In this three-part interview we speak with"The Mormon Therapist" Natasha Helfer Parker about the top 10 mental health issues that Mormons commonly face.

In this three-part interview we speak with"The Mormon Therapist" Natasha Helfer Parker about the top 10 mental health issues that Mormons commonly face.

In this three-part interview we speak with"The Mormon Therapist" Natasha Helfer Parker about the top 10 mental health issues that Mormons commonly face.

As part of a new podcast initiative called Gay Mormon Stories (and in cooperation with Mormon Stories Book Club) we interview the beloved poet, playwright, LGBT activist and Mormon author Carol Lynn Pearson about her new book entitled, The Hero’s Journey of the Gay and Lesbian Mormon.

In this episode of Mormon Stories we interview journalist McKay Coppins. McKay is a graduate of Brigham Young University and a journalist for BuzzFeed. During the 2011-2012 U.S. presidential campaign, McKay was assigned the task of reporting on fellow-Mormon and presidential candidate Mitt Romney. This is his story.

Anyone desiring to understand more about Mormon Christianity could find no better guides than Terryl and Fiona Givens. By masterfully weaving together insights from the best books scripture and literature, theology and philosophy Terryl and Fiona Givens bring new depth to the fundamentals of their faith. Whether you know a lot or a little about Latter-day Saint doctrine, this book will both educate and inspire you. The authors, Terryl and Fiona Givens, share five fundamental truths about the universe that their Mormon faith has taught them.

Fiona Givens (MA European History, University of Richmond) recently retired from directing the French Language program at Patrick Henry High School in Ashland, Virginia. Besides education, she has worked in translation services, as a lobbyist, and as communications director of a nonprofit. A longtime collaborator in Terryl Givens' previous books, The God Who Weeps is her first co-authorship.

As the 3rd feature of our Mormon Stories Book Club series (organized by Heather Olson Beal), we feature Jane Barnes and her new book Falling in Love with Joseph Smith, accompanied by the following readers: Rob Lauer, Erin Hill, Cheryl Bruno, John Dehlin, and Dayna Patterson.

Mr. Deity's Brian Dalton Discusses Book of Mormon Racism with Dan Wotherspoon and Charles Harrell.

Story sharing from the 2012 New York City Mormon Stories conference.

Political panel from the 2012 New York City Mormon Stories conference.

Elna Baker speaks, and the Sabre Rattlers perform at the 2012 New York Mormon Stories conference.

Richard Bushman and Andrew Kimball speak, and the Sabre Rattlers perform at the 2012 New York Mormon Stories conference.

As the 2nd feature of our Mormon Stories Book Club series (organized by the brilliant Heather Olsen Beal), we feature John G. Turner and his new book"Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet," accompanied by Dialogue Foundation chair elect Morris Thurston.

As the 2nd feature of our Mormon Stories Book Club series (organized by the brilliant Heather Olsen Beal), we feature John G. Turner and his new book"Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet," accompanied by Dialogue Foundation chair elect Morris Thurston.

A Thoughtful Faith's Kylan Rice presents an interview with LDS author, filmmaker, and playwright Margaret Young. In this interview Margaret shares her story of how she became enthralled with Mormon Race Dynamics, and how she has spent her life as an advocate for Black Mormon issues in LDS culture. Margaret also discusses how gender dynamics present challenges to her and other LDS women, and how she reconciles these issues with her faith in the Gospel. Guest host Kylan Rice is a producer for BYU Radio, a poet, and a student of English literature. He also contributes, as a guest writer, to the blog RationalFaiths.com, which seeks to"provide a safe, fair, and balanced space to discuss the complexities, difficulties, and beauty of the Mormon tradition."

In part 4 of a 4-part series, Eldon's Family Discusses the Impact of Heather's Death on their Faith.

In part 3 of a 4-part series, Eldon discusses losing Heather to cancer, and the grief that followed.

In part 2 of a 4 part series, Eldon discusses his experience living a successful mixed-orientation marriage as a gay Mormon.

In part 1 of a 4 part series, Eldon Kartchner discusses his battle with same-sex attraction as a Mormon.

