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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Become a Patron!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

protectldschildren.org

Mormon Stories listeners "Sarah" and David share their story

Mormon Stories listeners "Isabela" and Hannah share their story

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

We cover:

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

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

We cover:

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

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

We cover:

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the petition:

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

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

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

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

_______________________________________

Part 1: Interview with Paul and Ann

Part 2: Interview with Anna, Tyler, and Lara

Part 3: Maile, Ryan, and Ryan

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

From the petition:

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

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

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

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

_______________________________________

Part 1: Interview with Paul and Ann

Part 2: Interview with Anna, Tyler, and Lara

Part 3: Maile, Ryan, and Ryan

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

From the petition:

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

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

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

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

_______________________________________

Part 1: Interview with Paul and Ann

Part 2: Interview with Anna, Tyler, and Lara

Part 3: Maile, Ryan, and Ryan

Tova describes how she learned to tell her own story

Tova details the practices of her faith that troubled her and led to her faith crisis

Tova describes her background in Judaism

With Panelists Dan Wotherspoon, Loyd Ericson, and Bert Fuller

With Panelists Dan Wotherspoon, Loyd Ericson, and Bert Fuller

With Panelists Dan Wotherspoon, Loyd Ericson, and Bert Fuller

These episodes of Mormon Stories include a recording of our live interview on 10/23/17 with renowned author, Dr. D. Michael Quinn, author of the final volume of the “Mormon Hierarchy” trilogy.  In his newest book, Wealth & Corporate Power, Michael provides a comprehensive look into how the LDS Church acquired wealth from the early days of the church until the 21st century.

We cover in detail:

• How Michael was persuaded to expand the project from an appendix, to a full-fledged book
• Michael’s meticulous methods in gathering and remembering information
• His thoughts on the ethics of receiving “leaked” information, and whether he uses such information in his work
• His observations in the changes of church financial strategy and salaries throughout the decades of church leadership
• His views of the contemporary Mormon Church

…and so much more

__________________________

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.

__________________________

These episodes of Mormon Stories include a recording of our live interview on 10/23/17 with renowned author, Dr. D. Michael Quinn, author of the final volume of the “Mormon Hierarchy” trilogy.  In his newest book, Wealth & Corporate Power, Michael provides a comprehensive look into how the LDS Church acquired wealth from the early days of the church until the 21st century.

We cover in detail:

• How Michael was persuaded to expand the project from an appendix, to a full-fledged book
• Michael’s meticulous methods in gathering and remembering information
• His thoughts on the ethics of receiving “leaked” information, and whether he uses such information in his work
• His observations in the changes of church financial strategy and salaries throughout the decades of church leadership
• His views of the contemporary Mormon Church

…and so much more

__________________________

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.

__________________________

These episodes of Mormon Stories include a recording of our live interview on 10/23/17 with renowned author, Dr. D. Michael Quinn, author of the final volume of the “Mormon Hierarchy” trilogy.  In his newest book, Wealth & Corporate Power, Michael provides a comprehensive look into how the LDS Church acquired wealth from the early days of the church until the 21st century.

We cover in detail:

• How Michael was persuaded to expand the project from an appendix, to a full-fledged book
• Michael’s meticulous methods in gathering and remembering information
• His thoughts on the ethics of receiving “leaked” information, and whether he uses such information in his work
• His observations in the changes of church financial strategy and salaries throughout the decades of church leadership
• His views of the contemporary Mormon Church

…and so much more

__________________________

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.

__________________________

Peter J Brown is Chief Financial Officer for the Grand Teton Council of the Boy Scouts of America. In this Mormon Stories Podcast episode we discuss the history of the relationship between the Boy Scouts of America and the Mormon church, and also discuss various historical controversies including BSA policies regarding girls and LGBT youth.

Dr. Dan Lonergan is an anesthesiologist at Vanderbilt Medical Center who specializes in pain management and addiction. He has also experienced his own Mormon faith crisis/transition, and is currently in a mixed-faith marriage.

Topics for today's podcast include:

*Dan's own faith crisis/transition.

*Dan's experiences navigating a mixed-faith marriage.

*Tips from an expert in overcoming addiction.

Dr. Dan Lonergan is an anesthesiologist at Vanderbilt Medical Center who specializes in pain management and addiction. He has also experienced his own Mormon faith crisis/transition, and is currently in a mixed-faith marriage.

Topics for today's podcast include:

*Dan's own faith crisis/transition.

*Dan's experiences navigating a mixed-faith marriage.

*Tips from an expert in overcoming addiction.

Join Dan Wotherspoon, Brian Birch, and Patrick Mason in part 1 of a Mormon Stories Podcast series on Mormon apologetics. In this episode we will provide a brief history of Mormon apologetics, and discuss the emergence of a new style of apologetics sometimes referred to as "Neo-Apologetics," which includes the work of Richard Bushman, Terryl and Fiona Givens, and Patrick Mason.

Join Dan Wotherspoon, Brian Birch, and Patrick Mason in part 1 of a Mormon Stories Podcast series on Mormon apologetics. In this episode we will provide a brief history of Mormon apologetics, and discuss the emergence of a new style of apologetics sometimes referred to as "Neo-Apologetics," which includes the work of Richard Bushman, Terryl and Fiona Givens, and Patrick Mason.

