Mormon Stories - LDS
In this episode I briefly discuss five important announcements for the future of Mormon Stories Podcast.
Direct download: MormonStories-148-FiveImportantAnnouncements.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:39pm MDT

In this episode Chris Jones interviews Kate Kelly -- LDS law student and founder of the Mormon May Day movement . As stated on the Mormon May Day web site:" We would like Mormon May Day to combine the two meanings by signifying the distress of many moderate, liberal or radical Mormons feel at being inundated with overtly far-right political messages at church and celebrating and gathering in fasting and prayer to exercise our collective spiritual strength to eradicate poverty and advance the cause of social justice worldwide."
Direct download: MormonStories-147-MormonMayDay.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:36am MDT

This is part 4 of a 4-part series on raising children in a non-traditional LDS home. This is a panel discussion which includes some of my coolest friends, namely: Heather, Laurie and Lee.

Direct download: MormonStories-146-RaisingChildrenUnorthodoxPart4.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 9:20pm MDT

This is part 3 of a 4-part series on raising children in a non-traditional LDS home. This is a panel discussion which includes some of my coolest friends, namely: Heather, Laurie and Lee.
Direct download: MormonStories-145-RaisingChildrenUnorthodoxPart3.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 9:18pm MDT

This is part 2 of a 4-part series on raising children in a non-traditional LDS home. This is a panel discussion which includes some of my coolest friends, namely: Heather, Laurie and Lee.
Direct download: MormonStories-144-RaisingChildrenUnorthodoxPart2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 9:17pm MDT

This is part 1 of a 4-part series on raising children in a non-traditional LDS home. This is a panel discussion which includes some of my coolest friends, namely: Heather, Laurie and Lee.
Direct download: MormonStories-143-RaisingChildrenUnorthodoxPart1.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 8:22pm MDT

This is part 2 of a 2 part interview with Brian Johnston, co-founder of StayLDS.com. In this series Brian discusses staying in the LDS Church after a crisis of faith.
Direct download: MormonStories-142-BrianJohnstonPart2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 9:33pm MDT

This is part 1 of a 2 part interview with Brian Johnston, co-founder of StayLDS.com. In this series Brian discusses staying in the LDS Church after a crisis of faith.
Direct download: MormonStories-141-BrianJohnstonPart1.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 9:28pm MDT

This is part 2 of a 2 part interview with Heather, a friend who converted to the LDS church as a college student in Texas, moved to BYU, married the son of a Stake President in the temple, and then afterwards her husband left the church, and she soon followed. Heather talks about why she joined, and why she left, and ways that we (as members) can better understand those who leave. This interview was recorded in 2007.
Direct download: MormonStories-140-HeatherPart2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 6:23am MDT

This is part 1 of a 2 part interview with Heather, a friend who converted to the LDS church as a college student in Texas, moved to BYU, married the son of a Stake President in the temple, and then afterwards her husband left the church, and she soon followed. Heather talks about why she joined, and why she left, and ways that we (as members) can better understand those who leave. This interview was recorded in 2007.
Direct download: MormonStories-139-HeatherPart1.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 6:17am MDT

This is part 2 of a 2 part interview with Edward Kimball, the son of LDS prophet Spencer W. Kimball.
Direct download: MormonStories-138-EdKimballPart2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:39am MDT

This is part 1 of a 2 part interview with Edward Kimball, the son of LDS prophet Spencer W. Kimball.
Direct download: MormonStories-137-EdKimballPart1.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:39am MDT

This is part 2 of a 2 part interview with Mormon Comedian Bengt Washburn.
Direct download: MormonStories-136-BengtWashburnPart2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 2:25pm MDT

This is part 1 of a 2 part interview with Mormon Comedian Bengt Washburn.
Direct download: MormonStories-135-BengtWashburnPart1.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 2:25pm MDT

In Part 3, we discuss how Karen Armstrong's book"The Case for God" might or might not apply to Mormonism.

