Mormon Stories - LDS

Five years years ago, upon completing my Psychology Ph.D., I began holding retreats and workshops to support Mormons in faith crisis, and specifically to help reduce anxiety, depression, suicidality, family strife, and unnecessary divorce for those experiencing a Mormon Faith Crisis.  For many of these workshops and retreats, I was fortunate to co-present with Natasha Helfer Parker and Margi Dehlin.

In August of 2019 we decided to hold a weekend retreat and record the entire experience ,including the attendee participation.  This is that retreat, which was held from 8/30 to 9/1/2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 40 audience members participated.  The following topics were addressed:

  • Understanding and Navigating a Religious Transition
  • Fundamentals of Mental Health in a Religious Transition
  • The Key to Healthy Relationships: Emotional Intimacy
  • Healthy Sexuality After a Faith Transition
  • Conscious Parenting
  • Communicating with Believing Family and Friends

We hope you enjoy this content.  It is the best insight we can share to help you navigate your religious transition.

Finally, a HUGE thanks goes to Clint and Jeni Martin for underwriting this event.

Direct download: MormonStories-1307-MormonFaithCrisisRetreatPt10.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:26pm MDT

Five years years ago, upon completing my Psychology Ph.D., I began holding retreats and workshops to support Mormons in faith crisis, and specifically to help reduce anxiety, depression, suicidality, family strife, and unnecessary divorce for those experiencing a Mormon Faith Crisis.  For many of these workshops and retreats, I was fortunate to co-present with Natasha Helfer Parker and Margi Dehlin.

In August of 2019 we decided to hold a weekend retreat and record the entire experience ,including the attendee participation.  This is that retreat, which was held from 8/30 to 9/1/2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 40 audience members participated.  The following topics were addressed:

  • Understanding and Navigating a Religious Transition
  • Fundamentals of Mental Health in a Religious Transition
  • The Key to Healthy Relationships: Emotional Intimacy
  • Healthy Sexuality After a Faith Transition
  • Conscious Parenting
  • Communicating with Believing Family and Friends

We hope you enjoy this content.  It is the best insight we can share to help you navigate your religious transition.

Finally, a HUGE thanks goes to Clint and Jeni Martin for underwriting this event.

Direct download: MormonStories-1306-MormonFaithCrisisRetreatPt9.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:25pm MDT

Five years years ago, upon completing my Psychology Ph.D., I began holding retreats and workshops to support Mormons in faith crisis, and specifically to help reduce anxiety, depression, suicidality, family strife, and unnecessary divorce for those experiencing a Mormon Faith Crisis.  For many of these workshops and retreats, I was fortunate to co-present with Natasha Helfer Parker and Margi Dehlin.

In August of 2019 we decided to hold a weekend retreat and record the entire experience ,including the attendee participation.  This is that retreat, which was held from 8/30 to 9/1/2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 40 audience members participated.  The following topics were addressed:

  • Understanding and Navigating a Religious Transition
  • Fundamentals of Mental Health in a Religious Transition
  • The Key to Healthy Relationships: Emotional Intimacy
  • Healthy Sexuality After a Faith Transition
  • Conscious Parenting
  • Communicating with Believing Family and Friends

We hope you enjoy this content.  It is the best insight we can share to help you navigate your religious transition.

Finally, a HUGE thanks goes to Clint and Jeni Martin for underwriting this event.

Direct download: MormonStories-1305-MormonFaithCrisisRetreatPt8.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:24pm MDT

Five years years ago, upon completing my Psychology Ph.D., I began holding retreats and workshops to support Mormons in faith crisis, and specifically to help reduce anxiety, depression, suicidality, family strife, and unnecessary divorce for those experiencing a Mormon Faith Crisis.  For many of these workshops and retreats, I was fortunate to co-present with Natasha Helfer Parker and Margi Dehlin.

In August of 2019 we decided to hold a weekend retreat and record the entire experience ,including the attendee participation.  This is that retreat, which was held from 8/30 to 9/1/2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 40 audience members participated.  The following topics were addressed:

  • Understanding and Navigating a Religious Transition
  • Fundamentals of Mental Health in a Religious Transition
  • The Key to Healthy Relationships: Emotional Intimacy
  • Healthy Sexuality After a Faith Transition
  • Conscious Parenting
  • Communicating with Believing Family and Friends

We hope you enjoy this content.  It is the best insight we can share to help you navigate your religious transition.

