Mormon Stories Podcast

In June of 2012 I interviewed Tom Phillips, former LDS church stake president in London, England U.K.  In this interview he discusses the following:

• His early experiences as a bishop and stake president in the LDS church, along with is friendship with LDS apostle Jeffrey R. Holland.
• His experience receiving a secret/sacred LDS church ordinance called the "Second Anointing," wherein he was anointed by the hands of Elder M. Russel Ballard, and assured exaltation in there hereafter.
• His subsequent loss of faith over historical and scientific issues with the church.
• His direct correspondence with then friend, LDS apostle Jeffrey R. Holland, over these troubling issues.
• The pain, suffering, and ultimate divorce that he and his family experienced as a result of his faith crisis.
• Additional detail about Tom's story can be found here.

At the time I conducted this interview I was in deep discussions with my stake president, Mark Jensen, over my status with the church, and my ability to baptize my son.  Out of fear of church discipline, and as a sign of good will to President Jensen, I decided to not release this episode via Mormon Stories podcast, and instead granted permission to Tom to do with it as he saw fit.

Over the subsequent months and years I have come to regret this decision made largely out of fear, and want to publicly apologize to Tom for it.  I now feel it is appropriate to release this interview, not because I seek to show disrespect for the LDS church or its temple ordinances, but because Tom's story a very poignant example of the pain and suffering that can come about as many LDS members continue to experience legitimate struggles with the LDS church's truth claims.

Since this interview openly discusses secret/sacred LDS temple ordinances, listener discretion is strongly advised.

Micah Nickolaisen has been an important participant in the Mormon Internet for the past  three years.  His activism began in 2012 as co-founder of both the "A Thoughtful Faith" and the "Exploring Sainthood" podcasts/communities - both of which sought to encourage thoughtful and faithful LDS Church activity/participation.  

After losing his faith/confidence in the LDS Church in 2013, and in reaction to the Kate Kelly and John Dehlin excommunications in 2014/2015, Micah co-led several projects which sought to bring attention/visibility to problems within in the LDS Church.  Micah co-founded the "Strangers in Zion" project, wherein LDS Church members were encouraged to request disciplinary councils (in lieu of resigning their membership).  Micah was also a co-founder of the recent "Any Opposed" initiative wherein several LDS Church members expressed vocal opposition to church policies/practices during the April 2015 LDS General Conference.

In this three-part interview Micah discusses his early years of strong devotion to the church.  He then discusses his participation as a pro- and then a post-Mormon activist.  In the final episode, Micah discusses his newfound interest in the formation of secular communities for post-religious individuals (e.g., Sunday Assembly and Atheism 2.0).

Micah Nickolaisen has been an important participant in the Mormon Internet for the past  three years.  His activism began in 2012 as co-founder of both the "A Thoughtful Faith" and the "Exploring Sainthood" podcasts/communities - both of which sought to encourage thoughtful and faithful LDS Church activity/participation.  

After losing his faith/confidence in the LDS Church in 2013, and in reaction to the Kate Kelly and John Dehlin excommunications in 2014/2015, Micah co-led several projects which sought to bring attention/visibility to problems within in the LDS Church.  Micah co-founded the "Strangers in Zion" project, wherein LDS Church members were encouraged to request disciplinary councils (in lieu of resigning their membership).  Micah was also a co-founder of the recent "Any Opposed" initiative wherein several LDS Church members expressed vocal opposition to church policies/practices during the April 2015 LDS General Conference.

In this three-part interview Micah discusses his early years of strong devotion to the church.  He then discusses his participation as a pro- and then a post-Mormon activist.  In the final episode, Micah discusses his newfound interest in the formation of secular communities for post-religious individuals (e.g., Sunday Assembly and Atheism 2.0).

Micah Nickolaisen has been an important participant in the Mormon Internet for the past  three years.  His activism began in 2012 as co-founder of both the "A Thoughtful Faith" and the "Exploring Sainthood" podcasts/communities - both of which sought to encourage thoughtful and faithful LDS Church activity/participation.  

