In this gripping interview on Mormon Stories, we interview Jen and Todd who share their personal experiences when bringing issues of abuse to the attention of Mormon Bishops.  Throughout her life, Jen suffered through periods of abuse that greatly impacted her physical, emotional, and spiritual health, including severe bouts of anorexia.  In this interview, we learn of the failures to deliver the help Jen needed from some Mormon bishops, but also the success of another Mormon bishop, Todd.  We learn how Todd helped Jen during her darkest time, and what tools Jen used to begin living her best life.

__________________________

Part 1: Jen shares her abuse story and the impact it had on her life

Part 2: The abuse continues into her marriage, and Jen details her unsupportive experiences with Mormon Bishops

Part 3: Jen finally has a positive experience with a Mormon Bishop, Todd.  We also explore Todd's experience losing his faith

__________________________

In this gripping interview on Mormon Stories, we interview Jen and Todd who share their personal experiences when bringing issues of abuse to the attention of Mormon Bishops.  Throughout her life, Jen suffered through periods of abuse that greatly impacted her physical, emotional, and spiritual health, including severe bouts of anorexia.  In this interview, we learn of the failures to deliver the help Jen needed from some Mormon bishops, but also the success of another Mormon bishop, Todd.  We learn how Todd helped Jen during her darkest time, and what tools Jen used to begin living her best life.

__________________________

Part 1: Jen shares her abuse story and the impact it had on her life

Part 2: The abuse continues into her marriage, and Jen details her unsupportive experiences with Mormon Bishops

Part 3: Jen finally has a positive experience with a Mormon Bishop, Todd.  We also explore Todd's experience losing his faith

__________________________

In this gripping interview on Mormon Stories, we interview Jen and Todd who share their personal experiences when bringing issues of abuse to the attention of Mormon Bishops.  Throughout her life, Jen suffered through periods of abuse that greatly impacted her physical, emotional, and spiritual health, including severe bouts of anorexia.  In this interview, we learn of the failures to deliver the help Jen needed from some Mormon bishops, but also the success of another Mormon bishop, Todd.  We learn how Todd helped Jen during her darkest time, and what tools Jen used to begin living her best life.

__________________________

Part 1: Jen shares her abuse story and the impact it had on her life

Part 2: The abuse continues into her marriage, and Jen details her unsupportive experiences with Mormon Bishops

Part 3: Jen finally has a positive experience with a Mormon Bishop, Todd.  We also explore Todd's experience losing his faith

__________________________

Heart of the Matter's Shawn McCraney sits down with John to have a discussion about:

*(Part 1) John's Mormon story,
*(Part 2) The history of Mormon Stories and how his motivation behind the podcast has transformed over time, and
*(Part 3) An interesting back-and-forth as John gives his take on Christian concepts including God, sin, redemption, and much more.

Continuing a theme this year of capturing updates from some of our most impactful past interviews, in the coming weeks John will interview Shawn again to see what life has been like since his Mormon Stories interview released February 2010!

Heart of the Matter's Shawn McCraney sits down with John to have a discussion about:

*(Part 1) John's Mormon story,
*(Part 2) The history of Mormon Stories and how his motivation behind the podcast has transformed over time, and
*(Part 3) An interesting back-and-forth as John gives his take on Christian concepts including God, sin, redemption, and much more.

Continuing a theme this year of capturing updates from some of our most impactful past interviews, in the coming weeks John will interview Shawn again to see what life has been like since his Mormon Stories interview released February 2010!

Heart of the Matter's Shawn McCraney sits down with John to have a discussion about:

*(Part 1) John's Mormon story,
*(Part 2) The history of Mormon Stories and how his motivation behind the podcast has transformed over time, and
*(Part 3) An interesting back-and-forth as John gives his take on Christian concepts including God, sin, redemption, and much more.

Continuing a theme this year of capturing updates from some of our most impactful past interviews, in the coming weeks John will interview Shawn again to see what life has been like since his Mormon Stories interview released February 2010!

Ahead of a possible Utah medical marijuana ballot initiative in the Fall of 2018—and in light of the LDS Church signaling its opposition to the initiative—Mormon Stories seeks to have an open, facts-based discussion about the medicinal uses of marijuana and the LDS Church's role in the legislative process to prevent its passage in the state of Utah. To begin that conversation, we continue our interview with Andrew Jolley—an entrepreneur in Nevada who started The+Sourcedispensary in 2013 after Nevada passed legislation allowing the use of medicinal marijuana in that state.

We cover:

*What Andrew learned about the medicinal and societal value of marijuana that lead him to become involved

*A historical discussion about the political and cultural motives to making marijuana illegal

*The economic impacts seen in the states that have chosen to legalize marijuana use

*The medical impacts of the different types of cannabinoids found in marijuana

*Efforts made 'behind the scenes' by the LDS Church to oppose the initiative to allow for medicinal marijuana use

*What Andrew believes Utahns should do to inform their decision on legalization

Ahead of a possible Utah medical marijuana ballot initiative in the Fall of 2018—and in light of the LDS Church signaling its opposition to the initiative—Mormon Stories seeks to have an open, facts-based discussion about the medicinal uses of marijuana and the LDS Church's role in the legislative process to prevent its passage in the state of Utah. To begin that conversation, we continue our interview with Andrew Jolley—an entrepreneur in Nevada who started The+Sourcedispensary in 2013 after Nevada passed legislation allowing the use of medicinal marijuana in that state.

We cover:

*What Andrew learned about the medicinal and societal value of marijuana that lead him to become involved

*A historical discussion about the political and cultural motives to making marijuana illegal

*The economic impacts seen in the states that have chosen to legalize marijuana use

*The medical impacts of the different types of cannabinoids found in marijuana

*Efforts made 'behind the scenes' by the LDS Church to oppose the initiative to allow for medicinal marijuana use

*What Andrew believes Utahns should do to inform their decision on legalization

In this Mormon Stories Podcast episode, we travel to Nevada to listen as Andrew and Allison Jolley tell the story of their Mormon faith crisis, how they healed their painful and disconnected marriage, and (in episodes 911-912) how Andrew became a founder and owner of a marijuana company in Nevada called The+Source Nevada.

We cover:

• The shame and unresolved issues that were brought into the marriage by transgressions in their youth
• The barriers to emotional intimacy that both felt throughout their marriage and how they sought to meet their emotional needs in other places
• How Allison clung more to the church when she felt Andrew pulling away in the marriage
• Why Andrew embarked on a journey to deepen his faith, which instead lead to a faith crisis
• How Allison experienced anxiety and confusion when Andrew worked harder to strengthen his marriage after expressing doubts about the LDS Church
• How Allison experienced her own faith crisis
• What Andrew and Allison did to heal their marriage after experiencing a faith transition

___________________________

Part 1: Andrew and Allison describe their early marriage including the shame and unresolved issues each brought in

Part 2: Andrew and Allison share their difficulty with emotional intimacy and the impact a faith crisis had on their marriage

Part 3: Andrew and Allison share how they healed their marriage

___________________________

In this Mormon Stories Podcast episode, we travel to Nevada to listen as Andrew and Allison Jolley tell the story of their Mormon faith crisis, how they healed their painful and disconnected marriage, and (in episodes 911-912) how Andrew became a founder and owner of a marijuana company in Nevada called The+Source Nevada.

We cover:

• The shame and unresolved issues that were brought into the marriage by transgressions in their youth
• The barriers to emotional intimacy that both felt throughout their marriage and how they sought to meet their emotional needs in other places
• How Allison clung more to the church when she felt Andrew pulling away in the marriage
• Why Andrew embarked on a journey to deepen his faith, which instead lead to a faith crisis
• How Allison experienced anxiety and confusion when Andrew worked harder to strengthen his marriage after expressing doubts about the LDS Church
• How Allison experienced her own faith crisis
• What Andrew and Allison did to heal their marriage after experiencing a faith transition

___________________________

Part 1: Andrew and Allison describe their early marriage including the shame and unresolved issues each brought in

Part 2: Andrew and Allison share their difficulty with emotional intimacy and the impact a faith crisis had on their marriage

Part 3: Andrew and Allison share how they healed their marriage

___________________________

In this Mormon Stories Podcast episode, we travel to Nevada to listen as Andrew and Allison Jolley tell the story of their Mormon faith crisis, how they healed their painful and disconnected marriage, and (in episodes 911-912) how Andrew became a founder and owner of a marijuana company in Nevada called The+Source Nevada.

