek Him. Come study these scriptures with young adults Kennedy Gunn Casto, Macie Adams, our host Ellis Sondrup, and guest expert Lori…

1
He Is Coming: Standing in Holy Places During Troubled Times (Doctrine and Covenants 45) 41:52

29d ago41:52

41:52

In this episode, we dive into Doctrine and Covenants 45 to explore how Christ brings hope, light, and peace in turbulent times. Join us as we talk about standing in holy places, overcoming fear and anxiety, and trusting the Savior as our Advocate. Come study these scriptures with young adults Emma Collett, Stradley Foutch, our host Ellis Sondrup, a…

1
Episode 127: Understanding Our Jewish Neighbors (Shon Hopkin) 52:27

30d ago52:27

52:27

The John A. Widtsoe Foundation recently introduced the Understanding Our Neighbors series to “foster respect and interfaith dialogue.” In this episode Professor Shon Hopkin, Department Chair of BYU Ancient Scripture, discusses the second book in this series Understanding Our Jewish Neighbors co-written with Rabbi Mark S. Diamond. The book presents …

1
What It Really Means to Live the Law of Consecration (Doctrine and Covenants 41–44) 33:40

1M ago33:40

33:40

As the Church rapidly grew in Kirtland, Ohio, early Saints brought with them a mix of beliefs and practices—including a sincere effort to live the law of consecration. In this episode, we explore how the Lord, through Doctrine and Covenants 42, clarified His law to govern the Church and laid a foundation for unity, revelation, and consecrated livin…

1
How One Commandment Changed the Course of Church History (Doctrine and Covenants 37-40) 41:10

1M ago41:10

41:10

Early Saints left comfort behind to build Zion in Ohio, driven by a holy cause and deep faith—today, we’re invited to follow their example and unite in the Lord’s work with the same trust in His promises. Come study these scriptures with young adults Annalise Schetselaar, Katie Matthews, our host Ellis Sondrup, and guest expert Scott Esplin, the BY…

1
Episode 126: Women Witnesses of the Easter Events (Gaye Strathearn) 54:17

2M ago54:17

54:17

The first witnesses of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ were some of his female disciples. Mary Magdalene witnessed the empty tomb and was the first to encounter the risen Savior. Additionally, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and other unnamed women, who had come to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus, saw the empty tomb and reported it to the a…

1
Easter 43:38

2M ago43:38

43:38

On Easter Sunday in 1836, the risen Savior appeared in the Kirtland Temple, declaring that He lives—not just in history, but today. This episode explores what it means to truly believe and experience that Jesus Christ is a living, present Redeemer. Come study these scriptures with young adults Lily Gould, Leah Mizukawa, our host Ellis Sondrup, and …

1
Doctrine and Covenants 30–36 31:48

2M ago31:48

31:48

Early converts to the restored gospel were called to preach almost immediately after baptism—showing that sharing the gospel isn’t about expertise, but about faith and the power of the Spirit. Come study these scriptures with young adults Taylor Davenport, Michael Van Tassel, our host Ellis Sondrup, and guest expert Brian Mead, a BYU Religion Profe…

1
Episode 125: Envisioning the Last Supper (Matthew Grey) 51:42

2M ago51:42

51:42

According to the earliest gospel accounts, on the night before his crucifixion, Jesus dined with his disciples to observe the feast of the Passover and institute what would later become the Christian eucharist (or sacrament). What would it have looked like to sit down with them that night? In this episode, Professor Matthew Grey reassesses the New …

1
Doctrine and Covenants 29 38:04

2M ago38:04

38:04

How does the Lord respond to our questions? Early Church members sought answers about prophecy and doctrine, and the Lord welcomed their inquiries, often revealing truths beyond what they asked for. Come study these scriptures with young adults Eddie Joseph, Sonny Middlebrook, our host Ellis Sondrup, and guest expert Hank Smith, a BYU Religion Prof…

1
Doctrine and Covenants 27–28 37:23

2M ago37:23

37:23

Who can receive revelation? When Hiram Page claimed to receive revelations for the Church, the Lord clarified the order of revelation, reaffirming Joseph Smith’s role as the Prophet while teaching that all can receive personal guidance in the Lord’s work. Come study these scriptures with young adults Dustin Spindler, Taylor Davidson, our host Ellis…

1
Episode 124: Sacramental Connections (Matthew O. Richardson) 1:02:20

3M ago1:02:20

1:02:20

How does understanding the interconnected purposes of the sacrament, as presented in Doctrine & Covenants 27, deepen our appreciation for this sacred ordinance? In this episode Matthew O. Richardson, professor of Church history and doctrine, discusses several key themes and gospel principles related to the ordinance of the sacrament. He presents th…

