Mormon Stories - LDS

Join us as we sit down with John Hamer, historian of the Latter-day Saint movement and a Seventy in the Community of Christ to try to understand some of the basics of Mormon Origins. In this first episode of the series, we will look at the Smith family's folk magic and folk religious background in context.

Direct download: MormonStories-1009-FolkMagicPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

Join us as we sit down with John Hamer, historian of the Latter-day Saint movement and a Seventy in the Community of Christ to try to understand some of the basics of Mormon Origins. In this first episode of the series, we will look at the Smith family's folk magic and folk religious background in context.

Direct download: MormonStories-1008-FolkMagicPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

In this jointly-released production of Mormon Mental Health Podcast, Mormon Sex Info Podcast, and Mormon Stories Podcast, Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Dr. John Dehlin about his research regarding LGBT Reparative Therapy in a Mormon context.

During this conversation, John discusses why he decided to pursue his studies on this topic with his colleague Dr. William Bradshaw—to cut through the talk, rumor, and debate on the success rates of reparative therapy by compiling actual data on the subject.

Join us as we learn important insights from the study, including:

  • Are attempts to change sexual orientation effective and/or damaging?
  • How do LGBTQ Mormons navigate their identity?
  • What decisions lead to optimal health/well-being for LGBTQ Mormons and former Mormons? 
Direct download: MormonStories-1007-ReparativeTherapyHarm.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

On this edition of Mormon Stories Podcast, we are honored to interview award-winning documentary filmmaker Helen Whitney about her life as a documentary filmmaker, her work on the 2007 PBS documentary "The Mormons," and her new film about mortality entitled "Into the Night."

In Part 1, we discover that throughout her career, she has maintained a deep interest in spiritual journeys, which she first explored with her documentary The Monastery, a 90-minute ABC special, about the oldest Trappist community in the Americas. Helen followed this film with a three-hour Frontline documentary for PBS, John Paul II: The Millennial Pope, and in 2007 she produced The Mormons, a four-hour PBS series that explored the richness, complexities and controversies surrounding the Mormon faith. Following the Sept. 11 attacks, she produced Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero, a two-hour documentary that examined how religious belief – and unbelief – of Americans was challenged and altered by the spiritual aftershocks of 9/11.

In Part 2, Helen shares intimate details about the making of the highly-impactful documentary "The Mormons." She also provides her non-Mormon perspective of the faith and many anecdotal interactions with LDS General Authorities including Boyd K. Packer, Jeffrey R. Holland, and Gordon B. Hinckley that our listeners will find very intriguing.

In Part 3 we learn about her new project, Into the Night: Portraits of Life and Death, a two-hour feature documentary, featuring fascinating, unexpected voices from various walks of life: old and young, believers and nonbelievers, the dying and the healthy, well known and obscure. However varied their backgrounds, all are unified by their uncommon eloquence and intelligence, and most important by their dramatic experience of death. Into the Nightis a two-part documentary, with Part 1 available now for streaming on Hulu and for rent on Youtube.

Direct download: MormonStories-1006-HelenWhitneyPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

On this edition of Mormon Stories Podcast, we are honored to interview award-winning documentary filmmaker Helen Whitney about her life as a documentary filmmaker, her work on the 2007 PBS documentary "The Mormons," and her new film about mortality entitled "Into the Night."

In Part 1, we discover that throughout her career, she has maintained a deep interest in spiritual journeys, which she first explored with her documentary The Monastery, a 90-minute ABC special, about the oldest Trappist community in the Americas. Helen followed this film with a three-hour Frontline documentary for PBS, John Paul II: The Millennial Pope, and in 2007 she produced The Mormons, a four-hour PBS series that explored the richness, complexities and controversies surrounding the Mormon faith. Following the Sept. 11 attacks, she produced Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero, a two-hour documentary that examined how religious belief – and unbelief – of Americans was challenged and altered by the spiritual aftershocks of 9/11.

In Part 2, Helen shares intimate details about the making of the highly-impactful documentary "The Mormons." She also provides her non-Mormon perspective of the faith and many anecdotal interactions with LDS General Authorities including Boyd K. Packer, Jeffrey R. Holland, and Gordon B. Hinckley that our listeners will find very intriguing.

In Part 3 we learn about her new project, Into the Night: Portraits of Life and Death, a two-hour feature documentary, featuring fascinating, unexpected voices from various walks of life: old and young, believers and nonbelievers, the dying and the healthy, well known and obscure. However varied their backgrounds, all are unified by their uncommon eloquence and intelligence, and most important by their dramatic experience of death. Into the Nightis a two-part documentary, with Part 1 available now for streaming on Hulu and for rent on Youtube.

Direct download: MormonStories-1005-HelenWhitneyPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

On this edition of Mormon Stories Podcast, we are honored to interview award-winning documentary filmmaker Helen Whitney about her life as a documentary filmmaker, her work on the 2007 PBS documentary "The Mormons," and her new film about mortality entitled "Into the Night."

In Part 1, we discover that throughout her career, she has maintained a deep interest in spiritual journeys, which she first explored with her documentary The Monastery, a 90-minute ABC special, about the oldest Trappist community in the Americas. Helen followed this film with a three-hour Frontline documentary for PBS, John Paul II: The Millennial Pope, and in 2007 she produced The Mormons, a four-hour PBS series that explored the richness, complexities and controversies surrounding the Mormon faith. Following the Sept. 11 attacks, she produced Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero, a two-hour documentary that examined how religious belief – and unbelief – of Americans was challenged and altered by the spiritual aftershocks of 9/11.

In Part 2, Helen shares intimate details about the making of the highly-impactful documentary "The Mormons." She also provides her non-Mormon perspective of the faith and many anecdotal interactions with LDS General Authorities including Boyd K. Packer, Jeffrey R. Holland, and Gordon B. Hinckley that our listeners will find very intriguing.

In Part 3 we learn about her new project, Into the Night: Portraits of Life and Death, a two-hour feature documentary, featuring fascinating, unexpected voices from various walks of life: old and young, believers and nonbelievers, the dying and the healthy, well known and obscure. However varied their backgrounds, all are unified by their uncommon eloquence and intelligence, and most important by their dramatic experience of death. Into the Nightis a two-part documentary, with Part 1 available now for streaming on Hulu and for rent on Youtube.

Direct download: MormonStories-1004-HelenWhitneyPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Today on Mormon Stories Podcast we are interviewing Dr. Frank Turek—a Christian apologist, author, and speaker with Cross Examined and Dr. Mike Licona—a New Testament professor/scholar at Houston Baptist University. Both are highly sought after around the world for their efforts to provide scholarly and intellectual evidence that the Bible is true.

Today's episode will focus on making a scholarly case for belief in Christianity, including a response to our previous interview with Dr. Bart D. Ehrman. In this interview, we will attempt to address some of the same questions as we did with Dr. Ehrman, including:

  1. Did the historical figure we know as Jesus actually exist?
  2. How did the historical figure Jesus come to be viewed as divine/the Son of God?
  3. Who wrote the New Testament?
  4. Do important contradictions exist between the four gospels of the New Testament, and what does that tell us?
  5. How was the New Testament assembled?
  6. What are their thoughts on the historicity of the Book of Mormon and Mormonism as an authentic Christian denomination?

...and more.

Direct download: MormonStories-1003-DefendingChristianityPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

Today on Mormon Stories Podcast we are interviewing Dr. Frank Turek—a Christian apologist, author, and speaker with Cross Examined and Dr. Mike Licona—a New Testament professor/scholar at Houston Baptist University. Both are highly sought after around the world for their efforts to provide scholarly and intellectual evidence that the Bible is true.

Today's episode will focus on making a scholarly case for belief in Christianity, including a response to our previous interview with Dr. Bart D. Ehrman. In this interview, we will attempt to address some of the same questions as we did with Dr. Ehrman, including:

  1. Did the historical figure we know as Jesus actually exist?
  2. How did the historical figure Jesus come to be viewed as divine/the Son of God?
  3. Who wrote the New Testament?
  4. Do important contradictions exist between the four gospels of the New Testament, and what does that tell us?
  5. How was the New Testament assembled?
  6. What are their thoughts on the historicity of the Book of Mormon and Mormonism as an authentic Christian denomination?

...and more.

Direct download: MormonStories-1002-DefendingChristianityPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Here it is! Episode 1,000 of Mormon Stories Podcast!! Today we re-interview professional dancer, choreographer, and actor Benji Schwimmer - 13-time undefeated US Open Swing Dance Champion. This episode is jam-packed with good stuff, including:

1) Benji’s professional life since winning Season 2 of So You Think You Can Dance, which includes appearing on Dancing with the Stars, dancing with Paula Abdul and Christina Aguilera, choreographing Olympic figure skaters, and appearing in the upcoming Quentin Tarantino movie entitled “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” starring Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, and Al Pacino.
2) Benji’s journey to find love, health, and happiness including very candid discussions about navigating sexuality, “masculinity,” and his struggles with heterosexism/body image issues as a gay ex-Mormon man.
3) A deeply moving story about Benji’s return to the site of his LDS mission in Oaxaca, Mexico.
4) Benji’s sharp criticism of how the Mormon church has handled LGBTQ issues since his previous Mormon Stories interview, as they continue to advocate for celibacy and mixed-orientation marriages for LGBTQ members. He also discusses the hypocrisy, deceit, and damage he has witnessed in the LDS NorthStar community, and with the spokespeople the Mormon church uses on the mormonandgay website.
5) We conclude with Benji’s current philosophy for living a healthy, happy life, including his thoughts/feelings about facing the mortality of his beloved father.

Please join us for a funny, fascinating, and deeply moving interview.