Direct download: MormonStories-134-KarenArmstrongPart3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 3:38pm MDT

In Part 2, John Hamer, J. Nelson Seawright, Joanna Brooks and I lay out Karen Armstrong's major premises, and analyze them.
Direct download: MormonStories-133-KarenArmstrongPart2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 3:38pm MDT

As an introduction to Mormon Stories' inaugural book club, I re-broadcast Terry Gross' interview with"The Case for God" author Karen Armstrong. Next week we will be holding a panel discussion on Mormon Stories Podcast about this book, and how it may or may not apply to both Mormonism and individual Mormons in the 21st century.
Direct download: MormonStories-132-CaseForGod.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 3:38pm MDT

In Part 3, Lisa discusses the costs and benefits of blogging, provides some final insight and advice to LDS women, along w/ her testimony of the LDS gospel

Direct download: MormonStories-131-FMHPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 8:41am MDT

In Part 2, Lisa discusses the importance of open, thoughtful and candid discussions about women’s issues within the church, and on the Internet
Direct download: MormonStories-130-FMHPt2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 8:39am MDT

In Part 1, Lisa discusses her early life, how she became a feminist, and what led to her creation of FeministMormonHousewives.com

Direct download: MormonStories-129-FMHPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 8:36am MDT

In this episode I speak with Shawn McCraney, author of"I was a Born-again Mormon" and host of"Heart of the Matter", a controversial weekly Christian TV show geared towards LDS Church members. In part 3, I ask Shawn some final questions, and he shares some closing thoughts.

Direct download: MormonStories-128-McCraneyPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 7:00am MDT

In this episode I speak with Shawn McCraney, author of"I was a Born-again Mormon" and host of"Heart of the Matter", a controversial weekly Christian TV show geared towards LDS Church members. In part 2, I ask Shawn several questions about his style, doctrine and theology.
Direct download: MormonStories-127-McCraneyPt2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 7:00am MDT

In this episode I speak with Shawn McCraney, author of"I was a Born-again Mormon" and host of"Heart of the Matter", a controversial weekly Christian TV show geared towards LDS Church members. In part 1, Shawn discusses his born again experience, and makes his best case for why LDS Church members should also seek to become Born Again.
Direct download: MormonStories-126-McCraneyPt1.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 7:00am MDT

In this episode I speak with Jacque, a believing LDS Church member, about some of the unexpected blessings that have come to her marriage as a result of her husband's loss of LDS faith, and some final tips for couples dealing with this dilemma.
Direct download: MormonStories-125-JacquePt3.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 4:30pm MDT

In this episode I speak with Jacque, a believing LDS Church member, about the compromises that both her and her husband had to make to work through his loss of faith, and what eternal marriage has come to mean for her.

Direct download: MormonStories-124-JacquePt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 4:30pm MDT

In this episode I speak with Jacque, a believing LDS Church member, about her husband's loss of LDS faith, and the lessons she learned from dealing with the immediate aftermath.
Direct download: MormonStories-123-JacquePt1.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 4:30pm MDT

In this episode Peter and Mary Danzig discuss life after resigning from the LDS Church, including how they are raising their children as former members, reworking their relationships with extended family, and their new life/spiritual perspectives. They also discuss their recent work the Foundation for Reconciliation, which seeks reconciliation between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Gays and Lesbians.
Direct download: MormonStories-122-DangizsPt4.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 3:45pm MDT

In this episode Peter and Mary Danzig discuss Peter’s removal from the Orchestra at Temple Square because of his letter to the editor opposing professor Jeffrey Nielson’s termination from BYU (over Dr. Nielson’s public support of gay marriage). They also discuss his local church leadership’s request for silence, the threats of church discipline, his and Mary’s ultimate decision to resign from the LDS Church, and Craig Jessop’s resignation as Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The music from this episode was played live during the interview. For more about the Danzig’s music, check out their web site here.
Direct download: MormonStories-121-DangizsPt3.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 3:08pm MDT

In this episode Peter Danzig discusses how his experience as a social worker to (primarily) LDS Church members led to both an increase in sympathy for LDS homosexuals, and a loss of his traditional LDS testimony.
Direct download: MormonStories-120-DangizsPt2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 6:01pm MDT

In this episode John Dehlin speaks with former LDS Church members Peter and Mary Danzig about their early years as faithful LDS church members, their mission experiences, their marriage, their joining as founding members of the Orchestra at Temple Square, and the origins of their interest in the topic of homosexuality.
Direct download: MormonStories-119-DangizsPt1.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:36pm MDT

Is this episode John Dehlin discusses the past, present and future of the podcast, and how you can help support.