We cover:

• The shame and unresolved issues that were brought into the marriage by transgressions in their youth
• The barriers to emotional intimacy that both felt throughout their marriage and how they sought to meet their emotional needs in other places
• How Allison clung more to the church when she felt Andrew pulling away in the marriage
• Why Andrew embarked on a journey to deepen his faith, which instead lead to a faith crisis
• How Allison experienced anxiety and confusion when Andrew worked harder to strengthen his marriage after expressing doubts about the LDS Church
• How Allison experienced her own faith crisis
• What Andrew and Allison did to heal their marriage after experiencing a faith transition

___________________________

Part 1: Andrew and Allison describe their early marriage including the shame and unresolved issues each brought in

Part 2: Andrew and Allison share their difficulty with emotional intimacy and the impact a faith crisis had on their marriage

Part 3: Andrew and Allison share how they healed their marriage

___________________________

We are excited to revisit Dr. Michael Coe at his home in New Haven, Connecticut to learn what he has been up to since our wildly popular first interview with him released in August 2011.

Dr. Michael Coe is the Charles J. MacCurdy professor emeritus of Anthropology at Yale University and curator emeritus of the Division of Anthropology at the school’s Peabody Museum of Natural History. He is an expert on the Maya, who inhabited the same part of Mexico and Central American where Mormon scholars say the events of the Book of Mormon took place.

Continuing their discussion from 7 years ago,  Dr. Coe and John discuss some of the challenges facing Mormon archaeologists attempting to prove the historical truth of their central scripture.

We are excited to revisit Dr. Michael Coe at his home in New Haven, Connecticut to learn what he has been up to since our wildly popular first interview with him released in August 2011.

Dr. Michael Coe is the Charles J. MacCurdy professor emeritus of Anthropology at Yale University and curator emeritus of the Division of Anthropology at the school’s Peabody Museum of Natural History. He is an expert on the Maya, who inhabited the same part of Mexico and Central American where Mormon scholars say the events of the Book of Mormon took place.

Continuing their discussion from 7 years ago,  Dr. Coe and John discuss some of the challenges facing Mormon archaeologists attempting to prove the historical truth of their central scripture.

We are excited to revisit Dr. Michael Coe at his home in New Haven, Connecticut to learn what he has been up to since our wildly popular first interview with him released in August 2011.

Dr. Michael Coe is the Charles J. MacCurdy professor emeritus of Anthropology at Yale University and curator emeritus of the Division of Anthropology at the school’s Peabody Museum of Natural History. He is an expert on the Maya, who inhabited the same part of Mexico and Central American where Mormon scholars say the events of the Book of Mormon took place.

Continuing their discussion from 7 years ago,  Dr. Coe and John discuss some of the challenges facing Mormon archaeologists attempting to prove the historical truth of their central scripture.

A re-release of our first interview with Dr. Coe released in August 2011:

Dr. Michael Coe is the Charles J. MacCurdy professor emeritus of Anthropology at Yale University and curator emeritus of the Division of Anthropology at the school’s Peabody Museum of Natural History. He is an expert on the Maya, who inhabited the same part of Mexico and Central American where Mormon scholars say the events of the Book of Mormon took place. In this interview, Coe discusses the challenges facing Mormon archaeologists attempting to prove the historical truth of their central scripture and his own views on Joseph Smith.

A re-release of our first interview with Dr. Coe released in August 2011:

Dr. Michael Coe is the Charles J. MacCurdy professor emeritus of Anthropology at Yale University and curator emeritus of the Division of Anthropology at the school’s Peabody Museum of Natural History. He is an expert on the Maya, who inhabited the same part of Mexico and Central American where Mormon scholars say the events of the Book of Mormon took place. In this interview, Coe discusses the challenges facing Mormon archaeologists attempting to prove the historical truth of their central scripture and his own views on Joseph Smith.

A re-release of our first interview with Dr. Coe released in August 2011:

Dr. Michael Coe is the Charles J. MacCurdy professor emeritus of Anthropology at Yale University and curator emeritus of the Division of Anthropology at the school’s Peabody Museum of Natural History. He is an expert on the Maya, who inhabited the same part of Mexico and Central American where Mormon scholars say the events of the Book of Mormon took place. In this interview, Coe discusses the challenges facing Mormon archaeologists attempting to prove the historical truth of their central scripture and his own views on Joseph Smith.

Mormon Stories Podcast is honored to sit down with Dr. Bart Ehrman for a power-hour discussion of the story of Jesus, the New Testament, and wider early Christianity as a whole. As an expert on the New Testament and the history of Early Christianity, Dr. Ehrman has written or edited thirty books, numerous scholarly articles, and dozens of book reviews. Five of his books have been on the New York Times Bestseller list: Misquoting Jesus; God’s Problem; Jesus Interrupted; Forged; and How Jesus Became God.  A comprehensive list of Dr. Ehrman's works may be found here.

We were honored to host a live Q&A and book signing with New York Times bestselling-author Tara Westover on March 29, 2018 at the First Unitarian Churchin Salt Lake City.

Tara is the author of the book Educated. Born in Idaho to a father opposed to public education, she never attended school. She spent her days working in her father's junkyard or stewing herbs for her mother, a self-taught herbalist and midwife. She was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. After that first encounter with education, she pursued learning for a decade, graduating magna cum laude from Brigham Young University in 2008 and subsequently winning a Gates Cambridge Scholarship. She earned an MPhil from Trinity College, Cambridge in 2009, and in 2010 was a visiting fellow at Harvard University. She returned to Cambridge, where she was awarded a PhD in history in 2014.

Join us for this lively interview with Tyler Measom to discuss his life as an award-winning documentary filmmaker. Tyler's films include Sons of Perditionand An Honest Liar, along with a film currently in production about the history of MTV.  A comprehensive list of Tyler's works may be found at his IMDb.

Tyler shares with us his experience growing up as a Mormon including serving a mission—an experience he credits with influencing his style and purpose as a filmmaker by teaching him how to deeply empathize with people.  Tyler also shares how he first became involved in the film industry and used his entrepreneurial skills to create works that have won awards at numerous film festivals.  Later we learn that Tyler decided to leave the LDS Church in protest during the early days of the Church's efforts to prevent the passage of same-sex marriage in the United States.

This interview contains excellent advice to aspiring artists of all kinds on how to successfully channel your passion into successful outcomes.

Tyler's upcoming film is about Mark Hofmann—a horrifying and seductive tale of the most prolific and accomplished forger in modern history.  Information about this film and how you can donate to this project may be found at https://www.forgerfilm.com.

Join us for this lively interview with Tyler Measom to discuss his life as an award-winning documentary filmmaker. Tyler's films include Sons of Perditionand An Honest Liar, along with a film currently in production about the history of MTV.  A comprehensive list of Tyler's works may be found at his IMDb.

Tyler shares with us his experience growing up as a Mormon including serving a mission—an experience he credits with influencing his style and purpose as a filmmaker by teaching him how to deeply empathize with people.  Tyler also shares how he first became involved in the film industry and used his entrepreneurial skills to create works that have won awards at numerous film festivals.  Later we learn that Tyler decided to leave the LDS Church in protest during the early days of the Church's efforts to prevent the passage of same-sex marriage in the United States.

This interview contains excellent advice to aspiring artists of all kinds on how to successfully channel your passion into successful outcomes.

Tyler's upcoming film is about Mark Hofmann—a horrifying and seductive tale of the most prolific and accomplished forger in modern history.  Information about this film and how you can donate to this project may be found at https://www.forgerfilm.com.

Join us for this lively interview with Tyler Measom to discuss his life as an award-winning documentary filmmaker. Tyler's films include Sons of Perditionand An Honest Liar, along with a film currently in production about the history of MTV.  A comprehensive list of Tyler's works may be found at his IMDb.

Tyler shares with us his experience growing up as a Mormon including serving a mission—an experience he credits with influencing his style and purpose as a filmmaker by teaching him how to deeply empathize with people.  Tyler also shares how he first became involved in the film industry and used his entrepreneurial skills to create works that have won awards at numerous film festivals.  Later we learn that Tyler decided to leave the LDS Church in protest during the early days of the Church's efforts to prevent the passage of same-sex marriage in the United States.

This interview contains excellent advice to aspiring artists of all kinds on how to successfully channel your passion into successful outcomes.

Tyler's upcoming film is about Mark Hofmann—a horrifying and seductive tale of the most prolific and accomplished forger in modern history.  Information about this film and how you can donate to this project may be found at https://www.forgerfilm.com.

This international edition of Mormon Stories Podcast includes our interview with Amanda and Matt Ireland about their experiences as Mormons in Australia. This story includes their relatively recent faith crisis, and their being threatened as apostates by their local leadership for speaking openly about their doubts/questions with the church.  Amanda and Matt also speak openly and bravely about how they dealt with issues of mental health in their marriage and how they now find happiness in life outside the Mormon faith.

