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

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

From the petition:

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

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

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

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

_______________________________________

Part 1: Interview with Paul and Ann

Part 2: Interview with Anna, Tyler, and Lara

Part 3: Maile, Ryan, and Ryan

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

From the petition:

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

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

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

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

_______________________________________

Part 1: Interview with Paul and Ann

Part 2: Interview with Anna, Tyler, and Lara

Part 3: Maile, Ryan, and Ryan

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

From the petition:

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

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

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

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

_______________________________________

Part 1: Interview with Paul and Ann

Part 2: Interview with Anna, Tyler, and Lara

Part 3: Maile, Ryan, and Ryan

Tova describes how she learned to tell her own story

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

Tova describes her background in Judaism

With Panelists Dan Wotherspoon, Loyd Ericson, and Bert Fuller

With Panelists Dan Wotherspoon, Loyd Ericson, and Bert Fuller

With Panelists Dan Wotherspoon, Loyd Ericson, and Bert Fuller

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

We cover in detail:

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

…and so much more

__________________________

Like what we do?  Please consider becoming a Patron at our newly created Patreon account. This is an option in addition to our regular monthly donation option.  Patrons donate based on the amount of content we produce, at the price of $1 per interview.  Please visit https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories for more details.

__________________________

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

We cover in detail:

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

…and so much more

__________________________

Like what we do?  Please consider becoming a Patron at our newly created Patreon account. This is an option in addition to our regular monthly donation option.  Patrons donate based on the amount of content we produce, at the price of $1 per interview.  Please visit https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories for more details.

__________________________

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

We cover in detail:

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

…and so much more

__________________________

Like what we do?  Please consider becoming a Patron at our newly created Patreon account. This is an option in addition to our regular monthly donation option.  Patrons donate based on the amount of content we produce, at the price of $1 per interview.  Please visit https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories for more details.

__________________________

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

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

Topics for today's podcast include:

*Dan's own faith crisis/transition.

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

*Tips from an expert in overcoming addiction.

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

Topics for today's podcast include:

*Dan's own faith crisis/transition.

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

*Tips from an expert in overcoming addiction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We discuss:

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

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

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

We cover:

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

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

We cover:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

…and many more.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We cover important topics such as:

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

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

We cover important topics such as:

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

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

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

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

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

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

This interview covers:

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

http://www.mormonmentalhealth.org

https://www.symmetrysols.com

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

This interview covers:

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

http://www.mormonmentalhealth.org

https://www.symmetrysols.com

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

This interview covers:

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

http://www.mormonmentalhealth.org

https://www.symmetrysols.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Setting boundaries and expectations when given a calling

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

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

*Advice on how to ethically navigate the temple recommend interview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Her resulting divorce and intense feelings of guilt and shame

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

*Dating and marrying her current husband

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

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

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

*Her own faith transition and hope for the future

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

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

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

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

*Her resulting divorce and intense feelings of guilt and shame

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

*Dating and marrying her current husband

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

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

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

*Her own faith transition and hope for the future

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

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

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

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

*Her resulting divorce and intense feelings of guilt and shame

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

*Dating and marrying her current husband

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

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

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

*Her own faith transition and hope for the future

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

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

Derrick and John answer the difficult questions such as:

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

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

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

Unaware of church “problems”

Unable to leave without massive disruption in their lives

Unempathetic to those the church harms

Staying to improve the church

Genuinely spiritually converted

Motivated to stay for tribal / identity sentiments

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

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

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

These building blocks are:

Values — the foundational layer

Embodiment — the living of those values

Ritual — the framework that integrates those values into your schedule

Tradition — opportunities to celebrate that cement values

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This episode begins our series on “Losing the Lamanites” where we interview people from Central and South America, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders with the intent of exploring their faith transitions—especially their thoughts and feelings on the identity of “Lamanite” being given to them.

