Mormon Stories Podcast

In this heartfelt episode, Kevin and Jennifer share their inspiring journey through their Mormon upbringing, missions, and eventual faith transition. They discuss navigating doubts, supporting their gay and transgender children, and redefining what love and family mean. From facing church pressures to embracing authenticity, their story highlights resilience, acceptance, and the power of unconditional love. Don't miss this moving conversation about finding peace and purpose beyond organized religion.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:05:25 Kevin’s story begins

00:14:20 Kevin met with general authority Paul H. Dunn to get approved for his mission

00:27:58 Jennifer’s Story begins

00:36:11 They met again with Paull Dunn about getting married in the temple

00:48:38 Defining their own gender roles in their marriage

01:01:18 Concerns with paying tithing

01:09:00 Teenage son struggling with p*rn and coming out as gay

01:17:48 Their gay son decided to serve a mission; he was told his mission will “cure him of his gayness”

01:30:00 Mission president refused to let him go home, and had possession of his passport

01:38:00 Kevin told his son “never try to make the church work for you - it never will”

01:51:55 Their gay son says that if he was not able to leave the mission he may have committed suicide

02:08:50 Their daughter tells them she is done with the church; she experienced love bombing

02:12:50 Kevin asks his mom, “If the church wasn't true would you want to know” - she says no

02:16:50 “If there is a place in the church for my gay son, we will reconsider”

02:30:40 Discussing transgender issues in the church

02:40:48 Why do a lot of ex-Mormons turn to atheism after leaving the church?

02:28:20 Has the way that they see “love” and “family” changed over the years? What do they mean for them now?

02:56:23 Final thoughts

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Lori Vallow Daybell was interviewed on NBC/Dateline Exclusive. Keith Morrison sat down with convicted murderer and Mormon mom, Lori Vallow, to talk about her case. Her two children, Tylee and J.J. were last seen in September of 2019 and she and her new husband Chad Daybell were arrested and charged for their murder. During the Dateline interview, Lori said that she and Chad Daybell were going to be exonerated because of Jesus. “I have seen things in the future that Jesus showed me when I was in heaven.” She went on to say that “Jesus is a funny guy and a wonderful person that loves everybody and especially loves her.” Lori has long been desirous to appear on Dateline and finally got her wish. She is also charged with conspiracy in the attempted murder of her niece’s ex-husband in another case.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:00:30 Lauren Mathias, Megan Conner, Gerardo and John

00:10:00 She went in surprised, she’d heard most of it, but was surprised at Lori’s anger

00:17:50 Gerardo feels the interview would have been different with someone with a cult background

00:19:25 Did the interview show us the real Lori Vallow?

00:29:50 Lori is trying to lay groundwork for blaming Tylee for JJ’s death

00:34:00 Discussing the evidence that Tylee was killed weeks before JJ

00:47:40 Lori claiming that she met Jesus

00:51:25 Polling the audience about weather Lori Vallow believes this is true

01:09:30 Where do Chad’s beliefs begin and end?

01:12:05 Lori bringing in the spare tire and the car chair

01:25:00 We didn’t see much of the 90 minute interview between Lori and Keith

01:29:55 What Keith did that Lauren did not like

01:37:00 Was JJ asleep or was he already dead?

01:39:30 How Mormons view death and how Lori did not have a lot of grief or sadness in this

01:41:50 Lori saying that Tammy loves her and she loves Tammy

01:55:20 It was clearly disturbing to see Alex and Chad unloading a pickup truck

02:05:55 Alex’s death - was it natural causes or a murder?

02:18:00 Harmful places in Visions of Glory

02:19:55 Mormon beliefs that play into this crime

02:31:00 Other individuals who killed their children because they thought their children were possessed

02:39:00 Lauren being a members of the church

02:49:45 Lori saying that she’s right and “I told you so”

03:18:30 Keith pointed out that Lori was giving parenting advice

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Dana shares her personal journey of growing up in the Mormon church, navigating mental health challenges, and eventually deconstructing her faith. From her Mormon upbringing and mission experience to questioning societal and religious expectations, Dana's story explores themes of self-discovery, the impact of religion on her life, and the search for meaning beyond traditional beliefs. After leaving the church, Dana delves into topics like mental health, fertility, relationships, and motherhood, offering a candid perspective on her path toward healing and personal growth. This channel is a space for open discussion on faith, identity, and life after Mormonism.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:05:00 Dana’s Mormon Story begins

00:17:00 What examples did she see of women in the church?

00:21:34 It was out of the ordinary to see women with careers

00:38:23 She was reported to the Bishop and her parents that she had experimented with cutting

01:06:30 Dana’s mission experience service in Atlanta, Georgia

01:12:22 She didn't love the temple experience - was “underwhelming”

01:24:24 David Archuleta was at the MTC during the same time

01:32:51 Dana knew very soon that she wanted to leave the mission early and she had to fight to go home

01:38:27 Dana Decided to go to BYU

01:56:25 Felt pressure to be married by the time she finished BYU

02:02:17 Dana to tell her parents that they could not be married in the temple and her mother told her “He’s taken everything from you”

02:18:07 Mormon therapist asked her to consider if she would be open to dating a non-Mormon

02:29:50 Dana lists the ways the church failed her - the church makes promises it can’t keep

02:41:20 Began to research severe PMS and PMDD, and learned that she suffered from it

02:47:02 Dana decided to have a baby by herself - very radical in Mormonism

03:08:00 Dana feels that she was a better foster parent as an ex-Mormon

03:14:40 Deconstructing the idea of “motherhood” in Mormonism

03:27:18 Dana focusing on her PhD

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When vlogger Ruby Franke was arrested for child abuse in August 2023, it shocked millions who had followed her family’s seemingly perfect life on YouTube. But behind the wholesome image was a much darker reality. With counselor Jodi Hildebrandt’s influence, the Franke family spiraled into a nightmare. Now, in Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, the Frankes’ eldest children, Shari and Chad, and Ruby’s husband, Kevin, speak out for the first time. In this episode of Mormon Stories, we react to this gripping series, unpacking the shocking revelations and what they say about family, control, and the dangers of social media.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:02:45 Curious Case of Judi Hildebrant

00:22:45 “Mormon Mommy Bloggers”

00:30:40 Kevin is also a victim of an abuser

00:48:50 Ruby thinks a happy family is an obedient family

01:10:57 Ruby’s channel was “Advancing the image of the church”

01:26:00 Pressure in Mormonism to find a partner that is acceptable by church standards

01:56:49 The Franke kids begin to shut down to the camera

02:02:26 Ruby tells Chad: “Fake being happy right now”

02:14:17 Who is the “Devil in the Family” representing?

02:30:20 “The beanbag incident” with Chad’s bed being taken away

02:40:42 Shari saying Chad got “beaten” and had to help him clean up blood off the walls

03:01:21 Kevin’s initial reaction to ConneXions - “This is a cult”

03:23:20 Lauren’s reaction to Jodi’s house: “They had Costco inside this house”

03:28:00 The LDS church could be shutting this dogma down but they don't

04:04:00 When Jodi is possessed its a feature, when the kids are possessed its a bug

04:31:10 Jodi Gave Ruby permission to be this way

04:49:40 Shari calls the police for the first time to do a wellness check on the kids

04:58:54 The younger daughter found in the closet - wasn't even able to talk

05:17:50 “Takes an exceptional lack of empathy” for a mother to do this

05:25:11 Assessment of how Kevin let this happen

05:41:30 Sometimes families like these can be more susceptible to manipulation

06:07:00 Become cult informed! Become born again to your own intrinsic knowledge

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In this long awaited interview, James Huntsman, a successful businessman and member of the Huntsman family, joins John Dehlin and fraud attorney Mark Pugsley to discuss his high-profile fraud lawsuit against the LDS Church—how he lost his LDS faith, why he pursued a fraud lawsuit to get a tithing refund, what he learned, and why he has no regrets.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:00:49 Brief overview of James Huntsman's lawsuit

00:07:27 Family background info

00:18:50 Served a mission at 18

00:22:21 Discussion of a kidnapping in their family

00:36:27 Emergence of Ensign Peak & church investments

00:49:58 Cracks start developing in James’ faith

01:03:03 What led to him deciding to file the suit

01:09:35 The downsides of him suing

01:17:00 Comparing the organized structure of his family’s business to the disorganization of the church

01:28:55 What sparked his desire to sue the church

01:37:00 “It was a very personal battle for me”

01:48:40 Statute of limitations for fraud

01:54:00 Everyone now knows how much the church has - floodgates of awareness have been opened to the churches bad financial dealings

02:07:00 James has no intention of damaging the church

02:14:15 The church today does not need members tithing

02:26:00 How did they feel after they filed?

02:44:20 Are churches protected from committing fraud

02:58:00 James feels relieved that it is all over, and they can talk about it now

03:11:29 Final thoughts & Conclusion

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For nearly two centuries, Joseph Smith’s involvement in polygamy has been a point of controversy. Historians and more recently, LDS leaders, have affirmed that the Mormon prophet took dozens of wives. But a growing movement within the Church is challenging that narrative, arguing that Smith was a monogamist—and that polygamy was a later invention used to justify the actions of Brigham Young and other church leaders.

