Music & the Spoken Word

Not far from here, lies the world’s largest aspen tree. It’s known as Pando, and if you were looking for it, you very well would miss it. Instead of seeing what you might expect, one massive and sprawling large tree, what you would find is a large grove of aspen trees, numbering more than 40,000, each appearing to be separate, but actually sharing a single root system

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, September 14th, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 5,009

Ryan Murphy, Associate Music Director of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, discusses his work shaping the Choir’s sound, preparing music for weekly broadcasts and global performances, and the inspiration that comes from working with one of the world’s most celebrated choral ensembles.

Occasionally, we may be the beneficiary of a much-needed summer thunderstorm of inspiration. But more often, inspiration from heaven comes drop by drop, “line upon line, precept upon precept.” Our work then becomes to collect the drops. As we apply effort to look for and capture each drop of heaven-sent communication, our drops add up to become a deep well of sustaining spiritual water.

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, September 7th, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 5,008

THE WORLD WE LIVE IN is a beautiful place—filled with wonders and breathtaking scenery.

From soaring mountains and rolling plains to the concrete jungles of our cities and lush,

tree-filled rainforests, one thing is certain: there is beauty all around. Ultimately, “beauty is

found in the eye of the beholder.”1

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, August 31st, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 5,007.

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."