The Cultural Hall Podcast

* What is a gastric (maybe tattooed?) sleeve? * “Weird: the Al Yankovic Story” * Who is Dr Demento? * Al Fox Carraway Ep 192 and Ep 260 * Get tickets for Bells at Temple Square * A little about LeAnna Willmore, Mr. Mair’s aunt * New resources to help children and youth * Celebrate pioneer heritage with ‘Saints on the Seas’ * Purchase ‘Saints on the Seas’ CD * Diesel Brothers: Are they Mormon? * Who are the Latter-day Saints on the ballot? * Kasie Faddah from ‘Below Deck,’ former member of the church * First Native missionary called from The Gambia * ‘Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Thomas S Monson’ * ‘I’m Going to Live So God Can Use Me’ * ‘What was the African American spiritual in the Friend to Friend broadcast?’ * BYU women’s volleyball game declared a forfeit * Giving Machine locations * How to donate to Giving Machines online * David Archuleta on stepping back * Email Richie!

Zach and Darcy Spafford are the hosts of the top-rated podcast for couples who have struggled with pornography in their marriage, Thrive Beyond Pornography. Married for 20 years and working to help themselves and others to not just eliminate a pornography struggle but to Thrive Beyond it, they have dedicated their lives to creating lasting, happy couples. They bring depth and understanding to one of the most difficult and meaningful topics any marriage faces. They are frequent guest speakers and unparalleled experts in overcoming pornography, moving beyond betrayal, and re-founding relationships. In this episode we learn more about their background and what brought them to this work. They break down some of the cultural messaging about pornography and how that has shaped various approaches to eliminating pornography. Many of these messages are fear-based and contrary to the message of the gospel. Zach and Darcy seek to share strategies that emphasize the Atonement and repentance, values based messages about pornography (vs. rules based messages), moving away from an addiction mindset, and how to have conversations as committed partners working to solve pornography use. Find out more at zachspafford.com.

Articles of News Links * Sister Colleen Brown Ep. 575 * Follow Bro. Kyle on YouTube * What the handbook says about activities * Update/correction regarding charges against Colby Ryan * Lori Vallow trial delayed * “No, Rolling Stone…” opinion piece * RollingStone, BYU crabs rumor article * Master classes in gospel topics * “Seek” classes * Emily Belle Freeman Ep 167 * David Butler and Emily Freeman Ep 363 * Get Emily Belle Freeman’s books * Don’t Miss This * Ben Schilaty Ep 528 * Get Ben Schilaty’s Book * Dina Alexander Ep 489 * Get Dina Alexander’s Books * Drew B. Young Ep 424. * Get Drew’s book, The Meaning of Your Mission. * Kerry Muhlestein Ep 407, Ep 490, and now Ep 778 * Get Kerry Muhlestein’s Books * Melinda Wheelwright Brown Ep 431 * Get Melinda’s book, Even and Adam, here. * Let Richie know what he should do a master class on TEMPLE TICKER * Locations Announced * Mexico City Benemérito Mexico Temple * Mexico MTC – No Surprise * Two-story, 29,000 square feet. * San Luis Potosí Mexico * 87 acres near Parque de Morales * One-story, 9,300 square feet. * São Paulo East Brazil Temple * 7 acre site in Vila Carrão (Ca-hum) appears to be a factory (home goods) * Next to the Future Santa Isabel Green Line Metro Station * São Paulo temple is also located next to a metro station. * Two-story, 46,050 square feet. * Fort Worth Texas Temple * 37 acre site in Burleson – South of Fort Worth * Prosper temple makes so much more sense now.