One of the most vocal advocates of this perspective is Michelle Stone, creator of 132 Problems: Revisiting Mormon Polygamy, a YouTube channel with nearly 120,000 subscribers. A lifelong member of the LDS Church, Michelle once had a strong testimony of polygamy, believing it was divinely inspired. But everything changed ten years ago when her husband questioned whether polygamy was ever truly of God. Determined to prove him wrong, Michelle embarked on a deep dive into historical records—only to find herself questioning whether Joseph Smith practiced polygamy at all.

Now, she joins Mormon Stories to share her research, her faith journey, and why she believes the Church has it wrong on one of the most controversial chapters in its history.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:05:22 Why we want to have Michelle on

00:15:48 Michelle’s great-grandfather was told by the president of the church to go to Mexico to get a second wife

00:35:07 Her grandfather was called to be a mission president in Tonga, leaving behind other wives

00:48:56 She was never taught that Joseph didn’t practice polygamy

01:05:00 Things made more sense once she realized there was problems in church history

01:14:00 Trauma of losing a child at the hospital in 2020 during the pandemic

01:24:00 Had an experience where she felt that she saw her daughter grown up

01:56:48 Michelle was devastated by the Nov 2015 LGBTQ Policy

02:04:50 Discussion of polygamy in the BOM

02:14:50 Michelle had a second faith crisis in 2020

02:32:33 When did she start her YouTube channel “132 Problems”?

02:43:34 God saying in the BoM that polygamy is an abomination

02:56:01 Has she ever decided differently than what god “commanded”?

03:18:15 Discussion on RLDS church and why they split from the LDS church

03:19:41 Michelle is asking individuals to “hold a little space” for this new theory

03:31:54 Her episode on Emma changed her mind

03:49:20 “I have become more confident in my stance since I started speaking out”

04:16:57 Michelle’s thoughts on Fanny Alger

04:39:45 Why were there rumors of polygamy going on in the church in 1835?

05:00:40 Questions on the Nauvoo Expositor

05:33:00 How can the church be true if the original men made so many mistakes?

05:40:50 What are her thoughts on the church maybe excommunicating her?

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In December 2024, the Mormon Church released a new chapter in the children’s Doctrine and Covenants Stories on the topic of polygamy. In that chapter they discuss how God sometimes commands his people to live polygamy and how hard it was for Joseph Smith to obey. The chapter also discusses how Joseph’s wife Emma did not want her husband to marry other women. Children were even taught that some of the brethren were arrested and put in prison for living polygamy.

After the release of that chapter many people spoke up, criticizing the church for this new content. Many believed these stories were too heavy for children and that by releasing this chapter the Mormon Church was actively teaching a story of sexual assault and grooming.

Today we learned that the church changed this chapter. Certain phrasing was removed as well as entire sections of the chapter. Is this due to online criticism of the church teaching children polygamy? Does the Mormon Church cave under pressure? Join us today as John, Julia (from Analyzing Mormonism), and Alyssa Witbeck discuss these changes.

YouTube

Show Notes

00:07:55 Clip - Criticism forces the church to change

00:25:36 Clip - Nathan Hinckley talking about them using the word “hard”

00:26:15 Comparing the original and the new version

00:35:20 Clip - Is God okay with forced polygamy?

00:36:55 Comparing the changes on the second image

00:42:20 Clip - “The Mormon church is participating in sexual assault”

00:53:46 Clip - Michelle Stone on Emma Smith00:56:10 In the new version this section has been completely taken out

01:01:58 Clip - “How did this get through the review process?”

01:15:22 Clip - Mormon leaders went to prison01:19:24 The last panel did not change on Woodruff’s manifesto

01:26:08 Polygamy is still hard on women today in an eternal aspect

01:36:25 What was the 2015 Exclusion Policy and how the church rolled it back

01:32:40 Answers from the Church History Survey

01:48:17 The story of Zina Huntington

01:50:30 Clip - Can consent be given in a Mormon context?

01:54:55 This is a positive change overall

02:03:10 What is it that causes people to question their faith?

02:06:11 Clip - “A faith that blinds you is problematic”

02:08:25 Final thoughts

___________________

At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  

Our overall mission is to: 

1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology

2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis

3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

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A 15 question quiz has been designed to facilitate healthy discussions about factual LDS Church history, and LDS Church historical transparency. It should take less than 5 minutes to complete.

Audience: This quiz is for anyone who has ever been an LDS Church member, including active and inactive LDS Church members, and former LDS. Please take this quiz yourself, and then please invite family, friends, and (most importantly) LDS church leaders and missionaries to take the quiz as well.

We are hopeful that the survey can serve as a way for you and others to healthily discuss factual LDS Church history, as well as the LDS Church's overall record of historical transparency. NOTE: All of the historical facts below have been recognized by the LDS church as valid, to the best of our understanding. References have been included for discussion.

We will be awarding a modest number of cash awards to those who complete the survey in its entirety, and who are willing to share compelling insights or experiences - which might include coming on the podcast to discuss their experiences.  We are also considering the option of administering this survey as a scientific, random survey.  If you are interested in supporting such a project, feel free to donate at the link below.

Enjoy! And please email us with any feedback or experiences you'd like to share.

Survey link: https://forms.gle/3o7Tr6ZHKzoEBpMs8

To donate to this project: https://donorbox.org/ldschurchresearch

YouTube

Show Notes

00:08:30 Going over the survey together, email, etc.

00:12:00 Question one - Were you taught about Joseph Smith’s 1826 Treasure digging trial?

00:14:10 Question two: What were you taught regarding the Book of Mormon translation?

00:15:50 Question three: What were you taught about the priesthood restoration?

00:17:18 Question four: Were you taught that Joseph Smith had over thirty wives?

00:18:20 Question five: Were you taught that Joseph Smith hid his first marriages from his wife Emma?

00:22:20 Question six: Were you taught about the different accounts of the First Vision

00:24:55 Question seven: Were you taught that Joseph Smith allowed black men to have the priesthood?

00:27:44 Question eight: Were you taught that Joseph Smith was a Freemason?

00:29:40 Question nine: Where you taught that the Book of Abraham is a false translation?

00:32:10 Question ten: Were you taught about Joseph Smith destroying the Nauvoo Expositor?

00:35:00 Question eleven: Do you feel like the Church has been fully honest?

00:35:35 Question twelve: Do you feel like the truth claims are important?

00:36:55 Question thirteen: Would you have made different decisions had you known?

00:38:29 Question fourteen: Did the church intentionally withhold this information?

00:58:40 Why did the church even release the Gospel Topics Essays?

01:30:00 Share this survey with friends and family

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Anna shares her personal journey growing up as a Pentecostal Charismatic in Utah, detailing her experiences within the Assemblies of God (AG) church, and the struggles and beliefs that shaped her faith. Although she has never been Mormon, Anna has a unique perspective of the LDS church as she grew up surrounded by Mormonism in Utah. Anna also delves into her time as a missionary in Mozambique, her eventual questioning of her beliefs, and the emotional journey of leaving the church. The conversation touches on the challenges of leaving a high-demand religion and finding new paths to healing and authenticity.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:04:14 Anna’s intention

00:15:35 “Gift of Tongues” vs “Speaking in Tongues”

00:25:43 Both of Anna’s parents are pastors

00:40:00 The belief in “healing” abilities in Assemblies of God

00:56:00 Anna diagnosed with cancer around age two, they thought religion could heal her

01:19:20 Why do “mainstream” Christians not see Mormons as Christians?

01:33:18 Anna was conditioned to believe that expressing emotion shows closeness to God

01:52:08 Anna talks about what it was like to have Mormon parents not want their kids to be around her

02:01:17 Speaking in tongues for the first time

02:16:50 Creating false memories

02:26:45 How are sexual transgressions seen in evangelicalism vs mormonism?

02:38:05 Anna stopped attending church and school because she felt so ashamed

02:40:50 Anna’s connections with the Latter Day Church of Christ or the polygamist Kingston Group

02:52:41 Anna’s time in Mozambique

03:02:45 It took Anna years to adjust back to normal after her work on her mission

03:10:20 Anna felt like God was calling her home to “save the Mormons”

03:21:10 Anna voicing: “I have created an image of myself that isn't real”

03:38:30 Questioning what to do with her life after leaving that mission

03:47:20 Anna began to see red flags in her pastor -he was not financially transparent and sexist

03:52:15 Anna’s pastor gives sermon called “Four Bad Reasons that People Leave the Church”

04:12:04 Anna feels extremely alone now after leaving

04:25:00 Her parents are still not very willing to view things that are critical of the church

04:45:13 Watched Margi’s “Coming home to myself” THRIVE presentation

04:50:08 What are her moments where she taps into beauty or pleasure?

