Naked Mormonism Podcast

On this episode, I snagged a few people at QEDcon 2018 in Manchester for some interviews. Give it a listen and I hope to see you at the next installment int 2020 if you can make it!   Show links: Website http://nakedmormonismpodcast.com Twitter @NakedMormonism Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Naked-Mormonism/370003839816311 Patreon http://patreon.com/nakedmormonism Music by Jason Comeau http://aloststateofmind.com/ Show Artwork http://weirdmormonshit.com/ Legal Counsel http://patorrez.com/

On this episode, we take a break from the historical timeline to talk with Madison Harris. She presented at the John Whitmer Historical Conference 2018 and I snagged her for a quick interview on her presentation. She discusses racism within the ranks of 20th-century Mormon leadership. The central focus surrounds Utah and the Church’s opposition to the national holiday of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Mormon racism didn’t end with the 1978 priesthood ban being lifted. Show links: Website http://nakedmormonismpodcast.com Twitter @NakedMormonism Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Naked-Mormonism/370003839816311 Patreon http://patreon.com/nakedmormonism Music by Jason Comeau http://aloststateofmind.com/ Show Artwork http://weirdmormonshit.com/ Legal Counsel http://patorrez.com/

On this episode, we’re joined for part 2 of Johnny Stephenson’s interview on Mormon polygamy. Bennett’s expose printed in the Sangamo Journal, and later History of the Saints, altered Mormon polygamy from that time forward. Johnny walks us through how the expose affected the doctrine of polygamy and gives us a few insights into the real-world impact of practicing celestial marriage using first-hand accounts. Show links: Website http://nakedmormonismpodcast.com Twitter @NakedMormonism Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Naked-Mormonism/370003839816311 Patreon http://patreon.com/nakedmormonism Music by Jason Comeau http://aloststateofmind.com/ Show Artwork http://weirdmormonshit.com/ Legal Counsel http://patorrez.com/

On this episode, we’re joined for part 1 of Johnny Stephenson’s interview on Mormon polygamy. We cover a brief overview of Jo’s sexual escapades prior to 1842 and the evolution of the doctrine of polygamy through Kirtland, Missouri, and into Nauvoo. Show links: Website http://nakedmormonismpodcast.com Twitter @NakedMormonism Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Naked-Mormonism/370003839816311 Patreon http://patreon.com/nakedmormonism Music by Jason Comeau http://aloststateofmind.com/ Show Artwork http://weirdmormonshit.com/ Legal Counsel http://patorrez.com/

On this episode, we dive into the continued chaos incited by Bennett’s violent departure from the church and his expose. Bennett gives voice to the voiceless and Jo slays the character of Sarah Pratt for allegations she made against his character. Nobody would escape the meltdown; the casualties are beginning to pile up. Links: Sarah Pratt the Shaping of an Apostate by Van Wagoner https://www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V19N02_71.pdf Is Sarah Pratt Reliable? http://mormonpolygamydocuments.org/sarah-pratt-reliable/ Sarah Pratt on FairMormon https://www.fairmormon.org/answers/Polygamy_book/John_C._Bennett/Sarah_Pratt#cite_ref-27 Bennett Saintly Scoundrel http://www.salamandersociety.com/museum/bennett/ Bennett Sangamo Journal Expose https://archive.org/stream/039SJO18420729001/039-SJO-1842-07-15-001#page/n1/search/pratt Rise and Fall of Infamous Bennett http://www.lostmormonism.com/infamous-mormon-john-c-bennett/ Show links: Website http://nakedmormonismpodcast.com Twitter @

On this episode, we broach the Bennett meltdown of spring 1842. We read through the first of his exposes published in the Sangamo Journal July 8th. The public explodes at the revelations contained therein. We track everything as it develops chronologically and exhaustively. This marks part 1 of a multi-part series on Bennett and the impact his expose had on Mormon history and doctrine. Links: Sangamo Journal Bennett expose https://archive.org/stream/039SJO18420729001/039-SJO-1842-07-15-001 Bennett and extradition attempt https://rsc.byu.edu/archived/joseph-smith-prophet-and-seer/joseph-smith-john-c-bennett-and-extradition-attempt-1842 Bennett, Smith, and Beginnings of Mormon Plural Marriage in Nauvoo https://www.jstor.org/stable/43200209?seq=17#metadata_info_tab_contents JS Journal 1842 http://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/journal-december-1841-december-1842/5#full-transcript Sangamo Journal transcripts http://www.sidneyrigdon.com/dbroadhu/IL/sang1842.htm Show links: Website http://nakedmormonis