Jon Fossum and Ganel-Lyn Condie are co-hosts of Talk of Him, a podcast featuring real and relatable conversations centered around the Come, Follow Me weekly lessons for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jon and Ganel-Lyn share weekly 20 minute episodes that get to the heart of the matter. They strive to share insights into scripture with real world applications, while encouraging listeners to have their own personal connection to God and insights from the Spirit. Looking forward to studying the New Testament in 2023 they have a new study journal, Find Him: New Testament Come Follow Me Guide, available now. Great for gifts this holiday season! Ganel-Lyn is a popular motivational speaker – known for inspiring others with her unique honesty, authenticity and spirit. She is dedicated to her family, faith, and inspiring others. Ganel-Lyn loves teaching others with speaking and writing. She has experienced healing from a major chronic illness and is the mother to two miracle children. After the heart-breaking suicide of her 40 year old sister, Ganel-Lyn is constantly working towards prevention. Ganel-Lyn lives with an open heart and feels passionate about sharing principles that will empower others to live life with more joy. She is a regular television/radio guest and hosts the popular shows TALK OF HIM (formerly REAL TALK CFM) and THE MIDDLE. Ganel-Lyn’s talks and books have now encouraged thousands of people all over the world. She loves growing older with her cute husband Rob and aims to keep learning and loving. John Fossum originally planned to teach college literature courses for his vocation, but life unexpectedly let him to a career in the Church Education System. He has taught in a variety of contexts throughout his time as a religious educator, including institute classes for young single adults and religion classes for adults, though he currently teaches seminary full-time. John also cohosts the popular show Talk of Him. He is married to Sara Packer, whom he credits for many of his deepest insights into the gospel. They live in Pleasant Grove, Utah and have five children. John loves to travel with his wife, and he enjoys eating anything chocolate.    

* Preorder Annette Luthy Lyon’s new book here (indiebound) * Or here (Barnes and Noble) * Or here (Bookshop.org) * LDSPMA (publishing, media & the arts) Conference * Jenny Reeder Ep. 509 * 2022 Praiseworthy Award winners * Why become a LDSPMA member? * The infamous Method Infinite Ep. 637 * Peter Breinholt Ep. 6 and 252 * Join us on Patreon * The Unspoken Side of Friendliness * Chocolate Hunters * What does a fresh cacao fruit taste like? * Bryce Harper lifts Phillies to World Series * How much caffeine is in cacao nibs? * Partridge dies fighting in Ukraine * Honoring Dane Partridge page * Jana Riess article on dangers of celebrity culture * Jason Mamoa and the Be the Match campaign * Gladys Knight receives lifetime achievement award * Today in LDS History twitter thread * Church and NAACP collaborate to improve a community farm * Morgan County church for sale * Alleged ‘armpit crabs’ epidemic at BYU * Gabrielle Blair’s book is now available *

Gale Sears is an award-winning author, known for her historical accuracy and intensive research. Gale received a BA in playwriting from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in theater arts from the University of Minnesota. She is the author of the bestselling The Silence of God, Letters in the Jade Dragon Box, Belonging to Heaven, One Candle, The Sister Preachers and several other novels, including The Route, Christmas for a Dollar, Autumn Sky, Until the Dawn, and Upon the Mountains. She and her husband, George, reside in Utah. The Sister Preachers The year is 1898, and Jennie Brimhall and Inez Knight have been called to be the first single female missionaries in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in England. From their first steps on English soil, Sisters Knight and Brimhall feel like fish in a fishbowl. The notion of “lady preachers” is foreign to many elders serving with them, as well as to the English people they serve. As the sisters work to combat others’ doubts of their knowledge and abilities, they draw on the strength of womanhood and their own testimonies to build their confidence and forge a new path in missionary service. In addition to facing their own internal struggles, they are also confronted by angry, misinformed hecklers and dangerous, violent persecutors. Fighting the temptation to give up and return to the safety of home, the women dig deep, draw on their faith, and find inspiration in the small miracles around them. From acclaimed author Gale Sears, The Sister Preachers is based on the real lives of Lucy Jane (Jennie) Brimhall, Amanda Inez Knight, and other early sister missionaries. This story offers a glimpse into the Church’s early missionary work and into the faith and fortitude that have come to characterize the tens of thousands of sister missionaries who have followed in the footsteps of these pioneering women.  

