Send us a text

Join Moroni, Abigail, aaaAAAaaa, and special guest Claudia in a delightful whirlwind of laughter and cocktails as they mix up “God’s Law, Blah, Blah”—a heavenly concoction of vanilla vodka, Baileys, Kahlua, and milk, with a splash of pop culture referencing *Arrested Development*. From musings on geese to a presidential debate that definitely didn’t involve a tuxedo-wearing goose, this intro sets the stage for a chaotic yet entertaining discussion. Strap in for a rollercoaster of absurdity that has little to do with the topic at hand, but plenty to do with making you chuckle.

Scriptures: [00:19:45]
The hosts dive into a delightful mess of random thoughts, questioning the mechanics of turning on lamps before spiraling into an offbeat dialogue about sneezing, orgasms, and the social ramifications of being a loud sneezer. Claudia's valiant attempts to steer the conversation toward D&C Section 42 are hilariously thwarted by digressions into feminism and smoke alarms. With an air of camaraderie, the banter reveals the relatable frustrations of daily life, leading to a playful critique of the scripture’s repetitive nature. This segment is a chaotic fusion of humor, relatable anecdotes, and a reminder that sometimes, life is just one long string of distractions.

Church Teachings: [00:56:23]
Moroni kicks off this segment with a rant about the “goofy” nature of temple covenants, recounting his workday woes before launching into the bizarre world of temple rituals. The hosts reflect on the mixed messages around gender roles within these covenants and how awkward temple visits were often the backdrop for existential crises. With sharp wit, they poke fun at the absurdity of church rules—like the ban on "light-mindedness"—and share their personal stories of uncomfortable bishop interviews that would make any therapist cringe. The absurdities of sexual teachings lead to laughter, discomfort, and a broader critique of the inconsistency in how doctrines are enforced, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ issues.

History: [01:40:28]
The conversation takes a playful turn as the group starts reminiscing about food mishaps, particularly a burrito incident that got way too hot. This humorous detour leads to a discussion about Heber J. Grant, the seventh president of the LDS Church, and his intense crusade against alcohol. Amidst chuckles, they explore Grant’s role in the temperance movement and how the U.S. eventually embraced Prohibition—ironically right after World War I. Abigail humorously critiques Grant’s staunch opposition to FDR and the 21st Amendment, leading to an amusing revelation about Utah becoming the 36th state to ratify the repeal of Prohibition, much to Grant’s chagrin. The hosts conclude by reflecting on the legacy of Grant, revealing that while he might have been a decent guy, his policies were a mixed drink of confusion and irony. They toast to the women’s temperance movement, celebrating both its contributions and its absurdities in the context of a cocktail-fueled discussion.

Tune in for a rollicking episode filled with sarcasm, historical insights, and a good dose of irreverent humor as they navigate the quirks of faith, history, and, of course, the occasional cocktail!

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 [email protected].
And don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review of our podcast!

Send us a text

Strap in for a rollercoaster of randomness as hosts Abish, Moroni, Abigail, and aaaAAAaaa throw family dynamics into a blender and hit ‘chaos’ mode. You’ll meet a "gay uncle" and a "grandpa," all within the first two minutes—because, let’s face it, titles are just words when your cocktail is named "God's Callin’s." Abish's mixology attempt turns into a Reddit-fueled quest involving Goldschläger, and the results are, well, intoxicating. Throw in some drugged-up painting failures, a baby eating a snail, and existential laughter—just another Tuesday in podcast land. Grab your blurry brushes, we’re painting a surrealist nightmare of life, and it’s hilarious.

Scriptures: [00:17:18]
Moroni breaks down the 39th and 40th sections of the Doctrine and Covenants with the same level of reverence one might reserve for IKEA instructions: convoluted, redundant, and somehow deeply entertaining. James Covel, a Methodist minister-turned-Mormon-rejecter, plays the part of the guy who ghosted God after receiving an existential text. The hosts marvel at the tragic brevity of Covel’s faith journey, with God basically sending a follow-up email: “I thought we had something?” Spoiler: they didn’t. Cue tangents about dogs, trivia, and a lot of side-eye toward celestial micromanagement.

Church Teachings: [00:39:50]
In this episode’s deep dive, aaaAAAaaa compares James Covel’s encounter with Joseph Smith to a painfully relatable high school rejection. Think of Joseph as the "nerdy girl" who asked out the "cool guy" Covel, and surprise—Covel opts out. He’d rather stay with his comfortable life and Methodist clique. The hosts explore God’s so-called “agency” plan, which seems like an unnecessarily convoluted way to say, “Do what I say, James.” Toss in some humorous theology, a bit of skepticism, and the idea that maybe the real win is keeping your Methodist paycheck.