1
Doctrine and Covenants 23–26 39:39

3M ago39:39

39:39

Amid intense opposition and personal trials, Emma Smith found reassurance in revelation from the Lord. This episode explores her baptism, Joseph’s arrest, and the divine counsel that strengthened her—and can strengthen us all. Come study these scriptures with young adults Caden Vance, Jeremy Richards, our host Ellis Sondrup, and guest expert Byran …

1
Doctrine and Covenants 20–22 37:26

3M ago37:26

37:26

The organization of The Church of Jesus Christ on April 6, 1830, was a pivotal step in the Restoration, bringing doctrine, priesthood authority, and essential blessings that could only come through a divinely established Church. Come study these scriptures with young adults Yanti Laing, Jena Johnson, our host Ellis Sondrup, and guest expert Rob Eat…

1
Episode 123: The Sail before the Trail—The 19th Century Latter-day Saint Gathering to America (Fred E. Woods) 50:35

3M ago50:35

50:35

Prior to their exodus west, nearly 90,000 converts journeyed across the seas to join the saints in America. In this episode Fred E. Woods, professor of Church history and doctrine, details the faith and immigration experiences of these saints as he discusses his recent publication Ports to Posts: Latter-day Saints Gathering in the Nineteenth Centur…

1
Doctrine and Covenants 19 36:04

3M ago36:04

36:04

Martin Harris faced a life-changing decision: mortgage his farm to print the Book of Mormon or risk losing everything—his wealth, marriage, and reputation. His story challenges us to ask, what are we willing to sacrifice for our faith? Come study these scriptures with young adults Makayla Page, Kaci Elspin, our host Ellis Sondrup, and guest expert …

1
Doctrine and Covenants 18 34:55

3M ago34:55

34:55

In God's eyes, our worth isn’t measured by talent, wealth, or appearance—it is simply and eternally great. Every commandment, every act of divine love, and Christ’s ultimate sacrifice all testify to this truth. His joy is great in every soul that chooses to repent and follow Him. Come study these scriptures with young adults Taylor Davidson, Kaylee…

1
Episode 122: Connections between the Book of Revelation and The Book of Mormon (Nick Frederick) 54:41

3M ago54:41

54:41

In this episode, Dr. Nicholas J. Frederick discusses his article "It’s Not the End of the World; It’s Just the Apocalypse: The Book of Revelation in the Book of Mormon" co-authored with Dr. Joseph M. Spencer. Professor Frederick examines the intricate relationship between the Book of Mormon and the New Testament, particularly focusing on the Book o…

1
Doctrine and Covenants 12–17; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75 32:02

4M ago32:02

32:02

In the quiet woods of Harmony, Pennsylvania, John the Baptist conferred the Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, teaching us that true service in God’s work isn’t about recognition, but about faithfully serving in His “great and marvelous work.” Come study these scriptures with young adults Kassi Bird, Grace Olsen, our host Ellis …

1
Doctrine and Covenants 10–11 31:36

4M ago31:36

31:36

In a moment of crisis during the translation of the Book of Mormon, God’s wisdom protected the work from adversarial efforts, offering reassurance that, like Joseph Smith, we can trust God's plan and press forward in faith, knowing the gates of hell will not prevail. Come study these scriptures with young adults Tyler Southam, William Balcazar, our…

1
Episode 121: The Family Proclamation in Context (Michael A. Goodman) 49:25

4M ago49:25

49:25

Contemporary views on marriage and family have changed significantly over time. How much of our understanding of marriage and family is shaped by societal norms versus prophetic guidance? In this episode, professor of Church history and doctrine Michael A. Goodman examines the secular and spiritual context surrounding “The Family: A Proclamation to…

1
Doctrine and Covenants 6–9 35:57

4M ago35:57

35:57

Oliver Cowdery’s search for truth led him to the Smith family, where he learned about Joseph Smith’s divine experiences. Through prayer, he discovered that revelation isn’t just for prophets—it’s for all who seek it. Come study these scriptures with young adults Claire Brimhall, Evan Hardy, our host Ellis Sondrup, and guest expert Phillip Allred, a…

1
Doctrine and Covenants 3–5 33:13

4M ago33:13

33:13

Joseph Smith’s early experiences as a prophet taught him the importance of putting God’s will above his own, trusting in God’s mercy, and understanding that His redemptive work cannot be frustrated. Come study these hopeful passages with young adults Lydia Rothas, Josh Speth, our host Ellis Sondrup, and guest expert Shon Hopkin.…