This international edition of Mormon Stories Podcast includes our interview with Amanda and Matt Ireland about their experiences as Mormons in Australia. This story includes their relatively recent faith crisis, and their being threatened as apostates by their local leadership for speaking openly about their doubts/questions with the church.  Amanda and Matt also speak openly and bravely about how they dealt with issues of mental health in their marriage and how they now find happiness in life outside the Mormon faith.

This international edition of Mormon Stories Podcast includes our interview with Amanda and Matt Ireland about their experiences as Mormons in Australia. This story includes their relatively recent faith crisis, and their being threatened as apostates by their local leadership for speaking openly about their doubts/questions with the church.  Amanda and Matt also speak openly and bravely about how they dealt with issues of mental health in their marriage and how they now find happiness in life outside the Mormon faith.

Join us as we talk with Bishop Sam Young about the recent changes to interview protocol and sexual abuse issues for LDS bishops. Sam will also share information about the Protect LDS Children March this Friday.

These Mormon Stories episodes include our interactive Q&A with Dr. Greg Prince held at the Salt Lake City Community of Christ on March 17, 2018.

Gregory A. Prince earned his graduate degrees in dentistry (DDS) and pathology (PhD) at UCLA. He then pursued a four-decade career in pediatric infectious disease research. His love of history led him to write three books, including the award-winning David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Most recently, he has published Leonard Arrington and the Writing of Mormon History.  Greg also has a new book that he is working on called “Intended Actions, Unintended Consequences: The Mormon Church’s responses to Homosexuality.”

We hope you enjoy these episodes as we celebrate Greg’s contributions to Mormon history!

_______________________________________

Part 1: Greg and John discuss contemporary Mormonism, including suggested improvements

Part 2: Greg fields questions from our live audience

Part 3: To end the evening, John asks Greg some final questions about truth claims of the Mormon Church

_______________________________________

These Mormon Stories episodes include our interactive Q&A with Dr. Greg Prince held at the Salt Lake City Community of Christ on March 17, 2018.

Gregory A. Prince earned his graduate degrees in dentistry (DDS) and pathology (PhD) at UCLA. He then pursued a four-decade career in pediatric infectious disease research. His love of history led him to write three books, including the award-winning David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Most recently, he has published Leonard Arrington and the Writing of Mormon History.  Greg also has a new book that he is working on called “Intended Actions, Unintended Consequences: The Mormon Church’s responses to Homosexuality.”

We hope you enjoy these episodes as we celebrate Greg’s contributions to Mormon history!

_______________________________________

Part 1: Greg and John discuss contemporary Mormonism, including suggested improvements

Part 2: Greg fields questions from our live audience

Part 3: To end the evening, John asks Greg some final questions about truth claims of the Mormon Church

_______________________________________

These Mormon Stories episodes include our interactive Q&A with Dr. Greg Prince held at the Salt Lake City Community of Christ on March 17, 2018.

Gregory A. Prince earned his graduate degrees in dentistry (DDS) and pathology (PhD) at UCLA. He then pursued a four-decade career in pediatric infectious disease research. His love of history led him to write three books, including the award-winning David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Most recently, he has published Leonard Arrington and the Writing of Mormon History.  Greg also has a new book that he is working on called “Intended Actions, Unintended Consequences: The Mormon Church’s responses to Homosexuality.”

We hope you enjoy these episodes as we celebrate Greg’s contributions to Mormon history!

_______________________________________

Part 1: Greg and John discuss contemporary Mormonism, including suggested improvements

Part 2: Greg fields questions from our live audience

Part 3: To end the evening, John asks Greg some final questions about truth claims of the Mormon Church

_______________________________________

Returning to Mormon Stories, Dr. Greg Prince delves into the life and legacy of Leonard Arrington—considered by many to be the foremost twentieth-century historian of Mormonism. This interview follows closely the abstract of the book:

"Leonard Arrington’s career was not without controversy. Gregory Prince takes an in-depth look at this respected historian and, in telling Arrington’s story, gives readers insight into the workings of the LDS Church in the late twentieth century. In 1972, during a major reorganization of the LDS Church, Arrington was asked to serve as the official church historian, thereby becoming the first—and thus far the only—professional historian to hold that title. He immediately set out to professionalize the entire Church History Division and open its extensive archives to scholarly researching. While the output of and from that division moved Mormon studies to a new level, the shift of historiography from faith promotion ecclesiastical, to scholarly and professional research and analysis was unacceptable to a handful of powerful senior apostles. In 1980 the History Division was disassembled and moved to Brigham Young University. That led to a shift in the professionalization of the Church History Division and Archives and in Arrington’s career but not to a loss of his broad influence."

________________________

Part 1: Greg discusses why he chose to write this book and describes how Leonard Arrington became LDS Church Historian

Part 2: Greg discusses significant events that occurred during Leonard Arrington's administration

Part 3: Greg describes the legacy of Leonard Arrington and shares his thoughts on where the LDS Church presently stands in its presentation of church history

________________________

Returning to Mormon Stories, Dr. Greg Prince delves into the life and legacy of Leonard Arrington—considered by many to be the foremost twentieth-century historian of Mormonism. This interview follows closely the abstract of the book:

"Leonard Arrington’s career was not without controversy. Gregory Prince takes an in-depth look at this respected historian and, in telling Arrington’s story, gives readers insight into the workings of the LDS Church in the late twentieth century. In 1972, during a major reorganization of the LDS Church, Arrington was asked to serve as the official church historian, thereby becoming the first—and thus far the only—professional historian to hold that title. He immediately set out to professionalize the entire Church History Division and open its extensive archives to scholarly researching. While the output of and from that division moved Mormon studies to a new level, the shift of historiography from faith promotion ecclesiastical, to scholarly and professional research and analysis was unacceptable to a handful of powerful senior apostles. In 1980 the History Division was disassembled and moved to Brigham Young University. That led to a shift in the professionalization of the Church History Division and Archives and in Arrington’s career but not to a loss of his broad influence."

________________________

Part 1: Greg discusses why he chose to write this book and describes how Leonard Arrington became LDS Church Historian

Part 2: Greg discusses significant events that occurred during Leonard Arrington's administration

Part 3: Greg describes the legacy of Leonard Arrington and shares his thoughts on where the LDS Church presently stands in its presentation of church history

________________________

Returning to Mormon Stories, Dr. Greg Prince delves into the life and legacy of Leonard Arrington—considered by many to be the foremost twentieth-century historian of Mormonism. This interview follows closely the abstract of the book:

"Leonard Arrington’s career was not without controversy. Gregory Prince takes an in-depth look at this respected historian and, in telling Arrington’s story, gives readers insight into the workings of the LDS Church in the late twentieth century. In 1972, during a major reorganization of the LDS Church, Arrington was asked to serve as the official church historian, thereby becoming the first—and thus far the only—professional historian to hold that title. He immediately set out to professionalize the entire Church History Division and open its extensive archives to scholarly researching. While the output of and from that division moved Mormon studies to a new level, the shift of historiography from faith promotion ecclesiastical, to scholarly and professional research and analysis was unacceptable to a handful of powerful senior apostles. In 1980 the History Division was disassembled and moved to Brigham Young University. That led to a shift in the professionalization of the Church History Division and Archives and in Arrington’s career but not to a loss of his broad influence."

________________________

Part 1: Greg discusses why he chose to write this book and describes how Leonard Arrington became LDS Church Historian

Part 2: Greg discusses significant events that occurred during Leonard Arrington's administration

Part 3: Greg describes the legacy of Leonard Arrington and shares his thoughts on where the LDS Church presently stands in its presentation of church history

________________________

In these Mormon Stories episodes, we interview Bert Fuller – PhD student and former researcher for the Maxwell Institute of Religious Scholarship at Brigham Young University.

In Part 1, Bert shares his background as a Mormon and provides an insider’s view of the Maxwell Institute.  Part 2 includes his critique of Mormon Neo-Apologetics and compares its approach to the more traditional form of Mormon apologetics.  Finally in Part 3, Bert shares what his life is like now in terms of spirituality.

In these Mormon Stories episodes, we interview Bert Fuller – PhD student and former researcher for the Maxwell Institute of Religious Scholarship at Brigham Young University.

In Part 1, Bert shares his background as a Mormon and provides an insider’s view of the Maxwell Institute.  Part 2 includes his critique of Mormon Neo-Apologetics and compares its approach to the more traditional form of Mormon apologetics.  Finally in Part 3, Bert shares what his life is like now in terms of spirituality.

Ryan and John review what is revealed in the recording

We listen to the recording provided by MormonLeaks.io

Ryan McKnight discusses the decision to release the recording on MormonLeaks.io

We are excited to release our interview with Tara Westover, author of the New York Times bestseller “Educated.”

