78: Explosive History in the William Clayton Diaries w/ Bryan Buchanan

78: Explosive History in the William Clayton Diaries w/ Bryan Buchanan

Author: Mormon Stories Podcast July 1, 2026 Duration: 2:19:36

Welcome to another episode of LDS Discussions! We are joined again by Bryan Buchanan to discuss the William Clayton Diaries.The William Clayton Diaries are among the most important firsthand records from Joseph Smith’s final years in Nauvoo. Few individuals stood closer to Joseph Smith than William Clayton, who served as clerk, confidant, and participant in many of the most controversial events of Mormon history. In this episode, we dive directly into the diaries themselves. We examine what Clayton recorded, what historians can learn from his daily entries, and why these journals have become central to discussions about Joseph Smith’s plural marriages, the Council of Fifty, the Quorum of the Anointed, the Kinderhook Plates, Nauvoo politics, and the final months leading up to Joseph Smith’s death. Along the way, we explore the lives of Joseph and Emma Smith, Margaret Moon, Sarah Whitney, Lucy Walker, Flora Woodworth, Eliza R. Snow, and many of the other figures who appear throughout these remarkable journals. We also address modern claims that the diaries were altered, fabricated, or created after the fact, and compare those claims to the evidence available to historians who have studied the original manuscript. Topics include William Clayton’s relationship with Joseph Smith, evidence for Joseph Smith’s polygamy, Emma’s reactions and resistance to the “P” or “priesthood,” the Moon sister’s involvement in polygamy, the strengths and limitations of Clayton as a source and why historians consider these diaries indispensable. The William Clayton journals offer an unparalleled window into the inner workings of Nauvoo Mormonism. Whether you are a believer, skeptic, historian, or simply curious about early Mormon history, these records provide some of the most revealing evidence available from the period.


Show Notes

YouTube


Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:


Our Platforms:


Contact us:
MormonStories@gmail.com
PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117


Social Media:


Hosted by the Mormon Stories Podcast, LDS Discussions-Mormon Truth Claims Examined offers a dedicated space for deep, methodical exploration of foundational narratives and historical doctrines within the Latter-day Saint tradition. This isn't about quick takes or surface-level debate. Instead, each episode commits to a slow, careful examination of specific truth claims, prioritizing a thoughtful and objective analysis over polemics. You'll hear detailed discussions that delve into historical documents, theological evolution, and the complex interplay between faith and history, all approached with a sincere intent to understand. The conversations within this podcast are built on research and a genuine desire for clarity, providing listeners with a comprehensive perspective often absent from simpler narratives. If you're someone, whether inside, outside, or simply curious about the LDS faith, who values nuance and evidence-based dialogue, this series serves as a unique resource. It fosters an environment where challenging questions are met with serious consideration, making it a distinctly substantive entry in the landscape of religion and spirituality podcasts. The aim is to equip you with context and depth, allowing for more informed personal reflection on matters that are deeply significant to many.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

LDS Discussions - Mormon Truth Claims Examined
Podcast Episodes
41: Where did Joseph get his ideas? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:37
Join John, Nemo, and Mike in a captivating episode as they unravel the intricate tapestry of influences that shaped the founder of Mormonism, Joseph Smith. From the unique doctrines of Mormonism to the enigmatic Book of…
40: Mormon Patriarchal Blessings | Revelations Pt. 6 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:15
Discover the truth behind Mormon Patriarchal Blessings in this eye-opening interview with hosts Mike, Nemo, and John. From reflections on their own blessings to the harmful effects of this mechanism of control over membe…
39: The Problems with Mormon Personal Revelation | Revelations Pt. 5 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:31
Mike, Nemo, and John discuss the problems with personal revelation.LDS Discussions essay on personal revelation Episode Show Notes_________________________LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors!Help us conti…
38: Problematic Revelations After Joseph Smith | Revelations Pt. 4 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:42:19
In this engaging interview, Mike from LDS Discussions, Nemo the Mormon, and John Dehlin review the failed prophecies of Mormonism's founder, Joseph. They start by discussing what the Bible says about failed prophecies an…
37: Joseph's Failed Prophecies | Revelations Pt. 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:13:59
In this engaging interview, Mike from LDS Discussions, Nemo the Mormon, and John Dehlin review the failed prophecies of Mormonism's founder, Joseph. They start by discussing what the Bible says about failed prophecies an…
36: Problematic Patterns | Revelations Pt. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:20:16
Today we identify and analyze four problematic patterns in Joseph Smith's "revelations": 1) Using revelations to convince others to submit to his requests, 2) Using revelations to get out of a jam, 3) Changing revelation…
35: Joseph Smith's Backdated Prophecies | Revelations Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:24:20
Radio Free Mormon joins the usual crew (Mike, John & Nemo) as they discuss evidence for prophecies that appear to have been backdated after the events of the supposed prophecy already happened.LDS Discussion Essay on Bac…
34: Overview of Joseph Smith's Translations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:07:05
In this episode we recap all the different areas where Joseph Smith claims to have translated an ancient source and we analyze his work and compare it against modern scholars and experts in the field to see how he did.Co…
33: The Kinderhook Plates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:15:39
Did Joseph Smith have another shot at translating ancient scripture, or is it just rumor? Mike and John take a look at the Kinderhook Plates. What were they? Did Joseph Smith try to translate them, and what was the resul…