Finally, a HUGE thanks goes to Clint and Jeni Martin for underwriting this event.

Direct download: MormonStories-1304-MormonFaithCrisisRetreatPt7.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:22pm MDT

Five years years ago, upon completing my Psychology Ph.D., I began holding retreats and workshops to support Mormons in faith crisis, and specifically to help reduce anxiety, depression, suicidality, family strife, and unnecessary divorce for those experiencing a Mormon Faith Crisis.  For many of these workshops and retreats, I was fortunate to co-present with Natasha Helfer Parker and Margi Dehlin.

In August of 2019 we decided to hold a weekend retreat and record the entire experience ,including the attendee participation.  This is that retreat, which was held from 8/30 to 9/1/2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 40 audience members participated.  The following topics were addressed:

  • Understanding and Navigating a Religious Transition
  • Fundamentals of Mental Health in a Religious Transition
  • The Key to Healthy Relationships: Emotional Intimacy
  • Healthy Sexuality After a Faith Transition
  • Conscious Parenting
  • Communicating with Believing Family and Friends

We hope you enjoy this content.  It is the best insight we can share to help you navigate your religious transition.

Finally, a HUGE thanks goes to Clint and Jeni Martin for underwriting this event.

Direct download: MormonStories-1303-MormonFaithCrisisRetreatPt6.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:21pm MDT

Five years years ago, upon completing my Psychology Ph.D., I began holding retreats and workshops to support Mormons in faith crisis, and specifically to help reduce anxiety, depression, suicidality, family strife, and unnecessary divorce for those experiencing a Mormon Faith Crisis.  For many of these workshops and retreats, I was fortunate to co-present with Natasha Helfer Parker and Margi Dehlin.

In August of 2019 we decided to hold a weekend retreat and record the entire experience ,including the attendee participation.  This is that retreat, which was held from 8/30 to 9/1/2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 40 audience members participated.  The following topics were addressed:

  • Understanding and Navigating a Religious Transition
  • Fundamentals of Mental Health in a Religious Transition
  • The Key to Healthy Relationships: Emotional Intimacy
  • Healthy Sexuality After a Faith Transition
  • Conscious Parenting
  • Communicating with Believing Family and Friends

We hope you enjoy this content.  It is the best insight we can share to help you navigate your religious transition.

Finally, a HUGE thanks goes to Clint and Jeni Martin for underwriting this event.

Direct download: MormonStories-1302-MormonFaithCrisisRetreatPt5.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:20pm MDT

Five years years ago, upon completing my Psychology Ph.D., I began holding retreats and workshops to support Mormons in faith crisis, and specifically to help reduce anxiety, depression, suicidality, family strife, and unnecessary divorce for those experiencing a Mormon Faith Crisis.  For many of these workshops and retreats, I was fortunate to co-present with Natasha Helfer Parker and Margi Dehlin.

In August of 2019 we decided to hold a weekend retreat and record the entire experience ,including the attendee participation.  This is that retreat, which was held from 8/30 to 9/1/2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 40 audience members participated.  The following topics were addressed:

  • Understanding and Navigating a Religious Transition
  • Fundamentals of Mental Health in a Religious Transition
  • The Key to Healthy Relationships: Emotional Intimacy
  • Healthy Sexuality After a Faith Transition
  • Conscious Parenting
  • Communicating with Believing Family and Friends

We hope you enjoy this content.  It is the best insight we can share to help you navigate your religious transition.

Finally, a HUGE thanks goes to Clint and Jeni Martin for underwriting this event.

Direct download: MormonStories-1301-MormonFaithCrisisRetreatPt4.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:17pm MDT

Five years years ago, upon completing my Psychology Ph.D., I began holding retreats and workshops to support Mormons in faith crisis, and specifically to help reduce anxiety, depression, suicidality, family strife, and unnecessary divorce for those experiencing a Mormon Faith Crisis.  For many of these workshops and retreats, I was fortunate to co-present with Natasha Helfer Parker and Margi Dehlin.