As part 1 in a new Mormon Stories Podcast series on navigating mixed-faith marriages, we interview Kirsten and David Udy. The Udy's story touches on multiple important themes, including:

• Their brief courtship and marriage after returning from full-time LDS missions
• David's early experiences with drugs and alcohol that resurfaced during their marriage
• How David's "shelf" broke under the weight of doctrinal issues and how he used alcohol to cope
• Kirsten's unwavering commitment to the Gospel, including the Word of Wisdom, and how David's alcohol use created tension in the marriage
• David's experience in the LDS 12-step program
• How Kirsten and David currently navigate their mixed-faith marriage, using love to overcome their obstacles and facing their challenges despite differences in belief

As part 1 in a new Mormon Stories Podcast series on navigating mixed-faith marriages, we interview Kirsten and David Udy. The Udy's story touches on multiple important themes, including:

• Their brief courtship and marriage after returning from full-time LDS missions
• David's early experiences with drugs and alcohol that resurfaced during their marriage
• How David's "shelf" broke under the weight of doctrinal issues and how he used alcohol to cope
• Kirsten's unwavering commitment to the Gospel, including the Word of Wisdom, and how David's alcohol use created tension in the marriage
• David's experience in the LDS 12-step program
• How Kirsten and David currently navigate their mixed-faith marriage, using love to overcome their obstacles and facing their challenges despite differences in belief

Continuing our Mormon Stories series on drug addiction, we interview Graham.  In this interview, Graham discusses:

• His early years as a true-believing Mormon
• His battle with Cystic Fibrosis and chronic pain as a youth
• Being introduced to drugs as a teen
• Attending BYU and making the decision to leave and not pursue a full-time mission
• How difficult events in his life led to his addiction to “hard drugs” as a young adult, and his recovery attempts
• Graham’s current views on addiction and the recovery process

We thank Graham for providing his experience-based insight into the difficult process of recovery to all of our listeners.

Continuing our Mormon Stories series on drug addiction, we interview Graham.  In this interview, Graham discusses:

• His early years as a true-believing Mormon
• His battle with Cystic Fibrosis and chronic pain as a youth
• Being introduced to drugs as a teen
• Attending BYU and making the decision to leave and not pursue a full-time mission
• How difficult events in his life led to his addiction to “hard drugs” as a young adult, and his recovery attempts
• Graham’s current views on addiction and the recovery process

We thank Graham for providing his experience-based insight into the difficult process of recovery to all of our listeners.

In these important episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Thomas to understand his journey in overcoming opiate addiction.  As opiate use reaches epidemic proportions in the United States and numerous other places in the world, many of our listeners have been impacted by the epidemic in some way.  There are multiple facets to this story we cover including:

• How childhood sexual abuse had a direct affect on Thomas' later drug use
• How the LDS Church's messaging on sexuality played a major role in negatively shaping his self-identity
• Learning to use drugs as a tool to avoid feeling
• What it was like living a life addicted to drugs
• How family, friends, and church authority/members can better help struggling addicts
• The impact his crisis of faith has on his life now, and his vision for the future

We thank Thomas for bravely sharing his story, and know it will impact many, many lives for good.

In these important episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Thomas to understand his journey in overcoming opiate addiction.  As opiate use reaches epidemic proportions in the United States and numerous other places in the world, many of our listeners have been impacted by the epidemic in some way.  There are multiple facets to this story we cover including:

• How childhood sexual abuse had a direct affect on Thomas' later drug use
• How the LDS Church's messaging on sexuality played a major role in negatively shaping his self-identity
• Learning to use drugs as a tool to avoid feeling
• What it was like living a life addicted to drugs
• How family, friends, and church authority/members can better help struggling addicts
• The impact his crisis of faith has on his life now, and his vision for the future

We thank Thomas for bravely sharing his story, and know it will impact many, many lives for good.

With dueling “breaking news” events on September 21 within Mormondom, John tackles both topics with guests John Hamer and Wesley Monahan.

At a hefty price tag of $35M, the LDS Church purchased the original printer’s manuscript of the Book of Mormon from the Community of Christ who held it in possession for over 100 years.  To understand the implications of the purchase, we interview one of Mormon Stories’ favorites—John Hamer—pastor of the Community of Christ in Toronto.  We discuss what the manuscript is and its history, as well as the possible CoC motivations for the sell.

In another surprising twist, Brigham Young University announced that it would begin to sell caffeinated beverages on its campus, ending a ban on the sale of traditional colas that dated back to the 1950’s.  We discuss the original reasons for the ban, and how those explanations for the ban evolved over time to become solely an economic decision.  Wesley Monahan of Caffeine Corner, a current BYU student who is the proprietor of a service that delivers caffeinated beverages to students on campus, gives his take on the revelation and how it may (or may not) affect his business.

With dueling “breaking news” events on September 21 within Mormondom, John tackles both topics with guests John Hamer and Wesley Monahan.

At a hefty price tag of $35M, the LDS Church purchased the original printer’s manuscript of the Book of Mormon from the Community of Christ who held it in possession for over 100 years.  To understand the implications of the purchase, we interview one of Mormon Stories’ favorites—John Hamer—pastor of the Community of Christ in Toronto.  We discuss what the manuscript is and its history, as well as the possible CoC motivations for the sell.

