What do two Evangelicals from Northwest Indiana have in common with each other? Their profound interest in the Restoration and the churches of the Mormon Movement would be the answer! Pastor Kyle Beshears (PhD in Religious Studies) joins Steven Pynakker to discuss his interest in the history and theology of the Restoration. In particular Kyle's focus is on the history and beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that is best know for being founded by James Strang. I hope that you'll find this conversation interesting and perhaps a good introduction to this little known church of the Restoration. Please look out for a paper that Kyle wrote “In Love and Union: The Writings of Mr. Charles J. Douglass, Secret Plural Wife of a Mormon King". This paper is slated for publication the spring edition of JWHA's journal

On a special episode of Mormon Media Reviews on MBR, Greg Matsen is interviewed about his channel called Cwic Show. He discusses what made him decide to start the channel and the origins of the name of the show. Steven Pynakker asked Greg why he is such a lightning rod and why he is so critical of BYU and Deseret Book. We then discuss his interviews and interactions of men who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are Gay. We also talk about Greg's faith and what Jesus means to him. I really hope that the audience takes the time to watch the interview and not make comments based on the thumbnail. I also want to clarify something that I said in the interview. I mentioned that Jaxon Washburn is gay, when in reality he identifies as bisexual.

Recently I was a guest on the the very cool YouTube channel Mormonism with the Murph. It is hosted by Stephen Murphy who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he lives in Northern Ireland! I am now posting the it on my channel. I think both Evangelicals and Latter Day Saints will appreciate our constructive dialogue.

Chris Jensen author of the book Obscure Mormon Doctrine returns to MBR to discuss another topic discussed in his book, the nature of Christ. Many Christian apologists say that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches a "different" Jesus than mainstream Christianity. Is Jesus Jehovah? Is he Heavenly Father's only begotten Son? Is "Mormon" Jesus a different Jesus? Please leave your thoughts in the comments on this interesting topic.

Jaxon Washburn returns to Mormon Book Reviews to update listeners about his time pursuing a masters program at Harvard Divinity School. He and Steve discuss Jaxon’s experience with coming out/identifying as bisexual and how that relates to his LDS faith and practice. Jaxon shares about some of the opportunities he’s had for interreligious dialogue while at divinity school, including reading through the Book of Mormon together with one of his Evangelical peers there. Later, Jaxon provides exciting coverage of the “religious road trip” he embarked on during the summer of 2022 where he visited dozens of religious and historical sites significant to the Restoration and beyond. Whether meeting with Buddhists, Russian Orthodox Old Believers, or Mormon fundamentalists, Jaxon’s trip reflected his strong commitment to promoting interreligious understanding and pluralism. He reflects on the emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of the trip, some of the misadventures he experienced on the road, and his plans for after graduation.

Chris Jensen author of the book "Obscure Mormon Doctrine" returns to MBR to talk about another subject covered in his work, polygamy. This is part of an irregular series that covers various unique doctrines and teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that Chris writes about in his book.

n this episode of Mormon Media Reviews on MBR, Steven and Rebecca sit down with award-winning broadcaster and podcast host, Steven Kapp Perry to discuss his life, his faith and his popular podcast on BYU radio, “In Good Faith.” His podcast shares stories and accounts from believers, told in their own words. He talks with believers from all walks of faith—Catholic and Episcopalian, Buddhist and Baptist, Jewish and Hindu, Presbyterian and Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim and Latter-day Saint—in other words, human beings and believers, sharing their personal experience with the sacred and the divine. Steven is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the son of prolific LDS songwriter Janice Kapp Perry. He shares many memories, experiences and perspectives in this interview that really impacted us and we know our viewers will feel the same.

David Snell, a host on the Saints Unscripted YouTube channel, joins Steven Pynakker to discuss his background and experiences with Evangeicals. David has developed a really cool friendship with Evangelical Pastor Jeff McCullough of @HelloSaints . He talks a bit about him and some other past interactions with members of the movement. David and Steven also talk about the rapid exit of young people from both the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Evangelicalism and how their channels are addressing this. This the beginning of a conversation that will continue when Steven heads out to Utah next month to appear on @SaintsUnscripted I want to thank David and and the rest of the Saints Unscripted team for helping facilitate this dialogue.

The tables are turned and Robert Messick of Book of Mormon Editions on YouTube interviews Steven Pynakker about a very unique BoM in his posession! I recently got to appear on Robert's channel and he was gracious enough to allow me to post it on my channel. Watch as we discuss this very interesting edition given to me by my friend David Hall. Here is the description Robert wrote about the episode: "What would it take to replicate the 1830 Book of Mormon, by hand? This review goes through all the details and background of the letterpress replica that was made in 2007. It's a beautiful replica and closest to the original 1830 Edition as a modern day printing can get."

Steven Horne is a special guest on Mormon Book Reviews. On this episode we get to hear Steven's story of being raised in an LDS family that has a miraculous history and how he became Born Again reading the Book of Mormon. Steven has a very unusual story to tell and I want to hear from Evangelicals and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about what you think about it. (Of course I am always happy to hear from non-believers and Never-Mo's as well) .