Vania Moore was raised in the LDS Church and has recently experienced a faith transition.  In this episode, we explore:

*Vania’s upbringing in the LDS Church and her desire to serve an LDS mission

*Her thoughts about the label of “Lamanite” and how she never felt it applied to her, and why

*The cultural differences of the LDS Church she noticed having been raised in Brazil and then immigrating to Utah

*Her marriage and subsequent divorce

*Immigrating to America in search of a new life for herself and her children

*How her struggle with anxiety and depression immediately subsided after she decided to leave the LDS Church

*Her remarriage to a true-believing member of the LDS Church and how they make their mixed-faith marriage work

*Vania’s YouTube channel where she explores different truth claims of the church

This episode begins our series on “Losing the Lamanites” where we interview people from Central and South America, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders with the intent of exploring their faith transitions—especially their thoughts and feelings on the identity of “Lamanite” being given to them.

Vania Moore was raised in the LDS Church and has recently experienced a faith transition.  In this episode, we explore:

*Vania’s upbringing in the LDS Church and her desire to serve an LDS mission

*Her thoughts about the label of “Lamanite” and how she never felt it applied to her, and why

*The cultural differences of the LDS Church she noticed having been raised in Brazil and then immigrating to Utah

*Her marriage and subsequent divorce

*Immigrating to America in search of a new life for herself and her children

*How her struggle with anxiety and depression immediately subsided after she decided to leave the LDS Church

*Her remarriage to a true-believing member of the LDS Church and how they make their mixed-faith marriage work

*Vania’s YouTube channel where she explores different truth claims of the church

In this episode John Dehlin (OSF Chief Executive Officer, Board Member) and Craig Woodfield (OSF Board Member, Finance Committee Chair) review the successes of the Open Stories Foundation for 2016.  Items discussed include:

• The OSF's longstanding commitment to financial transparency.
• The incredible growth of OSF podcasts in 2016.
• The emergence and success of a new retreats/workshops initiative to support Mormons experiencing a religious transition.
• A review of the newly released financial statements.
• Compensation of OSF staff and OSF podcasters.
• A discussion of the Mormon Transitions project.

SUPER grateful for all the questions submitted by OSF donors and listeners.

Please email any additional questions to: openstoriesboard@gmail.com.

In this episode Margi Dehlin shares an essay she recently wrote named "Broken Open."

Concluding our series on Transgender/Intersex issues within Mormonism, we interview London Flynn.  London discusses her transition from male to female as a post-Mormon teen, including:

*Her desires and behaviors she wanted to take part in as a child, but was not free to express

*Achieving the Eagle Scout award as a teen, but feeling disconnected from the other boys

*Her fears of “coming out” when she began to study the methods others were subjected to as a way to “correct” gender confusion

*The different milestones in her transition and how her family, friends, and institutional leaders have responded

*Her hope and vision of the future

Thank you London for sharing your beautiful story and for helping all of us understand more the transgender experience within Mormonism!

In this episode, John, Margi, and Natasha Helfer Parker discuss guiding principles to maintaining successful relationships

In this episode, John, Margi, and Natasha Helfer Parker discuss forming a foundation for marriage that withstands change

In this episode of Mormon Stories, we continue our series on Transgender/Intersex education within Mormonism by interviewing Alex Autry.  Alex discusses his transition from female to male as a post-Mormon teen, including:

• His early feelings and experiences with gender as a child
• His upbringing in the LDS Church and feelings of disconnection while involved in Young Women’s activities
• The constant desire to receive the Priesthood along with all the other boys
• How his strong and orthodox testimony served as a barrier to confronting his gender identity
• The feelings of relief when his family and schoolmates accepted his identity
• Leaving the LDS Church along with his family
• His beliefs now and his vision for the future

We are grateful to Alex for sharing his unique story and for shining a light on the transgender experience within the Mormon context!

In this episode John and Margi interview four individuals who are transgender and either active LDS or former LDS. Our panelists for this interview are Kimberly, Ann, Emmett, and Augustus. We discuss:

*What it was like growing up in the LDS Church
*What effect bullying and life in the “closet” had on them
*How the panelists see transgender people fitting (or not) into LDS Church doctrine
*“Trans-erasure” in the Church where lesbian, gay, and bisexual identities receive more focus and attention; therefore, transgender issues are less understood
*How they were treated when they attended church as their authentic selves
*Things they would like the Church to address with their transgender members

We thank our panelists for sharing each of their unique stories and for bringing light to the Mormon transgender experience!