04:53:46 Final questions for Anna

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Many have asked the question: Did Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith have sex with his polygamous wives? During his lifetime, Joseph Smith engaged in polygamy (which was illegal in the state of Illinois) and his wives consisted of women who were underage, women who were single, women who were widowed, and women who were already legally married. What is the evidence for his sexual relations with them? Additionally a number of the brethren were also commanded to live polygamy, what is the evidence for sexual relations in those unions? Were any children born in polygamy during the prophet’s life? Join us for a unique LDS Discussions episode where we explore these topics and answer these questions.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:10:50 The purpose of polygamy from the scriptures - Book of Mormon Jacob 2:27-30

00:14:05 List of all 35 of Joseph Smith’s wives

00:19:45 Color coded list of the wives and sexual relations with Joseph Smith

00:26:55 Fanny Alger was Joseph Smith’s first “polygamous” wife

00:32:45 Lucinda Pendleton Harris was the first polyandrous wife

00:38:20 Zina Huntington was already married and was seven months pregnant

00:45:30 Presendia Buell didn’t know if her son was Joseph’s son

00:49:42 Levirate Marriage with Agnes Smith, Joseph Smith’s sister-in-law

00:58:44 Sylvia Sessions Lyon thought her daughter was actually Joseph Smith’s

01:01:15 How can the Mormon polygamy deniers explain this away?

01:12:40 Elizabeth Durfee helped Joseph arrange new plural marriages

01:19:00 Did Emma Smith push Eliza R. Snow down the stairs?

01:22:26 Clip - Emma Smith did not attend Relief Society through all of 1843

01:30:06 Sarah Ann Whitney had a fake or “front husband” after she married Joseph Smith

01:38:00 Joseph Smith visited Flora Ann Woodworth often

01:54:50 Lucy Walker answers the question of why Joseph Smith didn’t have children in polygamy

02:05:36 Helen Mar Kimball was only fourteen years old

02:25:50 Desdemona Fullmer dreamed that Emma was going to poison her

02:36:40 Malissa Lott’s testimony that she slept with Joseph Smith

02:46:10 Human Trafficking in Mormon history

03:03:10 Children born into polygamy

03:08:52 The final count for who Joseph Smith had sex with and who he did not

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We sit down with the attorneys behind the explosive lawsuits filed against LDS Church, alleging decades of systemic child sexual abuse and institutional cover-up. These lawsuits include shocking claims of abuse facilitated by Church leaders across multiple states and even international borders, with some cases framed under federal trafficking statutes.The attorneys reveal how these cases aim to hold the Church accountable, explain the legal strategy behind the state and federal coordination efforts, and share the stories of survivors fighting for justice.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:05:30 Anne Andrews

00:06:55 Kimberly DeGonia

00:08:55 Kolby Reddish

00:16:38 The human trafficking statute and how we define human trafficking

00:36:50 The Atonement and the church protecting itself

00:41:25 Describing the events in the way that lawyers do - High Level and what that means

00:42:43 Importance of the victim’s age

00:52:17 Discussion of the American criminal justice system

01:08:25 Charges are filed against Payton

01:19:50 Was Payton ever disciplined by the church?

01:32:50 Movement to consolidate the cases in Los Angeles

01:52:18 Dispelling myths on mandatory reporting laws

01:55:52 Rough timeline of proceedings ahead

02:17:00 Issues of Church and State laws?

02:24:00 What suggestions do they have for the LDS church to handle these situations better?

02:33:32 What is their motivation in defending these cases?

02:52:11 Final thoughts

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Keith Erekson serves as the director of the historical research and outreach for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On January 12, 2025 he gave a fireside in which he answered tough questions. Today we are responding to that fireside and discussing such topics as polygamy, Joseph Smith marrying women who were already married, and the church hiding aspects of its history.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:03:40 Introducing the original fireside with Keith Erekson

00:10:23 Background on Keith Erekson who works for the Church

00:17:08 Erekson saying the church never hid anything from its history

00:21:30 How the Church has hidden its history

00:30:35 Mountain Meadows Massacre

00:37:25 Utah Mormon Reformation Questions

00:43:42 The Word of Wisdom

00:58:57 The Lord is guiding President Nelson to lead the church today

01:02:00 Clip of Elder Holland explaining how the Church moves with the world

01:08:19 Joseph Smith publicly denying that he lived polygamy

01:17:00 These firesides are for questioning members

01:18:42 John C. Bennett’s list of Joseph Smith’s wives

01:22:52 Denials of polygamy

01:29:29 What is the purpose of polygamy?

01:33:53 Monogamy is the rule plurality is the exception

01:42:16 The New and Everlasting Covenant means polygamy

01:52:52 Erekson on the Restoration of All Things

02:03:05 Why did Joseph Smith marry women who were already married?

02:10:40 The Law of Adoption

02:19:03 Joseph’s wives getting sealed to other people after his death

02:20:24 Sealings for Time only

02:21:54 Time and Eternity only sealings

02:31:31 Erekson on Mary Elizabeth Rollins

02:34:10 Dan Vogel on Mary Elizabeth Rolins

02:40:26 Is polygamy required for exaltation?

02:51:22 Are women just prizes in Mormonism?

02:55:46 Erekson on the Book of Abraham

03:07:50 Finding the scrolls for the Book of Abraham

03:12:20 Erekson saying we’ve always called these funerary texts

03:21:15 The diagram produced in the Book of Abraham

03:24:11 Joseph Smith and the Catalyst Theory for the Book of Abraham

03:27:00 Grading Keith Erekson on his knowledge, honesty, etc.

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In today's episode, John sits down for a conversation with immigration attorney, Justin Sweeney. Justin grew up LDS in Mesa, AZ, served a mission in Argentina, and has served in many leadership positions within the church. He was even serving in his branch presidency up until the end of 2024. Justin discusses how he felt overworked in his church callings, questioning polygamy and masonry, and his journey of discovering the true history of the church.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:01:20 Justin’s experience with a “Truth Crisis” not “Faith Crisis” and Intentions

00:14:43 Growing up, High School, and sports

00:26:17 Justin’s experience at the MTC

00:36:35 “Fraudulent” baptisms in Latin American missions

00:40:55 Being called to YSA bishopric

00:53:47 Justing finishing law school & became immigration attorney

01:09:57 Justin began to feel like an outsider from mormonism

01:18:00 Discussion about the Godmakers and the lack of women in the Eternal Plan

01:25:15 Justin Sweeney’s “Truth crisis” begins

01:39:30 Justin was “using his lawyer brain to asses Mormonism”

01:44:50 Learning about the “stone in the hat” and that the church still has it

01:55:00 Comparing Mormonism to Santa Claus

02:05:33 Women are second class people in Mormonism

02:10:52 Justin discussing the LDS SEC order from an attorney’s perspective

02:23:00 Reading Second Class Saints by Matt Harris with his wife and kids

02:26:20 Why not keep it to himself and continue to “fake it”

02:32:25 “My intention is not to tell people to leave the church”

02:38:47 Elder Holland “stay in the boat” marketing video

02:44:35 Why isn't he afraid of excommunication by coming on Mormon Stories?

02:54:09 Final thoughts - Is he happier now no longer believing?

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The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has unanimously rejected James Huntsman's fraud lawsuit against the LDS/Mormon Church, which claimed that the church misled the membership over its tithing usage.Join John, Gerardo, and attorney Kolby Reddish to break down the decision.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:04:26 Initial reactions to the news

00:13:00 Huntsman Procedure Explained

00:15:45 Where the Three Tithing Cases started

00:21:55 False statements made by the Church saying it would NOT use tithing funds

00:48:22 What is the definition of fraud?

01:01:05 The Church omitted half of the statement that changed the meaning

01:10:50 “Reserve funds” come from tithing for a “rainy day”

01:31:00 Why we should all become churches

01:34:47 More from the Majority Decision

01:42:55 Closing thoughts - we need to be accurate on how we talk about it

01:45:10 Judge Bress’ Concurrence

02:06:55 Bumatay’s Concurrence

02:20:55 Summary of the judicial breakdown

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Austin Wheeler shares his personal journey navigating Mormonism, military culture, and faith deconstruction. He recounts growing up in the church, his early experiences with trauma, and how Mormonism influenced his views on violence and masculinity. After a series of life events—ranging from military service at West Point to his mission in Taiwan—he confronts the toxic elements of both the military and the church, including dehumanization and harmful beliefs. Ultimately, he reflects on how his experiences shaped his disillusionment with Mormonism, his struggles with identity, and the deep questions about purpose and meaning that arose as a result.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:01:55 Introductions

00:08:55 His parents divorced when he was in seventh grade

00:10:00 He was sexually assaulted by a ward member and doubled down in his belief

00:31:00 How his High School shaped his identity

00:42:15 Prepper culture associated with the military culture

00:58:55 The Mormon culture is that they are going to build you in OUR image

01:20:00 Experiences at the Mormon Singles Ward

01:23:37 Called to the Tawaiian mission

01:36:00 He started a fight club in the MTC

01:45:00 Mormon culture makes a lot of people weird

01:50:35 His mission president thought he was sick because he had sinned

01:53:15 They sent him home for worthiness reasons, not because he was sick

02:03:45 He went back on his mission

02:24:00 Meeting his wife

02:42:00 Authority and obedience in the church and in the military

02:56:20 Opening his mind to the reality that the church had a lot of shortcomings

03:07:10 How did his military career end?