History: [01:03:37]
What better way to start a history lesson than with Mountain Dew Baja Blast-flavored gelato? Abigail serves up this millennial delight before plunging into the weirdness that was Jedediah M. Grant’s life. As a 19th-century Mormon leader with a teenage wife collection, Jedediah’s story is ripe for the sarcastic plucking. The hosts riff on age gaps and the bizarre Mormon tradition of passing wives to a brother post-mortem, with just the right amount of cringe.

Heber J. Grant gets the spotlight, but not without some jabs at his polygamist romantic ventures. His initial proposal to childhood sweetheart Emily Wells fell flat—apparently, polygamy isn’t everyone’s jam. Undeterred, Heber married Lucy Stringham, who must’ve felt like the ultimate "runner-up." But don’t worry, Emily comes back around for another awkward proposal, alongside a third wife, because hey, why not? With biting humor, the hosts poke at the bizarre logistics of polygamy and Heber’s relentless pursuit of wife-acquisition, all while managing a vinegar empire. Now that’s multi-tasking.

Heber J. Grant, the last LDS Church president to practice polygamy, also managed to pull off something weirder—balancing a sprawling family with financial management during a church crisis. The hosts note how his leadership smoothed the financial chaos, but also muse on whether the emotional strain of multiple wives shaped his eventual enforcement of monogamy. Heber’s life was a saga of persistence—whether courting wives or saving t

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 [email protected].
And don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review of our podcast!

Send us a text

Join aaaAAAaaa, Abish, Abigail, and our delightfully tipsy guest Claudia as they kick off this episode with a laugh-filled discussion about burping mishaps and self-deprecating humor. They dive into their drink of the day, "The Ohio (temple name: Bloody Moroni)," a bizarre Bloody Mary twist featuring Clamato and watermelon. Amidst reminiscing about Utah-style names and TV nostalgia, they indulge in random tangents about kids' shows like *Pickle and Peanut* before barely managing to steer the episode back on course.

Scriptures: [00:16:41]
Abish takes the stage to mock the absurdities found in sections 35, 36, and 37 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Through hilarious anecdotes about their dad and cheeky commentary on early church figures like Sidney Rigdon, the segment critiques the divine revelations with a healthy dose of sarcasm. Abish’s take on "Joseph Smith English" and the convoluted scriptural language adds a light-hearted critique to the serious business of theological concepts, culminating in a laugh-worthy mix-up in the reading order.

Church Teachings: [00:40:49]
Claudia delves into the heartfelt and humorous side of religion by discussing David Archuleta’s mother’s brave decision to leave the LDS Church in solidarity with her son. The conversation critiques the church’s historical treatment of LGBTQ+ members with a mix of reflection and humor. Claudia’s casual quiz on church history, coupled with jokes about vodka shots and sacraments, balances serious discussions about faith and identity with lighter moments.

History: [01:06:55]
Abigail navigates through Ohio’s history with a mix of irreverent humor and surprising facts. She pokes fun at Kirtland’s early days, from its glacier-covered origins to its eventual role in Mormon history. Jokes about the complexities of Ohio’s state flag and the oddities of its splinter religious groups lead to a morbid yet intriguing dive into Jeffrey Lundgren’s cult. Abigail narrates the grim events surrounding Lundgren’s violent plans and subsequent arrest with dark humor. The episode concludes with amusing trivia about Ohio, including its unique flag, duct tape dominance, and Cedar Point amusement park, capped off by a comical take on ostriches and personal anecdotes about a disappointing Utah theme park visit.

Tune in for a rollercoaster of dark comedy, historical quirks, and offbeat trivia as the hosts tackle everything from Ohio’s cult history to its love affair with duct tape.

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 [email protected].
And don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review of our podcast!

Send us a text

In what can only be described as being "bad at math" the hosts have poorly timed this episode, and are releasing it out of order to time it with Rusty Nelson's 100th birthday. So, if you are confused about episode 75 being released before episode 74, then you can now stop being confused.

We kick off this episode with a whirlwind of chatter about potent cocktails, especially the enigmatic “double” drink conjured by our resident drink fairy. This hilarious debate transitions into a tangled discussion about the difference between inner musings and external thoughts. With tangents ranging from psychedelic adventures to the unveiling of the night’s fancy drink, the “Rusty Nail-Son,” this segment embodies our signature blend of lighthearted banter and witty commentary.

