Music & the Spoken Word

Joseph Nielsen, Curator of Organs at Temple Square, shares his unique role in preserving and maintaining some of the world’s most iconic organs. From daily care to long-term preservation, Joseph gives insight into the craftsmanship, history, and responsibility behind keeping these remarkable organs in perfect harmony for generations to come

Go behind the curtain with Heidi Casson, longtime stage manager for Music & the Spoken Word. In this episode, Heidi shares what it takes to coordinate a live weekly broadcast, her favorite behind-the-scenes moments, and why the spirit of the show continues to inspire her after decades on the job.

Taking time each day to sharpen our own spiritual saw prepares us for whatever lies ahead.

This sacred time allows us to connect with God through scripture, to speak with Him in prayer,

and to discover what He would teach us. A dull saw may still cut, but it slows our progress.

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, August 10th, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 5,004.

In one location, I visited an old Italian home. Fresh flowers filled the window boxes, the

shades had recently been painted, and the front porch light burned brightly. However, as I

looked closer, I noticed some imperfections in this otherwise magnificent home.

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 5,003.

Rabbi Jarrod Grover of Beth Tikvah Synagogue in Toronto shares his heartfelt experience watching Music & the Spoken Word and reflects on the program’s power to inspire across faiths and cultures. In this episode, he recounts the unforgettable moment he was invited to join The Tabernacle Choir for its historic 5,000th broadcast — a celebration of music, unity, and enduring tradition.

The pioneer spirit, whether in 1847 or 2025, lives on. Each of us can be blessed as we strive to be pioneers in our own right – moving forward with faith, knowing that even amid great trial and uncertainty. 

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, July 27th, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 5,002.

Spoken Word from Derrick Porter on the Sunday, July 20th, broadcast of Music & the Spoken Word episode 5,001.

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, July 20th, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 5,001.

Join Michael O. Leavitt, President of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and former U.S. Cabinet Secretary and Utah Governor, as he shares insights on leadership, faith, music, and the global mission of the Choir. In this thoughtful conversation, Leavitt reflects on the power of music to inspire and unite, the legacy of the Choir, and the vision guiding its future.

Music & the Spoken Word stirred something deep within me—a feeling that gave me the strength to continue forward

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, July 13th, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 5,000.

Yes, God’s faithfulness is as certain as the dawn. His faithfulness to us is something we can always count on.

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, July 6th, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 4,999.

For 17 years, Ruth Todd welcomed guests from around the world who were attending the live broadcast of Music & the Spoken Word. Before each broadcast, Ruth would introduce special guests in the audience and share facts about the broadcast, the Tabernacle, and the choir.

This Spoken Word message was delivered by Derrick Porter on June 29th, 2025. "Men and women who turn their lives over to God will find out that he can make a lot more out of their lives than they can."

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, June 29th, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 4,998.

In this episode Derrick Porter sits down with longtime Tabernacle Choir music director, Mack Wilberg. They discuss Mack’s background in music, becoming the music director of the choir and how he chooses the music for each weekly broadcast.

For nearly a century, Music & the Spoken Word has broadcast messages of hope and inspiration alongside the uplifting music of the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. Hosted by Derrick Porter, this podcast takes you behind the scenes and will introduce you to the people who make the broadcast happen each week.

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, June 1st, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 4,994.

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, June 22nd, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 4,997.

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, June 15th, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 4,996.

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, June 8th, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 4,995.