Mormon Stories - LDS

John Dehlin, Ryan McKnight, Sean Carter, and John Hamer discuss:

- The 5/30/18 Mormon Leaks documents that shed light into the LDS Church's investment portfolios.
- Forward movement to bring medical cannabis legalization before Utah voters.
- Following up on the LDS Priesthood ban and the apology hoax.

Direct download: 003__5.31.18_MormonLeaks_Releases_Leak_on_LDS_Investments.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 4:15pm MDT

Join Sarah Newcomb (host) along with Sean Carter, Julienna Viegas, and Darron Smith for this week's episode of Mormon News Podcast. Today we will be discussing:

- The ongoing conversation regarding the LDS priesthood ban in light of the recent NAACP meeting and apology hoax.

Direct download: MormonNewsPodcast-002-PriesthoodBan.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

John Dehlin, John Hamer, Kristy Kimball, and Tim Coray launch the inaugural episode of Mormon News Podcast. Today we will be discussing:

- The LDS Church's attempt to dismiss the law suit involving McKenna Denson and Joseph Bishop.
- The LDS Church officially cutting ties with the Boy Scouts of America.
- The LDS Church fighting the 2018 Utah cannabis initiative.
- The recent "fake news" surrounding an LDS apology around racism.
- The Swedish Rescue 2018 and 
- Denver Snuffer declares Brazil Plates fraudulent.

Direct download: 001__5.17.18_Denson_Lawsuit_BSA_and_Cannabis.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Live from the Salt Lake City Community of Christ, we welcome singer/songwriter Angela Soffeto Mormon Stories Podcast.  No doubt you have heard her song "Rocks" in our bumper music for many episodes this year, and we were honored to have her in Salt Lake City in front of a live audience to hear her faith transition story and listen to songs that were born from that period in her life.

  • Part 1: Angela shares her experience growing up as a Mormon and what eventually led her to experiencing a faith transition as a young mother with small children, and in a period of life where she was feeling intense isolation from being in a new city and having few friends outside of her local LDS ward.  In this segment of the interview, Angela gives great advice and hope for those who may be in their darkest moments during a faith transition.
  • Part 2: Angela performs songs from her album "Second Wind," and then continues the conversation with John about her faith journey, particularly the joy she feels now as she makes authentic choices in her life.
Direct download: MormonStories-934-AngelaSoffePt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

Live from the Salt Lake City Community of Christ, we welcome singer/songwriter Angela Soffeto Mormon Stories Podcast.  No doubt you have heard her song "Rocks" in our bumper music for many episodes this year, and we were honored to have her in Salt Lake City in front of a live audience to hear her faith transition story and listen to songs that were born from that period in her life.

  • Part 1: Angela shares her experience growing up as a Mormon and what eventually led her to experiencing a faith transition as a young mother with small children, and in a period of life where she was feeling intense isolation from being in a new city and having few friends outside of her local LDS ward.  In this segment of the interview, Angela gives great advice and hope for those who may be in their darkest moments during a faith transition.
  • Part 2: Angela performs songs from her album "Second Wind," and then continues the conversation with John about her faith journey, particularly the joy she feels now as she makes authentic choices in her life.
Direct download: MormonStories-933-AngelaSoffePt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

In light of a statement on LDS.org declaring, “An inability to feel the spirit … is often a symptom of poor mental health,” Natasha Helfer Parker, MFT CST and John Dehlin, Ph.D. are joined by our guest Matt to speak about his experiences with Mormon faith crises, depression, and suicidality—issues he has dealt with for 20 years.

According to Matt, it makes him angry to read that his struggles were a trial, test, or blessing from God, or that he could have been healed if he had more faith, prayed, or hadn’t “sinned.” Matt believes that religious observance is not a cure for mental health illness, and in these episodes, Natasha and John discuss how Mormonism, and in particular a faith transition in the context of Mormonism, can exacerbate the symptoms of depression.

___________________________

Part 1: Natasha and John discuss depression and then introduce our guest, Matt

Part 2: Matt shares his faith transition and how it affected his mental health

Part 3: Natasha, John, and Matt discuss the LDS Church’s statement regarding mental health and the ability to feel the “Spirit”

___________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-932-DepressionMormonismPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

In light of a statement on LDS.org declaring, “An inability to feel the spirit … is often a symptom of poor mental health,” Natasha Helfer Parker, MFT CST and John Dehlin, Ph.D. are joined by our guest Matt to speak about his experiences with Mormon faith crises, depression, and suicidality—issues he has dealt with for 20 years.

According to Matt, it makes him angry to read that his struggles were a trial, test, or blessing from God, or that he could have been healed if he had more faith, prayed, or hadn’t “sinned.” Matt believes that religious observance is not a cure for mental health illness, and in these episodes, Natasha and John discuss how Mormonism, and in particular a faith transition in the context of Mormonism, can exacerbate the symptoms of depression.

___________________________

Part 1: Natasha and John discuss depression and then introduce our guest, Matt

Part 2: Matt shares his faith transition and how it affected his mental health

Part 3: Natasha, John, and Matt discuss the LDS Church’s statement regarding mental health and the ability to feel the “Spirit”

___________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-931-DepressionMormonismPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

In light of a statement on LDS.org declaring, “An inability to feel the spirit … is often a symptom of poor mental health,” Natasha Helfer Parker, MFT CST and John Dehlin, Ph.D. are joined by our guest Matt to speak about his experiences with Mormon faith crises, depression, and suicidality—issues he has dealt with for 20 years.

According to Matt, it makes him angry to read that his struggles were a trial, test, or blessing from God, or that he could have been healed if he had more faith, prayed, or hadn’t “sinned.” Matt believes that religious observance is not a cure for mental health illness, and in these episodes, Natasha and John discuss how Mormonism, and in particular a faith transition in the context of Mormonism, can exacerbate the symptoms of depression.

___________________________

Part 1: Natasha and John discuss depression and then introduce our guest, Matt

Part 2: Matt shares his faith transition and how it affected his mental health

Part 3: Natasha, John, and Matt discuss the LDS Church’s statement regarding mental health and the ability to feel the “Spirit”

___________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-930-DepressionMormonismPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Continuing our theme of interviewing past guests from some of our most popular and impactful interviews, we interview Shawn McCraney who first appeared on Mormon Stories in February 2010to discuss his experience as a "Born-Again Mormon."  Shawn currently leads a church in Murray, Utah called C.A.M.P.U.S and has continued the ministry through a weekly streaming service, called Heart of the Matter. Shawn is widely known for his bold and sometimes bare-knuckled approach when comparing Mormonism to Christianity, and given his reputation as an animated and articulate speaker, this interview will keep you entertained and perhaps inspired.

In this interview we cover:

  • Part 1: Shawn provides a brief recap of his born-again experience, and then discusses the meteoric rise, and ultimately descent of his tv program Heart of the Matterafter he confronted local Utah Christian churches for focusing more on programs and tithes, and less on the Bible.  According to Shawn, these churches were providing the same "bondage" to people as the Mormon Church was.
  • Part 2: This segment of the interview is a conversation focusing on Shawn's theology and beliefs, and Shawn provides a pitch for why a questioning Mormon or post-Mormon should seek the Jesus of the Bible
  • Part 3: Shawn describes the "bondage" he sees when local churches focus more on "religion" and less on the teachings of Jesus.  After our interview with the South Mountain Community Church earlier this year, Shawn voiced concerns to Mormon Stories about our visit and in this segment, we engage in a respectful dialogue about churches such as SMCC and how they serve their congregants.
Direct download: MormonStories-929-ShawnMcCraneyUpdatePt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

Continuing our theme of interviewing past guests from some of our most popular and impactful interviews, we interview Shawn McCraney who first appeared on Mormon Stories in February 2010to discuss his experience as a "Born-Again Mormon."  Shawn currently leads a church in Murray, Utah called C.A.M.P.U.S and has continued the ministry through a weekly streaming service, called Heart of the Matter. Shawn is widely known for his bold and sometimes bare-knuckled approach when comparing Mormonism to Christianity, and given his reputation as an animated and articulate speaker, this interview will keep you entertained and perhaps inspired.