In another surprising twist, Brigham Young University announced that it would begin to sell caffeinated beverages on its campus, ending a ban on the sale of traditional colas that dated back to the 1950’s.  We discuss the original reasons for the ban, and how those explanations for the ban evolved over time to become solely an economic decision.  Wesley Monahan of Caffeine Corner, a current BYU student who is the proprietor of a service that delivers caffeinated beverages to students on campus, gives his take on the revelation and how it may (or may not) affect his business.

In these episodes, we interview Lex de Azevedo -- son of Alyce King of The King Sisters. He served as a musical director for The Sonny & Cher Show, Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five, and The Osmonds. He composed the scores for the films Where the Red Fern Grows and The Swan Princess. He is also credited as the co-writer of the Latter-day Saint production, Saturday's Warrior.

In these episodes, we interview Lex de Azevedo -- son of Alyce King of The King Sisters. He served as a musical director for The Sonny & Cher Show, Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five, and The Osmonds. He composed the scores for the films Where the Red Fern Grows and The Swan Princess. He is also credited as the co-writer of the Latter-day Saint production, Saturday's Warrior.

In these episodes, we interview Lex de Azevedo -- son of Alyce King of The King Sisters. He served as a musical director for The Sonny & Cher Show, Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five, and The Osmonds. He composed the scores for the films Where the Red Fern Grows and The Swan Princess. He is also credited as the co-writer of the Latter-day Saint production, Saturday's Warrior.

In this episode of Mormon Stories Podcast we interview the incredibly successful Mehrsa Baradaran. Mehrsa and her family immigrated from Iran to the United States when she was 9. After joining the Mormon church, Mehrsa graduated from BYU and New York University law school, became law school faculty at both BYU and University of Georgia (where she now works). She is the author of two books:

- How the other half banks: Exclusion, Exploitation, and the Threat to Democracy
- The Color of Money: Black Banking and the Racial Wealth Gap

In this episode of Mormon Stories Podcast we interview the incredibly successful Mehrsa Baradaran. Mehrsa and her family immigrated from Iran to the United States when she was 9. After joining the Mormon church, Mehrsa graduated from BYU and New York University law school, became law school faculty at both BYU and University of Georgia (where she now works). She is the author of two books:

- How the other half banks: Exclusion, Exploitation, and the Threat to Democracy
- The Color of Money: Black Banking and the Racial Wealth Gap

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Sean Carter—traveling law humorist of Lawpsided Seminars, and former member of the LDS Church.  In this entertaining and lively interview, we discuss:

• Sean's upbringing in the Compton area of Los Angeles and how he determined his career path
• How he became funny as a way for people to like him in school
• His experience of growing up black as a young man and his later realization of his efforts to "exempt himself out of blackness," or to make sure that he himself didn't experience discrimination while being aware that it existed against his community
• His path to attending Harvard Law School, and coincidentally at the same time as President Barack Obama
• His marriage to his educated wife who was not religious in any way, and how his investigation of the LDS Church began as a way to bring "Jesus to her"
• How one of his biggest struggles with joining the LDS Church was being endowed and having someone else pick out his underwear, which for Sean was a stigma attached to young black men who had their underwear picked out for them while in prison symbolizing that they became property of someone else
• His growing realization that the policies of the Church favored white culture, and how the revelation preventing young children with gay parents from joining the Church as being one of the last straws

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Sean Carter—traveling law humorist of Lawpsided Seminars, and former member of the LDS Church.  In this entertaining and lively interview, we discuss:

• Sean's upbringing in the Compton area of Los Angeles and how he determined his career path
• How he became funny as a way for people to like him in school
• His experience of growing up black as a young man and his later realization of his efforts to "exempt himself out of blackness," or to make sure that he himself didn't experience discrimination while being aware that it existed against his community
• His path to attending Harvard Law School, and coincidentally at the same time as President Barack Obama
• His marriage to his educated wife who was not religious in any way, and how his investigation of the LDS Church began as a way to bring "Jesus to her"
• How one of his biggest struggles with joining the LDS Church was being endowed and having someone else pick out his underwear, which for Sean was a stigma attached to young black men who had their underwear picked out for them while in prison symbolizing that they became property of someone else
• His growing realization that the policies of the Church favored white culture, and how the revelation preventing young children with gay parents from joining the Church as being one of the last straws

In this episode of Mormon Stories, we hold a panel discussion with Dr. Darron Smith—author of When Race & Religion Collide: Black Athletics at BYU and Beyond, Ryan McKnight—MormonLeaks publisher, and Vanessa Judd—a victim of assault by a BYU athlete. We discuss the MormonLeaks video which depicted an interaction between the Provo Police Department, a BYU football player, and other unidentified individuals. The video was recorded on December 4, 2016 and in it we learn that this is the second visit from the police that night and one of multiple visits they have had to make over time to the athlete.