WARNING: Adult language and sexually explicit language - viewer/listener discretion is advised.

https://www.mormonstories.org/podcast/benji-schwimmer-life-after/

Direct download: MormonStories-1001-BenjiPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 7:48am MDT

Here it is! Episode 1,000 of Mormon Stories Podcast!! Today we re-interview professional dancer, choreographer, and actor Benji Schwimmer - 13-time undefeated US Open Swing Dance Champion. This episode is jam-packed with good stuff, including:

1) Benji’s professional life since winning Season 2 of So You Think You Can Dance, which includes appearing on Dancing with the Stars, dancing with Paula Abdul and Christina Aguilera, choreographing Olympic figure skaters, and appearing in the upcoming Quentin Tarantino movie entitled “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” starring Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, and Al Pacino.
2) Benji’s journey to find love, health, and happiness including very candid discussions about navigating sexuality, “masculinity,” and his struggles with heterosexism/body image issues as a gay ex-Mormon man.
3) A deeply moving story about Benji’s return to the site of his LDS mission in Oaxaca, Mexico.
4) Benji’s sharp criticism of how the Mormon church has handled LGBTQ issues since his previous Mormon Stories interview, as they continue to advocate for celibacy and mixed-orientation marriages for LGBTQ members. He also discusses the hypocrisy, deceit, and damage he has witnessed in the LDS NorthStar community, and with the spokespeople the Mormon church uses on the mormonandgay website.
5) We conclude with Benji’s current philosophy for living a healthy, happy life, including his thoughts/feelings about facing the mortality of his beloved father.

Please join us for a funny, fascinating, and deeply moving interview.

WARNING: Adult language and sexually explicit language - viewer/listener discretion is advised.

https://www.mormonstories.org/podcast/benji-schwimmer-life-after/

Direct download: MormonStories-1000-BenjiPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 7:47am MDT

Join us for this important and time-sensitive edition of Mormon Stories Podcast as we interview Idahoan, Dusty Johns. In Part 1 of this interview, Dusty shares his experience growing up as a gay and closeted Mormon and at times being the only active member of his family. Before becoming a missionary, he covenanted with God that if he served an honorable full-time mission that his sexual orientation would change. Upon returning from his mission to England and quickly marrying, a few months into his marriage he realized that he was unable to connect with his wife in a manner that a man and woman should. Though the marriage did not last, it did produce two boys who Dusty treasures and shares parenting responsibilities with their mother. Dusty began to be involved with LDS-affiliated groups that attempt to diminish "same-sex attraction" and overcome homosexual behavior, but quickly saw that many program attendees were either acting hypocritically or living seemingly miserable lives as celibate Mormons. After experiencing medical complications that almost ended his life, his devotion to the LDS Church and God became cemented and he decided that he could be both an active Mormon, and create a family with someone that he truly loved.

In Part 2 of this interview, we learn how Dusty met his husband and how the two have formed a loving family unit with Dusty's two boys. The family was quickly accepted by their local Idahoan ward, including their ward and stake leadership. Dusty tells us that recently his local leadership was directed by LDS Church authorities in Salt Lake City to initiate disciplinary proceedings because of his same-sex marriage. After receiving a letter in the mail indicating such, Dusty forwarded the letter to Mormon Stories Podcast and 6 hours after the letter was posted publicly, his stake leadership was asked to postpone the disciplinary council until after General Conference, as directed by the church's PR department.  As of today, Dusty's council meeting is now set to take place October 16th.

Direct download: MormonStories-999-DustyJohnsPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 4:30am MDT

Join us for this important and time-sensitive edition of Mormon Stories Podcast as we interview Idahoan, Dusty Johns. In Part 1 of this interview, Dusty shares his experience growing up as a gay and closeted Mormon and at times being the only active member of his family. Before becoming a missionary, he covenanted with God that if he served an honorable full-time mission that his sexual orientation would change. Upon returning from his mission to England and quickly marrying, a few months into his marriage he realized that he was unable to connect with his wife in a manner that a man and woman should. Though the marriage did not last, it did produce two boys who Dusty treasures and shares parenting responsibilities with their mother. Dusty began to be involved with LDS-affiliated groups that attempt to diminish "same-sex attraction" and overcome homosexual behavior, but quickly saw that many program attendees were either acting hypocritically or living seemingly miserable lives as celibate Mormons. After experiencing medical complications that almost ended his life, his devotion to the LDS Church and God became cemented and he decided that he could be both an active Mormon, and create a family with someone that he truly loved.

In Part 2 of this interview, we learn how Dusty met his husband and how the two have formed a loving family unit with Dusty's two boys. The family was quickly accepted by their local Idahoan ward, including their ward and stake leadership. Dusty tells us that recently his local leadership was directed by LDS Church authorities in Salt Lake City to initiate disciplinary proceedings because of his same-sex marriage. After receiving a letter in the mail indicating such, Dusty forwarded the letter to Mormon Stories Podcast and 6 hours after the letter was posted publicly, his stake leadership was asked to postpone the disciplinary council until after General Conference, as directed by the church's PR department.  As of today, Dusty's council meeting is now set to take place October 16th.

Direct download: MormonStories-998-DustyJohnsPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 4:00am MDT

Today's release is the first in a new series devoted to interviewing prominent historians to gather their evidence-based take on the question, "How did the Mormon Church come to be?"

Kathleen Melonakos's book Secret Combinations: Evidence of Early Mormon Counterfeiting 1800-1847 has created buzz in many online Mormon communities and we are excited to launch our series with Kathleen's expertise and careful research. Her book chronicles the evidence that early Mormon leaders, starting with Joseph Smith Sr., dealt in counterfeit money beginning in Vermont, and continuing throughout Joseph and Hyrum's careers. It places the Smith brothers in the early American context where counterfeiting networks and some of their CEO-like bosses posed as preachers. It is the only book of its kind that uncovers the problems counterfeiters caused in early America and what really happened before, during and after the Book of Mormon appeared on the scene. Her book is both fact-based and fast moving, supported by more than 1400 footnotes and over 100 photos and illustrations. It is also based on nearly 10 years of research, conducted in Vermont, New York, Illinois, Missouri, and Utah.

In this interview, Kathleen attempts to provide the historical context for the life of the Smith family and the founding of the LDS Church. In particular, we focus on the counterfeiting culture of the time period (Part 1), treasure digging as a practice (Part 2), the origins of the Book of Mormon (Part 3), and finally we delve into how her research and work influences Kathleen's personal beliefs (Part 4).

Direct download: MormonStories-997-MelonakosPt4.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:30am MDT

Today's release is the first in a new series devoted to interviewing prominent historians to gather their evidence-based take on the question, "How did the Mormon Church come to be?"

Kathleen Melonakos's book Secret Combinations: Evidence of Early Mormon Counterfeiting 1800-1847 has created buzz in many online Mormon communities and we are excited to launch our series with Kathleen's expertise and careful research. Her book chronicles the evidence that early Mormon leaders, starting with Joseph Smith Sr., dealt in counterfeit money beginning in Vermont, and continuing throughout Joseph and Hyrum's careers. It places the Smith brothers in the early American context where counterfeiting networks and some of their CEO-like bosses posed as preachers. It is the only book of its kind that uncovers the problems counterfeiters caused in early America and what really happened before, during and after the Book of Mormon appeared on the scene. Her book is both fact-based and fast moving, supported by more than 1400 footnotes and over 100 photos and illustrations. It is also based on nearly 10 years of research, conducted in Vermont, New York, Illinois, Missouri, and Utah.

In this interview, Kathleen attempts to provide the historical context for the life of the Smith family and the founding of the LDS Church. In particular, we focus on the counterfeiting culture of the time period (Part 1), treasure digging as a practice (Part 2), the origins of the Book of Mormon (Part 3), and finally we delve into how her research and work influences Kathleen's personal beliefs (Part 4).

Direct download: MormonStories-996-MelonakosPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

Today's release is the first in a new series devoted to interviewing prominent historians to gather their evidence-based take on the question, "How did the Mormon Church come to be?"

Kathleen Melonakos's book Secret Combinations: Evidence of Early Mormon Counterfeiting 1800-1847 has created buzz in many online Mormon communities and we are excited to launch our series with Kathleen's expertise and careful research. Her book chronicles the evidence that early Mormon leaders, starting with Joseph Smith Sr., dealt in counterfeit money beginning in Vermont, and continuing throughout Joseph and Hyrum's careers. It places the Smith brothers in the early American context where counterfeiting networks and some of their CEO-like bosses posed as preachers. It is the only book of its kind that uncovers the problems counterfeiters caused in early America and what really happened before, during and after the Book of Mormon appeared on the scene. Her book is both fact-based and fast moving, supported by more than 1400 footnotes and over 100 photos and illustrations. It is also based on nearly 10 years of research, conducted in Vermont, New York, Illinois, Missouri, and Utah.

In this interview, Kathleen attempts to provide the historical context for the life of the Smith family and the founding of the LDS Church. In particular, we focus on the counterfeiting culture of the time period (Part 1), treasure digging as a practice (Part 2), the origins of the Book of Mormon (Part 3), and finally we delve into how her research and work influences Kathleen's personal beliefs (Part 4).

Direct download: MormonStories-995-MelonakosPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

Today's release is the first in a new series devoted to interviewing prominent historians to gather their evidence-based take on the question, "How did the Mormon Church come to be?"

Kathleen Melonakos's book Secret Combinations: Evidence of Early Mormon Counterfeiting 1800-1847 has created buzz in many online Mormon communities and we are excited to launch our series with Kathleen's expertise and careful research. Her book chronicles the evidence that early Mormon leaders, starting with Joseph Smith Sr., dealt in counterfeit money beginning in Vermont, and continuing throughout Joseph and Hyrum's careers. It places the Smith brothers in the early American context where counterfeiting networks and some of their CEO-like bosses posed as preachers. It is the only book of its kind that uncovers the problems counterfeiters caused in early America and what really happened before, during and after the Book of Mormon appeared on the scene. Her book is both fact-based and fast moving, supported by more than 1400 footnotes and over 100 photos and illustrations. It is also based on nearly 10 years of research, conducted in Vermont, New York, Illinois, Missouri, and Utah.

In this interview, Kathleen attempts to provide the historical context for the life of the Smith family and the founding of the LDS Church. In particular, we focus on the counterfeiting culture of the time period (Part 1), treasure digging as a practice (Part 2), the origins of the Book of Mormon (Part 3), and finally we delve into how her research and work influences Kathleen's personal beliefs (Part 4).

