Architecture of Abuse

The influence of the LDS Church in Utah can be traced through its methodical rise throughout history: from desert-settling pioneers to modern-day corporate powzerhouse. Attorney Tim Kosnoff, and author and content creator Alyssa Grenfell unpack why the Church’s financial, political, and legal power makes accountability for abuse so elusive in the state of Utah. From the “accident” of their establishment in the wilderness of the West, to the “design” of the Church’s parallel systems of establishment, Tim and Alyssa detail the undeniable influence of the “Mormon Corridor” within the USA. Episode Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12NnVxXT_DePCZiWvGseCEa-1cyBBh6tI/view Additional resources, and a contact form are available at ArchitectureOfAbuse.com Contribute to the conversation by: ➡️ Following/subscribing to the podcast ➡️ Leaving a review/rating ➡️ Following https://instagram.com/architectureofabuse and https://tiktok.com/@architectureofabuse ➡️ Sharing the podcast with someone who might benefit from these discussions All views expressed are opinions only and do not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique and should be considered and handled on a case-by-case basis. Under current law, and after decades of experience bringing cases against institutions like the LDS Church, it is our professional opinion that there is no mechanism to handle CSA-related claims other than individually. Under current law we do not anticipate that, without substantial changes to the law, there will be a mechanism—class action, consolidated cases, federal multi-district actions, or anything else—that will allow these claims to proceed on anything other than an individual basis. They are all simply too fact dependent. For inquiries about legal representation, visit kosnoff.com Hosts | Alyssa Grenfell & Tim Kosnoff Executive Producers | Lindsay Hansen Park & Eric W. Phillips Producer | Lizzy Bean Researcher | Emily Sellers

In this exploration of Utah and Church history, co-hosts Alyssa Grenfell and veteran attorney Tim Kosnoff are joined by historian and executive producer Lindsay Hansen Park to trace the LDS Church’s origins through a stark and unflinching lens that reveals how romanticized origins can obscure systemic harm. Together, they examine how secrecy, outlaw theology, and institutional power became woven into the very foundation of the LDS Church and the state of Utah, establishing a blueprint that still shapes the Church’s response to abuse today. From Joseph Smith’s secret plural marriages to the systemic use of “sacredness” as a shield for silence, Park offers a powerful historical critique, connecting early practices to modern consequences. The episode dissects polygamy, theocratic control, and cultural myths of martyrdom, while exploring how patriarchal reverence and the suppression of discomfort have enabled a long-standing architecture of abuse.   Episode Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NjOXgop_4F3Nl0CLx2EOIhY9NWzx7HMt/view   Additional resources, and a contact form are available at ArchitectureOfAbuse.com   Listen to Lindsay Hansen Park’s podcast, Year of Polygamy: https://www.yearofpolygamy.com/ Listen to Lindsay Hansen Park’s podcast, Sunstone History Podcast: https://sunstone.org/sunstone-history-podcast/   Contribute to the conversation by: ➡️ Following/subscribing to the podcast ➡️ Leaving a review/rating ➡️ Following https://instagram.com/architectureofabuse and https://tiktok.com/@architectureofabuse ➡️ Sharing the podcast with someone who might benefit from these discussions All views expressed are opinions only and do not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique and should be considered and handled on a case-by-case basis. Under current law, and after decades of experience bringing cases against institutions like the LDS Church, it is our professional opinion that there is no mechanism to handle CSA-related claims other than individually. Under current law we do not anticipate that, without substantial changes to the law, there will be a mechanism—class action, consolidated cases, federal multi-district actions, or anything else—that will allow these claims to proceed on anything other than an individual basis. They are all simply too fact dependent. For inquiries about legal representation, visit kosnoff.com   Hosts | Alyssa Grenfell & Tim Kosnoff Executive Producers | Lindsay Hansen Park & Eric W. Phillips Producer | Lizzy Bean Researcher | Emily Sellers