03:19:45 How did his military service end?

03:27:35 Because he was never deployed is he happy or sad? Broken or healed?

03:36:35 If you want to connect with people who have been in the military

03:48:30 Nihilistic views and the emptiness of existence

03:53:20 Final thoughts

___________________

At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/joinOur Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Paul reflects on his journey from being raised in the Mormon church to eventually leaving it. He opens up about his childhood, feeling isolated due to his neurodivergence, and his complicated relationship with his family. Paul shares his path to Mormonism, how he felt a strong connection to the faith at first, and his experiences as a missionary, including the challenges he faced in Argentina. Over time, he became disillusioned with the church, particularly after learning new information and struggling with its stance on LGBTQ issues. As Paul navigates life post-church, he discusses his career, his evolving understanding of love and relationships, and the healing process through music and self-reflection. The episode explores his feelings of loneliness, the importance of recognizing toxic behavior, and his journey to self-acceptance after leaving the Mormon faith.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:03:35 Defining neurodivergence

00:14:30 Religious experiences before the LDS church

00:27:18 First introduction to Morminsim

00:47:28 Mission call to Buenos Aires and being pressured to confess sexual sins

01:00:55 How neurodivergence played into his mission

01:16:28 Parental alienation & trying to reconnect with his mom

01:32:58 “Mormonism is passive aggressive”

01:41:25 Paul began to get in trouble for questioning priesthood holders

01:59:20 November 2015 LGBT policy and Paul’s choice to stop attending church

02:14:50 Feeling love from the members, but not the institution

02:28:25 Narcissists only see their own reality

02:44:10 Do you feel more fulfilled than when you were Mormon?

02:56:04 Final questions - “Where will you go?”

___________________

At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/joinOur Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

In this episode of LDS Discussions, we explore how BYU Professor Anthony Sweat’s artwork reflects the troubling aspects of church history found in the CES Letter by Jeremy Runnells. Despite being excommunicated for questioning the church, Runnells’ CES Letter, published in 2013, exposes discrepancies in the official narrative. Meanwhile, Sweat’s art, starting in 2014, delves into controversial topics like Joseph Smith's treasure digging, the use of a seer stone, and polygamy. We compare Sweat's paintings to the CES Letter's criticisms, highlighting how the church’s history is often presented inaccurately. Join us as we discuss these bold portrayals and the ongoing tension between church teachings and historical truth.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:00:00 Intro

00:06:55 This is episode 60 of LDS Discussions

00:10:50 Introduction to Anthony Sweat

00:15:20 Historical overview with these controversial topics being covered

00:22:30 Earlier artwork depicting images of the restoration

00:34:30 The CES Letter by Jeremy Runnells was published in 2013

00:35:50 How members were taught the translation happened versus how it actually happened

00:41:33 First painting - “The First Visions” by Anthony Sweat

00:54:46 Quote from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

00:57:22 “Gazelem, A Stone” by Anthony Sweat, Joseph obtaining his brown seer stone

01:06:13 The Harmony Treasure Searcher by Anthony Sweat01:15:25 Joseph Smith’s white stone and brown stone

01:18:46 Clip of Anthony Sweat sharing concerns from a BYU student

01:22:07 CES Letter and Anthony Sweat saying correct artwork wouldn’t communicate what the Church wants to communicate

01:26:45 “Oliver Cowdery and the Gift of the Rod” by Anthony Sweat

01:33:44 “The Ordination of Q. Walker Lewis” by Anthony Sweat

01:39:09 “An Angel with a Drawn Sword” by Anthony Sweat

01:48:06 “Destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor” by Anthony Sweat

01:52:25 “Purgatory: Joseph, Emma, and the Revelation on Plural Marriage” by Anthony Sweat

01:59:44 Clip of Anthony Sweat talking about painting controversial aspects of church history

02:02:35 The church is still trying NOT to show the rock in a hat during translation

02:07:25 Clip of Anthony Sweat and the translation process (the church telling an artist to change his painting)

02:13:13 Other depictions from Anthony Sweat

___________________

At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/joinOur Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

In this episode of Mormon Stories, Erika Nordfelt shares her powerful journey from a devout Mormon upbringing to finding healing and self-discovery. Erika recounts her experiences growing up in a close-knit Mormon family, navigating high school in Colorado, and attending BYU-Idaho, where she faced struggles with religious expectations and marital dynamics shaped by the Church.She candidly discusses topics like sexual shame, pornography in marriage, and the role of Twelve-Step programs, highlighting the challenges of reconciling faith, identity, and personal growth. Erika opens up about her turning points, leaving the Church with her husband, and her work as a therapist, witnessing firsthand the impact of shame within Mormon culture.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:00:00 Intro

00:03:18 Erika’s intention for coming onto Mormon Stories and sharing her story

00:06:12 Erika’s upbringing and her parents

00:14:32 The best of Mormonism is being raised outside of Utah or Idaho, Mormonism should be the salt not the whole meal

00:16:30 High School years and feeling undesirable in the dating aspect

00:23:18 Her relationship with her body in dance and modesty

00:35:00 Sexual neglect in her upbringing and in the Mormon church

00:37:26 Attending BYU-Idaho - She did not serve a mission because she met her husband

00:49:20 Her awareness to physical touch and how she was raised

00:54:20 How the Mormon church shaped their marital relationship as far as gender roles, etc.

01:06:07 Learning that her husband struggled with masturbation and porn and how she handled it

01:20:00 She felt so much despair when her husband confessed to viewing pornography

01:29:23 The Twelve Step Program and what part it played in her marriage

01:39:20 How long did she go to these Twelve Step meetings and was it working?

01:46:10 Moving to Rexburg and getting new jobs on campus

01:56:00 Seeing clients for the first time at the BYU-Idaho Counseling Center

02:03:55 She had a front row seat to Mormon suffering while working as a counselor

02:14:35 Checking in with their marriage during this time in their life

02:26:55 The beginning of the end lasted for five years, holes being poked in the Gospel

02:33:10 She began exploring troublesome church topics from a safe place in the church

02:43:40 Has leaving the church affected her therapy practice at all?

02:50:40 A better way to approach porn and masturbation

03:19:13 Erika Nordfelt wrote a book called “Don’t Walk Alone”

____________

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January 9 saw the release of a new Netflix series, American Primeval, set in the context of mid-19th-century Utah. Though the series is fictionalized, many of the events and peoples depicted are real, including the Utah War, the Mountain Meadows Massacre, the Mormon settlers, and the Shoshone, Ute, and Paiute Indians.

Historians Barbara Jones Brown and Darren Parry join host John Dehlin for this live podcast to answer viewer's questions about which aspects of the series are factual and which are historical fiction. Barbara is co-author of Vengeance Is Mine: The Mountain Meadows Massacre and Its Aftermath, and Darren is the author of The Bear River Massacre: A Shoshone History. Barbara and Darren offer a unique perspective because they are not only historians of this time period in Utah, they are direct descendants of peoples depicted in the mini-series--Darren is Northwestern Shoshone, and Barbara is a descendant of perpetrators of the horrific massacre at Mountain Meadows.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:00:00 Intro

00:06:25 Photos of ancestors

00:14:15 The creators did not intend this to be historically accurate

00:23:55 We need to debunk that this was done by the Native Americans, it was NOT

00:33:45 Jim Bridger’s character was the funnest character in the show

00:42:45 Brigham Young (Kim Coates) what is right and wrong

00:47:40 Jedediah M. Grant and the Mormon Reformation

00:57:25 Elias Higbee and John M. Higbee

01:07:45 Mountain Meadows started as a cattle raid

01:18:50 Made up fiction from the Nauvoo Legion

01:26:11 Two Moons - great female lead who had had her tongue cut out

01:30:40 Red Feather

01:35:00 Winter Bird - Strong female character

01:39:10 Sarah Rowell and Devin Rowell - neither were Mormon, main characters,

01:43:20 Jacob Pratt and Abish Pratt were both Mormon

01:46:55 Wild Bill Hickman - member of the Nauvoo Legion

01:51:20 What Barbara said about the missed opportunity in the TV show

01:55:00 Ned Blackhawk

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Join Lauren Johnson Matthias (@HiddenTrueCrime ) Megan Conner (@Third_Verse ) Mindy Caldwell, and John Dehlin as they react to Shari Franke's new book "The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom" by Shari Franke, Ruby Franke's oldest daughter.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:02:15 Trigger warning for the book

00:14:30 Questions that will be covered in this episode involving Jodi, Ruby, Kevin, and the Mormon church

00:19:32 Ruby and Kevin’s formation of their relationship and early family life

00:28:30 Was Ruby Franke set up with a disadvantage by Mormon gender roles?

