Joseph Smith: BYU Speeches

The impact of Joseph Smith’s life has been debated for decades. Listen as prophets, apostles, professors, and historians discuss the life of Joseph Smith and add their personal witnesses that he was God’s servant. This unique account commemorates the 174th anniversary of the Prophet’s martyrdom.

Joseph’s School | Justin Collings | August 2025

BYU is the university of the Restoration. Joseph Smith’s revelations on God, Christ, knowledge, and truth teach the school’s divine mission. Click here to see the speech page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11-14
38:38

The Profile of a Prophet | Hugh B. Brown | October 1955

If you had to create the profile of a prophet, what would it look like? Hugh B. Brown speaks on how Joseph Smith's character and works testify of his prophetic calling. Click here to view the speech. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10-31
27:47

Unlocking the Doors | M. Russell Ballard | November 1989

Despite intense opposition during some of the Church's history, the gospel has been busy unlocking the doors of nations and hearts worldwide. Click here to view the speech. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10-17
41:58

Stand by My Servant Joseph | Cecil O. Samuelson | January 2005

The Lord's commandment to stand by Joseph Smith with true loyalty applies to each of us as builders and defenders of God's kingdom. Click here to view the speech. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10-03
20:50

The Ongoing Restoration (Excerpted) | Gary E. Stevenson | August 2019

Elder Stevenson shares his testimony of the ongoing Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It began with Joseph Smith, and it is still happening today. Click here to view the speech. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09-19
27:03

"Peace Like a River" | Heidi S. Swinton | April 2004

The restoration of the gospel is about hope. Heidi S. Swinton speaks of the restoration and how its message should bring "peace like a river" to our souls. Click here to view the speech.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09-05
30:07

But for Joseph | Katherine D. Pullins | June 2000

Associate law school dean Katherine D. Pullins shares her story of conversion to the gospel and Church that Joseph Smith restored. But for Joseph and his contributions, she testifies, not only would the world be vastly lacking, but so would our individual lives. Click here to view the speech. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-22
33:34

Joseph Smith Lecture 8: The Last Months and Martyrdom | Truman G. Madsen | August 1978

Truman Madsen covers the martyrdom of Joseph Smith and the last few months of the Prophet’s life before adding his personal testimony. Click here to view the speech. © 1989 Truman G. Madsen. ℗ 2003 Deseret Book Company. All rights reserved. For personal, educational use only. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means outside of your personal digital device without permission in writing from Deseret Book Company at permissions@deseretbook.com or PO Box 30178, Salt Lake City, UT 84130.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-08
47:59

Joseph Smith Lecture 7: Doctrinal Development and the Nauvoo Era | Truman G. Madsen, Aug 1978

Truman Madsen on the lessons learned and taught by Joseph Smith in Nauvoo while the Prophet directed the saints in building the temple. Click here to view the speech. © 1989 Truman G. Madsen. ℗ 2003 Deseret Book Company. All rights reserved. For personal, educational use only. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means outside of your personal digital device without permission in writing from Deseret Book Company at permissions@deseretbook.com or PO Box 30178, Salt Lake City, UT 84130.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-25
40:44

Joseph Smith Lecture 6: Joseph Smith as Teacher, Speaker, and Counselor | Truman G. Madsen, Aug 1978

Truman Madsen speaks on the qualities and experiences that made Joseph Smith a teacher, speaker, and counselor for those around him, focusing on his time in Kirtland. Click here to view the speech. © 1989 Truman G. Madsen. ℗ 2003 Deseret Book Company. All rights reserved. For personal, educational use only. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means outside of your personal digital device without permission in writing from Deseret Book Company at permissions@deseretbook.com or PO Box 30178, Salt Lake City, UT 84130.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-11
46:45

Joseph Smith Lecture 5: Joseph Smith and the Kirtland Temple | Truman G. Madsen | Aug 1978