Part 4: Kimberly shares the impact her transition had on her Mormon life, and shares her vision of the future

Kimberly Anderson is a self-actualized woman who has made the change from living for 45 years as a Mormon man to living openly as a woman. Before her transition, she lived, worked, and thrived for decades as a spouse, parent of two children, faithful Mormon, professional photographer, and university professor (BYU, UVU, Snow College).

Kimberly has a BA and an MFA from Utah State University, has exhibited widely both nationally and internationally as a professional photographer, and has work in various collections throughout the Intermountain West. She has taught as an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University, Snow College and Utah Valley University. She is the founder/photographer for the Mama Dragons Story Project which was recently featured on Mormon Stories Podcast.

This interview kicks off a 4-part series on Transgender/Intersex education within Mormonism.

Part 3: Kimberly details the sacrifices required when she made the decision to transition

Kimberly Anderson is a self-actualized woman who has made the change from living for 45 years as a Mormon man to living openly as a woman. Before her transition, she lived, worked, and thrived for decades as a spouse, parent of two children, faithful Mormon, professional photographer, and university professor (BYU, UVU, Snow College).

Kimberly has a BA and an MFA from Utah State University, has exhibited widely both nationally and internationally as a professional photographer, and has work in various collections throughout the Intermountain West. She has taught as an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University, Snow College and Utah Valley University. She is the founder/photographer for the Mama Dragons Story Project which was recently featured on Mormon Stories Podcast.

This interview kicks off a 4-part series on Transgender/Intersex education within Mormonism.

Part 2: Kimberly tells about her LDS mission experience, her marriage, and having children

Kimberly Anderson is a self-actualized woman who has made the change from living for 45 years as a Mormon man to living openly as a woman. Before her transition, she lived, worked, and thrived for decades as a spouse, parent of two children, faithful Mormon, professional photographer, and university professor (BYU, UVU, Snow College).

Kimberly has a BA and an MFA from Utah State University, has exhibited widely both nationally and internationally as a professional photographer, and has work in various collections throughout the Intermountain West. She has taught as an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University, Snow College and Utah Valley University. She is the founder/photographer for the Mama Dragons Story Project which was recently featured on Mormon Stories Podcast.

This interview kicks off a 4-part series on Transgender/Intersex education within Mormonism.

Part 1: Kimberly describes her early life as a child and teen raised in the LDS Church

Kimberly Anderson is a self-actualized woman who has made the change from living for 45 years as a Mormon man to living openly as a woman. Before her transition, she lived, worked, and thrived for decades as a spouse, parent of two children, faithful Mormon, professional photographer, and university professor (BYU, UVU, Snow College).

Kimberly has a BA and an MFA from Utah State University, has exhibited widely both nationally and internationally as a professional photographer, and has work in various collections throughout the Intermountain West. She has taught as an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University, Snow College and Utah Valley University. She is the founder/photographer for the Mama Dragons Story Project which was recently featured on Mormon Stories Podcast.

This interview kicks off a 4-part series on Transgender/Intersex education within Mormonism.

In this episode we discuss what happens when religions or religious people praise abusers in front of their victims.

In April 2017, Keith Robert Vallejo, a Mormon bishop, was convicted of 10 counts of forcible sexual abuse and one count of object rape, involving two women – who were both staying at his home at the time of the rape/abuse.

During his sentencing hearing in Provo, Utah, Fourth District judge Thomas Low (who is currently serving as Mormon bishop of the Valley Hills First Ward of the Heber City Utah North Stake), praised Vallejo as a "an extraordinarily good man" in front of his two victims.