In this interview we cover:

  • Part 1: Shawn provides a brief recap of his born-again experience, and then discusses the meteoric rise, and ultimately descent of his tv program Heart of the Matterafter he confronted local Utah Christian churches for focusing more on programs and tithes, and less on the Bible.  According to Shawn, these churches were providing the same "bondage" to people as the Mormon Church was.
  • Part 2: This segment of the interview is a conversation focusing on Shawn's theology and beliefs, and Shawn provides a pitch for why a questioning Mormon or post-Mormon should seek the Jesus of the Bible
  • Part 3: Shawn describes the "bondage" he sees when local churches focus more on "religion" and less on the teachings of Jesus.  After our interview with the South Mountain Community Church earlier this year, Shawn voiced concerns to Mormon Stories about our visit and in this segment, we engage in a respectful dialogue about churches such as SMCC and how they serve their congregants.
Direct download: MormonStories-928-ShawnMcCraneyUpdatePt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

Continuing our theme of interviewing past guests from some of our most popular and impactful interviews, we interview Shawn McCraney who first appeared on Mormon Stories in February 2010to discuss his experience as a "Born-Again Mormon."  Shawn currently leads a church in Murray, Utah called C.A.M.P.U.S and has continued the ministry through a weekly streaming service, called Heart of the Matter. Shawn is widely known for his bold and sometimes bare-knuckled approach when comparing Mormonism to Christianity, and given his reputation as an animated and articulate speaker, this interview will keep you entertained and perhaps inspired.

In this interview we cover:

  • Part 1: Shawn provides a brief recap of his born-again experience, and then discusses the meteoric rise, and ultimately descent of his tv program Heart of the Matterafter he confronted local Utah Christian churches for focusing more on programs and tithes, and less on the Bible.  According to Shawn, these churches were providing the same "bondage" to people as the Mormon Church was.
  • Part 2: This segment of the interview is a conversation focusing on Shawn's theology and beliefs, and Shawn provides a pitch for why a questioning Mormon or post-Mormon should seek the Jesus of the Bible
  • Part 3: Shawn describes the "bondage" he sees when local churches focus more on "religion" and less on the teachings of Jesus.  After our interview with the South Mountain Community Church earlier this year, Shawn voiced concerns to Mormon Stories about our visit and in this segment, we engage in a respectful dialogue about churches such as SMCC and how they serve their congregants.
Direct download: MormonStories-927-ShawnMcCraneyUpdatePt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

In this edition of Mormon Stories, we continue our conversation with Roger Hendrix– possibly the highest ranking and most well-connected LDS church leader interviewed on Mormon Stories Podcast to date.  In these final 3 episodes,

_________________________

  • Part 6: Roger describes how the LDS Church's involvement in Proposition 8 in California, and his daughters' questions surrounding polygamy, led him to have a more deep and informed conversation internally as he tried to reconcile Mormonism and church history
  • Part 7: Roger describes his evolution on opinions of church history, and how new sources of information including Richard Bushman's Rough Stone Rolling and Mormon Stories Podcast contributed to his faith evolution
  • Part 8: Roger answers questions submitted by our listeners, including questions regarding whether he has received the 2nd Anointing.  Roger also tells us why he decided now to share his Mormon Story on the podcast
Direct download: MormonStories-926-RogerHendrixPt8.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

In this edition of Mormon Stories, we continue our conversation with Roger Hendrix– possibly the highest ranking and most well-connected LDS church leader interviewed on Mormon Stories Podcast to date.  In these final 3 episodes,

_________________________

  • Part 6: Roger describes how the LDS Church's involvement in Proposition 8 in California, and his daughters' questions surrounding polygamy, led him to have a more deep and informed conversation internally as he tried to reconcile Mormonism and church history
  • Part 7: Roger describes his evolution on opinions of church history, and how new sources of information including Richard Bushman's Rough Stone Rolling and Mormon Stories Podcast contributed to his faith evolution
  • Part 8: Roger answers questions submitted by our listeners, including questions regarding whether he has received the 2nd Anointing.  Roger also tells us why he decided now to share his Mormon Story on the podcast
Direct download: MormonStories-925-RogerHendrixPt7.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

In this edition of Mormon Stories, we continue our conversation with Roger Hendrix– possibly the highest ranking and most well-connected LDS church leader interviewed on Mormon Stories Podcast to date.  In these final 3 episodes,

