Sisters Not Wives Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/sisters-not-wives The history of Mormon polygamy from female perspectives. © 2026 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch b291bb27-480a-5b19-a9e9-182695b8d794 yes en Sun, 08 Mar 2026 09:06:15 -0600 Sun, 08 Mar 2026 09:07:07 -0600 https://img.transistorcdn.com/Qg0JzDzQtR0DFbpYVPup20k4W5Uw2LTMQXxE3WW-WgI/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9kNjFl/M2FmNDgzNjc5ODcx/YzQ4NjI5MTExYmU1/N2RiNi5wbmc.jpg Sisters Not Wives episodic Kensley and Joslyn Hatch The history of Mormon polygamy from female perspectives. The history of Mormon polygamy from female perspectives.. Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women Sisters Not Wives sistersnotwives@gmail.com No No Did Polygamy Build Utah's Fortune or Destroy it? #22 Sisters Not Wives 22 22 Did Polygamy Build Utah's Fortune or Destroy it? #22 Sisters Not Wives full 6e79ae4b-613c-43c4-bbe8-efcfa53d84fe https://share.transistor.fm/s/9d729c28 In this episode, we dig into the real economics of polygamy in early Mormon Utah. For years, people have argued about why plural marriage existed—some claim it was about caring for widows, others say it was purely religious devotion. But what do the actual economic studies and historical records say?

We explore research on wealth distribution, household labor, and legal issues in 19th-century Utah to understand how plural marriage really affected families. Did wealth impact polygamy or the other way around? And how did the structure of plural marriage shape opportunity, labor, and survival in frontier communities?

Along the way, we take a few thoughtful detours into topics that still resonate today:
• The culture of confession 
• Therapy training for bishops and stake presidents
• The psychology of guilt and shame
• Why human beings often internalize moral pressure in powerful ways

This episode mixes historical data, social science, and personal reflection as we ask a bigger question: what happens when religious systems intersect with economics, power, and human nature?

If you enjoy deep dives into Mormon history that go beyond the usual talking points, this conversation is for you.

🎙️ Listen now and join the discussion.

#SistersNotWives #MormonHistory #Polygamy #UtahHistory #ReligiousHistory #MormonStudies #LDSHistory #StillMormon #ExMormon #ChurchHistory #FaithAndPower #HistoricalResearch #ReligionAndEconomics #PolygamyDebate

]]> In this episode, we dig into the real economics of polygamy in early Mormon Utah. For years, people have argued about why plural marriage existed—some claim it was about caring for widows, others say it was purely religious devotion. But what do the actual economic studies and historical records say?

We explore research on wealth distribution, household labor, and legal issues in 19th-century Utah to understand how plural marriage really affected families. Did wealth impact polygamy or the other way around? And how did the structure of plural marriage shape opportunity, labor, and survival in frontier communities?

Along the way, we take a few thoughtful detours into topics that still resonate today:
• The culture of confession 
• Therapy training for bishops and stake presidents
• The psychology of guilt and shame
• Why human beings often internalize moral pressure in powerful ways

This episode mixes historical data, social science, and personal reflection as we ask a bigger question: what happens when religious systems intersect with economics, power, and human nature?

If you enjoy deep dives into Mormon history that go beyond the usual talking points, this conversation is for you.

🎙️ Listen now and join the discussion.

#SistersNotWives #MormonHistory #Polygamy #UtahHistory #ReligiousHistory #MormonStudies #LDSHistory #StillMormon #ExMormon #ChurchHistory #FaithAndPower #HistoricalResearch #ReligionAndEconomics #PolygamyDebate

]]> Sun, 08 Mar 2026 09:06:10 -0600 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 2698 In this episode, we dig into the real economics of polygamy in early Mormon Utah. For years, people have argued about why plural marriage existed—some claim it was about caring for widows, others say it was purely religious devotion. But what do the actual economic studies and historical records say?

We explore research on wealth distribution, household labor, and legal issues in 19th-century Utah to understand how plural marriage really affected families. Did wealth impact polygamy or the other way around? And how did the structure of plural marriage shape opportunity, labor, and survival in frontier communities?

Along the way, we take a few thoughtful detours into topics that still resonate today:
• The culture of confession 
• Therapy training for bishops and stake presidents
• The psychology of guilt and shame
• Why human beings often internalize moral pressure in powerful ways

This episode mixes historical data, social science, and personal reflection as we ask a bigger question: what happens when religious systems intersect with economics, power, and human nature?

If you enjoy deep dives into Mormon history that go beyond the usual talking points, this conversation is for you.

🎙️ Listen now and join the discussion.

#SistersNotWives #MormonHistory #Polygamy #UtahHistory #ReligiousHistory #MormonStudies #LDSHistory #StillMormon #ExMormon #ChurchHistory #FaithAndPower #HistoricalResearch #ReligionAndEconomics #PolygamyDebate

]]> Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women No 3 Lies About Women's Fertility That Fueled Mormon Polygamy | Sisters Not Wives #21 21 21 3 Lies About Women's Fertility That Fueled Mormon Polygamy | Sisters Not Wives #21 full dcbec4a9-1ed4-42e9-86a8-202c9a800c81 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ab330580 In this episode, we unpack one of the most persistent narratives in religious history: the claim that polygamy was necessary to “build up the kingdom,” increase fertility, and rapidly populate the church. Leaders and advocates often framed plural marriage as a divine solution to demographic growth. A sacred strategy to multiply believers and secure the future of the faith.

But when you actually examine the historical outcomes, the results tell a very different story.

Rather than dramatically increasing birth rates, concentrated polygamy funneled marriage opportunities toward a smaller group of high-status men, leaving many other men without partners. Instead of strengthening community stability, it created structural imbalances; socially, emotionally, and economically. In many cases, women bore the emotional and physical burden of these arrangements, while lower-status men were pushed to the margins.

Ironically, the very system that was justified as “necessary for growth” often produced the opposite effect:

  • Fewer men with families
  • Increased competition and social stratification
  • Heightened male isolation
  • Strain within households


This episode connects those historical dynamics to modern conversations about the so-called “male loneliness epidemic.” When access to partnership becomes unevenly distributed, large groups of men are structurally excluded, not because of personal failure, but because of how the system is arranged. Polygamous concentration is one of the clearest historical examples of how that imbalance can happen.

We also explore the deeper moral question: What happens when ancient religious narratives are used as blanket justification for modern social systems? Stories from the Bible are often cited to defend polygamy, patriarchy, or strict gender hierarchies. But descriptive stories are not necessarily moral prescriptions. Just because something appears in scripture does not automatically make it ethically transferable to modern society.

Ultimately, this episode challenges listeners to separate myth from measurable outcome, and to ask whether systems justified as “divine necessity” actually produce the flourishing they promise.

If you’ve ever wondered how historical religious structures still influence modern gender dynamics (especially in Utah), and whether some of today’s social anxieties are echoes of yesterday’s theology, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

]]> In this episode, we unpack one of the most persistent narratives in religious history: the claim that polygamy was necessary to “build up the kingdom,” increase fertility, and rapidly populate the church. Leaders and advocates often framed plural marriage as a divine solution to demographic growth. A sacred strategy to multiply believers and secure the future of the faith.

But when you actually examine the historical outcomes, the results tell a very different story.

Rather than dramatically increasing birth rates, concentrated polygamy funneled marriage opportunities toward a smaller group of high-status men, leaving many other men without partners. Instead of strengthening community stability, it created structural imbalances; socially, emotionally, and economically. In many cases, women bore the emotional and physical burden of these arrangements, while lower-status men were pushed to the margins.

Ironically, the very system that was justified as “necessary for growth” often produced the opposite effect:

  • Fewer men with families
  • Increased competition and social stratification
  • Heightened male isolation
  • Strain within households


This episode connects those historical dynamics to modern conversations about the so-called “male loneliness epidemic.” When access to partnership becomes unevenly distributed, large groups of men are structurally excluded, not because of personal failure, but because of how the system is arranged. Polygamous concentration is one of the clearest historical examples of how that imbalance can happen.

We also explore the deeper moral question: What happens when ancient religious narratives are used as blanket justification for modern social systems? Stories from the Bible are often cited to defend polygamy, patriarchy, or strict gender hierarchies. But descriptive stories are not necessarily moral prescriptions. Just because something appears in scripture does not automatically make it ethically transferable to modern society.

Ultimately, this episode challenges listeners to separate myth from measurable outcome, and to ask whether systems justified as “divine necessity” actually produce the flourishing they promise.