We discuss:

*The ethics of releasing the video
*The ethics of NCAA athletics (especially at BYU), and
*The relationship between Provo Police, BYU and the Honor Code, especially regarding the many claims and accusations made concerning students being expelled or suspended for less than what is admitted to in this video

In this mini-episode of Mormon Stories, we follow-up with John O’Conner—father of a Mormon Missionary in the path of Hurricane Harvey.  John had an email exchange with his son’s mission president that was released on MormonLeaks wherein John was given little to no information on his son’s whereabouts, a disaster plan of action, or a phone number to reach his son directly.  Instead, the mission president encouraged John to “support him in his decision to serve with all his heart, might, mind, and strength and to keep the mission rules and policies.”

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Jon Ogden—author of When Mormons Doubt. Jon describes how his faith crisis blossomed during his LDS mission and time at BYU and ultimately became the impetus to writing the book, which strives to explore how the pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness can save relationships even when we disagree with those we love.

We cover:

*How his faith crisis developed on his LDS mission, but he finished his mission anyway
*Dating while at BYU and how it distracted him from his faith crisis
*How when a family member left the LDS Church, it forced him to confront his own doubts and begin an academic study of the truth claims of the Church
*When he realized that the same problems with Mormon historicity were also at play with Christianity in general
*He and his spouse’s current belief state, and their desire to have a sense of community and solid religious framework for their children to hold onto
*The main topics of his book, When Mormons Doubt, including a deep dive into sections on “Truth,” “Goodness,” and “Beauty.”

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Jon Ogden—author of When Mormons Doubt. Jon describes how his faith crisis blossomed during his LDS mission and time at BYU and ultimately became the impetus to writing the book, which strives to explore how the pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness can save relationships even when we disagree with those we love.

We cover:

*How his faith crisis developed on his LDS mission, but he finished his mission anyway
*Dating while at BYU and how it distracted him from his faith crisis
*How when a family member left the LDS Church, it forced him to confront his own doubts and begin an academic study of the truth claims of the Church
*When he realized that the same problems with Mormon historicity were also at play with Christianity in general
*He and his spouse’s current belief state, and their desire to have a sense of community and solid religious framework for their children to hold onto
*The main topics of his book, When Mormons Doubt, including a deep dive into sections on “Truth,” “Goodness,” and “Beauty.”

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Jason Echols of /r/exmormon.  For many, the exmormon subreddit serves as a one-stop shop for current events and happenings that may interest those who have left the faith.  Jason gives us the inside scoop of this prominent gathering place, and details his belief that the forum provides a training ground for exmormons to learn how to voice opinions in healthy and assertive ways.

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Jason Echols of /r/exmormon.  For many, the exmormon subreddit serves as a one-stop shop for current events and happenings that may interest those who have left the faith.  Jason gives us the inside scoop of this prominent gathering place, and details his belief that the forum provides a training ground for exmormons to learn how to voice opinions in healthy and assertive ways.

In this two-part episode we sit down for final time with Grant Palmer to discuss the release of his final book: Restoring Christ: Leaving Mormon Jesus for Jesus of the Gospels.  

• In part 1 of the interview we dig deep into two chapters: one on Joseph Smith's possible treason against the United States government, and one on Joseph Smith's use of concubinage in addition to polygamy and polyandry.
• In part 2 we discuss Grant's research into "leaving Mormon Jesus for Jesus of the Gospels," and conduct a final Q&A with Grant.

In this two-part episode we sit down a final time with Grant Palmer to discuss the release of his final book: Restoring Christ: Leaving Mormon Jesus for Jesus of the Gospels.  

• In part 1 of the interview we dig deep into two chapters: one on Joseph Smith's possible treason against the United States government, and one on Joseph Smith's likely use of concubinage in addition to polygamy and polyandry.
• In part 2 we discuss Grant's research into "leaving Mormon Jesus for Jesus of the Gospels," and conduct a final Q&A with Grant.

In our third sit-down with former Mormon Bishop and podcaster Bill Reel, we discuss:

• His early years as a convert to the Mormon church.
• His original motives for starting his podcast, Mormon Discussion.
• The most significant contributing factors to his Mormon faith transition.
• His evolution as a podcaster, which includes becoming increasingly frustrated with, and critical of the LDS church, its policies, and its leadership.
• His current Mormon beliefs and non-beliefs.
• His motives for remaining active in the LDS church.
• His responses to recent criticisms of his positions.
• His perspective on the possible threat of excommunication.

In our third sit-down with former Mormon Bishop and podcaster Bill Reel, we discuss:

• His early years as a convert to the Mormon church.
• His original motives for starting his podcast, Mormon Discussion.
• The most significant contributing factors to his Mormon faith transition.
• His evolution as a podcaster, which includes becoming increasingly frustrated with, and critical of the LDS church, its policies, and its leadership.
• His current Mormon beliefs and non-beliefs.
• His motives for remaining active in the LDS church.
• His responses to recent criticisms of his positions.
• His perspective on the possible threat of excommunication.