Direct download: MormonStories-994-MelonakosPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Join us as we begin a new series on instances where the LDS Church protects alleged abusers instead of advocating for their victims.

Trigger warning: This interview discusses sexual assault. Please practice self care, and use discretion regarding who else listens in.

In Part 1 of this interview, Jared shares how he was allegedly sexually abused as a young boy by his uncle and how these experiences formed the basis for his most vivid memories. Jared also talks about the guilt and shame he carried from those experiences throughout his youth and through his LDS mission. As Jared progresses through life, he feels he has forgiven his uncle and was ready to move on, until his uncle was called as a bishop and given stewardship over a ward, including children.  Feeling pressure to say something, Jared finally told his wife Juli of the abuse he suffered decades earlier.

In Part 2 of this interview, Jared and Juli discuss multiple meetings and interactions with LDS Church leaders including multiple stake presidents and bishops, and a private meeting with Elder Steven O. Laing of the Seventy (recorded by Jared and Juli and presented as Part 3 of this interview) to warn them of his uncle’s alleged history of abuse. During this meeting, both Jared and Juli were still true believing members, but now regard the inaction taken by their priesthood leaders and instead focusing on their personal faith as a major tipping point for their testimonies. As of today, Jared’s uncle remains bishop in a northern Utah ward.

Direct download: MormonStories-993-EgleyPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

Join us as we begin a new series on instances where the LDS Church protects alleged abusers instead of advocating for their victims.

Trigger warning: This interview discusses sexual assault. Please practice self care, and use discretion regarding who else listens in.

In Part 1 of this interview, Jared shares how he was allegedly sexually abused as a young boy by his uncle and how these experiences formed the basis for his most vivid memories. Jared also talks about the guilt and shame he carried from those experiences throughout his youth and through his LDS mission. As Jared progresses through life, he feels he has forgiven his uncle and was ready to move on, until his uncle was called as a bishop and given stewardship over a ward, including children.  Feeling pressure to say something, Jared finally told his wife Juli of the abuse he suffered decades earlier.

In Part 2 of this interview, Jared and Juli discuss multiple meetings and interactions with LDS Church leaders including multiple stake presidents and bishops, and a private meeting with Elder Steven O. Laing of the Seventy (recorded by Jared and Juli and presented as Part 3 of this interview) to warn them of his uncle’s alleged history of abuse. During this meeting, both Jared and Juli were still true believing members, but now regard the inaction taken by their priesthood leaders and instead focusing on their personal faith as a major tipping point for their testimonies. As of today, Jared’s uncle remains bishop in a northern Utah ward.

Direct download: MormonStories-992-EgleyPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

Join us as we begin a new series on instances where the LDS Church protects alleged abusers instead of advocating for their victims.

Trigger warning: This interview discusses sexual assault. Please practice self care, and use discretion regarding who else listens in.

In Part 1 of this interview, Jared shares how he was allegedly sexually abused as a young boy by his uncle and how these experiences formed the basis for his most vivid memories. Jared also talks about the guilt and shame he carried from those experiences throughout his youth and through his LDS mission. As Jared progresses through life, he feels he has forgiven his uncle and was ready to move on, until his uncle was called as a bishop and given stewardship over a ward, including children.  Feeling pressure to say something, Jared finally told his wife Juli of the abuse he suffered decades earlier.

In Part 2 of this interview, Jared and Juli discuss multiple meetings and interactions with LDS Church leaders including multiple stake presidents and bishops, and a private meeting with Elder Steven O. Laing of the Seventy (recorded by Jared and Juli and presented as Part 3 of this interview) to warn them of his uncle’s alleged history of abuse. During this meeting, both Jared and Juli were still true believing members, but now regard the inaction taken by their priesthood leaders and instead focusing on their personal faith as a major tipping point for their testimonies. As of today, Jared’s uncle remains bishop in a northern Utah ward.

Direct download: MormonStories-991-EgleyPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Continuing our series of European Mormon Stories, we visit Switzerland to interview Philipp Gysler to hear his important and fascinating Mormon story.  As a former branch president and member of the Stake High Council, and as a lifelong member from an influential family in the Mormon community, Philipp has a unique perspective on the LDS Church in Switzerland.

These episodes cover topics in Philipp's life such as his experience growing up in the LDS Church, divorce, second marriage, and achieving tremendous business success—but also importantly how he responded to the difficulty of having his faith challenged. These episodes contain great advice from Philipp on how to navigate your own faith journey and also how to include believing family and friends as you forge a new life.

Direct download: MormonStories-990-SwitzerlandPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

Continuing our series of European Mormon Stories, we visit Switzerland to interview Philipp Gysler to hear his important and fascinating Mormon story.  As a former branch president and member of the Stake High Council, and as a lifelong member from an influential family in the Mormon community, Philipp has a unique perspective on the LDS Church in Switzerland.

These episodes cover topics in Philipp's life such as his experience growing up in the LDS Church, divorce, second marriage, and achieving tremendous business success—but also importantly how he responded to the difficulty of having his faith challenged. These episodes contain great advice from Philipp on how to navigate your own faith journey and also how to include believing family and friends as you forge a new life.

Direct download: MormonStories-989-SwitzerlandPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

Continuing our series of European Mormon Stories, we visit Switzerland to interview Philipp Gysler to hear his important and fascinating Mormon story.  As a former branch president and member of the Stake High Council, and as a lifelong member from an influential family in the Mormon community, Philipp has a unique perspective on the LDS Church in Switzerland.

These episodes cover topics in Philipp's life such as his experience growing up in the LDS Church, divorce, second marriage, and achieving tremendous business success—but also importantly how he responded to the difficulty of having his faith challenged. These episodes contain great advice from Philipp on how to navigate your own faith journey and also how to include believing family and friends as you forge a new life.

Direct download: MormonStories-988-SwitzerlandPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Because of a large international presence during our event in Stockholm, Sweden to celebrate and remember the "Swedish Rescue," we challenged our attendees to agree to an interview to represent their country's unique perspective in Mormonism and this panel of Norwegian Mormons rose to the occasion.

Join us as we learn about our panelists, Stein Carlsen, Elisabeth Olsen, Daniel Lillegård, and Runar Strandunique, and their Mormon roots either generationally or as a convert, and how each developed cracks in their faith. We also learn how some of our panelists found faith in other places, or moved away from religion altogether—all while focusing on how the close-knit Mormon community in Norway influenced their journeys.

Direct download: MormonStories-987-NorwayPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

Because of a large international presence during our event in Stockholm, Sweden to celebrate and remember the "Swedish Rescue," we challenged our attendees to agree to an interview to represent their country's unique perspective in Mormonism and this panel of Norwegian Mormons rose to the occasion.

Join us as we learn about our panelists, Stein Carlsen, Elisabeth Olsen, Daniel Lillegård, and Runar Strandunique, and their Mormon roots either generationally or as a convert, and how each developed cracks in their faith. We also learn how some of our panelists found faith in other places, or moved away from religion altogether—all while focusing on how the close-knit Mormon community in Norway influenced their journeys.

Direct download: MormonStories-986-NorwayPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Join us for our highly anticipated follow-up interview with both Hans and Birgitta Mattsson during our recent trip to Sweden to visit with those who attended the original "Swedish Rescue" fireside in November, 2010. Our first interview with Hans and Birgitta was released on July 22, 2013 and is noted as one of our most important releases given Hans' church leadership pedigree as a bishop and stake president in Sweden before serving in the LDS church 3rd Quorum of the Seventy from 2000-2005 in the Europe Central area under LDS Apostle L. Tom Perry, as well as the sincere struggles with testimony that both Hans and Birgitta faced after his release as an Area Authority.

In this two-part interview, we relive both Hans and Birgitta's ascent through the LDS Church, we elaborate for the first time on Hans and Birgitta's experience receiving the Second Anointing (a rarely-talked about temple ordinance reserved for those in the upper echelons of the LDS Church and described in detail during our epic interview with Tom Phillips), and we discuss the motivations for writing the book, "Truth Seeking: The Story of High-Ranking Mormon Leader Hans Mattsson Seeking Sincere Answers From His Church but Instead Finding Contempt, Fear, Doubt ...and Eventually Peace."

Direct download: MormonStories-985-TruthSeekingPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

Join us for our highly anticipated follow-up interview with both Hans and Birgitta Mattsson during our recent trip to Sweden to visit with those who attended the original "Swedish Rescue" fireside in November, 2010. Our first interview with Hans and Birgitta was released on July 22, 2013 and is noted as one of our most important releases given Hans' church leadership pedigree as a bishop and stake president in Sweden before serving in the LDS church 3rd Quorum of the Seventy from 2000-2005 in the Europe Central area under LDS Apostle L. Tom Perry, as well as the sincere struggles with testimony that both Hans and Birgitta faced after his release as an Area Authority.

In this two-part interview, we relive both Hans and Birgitta's ascent through the LDS Church, we elaborate for the first time on Hans and Birgitta's experience receiving the Second Anointing (a rarely-talked about temple ordinance reserved for those in the upper echelons of the LDS Church and described in detail during our epic interview with Tom Phillips), and we discuss the motivations for writing the book, "Truth Seeking: The Story of High-Ranking Mormon Leader Hans Mattsson Seeking Sincere Answers From His Church but Instead Finding Contempt, Fear, Doubt ...and Eventually Peace."

Direct download: MormonStories-984-TruthSeekingPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Please note that the quality of this recording is due to the covert nature in how it was recorded, and has been edited now to eliminate the introductions in Swedish and to optimize volume:

In November 2010, an emergency fireside was held in Stockholm, Sweden by Elder Marlin K. Jensen (Church historian at the time) and Elder Richard Turley (assistant Church historian) to address the faith crisis that ensued among an entire group of members and leaders in Stockholm including a stake president and Hans Mattsson, an Area Authority.

About 25 Swedes attended this fireside including all the local bishops and stake presidents. Those in attendance were those that were knowledgeable about the Church historical issues that were troubling many Swedes. The Swedes formed their own local Mormon Stories group and had over 600 Facebook members. They would openly discuss these issues amongst themselves.

