Last Podcast on the Left: Episode 609 Summary

Title: Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell - The Doomsday Murders Part I - Beyond The Veil
Release Date: February 21, 2025
Hosts: Henry Zebrowski, Marcus Parks, Ed Larson
Podcast Network: The Last Podcast Network
Duration Covered: [00:00] – [115:05]

1. Introduction

In Episode 609, The Last Podcast on the Left delves into the chilling true crime case of Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell, exploring their descent into a doomsday cult that led to multiple murders. The hosts provide an in-depth analysis of their backgrounds, belief systems, and the factors that culminated in their heinous actions.

2. Hosts and Podcast Context

Description:
The episode is hosted by Henry Zebrowski, Marcus Parks, and Ed Larson, known for their engaging and often irreverent take on true crime and horror stories. While the episode begins with banter and humorous exchanges, the focus swiftly shifts to the grim subject matter.

3. Overview of Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell

Key Points:

• Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell were self-styled Mormon end-times prophets.
• Their extremist beliefs led them to commit at least four murders in 2019, including the deaths of Lori's children.
• Lori has been convicted and sentenced, while Chad awaits trial for the murder of Tammy Daybell.

Notable Quote:

"Lori Valo is probably one of the more frightening human beings we will cover on Last Podcast on the Left."
— Henry Zebrowski [08:11]

4. Mormonism and Its Influence

Key Points:

• The hosts discuss how fundamentalist interpretations of Mormonism can lead to extreme behaviors.
• Concepts like "blood atonement" and near-death experiences (NDEs) play a pivotal role in Chad and Lori’s worldview.
• The distinction between mainstream Mormonism and its fringe, survivalist offshoots is highlighted.

Notable Quote:

"The left and right sides. You're on your left, and you're on your right. Taxonomy."
— Henry Zebrowski [05:46] (Note: This quote appears out of context and may be an editing error; if relevant, include appropriately.)

5. Chad Daybell's Background and Rise

Key Points:

• Chad Daybell was born in 1968 in Springville, Utah, a predominantly Mormon town.
• A near-death experience at 18, while cliff jumping, profoundly influenced his beliefs, granting him what he described as the "gift of discernment."
• This experience fueled his conviction in fighting perceived evil forces, leading him to author apocalyptic novels and engage with online survivalist forums.

Notable Quote:

"Chad Daybell is the least charismatic human to ever exist."
— Henry Zebrowski [09:38]

6. Publications and Ideological Development

Key Points:

• Chad authored several poorly received novels that intertwined Mormon eschatology with apocalyptic scenarios.
• His publishing efforts included works from other NDE authors, further cementing his status within the fringe community.
• The failure of his publishing company led him to focus more intensely on his doomsday beliefs and survivalist activities.

Notable Quote:

"His writing is terrible. Rife with clichés, plot holes, and extraneous punctuation."
— Ed Larson [77:09]

7. Influence of Tom Harrison and "Visions of Glory"

Key Points:

• Tom Harrison's book, Visions of Glory, played a significant role in shaping Chad and Lori's extremist views.
• Harrison's apocalyptic visions and claims of secret knowledge resonated with Chad, influencing his own doctrines.
• The endorsement of Harrison’s work by an LDS apostle lent unwarranted credibility to Chad’s beliefs.

Notable Quote:

"Tom Harrison is viewed as a true prophet. They are scheming to flip the entire Mormon Church."
— Henry Zebrowski [59:28]

8. Preparing a People Group and Cult Formation

Key Points:

• Chad aligned with "Preparing a People" (PAP), a group focused on Mormon survivalism and doomsday prepping.
• PAP's podcasts and conferences amplified Chad’s influence, attracting like-minded individuals primarily from fringe Mormon communities.
• The formation of their cult was characterized by apocalyptic prophecies, survivalist tactics, and the mobilization of followers to prepare for the end times.

Notable Quote:

"Chad Daybell began his career as an absolutely God awful novelist."
— Henry Zebrowski [74:39]

9. Path to the Doomsday Murders

Key Points:

• Chad’s and Lori’s increasing obsession with apocalyptic visions led them to see their actions as justified within their belief system.
• The murders were rationalized as necessary to eliminate "zombies" and enemies of their envisioned new world.
• The culmination of their distorted beliefs resulted in the tragic deaths of Lori’s children and other family members.

Notable Quote:

"This tale is what happens when people let their fantasies take over their entire lives."
— Ed Larson [09:38]

10. Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Key Points:

• The episode sets the stage for Part II, which will delve deeper into Lori Vallow’s role, her family dynamics, and the full scope of their criminal activities.
• The hosts emphasize the complexity of their case, illustrating the dangers of extremist beliefs intertwined with charismatic leadership.

Notable Quote:

"What really creates the actual very, very dark edge of Chad Daybell is going to be what Lori Valo brings to the table and her family."
— Henry Zebrowski [108:32]

Key Themes and Insights

• Extremist Interpretation of Religions: The case exemplifies how fringe interpretations of religious doctrines can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
• Charismatic Leadership: Despite being described as non-charismatic, Chad Daybell leveraged online platforms and aligned with influential figures to attract and manipulate followers.
• Psychological Manipulation: The use of NDEs and apocalyptic narratives served as tools for justifying heinous acts within the cult.
• Isolation and Echo Chambers: The insular nature of their belief system, reinforced by exclusive forums and media, created an echo chamber that isolated them from mainstream scrutiny.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Henry Zebrowski [08:11]: "Lori Valo is probably one of the more frightening human beings we will cover on Last Podcast on the Left."
• Ed Larson [09:38]: "His writing is terrible. Rife with clichés, plot holes, and extraneous punctuation."
• Henry Zebrowski [59:28]: "Tom Harrison is viewed as a true prophet. They are scheming to flip the entire Mormon Church."
• Ed Larson [77:09]: "His writing is terrible. Rife with clichés, plot holes, and extraneous punctuation."
• Henry Zebrowski [108:32]: "What really creates the actual very, very dark edge of Chad Daybell is going to be what Lori Valo brings to the table and her family."

Conclusion

Episode 609 offers a comprehensive examination of Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell's transformation from religious adherents to murderers within a doomsday cult framework. By dissecting their involvement with extremist Mormon beliefs, near-death experiences, and survivalist communities, the hosts shed light on the mechanisms that drive ordinary individuals towards extraordinary evil. Part II promises to unravel further layers of their dark narrative, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of this modern true crime phenomenon.