Continuing our series on “Losing the Lamanites,” we interview Gabriel Misla who originated from the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico.  We cover:

• Gabriel’s experience joining the Church as a young man in the island territory and his eventual immigration to the mainland US
• His mission service to the Dominican Republic, and the cultural nuances between the two islands that heightened his sensitivity to how race is viewed in the LDS Church
• How he came to terms with his sexuality and his experience as a gay Latter-day Saint, including spending time in Evergreen
• His reminiscence of elation of being from the tribe of Ephraim in his patriarchal blessing because  it meant he was more like his white Utah missionary companions—and now his regret over how his thinking was influenced by the Church’s views on race
• His thoughts and feelings over the Book of Mormon’s still accepted views on Lamanites and race, and what he feels the Church should do
• His vision and plans for the future as a post-Mormon still living in Utah

Continuing our series on “Losing the Lamanites,” we interview Gabriel Misla who originated from the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico.  We cover:

• Gabriel’s experience joining the Church as a young man in the island territory and his eventual immigration to the mainland US
• His mission service to the Dominican Republic, and the cultural nuances between the two islands that heightened his sensitivity to how race is viewed in the LDS Church
• How he came to terms with his sexuality and his experience as a gay Latter-day Saint, including spending time in Evergreen
• His reminiscence of elation of being from the tribe of Ephraim in his patriarchal blessing because  it meant he was more like his white Utah missionary companions—and now his regret over how his thinking was influenced by the Church’s views on race
• His thoughts and feelings over the Book of Mormon’s still accepted views on Lamanites and race, and what he feels the Church should do
• His vision and plans for the future as a post-Mormon still living in Utah

Ruthie Robertson ignited a nationwide firestorm when she revealed she was fired as an adjunct professor at BYU-Idaho for an LGBTQ-supportive Facebook post on her private page.  During these episodes of Mormon Stories, we delve deep into Ruthie’s Mormon background and her motivations in publishing her post, as well as her opinions about the decision to terminate her employment.  John and Ruthie also discuss the possible “chilling effect” this event could have on students and professors at BYU-Idaho who wish to support their LGBTQ friends and family.

Ruthie Robertson ignited a nationwide firestorm when she revealed she was fired as an adjunct professor at BYU-Idaho for an LGBTQ-supportive Facebook post on her private page.  During these episodes of Mormon Stories, we delve deep into Ruthie’s Mormon background and her motivations in publishing her post, as well as her opinions about the decision to terminate her employment.  John and Ruthie also discuss the possible “chilling effect” this event could have on students and professors at BYU-Idaho who wish to support their LGBTQ friends and family.

In this episode of Mormon Stories/Transitions, John and Margi interview the brilliant Dr. Julie DeAzevedo Hanks about her article titled “30 Questions Nobody Asks My Husband at Church.”

John, Margi, and Julie focus on the powerful cultural messages about gender, potential, life decisions, and worth that are broadcast in the questions we ask.  During the interview, cultural assumptions are challenged in some of the questions from Julie’s article:

• Did you know that you are a son of your Heavenly Mother?
• What does your wife do for a living?
• Who’s watching your kids?
• Why are you getting a graduate degree?
• Will you go home and change? Your clothes are distracting the sisters.

…and many more.

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview former LDS Stake President and LDS Chief Architect Laurie Lee Hall. Laurie Lee’s story is fascinating on many levels:

• Laurie Lee worked for 20 years as Chief Architect for the LDS Church and as Director of Design and/or Construction for around 40 LDS temples.
• She served as Stake President of the Tooele Utah Valley View Stake in Tooele, Utah for 8 years.
• While she remembers identifying internally as a woman from a very young age, she began to experience intense pressure to transition to female while serving as an LDS Stake President. This ultimately led to her being released as stake president after 8 years of service.
• About two months ago Laurie Lee was excommunicated stemming from her decision to transition gender presentation while living in her home ward/stake.
• Laurie Lee and her spouse have been married 32 years this month and are the parents of five children and 11 grandchildren.
• Laurie Lee remains a believer in many of the core tenets of Mormonism (e.g., Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the atonement), and reads the Book of Mormon daily.

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview former LDS Stake President and LDS Chief Architect Laurie Lee Hall. Laurie Lee’s story is fascinating on many levels:

• Laurie Lee worked for 20 years as Chief Architect for the LDS Church and as Director of Design and/or Construction for around 40 LDS temples.
• She served as Stake President of the Tooele Utah Valley View Stake in Tooele, Utah for 8 years.
• While she remembers identifying internally as a woman from a very young age, she began to experience intense pressure to transition to female while serving as an LDS Stake President. This ultimately led to her being released as stake president after 8 years of service.
• About two months ago Laurie Lee was excommunicated stemming from her decision to transition gender presentation while living in her home ward/stake.
• Laurie Lee and her spouse have been married 32 years this month and are the parents of five children and 11 grandchildren.
• Laurie Lee remains a believer in many of the core tenets of Mormonism (e.g., Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the atonement), and reads the Book of Mormon daily.

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview former LDS Stake President and LDS Chief Architect Laurie Lee Hall. Laurie Lee’s story is fascinating on many levels:

• Laurie Lee worked for 20 years as Chief Architect for the LDS Church and as Director of Design and/or Construction for around 40 LDS temples.
• She served as Stake President of the Tooele Utah Valley View Stake in Tooele, Utah for 8 years.
• While she remembers identifying internally as a woman from a very young age, she began to experience intense pressure to transition to female while serving as an LDS Stake President. This ultimately led to her being released as stake president after 8 years of service.
• About two months ago Laurie Lee was excommunicated stemming from her decision to transition gender presentation while living in her home ward/stake.
• Laurie Lee and her spouse have been married 32 years this month and are the parents of five children and 11 grandchildren.
• Laurie Lee remains a believer in many of the core tenets of Mormonism (e.g., Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the atonement), and reads the Book of Mormon daily.