_________________________

  • Part 6: Roger describes how the LDS Church's involvement in Proposition 8 in California, and his daughters' questions surrounding polygamy, led him to have a more deep and informed conversation internally as he tried to reconcile Mormonism and church history
  • Part 7: Roger describes his evolution on opinions of church history, and how new sources of information including Richard Bushman's Rough Stone Rolling and Mormon Stories Podcast contributed to his faith evolution
  • Part 8: Roger answers questions submitted by our listeners, including questions regarding whether he has received the 2nd Anointing.  Roger also tells us why he decided now to share his Mormon Story on the podcast
Direct download: MormonStories-924-RogerHendrixPt6.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

In this edition of Mormon Stories we visit with Roger Hendrix - possibly the highest ranking and most well-connected LDS church leader interviewed on Mormon Stories Podcast to date.  In these 5 episodes we cover his experience growing up in the LDS Church in Southern California in the 1950s and 60s, his ascent through church leadership including time as a CES Director, Bishop, Stake Presidency Member, Mission President, and serving for 18 years as a Trustee on the board of the Deseret Trust Company(called to the position by President Gordon B. Hinckley).  Throughout this series Roger provides fascinating commentary on top church leadership, the changes he's seen in Mormon culture and policy during his lifetime, and rare insight into the financial workings of the LDS Church. Included throughout the interview are interactions Roger had with church leaders such as Paul H. Dunn, Ezra Taft Benson, Boyd K. Packer, Jeffrey R. Holland, Henry B. Eyring, Dallin H. Oaks, Gordon B. Hinckley, and more.

We will be interviewing Roger Hendrix for a few more hours in the coming week.  If you have any final questions for Roger, please post them below.

________________________

  • Part 1: Roger discusses his early life as a Mormon including his bout with polio as a child, how he compensated for his illness as a teenager, straying from the church for a time, returning to the church after being inspired by an LDS Institute class, and his decision to serve an LDS mission.
  • Part 2: Roger joins the Church Education System (CES), ultimately becoming director of the LDS Institute at the University of Southern California.  He also shares his interactions with numerous general authorities including Paul H. Dunn, Boyd K. Packer, Ezra Taft Benson, Henry Eyring, and Jeffrey R. Holland, among others.
  • Part 3: Roger ascends through high-level LDS church leadership callings including Bishop and Stake Presidency Member, culminating in a call to serve as mission president in Chile. Roger discusses in detail what it was like to serve as a mission president in Chile in the 1990s.
  • Parts 4-5: Roger begins this segment discussing the vetting process he went through after returning from his mission presidency as he was offered a position as an area authority (which he ultimately turned down).  We then discuss Roger's call to serve on the Deseret Trust Company Board of Trustees by LDS church president Gordon B. Hinckley.  We discuss in detail the purpose and inner workings of the Deseret Trust Company, and its interactions with Ensign Peak Advisors Inc., the Deseret Management Corporation, and the LDS church.   In these two parts Roger provides important insight into the financial workings of the LDS Church
Direct download: MormonStories-923-RogerHendrixPt5.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 6:23am MDT

In this edition of Mormon Stories we visit with Roger Hendrix - possibly the highest ranking and most well-connected LDS church leader interviewed on Mormon Stories Podcast to date.  In these 5 episodes we cover his experience growing up in the LDS Church in Southern California in the 1950s and 60s, his ascent through church leadership including time as a CES Director, Bishop, Stake Presidency Member, Mission President, and serving for 18 years as a Trustee on the board of the Deseret Trust Company(called to the position by President Gordon B. Hinckley).  Throughout this series Roger provides fascinating commentary on top church leadership, the changes he's seen in Mormon culture and policy during his lifetime, and rare insight into the financial workings of the LDS Church. Included throughout the interview are interactions Roger had with church leaders such as Paul H. Dunn, Ezra Taft Benson, Boyd K. Packer, Jeffrey R. Holland, Henry B. Eyring, Dallin H. Oaks, Gordon B. Hinckley, and more.

We will be interviewing Roger Hendrix for a few more hours in the coming week.  If you have any final questions for Roger, please post them below.