1
Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65 34:00

4M ago34:00

34:00

Three years after the First Vision, Joseph Smith felt uncertain about his standing with God—but his divine calling to bring forth the Book of Mormon and restore priesthood keys reminds us of our role in fulfilling God’s work amidst challenges and opposition. Come study these early revelations with young adults Halli Hales, Quinn Mitchell, our host …

1
Episode 120: The True Identity of Christ (Krystal V. L. Pierce) 45:51

5M ago45:51

45:51

On the day after his Resurrection, the Savior appeared to those who knew him best during his mortal ministry—Mary Magdalene, Cleopas, ten of the apostles, and many other followers. While they saw him physically, they did not recognize him. Instead, they mistook him for a gardener, stranger, passing traveler, and even another prophet, as they misund…

1
The First Vision in Joseph Smith History 1:1-26 37:12

5M ago37:12

37:12

The First Vision is a powerful event to teach us principles about seeking truth in our modern war of words and contest of opinions about religion. Joseph Smith tells us all about it in his own words in Joseph Smith History 1:1-26. Come study these historic verses with young adults Bella Otto, Olivia Galloway, our host Ellis Sondrup, and guest exper…

1
Doctrine and Covenants 1 30:44

5M ago30:44

30:44

When you think about it, many of the revelations in the Doctrine & Covenants were given to young adults! Section 1 is the Lord’s inspired introduction to the D&C revelations. Come study this amazing introductory section with young adults Michael Van Tassell, Miles Anderson, our host Ellis Sondrup, and guest expert Tyler Griffin, a BYU religion prof…

1
Episode 119: Hear Him! The Restored Voice of the Lord (Anthony Sweat) 48:00

5M ago48:00

48:00

As Professor of Church History and Doctrine Anthony Sweat dropped off a recent painting entitled Jesus of Nazareth, he was met with the response, “That’s not what Jesus looks like.” After a few laughs, Professor Sweat revealed that he intentionally avoided the Euro-centric depiction of Christ. Rather, he implemented elements of Roman Judea men—midd…

1
The Restoration Proclamation 30:38

5M ago30:38

30:38

If you're a young Latter-day Saint adult, this is the place to study Come Follow Me together! On this first episode of the podcast, we study the Restoration Proclamation with two students from BYU, Emily Jorgensen and TJ Neyman, along with our guest expert, BYU religion professor Anthony Sweat. Hosted by Ellis Sondrup.…

1
Episode 118: The Doctrine and Covenants as Living Scripture (Casey Griffiths) 46:09

6M ago46:09

46:09

When BYU professor Casey Paul Griffiths teaches a scripture class, he often concludes the semester by saying, “The end.” But when he finishes a course on the Doctrine and Covenants, he says, “To be continued . . .” This reflects the ongoing nature of revelation in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a living church led by the Savior th…

1
The Book of Mormon: The Book of Moroni 30:36

6M ago30:36

30:36

Moroni concludes his father’s book with his own potent chapters. But in his first verse, he says he hadn’t planned originally to write them. What would we have lost if Moroni hadn’t added these ten chapters? Why does he include what he chooses? What do we learn about faith, hope, and charity? Why does he close the book the way he does? In this epis…

1
Episode 117: Kenneth L. Alford (Using the Book of Mormon Art Catalog) 48:20

6M ago48:20

48:20

In an address to religious educators, Elder Richard G. Scott taught that “the use of an appealing visual aid can clarify truth.” One platform for accessing such righteous and clarifying images is the Book of Mormon Art Catalog (bookofmormonartcatalog.org). As an open-access repository of visual artwork, inspired by Restoration scripture and Church …

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The Book of Mormon: The Book of Ether 29:40

7M ago29:40

29:40

The Book of Ether is the story of the rise and fall of a nation, inserted by Moroni. But there is more going on here. Jaredites are gentiles, or non-Israelites. The Book of Ether seems also to be a reflection on gentiles in the promised land, an audience the Book of Mormon speaks to. What do we learn from the powerful and tragic history of the Jare…

1
Episode 116: Using Precepts to Draw Closer to Jesus Christ (Maclane Heward) 46:15

7M ago46:15

46:15

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught “that the book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the key stone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” But what exactly are precepts? And how are those recorded in an ancient record relevant to our lives today? In this episode Chur…

1
Episode 115: A Woman’s Influence on the Delivery of The Family Proclamation (Barbara Morgan Gardner and Olivia Osguthorpe) 45:54

