The Cultural Hall Podcast

Scott D. Marianno is a historian and writer for the Church History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He received an MA in history from Utah State University in 2015 and a BA in history from Brigham Young University in 2011. He writes on race and religion in the American West and on twentieth-century Mormonism. The post Salt Lake Temple – Scott Marianno – 999.5 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

The Evolution Project, founded by Bryan J. Hurd, is a men’s personal growth initiative focused on intentional living, vulnerability, and authentic masculinity through transformative experiences, retreats, and community, helping men break through societal masks, confront inner shadows, and build deeper connections, not a therapy replacement but a space for support and sharing life’s challenges. Hurd uses his own journey, including challenges with mental health, to guide other men in finding self-awareness, brotherhood, and purpose, emphasizing experience over just discipline. The post The Evolution Project – Picking Up Your Missionary – Bryan Hurd – 999.4 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

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Temple Announcement  Portland Maine Temple Announced at a Stake Christmas Devotional, live reaction from members Allen D. Haynie read a letter by the first presidency “in a recent meeting of the First Presidency of the Church, a decision was made that, when directed by the First Presidency, the announcement of the construction of a new temple should be made on location by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles or a member of an Area Presidency.”  “such an announcement by a member of an Area Presidency has never occurred before. Tonight will be the first.” 383rd announced temple Three Stakes in Maine (Portland, Augusta, Bangor) First Temple in Maine 6 states left without a temple Currently a two hour drive to Belmont MA Devotional held at a meetinghouse in North Yarmouth – Temple Site? Temple Dedications and Open House Announced Davao Philippines Temple Media day on March 23, 2026 Open House: March 26th to April 10th Dedication: May 3, 2026 presided by Dale Renlund Bacolod Philippines Temple Media day on April 13, 2026 Open House: April 16th to May 2 Dedication May 31, 2026 presided by Neil Andersen   Temple Groundbreaking announced  João Pessoa Brazil Temple To be held January 24, 2026  Presided by Joni L. Koch Temple Rendering Released Jakarta Indonesia Temple Multi-story (4?), 50,000 sq. ft. temple White stone topped with a central spire surrounded by 4 smaller spires Similar pattern to the Bangkok Thailand and Bengaluru India Temple designs Plus ancillary building with meetinghouse, patron housing, and arrival facilities.  Located across the street from the T Tower, the SMESCO Indonesia Exhibition Hall, and Pancoran Bank rail station. The UN now considers Jakarta as the world’s most populous city  Temple Renamed  Sunnyvale California Temple San Jose California Temple remamed Located on meetinghouse site in Sunnyvale  Unclear impetus behind the change New Temple Matrons and Presidents Called Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple Sovan Chan and Sophon Sam of the Mean Chey 1st Ward Former district president Ephraim Utah Temple Michelle and Thomas Bailey of the Ephraim 8th Ward Former mission leaders in Nebraska Omaha Mission Temple Construction Updates Fairview Texas Temple Plans submitted to the to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Estimated cost of $9,359,081  Church confirms preliminary site work and thanks the cooperation of the town of Fairview with the permitting on the project. Heber Valley Utah Temple Utah Supreme Court hears oral arguments about the temple construction A Church lawyer says the church is willing to risk the chance that the temple construction would need to be demolished: “Buildings get torn down all the time.” Residents asked to put forward a $10K bond but church responded that stalling the project for 12 months would cost the church $7.8M or $11.4M for 18 months delays Freetown Sierra Leone Temple Community event held to share information about the future temple Attended by Elder Kenneth Pambu, Area Seventy Gift presented to community chief who is supporting community during construction  Londrina Brazil Temple Local Stake President interviewed by publication Folha de Londrina Lethbridge Alberta Temple Temporary visitors center trailer opens at construction site Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple Coeur d’Alene City Council changes zoning on the temple site from “Urban Townhomes” to “Religious Assembly.” West Jordan Utah Temple Preliminary earthwork on site underway Ephraim Utah Temple Moving furniture into the temple Grand Rapids Michigan Temple Local TV station notes 1 year anniversary of groundbreaking Cleveland Ohio Temple Landscape work finishes up at temple site Still no cupula installed! Year in Review  9 Dedications 1 Rededication 20 groundbreakings 16 announcements 2026 7 scheduled dedications 15-20 additional dedications? San Diego Rededication Maybe Anchorage? The post Portland Maine Temple is the First of Many Non-General Conference Temples – Temple Ticker – 997 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

