Mormon Stories - LDS

I have some sad and some possibly happy news to announce.

First the sad news.

Mormon Stories Podcast has just received today a temporary restraining order requiring us to take down our interview of Adam Paul Steed - the courageous whistleblower to Mormon church Boy Scout sexual abuse in Idaho, and one of the many victims of 8 Passengers Therapist Jodi Hildebrandt. We are not at liberty to discuss publicly the details of the restraining order at this time.

For those who were not yet able to see Adam Steed's interview, in it he focused on the following:

1) His story of courageously speaking up as a victim of Mormon-church backed child abuse in its Idaho Boy Scout program,
2) How he and his father fought to successful change the statue of limitation laws for child sexual abuse victims in Idaho,
3) How he and his young family (while at BYU) were referred to therapist Jodi Hildebrandt by his Mormon bishop,
4) How (by Adam's report) Jodi Hildebrandt destroyed both his reputation and his family, through various unethical therapy practices, including violating his confidentiality by reporting false and/or confidential information to the BYU Honor Code Office, leading to his suspension from BYU.
5) How he fought back against Jodi Hildebrandt by successfully getting Jodi Hildebrandt's license suspended. And finally,
6) Adam's firm belief that the Mormon church intentionally weaponized Jodi Hildebrandt and her tactics to destroy both his life and his family, in part as retaliation for his work as a Boy Scout abuse whistleblower within the Mormon church.

Because of the importance of Adam's story, we are heartbroken to have to take it down (for now). Especially after hearing from thousands of Mormons, post-Mormons, and never-Mormons who found Adam's story to be validating and/or healing.

Here's the good news: this week we are actively working with a few major media outlets to: 1) Give voice to the victims of Jodi Hildebrandt, of other Mormon church-recommended "sex addiction" therapists like "Sons of Helaman," "Fight the New Drug," and Lifestar, as well as and from the Mormon church's "Addiction and Recovery Program" targeting its members for "sex addiction." And: 2) Hold both the Mormon church and these unethical therapists including Jodi Hildebrandt accountable for their unethical malpractice.

Here's what we need from you: If you or someone you love has been harmed by either:

  1. Jodi Hildebrandt,
  2. a Mormon church-recommended "sex addiction" therapist (like Sons of Helaman or Lifestar), or
  3.  from the Mormon church's "Addiction and Recovery Program" (wherein healthy, normative behaviors were pathologized as "sex addiction"), please email your story as soon as possible to mormonstories@gmail.com.

In your email, please include the following sections:

  1. The date range that you worked with these people. We are particularly interested in patients recommended to Jodi Hildebrandt and others like her AFTER 2012.
  2. The names of the therapist(s) or you worked with.
  3. Any detail you can provide about who recommended you (especially if a Mormon church bishop or leader).
  4. A description of the unethical therapy practices and how they harmed you. And
  5. A confirmation of whether or not you are willing to speak with a journalist, either on the record or off the record.

Again, please email this information to mormonstories@gmail.com as soon as you are able. Finally, we promise you that at Mormon Stories Podcast, we will do everything we can to:

  1. Restore Adam Paul Steed's Mormon story,
  2. Help you and other victims tell your stories about Jodi Hildebrandt and/or other unethical Mormon therapists, and practices, and
  3.  Help both the Mormon church and its unethical therapists and programs be held accountable for the harm that they have caused so many individuals and families. Sincerely, John Dehlin and the Mormon Stories Podcast Team

 


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Direct download: MormonStories-AdamSteedCourtOrder.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:36pm MDT

Women alleging abuse during their time as employees and contractors of Operation Underground Railroad have retained Attorney Suzette Rasmussen as counsel. She will address the media with a statement on behalf of the alleged victims who have chosen to remain anonymous on Thursday.

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Direct download: MormonStories-1819-TimBallardVictimsSpeakOut.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:56am MDT

Amy Lloyd is back for part two as we explore the challenges of navigating life after leaving the Mormon Church and going through a divorce. Amy highlights the importance of informed consent and the pressure children can face within the church as she navigates co-parenting with a believing spouse and how to handle things such as baptism for their children. Amy's parenting approach focuses on open conversations, allowing her children to make informed decisions about their beliefs. She shares her journey of helping her kids understand complex topics like polygamy and internal versus external truth.

Amy encourages parents to find common ground with their ex-spouses, avoid overcorrecting, and apologize when necessary. She emphasizes the importance of processing grief and highlights that there is a happy, healthy life after leaving the Mormon Church and going through divorce.

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Direct download: MormonStories-1813-AmyLloydPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:00am MDT

Several members of 8 Passengers Mom Ruby Franke's family have spoken out about their concerns with ConneXions therapist Jodi Hildebrandt, including Ruby's sisters Bonnie and Julie, and Ruby's husband Kevin Franke (through his attorney). Join us today as we review the Mormon church teachings that created and empowered Jodi Hildebrandt, and how Jodi used them to destroy the Franke family.