Philip Barlow is editor of the book"A Thoughtful Faith," which was pivotal in my faith transition as a BYU student and beyond. He currently sits in the Arrington Chair of Mormon History and Culture, at Utah State University. He earned a B. A. from Weber State College and an M.T.S. and Ph.D. (1988, with an emphasis on Religion and American Culture and on the History of Christianity) from Harvard University. In addition to articles, essays, and reviews, Dr. Barlow has published Mormons and the Bible: The Place of the Latter-day Saints in American Religion (Oxford Univ. Press, 1991). He is past president of the Mormon History Association.

Philip Barlow is editor of the book"A Thoughtful Faith," which was pivotal in my faith transition as a BYU student and beyond. He currently sits in the Arrington Chair of Mormon History and Culture, at Utah State University. He earned a B. A. from Weber State College and an M.T.S. and Ph.D. (1988, with an emphasis on Religion and American Culture and on the History of Christianity) from Harvard University. In addition to articles, essays, and reviews, Dr. Barlow has published Mormons and the Bible: The Place of the Latter-day Saints in American Religion (Oxford Univ. Press, 1991). He is past president of the Mormon History Association.

In this episode 3 active, believing LDS church members explore LDS temple wedding exclusion and inclusion.

For the inaugural episode of the new"A Thoughtful Faith" podcast, Micah Nickolaisen interviews Greg Prince. Greg is well known for his historical contributions and grassroots activism within the LDS Church, and is an advocate for better curriculum, scholarship, gender equality, and open dialogue within Mormon discourse and church policy. Greg sits on the board of directors for Dialogue Foundation, as well as the Madison House Autism Foundation.

In this two part episode we interview Joanna Brooks about her new book"The Book of Mormon Girl."

In this two part episode we interview Joanna Brooks about her new book"The Book of Mormon Girl."

Special Announcement: Circling the Wagons San Francisco 2012

This presentation was delivered as part of the 2012 Salt Lake Symposium held on July 27th.

Bill Reel is currently serving as Bishop of the Sandusky ward of the Cleveland Ohio Stake. In this interview we begin by discussing Bishop Reel’s conversion to the church AFTER reading Fawn Brodie’s"No Man Knows my History", and his avid pursuit of Mormon apologetics after his baptism. We also discuss in depth his calling as bishop, including his job to counsel youth and women on sexual matters, masturbation, and homosexuality. Since Bishop Reel is a listener of the podcast, we discuss his perception and frustration of an increasing trend towards negativity on Mormon Stories. We also discuss the future direction of Mormon Stories, and Bishop Reel offers his advice for members in doubt.

Bill Reel is currently serving as Bishop of the Sandusky ward of the Cleveland Ohio Stake. In this interview we begin by discussing Bishop Reel’s conversion to the church AFTER reading Fawn Brodie’s"No Man Knows my History", and his avid pursuit of Mormon apologetics after his baptism. We also discuss in depth his calling as bishop, including his job to counsel youth and women on sexual matters, masturbation, and homosexuality. Since Bishop Reel is a listener of the podcast, we discuss his perception and frustration of an increasing trend towards negativity on Mormon Stories. We also discuss the future direction of Mormon Stories, and Bishop Reel offers his advice for members in doubt.

In this episode, Tony Litster discusses his approach for overcoming pornography addiction within a Mormon paradigm.

Bible scholar Jared Anderson outlines the vision, tone, goals, and proposed content of this Sunday School podcast. There will be a weekly Gospel Doctrine podcast entitled"Engaging Gospel Doctrine," as well as a"ward library" of expanding content under the title"Excavating Scripture." He also introduces skills for"close reading" of the scriptures as well as suggests resources, to which you can find links below.

Audio content from the 2012 Mormon Stories Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Audio content from the 2012 Mormon Stories Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Audio content from the 2012 Mormon Stories Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Audio content from the 2012 Mormon Stories Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Audio content from the 2012 Mormon Stories Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

In this presentation we try to cover the following: 1) what are Mormon Stories and the Open Stories Foundation trying to do? and 2) what can be done to keep them both alive.