You can hear his full statement here: https://soundcloud.com/user-592916436/judge-thomas-low-statement

In today’s Mormon Stories Podcast episode we are interviewing Ashlie.  Ashlie currently attends a Mormon ward where a former bishop who has abused two separate victims who were both ward members.  He was convicted of rape for the first offense has been fully reintegrated into the ward at the expense of his victims (who also remain in the ward).  According to Ashlie:

• After the former bishop served time in prison, wealthy ward members pooled a large amount of money to have his name removed from the sex offender’s registry in Florida.
• He has been reinstated with full membership status back into the ward, and is currently serving as seminary teacher and as a high priest teacher.
• Many ward and stake members have not been informed of his former abuses.
• The victims and their families have been marginalized by the ward and stake for not being more “forgiving,” and for not “understanding the atonement.”

Today we will be discussing Ashlie’s perspective on the impact of protecting abusers at the expense of the abused, along with how this has impacted her own faith journey.  Ashlie’s stories includes:

• Her conversion to the church.
• Her temple marriage that ended in divorce
• Her inappropriate excommunication for drinking alcohol
• Her rebaptism into the church by Bishop Mark McConkie (Colorado Spring)
• Her re-marriage (elopement, then temple sealing)
• Her experience in a ward where three successive bishops were excommunicated
• Her “shelf breakers” and faith transition (which happened only a month ago).

This episode includes a beautiful shout-out to Kristin Marie (Bennion), so check it out!

In this episode we discuss what happens when religions or religious people praise abusers in front of their victims.

In April 2017, Keith Robert Vallejo, a Mormon bishop, was convicted of 10 counts of forcible sexual abuse and one count of object rape, involving two women – who were both staying at his home at the time of the rape/abuse.

During his sentencing hearing in Provo, Utah, Fourth District judge Thomas Low (who is currently serving as Mormon bishop of the Valley Hills First Ward of the Heber City Utah North Stake), praised Vallejo as a "an extraordinarily good man" in front of his two victims.

You can hear his full statement here: https://soundcloud.com/user-592916436/judge-thomas-low-statement

In today’s Mormon Stories Podcast episode we are interviewing Ashlie.  Ashlie currently attends a Mormon ward where a former bishop who has abused two separate victims who were both ward members.  He was convicted of rape for the first offense has been fully reintegrated into the ward at the expense of his victims (who also remain in the ward).  According to Ashlie:

• After the former bishop served time in prison, wealthy ward members pooled a large amount of money to have his name removed from the sex offender’s registry in Florida.
• He has been reinstated with full membership status back into the ward, and is currently serving as seminary teacher and as a high priest teacher.
• Many ward and stake members have not been informed of his former abuses.
• The victims and their families have been marginalized by the ward and stake for not being more “forgiving,” and for not “understanding the atonement.”

Today we will be discussing Ashlie’s perspective on the impact of protecting abusers at the expense of the abused, along with how this has impacted her own faith journey.  Ashlie’s stories includes:

• Her conversion to the church.
• Her temple marriage that ended in divorce
• Her inappropriate excommunication for drinking alcohol
• Her rebaptism into the church by Bishop Mark McConkie (Colorado Spring)
• Her re-marriage (elopement, then temple sealing)
• Her experience in a ward where three successive bishops were excommunicated
• Her “shelf breakers” and faith transition (which happened only a month ago).

This episode includes a beautiful shout-out to Kristin Marie (Bennion), so check it out!

As part of our series on meetings with Mormon General Authorities, we interview Scott Duke. Scott met with Elder Christoffel Golden of the Seventy November 15, 2012.

In this episode, Scott recounts:

-His LDS mission experience and the troubling historical issues he put on his “shelf”
-His confusion about the role of personal revelation within the framework of the Mormon Church
-How he “came out” about his faith crisis to his wife and family
-How he landed an opportunity to meet with a General Authority of the Church as a last effort to restore faith
-The events and impressions of the meeting with Elder Golden
-The letter he wrote to Dieter F. Uchtdorf and the subsequent response
-The emotional fallout and impact on his family that resulted from his non-belief

As part of our series on meetings with Mormon General Authorities, we interview Meg and Jake Abhau as they relay the story of their September 2013 meeting with Mormon Apostle Elder D. Todd Christofferson.  