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview former LDS Stake President and LDS Chief Architect Laurie Lee Hall. Laurie Lee’s story is fascinating on many levels:

• Laurie Lee worked for 20 years as Chief Architect for the LDS Church and as Director of Design and/or Construction for around 40 LDS temples.
• She served as Stake President of the Tooele Utah Valley View Stake in Tooele, Utah for 8 years.
• While she remembers identifying internally as a woman from a very young age, she began to experience intense pressure to transition to female while serving as an LDS Stake President. This ultimately led to her being released as stake president after 8 years of service.
• About two months ago Laurie Lee was excommunicated stemming from her decision to transition gender presentation while living in her home ward/stake.
• Laurie Lee and her spouse have been married 32 years this month and are the parents of five children and 11 grandchildren.
• Laurie Lee remains a believer in many of the core tenets of Mormonism (e.g., Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the atonement), and reads the Book of Mormon daily.

In this episode recorded for use on Bart Campolo's "Humanize Me" podcast, John and Bart interview each other on their experience at building communities post religion

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, John and Margi interview Carol Lynn Pearson, Jana Riess, and Jana Johnson Spangler to explore their experiences as they navigate progressive Mormonism.

We cover important topics such as:

*Each panelist’s experience when their faith became more complex and whether they would self-describe as a Mormon
*What made them choose to remain engaged in the Church
*What the most valuable aspects of the faith are to each of them, and how they inform and impact their life
*Their social experience in their wards and whether they feel alone or among many others who are navigating a middle-way
*How they approach Sundays and whether they have supplemented their Sunday experience with anything that would be helpful to share with our audience
*Whether they observe a decline in the health and vitality of the Church

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, John and Margi interview Carol Lynn Pearson, Jana Riess, and Jana Johnson Spangler to explore their experiences as they navigate progressive Mormonism.

We cover important topics such as:

*Each panelist’s experience when their faith became more complex and whether they would self-describe as a Mormon
*What made them choose to remain engaged in the Church
*What the most valuable aspects of the faith are to each of them, and how they inform and impact their life
*Their social experience in their wards and whether they feel alone or among many others who are navigating a middle-way
*How they approach Sundays and whether they have supplemented their Sunday experience with anything that would be helpful to share with our audience
*Whether they observe a decline in the health and vitality of the Church

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, John and Margi interview 3 of the hard-working moderators of the “A Thoughtful Faith” Facebook group.  The group comprises LDS members who are working to stay engaged in constructive ways within Mormonism and offers a safe space to ask faith-challenging questions.

Mark Crego, Jeralee Renshaw, and Dan Wotherspoon answer questions about the purpose of the group, but also embark on a very interesting conversation about how they each are able to remain happily involved in the Church despite being aware of the faith-challenging aspects of the Mormon faith.

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, John and Margi interview 3 of the hard-working moderators of the “A Thoughtful Faith” Facebook group.  The group comprises LDS members who are working to stay engaged in constructive ways within Mormonism and offers a safe space to ask faith-challenging questions.

Mark Crego, Jeralee Renshaw, and Dan Wotherspoon answer questions about the purpose of the group, but also embark on a very interesting conversation about how they each are able to remain happily involved in the Church despite being aware of the faith-challenging aspects of the Mormon faith.

In this series on Mormon Stories, we interview the fabulous Natasha Helfer Parker, MFT, CST — moderator of the Mormon Mental Health podcast — to finally hear her “Mormon story.”

This interview covers:

*Being raised in the Church with convert parents in Spain and her eventual move to the US
*Natasha and her family’s concerns about the practice of polygamy and frustration that their questions never seemed to be answered, yet remaining true-believers
*The impact of being a victim of sexual abuse as a child and teenager and how it influenced her experiences exploring her sexuality as a teenager and young adult
*Her removal from BYU because of her sexual experiences and her thoughts now about the unintended consequences of honor code enforcement
*How she met her husband and disclosed her sexual past in an act of transparency, and how it affected the first years of their marriage
*Her thoughts now about the difference between behavior and self-worth within the Church, especially as it relates to sexual behavior
*Her decision to become a sex therapist and how her move to the Midwest became an impetus to develop a wider online presence
*How being a believer in the faith, but having a nuanced view of sexuality led her to being widely known as the “Mormon Sex Therapist”
*How cracks developed in her Orthodox faith foundation
*Her feeling of being in a continuing faith transition for much of the 20+ years of her practice

http://www.mormonmentalhealth.org

https://www.symmetrysols.com

In this series on Mormon Stories, we interview the fabulous Natasha Helfer Parker, MFT, CST — moderator of the Mormon Mental Health podcast — to finally hear her “Mormon story.”

