I stumbled on your podcast earlier this year when the two crazy podcasters decided to do a live event - against Gerrit’s better judgment. At first, this old lady thought the two were just too silly, but I have 4 grown sons who continue to be silly, sarcastic, and distracted. So I gave them another chance by going back into earlier episodes and listening to many topics that I needed to know more about. There is so much scholarship, faith, heart, and humor that I have become big fans and totally addicted. I have three sons who left the church, and I always pray for an opportunity to introduce them to Garrit and John. So thank you for making me laugh when that’s exactly what I need to do! One more thing, the man who hired Garrit presented a fireside in my ward in St. George, and during the question and answer period, I talked about something G had said, and this man had so much praise of what he brings to the table of church history and considers his former employee a very special, brilliant person. Now, I must add that Richard has my heart as well! What a fun comedian!!

After listening to only a few of the free episodes I subscribed to the premium content. I love the information, perspective and humor. I could do without the sports info, but easily forgive the sports stories and metaphors because the rest of the content is outstanding! This is one podcast that I listen to faithfully every week!

Great topics and insights, just the right amount of humor.

While some of the joking and banter can be a lot, once Dr Dirkmaat gets into the meat of the topic he is fascinating to listen to. He presents Church History with so much faith, knowledge and testimony, I feel enlightened and lifted almost every time. These latest episodes on Sidney Rigdon and his apostasy and how it parallels so many in todays world astounded me. I look forward to each episode.

I love listening to this podcast and have learned so much to help strengthen my testimony. I tell all of my friends and family to listen to this podcast.

This podcast is addictive. I have listened to every episode both free and premium. In fact for a month I listened to nothing else to catch up with all episodes. I wondered about the premium content but have been grateful to have it. When all is said and done the sources and history is great but the testimonies born bring me back. Dan H

I love the academic and humorous approach this podcast takes. It reminds me that if your faith was challenged by church history then you didn’t learn enough church history. I recommend it to anyone who wants to understand context and nuance. Great podcast!! Thanks!!

I love the study of history. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love listening to a podcast that my wife and I can agree on without qualification (as opposed to the filth I listen to.) Not only do I love it but it (begrudgingly) pay for the premium version. The impossible thing that I have done is dredge up an old rotgut iPhone to listen to the premium edition. The android version just involves a hoop to many (1 hoop) to deal with.

The podcast is informative and enlightening. I have learned so much about church history. My testimony has been strengthened and my thoughts and reasoning broadened as I’ve listened to the teachings of these great men.

10 stars

I love everything about this podcast. Well Worth the time to start from the beginning

I’d recommend this is any and everyone. It’s got everything. Thanks so much for doing this podcast.

This is one of the most enjoyable religious/sports betting podcasts.

Dr Dirkmaat is very relatable, at least to me. He has a way of explaining that is very basic while teaching profound doctrine. The episode title The Vision quite literally changed my testimony by giving me a deeper understanding of a topic I’ve known and loved all my life.

Great podcast, extensive knowledge of church history, sense of humor, and testimony.

this has brought me closer to Christ and the gospel. don’t worry Gerrit, I never skip

This is a rare gem of insights into Church history. 5 stars. Love the knowledge and the humor!! Keep it coming. Thank you for making the premium content available to missionaries!

I just started listening to the podcast and love all the information you provide. However, the last couple of episodes talking about the Spaulding Manuscript was too light-hearted for my taste. I would have liked my sister, who believes in all the early anti- Mormon stuff, to listen to your podcast, but I know she would be offended by the sarcastic tone you used reading the testimony, etc. Generally, I enjoy your humor, but that one didn’t go down well for me.

Out of all the church history podcasts I’m currently listening to, The standard of Truth is definitely in the top 2! (There are only two I’m listening to but that’s beside the point). Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Richard LeDuc’s sense of humor never fails to make me laugh. Often times I’m laughing right along with them. Since I listen very often at work I usually have to contain it, but still! I’m not too far in (somewhere in the 2022s) but I love every single second of it!! Drs Dirkmaat and LeDuc cover a wide range of church history topics, if you have a question about the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I cannot recommend this podcast enough!

I have rarely enjoyed studying church history, but after listening to this podcast I can’t get enough of it! Doctor Gerrit Dirkmaat has a way of explaining church history events and answering hard questions that brings understanding and empathy. He has a strong connection and relationship with these early saints that can only come from hours and hours of study and testimony. I’m so glad I discovered this podcast that has strengthened my testimony in the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Gerrit was my professor at BYU, and I am so happy to have stumbled in his podcast!!!

Your enthusiasm for the restored gospel is contagious!! Thank you🙌🏼

This is the best history of the Church podcast I’ve ever heard. I love history and they really get into that. It’s also so fun to just listen to them talk and work funny stuff into every podcast. 100/10 recommend. Keep up the hard work m, y’all!

It kind of feels like I spend a lot of my time hanging out with Gerrit and Richard. Lol. But I love these podcasts. They are the perfect mix of educational and entertaining. And of course, spiritually uplifting. Thank you brethren for this podcast!

As the only listener in Hawaii, i can say Aloooooooha to this podcast! I have nothing but praise for the podcast. The self deprecating humor is a nice touch! I feel the hosts’ pain as they rant about ridiculous anti-Mormon (aka anti-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint) arguments and smash them in the the ground.Their approach to history makes sense, is scholarly, and brings light to many gospel principles and portions of history that seem difficult to understand. They speak the Truth!

I appreciate Gerritt & Richard’s testimony & down to earth real deal sharing of the gospel. My husband & I have learned so much.