Sons of Perdition (the movie, produced by Tyler Measom and Jennilyn Merten) follows three boys after they leave their FLDS families and community in Colorado City, Utah. With limited educations and rarely a stable address, the obstacles are enormous. All the boys have big dreams - starting with the hope of attending high school - but what they want most is contact with their families. For one teen in the film, this means numerous attempts to help his fourteen-year-old sister escape before an arranged marriage. With unprecedented access, Sons of Perdition takes audiences on a three-year-journey into the lives of these remarkable teens, providing the inside analysis to make this intimate portrait a big story - a timely, critical look at faith, family and religious exile in mainstream America.

Sons of Perdition (the movie, produced by Tyler Measom and Jennilyn Merten) follows three boys after they leave their FLDS families and community in Colorado City, Utah. With limited educations and rarely a stable address, the obstacles are enormous. All the boys have big dreams - starting with the hope of attending high school - but what they want most is contact with their families. For one teen in the film, this means numerous attempts to help his fourteen-year-old sister escape before an arranged marriage. With unprecedented access, Sons of Perdition takes audiences on a three-year-journey into the lives of these remarkable teens, providing the inside analysis to make this intimate portrait a big story - a timely, critical look at faith, family and religious exile in mainstream America.

Sons of Perdition (the movie, produced by Tyler Measom and Jennilyn Merten) follows three boys after they leave their FLDS families and community in Colorado City, Utah. With limited educations and rarely a stable address, the obstacles are enormous. All the boys have big dreams - starting with the hope of attending high school - but what they want most is contact with their families. For one teen in the film, this means numerous attempts to help his fourteen-year-old sister escape before an arranged marriage. With unprecedented access, Sons of Perdition takes audiences on a three-year-journey into the lives of these remarkable teens, providing the inside analysis to make this intimate portrait a big story - a timely, critical look at faith, family and religious exile in mainstream America.

Benji Schwimmer is a world renowned dancer and choreographer. He is best known for winning Season 2 of the hit tv show So You Think You Can Dance. In this 3-part interview, Benji discusses the following: Part 1: His early years, and his LDS mission experience, Part 2: His experiences on So You Think You Can Dance, and Part 3: His attempts to come to terms with his sexuality and his LDS faith.

Benji Schwimmer is a world renowned dancer and choreographer. He is best known for winning Season 2 of the hit tv show So You Think You Can Dance. In this 3-part interview, Benji discusses the following: Part 1: His early years, and his LDS mission experience, Part 2: His experiences on So You Think You Can Dance, and Part 3: His attempts to come to terms with his sexuality and his LDS faith.

Benji Schwimmer is a world renowned dancer and choreographer. He is best known for winning Season 2 of the hit tv show So You Think You Can Dance. In this 3-part interview, Benji discusses the following: Part 1: His early years, and his LDS mission experience, Part 2: His experiences on So You Think You Can Dance, Part 3: His attempts to come to terms with his sexuality and his LDS faith.

Simon Southerton is a native Australian, geneticist, former LDS bishop, and author of the book, Losing a Lost Tribe: Native Americans, DNA and the Mormon Church. Simon was a member of the LDS church for almost 30 years, serving a mission in Melbourne (1981-83), marrying in the New Zealand Temple in 1983, and serving in numerous church positions including four terms as Young Men President, a counselor in several bishoprics and branch presidencies, and finally as bishop. While serving as bishop Simon began studying Native American DNA which he expected to have Middle Eastern origins, given the primary Book of Mormon narrative and longstanding church teachings to this effect. Discovering instead that Native American DNA was almost 100% of Asiatic origin, this seriously challenged Simon’s belief that the Lamanites are the ancestors of the American Indians, and that the Book of Mormon is a historical document. Consequently, Simon resigned from his calling as bishop in 1998 and left the church soon thereafter.

