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In this episode of the Great and Spacious podcast, your hosts aaaAAAaaa, Abigail, Abish, Moroni, and special guest Claudia bring you humor, history, and cocktails. Broadcasting live from the Great and Spacious building—and Los Angeles—they set the tone with witty banter and sharp commentary. Moroni cracks wise about being the golden statue on the temple, and Abigail shares her modern pioneer trek to California.

The conversation smoothly transitions to a discussion on traveling logistics, eventually zeroing in on the episode’s theme: comparing women's and men's organizations in the church. Abish introduces the "Retrenchment Ricky," a cost-saving drink inspired by early young women's organizational principles, while Claudia describes the "Proof of Peter's Priesthood," a potent cocktail symbolizing the church's male authority structure. The segment ends declaring Abigail and Abish’s concoction the winner.

Scriptures: [00:14:13]
aaaAAAaaa leads a dive into D&C 21-23, highlighting Joseph Smith's self-assigned titles and the convenience of his revelations. He humorously tackles the concept of "dead works" in section 22 and the seemingly redundant practice of re-baptism. In section 23, he explores revelations given to five individuals, emphasizing their duties and the lack of condemnation, all while interspersing personal anecdotes and humorous commentary.

Church Teachings: [00:27:36]
Abish steers the discussion towards the Relief Society, juxtaposing it with an unrelated tangent about "Feet World" before diving deep into church teachings. She critiques the Relief Society's motto, "charity never faileth," and its mission to prepare women for eternal life. Referencing "Daughters in My Kingdom," she expresses frustration with its portrayal of women’s roles, emphasizing the contradiction between church-prescribed activities and the prophet’s warnings against external involvement.

The hosts share their personal experiences with gender roles in the church, highlighting the disparities between young men and women’s preparations for future roles. They critique the systemic issues, noting the lack of meaningful leadership training for young women and the unrealistic pressures on men to be sole providers. The discussion calls for more realistic and equitable approaches to preparing young people for adult responsibilities, critiquing recent changes in church leadership structure.

History: [01:30:00]
Abigail, a bit tipsy from the themed cocktails, recounts the early history of the Relief Society. She delves into the 1842 origins, Sarah Granger Kimball's and Margaret A. Cook's initial efforts, and Joseph Smith’s patriarchal oversight. The episode highlights Emma Smith’s presidency, the society's rapid growth, and the underlying tensions, including polygamy’s role in the organization’s early days.

Abigail explores the conflicts between Emma Smith’s public condemnation of polygamy and Joseph Smith’s secretive practices. She discusses how these tensions led to the suspension of the Relief Society and its eventual disbandment by Brigham Young. Despite this, women continued informal charitable activities, and Eliza R. Snow played a pivotal role in the society's revival.

The discussion shifts to women’s contributions in medical care, education, and community support. Abigail highlights the Relief Society's role in Utah's ear

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Send us a Digital Epistle

Join us on this special holiday episode of High… on a Mountain Top where we hear from long time listener Fanny about growing up in the church, her de-conversion story, and her experience going to LDS Family Services when she got pregnant at 16 years old. We are also high, so what would have probably been a 30 minute story is 2 hours of tangents and sometimes way more info than you wanted about aaaAAAaaa and Abigail.

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Send us a Digital Epistle

Join us for another enlightening episode where we chat about life’s little absurdities. We dive into the wonderful world of cocktails with "Bubbly Baptism." Tipsy times ensue as we also explore Taco Bell's latest Cheez-It creations and the joy of stretchy maternity pants. Featuring our witty hosts Abigail, Moroni, aaaAAAaaa, Abish, and special guest Claudia.

Scriptures: [00:07:59]
Get ready for a rollicking ride through the Doctrine and Covenants 20. Claudia and Abish tag team as we deconstruct Joseph Smith’s grandiose declarations, while sprinkling in personal anecdotes and a playful critique of church doctrines. The hosts hilariously break down Joseph Smith’s self-aggrandizement, focusing on belief, baptism, and a dose of sarcasm.