Direct download: MormonStories-118-MS2010.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 10:15am MDT

In part 2 of my interview with John Hamer, we discuss the transformation of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (RLDS) towards a more Christ-centered church, including the decision to build a temple in Independence, Missouri, and change its name to"The Community of Christ." We also discuss its transition away from prophetic succession based on blood line, and its decision to ordain women to the priesthood.
Direct download: MormonStories-117-JohnHamerPt2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 8:21am MDT

John Hamer discusses the LDS Succession Crisis after Joseph Smith's death, and the ground that it laid for the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (or Community of Christ).
Direct download: MormonStories-116-JohnHamerPt1.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 6:08pm MDT

Mormon Expression, John Dehlin, Brian Johnston and Logan Beaux discuss Mormonism and James Fowler's Stage 5.

Direct download: MormonStories-115-Episode38StagesOfFaithPart2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 5:50pm MDT

Mormon Expression Interviews John Dehlin. Published August 11, 2009.

Direct download: MormonStories-114-MormonExpression8.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 5:43pm MDT

Joanna Brooks was a very important figure in the BYU Academic Freedom days of 1990-1993...and is now a writer on Mormon topics for Religion Dispatches (along w/ being the Dept. Chair of English at SDSU).
Direct download: MormonStories-113-JoannaBrooksPt2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 9:07am MDT

Joanna Brooks was a very important figure in the BYU Academic Freedom days of 1990-1993...and is now a writer on Mormon topics for Religion Dispatches (along w/ being the Dept. Chair of English at SDSU).
Direct download: MormonStories-112-JoannaBrooksPt1.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 3:53pm MDT

In this seminar, I discuss techniques for staying in the LDS church after a major trial of faith.
Direct download: HowToStaySeattle2007.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:46am MDT

In early 1994 the distinguished career of Richard D. Poll, historian, professor, writer, husband and friend, came full circle. His Liahona/Iron-rod dichotomy, borrowed from the Book of Mormon, had entered the lexicon of Mormon thought almost 30 years earlier in his landmark essay"What the Church Means to People Like Me" (Dialogue 2:4, Winter 1967). His"Pillars of My Faith" sermon in Sunstone called for committed LDS worshipers and writers to join a mighty Christian chorus"in which almost all the singers hear the dissonant sounds of the alternate voices as polyphonic enrichment of the message of the gospel music." For people like him,"neither dogmatic fundamentalism nor dogmatic humanism provides convincing answers to life's most basic questions." He defined history as"human strivings to discover divine realities." Like Paul, Richard Poll lived his life as part of the leaven that"leaveneth the whole lump" (Galatians 5:9), offering his Liahona questioning in the spirit of"charity, humility, persistence." In a time when men and women are being called sinners for a word (or many words); when the terms"alternate" and"dissident" are being redefined as sinister; when some seek apostasy, while others have apostasy thrust upon them, Richard Poll's calm, reasoned, compassionate voice rings with a clarity that will live on in our hearts and minds.
Direct download: RichardPoll.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:17am MDT

For over 40 years, William D. Russell has been a progressive voice among the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (now the Community of Christ). This is his story -- from a 1993 Sunstone Symposium presentation called,"Pillars of my faith". William D. Russell is a professor of American History and Government, Graceland College. He is a past president of the Mormon History Association; former assistant editor of the Saints Herald; author of Treasure in Earthly Vessels: An Introduction to the New Testament; a founder of the Independence, Missouri, chapter of the Congress on Racial Equality; and former chair of the Decatur County Democratic Party. He has competed in the Boston and Los Angeles marathons and twenty-four others.
Direct download: WilliamDRussell.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:12am MDT

Love him, hate him, or indifferent -- D. Michael Quinn will go down as one of the most important Mormons of the 20th century. This is his story, in his own words.
Direct download: DMichaelQuinn.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 7:10am MDT

The Decade of the Sixties: The Early Struggles in the RLDS Shift from Sect to Denomination: This is a discussion of how, during the 1960s the RLDS Church made very decisive steps toward shedding its sectarian past. It began the decade clearly rooted in the sectarian world view. But by the end of the decade, many of the church's leaders and a reasonable number of its members had adopted liberal views, down-playing traditional unique Latter Day Saint doctrines. Today, the RLDS Church (or Community of Christ) has but a fraction of the membership it once enjoyed. What lessons can the LDS Church learn from the Community of Christ. What did they do right, and wrong?
Direct download: SL00213.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 3:22pm MDT

This presentation discusses why people leave the LDS Church, and what we can do to help. It was recorded in 2006.
Direct download: WhyTheyLeaveFinal.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:59pm MDT

In the 1995 Salt Lake Sunstone symposium, Elbert Peck spoke in the annual"Pillars of my faith" presentation about the"Remnants of his faith." This presentation represents (to me) the closest thing I've ever found to expressing how I now feel about my Mormon faith. I hope some of you will find value in it as well.