On this episode, the Sangamo Journal compiles a massive expose of Joe Smith and the Mormons in preparation for Bennett’s serial expose letters. We set the stage by reading a few letter exchanges between Jo and Governor Carlin of Illinois, in a bid to gain total protection from Missouri “persecution”. Carlin’s advice? “Run”! We conclude with reading a number of articles published prior to Bennett’s actual expose which provides a window into Illinois politics circa 1842. Links: Visit this week’s sponsor and use promo code “Naked”: https://49dollarsites.com/ Sangamo Journal July 8, 1842 https://archive.org/stream On this episode, the Sangamo Journal compiles a massive expose of Joe Smith and the Mormons in preparation for Bennett’s serial expose letters. We set the stage by reading a few letter exchanges between Jo and Governor Carlin of Illinois, in a bid to gain total protection from Missouri “persecution”. Carlin’s advice? “Run”! We conclude with reading a number of articles published prior to Bennett’s actu

On this episode, we continue rooting around in the muck of the underbelly of Nauvoo Mormonism. We discuss the primary catalyst that caused Bennett to be so opposed to Joseph Smith. With rampant rumors of adultery, Crazy Willey Smith pens “The Truant Husband” with a pleasant little PSA to all the “midnight watchers” in Nauvoo. We discuss the role of women’s organizations and the social context in which they rose by examining Emma’s claims that “Benevolence” societies were corrupt. Then we get into the seedy and vague history of Nauvoo brothels and temperance. Links: We are Engaged as a Band of Sister by Ruth Alexander https://www.jstor.org/stable/1901529?seq=2#metadata_info_tab_contents Ladies Bountiful by Keith Medler https://www.jstor.org/stable/23162952?seq=6#metadata_info_tab_contents Relief Society Minute Book http://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/nauvoo-relief-society-minute-book/1#full-transcript Times & Season November 1841 https://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/digital/collection/NCMP1820-1846

On this episode, we dive into Eliza Roxcy Snow! She was smart, she was sassy, and she didn’t care what society said, she was going to do what she wanted to do. It’s finally time to introduce you to my historical crush… Links: Biography of Lorenzo Snow by Eliza Snow https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Biography_and_family_record_of_Lorenzo_Snow/Chapter_XII Biography of Eliza Snow https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/person/eliza-roxcy-snow Eliza Snow poetry lexicon https://erslexicon.wordpress.com/poems-1-5/ Eliza Snow JSP page http://josephsmithspolygamy.org/plural-wives-overview/eliza-r-snow/#link_ajs-fn-id_2-5614 Show links: Website http://nakedmormonismpodcast.com Twitter @NakedMormonism Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Naked-Mormonism/370003839816311 Patreon http://patreon.com/nakedmormonism Music by Jason Comeau http://aloststateofmind.com/ Show Artwork http://weirdmormonshit.com/ Legal Counsel http://patorrez.com/

On this episode, we get a brief character sketch of Nancy Rigdon, daughter of church leader, Hingepin Sidney Rigdon. Nancy grew up during the formative years of the Church in Kirtland and Missouri. Now, she’s 19-years old, single, and strong-willed to boot. Jo requests Marinda Nancy Johnson Hyde to act as an emissary to Nancy Rigdon to set up a meeting, he’s flatly refused by Miss Nancy and rumors explode from the scenario. The plot to assassinate Nancy’s character begins. Links: Sidney Rigdon: A Portrait of Religious Excess by Richard Van Wagoner https://www.amazon.com/Sidney-Rigdon-Portrait-Religious-Excess/dp/156085197X Nancy Rigdon biography https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/person/nancy-rigdon-ellis A History of Persecution by Sidney Rigdon https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/a-history-of-the-persecution-of-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-in-missouri-december-1839-october-1840/1 Marinda Nancy Johnson Hyde http://josephsmithspolygamy.org/plural-wives-overview/marinda-nancy-j

