Explore every episode of the podcast Music & the Spoken Word

The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square present a Music & the Spoken Word Easter Special “Greater Love”. Music on this broadcast includes  

“That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright”, Because of Him” , He is Risen” and the Easter Spoken Word given by Derrick Porter.

For nearly a century, Music & the Spoken Word has broadcast messages of hope and inspiration alongside the beautiful music of the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.

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 Spoken Word message was delivered by Derrick Porter on June 8th, 2025. "As we reach for the Savior with our whole Soul, we find that his arms are always extended."

For nearly 35 years, Richard Elliott has been a full-time organist with The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. In this episode, Richard Elliott talks about his upbringing and about his career as an organist.

This Spoken Word message was delivered by Derrick Porter on June 15th, 2025. "There is power in the humble recognition that we don't know everything and can't do everything."

This Spoken Word message was delivered by Derrick Porter on June 22nd, 2025. "We are, as the scriptures say, 'covered... in the shadow of [His] hand' and guided near the 'springs of water.'"

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."

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.

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

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

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.

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

The Tabernacle: A House of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving"

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, September 21st, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 5,010.

Each week before the live broadcast begins, Kathy Clayton warmly welcomes the audience, setting the tone for an inspiring experience of music and messages. Her thoughtful introductions help create a spirit of connection and anticipation for the program that has uplifted audiences worldwide for nearly a century.

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, September 28th, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 5,011.

At other times, perhaps in moments of discouragement or worry, we may instead find ourselves asking, “Heavenly Father, are you really there?” 

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, October 5th, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 5,012.

Thurl “Big T” Bailey, former NBA star with the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves, now shares his warmth and charisma as the Greeter for Music & the Spoken Word. Before each live broadcast, Thurl welcomes audiences with the same presence and inspiration that have defined his career as an athlete, broadcaster, motivational speaker, singer, and actor.

God does not intend for us to cross life’s intersections alone. Instead, He lovingly assures us, “I am with thee: … I am thy God: … yea, I will help thee.”

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, October 12th, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 5,013.

As we pursue faith, our fear is cast out.

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, October 19th, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 5,014.

Host Derrick Porter welcomes The King’s Singers, the acclaimed British a cappella ensemble from King’s College, Cambridge. Together with the Tabernacle Choir, they share music  that celebrates harmony, heritage, and the unifying power of music.

Time is one of our most precious resources, and it’s one that seems to always be there—until it isn’t.

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, November 2nd, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 5,016.

Noah built the ark before it began to rain.

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, October 26th, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 5,015.

Host Derrick Porter welcomes Meredith Campbell, violinist and Concert Master with the Orchestra at Temple Square. Each week, the orchestra joins the Tabernacle Choir to bring an inspiring sound to Music & the Spoken Word. In this episode, Merideth shares her passion for performance and the joy of creating music that uplifts and unites audiences around the world.

RECALL THE NEW STAR THAT ANNOUNCED THE BIRTH AT BETHLEHEM? IT WAS IN ITS PRECISE ORBIT LONG BEFORE IT SO SHONE.

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, November 9th, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 5,017.

Find someone to serve.

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, November 16th, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 5,018.

GRATITUDE TO GOD IS A GIFT BECAUSE IT IS SOMETHING WE FEEL AFTER A TRIAL HAS PASSED .

This broadcast originally aired on Sunday, November 23rd, 2025, from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Broadcast number: 5,019.

Host Derrick Porter talks with Jason Graham, Audio Team Lead for Music & the Spoken Word. Jason shares what it takes to deliver the world-renowned sound of the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square each week, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the expertise and dedication that make every broadcast unforgettable.