Direct download: MormonStories-108-ElbertPillars.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 5:59pm MDT

In this screencast, we learn about the lives of 6 non-traditional Mormon heroes: Emma Smith, B.H. Roberts, Fawn Brodie, Juanita Brooks, Lowell Bennion and Leonard Arrington.
Category: -- posted at: 5:58pm MDT

In part 4 of this 4 part series, Elbert Eugene Peck (editor of Sunstone Magazine from 1986 to 2001) discusses the September Six excommunications, the decline of Sunstone, and his thoughts on Sunstone's future.
Direct download: MormonStories-107a-ElbertPeckPt4.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 8:30am MDT

In part 3 of this 4 part series, Elbert Eugene Peck (editor of Sunstone Magazine from 1986 to 2001) discusses the events leading up to the September Six excommunications of 1993, including the"Alternative Voices" and warnings against Symposia statements by LDS leaders.
Direct download: MormonStories-106a-ElbertPeckPt3.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:24pm MDT

In part 2 of this 4 part series, Elbert Peck (Editor of Sunstone Magazine from 1986 to 2001) discusses many of the central people of Sunstone, including Leonard Arrington, Bonner Ritchie, Eugene England, Lavina Fielding Anderson, Ed Kimball, Orson Scott Card, Peggy Fletcher Stack, Scott Kinney, and many others.
Direct download: MormonStories-105a-ElbertPeckPt2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 10:36am MDT

Elbert Eugene Peck was editor of Sunstone Magazine from 1986 to 2001. In part 1 of a 4 part interview, Elbert discusses his early years as a member of the LDS church in Washington D.C., his mission, his time at BYU with the Seventh East Press, and the events leading to him taking over Sunstone Magazine.
Direct download: MormonStories-104a-ElbertPeckPt1.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:08am MDT

BYU Professor Dr. Ted Lyon has served as an LDS (Mormon) mission president in Chile. He has also served as the president of the Chile Missionary Training Center. He is currently serving as Temple President in the Santiago Chile LDS Temple. In this interveiw, Dr. Lyon answers questions about the previous 2 episodes ,and concludes with his testimony of the LDS Church.
Direct download: MormonStories-103a-TedLyonPt3.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:57am MDT

BYU Professor Dr. Ted Lyon has served as an LDS (Mormon) mission president in Chile. He has also served as the president of the Chile Missionary Training Center. He is currently serving as Temple President in the Santiago Chile LDS Temple. In this interveiw, Dr. Lyon discusses some of the painful lessons learned from LDS missionary work in Latin America in the 20th century. He also discusses his views on reconciling thought with faith.
Direct download: MormonStories-102a-TedLyonPt2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:57am MDT

Dr. Ted Lyon has served as a BYU Professor, Mission President, MTC President, and is currently serving as temple president in Chile. His is both a believing Mormon, and an intellectual. In part 1 of this 3 part series, he discusses changes in the LDS church during his lifetime.
Direct download: MormonStories-101a-TedLyonPt1.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:57am MDT

Breathe Life into Your Life Story is an essential read for anyone who aspires to write a life story—but not just any story, one your family and others will actually WANT to read. Written for both novices and experienced writers, this book presents techniques used by novelists to immerse readers in their fictional world—techniques like “showing” rather than just"telling”; creating interesting, believable characters and settings; writing at the gut level; alternating scene and narrative; beginning with a bang; generating tension, and more.
Direct download: MormonStories-100-DawnThurston.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:57am MDT

In this episode we discuss Joseph Smith's major legal battles during the Nauvoo period. Morris Thurston is a Harvard-trained lawyer, and one of the legal editors for the Joseph Smith Papers project.
Direct download: MormonStories-099-JSLegalNauvooPt2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:57am MDT

In this episode we discuss Joseph Smith's major legal battles during the Nauvoo period. Morris Thurston is a Harvard-trained lawyer, and one of the legal editors for the Joseph Smith Papers project.
Direct download: MormonStories-098-JSLegalNauvooPt1.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:57am MDT