Church Teachings: [00:50:26]
Dive deep into the organizational chaos of early Mormonism with aaaAAAaaa's comedic take on the second half of D&C 20. From the duties of apostles and priests to the specifics of baptism and sacrament prayers, it's all here. The hosts' humorous asides, including stories about scout camp and Lagoon adventures, make this segment a memorable mix of history and hilarity.

History: [01:07:09]
We start with tales from Australia, where Abigail and aaaAAAaaa lament their platypus-less adventure. Then, it’s on to the main event: Joseph F. Smith. Born amidst chaos in Far West, Missouri, and shaped by trauma, his life was marked by hardship, racism, and controversial decisions. From early marriages to missionary misadventures, this segment uncovers the tumultuous life of one of Mormonism’s most notorious figures.
Joseph F. Smith: a man of many grudges and a violent temper. This segment highlights his notorious outbursts, including physical attacks and threats, his struggle with tobacco addiction, and his vendetta against those who crossed him. Smith’s life was a storm of aggression and personal vendettas.
Smith’s treatment of his wife, Levira, is laid bare. From physical abuse to derogatory comments, his actions led to Levira’s eventual escape and lifelong independence. This segment sheds light on the grim realities of his personal life and the enduring strength of Levira.
During his mission, Smith didn’t shy away from wielding power. Excommunications were rampant, often for trivial reasons, showcasing his authoritarian streak. His disdain for those who defied him and his prejudiced views are explored with our signature sarcastic twist.
He did, however, have moments of self-awareness. In his later years, he advised his son to avoid his own mistakes, highlighting the importance of self-control. This brief moment of introspection is a stark contrast to the rest of his life’s turmoil.
We wrap up with our final thoughts on Joseph F. Smith. Despite his controversial actions, he is a figure who left a lasting impact on Mormon history. Levira and her cow Cherry receive a nod of sympathy, and we hope Levira found peace after her tumultuous marriage. Join us as we close the book on Joseph F. Smith and prepare for the next fascinating chapter in our journey.

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Send us a Digital Epistle

Welcome to another episode of the Great and Spacious podcast, where the hair colors are debatable, the beards are optional, and the sarcasm is eternal. Your hosts Moroni, Abigail, Abish, and aaaAAAaaa kick things off with a raucous introduction, poking fun at their questionable life choices and each other. Fresh from a mind-bending weekend at the EDC rave in Las Vegas, they share tales of dancing till dawn and dodging drug offers like pros. The cocktail of the episode, the "Eternal Punish-Mint Mojito," gets a special shout-out, paired with some Trader Joe's goodies and a hefty dose of irreverent banter to set the mood.

Scriptures: [00:11:58]
Dive into Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) Chapter 19 like you've never heard it before. Abish takes the lead, recounting her struggles with Googling "D&C" and ending up with medical results instead of scriptures. Sharing her own D&C procedure story, she mixes humor and candor, setting the stage for a hilarious reinterpretation of the scriptures. With ChatGPT's help, the verses come alive in the voice of Regina George from Mean Girls, transforming Jesus into the ultimate high school queen bee. Think "facts, no printer" and "sparkling punishment" as the hosts dissect the absurdity and brilliance of this sassy biblical remix. Along the way, they touch on beloved and loathed media tropes, street scouting misadventures, and other pop culture antics, keeping the laughs rolling.

Church Teachings: [00:30:30]
AaaAAAaaa takes us on a rollercoaster ride through Doctrine and Covenants 19, unraveling the mysteries of eternal punishment. From Joseph Smith's debt dealings to Martin Harris' farm-financing woes, the historical backdrop sets the stage for a deep dive into divine justice. The hosts tackle "eternal" and "endless" punishment, questioning the logic and fairness of a loving God doling out such harsh penalties. With a healthy dose of skepticism and humor, they compare Jesus' described suffering to an over-the-top Gatorade commercial, highlighting the absurdity of religious hyperbole. Questions from the church manual spark critical and humorous reflections, challenging the traditional interpretations and providing a fresh, irreverent perspective on age-old teachings.