In August of 2019 we decided to hold a weekend retreat and record the entire experience ,including the attendee participation.  This is that retreat, which was held from 8/30 to 9/1/2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 40 audience members participated.  The following topics were addressed:

  • Understanding and Navigating a Religious Transition
  • Fundamentals of Mental Health in a Religious Transition
  • The Key to Healthy Relationships: Emotional Intimacy
  • Healthy Sexuality After a Faith Transition
  • Conscious Parenting
  • Communicating with Believing Family and Friends

We hope you enjoy this content.  It is the best insight we can share to help you navigate your religious transition.

Finally, a HUGE thanks goes to Clint and Jeni Martin for underwriting this event.

Direct download: MormonStories-1300-MormonFaithCrisisRetreatPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:15pm MDT

Five years years ago, upon completing my Psychology Ph.D., I began holding retreats and workshops to support Mormons in faith crisis, and specifically to help reduce anxiety, depression, suicidality, family strife, and unnecessary divorce for those experiencing a Mormon Faith Crisis.  For many of these workshops and retreats, I was fortunate to co-present with Natasha Helfer Parker and Margi Dehlin.

In August of 2019 we decided to hold a weekend retreat and record the entire experience ,including the attendee participation.  This is that retreat, which was held from 8/30 to 9/1/2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 40 audience members participated.  The following topics were addressed:

  • Understanding and Navigating a Religious Transition
  • Fundamentals of Mental Health in a Religious Transition
  • The Key to Healthy Relationships: Emotional Intimacy
  • Healthy Sexuality After a Faith Transition
  • Conscious Parenting
  • Communicating with Believing Family and Friends

We hope you enjoy this content.  It is the best insight we can share to help you navigate your religious transition.

Finally, a HUGE thanks goes to Clint and Jeni Martin for underwriting this event.

Direct download: MormonStories-1299-MormonFaithCrisisRetreatPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:11pm MDT

Five years years ago, upon completing my Psychology Ph.D., I began holding retreats and workshops to support Mormons in faith crisis, and specifically to help reduce anxiety, depression, suicidality, family strife, and unnecessary divorce for those experiencing a Mormon Faith Crisis.  For many of these workshops and retreats, I was fortunate to co-present with Natasha Helfer Parker and Margi Dehlin.

In August of 2019 we decided to hold a weekend retreat and record the entire experience ,including the attendee participation.  This is that retreat, which was held from 8/30 to 9/1/2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 40 audience members participated.  The following topics were addressed:

  • Understanding and Navigating a Religious Transition
  • Fundamentals of Mental Health in a Religious Transition
  • The Key to Healthy Relationships: Emotional Intimacy
  • Healthy Sexuality After a Faith Transition
  • Conscious Parenting
  • Communicating with Believing Family and Friends

We hope you enjoy this content.  It is the best insight we can share to help you navigate your religious transition.

Finally, a HUGE thanks goes to Clint and Jeni Martin for underwriting this event.

Direct download: MormonStories-1298-MormonFaithCrisisRetreatPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:08pm MDT

Clarissa Winter is a direct descendant of Brigham Young (on her father’s side) and a Guatemalan Mormon convert (on her mother’s side). Clarissa was raised in Orderville, Utah as a devout Mormon, but during her teenage years began to “fall away” from orthodox Mormonism as she explored her own sexuality and struggled with anxiety, depression, and suicidality. After being labeled by her Mormon peers with terms like “bad,” “slut,” “crazy,” “whore,” “unworthy” - and after being threatened with excommunication by two Mormon bishops for sexual exploration - Clarissa left Mormonism and spent many years as a young adult trying to heal from her Mormon upbringing, and develop her own sense of self-worth and self-empowerment. Today’s episode is about rising strong as an ex-Mormon adult after being deemed “unworthy” and experiencing rejection from one’s conservative Mormon community. Clarissa is also a model, a big fan of scary movies, and does scary movie-themed boudoir shoots. You can find her Instagram account at callmemrskrueger.