In this episode we discuss the Joseph Smith Papers project, sponsored by both the LDS Church and Larry H. Miller. Morris Thurston is a Harvard-trained lawyer, and one of the legal editors for the project.
Direct download: MormonStories-097-JosephSmithPapers.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:57am MDT

In October 2007 a new LDS-themed periodical was launched entitled"The Mormon Worker." This publication is dedicated to promoting social justice within Mormonism. In this two-part series, we interview William VanWagenen, one of the founders of the Mormon Worker. William VanWagenen is not your typical Mormon. Not only has he studied at the Harvard Divinity School, but he is also an LDS peace activist, who was recently kidnapped in Iraq while on a peacekeeping mission. In this intervew, William discusses his views on poverty, war, socialism and justice within the Mormon framework.
Direct download: MormonStories-096-MormonWorkerPt2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:57am MDT

In October 2007 a new LDS-themed periodical was launched entitled"The Mormon Worker." This publication is dedicated to promoting social justice within Mormonism. In this two-part series, we interview William VanWagenen, one of the founders of the Mormon Worker. William VanWagenen is not your typical Mormon. Not only has he studied at the Harvard Divinity School, but he is also an LDS peace activist, who was recently kidnapped in Iraq while on a peacekeeping mission. In this intervew, William discusses his views on poverty, war, socialism and justice within the Mormon framework.
Direct download: MormonStories-095-MormonWorkerPt1.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:57am MDT

Levi Peterson is one of the most important LDS authors of the 20th century. His book entitled"The Backslider" is perhaps the most important piece of Mormon fiction ever written. This is his story.

Direct download: MormonStories-094a-LeviPetersonPt7.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 9:40pm MDT

Levi Peterson is one of the most important LDS authors of the 20th century. His book entitled"The Backslider" is perhaps the most important piece of Mormon fiction ever written. This is his story.

Direct download: MormonStories-093a-LeviPetersonPt6.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 9:36pm MDT

Levi Peterson is one of the most important LDS authors of the 20th century. His book entitled"The Backslider" is perhaps the most important piece of Mormon fiction ever written. This is his story.

Direct download: MormonStories-092a-LeviPetersonPt5.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 9:28pm MDT

Levi Peterson is one of the most important LDS authors of the 20th century. His book entitled"The Backslider" is perhaps the most important piece of Mormon fiction ever written. This is his story.

Direct download: MormonStories-091a-LeviPetersonPt4.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 9:22pm MDT

Levi Peterson is one of the most important LDS authors of the 20th century. His book entitled"The Backslider" is perhaps the most important piece of Mormon fiction ever written. This is his story.

Direct download: MormonStories-090a-LeviPetersonPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 9:18pm MDT

Levi Peterson is one of the most important LDS authors of the 20th century. His book entitled"The Backslider" is perhaps the most important piece of Mormon fiction ever written. This is his story.

Direct download: MormonStories-089a-LeviPetersonPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 9:13pm MDT

Levi Peterson is one of the most important LDS authors of the 20th century. His book entitled"The Backslider" is perhaps the most important piece of Mormon fiction ever written. This is his story.

Direct download: MormonStories-088a-LeviPetersonPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 9:05pm MDT

A new pamphlet about homosexuality appeared on the church’s website in late July, 2007. The pamphlet is entitled God Loveth His Children, and, among other things, says that the Church does not know what causes same-sex attractions but does not believe sexual abuse and sexual experimentation in childhood are responsible. It declares that same-sex attractions are not considered sinful but affirms that acting on those attractions is incompatible with God’s plan for families in the afterlife. It urges same-sex attracted LDS members to remain active in the church and asks other members to treat them with love and respect. This panel will discuss this new pamphlet and welcomes a wide-ranging and frank discussion of this important topic.
Direct download: MormonStories-086a-GodLovethPt2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:32pm MDT

A new pamphlet about homosexuality appeared on the church’s website in late July, 2007. The pamphlet is entitled God Loveth His Children, and, among other things, says that the Church does not know what causes same-sex attractions but does not believe sexual abuse and sexual experimentation in childhood are responsible. It declares that same-sex attractions are not considered sinful but affirms that acting on those attractions is incompatible with God’s plan for families in the afterlife. It urges same-sex attracted LDS members to remain active in the church and asks other members to treat them with love and respect. This panel will discuss this new pamphlet and welcomes a wide-ranging and frank discussion of this important topic.
Direct download: MormonStories-087a-GodLovethPt3.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:32pm MDT