After losing his faith/confidence in the LDS Church in 2013, and in reaction to the Kate Kelly and John Dehlin excommunications in 2014/2015, Micah co-led several projects which sought to bring attention/visibility to problems within in the LDS Church.  Micah co-founded the "Strangers in Zion" project, wherein LDS Church members were encouraged to request disciplinary councils (in lieu of resigning their membership).  Micah was also a co-founder of the recent "Any Opposed" initiative wherein several LDS Church members expressed vocal opposition to church policies/practices during the April 2015 LDS General Conference.

In this three-part interview Micah discusses his early years of strong devotion to the church.  He then discusses his participation as a pro- and then a post-Mormon activist.  In the final episode, Micah discusses his newfound interest in the formation of secular communities for post-religious individuals (e.g., Sunday Assembly and Atheism 2.0).

An April 15th, 2015 six board members from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities had a meeting with BYU students to get the the most authentic feedback possible about religious and academic freedom at BYU -- without the administration present. This is a full audio recording of that meeting.

John Larsen is the influential founder and host of Mormon Expression podcast, and of the White Fields Educational Foundation. This is his story.

Kirk and Lindsay Van Allen are facing LDS Church discpline for rejecting the LDS doctrine of polygamy (as found in DYC 132).  This is their story.

Marisa Pond Calderwood was raised devoutly LDS in Bellevue, Washington. She was deeply committed to the church as a teen, but she also excelled in school and dreamed of obtaining a Ph.D. in Genetics. After receiving the prestigious Gordon B. Hinckley scholarship at BYU, she married Carson Calderwood after her freshman year. Although she remained devoutly LDS for well over decade, Marisa struggled with feeling like she lost herself and her dreams once she married Carson, especially after going through the LDS temple and receiving the impression that women were less than men in the LDS church. Over the next several years Marisa had four children with Carson, but she also began having chronic headaches, and sinking deeper and deeper into depression. Finally, once Marisa began to allow herself to consider the possibility that the LDS church might not be true, she began feeling better about herself, her headaches subsided, and she and Carson found a happiness and an authenticity in their marriage that they never knew before. Today Marisa and her husband Carson are being threatened with excommunication for speaking openly about their doubts and disbelief. They expect to receive their summons to a disciplinary council within the coming week. This is Marisa's story.

Carson Calderwood is an LDS dentist and father of four living in Maple Valley, Washington.  He served an LDS mission in Argentina, married his wife, Marisa, in an LDS temple, recently served as an LDS seminary teacher in Maple valley for two years, and served faithfully in the LDS church for almost two decades.  After experiencing significant questions and doubts a few years go, Carson realized how many local LDS church members were struggling over matters of faith, and began trying to help local members of his ward and stake find joy and healing amidst their LDS faith crises.

After showing public support for Ordain Women, and after publicly expressing his doubts about several LDS church truth claims (e.g., polygamy, polyandry, Book of Mormon and Abraham historicity), Carson is now being charged with apostasy by the LDS Church, and by his Maple Valley, Washington stake president.  A disciplinary council for Carson is set to be scheduled within the next few days or weeks.  

This is Carson's story, wherein he explains why he objects to LDS disciplinary councils for apostasy, and why he would prefer to be excommunicated than to resign his LDS membership and walk away quietly.

In this episode, co-released with Mormon Stories, Wendy Williams Montgomery, John Dehlin, and Dan Wotherspoon speak about the difficult dynamics at play in discussing with loved ones, whether family, friends, or ward members, about differences in faith positions after one party or another has shifted. In contrast with the types of challenges presented to people by “outsiders” to their faith, a change in stance and the new worldview presented by those who were once in sync with you (or at least perceived to be in sync) can be far more devastating. Their shifts often feel very personal, a rejection of something we hold most dear. And they have no excuse! They once knew what we know and now challenge and say they are seeing more clearly or experiencing something else more richly? For those who are the ones who have shifted, a loved one’s negative reactions to that person’s change also can feel quite personal. Why don’t they trust me that I’m on a good path, that I have information or insights that open the world to me in new ways? Why are they choosing stubbornness and clinging to ideology and dogma over really exploring and staying in close relationship with me no matter where my faith journey takes me?