What if the key to unlocking the Bible’s deepest truths lies in a language spoken millennia ago? In The Language of Heaven: Hebrew Words Every Latter-day Saint Should Know to Better Understand the Bible, Covenants, and God, you’ll learn the sacred words of Hebrew that illuminate the scriptures like never before. Focusing on a new Hebrew word for every week of the year, the book contains entries that include the word’s definition, various scripture references, and spiritual insights to deepen your knowledge of the Savior and God’s covenants. Each chapter also features: A story in the Bible that illustrates the selected Hebrew concept The unique connection to Latter-day Saint doctrine A quote from a Church leader that provides deeper understanding of the Hebrew word Jewish fun facts that add additional insights Questions for personal reflection and family discussion Reading this book will not only increase your knowledge of the ancient Bible language, but it will help you to fully grasp Bible history and gain a richer understanding of the stories within. Knowing the Hebrew language provides greater insight into God’s plan, the role of the Savior, and what our covenants really mean. Readers will deepen their relationship with their Savior, Jesus Christ, and better understand His love for them, all through the power of words. So, grab your Bible and this inspirational book for an exciting, deep dive into the scriptures that will strengthen your faith in new ways! Purchase the Book The post The Language of Heaven – Dr. Trina Boice – 996 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

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Temple worship has always been difficult for Latter-day Saints to discuss. A culture of privacy governs how they talk about it. Holiness to the Lord is a path breaking study of what church members have experienced in their temples, from the 1830s to the present. Now available for preorder, Holiness to the Lord: Elucidates the religious work of LDS temples. Documents the generational shift in temple practices over time. Incorporates a never-before-seen body of archival records. Provides new insight into the relationships between Latter-day Saint conceptions of priesthood, gender, and race. Offers pioneering information about LDS temple practices outside of devotional and generalized material. PURCHASE THE BOOK The post Holiness to the Lord: Latter-day Saint Temple Worship – Jonathan Stapley – 993 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