________________________

  • Part 1: Roger discusses his early life as a Mormon including his bout with polio as a child, how he compensated for his illness as a teenager, straying from the church for a time, returning to the church after being inspired by an LDS Institute class, and his decision to serve an LDS mission.
  • Part 2: Roger joins the Church Education System (CES), ultimately becoming director of the LDS Institute at the University of Southern California.  He also shares his interactions with numerous general authorities including Paul H. Dunn, Boyd K. Packer, Ezra Taft Benson, Henry Eyring, and Jeffrey R. Holland, among others.
  • Part 3: Roger ascends through high-level LDS church leadership callings including Bishop and Stake Presidency Member, culminating in a call to serve as mission president in Chile. Roger discusses in detail what it was like to serve as a mission president in Chile in the 1990s.
  • Parts 4-5: Roger begins this segment discussing the vetting process he went through after returning from his mission presidency as he was offered a position as an area authority (which he ultimately turned down).  We then discuss Roger's call to serve on the Deseret Trust Company Board of Trustees by LDS church president Gordon B. Hinckley.  We discuss in detail the purpose and inner workings of the Deseret Trust Company, and its interactions with Ensign Peak Advisors Inc., the Deseret Management Corporation, and the LDS church.   In these two parts Roger provides important insight into the financial workings of the LDS Church
Direct download: MormonStories-922-RogerHendrixPt4.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 6:22am MDT

In this edition of Mormon Stories we visit with Roger Hendrix - possibly the highest ranking and most well-connected LDS church leader interviewed on Mormon Stories Podcast to date.  In these 5 episodes we cover his experience growing up in the LDS Church in Southern California in the 1950s and 60s, his ascent through church leadership including time as a CES Director, Bishop, Stake Presidency Member, Mission President, and serving for 18 years as a Trustee on the board of the Deseret Trust Company(called to the position by President Gordon B. Hinckley).  Throughout this series Roger provides fascinating commentary on top church leadership, the changes he's seen in Mormon culture and policy during his lifetime, and rare insight into the financial workings of the LDS Church. Included throughout the interview are interactions Roger had with church leaders such as Paul H. Dunn, Ezra Taft Benson, Boyd K. Packer, Jeffrey R. Holland, Henry B. Eyring, Dallin H. Oaks, Gordon B. Hinckley, and more.

We will be interviewing Roger Hendrix for a few more hours in the coming week.  If you have any final questions for Roger, please post them below.

________________________

  • Part 1: Roger discusses his early life as a Mormon including his bout with polio as a child, how he compensated for his illness as a teenager, straying from the church for a time, returning to the church after being inspired by an LDS Institute class, and his decision to serve an LDS mission.
  • Part 2: Roger joins the Church Education System (CES), ultimately becoming director of the LDS Institute at the University of Southern California.  He also shares his interactions with numerous general authorities including Paul H. Dunn, Boyd K. Packer, Ezra Taft Benson, Henry Eyring, and Jeffrey R. Holland, among others.
  • Part 3: Roger ascends through high-level LDS church leadership callings including Bishop and Stake Presidency Member, culminating in a call to serve as mission president in Chile. Roger discusses in detail what it was like to serve as a mission president in Chile in the 1990s.
  • Parts 4-5: Roger begins this segment discussing the vetting process he went through after returning from his mission presidency as he was offered a position as an area authority (which he ultimately turned down).  We then discuss Roger's call to serve on the Deseret Trust Company Board of Trustees by LDS church president Gordon B. Hinckley.  We discuss in detail the purpose and inner workings of the Deseret Trust Company, and its interactions with Ensign Peak Advisors Inc., the Deseret Management Corporation, and the LDS church.   In these two parts Roger provides important insight into the financial workings of the LDS Church
Direct download: MormonStories-921-RogerHendrixPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 6:21am MDT

In this edition of Mormon Stories we visit with Roger Hendrix - possibly the highest ranking and most well-connected LDS church leader interviewed on Mormon Stories Podcast to date.  In these 5 episodes we cover his experience growing up in the LDS Church in Southern California in the 1950s and 60s, his ascent through church leadership including time as a CES Director, Bishop, Stake Presidency Member, Mission President, and serving for 18 years as a Trustee on the board of the Deseret Trust Company(called to the position by President Gordon B. Hinckley).  Throughout this series Roger provides fascinating commentary on top church leadership, the changes he's seen in Mormon culture and policy during his lifetime, and rare insight into the financial workings of the LDS Church. Included throughout the interview are interactions Roger had with church leaders such as Paul H. Dunn, Ezra Taft Benson, Boyd K. Packer, Jeffrey R. Holland, Henry B. Eyring, Dallin H. Oaks, Gordon B. Hinckley, and more.

