Joanne, an author and former polygamist, shares her journey through the unconventional world of extreme Mormonism. She recounts her experiences in a Utah town filled with prophetic visions and peculiar rituals. The conversation dives into the complexities of polygamous relationships, navigating intimacy, and the emotional challenges women face. Joanne reflects on the importance of self-identity, the healing power of admitting failure, and raising awareness about cultic abuse. Her insightful stories blend humor and heart, inviting listeners to explore freedom beyond traditional beliefs.
Joanne's transition from traditional marriage to polygamy reveals the emotional complexities and challenges women face in such relationships.
The podcast explores how the community's unconventional beliefs about reincarnation and prophetic visions contributed to a shared identity and eventual questioning of these doctrines.
Deep dives
Joanne's Transition to Polygamy
Joanne Hanks recounts her transition from a traditional marriage to a polygamous lifestyle after her husband, Jeff, marries a teenager named Judith. Initially, the dynamic is challenging, with Joanne feeling overwhelmed by household duties while Judith has the freedom to interact playfully with her children, leading to tension. Over time, as they navigate this new family structure, Joanne and Judith develop a friendship, yet the underlying complexities of their situation remain, particularly as Joanne deals with feelings of jealousy and loneliness. This situation highlights the emotional turbulence often found within polygamous relationships, especially when the partner takes on a much younger spouse.
Religious Beliefs and Past Lives
The podcast delves into the unconventional beliefs held by Joanne and her community, including the practice of baptism for the dead, derived from their interpretation of Mormon doctrine. This sect believes in reincarnation, leading many members to identify as historical figures from the past, such as Judith claiming to have been Queen Elizabeth I. The imaginative nature of these beliefs encourages a sense of connection to historical relevance and reinforces the community's identity. Additionally, the concept of 'the law of multiple moral probations' adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that members could have been notable individuals in various historical times, which fuels their desire for significance.
Leaving the Community and Finding Independence
As the community's expectations and prophetic claims about the second coming of Christ prove unfulfilling over time, Joanne and her husband begin to question their beliefs, leading them to a pivotal decision to leave. They confront the harsh realities of having dedicated their lives to what they ultimately perceive as a cult, marked by manipulation and false promises. This journey of leaving involves significant personal sacrifices and challenges, including grappling with societal perceptions of failure. After departing, Joanne learns to embrace her autonomy and develops a newfound sense of self-worth, ultimately discovering joy and independence in a secular life free from the constraints of their former religious dogma.
Faced with the fear of an impending apocalypse, Joanne and her husband move to a small Utah town to live "Mormonism on steroids", which means wearing long underwear, communicating with the dead, prophetic visions, odd temple rituals, cookies with Jesus, and the law of celestial marriage (i.e. polygamy).
If you or someone you know has been in a cult and want to share your story, contact us at info@wasiinacult.com. We'd love to hear from you.
Link to Joanne's Book, "It's Not About Sex My Ass: Confessions of an Ex-Mormon Ex-Polygamist Ex-Wife": https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-About-Sex-Ex-Polygamist-ebook/dp/B008Q4D6E4
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode