S5B1 Search These Commandments and a New Theme Song

Summary

Standard of Truth Podcast - Episode S5B1: "Search These Commandments and a New Theme Song"

Release Date: January 13, 2025
Hosts: Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat & Dr. Richard Leduc

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Introduction and Lighthearted Banter

In this bonus episode of the Standard of Truth podcast, hosts Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat and Dr. Richard Leduc kick off with their trademark humor, setting a relaxed and engaging tone for the discussion ahead.

Dr. Dirkmaat [00:01]: "Welcome to the Standard of Truth podcast... Foreign Hi, welcome to a special bonus edition of the Standard of Truth podcast."

Dr. Leduc [01:08]: "Hello, Garrett. Good to. It's nice to have you back. Thanks for having me."

Their playful exchange not only entertains but also underscores the camaraderie between the hosts, making listeners feel welcome and part of the conversation.

Announcing "Search These Commandments" Series

Dr. Dirkmaat introduces an exciting development: a new podcast series titled "Search These Commandments." This initiative responds to increasing listener and missionary requests for in-depth coverage of the Doctrine and Covenants.

Dr. Dirkmaat [05:34]: "We've been working on another podcast for this year to kind of help as people are studying the Doctrine Covenants called Search these Commandments."

This series aims to delve deeply into the Doctrine and Covenants, providing historical context and comprehensive analysis of its sections. Unlike the main podcast, which focuses broadly on answering listeners' diverse questions, "Search These Commandments" will maintain a concentrated study on this sacred text.

Exploring Doctrine and Covenants Section 3

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Section 3 of the Doctrine and Covenants, identified as the first recorded revelation in the current dispensation. Dr. Dirkmaat elaborates on its importance and the challenges of integrating it into the podcast's broader narrative.

Dr. Leduc [05:12]: "There's a couple sections and so in order to get them all in, squeeze them all into one year, it's going to be difficult to do that in just the Sunday drop of the premium content."

Dr. Dirkmaat [07:17]: "Section three is our first recorded revelation that's recorded at the time... there's a lot of background to get to that revelation."

Understanding the historical and theological significance of Section 3 is crucial for listeners seeking to deepen their faith and knowledge. The hosts emphasize the necessity of providing comprehensive background to fully appreciate the revelation's context and implications.

Navigating Premium and Free Content

Addressing the podcast's structural changes, Dr. Dirkmaat explains the decision to offer premium content to sustain the show's production. This model allows the podcast to continue offering free episodes while providing exclusive, in-depth content for subscribers.

Dr. Dirkmaat [09:40]: "One of the premium podcasts we're doing this year... specially as a response to the missionary requests who get the podcast free, is we're going through the sections of the Doctrine and Covenants to provide the background for them."

The hosts acknowledge the community's support and the financial challenges of maintaining a high-quality podcast. By introducing premium subscriptions, they ensure the podcast's longevity and ability to serve its audience effectively.

Dr. Leduc [11:43]: "If so, on the premium episodes, there's a different logo on there, right?"

This clear distinction helps listeners easily identify premium content, enhancing user experience and transparency.

Introducing the New AI-Created Theme Song

A highlight of the episode is the unveiling of a new country music theme song crafted by a contributor named David, utilizing artificial intelligence. This creative addition aims to refresh the podcast's identity and engage listeners with a memorable tune.

Dr. Dirkmaat [04:13]: "David... created, through the magical gift of AI, a country music theme song for our podcast."

The hosts express their appreciation for David's contribution, humorously debating whether to adopt the new theme exclusively.

Dr. Dirkmaat [04:13]: "I have argued that we should drop our normal intro and this should be the only thing that we... should just play this song on a loop."

The collaborative effort reflects the podcast's dedication to innovation and enhancing the listener experience.

Balancing Content and Community Engagement

Throughout the episode, Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc maintain a balance between informative content and engaging dialogue. They address listener expectations, discuss the integration of new series, and share personal insights, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Dr. Dirkmaat [12:09]: "You think that I'm going to continue listening as you make this even more complex? Yes, that's exactly what we think, because that's what our model has always been."

This commitment to evolving while staying true to the podcast's mission ensures that both new and long-time listeners find value and connection in each episode.

Conclusion and Gratitude

As the episode winds down, the hosts extend heartfelt thanks to their listeners and subscribers, acknowledging the community's role in the podcast's success. They reiterate their dedication to providing valuable historical insights and spiritual guidance.