“[A] searing debut memoir… Westover recounts her upbringing with six siblings on an Idaho farm dominated by her father…who tried to live off the grid, kept four children (including the author) out of school…and stockpiled supplies and guns for the end-time…When she finally escaped the toxic atmosphere of dogma, suspicion, and patriarchy to attend college and then grad school at Cambridge, her identity crisis precipitated a heartbreaking rupture. Westover’s vivid prose makes this saga of the pressures of conformity and self-assertion that warp a family seem both terrifying and ordinary.”

We are excited to release our interview with Tara Westover, author of the New York Times bestseller “Educated.”

“[A] searing debut memoir… Westover recounts her upbringing with six siblings on an Idaho farm dominated by her father…who tried to live off the grid, kept four children (including the author) out of school…and stockpiled supplies and guns for the end-time…When she finally escaped the toxic atmosphere of dogma, suspicion, and patriarchy to attend college and then grad school at Cambridge, her identity crisis precipitated a heartbreaking rupture. Westover’s vivid prose makes this saga of the pressures of conformity and self-assertion that warp a family seem both terrifying and ordinary.”

This episode of Mormon Stories Podcast is an interview with Brooke Bonham Miller and Josh Miller about the difficulties they faced during their Mormon faith crisis. They also share a wonderful and challenging experience they had speaking privately with Dr. Spencer Fluhman (Head of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship) about their questions and doubts.  This interview highlights Brooke and Josh’s background in the LDS Church, what doubts they encountered, why they decided share their doubts with Dr. Fluhman, and their reactions to the answers he provided.

This episode of Mormon Stories Podcast is an interview with Brooke Bonham Miller and Josh Miller about the difficulties they faced during their Mormon faith crisis. They also share a wonderful and challenging experience they had speaking privately with Dr. Spencer Fluhman (Head of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship) about their questions and doubts.  This interview highlights Brooke and Josh’s background in the LDS Church, what doubts they encountered, why they decided share their doubts with Dr. Fluhman, and their reactions to the answers he provided.

This episode of Mormon Stories Podcast is an interview with Brooke Bonham Miller and Josh Miller about the difficulties they faced during their Mormon faith crisis. They also share a wonderful and challenging experience they had speaking privately with Dr. Spencer Fluhman (Head of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship) about their questions and doubts.  This interview highlights Brooke and Josh’s background in the LDS Church, what doubts they encountered, why they decided share their doubts with Dr. Fluhman, and their reactions to the answers he provided.

This episode of Mormon Stories Podcast is an interview with Brooke Bonham Miller and Josh Miller about the difficulties they faced during their Mormon faith crisis. They also share a wonderful and challenging experience they had speaking privately with Dr. Spencer Fluhman (Head of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship) about their questions and doubts.  This interview highlights Brooke and Josh’s background in the LDS Church, what doubts they encountered, why they decided share their doubts with Dr. Fluhman, and their reactions to the answers he provided.

In this Mormon Stories interview, we meet with Chad Anderson—a licensed clinical social worker in the Salt Lake City area and author of his newly released book, Gay Mormon Dad.

In part 1, Chad shares his story of growing up gay in the LDS Church and his quiet struggle to be completely obedient to God in order to change his sexual orientation.  Even though he met all of the Mormon milestones including a mission, marriage, and having children, he found himself unhappy as ever.  In part 2, Chad says that all changed when he decided to come out to the world and began to accept his whole self, including his sexuality.

Part 3 of our interview also includes a conversation between Chad and John about contemporary LGBTQ events in the LDS Church, including the impact of Prop 8, the November 2015 policy, rising suicide rates among youth in Utah, and the new First Presidency’s impact on the LGBTQ community, among other things.

In this Mormon Stories interview, we meet with Chad Anderson—a licensed clinical social worker in the Salt Lake City area and author of his newly released book, Gay Mormon Dad.

In part 1, Chad shares his story of growing up gay in the LDS Church and his quiet struggle to be completely obedient to God in order to change his sexual orientation.  Even though he met all of the Mormon milestones including a mission, marriage, and having children, he found himself unhappy as ever.  In part 2, Chad says that all changed when he decided to come out to the world and began to accept his whole self, including his sexuality.

Part 3 of our interview also includes a conversation between Chad and John about contemporary LGBTQ events in the LDS Church, including the impact of Prop 8, the November 2015 policy, rising suicide rates among youth in Utah, and the new First Presidency’s impact on the LGBTQ community, among other things.

In this Mormon Stories interview, we meet with Chad Anderson—a licensed clinical social worker in the Salt Lake City area and author of his newly released book, Gay Mormon Dad.

In part 1, Chad shares his story of growing up gay in the LDS Church and his quiet struggle to be completely obedient to God in order to change his sexual orientation.  Even though he met all of the Mormon milestones including a mission, marriage, and having children, he found himself unhappy as ever.  In part 2, Chad says that all changed when he decided to come out to the world and began to accept his whole self, including his sexuality.

Part 3 of our interview also includes a conversation between Chad and John about contemporary LGBTQ events in the LDS Church, including the impact of Prop 8, the November 2015 policy, rising suicide rates among youth in Utah, and the new First Presidency’s impact on the LGBTQ community, among other things.

In this episode, Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Tim Birt shares with us his perspective on three questions:

Part 1) In what ways are LDS policies and teachings on sexuality harmful and helpful?

Part 2) In what ways are the LDS church's current policies related to child protection and abuse inadequate or harmful or need improvement?

Part 3) What can LDS church members do to help protect children in their local congregations?

In this episode, Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Tim Birt shares with us his perspective on three questions:

Part 1) In what ways are LDS policies and teachings on sexuality harmful and helpful?

Part 2) In what ways are the LDS church's current policies related to child protection and abuse inadequate or harmful or need improvement?

Part 3) What can LDS church members do to help protect children in their local congregations?

In this episode, Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Tim Birt shares with us his perspective on three questions:

Part 1) In what ways are LDS policies and teachings on sexuality harmful and helpful?

Part 2) In what ways are the LDS church's current policies related to child protection and abuse inadequate or harmful or need improvement?

Part 3) What can LDS church members do to help protect children in their local congregations?

In this episode, we check in with Bishop Sam Young to discuss progress in his petition to end sexually-invasive questions to children during clergy interviews.  We also discuss his plans to organize a march on March 30 to deliver the petition of signatures gathered from ProtectLDSChildren.org to the LDS Church Office Building in Salt Lake City.  Sam also details the threats against his safety he has received as well as charges of apostasy leveled against him by his local priesthood leadership.

In these important episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview JaLynn Prince – President and Founder of the Madison House Autism Foundation and wife of our frequent past guest on Mormon Stories episodes as a Mormon scientist and historian – Dr. Greg Prince.

We focus on JaLynn’s background in the LDS Church and how she learned her son Madison was a child with autism.  We also have a discussion on some of the general characteristics of autism and other related disabilities, and how the LDS Church serves these individuals.  We then have a frank discussion on possible areas of improvement in the LDS community to offer more support, opportunities, and hope for adults with autism.  In our final segment of the interview, JaLynn fields questions from our live listening audience.

In these important episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview JaLynn Prince – President and Founder of the Madison House Autism Foundation and wife of our frequent past guest on Mormon Stories episodes as a Mormon scientist and historian – Dr. Greg Prince.

We focus on JaLynn’s background in the LDS Church and how she learned her son Madison was a child with autism.  We also have a discussion on some of the general characteristics of autism and other related disabilities, and how the LDS Church serves these individuals.  We then have a frank discussion on possible areas of improvement in the LDS community to offer more support, opportunities, and hope for adults with autism.  In our final segment of the interview, JaLynn fields questions from our live listening audience.

In these important episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview JaLynn Prince – President and Founder of the Madison House Autism Foundation and wife of our frequent past guest on Mormon Stories episodes as a Mormon scientist and historian – Dr. Greg Prince.

We focus on JaLynn’s background in the LDS Church and how she learned her son Madison was a child with autism.  We also have a discussion on some of the general characteristics of autism and other related disabilities, and how the LDS Church serves these individuals.  We then have a frank discussion on possible areas of improvement in the LDS community to offer more support, opportunities, and hope for adults with autism.  In our final segment of the interview, JaLynn fields questions from our live listening audience.

We are proud to release our live interview held on February 6, 2018 at the Salt Lake City Community of Christ with Tova Mirvis—a past guest on Mormon Stories.  For this interview, we relied on the excellent questions from our live audience to drive the conversation.  We explore so many of the parallels between the faith transition experiences in Orthodox Judaism and Mormonism, and talk some more about her writing The Book of Separation and how it has touched many of our listeners since tuning into her Mormon Stories episode.

