Download here On this episode, we begin our deep-dive series into the Council of Fifty. Joseph Smith’s theocracy required organizational structure; the Council of Fifty is how he planned on implementing it. William Clayton was called as scribe for the Council and we discuss his life and role in early […]
Download Here On this episode, we take a break from our historical timeline to bring you a very exciting interview with Jana Riess and Benjamin Knoll. Jana Riess is the author of the book “The Next Mormons” and Benjamin Knoll is the data scientist who helped create the survey an […]
Download Here On this episode, we read Jo’s POTUS campaign pamphlet. On Jan. 29, 1844, JS was nominated for President of the United States. What immediately followed was his calling for various church leaders to canvass high population areas to electioneer and commissioning William W. Phelps to write out his […]
Download Here On this episode, we discuss how fluid Joseph Smith’s morality and theology really was. We begin with his evolving perspective on slavery from pro-slavery to abolitionist when it was politically advantageous. Then we discuss how Mormonism was strictly monogamous to closeted polygamous when possible. Then Jo goes from […]
Download Here On this episode, we start with discussing whether or not Emma Smith poisoned Joseph Smith. If she didn’t, who did? If it wasn’t poison, what could it have been? Is there enough evidence to conclude that Emma attempted to kill her first husband? After that we discuss the […]
Download Here On this episode, we discuss the Law family. From Jo’s personal counselor in the Church presidency, aide-de-camp in the Nauvoo Legion, registrar of the University of Nauvoo, and general Mormon eliteness to one of the most powerful and outspoken critics of Joseph Smith and Mormonism; William Law has […]
Download Here On this episode, we discuss the controversial election of 1843. Jo had promised his vote, and by implication the Mormon voting bloc, to the Whig candidate and well-respected lawyer, Cyrus Walker. However, the Democrats held control of the state militia that represented a constant threat to the safety […]
Download Here On this episode, we jump back into Nauvoo Mormonism. We begin with discussing the realm of politics in the 1840s. Jo’s political chess didn’t begin in Nauvoo, but Nauvoo was where he ramped up his game and moved to the ranks of political chess master. Jo had an […]
Download Here On this episode, we get into part 2 of our discussion with Mormon historian Chris Smith. Part 1 was the primer with a heavy focus on early Mormon emissaries. Part 2 dives into how these Mormon-Native relationships were explored and leveraged to hasten the Mormon theodemocracy with dictatorial […]
Download Here On this episode, we sit down with Mormon historian Chris Smith to discuss part 1 of a 2-part series on Native and Mormon relations during Joseph Smith’s ministry. We begin with discussing the Book of Mormon being written explicitly to the Natives and describe Joseph’s mindset in allying […]