Simon Southerton is a native Australian, geneticist, former LDS bishop, and author of the book, Losing a Lost Tribe: Native Americans, DNA and the Mormon Church. Simon was a member of the LDS church for almost 30 years, serving a mission in Melbourne (1981-83), marrying in the New Zealand Temple in 1983, and serving in numerous church positions including four terms as Young Men President, a counselor in several bishoprics and branch presidencies, and finally as bishop. While serving as bishop Simon began studying Native American DNA which he expected to have Middle Eastern origins, given the primary Book of Mormon narrative and longstanding church teachings to this effect. Discovering instead that Native American DNA was almost 100% of Asiatic origin, this seriously challenged Simon’s belief that the Lamanites are the ancestors of the American Indians, and that the Book of Mormon is a historical document. Consequently, Simon resigned from his calling as bishop in 1998 and left the church soon thereafter.

Simon Southerton is a native Australian, geneticist, former LDS bishop, and author of the book, Losing a Lost Tribe: Native Americans, DNA and the Mormon Church. Simon was a member of the LDS church for almost 30 years, serving a mission in Melbourne (1981-83), marrying in the New Zealand Temple in 1983, and serving in numerous church positions including four terms as Young Men President, a counselor in several bishoprics and branch presidencies, and finally as bishop. While serving as bishop Simon began studying Native American DNA which he expected to have Middle Eastern origins, given the primary Book of Mormon narrative and longstanding church teachings to this effect. Discovering instead that Native American DNA was almost 100% of Asiatic origin, this seriously challenged Simon’s belief that the Lamanites are the ancestors of the American Indians, and that the Book of Mormon is a historical document. Consequently, Simon resigned from his calling as bishop in 1998 and left the church soon thereafter.

As part of the 2012 Boston Mormon Stories regional conference, Joanna Brooks speaks, and conference attendees share their stories.

As part of the 2012 Boston Mormon Stories regional conference, Dr. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich discusses the importance of history and personal narrative within Mormonism, and John Dehlin briefly explores the history and purpose of Mormon Stories. Dr. Ulrich is a historian of early America and the history of women and a university professor at Harvard University. Ulrich's innovative and widely influential approach to history has been described as a tribute to"the silent work of ordinary people" an approach that, in her words, aims to"show the interconnection between public events and private experience."

In this episode, Scott Holley interviews Dr. Tom Mould about his recent book:"Still the Small Voice: Narrative, Personal Revelation, and the Mormon Folk Tradition." Dr. Mould is an associate professor of anthropology and folklore at Elon University and director of Elon’s Program for Ethnographic Research and Community Studies. A non-Mormon, Dr. Mould nonetheless became very familiar with the Mormon experience in his field work. He immersed himself in a Mormon community, attending church meetings, family home evenings, and even father/son campouts. His perspectives on how Mormons experience, share, and interpret personal revelation is fascinating for anyone interested in Mormon studies or folklore studies in general.

As part of the March 2012"Mormonism and the Internet" conference held at Utah Valley University, John Dehlin, Scott Gordon (of the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research or FAIR) and Rosemary Avance discuss LDS disaffection and apologetics.

As part of the March 2012"Mormonism and the Internet" conference held at Utah Valley University, John Dehlin, Scott Gordon (of the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research or FAIR) and Rosemary Avance discuss LDS disaffection and apologetics.

In this 5 part series with accompanying visuals, Dr. James Nagel (also known as AntiCitizenX) discusses the psychology of religious belief. Videos and PowerPoints available below, and are highly recommended.

In this 5 part series with accompanying visuals, Dr. James Nagel (also known as AntiCitizenX) discusses the psychology of religious belief. Videos and PowerPoints available below, and are highly recommended.

In this 5 part series with accompanying visuals, Dr. James Nagel (also known as AntiCitizenX) discusses the psychology of religious belief. Videos and PowerPoints available below, and are highly recommended.

In this 5 part series with accompanying visuals, Dr. James Nagel (also known as AntiCitizenX) discusses the psychology of religious belief. Videos and PowerPoints available below, and are highly recommended.

In this 5 part series with accompanying visuals, Dr. James Nagel (also known as AntiCitizenX) discusses the psychology of religious belief. Videos and PowerPoints available below, and are highly recommended.

