The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds

Episode 715 - Brigham Young, Part One

Release Date: January 6, 2026
Main Theme:
Comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds dive into the early life of Brigham Young and the wild, winding beginnings of Mormonism. Through their trademark comedic banter and irreverence, they trace how Young moved from poverty in Vermont to becoming one of the central figures in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—all while riffing on 19th-century hardships, early American religious weirdness, and the origins of Mormon scripture.

Episode Overview

In this first of a four-part series, Dave tells Gareth about the formative years of Brigham Young: his hardscrabble upbringing, the family’s struggles, and how the Youngs ended up swept up in the fervor of early American religious revival. They then trace the founding stories of Mormonism, pondering its unbelievable claims and cultish growth, all while layering in trademark comic tangents and biting observations about belief, cults, and the human need for certainty.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Early Life of Brigham Young

Brigham Young is introduced as a “massive” figure in American history deserving a four-part Dollop deep-dive.
- [03:16]
- "This is my boy. This is our boy. ... Four parter." — Dave
Young is born in abject poverty in Whittingham, Vermont, the 9th child of John and “Nabby” Young.
- [03:39]
- His father, John, endured indentured servitude at age six, then joined the Revolutionary Army.
- [06:03]
Hardships abound: chronic poverty, lack of shoes and hats, and frequent moves around New England.
- [08:21]
- “In my youthful days, instead of going to school, I had to chop logs ... barefooted. And if I had on a pair of pants that would cover me, I did pretty well.” — Brigham Young [08:31]
Parental loss and family split: Nabi dies of consumption, scattering the children among relatives.
- [09:50]
- Strict father, limited Sunday fun: “He wasn't allowed to walk more than 30 minutes on a Sunday because...John's strict religious beliefs.” [10:46]

2. Religious Context and American Weirdness

The “burned-over district” in upstate New York—where Brigham and his family relocate—breeds new religious movements and sects (including the Shakers, Quakers, Methodists, etc.).
- [12:34]
- “There was probably a lot of Christian sex too. … Shakers, Quakers, God makers.” [12:41-12:44]
Even within his own family, different shades of religious enthusiasm abound—some official preachers, others “rogue” and unaffiliated.
- [13:00]
- “His youngest brother was a rogue preacher, not affiliated with the church … just preaching the word of God.” [13:13]
Brigham is resistant to religious fervor—"not really into any specific belief," despite heavy family pressure.
- [12:52 - 12:58]

3. The Arrival of Mormonism

The Book of Mormon is introduced by Samuel H. Smith (Joseph’s brother) to the Youngs and their extended circle.
- [17:57]
Conversion is slow for Brigham:
- “I was not baptized on hearing the first sermon nor the second nor during the first year of my acquaintance with this work.” — Brigham, [20:41]
- Practical considerations (family pressure, possibility of financial reward, the newness of the faith) all play roles in his eventual conversion.
- “If your family's into it…it makes family reunions and Thanksgiving weird if you're not.” [21:59]
Burgeoning Mormon converts in the family spark curiosity, but Brigham's initial skepticism about the faith's wild claims is made clear.

4. Joseph Smith and the Dawn of the New Faith

Dave and Gareth delve deep into the story of Joseph Smith—the classic American religious entrepreneur.
- Tales of gold digging, visions, and angelic visitations.
- Encounters with the angel Moroni (“like baloney, but with an M”) and the golden plates.
  - [35:02]
  - “This was actually Moroni. ... I'm like baloney, but with an M, but different.” — Gareth as Moroni [34:57]
The plates and their translation: Joseph dictates from behind a curtain, “using magical spectacles” — a foundational, but bizarre detail for the faith.
- [44:05]
- “Joseph is behind a curtain, alone with the plates. He dictates them. And then Martin writes.” [44:38]
Early doctrinal hiccups and mishaps, including the infamous lost 116 pages, which God conveniently tells Joseph to ignore and just keep going.
- [59:04]
- “God, however, was forgiving and said don't worry about the first 116 pages. Just start from page 117.” — Dave [59:14]
Financial sacrifices: Martin Harris covers the printing costs, cementing the pattern of monetary and personal risk among early converts.