If you’ve ever wondered how historical religious structures still influence modern gender dynamics (especially in Utah), and whether some of today’s social anxieties are echoes of yesterday’s theology, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

]]> Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:27:53 -0700 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 2986 In this episode, we unpack one of the most persistent narratives in religious history: the claim that polygamy was necessary to “build up the kingdom,” increase fertility, and rapidly populate the church. Leaders and advocates often framed plural marriage as a divine solution to demographic growth. A sacred strategy to multiply believers and secure the future of the faith.

But when you actually examine the historical outcomes, the results tell a very different story.

Rather than dramatically increasing birth rates, concentrated polygamy funneled marriage opportunities toward a smaller group of high-status men, leaving many other men without partners. Instead of strengthening community stability, it created structural imbalances; socially, emotionally, and economically. In many cases, women bore the emotional and physical burden of these arrangements, while lower-status men were pushed to the margins.

Ironically, the very system that was justified as “necessary for growth” often produced the opposite effect:

  • Fewer men with families
  • Increased competition and social stratification
  • Heightened male isolation
  • Strain within households


This episode connects those historical dynamics to modern conversations about the so-called “male loneliness epidemic.” When access to partnership becomes unevenly distributed, large groups of men are structurally excluded, not because of personal failure, but because of how the system is arranged. Polygamous concentration is one of the clearest historical examples of how that imbalance can happen.

We also explore the deeper moral question: What happens when ancient religious narratives are used as blanket justification for modern social systems? Stories from the Bible are often cited to defend polygamy, patriarchy, or strict gender hierarchies. But descriptive stories are not necessarily moral prescriptions. Just because something appears in scripture does not automatically make it ethically transferable to modern society.

Ultimately, this episode challenges listeners to separate myth from measurable outcome, and to ask whether systems justified as “divine necessity” actually produce the flourishing they promise.

If you’ve ever wondered how historical religious structures still influence modern gender dynamics (especially in Utah), and whether some of today’s social anxieties are echoes of yesterday’s theology, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

]]> Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women No What Netflix Got Totally Wrong | The Actual History of Mountain Meadows Massacre | Sisters Not Wives#20 20 20 What Netflix Got Totally Wrong | The Actual History of Mountain Meadows Massacre | Sisters Not Wives#20 full ce9fd4ed-21a4-4335-90f3-2a7cc77b1ef1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/919c713b The Mountain Meadows Massacre is one of the darkest and most disturbing events in Utah history and the truth is far more twisted than what most people have seen on screen.

In this episode, we break down where Netflix’s American Primeval gets the story wrong, why its portrayal of frontier violence oversimplifies what really happened, and how last year’s best-selling book None Left to Tell comes closer to capturing the emotional and human reality behind the massacre.

We walk through the actual historical events that led to the 1857 slaughter of the Baker-Fancher wagon train in southern Utah: the growing paranoia of the Utah War, the role of local Mormon militia members, the deception under a white flag of truce, and the brutal execution of men, women, and children. We also explore how the massacre was deliberately covered up for decades, with blame shifted away from those responsible and the truth buried in official narratives.

From Hollywood dramatization to historical fiction to documented fact, this episode explores how fear, loyalty, and power converged to produce one of the most horrific massacres in Utah history.

Show Notes:
Modern Scholarly Works
Walker, Ronald W., Richard E. Turley Jr., and Glen M. Leonard.
Massacre at Mountain Meadows: An American Tragedy. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008.
Turley, Richard E. Jr., and Barbara Jones Brown.
Vengeance Is Mine: The Mountain Meadows Massacre and Its Aftermath. New York: Oxford University Press, 2023.
Turley, Richard E. Jr., Janiece L. Johnson, and LaJean Purcell Carruth, eds.
Mountain Meadows Massacre: Collected Legal Papers. Salt Lake City: Church Historian’s Press, 2017.

Primary and Early Accounts
Lee, John D.
Mormonism Unveiled; or, The Life and Confessions of the Late Mormon Bishop, John D. Lee (Written by Himself). St. Louis: Bryan, Brand & Co., 1877.
Brooks, Juanita.
The Mountain Meadows Massacre. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1950.

]]> The Mountain Meadows Massacre is one of the darkest and most disturbing events in Utah history and the truth is far more twisted than what most people have seen on screen.

In this episode, we break down where Netflix’s American Primeval gets the story wrong, why its portrayal of frontier violence oversimplifies what really happened, and how last year’s best-selling book None Left to Tell comes closer to capturing the emotional and human reality behind the massacre.

We walk through the actual historical events that led to the 1857 slaughter of the Baker-Fancher wagon train in southern Utah: the growing paranoia of the Utah War, the role of local Mormon militia members, the deception under a white flag of truce, and the brutal execution of men, women, and children. We also explore how the massacre was deliberately covered up for decades, with blame shifted away from those responsible and the truth buried in official narratives.

From Hollywood dramatization to historical fiction to documented fact, this episode explores how fear, loyalty, and power converged to produce one of the most horrific massacres in Utah history.

Show Notes:
Modern Scholarly Works
Walker, Ronald W., Richard E. Turley Jr., and Glen M. Leonard.
Massacre at Mountain Meadows: An American Tragedy. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008.
Turley, Richard E. Jr., and Barbara Jones Brown.
Vengeance Is Mine: The Mountain Meadows Massacre and Its Aftermath. New York: Oxford University Press, 2023.
Turley, Richard E. Jr., Janiece L. Johnson, and LaJean Purcell Carruth, eds.
Mountain Meadows Massacre: Collected Legal Papers. Salt Lake City: Church Historian’s Press, 2017.

Primary and Early Accounts
Lee, John D.
Mormonism Unveiled; or, The Life and Confessions of the Late Mormon Bishop, John D. Lee (Written by Himself). St. Louis: Bryan, Brand & Co., 1877.
Brooks, Juanita.
The Mountain Meadows Massacre. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1950.

]]> Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:51:06 -0700 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 3446 The Mountain Meadows Massacre is one of the darkest and most disturbing events in Utah history and the truth is far more twisted than what most people have seen on screen.

In this episode, we break down where Netflix’s American Primeval gets the story wrong, why its portrayal of frontier violence oversimplifies what really happened, and how last year’s best-selling book None Left to Tell comes closer to capturing the emotional and human reality behind the massacre.

We walk through the actual historical events that led to the 1857 slaughter of the Baker-Fancher wagon train in southern Utah: the growing paranoia of the Utah War, the role of local Mormon militia members, the deception under a white flag of truce, and the brutal execution of men, women, and children. We also explore how the massacre was deliberately covered up for decades, with blame shifted away from those responsible and the truth buried in official narratives.

From Hollywood dramatization to historical fiction to documented fact, this episode explores how fear, loyalty, and power converged to produce one of the most horrific massacres in Utah history.

Show Notes:
Modern Scholarly Works
Walker, Ronald W., Richard E. Turley Jr., and Glen M. Leonard.
Massacre at Mountain Meadows: An American Tragedy. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008.
Turley, Richard E. Jr., and Barbara Jones Brown.
Vengeance Is Mine: The Mountain Meadows Massacre and Its Aftermath. New York: Oxford University Press, 2023.
Turley, Richard E. Jr., Janiece L. Johnson, and LaJean Purcell Carruth, eds.
Mountain Meadows Massacre: Collected Legal Papers. Salt Lake City: Church Historian’s Press, 2017.

Primary and Early Accounts
Lee, John D.
Mormonism Unveiled; or, The Life and Confessions of the Late Mormon Bishop, John D. Lee (Written by Himself). St. Louis: Bryan, Brand & Co., 1877.
Brooks, Juanita.
The Mountain Meadows Massacre. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1950.

]]> Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women No "Obedience Over Logic!" 2025 LDS Sunday School Debacle | Sisters Not Wives #19 19 19 "Obedience Over Logic!" 2025 LDS Sunday School Debacle | Sisters Not Wives #19 full 7734b810-07a9-43ba-9aad-74c8e0acf23b https://share.transistor.fm/s/ed115694 In November 2025, the LDS Church’s Sunday School lesson on polygamy and Doctrine & Covenants Section 132 raised more questions than answers and for many, confirmed long-standing concerns about how the Church handles its own history.

In this episode of Sisters Not Wives, we break down what actually happened in that lesson and why it felt less like transparency and more like carefully managed silence.

