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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

Follow us on Insta @gr8_and_spacious, Twitter @gr8andspacious, and Reddit u/gr8_and_spacious for behind-the-scenes shenanigans, hilarious memes, and maybe even a sneak peek at our next episode..
If you've got a burning question, a hilarious anecdote, or just want to say hi, shoot us an epistle at greatandspaciouspod@gmail.com.
And don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review of our podcast!

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.

Follow us on Insta @gr8_and_spacious, Twitter @gr8andspacious, and Reddit u/gr8_and_spacious for behind-the-scenes shenanigans, hilarious memes, and maybe even a sneak peek at our next episode..
If you've got a burning question, a hilarious anecdote, or just want to say hi, shoot us an epistle at greatandspaciouspod@gmail.com.
And don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review of our podcast!

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.

Follow us on Insta @gr8_and_spacious, Twitter @gr8andspacious, and Reddit u/gr8_and_spacious for behind-the-scenes shenanigans, hilarious memes, and maybe even a sneak peek at our next episode..
If you've got a burning question, a hilarious anecdote, or just want to say hi, shoot us an epistle at greatandspaciouspod@gmail.com.
And don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review of our podcast!