Direct download: MormonStories-1297-ClarissaWinterPt4.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

Clarissa Winter is a direct descendant of Brigham Young (on her father’s side) and a Guatemalan Mormon convert (on her mother’s side). Clarissa was raised in Orderville, Utah as a devout Mormon, but during her teenage years began to “fall away” from orthodox Mormonism as she explored her own sexuality and struggled with anxiety, depression, and suicidality. After being labeled by her Mormon peers with terms like “bad,” “slut,” “crazy,” “whore,” “unworthy” - and after being threatened with excommunication by two Mormon bishops for sexual exploration - Clarissa left Mormonism and spent many years as a young adult trying to heal from her Mormon upbringing, and develop her own sense of self-worth and self-empowerment. Today’s episode is about rising strong as an ex-Mormon adult after being deemed “unworthy” and experiencing rejection from one’s conservative Mormon community. Clarissa is also a model, a big fan of scary movies, and does scary movie-themed boudoir shoots. You can find her Instagram account at callmemrskrueger.

Direct download: MormonStories-1296-ClarissaWinterPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:53am MDT

Clarissa Winter is a direct descendant of Brigham Young (on her father’s side) and a Guatemalan Mormon convert (on her mother’s side). Clarissa was raised in Orderville, Utah as a devout Mormon, but during her teenage years began to “fall away” from orthodox Mormonism as she explored her own sexuality and struggled with anxiety, depression, and suicidality. After being labeled by her Mormon peers with terms like “bad,” “slut,” “crazy,” “whore,” “unworthy” - and after being threatened with excommunication by two Mormon bishops for sexual exploration - Clarissa left Mormonism and spent many years as a young adult trying to heal from her Mormon upbringing, and develop her own sense of self-worth and self-empowerment. Today’s episode is about rising strong as an ex-Mormon adult after being deemed “unworthy” and experiencing rejection from one’s conservative Mormon community. Clarissa is also a model, a big fan of scary movies, and does scary movie-themed boudoir shoots. You can find her Instagram account at callmemrskrueger.

Direct download: MormonStories-1295-ClarissaWinterPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:50am MDT

Clarissa Winter is a direct descendant of Brigham Young (on her father’s side) and a Guatemalan Mormon convert (on her mother’s side). Clarissa was raised in Orderville, Utah as a devout Mormon, but during her teenage years began to “fall away” from orthodox Mormonism as she explored her own sexuality and struggled with anxiety, depression, and suicidality. After being labeled by her Mormon peers with terms like “bad,” “slut,” “crazy,” “whore,” “unworthy” - and after being threatened with excommunication by two Mormon bishops for sexual exploration - Clarissa left Mormonism and spent many years as a young adult trying to heal from her Mormon upbringing, and develop her own sense of self-worth and self-empowerment. Today’s episode is about rising strong as an ex-Mormon adult after being deemed “unworthy” and experiencing rejection from one’s conservative Mormon community. Clarissa is also a model, a big fan of scary movies, and does scary movie-themed boudoir shoots. You can find her Instagram account at callmemrskrueger.

Direct download: MormonStories-1294-ClarissaWinterPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:48am MDT

Given the high demand for coaching support right now and the cash crunch being felt by everyone, I am putting together two weekly online Mormon faith transition support groups: one for individuals, and one for couples.

I am limiting the individual group to 8 people, and the couples group to 4 couples.

There are three main benefits to support groups:
1) They are more effective, mostly because you get input/support/ideas/motivation from an entire group.
2) They last longer (1.5 hours/week instead of 1 hour/week).
3) They are cheaper.

Topics for these groups will include:

- Navigating a faith crisis.
- Navigating relationships with believing family and friends.
- Improving mental health.
- Improving marriage/relationships.
- Parenting.
- Building a new, healthy life after a faith crisis.
- Whatever else folks want/need.

I have a Ph.D. in clinical and counseling psychology with 6 years of training in group therapy - and will be moderating these support groups. Margi may join us from time to time, depending on topic.

You will sign up for an automatic, weekly payment. The cost is $40/week/individual, and $80/week/couple. We will establish a regular meeting day/time once the group is filled. We will meet online, viz Zoom.

This is the registration page for the individual group.

https://donorbox.org/mormonfaithtransitiongroup

If you know anyone who might benefit from this group, please spread the word.