We talk about:

-  How the lesson skirted around the truth of LDS polygamy

- Why absolute obedience was emphasized instead of historical context

- The fear Church leaders seem to have around open discussion

- The deeply troubling parts of Section 132 that remain canonized today

- Consent loopholes, biblical justifications built on logical fallacies, and sexist rules that harmed everyone

- How “pretend transparency” keeps members compliant but uninformed

Section 132 isn’t just a relic of the past. It’s still scripture. And when you actually read it, the implications are unsettling.

This episode isn’t about attacking faith. It’s about telling the truth, asking better questions, and refusing to let institutional discomfort rewrite lived history.

🎙️ Subscribe for more honest conversations about Mormonism, polygamy, faith deconstruction and construction, and religious accountability.

]]> In November 2025, the LDS Church’s Sunday School lesson on polygamy and Doctrine & Covenants Section 132 raised more questions than answers and for many, confirmed long-standing concerns about how the Church handles its own history.

In this episode of Sisters Not Wives, we break down what actually happened in that lesson and why it felt less like transparency and more like carefully managed silence.

We talk about:

-  How the lesson skirted around the truth of LDS polygamy

- Why absolute obedience was emphasized instead of historical context

- The fear Church leaders seem to have around open discussion

- The deeply troubling parts of Section 132 that remain canonized today

- Consent loopholes, biblical justifications built on logical fallacies, and sexist rules that harmed everyone

- How “pretend transparency” keeps members compliant but uninformed

Section 132 isn’t just a relic of the past. It’s still scripture. And when you actually read it, the implications are unsettling.

This episode isn’t about attacking faith. It’s about telling the truth, asking better questions, and refusing to let institutional discomfort rewrite lived history.

🎙️ Subscribe for more honest conversations about Mormonism, polygamy, faith deconstruction and construction, and religious accountability.

]]> Sun, 25 Jan 2026 07:29:58 -0700 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 3594 In November 2025, the LDS Church’s Sunday School lesson on polygamy and Doctrine & Covenants Section 132 raised more questions than answers and for many, confirmed long-standing concerns about how the Church handles its own history.

In this episode of Sisters Not Wives, we break down what actually happened in that lesson and why it felt less like transparency and more like carefully managed silence.

We talk about:

-  How the lesson skirted around the truth of LDS polygamy

- Why absolute obedience was emphasized instead of historical context

- The fear Church leaders seem to have around open discussion

- The deeply troubling parts of Section 132 that remain canonized today

- Consent loopholes, biblical justifications built on logical fallacies, and sexist rules that harmed everyone

- How “pretend transparency” keeps members compliant but uninformed

Section 132 isn’t just a relic of the past. It’s still scripture. And when you actually read it, the implications are unsettling.

This episode isn’t about attacking faith. It’s about telling the truth, asking better questions, and refusing to let institutional discomfort rewrite lived history.

🎙️ Subscribe for more honest conversations about Mormonism, polygamy, faith deconstruction and construction, and religious accountability.

]]> Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women No How Tension on the Frontier Turned Deadly: The Road to Mountain Meadows | Sisters Not Wives #18 18 18 How Tension on the Frontier Turned Deadly: The Road to Mountain Meadows | Sisters Not Wives #18 full 932e83e2-862f-4eff-940f-004c5deff581 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a0a0b1f9 Today, we're exploring how a rising climate of religious fervor, growing suspicion, and a sense of impending doom shaped life in Utah Territory during the 1850s. As tensions escalated between Latter-day Saint settlers and outsiders, the community braced for what many believed would be another invasion, this time from the United States government during the brewing Utah (Mormon) War.

We also look closely at the murder of Apostle Parley P. Pratt, a flashpoint that intensified fear, anger, and hostility across the region. These overlapping pressures—spiritual, political, and personal—created a volatile environment that ultimately contributed to the tragic events at Mountain Meadows in 1857.

Join us as we unpack the complicated, often overlooked factors that led to this pivotal moment in Western and Mormon history.

]]> Today, we're exploring how a rising climate of religious fervor, growing suspicion, and a sense of impending doom shaped life in Utah Territory during the 1850s. As tensions escalated between Latter-day Saint settlers and outsiders, the community braced for what many believed would be another invasion, this time from the United States government during the brewing Utah (Mormon) War.

We also look closely at the murder of Apostle Parley P. Pratt, a flashpoint that intensified fear, anger, and hostility across the region. These overlapping pressures—spiritual, political, and personal—created a volatile environment that ultimately contributed to the tragic events at Mountain Meadows in 1857.

Join us as we unpack the complicated, often overlooked factors that led to this pivotal moment in Western and Mormon history.

]]> Sat, 15 Nov 2025 16:01:35 -0700 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 1965 Today, we're exploring how a rising climate of religious fervor, growing suspicion, and a sense of impending doom shaped life in Utah Territory during the 1850s. As tensions escalated between Latter-day Saint settlers and outsiders, the community braced for what many believed would be another invasion, this time from the United States government during the brewing Utah (Mormon) War.

We also look closely at the murder of Apostle Parley P. Pratt, a flashpoint that intensified fear, anger, and hostility across the region. These overlapping pressures—spiritual, political, and personal—created a volatile environment that ultimately contributed to the tragic events at Mountain Meadows in 1857.

Join us as we unpack the complicated, often overlooked factors that led to this pivotal moment in Western and Mormon history.

]]> Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women No The Untold History of Why Early Mormons Believed In Blood Atonement | Sisters Not Wives #17 17 17 The Untold History of Why Early Mormons Believed In Blood Atonement | Sisters Not Wives #17 full 340c9140-d911-425b-81d1-a0e7ea726a27 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4d4c1898 In this episode, we uncover the chilling truth behind why early Mormons believed in Blood Atonement: one of the most disturbing doctrines to ever emerge from 19th-century American religion.

We explore how this belief shaped the foundations of early Mormon history and how a culture of fear, guilt, and divine punishment took hold during the Mormon Reformation. In a time of famine, natural disasters, and desperation, many early Saints believed that shedding blood could restore their purity before God, a terrifying example of how faith and fanaticism can collide.

Join us as we dive into the untold history of how spiritual panic, charismatic leadership, and apocalyptic thinking led ordinary people to justify the unthinkable all in the name of redemption.

#MormonHistory #BloodAtonement #LDSChurch #ExMormon #Mormon #ReligiousExtremism #MormonReformation #AmericanHistory #CultDocumentary #FaithAndFear #DarkHistory

]]> In this episode, we uncover the chilling truth behind why early Mormons believed in Blood Atonement: one of the most disturbing doctrines to ever emerge from 19th-century American religion.

We explore how this belief shaped the foundations of early Mormon history and how a culture of fear, guilt, and divine punishment took hold during the Mormon Reformation. In a time of famine, natural disasters, and desperation, many early Saints believed that shedding blood could restore their purity before God, a terrifying example of how faith and fanaticism can collide.

Join us as we dive into the untold history of how spiritual panic, charismatic leadership, and apocalyptic thinking led ordinary people to justify the unthinkable all in the name of redemption.

#MormonHistory #BloodAtonement #LDSChurch #ExMormon #Mormon #ReligiousExtremism #MormonReformation #AmericanHistory #CultDocumentary #FaithAndFear #DarkHistory

]]> Fri, 07 Nov 2025 18:05:00 -0700 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 4049 In this episode, we uncover the chilling truth behind why early Mormons believed in Blood Atonement: one of the most disturbing doctrines to ever emerge from 19th-century American religion.

We explore how this belief shaped the foundations of early Mormon history and how a culture of fear, guilt, and divine punishment took hold during the Mormon Reformation. In a time of famine, natural disasters, and desperation, many early Saints believed that shedding blood could restore their purity before God, a terrifying example of how faith and fanaticism can collide.

Join us as we dive into the untold history of how spiritual panic, charismatic leadership, and apocalyptic thinking led ordinary people to justify the unthinkable all in the name of redemption.

#MormonHistory #BloodAtonement #LDSChurch #ExMormon #Mormon #ReligiousExtremism #MormonReformation #AmericanHistory #CultDocumentary #FaithAndFear #DarkHistory

]]> Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women No What No One Talks About In Mormon Temple Culture | Sisters Not Wives #16 16 16 What No One Talks About In Mormon Temple Culture | Sisters Not Wives #16 full 0f5f5c5f-dcee-4334-9c15-839d3fd32a44 https://share.transistor.fm/s/db2d1cba Three sisters, each raised in the LDS (Mormon) Church and now at different stages in their faith journeys, sit down for a raw, unfiltered discussion about what no one talks about in Mormon temple culture.

