Shows
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 77 Lutherans and the American Revolution: God on Three Sides with Jonathan Wilson PART IImage: German and British officers with a chaplain in 1777In God on Three Sides, Jonathan M. Wilson explores how German Pietist communities experienced and interpreted the American Revolution, a war that forced believers to wrestle with loyalty, violence, and obedience to God in a time of political upheaval. Drawing on sermons, letters, and personal writings, Wilson shows how Pietists on all sides of the conflict—Patriot, Loyalist, and neutral—understood the war through a shared theological vocabulary of providence, suffering, discipline, and faithful endurance.Wilson treats Pietism broadly, using the term to describe a transatlantic devo...
2026-02-0647 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 76 Lutheranism and American Culture in the Civil War Era with Tim GrundmeierIn today's episode, we welcome back Dr. Tim Grundmeier from MLC to talk about his newly published book.Lutheranism and American Culture examines the transformation of the nation’s third-largest Protestant denomination over the course of the nineteenth century. In the antebellum era, leading voices within the church believed that the best way to become American was by modifying certain historic doctrines deemed too Catholic and cooperating with Anglo-evangelicals in revivalism and social reform. However, by the mid-1870s, most Lutherans had rejected this view. Though they remained proudly American, most embraced a religious identity characterized by a...
2026-01-161h 01
The Rational Reminder PodcastHow the Rational Reminder Podcast is MadeIn this special year-end episode, Ben and Cameron turn the spotlight inward for a behind-the-scenes look at the Rational Reminder podcast. They're joined by the extended team that keeps the show running—from compliance to editing to marketing—to reflect on a landmark year in the podcast's evolution. We hear from Multimedia Specialist Matt Gambino, Compliance Reviewer Ross Brayton, long-time Marketing Lead Angelica Montagano, and others who share their roles, personal stories, and what the show means to them. Ben and Cameron also discuss the podcast's growth trajectory, the impact of joining OneDigital, standout market events from 2025, and what's ahea...
2025-12-251h 17
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 75 Full Citation:Utilizing an Archival Storehouse with Nathan EricsonThe most important WELS history resource might not sit on a shelf — it’s already in your browser.In this episode, we sit down with Professor Nathan Ericson, Library Director at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and Editor of the Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, to explore the quiet engine behind much of modern WELS scholarship: Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Digital Library. We discuss how thousands of digitized papers—from convention essays to rare historical documents—form an indispensable record of the synod’s past and a living resource for pastors, teachers, researchers, and congregational historians today. Ericson unpacks how these mate...
2025-12-1242 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesAltars and Outlaws: Ben Sando on Taiwan’s Underworld – Gangs, Temples, and Political Influence – S5-E35We’ll let Benjamin Sando, research fellow at the Global Taiwan Institute, and our guest for this week’s episode, describe the topic: “From the early days of Han Taiwanese society, through the period of Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) martial law and on to the era of democratization, the influence of Taiwan’s gangs has evolved. The activity of some gangs (but not all) has spread beyond extracting profit from local territory – through extortion, prostitution, and gambling – to international transactions involving drug, arms, and human trafficking. This has sowed connections between certain Taiwanese gangs and foreign actors, such as Chine...
2025-11-0633 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 74 Martin and Katherina's Marriage: Details Less Often Told with Nathaniel BiebertWhat was it like to witness Martin Luther’s wedding—and even his bridal chamber? In this episode, we explore Justus Jonas’s vivid letter announcing Luther’s marriage to Katharina von Bora, complete with tears, friends, and ancient wedding customs that may shock modern ears. Along the way, we’ll uncover the surprising role of the best man, the significance of Luther’s marriage for Reformation theology, and why vocation and family life became so central to his legacy.Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Di...
2025-10-3152 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 73 Who was Siegbert Becker? with John BrennerIn this episode of The Lutheran History Podcast, Dr. John M. Brenner joins to share insights from his recent article on Professor Siegbert W. Becker, a major voice in confessional Lutheran theology during the 20th century. Listeners will be introduced to Becker’s life, teaching, and legacy, and gain a better understanding of the challenges he faced—and the convictions he held—in a time of great theological unrest.Becker’s story spans some of the most critical decades in American Lutheranism. Raised in the Missouri Synod and later serving in the Wisconsin Synod, he became known for his...
2025-10-0338 min
BJKS Podcast118. Lauren Ross: Causation, mechanism, and explanation in neuroscienceLauren Ross is a professor of logic and philosophy at the University of California, Irvine. We talk about her work on causation, mechanism, and explanation in neuroscience, Lauren's background in medicine, how to write clearly, and much more.BJKS Podcast is a podcast about neuroscience, psychology, and anything vaguely related, hosted by Benjamin James Kuper-Smith.Support the show: https://geni.us/bjks-patreonTimestamps0:00:00: Why Lauren studied medicine0:04:23: Differences between medicine and philosophy0:21:19: Why Lauren switched to philosophy of science0:25:30: How to learn to write clearly
2025-09-221h 36
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 72 Pennsylvania’s “Youthful Daughter” the Early History of the Wisconsin Synod with Tim GrundmeierIn this episode of The Lutheran History Podcast, we talk with Dr. Timothy D. Grundmeier about his recent article, “Pennsylvania’s ‘Youthful Daughter’: Reexamining the Early History of the Wisconsin Synod,” featured in the Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly (Spring 2025). While many are familiar with the Wisconsin Synod’s early ties to German mission societies and eventual fellowship with the Missouri Synod, Dr. Grundmeier highlights an often underappreciated chapter in WELS history: its formative partnership with the Pennsylvania Synod. Drawing on rich archival sources, he paints a fuller picture of how eastern Lutherans supported and shaped the growing church in the Midwest thro...