Direct download: MormonStories-983-SwedishRescueAudio.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:51am MDT

In November 2010, an emergency fireside was held in Stockholm Sweden by Elder Marlin K. Jensen (Church historian at the time) and Elder Richard Turley (assistant Church historian) to address the faith crisis that ensued among an entire group of members and leaders in Stockholm, Sweden including a stake president and Hans Mattsson, an Area Authority.

About 25 Swedes attended this fireside including all the local bishops and stake presidents. Those in attendance were those that were knowledgeable about the Church historical issues that were troubling many Swedes. The Swedes formed their own local Mormon Stories group and had over 600 Facebook members. They would openly discuss these issues amongst themselves.

Join us as we visit Sweden and relive the “Swedish Rescue” with a panel (Parts 1 & 2) including Hans Mattsson as well as his co-author of the book, “Truth Seeking: The Story of High-Ranking Mormon Leader Hans Mattsson Seeking Sincere Answers From His Church but Instead Finding Contempt, Fear, Doubt …and Eventually Peace,” as well as a counselor to the District Presidency and former Bishop, and finally a Sunday School teacher who at the time of the Swedish Rescue had doubts about the truth claims of the LDS Church.  In Part 3, we invite our Swedish live audience to approach the microphone and share their unique Scandinavian experiences in the LDS Church.

Direct download: MormonStories-982-SwedishRescuePt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

In November 2010, an emergency fireside was held in Stockholm Sweden by Elder Marlin K. Jensen (Church historian at the time) and Elder Richard Turley (assistant Church historian) to address the faith crisis that ensued among an entire group of members and leaders in Stockholm, Sweden including a stake president and Hans Mattsson, an Area Authority.

About 25 Swedes attended this fireside including all the local bishops and stake presidents. Those in attendance were those that were knowledgeable about the Church historical issues that were troubling many Swedes. The Swedes formed their own local Mormon Stories group and had over 600 Facebook members. They would openly discuss these issues amongst themselves.

Join us as we visit Sweden and relive the “Swedish Rescue” with a panel (Parts 1 & 2) including Hans Mattsson as well as his co-author of the book, “Truth Seeking: The Story of High-Ranking Mormon Leader Hans Mattsson Seeking Sincere Answers From His Church but Instead Finding Contempt, Fear, Doubt …and Eventually Peace,” as well as a counselor to the District Presidency and former Bishop, and finally a Sunday School teacher who at the time of the Swedish Rescue had doubts about the truth claims of the LDS Church.  In Part 3, we invite our Swedish live audience to approach the microphone and share their unique Scandinavian experiences in the LDS Church.

Direct download: MormonStories-981-SwedishRescuePt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

In November 2010, an emergency fireside was held in Stockholm Sweden by Elder Marlin K. Jensen (Church historian at the time) and Elder Richard Turley (assistant Church historian) to address the faith crisis that ensued among an entire group of members and leaders in Stockholm, Sweden including a stake president and Hans Mattsson, an Area Authority.

About 25 Swedes attended this fireside including all the local bishops and stake presidents. Those in attendance were those that were knowledgeable about the Church historical issues that were troubling many Swedes. The Swedes formed their own local Mormon Stories group and had over 600 Facebook members. They would openly discuss these issues amongst themselves.

Join us as we visit Sweden and relive the “Swedish Rescue” with a panel (Parts 1 & 2) including Hans Mattsson as well as his co-author of the book, “Truth Seeking: The Story of High-Ranking Mormon Leader Hans Mattsson Seeking Sincere Answers From His Church but Instead Finding Contempt, Fear, Doubt …and Eventually Peace,” as well as a counselor to the District Presidency and former Bishop, and finally a Sunday School teacher who at the time of the Swedish Rescue had doubts about the truth claims of the LDS Church.  In Part 3, we invite our Swedish live audience to approach the microphone and share their unique Scandinavian experiences in the LDS Church.

Direct download: MormonStories-980-SwedishRescuePt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Join us now on Mormon Stories Podcast as we interview Camille and Maddy about experiencing rape/sexual assault as a Mormon missionary.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses rape and sexual assault. Please practice self care, and use discretion regarding who else listens in.

In these important episodes, we will cover Camille’s sexual assault during her mission to Mexico, Maddy’s sexual assault while on a mission in Bolivia, and how the LDS Church handled the aftermath of these traumatic experiences. Camille and Maddy also share their thoughts on how the LDS Church can improve their handling of sexual assaults and importantly, why they decided to go public with their stories now.

Also discussed throughout these episodes is the missionary cultural belief of obedience to mission rules results in protection from the Lord, even in the most war-torn and violent areas in the world.  We talk about the feeling of invincibility and protection that Camille and Maddy felt before their assaults, and how their sexual assaults affected their faith in both LDS Church leadership, and in God.

Direct download: MormonStories-979-MissionarySexualAssaultPt4.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:30am MDT

Join us now on Mormon Stories Podcast as we interview Camille and Maddy about experiencing rape/sexual assault as a Mormon missionary.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses rape and sexual assault. Please practice self care, and use discretion regarding who else listens in.

In these important episodes, we will cover Camille’s sexual assault during her mission to Mexico, Maddy’s sexual assault while on a mission in Bolivia, and how the LDS Church handled the aftermath of these traumatic experiences. Camille and Maddy also share their thoughts on how the LDS Church can improve their handling of sexual assaults and importantly, why they decided to go public with their stories now.

Also discussed throughout these episodes is the missionary cultural belief of obedience to mission rules results in protection from the Lord, even in the most war-torn and violent areas in the world.  We talk about the feeling of invincibility and protection that Camille and Maddy felt before their assaults, and how their sexual assaults affected their faith in both LDS Church leadership, and in God.

Direct download: MormonStories-978-MissionarySexualAssaultPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

Join us now on Mormon Stories Podcast as we interview Camille and Maddy about experiencing rape/sexual assault as a Mormon missionary.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses rape and sexual assault. Please practice self care, and use discretion regarding who else listens in.

In these important episodes, we will cover Camille’s sexual assault during her mission to Mexico, Maddy’s sexual assault while on a mission in Bolivia, and how the LDS Church handled the aftermath of these traumatic experiences. Camille and Maddy also share their thoughts on how the LDS Church can improve their handling of sexual assaults and importantly, why they decided to go public with their stories now.

Also discussed throughout these episodes is the missionary cultural belief of obedience to mission rules results in protection from the Lord, even in the most war-torn and violent areas in the world.  We talk about the feeling of invincibility and protection that Camille and Maddy felt before their assaults, and how their sexual assaults affected their faith in both LDS Church leadership, and in God.

Direct download: MormonStories-977-MissionarySexualAssaultPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

Join us now on Mormon Stories Podcast as we interview Camille and Maddy about experiencing rape/sexual assault as a Mormon missionary.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses rape and sexual assault. Please practice self care, and use discretion regarding who else listens in.

In these important episodes, we will cover Camille’s sexual assault during her mission to Mexico, Maddy’s sexual assault while on a mission in Bolivia, and how the LDS Church handled the aftermath of these traumatic experiences. Camille and Maddy also share their thoughts on how the LDS Church can improve their handling of sexual assaults and importantly, why they decided to go public with their stories now.

Also discussed throughout these episodes is the missionary cultural belief of obedience to mission rules results in protection from the Lord, even in the most war-torn and violent areas in the world.  We talk about the feeling of invincibility and protection that Camille and Maddy felt before their assaults, and how their sexual assaults affected their faith in both LDS Church leadership, and in God.

Direct download: MormonStories-976-MissionarySexualAssaultPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Jill Searle's story includes:

*Being raised LDS and serving a mission.
*Entering into a mixed-orientation marriage as a lesbian woman.
*Having several children.
*Leaving the church, and finding a committed, long term partner (they were married 5 different times...incredible story).
*Allowing and even supporting her children to remain active/faithful LDS as a lesbian, ex-Mormon woman, all while the church was waging war on committed LGBT relationships.

Katie Searle's story includes:

*Being raised Mormon by an orthodox Mormon father and step-mother, and two lesbian ex-Mormon mothers.
*Marrying her husband, Nathan Williams.
*Co-founding with Nathan a globally successful magazine, Kinfolk.
*Facing the excruciating decision to terminate a pregnancy at 6 months.
*Dealing with the discovery that her husband, Nathan, is gay, while pregnant with their second child.
*Deciding with Nathan to end the marriage.
*Coping with a religious faith crisis through all this.
*Rebuilding a life and raising her daughter, Vi, as an ex-Mormon single mother.

This is an amazing story of responding to tragedy with grace and resilience.

Direct download: MormonStories-975-SearlePt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

Join us now on Mormon Stories Podcast for an incredibly powerful story on dealing with tragedy with resilience and grace. Jill and Katie Searle are a mother/daughter pair.

Jill Searle's story includes:

*Being raised LDS and serving a mission.
*Entering into a mixed-orientation marriage as a lesbian woman.
*Having several children.
*Leaving the church, and finding a committed, long term partner (they were married 5 different times...incredible story).
*Allowing and even supporting her children to remain active/faithful LDS as a lesbian, ex-Mormon woman, all while the church was waging war on committed LGBT relationships.

Katie Searle's story includes:

*Being raised Mormon by an orthodox Mormon father and step-mother, and two lesbian ex-Mormon mothers.
*Marrying her husband, Nathan Williams.
*Co-founding with Nathan a globally successful magazine, Kinfolk.
*Facing the excruciating decision to terminate a pregnancy at 6 months.
*Dealing with the discovery that her husband, Nathan, is gay, while pregnant with their second child.
*Deciding with Nathan to end the marriage.
*Coping with a religious faith crisis through all this.
*Rebuilding a life and raising her daughter, Vi, as an ex-Mormon single mother.

This is an amazing story of responding to tragedy with grace and resilience.

Direct download: MormonStories-974-SearlePt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

BREAKING NEWS! Please join us on Mormon Stories Podcast as we discuss the Mormon Church’s announcement that it plans to excommunicate Sam Young for attempting to Protect LDS Children from sexual abuse. The council is currently scheduled to convene at 6PM on Sunday, September 9 at the Lexington Building in the stake offices in Houston, Texas.