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Direct download: MormonStories-1817-8PassengersFamilySpeaksOut.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:00am MDT

In this revealing interview with Amy Lloyd, we journey through her Mormon upbringing, challenging moments, and her eventual break from the faith. Amy delves into the guilt working women carry within the Church and highlights the lingering impact of the Benson talk. She questions the infallibility of church leaders and shares her liberal ward experience. As she navigates her college years at BYU, she candidly discusses the conflicting expectations placed upon women.

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Direct download: MormonStories-1812-AmyLloydPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:00am MDT

In this engaging interview with historian Bryan Buchanan and Lindsay Hansen Park (Year of Polygamy Podcast) we delve into the complex history of Joseph Smith's controversial practice of polygamy. What evidence supports his multiple marriages, the experiences of his wives, and the implications of this aspect of Mormon history?

Throughout the interview, we emphasize the importance of nuanced historical analysis over apologetics, encouraging open and honest discussions about Mormon history, polygamy, and the broader impact of these topics on the faith's evolution and how it affects members today. This interview provides a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities within Mormon history and invites them to engage in constructive conversations about these issues.

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Direct download: MormonStories-1815-LindsayAndBrianPolygampPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:00am MDT

In this interview with hosts John Dehlin and Gerardo Sumano, Tim Marchman and Anna Merlan discuss the controversies surrounding Tim Ballard and Operation Underground Railroad (OUR). They explore the origins of Vice News stories, scrutinize responses from Tim Ballard and the Mormon Church, and delve into troubling allegations against Tim Ballard. These include inappropriate behavior toward women and his association with M. Russell Ballard's name in connection with OUR.

The discussion reveals the challenges of responsible journalism when tackling sensitive topics like human trafficking. Marchman and Merlan highlight the complexities of undercover trafficking investigations and question the legitimacy of Tim Ballard's mission.

This interview emphasizes the need for transparency and thorough investigation when handling allegations that could impact organizations dedicated to combating human trafficking. It underscores the importance of rigorous journalistic practices in evaluating complex and sensitive subjects.

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Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

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Direct download: MormonStories-1814-TimBallardVice.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:15am MDT

Join us as we delve into the recent condemnation by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of Tim Ballard, founder of Operation Underground Railroad. The Church has distanced itself from Tim Ballard, citing unauthorized use of its name and activities deemed morally unacceptable. This condemnation adds a new layer to the controversy surrounding him, with implications for his potential 2024 U.S. Senate run.

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Direct download: MormonStories-1812-TimBallardvsMormonChurch.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:15am MDT

In this interview, we delve into how Russell M. Nelson, the leader of the LDS Church, addresses doubt.

Nelson's 2021 talk on doubts and "lazy learners" encourages members to "choose to believe" and not dwell on doubts. He suggests applying this approach to real-world situations, reframing faith to transcend evidence, and using the bandwagon effect to suppress doubts.

The conversation also explores how Nelson portrays both fulfillment and failure as aspects of faith. The church historian in 2023 acknowledges compelling reasons for doubt, yet Kyle McKay uses Nelson's talk to instill fear of doubt in members.

LDS Discussions Essay on doubt: Overview of How the Church Handles Doubts with the Book of Mormon (ldsdiscussions.com)

Overview of How the Church Handles Doubts

 


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Direct download: MormonStories-1808-RussellMNelsonDoubts.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:00am MDT

Lupe (Mayorga) Bartholomew es la madre de David Archuleta, finalista de American Idol. Lupe, su madre y sus tres hermanas se unieron a la Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días en Honduras el 22 de septiembre de 1978. Con el tiempo, Lupe y su familia vinieron a los Estados Unidos para vivir el sueño mormón. Lupe vivió como una madre mormona muy feliz y plenamente creyente hasta 2022, cuando su hijo David le reveló que es gay. Las dificultades de David con las normas y doctrinas anti-LGTBQ de la Iglesia de los Santos de los Últimos Días llevaron a Lupe a comenzar a cuestionar la fe mormona que tanto amaba.

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Direct download: MormonStories-1811-LupeBartholomewSpanish.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 1:30pm MDT

Lupe (Mayorga) Bartholomew is American Idol finalist David Archuleta's mother. Lupe, her mother, and her three sisters joined the LDS church in Honduras on September 22, 1978. Ultimately, Lupe and her family came to the United States to live the Mormon dream. Lupe lived as a very happy, fully believing, orthodox Mormon mother until 2022, when her son, David, came out as gay. David's difficulties with the LDS Church's LGTBQ policies and doctrines caused Lupe to begin questioning the Mormon faith that she loved. This is Lupe's Mormon story.