Truman Madsen describes the experiences and sacrifices of Joseph Smith and the Saints in Kirtland, Ohio while building the temple. Click here to view the speech. © 1989 Truman G. Madsen. ℗ 2003 Deseret Book Company. All rights reserved. For personal, educational use only. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means outside of your personal digital device without permission in writing from Deseret Book Company at permissions@deseretbook.com or PO Box 30178, Salt Lake City, UT 84130.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06-27
48:14

Joseph Smith Lecture 4: Joseph Smith and Trials | Truman G. Madsen | August 1978

Truman Madsen shares an account of Joseph Smith’s trials and the effects of the hardship on his family, his friends, his life, and his character. Click here to view the speech. © 1989 Truman G. Madsen. ℗ 2003 Deseret Book Company. All rights reserved. For personal, educational use only. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means outside of your personal digital device without permission in writing from Deseret Book Company at permissions@deseretbook.com or PO Box 30178, Salt Lake City, UT 84130.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06-13
46:41

Joseph Smith Lecture 3: Joseph Smith and Spiritual Gifts | Truman Madsen | August 1978

Truman Madsen discusses spiritual gifts and how Joseph Smith used them to bless the Saints and teach them the fulness of the gospel. Click here to view the speech.© 1989 Truman G. Madsen. ℗ 2003 Deseret Book Company. All rights reserved. For personal, educational use only. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means outside of your personal digital device without permission in writing from Deseret Book Company at permissions@deseretbook.com or PO Box 30178, Salt Lake City, UT 84130.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05-30
45:01

Joseph Smith Lecture 2: Joseph's Personality and Character | Truman Madsen | August 1978

Using quotes and stories from those who personally knew Joseph Smith, Truman Madsen describes the Prophet’s personality and character. Click here to view the speech. © 1989 Truman G. Madsen. ℗ 2003 Deseret Book Company. All rights reserved. For personal, educational use only. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means outside of your personal digital device without permission in writing from Deseret Book Company at permissions@deseretbook.com or PO Box 30178, Salt Lake City, UT 84130.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05-16
48:41

Joseph Smith Lecture 1: The First Vision and Its Aftermath | Truman G. Madsen | Aug 1978

Truman Madsen on Joseph Smith’s early life, First Vision, and life in the aftermath, including lessons, experiences, and consequences. Click here to view the speech. © 1989 Truman G. Madsen. ℗ 2003 Deseret Book Company. All rights reserved. For personal, educational use only. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means outside of your personal digital device without permission in writing from Deseret Book Company at permissions@deseretbook.com or PO Box 30178, Salt Lake City, UT 84130.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05-02
49:28

Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet | James A. Cullimore | January 1977

In an incredible testament to Joseph Smith’s divine calling, James A. Cullimore retells several events from the life of Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet. Click here to view the speech. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04-18
27:41

The Prophet Joseph Smith | Preston Nibley | December 1958

Without the Prophet Joseph Smith, the entire state of Utah—not to mention the entire world— would be a different place than it is today. Preston Nibley narrates accomplishments of Joseph’s life and proves that he was a man of sincerity and determination who never wearied of the task of spreading the gospel. Click here view the speech. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04-04
32:17

Joseph Smith: “Praise to the Man” | Gordon B. Hinckley | November 1979

Gordon B. Hinkcley shares his powerful testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith. The most important evidence of his calling is the witness of the Spirit. Click here to view the speech. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03-21
30:33

Joseph Smith and the Lighter View | Leonard J. Arrington | November 1974

Although Joseph Smith was raised in an overly pious and sanctimonious society, his jovial nature, sense of humor, and zeal for life show the Saints that this life is for men to have joy. Click here to view the speech. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03-07
23:53

Joseph Smith—The Prophet | Richard C. Edgley | August 2005

Richard C. Edgley delivers a powerful summary of the accomplishments of Joseph Smith—the Prophet whose revelations, achievements, and trials are all a testament to his calling. Click here to view the speech. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

02-21
40:18

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