2025-09-0555 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 71 Who was Henry A. Koch?In this special episode, guest host Tim Grundmeier interviews historian and author Benjamin T. Phelps about his recent Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly article on Dr. Henry A. Koch—a pastor, professor, and editor who left a profound mark on confessional Lutheranism in both Germany and America. Phelps shares personal insights drawn from years of research, including access to Koch’s letters, diary, and unpublished materials preserved by his family. Together, they trace Koch’s theological formation in Wauwatosa, his academic work in Leipzig, his resistance to Nazi ideology, and his return to America without a call during the Great Depression. The co...
2025-08-0851 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 69 Christ Through Us- WELS 175th Pictorial History with Joel OttoIn this WELS 175th episode, we talk with Joel Otto, the anniversary committee chairman, about the pictorial history book Christ Through Us, which he co-authored with John Braun.Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts with a German emphasis. From there went on to graduate from...
2025-05-0223 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 68 - 175 Years of Change in WELS Worship with Joel OttoIn this WELS 175th episode, we talk with Joel Otto, the anniversary committee chairman, about what WELS worship has looked like in the past and how it has changed.Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts with a German emphasis. From there went on to graduate...
2025-04-0639 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 67 Who was Adolf Hoenecke? with James Danellimage: Adolph Hoenecke from the host's family photo collection.In this WELS 175th episode, we talk with Prof. James Danell who teaches German at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, about Adolph Hoenecke, who taught for many decades at the Wisconsin Synod's Seminary. Prof. Danell speaks in this episode about his significant influence on the spirit and theology of the Wisconsin Synod.Not only does Danell teach the German language, but his advanced classes read through German Lutheran materials from the Reformation through the 19th and 20th century American Lutheran theologians. His students, therefore, ge...
2025-03-071h 15
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 66 The Importance of Learning German for Lutheran History with James DanellThis is part of a longer conversation I had with Prof. James Danell about the imperative need for scholars who know German to do Lutheran history.You can support the Confessional Language Scholarship at MLC to encourage this endeavor here.Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a...
2025-02-0723 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 65 Brand Luther with Jared Natsis and Phil MoldenhauerThis is a cross-over episode with The Shepherd's Study Podcast, where I was a guest of Jared Natsis and Phil Moldenhauer. We talked about the content and merits of the book Brand Luther which came out shortly before the Reformation 500th anniversary.The Shepherd’s Study podcast is produced by Grow in Grace to help pastors grow in the art and practice of pastoral ministry. Each episode features Lutheran pastors discussing a book that is salient to their work.The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speakers’ own and do not represent the views, though...
2025-01-2843 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 64 The Election Controversy Revisited with Peter PrangeIn this episode, we talk with Peter Prange about the third volume in his series, Wielding the Sword of the Spirit, in which he gets into the details and nuances of the Election Controversy that rocked the Synodical Conference.Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts...
2025-01-101h 07
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 63 Who was Johannes Muehlhaeuser? with Tim GrundmeierIn this WELS 175th episode, Tim Grundmeier and I talk about who Johannes Muehlhaeuser was, Christmas trees, and the founding of the Wisconsin Synod.Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts with a German emphasis. From there went on to graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2018...
2024-12-2048 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 62 Achtliederbuch-The First Lutheran Hymnal: Details Less Often Told with Nathaniel BiebertLink to the service and hymns: https://trinitylutheransd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Reformation-Hymn-Festival-2024.pdf The first evangelical hymnal—which in retrospect we can also call the first Lutheran hymnal—rolled off the presses around the middle of January 1524. But interestingly, it did not roll off the presses in Wittenberg, even though the title page gave that impression, or even at Luther’s instigation. It was printed by Jobst Gutknecht in Nuremberg, well over 200 miles to the south of Wittenberg, and apparently on his own initiative. Gutknecht compiled four hymns that had been individually published in Wittenberg on broadsheets in 152...
2024-12-0659 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 59 Johannes Bugenhagen and Poor Relief with Jason OaklandImage: Johannes BugenhagenDuring the Reformation Martin Luther restored many Christian teachings to its proper biblical understanding. One of the men who worked with Luther in communicating those teachings was Johannes Bugenhagen. This episode explores one specific way Bugenhagen communicated the doctrine of the Two Kingdoms in The Christian Order of the Honorable City of Braunschweig. His answer to the question is especially evident in the section of this Kirchenordnung that deals with relief for the poor.Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa...
2024-10-041h 04
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 58 U.V. Koren and C.F.W. Walther’s views on American Government with Andrew SouleImage U.V. Koren “How is our America doing?” That is the poignant question that C.F.W. Walther (1811 1887), the President of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, asks in his Synod’s theological journal, “Lehre und Wehre” in 1863. In a series of articles written in the Spring of that year, on the eve of the Civil War, Walther addressed topics such as slavery, abolitionism, the nature of America as having been founded on “Enlightenment” principles, as well as how Lutherans can remain faithful to God’s Word in the face of fiery political debates in a democratic context. Of course, Walthe...