On this episode, we take a bird’s eye overview of everything happening in 1842 and spend a bit of time focusing on the immediate fallout of Bennett’s public and vitriolic departure from the Church. We review some headlines covering the political movements of Joseph Smith’s Nauvoo Mormonism, briefly discuss his ever-expanding financial profile, and try to assess the massive fallout and cover-up campaign crafted to keep the practice of polygamy as acceptable for only the uppermost elites, while publicly denying that the practice even exists. Jo and Newell K. Whitney give some weird talks to the Relief Society about holding their tongues and not faulting the leadership for “err[s] in judgement”. Links: John C. Bennett biography http://www.josephsmithpapers.org/person/john-cook-bennett History of the Saints https://archive.org/stream/historysaints00benngoog#page/n107/mode/2up Bennett prior to Nauvoo https://www.fairmormon.org/answers/Polygamy_book/John_C._Bennett/John_C._Bennett_Prior_to_Nauvoo Relief Society M

On this episode, we begin with discussing the rumor mill that was Nauvoo. The Relief Society, with Emma as head, was tasked with tracking down the source of salacious rumors concerning adultery within the Mormon elite and squashing said rumors. John C. Wreck-it Bennett becomes too brazen with his propositions of polygamous relationships and must be excised from Church leadership. We begin to see the fracturing of the relationship between Jo and Bennett unfold. Links: Mormon Enigma by Newell and Avery https://www.amazon.com/Mormon-Enigma-Emma-Hale-Smith/dp/0252062914 Bennett’s brothel in Nauvoo https://www.fairmormon.org/answers/Polygamy_book/John_C._Bennett/Brothel_at_Nauvoo Bennett, the ‘Lucifer’ of early Mormonism http://www.ldsliving.com/John-C-Bennett-the-Lucifer-of-early-Mormonism/s/65856 JosephSmithsPolygamy on Bennett http://josephsmithspolygamy.org/john-c-bennett-and-spiritual-wifery/ Rise and Fall of Bennett http://www.lostmormonism.com/infamous-mormon-john-c-bennett/ John Bennett and Joseph Smit

On this episode, Will Bagley joins us to share in his specialty, Bloody Brigham Young. We discuss a brief overview of how the Saints made their way from Nauvoo to the Great Basin in Mexico territory and the fun begins. Brigham Young realized Joseph Smith’s dreams of a Mormon theocracy and truly took it above and beyond anything Jo could have dreamt up. Be sure to buy Bagley’s book, Blood of the Prophets, which spawned this entire conversation. Show Links: Website http://nakedmormonismpodcast.com Twitter @NakedMormonism Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Naked-Mormonism/370003839816311 Patreon http://patreon.com/nakedmormonism Music by Jason Comeau http://aloststateofmind.com/ Show Artwork http://weirdmormonshit.com/ Legal Counsel http://patorrez.com/

On this episode, Will Bagley takes us through the Joseph years of Mormon history and sets the precursor for next week’s episode where the blueprints Joseph laid are realized by Brigham Young. Show Links: Weird Alma https://weirdalma.bandcamp.com/ Website http://nakedmormonismpodcast.com Twitter @NakedMormonism Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Naked-Mormonism/370003839816311 Patreon http://patreon.com/nakedmormonism Music by Jason Comeau http://aloststateofmind.com/ Show Artwork http://weirdmormonshit.com/ Legal Counsel http://patorrez.com/

On this episode, we air a presentation given for Seattle Atheists all about Mormon scripture. It’s long, but good. Enjoy! Show Links: Website http://nakedmormonismpodcast.com Twitter @NakedMormonism Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Naked-Mormonism/370003839816311 Patreon http://patreon.com/nakedmormonism Music by Jason Comeau http://aloststateofmind.com/ Show Artwork http://weirdmormonshit.com/ Legal Counsel http://patorrez.com/

On this episode, we dive into the women’s perspective of the endowment ceremony as introduced by Joseph and Hyrum Smith and streamlined by Brigham Young. We rely on exposes published after 1845 when thousands were initiated as the original endowment ceremony was successfully kept under wraps by the Mormon elite. What must it have been like for a woman to go through this mind-bending esoteric ritual culminating in the revelation on the growing practice of polygamy? We can’t possibly put our minds there, but it’s at least worth examining their writings and musing on in the meantime. Links: Maria Van Dusen 1849 Endowment expose https://archive.org/stream/startlingdisclos00vand#page/24/mode/2up Emeline expose April 1846 Warsaw Signal http://www.sidneyrigdon.com/dbroadhu/il/sign1846.htm#021846 1847 original Van Dusen Expose https://archive.org/stream/dialoguebetweena00vand#page/4/mode/2up Nick Literski’s Endowment 1845/46 http://www.mormonoutreach.org/temple_endowments/endow1845.htm Temple Ceremony by Edward Ash

