We explore the tumultuous history of Mormonism after Joseph Smith's death, including Brigham Young's succession and controversial doctrines like polygamy and blood atonement. Lindsay Hansen Park and Bryan Buchanan guide us through the schisms, scandals and sexual dynamics of this era, from the chaotic leadership struggles in Nauvoo to the restrictive culture of polygamy in Utah. We examine how polygamy hindered missionary work and statehood, the harsh realities for women, the escalating conflicts with the US government, and the 1870s crackdown on plural marriage. Despite sympathizing with early Mormons, the hosts candidly critique problematic teachings and figures like Brigham Young. They argue that Mormonism still struggles from a reluctance to denounce past errors, which allows those harmful ideas to persist and hurt people today. This no-holds-barred journey illuminates a complex chapter of Mormon history. Show Notes: https://www.mormonstories.org/polygamy-under-brigham-young/ Timecodes: 00:00:00 Beginning 00:05:40 What percentage knew about and practiced polygamy? 00:09:40 Succession crisis 00:16:55 The Battle of Nauvoo 00:19:30 Winter Quarters, church headquarters at the time 00:24:30 What happened to Joseph Smith’s 30+ wives? 00:28:40 Members starts a frontier cult 00:35:40 Women who go rogue 00:40:00 Mormonism under new leadership 00:45:00 Settling in Utah 00:50:00 Orson Pratt publishes “The Seer” 00:52:13 Polygamy causing trouble in Mormon missionary work 00:58:25 One of the most cancerous parts of our culture is that you can lie for the Lord 01:03:20 Does this feel like human trafficking? 01:12:25 Hyrum Clark story 01:17:17 Shenanigans during missions 01:22:45 Polygamy as a prerequisite for leadership 01:24:30 The Mormon Reformation 01:28:55 Favorite story in Mormon history - Mary Avers Young 01:32:30 Brigham Young starts the Mormon Reformation 01:35:35 What is the Blood atonement? 01:38:14 Height of the Reformation 01:41:22 Jedediah asks people to confess their sins, some they didn’t even commit 01:45:10 Brigham Young decides to go to war against the Government, July 24th, 1857 01:51:14 Ann Eliza Young 02:00:35 Brigham’s polygamy was motivated 02:02:27 Underage polygamous wives in the handcart companies 02:06:36 Law of Purity 02:12:21 John D. Lee and the Mountain Meadows Massacre 02:27:00 Dr. King Robinson 02:23:13 Emmeline Wells - one of the most powerful women in Utah 02:35:03 Women's suffrage 02:39:39 Martha Hughes Cannon 02:44:18 Martha Cox 02:46:07 Mormon Dixie Wine, putting wine in the temple 02:46:12 Juanita Brooks becomes drunk 03:07:18 How was Brigham Young so wealthy? 03:11:53 Brigham got posthumously married to Martha Brotherton, etc. 03:19:52 I’m not one to erase history, we need to acknowledge the horrible things 03:20:52 She is loyal to Mormonism, she wants us to be good ___________________ 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?d... Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonsto... 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/4sDzk7d... 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstories... 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us: 📧 MormonStories@gmail.com 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117