The grandson of Greek immigrants, Jim Dabakis moved to Utah when he was 17 to attend school at Brigham Young University. After college, Jim worked for 13 years as a Radio and TV talk-show host. He became known as the"Voice of Utah Democrats" as he defended the Party’s values against the continual onslaught of the Ronald Reagan-era Republicans. Jim also began his own company in the art dealership world, and has worked primarily with Russia for the past 20 years. During that time he also founded the Jim Dabakis Educational Foundation which has helped bright students from all over the world continue their education in the United States. He is also one of the original founders of both Equality Utah and The Utah Pride Center. Never one to stay uninvolved, before becoming Chair, he had been active in helping many of our Elected Democrats in this state achieve office. This is his Mormon story.

The goal of the Mormon Stories"Circling the Wagons" conference was to create a space where LGBTQ or SSA individuals and their families and allies could gather to acknowledge, explore and honor shared experiences. In this session conference attendees share their stories. During this interfaith service, LDS bishop Kevin Kloosterman, Episcopal Reverend Canon Mary June Nestler, and Reverend Jimmy Creech share their perspectives on church and LGBTQ issues. Julia Hunter performs on the violin. Allen Miller conducts.

The goal of the Mormon Stories"Circling the Wagons" conference was to create a space where LGBTQ or SSA individuals and their families and allies could gather to acknowledge, explore and honor shared experiences. In this session conference attendees share their stories.

The goal of the Mormon Stories"Circling the Wagons" conference was to create a space where LGBTQ or SSA individuals and their families and allies could gather to acknowledge, explore and honor shared experiences. In this second general session noted author and LGBT activist Jimmy Creech speaks, and a panel including Bill Bradshaw, Carol Lynn Pearson, Julia Hunter is moderated by John Dehlin.

The goal of the Mormon Stories"Circling the Wagons" conference was to create a space where LGBTQ or SSA individuals and their families and allies could gather to acknowledge, explore and honor shared experiences. In this first general session Joseph Broom conducted, psychologist Lee Beckstead discussed his perspective on the Mormon LGBT journey, David Zabriskie shared his original composition called"Pioneers" based on a Carol Lynn Pearson poem of the same name, and Carol Lynn Pearson spoke on the Gay and Lesbian Mormon's"Hero's Journey."

We are excited to launch the pilot a new podcast and set of resources located at MormonTransitions.org. The purpose of this project is to support LDS church members who are navigating difficult Mormon-related transitions. In today's episode, Joanna Brooks and Brian Johnston join John Dehlin to provide an overview of navigating a Mormon faith transition.

This episode was recorded as part of the January 2012 Mormon Stories regional conference held in Houston, Texas dedicated to the topic of"Maintaining Positive Relationships Through Empathy and Dialogue." Interview participants include Bill Prince, Julie Prince, Tina Prince and Lee Prince.

This episode was recorded as part of the January 2012 Mormon Stories regional conference held in Houston, Texas dedicated to the topic of"Maintaining Positive Relationships Through Empathy and Dialogue." Panel participants include Heather Olson-Beal, Brent Beal, Anne McMullin Peffer, Jacob Brown, and John Dehlin.

This episode was recorded as part of the January 2012 Mormon Stories regional conference held in Houston, Texas dedicated to the topic of"Maintaining Positive Relationships Through Empathy and Dialogue." It is the"Story Sharing" portion of the conference.

This episode was recorded as part of the January 2012 Mormon Stories regional conference held in Houston, Texas dedicated to the topic of"Maintaining Positive Relationships Through Empathy and Dialogue." Speakers in this episode include: Lee Prince, Matthew Nokleby and Jason Moore.

This episode was recorded as part of the January 2012 Mormon Stories regional conference held in Houston, Texas dedicated to the topic of"Maintaining Positive Relationships Through Empathy and Dialogue." In part 1, John Dehlin talks about the costs and benefits of having difficult conversations about Mormonism with family and friends. In part 2, Dan Wotherspoon delivers a presentation called:"Make Love AND War!: Maintaining Positive Relationships During Faith Transitions - A Spiritual Framing."