Meg and Jake appeared on episodes 508-510 of Mormon Stories discussing their experiences in early 2013 when their 13 year old son, Jon, came out to them as gay while they were living as committed, orthodox Mormons.  During this period Meg and Jake met Tom Christofferson, brother of Mormon Apostle D. Todd Christofferson.  At the time Meg and Jake met Tom he was an excommunicated gay Mormon man living in a committed relationship for over 18 years.  After hearing the Abhau’s story, Tom graciously offered to arrange a meeting between them and his brother, Elder D. Todd Christofferson.

In this episode Meg and Jake recount in detail their 1+ hour with apostle D. Todd Christofferson, which included:

• Elder D. Todd Christofferson acknowledging that the LDS Church may not be a safe place for our LGBT youth,
• Elder Christofferson acknowledging to Meg and Jake that personal revelation trumps revelation from Mormon leadership  (but that he would never be able to admit this publicly to church members), and
• Meg informing Elder Christofferson that he and other LDS leadership had/have “blood on their hands” for the way that they have mishandled LGBT issues, contributing to a modern wave of LGBT youth suicides.

Meg and Jake also express their disappointment with Elder Christofferson’s role in speaking as the representative for the LDS church during the November 2015 policy decision denouncing same-sex couples as apostates, and disallowing their children from being baptised into the Mormon church.  They also discuss their respective decisions to leave the Mormon church after decades of orthodox membership.

In this 4-part series, we interview Nicki and Lance Miles who share their Mormon upbringing, how they met, and how their individual mission experiences intertwined in Episode 1.

In Episode 2, we have a serious discussion about Lance’s father who comes out as gay and the impact it had on the Miles family.  Nicki and Lance share how their feelings towards their father evolved in a more positive direction as time progressed. 

Episode 3 details the meeting Nicki and Lance had with Marlin K. Jensen, former historian for the LDS Church.  They detail the questions asked of the historian, and the impact his answers had on them.

Rounding out the interview, in Episode 4 we discuss Nicki’s feminist awakening and the impact it had on Lance’s view of their marriage.  Transitioning out of the LDS Church led the couple to take a serious look at the foundation of their marriage and their approach to raising their children.

In this 4-part series, we interview Nicki and Lance Miles who share their Mormon upbringing, how they met, and how their individual mission experiences intertwined in Episode 1.

In Episode 2, we have a serious discussion about Lance’s father who comes out as gay and the impact it had on the Miles family.  Nicki and Lance share how their feelings towards their father evolved in a more positive direction as time progressed. 

Episode 3 details the meeting Nicki and Lance had with Marlin K. Jensen, former historian for the LDS Church.  They detail the questions asked of the historian, and the impact his answers had on them.

Rounding out the interview, in Episode 4 we discuss Nicki’s feminist awakening and the impact it had on Lance’s view of their marriage.  Transitioning out of the LDS Church led the couple to take a serious look at the foundation of their marriage and their approach to raising their children.

In this 4-part series, we interview Nicki and Lance Miles who share their Mormon upbringing, how they met, and how their individual mission experiences intertwined in Episode 1.

In Episode 2, we have a serious discussion about Lance’s father who comes out as gay and the impact it had on the Miles family.  Nicki and Lance share how their feelings towards their father evolved in a more positive direction as time progressed. 

Episode 3 details the meeting Nicki and Lance had with Marlin K. Jensen, former historian for the LDS Church.  They detail the questions asked of the historian, and the impact his answers had on them.

Rounding out the interview, in Episode 4 we discuss Nicki’s feminist awakening and the impact it had on Lance’s view of their marriage.  Transitioning out of the LDS Church led the couple to take a serious look at the foundation of their marriage and their approach to raising their children.

In this 4-part series, we interview Nicki and Lance Miles who share their Mormon upbringing, how they met, and how their individual mission experiences intertwined in Episode 1.

In Episode 2, we have a serious discussion about Lance’s father who comes out as gay and the impact it had on the Miles family.  Nicki and Lance share how their feelings towards their father evolved in a more positive direction as time progressed. 