We are proud to release our live interview held on February 6, 2018 at the Salt Lake City Community of Christ with Tova Mirvis—a past guest on Mormon Stories.  For this interview, we relied on the excellent questions from our live audience to drive the conversation.  We explore so many of the parallels between the faith transition experiences in Orthodox Judaism and Mormonism, and talk some more about her writing The Book of Separation and how it has touched many of our listeners since tuning into her Mormon Stories episode.

The South Mountain Community Church has become home for many former Mormons—which make up nearly half of the congregation. As strange as it may sound to some, the church also has a large contingent of atheist/agnostic former Mormons, as well as many who have embraced Biblical Christianity.

In this exciting panel interview, we interview Pastor Rick and Pastor Paul along with panelists Keri, Dave, Emily, and Jim about what drew them to SMCC, and what their lives look like now in terms of belief and spirituality. Some of the important questions we try to answer include:

• Why do the panelists believe the New Testament is reliable?
• Why the panelists believe following Jesus of the New Testament is not a feelings based decision?
• Do the panelists scrutinize the claims of the Bible as thoroughly as they scrutinize the claims of religions they don’t endorse?

The South Mountain Community Church has become home for many former Mormons—which make up nearly half of the congregation. As strange as it may sound to some, the church also has a large contingent of atheist/agnostic former Mormons, as well as many who have embraced Biblical Christianity.

In this exciting panel interview, we interview Pastor Rick and Pastor Paul along with panelists Keri, Dave, Emily, and Jim about what drew them to SMCC, and what their lives look like now in terms of belief and spirituality. Some of the important questions we try to answer include:

• Why do the panelists believe the New Testament is reliable?
• Why the panelists believe following Jesus of the New Testament is not a feelings based decision?
• Do the panelists scrutinize the claims of the Bible as thoroughly as they scrutinize the claims of religions they don’t endorse?

The South Mountain Community Church has become home for many former Mormons—which make up nearly half of the congregation. As strange as it may sound to some, the church also has a large contingent of atheist/agnostic former Mormons, as well as many who have embraced Biblical Christianity.

In this exciting panel interview, we interview Pastor Rick and Pastor Paul along with panelists Keri, Dave, Emily, and Jim about what drew them to SMCC, and what their lives look like now in terms of belief and spirituality. Some of the important questions we try to answer include:

• Why do the panelists believe the New Testament is reliable?
• Why the panelists believe following Jesus of the New Testament is not a feelings based decision?
• Do the panelists scrutinize the claims of the Bible as thoroughly as they scrutinize the claims of religions they don’t endorse?

Mormon Stories Podcast is excited to team up with Sunstone to present a recording of our live podcast on 1/25/18 with Carol Lynn Pearson where we discuss her book, The Ghost of Eternal Polygamy. Special thanks to the Salt Lake City Community of Christ for hosting such a wonderful evening and for the many listeners who came to enjoy the experience.

These episodes closely follow the abstract of the book:

"'Polygamy?' says the mainstream Mormon Church, “We gave that up long ago.” Not so, claims noted LDS poet and author Carol Lynn Pearson, who examines the issue as it has never been examined before. Any member of the LDS Church today who enters the practice of polygamy is immediately excommunicated. However, Pearson claims, polygamy itself has never been excommunicated, but has an honored and protected place at the table. It has only been postponed, a fact confirmed by thousands of “eternal sealings” giving a man an assurance that he will claim as wives in heaven the two, three, or even more women he has sequentially married during his lifetime. No such opportunity is available to women. Through her own personal stories, those of her ancestors, and the thousands of stories that came to her through an Internet survey, Pearson shows the power of the Ghost of Eternal Polygamy as it not only waits on the other side to greet the most righteous in heaven, but also haunts the living—hiding in the recesses of the Mormon psyche, inflicting profound pain and fear, assuring women that they are still objects, harming or destroying marriages, bringing chaos to family relationships, leading many to lose faith in the church and in God."

Mormon Stories Podcast is excited to team up with Sunstone to present a recording of our live podcast on 1/25/18 with Carol Lynn Pearson where we discuss her book, The Ghost of Eternal Polygamy. Special thanks to the Salt Lake City Community of Christ for hosting such a wonderful evening and for the many listeners who came to enjoy the experience.

These episodes closely follow the abstract of the book:

"'Polygamy?' says the mainstream Mormon Church, “We gave that up long ago.” Not so, claims noted LDS poet and author Carol Lynn Pearson, who examines the issue as it has never been examined before. Any member of the LDS Church today who enters the practice of polygamy is immediately excommunicated. However, Pearson claims, polygamy itself has never been excommunicated, but has an honored and protected place at the table. It has only been postponed, a fact confirmed by thousands of “eternal sealings” giving a man an assurance that he will claim as wives in heaven the two, three, or even more women he has sequentially married during his lifetime. No such opportunity is available to women. Through her own personal stories, those of her ancestors, and the thousands of stories that came to her through an Internet survey, Pearson shows the power of the Ghost of Eternal Polygamy as it not only waits on the other side to greet the most righteous in heaven, but also haunts the living—hiding in the recesses of the Mormon psyche, inflicting profound pain and fear, assuring women that they are still objects, harming or destroying marriages, bringing chaos to family relationships, leading many to lose faith in the church and in God."

Scholarships and free lodging still available for the Mormon Stories St. George retreat on Feb 9-11!

Details and registration here: http://www.mormonstories.org/stgeorge/

Spiral Dynamics is a theory of how human consciousness changes the world, and explains how people come to very different conclusions while having access to the same information.  With panelists Jamie Hanis-Handy, Gina Colvin, Lindsay Hansen Park, and Glenn Ostlund, this is a conversation that attempts to build on an episode of The Liturgists found here:

http://www.theliturgists.com/podcast/2014/9/23/episode-5-spiral-dynamics

In this special episode of Mormon Stories, we travel to Southern California to interview 2 couples—Doug & Laurie and Jerry & Julie about their Mormon faith crisis and transition.  The couples are connected in that Laurie and Julie are sisters, and Doug and Jerry served in the same LDS mission together.

This is a super fascinating story in that each grew up as faithful, orthodox Mormons and both couples were living what they considered to be the "Mormon dream" until Doug began to have a faith crisis that he endured silently for years.  Suffering alone and feeling unable to share his doubts with anyone, he finally opened up to his wife Laurie and they carefully navigated a mixed-faith marriage for some time.  Seeking support, Doug and Laurie reached out to Jerry and Julie to share their questions and struggles and we learn how each began a faith journey they did not expect.

Important topics we cover:

• What the Church meant to each as they were in it
• What caused them to doubt and question
• What was hard and difficult about the faith crisis
• The mistakes and successes they discovered while navigating their faith crisis
• How they shared their faith crisis with their children
• How they "came out" about their beliefs to others, including ward members and leaders
• How they have begun to forge a new life

This interview is a first of many this year that will highlight what John calls "The Gift of the Mormon Faith Crisis."  More information for this 2018 initiative can be found at http://www.mormonfaithcrisis.com

____________________________________________________

Part 1: Each provide their Mormon background

Part 2: Doug is the first to have a faith crisis, which has ripple effects to Laurie, Julie, and Jerry

Part 3: Laurie, Doug, and Julie share how cracks developed in their faith

Part 4: Each tackle the tough topic of sharing their faith crisis with their children

Part 5: Each discuss "coming out" about their beliefs to others

Part 6: Each discuss the hard, yet rewarding task of forging a new life

____________________________________________________

Like what we do?  Please consider becoming a Patron at our newly created Patreon account. This is an option in addition to our regular monthly donation option.  Patrons donate based on the amount of content we produce, at the price of $1 per interview.  Please visit https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories for more details.

____________________________________________________

In this special episode of Mormon Stories, we travel to Southern California to interview 2 couples—Doug & Laurie and Jerry & Julie about their Mormon faith crisis and transition.  The couples are connected in that Laurie and Julie are sisters, and Doug and Jerry served in the same LDS mission together.

This is a super fascinating story in that each grew up as faithful, orthodox Mormons and both couples were living what they considered to be the "Mormon dream" until Doug began to have a faith crisis that he endured silently for years.  Suffering alone and feeling unable to share his doubts with anyone, he finally opened up to his wife Laurie and they carefully navigated a mixed-faith marriage for some time.  Seeking support, Doug and Laurie reached out to Jerry and Julie to share their questions and struggles and we learn how each began a faith journey they did not expect.