We will be interviewing Roger Hendrix for a few more hours in the coming week.  If you have any final questions for Roger, please post them below.

________________________

  • Part 1: Roger discusses his early life as a Mormon including his bout with polio as a child, how he compensated for his illness as a teenager, straying from the church for a time, returning to the church after being inspired by an LDS Institute class, and his decision to serve an LDS mission.
  • Part 2: Roger joins the Church Education System (CES), ultimately becoming director of the LDS Institute at the University of Southern California.  He also shares his interactions with numerous general authorities including Paul H. Dunn, Boyd K. Packer, Ezra Taft Benson, Henry Eyring, and Jeffrey R. Holland, among others.
  • Part 3: Roger ascends through high-level LDS church leadership callings including Bishop and Stake Presidency Member, culminating in a call to serve as mission president in Chile. Roger discusses in detail what it was like to serve as a mission president in Chile in the 1990s.
  • Parts 4-5: Roger begins this segment discussing the vetting process he went through after returning from his mission presidency as he was offered a position as an area authority (which he ultimately turned down).  We then discuss Roger's call to serve on the Deseret Trust Company Board of Trustees by LDS church president Gordon B. Hinckley.  We discuss in detail the purpose and inner workings of the Deseret Trust Company, and its interactions with Ensign Peak Advisors Inc., the Deseret Management Corporation, and the LDS church.   In these two parts Roger provides important insight into the financial workings of the LDS Church
Direct download: MormonStories-920-RogerHendrixPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 6:20am MDT

In this edition of Mormon Stories we visit with Roger Hendrix - possibly the highest ranking and most well-connected LDS church leader interviewed on Mormon Stories Podcast to date.  In these 5 episodes we cover his experience growing up in the LDS Church in Southern California in the 1950s and 60s, his ascent through church leadership including time as a CES Director, Bishop, Stake Presidency Member, Mission President, and serving for 18 years as a Trustee on the board of the Deseret Trust Company(called to the position by President Gordon B. Hinckley).  Throughout this series Roger provides fascinating commentary on top church leadership, the changes he's seen in Mormon culture and policy during his lifetime, and rare insight into the financial workings of the LDS Church. Included throughout the interview are interactions Roger had with church leaders such as Paul H. Dunn, Ezra Taft Benson, Boyd K. Packer, Jeffrey R. Holland, Henry B. Eyring, Dallin H. Oaks, Gordon B. Hinckley, and more.

We will be interviewing Roger Hendrix for a few more hours in the coming week.  If you have any final questions for Roger, please post them below.

________________________

  • Part 1: Roger discusses his early life as a Mormon including his bout with polio as a child, how he compensated for his illness as a teenager, straying from the church for a time, returning to the church after being inspired by an LDS Institute class, and his decision to serve an LDS mission.
  • Part 2: Roger joins the Church Education System (CES), ultimately becoming director of the LDS Institute at the University of Southern California.  He also shares his interactions with numerous general authorities including Paul H. Dunn, Boyd K. Packer, Ezra Taft Benson, Henry Eyring, and Jeffrey R. Holland, among others.
  • Part 3: Roger ascends through high-level LDS church leadership callings including Bishop and Stake Presidency Member, culminating in a call to serve as mission president in Chile. Roger discusses in detail what it was like to serve as a mission president in Chile in the 1990s.
  • Parts 4-5: Roger begins this segment discussing the vetting process he went through after returning from his mission presidency as he was offered a position as an area authority (which he ultimately turned down).  We then discuss Roger's call to serve on the Deseret Trust Company Board of Trustees by LDS church president Gordon B. Hinckley.  We discuss in detail the purpose and inner workings of the Deseret Trust Company, and its interactions with Ensign Peak Advisors Inc., the Deseret Management Corporation, and the LDS church.   In these two parts Roger provides important insight into the financial workings of the LDS Church
Direct download: MormonStories-919-RogerHendrixPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 6:19am MDT

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

__________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-918-JenandToddPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

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

__________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-917-JenandToddPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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

__________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-916-JenandToddPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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!