A new pamphlet about homosexuality appeared on the church’s website in late July, 2007. The pamphlet is entitled God Loveth His Children, and, among other things, says that the Church does not know what causes same-sex attractions but does not believe sexual abuse and sexual experimentation in childhood are responsible. It declares that same-sex attractions are not considered sinful but affirms that acting on those attractions is incompatible with God’s plan for families in the afterlife. It urges same-sex attracted LDS members to remain active in the church and asks other members to treat them with love and respect. This panel will discuss this new pamphlet and welcomes a wide-ranging and frank discussion of this important topic.
Direct download: MormonStories-085a-GodLovethPt1.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:32pm MDT

In cooperation with Mormon Stories and Sunstone, I am proud to announce that Ashley Sanders has decided to launch her own, new podcast -- patterned (at least in part) after the NPR program"This American Life." The podcast is entitled"Project Deseret", and is dedicated to building a socially, politically, and economically just community.
Direct download: MormonStories-084a-ProjectDeseret.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:37pm MDT

In September of 1993, 6 Mormon"intellectuals" were disciplined by the LDS church: 5 of them excommunicated, and 1 of them dis-fellowshipped. Perhaps the most strident and controversial of the 6 was Paul Toscano. This is his story.

Direct download: MormonStories-083a-PaulToscanoPt7.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 5:02pm MDT

In September of 1993, 6 Mormon"intellectuals" were disciplined by the LDS church: 5 of them excommunicated, and 1 of them dis-fellowshipped. Perhaps the most strident and controversial of the 6 was Paul Toscano. This is his story.
Direct download: MormonStories-082a-PaulToscanoPt6.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:01pm MDT

In September of 1993, 6 Mormon"intellectuals" were disciplined by the LDS church: 5 of them excommunicated, and 1 of them dis-fellowshipped. Perhaps the most strident and controversial of the 6 was Paul Toscano. This is his story.
Direct download: MormonStories-081a-PaulToscanoPt5.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:01pm MDT

In September of 1993, 6 Mormon"intellectuals" were disciplined by the LDS church: 5 of them excommunicated, and 1 of them dis-fellowshipped. Perhaps the most strident and controversial of the 6 was Paul Toscano. This is his story.
Direct download: MormonStories-080a-PaulToscanoPt4.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:01pm MDT

In September of 1993, 6 Mormon"intellectuals" were disciplined by the LDS church: 5 of them excommunicated, and 1 of them dis-fellowshipped. Perhaps the most strident and controversial of the 6 was Paul Toscano. This is his story.
Direct download: MormonStories-079a-PaulToscanoPt3.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:01pm MDT

In September of 1993, 6 Mormon"intellectuals" were disciplined by the LDS church: 5 of them excommunicated, and 1 of them dis-fellowshipped. Perhaps the most strident and controversial of the 6 was Paul Toscano. This is his story.
Direct download: MormonStories-078a-PaulToscanoPt2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:01pm MDT

In September of 1993, 6 Mormon"intellectuals" were disciplined by the LDS church: 5 of them excommunicated, and 1 of them dis-fellowshipped. Perhaps the most strident and controversial of the 6 was Paul Toscano. This is his story.
Direct download: MormonStories-077a-PaulToscanoPt1.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:01pm MDT

In part 8 of our series on spirituality and the rising LDS generation, we interview University of Utah student Ann Whittaker. In this interview Ann discusses many aspects of her faith, including her exploration of church history and feminism issues within Mormonism.
Direct download: MormonStories-076a-RisingGen-AnnWhittaker.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 4:14pm MDT

In part 7 of our series on spirituality and the rising LDS generation, we interview University of Utah student Caleb Proulx. In this interview Caleb discusses many aspects of his faith, including his struggles as an anti-war activist within Mormonism.
Direct download: MormonStories-075a-RisingGen-CalebProulx.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 4:13pm MDT

In part 6 of our series on spirituality and the rising LDS generation, we interview BYU student Kimball Sanders. In this interview Kimball discusses many aspects of his faith, including his experiences at BYU, and his struggles with church culture. He also emphasizes the importance of love, forgiveness and grace within Mormonism.
Direct download: MormonStories-074a-RisingGen-Kimball.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 4:13pm MDT