  * What is a gastric sleeve? * Do you need to insure water and sewer lines? * 2021 TABCATS Christmas concert now available to purchase * Email us!! * Australian church donations and taxes * “LDS Church is under fire in Australia” by Jana Riess * Canada and the tax deductible church donations * Rumor of election fraud in Tucson * Brother and Sister Osmond to serve a mission * The Chosen director addresses Book of Mormon controversy * Episode 398 AofN with Bro Kyle and interview with Dallas Jenkins at 38:32 * Daniel Spencer asks coffee or oil? * Temple Reopening * Kyiv Ukraine Temple * Reopened on October 14, 2022 on a “Limited Basis.” * “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has carefully evaluated the current circumstances and decided to resume—on a limited basis—the sacred religious ceremonies in the temple.” * Closed since February * Temple Rededication * Hamilton New Zealand Temple * Dieter Uchtdorf rededicated on October 16, 2022 * Reopening after 4 years. * Met to traditional Māori ceremonies * Originally dedicated in 1958 by David O McKay * Two more temples planned for New Zealand * Temple Opens for Tours * Belem Brazil Temple * October 22 – November 5 * November 20th dedication * View the Photos of the Interior * Identical to Quito Ecuador Temple with a cooler pallet * “The stylized motif found in the stone combines geometric elements inspired by local Marajoara indigenous pottery with the Victoria amazonica, a native water lily known for its beauty.” * “This water lily is also featured prominently in the art glass design. And the blue, green, yellow and pink color palette is a nod to the rainforest that covers much of the region.” * Groundbreakings Announced * Managua Nicaragua Temple * November 26th, Taylor G. Godoy * Rendering released for the first time * Single Level 25,000 sq ft, Spanish colonial design. * Located in a Swanky part of South Managua “Residencial Las Colinas” * Similar design as Belem (without Moroni) * Miraflores Guatemala City Guatemala Temple * December 3rd, Patricio Giuffra

While no one thing can entirely explain the rise of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the historical influence of Freemasonry on this religious tradition cannot be refuted. Those who study Mormonism have been aware of the impact that Freemasonry had on the founding prophet Joseph Smith during the Nauvoo period, but his involvement in Freemasonry was arguably earlier and broader than many modern historians have admitted. The fact that the most obvious vestiges of Freemasonry are evident only in the more esoteric aspects of the Mormon faith has made it difficult to recognize, let alone fully grasp, the relevant issues. Even those with both Mormon and Masonic experience may not be versed in the nineteenth-century versions of Masonry’s rituals, legends, and practices. Without this specialized background, it is easy to miss the Masonic significance of numerous early Mormon ordinances, scripture, and doctrines. Method Infinite: Freemasonry and the Mormon Restoration offers a fresh perspective on the Masonic thread present in Mormonism from its earliest days. Smith’s firsthand knowledge of and experience with both Masonry and anti-Masonic currents contributed to the theology, structure, culture, tradition, history, literature, and ritual of the religion he founded. Cheryl L. Bruno has a B.S. in Recreation Management from Greensboro College, Greensboro, N.C., and did graduate work in Educational Psychology at Brigham Young University, Provo, UT. She is an independent researcher in Mormon studies, with an interest in the intersection of Mormonism and Freemasonry. Her publications can be found in the Journal of Religion and Society, the John Whitmer Historical Association Journal, and the Journal of Mormon History. Cheryl has presented at numerous Mormon Studies conferences.  She enjoys writing poetry and has also created an original deck of Mormon tarot cards. Nicholas S. Literski, JD, PhD, is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies, and a professional spiritual guide. Nick holds a doctorate in Depth Psychology with Emphasis in Jungian and Archetypal Studies from Pacifica Graduate Institute, as well as a master’s in Spiritual Guidance from Sofia University. Their research interests include depth psychological reflections on spirituality, Paleolithic cave art, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Nick’s work has been published in the FARMS Review of Books on The Book of Mormon; Psychological Perspectives: A Quarterly Journal of Jungian Thought; Immanence: The Journal of Applied Mythology, Legend, and Folklore; Somatics Magazine-Journal of the Mind-Body Arts and Sciences; and the recent compilation, The Reality of Fragmentation and the Yearning for Healing: Jungian Perspectives on Democracy, Power, and Illusion in Contemporary Politics.

* How to become a Patreon Saint * Elton John concert cancelled because…baseball * Praise to the Man (original tune) * President Nelson’s 6 steps * 14 Classic Latter-day Saint books * Deseret Bookshelf—consider it this holiday season * BYU Law School unveils new paintings * Clearfield man sentenced for assaulting son * Lea Salonga to perform at Christmas concert * Register for tickets to the Christmas concert here * Dad blasted for saying gay daughter won’t be tolerated in his home * Funeral potatoes in a museum exhibit * Morgan County church for sale * County commission approved filming for Mormon movie * Brigham Young family cemetery reopens * Read about 15 new stake presidents * USU lawsuit settled regarding police chief * Therapist accused of abuse * Where in the world are the 10 MTC’s?