In this episode, we discuss the letter Sam received dated August 28, 2018 and Sam’s initial feelings about the meeting, including his approach and preparation for the disciplinary council.

Direct download: MormonStories-973-SamYoungExcommunication.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 12:41pm MDT

Collette’s incredible journey covers betrayal in her first marriage, genetic illness in two of her children, financial ruin leading to a multi-million dollar business, and advancement through and eventual separation from Mormonism.

Part One: 

Born and raised in Rexburg, Idaho in a devout LDS family, the oldest of 10 children, Collette and her first husband had five children, two of whom were born with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease. At 14 years old, Collette’s daughter passed away after a rejected double lung transplant and medically-induced coma.  Collette describes rushing into her first marriage at a young age because of guilt induced from clergy interviews when she confessed to youthful indiscretions. Her second marriage also ended in divorce.

Part Two: 

After three months of intensive care for her daughter and her second daughter who was also living with CF, Collette had accrued over $1,000,000 in medical bills. Collette describes her first time seeking help from the State Welfare Office. That year, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundationprovided Christmas gifts for Collette’s children.

Collette found great success working with Usana, a new career opportunity that allowed Collette the chance to earn an income from home while taking care of her children. When the company expanded to Australia, Collette moved there for a year with her children. From there, they spent time expanding the market in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Korea.

Collette’s third marriage unfolds like a fascinating movie script. Listen to the interview to hear how Collette and her husband, the love of her life, found each other.

Participation in LDS-led Prop 8 advocacy in California gave Collette the opportunity to exercise her faith and obedience, but standing on California street corners holding pro-Prop 8 banners forced her to question her actions and faith. The “Exclusion Policy” of November 2015 was a final straw for Collette.

Direct download: MormonStories-972-ColletteLarsenPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

Collette’s incredible journey covers betrayal in her first marriage, genetic illness in two of her children, financial ruin leading to a multi-million dollar business, and advancement through and eventual separation from Mormonism.

Part One: 

Born and raised in Rexburg, Idaho in a devout LDS family, the oldest of 10 children, Collette and her first husband had five children, two of whom were born with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease. At 14 years old, Collette’s daughter passed away after a rejected double lung transplant and medically-induced coma.  Collette describes rushing into her first marriage at a young age because of guilt induced from clergy interviews when she confessed to youthful indiscretions. Her second marriage also ended in divorce.

Part Two: 

After three months of intensive care for her daughter and her second daughter who was also living with CF, Collette had accrued over $1,000,000 in medical bills. Collette describes her first time seeking help from the State Welfare Office. That year, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundationprovided Christmas gifts for Collette’s children.

Collette found great success working with Usana, a new career opportunity that allowed Collette the chance to earn an income from home while taking care of her children. When the company expanded to Australia, Collette moved there for a year with her children. From there, they spent time expanding the market in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Korea.

Collette’s third marriage unfolds like a fascinating movie script. Listen to the interview to hear how Collette and her husband, the love of her life, found each other.

Participation in LDS-led Prop 8 advocacy in California gave Collette the opportunity to exercise her faith and obedience, but standing on California street corners holding pro-Prop 8 banners forced her to question her actions and faith. The “Exclusion Policy” of November 2015 was a final straw for Collette.

Direct download: MormonStories-971-ColletteLarsenPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Longtime friend of John and Margi Dehlin, Jeremy Young joins us discuss his pioneer ancestry, faith journey, ventures as an entrepreneur, and wine!Near the conclusion of the interview, we hear about an exciting scripted TV series on Joseph Smith and the founding of the Mormon church that Jeremy is undertaking with John C. Hamer and other brilliant collaborators.

Part One:  Growing up deeply rooted in Mormon culture in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Jeremy felt the pressure to be perfect but realized early in his teen years that he didn't quite fit the mold. From mimicking the edgy "Zestfully Clean" TV commercialin front of his entire high school - to performing magic tricks as an icebreaker for investigators on his mission - Jeremy had a playful approach to life.

Jeremy attributes much of his success in life to the values instilled in him by his Mormon upbringing. Jeremy served a French-speaking LDS mission in Québec, Canada, which he reflects fondly upon. Attending the temple was never a source of feeling the spirit for Jeremy like playing church music on the piano or attending church was.

Part Two:  From climbing the ranks within telemarketing to building Rush Limbaugh's early online store, Jeremy realized great success as a business person. He became a multi-millionaire by the age of 28 with over one hundred employees and multiple ventures under his belt.

After about 6 years of dealing with infertility, Jeremy and his wife Molly adopted their first child through LDS Social Services. Jeremy emotionally recounts the challenging and beautiful experience of growing his family and interacting with the birth mother of his adopted child. "It was a magical experience." In total, the couple now has three children.

German board games became a passion for Jeremy, inspiring him to start a board game company. There, he created the game Settlers of Zarahemla. Jeremy came close to owning the rights to the game Ticket to Ride.

Part Three:  After serving in multiple church callings related to music, Jeremy became the Elders' Quorum President as a young father and husband. Jeremy found three of D. Michael Quinn's booksat his mother-in-law's house. Jeremy describes the cognitive dissonance reading these books cause within him as "jolting." Other influential books in Jeremy's were Newell's Mormon Enigma, Bushman's Rough Stone Rolling, Dawkins' The God Delusion.

Around this time, Jeremy heard of John Dehlin's work and Mormon Stories Podcast but was cautioned to stay away. Living in St. George, Utah at this point, Jeremy was grappling with his emotionally-taxing faith crisis.

In a temple recommend interview, Jeremy's bishop questioned Jeremy's tongue-in-cheek Christmas cards that he would send to hundreds of people, using this to threaten not issuing a recommend.

Living in St. George, Utah was a challenge for Jeremy during his faith journey. Perhaps the last straw that made him move was receiving a gift certificate for a massage. When he went to the massage studio, he was given a massage by a polygamist woman in full garb with a Massage Envy t-shirt over her dress. "We've got to get out of here!" Jeremy told Molly.

Expressing concerns about issues within the church prevented Jeremy from having a temple recommend, which strained relationships between Jeremy and his friends. Transitioning out of the church, what took Jeremy thirteen years, took Molly three days after reading Runnell's CES Letter. Jeremy and Molly's participation in Arizona LDS LGBT & Family/Friends and marching in Pride parades "caused all hell to break loose in the ward" and started untrue rumors that Jeremy is gay. The "November Policy" was a final straw for Jeremy and his family, causing the entire family to resign membership in the church through Quit Mormon.

Jeremy details how he and Molly have evolved as a couple, sought help from others, and have moved from "okay" to "great." John and Jeremy share memories of a trip they took together with their spouses to Tuscany, Italy. There, Jeremy shared with John his love of the craft of wine - which John did not drink. The two discuss the role and risks of incorporating alcohol into life as an ex-Mormon.

Direct download: MormonStories-970-JeremyYoungPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

Longtime friend of John and Margi Dehlin, Jeremy Young joins us discuss his pioneer ancestry, faith journey, ventures as an entrepreneur, and wine!Near the conclusion of the interview, we hear about an exciting scripted TV series on Joseph Smith and the founding of the Mormon church that Jeremy is undertaking with John C. Hamer and other brilliant collaborators.

Part One:  Growing up deeply rooted in Mormon culture in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Jeremy felt the pressure to be perfect but realized early in his teen years that he didn't quite fit the mold. From mimicking the edgy "Zestfully Clean" TV commercialin front of his entire high school - to performing magic tricks as an icebreaker for investigators on his mission - Jeremy had a playful approach to life.

Jeremy attributes much of his success in life to the values instilled in him by his Mormon upbringing. Jeremy served a French-speaking LDS mission in Québec, Canada, which he reflects fondly upon. Attending the temple was never a source of feeling the spirit for Jeremy like playing church music on the piano or attending church was.

Part Two:  From climbing the ranks within telemarketing to building Rush Limbaugh's early online store, Jeremy realized great success as a business person. He became a multi-millionaire by the age of 28 with over one hundred employees and multiple ventures under his belt.

After about 6 years of dealing with infertility, Jeremy and his wife Molly adopted their first child through LDS Social Services. Jeremy emotionally recounts the challenging and beautiful experience of growing his family and interacting with the birth mother of his adopted child. "It was a magical experience." In total, the couple now has three children.

German board games became a passion for Jeremy, inspiring him to start a board game company. There, he created the game Settlers of Zarahemla. Jeremy came close to owning the rights to the game Ticket to Ride.

Part Three:  After serving in multiple church callings related to music, Jeremy became the Elders' Quorum President as a young father and husband. Jeremy found three of D. Michael Quinn's booksat his mother-in-law's house. Jeremy describes the cognitive dissonance reading these books cause within him as "jolting." Other influential books in Jeremy's were Newell's Mormon Enigma, Bushman's Rough Stone Rolling, Dawkins' The God Delusion.

Around this time, Jeremy heard of John Dehlin's work and Mormon Stories Podcast but was cautioned to stay away. Living in St. George, Utah at this point, Jeremy was grappling with his emotionally-taxing faith crisis.

In a temple recommend interview, Jeremy's bishop questioned Jeremy's tongue-in-cheek Christmas cards that he would send to hundreds of people, using this to threaten not issuing a recommend.

Living in St. George, Utah was a challenge for Jeremy during his faith journey. Perhaps the last straw that made him move was receiving a gift certificate for a massage. When he went to the massage studio, he was given a massage by a polygamist woman in full garb with a Massage Envy t-shirt over her dress. "We've got to get out of here!" Jeremy told Molly.

Expressing concerns about issues within the church prevented Jeremy from having a temple recommend, which strained relationships between Jeremy and his friends. Transitioning out of the church, what took Jeremy thirteen years, took Molly three days after reading Runnell's CES Letter. Jeremy and Molly's participation in Arizona LDS LGBT & Family/Friends and marching in Pride parades "caused all hell to break loose in the ward" and started untrue rumors that Jeremy is gay. The "November Policy" was a final straw for Jeremy and his family, causing the entire family to resign membership in the church through Quit Mormon.