How can we see these and other dynamics more clearly? What is “our” responsibility as those who have been the one whose perspectives have shifted? How can both parties better understand the challenges of this situation and learn to have compassion for each other? What are key virtues needed in such relationships? What are some “dos” and “don’ts” for negotiating this difficult interpersonal terrain?

Please listen and then share your stories and insights in the comments section below!

Jedediah Rogers discusses the history of Joseph Smith's "Council of 50" with J. Nelson-Seawright. Jed is a co-editor of the Utah Historical Quarterly and the Senior State Historian at the Utah Division of State History. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Brigham Young University and received his doctorate at Arizona State University in 2011. Recently, Jed was the editor of the Signature Book documentary, The Council of 50 - A Documentary History.

The Council of 50 was formed in Nauvoo in 1844 by Joseph Smith Jr. The council provided a pattern for political government through priesthood authority and revelation. “It was, to its members, the nucleus or focus of God’s latter-day kingdom”

Interview with Radiowest's Doug Fabrizio about My Excommunication

McMurrin Lecture: In her lecture, Flake defines an intellectual as one who loves and is committed to the life of the mind, one for whom thought is both a delight and a necessity, a source as well as means for human flourishing. This does not mean a life without conflicts, as illustrated by three intellectuals - Lowell Bennion, Sterling McMurrin, and Obert Tanner. Flake will consider their intellectual lives in relation to the religious culture from which they came. Doing so will tell us something about whether there is a Mormon intellectual tradition and, if so, what are its distinctive features.

Kathleen Flake holds the Richard L. Bushman Chair of Mormon Studies at the University of Virginia. She is the author of The Politics of American Religious Identity: The Seating of Senator Reed Smoot, Mormon Apostle (University of North Carolina Press, 2004).

Professor Flake has been awarded grants from the Mellon Foundation, Lily Endowment, Pew Charitable Trusts, and American Philosophical Society.  She has held office in the American Academy of Religion, the American Society of Church History, and the Southeastern Commission for the Study of Religion. Frequently invited to comment on Mormonism in the news, she is also a panelist for the Washington Post/Newsweek "On Faith" blog.

Symposium: Mormonism is often seen as a religion of conformity, with a hierarchy in tight control of members’ beliefs and behavior. Yet this perspective misses a rich tradition of intellectual independence and principled dissent. With an eye to the present and future, the Tanner Humanities Center will offer a unique symposium on the lives and legacies of Sterling M. McMurrin, Obert C. Tanner, and Lowell L. Bennion. Their stories reveal the tensions between faith and reason, conformity and dissent. This symposium will mark the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Obert C. and Grace A. Tanner Humanities Center.

Panels include “Challenge of Conscience: Sterling M. McMurrin” (9:00-10:30 AM), with Bob Goldberg (Chair), Jack Newell, James Clayton, and Brian Birch; “Challenge of Loyalty: Lowell Bennion” (11:00 AM-12:30 PM), with Irene Fisher (Chair), Greg Prince, Tony Morgan, Sam Allen, and Emma Lou Thayne; and “Challenge of Faith: Obert C. Tanner” (1:30-3:00 PM), with Greg Thompson (Chair), Kent Murdock, Bob Goldberg, and Grethe Peterson. A concluding panel, titled “Public Men and the Challenge of Their Private Worlds” (3:30-5:00 PM), will focus upon the personal, intellectual, and working relationships that existed among these men, with panelists Linda King Newell (Chair), Carolyn Tanner Irish, Ellen Bennion Stone, Charlotte Hansen Terry, and Bill McMurrin.            