We dive deep into the traditions, expectations, and emotional layers behind eternal marriage, temple covenants, and the shame culture that can quietly shape women’s lives within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From exploring the origins of temple practices to confronting the pressures of worthiness interviews and modesty rules, this conversation opens space for honesty, healing, and hope.

This isn’t about tearing down faith; it’s about understanding it. We talk candidly about what’s beautiful in the culture, what’s painful, and what needs to change so that future generations can experience more authentic connection, compassion, and spiritual freedom within or outside of Mormonism.

Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and let’s take the taboo out of talking about what really matters.

#MormonCulture #LDSChurch #FaithJourney #ExMormon #MormonWomen #TempleCulture #EternalMarriage #FaithDiscussion #Deconstruction #SpiritualHealing #ReligiousTrauma #MormonPodcast #WomenOfFaith #HonestConversations #MormonStories #HealingFromReligion

]]> Three sisters, each raised in the LDS (Mormon) Church and now at different stages in their faith journeys, sit down for a raw, unfiltered discussion about what no one talks about in Mormon temple culture.

We dive deep into the traditions, expectations, and emotional layers behind eternal marriage, temple covenants, and the shame culture that can quietly shape women’s lives within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From exploring the origins of temple practices to confronting the pressures of worthiness interviews and modesty rules, this conversation opens space for honesty, healing, and hope.

This isn’t about tearing down faith; it’s about understanding it. We talk candidly about what’s beautiful in the culture, what’s painful, and what needs to change so that future generations can experience more authentic connection, compassion, and spiritual freedom within or outside of Mormonism.

Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and let’s take the taboo out of talking about what really matters.

#MormonCulture #LDSChurch #FaithJourney #ExMormon #MormonWomen #TempleCulture #EternalMarriage #FaithDiscussion #Deconstruction #SpiritualHealing #ReligiousTrauma #MormonPodcast #WomenOfFaith #HonestConversations #MormonStories #HealingFromReligion

]]> Sat, 01 Nov 2025 09:13:21 -0600 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 2678 Three sisters, each raised in the LDS (Mormon) Church and now at different stages in their faith journeys, sit down for a raw, unfiltered discussion about what no one talks about in Mormon temple culture.

We dive deep into the traditions, expectations, and emotional layers behind eternal marriage, temple covenants, and the shame culture that can quietly shape women’s lives within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From exploring the origins of temple practices to confronting the pressures of worthiness interviews and modesty rules, this conversation opens space for honesty, healing, and hope.

This isn’t about tearing down faith; it’s about understanding it. We talk candidly about what’s beautiful in the culture, what’s painful, and what needs to change so that future generations can experience more authentic connection, compassion, and spiritual freedom within or outside of Mormonism.

Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and let’s take the taboo out of talking about what really matters.

#MormonCulture #LDSChurch #FaithJourney #ExMormon #MormonWomen #TempleCulture #EternalMarriage #FaithDiscussion #Deconstruction #SpiritualHealing #ReligiousTrauma #MormonPodcast #WomenOfFaith #HonestConversations #MormonStories #HealingFromReligion

]]> Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women No 3 Terrifying Mormon Blood Atonement Cults | Sisters Not Wives #15 15 15 3 Terrifying Mormon Blood Atonement Cults | Sisters Not Wives #15 full 7f085d16-3832-4608-8fbb-51481aab6d72 https://share.transistor.fm/s/94c9d7c7 Today, we dive deep into one of the darkest doctrines to ever come out of American religious extremism, Mormon blood atonement, and the chilling ways it has surfaced in modern history.

We break down three disturbing real world examples of cult leaders who justified violence in the name of God:

• Ervil LeBaron: The so called Mormon Manson who ordered dozens of killings and ran his polygamist sect like a cartel
• The Lafferty Brothers: Two extremists who believed they were commanded by God to carry out brutal “righteous” executions
• Warren Jeffs: Still exerting power from prison with disturbing future prophecies that show just how dangerous blind faith can become

But this episode isn’t just about shocking crimes. We explore how ordinary people get pulled into cult thinking, the psychology of obedience, and the terrifying slippery slope that happens when religious conviction turns into moral exemption.

Why do people follow destructive leaders? How do belief systems twist into violence? And could this kind of extremism rise again in today’s polarized world?

Listen as we unpack the warning signs and why understanding these stories is more important now than ever.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you’re ready for more deep dives into faith, power, and the human psyche.

#cults #truecrimepodcast #mormonhistory #religiousextremism #ervillebaron #laffertybrothers #warrenjeffs #fundamentalistmormon #psychology #blindobedience #truecrimecommunity #podcastclips #exmormon #mormon 

]]> Today, we dive deep into one of the darkest doctrines to ever come out of American religious extremism, Mormon blood atonement, and the chilling ways it has surfaced in modern history.

We break down three disturbing real world examples of cult leaders who justified violence in the name of God:

• Ervil LeBaron: The so called Mormon Manson who ordered dozens of killings and ran his polygamist sect like a cartel
• The Lafferty Brothers: Two extremists who believed they were commanded by God to carry out brutal “righteous” executions
• Warren Jeffs: Still exerting power from prison with disturbing future prophecies that show just how dangerous blind faith can become

But this episode isn’t just about shocking crimes. We explore how ordinary people get pulled into cult thinking, the psychology of obedience, and the terrifying slippery slope that happens when religious conviction turns into moral exemption.

Why do people follow destructive leaders? How do belief systems twist into violence? And could this kind of extremism rise again in today’s polarized world?

Listen as we unpack the warning signs and why understanding these stories is more important now than ever.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you’re ready for more deep dives into faith, power, and the human psyche.

#cults #truecrimepodcast #mormonhistory #religiousextremism #ervillebaron #laffertybrothers #warrenjeffs #fundamentalistmormon #psychology #blindobedience #truecrimecommunity #podcastclips #exmormon #mormon 

]]> Sat, 18 Oct 2025 10:52:35 -0600 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 3693 Today, we dive deep into one of the darkest doctrines to ever come out of American religious extremism, Mormon blood atonement, and the chilling ways it has surfaced in modern history.

We break down three disturbing real world examples of cult leaders who justified violence in the name of God:

• Ervil LeBaron: The so called Mormon Manson who ordered dozens of killings and ran his polygamist sect like a cartel
• The Lafferty Brothers: Two extremists who believed they were commanded by God to carry out brutal “righteous” executions
• Warren Jeffs: Still exerting power from prison with disturbing future prophecies that show just how dangerous blind faith can become

But this episode isn’t just about shocking crimes. We explore how ordinary people get pulled into cult thinking, the psychology of obedience, and the terrifying slippery slope that happens when religious conviction turns into moral exemption.

Why do people follow destructive leaders? How do belief systems twist into violence? And could this kind of extremism rise again in today’s polarized world?

Listen as we unpack the warning signs and why understanding these stories is more important now than ever.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you’re ready for more deep dives into faith, power, and the human psyche.

#cults #truecrimepodcast #mormonhistory #religiousextremism #ervillebaron #laffertybrothers #warrenjeffs #fundamentalistmormon #psychology #blindobedience #truecrimecommunity #podcastclips #exmormon #mormon 

]]> Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women No Did We Accidentally Join a Cult in Utah? | Sisters Not Wives: # 14 14 14 Did We Accidentally Join a Cult in Utah? | Sisters Not Wives: # 14 full 72faa787-1359-4db8-9e53-ec0ec48823e1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a8c1ccdc Growing up in Utah, we were part of three different groups that, looking back, might’ve been more cult-like than we realized. In this episode, we revisit our teenage experiences, what was tied into money and power, and the red flags we missed along the way.

From risky rituals to systematic exposure of trauma, and from homeschool gatherings to inner circles with a $20,000 entry fee—this is our deep dive into what happened to us as teenagers.

🎧 Subscribe for more deep dives into hidden Utah history and current and past.

#UtahCults #GrowingUpHomeschool #ExcultStories #FaithJourney #UtahHistory #CultAwareness #SistersNotWives ##UtahPodcast

]]> Growing up in Utah, we were part of three different groups that, looking back, might’ve been more cult-like than we realized. In this episode, we revisit our teenage experiences, what was tied into money and power, and the red flags we missed along the way.

From risky rituals to systematic exposure of trauma, and from homeschool gatherings to inner circles with a $20,000 entry fee—this is our deep dive into what happened to us as teenagers.