Jeremy details how he and Molly have evolved as a couple, sought help from others, and have moved from "okay" to "great." John and Jeremy share memories of a trip they took together with their spouses to Tuscany, Italy. There, Jeremy shared with John his love of the craft of wine - which John did not drink. The two discuss the role and risks of incorporating alcohol into life as an ex-Mormon.

Direct download: MormonStories-969-JeremyYoungPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

Longtime friend of John and Margi Dehlin, Jeremy Young joins us discuss his pioneer ancestry, faith journey, ventures as an entrepreneur, and wine!Near the conclusion of the interview, we hear about an exciting scripted TV series on Joseph Smith and the founding of the Mormon church that Jeremy is undertaking with John C. Hamer and other brilliant collaborators.

Part One:  Growing up deeply rooted in Mormon culture in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Jeremy felt the pressure to be perfect but realized early in his teen years that he didn't quite fit the mold. From mimicking the edgy "Zestfully Clean" TV commercialin front of his entire high school - to performing magic tricks as an icebreaker for investigators on his mission - Jeremy had a playful approach to life.

Jeremy attributes much of his success in life to the values instilled in him by his Mormon upbringing. Jeremy served a French-speaking LDS mission in Québec, Canada, which he reflects fondly upon. Attending the temple was never a source of feeling the spirit for Jeremy like playing church music on the piano or attending church was.

Part Two:  From climbing the ranks within telemarketing to building Rush Limbaugh's early online store, Jeremy realized great success as a business person. He became a multi-millionaire by the age of 28 with over one hundred employees and multiple ventures under his belt.

After about 6 years of dealing with infertility, Jeremy and his wife Molly adopted their first child through LDS Social Services. Jeremy emotionally recounts the challenging and beautiful experience of growing his family and interacting with the birth mother of his adopted child. "It was a magical experience." In total, the couple now has three children.

German board games became a passion for Jeremy, inspiring him to start a board game company. There, he created the game Settlers of Zarahemla. Jeremy came close to owning the rights to the game Ticket to Ride.

Part Three:  After serving in multiple church callings related to music, Jeremy became the Elders' Quorum President as a young father and husband. Jeremy found three of D. Michael Quinn's booksat his mother-in-law's house. Jeremy describes the cognitive dissonance reading these books cause within him as "jolting." Other influential books in Jeremy's were Newell's Mormon Enigma, Bushman's Rough Stone Rolling, Dawkins' The God Delusion.

Around this time, Jeremy heard of John Dehlin's work and Mormon Stories Podcast but was cautioned to stay away. Living in St. George, Utah at this point, Jeremy was grappling with his emotionally-taxing faith crisis.

In a temple recommend interview, Jeremy's bishop questioned Jeremy's tongue-in-cheek Christmas cards that he would send to hundreds of people, using this to threaten not issuing a recommend.

Living in St. George, Utah was a challenge for Jeremy during his faith journey. Perhaps the last straw that made him move was receiving a gift certificate for a massage. When he went to the massage studio, he was given a massage by a polygamist woman in full garb with a Massage Envy t-shirt over her dress. "We've got to get out of here!" Jeremy told Molly.

Expressing concerns about issues within the church prevented Jeremy from having a temple recommend, which strained relationships between Jeremy and his friends. Transitioning out of the church, what took Jeremy thirteen years, took Molly three days after reading Runnell's CES Letter. Jeremy and Molly's participation in Arizona LDS LGBT & Family/Friends and marching in Pride parades "caused all hell to break loose in the ward" and started untrue rumors that Jeremy is gay. The "November Policy" was a final straw for Jeremy and his family, causing the entire family to resign membership in the church through Quit Mormon.

Jeremy details how he and Molly have evolved as a couple, sought help from others, and have moved from "okay" to "great." John and Jeremy share memories of a trip they took together with their spouses to Tuscany, Italy. There, Jeremy shared with John his love of the craft of wine - which John did not drink. The two discuss the role and risks of incorporating alcohol into life as an ex-Mormon.

Direct download: MormonStories-968-JeremyYoungPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

What would cause a sitting Mormon bishop and his wife to lose their testimonies while he is serving as bishop – leading him to resign as bishop? Jeanne and Jason’s story is another in a series of episodes where we interview past Mormon bishops.

The two describe raising their four children in the church, their varied callings, and how inextricable Mormonism was in their marriage and worldview. Jason’s first call to a bishopric was not one he felt ready or spiritual enough for. Moved by the words of President Hinckley to “Forget yourself and go to work,” he accepted and immediately went to work. “He was a good bishop,” affirms Jeanne. Jason “upped his ‘spiritual game’” by eliminating hard rock from his music collection. Jeanne and their children made similar steps to fit the mold.

Once called as Bishop, Jason began reading the LDS Gospel Topics Essays, beginning with “Race and the Priesthood,” which caused him to reflect on 2 Nephi Chapter 5 as well as his own experience teaching individuals in New Zealand. “It shook my confidence in the scriptures. It never occurred to me that prophets could be wrong…in ways that affect people’s lives.” These essays served as the beginning of a series of events that eroded Jason’s testimony.

Jason was further shaken by being invited to interview as a candidate for Stake President, causing him to wonder if such callings were really the result of inspiration or perhaps the leadership were just ordinary people doing the best they could. Expressing these concerns to Jeanne caused her grief, wondering how her husband could still be a good in person if he left the church.

Around this time, Jason found Mormon Stories Podcast, which helped him learn more about challenging issues in the church. Issues for Jason began to mount as he learned about individuals who questioned doctrine and did not receive sufficient answers. Jason goes on to describe what it’s like to remain a Bishop after losing confidence in fellow priesthood leaders. As both of their testimonies crumbled, Jeanne and Jason describe being “heartbroken.”

What does this bishop do as he, his wife, and his family lose their testimonies?

Join us now on Mormon Stories Podcast to hear the full story. You will not find more sensitive and thoughtful people than Jeanne and Jason Booth.

Direct download: MormonStories-967-BoothsPt4.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:30am MDT

What would cause a sitting Mormon bishop and his wife to lose their testimonies while he is serving as bishop – leading him to resign as bishop? Jeanne and Jason’s story is another in a series of episodes where we interview past Mormon bishops.

The two describe raising their four children in the church, their varied callings, and how inextricable Mormonism was in their marriage and worldview. Jason’s first call to a bishopric was not one he felt ready or spiritual enough for. Moved by the words of President Hinckley to “Forget yourself and go to work,” he accepted and immediately went to work. “He was a good bishop,” affirms Jeanne. Jason “upped his ‘spiritual game’” by eliminating hard rock from his music collection. Jeanne and their children made similar steps to fit the mold.

Once called as Bishop, Jason began reading the LDS Gospel Topics Essays, beginning with “Race and the Priesthood,” which caused him to reflect on 2 Nephi Chapter 5 as well as his own experience teaching individuals in New Zealand. “It shook my confidence in the scriptures. It never occurred to me that prophets could be wrong…in ways that affect people’s lives.” These essays served as the beginning of a series of events that eroded Jason’s testimony.

Jason was further shaken by being invited to interview as a candidate for Stake President, causing him to wonder if such callings were really the result of inspiration or perhaps the leadership were just ordinary people doing the best they could. Expressing these concerns to Jeanne caused her grief, wondering how her husband could still be a good in person if he left the church.

Around this time, Jason found Mormon Stories Podcast, which helped him learn more about challenging issues in the church. Issues for Jason began to mount as he learned about individuals who questioned doctrine and did not receive sufficient answers. Jason goes on to describe what it’s like to remain a Bishop after losing confidence in fellow priesthood leaders. As both of their testimonies crumbled, Jeanne and Jason describe being “heartbroken.”

What does this bishop do as he, his wife, and his family lose their testimonies?

Join us now on Mormon Stories Podcast to hear the full story. You will not find more sensitive and thoughtful people than Jeanne and Jason Booth.

Direct download: MormonStories-966-BoothsPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

What would cause a sitting Mormon bishop and his wife to lose their testimonies while he is serving as bishop – leading him to resign as bishop? Jeanne and Jason’s story is another in a series of episodes where we interview past Mormon bishops.

The two describe raising their four children in the church, their varied callings, and how inextricable Mormonism was in their marriage and worldview. Jason’s first call to a bishopric was not one he felt ready or spiritual enough for. Moved by the words of President Hinckley to “Forget yourself and go to work,” he accepted and immediately went to work. “He was a good bishop,” affirms Jeanne. Jason “upped his ‘spiritual game’” by eliminating hard rock from his music collection. Jeanne and their children made similar steps to fit the mold.

Once called as Bishop, Jason began reading the LDS Gospel Topics Essays, beginning with “Race and the Priesthood,” which caused him to reflect on 2 Nephi Chapter 5 as well as his own experience teaching individuals in New Zealand. “It shook my confidence in the scriptures. It never occurred to me that prophets could be wrong…in ways that affect people’s lives.” These essays served as the beginning of a series of events that eroded Jason’s testimony.

Jason was further shaken by being invited to interview as a candidate for Stake President, causing him to wonder if such callings were really the result of inspiration or perhaps the leadership were just ordinary people doing the best they could. Expressing these concerns to Jeanne caused her grief, wondering how her husband could still be a good in person if he left the church.

Around this time, Jason found Mormon Stories Podcast, which helped him learn more about challenging issues in the church. Issues for Jason began to mount as he learned about individuals who questioned doctrine and did not receive sufficient answers. Jason goes on to describe what it’s like to remain a Bishop after losing confidence in fellow priesthood leaders. As both of their testimonies crumbled, Jeanne and Jason describe being “heartbroken.”

What does this bishop do as he, his wife, and his family lose their testimonies?

Join us now on Mormon Stories Podcast to hear the full story. You will not find more sensitive and thoughtful people than Jeanne and Jason Booth.

Direct download: MormonStories-965-BoothsPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

What would cause a sitting Mormon bishop and his wife to lose their testimonies while he is serving as bishop – leading him to resign as bishop? Jeanne and Jason’s story is another in a series of episodes where we interview past Mormon bishops.