These three intellectuals who shared a determination to act were rooted in Mormonism, but possessed distinctive visions that penetrated beyond their treasured religious heritage and drove them to embrace—and respond to—the pressing social, cultural, and political issues of their time.  With mutual respect, but using distinctive methods, Tanner, McMurrin and Bennion shared a passion for justice and impatience with racial discrimination in their church and across American society.  At various points in their careers, they served the LDS Church, the University of Utah, their state, and the nation in pursuit of their visions of a more enlightened and humane society.

Pursuing justice and adhering to conscience brought its own rewards, but also exacted a cost. As Director of the University of Utah’s LDS Institute of Religion, Lowell Bennion chafed at supporting church authorities in their denial of the priesthood to African American men.  Largely over this issue, he surrendered this post, swallowed his disappointment, and vigorously channeled his religious instincts into serving the needy in Salt Lake City.  Sterling McMurrin chose to proclaim himself a heretic and relished that identity, but lost friendships and some sense of community. Obert Tanner, a closet skeptic, muffled his doubt and kept his silence to play prominent roles in the life of his country, state, and city.

Symposium speakers and panelists will not only examine the specific, contemporary impacts of Lowell Bennion, Sterling McMurrin, and O.C. Tanner, but also consider their enduring legacies on the issues facing the Mormon Church today: the inclusion of women more fully in church leadership circles, the need to face painful facets of church history more honestly, the challenge of retaining the engagement or affiliation of socially and culturally liberal members and young adults, the quest to understand the effects of new technologies on Mormon practices and beliefs, and other concerns of our time. A concluding panel will focus upon the personal, intellectual, and working relationships that existed among these men. 

The Tanner Center is partnering with the College of Humanities, Smith-Pettit Foundation, and Michael Morris to bring you this event. 

As John Dehlin faces a disciplinary council for his work on Mormon Stories, more than two dozen past participants offer their thoughts on what John and the podcast have meant to them and to Mormonism. These reflections include faithful, orthodox Latter-Day Saints and ex-Mormons; famous scholars and private individuals; and social activists and theologians. They reflect the inclusiveness of the Mormon Stories project, past, present, and future --- and the many ways lives have been changed and improved by involvement with John's work. We invite listeners to share their own reflections about the importance of Mormon Stories in the comments section to this post.

520: John Dehlin's TribTalk with Jennifer Napier-Pearce about Disciplinary Council recorded January 22, 2015.

In this hilarious and touching episode of Mormon Stories, John Dehlin interviews Clark Johnson, an original cast member in the hit Broadway musical, The Book of Mormon.

In part one, Clark shares his experience as a young gay Mormon coming from a conservative LDS background, his mission to Mexico, and how he and his family came to terms with his decision to leave the church.  

In part two, Clark recounts the events and his favorite memories leading him to join The Book of Mormon cast; from the dance department at BYU to the Broadway stage. He goes on to share scene by scene and song by song, themes from the musical that relate to his life and experience with the world.

Warning - Because of the language contained in the Book of Mormon Musical, listener discretion is advised.

In this hilarious and touching episode of Mormon Stories, John Dehlin interviews Clark Johnson, an original cast member in the hit Broadway musical, The Book of Mormon. 

In part one, Clark shares his experience as a young gay Mormon coming from a conservative LDS background, his mission to Mexico, and how he and his family came to terms with his decision to leave the church.  

In part two, Clark recounts the events and his favorite memories leading him to join The Book of Mormon cast; from the dance department at BYU to the Broadway stage. He goes on to share scene by scene and song by song, themes from the musical that relate to his life and experience with the world.

Warning - Because of the language contained in the Book of Mormon Musical, listener discretion is advised.

The voice of Mormon Apologetics in the past has been predomintely male. In this episode we explore the intersection of gender and Mormon Apologetics.  We discuss the reasons that this may be as well as how this tradition is changing and creating  a space for more and more women amungst this forum. 