Important topics we cover:

• What the Church meant to each as they were in it
• What caused them to doubt and question
• What was hard and difficult about the faith crisis
• The mistakes and successes they discovered while navigating their faith crisis
• How they shared their faith crisis with their children
• How they "came out" about their beliefs to others, including ward members and leaders
• How they have begun to forge a new life

This interview is a first of many this year that will highlight what John calls "The Gift of the Mormon Faith Crisis."  More information for this 2018 initiative can be found at http://www.mormonfaithcrisis.com

____________________________________________________

Part 1: Each provide their Mormon background

Part 2: Doug is the first to have a faith crisis, which has ripple effects to Laurie, Julie, and Jerry

Part 3: Laurie, Doug, and Julie share how cracks developed in their faith

Part 4: Each tackle the tough topic of sharing their faith crisis with their children

Part 5: Each discuss "coming out" about their beliefs to others

Part 6: Each discuss the hard, yet rewarding task of forging a new life

____________________________________________________

Like what we do?  Please consider becoming a Patron at our newly created Patreon account. This is an option in addition to our regular monthly donation option.  Patrons donate based on the amount of content we produce, at the price of $1 per interview.  Please visit https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories for more details.

____________________________________________________

In this special episode of Mormon Stories, we travel to Southern California to interview 2 couples—Doug & Laurie and Jerry & Julie about their Mormon faith crisis and transition.  The couples are connected in that Laurie and Julie are sisters, and Doug and Jerry served in the same LDS mission together.

This is a super fascinating story in that each grew up as faithful, orthodox Mormons and both couples were living what they considered to be the "Mormon dream" until Doug began to have a faith crisis that he endured silently for years.  Suffering alone and feeling unable to share his doubts with anyone, he finally opened up to his wife Laurie and they carefully navigated a mixed-faith marriage for some time.  Seeking support, Doug and Laurie reached out to Jerry and Julie to share their questions and struggles and we learn how each began a faith journey they did not expect.

Important topics we cover:

• What the Church meant to each as they were in it
• What caused them to doubt and question
• What was hard and difficult about the faith crisis
• The mistakes and successes they discovered while navigating their faith crisis
• How they shared their faith crisis with their children
• How they "came out" about their beliefs to others, including ward members and leaders
• How they have begun to forge a new life

This interview is a first of many this year that will highlight what John calls "The Gift of the Mormon Faith Crisis."  More information for this 2018 initiative can be found at http://www.mormonfaithcrisis.com

____________________________________________________

Part 1: Each provide their Mormon background

Part 2: Doug is the first to have a faith crisis, which has ripple effects to Laurie, Julie, and Jerry

Part 3: Laurie, Doug, and Julie share how cracks developed in their faith

Part 4: Each tackle the tough topic of sharing their faith crisis with their children

Part 5: Each discuss "coming out" about their beliefs to others

Part 6: Each discuss the hard, yet rewarding task of forging a new life

____________________________________________________

Like what we do?  Please consider becoming a Patron at our newly created Patreon account. This is an option in addition to our regular monthly donation option.  Patrons donate based on the amount of content we produce, at the price of $1 per interview.  Please visit https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories for more details.

____________________________________________________

In this special episode of Mormon Stories, we travel to Southern California to interview 2 couples—Doug & Laurie and Jerry & Julie about their Mormon faith crisis and transition.  The couples are connected in that Laurie and Julie are sisters, and Doug and Jerry served in the same LDS mission together.

This is a super fascinating story in that each grew up as faithful, orthodox Mormons and both couples were living what they considered to be the "Mormon dream" until Doug began to have a faith crisis that he endured silently for years.  Suffering alone and feeling unable to share his doubts with anyone, he finally opened up to his wife Laurie and they carefully navigated a mixed-faith marriage for some time.  Seeking support, Doug and Laurie reached out to Jerry and Julie to share their questions and struggles and we learn how each began a faith journey they did not expect.

Important topics we cover:

• What the Church meant to each as they were in it
• What caused them to doubt and question
• What was hard and difficult about the faith crisis
• The mistakes and successes they discovered while navigating their faith crisis
• How they shared their faith crisis with their children
• How they "came out" about their beliefs to others, including ward members and leaders
• How they have begun to forge a new life

This interview is a first of many this year that will highlight what John calls "The Gift of the Mormon Faith Crisis."  More information for this 2018 initiative can be found at http://www.mormonfaithcrisis.com

____________________________________________________

Part 1: Each provide their Mormon background

Part 2: Doug is the first to have a faith crisis, which has ripple effects to Laurie, Julie, and Jerry

Part 3: Laurie, Doug, and Julie share how cracks developed in their faith

Part 4: Each tackle the tough topic of sharing their faith crisis with their children

Part 5: Each discuss "coming out" about their beliefs to others

Part 6: Each discuss the hard, yet rewarding task of forging a new life

____________________________________________________

Like what we do?  Please consider becoming a Patron at our newly created Patreon account. This is an option in addition to our regular monthly donation option.  Patrons donate based on the amount of content we produce, at the price of $1 per interview.  Please visit https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories for more details.

____________________________________________________

In this special episode of Mormon Stories, we travel to Southern California to interview 2 couples—Doug & Laurie and Jerry & Julie about their Mormon faith crisis and transition.  The couples are connected in that Laurie and Julie are sisters, and Doug and Jerry served in the same LDS mission together.

This is a super fascinating story in that each grew up as faithful, orthodox Mormons and both couples were living what they considered to be the "Mormon dream" until Doug began to have a faith crisis that he endured silently for years.  Suffering alone and feeling unable to share his doubts with anyone, he finally opened up to his wife Laurie and they carefully navigated a mixed-faith marriage for some time.  Seeking support, Doug and Laurie reached out to Jerry and Julie to share their questions and struggles and we learn how each began a faith journey they did not expect.

Important topics we cover:

• What the Church meant to each as they were in it
• What caused them to doubt and question
• What was hard and difficult about the faith crisis
• The mistakes and successes they discovered while navigating their faith crisis
• How they shared their faith crisis with their children
• How they "came out" about their beliefs to others, including ward members and leaders
• How they have begun to forge a new life

This interview is a first of many this year that will highlight what John calls "The Gift of the Mormon Faith Crisis."  More information for this 2018 initiative can be found at http://www.mormonfaithcrisis.com

____________________________________________________

Part 1: Each provide their Mormon background

Part 2: Doug is the first to have a faith crisis, which has ripple effects to Laurie, Julie, and Jerry

Part 3: Laurie, Doug, and Julie share how cracks developed in their faith

Part 4: Each tackle the tough topic of sharing their faith crisis with their children

Part 5: Each discuss "coming out" about their beliefs to others

Part 6: Each discuss the hard, yet rewarding task of forging a new life

____________________________________________________

Like what we do?  Please consider becoming a Patron at our newly created Patreon account. This is an option in addition to our regular monthly donation option.  Patrons donate based on the amount of content we produce, at the price of $1 per interview.  Please visit https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories for more details.

____________________________________________________

In this special episode of Mormon Stories, we travel to Southern California to interview 2 couples—Doug & Laurie and Jerry & Julie about their Mormon faith crisis and transition.  The couples are connected in that Laurie and Julie are sisters, and Doug and Jerry served in the same LDS mission together.

This is a super fascinating story in that each grew up as faithful, orthodox Mormons and both couples were living what they considered to be the "Mormon dream" until Doug began to have a faith crisis that he endured silently for years.  Suffering alone and feeling unable to share his doubts with anyone, he finally opened up to his wife Laurie and they carefully navigated a mixed-faith marriage for some time.  Seeking support, Doug and Laurie reached out to Jerry and Julie to share their questions and struggles and we learn how each began a faith journey they did not expect.

Important topics we cover:

• What the Church meant to each as they were in it
• What caused them to doubt and question
• What was hard and difficult about the faith crisis
• The mistakes and successes they discovered while navigating their faith crisis
• How they shared their faith crisis with their children
• How they "came out" about their beliefs to others, including ward members and leaders
• How they have begun to forge a new life

This interview is a first of many this year that will highlight what John calls "The Gift of the Mormon Faith Crisis."  More information for this 2018 initiative can be found at http://www.mormonfaithcrisis.com

____________________________________________________

Part 1: Each provide their Mormon background

Part 2: Doug is the first to have a faith crisis, which has ripple effects to Laurie, Julie, and Jerry

Part 3: Laurie, Doug, and Julie share how cracks developed in their faith

Part 4: Each tackle the tough topic of sharing their faith crisis with their children

Part 5: Each discuss "coming out" about their beliefs to others

Part 6: Each discuss the hard, yet rewarding task of forging a new life

____________________________________________________

Like what we do?  Please consider becoming a Patron at our newly created Patreon account. This is an option in addition to our regular monthly donation option.  Patrons donate based on the amount of content we produce, at the price of $1 per interview.  Please visit https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories for more details.

____________________________________________________

In this Mormon Stories Podcast episode, we interview millennial apologist Jaxon Washburn. Jaxon is 19 year old, pre-mission Mormon apologist attending Arizona State University.

Jaxon was introduced to issues of Mormon faith as his mother lost belief in and left the LDS church, while his father remained faithful to the church. Jaxon’s involvement in an interfaith family led to strong personal interest in matters of faith, which has led to extensive interfaith efforts.

