Programs

Yesterday on Access Utah we talked with members of a modern-day polygamous community. Today, in part two of our series, we’ll learn how polygamy began in America. When Joseph Smith began to reveal and teach the doctrine of plural marriage in 1841, even stalwart church members like Brigham Young were shocked and confused. In her new book, “Revelation, Resistance, and Mormon Polygamy--The Introduction and Implementation of the Principle, 1830-1853” (USU Press) historian Merina Smith considers the ideological, historical, and psychological elements of the process and captures the emotional and cultural detail of this exciting and volatile period in Mormon history.

In Utah we often have occasion to talk about polygamy. But it is rarer to be able to talk with people who practice it. Wednesday we'll talk with members of the Centennial Park community near the Arizona/Utah border. They are being featured on National Geographic Channel’s Polygamy USA series and recently recorded their stories when UPR hosted StoryCorps in St. George.

CEO Marissa Mayer’s recent decision to require Yahoo! workers to come to headquarters for work has provoked a vigorous discussion about telecommuting. On the other end of the spectrum, some suggest that in today’s world, employees shouldn’t have set hours just clear goals. And no matter what else may change, we’ll likely always have to deal with office politics. How is your workplace changing? Is telecommuting working for you? What are your company's rules? Are you able to manage a good work/life balance?

On the show this week, I feature the latest from the word buff Susan Kane, and the debut solo album from Ben Kyle. I’ll also play songs from new releases by Lee Murdock, Adam Smith, and Guthrie Thomas, among other talented artists. Tune in and listen this Saturday at 8pm to Fresh Folk on Utah Public Radio.

  Last year, agricultural producers experienced the worst drought in generations. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced this week the department's vision for agriculture in the face of evolving environmental challenges.  Today on the program, Sheri Quinn talks to USDA spokesperson Blake Walbeck about the challenges ahead for farmers and ranchers in Utah and discusses conservation stewardship funding available to producers in Utah and nationwide.