5. Growth, Outlandish Claims, and Race in Early Mormonism

The theology of the Book of Mormon: Israelites in America, Jesus’s post-resurrection visit to the New World, the “Nephites” and “Lamanites.”
- [63:46]
- “Jesus appears to them after his resurrection in America.” [64:02]
Controversial racial teachings:
- “[Native Americans] are the Lamanites—the bad guys. In the Book of Mormon, ‘with a skin of blackness’ ... but one day they would accept the gospel and become a, quote, white and delightsome people.” [64:16-64:41]
The Church of Christ (soon the Church of Latter Day Saints) starts with only 40-50 members—Brigham is truly an early adopter.
- [65:08]

6. Spread, Missions, and Internal Struggles

Brigham’s missionary work: 40 meetings, 14 converts.
- [68:32]
- “That's not bad. That's not great, because it's a crazy idea." [68:33]
Introduction of church hierarchy and committees—“Quorum of the 12 Apostles,” “the 70”—classic organizational tactics to give everyone a role and stave off dissent.
- [79:02]
- “Joseph would go on sprees of invented committees and authoritative bodies and then not make it clear where authority lay…he’s literally putting guys into groups so they feel better about themselves.” [80:07]

7. Mormon Banking Scheme and Disaster

The Kirtland Safety Society—a semi-official bank, unlicensed yet endorsed by the prophet, triggers boom and bust dynamics.
- [88:52–90:37]
- “Brigham, quote, invested $7 for 2,000 shares. But then their bank charter wasn’t approved by the government, so it’s technically illegal.” [89:36]
Faith replaces financial sense; “Kirtland bills are as safe as gold” becomes a crypto-like refrain.
- “If the doubters would just get in line, it would all be okay. It’s crypto. It’s crypto.” — Dave [91:39]
Predictable collapse and mass disillusionment, followed by classic cult leader tactics (denouncing defectors as traitors, apocalyptic prophesying, etc.).

8. Infighting and Brigham’s Loyalty

Joseph Smith’s volatile leadership and emotional instability alienate supporters; yet Brigham remains steadfast, interpreting every disaster as a test of faith.
- [84:20] “He was called of God. God dictated him. And if he had a mind to leave him, let him commit an error, that was no business of mine.” [96:14]
Division and mob pressure force the Saints out of Ohio, setting up the next chapter in Mormon migration.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

On Brigham Young’s poverty:
“John Young did not own a cow, a horse, or any other land, but gained a poor living as a basket maker.” — Dave, quoting John G. Turner [07:41]
On the origin of Mormon names:
“Mormon names are out of their tree. They're nuts, right?” — Dave [03:58]
On Joseph dictating the Book of Mormon:
“So, Joseph is behind a curtain, alone with the plates. He dictates them. And then Martin writes.” [44:38]
On the “Lamanites”:
“But one day they would accept the gospel and become a, quote, white and delightsome people." — Dave [64:41]
On cult growth dynamics:
“If you watch any cult doc today, you can get—you peel off people pretty easy…you just… you gotta find just some actors or some needy people.” — Gareth [68:40]
On the Kirtland Safety Society (the Mormon bank):
“Kirtland bills are as safe as gold…Trust me. It’s like NFTs.” — Gareth [89:43]
On why Brigham sticks by Smith:
“He was called of God. God dictated him. And if he had a mind to leave him…let him commit an error, that was no business of mine.” — Dave, quoting Brigham [96:14]
On losing Ohio:
“Can you imagine being so shitty Ohio’s like, get out.” — Gareth [97:27]

Timeline of Major Segments

[03:04] — Brigham Young’s birth and family context
[06:03] — The hardships of John Young (Brigham’s father)
[09:50] — Nabi Young’s death, family splits
[12:34] — American religious sectarianism ("the burned-over district")
[17:57] — Samuel H. Smith introduces the Book of Mormon
[26:02] — Brigham is baptized, rapidly promoted to elder
[31:27] — Joseph Smith's family, treasure hunting, and outlandish visions
[35:02-42:00] — The golden plates, Moroni, and translation myths
[44:05-46:11] — The mechanics of dictating the Book of Mormon
[50:00~54:40] — [Ad section; skipped]
[64:02] — Book of Mormon doctrine: Israelites, Nephites, Lamanites, and race
[68:32] — Brigham’s missionary work
[79:02] — The hierarchy: Quorum of 12, the 70, and church politics
[89:36] — Mormon banking schemes
[96:14] — Brigham’s unwavering commitment despite catastrophe
[97:16] — Mormons forced to flee Ohio (end of Part One)

Overall Tone & Takeaways

The episode is classic Dollop—irreverent, sharp, freewheeling, and densely packed with both historical research and absurdist riffing. Both hosts lampoon the credulity required to found and follow a new religion, drawing comedic parallels between 19th-century religious hucksterism and modern con-men, tech startups, and cult dynamics.

Perfect for listeners who enjoy:

Unvarnished looks at American history
Dismantling of religious mythmaking
Hilarious, witty asides and character improvisation
A keen, skeptical eye on leadership, charisma, and groupthink

End of Part One.
Stay tuned for the next installments of "Brigham Young" on The Dollop!