2024-09-2053 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 57 Becoming Lutheran: The Community of Brunswick from Evangelical Reform to Lutheran Culture with John MaxfieldImage: city of Brunswick (Braunschweig) in the 16th centuryIn Becoming Lutheran, Dr. John Maxfield discusses several key aspects of Lutheran culture that shape the identity and practice of Lutherans as the Reformation grew and developed outside of the center of Wittenberg. The story of Brunswick engages with Reformation historiography in a way that takes genuine religious convictions seriously as pamphlets and preaching spread the Gospel to every level of society.Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( e...
2024-09-061h 05
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 56 Lutheran Sermons and Walther's Pastoral Theology with Scott HenrichWe welcome back Pastor Scott Henrich, a WELS pastor serving in Knoxville, Tennessee. His experiences reading historic Lutheran sermons inspired him to research Lutheranism's homiletical heritage in a way that may challenge some contemporary assumptions about the historic perception of Lutheran preaching. (See TLHP 39)You can contact him here: scottwhenrich@gmail.comToday he offers further thoughts and research after studying Walther's Pastoral Theology."While C. F. W. Walther needs no introduction for conservative American Lutherans, his Pastoral Theology does. Originally published in 1872, it was not translated into English in its entirety until 2017. (A...
2024-08-161h 14
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 55 Sassy Lutherans, the House of Cleves and the Reformation with Heather DarsieHeather R. Darsie lives in the United States. She has a Bachelor of Arts in German Languages and Literature, and a Juris Doctorate. During her time at university, she had the privilege of studying in Costa Rica and France, with visits to Germany and other countries.Ms. Darsie first became interested in the Renaissance time period when she read a biography about Elizabeth I of England. She found Elizabeth I to be very inspiring and her world to be both foreign and familiar.Ms. Darsie has spent the last ten years researching the history of...
2024-05-031h 00
Dangerville#79 feat. Benjamin Hunter of Brother Wolf and Head The BandThis week we’re joined by local legend Benjamin Hunter, best known for his bands Brother Wold and Head. We talk all things Rock and Roll, including our favorite bands, and the local Grand Rapids music scene. We also get into travel and hear Ben’s stories of trips to Europe and India - then go over the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Plus concert stories, the 2024 NFL Draft, missing bodies in Cuba, and tons more. Soak it in.
2024-05-012h 13
BerlinsideOut22 – A Strategic Deficit with German Characteristics: Why Berlin Struggles to Move Beyond the Zeitenwende
In season two’s third episode, Ben and Aaron are joined by grand strategy expert Maximilian Terhalle, as well as the DGAP’s own Aylin Matlé and Jacob Ross, to discuss why Germany must move on from its reactive Zeitenwende to a more proactive grand strategy – which marshals all of its resources together for strategic goals. They tackle questions like whether Germany understands authoritarian threats, whether it has geopolitical goals, and how to change its strategic mindset – and strategic culture.
Guests:
Maximilian Terhalle, Professor of Strategic Studies, London School of Economics (@M_Terhalle)
Aylin Matle, Research Fellow, C...
2024-04-171h 13
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 54 Did Luther have a 3rd Use of the Law? With Bob KolbImage: Martin Luther by Lucas Cranach the Younger"Wittenberg Uses of Law and Gospel"Our guest today Dr. Robert A. Kolb is a professor emeritus of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. See the emeritus faculty page at Concordia Lutheran Seminary:Kolb retired in 2009 after 16 years of distinguished service as missions professor of Systematic Theology and Concordia Lutheran Seminary in St. Louis. Before joining the Seminary, he served as director of the Center for Reformation Research, and in various teaching roles in the religion and history departments at Concordia C...
2024-04-0554 min
Household Faces with John Ross BowieRobert Towers (Masters of the Universe; Benjamin Button; Banana Splits)Robert Towers is today’s guest. Robert is a 60-year veteran of TV and film and has appeared as the in-suit performer as Snorky in The Banana Splits, as the Ferengi Rata in Star Trek: The Next Generation, as Skeletor’s minion Karg in the Masters of the Universe live action movie, and more unusual roles. Host John Ross Bowie and Robert discuss these projects, doing the LA premiere of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, being Brad Pitt’s body double, and daily exercise. All that and more on this week's episode of Household Faces!Listen...
2024-03-051h 13
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 52 How the Lutheran Church is Constituted with Michael HolmenIn this episode, translator Michael Holmen takes us through J. W. F. Höfling's How the Lutheran Church is Constituted (Grundsätze evangelisch-lutherischer Kirchenverfassung).In his book Höfling describes how the Lutheran church should be constituted according to the principles given in the Lutheran Confessions and in Martin Luther's writings. Höfling sees the teachings of church and ministry in the Lutheran church as being very different from what the Roman Catholic church teaches. In the wake of the 1848 revolutions, he is also concerned about the loss of the sovereigns as the Summepiskopat of the churches in G...
2024-02-0255 minBerlinsideOut15 – Germany and UK: Military Cooperation – Different Roles, Common Needs. [Part 2]
In this second of a two-part series, Ben and Aaron look at Germany’s relationship with Ben’s native UK – and how Russia’s war against Ukraine has necessitated a move-on from the tension around Brexit to new ways of cooperating – particularly on security issues. Together with retired Air Marshal Edward Stringer Ben and Aaron look at the respective capabilities and posture, as well as the potentially complementary roles of the UK and Germany – in light of their common and urgent need to step up on defence. That need is only heightened by the possibility of a Trump presidency in the US –...
2024-01-191h 02
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 51 The Formation of the Wisconsin Synod with Peter PrangeImage: Carl and Gottlieb Damler. These brothers immigrated to Manitowoc County, WI from the principality of Lippe-Detmold in the early 1850s. Although confirmed Reformed, they worshiped first in a union congregation, but then joined the Lutheran church under the leadership of Pastor Koehler. Carl is the host's g-g-g-grandfather.Our returning guest, Pastor Peter Prange, provides a detailed account of the formation and confessional maturation of the Wisconsin Synod, which finally led to its complete break with the German Union mission societies that had given it so much missionary and monetary support and its recognition by the Missouri Syn...
2024-01-0554 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 50 Worshiping with the Reformers with Karin MaagImage: Right wing of the Altar Triptych in St. Peter und Paul, Weimar by Cranach - Lutheran princes of the House of Wettin in worshipWorship of the triune God has always stood at the center of the Christian life. That was certainly the case during the sixteenth-century Reformation as well. Yet amid tremendous social and theological upheaval, the church had to renew its understanding of what it means to worship God.In this episode, Reformed Reformation scholar Karin Maag takes us inside the worshiping life of the church during this era. Drawing from sources...
2023-12-181h 05BerlinsideOut14 – Germany and France: Fixing Europe’s Sputtering Engine [Part 1]
In this first of a two-part series, Ben and Aaron take a look at the current dysfunction in what German foreign policy elites often refer to as the country’s most important bilateral relationship – and the “motor” through which Europe either moves or stalls. Guests Jacob Ross and Sylvie Kauffmann talk about the history of the relationship – and how generational shifts in France are seeing the Franco-German pair increasingly at odds over Europe’s future – particularly around future prospects for Ukraine and the role of Central and Eastern Europe.
Guests:
Sylvie Kauffman, Foreign Affairs Columnist, Le Monde and Auth...
2023-12-121h 15
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 49 Lutherans Burned in Brussels: Details Less Often Told with Nathaniel BiebertImage: The Account of How Two Men of the Augustinian Order Were Martyred in Brussels in Brabant for the Sake of the Gospel (Erfurt, 1523)Five hundred years ago, on July 1, 1523, two observant Augustinian monks from Antwerp, Hendrik Voes and Jan van den Esschen, were degraded, condemned, and burned at the stake by Roman Catholic authorities in the Grand Plaza of Brussels, today an UNESCO World Heritage Site. These monks were adherents of Luther’s Reformation doctrine, making them the first Lutheran Christian martyrs and, as Martin Luther himself noted, perhaps the first Christian martyrs ever in the Lo...
2023-11-0357 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 48 Devotional Life in the Reformation Era with Johann CaauweImage:Johann GerhardIn this episode, our guest Rev. Caauwe gives a detailed overview of various forms of Lutheran devotional piety developed in the 16th and 17th centuries as well as a discussion on how that devotional heritage has been transferred through the generations.Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther...
2023-10-061h 05
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 47 Finding Fellowship: The Formation of the Synodical Conference with Peter Prange(Image: Synodical Conference founders from Lutherans in All Lands, 1896)Dr. C.F.W. Walther worked tirelessly to realize his dream of a Lutheran Zion in North America that would combine and coordinate ministry efforts of faithful Lutherans in the United States and Canada to proclaim the gospel primarily in German, English, and Norwegian. He took center stage in the history of the doctrine and practice of church fellowship among those Lutherans who organized the Evangelical Lutheran Synodical Conference of North America in 1872. With the Spirit's help, six confessional Lutheran church bodies in the American Midwest would forge a...
2023-09-0158 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 45 "Black Geneva Piety" Changing Views of the Relationship of Doctrine and Liturgy with Mark Braun"For Midwestern Lutheran synods, the 20th century was especially dramatic and even traumatic. ..In his article, Dr. Braun describes some of the tensions within two predominantly Midwestern Lutheran bodies, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), as these Lutherans struggled to adapt to change without sacrificing eternal truths and treasured traditions. " [Concordia Historical Institute Quarterly 79, 3 (Fall), 180-194] Dr. Mark Braun is a former professor of theology at Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is most known for his Tale of Two Synods.Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the sho...
2023-04-2142 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 44 Pieper's Preaching (Or, How Lutheran Preaching Has Changed Part II) with Isaac JohnsonImage: Reinhold L. Pieper (1850-1920)Isaac Johnson graduated from Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, MI with a degree in Latin in 2011 and attended Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN. During his time at seminary he spent two years studying at the Lutheran theological seminary (Evangelisch-Lutherische Hochschule) in Oberursel, Germany. He was ordained in 2016 and was called to serve Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa. He now serves New Hope Lutheran Church, a mission congregation in Charles City, Iowa. Isaac has a strong interest in homiletics and the German language and is currently engaged in translating Reinhold...