🎧 Subscribe for more deep dives into hidden Utah history and current and past.

#UtahCults #GrowingUpHomeschool #ExcultStories #FaithJourney #UtahHistory #CultAwareness #SistersNotWives ##UtahPodcast

]]> Sat, 11 Oct 2025 17:55:16 -0600 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 4588 Growing up in Utah, we were part of three different groups that, looking back, might’ve been more cult-like than we realized. In this episode, we revisit our teenage experiences, what was tied into money and power, and the red flags we missed along the way.

From risky rituals to systematic exposure of trauma, and from homeschool gatherings to inner circles with a $20,000 entry fee—this is our deep dive into what happened to us as teenagers.

🎧 Subscribe for more deep dives into hidden Utah history and current and past.

#UtahCults #GrowingUpHomeschool #ExcultStories #FaithJourney #UtahHistory #CultAwareness #SistersNotWives ##UtahPodcast

]]> Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women No The Mormon Makeover - How Utah Changed The Religion | Sisters Not Wives: #13 13 13 The Mormon Makeover - How Utah Changed The Religion | Sisters Not Wives: #13 full 69d4ab24-70c8-4990-b3c4-41eea6fbe44f https://share.transistor.fm/s/4d57c9d1 After the end of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young led the Latter-day Saints west to the remote Utah Territory, but the move wasn’t just geographical. In this video, we dive deep into the surprising doctrinal changes and theological shifts introduced by Brigham Young that reshaped Mormonism as we know it.

From Adam-God theory, The Law of Adoption, and increased emphasis on plural marriage, to the creation of a theocratic system in the Utah desert, this video explores how the LDS Church began to diverge from its original teachings...and why.

We’ll also examine how the rapidly changing world of the 19th century, from American expansionism to the discovery of gold in California, pushed the Mormons toward deeper isolationism, cultural preservation, and religious fundamentalism.

If you're interested in Mormon history, religious evolution, or the ways that belief systems adapt under pressure, this video is for you.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you want more deep dives into Mormon doctrine, American religious history, and untold stories of faith in flux.
#mormonhistory  #brighamyoung  #ldschurch  #exmormon  #churchhistory  #polygamy #doctrinalshift #hiddenhistory  #americanreligion #utahhistory  #19thcenturyamerica  #faithvsculture 

Show Notes:
Brigham Young’s sermon the Adam-God Doctrine
​​ Journal of Discourses. 1:50-51; Friday, April 9, 1852; Sermon delivered by President Brigham Young in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, SLC, Utah.
https://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/digital/collection/JournalOfDiscourses3/id/1861/
Heber C. Kimball Quote
 Journal of Wilford Woodruff; April 10, 1852; Quoting Heber C. Kimball.
https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/documents/0c971e56-08d1-4e91-9ade-4fb00f2883f0/page/6d8e7243-1f50-4b30-a950-645434cfe26c 

Hyrum Smith’s April 8th 1844 Sermon - I was wrong about this one. It wasn’t taken out of the JSP. There are apparently two versions from the records of the meeting when this sermon was delivered. The full transcript includes the crossed out section in the first link given below. When Brigham Young and the church leaders were writing “The History Of The Church” they decided to revise these records and write a short summary of what Hyrum’s speech was about, instead of including the full transcript of his words. In the summary, they curiously left out any mention of him speaking against polygamy and the difference between polygamy and eternal marriage. 
Joseph Smith Papers. History, 1838–1856, Volume E‑1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844]. ID #8112. Edited transcript. Accessed September 28, 2025. https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1838-1856-volume-e-1-1-july-1843-30-april-1844/1#full-transcript.
Shorter version omitting any mention of eternal marriage or polygamy:
History, 1838–1856, volume E-1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844] [addenda], p. 11 [addenda], The Joseph Smith Papers, accessed September 28, 2025, https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1838-1856-volume-e-1-1-july-1843-30-april-1844/434?highlight=addenda%208%20april%201844 

Brigham Young being sealed to 38 men source:
Brooks, Juanita (1992) [1961], John Doyle Lee: Zealot, Pioneer Builder, Scapegoat, Logan, Utah: Utah State University Press, p. 73.
See also “Isn’t One Wife Enough?” By Kimball Young that includes Brigham Young quotes like there will be a time in the future "when men would be sealed to men in the priesthood in a more solemn ordinance than that by which women were sealed to men, and in a room over that in which women were sealed to man."

]]> After the end of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young led the Latter-day Saints west to the remote Utah Territory, but the move wasn’t just geographical. In this video, we dive deep into the surprising doctrinal changes and theological shifts introduced by Brigham Young that reshaped Mormonism as we know it.

From Adam-God theory, The Law of Adoption, and increased emphasis on plural marriage, to the creation of a theocratic system in the Utah desert, this video explores how the LDS Church began to diverge from its original teachings...and why.

We’ll also examine how the rapidly changing world of the 19th century, from American expansionism to the discovery of gold in California, pushed the Mormons toward deeper isolationism, cultural preservation, and religious fundamentalism.

If you're interested in Mormon history, religious evolution, or the ways that belief systems adapt under pressure, this video is for you.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you want more deep dives into Mormon doctrine, American religious history, and untold stories of faith in flux.
#mormonhistory  #brighamyoung  #ldschurch  #exmormon  #churchhistory  #polygamy #doctrinalshift #hiddenhistory  #americanreligion #utahhistory  #19thcenturyamerica  #faithvsculture 

Show Notes:
Brigham Young’s sermon the Adam-God Doctrine
​​ Journal of Discourses. 1:50-51; Friday, April 9, 1852; Sermon delivered by President Brigham Young in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, SLC, Utah.
https://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/digital/collection/JournalOfDiscourses3/id/1861/
Heber C. Kimball Quote
 Journal of Wilford Woodruff; April 10, 1852; Quoting Heber C. Kimball.
https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/documents/0c971e56-08d1-4e91-9ade-4fb00f2883f0/page/6d8e7243-1f50-4b30-a950-645434cfe26c 

Hyrum Smith’s April 8th 1844 Sermon - I was wrong about this one. It wasn’t taken out of the JSP. There are apparently two versions from the records of the meeting when this sermon was delivered. The full transcript includes the crossed out section in the first link given below. When Brigham Young and the church leaders were writing “The History Of The Church” they decided to revise these records and write a short summary of what Hyrum’s speech was about, instead of including the full transcript of his words. In the summary, they curiously left out any mention of him speaking against polygamy and the difference between polygamy and eternal marriage. 
Joseph Smith Papers. History, 1838–1856, Volume E‑1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844]. ID #8112. Edited transcript. Accessed September 28, 2025. https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1838-1856-volume-e-1-1-july-1843-30-april-1844/1#full-transcript.
Shorter version omitting any mention of eternal marriage or polygamy:
History, 1838–1856, volume E-1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844] [addenda], p. 11 [addenda], The Joseph Smith Papers, accessed September 28, 2025, https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1838-1856-volume-e-1-1-july-1843-30-april-1844/434?highlight=addenda%208%20april%201844 

Brigham Young being sealed to 38 men source:
Brooks, Juanita (1992) [1961], John Doyle Lee: Zealot, Pioneer Builder, Scapegoat, Logan, Utah: Utah State University Press, p. 73.
See also “Isn’t One Wife Enough?” By Kimball Young that includes Brigham Young quotes like there will be a time in the future "when men would be sealed to men in the priesthood in a more solemn ordinance than that by which women were sealed to men, and in a room over that in which women were sealed to man."

]]> Sat, 11 Oct 2025 17:54:57 -0600 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 3485 After the end of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young led the Latter-day Saints west to the remote Utah Territory, but the move wasn’t just geographical. In this video, we dive deep into the surprising doctrinal changes and theological shifts introduced by Brigham Young that reshaped Mormonism as we know it.

From Adam-God theory, The Law of Adoption, and increased emphasis on plural marriage, to the creation of a theocratic system in the Utah desert, this video explores how the LDS Church began to diverge from its original teachings...and why.

We’ll also examine how the rapidly changing world of the 19th century, from American expansionism to the discovery of gold in California, pushed the Mormons toward deeper isolationism, cultural preservation, and religious fundamentalism.

