In this in-depth discussion, Cheryl and Michelle explore one of the most controversial topics in Latter-day Saint history: polygamy. Through a structured, multi-stage presentation, they examine the origins, evidence, and ongoing debates surrounding plural marriage in early Mormonism. From figures like John C. Bennett and the Nauvoo Expositor to Emma Smith’s testimony and the role of primary sources, both presenters offer contrasting perspectives on what really happened –and why it continues to matter today. They also unpack how the Church has responded over time, from the 1852 public acknowledgment of polygamy to modern apologetics and the impact of the information age. This conversation highlights the tension between belief and historical evidence, raising difficult questions about leadership, narrative gaps, and the evolution of Mormon identity. Show notes can be found on the Mormon Stories blog here: https://www.mormonstories.org/the-mormon-polygamy-wars/ Timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:05:04 - Mormon Polygamy Conference 00:16:26 - Start of presentation 00:20:11 - Seeds of War 00:29:49 - Emma and Hyrum didn’t know 00:40:34 - 1852 Special Conference 00:43:33 - Lasting impact of polygamy 00:46:14 - Opposition 00:55:41 - The Mormon Church War 00:56:40 - Affidavit book 00:59:10 - Last testimony of Emma Smith 01:02:08 - Federal Siege 01:06:09 - Switching sides 01:09:42 - This looks bad either way 01:27:05 - RLDS switching sides 01:36:11 - Documentary Explosion 01:44:08 - Information Age 01:48:49 - Archival Revolution 01:52:23 - ExMormon historians left out 01:58:07 - Rise of Polygamy Skepticism 02:04:17 - Register for the Conference 02:07:03 - Conclusion ___________________ At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/join Our Platforms: 🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us: 📧 MormonStories@gmail.com 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117