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Buy the Book Wakara’s America: A Historical Perspective Max discussed his new book, “Wakara’s America,” which explores the life and significance of Wakara, a prominent Ute leader in the 1840s. He explained that Wakara was known by different names in various regions, reflecting his extensive travels and interactions with diverse communities. Max, a historian of American religion at the University of Nebraska, shared his fascination with Latter-day Saint history and culture, which led him to research Wakara’s role in the American West and his interactions with early Mormons. He highlighted the need to tell Wakara’s story from his perspective, offering a more nuanced understanding of their complex relationship. Wakara: The Forgotten West’s Thief Max discussed Wakara, a Native American figure from the 1840s who was known as the greatest horse thief of the American West. He enslaved thousands of Paiutes and used his knowledge of the West to create maps that were later used by John C. Fremont and the Latter-day Saints. Max highlighted the importance of Wakara’s contributions to the American West, despite his being largely unknown due to his Native American heritage. Richie expressed surprise at learning about Wakara’s actions and the historical context, emphasizing the need to acknowledge and understand such figures’ roles in shaping history. Understanding Historical Narratives Complexity Max and Richie discussed the complexity of historical narratives, emphasizing the importance of a more nuanced understanding of historical figures and events. Max highlighted the need to recognize the implications of one’s own family history and suggested that acknowledging past actions can lead to better future decisions. They agreed to continue their discussion about the interactions between the Latter-day Saints and Native Americans in the Great Basin and Salt Lake Valley in the next segment. Richie also reminded listeners to contact the Cultural Hall with feedback or suggestions for future guests and discussions. Brigham Young’s Utah Journey Myths Max and Richie discussed the complexities of human beings and the challenges of categorizing individuals as purely good or bad. They explored the origins of the Latter-day Saints’ journey to Utah, focusing on Brigham Young’s Vanguard Company and the mythology surrounding their entry into the Salt Lake Valley. Max explained that while the story of Brigham Young declaring the area to be the “right place” is part of the origin myth, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. They also discussed Brigham Young’s meeting with Jim Bridger, where Bridger warned about the Utes’ presence in the area, leading to a change in the Mormons’ planned route. Wakara and Brigham Young’s Complex Relationship Max discussed the complex relationship between Wakara, a Native American leader, and Brigham Young, the leader of the Mormons. Wakara helped Brigham settle in the Salt Lake Valley and was invited to the first Pioneer Day celebration in 1849. However, Wakara also used the Mormons to displace his rivals, leading to the extermination of the Timpanogos people in 1850. Max explained that Wakara’s slavery practices were different from the chattel slavery in the American South, as they were more about re-establishing bonds of peoplehood and connection to the land. Despite this, Wakara was baptized a Latter-day Saint in 1850 and led his followers into baptism. Wakara’s Mormon Conversion and Alliances Max discussed Wakara, a Native American leader who was baptized and later ordained as a Mormon priest, which the Mormons viewed as a conversion. Richie questioned whether Wakara’s involvement with the Mormons was a strategic move for power or a genuine conversion. Max explained that Wakara’s adoption of Mormonism was more about forming kinship networks and alliances rather than a complete conversion, and he placed his daughters in Mormon households to strengthen these bonds. Max also highlighted that Wakara’s descendants, including some who may not be aware of their Native American heritage, have been identified through DNA and genealogical research. Brigham Young’s Native American Policies Max discussed the historical relationship between Brigham Young and Wakara, a Native American leader who was among the first Native American priesthood holders in Utah in 1851. He explained how Wacara, despite being illiterate, was given a traveling paper by George A. Smith to trade with Mormon settlers, though this was part of a broader context of Native American slavery and indentured servitude in early Utah. Max argued that Brigham Young’s policies led to conflicts with Native Americans, which he referred to as “Brigham’s War,” rather than the traditionally named “Walker War,” and traced Brigham’s ancestry back to participants in the King Philip’s War, highlighting a pattern of settlers taking Native American land and controlling the narrative of their conflicts. Understanding the Walker War Narrative Max discussed the historical narrative surrounding the Walker War, emphasizing how conflicts are often named after Native Americans despite being initiated by settlers. He highlighted Brigham Young’s role in naming the war and the subsequent peace parlay with Walker, which ended with Walker’s death under mysterious circumstances. Max also touched on the broader themes of American expansionism, the mistreatment of Native American remains, and the potential for a more sustainable and balanced relationship with the land. He expressed hope for a return to indigenous ways of understanding and interacting with the environment, citing recent developments around the Great Salt Lake. The post Wakara’s America: The Life and Legacy of a Native Founder of the American West – 990 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