The two describe raising their four children in the church, their varied callings, and how inextricable Mormonism was in their marriage and worldview. Jason’s first call to a bishopric was not one he felt ready or spiritual enough for. Moved by the words of President Hinckley to “Forget yourself and go to work,” he accepted and immediately went to work. “He was a good bishop,” affirms Jeanne. Jason “upped his ‘spiritual game’” by eliminating hard rock from his music collection. Jeanne and their children made similar steps to fit the mold.

Once called as Bishop, Jason began reading the LDS Gospel Topics Essays, beginning with “Race and the Priesthood,” which caused him to reflect on 2 Nephi Chapter 5 as well as his own experience teaching individuals in New Zealand. “It shook my confidence in the scriptures. It never occurred to me that prophets could be wrong…in ways that affect people’s lives.” These essays served as the beginning of a series of events that eroded Jason’s testimony.

Jason was further shaken by being invited to interview as a candidate for Stake President, causing him to wonder if such callings were really the result of inspiration or perhaps the leadership were just ordinary people doing the best they could. Expressing these concerns to Jeanne caused her grief, wondering how her husband could still be a good in person if he left the church.

Around this time, Jason found Mormon Stories Podcast, which helped him learn more about challenging issues in the church. Issues for Jason began to mount as he learned about individuals who questioned doctrine and did not receive sufficient answers. Jason goes on to describe what it’s like to remain a Bishop after losing confidence in fellow priesthood leaders. As both of their testimonies crumbled, Jeanne and Jason describe being “heartbroken.”

What does this bishop do as he, his wife, and his family lose their testimonies?

Join us now on Mormon Stories Podcast to hear the full story. You will not find more sensitive and thoughtful people than Jeanne and Jason Booth.

Direct download: MormonStories-964-BoothsPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Bishop Sam Young is no stranger to Mormon Stories, and in these episodes we meet with Sam again to discuss his decision to escalate his cause to protect LDS children by attempting a 21-day hunger strike and daily spotlight near Temple Square.  We discuss the purpose of Sam’s hunger strike and allow him the opportunity to discuss the effectiveness of his latest actions to end one-on-one interviews between clergy and youth behind closed doors, and in asking questions of a sexual nature.  Sam also discusses the 29 questions he has compiled of questions individuals have been asked behind closed doors of an inappropriate and pornographic nature.  We then ask Sam what his next steps will be if his escalation does not bring about the desired change.

Direct download: MormonStories-963-SamYoungHungerStrikePt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

Bishop Sam Young is no stranger to Mormon Stories, and in these episodes we meet with Sam again to discuss his decision to escalate his cause to protect LDS children by attempting a 21-day hunger strike and daily spotlight near Temple Square.  We discuss the purpose of Sam’s hunger strike and allow him the opportunity to discuss the effectiveness of his latest actions to end one-on-one interviews between clergy and youth behind closed doors, and in asking questions of a sexual nature.  Sam also discusses the 29 questions he has compiled of questions individuals have been asked behind closed doors of an inappropriate and pornographic nature.  We then ask Sam what his next steps will be if his escalation does not bring about the desired change.

Direct download: MormonStories-962-SamYoungHungerStrikePt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

David Eccles Hardy lived as an orthodox Mormon for years, serving as an LDS Bishop and raising his family "in the covenant." While serving as a Mormon bishop, David learned of his son's homosexuality and the difficulty/pain his son experienced being raised in the LDS church as a gay youth.  This experience led David to re-evaluate his faith, and ultimately to resign as bishop. Soon thereafter, David launched a campaign to convince the Mormon church to eliminate several pamphlets for youth and adults that he felt sent damaging messages regarding sexuality.

In a 1999 letter to Boyd K. Packer, David outlined the heartache and damage these publications caused his son and countless others.

In our interview, David outlines his careers in music and law, his interactions with prominent LDS leaders, as well as his involvement in helping to secure Salt Lake City's bid to host the 2002 Winter Olympics. He also treats us to how he would have born his testimony in French as an LDS missionary in France.

Direct download: MormonStories-961-DavidEcclesHardyPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

David Eccles Hardy lived as an orthodox Mormon for years, serving as an LDS Bishop and raising his family "in the covenant." While serving as a Mormon bishop, David learned of his son's homosexuality and the difficulty/pain his son experienced being raised in the LDS church as a gay youth.  This experience led David to re-evaluate his faith, and ultimately to resign as bishop. Soon thereafter, David launched a campaign to convince the Mormon church to eliminate several pamphlets for youth and adults that he felt sent damaging messages regarding sexuality.

In a 1999 letter to Boyd K. Packer, David outlined the heartache and damage these publications caused his son and countless others.

In our interview, David outlines his careers in music and law, his interactions with prominent LDS leaders, as well as his involvement in helping to secure Salt Lake City's bid to host the 2002 Winter Olympics. He also treats us to how he would have born his testimony in French as an LDS missionary in France.

Direct download: MormonStories-960-DavidEcclesHardyPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

David Eccles Hardy lived as an orthodox Mormon for years, serving as an LDS Bishop and raising his family "in the covenant." While serving as a Mormon bishop, David learned of his son's homosexuality and the difficulty/pain his son experienced being raised in the LDS church as a gay youth.  This experience led David to re-evaluate his faith, and ultimately to resign as bishop. Soon thereafter, David launched a campaign to convince the Mormon church to eliminate several pamphlets for youth and adults that he felt sent damaging messages regarding sexuality.

In a 1999 letter to Boyd K. Packer, David outlined the heartache and damage these publications caused his son and countless others.

In our interview, David outlines his careers in music and law, his interactions with prominent LDS leaders, as well as his involvement in helping to secure Salt Lake City's bid to host the 2002 Winter Olympics. He also treats us to how he would have born his testimony in French as an LDS missionary in France.

Direct download: MormonStories-959-DavidEcclesHardyPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

In this edition of Mormon Stories, we visit the Houston, Texas area to interview Emily and Kyle Harris as they recount their 14-year mixed faith journey in their marriage.  We cover:

  • Their backgrounds being raised in the LDS Church, leading up to their marriage while still being believers
  • How Kyle lost his faith in the Church early on in their marriage
  • The process Emily went through for 14 years as she learned to understand and accept Kyle’s lack of faith
  • What mistakes and successes Emily and Kyle experienced as they learned to navigate their mixed-faith marriage
  • What changed in Emily’s life to help them get on the same page
  • How Emily and Kyle arrived at a healthy, happy place in their marriage
Direct download: MormonStories-958-EmilyandKylePt4.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:30am MDT

In this edition of Mormon Stories, we visit the Houston, Texas area to interview Emily and Kyle Harris as they recount their 14-year mixed faith journey in their marriage.  We cover:

  • Their backgrounds being raised in the LDS Church, leading up to their marriage while still being believers
  • How Kyle lost his faith in the Church early on in their marriage
  • The process Emily went through for 14 years as she learned to understand and accept Kyle’s lack of faith
  • What mistakes and successes Emily and Kyle experienced as they learned to navigate their mixed-faith marriage
  • What changed in Emily’s life to help them get on the same page
  • How Emily and Kyle arrived at a healthy, happy place in their marriage
Direct download: MormonStories-957-EmilyandKylePt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

In this edition of Mormon Stories, we visit the Houston, Texas area to interview Emily and Kyle Harris as they recount their 14-year mixed faith journey in their marriage.  We cover:

  • Their backgrounds being raised in the LDS Church, leading up to their marriage while still being believers
  • How Kyle lost his faith in the Church early on in their marriage
  • The process Emily went through for 14 years as she learned to understand and accept Kyle’s lack of faith
  • What mistakes and successes Emily and Kyle experienced as they learned to navigate their mixed-faith marriage
  • What changed in Emily’s life to help them get on the same page
  • How Emily and Kyle arrived at a healthy, happy place in their marriage
Direct download: MormonStories-956-EmilyandKylePt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

In this edition of Mormon Stories, we visit the Houston, Texas area to interview Emily and Kyle Harris as they recount their 14-year mixed faith journey in their marriage.  We cover:

  • Their backgrounds being raised in the LDS Church, leading up to their marriage while still being believers
  • How Kyle lost his faith in the Church early on in their marriage
  • The process Emily went through for 14 years as she learned to understand and accept Kyle’s lack of faith
  • What mistakes and successes Emily and Kyle experienced as they learned to navigate their mixed-faith marriage
  • What changed in Emily’s life to help them get on the same page
  • How Emily and Kyle arrived at a healthy, happy place in their marriage
Direct download: MormonStories-955-EmilyandKylePt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Join us as we interview editors Nancy Ross and Sara Hanks to discuss their anthology, "Where We Must Stand: Ten Years of Feminist Mormon Housewives," an anthology of blog posts from the first decade of the Feminist Mormon Housewives blog, 2004—2014. The posts discuss Mormon women’s experiences of wrestling with feminism in a conservative religious tradition. The book highlights individual moments of reflection and faith while tracking the growth and progress of a larger community and religious social movement. Bloggers and community members moved from writing to activism, witnessed the public excommunication of a community member, mourned, and changed. The Feminist Mormon Housewives blog emerged at a time when the broader Mormon feminist movement was in decline. The bloggers shared their discovery of Mormon feminist history, concerns and fears about polygamy, the difficulty of navigating church and family relationships, losing and finding faith, the worst sex talk that ever happened in a church setting, and the awakening of a broader social consciousness. In doing so, they invited a new generation of women into the movement and helped to rebuild it.

Direct download: MormonStories-954-FMHPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

Join us as we interview editors Nancy Ross and Sara Hanks to discuss their anthology, "Where We Must Stand: Ten Years of Feminist Mormon Housewives," an anthology of blog posts from the first decade of the Feminist Mormon Housewives blog, 2004—2014. The posts discuss Mormon women’s experiences of wrestling with feminism in a conservative religious tradition. The book highlights individual moments of reflection and faith while tracking the growth and progress of a larger community and religious social movement. Bloggers and community members moved from writing to activism, witnessed the public excommunication of a community member, mourned, and changed. The Feminist Mormon Housewives blog emerged at a time when the broader Mormon feminist movement was in decline. The bloggers shared their discovery of Mormon feminist history, concerns and fears about polygamy, the difficulty of navigating church and family relationships, losing and finding faith, the worst sex talk that ever happened in a church setting, and the awakening of a broader social consciousness. In doing so, they invited a new generation of women into the movement and helped to rebuild it.