In this episode Grant Palmer, author of"An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins," returns to Mormon Stories to discuss: 1) Sexual allegations made against Joseph Smith during his early years, 2) the story of William and Jane Law, and 3) an update on Grant’s resignation from the LDS church and his final testimony.

In this episode Grant Palmer, author of"An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins," returns to Mormon Stories to discuss: 1) Sexual allegations made against Joseph Smith during his early years, 2) the story of William and Jane Law, and 3) an update on Grant’s resignation from the LDS church and his final testimony.

In this episode Grant Palmer, author of"An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins," returns to Mormon Stories to discuss: 1) Sexual allegations made against Joseph Smith during his early years, 2) the story of William and Jane Law, and 3) an update on Grant’s resignation from the LDS church and his final testimony.

In this episode John Dehlin discusses his Masters thesis research on Scrupulosity (religious/moral Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). This presentation covers: 1) an overview of obsessive-compulsive disorder, 2) an overview of Scrupulosity, 3) a review of the most common treatments for OCD/Scrupulosity, and 4) the results of John's recent study of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a treatment for Scrupulosity.

In this episode John Dehlin interviews Denver Snuffer: a progressive, fundamentalist, non-polygamist Mormon who claims to have seen Christ. Denver is the author of several books including The Second Comforter: Conversing With the Lord Through the Veil and Passing the Heavenly Gift.

In this episode John Dehlin interviews Denver Snuffer: a progressive, fundamentalist, non-polygamist Mormon who claims to have seen Christ. Denver is the author of several books including The Second Comforter: Conversing With the Lord Through the Veil and Passing the Heavenly Gift.

In this episode Scott Holley interviews Matt Martinich of the Cumorah Foundation. Matt takes us on a tour of the triumphs and challenges of Mormonism throughout the world. Matt’s blog can be found at: LDS Church Growth.

In this episode Scott Holley and I interview sociologist Dr. Ryan Cragun about his newly published report called,"Mormons in the United States 1990-2008: Socio-demographic Trends and Regional Differences."

Special Announcement: Phoenix Conference -- February 17-19, 2012

In this episode, BYU Professor Charles Harrell discusses his new book entitled:"This Is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon Theology."

In this episode, BYU Professor Charles Harrell discusses his new book entitled:"This Is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon Theology."

In this episode we interview John and Brooke McLay. John served for 14 years as an employee of the LDS Church Education System (CES). In this capacity he served as: a seminary teacher and principal, an institute teacher and director, a BYU Education Week speaker and an EFY Director. John also served as a member of a stake high counsel, and was serving in a bishopric during the months leading up to his decision to leave the LDS Church. John and Brooke resigned their membership of the LDS Church in August of 2011. This is their story.

In this episode we interview John and Brooke McLay. John served for 14 years as an employee of the LDS Church Education System (CES). In this capacity he served as: a seminary teacher and principal, an institute teacher and director, a BYU Education Week speaker and an EFY Director. John also served as a member of a stake high counsel, and was serving in a bishopric during the months leading up to his decision to leave the LDS Church. John and Brooke resigned their membership of the LDS Church in August of 2011. This is their story.

In this episode we interview John and Brooke McLay. John served for 14 years as an employee of the LDS Church Education System (CES). In this capacity he served as: a seminary teacher and principal, an institute teacher and director, a BYU Education Week speaker and an EFY Director. John also served as a member of a stake high counsel, and was serving in a bishopric during the months leading up to his decision to leave the LDS Church. John and Brooke resigned their membership of the LDS Church in August of 2011. This is their story.

In this episode we interview John and Brooke McLay. John served for 14 years as an employee of the LDS Church Education System (CES). In this capacity he served as: a seminary teacher and principal, an institute teacher and director, a BYU Education Week speaker and an EFY Director. John also served as a member of a stake high counsel, and was serving in a bishopric during the months leading up to his decision to leave the LDS Church. John and Brooke resigned their membership of the LDS Church in August of 2011. This is their story.