Co-host Alyssa Grenfell explores how the LDS Church's obsession with outward righteousness creates a culture that silences victims, enables abuse, and even erodes mental health. From standards for clothing and appearances, to the pressure of being “worthy”, this conversation confronts the Church’s behavioral theology head-on. Featuring insights from therapist Dr. Julie Hanks, sex therapist Natasha Helfer, and expert on undue influence, Dr. Steven Hassan, this deep dive unpacks how scrupulosity, image control, and “thought-stopping” tactics keep members obedient—and how that shapes a community's response to trauma.   Episode Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J0ohjeX10z-XcijwjOzIThLo_gG3Yes0/view?usp=sharing   Additional resources, and a contact form are available at ArchitectureOfAbuse.com   Learn more about Dr. Julie Hanks’ work at https://www.drjuliehanks.com/ and follow her on Instagram https://instagram.com/drjuliehanks Learn more about Dr. Steven Hassan at https://freedomofmind.com/ and follow him on Instagram https://.instagram.com/cultexpert Learn more about Natasha Helfer at https://www.natashahelfer.com/ and follow her on Instagram https://instagram.com/natashahelfermft   Contribute to the conversation by: > Following/subscribing to the podcast > Leaving a review/rating > Following https://instagram.com/architectureofabuse and https://tiktok.com/@architectureofabuse > Sharing the podcast with someone who might benefit from these discussions   All views expressed are opinions only and do not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique and should be considered and handled on a case-by-case basis. Under current law, and after decades of experience bringing cases against institutions like the LDS Church, it is our professional opinion that there is no mechanism to handle CSA-related claims other than individually. Under current law we do not anticipate that, without substantial changes to the law, there will be a mechanism—class action, consolidated cases, federal multi-district actions, or anything else—that will allow these claims to proceed on anything other than an individual basis. They are all simply too fact dependent. For inquiries about legal representation, visit kosnoff.com   Hosts | Alyssa Grenfell & Tim Kosnoff Executive Producers | Lindsay Hansen Park & Eric W. Phillips Producer | Lizzy Bean Researcher | Emily Sellers

Co-host Tim Kosnoff reconnects with therapist and author Dr. Julie Hanks, who shares an emotional update: after years of faithful participation she has stepped away from activity in the LDS Church. In her own words, Dr. Hanks explains how increasing scrutiny from Church leadership and coordinated complaints from the public made her feel unsafe, unsupported, and ultimately pushed out. Diving into the power dynamics at play when institutions resist critique, Julie reflects on the cost of being “ahead” of the institution, the pain of losing community, the resolve it takes to walk away, and that her work continues with or without institutional approval.   Episode Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XJB5bi7ZItLRpC47FNs5XM0U-Fc1xAAI/view?usp=sharing Additional resources, and a contact form are available at ArchitectureOfAbuse.com Learn more about Dr. Julie Hanks’ work at https://www.drjuliehanks.com/ and follow her on Instagram https://instagram.com/drjuliehanks   Contribute to the conversation by: > Following/subscribing to the podcast > Leaving a review/rating > Following https://instagram.com/architectureofabuse and https://tiktok.com/@architectureofabuse > Sharing the podcast with someone who might benefit from these discussions   All views expressed are opinions only and do not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique and should be considered and handled on a case-by-case basis. Under current law, and after decades of experience bringing cases against institutions like the LDS Church, it is our professional opinion that there is no mechanism to handle CSA-related claims other than individually. Under current law we do not anticipate that, without substantial changes to the law, there will be a mechanism—class action, consolidated cases, federal multi-district actions, or anything else—that will allow these claims to proceed on anything other than an individual basis. They are all simply too fact dependent. For inquiries about legal representation, visit kosnoff.com   Hosts | Alyssa Grenfell & Tim Kosnoff Executive Producers | Lindsay Hansen Park & Eric W. Phillips Producer | Lizzy Bean Researcher | Emily Sellers