If you're interested in Mormon history, religious evolution, or the ways that belief systems adapt under pressure, this video is for you.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you want more deep dives into Mormon doctrine, American religious history, and untold stories of faith in flux.
#mormonhistory  #brighamyoung  #ldschurch  #exmormon  #churchhistory  #polygamy #doctrinalshift #hiddenhistory  #americanreligion #utahhistory  #19thcenturyamerica  #faithvsculture 

Show Notes:
Brigham Young’s sermon the Adam-God Doctrine
​​ Journal of Discourses. 1:50-51; Friday, April 9, 1852; Sermon delivered by President Brigham Young in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, SLC, Utah.
https://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/digital/collection/JournalOfDiscourses3/id/1861/
Heber C. Kimball Quote
 Journal of Wilford Woodruff; April 10, 1852; Quoting Heber C. Kimball.
https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/documents/0c971e56-08d1-4e91-9ade-4fb00f2883f0/page/6d8e7243-1f50-4b30-a950-645434cfe26c 

Hyrum Smith’s April 8th 1844 Sermon - I was wrong about this one. It wasn’t taken out of the JSP. There are apparently two versions from the records of the meeting when this sermon was delivered. The full transcript includes the crossed out section in the first link given below. When Brigham Young and the church leaders were writing “The History Of The Church” they decided to revise these records and write a short summary of what Hyrum’s speech was about, instead of including the full transcript of his words. In the summary, they curiously left out any mention of him speaking against polygamy and the difference between polygamy and eternal marriage. 
Joseph Smith Papers. History, 1838–1856, Volume E‑1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844]. ID #8112. Edited transcript. Accessed September 28, 2025. https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1838-1856-volume-e-1-1-july-1843-30-april-1844/1#full-transcript.
Shorter version omitting any mention of eternal marriage or polygamy:
History, 1838–1856, volume E-1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844] [addenda], p. 11 [addenda], The Joseph Smith Papers, accessed September 28, 2025, https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1838-1856-volume-e-1-1-july-1843-30-april-1844/434?highlight=addenda%208%20april%201844 

Brigham Young being sealed to 38 men source:
Brooks, Juanita (1992) [1961], John Doyle Lee: Zealot, Pioneer Builder, Scapegoat, Logan, Utah: Utah State University Press, p. 73.
See also “Isn’t One Wife Enough?” By Kimball Young that includes Brigham Young quotes like there will be a time in the future "when men would be sealed to men in the priesthood in a more solemn ordinance than that by which women were sealed to men, and in a room over that in which women were sealed to man."

]]> Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women No The Most Bizarre (and Hilarious) Mormon Homeschool Stories | Sisters Not Wives: #12 12 12 The Most Bizarre (and Hilarious) Mormon Homeschool Stories | Sisters Not Wives: #12 full ac0e540d-7657-4fb8-8611-705d482b2e89 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7650c495 Today, we're taking a slightly different turn by talking about modern-day Mormonism, namely what it was like growing up in an extremely religious, conservative lds homeschool community in the early 2000s. Join or reminiscing and reenactments as we go down memory lane with some of the cringiest and hilarious stories that come up to the surface.

]]> Today, we're taking a slightly different turn by talking about modern-day Mormonism, namely what it was like growing up in an extremely religious, conservative lds homeschool community in the early 2000s. Join or reminiscing and reenactments as we go down memory lane with some of the cringiest and hilarious stories that come up to the surface.

]]> Sat, 11 Oct 2025 17:44:25 -0600 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 3042 Today, we're taking a slightly different turn by talking about modern-day Mormonism, namely what it was like growing up in an extremely religious, conservative lds homeschool community in the early 2000s. Join or reminiscing and reenactments as we go down memory lane with some of the cringiest and hilarious stories that come up to the surface.

]]> Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women No #11: Exploring the Roots of Mormon Feminism 11 11 #11: Exploring the Roots of Mormon Feminism full 465b37ec-9a86-4ec7-8bdf-8542f5c6fef5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6bf65c7b In this episode, we take a look at the history of women's rights within the church and how they were slowly dismantled and changed.

With a mass exodus of women leaving religion, we discuss the challenges and obstacles in a system that still has gender-based power structures.

And finally, listen in to hear a once common, then forbidden, and now forgotten matriarchal blessing full of beauty and power that made this the first episode we cried in.

]]> In this episode, we take a look at the history of women's rights within the church and how they were slowly dismantled and changed.

With a mass exodus of women leaving religion, we discuss the challenges and obstacles in a system that still has gender-based power structures.

And finally, listen in to hear a once common, then forbidden, and now forgotten matriarchal blessing full of beauty and power that made this the first episode we cried in.

]]> Sun, 07 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0600 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 3414 In this episode, we take a look at the history of women's rights within the church and how they were slowly dismantled and changed.

With a mass exodus of women leaving religion, we discuss the challenges and obstacles in a system that still has gender-based power structures.

And finally, listen in to hear a once common, then forbidden, and now forgotten matriarchal blessing full of beauty and power that made this the first episode we cried in.

]]> Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women No #10: The Polygamy Power Struggle | How Brigham Young Took Control 10 10 #10: The Polygamy Power Struggle | How Brigham Young Took Control full 42757a72-50d6-4c83-8e65-1a387646862d https://share.transistor.fm/s/bbd1df3f A murdered prophet. A power struggle. And a flood of hidden wives.

]]> A murdered prophet. A power struggle. And a flood of hidden wives.

]]> Sun, 17 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0600 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 3566 A murdered prophet. A power struggle. And a flood of hidden wives.

]]> Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women No #9 The Scripture Brigham Young Didn't Want You To See 9 9 #9 The Scripture Brigham Young Didn't Want You To See full 5c4f3891-0273-4bc9-9a9a-69c0c801ef87 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1f64a48f In this episode of Sisters Not Wives, we uncover the scripture Brigham Young didn’t want you to see, one that directly contradicts the narrative he later built around Joseph Smith and plural marriage. This chapter, once part of LDS canon, mysteriously vanished as polygamy took hold.

We dig into the historical records, analyze the scripture itself, and expose the efforts to rewrite church history to justify the rise of polygamy. If you've ever wondered how doctrine can shift, and who gets to decide what stays and what goes, this is the episode for you.

📜 Hidden scripture. Shifting power. A battle for the soul of the early church.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you're ready to question the "official" story around polygamy.

#MormonHistory #LDSPolygamy #JosephSmith #BrighamYoung #ExMoPodcast #SistersNotWives

]]> In this episode of Sisters Not Wives, we uncover the scripture Brigham Young didn’t want you to see, one that directly contradicts the narrative he later built around Joseph Smith and plural marriage. This chapter, once part of LDS canon, mysteriously vanished as polygamy took hold.

We dig into the historical records, analyze the scripture itself, and expose the efforts to rewrite church history to justify the rise of polygamy. If you've ever wondered how doctrine can shift, and who gets to decide what stays and what goes, this is the episode for you.

📜 Hidden scripture. Shifting power. A battle for the soul of the early church.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you're ready to question the "official" story around polygamy.

#MormonHistory #LDSPolygamy #JosephSmith #BrighamYoung #ExMoPodcast #SistersNotWives

]]> Sun, 10 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0600 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 2748 In this episode of Sisters Not Wives, we uncover the scripture Brigham Young didn’t want you to see, one that directly contradicts the narrative he later built around Joseph Smith and plural marriage. This chapter, once part of LDS canon, mysteriously vanished as polygamy took hold.

We dig into the historical records, analyze the scripture itself, and expose the efforts to rewrite church history to justify the rise of polygamy. If you've ever wondered how doctrine can shift, and who gets to decide what stays and what goes, this is the episode for you.

📜 Hidden scripture. Shifting power. A battle for the soul of the early church.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you're ready to question the "official" story around polygamy.

#MormonHistory #LDSPolygamy #JosephSmith #BrighamYoung #ExMoPodcast #SistersNotWives

]]> Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women No #8 Mormon Polygamy Stories | The Reputation Scandal | Fighting Over Sarah Pratt 8 8 #8 Mormon Polygamy Stories | The Reputation Scandal | Fighting Over Sarah Pratt full 1baf8a14-9a4f-4ddd-9e76-3bb06b9c0108 https://share.transistor.fm/s/47195a2e In this eye-opening episode, we uncover the long-suppressed story of Sarah Pratt, the wife of early LDS apostle Orson Pratt, and the explosive scandal that shook the foundations of Nauvoo in the 1840s. While Orson was away on a mission, Sarah found herself entangled in a bitter power struggle between Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and John C. Bennett, a former ally turned outspoken critic of Smith.

Accused of infidelity, Sarah became the target of vicious rumors, claims she always denied. But was she a victim of a smear campaign? And what role did early polygamy and shifting power dynamics play in what happened to her?