Email for any questions at: drjohndehlin@gmail.com

Direct download: OnlineSupportGroups2020.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 12:21pm MDT

For today’s Mormon Stories Podcast episode we interview Ryan Nielsen and Holly Parson Nielsen, who were both raised as devout Mormons in Rexburg, Idaho. After marriage, Ryan worked as full-time BYU-Idaho faculty for twelve years in the Department of Music, while Holly taught middle school art.

Important themes for this episode include:

  • Ryan's perfectionism and guilt/shame as a Mormon youth.
  • Holly's closeted feminism as a Mormon youth and adult.
  • Holly and Ryan learning to listen to their own inner voices, which also involved navigating a religious faith crisis.
  • Navigating BYU-Idaho while one is full time faculty, and in a mixed-faith marriage. This story includes harassment from bishopric over maintaining continuing faculty endorsement (mostly related to Holly’s resignation from the Mormon church.
  • An insider’s view of BYU-Idaho administration, including difficulties dealing with BYU-Idaho executives related to Title IX issues (e.g., sexual misconduct of Mormon ecclesiastical leaders towards BYU-Idaho students and faculty).
  • Navigating and healing from religion-based depression, including suicidality.
  • Deconstructing Mormon literalism and reconstructing a nuanced worldview.
  • Learning to choose love over ideas.
Additional Resources mentioned in the episodes:
  • Ryan's AMAZING faith crisis/transition Reading/Podcast list can be found here, and has also been included below, after the video and audio links.  This is probably the most impressive and thoughtful resources list I've ever seen for Mormon/religious faith transitions.
  • Holly's Art: https://www.artbyholly.com/abstract.html  -- This link goes straight to the art Holly has done related to her faith transition, and her reclamation of motherhood.
  • Ryan's Music: http://www.ryannielsenmusic.com/music -- This link goes straight to the music portion of Ryan's website. Several pieces there are related to my faith transition, including "Prayer for Peace" and "Requiem."
  • Support Ryan!  Ryan has written a 9 movement suite that explores his experience of a faith crisis, through the lens of the life of Elijah Abel.  It's time to get this recorded. Ryan has created a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the project.  Please support this worthy project!
Direct download: MormonStories-1293-RyanHollyHielsenPt7.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 10:42am MDT

For today’s Mormon Stories Podcast episode we interview Ryan Nielsen and Holly Parson Nielsen, who were both raised as devout Mormons in Rexburg, Idaho. After marriage, Ryan worked as full-time BYU-Idaho faculty for twelve years in the Department of Music, while Holly taught middle school art.

Important themes for this episode include:

  • Ryan's perfectionism and guilt/shame as a Mormon youth.
  • Holly's closeted feminism as a Mormon youth and adult.
  • Holly and Ryan learning to listen to their own inner voices, which also involved navigating a religious faith crisis.
  • Navigating BYU-Idaho while one is full time faculty, and in a mixed-faith marriage. This story includes harassment from bishopric over maintaining continuing faculty endorsement (mostly related to Holly’s resignation from the Mormon church.
  • An insider’s view of BYU-Idaho administration, including difficulties dealing with BYU-Idaho executives related to Title IX issues (e.g., sexual misconduct of Mormon ecclesiastical leaders towards BYU-Idaho students and faculty).
  • Navigating and healing from religion-based depression, including suicidality.
  • Deconstructing Mormon literalism and reconstructing a nuanced worldview.
  • Learning to choose love over ideas.
Additional Resources mentioned in the episodes:
  • Ryan's AMAZING faith crisis/transition Reading/Podcast list can be found here, and has also been included below, after the video and audio links.  This is probably the most impressive and thoughtful resources list I've ever seen for Mormon/religious faith transitions.
  • Holly's Art: https://www.artbyholly.com/abstract.html  -- This link goes straight to the art Holly has done related to her faith transition, and her reclamation of motherhood.
  • Ryan's Music: http://www.ryannielsenmusic.com/music -- This link goes straight to the music portion of Ryan's website. Several pieces there are related to my faith transition, including "Prayer for Peace" and "Requiem."
  • Support Ryan!  Ryan has written a 9 movement suite that explores his experience of a faith crisis, through the lens of the life of Elijah Abel.  It's time to get this recorded. Ryan has created a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the project.  Please support this worthy project!
Direct download: MormonStories-1292-RyanHollyHielsenPt6.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 10:41am MDT

For today’s Mormon Stories Podcast episode we interview Ryan Nielsen and Holly Parson Nielsen, who were both raised as devout Mormons in Rexburg, Idaho. After marriage, Ryan worked as full-time BYU-Idaho faculty for twelve years in the Department of Music, while Holly taught middle school art.

Important themes for this episode include:

  • Ryan's perfectionism and guilt/shame as a Mormon youth.
  • Holly's closeted feminism as a Mormon youth and adult.
  • Holly and Ryan learning to listen to their own inner voices, which also involved navigating a religious faith crisis.
  • Navigating BYU-Idaho while one is full time faculty, and in a mixed-faith marriage. This story includes harassment from bishopric over maintaining continuing faculty endorsement (mostly related to Holly’s resignation from the Mormon church.
  • An insider’s view of BYU-Idaho administration, including difficulties dealing with BYU-Idaho executives related to Title IX issues (e.g., sexual misconduct of Mormon ecclesiastical leaders towards BYU-Idaho students and faculty).
  • Navigating and healing from religion-based depression, including suicidality.
  • Deconstructing Mormon literalism and reconstructing a nuanced worldview.
  • Learning to choose love over ideas.
Additional Resources mentioned in the episodes:
  • Ryan's AMAZING faith crisis/transition Reading/Podcast list can be found here, and has also been included below, after the video and audio links.  This is probably the most impressive and thoughtful resources list I've ever seen for Mormon/religious faith transitions.
  • Holly's Art: https://www.artbyholly.com/abstract.html  -- This link goes straight to the art Holly has done related to her faith transition, and her reclamation of motherhood.
  • Ryan's Music: http://www.ryannielsenmusic.com/music -- This link goes straight to the music portion of Ryan's website. Several pieces there are related to my faith transition, including "Prayer for Peace" and "Requiem."
  • Support Ryan!  Ryan has written a 9 movement suite that explores his experience of a faith crisis, through the lens of the life of Elijah Abel.  It's time to get this recorded. Ryan has created a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the project.  Please support this worthy project!
Direct download: MormonStories-1291-RyanHollyHielsenPt5.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 10:39am MDT

For today’s Mormon Stories Podcast episode we interview Ryan Nielsen and Holly Parson Nielsen, who were both raised as devout Mormons in Rexburg, Idaho. After marriage, Ryan worked as full-time BYU-Idaho faculty for twelve years in the Department of Music, while Holly taught middle school art.

Important themes for this episode include:

  • Ryan's perfectionism and guilt/shame as a Mormon youth.
  • Holly's closeted feminism as a Mormon youth and adult.
  • Holly and Ryan learning to listen to their own inner voices, which also involved navigating a religious faith crisis.
  • Navigating BYU-Idaho while one is full time faculty, and in a mixed-faith marriage. This story includes harassment from bishopric over maintaining continuing faculty endorsement (mostly related to Holly’s resignation from the Mormon church.
  • An insider’s view of BYU-Idaho administration, including difficulties dealing with BYU-Idaho executives related to Title IX issues (e.g., sexual misconduct of Mormon ecclesiastical leaders towards BYU-Idaho students and faculty).
  • Navigating and healing from religion-based depression, including suicidality.
  • Deconstructing Mormon literalism and reconstructing a nuanced worldview.
  • Learning to choose love over ideas.
Additional Resources mentioned in the episodes:
  • Ryan's AMAZING faith crisis/transition Reading/Podcast list can be found here, and has also been included below, after the video and audio links.  This is probably the most impressive and thoughtful resources list I've ever seen for Mormon/religious faith transitions.
  • Holly's Art: https://www.artbyholly.com/abstract.html  -- This link goes straight to the art Holly has done related to her faith transition, and her reclamation of motherhood.
  • Ryan's Music: http://www.ryannielsenmusic.com/music -- This link goes straight to the music portion of Ryan's website. Several pieces there are related to my faith transition, including "Prayer for Peace" and "Requiem."
  • Support Ryan!  Ryan has written a 9 movement suite that explores his experience of a faith crisis, through the lens of the life of Elijah Abel.  It's time to get this recorded. Ryan has created a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the project.  Please support this worthy project!
Direct download: MormonStories-1290-RyanHollyHielsenPt4.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 10:37am MDT