Direct download: MormonStories-953-FMHPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Join us as we interview key contributors to the documentary “Church and State,” James Huntsman, Holly Tuckett, and Mark Lawrence. 

Mormon Stories is honored to host a private screening of the award-winning documentary “Church and State.” This screening will be held on Wednesday, July 18th, 2018 at 7:00 pm at the Broadway Theater in Salt Lake.

This movie is the improbable story of a brash, inexperienced gay activist and a tiny Salt Lake City law firm that joined forces to topple Utah’s gay marriage ban. The film’s ride on the bumpy road to equality in Utah offers a glimpse at the Mormon church’s influence in state politics and the squabbles inside the gay community that nearly derailed a chance to make history.

Direct download: MormonStories-952-ChurchAndState.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 7:28am MDT

In this episode of Mormon Stories Podcast, we interview Jenny Wilson, Democratic nominee for US Senate, challenging Mitt Romneyfor Orrin Hatch‘s seat in Utah.

We discuss:

  • Jenny's political heritage in the state of Utah
  • Her Mormon upbringing and experience in Utah politics as a non-practicing member of the LDS Church
  • Her views on some of the political issues facing Utahns and Mormons in particular
  • Her experience on the intersection of Utah politics and the LDS Church
  • Thoughts on her opponent and an invitation from Mormon Stories for Mitt Romney to appear on the podcast
Direct download: MormonStories-951-JennyWilsonPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

In this episode of Mormon Stories Podcast, we interview Jenny Wilson, Democratic nominee for US Senate, challenging Mitt Romneyfor Orrin Hatch‘s seat in Utah.

We discuss:

  • Jenny's political heritage in the state of Utah
  • Her Mormon upbringing and experience in Utah politics as a non-practicing member of the LDS Church
  • Her views on some of the political issues facing Utahns and Mormons in particular
  • Her experience on the intersection of Utah politics and the LDS Church
  • Thoughts on her opponent and an invitation from Mormon Stories for Mitt Romney to appear on the podcast
Direct download: MormonStories-950-JennyWilsonPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

On this episode of Mormon News Podcast, John Dehlin, Julienna Viegas, Stephanie Lobrot, and Sharon Price discuss the LDS response to immigrant family separation, the Provo Freedom Festival, the upcoming LDS hymnal, Family Search to include same-sex relationships, and changes to the youth interview policy.

Direct download: 005__Immigrant_Separation_Freedom_F.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 10:53am MDT

Award-winning singer-songwriter Sarah Sample treats us with an interactive interview in front of a live audience in our Mormon Stories studio—sharing with us songs from her new album, Redwing – which explores her faith journey out of Mormonism.

Sarah writes beautiful songs that weave a trail of stories through folk, Americana, and country and have garnered comparisons to Sheryl Crow, The Weepies, and Bonnie Raitt.

Redwing, Sample’s sixth album, features more of her cut-to-the-bone storytelling, framed with empathy and compassion, and told with the best singing of Sample’s career. Produced by Sample’s longtime producer Scott Wiley (Elliott Smith, Bonnie Raitt), Redwing came to life over a few weeks of  sessions at June Audio in Provo, Utah.

Redwing is—among other things and in the grand tradition of albums—a breakup album. But this was no run-of-the-mill romantic heartbreak; Sample’s breakup was spiritual. She left the committed religion of her upbringing (and its by-the-book lifestyle) to chart her own spiritual course, with all the starting over, unmapped question marks, and personal reconstruction that come with it. In the process, she landed in Wyoming where, in her words, “the wide open spaces felt like open arms to me—the endless skies and horizons leave room for anyone to belong.” Redwing tells that story. And more.

Direct download: MormonStories-948-SarahSamplePt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

Award-winning singer-songwriter Sarah Sample treats us with an interactive interview in front of a live audience in our Mormon Stories studio—sharing with us songs from her new album, Redwing – which explores her faith journey out of Mormonism.

Sarah writes beautiful songs that weave a trail of stories through folk, Americana, and country and have garnered comparisons to Sheryl Crow, The Weepies, and Bonnie Raitt.

Redwing, Sample’s sixth album, features more of her cut-to-the-bone storytelling, framed with empathy and compassion, and told with the best singing of Sample’s career. Produced by Sample’s longtime producer Scott Wiley (Elliott Smith, Bonnie Raitt), Redwing came to life over a few weeks of  sessions at June Audio in Provo, Utah.

Redwing is—among other things and in the grand tradition of albums—a breakup album. But this was no run-of-the-mill romantic heartbreak; Sample’s breakup was spiritual. She left the committed religion of her upbringing (and its by-the-book lifestyle) to chart her own spiritual course, with all the starting over, unmapped question marks, and personal reconstruction that come with it. In the process, she landed in Wyoming where, in her words, “the wide open spaces felt like open arms to me—the endless skies and horizons leave room for anyone to belong.” Redwing tells that story. And more.

Direct download: MormonStories-947-SarahSamplePt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

In response to a recent article published in the Deseret News titled “Defending the Faith: The supposed scandal of multiple First Vision accounts” by past Mormon Stories guest Dan Peterson, we assemble an all-star panel to conduct a deep dive into: 1) The multiple and conflicting accounts of Joseph Smith’s first vision, and 2) How the Mormon church and apologists mislead church members about the issue. Our panelists include Sandra Tanner, Mark Crego, Warren Ludlow, and Johnny Stephenson.

Direct download: MormonStories-946-FirstVisionPanelPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

In response to a recent article published in the Deseret News titled “Defending the Faith: The supposed scandal of multiple First Vision accounts” by past Mormon Stories guest Dan Peterson, we assemble an all-star panel to conduct a deep dive into: 1) The multiple and conflicting accounts of Joseph Smith’s first vision, and 2) How the Mormon church and apologists mislead church members about the issue. Our panelists include Sandra Tanner, Mark Crego, Warren Ludlow, and Johnny Stephenson.

Direct download: MormonStories-945-FirstVisionPanelPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

In response to a recent article published in the Deseret News titled “Defending the Faith: The supposed scandal of multiple First Vision accounts” by past Mormon Stories guest Dan Peterson, we assemble an all-star panel to conduct a deep dive into: 1) The multiple and conflicting accounts of Joseph Smith’s first vision, and 2) How the Mormon church and apologists mislead church members about the issue. Our panelists include Sandra Tanner, Mark Crego, Warren Ludlow, and Johnny Stephenson.

Direct download: MormonStories-944-FirstVisionPanelPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

John Dehlin, Julienna Viegas, Sean Carter, and Darron Smith continue discussing last week's LDS BeOne event, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the lifting of the priesthood ban.

Direct download: MNP_004_-_Reactions_to_the_LDS_BeOne_Celebration_Pt.2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:52am MDT

John Dehlin, Julienna Viegas, Sean Carter, and Darron Smith discuss last week's LDS BeOne event, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the lifting of the priesthood ban.

Direct download: MNP_004_-_Reactions_to_the_LDS_BeOne_Celebration_Pt.1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:50am MDT

Described as one of our most raw and moving interviews by our Facebook live audience, this special Pride edition of Mormon Stories is an interview with Jaime and Madeleine Soulé of Utah.  Join us as we discuss:

  • Their upbringing in the LDS Church
  • Meeting and falling in love
  • Their LDS mission woes
  • Eventual marriage and parenthood
  • Losing faith
  • Jaime's transition as a trans woman and learning to manage their queer marriage
Direct download: MormonStories-941-QueerMarriagePt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

Described as one of our most raw and moving interviews by our Facebook live audience, this special Pride edition of Mormon Stories is an interview with Jaime and Madeleine Soulé of Utah.  Join us as we discuss:

  • Their upbringing in the LDS Church
  • Meeting and falling in love
  • Their LDS mission woes
  • Eventual marriage and parenthood
  • Losing faith
  • Jaime's transition as a trans woman and learning to manage their queer marriage
Direct download: MormonStories-940-QueerMarriagePt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

In this episode of Mormon Stories Podcast, we interview the world’s foremost cult expert, Steven Hassan, to discuss what the Mormon church can learn from destructive cults to do/be better. Steven Hassan is the author of several books including “Combating Mind Control: The #1 Best-Selling Guide to Protection, Rescue, and Recovery from Destructive Cults.”

In part 2 of this episode, we solicit the feedback of some of our listeners as we view Mormonism through the lens of Hassan’s BITE Model.

Direct download: MormonStories-939-StevenHassanPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:30am MDT

In this episode of Mormon Stories Podcast, we interview the world’s foremost cult expert, Steven Hassan, to discuss what the Mormon church can learn from destructive cults to do/be better. Steven Hassan is the author of several books including “Combating Mind Control: The #1 Best-Selling Guide to Protection, Rescue, and Recovery from Destructive Cults.”

In part 2 of this episode, we solicit the feedback of some of our listeners as we view Mormonism through the lens of Hassan’s BITE Model.

Direct download: MormonStories-938-StevenHassanPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

___________________________

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

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

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

___________________________

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

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

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

___________________________

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

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

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

___________________________

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

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

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

___________________________

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

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

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

___________________________

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

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

In this interview we cover:

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

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

In this interview we cover:

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

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

In this interview we cover:

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

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

_________________________

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

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

_________________________

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

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

_________________________

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

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

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

________________________

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

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

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

________________________

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

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

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

________________________

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

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

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

________________________

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

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

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

________________________

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

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

__________________________

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

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

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

__________________________

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

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

__________________________

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

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

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

__________________________

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

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

__________________________

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

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

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

__________________________

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We cover:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We cover:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We cover:

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

___________________________

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

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

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

___________________________

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