00:35:18 Personality dynamics in the Franke family and Ruby’s profile as a mom and how much room the children had for their emotions

00:39:42 Childhood emotional neglect with Ruby Franke and her children

00:43:25 The pajama story and Ruby telling Shari she’d been friends after she had a baby

00:57:38 Mormonism and Vlogging

01:05:20 Consent and ethics in family vlogging

01:12:00 Shari Franke’s mental health - thinking that her tummy aches are demonic possession

01:29:03 Ruby removed Shari from therapy after Shari wanted to quit piano

01:40:50 Shari starts her own YouTube channel, while Ruby did not help her grow it she demand some of the proceeds of the account

01:43:46 Chad’s involvement in Shari’s story

01:52:30 Why Ruby reached out to Jodi was because of Chad

02:13:30 Meeting with Jodi as their therapist and showing her business structure as a cult

02:21:10 Truth and Distortion became the bane of Shari’s existence

02:34:50 Jodi’s tactics around isolation

02:41:18 How Jodi saw sex everywhere and how she and Ruby were queer

02:49:23 Visions of Glory and how it ties in with Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt

02:56:34 Shari Franke compared Lori Vallow to Ruby Franke

03:00:30 Thom Harrison and his influence over these cult leaders within the Mormon church

03:11:35 The darkest part of the book was about Derek and Shari’s sexual assault

03:31:14 Church disciplinary part of Shari’s story involving what happened with Derek

03:41:55 Shari is familyless for a while, running into her dad on the BYU campus and he was afraid to talk to her

04:04:05 Who is the main villain in this story? Is it Jodi or Ruby?

04:12:24 Shari drawing connections in the Mormon church

04:27:15 Shari’s final comments at the end of the book about her mother being narcissistic

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

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In this powerful episode of Mormon Stories, Clare and Jackson share their personal journeys of growing up in the Mormon church, struggling with shame, guilt, and anxiety, and eventually undergoing faith transitions. Clare discusses her challenges with modesty, body image, and mental health, especially during her mission, while Jackson opens up about his battles with pornography, shame, and a dangerous mission experience in Honduras. Together, they reflect on their experiences with church teachings, therapy, and the emotional toll of deconstructing their faith. This episode explores their healing process, the impact of questioning Mormonism, and the growth they’ve found in rebuilding their lives and relationship after leaving the church.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:01:35 Intentions for being on Mormon Stories

00:17:50 Modesty and Young Women lessons

00:23:30 High School years

00:32:34 Jackson’s Mormon upbringing

00:39:40 Adolescent years

00:47:13 Issues with pornography and masturbation

01:07:20 Claire’s mission

01:16:13 Having panic attacks while serving her mission

01:27:35 Someone proposed to her on her mission

01:28:25 Jackson’s mission

01:35:00 Jackson’s dangerous mission experience

01:47:25 Claire going to college after her mission

01:51:30 He went through a disciplinary council

01:58:20 He was assigned to the Addiction Recovery Program

02:04:55 Meeting, engaged and married was five months

02:17:40 Parenthood and the church

02:24:25 TikTok was her demise of her testimony

02:31:10 Why she didn’t tell her husband of her struggles in the church

02:40:16 Jackson’s journey with his testimony

02:47:40 What happened after the faith crisis?

02:55:50 Healing after the faith transitions

03:07:00 How will their friends and parents respond to this episode?

03:14:03 Rebuilding after their faith transition

____________

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A recent article from the Salt Lake Tribune showcases how the Mormon church education commissioner Clark Gilbert has implemented stringent measures to ensure that faculty members across church-affiliated institutions, including Brigham Young University and BYU-Idaho, align with the church’s teachings. Professors are now facing many hardships. Their social media posts are being audited, many are being fired for showing LGBTQ+ and feminist support, or for experiencing doubts in their Mormon beliefs. Some professors are being terminated simply because their spouse stopped believing in the church. Top scholars no longer want to apply to BYU and many professors are seeking employment elsewhere. These changes have led many to argue that this approach suppresses academic freedom and creates an environment of fear among BYU faculty members, who may feel pressured to conform to specific interpretations of Mormon church doctrinal teachings to maintain their position.Join us today as we talk in-depth about these controversies and the recent news article from the Salt Lake Tribune titled "Dark Days: BYU professors are running scared as premier LDS school steps backwards." According to the US and World News Report, BYU ranked #61 in 2017 and then dropped to #109 in 2024 out of 436 National Universities, but are these new changes going to drop the university's ranking? Join the livestream to share your own personal experiences in this regard!Link to the original article: https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/01/05/byu-blue-why-these-are-dark-days/

Show Notes

YouTube

00:02:57 Biography of Clark Gilbert as the Mormon church education commissioner

00:08:22 Clip - Elder Holland calling for more musket fire

00:25:10 Clip of Oaks and Eyring comparing the church to standing the wrong way in an elevator

00:31:22 Reading the article from Salt Lake Tribune “Dark Days: New Rules…”

00:39:35 Shutting down the ability to be honest and asking the professors to be unChristlike

00:49:04 The Mormon church favors obedience over all things

00:51:44 If the church continues this way it would be less like Notre Dame and more like Liberty University

01:02:50 The four groups of BYU faculty members (the faithful core, the supportive center, the secular first and open foes)

01:13:05 The process of hiring at any Mormon church university

01:19:25 Could these specific things (LGBTQ support, criticizing Trump, being a feminist, etc) get BYU professors in trouble?

01:32:00 Are women being singled out to not be hired at BYU?

01:36:00 Spouses being required to attend in prospective hire interviews at Mormon universities

01:41:20 Creepy and Orwellian aspects of the BYU hiring practices

01:58:00 ExMormon Reddit - The firing of the BYU-Idaho employees is a warning shot to Rexburg. Support your family and risk everything

02:00:15 ExMormon Reddit - Kevin Pearson and Clark Gilbert are encouraging an orthodox, fundamentalist, approach to their responsibilities

02:10:05 Some positive comments on Clark Gilbert

02:30:17 Don’t go to BYU, do not apply or attend this university

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In this episode, Sandra Tanner and Chris delve into key figures and moments in Mormon historical scholarship. They discuss individuals like Dee Jay Nelson, Mark Hofman, and Wesley Walters, highlighting their contributions to uncovering evidence that challenges official LDS narratives, including the Palmyra revivals and the 1826 trial of Joseph Smith.The conversation touches on the work of scholars like Dan Vogel, Stan Larson, and D. Michael Quinn, as well as influential writers such as Fawn Brodie. Topics include changes in the Book of Mormon, early Mormon controversies, and the deeper complexities of Mormon history. This episode provides a compelling exploration of the intersection between faith, evidence, and critical analysis.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:00:00 Brief review of key points from the previous episode

00:01:23 Discussion about the alias of Steven Mayfield/Stan Fields

00:11:10 Scholar Dee Jay Nelson’s false claim of having a PhD, Tanners losing some credibility

00:21:27 Joseph Smith’s mistakes in the Book of Abraham translation using heretic and hieroglyphics simultaneously

00:22:56 Insights into Mark Hofman’s forgery activities

00:28:10 Kerry Ross Boren exploring efforts to dig into Tanner-related controversies

00:35:40 Profiling Wesley Walters and his evidence against the Palmyra revivals and his discovery of the 1826 trial for Joseph Smith

01:06:00 Discussing M.T. Lamb and Mike Marquardt’s scholarly works

01:22:55 Stan Larson and the thousands of changes made to the Book of Mormon text

01:31:20 Key Figures in Mormon Studies like D. Michael Quinn, Fawn Brodie, Curt Bench, etc.

02:00:36 Insights into Sterling McMurrin’s perspectives and the New Mormon Thesis

02:06:30 Addressing the number of wives Joseph Smith had relationships with

02:14:00 Reflections on Christianity and Jesus Christ’s Atonement

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This video features Sandra Tanner, a descendant of Brigham Young, sharing insights into her family history and involvement in Mormon history. From Brigham Young's legal wife, Mary Ann Angell, to descendants of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Sandra delves into the complexities of her heritage and polygamy's impact on her upbringing.The discussion explores Sandra's journey into Mormon historical research with her late husband, Jerald, encounters with figures like Ogden Kraut and Ervil LeBaron, and her work with notable journalists and podcasters, including Wallace Turner, Peggy Fletcher Stack, and John Dehlin. This episode offers a fascinating look at the intersections of faith, history, and media.

Show Notes

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00:01:00 Oh the People You’ll Know: Exploring the connections and relationships in Sandra’s journey.