Temple Dedication  Bahia Blanca Argentina Temple – #211 Dedicated November 23, 2025 by Ulisses Soares Dedicatory Prayer 5th Temple in Argentina, furthest south 12 Stakes and 4 Districts assigned to temple district Temple Open Houses Burley Idaho Temple Interior Photos Released Motifs include sugar beet and potato blossoms, trembling blue skies and farm fields Attended by Idaho Governor Brad Little Alabang Philippines Temple Interior Photos Released Motif of the white jasmine flower, or sampaguita, the national flower of the Philippines Why Photoshop the high rise buildings out? Compare Media Tour on November 17th 2nd Temple in the Manila Metro area, located in Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City Announced by President Monson in 2017 Temple Dedication and Open House Scheduled Willamette Valley Oregon Temple Open House schedules for April 23, 2026 to May 9th  Dedication on June 7th presided by Dieter Uchtdorf 5th dedication scheduled for 2026 Temple Groundbreakings Brussels Belgium Temple “Site Dedication” held on November 22nd Presided by Jack N Gerard Golden Shovels? Why not Golden Sledge Hammers? At Least they didn’t bring in dirt Appears to be an updated Rendering  Embossed on the Shovels  Possibly replacing the World Trade Center wishbone grilles Jacksonville Florida Temple  Announced for January 24, 2025 To be presided by Massimo De Feo Temple Sites Announced, Rendering Released  Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple 11 acres located on the corner of Hanley Avenue and Coeur Terre Boulevard on the western side of Coeur d’Alene Single Story, 29,630 sq ft temple White Granite, copper roof and spire Inspired by the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans?  Calabar Nigeria Temple 7 acres along Atekong Drive in central Calabar Single story, 26,000 sq ft temple White concrete, sky blue spire Yuma Arizona Temple 7 acres located at the corner of East 36th Street and South 8 East Avenue in the City of Yuma Single story, 18,500 sq ft temple Sand colored, topped by a Cupula  Similar cupola to temples in San Juan, Praia, Coban Construction Updates Salt Lake Temple Hanging Chandeliers in Sealing rooms and Assembly Hall Plaza Hotel Prepares for demolition  The Roof fine dining restaurant reopening Adalaide Australia Temple Extended Maintenance Closure  To reopen in May 2026 Construction Visitors Centers set up  Austin Texas Temple Vancouver Washington Temple Tacloban Philippines Temple Deseret Peak Utah Temple Wins construction award of merit Christmas Season  Manila Philippines Temple Mesa Arizona Temple St George Visitors Center home to a “Believe in Him” art exhibit The post We Have Jumped the Temple Shark – Temple Ticker 989 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

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In this episode, Richie T Steadman and Taylor Westbrook discuss a variety of topics including their experiences at a recent live show, aspirations for podcasting and stand-up comedy, and the dynamics of dating. They also delve into church experiences, the appointment of a new apostle, and the implications of artificial intelligence within the church. The conversation touches on declining birth rates, workplace culture, and the balance of religious expression in professional settings, emphasizing the need for community and awareness in these discussions.   The post Love, Laugh, Live – AoN 985 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

Orson F. Whitney’s Elias—An Epic of the Ages stands as Mormonism’s most ambitious literary achievement, a sweeping poetic retelling of the plan of salvation and the Restoration. First published in 1904 and refined in Whitney’s 1914 edition, the ten-canto epic draws upon scripture, history, and inspired imagination to place the life and mission of Jesus Christ at the center of a cosmic narrative that spans premortality, the Savior’s mortal ministry, the apostasy, and the dispensation of the fulness of times. In the tradition of Milton’s Paradise Lost and Dante’s Divine Comedy, Whitney sought to give his faith a literary monument equal to its spiritual grandeur—an epic in which doctrine, history, and prophecy meet in verse. This new critical edition, edited by Reid L. Neilson, presents the definitive text of Whitney’s 1914 revision alongside rich historical context, literary analysis, and contemporary responses that situate Elias in the cultural and religious landscape of turn-of-the-century Mormonism. Both a devotional masterpiece and a literary artifact, Elias—An Epic of the Ages invites modern readers to encounter Whitney’s soaring vision anew. Dr. Neilson joined the BYU faculty in August 2022, when he began leading as the assistant academic vice president for religious scholarly publications, a newly created position at the university. He oversees three organizations on campus: the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, the Religious Studies Center, and BYU Studies. Prior to rejoining the faculty at BYU, Dr. Neilson and his wife, Shelly, served as the leaders of the Washington DC North Mission. Before his mission presidency, Neilson was appointed Assistant Church Historian and Recorder of the Church in 2015. He also worked as the managing director of the Church History Department from 2010 to 2019.     The post Elias – An Epic of the Ages – Dr. Reid Neilson – 984 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.