Dr. Dirkmaat [12:10]: "We want to thank everyone for listening. We really do thank everyone who tries to keep us on the air by subscribing."

Their sincere appreciation reinforces the podcast's mission to serve and uplift its audience, inviting everyone to continue the journey of faith and knowledge together.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Dirkmaat [07:17]: "Section three is our first recorded revelation that's recorded at the time... there's a lot of background to get to that revelation."

• Dr. Dirkmaat [05:34]: "We've been working on another podcast for this year to kind of help as people are studying the Doctrine Covenants called Search these Commandments."

• Dr. Leduc [11:43]: "If so, on the premium episodes, there's a different logo on there, right?"

• David [14:30]: (AI-Generated Theme Song)
  "Gather round let's take a ride through history's lens with faith as our guide
  Dr. Gary Dirkmaster leading the way through the past with wisdom every day..."

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This episode marks a pivotal moment for the Standard of Truth podcast, expanding its offerings and enhancing its content to better serve the Latter-Day Saints community. With the introduction of the "Search These Commandments" series and a new theme song, Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc continue to blend historical expertise with engaging presentation, fostering deeper understanding and increased faith among their listeners.

Transcript

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Welcome to the Standard of Truth podcast. In this podcast, Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat and Dr. Richard Leduc explore the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the life and teachings of the prophet Joseph Smith. They examine the original historical sources and provide context for events of the past. They approach the history of the church with faith, expertise and humor. Foreign Hi, welcome to a special bonus edition of the Standard of Truth podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat. I'm joined by the now insufferable Dr. Richard Dick. Once he got that doctor on his name, he has not been able to let up. I mean, we're going through the. Going through the drive through at McDonald's and they say, is that all of your order? And Richard says, is that all of your order, doctor?

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

Hello, Garrett. Good to. It's nice to have you back. Thanks for having me.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

It's nice to have you back.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

It is.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

You know what?

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

It is really nice.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

I feel like you're finally back.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

Well, Garrett, obviously we're here to do a.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

To make an announcement.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

To make an announcement.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Yeah, kind of a. Maybe a tough announcement.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

It is a tough announcement.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Maybe one that people won't want to hear.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

I believe that the super bowl will be Buffalo versus Detroit. I think that's going to happen. Is that the. Is that the announcement?

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

We just lost all of our listeners in every city that's not Buffalo and Detroit. You pick the two cities that we have the least number of listeners in.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

Look, there is no kneecap that can survive. Dan Campbell and the Lions are going to make it happen. They're going to go for it on 4th and 38. They're going to fake a punt from their own two. It's going to happen.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

What about Andy Reid?

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

I love Andy Reid. I love Andy Reid.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Don't you love him more now that he got a shout out in General Conference?

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

It was actually. That was great.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Our goal is to get Andy Reid on our podcast. We don't do interviews, but we want Andy Reid. So if someone could reach out to him and so we could interview him, that would be great.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

Yeah, he does interviews. He's been on a lot of great podcasts, just not ours.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Well, yeah, he doesn't do interviews with us. No, of course not. We don't do interviews generally. Not unless it's with Renee about how to. How to undermine the BYU administration or.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

JT or President Ruggiero or your brother. Actually, come to think of it, we.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Do interviews all the time. We do a lot of interviews. We just Aren't interviewing anyone else, but we wanted to do this a little bit of a bonus to kind of give you some information about the upcoming year and how we're planning to. To release podcast episodes. Is that.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

Yeah, I mean, that's. That's the idea.

[David]

So.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

So here's. Here's the.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

You were probably hoping that I was about to say this is the last standard of truth podcast. Thanks for the memories. You can keep the bruises.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

Yeah, that's right. And you start playing closing time in your own mind.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Yeah. Yeah. It's the sad walking away music from. From the Incredible Hulk when he's walking down the highway. That's going on. You know what?

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

I should. I should loop that in at the end of this. By the way, we do have a song that we should put at the end of this episode. At the end of this bonus.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

So David, friend of the show. David, yes. Is a wizard, first of all. I mean, he probably. He probably is a necromancer, and we just don't know it. He has been incredibly gracious in helping us with some of our problems, which are legion. And he also created, through the magical gift of AI A, a country music theme song for our podcast. I have argued that we should drop our normal intro and this should be the only thing that we. In fact, we shouldn't even have me talk anymore. We should just play this song on a loop.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

Yeah, it actually. So him and Lisa do a lot of work on the follow him podcast, which is great. You should listen to that. That's actually.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

It's much better than ours.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

Much. It's a great podcast.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Yeah.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

Anyway, they've been so kind to us. Just incredibly nice. And that was one of the things that they did. And it's. It's. It sounds like a decent country song.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Look, because it relates to our podcast, it's the greatest country song that's ever been written. It. I mean, stand by your man. Yeah, yeah, yeah. There's nothing close. Maybe, you know, you know, mama, don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys. And then.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

And this pretty much. It's very funny. We'll put it at the end of the episode. It's three and a half minutes. It's a legit song.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Yeah.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

And so we'll play that at the end of the bonus. But so here's the. Here's the long and short of it. Garrett. There are, my understanding, at least 58 sections of the Doctrine Covenants.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

You're only off by 100.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

Yeah, well, I said at least. So my understanding There's a couple sections and so in order to get them all in, squeeze them all into one year, it's going to be difficult to do that in just the Sunday drop of the premium content.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

So on the premium side, aren't aware. We've been working on another podcast for this year to kind of help as people are studying the Doctrine Covenants called Search these Commandments. We've also had quite a few missionaries make the request that we cover the Doctrine and Covenants pretty heavily. But we don't want to go away from what we like to do as a podcast generally. And that is we want to be able to answer people's questions. And. And while I'm sure you'll have some questions about the Doctrine and Covenants, not every question someone has is about the Doctrine and Covenants. I mean, and so we don't want to get away from that. We want to, you know, at times on our. On the the Standard of Truth podcast address things that you'll be studying in the Doctrine Covenants, but we don't want that to be the entire show. We want, we want to still answer listeners questions and. Well, I mean, as poorly as we did before. I mean, it's not like suddenly we're going to answer them better than we once did. Although that would be amazing, wouldn't it?

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

Yeah.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Yeah, that's what everyone listening to.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

Yeah, we just have. Just have Hank and John on that.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Yeah, we could. That's the real plan is to eventually import Hank and John to do our jobs and well.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

So as an example, this week we're going to drop Section 3, Part 1 of the Doctrine Covenants from Search these Commandments. So it'll be Search these Commandments. It'll be free on the Thursday drop and it'll be part one. And then the following week we'll do part two of Section three. And some of the sections like this are. There's a lot of context. The way you. The way. How did you describe the issue as it relates to context?

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

The issue with section three is that's our first recorded revelation that's recorded at the time Section one is received as a revelation to be the introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants. So that's received in November of 1831 after many other revelations are received. Section 2 is an excerpt from Joseph Smith history where he explains what the angel Moroni said to him. And that's of course written down in 1838, 39. And section three is the first revelation that is received and recorded at the time in this dispensation. And I realized that, you know, you might consider the first vision to be a revelation. And the angel Moroni appearing is also a revelation. Yes, all of those things are miraculous experiences. But as far as a revelation that is is recorded at the time and that then later becomes published in, in the Doctrine and Covenants. Section three is our earliest section. And because of that, it's really just kind of, it's, it's dropped in the middle of a story. I mean, a lot of us know some of the general parts of the story, but there's a lot of background to get to that revelation. And so that's what I what these two search these Commandments episodes spent time on. And so Richard really thought, you know, this is so important for the study of Doctrine and Covenants, we should probably release this one on both sides. The whole reason why we have a premium subscription is that's the way that we are able to keep the free one on the air, basically because it pays for the, it pays for the platforming and the hosting. And frankly, we've had a lot of really kind people offer to say, hey, is there any way I can donate to your podcast to keep it going? And that's why we invented the premium content was why don't want to just have people donate and give them nothing for it. So let's give them, you know, 17 part series on the creation of the Constitution. I mean, as payment. That's what they want. What do you want from me? I'm a historian. People are like, you know, do you have any magic beans to trade? I mean, what do I have? Like, we'd love to give $50 to, to your podcast. Well, I'll tell you what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna tell you all about.

[David]

The.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Pickerings and their family and their, their importance to the Declaration of Independence. I mean, that, that probably isn't what people want, but that's what they're getting. But one of the premium podcasts we're doing this year, especially as a response to the missionary requests who get the podcast free, is we're going through the sections of the Doctrine and Covenants to provide the background for them. We're not going through verse reverse, but, and, and so Richard has really felt inspired that some of these are important enough that we really should make them available to everyone. And so that's, that's what's going on. So we'll still, if you're, I know what you're thinking. You premium subscribers are like, first of all calling this premium is an insult to premium. Second of all, all I get is premium. These premium episodes. Are you saying now that even these freebies are going to. First of all, you're a little bitter about. We understand, yes. I mean, we're bitter, too. We created the content and we literally still have to pay for it, because there's no way for me to get it free from Apple, even though I'm creating.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

I did. I did actually look into it, and there's no way. From Apple. There is no way.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Well, that's how we do it.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

There are some indirect things that I'm continuing to look into. I'm not looking too hard, but I.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Feel like you're looking at an illegal way for us to have it on our own phone.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

If you could pirate it, you're going to need a vpn. You're going to need to be in Columbia.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

At any rate, we'll still drop the free podcast, which will be similar in nature most of the time, every Thursday. And we will occasionally intersperse that with some of these examples of the Search these Commandments podcast so that, you know, some of these bigger ones, some of the ones that have greater content, everyone can have, you know, will have immediate access to those, and not just missionaries and the people who are subscribers.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

And so to make that kind of the easiest way to know whether it's free or not is, if so, on the. On the premium episodes, there's a different logo on there, right?

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Right.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

And so in these episodes, it'll have the standard of truth. It'll be the same kind of logo, I guess. And then people will know so they won't easily be confused.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Pretty much everyone listening right now is like, look, guys, I was barely listening to this to begin with.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

Thanks for the complexity.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

You think that I'm going to. Going to continue listening as you make this even more complex? Yes, that's exactly what we think, because that's what our. Our model has always been. So we want to thank everyone for listening. We really do thank everyone who tries to keep us on the air by subscribing. And I know that not everyone can subscribe. We never intended to even have a subscription when we first started. We want to try to keep helping people and answering questions, and hopefully people feel the spirit. Hopefully they feel a greater commitment to the gospel when they listen. And so we just thought we'd explain what's about to happen. But as Richard once explained to me, no one listens to the bonus episodes. So everyone will listen to the next episode and be like, what happened that's right. Yeah. And I don't know if I can.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

Go with Lions, Bills, no Kansas City.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

Until they are dethroned, I'm going to have to say Kansas City.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

I don't think they scored more than 30 points all season by the doink of the football across the crossbar.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

They've got, like, people that they found in a Safeway parking lot kicking field goals part of the season. Their receivers are basically people that I beat out for wide receiver in high school and I played tight end. I mean, they have nothing left, but it's hard to.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

So from the nfc, who do you got then?

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

This is a tough one. Yeah, this is a tough one. Nfc, I think. I think I still have to go with the Lions, although part of me thinks that we're going to have either a Rams. Bucks. Surprise.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

The Bucks are a scrappy team.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

So are the Rams.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

Yeah, the Rams. Yeah.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

He's coming for you, of course.

[Dr. Richard Leduc]

Yeah. Big Puka Nakua.

[Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat]

We've always been Pukinakua fans here at the Standard of Truth podcast. Remember, gambling is wrong. Listen to President Hinckley. So don't bet on the games, just watch them and have your hopes and dreams crushed. And we leave you with the selection from AI Singing about our podcast.

[David]

Oh. Gather round let's take a ride through history's lens with faith as our guide Dr. Gary Dirkmaster leading the way through the past with wisdom every day He's a scholar with a heart of gold with stories of Joseph Smith to be told from the early days so rich indeed in the church's history we take a leap History's alive with faith and Light with Dr. Dirk Matt we're taking flight Exploring truths that we can hold in every story new and old With Richard Leduc inside so clear Bringing knowledge we hold dear Together they make the past come bright in this podcast we find our Joseph Smith papers the truth we see the life of a prophet wild and free Dr. Dirk Matt's expertise so vast Bringing history to life at last and Richard with business and a sharp mind Bringing insights of a different kind he's shaping the future while learning from the past A perfect balance a team built to last History's alive with faith and light with Dr. Dirkmap we're taking flight Exploring truths that we can hold in every story new and old With Richard Leduc Insight so clear Bringing knowledge we hold dear Together they make the past come bright in this podcast we find our light through laughter and joy we learn and grow with faith in the past Our hearts all aglow together we journey together we see the power of history and eternity History's alive with faith and light with Dr. Dirkmaat we're taking flight Exploring truths that we can hold in every story new and old With Richard Leduc inside so clear Bringing knowledge we hold dear Together they make the past come bright in this podcast we find our light so tune in, my friends, to this Wonderful show with Dr. Dirk, Matt and Richard. We'll grow in wisdom, in faith and laughter too Their insights and love they're here for.