This interview covers:

*Being raised in the Church with convert parents in Spain and her eventual move to the US
*Natasha and her family’s concerns about the practice of polygamy and frustration that their questions never seemed to be answered, yet remaining true-believers
*The impact of being a victim of sexual abuse as a child and teenager and how it influenced her experiences exploring her sexuality as a teenager and young adult
*Her removal from BYU because of her sexual experiences and her thoughts now about the unintended consequences of honor code enforcement
*How she met her husband and disclosed her sexual past in an act of transparency, and how it affected the first years of their marriage
*Her thoughts now about the difference between behavior and self-worth within the Church, especially as it relates to sexual behavior
*Her decision to become a sex therapist and how her move to the Midwest became an impetus to develop a wider online presence
*How being a believer in the faith, but having a nuanced view of sexuality led her to being widely known as the “Mormon Sex Therapist”
*How cracks developed in her Orthodox faith foundation
*Her feeling of being in a continuing faith transition for much of the 20+ years of her practice

http://www.mormonmentalhealth.org

https://www.symmetrysols.com

In this series on Mormon Stories, we interview the fabulous Natasha Helfer Parker, MFT, CST — moderator of the Mormon Mental Health podcast — to finally hear her “Mormon story.”

This interview covers:

*Being raised in the Church with convert parents in Spain and her eventual move to the US
*Natasha and her family’s concerns about the practice of polygamy and frustration that their questions never seemed to be answered, yet remaining true-believers
*The impact of being a victim of sexual abuse as a child and teenager and how it influenced her experiences exploring her sexuality as a teenager and young adult
*Her removal from BYU because of her sexual experiences and her thoughts now about the unintended consequences of honor code enforcement
*How she met her husband and disclosed her sexual past in an act of transparency, and how it affected the first years of their marriage
*Her thoughts now about the difference between behavior and self-worth within the Church, especially as it relates to sexual behavior
*Her decision to become a sex therapist and how her move to the Midwest became an impetus to develop a wider online presence
*How being a believer in the faith, but having a nuanced view of sexuality led her to being widely known as the “Mormon Sex Therapist”
*How cracks developed in her Orthodox faith foundation
*Her feeling of being in a continuing faith transition for much of the 20+ years of her practice

http://www.mormonmentalhealth.org

https://www.symmetrysols.com

In this episode, we interview Brynne Thomas Gant -- the author of "They Can Leave the Church, But They Can't Leave the Church Alone"

In this episode, we interview Brynne Thomas Gant -- the author of "They Can Leave the Church, But They Can't Leave the Church Alone"

In this episode of Mormon Stories, we interview Savannah and her mother, Heather.

In this episode of Mormon Stories we interview Savannah and her mother, Heather.  Savannah recently generated international media attention when she came out as gay to her Mormon ward (congregation) in Eagle Mountain, Utah during fast and testimony meeting (May 7, 2017).  Towards the end of her testimony, a presiding priesthood authority cut off her microphone and told her to sit down.  A friend recorded the video of her live testimony.

In this episode John interviews both Savannah and Heather in order to provide the context for Savannah's testimony that day.  Questions answered in this episode include:

*What was Savannah's relationship with the Mormon church prior to her testimony?
*Why did Savannah want to come out as gay to her ward?  
*Why did she write out her testimony beforehand?
*Why did Savannah's parents "allow" her to bear her testimony in this way?
*Who recorded Savannah's testimony, and why?
*How did Savannah and her mother feel when the microphone was cut off, and Savannah was asked to sit down by her Mormon priesthood leader?
*Was this event a conspiracy orchestrated by Savannah's parents?
*What has been the reaction to these events?
*What do Savannah and Heather hope to accomplish by talking about this publicly?
*What would Savannah and Heather like to say to LGBT Mormons and their family/friends?

Special thanks to Heather and Savannah for visiting with the Mormon Stories crew and sharing her beautiful story!

In this episode of Mormon Stories and Mormon Transitions, John and Margi reflect back on their 13 years of experience as semi- and non-believers and provide their advice on how to successfully navigate activity in the LDS Church.  Some of the topics discussed are:

*Advice on how to determine whether church attendance is a healthy option for you and your family

*Living the “Law of Tithing” in a way that is meaningful to you

*Focusing on teaching lessons about truths that resonate with you, and less on the topics that trouble you as they most likely will be covered many other times

*How to respond to inquiries about your activity status from fellow ward members

*Setting boundaries and expectations when given a calling

*Protecting your children by having an open discussion after church that allows them to safely process and talk through the information 

*Building social credit in your ward to spend thoughtfully when the time arrives

*Advice on how to ethically navigate the temple recommend interview

*Answering the question “can you be honest and ethical in staying?”

Continuing our series on “Losing the Lamanites,” we interview Sarah Newcomb who descends from the Tsimshian of the NW Coastal Tribes. In this interview we cover:

*How Sarah struggled as a youth knowing that she came from the ‘Lamanites,’ who had turned their backs on God.
*How she worked her way through college in Rexburg, ID, acquired a degree in Communications/Journalism, and how her new knowledge around sourcing served as an impetus to her questioning her faith.
*How her husband ignored the Mormon admonition against interracial marriage, out of love for Sarah.
*Her avoidance of dancing (and other native customs), as they were practiced by the ’Lamanites’ in the Book of Mormon.
*Her avoidance of the sun, as a way to ensure that her skin would stay as light as possible.
*How she used her knowledge of sourcing (seeking original documentation) to discover many of the problems with LDS church history and doctrine, all before discovering the CES Letter.
*How Mormon Stories Podcast validated her feelings, and provided strength and a sense of community during her faith transition.
*How she now embraces her life in the sun, and is on a journey to connect to the heritage and identity she felt forced to distance herself from while a member of the LDS Church.