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Direct download: MormonStories-1810-LupeBartholomewEnglish.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 9:00am MDT

Mormon therapist Jodi Hildebrandt is in jail along with "8 Passengers" mother Ruby Franke under allegations of child abuse. Jodi Hildebrandt is the founder of ConneXions Classroom - a program created to help Mormon couples, parents, and families "transform your mental health and relationships."

Jessi Hildebrandt (they/them) is Jodi Hildebrandt's niece and outlines a deeply disturbing history with their aunt Jodi Hildebrandt.

Please join us for Jessi's story.

Jessi's Venmo

Jessi's Insta

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Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

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Direct download: MormonStories-1808-JessiHildebrandt.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 8:15am MDT

Licensed Marriage, Family, and Sex Therapist Natasha Helfer and Psychology Ph.D. John Dehlin react to shocking videos from the ConneXions program founded by "therapist" Jodi Hildebrandt, who ran a partnership with Mormon mommy vlogger Ruby Franke. Both Jodi and Ruby have recently been arrested on suspicion of child abuse.

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Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

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Direct download: MormonStories-1807-TherapistOnConneXions.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:15pm MDT

Join us on a fascinating journey with hosts John & Margi Dehlin as we delve into the captivating life of our guest, James Camacho. From his upbringing in a devout Mormon family to becoming an atheist, James shares his struggles with belief, questioning authority, and seeking personal happiness. We explore how his perspective was shaped by his academic achievements and love for mathematics. Discover the eye-opening discussions about the Mormon bubble, doubts about serving a mission, and the profound impact of rationality camps. This interview is a thought-provoking exploration of informed consent, the quest for truth, and the pursuit of authenticity, sure to resonate with those who have grappled with doubt, sought rationality in belief systems, or navigated challenging conversations about faith with loved ones.

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Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

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Direct download: MormonStories-1806-JamesCamacho.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 12:00pm MDT

Join John Dehlin and YouTubers Jordan and McKay (@jordanmckay) to discuss the recent arrest of Mormon YouTube Mom Ruby Franke of "8 Passengers" fame and Mormon therapist Jodi Hildebrandt on child abuse charges. We will be discussing the history of the Franke family and the 8 Passengers YouTube channel, as well as the super-controversial work of Jodi Hildebrandt as a Mormon therapist focusing on "sexual addiction" (i.e. masturbation), marriage counseling, and parenting. We welcome your stories as well!

Episode Show Notes

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Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

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Direct download: MormonStories-1805-8Passengers.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:13pm MDT

Join LatterGayStories for a black-tie art gayla!

In 2014, the Mormon church stopped printing The Miracle of Forgiveness. By 2015 they began removing copies from their bookstore shelves at Deseret Book. Even though the printed version was culled, Deseret Book continued to sell digital-download copies of the book online.

In 2021, LatterGayStories started the #TrashTheStash movement, encouraging its audience to remove copies of The Miracle of Forgiveness from bookshelves, home libraries, church buildings, and thrift stores. In the first year, our audience removed nearly 6,000 copies of the book, an undertaking that was documented every Thursday on the LatterGayStories Facebook and Instagram pages.

https://www.eventcreate.com/e/miracle-of-forgiveness-art

Now in its second year, we have collected over 8,000 copies of The Miracle of Forgiveness. On December 31, 2021, Deseret Book quietly deleted the online version of The Miracle of Forgiveness from their platform, thus ending the availability to purchase the book through official LDS sources. Reining since 1969 and selling more than 2,2 million printed and digital copies, the book is now fully discontinued.

What do we do with 8,000 copies of The Miracle of Forgiveness? We turn them into art!

For the second year in a row, we are inviting artists to create art pieces using reclaimed copies of The Miracle of Forgiveness. The art created from these books tell a story of the its harmful rhetoric and through the art comes healing, progress, and the ability to thrive.

JOIN US! September 16, 2023 | 7:00 PM at Trolley Square in Salt Lake City, for the black tie art gala!

We will have an open art exhibit displaying the art, a cocktail hour with drinks, hor d'oeuvres, a short program, and a private concert featuring EJ Michels to end the evening. Dust off the formal wear and join us for an awesome night.

Tickets are $35 | includes access to the exhibits, drinks, hor d'oeuvres, and the concert!

Direct download: MormonStories-ArtGalaAnnouncement.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:45pm MDT

Since the beginning of the Church, there have been former members who turn whistle-blower and have written exposés. In this episode we will do a review of the most impactful of these through history.

JOIN THE NUANCE HUG FOUNDATION LAUNCH PARTY ON SEPTEMBER 9TH

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Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

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Direct download: MormonStories-JohnLarsenWhistleblowers.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 12:00pm MDT

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