History: [01:05:13]
Abigail, our resident historian with a flair for the dramatic, takes the mic in a delightfully inebriated state to lighten the mood with tales of Utah's "coolest city." Inspired by "Drunk History," she explores the origins of Fort Buenaventura, established by fur trapper Miles Goodyear in 1846, predating the Mormon pioneers. The narrative weaves through Goodyear's interactions with the Shoshone and the fort's transformation into Ogden, blending historical facts with playful commentary. The story then shifts to the railroad's impact, telegraph lines, and the legendary meeting of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads at Promontory Summit in 1869.

The segment is peppered with humorous anecdotes, from Leland Stanford's Golden Spike mishap to Ogden's evolution into "Junction City." The hosts revel in Ogden's colorful past, from brothels and gambling dens to urban legends about Prohibition-era tunnels. They celebrate Ogden's revitalization and cultural significance, noting famous figures like firearms inventor John Moses Browning. With its unique character and rich history, Ogden emerges as a city of contrasts, ro

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Send us a Digital Epistle

In this lively and humorous introduction to the "Great and Spacious Podcast," the hosts dive into a spontaneous and playful conversation about capybaras. Abigail, Moroni, Abish, aaaAAAaaa, and Claudia share a mix of humor and banter as they correct each other on capybara facts, peppered with personal anecdotes and workplace mishaps. Highlighting their camaraderie, they segue into introducing the cocktail of the day, the "Quo-Rum of the 12," before teasing upcoming segments and taking a break for sponsors.

Scriptures: [00:14:54]
aaaAAAaaa tackles the scriptures segment, opting to read verbatim despite his initial plan to rewrite notes. Delving into a revelation to Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer in 1829 about apostleship and church building, the hosts humorously critique Oliver Cowdery's persistent questioning and mock interpretative nuances. Playful banter ensues over the "gates of hell" and deciphering scriptural complexities, intertwined with irreverent jests about the names of God and Jesus.

Church Teachings: [00:42:50]
Moroni leads a discussion on recent Mormon Church practices, focusing on temple construction, especially the controversial Lone Mountain Temple in Las Vegas. He humorously critiques temple metrics under President Russell M. Nelson, questioning the rationale behind global temple proliferation amidst declining membership. The hosts poke fun at zoning disputes over temple height and the concept of "lying for the Lord," exploring historical instances and personal discomforts within temple rites. They wrap with ethical reflections on institutional integrity and the future of temple use.

History: [01:10:33]
Abigail delves into the history segment, recounting Short Creek's polygamous saga and the rise of leaders like "Uncle Roy." From early integration attempts to the infamous 1953 raid, the podcast navigates tensions between religious autonomy and state intervention. She dissects the raid's impact on fundamentalist Mormon communities, highlighting media scrutiny, legal battles, and community resilience amidst upheaval. The segment concludes with reflections on lasting implications for polygamous groups and the complex legacy of government actions in religious contexts.

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It's pride month, and Moroni wanted to celebrate by inviting his partner Reuben to tell his story of sneaking into the temple as a non-member. So join Moroni, Reuben, Abigail, and aaaAAAaaa on this Ocean's level temple high-st.

Reuben recalls all of the preparatory work getting ready to experience the temple for the first time, memorizing handshakes and secret phrases, as well as almost getting caught trying on temple clothes at Moroni's mom's house.

Then, Moroni recounts some back story of his fascination bordering on obsession with the temple, his eventual realization that it is all bullshit, and his decision to start pushing the envelope on what he could get away with when he realized that the power of discernment is merely just a person's own ability to discern.

Finally, we get Reuben's experience going through a proxy temple session and all of the things that he took note of while doing it, and as a bonus Abigail and Moroni share some of their experiences and thoughts about the temple.

So, sit back, pop an edible, and see if you can follow a bunch of high people getting through a story that, with sober people, would have maybe been 30 minutes at best!

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Welcome to another thrilling episode of The Great and Spacious Podcast, where opening lines are as elusive as Moroni’s plates. Abigail, our resident opener-flubber, dives into her specialty of comedic intros, proving once again that she’s much better at goodbyes. Moroni and aaaAAAaaa join in the banter, setting the stage for Abigail’s drink segment featuring the illustrious "Uncle Roy's Prairie Surprise," a gin concoction so wild it might just convert you back.