2023-03-251h 02
With RossBen as a TeenFourth in the Ben Frank series
Timestamps:
0:00 - Ben's Apprenticeship in the Candle Shop
0:45 - Ben's Next Apprenticeships
1:27 - Ben as a Writer
2:54 - Silence Dogood
4:20 - Benjamin's Reading Habits
4:52 - Ending the Apprenticeship
5:08 - Escape to Philly
5:52 - Philadelphia
AI Cover art prompt: Benjamin Franklin writing with the ghost of his character silence dogood hovering above him, digital art
2022-12-2506 min
With RossBen as a BoyThird episode in the Benjamin Franklin series.
Cover art compliments of Dall-E with the prompt: benjamin franklin as a boy in colonial boston
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
2:22 - Quote about Ben from Walter Isaacson
3:30 - Benjamin Franklin's Early Years
Quote from Walter Isaacson:
"Benjamin Franklin was, during his 84 year life America’s best scientist, inventor, diplomat, writer, and business strategist, and he was also one of it’s most practical, though not profound, political thinkers. He proved by flying a kite that lightning was electricity, and he invented the a rod to tame...
2022-12-2407 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 41 Mission Expansion In The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, 1929-1983 with Joel D. OttoIn 1929, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) was a small church body serving primarily German immigrants with congregations in twelve states, mostly in the Midwest; the only “foreign” work was a mission on the Apache reservation in Arizona. By 1961, WELS was still only in sixteen states, but WELS missionaries were working in Japan and Central Africa. By 1983, WELS was carrying out mission work in ten foreign nations and had a presence in every state. This mission expansion occurred despite extensive crosses the synod had to bear: the burden of a substantial debt during the Depression years and other financial challeng...
2022-12-101h 01
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 40 Luther’s New Testament Translation: Details Less Often Told with Nathaniel BiebertIn this episode, we welcome back Rev. Nathaniel Biebert to continue his mini-series on lesser-known details of 500th anniversaries of the Reformation.Here, we focus on the 500th anniversary of the "September Testament." In this case, almost any detail will be a “detail less often told.” Most Lutherans familiar with Luther’s life are aware that he translated the New Testament into German at the Wartburg in less than eleven weeks, that it was published later that year, that he famously included the word alone in his translation of Romans 3:28, and that his translation (not just of the Testame...
2022-11-1957 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 39 Has Lutheran Preaching Changed? with Scott HenrichToday's guest is Pastor Scott Henrich, a WELS pastor serving in Knoxville, Tennessee. His experiences reading historic Lutheran sermons inspired him to research Lutheranism's homiletical heritage in a way that may challenge some contemporary assumptions about the historic perception of Lutheran preaching.Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a B...
2022-10-0352 min
The Pagey Train PodcastPagey Train #120 Benjamin MortonAboard the Pagey Train this week Benjamin Morton, horror film director and special effects artist. Listen in as Roscoe & Ben talk film making and working with the horror genre. Listen or watch new episodes every week and SUBSCRIBE.
2022-09-131h 47
The Empathy EdgeBen Easter: Are You a Nonviolent Communicator? (You May Not Be!)Are you engaging in violent or nonviolent communication? Knowing how to make the shift is vital to being an effective leader - and communicator. Today, I got the chance to speak to Ben Easter, founder of Lucid Shift Coaching. Ben and I unfortunately both share the title of brain injury survivor - and in this episode, he shares how that experience led him to learn all he could about effective communication. We discuss the power of the brain to adapt and learn new skills and strategies - and how that relates to how we communicate with others. Ben shares w...
2022-05-1753 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 37 Reforming Mary:Images of the Virgin Mary in Lutheran Sermons of the 16th Century with Beth KreitzerImage: Albrecht Dürer The AnnunciationToday's guest is Dr. Beth Kreitzer was raised in California and has degrees from Stanford and Duke Universities. Her graduate study in the Program of Religion at Duke focused upon the history of the Church from the patristic era through the early modern period. Her dissertation, upon the images of Mary in Lutheran sermons of the 16th century, was also her first book, "Reforming Mary." Kreitzer's work looks at Lutheran sermons between 1520 and 1580 and the various occasions on the church calendar where Mary is the main or at least a m...
2022-05-151h 10
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 36 Luther at the Wartburg-Details Less Often Told with Nathaniel BiebertImage: The Wartburg Castle taken during my trip there in 2016.In this episode, we continue our series with Pastor Nathaniel Biebert where he digs into the lesser-known details of important milestones in the life of Luther and the Reformation. Here we look at Luther's "capture" on his way back from the Diet of Worms and his time at the Wartburg Castle. Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain pat...
2022-05-0156 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 35 The German Awakening (Erweckungsbewegung) with Andrew Kloes Part IIA must-know topic for understanding 19th-century Lutheranism!Order online at www.oup.com/academic with promotion code AAFLYG6 to save 30%!Historians of modern German culture and church history refer to "the Awakening movement" (die Erweckungsbewegung) to describe a period in the history of German Protestantism between the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 and the Revolution of 1848. "The Awakening" was the last major nationwide Protestant reform and revival movement to occur in Germany. This book analyzes numerous primary sources from the era of the Awakening and synthesizes the current state of German scholarship for an...
