Religion is usually stiff. Especially when you’re talking about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or "Mormons." People expect white shirts, ties, and a very specific, polished way of speaking. Then you find The Stick of Joseph podcast, and honestly, the vibe shifts entirely. It’s raw. It’s two brothers, Bullock and Garrett, sitting in a studio—often in hoodies—talking about the Book of Mormon like it’s a gritty historical epic rather than a Sunday School manual.
They aren't trying to be your bishop. They aren't trying to sell you a sanitized version of history.
If you’ve spent any time on "Latter-day Saint YouTube" lately, you’ve probably seen their clips. They’ve managed to tap into a specific cultural moment where Gen Z and Millennials are tired of the "corporate" feel of religion but still deeply care about their faith. It’s a weird middle ground. The Stick of Joseph podcast lives right in that tension.
The Brothers Behind the Mic
What makes this show work? It's the chemistry. Garrett and Bullock are brothers, and you can tell. They talk over each other, they roast each other, and they dive into the weeds of "Restoration" theology with a level of intensity that’s usually reserved for fantasy football or Marvel movies.
They don't just talk about the "what." They talk about the "why."
Take their deep dives into the translation of the Book of Mormon. Most people grow up with one specific image in their head—a guy at a table with some gold plates. The Stick of Joseph podcast leans into the messier, more fascinating reality. They talk about seer stones. They talk about the Urim and Thummim. But they do it in a way that feels grounded. It doesn’t feel like a history lecture. It feels like a conversation you’d have at 2:00 AM in a dorm room.
Breaking the "Polished" Mold
For decades, LDS media was basically just the Ensign magazine or official church broadcasts. Very scripted. Very safe.
The Stick of Joseph podcast is the opposite of safe.
They tackle the stuff that usually makes people uncomfortable. They talk about the "lost 116 pages." They talk about the timeline of the priesthood restoration. They even interview people who have left the faith or who have vastly different perspectives. That’s a bold move in a culture that often prizes "faith-promoting" content above all else. But that’s exactly why people are listening. People crave authenticity. We’re all tired of being marketed to, even by our own religions.
Why the Name Matters
"The Stick of Joseph" isn't just a catchy title. It’s a direct reference to a prophecy in the Book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament. Basically, the idea is that there are two "sticks" or records—the Stick of Judah (the Bible) and the Stick of Joseph (the Book of Mormon). By naming the podcast this, they are planting a flag. They are saying, "We are here to talk about this specific record and why it matters in the modern world."
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It’s about convergence.
The podcast tries to bridge the gap between ancient scripture and the chaotic reality of 2026. How does a book published in 1830 apply to someone struggling with mental health or navigating a career in tech? They don’t always have the answers, but they aren't afraid to ask the questions. That’s the draw.
The Guests and the Controversy
The podcast has featured some heavy hitters in the "Mormon Studies" world. They’ve had historians, scholars, and influencers. But it’s not just about the big names. Some of their best episodes are just the two of them breaking down a single chapter of scripture.
They’ve faced some pushback. Some people think they’re too "edgy." Others think they aren’t "official" enough.
Honestly, that’s to be expected. When you move away from the traditional script, you’re going to ruffle some feathers. But the numbers don’t lie. Their YouTube channel has exploded because there’s a massive audience of people who want to love their faith without having to pretend that the difficult parts don't exist.
Exploring the "New Era" of Faith Content
We are seeing a massive shift in how religious content is consumed. It’s shifting away from the pulpit and moving toward the podcast studio.
The Stick of Joseph podcast is a prime example of this "decentralization." You don’t need a degree in theology to have a massive impact on how people perceive scripture. You just need a camera, a couple of microphones, and a genuine passion for the subject. It’s democratizing the conversation.
Dealing with the "Deep Doctrine"
One thing you’ll notice if you listen to more than five minutes of the show is that they love "deep doctrine." This isn't just "be nice to your neighbor" stuff. They get into the weeds of the Council in Heaven, the nature of God, and the complexities of the temple.