Co-hosts Alyssa Grenfell and Tim Kosnoff examine how LDS Church culture or the invisible behavioral structures that exist beyond official doctrine, shapes beliefs, silences dissent, and leaves children at risk. Therapist Dr. Julie Hanks brings over 30 years of experience working with LDS families, offering acute insight into the emotional and developmental toll of rigid gender roles, spiritual bypassing, and trauma misdiagnosed as “sin.” Dr. Steven Hassan, a mental health professional, expert on undue influence, and former member of the Moonies, explains how high-control religious groups use behavioral and emotional tactics to reinforce the group identity. Together, they expose a system where obedience is praised, questions are punished, and abuse hides in plain sight. ⚠️ This podcast contains discussions about child sexual abuse. Please listen with care.   Episode Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZffsHUu6_uRIFOkjV_pwd6XmaI4OMD-G/view?usp=sharing   Additional resources, and a contact form are available at ArchitectureOfAbuse.com   Learn more about Dr. Julie Hanks’ work and follow her on Instagram https://www.drjuliehanks.com/   https://instagram.com/drjuliehanks Learn more about Dr. Steven Hassan and follow him on Instagram https://freedomofmind.com/ https://www.instagram.com/cultexpert/ BITE Model: https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model-pdf-download/ Influence Continuum: https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/influence-continuum/ Contribute to the conversation by: > Following/subscribing to the podcast > Leaving a review/rating > Following https://instagram.com/architectureofabuse and https://tiktok.com/@architectureofabuse > Sharing the podcast with someone who might benefit from these discussions   All views expressed are opinions only and do not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique and should be considered and handled on a case-by-case basis. Under current law, and after decades of experience bringing cases against institutions like the LDS Church, it is our professional opinion that there is no mechanism to handle CSA-related claims other than individually. Under current law we do not anticipate that, without substantial changes to the law, there will be a mechanism—class action, consolidated cases, federal multi-district actions, or anything else—that will allow these claims to proceed on anything other than an individual basis. They are all simply too fact dependent. For inquiries about legal representation, visit kosnoff.com   Hosts | Alyssa Grenfell & Tim Kosnoff Executive Producers | Lindsay Hansen Park & Eric W. Phillips Producer | Lizzy Bean Researcher | Emily Sellers

Attorney Tim Kosnoff and host Alyssa Grenfell map the century-long knot between the Boy Scouts of America and the LDS Church where 40 % of all U.S. Boy Scout troops once met under a Mormon steeple. Having represented 17,000 of the over 80,000 claimants against the Boy Scouts, Tim explains why he believes the Boy Scouts of America was “the largest pedophile ring on earth”: from a card-filing system that began in 1916 to their 2020 Chapter 11 bankruptcy maneuver. ⚠️ This podcast contains discussions about child sexual abuse. Please listen with care.   Deep-Dive Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mTWZRjFCN1WSEAXlt1dPAKBgXH2FGjZ8/view   Additional resources, and a contact form are available at ArchitectureOfAbuse.com   Contribute to the conversation by: > Following/subscribing to the podcast > Leaving a review/rating > Following https://instagram.com/architectureofabuse and https://tiktok.com/@architectureofabuse > Sharing the podcast with someone who might benefit from these discussions   All views expressed are opinions only and do not constitute legal advice.   Every case is unique and should be considered and handled on a case-by-case basis. Under current law, and after decades of experience bringing cases against institutions like the LDS Church, it is our professional opinion that there is no mechanism to handle CSA-related claims other than individually. Under current law we do not anticipate that, without substantial changes to the law, there will be a mechanism—class action, consolidated cases, federal multi-district actions, or anything else—that will allow these claims to proceed on anything other than an individual basis. They are all simply too fact dependent. For inquiries about legal representation, visit kosnoff.com   Hosts | Alyssa Grenfell & Tim Kosnoff Executive Producers | Lindsay Hansen Park & Eric W. Phillips Producer | Lizzy Bean Researcher | Emily Sellers

Episode 2 of Architecture of Abuse is an analysis of the financial and professional resources the LDS Church utilizes to insulate itself from liability— their legal privilege, institutional wealth, and the human cost of prioritizing the “good name of the Church.” Host Alyssa Grenfell, co-host and attorney Tim Kosnoff, and journalist Murray Jones reveal the mechanics of the Church’s Help Line; the Church’s estimated $293 billion portfolio; and how bishops become de-facto gatekeepers between victims and justice. ⚠️ This podcast contains discussions about child sexual abuse. Please listen with care.   Episode Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11dsPVOzR5fhEpUvv7OKqViQPJAVYQrch/view?usp=sharing Additional resources, and a contact form are available at ArchitectureOfAbuse.com   Murray Jones' Heaven’s Helpline Podcast: A six-part investigation into how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built a system that protects its wealth and reputation. https://open.spotify.com/show/1Je06h0lSL8uVQsd2tbpCX https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heavens-helpline/id1772834195   Contribute to the conversation by: > Following/subscribing to the podcast > Rating & leaving a review > Following https://instagram.com/architectureofabuse and https://tiktok.com/@architectureofabuse > Sharing the podcast with someone who might benefit from these discussions   All views expressed are opinions only and do not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique and should be considered and handled on a case-by-case basis. Under current law, and after decades of experience bringing cases against institutions like the LDS Church, it is our professional opinion that there is no mechanism to handle CSA-related claims other than individually. Under current law we do not anticipate that, without substantial changes to the law, there will be a mechanism—class action, consolidated cases, federal multi-district actions, or anything else—that will allow these claims to proceed on anything other than an individual basis. They are all simply too fact dependent. For inquiries about legal representation, visit kosnoff.com   Hosts | Alyssa Grenfell & Tim Kosnoff Executive Producers | Lindsay Hansen Park & Eric W. Phillips Producer | Lizzy Bean Researcher | Emily Sellers