2022-04-1541 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 34 The German Awakening (Erweckungsbewegung) with Andrew Kloes Part IA must-know topic for understanding 19th-century Lutheranism!Order online at www.oup.com/academic with promotion code AAFLYG6 to save 30%!Historians of modern German culture and church history refer to "the Awakening movement" (die Erweckungsbewegung) to describe a period in the history of German Protestantism between the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 and the Revolution of 1848. "The Awakening" was the last major nationwide Protestant reform and revival movement to occur in Germany. This book analyzes numerous primary sources from the era of the Awakening and synthesizes the current state of German scholarship for an...
2022-04-0149 min
Brigadoon RadioNew Politics TogetherOn this episode of Brigadoon Radio, Benjamin Shobert and Marc Ross discuss the launch of TOGETHER and how America is getting ready for a decade of political innovation.
Ben is launching TOGETHER founded on the idea that your voice, your story, your community, and your frustrations with today’s American politics matter.
TOGETHER goes live on Monday, March 28, 2022.
Brigadoon Radio | Episode 48 | March 27, 2022
Show notes and support materials for this episode of Brigadoon Radio: https://thebrigadoon.com/radio/new-politics-together
For more information on Benjamin, check out:
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2022-03-2728 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 33 Black Man in a White Pulpit- The Life and Ministry of Marmaduke Carter with James Huenink Part IIJames is the pastor of First Lutheran Church of El Cajon, CA where he lives with his wife, Kristan and their two cats. He is a graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. A writer, photographer, and independent historian, James focuses on the history of Chicago Lutheran ministry and black Lutheran ministry, hoping to leverage the lessons of ministry past to help understand current and future work in urban centers.You can check out James' work at his blog here: https://jameshuenink.wordpress.com/Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!...
2022-03-1540 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 32 Black Man in a White Pulpit- The Life and Ministry of Marmaduke Carter with James Huenink Part IJames is the pastor of First Lutheran Church of El Cajon, CA where he lives with his wife, Kristan and their two cats. He is a graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. A writer, photographer, and independent historian, James focuses on the history of Chicago Lutheran ministry and black Lutheran ministry, hoping to leverage the lessons of ministry past to help understand current and future work in urban centers. You can check out James' work at his blog here: https://jameshuenink.wordpress.com/Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!
2022-03-0142 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 30 Luther at Worms-Details Less Often Told with Nathaniel BiebertToday we welcome back Pastor Beibert to discuss his research and presentation on Luther at Worms in 1521, one of the most iconic and significant events in the history of the Church.Many thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts with a German emphasis. From there went on...
2022-02-011h 08
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 29 Our Dwelling Place For Generations, a Centennial History of the WELS Dakota Montana District with Justin DauckImage: Kenneth Wyatt – Circuit Rider.Today's guest author is pastor Justin Dauk. A native of northeastern Wisconsin, he is a 2011 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. He has served a dual parish in northcentral South Dakota for 7-1/2 years. Since January 2021, he has been serving as associate pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Plymouth, NE, and Christ Lutheran Church in Beatrice, NE. He is also on the board for the WELS Historical Institute. Lutheran History ShopSupport the showMany thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the show
2022-01-1657 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 28 The War to End All Germans with Stephen GurgelStephen Gurgel is a 2011 graduate from Martin Luther College: Bachelor of Science in Education and a 2012 graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: Master of Arts in History. His 2012 thesis, a War to End All Germans, Wisconsin Synod Lutherans and the First World War, offers a detailed account and analysis of the social and political forces that persecuted the German Lutherans of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod during WWI.You can read the thesis hereLutheran History ShopMany thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the show Confessional L...
2022-01-011h 11
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 27 The Continuation of the Haugean Spirit in Twentieth Century American Lutheranism with Thomas JacobsonImage: Haugianere by Adolph Tidemand (1852)Thomas Jacobson currently serves part-time as pastor of Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lindy, Nebraska, and as an adjunct instructor of historical theology at the Institute of Lutheran theology in Brookings, South Dakota. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Augustana University (SD) in 2002, his Master of Divinity degree at Luther Seminary in 2006, and his Doctor of Philosophy degree also at Luther Seminary in 2018. His main research interest is American Lutheran history, especially the Scandinavian-American church experience. He resides in Menno, South Dakota with his family. He is delighted to share i...
2021-12-1541 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 26 Hauge's Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod in America with Thomas JacobsonImage: Hans Nielsen HaugeThomas Jacobson currently serves part-time as pastor of Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lindy, Nebraska, and as an adjunct instructor of historical theology at the Institute of Lutheran theology in Brookings, South Dakota. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Augustana University (SD) in 2002, his Master of Divinity degree at Luther Seminary in 2006, and his Doctor of Philosophy degree also at Luther Seminary in 2018. His main research interest is American Lutheran history, especially the Scandinavian-American church experience. He resides in Menno, South Dakota with his family. He is delighted to share i...
2021-12-0146 min
The Modern Spirituality ShowGrieving Well & Living Well with David Kessler and Ben DeckerJoin host Ben Decker in a conversation with friend and mentor David Kessler, one of the world’s foremost speakers on death, grief and healing.David’s experience with thousands of people on the edge of life and death has taught him the secrets to living a happy and fulfilled life, even after life’s tragedies. He is the author of six books, including the new bestselling book, Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief. His first book, The Needs of the Dying received praise from Saint Mother Teresa. In this episode, hear Ben share the rol...
2021-11-2653 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 25 Development of Fellowship Practices in the Missouri Synod with Peter Prange Part IIImage FCD Wyneken in old ageWielding the Sword of the Spirit recounts the history surrounding the doctrine and practice of church fellowship in the Missouri Synod, especially under the leadership of Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm Walther.Volume One of this two-part history covers the years from the Saxon immigration to Missouri in 1838-1839 until 1867, just before the founding of the General Council. Not only does it chart the history of the Missourians' doctrine and practice of church fellowship during their first thirty years in America, it also provides an in-depth account of how t...
2021-11-151h 16
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 24 Development of Fellowship Practices in the Missouri Synod with Peter Prange Part IWielding the Sword of the Spirit recounts the history surrounding the doctrine and practice of church fellowship in the Missouri Synod, especially under the leadership of Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm Walther (shown in episode thumbnail) Volume One of this two-part history covers the years from the Saxon immigration to Missouri in 1838-1839 until 1867, just before the founding of the General Council. Not only does it chart the history of the Missourians' doctrine and practice of church fellowship during their first thirty years in America, it also provides an in-depth account of how they came to the p...
2021-10-311h 11
Financial FlossingEp 019: Finding the Gold MinesBenjamin DangelFinancial Flossing: Guiding Dental Professionals to a Brighter Future with Ross Brannon Episode 019- Finding the Gold MinesBenjamin Dangel is from Omaha, NE is blessed with a wonderful wife and two beautiful girls. He is a graduate of the University of South Dakota, a US Army veteran, and helps Dentists grow their practice while enhancing the lives of their baby-boomer clients and prospects. With an extensive background in banking and accounting for dental practices, Ben Dangel is uniquely qualified to lead a financial coaching program designed to help dentists achieve all of their financial goals.Listen to this information-packed F...
2021-10-1920 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 23 The Life and Hymnody of Anna B. Hoppe with Elisabeth Urtel Part IIAnna Hoppe was born on May 7, 1889 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She left school after the eighth grade and worked as a stenographer. She began writing patriotic verses when she was very young and by the age of 25 she was writing spiritual poetry. After some of her poems appeared in the Northwestern Lutheran, a periodical of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, they came to the attention of Dr. Adolf Hult of Augustana Seminary, Rock Island, Illinois. He influenced her to write her Songs for the Church Year (1928). Several hymnals include her work, which was usually set to traditional chorale melodies, although...
2021-10-1539 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 22 The Life and Hymnody of Anna B. Hoppe (1889-1941) with Elisabeth Urtel Part IAnna Hoppe was born on May 7, 1889 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She left school after the eighth grade and worked as a stenographer. She began writing patriotic verses when she was very young and by the age of 25 she was writing spiritual poetry. After some of her poems appeared in the Northwestern Lutheran, a periodical of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, they came to the attention of Dr. Adolf Hult of Augustana Seminary, Rock Island, Illinois. He influenced her to write her Songs for the Church Year (1928). Several hymnals include her work, which was usually set to traditional chorale melodies, although...
2021-10-0139 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 21 Book Talk: Lutherans in Crisis by David GustafsonTim Grundmeier and I talk about the purpose, arguments, and significance of this work in Lutheran history.Lutheran History ShopMany thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts with a German emphasis. From there went on to graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2018. Ben has...
2021-09-1549 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 20 Book Talk: The Rise and Fall of American Lutheran Pietism by Paul KuenningTim Grundmeier and I discuss the purpose, arguments, and significance of this work in Lutheran History. Lutheran History ShopMany thanks to my wonderful supporters!Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts with a German emphasis. From there went on to graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2018. Ben has been a...
2021-09-0152 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 19 A Tale of Two Synods With Mark BraunMark Braun returns to talk about the book for which he is most known, A Tale of Two Synods.The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod can look back on the 1961 split with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod as a defining moment for its little, conservative church body. From that time on, the Wisconsin Synod has assumed a new profile and distinction in the history of conservative American Lutheranism. The book A Tale of Two Synods is written 40 years removed from the events. The historical background is the result of exhaustive research from written records of both synods and al...
2021-08-181h 16
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 18 Proclaim his Wonders, a brief history of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod with Craig Ferkenstad PART 2Today's guest is Pastor Craig A. Ferkenstad, the author of Proclaim his Wonders- a pictorial history has been published in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the reorganization of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. This 312-page volume includes more than 400 photographs from the history of the synod. These books of Evangelical Lutheran Synod history are available in print from the Bethany Lutheran College bookstore or electronically for Kindle and iBooks:Grace for GraceFaith of Our FathersLet’s Look at Our SynodOur Great HeritageA City Set on a HillBuilt On The RockA Blessing in the Midst of t...
