The Interpreter Foundation and Redbrick Filmworks continues to release a new episode of their not-for-profit series of mini-documentaries titled Becoming Brigham each Monday.

Over the past few weeks, they have released the following episodes:

Episode 26: “A Special Episode”

As a treat for our audience, this episode of Becoming Brigham temporarily shifts focus to the Interpreter Foundation’s motion picture Witnesses, which dramatizes the experiences of the Three Witnesses with the golden plates (Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris).

It includes behind-the-scenes footage from the filming of the movie, dramatic reenactments, and discussions on the reality of the events. Dan Peterson addresses common criticisms, noting that actor Paul Wuthrich actually carried replica plates during the filming of the movie, proving the feasibility of this part of the account.

The episode also features interviews with cast and crew who highlight the human side of Joseph Smith and the witnesses—their imperfections, skepticism, and yet unwavering testimonies even after they left the Church.

• How realistic was it for Joseph Smith to run while carrying the golden plates?
• What does the story of Martin Harris losing the 116 pages teach us about human error, forgiveness, and continuing God’s work?
• Why did the Three Witnesses never deny their testimony despite later challenges and leaving the Church?

Episode 27: “They Found Apostles From Where?”

How did a failed military-style relief mission like Zion’s Camp become one of the most important spiritual training experiences in early Church history? What does Brigham Young’s witty courtroom defense during a lawsuit against Joseph Smith reveal about his character and his emerging role as a defender of the young prophet? How did the intense shared hardships of Zion’s Camp influence the selection and preparation of the original Twelve Apostles—and what parallels (and/or differences) exist with apostolic callings today?

Zion’s Camp ultimately disbanded without armed conflict, but it served as a profound proving ground of faith, endurance, and leadership. Hosts Camrey Fox, John Wilson, and Dan Peterson highlight the physical hardships alongside the spiritual growth of this experience. The discussion then shifts to the calling of the original Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1835, shortly after Zion’s Camp. Historian Matthew Godfrey explains how the expedition allowed Joseph Smith to observe the character and reliability of the men under stress, leading to the selection of many veterans of Zion’s Camp (including Brigham Young) as apostles.

Why this docuseries? Many people are aware of Brigham Young as a pivotal figure in American religious and frontier history, but Brigham is also often misunderstood, seen as a larger-than-life caricature rather than as a man. Who actually was Brigham as a man, a father, a husband, and a prophet? The video web series Becoming Brigham debunks fictions and provides surprising new insights into the real Brigham Young. Learn more in the article “Becoming Brigham: The Video Series Premieres.”