Welcome to Episode 30 of our series The Joseph Smith Podcast with Dr. John Turner where we discuss chapters from his new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.” In this episode, we dive further into Chapter 24 (“Upper Rooms”) from John Turner’s work and unpack the origins of the LDS Relief Society in May of 1842 –right in the middle of Joseph Smith’s secret practice of polygamy. We explore whether the Relief Society was meant to empower women, function as a stepping stone to priesthood-like authority, or help manage rumors and moral fallout from Nauvoo’s growing scandals. From Emma Smith’s complicated position, to whispered accusations, to the infamous “Happiness Letter,” this conversation traces how secrecy, power, and polygamy collide –and what it all says about Joseph Smith’s character. We also look at whistleblowers, public denials, internal investigations (or lack thereof), and how victims and critics were treated when scandals became impossible to contain.  This is part Mormon history, part true crime, and part moral reckoning –with big questions about leadership, secrecy, and accountability. Show notes can be found on the Mormon Stories blog here: https://www.mormonstories.org/relief-society-secret-polygamy-joseph-smiths-character/ Timecodes: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:42 The formation of the Relief Society (May 1842) 00:08:05 Emma’s health and plural marriages performed right before the formation 00:14:38 Did Joseph give the women the priesthood in the Relief Society? 00:22:14 One of the purposes of the Relief Society was correcting the morals and strengthening the virtuals of females, which is ironic 00:32:45 Did Joseph Smith have sex with Agnes? 00:42:52 Are there women that KNOW of Joseph Smith’s polygamy? 00:48:31 Rumors are NOT just getting out in the Relief Society, but the men also 00:53:34 Was John C. Bennett doing spiritual wifery TOTALLY disconnected from Joseph Smith’s polygamy? 00:56:26 Human trafficking from the Nauvoo Expositor 01:03;50 Who is Sidney Rigdon? 01:09:37 The Happiness Letter 01:16:09 Why do people find this letter morally outrageous? 01:25:08 Nancy Rigdon’s conduct in the city became “common rumor” 01:27:20 Joseph Smith assassinates their character so they are not believed 01:45:48 God does very questionable things 01:48:09 Final remarks and questions ___________________ 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