Matt Whitaker Producer/Director/Screenwriter For over 25 years, Matt Whitaker has been writing and directing for film and television. A specialist in the WWII genre, his numerous produced screenplays include the critically acclaimed war films Saints and Soldiers and Instrument of War. He has creative-produced or directed over 100 commercials and short films shot in more than 30 countries around the world. His directing credits also include multiple award-winning documentaries for PBS including Ancestors and Small Fortunes: Microcredit and the Future of Poverty featuring Nobel Peace Prize Winner Muhammad Yunus and Academy Award winning actress, Linda Hunt. In 2002, Matt and a film crew traveled to Germany with the last surviving member of a teenage resistance group. This powerful experience led to the PBS documentary Truth & Conviction: The Helmuth Hübener Story, which has prepared the way for the dramatic series Truth & Conviction with Angel Studios. Help fund the Project

It’s time for another episode of Articles of News! Andrew (Mr. Mayor) shares news of his upcoming weight loss surgery and his love of Elvis. Newly-shaven Richie shares that this past week he did something purely for fun & for no other reason – and highly recommends it! Articles of News Links * Email us!! * Gastric Sleeve surgery * See Panic! at the Disco LIVE like Richie did * Angela Lansbury and the Tabernacle Choir * BYU football player now plays Captain Moroni * Mike Lee and Captain Moroni? * Utah senate race debate * Watch the Book of Mormon videos * Church account data incident and phone numbers for questions/concerns * Sister Doan made the Forbes 50 over 50 list * What’s happening with the Hill Cumorah site? * Utah sex offender arrested, accused of being gross * Sister Browning makes history at conference * Sister Browning’s talk * A Hymn Written by a Caveman * Groundbreakings * Heber Valley Utah (#28) * October 8, 2022 * Sorry Keven Duncan, Russell Nelson is at is back. * Surprise Visit again after doing the same in Ephraim last month. * “I wish I could shake hands with everyone of you… but we’ll have to do it vicariously, COVID style.” * Declined the offer to sit in a chair while he spoke. * Head Make up? * Mentioned the previous owners of the site George and Clara Holms. * “[George] dreamt of building a forever home with his beloved Clara,” President Nelson said. “In a very real way, his dream will be realized here.” * https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2022/10/8/23394754/president-nelson-presides-at-heber-valley-utah-groundbreaking * Temple District to include the Wasatch back and southwest Wyoming. * Evanston?

Annette and Richie join forces to bring you the latest in Articles of News. In an effort to clean up and clear out old junk, Richie finds and old letter written to him from a man he shared the gospel with on his mission. In this touching letter, he thanks Richie for being the missionary he needed, and how grateful he is for the blessings the gospel has brought to him. Articles of News Link * News on Hurricane Ian * Man arrested for sex abuse at UVU * Alex Jones ordered to pay victims of Sandy Hook * Cosmo the Cougar has social media buzzing * Built Bar signs with BYU…again * BYU to honor ‘Black 14’ * Church helps deliver needed supplies to the Philippines * Watch streamed firesides on the Orem Mission Facebook page * Rudy Ruettiger Fireside * Orem Mission online fireside upcoming events * Tweeting General Conference * Link to an epic tweet * Luz de las Naciones returns to the Conference Center * Get tickets for the musical event here * Lori Vallow Daybell documentary * A little bio on Nate Eaton * No live feed for Daybell trial * Charges dropped against Lori Vallow’s son * Lori Vallow competency in question again * 2000+ images of Book of Mormon art now available * org * Book of Mormon on a microchip wafer * Ken Jennings’ sitcom debut