00:02:20 Sandra’s Relations to Brigham Young

00:06:40 A look at Brigham Young’s life and the locations associated with him

00:18:20 Sandra’s upbringing surrounded by stories of Brigham Young

00:20:50 Exploring the descendants of the Mountain Meadows Massacre

00:31:00 The Church's acknowledgment of the role Mormons played in the massacre

00:33:15 Introduction to James Wardell and his connection to Sandra's work

00:42:20 The LaBaron family and their impact on Sandra’s life and work

00:52:10 Exploring the figure of the Parowan Prophet and their role in history

00:57:36 A look at Ogden Kraut and his contributions to Sandra's understanding

01:04:08 Insights into Lamar Peterson and his influence on Sandra’s journey

01:16:40 Exploring the connection between the Law of Moses and the Book of Mormon

01:23:55 The role of Francis Kirkham in Sandra’s journey

01:28:40 The Tanner's decision to leave behind belief in the Book of Mormon

01:33:46 Insights into Wallace Turner and his impact on Sandra’s life

01:38:35 The role of Peggy Fletcher Stack in Sandra’s journey

01:45:00 The influence of John Dehlin on Sandra's path

01:48:15 John Dehlin Relaunched Her Career

01:51:48 How Quickly We Forget About the People Who Have Helped

02:08:00 Final thoughts and conclusion of the video.

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This powerful and emotional story takes you through Marty’s life journey—from his upbringing in Mormonism, his experiences in high school and seminary, to his time in the military and beyond. Marty reflects on growing up in a trailer park, his mission to Jamaica, his struggles with faith, and his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. He candidly shares deeply personal moments: battling depression, losing loved ones, questioning his beliefs, and finding peace through family, a farm, and humanism.Explore topics of resilience, transformation, and healing as Marty recounts leaving Mormonism, confronting the trauma of war, and redefining his spiritual beliefs. A heartfelt account of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:02:30 Intentions for Marty

00:10:20 Growing up in Mormonism

00:24:00 The dynamic of his mother working and his dad being abusive

00:30:50 Interests in High School

00:50:30 Meeting his wife

00:51:20 Getting called to serve his mission in Jamaica

01:23:40 He joined the army without talking to his wife

02:04:45 Going to Afghanistan

02:22:00 Having their first daughter

02:34:35 Feeling the Spirit of Darkness while fighting in Iraq and questioning God

02:54:20 Catching Saddam Hussein and understanding why he did what he did

03:06:00 Reading the book Rough Stone Rolling changed his life

03:09:10 He delivered his daughter in their van by himself

03:14:40 Doing the Lord’s work at finding better ways to kill bad guys

03:24:10 Feeling unworthy to baptize his daughter due to his involvement in war violence

03:36:40 Finding Mormon Stories

03:41:46 Reading The CES Letter and discovering that it was not true

03:58:12 Leaving Mormonism helped him to not be so judgmental

04:18:20 Living a farm life has helped him find peace and connect better to himself and others

04:32:00 How he felt about the Mormon church and being in the military

04:49:56 Story of his father's death while in hospice and his belief in a higher power

05:43:20 Living his life by this new code

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Join us for a discussion with Sandra Tanner and Dan Vogel as we explore a remarkable video featuring BYU Professor and leading Mormon historian Steven C. Harper. In this video, Harper addresses key issues with the First Vision narrative and acknowledges several challenges raised by the CES Letter.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:07:40 Wesley Walters

00:13:45 Clip - Fawn Brodie

00:26:09 Clip - Steven Harper on Joseph changing his story

00:27:37 Summary of the 1838 Account of the First Vision

00:39:42 Hermeneutics of doubt and trust

00:42:55 Clip - Bushman taking a charitable approach

00:50:02 Clip - publishing through Oxford

00:56:12 Clip - Memory studies nature of memory

01:00:38 John calling BS on Joseph Smith’s vision

01:19:15 Joseph Smith believed that God and Jesus were one being in 1832

01:30:50 The problem with Mormon apologetics with the First Vision

01:37:50 Clip - Critics not trusting Joseph Smith

01:45:32 Clip - How can you know without the Spirit?

01:55:45 Faith is a matter of choice?

02:01:19 Clip - BYU responding to Wes Walters

02:18:12 Clip - How many accounts of the First Vision?

02:36:20 Who visited him changes from 1832 to 1838

02:38:55 Clip - There will always be doubt

02:54:00 Clip - I might not have seen what Joseph saw

02:56:55 Distinguishing features of modern Mormonism

03:03:46 Mental gymnastics

03:13:50 Clip - Who does Joseph tell?

03:19:00 Joseph Smith’s name on the Methodist Sunday School

03:24:55 Clip - Ask Joseph Smith

03:34:25 Final thoughts

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This video exposes a shocking case of abuse within the Mormon Church in Denmark, featuring former Bishop Lasse Meilsoe and journalist Michael Teschl. They discuss the Church’s mishandling of a rape case where a husband drugged and assaulted his wife, Kiran, over several years, confessing repeatedly to Church leaders. The Church’s actions to protect its image over victims, discouragement of reporting abuse to authorities, and their systemic prioritization of abusers are critically examined.

Topics include Danish cultural responses, legal investigations into the Church’s practices, and the broader implications for Church transparency and accountability. A powerful and deeply unsettling look at abuse, complicity, and the fight for justice.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:02:17 Church using the same cover-up techniques as in the States

00:07:15 Lasse Meilsoe and Michael Teschl introduced

00:13:50 Lack of attention to Mormon Church in Denmark

00:17:40 How the abuse story came to light

00:22:15 Church court for the abuser

00:30:40 The abuser is sent home to continue marriage

00:35:11 Abuser watches wife take sleeping pills

00:41:10 Abuser’s role on the High Council

00:46:00 Church threatens leaders who report abuse

00:56:20 Detailed timeline of the abuse (6 years)

01:01:00 Church’s four-page email response

01:14:35 Church leaders deny knowledge of abuse

01:20:55 Kiran divorces Peter

01:28:50 Church knowingly keeps abuser in leadership

01:34:11 Church's sole focus on self-preservation

01:41:56 “The Church is more important than the members”

01:49:40 Impact of the scandal on church activity rates in Denmark

01:54:05 Is Bishop Meilsoe worried about excommunication?

01:55:25 Closing remarks

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Recently the Mormon Church released a new set of storybooks for children. For the storybook entitled "Doctrine and Covenants Stories" it has released a polygamy section that many feel is extremely harmful to children.Please join us as a Mormon Mom (Alyssa Witbeck) and a Mormon Therapist (Natasha Helfer) discuss their feelings about the likely harm that this section will cause to children.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:05:30 The background and where to find this

00:13:30 Coming clean of their own volition vs the internet forcing them

00:14:54 Obedience is more important than intuition

00:19:09 God condones prophets to be predators

00:21:46 “The Lord commanded plural marriage”

00:26:45 Nowhere does God command polygamy in the Bible

00:32:21 Joseph is devastated for having to live polygamy

00:37:50 How did this happen if these men were called of God?

00:39:25 To claim that Joseph didn’t want to do this

00:43:15 Emma sometimes helped Joseph decide who to marry

00:46:44 Teaching the Twelve Apostles about polygamy

00:50:15 Brigham Young with his first wife

00:52:02 The laws against polygamy

00:52:52 John Dehlin’s polygamous grandparents

00:59:00 The Manifesto and end of polygamy

01:03:20 How sealings work in the Mormon church

01:10:02 This polygamy lesson teach and normalizes to children

01:26:30 Do they want to believe in a God that was okay with all of this?

01:30:50 Quick quiz

01:40:00 Why does all this matter?

01:47:10 Does this qualify as grooming?

01:52:20 Upcoming lessons on plural marriage for 2025

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This video explores the rich history and ongoing journey of Mormon feminism through the lens of Exponent II. Katie Ludlow Rich and Heather Sundahl share their personal stories, including feminist awakenings, experiences with the Church, and their work preserving women’s voices in Mormon history. Topics include women’s roles in the Church, the suppression of women’s spiritual practices, mixed-faith marriages, and the impact of feminist movements like Ordain Women.

Dive into the influence of Exponent II, the challenges faced by Mormon feminists, and the resilience of women seeking to redefine their roles in faith and community.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:00:40 Katie Ludlwo Rich and Heather Sundahl

00:03:15 Intentions for coming onto Mormon Stories

00:05:05 What is feminism?

00:06:26 Heather’s awakening to Mormon feminism

00:15:15 Katie’s feminist Mormon story

00:28:45 What the book covers

00:31:40 Suffragists polygamists blow my mind

00:59:44 The founding of Exponent II

01:06:40 What was problematic about women's liberation?

01:16:40 The Church disempowering women

01:25:40 L Tom Perry telling the women to stop the Women’s Exponent

01:36:20 Mormons for ERA

01:53:00 Women and women’s power

02:27:55 Had Exponent II advocated for priesthood?

02:49:00 Has Exponent II addressed truth claims?

03:03:00 Exponent II is not as widely known, it needs to be bigger

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Is religion dying in America? In this episode, we sit down with Ryan T. Cragun and Jesse M. Smith, authors of Goodbye Religion: The Causes and Consequences of Secularization. This groundbreaking book examines the surge in people leaving organized religion and its profound impact on American culture and society. Drawing on extensive data and over a hundred in-depth interviews, Cragun and Smith delve into the social, psychological, and environmental factors behind religious exit. They also address the misconceptions surrounding secularization, revealing that leaving religion is not the crisis it’s often portrayed to be. Instead, they show how nonreligious individuals remain socially engaged and committed to making a positive impact in their communities.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:02:20 Background for Ryan and Jesse

00:14:00 This could be really bad on society

00:27:15 Who is leaving?

