The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds 716 - Brigham Young - Part Two
Jan 13, 2026
In a riveting exploration, the hosts cover Brigham Young's tumultuous life, from fleeing a bank collapse in Ohio to igniting tensions in Missouri. They delve into secret vigilante groups, contentious expulsion from Missouri, and Brigham's challenging mission in England, leading to mass conversions. The podcast examines Joseph Smith's controversial polygamy practices and the ensuing power struggles in Nauvoo, culminating in the tragic deaths of Joseph and Hiram. The episode tantalizingly ends with Brigham's secretive escape and plans for a new Zion.
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Power Through Purges And Loyalists
- The church repeatedly purged dissenters and surrounded leaders with loyalists to consolidate power.
- Dave and Gareth highlight how Joseph Smith and Brigham Young used organization and loyal networks to control the movement.
Secret Vigilantes Enforcing Loyalty
- The Danites and similar oath-bound groups enforced internal loyalty by threatening violence against dissenters.
- Dave and Gareth describe secret vigilante groups forming to 'cleanse the church of very great evils.'
Sacred Geography Escalated Conflict
- Claiming sacred geography (like Adam-ondi-Ahman) raised tensions as Mormons designated Missouri as divinely important.
- The hosts note how prophetic claims transformed local land disputes into existential conflicts.