For today’s Mormon Stories Podcast episode we interview Ryan Nielsen and Holly Parson Nielsen, who were both raised as devout Mormons in Rexburg, Idaho. After marriage, Ryan worked as full-time BYU-Idaho faculty for twelve years in the Department of Music, while Holly taught middle school art.

Important themes for this episode include:

  • Ryan's perfectionism and guilt/shame as a Mormon youth.
  • Holly's closeted feminism as a Mormon youth and adult.
  • Holly and Ryan learning to listen to their own inner voices, which also involved navigating a religious faith crisis.
  • Navigating BYU-Idaho while one is full time faculty, and in a mixed-faith marriage. This story includes harassment from bishopric over maintaining continuing faculty endorsement (mostly related to Holly’s resignation from the Mormon church.
  • An insider’s view of BYU-Idaho administration, including difficulties dealing with BYU-Idaho executives related to Title IX issues (e.g., sexual misconduct of Mormon ecclesiastical leaders towards BYU-Idaho students and faculty).
  • Navigating and healing from religion-based depression, including suicidality.
  • Deconstructing Mormon literalism and reconstructing a nuanced worldview.
  • Learning to choose love over ideas.
Additional Resources mentioned in the episodes:
  • Ryan's AMAZING faith crisis/transition Reading/Podcast list can be found here, and has also been included below, after the video and audio links.  This is probably the most impressive and thoughtful resources list I've ever seen for Mormon/religious faith transitions.
  • Holly's Art: https://www.artbyholly.com/abstract.html  -- This link goes straight to the art Holly has done related to her faith transition, and her reclamation of motherhood.
  • Ryan's Music: http://www.ryannielsenmusic.com/music -- This link goes straight to the music portion of Ryan's website. Several pieces there are related to my faith transition, including "Prayer for Peace" and "Requiem."
  • Support Ryan!  Ryan has written a 9 movement suite that explores his experience of a faith crisis, through the lens of the life of Elijah Abel.  It's time to get this recorded. Ryan has created a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the project.  Please support this worthy project!
Direct download: MormonStories-1289-RyanHollyHielsenPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 10:35am MDT

For today’s Mormon Stories Podcast episode we interview Ryan Nielsen and Holly Parson Nielsen, who were both raised as devout Mormons in Rexburg, Idaho. After marriage, Ryan worked as full-time BYU-Idaho faculty for twelve years in the Department of Music, while Holly taught middle school art.

Important themes for this episode include:

  • Ryan's perfectionism and guilt/shame as a Mormon youth.
  • Holly's closeted feminism as a Mormon youth and adult.
  • Holly and Ryan learning to listen to their own inner voices, which also involved navigating a religious faith crisis.
  • Navigating BYU-Idaho while one is full time faculty, and in a mixed-faith marriage. This story includes harassment from bishopric over maintaining continuing faculty endorsement (mostly related to Holly’s resignation from the Mormon church.
  • An insider’s view of BYU-Idaho administration, including difficulties dealing with BYU-Idaho executives related to Title IX issues (e.g., sexual misconduct of Mormon ecclesiastical leaders towards BYU-Idaho students and faculty).
  • Navigating and healing from religion-based depression, including suicidality.
  • Deconstructing Mormon literalism and reconstructing a nuanced worldview.
  • Learning to choose love over ideas.
Additional Resources mentioned in the episodes:
  • Ryan's AMAZING faith crisis/transition Reading/Podcast list can be found here, and has also been included below, after the video and audio links.  This is probably the most impressive and thoughtful resources list I've ever seen for Mormon/religious faith transitions.
  • Holly's Art: https://www.artbyholly.com/abstract.html  -- This link goes straight to the art Holly has done related to her faith transition, and her reclamation of motherhood.
  • Ryan's Music: http://www.ryannielsenmusic.com/music -- This link goes straight to the music portion of Ryan's website. Several pieces there are related to my faith transition, including "Prayer for Peace" and "Requiem."
  • Support Ryan!  Ryan has written a 9 movement suite that explores his experience of a faith crisis, through the lens of the life of Elijah Abel.  It's time to get this recorded. Ryan has created a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the project.  Please support this worthy project!
Direct download: MormonStories-1288-RyanHollyHielsenPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 10:34am MDT