00:31:25 How is the Mormon church doing with losing members?

00:44:00 Resurgence of interest among the young Mormons?

00:54:30 Polling the audience

00:58:35 The push-pull analysis for what’s pushing people out

01:16:40 How to replace your community

01:20:00 Where are people going?

01:30:40 Where are people finding community?

01:36:45 No meaningful relationship between religiosity and mental health

02:00:00 Use the religion don’t let the religion use you

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Join us as we welcome scholar Brent Metcalfe for the 30th anniversary of his excommunication from the Mormon Church. We cover not only his excommunication but also his famous discovery of the “Mosiah First Priority” in the Book of Mormon translation.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:08:00 New Approaches to the Book of Mormon00:10:25 Brent’s background00:16:50 Getting hired by Mark Hoffman00:25:00 Realizing the Book of Mormon was not historical00:31:30 How the Book of Mormon was created?00:34:10 A miracle book from God?00:46:55 Which essay are contained in the book and what they’re about01:01:40 Response to the book01:09:05 Negative review mocking Brent Metcalfe01:16:05 Questions for Brent Metcalfe01:24:30 Members who view the Book of MOrmon as historical? 01:32:50 How people maintain belief01:34:55 The Mosiah Priority01:38:20 The 600 year prophecy of Jesus’s coming01:46:00 The lost 116 pages01:52:29 Wall around Jerusalem02:01:30 Not depending on literary works02:08:55 Four main voices independent of Joseph Smith’s voice02:16:05 The title page to the Book of Mormon, no mention of the replacement text 02:17:55 Who knows the name of Jesus Christ?02:24:30 The writings of Malachi02:36:19 Picturing the golden plates02:44:12 Phone calls

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The LDS Church is quietly but significantly updating the introduction to the Book of Mormon, shifting its focus from historical claims to a broader, more spiritual narrative. In this episode , we dive deep into these changes, exploring what they reveal about the Church's evolving stance on the historicity of its sacred text. Is this an effort to address long-standing critiques about the lack of archaeological and genetic evidence? Or does it reflect a broader shift to make the Book of Mormon more approachable for a global audience? Join us as we unpack the implications of this significant change and discuss what it might mean for the future of Mormonism.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:02:04 Clip from Analyzing Mormonism about the New Introduction

00:03:25 Questions about the new introduction00:08:50 The church backtracked on all of this

00:09:20 The 1981 Book of Mormon Introduction00:19:00 Why these changes were made

00:24:40 Mormon apologetics around the Introduction changes

00:34:28 The Daily Universe article

00:40:00 LDS Living article on the new Introduction

00:48:30 Dan Peterson

00:54:00 Spencer Fluhman

01:04:00 What was NOT mentioned in the new Introduction

01:08:20 The New Introduction to the Book of Mormon

01:15:30 The removal of Moroni’s promise

01:24:40 The Church is moving away from the Book of Mormon being historical

01:41:30 Undoing the new change to the Introduction

01:50:40 Polling the audience

02:05:20 Is the church influenced by ExMormon Podcasters?

02:18:10 Closing comments

02:29:20 Julie Hanks is defending her membership in the church

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In this episode, Samantha, John, and Gerardo unpack the fallout from a leaked audio clip of BYU Football captain and former Mormon Missionary Tyler Batty’s explicit halftime speech, recorded outside the locker room at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The speech, featuring vulgar language, has raised questions about BYU’s Honor Code, which strictly forbids profanity, vulgar language, and other conduct unbecoming of its standards.The controversy became even more interesting when BYU Coach Kalani Sitake defended Batty, calling his actions necessary for “helping the program.” Meanwhile, KSL, owned by the LDS Church, published an opinion piece telling critics to “get over it,” dismissing calls for accountability or discipline for Batty.We will explore the deeper implications of the incident, questioning whether public figures like Batty enjoy privileges denied to regular students—especially minorities—who are often held to stricter standards.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:02:30 How this came about00:07:11 Washington Times - Big 1200:10:28 Clip - Elder Nelson on swearing00:12:30 Clip - Elder Oaks 00:16:44 Clip - Elder Holland00:18:30 Clip - Elder Holland (unique BYU)00:22:00 Sunday play policy at BYU00:23:35 BYU Honor Code00:30:14 BYU has been central in a lot of religious exemption laws00:33:17 Clip - Footage of team leader Tyler Batty swearing at the players00:36:10 Was it bad that this was recorded?00:41:25 Does the church come across as pious and arrogant?00:45:22 Honor Code about not using profane language00:52:20 BYU article, Batty has not been punished00:57:19 Clip - DJ and PK00:59:45 Clip - Jesus healed the sick01:02:20 Clip - That this was recorded is unacceptable01:21:19 Honor Code Stories01:40:00 Does the church actually have high standards?

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Join us for our annual status report where we discuss our successes for 2024, our status as a sustainable podcast/non-profit, and our plans for 2025.

If you want to donate to help keep Mormon Stories alive, or to support us during "Giving Tuesday" week, you can donate here:

https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/

Show Notes

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00:02:55 This is the best year we’ve ever had00:06:00 Why we have adds in our episodes00:07:10 Our YouTube views and watch time and subscribers00:15:45 LDS Discussions series00:19:30 Second Class Saints Series00:24:00 Most popular videos on Mormon Stories00:29:10 How long have people been listening to Mormon Stories?00:35:40 We remodeled the studio00:43:20 Huge thanks to these people00:47:55 Billboard Campaign and new designs00:53:20 How many people donated to us this year01:00:15 Questions for 202501:32:00 Top city who voted number one for Donald Trump?

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Join us as we dive deep into the unique experiences of several women navigating life in and outside of Mormonism. From patriarchal blessings and missions to the complexities of dating, marriage, and personal revelation, these stories explore the pressure to conform to Church expectations and the personal growth that comes from questioning them. We discuss YSA culture, worthiness interviews, and the Church's teachings on relationships, consent, and sexuality. The women share their experiences with dating apps, "soaking," and the confusion between spiritual promptings and anxiety. Other key topics include the Church's influence on women’s roles, the challenges of single life, political and faith landscapes, and deconstructing teachings like the Family Proclamation. With insights into the CES Letter, Joseph Smith’s history, and financial concerns, this video offers a candid, thought-provoking look at life within the Mormon framework and beyond.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:02:10 Brief Introductions00:46:47 The church’s goals and ambitions for women01:04:30 Hysterectomy- Her divine nature as a wife and a mom01:19:29 Dear Married People01:37:35 What's it like to date Mormon men?01:54:00 Consent in Mormonism02:03:30 The EXTRA for what women are needing02:26:15 Feeling like she’s running out of time at age 2402:26:50 Joseph Smith and Martin Harris02:31:55 Spiritual promptings/anxiety disorder02:29:00 Motivated reasoning and confirmation bias02:36:15 Disneyfication of Mormon Dating02:40:30 Fire round of questions02:41:20 Worthiness interviews in the YSA02:47:24 Soaking and inchworming02:49:13 Learning about your own sexual template02:12:15 This sets you up for abuse02:56:05 Politics between young adult men and young adult women03:01:20 What is the faith landscape in the YSA scene03:06:40 Asking the bishop for financial help03:07:40 The average Mormon thinks they’re giving to charity03:07:50 Her friend thought Joseph was a fallen prophet03:08:40 Moral and Truth claim accuracy issues03:11:00 The church needs to apologize03:11:40 Has the church's stance on LGBTQ issues been a problem?03:14:00 Women should be outraged03:18:15 Ordain Women movement

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In this episode, we explore one woman's journey of faith, identity, and self-discovery within and beyond the Mormon Church. From her experiences in musical theater auditions, serving a mission, and navigating family trauma, to struggles with infertility and finding her own path, she shares deeply personal insights. We discuss the cultural pressures of motherhood, the challenges of deconstructing religious beliefs, and the impact of leaving the Church after COVID. Her story also touches on her evolving perspective on topics like polygamy, women's roles, and Heavenly Mother, along with finding empowerment through fitness, creative expression, and fantasy literature. Join us for a candid and heartfelt conversation about redefining purpose, embracing authenticity, and thriving in "Plan B."