As Orson returned and ultimately accepted polygamy, rising within the church hierarchy, Sarah’s story faded into silence. Now, for the first time, we bring her narrative to light, revealing a complex, human story of loyalty, betrayal, and the hidden costs of religious authority.

🔔 Subscribe for more forgotten stories from Mormon history and beyond.
👍 Like and comment if you want to see more videos exploring the lives of early Latter-day Saint women.

#MormonHistory #SarahPratt #JosephSmith #OrsonPratt #JohnCBennett #LDSChurch #Polygamy #UntoldStories #NauvooScandal

]]> In this eye-opening episode, we uncover the long-suppressed story of Sarah Pratt, the wife of early LDS apostle Orson Pratt, and the explosive scandal that shook the foundations of Nauvoo in the 1840s. While Orson was away on a mission, Sarah found herself entangled in a bitter power struggle between Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and John C. Bennett, a former ally turned outspoken critic of Smith.

Accused of infidelity, Sarah became the target of vicious rumors, claims she always denied. But was she a victim of a smear campaign? And what role did early polygamy and shifting power dynamics play in what happened to her?

As Orson returned and ultimately accepted polygamy, rising within the church hierarchy, Sarah’s story faded into silence. Now, for the first time, we bring her narrative to light, revealing a complex, human story of loyalty, betrayal, and the hidden costs of religious authority.

🔔 Subscribe for more forgotten stories from Mormon history and beyond.
👍 Like and comment if you want to see more videos exploring the lives of early Latter-day Saint women.

#MormonHistory #SarahPratt #JosephSmith #OrsonPratt #JohnCBennett #LDSChurch #Polygamy #UntoldStories #NauvooScandal

]]> Sun, 03 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0600 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 3643 In this eye-opening episode, we uncover the long-suppressed story of Sarah Pratt, the wife of early LDS apostle Orson Pratt, and the explosive scandal that shook the foundations of Nauvoo in the 1840s. While Orson was away on a mission, Sarah found herself entangled in a bitter power struggle between Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and John C. Bennett, a former ally turned outspoken critic of Smith.

Accused of infidelity, Sarah became the target of vicious rumors, claims she always denied. But was she a victim of a smear campaign? And what role did early polygamy and shifting power dynamics play in what happened to her?

As Orson returned and ultimately accepted polygamy, rising within the church hierarchy, Sarah’s story faded into silence. Now, for the first time, we bring her narrative to light, revealing a complex, human story of loyalty, betrayal, and the hidden costs of religious authority.

🔔 Subscribe for more forgotten stories from Mormon history and beyond.
👍 Like and comment if you want to see more videos exploring the lives of early Latter-day Saint women.

#MormonHistory #SarahPratt #JosephSmith #OrsonPratt #JohnCBennett #LDSChurch #Polygamy #UntoldStories #NauvooScandal

]]> Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women No #7 The Cult That Started Polygamy Before The Mormons 7 7 #7 The Cult That Started Polygamy Before The Mormons full 7dd9087b-c3e6-41db-b31d-4a78150c5b49 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bc9eb6ba Before the mainstream Mormon Church embraced polygamy, another radical sect in the United States was already practicing it, and they were the ones who ended up being converted by the Mormons. In this episode, we dive deep into the little-known story of a cult-like religious group in early 19th-century Maine whose beliefs would profoundly shape early Mormon doctrine. 

Learn how eight of the twelve LDS apostles, sent as missionaries to England, encountered this group and then how their experiences helped influence the rise of polygamy in the church. Want to hear about Brigham Young's hot boy summer in Manchester and William Clayton's tell-all journals that look more like Love Island than missionary work? We gotchu.


]]> Before the mainstream Mormon Church embraced polygamy, another radical sect in the United States was already practicing it, and they were the ones who ended up being converted by the Mormons. In this episode, we dive deep into the little-known story of a cult-like religious group in early 19th-century Maine whose beliefs would profoundly shape early Mormon doctrine. 

Learn how eight of the twelve LDS apostles, sent as missionaries to England, encountered this group and then how their experiences helped influence the rise of polygamy in the church. Want to hear about Brigham Young's hot boy summer in Manchester and William Clayton's tell-all journals that look more like Love Island than missionary work? We gotchu.


]]> Sun, 27 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0600 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 4078 Before the mainstream Mormon Church embraced polygamy, another radical sect in the United States was already practicing it, and they were the ones who ended up being converted by the Mormons. In this episode, we dive deep into the little-known story of a cult-like religious group in early 19th-century Maine whose beliefs would profoundly shape early Mormon doctrine. 

Learn how eight of the twelve LDS apostles, sent as missionaries to England, encountered this group and then how their experiences helped influence the rise of polygamy in the church. Want to hear about Brigham Young's hot boy summer in Manchester and William Clayton's tell-all journals that look more like Love Island than missionary work? We gotchu.


]]> Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women No #6 The Sketchy Mayor/Controversial Children's Picture Book about Polygamy 6 6 #6 The Sketchy Mayor/Controversial Children's Picture Book about Polygamy full 31d31364-c141-464c-a464-767e8f33bd12 https://share.transistor.fm/s/57b211ed In this episode, we dive into the wild rise and fall of John C. Bennett, a man who swept into Nauvoo with charm and ambition, became the city's mayor, and then left a trail of scandal, betrayal, and chaos in his wake. From his political maneuvering to his secret spiritual wifery and eventual excommunication, Bennett’s story is a critical piece in understanding the backdrop of early Mormon polygamy. 

Then we fast forward to 2025, where a children's storybook about plural marriage recently made waves for its problematic moral lessons and highly sanitized take on one of the most fraught elements of church history. We talk about the backlash, the public response, and why packaging polygamy for kids is such a complicated and charged endeavor. 

Note: Since recording this episode, the children’s book has been edited due to the significant backlash it received. You can now find the revised version in the Church’s Gospel Library.

]]> In this episode, we dive into the wild rise and fall of John C. Bennett, a man who swept into Nauvoo with charm and ambition, became the city's mayor, and then left a trail of scandal, betrayal, and chaos in his wake. From his political maneuvering to his secret spiritual wifery and eventual excommunication, Bennett’s story is a critical piece in understanding the backdrop of early Mormon polygamy. 

Then we fast forward to 2025, where a children's storybook about plural marriage recently made waves for its problematic moral lessons and highly sanitized take on one of the most fraught elements of church history. We talk about the backlash, the public response, and why packaging polygamy for kids is such a complicated and charged endeavor. 

Note: Since recording this episode, the children’s book has been edited due to the significant backlash it received. You can now find the revised version in the Church’s Gospel Library.

]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2025 19:52:25 -0600 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 4108 In this episode, we dive into the wild rise and fall of John C. Bennett, a man who swept into Nauvoo with charm and ambition, became the city's mayor, and then left a trail of scandal, betrayal, and chaos in his wake. From his political maneuvering to his secret spiritual wifery and eventual excommunication, Bennett’s story is a critical piece in understanding the backdrop of early Mormon polygamy. 

Then we fast forward to 2025, where a children's storybook about plural marriage recently made waves for its problematic moral lessons and highly sanitized take on one of the most fraught elements of church history. We talk about the backlash, the public response, and why packaging polygamy for kids is such a complicated and charged endeavor. 

Note: Since recording this episode, the children’s book has been edited due to the significant backlash it received. You can now find the revised version in the Church’s Gospel Library.

]]> Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women No #5 Fires, Riots, and Murder in LDS History! 5 5 #5 Fires, Riots, and Murder in LDS History! full 615b9327-1c50-4071-9397-5eac85ed8756 https://share.transistor.fm/s/228ac595 Today, we're investigating a particularly chaotic period in LDS Church history, marked by significant religious turmoil and historical violence. The context of the Mormons' time in Missouri is a key part of the story to fully understand the people who later became involved in polygamy and what shaped their psyches to influence their controversial actions and beliefs. The roots of Blood Atonement, a secret vigilante group known as The Danites, and Mormon hostility towards the government (that would lead to an even bigger war years later) all stem from this time period.
Let's talk about it!

]]> Today, we're investigating a particularly chaotic period in LDS Church history, marked by significant religious turmoil and historical violence. The context of the Mormons' time in Missouri is a key part of the story to fully understand the people who later became involved in polygamy and what shaped their psyches to influence their controversial actions and beliefs. The roots of Blood Atonement, a secret vigilante group known as The Danites, and Mormon hostility towards the government (that would lead to an even bigger war years later) all stem from this time period.
Let's talk about it!