7M ago45:54

45:54

Reflecting on the first public interview with Relief Society General President Elaine Jack regarding “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner, professor of Church history and doctrine, and Olivia Osguthorpe uncover and clarify truths and perspectives never before documented and critical to historical accuracy. In the mo…

1
The Book of Mormon: 4th Nephi and Mormon 29:05

7M ago29:05

29:05

The books of 4th Nephi and Mormon contrast the best of times and worst of times for the people in the Book of Mormon. After living a Zion-like society for hundreds of years where there never were a happier people, they digress into tribal warfare and destruction. What happened? What do we learn from 4th Nephi to emulate today? Conversely, what do w…

1
Episode 114: Learning from People of Other Faiths (Joshua M. Sears) 56:39

8M ago56:39

56:39

Since the organization of the Church, leaders have called for world-wide religious liberty and harmony: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may” (Articles of Faith 1:11). In this episode, Dr. Joshua M. Sear…

1
The Book of Mormon: Christ’s Second Day Ministry in 3 Nephi 19-26 26:53

8M ago26:53

26:53

Continuing the sacred ministry of the Savior to the Nephites, on his second day ministry the Lord prays with the people in an intercessory way using words that cannot be written. He then teaches the people, expounding verses from Isaiah, Micah, and Malachi and expounds all things from the beginning. His ministry concludes with marvelous healings an…

1
Episode 113: Using the Beatitudes to Understand Christ’s Atonement and Grace (Brad Wilcox) 44:50

8M ago44:50

44:50

In 3 Nephi 12:1—12 the resurrected Savior delivers an address to the Nephites similar to the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5; Luke 6) and presents the Beatitudes. Like the Matthew 5 account, the Book of Mormon record details how we might enter and build a covenantal relationship with God through the “interrelated and progressive” arrangement of the Be…

1
The Book of Mormon: Christ’s First Day Ministry in 3 Nephi 11-18 27:03

8M ago27:03

27:03

The pinnacle of the Book of Mormon is our Savior Jesus Christ’s ministry to the Nephites. On his first day ministry the resurrected Lord appears and invites the people to personally feel his wounds, teaches of his gospel, calls and commissions the twelve disciples, delivers a sermon similar to the Sermon on the Mount, heals their sick, and institut…

1
Episode 112: Use Boldness but Not Overbearance (Jan J. Martin) 43:56

9M ago43:56

43:56

As Alma mentored his sons in teaching the gospel, he counseled them not only to cultivate qualities such as diligence, temperance, humility, and self-reflection, but to also use “boldness, but not overbearance” (Alma 38:12) as part of their approach. The words boldness, bold, and boldly are used twenty-seven times throughout the Book Mormon, primar…

1
The Book of Mormon: The Book of Helaman 28:28

9M ago28:28

28:28

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) observed that the Book of Helaman “reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Savior’s second coming” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1987, 3). The book details the Nephites vacillating between righteousness and wickedness, their wars, and secret combinations by the Gadianton Robbers. It also conta…

1
Episode 111: Missionary Work in the Digital Age (Scott L. Howell) 51:46

9M ago51:46

51:46

Description Since the introduction of missionary work in 1830, Saints have used a variety of tools and practices to share the good news of the gospel and bring people unto Christ. Some of the most common methods have included standing on a collapsible soapbox, knocking on doors, using flannel and flip charts to illustrate lessons, sharing slideshow…

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The Book of Mormon: The War Chapters in Alma 44-63 27:46

10M ago27:46

27:46

The last quarter of the Book of Alma focuses on a series of conflicts between Nephites and Lamanites. Amalickiah and Ammaron, with other dissenters, act as the catalysts of a long battle. Captain Moroni, Helaman, the stripling warriors, and others respond to help the Nephites survive and restore peace. Why are these battles in the Book of Mormon? H…

1
Episode 110: The Divine Origin of the Family Proclamation (Byran B. Korth) 44:38

10M ago44:38

44:38

Since its release on September 23, 1995, The Family: A Proclamation to the World has become a needed doctrinal anchor during a time of confusion and opposition regarding the centrality of the family. In this episode Dr. Byran B. Korth, professor and associate department chair of Church history and doctrine, discusses his article on the divine origi…

1
Episode 109: One Like the Son of Man (Jared W. Ludlow) 43:02

10M ago43:02

43:02

The title Jesus preferred to use for himself more than any other in the New Testament Gospels was “Son of Man.” According to the Bible Dictionary, this title was used approximately eighty times in the Gospels and used exclusively by the Savior to reference himself. “And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath” (Luke 6:5).…

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BYU Religious Education Podcasts

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