The Cricket and Seagull Fireside Chat

In his new book, author and journalist Caleb Warnock is likely to surprise you with the obvious — I mean, the pioneers did eat all winter, right? So what did they do differently than we do with our brief three-month garden season? Could we do it their way today?  And why is cooking with "pioneer yeast" so much healthier and easier on the digestive system than today's quick-rise yeast? In this podcast, you'll get an interesting earful of useful and practical ways of living that were basic life skills until just the last 75 years or so. Did you know carrots weren't even orange until a couple hundred years ago and that they taste best if you leave them in the ground all winter? You do now! That's just the beginning of this week's journey into self-sufficiency.

Fans of Daniel Beck's gorgeous voice will sit back and breathe a happy sigh when they hear "Abide With Me," his new album of hymns and hymn-like songs.  It's just what they've been waiting for—and that includes me. Whether it's an ear-opening blend of familiar lyrics with unexpected old hymn tunes or the tender, soaring high notes on "Gentle Savior," this is an album that speaks the longing we have for closeness and dependence on the Lord, and sings praises for his mercy.  You'll enjoy hearing Beck and producer Tyler Castleton talk about the song choices and the arrangements, and why this is more than just a collection of songs for them. That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

When I heard Chieko Okazaki had passed away earlier this month, my first glance was to my bookshelf where I saw the two origami cranes she made out of gold foil paper and presented to me during the one interview I had with her.  When you hear what the symbolism of those cranes is you'll know why I've kept them and why they are so meaningful to me. The moment she walked in the door I felt not only the unexpected power of her presence, but also a clear feeling that she was not alone; that she walked and talked with her Savior.  It was something I have rarely experienced to that degree and a feeling I will never forget.  In the few short joyful moments I had to interview her about her final book "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" (a book whose title could sum up her life) she gave me several gifts; two golden cranes, one cryptic little wooden sign I treasure, and an increased desire to know Jesus in the way she did and now, surely, does. I can think of no better way to thank her for those gifts than to let you hear her tell about that relationship in her own voice. That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

At the upcoming Book of Mormon Archeological Foundation conference in Salt Lake City, Dr. Joseph Allen and his wife Rhoda will receive the "Father Lehi" and "Mother Sariah" awards, recognizing those who have pioneered and expanded exploration of the Book of Mormon. While the exact geographical setting for the Book of Mormon is still an open question, Dr. Allen was one of the pioneers in researching and publishing on the possible settings beginning with his dissertation on the legendary white god, Quetzalcoatl in 1970.  In this rebroadcast of an audio interview recorded several years ago, Dr. Allen talks about why he became interested in the subject and how a knowledge of Book of Mormon culture and place as drawn from the scripture itself can bless us spiritually. That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

It may be the third in their series of tribute albums, but this follow-up to "Joseph" and "The Trek" has the same strong sense of mission—in fact, it's all about missions, missionaries, their parents and families, and the people they find and teach. Nashville songwriter and producer Jason Deere shares the music and stories behind these songs, an unexpected collaboration with Michael McLean, and the goal of the Nashville Tribute Band members on this album; to help anyone of any faith understand the motivation and sacrifice of the missionaries they see on the streets around the world. That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

Happy Pioneer Day! Music has been a part of the Mormon tradition from the very beginning.  Whether it was hymns or folk songs, it seems there was music created to mark most important occasions.  For instance, we have the dedication of the Kirtland, Ohio, temple in 1836 to thank for the hymn "The Spirit of God" appearing in our hymnals today. The wagon company of 1847 was hardly under way before William Clayton came up with his new version of "All is Well" which we know as "Come, Come Ye Saints."  And it was just over 150 years ago when the first of many handcart companies set out for the Rocky Mountains, pushing and pulling their way across a continent to the tune of "The Handcart Song."  Plus there were the humorous songs about the railroad and the bad influence it was bound to bring to the territory.  This week in celebration of Pioneer Day on July 24th—a state holiday in Utah—we feature Mormon folk songs from the Library of Congress Archive of Folk Culture.  These examples were recorded in 1946 and 1947 by Austin Fife and his wife Alta on a trip covering Utah, gathering songs passed on in the folk tradition—either learned firsthand from the writer or passed down in families and communities through the generations.  
 That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

With over 40 years of research and accreditations to his name, James Petty is the perfect guide to the ins and outs of using professional family research services. The great uncle who supposedly died as a child, but turned out to have lived and had two families (unbeknownst to each other); the elusive grandfather who drifted from state to state leaving no trace of where he died and was buried; these are just two of the recent mysteries professional researcher James Petty has been called upon to solve. With a treasure-trove of stories and experience, the founder of Heirlines.com gives us an overview of his upcoming presentations at the BYU Conference for Family History & Genealogy (July 26-29, 2011) and gives candid advice about finding the right person with the right qualifications when you need some extra help finding important family information.  It's informative and entertaining. That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

Now in it's 43rd year, BYU's annual Conference on Family History & Genealogy has learned to respond to its attendees and provide the most useful information in the most usable way.  With separate tracks over the four-day conference you can choose general knowledge ("How do I turn this computer on?") up to detailed specifics ("How do I keep these Norwegian names straight?"). John Best of BYU's Conferences and Workshops gives us an in-depth preview of the conference beginning on July 26, 2011, and points out how it can even bless those who can't attend through the yearly publication of the detailed syllabus which includes notes from every single presenter.  Here's an interview you'll want to forward to your favorite family history buff. That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

Aaron Ashton is one of those rare instrumental musicians equally at home with classical, folk, and jazz, and he mixes it all together on "Split the Difference," his new album of eclectic and electric tunes for fiddle and violin. You'll hear about musical influences, mixing genres, playing in church, and mostly about the fun a bunch of talented musicians can have while pushing boundaries and just plain making music. That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

Most Latter-day Saints know him for his acoustic guitar work on the "Twenty-Five Beloved Hymns" series, but guitarist Michael Dowdle's first and continuing love has always been the electric guitar. On this pedal-to-the-metal album of instrumental power trio music you'll hear why he's a favorite on YouTube with his playing videos, hear Michael's philosophy of rock and roll, and learn why this new album was sparked by a scripture in the New Testament (hint; it has to do with a candle and a bushel) and a listener from Holland.  You might even develop a whole new appreciation of guitar virtuosity. That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square combine their talents to create this one-of-a-kind collection of exquisite music that bears witness of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Choir director Dr. Mack Wilberg gives us an audio tour of the new album, featuring songs never before recorded by the Choir, as well as familiar favorites.  From start to finish, this inspiring and contemplative album is completely focused on the love of our Savior and his role as our Redeemer. That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

Most Latter-day Saints could tell you a fact or two about the handcart companies of 1856, but few could give you the names, the humorous incidents, the brutal facts, and especially the innumerable miracles which accompanied their every step. With the premier of "17 Miracles" only weeks away, film maker T.C. Christensen sat down with one of the actresses and a producer of the movie to share some of these stories, and why he ended up retelling a story which has been told many times before. That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

In a surprising juxtaposition of two familiar genres, award-winning LDS pianist Josh Wright blends sacred and classical favorites in a satisfying new album for piano and orchestra.  In this interview, Josh describes how a mission to South Dakota turned out not to be a detour from his musical journey, but part of the path, and how he feels about dedicating so much of his time to music. On this new recording you'll hear occasional hints of Jazz and New-Age piano, but more than anything, a respect for classical technique and repertoire played thoughtfully and at times powerfully. That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

While the Eyre's are internationally-known and respected family and relationship experts, they often have to hold back from sharing all they could depending on the audience and the situation, but not here.  In this new book which Stephen R. Covey says "every LDS parent" should read, you'll find a wealth of reminders of all the amazing resources our Father has given us for raising his children the way he raises us. Whether it's sibling rivalry or chores, disrespect or worries about worldly influences, nearly every challenge parents face in this all-too-physical world has simple spiritual solutions.  I think you'll feast on what they Eyre's have to share, including one of my favorite-ever interview quotes, "Well, we may as well have a testimony meeting as just sit around fighting..." That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

Since the day of the Western celebration of Easter changes from year to year, it's the holiday that often finds itself overshadowed in the Latter-day Saint world by General Conference, Stake Conference, or Fast Sunday observances.  But Easter can come alive for you and your family through this excellent new book by BYU Associate Professor of Ancient Scripture, Eric Huntsman.  As you'll hear in the interview, it's the work of years of study and thought. "God So Loved the World" is a fascinating scriptural, visual, and doctrinal walk through the people, places and events of the amazing final week of the life of Jesus Christ.  Whether you're a knowledgable scriptorian or a youngster learning from paintings and pictures, your celebration of the atonement and resurrection will be enriched by this new book, written in part by a desire on the part of the author to communicate these important events to his own family. That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.