2021-07-1541 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 17 Proclaim his Wonders, a brief history of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod with Craig Ferkenstad PART 1Today's guest is Pastor Craig A. Ferkenstad, the author of Proclaim his Wonders- a pictorial history has been published in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the reorganization of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. This 312-page volume includes more than 400 photographs from the history of the synod. These books of Evangelical Lutheran Synod history are available in print from the Bethany Lutheran College bookstore or electronically for Kindle and iBooks:Grace for GraceFaith of Our FathersLet’s Look at Our SynodOur Great HeritageA City Set on a HillBuilt On The RockA Blessing in the Midst of t...
2021-07-0346 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 16 A Source of Distress: The Evangelical Lutheran Synod of the West with special guest host Tim Grundmeier and Ben PhelpsThe subject of this discussion can be found in the 2021 summer article of the CHIQ.Image: Rev. "Colonel" John Jacob Lehmanowsky. Note the scar on his face supposedly from the battle of Austerlitz. The small Lutheran Synod called the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of the West existed for barely more than a decade (1835-1846). In Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri, isolated Lutheran pastors vainly attempted to rally around an institution intended to be the preeminent Lutheran synod in a large and rapidly populated geographical area. From its beginning, the synod’s leaders continuously struggled to find e...
2021-06-1550 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 15 Theological Science? August Vilmar and German Theological Wissenschaft with James Ambrose Lee IIIn what ways is theology a science? Should theology be approached the same empirical way as other areas of studies? August Vilmar had a lot to say about that. Today’s guest is James Ambrose Lee II. Dr. Lee has earned his BA - Concordia University Chicago; River Forest, IL, MDiv - Concordia Theology Seminary; Fort Wayne, IN, STM, Liturgical Theology - Yale Divinity School & Yale Institute of Sacred Music; New Haven, CT, PhD, Historical Theology - Saint Louis University; Saint Louis, MO. Dr. Lee currently teaches classes at Concordia University Chicago on various topics in Church History, including, Christia...
2021-06-011h 01
2021-05-1119 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 13 Altar-Pulpits in Norwegian American Lutheran Churches with Alex AakrePhoto: St. Olaf's altar-pulpit in Cranfills Gap, Texas.Today’s guest is Alex Aakre, a master of divinity student at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN. He is a graduate of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. His paper, Lift High the Word of God, received an honorable mention from the 2020 Abdel Ross Wentz prize of the Lutheran Historical Society of the Mid-Atlantic.Alex's article is published in the Journal of the Lutheran Historical Conference 2019, “Lift High the Word of God: A Social and Theological Examination of Altar-Pulpits in Norwegian-American Lutheran Churches.” Alex focuses on an unusual oddity i...
2021-05-0152 min
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 10 Women's Sufferage and the Synodical Conference Lutherans with Ben SchaeferPastor Ben Schaefer's master's thesis discusses a collision of two important historic entities. One, a Lutheran church body called the Synodical Conference, the other the 19th amendment, a piece of legislation that is still part of the US Constitution. Pastor Schaefer presented his reasearch in 2019 to the WELS Historical Institute. His paper is titled: Avoiding the Hornet's Nest: Woman Suffrage and Synodical Conference Lutherans 1890-1930. (see it and read it here)This paper on Woman's Suffrage was awarded the 2020 Abdel Ross Wentz Prize by the Lutheran Historical Society of the Mid-Atlantic. (Your host won this same...
2021-03-151h 04
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 09 Newspaper War with Ben Phelps, special guest host Tim GrundmeierCheck out the Lutheran Historical Conference, where I first presented this material. My article will soon appear in the conference's journal. German Lutheran immigrant Friedrich Schmidt began a German-language Lutheran newspaper in August 1838. Initially, Schmidt and his Lutherische Kirchenzeitung got along quite well with Benjamin Kurtz and the well-established Lutheran Observer. Indeed, Kurtz chaired the committee that launched the Kirchenzeitung, and Schmidt’s first number spared no praise for the Observer. The two men would later participate in one of the earliest open battles between Confessional Lutheranism and American Lutheranism.Each paper seemed to have...
2021-03-021h 01
The Lutheran History PodcastTLHP 08 Michael Praetorius and The Purpose, Effect, and Value of Choral Church Music with Nathaniel BiebertMusic has always been a big part of Christianity, and especially Lutheranism ever since the Reformation. If I were to ask Lutherans to name Lutheran composers, Martin Luther would probably be on that list. In the intro to The Lutheran Podcast, I remarked how Lutheran composers like J.S. Bach are still popular centuries after their deaths. Did you know that Bach still gets over 7 million monthly listeners on Spotify? Another Lutheran composer, who falls on the timeline between Luther and Bach was rather popular in his own day, and still registers a respectable 800,000 listeners on Spotify. Today we’ll talk...
2021-02-1657 min
DECODING AQ - Adaptability For The Future Of Work With Ross ThornleyDecoding AQ with Ross Thornley Feat. Julio Maria Muhorro - Sharing positivity for successJulio Maria Muhorro is an award-winning professional with a positive attitude, organization, and dependability. Julio uses his 7 years' experience within management, training and research environments to enable personal, professional and business growth. He is the founder of Sharing Knowledge International a company guided by the same mission and offers business advisory, career counselling, transformational coaching, training, speaking engagements, and knowledge consultancy.Ross and Julio discuss personal development in education, soft skills, self improvement and characteristics you want to embody. The pair also talk about mindfulness, mentors, mindset and finally adaptability.Timestamps:00:47 J...
2021-02-0941 min