We thank Sarah for sharing her powerful, beautiful story and know that it will touch lives!

We are excited to release an interview with Jen Parkinson that has many fascinating components, including:

*Her devout LDS upbringing and bout with perfectionism while a youth and as a missionary

*Her first marriage to a gay man, unbeknownst to her

*Experiences with LDS Family Services in addressing her husband’s sexual orientation

*Her resulting divorce and intense feelings of guilt and shame

*The experience of seeking a sealing cancellation and how it made her relive the nightmare of her divorce

*Dating and marrying her current husband

*Working for BYU-Idaho and the gender disparity she observed

*Her husband’s faith transition and her reaction to it by “quintupling down” on her beliefs

*How leaving her job at BYU gave her the freedom to learn and question

*Her own faith transition and hope for the future

We are excited to release an interview with Jen Parkinson that has many fascinating components, including:

*Her devout LDS upbringing and bout with perfectionism while a youth and as a missionary

*Her first marriage to a gay man, unbeknownst to her

*Experiences with LDS Family Services in addressing her husband’s sexual orientation

*Her resulting divorce and intense feelings of guilt and shame

*The experience of seeking a sealing cancellation and how it made her relive the nightmare of her divorce

*Dating and marrying her current husband

*Working for BYU-Idaho and the gender disparity she observed

*Her husband’s faith transition and her reaction to it by “quintupling down” on her beliefs

*How leaving her job at BYU gave her the freedom to learn and question

*Her own faith transition and hope for the future

We are excited to release an interview with Jen Parkinson that has many fascinating components, including:

*Her devout LDS upbringing and bout with perfectionism while a youth and as a missionary

*Her first marriage to a gay man, unbeknownst to her

*Experiences with LDS Family Services in addressing her husband’s sexual orientation

*Her resulting divorce and intense feelings of guilt and shame

*The experience of seeking a sealing cancellation and how it made her relive the nightmare of her divorce

*Dating and marrying her current husband

*Working for BYU-Idaho and the gender disparity she observed

*Her husband’s faith transition and her reaction to it by “quintupling down” on her beliefs

*How leaving her job at BYU gave her the freedom to learn and question

*Her own faith transition and hope for the future

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Derrick Clements—a new contributor to “The Cheeky Mormon Movie Review” podcast series with Gina Colvin, avid podcaster, and reporter for Provo’s Daily Herald.

In part 2, Derrick shares his beliefs and reasons for remaining active in the LDS Church and the important role personal honesty and integrity play in that decision. As a general rule, Derrick avoids dogma and does not rely heavily on truth claims as the root of his faith.

Derrick and John answer the difficult questions such as:

• “Is it disingenuous to stay active in the LDS Church with knowledge of ‘problems’ of historicity and knowing the harm the church inflicts on groups of people, like LGBTQ individuals?”
• “Are the people who remain complicit in that harm?”
• “Should the teachings of the church be taken literally or metaphorically?”

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Derrick Clements—a new contributor to “The Cheeky Mormon Movie Review” podcast series with Gina Colvin, avid podcaster, and reporter for Provo’s Daily Herald.

Derrick and John begin part 1 by discussing categories of people who remain active in the LDS Church, including those who are:

Unaware of church “problems”

Unable to leave without massive disruption in their lives

Unempathetic to those the church harms

Staying to improve the church

Genuinely spiritually converted

Motivated to stay for tribal / identity sentiments

This episode is a recording of Dr. John Dehlin's goodbye presentation to Cache Valley Oasis - a secular support community formed in Fall of 2015 in Logan, Utah.

In his presentation (recorded May 21, 2017), John shared reflections of "lessons" he has learned over the course of 13 years as a Mormon/Post-Mormon activist.

In this episode of Mormon Stories, Margi and John share and discuss their ideas in creating a family culture.  Margi uses the metaphor of a “tower” with 5 building blocks to show their cumulative effect.

These building blocks are:

Values — the foundational layer

Embodiment — the living of those values

Ritual — the framework that integrates those values into your schedule

Tradition — opportunities to celebrate that cement values

Home Environment — the space and “vibe” that reflects values

Continuing our series entitled “Losing the Lamanites,” we interview Mormons from Central and South America, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders — with the intent of exploring their faith transitions, and focusing (where relevant) particularly on their thoughts and feelings around having been handed the now questionable “Lamanite” identity.

In this episode we interview Hyrum Joe, and cover the following:

*His 3rd-generation upbringing in the LDS Church
*The culture shock he experienced when he moved off the Reservation while in grade school
*His feelings of being an outsider both in and out of the Church while growing up in his new community
*His inactivity in his younger years and how he subsequently went back into activity after meeting his ex-wife and becoming sealed in the temple
*How he realized he never truly had a "testimony" of the truth claims of the LDS Church, even while being active and being heavily involved in ward missionary activities
*His impending faith transition
*His thoughts and feelings of the "Lamanite" identity

https://www.facebook.com/artofhyrumjoe/