Show Notes

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00:01:35 Intentions for coming on Mormon Stories00:04:25 The story of her parents00:10:50 Her Mormon adolescence 00:13:25 IRS agents came and asked about her dad00:19:00 Her parents announced their divorce00:28:10 Her dad was excommunicated00:33:50 Her dad’s faith crisis00:40:33 Her adolescent years00:42:20 Acting and singing in plays00:48:00 How did she cope with not having a dad01:00:35 Auditioning for the Musical Theater Program01:06:10 The prospect of serving a mission01:09:00 Her dad went to prison after her mission01:11:30 Her first temple experience01:14:00 The prayer circle01:15:19 Her mission experience01:24:50 Coming home from her mission in 201701:27:26 Meeting her future husband on her mission01:31:30 Her mom got remarried while she was on her mission01:42:20 Different selves in the mission versus out of the mission01:44:45 Marriage classes at BYU about healthy sex01:50:20 Life after getting married01:54:30 How her family reacted to brother coming home from his mission02:03:44 Patriarchal blessing is Mormon fortune telling02:14:20 How she felt being the one that couldn’t have kids02:22:15 They didn’t go back to church after COVID02:29:55 Deconstruction of the idea of Satan02:39:50 We never talk about Heavenly Mother02:43:10 Sad Heaven explained02:51:40 Tom Phillips and the Second Anointing ritual02:58:00 Letter for My Wife, feeling relief that it was all false03:07:40 She didn’t know how to listen to herself or decide what she wanted03:12:20 How she views her identity now than before03:18:20 Challenges in deconstructing and rebuilding

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Today we are discussing pivotal moments, from the Church’s “Race and the Priesthood” essay to public statements on racism, and the ongoing struggle for meaningful engagement on these issues. Highlights include racial inequities, discussions on the lack of diverse representation in leadership, and the emotional impact of past and present racism on Black members. We are also covering controversial events like the fake apology prank, the “Be One” celebration, and Elder Oaks’ and President Nelson’s statements on race. Conversations extend to BYU’s Race Equity and Belonging Report, Brad Wilcox’s remarks, and efforts to make the Church and its institutions more inclusive. Join us as we examine how the Church addresses racism, the call for accountability, and the path forward for healing and equity.

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00:05:55 Famous prediction that set the church on fire00:08:50 The idea of racism is terrifying to many people00:11:21 The church is attempting to acknowledge racism00:16:16 White leadership, we’ve never had any people of color00:22:40 The Church’s top leadership, including women

00:31:00 Asking Uchtdorf what he meant by “leaders make mistakes”

00:36:50 Oaks saying they don’t give apologies

00:45:52 The church HAS apologized for some things

00:50:58 What an apology might mean to Black members of the church

00:57:15 The Fake Apology

01:10:50 Clip of Ahamd Corbitt on activism01:19:20 The “Be One” Celebration

01:23:53 Clip of Elder Oaks 01:51:19 Racist excerpt from the 2020 Come Follow Me Manual

01:56:21 Gary E Stevenson apologized to the NAACP

02:01:41 George Flloyd’s death and church statements

02:12:34 Efforts to make BYU more accommodating to black students

02:24:12 Brad Wilcox’s racist talk02:47:34 Ending the book on a positive note

02:53:57 Is the church healthy for Black people?02:42:54 Closing remarks

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In this in-depth interview, Jared and Camille share their intertwined journeys through faith, family, and personal growth within the Mormon Church. They discuss formative experiences, from Jared’s basketball career and mission (under Jeffrey Holland and Brad Wilcox) —where he faced challenges like fraudulent baptisms in Chile and an unexpected interview with Apostle Richard G. Scott—to Camille’s teenage struggles with modesty, faith and mental health. Their love story, temple experiences, and navigating higher callings in the Church, including Jared's time as a bishop, reveal the pressures and impacts of leadership roles.

Join us as we explore how these experiences transformed their lives, their perspectives on faith, and how their mental health and relationship have evolved since leaving the Church.

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Join us as Matthew Harris returns to discuss Gordon B. Hinckley's efforts to address lingering racism in the church, the push to remove Bruce R. McConkie's Mormon Doctrine from shelves, and members' calls for an apology for the church's past racism. We also explore Elder Holland's attempts to rebrand these doctrines as "folklore," the continuation of racist teachings by BYU professors like Randy Bott, and the creation of the Gospel Topics Essays.

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Today we are interviewing the creators of the new movie Heretic, staring Hugh Grant. Heretic is a horror film about two Mormon sister missionaries who meet a man named Mr. Reed (Grant) who ensnares them in a deadly game of cat and mouse while locked in his house. Scott Beck and Bryan Woods are an American filmmaking duo who also directed A Quiet Place and Nightlight. Today they are going to answer questions about what inspired them to create the film, what messages they wanted to share, and how they wanted the film to impact their viewers. This is an episode you wont want to miss!

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In this heartfelt conversation, Fran Grover shares her journey through life within and beyond Mormonism, from her early upbringing in an orthodox Mormon family to navigating grief, identity, and faith. She opens up about losing her sister, grappling with religious expectations, and experiencing deep personal and spiritual shifts while pursuing law school and marriage.

Topics covered include the complexities of a mixed-faith marriage, her evolving views on agency, motherhood, and partnership, and the challenges of leaving the Church. This discussion dives into mental health, deconstructing religious beliefs, and finding empowerment by trusting oneself. Join us as she reflects on rebuilding her identity, embracing uncertainty, and choosing authenticity.

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Join us today as we meet again with historian Matt Harris to discuss his new book “Second Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality.” Matt Harris talks about the relationship between the Church and the John Birch Society and how the church changed its mind on supporting the Martin Luther King holiday. Additionally, Harris discusses how the harmful teachings of Bruce R. McConkie’s book “Mormon Doctrine” lived on even after his death. Professors Eugene England and Steven Epperson were pushed out of BYU for their more liberal views. How the Strengthening the Church Members Committee keeps these members in check.

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Join us for an in-depth interview with Andrew Fish as he shares his story of adoption, faith, and self-discovery. Andrew reflects on his family's journey, from his parents’ struggle to adopt, to his biological mother's decision to place him for adoption, and his upbringing within the Mormon Church. He also discusses the impact of religious expectations, his mission experiences, and his journey of reconciling his personal beliefs with his upbringing. Throughout this heartfelt conversation, Andrew opens up about his eventual decision to leave the Church, reconnect with his biological family, and navigate acceptance and understanding within his adoptive family.

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The priesthood and temple ban began when Brigham Young learned that Black Saints were marrying white women, fearing interracial marriage. When the ban was finally lifted it was only with the caveat that they continued to warn the members against interracial marriage. Church members have received mixed messages since then, with warnings against interracial marriage still found on the Church's website and in manuals. How should members make sense of these conflicting messages? Today, we're joined by Matt Harris and Summur-Rayn to discuss this topic.

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In this episode, we interview Laurie Lee Hall, a former bishop, stake president, and temple designer for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who later came out as transgender while serving as a Stake President. Laurie shares her journey of growing up with a gender identity that didn’t match how she felt, her experiences on a church mission, and attending Affirmation for LGBTQ+ Latter-day Saints. She also discusses her work designing temples, her struggles with the 2015 Exclusion Policy for children of gay couples, her excommunication, and the church’s evolving policies on transgender individuals.

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In this episode, we join Matt Harris to discuss the aftermath of lifting the priesthood and temple ban in the LDS Church. We explore how Bruce R. McConkie's account of the revelation was embellished and the damage control efforts by top church leaders. We also examine President Kimball's controversial remarks about Native Americans and his later regret over those comments. This discussion focuses on chapter eight of Matt Harris’ book, "Second Class Saints."

We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you!

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In this compelling episode, Rian Anderson unites with her mother, Jen, to share their powerful journey of faith and family. While Rian served her Mormon mission, her entire family left the church. Jen is here to tell her side of the story. Jen shares about how her mother battled with cancer while she was in High School and after marriage Jen’s husband struggled with pornography. As a former Relief Society President, Scout Leader, and member of the Stake Young Women’s Presidency, Jen also reflects on her experiences with church leadership and the inequalities she witnessed. The conversation touches on her son coming out as gay and the impact of her decision to leave the church on Rian's mission. Join them as they candidly discuss their stories and the complexities of their faith journey.

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What were the events and who were the key characters that led to the lifting of the priesthood and temple ban for black people? In this episode Matt Harris will answer those questions. Rumors have gone around that the ban was lifted due to the IRS threatening to take away their tax exempt status, or because of the lawsuits involving the NAACP, etc. Matt Harris puts many of these rumors to rest and answers the real reason why (and how) the ban was lifted.

We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you!

Purchase Matt Harris' book here! “Second Class Saints” by Matt Harris

https://www.amazon.com/Second-Class-Saints-Mormons-Struggle-Equality/dp/019769571X/

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Join Gerardo and Hayley Rawle (from the Girl's Camp podcast) as they dive into the journey of sisters Lexi and Sydney, who both joined the Mormon church in their pre-teens in Ohio. Sydney, an LGBTQ+ ally, shares her mission experience in Bolivia and her challenges with dating in the Young Single Adult Ward. After questioning her faith during the pandemic, she found herself grappling with her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Meanwhile, Lexi discusses her mission in California, where she faced mental health struggles, including undiagnosed bipolar disorder and a companion with alarming ideations. Discover how a priesthood blessing empowered her to step away from the church. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on faith, identity, and personal growth!

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In this gripping third installment of our series, we dive deep into the Book of Mormon to unravel the true meaning of the cursed “Skin of Blackness." Are recent apologetic theories—claiming it's just paint, dark coats, or tattoos—offering genuine insights, or are they merely attempts to gloss over the text's troubling implications? Join us as we confront these arguments head-on and question whether we should trust the prophets or the apologists. Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion!

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