Brigham Young Was NOT the Villain You've Been Told - feat. Daniel Peterson

Brigham Young Was NOT the Villain You've Been Told - feat. Daniel Peterson

Author: Greg Matsen February 5, 2026 Duration: 49:54

Peterson answers the "usurper" claim and explains the succession reality after 1844.

Was Brigham Young God's Choice? Dan Peterson on presentism, caricatures, and why "Brother Brigham" deserves a fair reading.

The Brigham Young Smear Machine- Cherry-picking quotes, the Journal of Discourses problem, and what historians are finding in his real words. The Exodus West needed a frontiersman

The 1844 succession crisis explained—why the Twelve were the only path to Joseph's "program."

Brigham vs. Sidney Rigdon: What REALLY Happened in 1844 Keys, temple trajectory, and why rival claimants couldn't carry Joseph's blueprint forward.

Subtitle: Peterson draws a parallel to modern succession—what most people misunderstand.

"The biggest misrepresentation of Brigham Young"—how transcripts shaped the legend.

The Priesthood Ban: What We Know—and Don't Know No "smoking gun," sudden shifts

Slavery, and the Story Most People Miss-  What "This Abominable Slavery" argues—and why it complicates the simplistic narratives.

The "Polygamy Wasn't Joseph" Theory Is Collapsing- Why historians reject the denialism—and why blaming Brigham breaks the entire Restoration story.

Did Brigham Young Invent Polygamy? Peterson calls it "lunacy"—plus the Section 132 authorship evidence and historical sources.

Section 132: The Cog They Can't Remove If Joseph didn't teach it, who did? A sober look at the logic trap and the historical record.

Adam-God: What Brigham Actually Meant (And Why It Won't Die) Peterson's best honest answer: speculation, cherry-picking, and what we still don't know.

"I Made a Covenant Not to Discuss It." The Nibley Story A surprising moment about Adam-God, secrecy, and why the 19th-century speculation still haunts us.

Cwic Media Website: http://www.cwicmedia.com


Hosted by Greg Matsen, Cwic Media-LDS Podcast / Latter-day Saints digs into the substance of faith and community without the usual polish. This is a conversation grounded in theology and history, where scriptural analysis meets the realities of modern life. The discussions here often focus on the Cwic Interpreters, a framework for engaging with the Book of Mormon, New Testament, and Old Testament in a way that feels immediate and practical. You’ll hear unscripted explorations of how current cultural shifts and political conversations intersect with and impact the lived experience of Latter-day Saints. The aim is to articulate those sometimes unspoken trends within and around the Church, treating them with intellectual seriousness. That means no fluff-just direct dialogue about what it means to be a Latter-day Saint and a Christian navigating today’s world. Listeners find this podcast to be a distinct voice, one that doesn’t simply rehash familiar topics but offers a new approach to understanding both ancient texts and contemporary challenges. It’s for those who want their religious content to be substantive, candid, and connected to the broader human experience. Each episode is built on the premise that faith deepens through rigorous, honest examination, making this a unique entry in the landscape of LDS-focused media. Tune in for a perspective that is both deeply rooted and unafraid to ask questions.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Cwic Media- LDS Podcast / Latter-day Saints
Podcast Episodes
Reaction to Reaction and Clarity on Aaron Sherinian [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:17
- I had a very positive call with Aaron Sherinian a couple of days ago. - There was already a tinderbox set before this Q&A match was lit. - It is not good to bury our heads in the sand on what is happening to the family…
Comms Director Follow-Up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:00
Greg reads the question given to the Comms Director. The "Flak" referenced in the question, was about the Family Proclamation and its, doctrine and teachings. Website- cwicmedia.com
LDS Comms Director Declines Answer On Family Proclamation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:14
As the world moves away from family, it would be nice if the Church were a beacon of light on a hill. For transparency, here is the transcript from the question given to the Comms Director: "When you first came on board…
No More Denial: Joseph Smith Practiced Polygamy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:49
Joseph Smith, by numerous accounts, practiced polygamy. To state that Brigham Young initiated polygamy, lied and made up D&C Section 132, and invited his buddies in on the secret is beyond the pale. Brian Hales joins Gre…
Sydney Sweeney, Politics, and Genes vs Jeans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:40
Walk - Sydney Sweeney's recent American Eagle ad has caused a stir. Why? Because we have moved further into a progressive world that idolizes postmodernism and the destruction of beauty, truth, and most importantly, the…
What The Numbers Say About Members Of the LDS Church [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:11
Alex Bass studies the numbers on members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint. Here's what they say. Mormon Metrics - https://mormonmetrics.substack.com/ Cwic Media Website: http://www.cwicmedia.com
Tenor Nathan Pacheco [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:33
Nathan Pacheco is a classically trained tenor who has performed in the United States, Canada, and Mexico with Yanni; performed with Latin singing sensation Olga Tañon; touring England, Scotland, and Wales with Katherine…
The New Latter-day Saint Horror Film Genre [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:23
What is art? I talk with filmmaker Barrett Burgin and Jacob Taylor about what makes good art, the state of LDS art today, and how a horror movie is emerging as a tool to teach the gospel. Watch Java Jive - https://vimeo.…