In this interview Jaxon discusses his own history of doubts, including his experiencing watching the church evolve as an active Mormon youth in how it speaks about and teaches certain issues. He explains how he reconciles difficult Mormon issues and also discusses his view of classic and modern Mormon apologetics, including the newly coined term/wave of “neo-apologetics.”

In this Mormon Stories Podcast episode, we interview millennial apologist Jaxon Washburn. Jaxon is 19 year old, pre-mission Mormon apologist attending Arizona State University.

Jaxon was introduced to issues of Mormon faith as his mother lost belief in and left the LDS church, while his father remained faithful to the church. Jaxon’s involvement in an interfaith family led to strong personal interest in matters of faith, which has led to extensive interfaith efforts.

In this interview Jaxon discusses his own history of doubts, including his experiencing watching the church evolve as an active Mormon youth in how it speaks about and teaches certain issues. He explains how he reconciles difficult Mormon issues and also discusses his view of classic and modern Mormon apologetics, including the newly coined term/wave of “neo-apologetics.”

In this Mormon Stories Podcast episode, we interview millennial apologist Jaxon Washburn. Jaxon is 19 year old, pre-mission Mormon apologist attending Arizona State University.

Jaxon was introduced to issues of Mormon faith as his mother lost belief in and left the LDS church, while his father remained faithful to the church. Jaxon’s involvement in an interfaith family led to strong personal interest in matters of faith, which has led to extensive interfaith efforts.

In this interview Jaxon discusses his own history of doubts, including his experiencing watching the church evolve as an active Mormon youth in how it speaks about and teaches certain issues. He explains how he reconciles difficult Mormon issues and also discusses his view of classic and modern Mormon apologetics, including the newly coined term/wave of “neo-apologetics.”

In this Mormon Stories Podcast episode, we interview millennial apologist Jaxon Washburn. Jaxon is 19 year old, pre-mission Mormon apologist attending Arizona State University.

Jaxon was introduced to issues of Mormon faith as his mother lost belief in and left the LDS church, while his father remained faithful to the church. Jaxon’s involvement in an interfaith family led to strong personal interest in matters of faith, which has led to extensive interfaith efforts.

In this interview Jaxon discusses his own history of doubts, including his experiencing watching the church evolve as an active Mormon youth in how it speaks about and teaches certain issues. He explains how he reconciles difficult Mormon issues and also discusses his view of classic and modern Mormon apologetics, including the newly coined term/wave of “neo-apologetics.”

Our special Christmas Morning release on Mormon Stories Podcast includes an interview with Tom Christofferson about his book “That We May Be One.”

Tom shares the story of voluntary excommunication from the LDS Church in order to live his life as a gay man—a life that included a fulfilling relationship with a partner and acceptance from his family including brother D. Todd Christofferson—Apostle in the LDS Church.  Sensing a void in his spiritual life, Tom began attending a local meetinghouse of the Church with the support of its leadership. Over time his relationship with his partner ended and his relationship with the Church began again.

We ask Tom about his experience outlined in his book and delve deeper into the impacts his returning to the church had on his relationship with his partner, and on his spiritual self.  We also ask Tom tougher questions about whether his brother’s apostleship affords him greater privilege as a member of the Mormon LGBTQ community, his thoughts on the November 2015 policy on children of same-sex parents denied baptism, and his being held up as a role model (intended or not) for Mormon LGBTQ youth to choose a life of celibacy in the LDS Church.

We thank Tom for this fascinating interview and hope it furthers the conversation on reconciling sexuality with faith!

Our special Christmas Morning release on Mormon Stories Podcast includes an interview with Tom Christofferson about his book “That We May Be One.”

Tom shares the story of voluntary excommunication from the LDS Church in order to live his life as a gay man—a life that included a fulfilling relationship with a partner and acceptance from his family including brother D. Todd Christofferson—Apostle in the LDS Church.  Sensing a void in his spiritual life, Tom began attending a local meetinghouse of the Church with the support of its leadership. Over time his relationship with his partner ended and his relationship with the Church began again.

We ask Tom about his experience outlined in his book and delve deeper into the impacts his returning to the church had on his relationship with his partner, and on his spiritual self.  We also ask Tom tougher questions about whether his brother’s apostleship affords him greater privilege as a member of the Mormon LGBTQ community, his thoughts on the November 2015 policy on children of same-sex parents denied baptism, and his being held up as a role model (intended or not) for Mormon LGBTQ youth to choose a life of celibacy in the LDS Church.

We thank Tom for this fascinating interview and hope it furthers the conversation on reconciling sexuality with faith!

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Our special Christmas Morning release on Mormon Stories Podcast includes an interview with Tom Christofferson about his book “That We May Be One.”

Tom shares the story of voluntary excommunication from the LDS Church in order to live his life as a gay man—a life that included a fulfilling relationship with a partner and acceptance from his family including brother D. Todd Christofferson—Apostle in the LDS Church.  Sensing a void in his spiritual life, Tom began attending a local meetinghouse of the Church with the support of its leadership. Over time his relationship with his partner ended and his relationship with the Church began again.

We ask Tom about his experience outlined in his book and delve deeper into the impacts his returning to the church had on his relationship with his partner, and on his spiritual self.  We also ask Tom tougher questions about whether his brother’s apostleship affords him greater privilege as a member of the Mormon LGBTQ community, his thoughts on the November 2015 policy on children of same-sex parents denied baptism, and his being held up as a role model (intended or not) for Mormon LGBTQ youth to choose a life of celibacy in the LDS Church.

We thank Tom for this fascinating interview and hope it furthers the conversation on reconciling sexuality with faith!

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With panelists Bishop Sam Young, LDS mother Jamie Hanis-Handy, attorney Brynne Thomas Gant, and certified sex therapist Kristin Hodson

With panelists Bishop Sam Young, LDS mother Jamie Hanis-Handy, attorney Brynne Thomas Gant, and certified sex therapist Kristin Hodson

Continuing our series on the Doctrine of Christ (Snuffer) Movement, we interview Matthew Lohmeier. Matt converted to the Mormon church at age 14. He served a mission in Taiwan, attended the U.S. Air Force Academy, flew F15s, and married Sara McConkie Lohmeier, granddaughter to Mormon apostle Bruce R. McConkie. Both Matthew and Sara have joined the Denver Snuffer movement and were excommunicated from the Mormon church in July 2015. This interview discusses their journey, their excommunication, their interactions with the McConkie family, and the state of the Snuffer movement.

Continuing our series on the Doctrine of Christ (Snuffer) Movement, we interview Matthew Lohmeier. Matt converted to the Mormon church at age 14. He served a mission in Taiwan, attended the U.S. Air Force Academy, flew F15s, and married Sara McConkie Lohmeier, granddaughter to Mormon apostle Bruce R. McConkie. Both Matthew and Sara have joined the Denver Snuffer movement and were excommunicated from the Mormon church in July 2015. This interview discusses their journey, their excommunication, their interactions with the McConkie family, and the state of the Snuffer movement.

Continuing our series on the Doctrine of Christ (Snuffer) Movement, we interview Matthew Lohmeier. Matt converted to the Mormon church at age 14. He served a mission in Taiwan, attended the U.S. Air Force Academy, flew F15s, and married Sara McConkie Lohmeier, granddaughter to Mormon apostle Bruce R. McConkie. Both Matthew and Sara have joined the Denver Snuffer movement and were excommunicated from the Mormon church in July 2015. This interview discusses their journey, their excommunication, their interactions with the McConkie family, and the state of the Snuffer movement.

Continuing our series on the Doctrine of Christ (Snuffer) Movement, we interview Matthew Lohmeier. Matt converted to the Mormon church at age 14. He served a mission in Taiwan, attended the U.S. Air Force Academy, flew F15s, and married Sara McConkie Lohmeier, granddaughter to Mormon apostle Bruce R. McConkie. Both Matthew and Sara have joined the Denver Snuffer movement and were excommunicated from the Mormon church in July 2015. This interview discusses their journey, their excommunication, their interactions with the McConkie family, and the state of the Snuffer movement.

Beginning a new series on the Doctrine of Christ (Snuffer) Movement, we interview Karen and Kirk Strong about their faith journey. Both were excommunicated from the LDS Church for their beliefs and participation in the movement.

One of the hallmark teachings of this movement is that “The Fullness of the Gospel is literally entering into the presence of Jesus Christ while in the flesh; personal redemption from the Fall is attained in no other way.”  Prophets play an important role in the movement by plainly and boldly declaring this gospel to all.  With no paid clergy, believers gather together in small groups or fellowships.  Equality is an important principle to believers, as shown by the unique responsibilities given to women that are not available to those in the mainstream Mormon Church.