Direct download: MormonStories-915-McCraneyDehlinPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

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!

Direct download: MormonStories-914-McCraneyDehlinPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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!

Direct download: MormonStories-913-McCraneyDehlinPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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

Direct download: MormonStories-912-JolleyMarijuanaPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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

Direct download: MormonStories-911-JolleyMarijuanaPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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

___________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-910-JolleysMarriagePt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

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

___________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-909-JolleysMarriagePt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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

___________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-908-JolleysMarriagePt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-907-DrMichaelCoePt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-906-DrMichaelCoePt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-905-DrMichaelCoePt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-270-MichaelCoe3_Classics.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:37am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-269-MichaelCoe2_Classics.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:35am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-268-MichaelCoe1_Classics.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:34am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-904-DrEhrman.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-903-TaraWestoverQA.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-902-TylerMeasomPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-901-TylerMeasomPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-900-TylerMeasomPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-899-IrelandsPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-898-IrelandsPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-897-IrelandsPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

In this Mormon Stories Podcast episode, Christopher Swallow tells his story.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Lowell Robison engaged in predatory sexual behaviors with several male cousins/BYU students. In 1995 Lowell Robison was called to serve as a mission president to the Mexico Leon mission (1995-1998). Christopher Swallow and his brother were two of his victims. When Christopher and his brother learned that Lowell Robison had been called as a mission president, they met with Elder Earl C. Tingey (LDS General Authority) at LDS church headquarters to report Lowell Robison's sexual abuse. Zero support was given to them as abuse victims, and no change was made to Lowell Robison's assignment, and he served out a full term as mission president.

 
Direct download: MormonStories-896-ChristopherSwallow.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-895-SamYoungMarch.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 8:14am MDT

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

_______________________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-894-EveningWithGregPrincePt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

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

_______________________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-893-EveningWithGregPrincePt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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

_______________________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-892-EveningWithGregPrincePt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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

________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-891-LeonardArringtonPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

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

________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-890-LeonardArringtonPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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

________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-889-LeonardArringtonPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-885-BertFullerPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-884-BertFullerPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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.

 
Direct download: MormonStories-883-BertFullerPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Ryan and John review what is revealed in the recording

Direct download: MormonStories-885-MormonLeaksBreakingPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:09am MDT

We listen to the recording provided by MormonLeaks.io

Direct download: MormonStories-884-MormonLeaksBreakingPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:08am MDT

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

Direct download: MormonStories-883-MormonLeaksBreakingPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:05am MDT

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.”

Direct download: MormonStories-882-TaraWestoverPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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.”

Direct download: MormonStories-881-TaraWestoverPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-880-MillersPt4.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:30am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-879-MillersPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-878-MillersPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-877-MillersPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-876-ChadAndersonPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-875-ChadAndersonPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-874-ChadAndersonPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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?

Direct download: MormonStories-873-TimBirtPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

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?

Direct download: MormonStories-872-TimBirtPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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?

Direct download: MormonStories-871-TimBirtPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-870-SamYoungMarch.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-869-JaLynnPrincePt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-868-JaLynnPrincePt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-867-JaLynnPrincePt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-866-TovaLivePt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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.

Direct download: MormonStories-865-TovaLivePt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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?
Direct download: MormonStories-864-SMCCPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

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?
Direct download: MormonStories-863-SMCCPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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?
Direct download: MormonStories-862-SMCCPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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."

Direct download: MormonStories-861-GhostofPolygamyPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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."

Direct download: MormonStories-860-GhostofPolygamyPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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/

Direct download: EventsJan2018.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 1:43pm MDT

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

Direct download: MormonStories-859-SpiralDynamicsPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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
Direct download: MormonStories-858-SpiralDynamicsPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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.

____________________________________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-857-FamilyTiesPt6.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 4:30am MDT

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.

____________________________________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-856-FamilyTiesPt5.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 4:00am MDT

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.

____________________________________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-855-FamilyTiesPt4.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:30am MDT

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.

____________________________________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-854-FamilyTiesPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

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.

____________________________________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-853-FamilyTiesPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

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.

____________________________________________________

Direct download: MormonStories-852-FamilyTiesPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT