The Good Word Podcast

Dennis B. Horne was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and grew up in Bountiful, Utah. Dennis was a previous guest, episode 3 I believe… Dennis worked for a number of years in television broadcasting before accepting a position with the Materials Management Department of the LDS Church, where he works as a technical writer. Dennis is the author of several doctrinally and historically oriented books, including the biography Bruce R. McConkie: Highlights from His Life and Teachings; Called of God by Prophecy; An Apostles Record: The Journals of Abraham H. Cannon; Determining Doctrine; and Faith to Heal and Be Healed, as well as Latter Leaves in the Life of Lorenzo Snow both issued by Cedar Fort, Inc. His latest book is a Biography on Orson F. Whitney. To purchase a copy of The Orson F. Whitney Biography, click here.

Robert K. McIntosh and his wife Susan live in Santa Barbara, California. They are the parents of five children and are fortunate to have twenty-four grandchildren and one great grandson. Robert received a bachelors and masters degree from Brigham Young University. For thirty-five years he was employed by Seminaries and Institutes of Religion. He left teaching for eight years and traveled around the U.S. and Canada giving seminars on managing entry-level workers. He is the author of two religious books, “The Teachings of George Albert Smith,” and “”How do You Know When You’re Really in Love?”; and two business books, “Minimum Wage, Maximum Results,” and “Where Did I Put That Cattle Prod?” His articles have appeared in the Ensign, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Forbes. Robert is the author of “How do You Know When You’re Really in Love? And is with us by phone today to talk about his latest book, Choosing Your Eternal Companion. To purchase a copy of Choosing Your Eternal Companion, click here.

Cherie Call was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona and has been writing music since her early teens. March of 2014 marks the release of Cherie’s eighth full length album, “Homeless Songs.” Some highlights of Cherie’s performing life include playing “in the round” at Nashville’s famous Bluebird Cafe, being a finalist in the prestigious Kerrville Newfolk songwriting competition, opening for bluegrass legend Tim O’Brien at the University of Utah, and performing with the beloved hymn revival supergroup, “The Lower Lights”. Cherie’s songs have been included on several albums produced for the LDS Especially for Youth summer programs, and also on the soundtracks to many independent films, including God’s Army, Charly, and the Banff Award winning film, “True Fans”. Cherie currently lives in Utah with her husband and two daughters, a son, and another daughter due in May of 2014. Visit Cherie’s Website and buy her album Homeless Songs, click here.

Annette Lyon has been writing ever since second grade, when she piled pillows on a chair to reach her mother’s typewriter. A cum laude graduate from BYU with a degree in English, she has had success as a professional editor and doing newspaper, magazine, and business writing, but her first love is writing fiction. She’s perhaps best known for her historical novels centered around the four old Utah temples. Her most recent novel, Band of Sisters: Coming Home (January 2013) is the sequel to the Whitney Award-winning novel Band of Sisters. One of the most rewarding parts of Annette’s writing career has been collaborating on The Newport Ladies Book Club series. Her first book in the series, Paige, was released in 2012. Her second, about the character Ilana, will be released early 2014. Annette has won Utah’s Best of State medal for literary arts in fiction two times. In addition to being a Whitney Award winner for Band of Sisters (2010), she’s a two-time Whitney finalist, for Spires of Stone (2007) and Paige (2012). She has received five publication awards from the League of Utah Writers, including the Silver Quill Award in 2013. When she’s not mothering, writing, editing, knitting, or eating chocolate, she can be found ignoring the spots on the kitchen floor. Her latest individual work is A Portrait for Toni. Please visit http://www.annettelyon.com to purchase her various titles.

Few people understand the terrifying, yet realistic threat of computer hacking like Denver Acey. Denver has spent his entire professional career in the information technology industry where he has witnessed and even thwarted actual cybercrime. From his top-secret job working for the US government to securing computer networks at Fortune 500 companies, Denver is personally familiar with hackers and their unscrupulous activities. But over the years, Denver has become increasingly frustrated with Hollywood’s inaccurate portrayal of cybercrime. Hackers are more intelligent and more sophisticated than simple teenagers, who guzzle down Mountain Dew while playing video games. Cybercrime is a billion-dollar business that encompasses organized crime and foreign governments. For these elite hackers, the fruits of success are iconic trademarks, innovative patents, and government secrets. Because of his unique background, Denver decided to write a book to dispel hacking myths while highlighting the tenacity of cybercriminals. Utilizing actual computer hacking concepts and scenarios that he has experienced firsthand, Denver illustrates — in a simple way for even the non-techie to understand — how vulnerable we all are to cybercrime. To purchase a copy of The Quantum Breach, click here.

ANNALISA HALL is an author, blogger, ldsbc & byu grad, wife, fast-paced helpmate, mother of three, sewing extraordinaire, ready reader, efficient secretary, glorified storyteller, poetess, busy homemaker, an “aunt anna” 39 times over, a great aunt, lame cook, better baker, great primary teacher, proud visiting teacher, green thumbkin, thrifty shopper, tip junkie, lego queen, airsoft enthusiast, graphic designer, eco-friendly house cleaner, chauffeur, hubby’s best friend, and fanatic. Born in Rochester, Michigan, Annalisa went on to receive a merit scholarship to the LDS Business College then transferred to Brigham Young University in Provo and worked in, her favorite building, the Harold B. Lee Library.  She graduated from BYU with a B.A. in English.  She wrote and article entitled “Garbage Can Graffiti” based on a true story that was published Sep 2010 in the Friend magazine.  She currently lives in Poway, California, with her husband, and three children. She is also the is author of “The Holy Ghost is like a Blanket” released August 2013. Our second guest is COREY EGBERT, a freelance illustrator, in the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia with his wife, son, and their cat. Besides The Holy Ghost is Like A Blanket, Corey is also the illustrator for the Niuhi Shark Saga series by Lehua Parker For more on Corey Egbert visit  stevencoreyart.blogspot.com. To purchase the book, The Holy Ghost is Like A Blanket click here.  

A first time author, Jaci Green Wightman was raised in five different states before meeting her husband during her freshman year of college. Together, they’re now enjoying the daunting task of raising seven children born in just eight years. In 2012, Jaci was thrilled to graduate from BYU-Idaho with a degree in University Studies, a SHORT 21 years after postponing her schooling to start a family. Underneath all her outward busyness, however, Jaci is simply an ordinary woman who discovered an extraordinary Savior. Her greatest joy lies in teaching and testifying of the One who not only changed her heart, but also radically transformed her entire life. Jaci is the author of Body Image Breakthrough.  

  Karen W. John was born in the middle of a sibling group of nine children. During her childhood, she and her family performed singing, dancing and playing instruments as they traveled across numerous states and into several countries. This is where she believes she developed a great love for diversity and people. Although she loves to perform, her ultimate passion next to her husband of thirty-seven years and her five sons and their families, is using what she has learned to help others progress and grow. She earned her Masters Degree in Social Work at Walla Walla University and is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has years of counseling experience including but not limited to individuals, marriage and family, and all forms of addiction. She has taught Social Work classes part-time at BYU-I and speaks often at the university and at ward and stake functions. She currently resides in the Rexburg, Idaho area. Karen is the author of Guilt Free: Using Remorse to Escape the Adversary’s Tool.  

Special Guest Host for this episode: Just Joni from The Cultural Hall!   Janice Sperry lives in Utah with her husband and three children and evil cat.  She enjoys volunteering at the local elementary school and is exceptionally good at finding missing shoes, unless they are her own. You can follow her blog at www.comeoutwhenyourehappy.blogspot.com. To purchase The Rebel Princess click here. To listen to our guest host as a regular on The Cultural Hall Show, Just Joni, click here!

Elise Babbel Hahl is a mother of four, freelance writer, editor, and recent graduate of the M.A. in Writing Program at Johns Hopkins. Her oldest son Caleb wants Elise to be his companion on his mission, so she’s about a decade away from another adventure. In the meantime, she enjoys running, playing the piano, and trying different Brazilian restaurants with her husband. Visit Elise Hahl’s website – click here.   Click here to buy Elise Hahl’s book.

David A. Christensen’s  love and enthusiasm for being a missionary was sparked in a missionary preparation class at Ricks College in the late 60’s.  His love and testimony for the Book of Mormon was ignited in a religion class the following semester.  These two classes combined as a new beginning  for what would one day become not only a passion but also the centerpiece of his professional contribution in the Church Education System and at Brigham Young University-Idaho.  David has taught Missionary Preparation and Book of Mormon classes for over 30 years.  His testimony was shared and transferred to missionaries and members in the Chile Santiago North Mission when he served as president and again in Central America when he served as President of the Guatemala MTC.  He counts his eight children as his most important  converts and his favorite companion—his best friend and wife Deena Bond Christensen.   To purchase David’s book, click here.

  Nancy Phippen Browne is a retired journalist who has worked as an investigative reporter and editor for various newspapers and magazines across the country, including the Church News. Her writing background also took her into the field of public relations and marketing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1989 from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, served a full-time mission to Colorado, and has actively served in ward and stake callings throughout her life. Help Thou Mine Unbelief is her first book, but she is also a freelance writer, with articles appearing in a variety of publications, including the Ensign and This People magazine. Browne and her husband, Raymond Browne, reside in St. George, Utah. Between them, they have seven children and 20 grandchildren.   To purchase her book, Help Thou Mine Unbelief click here. To visit Nancy Phippen Browne’s website, click here.

  Dr. Fred E. Woods completed a bachelors degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in International Relations from Brigham Young University. In 1991 Fred earned a Ph.D. in Middle East Studies from the University of Utah with an emphasis in Hebrew Bible. He is a professor at Brigham Young University in the department of Church History & Doctrine. Professor Woods has lectured at many universities in America and internationally and is a bridge builder among peoples of varied cultures and faiths and held the Richard L. Evans Chair of Religious Understanding (2005-2010).   Professor Woods has also produced several documentaries, including “The Soul of Kalaupapa,” and “That Promised Day” The Coming Forth of the LDS Scriptures. He was also the historical consultant for “Fires of Faith,” a three hour documentary on the history of the English Bible. His most recent publications include Mormon Yankees: Giants On and Off the Court, and Finding Refuge in El Paso: The 1912 Mormon Exodus from Mexico, which with include a DVD documentary, each of which was published by Cedar Fort in 2012. Dr. Woods is the compiler and editor of the “Mormon Migration” website http://mormonmigration.lib.byu.edu/ and has authored dozens of articles and several works on Mormon migration with a specialty in Mormon maritime immigration to America in the nineteenth century which has prepared him to carefully analyze the story of the Julia Ann. He is married to JoAnna Merrill and they are the parents of five children and four grand-daughters.   To purchase a copy of Divine Providence: The Wreck and Rescue of the Julia Ann, click here.  

  Lauren Skidmore grew up in Kansas, with stints in Ohio and New York, and currently lives in Utah. She attended Brigham Young University where she earned a BA in English Teaching with an emphasis in Teaching English as a Second Language and Japanese. She then spent a year in Japan teaching and traveling. She hasn’t made it to Europe yet, but it’s on the list and has been to 30 states in the U.S. so far. When she’s not exploring new places, you can probably find her on the internet with fifteen windows open and looking at just one more thing before actually getting something done. Lauren is the author of What is Hidden. For more information go to LaurenSkidmore.com   To purchase a copy of What is Hidden, click here.  

Jennifer Quist is a journalist, talker, boy-raiser, and author of Love Letters of the Angels of Death, a novel released Aug 2013.   Her book Love Letters of the Angels of Death was a finalist for a Whitney Award.   She was born in northern mainland British Columbia and was raised all over Maritime and western Canada. She is the oldest daughter in a close family of seven children. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alberta with first class honours in sociology. Now living in central Alberta, she is married and has spent the bulk of my twenties and thirties raising five sons while trying to do as little cooking as possible.   In 2012, my “Fish Story” was nominated for the Writers’ Guild of Alberta’s Howard O’Hagan Award for short fiction. It’s included as online content in The Prairie Journal. Other short fiction of hers has appeared in Filling Station and in NorthWord.