In this post-conference report, we mix things up by starting off with the Temple Ticker segment followed by Articles of News. Mr. Mayor (Andrew Mair) joins Richie to catch up on the latest in church related news.   New Temples 18 New Temples – 300 Total Temples (53 Construction, 74 Announced) – 35 for the Year (2021 was 34) 9 in Latin America, 5 in US, 3 in Asia, 1 in Africa * Busan, Korea * Southern Port City * 2nd in South Korea (Seoul in 1985) * 5 or 6 Stakes, 3 districts * Naga, Philippines * Southern Luzon * 7 Stakes, 6 districts * TWiM Prediction * Santiago, Philippines * Northern Luzon * 8 Stakes, 5 districts * 10 Temples in the Philippines * Eket, Nigeria * Far Southeast Nigeria, rural areas with a lot of members * 4th Temple in Nigeria * 10 Stakes, 3 districts * TWiM Prediction (Port Harcourt) * Chiclayo, Peru * Northern Costal City * 6th in Peru * 16 Stakes, 4 districts * Previous prediction * Buenos Aires City Center, Argentina * 2nd Buenos Aires Temple, 6th in Argentina * 15 or so Stakes * Existing temple is closer to the airport * TWiM Prediction * Londrina, Brazil * Name for “London” in Brazil * 2nd temple in state of Paraná * 7-10 stakes, 3 districts * Riberão Prêto, Brazil * “Black Brook” * Northern State of Sao Paulo (5th in state) * 11-15 stakes * 18 temples in Brazil * Huehuetenango, Guatemala * Western Guatemala * 5th Temple in Guatemala * 3 stakes, 1 or 2 districts * Jacksonville, Florida * Predicted on this Podcast * Northern Florida * 5th in Florida * 6-7 Stakes * Grand Rapids, Michigan * Western Michigan * 2nd in Michigan * 4-5 stakes, 1 district in Traverse City * Prosper, Texas * Where is Prosper? – North of Dallas (Darkhorse Temple) * 8th in Texas * 7 stakes * Lone Mountain, Nevada * Richie, You were right! * I was in Las Vegas on Saturday, told my friends there would be a 2nd temple * On top of the Strat trying to spot the Las Vegas Temple * Located in the City of Las Vegas (Northwest) * Why drop the Las Vegas name? Current Temple is outside of Las Vegas (Clark County) * Property search Shows 20 acres acquired by the church east of Lone Mountain Park * A local flyer for “the estates at Lone Mountain” reveals plans for a structure of 40,000 square feet, multiple stories – buyers sign acknowledgement of awareness of the project * 4th in Nevada * 10-15 stakes * Tacoma, Washington * Predicted on this podcast * 5th in Washington * 14-16 stakes * 4 Additional Temples for a Metro Area “where traveling to an existing temple is a significant challenge” * Cuernavaca, Mexico * South of Mexico City * 1st in state of Morelos * 10-12 stakes (unless Acapulco is announced) * Pachuca, Mexico * North of Mexico City * State of Hidalgo * 5-6 stakes * Toluca, Mexico * “Que Pachuca Por Toluca?” * West of Mexico City * 1st in the State of Mexico * 3 stakes, 1 district * Tula, Mexico * Also in Hidalgo * Northwest of the City * 3-4 stakes * Area of Early Church History in Mexico * In San Marcos, two church leaders were executed in 1915 (Rafael Monroy and Vicente...

In the Saturday Morning session of the October 2022 General Conference a new “Choose your own adventure” edition of the For the Strength of Youth came out. Kurt Francom (Leading Saints and This Week in Mormons) and Richie share thoughts on the changes. The new guide is titled For the Strength Youth: A Guide for Making Choices. This updated version of FSY has less dos and don’ts, and more counsel to study, pray, and seek out wise heavenly and earthly help in making choices. There is more focus on Jesus Christ, counseling youth to “…turn to the Savior. He is the “strength of youth.”” Kurt and Richie break it down and discuss the various potential reactions to these changes.    

In this pre-conference report, Richie teases and upcoming episode about Free Masonry and shares his new side gig – officiating weddings. Mr. Mayor (Andrew Mair), author of Tales of a Paper Boy: A Christmas Story (makes a great gift!), shares plans for a new monthly series: Hear Hymn, in which he shares the history of a hymn and personal stories about it. After the news rundown, don’t miss a recording of the Sister Missionaries singing on Australian radio. In the temple ticker segment, Richie shares some general conference predictions including 100 temples announced…?? Will it come to pass? NEWS LINKS * How to become a Free Mason * How to officiate a friend’s wedding * Get Mr. Mair’s latest book! * Mair’s blog * Please let us know what you think of Hear Hymn * JK Rowling vs the golden plates * Man who set fires to 3 churches is sentenced * Lawsuit against church over paintings set for trial * A sampling of paintings by Minerva Teichert * 2022 Choir Christmas Album announced * Final Joseph Smith Papers announced * Women questions mannequins wearing “granny panties….” * Dennis Schleicher Ep. 336 and 614 * Twitter gems from Dennis Schleicher * This Week in Mormons podcast HUGE NEWS * This Week in Mormons crossover Ep. 540 * Kurt Francom Ep. 226 * Man convicted for assaulting son * Of members, lawns, and drought