In this episode, we are pleased to have with us a strong panal:

• Nancy Ross, Assistant Professor of Art History at Dixie State Universtiy and has a Ph.D. from the university of Cambridge.  She has been blogging the Book of Mormon chapter by chapter with a feminist perspective at nickelonthenacle.blogspot.com .
• Kevin Barney, studied classics at BYU, then obtained law degrees from the University of Illinois and DePaul University. He also serves of the board of directors for FAIR Mormon and Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought.
• Jessica Finnigan,  is a Master's Student at King's College London, where she studies religion in the contemporary world. She recently completed an advanced Diploma in Religious Studies at the University of Cambridge. She earned a Bachelors from BYU in Marriage, Family, and Human Development..

In this episode I address the past, present, and future of Mormon Stories.  I also discuss my past interactions with Stake President Bryan King, my current beliefs, my current relationship with the LDS church, and my thoughts about what appears to be a pending disciplinary council.  

John Dehlin interviews the Infants on Thrones podcast panelists.

John Dehlin interviews the Infants on Thrones podcast panelists.

In this episode J. Nelson-Seawright interviews David Michael about his experience creating his new podcast "My Book of Mormon" where David shares his thoughts and witty comments on each chapter of Mormonism's central book of scripture.

With no background in Mormonism, David is reading the Book of Mormon cover to cover for the first time in an attempt to discover why millions of people have come to believe in its writings.

As a result, David offers an insightful and entertaining "outsider's perspective" on the characters, stories, and lessons he encounters. The two discuss David's christian upbringing, his thoughts on spirituality and religion, his observations on Mormonism, and review his experience reading key stories in the Book of Mormon up to Alma 57.

Recently, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released its long-awaited series of essays on polygamy in Kirtland/Nauvoo, Utah and post-manifesto polygamy, igniting a firestorm of discussion online.

In this second installment, we bring together an all-star cast of Mormon Stories favorites to discuss the Early Utah Polygamy essay:

• Lindsay Hansen Park, who in the middle of an amazing and incredibly exhaustive project for Feminist Mormon Housewives in the Year of Polygamy podcast series.
• Joe Geisner, a long-time Mormon historian who has been assisting Lindsay in her research for the Year of Polygamy project.
• J. Nelson-Seawright, a political science professor at Northwestern University, frequent blogger and commenter on Mormonism and a favorite guest of Mormon Stories.

In the inagural episode of the Mormon Studies Podcast, host Brent Metcalfe interviews Jan Shipps. Jan is professor emeritus of history at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis and a former president of the John Whitmer Historical Association (2004–05) and the Mormon History Association (1979–80)—a scholar’s scholar who has influenced a generation of students of Mormonism, often reaching across and even narrowing the chasm between believer and nonbeliever.

Over the past several years Jan has laid the foundation for a forthcoming book on the history of Community of Christ (a.k.a. “prairie saints”; formerly RLDS) and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (a.k.a. “mountain saints”) from the end of World War II to the present. Explicating 1950s strategic missiology and convert retention to 2010s ecclesiastical polity and women’s priesthood, she has new and trenchant insights that she shares with podcast listeners.

In this episode, Daniel Parkinson MD, host of our sister podcast, Gay Mormon Stories, interviews Meg, Jake and Jon Abhau. Meg and Jake were conservative Mormons when their 13 year old son came out to them 18 months ago.

In Part 3, the Abhaus discuss how they have emerged from this journey as passionate activists for the LGBT Mormon cause.

In this episode, Daniel Parkinson MD, host of our sister podcast, Gay Mormon Stories, interviews Meg, Jake and Jon Abhau. Meg and Jake were conservative Mormons when their 13 year old son came out to them 18 months ago.

In Part 2, the Abhaus discuss confronting their relationships with the church after learning about Jon's orientation.

In this episode, Daniel Parkinson MD, host of our sister podcast, Gay Mormon Stories, interviews Meg, Jake Abhau. Meg and Jake were conservative Mormons when their 13 year old son came out to them 18 months ago.