The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds

Episode 715 - Brigham Young, Part One

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Early Life of Brigham Young

Brigham Young is introduced as a “massive” figure in American history deserving a four-part Dollop deep-dive.
- [03:16]
- "This is my boy. This is our boy. ... Four parter." — Dave
Young is born in abject poverty in Whittingham, Vermont, the 9th child of John and “Nabby” Young.
- [03:39]
- His father, John, endured indentured servitude at age six, then joined the Revolutionary Army.
- [06:03]
Hardships abound: chronic poverty, lack of shoes and hats, and frequent moves around New England.
- [08:21]
- “In my youthful days, instead of going to school, I had to chop logs ... barefooted. And if I had on a pair of pants that would cover me, I did pretty well.” — Brigham Young [08:31]
Parental loss and family split: Nabi dies of consumption, scattering the children among relatives.
- [09:50]
- Strict father, limited Sunday fun: “He wasn't allowed to walk more than 30 minutes on a Sunday because...John's strict religious beliefs.” [10:46]

2. Religious Context and American Weirdness

The “burned-over district” in upstate New York—where Brigham and his family relocate—breeds new religious movements and sects (including the Shakers, Quakers, Methodists, etc.).
- [12:34]
- “There was probably a lot of Christian sex too. … Shakers, Quakers, God makers.” [12:41-12:44]
Even within his own family, different shades of religious enthusiasm abound—some official preachers, others “rogue” and unaffiliated.
- [13:00]
- “His youngest brother was a rogue preacher, not affiliated with the church … just preaching the word of God.” [13:13]
Brigham is resistant to religious fervor—"not really into any specific belief," despite heavy family pressure.
- [12:52 - 12:58]

3. The Arrival of Mormonism

The Book of Mormon is introduced by Samuel H. Smith (Joseph’s brother) to the Youngs and their extended circle.
- [17:57]
Conversion is slow for Brigham:
- “I was not baptized on hearing the first sermon nor the second nor during the first year of my acquaintance with this work.” — Brigham, [20:41]
- Practical considerations (family pressure, possibility of financial reward, the newness of the faith) all play roles in his eventual conversion.
- “If your family's into it…it makes family reunions and Thanksgiving weird if you're not.” [21:59]
Burgeoning Mormon converts in the family spark curiosity, but Brigham's initial skepticism about the faith's wild claims is made clear.

4. Joseph Smith and the Dawn of the New Faith

Dave and Gareth delve deep into the story of Joseph Smith—the classic American religious entrepreneur.
- Tales of gold digging, visions, and angelic visitations.
- Encounters with the angel Moroni (“like baloney, but with an M”) and the golden plates.
  - [35:02]
  - “This was actually Moroni. ... I'm like baloney, but with an M, but different.” — Gareth as Moroni [34:57]
The plates and their translation: Joseph dictates from behind a curtain, “using magical spectacles” — a foundational, but bizarre detail for the faith.
- [44:05]
- “Joseph is behind a curtain, alone with the plates. He dictates them. And then Martin writes.” [44:38]
Early doctrinal hiccups and mishaps, including the infamous lost 116 pages, which God conveniently tells Joseph to ignore and just keep going.
- [59:04]
- “God, however, was forgiving and said don't worry about the first 116 pages. Just start from page 117.” — Dave [59:14]
Financial sacrifices: Martin Harris covers the printing costs, cementing the pattern of monetary and personal risk among early converts.

5. Growth, Outlandish Claims, and Race in Early Mormonism

The theology of the Book of Mormon: Israelites in America, Jesus’s post-resurrection visit to the New World, the “Nephites” and “Lamanites.”
- [63:46]
- “Jesus appears to them after his resurrection in America.” [64:02]
Controversial racial teachings:
- “[Native Americans] are the Lamanites—the bad guys. In the Book of Mormon, ‘with a skin of blackness’ ... but one day they would accept the gospel and become a, quote, white and delightsome people.” [64:16-64:41]
The Church of Christ (soon the Church of Latter Day Saints) starts with only 40-50 members—Brigham is truly an early adopter.
- [65:08]

6. Spread, Missions, and Internal Struggles

Brigham’s missionary work: 40 meetings, 14 converts.
- [68:32]
- “That's not bad. That's not great, because it's a crazy idea." [68:33]
Introduction of church hierarchy and committees—“Quorum of the 12 Apostles,” “the 70”—classic organizational tactics to give everyone a role and stave off dissent.
- [79:02]
- “Joseph would go on sprees of invented committees and authoritative bodies and then not make it clear where authority lay…he’s literally putting guys into groups so they feel better about themselves.” [80:07]

7. Mormon Banking Scheme and Disaster

The Kirtland Safety Society—a semi-official bank, unlicensed yet endorsed by the prophet, triggers boom and bust dynamics.
- [88:52–90:37]
- “Brigham, quote, invested $7 for 2,000 shares. But then their bank charter wasn’t approved by the government, so it’s technically illegal.” [89:36]
Faith replaces financial sense; “Kirtland bills are as safe as gold” becomes a crypto-like refrain.
- “If the doubters would just get in line, it would all be okay. It’s crypto. It’s crypto.” — Dave [91:39]
Predictable collapse and mass disillusionment, followed by classic cult leader tactics (denouncing defectors as traitors, apocalyptic prophesying, etc.).