The hosts don’t stop there, spiraling into personal tales and tangents about time travel, historical mishaps, and last episode’s genealogical deep dive into Abigail’s ancestor. They dabble in the latest pop culture obsessions, dissecting the ethical dilemmas of "The Circle" and the dystopian delights of "Fallout." As the segment wraps, they tease the scripture deep dive up next—because nothing says entertainment like poking fun at divine revelations.

Scriptures: [00:13:14]
Moroni takes center stage, scrutinizing the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) sections 15, 16, and 17, turning what some see as holy writ into a comedy sketch. First up is Section 15, where God supposedly tells John Whitmer to, surprise, preach repentance. Our hosts find this less than revelatory, mocking the banality of the divine directive.

Section 16’s déjà vu moment features Peter Whitmer, Jr., with almost identical content to Section 15. The hosts hilariously question the originality of Joseph Smith’s cut-and-paste revelations. And then there's Section 17, starring Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris. The hosts have a field day with the “conditional” nature of witnessing the gold plates, suggesting it’s less a vision and more a strategic move to validate Joseph Smith’s prophetic claims.

With biting humor and a healthy dose of skepticism, they conclude that these scriptures are more about repetitive rhetoric than divine inspiration.

Church Teachings: [00:24:40]
aaaAAAaaa steps up to tackle the church teachings on the testimonies of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon. Amidst a barrage of witty remarks, the host reads the official testimonies, pointing out the miraculous yet suspiciously vague nature of these spiritual experiences.

The discussion veers into the logistics and plausibility of these testimonies, suggesting that seeing the plates by "the power of God" is conveniently unverifiable. They humorously question the financial motivations behind the witnesses’ claims, hinting that divine revelation might come with a price tag.

Blending humor with critical analysis, this segment encourages listeners to look beyond the surface of these historical testimonies and consider the broader implications.

History: [00:48:15]
Abigail picks up the story of her ancestor, Warren Marshall Johnson, whose life reads like a tragic novel with a hint of dark comedy. Starting with the family’s diphtheria-induced decimation and eerie family photos, the hosts transition to 20th-century Mormonism and the end of polygamy—or not, as some members conveniently ignored the 1890 manifesto.

Johnson’s story continues with his move to Wyoming, a severe spinal injury, and the harsh realities of pioneer life. Despite building a log cabin and enduring brutal winters, Johnson’s injury worsened, leading to a gruesome death and an ironic reburial due t

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In a playful banter, the hosts reminisce about the song "Peaches" by The Presidents of the United States of America, sparking memories of discovering its true meaning through the ChaCha text service. They jest about modern high-tech services like human-operated Amazon stores and a quirky incident at the Kansas City Airport. Introducing their signature drink, the "Moronic Peachhood," they share tales of whiskey procurement mishaps and a humorous nod to their sponsor.

Scriptures
aaaAAAaaa leads a comedic exploration of D&C sections 11-14, teasing out repetitive themes, biblical references, and vivid agricultural imagery. Amid jokes about the scriptures' hidden innuendos and the quirky revelations to Joseph Smith, the hosts discuss the restoration of the Aaronic priesthood, infusing the discussion with pop culture references and irreverent humor.

Church Teachings
Abish delves into Mormon temple teachings, blending ADHD-induced tangents with critiques of temple construction logistics and costs. From jokes about temple covenants resembling paid subscriptions to mocking the solemnity of temple recommend interviews, the hosts offer a humorous yet critical analysis. They touch on topics ranging from the repression of joy in temple settings to historic church teachings on abuse victims, peppered with internet trends and ghostly encounters.

History
Abigail recounts the tragic tale of Warren Marshall Johnson and his family's struggles at Lee's Ferry. From Permelia's encounter with a black widow spider to the devastating diphtheria outbreak that claimed half of Permilia's children, the story unfolds with heart-wrenching detail. Despite isolation and oversight from Church authorities, Warren's unwavering faith guides the family through unimaginable hardships, underscoring their resilience amidst adversity in the harsh landscape of the late 19th century frontier.

Tune in for a blend of wit, sarcasm, and historical insight as the hosts navigate through peaches, priesthood, and tragic tales in this latest episode.

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