Historian John Turner examines Brigham Young's leadership and legacy
September 1, 2026 at 1:05 PM MT · via YouTube / Mormon Stories Podcast · Summarized by Mormon News from original reporting
From Mormon Stories Podcast. Episode page, show notes and full transcript on mormonstories.org →
Historian Dr. John G. Turner returns to discuss his biography of Brigham Young in a new series examining the second president of the LDS Church. The first episode has drawn over 16,000 views in its first day.
Turner, a professor at George Mason University and author of "Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet," explores Young's transformation from a carpenter in upstate New York to the leader who established Mormon settlements across the American West. The series examines Young's polygamy, his relationship with the federal government, and his consolidation of church authority.
The discussion includes Young's Mountain Meadows Massacre involvement, his economic policies, and his treatment of Black members and Native Americans. Turner's 2012 biography is considered the definitive modern scholarly work on Young.
More coverage of this story
- YouTube / HISTORY →August 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM MT
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