I really appreciate the tone and knowledge of this podcast. The close friendship and ability to work together are wonderful and the expansive knowledge about the topics discussed help me to grow my understanding of the gospel, the church and the countries involved. Thank you so much for all the hard work you have put into this podcast.

I appreciate the focus on teaching the truth with historical context and references with good humor.

As I sat and listened to the “case scenario” of a past-member trying to tell a member the Word of Wisdom is wrong and that Joseph Smith drank to try to confuse us… this scenario happened in my life and I am so grateful for this podcast for further understanding!

I am so grateful for the Standard of Truth podcasts. You both of you are great. I, sadly, relate so well to the Hero podcasts. Too many friends have decided to follow the dangerously foolish philosophies of men, which lead to absolute nothingness, instead of looking to God. Too many of them refuse to turn away and go back to looking to God, Jesus Christ, Holy Ghost and the Prophet as the only source of truth. Thank you for calling this out in no uncertain terms. Thank you, Rex, Rachel’s Dad, Rachel’s mom’s husband . . . PS I hope Gerritt had a great birthday. I am grateful he was born and I get know who he is, and listen to his voice of testimony.

When you can have a good belly-laugh coupled with pure light and knowledge, in one podcast—it’s worthy of the term “epic!” Can’t say enough good about the balance of humor and humility in this enlightening work! Keep up the good work boys!!! I’ll bet anyone all 7 of Willard Richards pepper-box pistols that this podcast will bless your life!!!

Just finished listening to all episodes available to date. Enjoyed every one of them. There is great historical information and context mixed with humor, great combination for an interesting and engaging show.

It’s amazing how often Dr. Dirkmaat’s comments and insight regarding the Prophet Joseph Smith, the early Saints, and circumstances and influences of the 19th Century society, helps make those individuals much more tangible, and real. It truly humanizes those early members of the church and helps the listener to appreciate their efforts, sacrifices, and hardships. This podcast brings to life 2D, black and white photographed names from the past and paints them vividly with their feelings, interests, the pangs of betrayal, the beauty of loyalty, and their overall contributions. This podcast deepens the listeners understanding and appreciation of Joseph Smith.

My daughter-in-law recommended this podcast and I can’t thank her enough. I decided to start with episode 1 and I’m happy I did (I’m “in” on the inside jokes). Always insightful and interesting, each episode has me looking forward to the next. Highly recommended.

I have learned a lot about church history and a lot about how to view and analyze the historical claims of others. It is really helpful to be able recognize the true historians who are respectful and responsible in their use of the past. I am extremely grateful that there are knowledgeable and faithful men like Dr Dirkmaat and soon to be Dr Leduc

The testimonies shared by both Gerrit and Richard are worth every minute of each episode. In addition, I get to learn and understand more about the history of the Church. Thank you so much for sharing!!!

Awesome podcast to fill your free time with. Gerrit and Richard’s faith promoting conversations and spiritual insights brighten my days!

This is the only podcast I follow that I never miss an episode, Thursdays have become my favorite day of the week! The humor is right up my alley, the scholarship is unparalleled, and the testimony is filled with the power of the Spirit.

I love this Podcast—the history, the facts, the fun, the love and especially when Gerritt goes to the space and spirit of deep testimony! Here’s hoping I can someday subscribe with the Premium content. I hate missing any part! Bless you both!

Podcasts aren’t generally faith promoting & playfully bantered & interest piquing & intellectually stimulating & historically on point with solidly sourced materials presented & “dream crushing” & testimony building…except when they are. This is where it’s at. Come forth to learn.

I love this podcast! Funny, informative, and impressive. Very faith promoting yet educational. A rare melding of those attributes.

Thanks for putting this out there guys! Brother Dirkmaat’s testimony and continued passion for LDS church history is wonderful to be able to visit time and again. Thank you Richard for asking the questions we all want to know, and sorting through all the fan mail. You know you’re really going to get the proper historical context the further back he starts. ;)

I clicked on monthly payment and it took Me to Premium content without paying! I would like to pay!!

This podcast is amazing at speaking about the rough spots in church history and having you come away feeling more confident about the gospel than ever before. By listening I feel more enlightened and confident about what I believe and feel I can stand up to any antagonist with a kind yet sourced rebuttal The me and two other listeners in SC are very grateful to have this every Thursday and hope it lasts until season 38

I’m also Rachael’s mom. I cannot get enough of the podcast. I love how he teaches critical thinking about historical issues. Also, I just want to hang out with Gerritt and Richard. I relate to their sense of humor.

I found the podcast today and started listening to the first Mormon Battalion episode. Excellent information and fun discussion. But he made the claim that he has no listeners in Minnesota. I’ve just proved him wrong. You have a regularly one now. Sorry Dr.

I love the scholarship but also the humor!!! I always laugh while listening and learning! Thank you!

I love this podcast. While there are some great Come Follow Me” podcasts this is different. Historical and snarky Dr Gerrit is wonderful. Insightful. With information I had not heard before. It is almost like…an expert. Great! Richard. You can talk more…we love your comments, too. (You can count me as fan #8).

I love the podcast and historical knowledge displayed…eventually. When you need a podcast where you can tune out and come back with the reassurance that you missed nothing. With all seriousness, I love the podcast with all the rambling and side stories included. Great job!

I’m an evidence based believer my faith has always been based on the fact that the evidence would prove Heavenly Fathers works if looked at logically it’s awesome to hear about the facts collected to prove and challenge what I believe