Scriptures: [00:18:39]
In this segment, aaaAAAaaa takes on Doctrine and Covenants 38 with the fervor of a person deciphering cryptic crossword clues. He humorously critiques god/Jesus's verbose divine self-introduction, likening it to Daenerys Targaryen’s excessive titles from Game of Thrones. Amidst AI-imitated accents and tongue-in-cheek analysis, aaaAAAaaa exposes the contradictions and bizarre theology, like the ironic freedom under divine rule and confusing doctrinal inconsistencies. He wraps it all up with a cynical take on the eternal riches promised by a rather perplexing set of divine directives.

Church Teachings: [00:45:17]
Moroni dives into the ambitious legacy project of Russell Nelson, the current prophet, who seems determined to outshine past leader Gordon B. Hinckley. Nelson’s temple-building spree and rebranding efforts to eradicate the “Mormon” nickname are all part of his quest for supremacy. Moroni scrutinizes these changes, from the end of the “I’m a Mormon” campaign to the push for more temples, reflecting on how these shifts are less about divine guidance and more about crafting a personal legacy. He also humorously contrasts Nelson’s efforts with past church practices and updates, from missionary work to changes in temple ceremonies.

History: [01:33:43]
Abigail takes us on a humorous journey through 1924, introducing Marion Clavar Nelsen, an advertising executive, and his wife Edna, who was part of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The spotlight shifts to their son, Rusty Nelson, whose upbringing and eventual baptism are marked by oddities and inconsistencies. Abigail contrasts Rusty’s achievements with those of his remarkable first wife, Danzel White, whose contributions often go unnoticed. The narrative takes a quirky turn with the revelation of Abigail’s personal connection to Rusty through a distant relative named Ingaborg, leading to jokes about potential pet names. The segment concludes with a heartfelt tribute to Danzel, celebrating her life and contributions while reflecting on the more controversial aspects of Rusty’s later years.

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 [email protected].
And don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review of our podcast!

Send us a text

Welcome back to the show where we finally all meet up in one place, and it’s not California (because apparently, we’re too good for Trader Joe’s and grocery store liquor now). In this episode, we dive into the mixology madness with "The Palo-mah-gawd"—a drink that’s as confused as our blending technique. Expect some playful bickering over the drink’s ingredients and our collective inability to make it look as good as it tastes.

Scriptures: [00:08:00]
Moroni takes the reins as we wade through the wild waters of Doctrine and Covenants 33 and 34. Prepare for a satirical romp through Mormon history, where historical figures get the sarcastic treatment they never saw coming, and scripture is reimagined with more innuendo than a bad soap opera. Whether it’s trumpets or other instruments, nothing escapes our irreverent reinterpretation. By the end, we’re all questioning our past social media choices and laughing at the absurdity of it all.

Church Teachings: [00:34:13]
aaaAAAaaa leads us into the chaotic realm of the Second Coming, where preparing for the apocalypse is as complex as traveling with a baby. Jokes fly about being overly prepared for both end-of-the-world scenarios and exploding diapers. We also delve into the “signs of the times,” poking fun at how wars, disasters, and Brigham Young quotes get twisted into proof that the end is nigh. With a dash of Reddit wisdom and a sprinkle of skepticism, this segment serves up comedic commentary on religious predictions gone awry.

History: [01:01:54]
Abigail guides us through a history lesson with a comedic twist on doomsday predictions. From the apocalyptic thrill of early Mormons to Columbus’s laughable end-of-world forecasts, we explore the evolution of eschatology and its dubious claims. Expect a satirical critique of how predictions have been used to distract from real crises and political shenanigans. With absurd prophecies and outdated views galore, this segment wraps up with a bemused look at historical and contemporary apocalyptic thinking, proving that some things never change—like our fascination with the end of the world.

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 [email protected].
And don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review of our podcast!

Send us a text

In this episode of the "Great and Spacious Podcast," we kick off with a deep dive into the world of Olympic-sized controversy, where we dissect the great American pastime of getting offended. This time, the target is the French and their opening ceremony that some Christians found a tad too "woke." Never ones to shy away from mockery, we take shots at the critics and even manage to rope Jesus into the mix—imagining him turning water into wine at a Bacchanalian bash.

Oh, and in true chaotic fashion, there’s a household disaster involving a broken fridge that somehow becomes a running gag. The solution? The "Lama-Nasty" cocktail—a little something we whipped up to numb the pain. Cheers to that!

Scriptures+: [00:16:23]
Welcome to our "Scriptures & Church Teachings" segment, where reverence takes a backseat and sarcasm drives. This time, we're diving into Doctrine and Covenants sections 30 to 32, where God seems to have handed out revelation like participation trophies. We question why David Whitmer gets chewed out for being too worldly, while Peter Whitmer Jr. is basically told to obey his brother like some ancient sibling rivalry never quite resolved. John Whitmer gets the divine equivalent of a GPS, and Thomas B. Marsh is reassured that his family's eventual conversion is in the bag.

And then there’s Philip Burroughs—who was literally just some guy who was a landmark. We top it off with a look at a church video trying to define "Lamanites" today, which is as clear as mud. Expect some major eye-rolling.

History: [00:46:31]
In our history segment, Abigail imagines the unfiltered chaos of live podcasting. From there, we tear into a hymn by W.W. Phelps, titled "Oh, Stop and Tell Me, Red Man." Let’s just say, it doesn’t exactly pass the vibe check.

Next, we delve into the heavy history of Native American suffering during the 1830s, courtesy of the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears. Naturally, the early Mormon missionaries saw this as prime real estate for proselytizing. We critique their misguided zeal as they tried to spin genocide as some kind of divine gathering of Israel. Classy.

But it gets better. We recount the so-called "Lamanite Mission," where the missionaries eagerly approach the Seneca tribe, only to get politely dismissed—because, shocker, they weren’t interested. The real kicker? The mission’s success comes from converting a bunch of white settlers in Kirtland, while the Native Americans essentially told them to take a hike.

The segment wraps up with the missionaries’ continued misadventures, including their awkward encounters with the Wyandot tribe. They didn’t convert a single Native American but sure made a lot of friends among the white settlers. Mission accomplished? Not quite.

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 [email protected].
And don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review of our podcast!

Send us a text

In this week's episode, we kick off with the usual chaotic banter. After briefly considering calling our listeners "campers" or "sweaters" (the jury’s still out on whether that refers to knitwear or nervous perspiration), we dive into the deep end of our eclectic interests. From debating Elon Musk's latest Cybertruck monstrosity to sassing JK Rowling’s latest public blunder, we keep things light and snarky. We even manage to critique the design of a vehicle that only a billionaire would love. Don't miss our bespoke cocktail “Season of the Devil,” guaranteed to burn as much as our hot takes. And yes, we’ll throw in some stories about snakes and other critters because what’s a podcast without some good old-fashioned animal antics?

Scriptures: [00:10:41]
Abish takes us through Doctrine and Covenants Section 29, where Jesus pulls rank yet again. It’s another classic edition of “Do as I say or else,” complete with the usual divine threats of cosmic destruction. We riff on the whole “chicken Jesus” metaphor—apparently, he’s gathering his chicks under his wings, but only if they’re into it. And of course, we couldn’t resist reimagining the apocalypse as a reality show starring none other than Donald Trump. It’s the Bible as you’ve never heard it before, with a side of skepticism and a sprinkle of nihilistic humor. After all, if you can’t laugh at the end of the world, when can you?

Church Teachings: [00:42:01]
Moroni takes the lead in dissecting the "War in Heaven" narrative. Spoiler alert: Satan’s “everyone wins” plan didn’t fly with the celestial judges. We pick apart the logic of a God who sets up this cosmic showdown just to stack the deck against one of his own. Moroni can’t help but wonder if this whole thing was just a divine ego trip. And as for the Church's portrayal of Satan? Let’s just say it’s not winning any awards for fairness or originality. If you’ve ever thought the whole saga sounded a bit like an abusive power dynamic, you’re not alone.

History: [00:55:43]
Abigail takes us back to 1859, where Charles Darwin dropped his evolutionary bombshell with *On the Origin of Species*. We laugh our way through the historical context—Protestant Bible literalism meets the cold, hard facts of science. Darwin’s ideas eventually cross the pond to America, where they slowly gain traction despite some religious foot-dragging. We touch on the LDS Church's eventual non-stance on evolution: a 1909 statement that can only be described as “meh.” 

Fast forward to the 1920s, and we’re at the Scopes Monkey Trial, where evolution takes center stage in a national debate. The LDS Church’s neutrality on the issue comes across as more of a cop-out, but hey, at least they didn’t get as crazy as some other religious groups. We close with a look at B.H. Roberts and Joseph Fielding Smith’s internal church drama over evolution—a saga that ends with the Church shrugging and moving on. As always, we mix in a few laughs, because when it comes to science and religion, sometimes you’ve just gotta laugh to keep from crying.

---

Tune in for another episode of irreverent humor, questionable theology, and just enough wit to make you feel like you’re not wasting your time.

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 [email protected].
And don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review of our podcast!