What happens when abuse, or spiritual sin of any kind, is reported within the private systems of the LDS Church? In our first Deep Dive, co-hosts Tim Kosnoff and Alyssa Grenfell break down the Church’s internal court structure and disciplinary processes, examining how reporting norms, especially evident within the Church's missionary program, reinforce silence and control. For survivors wondering whether to come forward, Tim offers a powerful reminder: even when no criminal charges are filed, forcing the Church to document your experience creates a permanent record—and that record matters. ⚠️ This podcast contains discussions about child sexual abuse. Please listen with care. Episode Transcript: LINK Additional resources, and a contact form are available at ArchitectureOfAbuse.com Contribute to the conversation by: Following/subscribing to the podcast Leaving a review/rating Following @architectureofabuse on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Sharing the podcast with someone who might benefit from these discussions All views expressed are opinions only and do not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique and should be considered and handled on a case-by-case basis. Under current law, and after decades of experience bringing cases against institutions like the LDS Church, it is our professional opinion that there is no mechanism to handle CSA-related claims other than individually. Under current law we do not anticipate that, without substantial changes to the law, there will be a mechanism—class action, consolidated cases, federal multi-district actions, or anything else—that will allow these claims to proceed on anything other than an individual basis. They are all simply too fact dependent. For inquiries about legal representation, visit kosnoff.com Hosts | Alyssa Grenfell & Tim Kosnoff Executive Producers | Lindsay Hansen Park & Eric W. Phillips Producer | Lizzy Bean Researcher | Emily Sellers

The first episode of Architecture of Abuse invites listeners into a sobering conversation about the institutional systems that allow child sexual abuse to persist within organizations like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Co-Hosts Alyssa Grenfell and veteran attorney Tim Kosnoff are joined by journalist Lisa Davis (The Sins of Brother Curtis), whose investigative work into the Frank Curtis case reveals how systemic silence and deference to Church authority can allow, and sometimes enable, abuse to flourish. Together, they explore how these patterns have persisted and what must change, inviting listeners to examine how tradition, image, and institutional loyalty can contribute to cycles of harm. ⚠️ This podcast contains discussions about child sexual abuse. Please listen with care. Episode Transcript: LINK Additional resources, and a contact form are available at ArchitectureOfAbuse.com The Sins of Brother Curtis: A Story of Betrayal, Conviction, and the Mormon Church by Lisa Davis
| LINK Contribute to the conversation by: Following/subscribing to the podcast Leaving a review/rating Following @architectureofabuse on social platforms Sharing the podcast with someone who might benefit from these discussions All views expressed are opinions only and do not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique and should be considered and handled on a case-by-case basis. Under current law, and after decades of experience bringing cases against institutions like the LDS Church, it is our professional opinion that there is no mechanism to handle CSA-related claims other than individually. Under current law we do not anticipate that, without substantial changes to the law, there will be a mechanism—class action, consolidated cases, federal multi-district actions, or anything else—that will allow these claims to proceed on anything other than an individual basis. They are all simply too fact dependent. For inquiries about legal representation, visit kosnoff.com Hosts | Alyssa Grenfell & Tim Kosnoff Executive Producers | Lindsay Hansen Park & Eric W. Phillips Producer | Lizzy Bean Researcher | Emily Sellers

Coming Soon. Architecture of Abuse is a seven-episode podcast examining how structures of power, particularly within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have enabled child sexual abuse, silenced victims, and avoided accountability for the institution. Hosted by Alyssa Grenfell and veteran attorney Tim Kosnoff, the series features conversations with legal experts, therapists, sociologists, journalists, and more. Subscribe to listen as we explore how historical precedent, cultural silence, and institutional scaffolding form the architecture of abuse within LDS communities so we can learn how to better protect the most vulnerable among us. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes and case updates 🔗 Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @architectureofabuse 👉 Resources available at architectureofabuse.com