Episode 3 details the meeting Nicki and Lance had with Marlin K. Jensen, former historian for the LDS Church.  They detail the questions asked of the historian, and the impact his answers had on them.

Rounding out the interview, in Episode 4 we discuss Nicki’s feminist awakening and the impact it had on Lance’s view of their marriage.  Transitioning out of the LDS Church led the couple to take a serious look at the foundation of their marriage and their approach to raising their children.

In this episode of Mormon Stories, we interview Noah Rasheta — the Executive Director of the Foundation for Mindful Living and host of the Secular Buddhism podcast.  This meaningful and compelling interview covers:

• Noah’s early life as an orthodox Mormon believer and his struggle with the thought that with all of the good in the world, is it possible that the path set forth by the LDS Church is the only valid one?
• How he felt uneasy and shaken as he broadened his study of the Mormon faith
• His description of his transitioning process, his fears of leaving the LDS Church, and “coming out” as a non-believer to those in his faith community
• How as his transition progressed, his view towards people became more kind, warm, and compassionate
• His studies of Buddhist philosophy and the development of a purpose-driven life by integrating Buddhist teachings, modern science, humanism, and humor

In this episode of Mormon Stories, we interview Noah Rasheta — the Executive Director of the Foundation for Mindful Living and host of the Secular Buddhism podcast.  This meaningful and compelling interview covers:

• Noah’s early life as an orthodox Mormon believer and his struggle with the thought that with all of the good in the world, is it possible that the path set forth by the LDS Church is the only valid one?
• How he felt uneasy and shaken as he broadened his study of the Mormon faith
• His description of his transitioning process, his fears of leaving the LDS Church, and “coming out” as a non-believer to those in his faith community
• How as his transition progressed, his view towards people became more kind, warm, and compassionate
• His studies of Buddhist philosophy and the development of a purpose-driven life by integrating Buddhist teachings, modern science, humanism, and humor

In this episode of Mormon Stories, we interview Noah Rasheta — the Executive Director of the Foundation for Mindful Living and host of the Secular Buddhism podcast.  This meaningful and compelling interview covers:

• Noah’s early life as an orthodox Mormon believer and his struggle with the thought that with all of the good in the world, is it possible that the path set forth by the LDS Church is the only valid one?
• How he felt uneasy and shaken as he broadened his study of the Mormon faith
• His description of his transitioning process, his fears of leaving the LDS Church, and “coming out” as a non-believer to those in his faith community
• How as his transition progressed, his view towards people became more kind, warm, and compassionate
• His studies of Buddhist philosophy and the development of a purpose-driven life by integrating Buddhist teachings, modern science, humanism, and humor

In this episode of Mormon Stories, we interview Noah Rasheta — the Executive Director of the Foundation for Mindful Living and host of the Secular Buddhism podcast.  This meaningful and compelling interview covers:

• Noah’s early life as an orthodox Mormon believer and his struggle with the thought that with all of the good in the world, is it possible that the path set forth by the LDS Church is the only valid one?
• How he felt uneasy and shaken as he broadened his study of the Mormon faith
• His description of his transitioning process, his fears of leaving the LDS Church, and “coming out” as a non-believer to those in his faith community
• How as his transition progressed, his view towards people became more kind, warm, and compassionate
• His studies of Buddhist philosophy and the development of a purpose-driven life by integrating Buddhist teachings, modern science, humanism, and humor

Panelists Wendy & Thomas Montgomery and Daniel Parkinson delve into topics related to Utah’s escalating suicide crisis and the feeling of despair that many LDS LGBT individuals experience.

Part 1: In this episode, the panel discusses appropriate guidelines when discussing suicide and work to identify possible correlates unique to Utah and the broader LDS LGBT community.

Part 2: In this episode, the panel discusses the perceived “whiplash” of mixed messaging from LDS Church leadership about LGBT people.  They also discuss how to communicate and address the possible causes of the escalating suicide crisis, without violating the guidelines shared in episode 1.