]]> Sun, 15 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0600 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 1715 Today, we're investigating a particularly chaotic period in LDS Church history, marked by significant religious turmoil and historical violence. The context of the Mormons' time in Missouri is a key part of the story to fully understand the people who later became involved in polygamy and what shaped their psyches to influence their controversial actions and beliefs. The roots of Blood Atonement, a secret vigilante group known as The Danites, and Mormon hostility towards the government (that would lead to an even bigger war years later) all stem from this time period.
Let's talk about it!

]]> History explained, mormon history, blood atonement, religious violence, violence in the 1830s, Missouri, extermination order, lds, mormonism, mormon wives, No #4 What Happened During the Polygamy Era? 4 4 #4 What Happened During the Polygamy Era? full 7d2ddf88-02a6-4521-98d6-2da842a97fba https://share.transistor.fm/s/709c8c6b Before diving into the jaw-dropping personal stories tied to polygamy in Mormon history, we’re stepping back to lay the groundwork. This episode breaks down the key events: from the Church's founding in 1830, through the rise of plural marriage, to its official end in 1904 when the LDS Church declared polygamists would be excommunicated.

But there’s more: we’ll also trace how these events splintered the movement, leading to the creation of major offshoots like the LDS, RLDS, and FLDS churches. If the history of Mormon polygamy feels confusing or fragmented, this episode will connect the dots—and probably surprise you in the process.

]]> Before diving into the jaw-dropping personal stories tied to polygamy in Mormon history, we’re stepping back to lay the groundwork. This episode breaks down the key events: from the Church's founding in 1830, through the rise of plural marriage, to its official end in 1904 when the LDS Church declared polygamists would be excommunicated.

But there’s more: we’ll also trace how these events splintered the movement, leading to the creation of major offshoots like the LDS, RLDS, and FLDS churches. If the history of Mormon polygamy feels confusing or fragmented, this episode will connect the dots—and probably surprise you in the process.

]]> Sun, 08 Jun 2025 08:04:11 -0600 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 3313 Before diving into the jaw-dropping personal stories tied to polygamy in Mormon history, we’re stepping back to lay the groundwork. This episode breaks down the key events: from the Church's founding in 1830, through the rise of plural marriage, to its official end in 1904 when the LDS Church declared polygamists would be excommunicated.

But there’s more: we’ll also trace how these events splintered the movement, leading to the creation of major offshoots like the LDS, RLDS, and FLDS churches. If the history of Mormon polygamy feels confusing or fragmented, this episode will connect the dots—and probably surprise you in the process.

]]> polygamy 1800s 1900s excommunication mormon wives mormonism Stassi D Cramm flds rlds lds latter day saints Joseph Smith Brigham Young Warren Jeffs Emma Smith Stassi D Cramm No #3 Fanny Alger: The Forgotten Beginning of Mormon Polygamy 3 3 #3 Fanny Alger: The Forgotten Beginning of Mormon Polygamy full 07b220df-eded-4d59-9bb6-eecdec71d6c4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1f98da4c This is the origin story for polygamy in Mormonism and where our jorney begins...
Sadly, we do not have any records from Fanny herself, but quite a number of people had things to say about her and Joseph Smith and we are diving into the sources that have been relied upon most heavily in their narrative. Was this the start of a holy practice sanctified by religion? Was it a scandalous affair? Or was it something else entirely?
Let's talk about it!

]]> This is the origin story for polygamy in Mormonism and where our jorney begins...
Sadly, we do not have any records from Fanny herself, but quite a number of people had things to say about her and Joseph Smith and we are diving into the sources that have been relied upon most heavily in their narrative. Was this the start of a holy practice sanctified by religion? Was it a scandalous affair? Or was it something else entirely?
Let's talk about it!

]]> Sun, 08 Jun 2025 06:20:49 -0600 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 3774 This is the origin story for polygamy in Mormonism and where our jorney begins...
Sadly, we do not have any records from Fanny herself, but quite a number of people had things to say about her and Joseph Smith and we are diving into the sources that have been relied upon most heavily in their narrative. Was this the start of a holy practice sanctified by religion? Was it a scandalous affair? Or was it something else entirely?
Let's talk about it!

]]> mormon founder mormon stories lds church john dehlin the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints salt lake mormon stories podcast joseph smith progressive mormon mormon beliefs church golden plates byu apologetics mormon polygamy utah mormons ex-mormon No #2: Leaving the LDS Church - Joslyn's Story 2 2 #2: Leaving the LDS Church - Joslyn's Story full a5214cb1-5c02-47cc-82db-a91a69716e70 https://share.transistor.fm/s/84ad6718 We decided to do this podcast together to have an open discussion from two different viewpoints. Last week, Kensley told some of her experience and her story of choosing to stay in the LDS Church and looking into Church History and particularly the history of polygamy. A lot of people asked to hear Joslyn's story who is no longer in the Church. In this episode, we talk about our upbringing, her experiences, what a faith transition can do to your life, and why it's important to have these kind of conversations with people from different perspectives.

]]> We decided to do this podcast together to have an open discussion from two different viewpoints. Last week, Kensley told some of her experience and her story of choosing to stay in the LDS Church and looking into Church History and particularly the history of polygamy. A lot of people asked to hear Joslyn's story who is no longer in the Church. In this episode, we talk about our upbringing, her experiences, what a faith transition can do to your life, and why it's important to have these kind of conversations with people from different perspectives.

]]> Sun, 08 Jun 2025 05:59:35 -0600 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 2580 We decided to do this podcast together to have an open discussion from two different viewpoints. Last week, Kensley told some of her experience and her story of choosing to stay in the LDS Church and looking into Church History and particularly the history of polygamy. A lot of people asked to hear Joslyn's story who is no longer in the Church. In this episode, we talk about our upbringing, her experiences, what a faith transition can do to your life, and why it's important to have these kind of conversations with people from different perspectives.

]]> exmormon, leaving the church, mormonism, religion, latter day saints, mormon, sisters not wives, polygamy, mixed faith No #1: Mormon Polygamy from Female Perspectives 1 1 #1: Mormon Polygamy from Female Perspectives full aa6c664f-ad2d-4b31-bc7d-ee541f1c25c4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6b175100 Welcome to the first episode of our podcast Sisters Not Wives where we are looking at the history of Mormon polygamy from a female lens. This topic that has always been controversial and hence silenced and suppressed in the past and today. We're two sisters openly discussing the history of polygamy in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as Mormon polygamy; what actually happened and how it still is impacting our beliefs, culture, and lives.

Polygamy is generally either dismissed as irrelevant because the LDS church doesn't actively practice it today or it's quickly explained away using logical fallacies or claims to authority. Yet, issues such as divorce, celestial marriage, gender inequality, obedience, motherhood, fatherhood, loneliness, and many more are topics that are more relevant than ever in our day and all have roots in polygamy. So let's talk about it...

]]> Welcome to the first episode of our podcast Sisters Not Wives where we are looking at the history of Mormon polygamy from a female lens. This topic that has always been controversial and hence silenced and suppressed in the past and today. We're two sisters openly discussing the history of polygamy in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as Mormon polygamy; what actually happened and how it still is impacting our beliefs, culture, and lives.

Polygamy is generally either dismissed as irrelevant because the LDS church doesn't actively practice it today or it's quickly explained away using logical fallacies or claims to authority. Yet, issues such as divorce, celestial marriage, gender inequality, obedience, motherhood, fatherhood, loneliness, and many more are topics that are more relevant than ever in our day and all have roots in polygamy. So let's talk about it...

]]> Thu, 05 Jun 2025 20:27:41 -0600 Kensley and Joslyn Hatch Kensley and Joslyn Hatch 3417 Welcome to the first episode of our podcast Sisters Not Wives where we are looking at the history of Mormon polygamy from a female lens. This topic that has always been controversial and hence silenced and suppressed in the past and today. We're two sisters openly discussing the history of polygamy in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as Mormon polygamy; what actually happened and how it still is impacting our beliefs, culture, and lives.

Polygamy is generally either dismissed as irrelevant because the LDS church doesn't actively practice it today or it's quickly explained away using logical fallacies or claims to authority. Yet, issues such as divorce, celestial marriage, gender inequality, obedience, motherhood, fatherhood, loneliness, and many more are topics that are more relevant than ever in our day and all have roots in polygamy. So let's talk about it...

]]> Mormonism, church history, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, polygamy, women No