In Part 1, the Abhaus discuss their family, their relationship with their son and coming to terms with their son’s orientation. They also talk about making sure they were protecting him and preparing him for a healthy future.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has long affirmed the importance of religious freedom, even issuing a press release in 2013 declaring that "it is the right to think, express and act upon what you deeply believe, according to the dictates of conscience."

But a group of current and former students is concerned about implications for students who find themselves transitioning away from belief in the church while still enrolled at a church-owned school. It creates, they argue, an impossible situation where students are seemingly forced to choose between their integrity and the education they have worked and payed for.

In this episode, we're joined by several members of Free BYU, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of what they consider a lack of religious freedom within the Church Educational System.

We discuss with Free BYU leaders the Honor Code as it relates to religious freedom, ecclesiastical endorsements and how to handle a faith transition while at a church school. We'll also talk with two current students as they talk about how they are trying to navigate their faith transitions while attending BYU.

In the world of politics and media, Carrie Sheffield is a veritable dynamo. She has appeared on MSNBC, Fox News, PBS, HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, BBC Radio and more, as an expert on politics and the economy. Graduating with a Master's Degree in Public Policy from Harvard, she went on to do stints at Goldman Sachs and the Washington Times before settling in as a public policy analyst all over TV and radio.

But Carrie also has a Mormon story. Growing up in the church, then later leaving and exploring other faiths before finding peace with Stoicism, she is also a sort of rare breed as a post-Mormon who still clings tight to deeply conservative values.

In this episode, we talk about her conservative outlook, how and why she still identifies with conservatism after leaving the church as well as her thoughts on Mitt Romney, the recent mid-term elections and more.

n the world of politics and media, Carrie Sheffield is a veritable dynamo. She has appeared on MSNBC, Fox News, PBS, HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, BBC Radio and more, as an expert on politics and the economy. Graduating with a Master's Degree in Public Policy from Harvard, she went on to do stints at Goldman Sachs and the Washington Times before settling in as a public policy analyst all over TV and radio.

But Carrie also has a Mormon story. Growing up in the church, then later leaving and exploring other faiths before finding peace with Stoicism, she is also a sort of rare breed as a post-Mormon who still clings tight to deeply conservative values.

In this episode, we talk to Carrie about her background in the church, the circumstances that led to her leaving, her journey for truth after Mormonism and her thoughts about finding peace through Stoicism.

In this episode of Mormon Stories, J. Nelson-Seawright interviews David Campbell, Professor of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame and the founding director of the Rooney Center for the Study of American Democracy, about his celebrated research on religion and politics in America. Professor Campbell argues that the current partisan environment, in which religious people mostly support the Republican Party and less religious people the Democratic Party, is a recent development --- and he explains how this pattern can help explain America's recent rise in irreligiosity.

Campbell also discusses his work on Mormonism and politics. He explains his research about how Mormon identity is different in American context: stronger, more collective, more integrated, and with stricter boundaries. He discusses implications for how Mormonism interacts with politics, and also for the identity and religious options of liberal and disaffected Mormons.

This week The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released its long-awaited series of essays on polygamy in Kirtland/Nauvoo, Utah and post-manifesto polygamy, igniting a firestorm of discussion on online.

In this episode, we bring together an all-star cast of Mormon Stories favorites to discuss the Kirtland/Nauvoo essay:

• Lindsay Hansen Park, who in the middle of an amazing and incredibly exhaustive project for Feminist Mormon Housewives in the Year of Polygamy podcast series.
• John Hamer, a well-known expert on Kirtland- and Nauvoo-period Mormonism, and a member of the Community of Christ
• J. Nelson-Seawright, a political science professor at Northwestern, frequent blogger and commenter on Mormonism and a favorite guest of Mormon Stories.

Kirk Caudle made headlines over the summer when he resigned from the church after working as an online religion instructor for BYU-Idaho. However he still attends church regularly and has strong ties to Mormonism.