This is Karen and Kirk’s experience leaving the mainstream LDS Church and joining the movement in their search to receive the Living Savior.

Beginning a new series on the Doctrine of Christ (Snuffer) Movement, we interview Karen and Kirk Strong about their faith journey. Both were excommunicated from the LDS Church for their beliefs and participation in the movement.

One of the hallmark teachings of this movement is that “The Fullness of the Gospel is literally entering into the presence of Jesus Christ while in the flesh; personal redemption from the Fall is attained in no other way.”  Prophets play an important role in the movement by plainly and boldly declaring this gospel to all.  With no paid clergy, believers gather together in small groups or fellowships.  Equality is an important principle to believers, as shown by the unique responsibilities given to women that are not available to those in the mainstream Mormon Church.

This is Karen and Kirk’s experience leaving the mainstream LDS Church and joining the movement in their search to receive the Living Savior.

Beginning a new series on the Doctrine of Christ (Snuffer) Movement, we interview Karen and Kirk Strong about their faith journey. Both were excommunicated from the LDS Church for their beliefs and participation in the movement.

One of the hallmark teachings of this movement is that “The Fullness of the Gospel is literally entering into the presence of Jesus Christ while in the flesh; personal redemption from the Fall is attained in no other way.”  Prophets play an important role in the movement by plainly and boldly declaring this gospel to all.  With no paid clergy, believers gather together in small groups or fellowships.  Equality is an important principle to believers, as shown by the unique responsibilities given to women that are not available to those in the mainstream Mormon Church.

This is Karen and Kirk’s experience leaving the mainstream LDS Church and joining the movement in their search to receive the Living Savior.

Beginning a new series on the Doctrine of Christ (Snuffer) Movement, we interview Karen and Kirk Strong about their faith journey. Both were excommunicated from the LDS Church for their beliefs and participation in the movement.

One of the hallmark teachings of this movement is that “The Fullness of the Gospel is literally entering into the presence of Jesus Christ while in the flesh; personal redemption from the Fall is attained in no other way.”  Prophets play an important role in the movement by plainly and boldly declaring this gospel to all.  With no paid clergy, believers gather together in small groups or fellowships.  Equality is an important principle to believers, as shown by the unique responsibilities given to women that are not available to those in the mainstream Mormon Church.

This is Karen and Kirk’s experience leaving the mainstream LDS Church and joining the movement in their search to receive the Living Savior.

In this episode, we interview Angelo Baca and Dr. Thomas Murphy about U.S. President Donald Trump's recent announcement that he will be shrinking the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments. President Trump visited Utah on Monday, 12/4/2017 to make this announcement. Our guests for this episode share how they believe this is a continuation of white settlers putting claim on indigenous land in order to extract valuable minerals, and attempt to put this action into a Mormon context.

John interviews former Bishop Sam Young about his intentions behind the petition to stop sexually-oriented interviews of Mormon youth

protectldschildren.org

Mormon Stories listeners "Sarah" and David share their story

Mormon Stories listeners "Isabela" and Hannah share their story

In this special edition of Mormon Stories, we interview Mel and Stu Brown from Cache Valley, Utah. Many of our listeners will find Mel and Stu’s experience as a mixed-faith couple inspiring  and full of wisdom as they share how they navigated differing beliefs—eventually leading to the decision to both leave the LDS Church.

We cover:

• Mel’s upbringing in the LDS Church and how she never wavered in keeping the standards expected of her
• Stu’s efforts to be clean and worthy to go on a mission and how his experience as a missionary in Oklahoma solidified his testimony
• How Mel and Stu met and formed a life as a pair of successful entrepreneurs
• How Stu’s testimony began to waver the deeper he studied the scriptures, and how he made the decision to share his growing doubts with Mel from the beginning
• Why Stu made the decision to resign from the LDS Church
• How Mel reacted to Stu’s doubts by listening and not judging—utilizing Impact training she had previously received
• Mel’s growing realization that the gospel was not brining her the happiness she had been promised
• How Mel and Stu have molded a new life and share advice for couples who are experiencing a mixed-faith marriage and faith transition

In this special edition of Mormon Stories, we interview Mel and Stu Brown from Cache Valley, Utah. Many of our listeners will find Mel and Stu’s experience as a mixed-faith couple inspiring  and full of wisdom as they share how they navigated differing beliefs—eventually leading to the decision to both leave the LDS Church.

We cover:

• Mel’s upbringing in the LDS Church and how she never wavered in keeping the standards expected of her
• Stu’s efforts to be clean and worthy to go on a mission and how his experience as a missionary in Oklahoma solidified his testimony
• How Mel and Stu met and formed a life as a pair of successful entrepreneurs
• How Stu’s testimony began to waver the deeper he studied the scriptures, and how he made the decision to share his growing doubts with Mel from the beginning
• Why Stu made the decision to resign from the LDS Church
• How Mel reacted to Stu’s doubts by listening and not judging—utilizing Impact training she had previously received
• Mel’s growing realization that the gospel was not brining her the happiness she had been promised
• How Mel and Stu have molded a new life and share advice for couples who are experiencing a mixed-faith marriage and faith transition

In this special edition of Mormon Stories, we interview Mel and Stu Brown from Cache Valley, Utah. Many of our listeners will find Mel and Stu’s experience as a mixed-faith couple inspiring  and full of wisdom as they share how they navigated differing beliefs—eventually leading to the decision to both leave the LDS Church.

We cover:

• Mel’s upbringing in the LDS Church and how she never wavered in keeping the standards expected of her
• Stu’s efforts to be clean and worthy to go on a mission and how his experience as a missionary in Oklahoma solidified his testimony
• How Mel and Stu met and formed a life as a pair of successful entrepreneurs
• How Stu’s testimony began to waver the deeper he studied the scriptures, and how he made the decision to share his growing doubts with Mel from the beginning
• Why Stu made the decision to resign from the LDS Church
• How Mel reacted to Stu’s doubts by listening and not judging—utilizing Impact training she had previously received
• Mel’s growing realization that the gospel was not brining her the happiness she had been promised
• How Mel and Stu have molded a new life and share advice for couples who are experiencing a mixed-faith marriage and faith transition

In this Mormon Stories Podcast episode we interview Scott Turley and Carey Foushee who recently attended a Terryl and Fiona Givens Fireside in Arizona. We discuss the Givens' new book, The Christ Who Heals, and the role of both the Givens' and the Neo-Apologetic movement in modern Mormonism.

In response to recent news stories involving Harvey Weinstein, Al Franken, Roy Moore, etc. - on the topics of sexual harassment, assault, rape, groping, etc., University of Georgia law professor Mehrsa Baradaran shares her perspectives on all of these subjects, along with the MeToo movement. We also discuss these issues in a Mormon context.

A new album of Mormon parodies has been released. The album is called “Straight Outta Cumorah” and the artist jokingly refers to himself as Weird Alma. In this episode of Mormon Stories Podcast we sit down with the artist, listen to his songs, and discuss them, along with his story and motivations/inspirations for writing this super creative and brilliant album.

A new album of Mormon parodies has been released. The album is called “Straight Outta Cumorah” and the artist jokingly refers to himself as Weird Alma. In this episode of Mormon Stories Podcast we sit down with the artist, listen to his songs, and discuss them, along with his story and motivations/inspirations for writing this super creative and brilliant album.

Beginning our series on Mormon leaders and inappropriate interviews regarding sexuality, we provide 6 mini-interviews with Mormon Stories listeners who share their experiences discussing sexual matters with LDS leaders.  A new petition created by past guest Sam Young seeks to provoke conversation and change around this subject.

From the petition:

“For decades, it has been common practice for Bishops, Bishopric Counselors, Stake Presidents, and Stake President Counselors to pose questions of a sexual nature to children. There are reports of this happening to children as young as age 8. These questions are being asked by an older man, all alone with the child, behind closed doors and often without the knowledge or permission of the parents. Almost universally, these men have no comprehensive training.

Here is a list of potential harm. All the risks below are actual consequences that have been experienced from sexual interviews with LDS children.

1. Suicide.
2. Attempted suicide.
3. Suicidal ideation.
4. Inappropriate shame and guilt.
5. Childhood filled with self loathing.
6. Adulthood filled with self loathing.
7. Normalizing children to sexual questions by adult men. (Grooming)
8. Sexual abuse. (Pedophilia)
9. Impaired sexual relations after marriage.
10. Years of recovery from childhood shaming. Often lasting decades.”

Sam Young‘s petition can be found here if you want to sign: http://protectldschildren.org

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Part 1: Interview with Paul and Ann

Part 2: Interview with Anna, Tyler, and Lara

Part 3: Maile, Ryan, and Ryan