Some of it gets pretty wild.
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But it’s never presented as "this is the only way to believe." It’s presented as an exploration. They’ll often say things like, "I was thinking about this today..." or "What if we looked at it this way?" It invites the listener to be a participant in the discovery rather than just a passive consumer.
The Aesthetic and the Brand
Let's talk about the production value for a second. It's high. Like, really high. They’ve got the lighting, the multi-camera setups, and the crisp audio that makes it feel professional despite the casual vibe. This matters. In the "attention economy," you can’t have bad audio.
The branding—the logo, the merch, the social media clips—it all feels modern. It doesn't look like a church pamphlet from 1994. It looks like a lifestyle brand. That’s intentional. They are meeting their audience where they already are: on TikTok, on Instagram, and on YouTube.
Impact on the "Youth"
If you talk to LDS teenagers or young adults right now, a lot of them are struggling. They see the "anti-Mormon" content on their feeds every day. They see the criticisms of Joseph Smith or the church's history.
For a lot of these kids, The Stick of Joseph podcast is a lifeline.
It shows them that you can be aware of the criticisms, you can know the "messy" history, and you can still believe. It provides a "third way." You don't have to choose between blind faith and complete apostasy. You can be an informed, critical thinker who is also a devoted believer.
That’s a powerful message.
Real-World Examples of the "Stick of Joseph" Influence
I’ve seen people in comment sections saying that this podcast literally saved their testimony. That’s a heavy thing to say about a YouTube show. But when people feel like they’ve been lied to or that things have been hidden from them, finding a source that is open and transparent is incredibly healing.
It’s about trust.
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Garrett and Bullock have built a massive amount of trust with their audience because they don't sound like they’re reading from a teleprompter. They sound like they’re figuring it out right along with you.
Navigating the Future of the Podcast
Where does the show go from here? As they get bigger, the pressure will mount. There’s always the risk of becoming too "mainstream" or losing that raw edge that made them popular in the first place.
But for now, they seem to be hitting their stride.
They are expanding into more long-form content and even some documentary-style videos. They are pushing the boundaries of what "LDS media" can be. It’s an exciting time to be a part of that community, even if you’re just watching from the sidelines.
Final Thoughts on the Movement
The Stick of Joseph podcast is more than just a show; it’s a symptom of a larger shift. Religion is becoming more personal, more conversational, and more transparent. The days of the "unquestionable authority" are fading, replaced by a community of seekers who are willing to do the work.
If you’re curious about the Book of Mormon, or if you just want to see how a modern religious movement handles the internet age, you should give it a listen. Even if you don't agree with everything they say, you’ll probably find the conversation fascinating.
Actionable Steps for New Listeners
If you're ready to dive in, here’s how to get the most out of it without feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content they put out:
- Start with the "Big" Topics: Look through their archives for titles that jump out at you—usually the ones about Joseph Smith’s first vision or the translation process. These give you a good feel for their methodology.
- Watch on YouTube, Don't Just Listen: A lot of what makes the show great is the visual aids they use and the physical chemistry between the brothers. The "vibe" is half the experience.
- Check the "Shorts": If you only have five minutes, their TikTok or YouTube Shorts are great for quick hits of "deep doctrine" or funny moments. It's a low-stakes way to see if you like their style.
- Follow the Sources: They often mention books or scholars. If a topic really grabs you, don't just take their word for it. Go read the books they recommend. That’s how you actually grow.
- Join the Conversation: The comments section on their videos is actually surprisingly civil for the most part. It’s a good place to see how other people are processing the information.
Don't expect to have all your questions answered in one episode. That’s not the point. The point is to keep searching, keep asking, and maybe have a little bit of fun while you're doing it. The Stick of Joseph podcast isn't a replacement for personal study, but it's a hell of a companion.