In Part 2 of this cross-over episode with A Thoughtful Faith podcast, Kirk talks in detail about his resignation from the church, as well as his Mormon Book Review podcast and its affiliation with BYU's Maxwell Institute. He also dives into his thoughts on a variety of Mormon topics.

Kirk Caudle made headlines over the summer when he resigned from the church after working as an online religion instructor for BYU-Idaho. However he still attends church regularly and has strong ties to Mormonism.  

In Part 1 of this cross-over episode with A Thoughtful Faith podcast, Kirk talks about growing up in the church and the influence that had on his pursuit of Mormon Studies. He also talks about his background in religion and history and the lead-up to his work with BYU-Idaho.

In this episode, we talk to Brent about his interactions and run-ins with prominent Mormon apologists like Daniel Peterson, Lou Midgley and others. We also talk about the recent history of BYU's Maxwell Institute and what he sees in its future and in the future of Mormon apologetics overall.

We'll also explore with Brent his ability to construct a healthy and happy life outside of Mormonism.

Be sure not to miss the exciting announcement from Brent toward the end of the episode!

In Part 5 of our interview with Brent Metcalfe, one of the foremost Mormon scholars, we explore the history surrounding Joseph Smith and the Book of Abraham (one of the primary scriptural texts for the LDS Church). We also talk about the concept of translation, Joseph Smith's views on his "translations," the traditional apologetic responses concerning the Book of Abraham (Hugh Nibley, John Gee, and Kerry Muhlestein), as well as the LDS Church's recent essay on the Book of Abraham.

In the highly anticipated follow up to our first interview, Brent Metcalfe continues his story.

In Part 4, Brent examines some of the issues surrounding traditional approaches to the Book of Mormon.

In the highly anticipated follow up to our first interview, Brent Metcalfe continues his story.

• In Part 3, Brent discusses the aftermath of the Hofmann murders, including the trial and Hoffman's eventual plea deal. He also discusses the events leading up to, and including, his excommunication.

In their latest book, The Crucible of Doubt, published by Deseret Book, Fiona and Terryl Givens tackle perhaps their most daunting -- and important -- subject to date: doubt in the context of Mormon faith.

• In Part 2, Terryl and Fiona take us through the book as we discuss the elements of Mormonism that cause some of the biggest doubts and how to approach them with new paradigms.

In their latest book, The Crucible of Doubt, published by Deseret Book, Fiona and Terryl Givens tackle perhaps their most daunting -- and important -- subject to date: doubt in the context of Mormon faith.

• In Part 1, we interview a Mormon Stories listener and contributer, James Patterson, about his struggles with doubt and how the book helped him.

Few people had more of a front-row seat to the goings-on surrounding Mark Hofmann, the "Salamander Letter," and the tragic events of October 1985, what would be dubbed as the "Mormon Murders."

As a personal friend and research assistant for both Steve Christensen and Mark Hofmann, Brent Metcalfe watched the whole episode unfold before his eyes.

In Part 2, Brent describes working for and with Steve Christensen and Mark Hofmann, the Salamander Letter episode, and the bombings that took the lives of Steve and Kathy Sheets.

Few people had more of a front-row seat to the goings-on surrounding Mark Hofmann and the tragic events of October 1985, what would be dubbed as the "Mormon Murders."

As a personal friend and research assistant for both Steve Christensen and Mark Hofmann, Brent Metcalfe watched the whole episode unfold before his eyes.

In Part 1, Brent talks about his early days in the Church and his time working for Church security. He also talks about his early forays into Mormon studies.

Since 2011, Mara and Danny Koefed have been blogging about their positive approach to life, even in the face of the sometimes heartbreaking circumstances life seems to have thrown their way. A Blog About Love stands as a the Koefed’s testimony of the human spirit’s ability to transcend despair and difficulty and view life for the positive, uplifting, even loving experience it can be.

In this two-part series, they talk about their lives in Mormonism, meeting each other, starting the blog and their experiences dealing with issues such as infertility, infidelity, divorce and more, and how they keep a loving attitude through it all.