8. Infighting and Brigham’s Loyalty

Joseph Smith’s volatile leadership and emotional instability alienate supporters; yet Brigham remains steadfast, interpreting every disaster as a test of faith.
- [84:20] “He was called of God. God dictated him. And if he had a mind to leave him, let him commit an error, that was no business of mine.” [96:14]
Division and mob pressure force the Saints out of Ohio, setting up the next chapter in Mormon migration.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

On Brigham Young’s poverty:
“John Young did not own a cow, a horse, or any other land, but gained a poor living as a basket maker.” — Dave, quoting John G. Turner [07:41]
On the origin of Mormon names:
“Mormon names are out of their tree. They're nuts, right?” — Dave [03:58]
On Joseph dictating the Book of Mormon:
“So, Joseph is behind a curtain, alone with the plates. He dictates them. And then Martin writes.” [44:38]
On the “Lamanites”:
“But one day they would accept the gospel and become a, quote, white and delightsome people." — Dave [64:41]
On cult growth dynamics:
“If you watch any cult doc today, you can get—you peel off people pretty easy…you just… you gotta find just some actors or some needy people.” — Gareth [68:40]
On the Kirtland Safety Society (the Mormon bank):
“Kirtland bills are as safe as gold…Trust me. It’s like NFTs.” — Gareth [89:43]
On why Brigham sticks by Smith:
“He was called of God. God dictated him. And if he had a mind to leave him…let him commit an error, that was no business of mine.” — Dave, quoting Brigham [96:14]
On losing Ohio:
“Can you imagine being so shitty Ohio’s like, get out.” — Gareth [97:27]

Timeline of Major Segments

[03:04] — Brigham Young’s birth and family context
[06:03] — The hardships of John Young (Brigham’s father)
[09:50] — Nabi Young’s death, family splits
[12:34] — American religious sectarianism ("the burned-over district")
[17:57] — Samuel H. Smith introduces the Book of Mormon
[26:02] — Brigham is baptized, rapidly promoted to elder
[31:27] — Joseph Smith's family, treasure hunting, and outlandish visions
[35:02-42:00] — The golden plates, Moroni, and translation myths
[44:05-46:11] — The mechanics of dictating the Book of Mormon
[50:00~54:40] — [Ad section; skipped]
[64:02] — Book of Mormon doctrine: Israelites, Nephites, Lamanites, and race
[68:32] — Brigham’s missionary work
[79:02] — The hierarchy: Quorum of 12, the 70, and church politics
[89:36] — Mormon banking schemes
[96:14] — Brigham’s unwavering commitment despite catastrophe
[97:16] — Mormons forced to flee Ohio (end of Part One)

Overall Tone & Takeaways

Perfect for listeners who enjoy:

Unvarnished looks at American history
Dismantling of religious mythmaking
Hilarious, witty asides and character improvisation
A keen, skeptical eye on leadership, charisma, and groupthink

End of Part One.
Stay tuned for the next installments of "Brigham Young" on The Dollop!

wavePod

715 - Brigham Young - Part One

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds

Episode 715 - Brigham Young, Part One

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Early Life of Brigham Young

2. Religious Context and American Weirdness

3. The Arrival of Mormonism

4. Joseph Smith and the Dawn of the New Faith

5. Growth, Outlandish Claims, and Race in Early Mormonism

6. Spread, Missions, and Internal Struggles

7. Mormon Banking Scheme and Disaster

8. Infighting and Brigham’s Loyalty

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Timeline of Major Segments

Overall Tone & Takeaways

Summary

The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds

Episode 715 - Brigham Young, Part One

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Early Life of Brigham Young

2. Religious Context and American Weirdness

3. The Arrival of Mormonism

4. Joseph Smith and the Dawn of the New Faith

5. Growth, Outlandish Claims, and Race in Early Mormonism

6. Spread, Missions, and Internal Struggles

7. Mormon Banking Scheme and Disaster

8. Infighting and Brigham’s Loyalty

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Timeline of Major Segments

Overall Tone & Takeaways