Send us a text

In this episode, our hosts—Abigail, Abish, aaaAAAaaa, Moroni, and special guest Claudia—kick off with the usual chaotic charm. Moroni shares tales of his New York adventure, including his first-time experience with the "Book of Mormon" musical. Spoiler: It's a satirical gem that nails the white savior complex. The crew reminisces about the shockwaves the musical sent through Salt Lake City and, of course, introduces this episode’s bespoke cocktail, “Root Boot Smoot,” a nod to our relentless love for puns and creamy beverages. If you like your humor sharp and your drinks smoother than a Smoot Senate run, you're in the right place.

Scriptures: [00:15:08]
We dive into the "Armor of God" passage—because nothing says protection like a metaphorical helmet that won’t stop a single thought from slipping in. With a mix of humor and grim reflection, we explore how leaving the church transforms these once-sacred verses into absurd relics of our past lives. Spoiler alert: the Armor of God is about as protective as a condom that was thumbtacked to a wall. Stay tuned as we dissect the invisible armor and the visible manipulation, all with a grin and a wink.

Church Teachings: [00:46:37]
Here’s where it gets good: aaaAAAaaa takes us on a wild ride through Doctrine and Covenants 28, where Joseph Smith’s monopoly on revelation is challenged by some guy with a rock. The nerve! We dig into the mental gymnastics required to dismiss Hiram Page’s divine stone while holding up Joseph’s as gospel truth. And let’s not forget poor Oliver Cowdery—convinced he was wrong by the master manipulator himself. We also throw in some awkward dating anecdotes, because nothing says romance like “God told me you’re the one.” Expect sarcasm, expect laughs, and most importantly, expect to question everything.

History: [01:07:51]
Abigail bravely tackles one of history’s most thrilling (read: yawn-worthy) topics—the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which, spoiler alert, didn’t just shoot America in the foot; it blew off the whole leg. Picture this: one disastrous economic policy, global retaliation, and a plummeting world trade that made the Great Depression even greater (in the worst possible way). The hosts lay into Smoot, our favorite Mormon apostle-turned-senator, for not seeing this train wreck coming—seer powers, am I right? We wrap up by connecting the dots between economic calamity, Hoovervilles, and the political overhaul that followed. If you ever wondered how tariffs could be this entertaining, you’re about to find out.

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 [email protected].
And don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review of our podcast!

Send us a text

Welcome to the 69th episode of *The Great and Spacious Podcast*! Abigail, Abish, aaaAAAaaa, and our special guest Claudia kick off the show with a cocktail-fueled celebration of our milestone episode. We’re spreading the love (and the drinks) in the absence of our beloved Moroni, who's missing this week. As we revel in our 69th episode, a sacred number—if you consider oral tradition as sacred, expect some lively banter, a peek behind the curtain of our next segments. Plus, we reveal our bespoke cocktail, the "Elect Lady,” and why it’s anything but demure.

Scriptures: [00:19:16]
In this segment, aaaAAAaaa takes us on a journey through sections 24, 25, and 26 of the Doctrine and Covenants. We dissect the divine revelations handed down to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, chuckling at the historical "persecution" and the dubious claims of prophetic origins. As we navigate the instructions, we imagine Oliver Cowdery as an overzealous divine spam filter and question the consistency of these early revelations. Section 24 gives us a laugh at Joseph and Oliver’s supposedly celestial career path, while Section 25—directed at Emma Smith—seems like a celestial boss's to-do list for his underappreciated employee. We’ll sympathize with Emma’s plight while adding a touch of irreverence to her restrictive role.

Church Teachings: [00:41:17]
In the Church Teachings segment, Abish dives into the Strengthening Church Members Committee, unraveling the glaring omission of Emma Smith from General Conference talks. If you thought being left out of a family photo was rough, try being overshadowed in the history books. While Joseph Smith is paraded around like the church's personal superhero, Emma’s immense contributions and trials get a mere footnote. The hosts recount her personal tragedies, including the loss of six children, and share their frustration over how her legacy is treated with all the respect of a soggy afterthought.

History: [01:02:51]
Abigail takes us on a wild ride through history with the curious case of Oliver Smoot, the MIT student who became a unit of measurement. In 1958, Oliver was used to measure the length of Harvard Bridge, resulting in “smoots” as a unit of length—364.4 smoots, plus or minus an ear. The smoots are still marked on the bridge, showing that even in academia, there’s room for a little humor. We then shift gears to Reed Smoot, a politically influential LDS figure whose tenure was marred by controversy and polygamy. Abigail humorously contrasts the smoot’s lighthearted legacy with Reed’s contentious political career, highlighting how one smoot could measure both bridge lengths and historical impacts.

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 [email protected].
And don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review of our podcast!

Send us a text

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 early women's

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 [email protected].
And don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review of our podcast!