Since 2011, Mara and Danny Koefed have been blogging about their positive approach to life, even in the face of the sometimes heartbreaking circumstances life seems to have thrown their way. A Blog About Love stands as a the Koefed’s testimony of the human spirit’s ability to transcend despair and difficulty and view life for the positive, uplifting, even loving experience it can be.

In this two-part series, they talk about their lives in Mormonism, meeting each other, starting the blog and their experiences dealing with issues such as infertility, infidelity, divorce and more, and how they keep a loving attitude through it all.

In this three-part series we interview Neil Ransom (Kate Kelly's husband, and Ph.D. candidate in anthropology) and we speak with Kate about her excommunication and the aftermath. Some of the fascinating tidbits we explore:

• Neil's early years growing up in Africa
• How Neil's mission, along with his attending BYU-Idaho, actually turned him into a progressive Mormon
• How Kate and Neil met (their love story), and what Neil loves most about Kate
• What Neil is researching for his Ph.D. (hint....it's super cool)
• Has Neil experienced a faith crisis?
• Who "wears the pants" in Kate/Neil's marriage...also what are the traits of a "real man" according to Neil and Kate  :)
• Are Kate/Neil planning to have kiddos?
• Kate's detailed account of her interactions with church leaders prior to her excommunication (in response to allegations of dishonesty on her part)
• A deep dive into Kate's beliefs re: Mormonism, Book of Mormon historicity, etc.
• Kate's plans for Ordain Women post-excommunication
  
  
• And most importantly....Why does Neil wear that funky hat?  :)

In this three-part series we interview Neil Ransom (Kate Kelly's husband, and Ph.D. candidate in anthropology) and we speak with Kate about her excommunication and the aftermath. Some of the fascinating tidbits we explore:

• Neil's early years growing up in Africa
• How Neil's mission, along with his attending BYU-Idaho, actually turned him into a progressive Mormon
• How Kate and Neil met (their love story), and what Neil loves most about Kate
• What Neil is researching for his Ph.D. (hint....it's super cool)
• Has Neil experienced a faith crisis?
• Who "wears the pants" in Kate/Neil's marriage...also what are the traits of a "real man" according to Neil and Kate  :)
• Are Kate/Neil planning to have kiddos?
• Kate's detailed account of her interactions with church leaders prior to her excommunication (in response to allegations of dishonesty on her part)
• A deep dive into Kate's beliefs re: Mormonism, Book of Mormon historicity, etc.
• Kate's plans for Ordain Women post-excommunication
  
  
• And most importantly....Why does Neil wear that funky hat?  :)

In this three-part series we interview Neil Ransom (Kate Kelly's husband, and Ph.D. candidate in anthropology) and we speak with Kate about her excommunication and the aftermath. Some of the fascinating tidbits we explore:

• Neil's early years growing up in Africa
• How Neil's mission, along with his attending BYU-Idaho, actually turned him into a progressive Mormon
• How Kate and Neil met (their love story), and what Neil loves most about Kate
• What Neil is researching for his Ph.D. (hint....it's super cool)
• Has Neil experienced a faith crisis?
• Who "wears the pants" in Kate/Neil's marriage...also what are the traits of a "real man" according to Neil and Kate  :)
• Are Kate/Neil planning to have kiddos?
• Kate's detailed account of her interactions with church leaders prior to her excommunication (in response to allegations of dishonesty on her part)
• A deep dive into Kate's beliefs re: Mormonism, Book of Mormon historicity, etc.
• Kate's plans for Ordain Women post-excommunication
  
  
• And most importantly....Why does Neil wear that funky hat?  :)

Natasha Helfer Parker, John Dehlin, and Margi Dehlin will be hosting a 6 hour workshop for current, mixed-faith, and former Mormon couples who are navigating faith issues, parenting, and sexuality in either a mixed-faith, post-orthodox, or a post-Mormon context.  Couples and individuals are welcome to attend, but the content will be oriented towards helping married couples deal with faith transition issues.