On this episode, Joseph Smith introduces the endowment ceremony and forms the Quorum of the Anointed, or the Holy Order. Jo had been practicing esoteric rites from his earliest days in Kirtland, but this was the codification of the ceremony which would come to be practiced in every Mormon temple after Smith’s death. We read through one of the earliest available exposes created to reveal the terrifying theocratic rituals embodied by Jo and the elite Mormons who went through this occult initiation. Links: Anointed Quorum in Nauvoo by Devery Anderson https://archive.org/stream/AnointedQuorum/Anointed%20Quorum_djvu.txt Evolution of Endowment Ceremony http://www.ldsendowment.org/timeline.html Duncan’s Royal Arch Masonic ritual expose http://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/dun/dun08.htm Warsaw Signal Apr 1846 http://www.sidneyrigdon.com/dbroadhu/il/sign1846.htm#021846 LDS Temple Ceremony by Edward Ashment https://dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V27N03_303.pdf A Dialogue between Adam and Eve

On this episode, Nauvoo has a lot of secrets to hide. We talk about Orrin Porter Rockwell and his trip to Missouri in May 1842. We discuss his “confrontation” with Governor Lilburn Boggs, of which Boggs was none the wiser until he awoke days later with multiple gunshot wounds. We cover Port’s quick flight from Missouri back to Nauvoo after the assassination attempt. John C. Bennett apostatizes and begins his public derisions of Joseph Smith and Mormonism. Pistol Packin’ Porter Rockwell confronts Wreck-it Bennett about rumors Bennett was spreading about Jo’s hand in the assassination. Links: Check out this week’s sponsor and use promo code ‘Naked’ when you sign up!!! https://49dollarsites.com/ Warsaw Signal 1842 http://www.sidneyrigdon.com/dbroadhu/il/sign1842.htm Lilburn Boggs Wiki https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilburn_Boggs The Wasp May 1842 https://archive.org/stream/TheWasp18421843/The_Wasp_1842-1843#page/n25/mode/2up Baltimore Sun 31 May 1842 https://www.newspapers.com/image/364967868/?terms=boggs Times-

On this episode, Jo writes an epistle to the Relief Society. What were women’s roles in the Nauvoo Church? Did they have priesthood power? Was their society separate but equal to the men’s? Turns out Jo was a product of his time and he uses religions led by women in his day as an example of what terrible fate awaits a female-run church. But, is there more to it? Were the women of Nauvoo “good Masons” who could keep a secret? Links: Jill Derr on Eliza Snow and Relief Society https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArHo9LEQOvc Women and Priesthood https://ordainwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/34WomenandPriesthoodQuotes.pdf Relief Society Minute Book http://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/nauvoo-relief-society-minute-book/13#full-transcript Joseph Smith and the Kabbalah http://gnosis.org/jskabb1.htm Joanna Southcott’s bibliography http://www.joannasouthcott.com/books.htm The Public Universal Friend by Paul Moyer http://muse.jhu.edu/chapter/1890407/pdf Show Links: Website http://nakedmormonismpodcast.com

On this episode, we take a time warp back to episode 2 to revisit an aspect of Mormon history largely ignored in our timeline to this point, Emma Hale Smith. Little of her own writings survive the years and she left no journal or diary. We’re forced to construct an image of Emma to live in our minds through other peripheral mentions in the hand of her closest friends and associates. We rediscover her timeline with the help of Mormon Enigma and catch up on her story leading up to the formation of the Nauvoo Female Relief Society. Check out this week's sponsor! Use promo code 'Naked' at checkout. https://49dollarsites.com/ Mormon Enigma by Newell and Avery https://www.amazon.com/Mormon-Enigma-Emma-Hale-Smith/dp/0252062914 Emma Hale Smith Bidamon biography http://www.josephsmithpapers.org/person/emma-hale-smith Smith Family https://www.lds.org/ensign/2005/12/family-of-joseph-smith-sr-and-lucy-mack-smith-the-first-family-of-the-restoration?lang=eng Lucy Mack Smith biography http://www.josephsmithpapers.org/pers