Who is Denver Snuffer? What is the Restoration Movement all about? Special guest Chris VanCampen editor of a book of essays titled "Rescuing the Restoration: The Lord Sets His Hand Again" joins Steven to discuss the project. A while back Brian Hales attempted to put together a book in which various writers would talk about Denver Snuffer and the Restoration Movement. Adrian Larsen wrote the introduction. While the book was never completed, it was thought that Adrian's work could be a foundation for another similar project. We also get to know Chris ,his background, and the role he played as the editor. #denversnuffer #mormonism #latterdaysaints #lds #ldspodcast

Memories of Christmas and Christmas movies in particular are often some of our most wonderful childhood memories. Steve and Rebecca sit down with prolific LDS film Director Dustin “Spanky “ Ward to discuss his two popular family Christmas films, “The Christmas Break In” and “The Santa Box.” We discuss Spanky’s creative process, The many projects he’s been involved with and things he hopes to work on in the future. Steve Rebecca and Spanky also discuss their own personal favorite Christmas movies and Christmas television specials from years gone by. We have a wonderful time reminiscing and laughing together in this festive holiday episode of Mormon Media Reviews on MBR. You’ll definitely be feeling the Christmas spirit by the end of this episode!#christmasmovies #latterdaysaints #spankyward #santabox #mormonism

"Christmas Snows Christmas Winds” written by Donald Marshall and produced by Brigham Young University, is a little known Christmas movie from the late 70s that really tugs at your heart strings in an unexpected way and has an unforeseen impact on the viewer. It’s not your typical Christmas movie and in addition to nostalgia from a bygone era, it has an angst that many can relate to. Steve, Rebecca and special guest host Nick of “Pod of Thunder” sit down to watch the movie in its entirety and discuss all the elements that resonate with us. Once you’ve seen "Christmas Snows Christmas Winds,” you will never forget it! Watch along with us and share your thoughts in the comments. We also want to thank the BYU Copyright Department for giving us permission to use the film. Christmas Snows Christmas Winds © Copyright 1978 Brigham Young University. Used with permission. #christmasmovies #byu #latterdaysaints #mormonism #ldspodcast #podofthunder

Did Elvis really have a copy of The Book of Mormon? Who gave it to him? Rumors have always been flying and Steve and Rebecca’s guest has his own take on the urban legend. How did Milli Vanilli pull off their famous Grammy lip-sinc? What was Liberace like behind the scenes? How does it feel to play “Happy Birthday” for Johnny Carson? The world famous Gaynor Brunson gives us the inside scoop. As a faithful Latter Day Saint, Gaynor Brunson has spent decades in the music business beginning right off his LDS mission when he and his brothers formed a trumpet band, The Brunson Brothers. Arriving in Las Vegas with nothing more than their trumpets and a lot of determination, their rise to fame is an incredible and entertaining story you almost can’t believe. The Brunson Brothers eventually opened their own music studio on Sunset Boulevard and rubbed elbows with music’s elite crowd. They later brought the studio home to Utah where Gaynor continues to produce music for the biggest names in Mormon entertainment. Prepare to be amazed as we get the incredible and true story from Gaynor Brunson himself! #elvispresley #mormonism #latterdaysaints #ldspodcast #osmondbrothers #liberace

Brant Gardner, expert on the Meso-American model of Book of Mormon Geography, engages Evangelical Steven Pynakker. While this program has hosted many advocates of the Heartland Model of BOM events, I have been wanting someone on to discuss the Meso Model. We discuss anachronisms, possible landing sites for Lehi and the Jaredites, and Michael Coe's criticisms of a Meso setting for Book of Mormon events.

David Read author of the book "Face of a Nephite: DNA studies & the Book of Mormon" is the latest guest on Mormon Book Reviews. David asked to come on to address some of the criticisms that Thomas Murphy and Simon Southerton leveled against his book both in a paper they co-wrote as well as an appearence on MBR. My hope is that this interview will help facilitate positve dialogue. #latterdaysaints #bookofmormon #ldspodcast

On this episode of Mormon Media Reviews, Steve and Rebecca Bibliotheca sit down to interview Rebecca Bibliotheca and Landon Brophy about their recently debuted Mormon.ish Podcast! That’s right, you’re not seeing double, the tables have turned and Rebecca is now the interview-ee! We discuss Landon’s faith journey and the origins of Mormonish Podcast, in addition to what the podcast hopes to accomplish. Landon and Rebecca also delve into why a podcast that explores living a joyful life on the other side of Mormonism is needed today. And they get candid about what it was like to interview Steve Pynakker on their podcast!

From Latter Day Saints to Protestants to Catholics to Jehovah's Witnesses, David Boice from @52churchesin52weeks visits churches of all kinds in his ongoing YouTube spiritual challenge. This week, David returns on Mormon Book Reviews with Steven Pynakker to talk about his book, travel schedule, and recent Restoration visits to the Community of Christ Stone Church (Independence, Missouri) and The Church of Jesus Christ (South Bend, Indiana). This is one interview you don't want to miss!

Steven Pynakker welcomes back to the program Mark Elwood. He is the author/illustrator of the graphic novel series The Glass Looker: Collected Tales of Joseph Smith. On this episode we discuss the second volume of the series which was recently released. He illustrates many of the stories of treasure digging that people describe Joseph Smith participated in during the 1820's. Mark also talks about some of the challenges he encountered while trying to publish this latest volume.

Steve and Rebecca interview Liz Phillips, granddaughter of polygamist AUB prophet Rulon Allred. Raised in polygamy, Liz eventually joined the mainstream LDS church and then continued her faith journey from there. Liz shares her unique perspective as we discuss how polygamists are portrayed in the media on programs like “Big Love,” “Sister Wives,” “Keep Sweet, Pray and Obey,” “Under the Banner of Heaven” and others! Liz has many personal connections to these programs and several of her close relatives are featured in them. This was a very interesting and insightful interview!