For today’s Mormon Stories Podcast episode we interview Ryan Nielsen and Holly Parson Nielsen, who were both raised as devout Mormons in Rexburg, Idaho. After marriage, Ryan worked as full-time BYU-Idaho faculty for twelve years in the Department of Music, while Holly taught middle school art.

Important themes for this episode include:

  • Ryan's perfectionism and guilt/shame as a Mormon youth.
  • Holly's closeted feminism as a Mormon youth and adult.
  • Holly and Ryan learning to listen to their own inner voices, which also involved navigating a religious faith crisis.
  • Navigating BYU-Idaho while one is full time faculty, and in a mixed-faith marriage. This story includes harassment from bishopric over maintaining continuing faculty endorsement (mostly related to Holly’s resignation from the Mormon church.
  • An insider’s view of BYU-Idaho administration, including difficulties dealing with BYU-Idaho executives related to Title IX issues (e.g., sexual misconduct of Mormon ecclesiastical leaders towards BYU-Idaho students and faculty).
  • Navigating and healing from religion-based depression, including suicidality.
  • Deconstructing Mormon literalism and reconstructing a nuanced worldview.
  • Learning to choose love over ideas.
Additional Resources mentioned in the episodes:
  • Ryan's AMAZING faith crisis/transition Reading/Podcast list can be found here, and has also been included below, after the video and audio links.  This is probably the most impressive and thoughtful resources list I've ever seen for Mormon/religious faith transitions.
  • Holly's Art: https://www.artbyholly.com/abstract.html  -- This link goes straight to the art Holly has done related to her faith transition, and her reclamation of motherhood.
  • Ryan's Music: http://www.ryannielsenmusic.com/music -- This link goes straight to the music portion of Ryan's website. Several pieces there are related to my faith transition, including "Prayer for Peace" and "Requiem."
  • Support Ryan!  Ryan has written a 9 movement suite that explores his experience of a faith crisis, through the lens of the life of Elijah Abel.  It's time to get this recorded. Ryan has created a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the project.  Please support this worthy project!
Direct download: MormonStories-1287-RyanHollyHielsenPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 10:32am MDT

The “THRIVING after Mormonism” project is an effort to profile thriving post-Mormons and progressive Mormons with the intent of providing tips, tricks, inspiration, and hope to those who are questioning and/or leaving Mormonism.

If you are a newly questioning/doubting Mormon, we want you to know know that:

- You are not crazy.
- You are not alone.
- You should not be afraid to doubt/question Mormonism.
- You CAN find healing, joy, and growth beyond orthodox Mormonism.

It is also a way for you to “bear testimony” of your truths and life choices as they stand today.

WHO: I am looking for a set of 100 post-Mormons and progressive Mormons to interview on Mormon Stories Podcast who would consider themselves to be thriving after leaving Mormonism (or Mormon orthodoxy). Not flawless….not perfect…..just thriving. When I say thriving, I mean overall healthier and happier than when you were active in the church.

HOW: I have put together 20 questions for THRIVING post-Mormons and progressive Mormons to reflect upon, and to answer. I have had numerous people tell me that the simple process of reflecting upon and answering these questions has been deeply therapeutic for them. Some have even wept joyful or grief-filled tears as they’ve gone through the process of answering the questions.

I hope to release at least a few profiles a week over the next 6-12 months.

Candidates for future Mormon Stories Podcast episodes will be culled from these profiles.

I hope to include these profiles in an upcoming book that I hope to write entitled: THRIVING: The Gift of the Mormon Faith Crisis.

Please submit your questions/answers if you are able/willing to do so!!!! I know that this project is going to help many people.

Direct download: MormonStories-THRIVEProfiles.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 3:27pm MDT

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