In part 5 of our series we interview BYU student David Lassetter. David was raised in a home very well-versed in Mormon Studies (Dialogue and Sunstones abounding), and seems to have benefited tremendously therefrom. In this interview, David discusses some of his views on the atonement, evolution, church doctrine, and membership awareness of history and doctrine.
Direct download: MormonStories-073a-RisingGen-DavidLassetter.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 9:37pm MDT

In part 4 of our series we interview BYU Philosophy Professor Dr. Chris Foster. Dr. Foster was raised a"devout atheist" and then later converted to Mormonism. In this interview, he discusses his conversion to the church, along with his views on faith, religion, the church, teaching at BYU, and the importance of honesty and openness in all our religious endeavors.
Direct download: MormonStories-072a-RisingGen-ChrisFoster.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:58pm MDT

In part three of our series on the Spirituality of the Rising LDS Generation, we interview Loyd Ericson -- UVSC student of philosophy. In this interview Loyd discusses his estrangement from, and eventual reconciliation w/ the LDS church. He also discusses his views on the LDS church’s approach to public relations and war.
Direct download: MormonStories-071a-RisingGen-LloydEricson.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

In part two of our series on the Spirituality of the rising LDS generation, we interview Ashley Sanders — former BYU student, english/philosophy major, political activist, and chief organizer of the BYU Alternative Commencement with Ralph Nader, in opposition to the invitation to U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney.
Direct download: MormonStories-070a-RisingGen2b-AshSanders.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

In part two of our series on the Spirituality of the rising LDS generation, we interview Ashley Sanders — former BYU student, english/philosophy major, political activist, and chief organizer of the BYU Alternative Commencement with Ralph Nader, in opposition to the invitation to U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney.
Direct download: MormonStories-069a-RisingGen2a-AshSanders.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

In part one of our series on the Spirituality of the rising LDS generation, we interview John Kovalenko — BYU student, musician, and church believer. John also discusses same sex attraction as a young, believing Mormon and BYU student.
Direct download: MormonStories-068a-RisingGen1-JohnK.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

Linda King Newell, “A Gift Given, A Gift Taken: Washing, Anointing, and Blessing the Sick Among Mormon Women,” Sunstone 6 (Sept.-Oct. 1981): 16-22. Response by D. Michael Quinn.
Direct download: MormonStories-067-AGiftGiven.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

In this episode, Martha Sontagg Bradley, author of Pedestals and Podiums Utah Women, Religious Authority, and Equal Rights -- discusses her research into the LDS church's opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment. Most LDS historians and feminists credit this amazing series of events as the major impetus for the Mormon feminist activism that emerged in the 1980s and early 1990s. We hope you enjoy Martha's version of the story.

Direct download: MormonStories-066-ERA.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

Margaret Merrill Toscano is one of the most prominent and controversial feminists in the LDS church. In this episode Margaret discusses her feelings about the LDS church, women and the priesthood, and Mother God.
Direct download: MormonStories-065a-MargaretToscanoPt4.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

Margaret Merrill Toscano is one of the most prominent and controversial feminists in the LDS church. In this episode Margaret discusses the reactions to her dissent.
Direct download: MormonStories-064a-MargaretToscanoPt3.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

Margaret Merrill Toscano is one of the most prominent and controversial feminists in the LDS church. In this episode Margaret discusses her journey into both Mormon Studies and Mormon Feminism.
Direct download: MormonStories-063a-MargaretToscanoPt2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

Margaret Merrill Toscano is one of the most prominent and controversial feminists in the LDS church. In this episode we discuss her early years growing up in Arizona as a faithful but questioning Latter-Day Saint, including her time at BYU as a student.

Direct download: MormonStories-062a-MargaretToscanoPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

In part 2 of a 2-part conversation with 2 brilliant Mormon women (Taryn Nelson-Seawright and Rosalynde Welch), they review episodes 3-5 of the recent Mormon Stories series on Women in the LDS Church. This includes a discussion about the 3 part interview with Dr. Claudia Bushman.
Direct download: MormonMatters-005.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

In part 1 of a 2-part conversation with 2 brilliant Mormon women (Taryn Nelson-Seawright and Rosalynde Welch), they review the first 2 episodes of the recent Mormon Stories series on Women in the LDS Church. This includes a discussion of my introduction on the topic, the 3 waves of Feminism in the USA.
Direct download: MormonMatters-004.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

In our final hour with Dr. Claudia Bushman, she discusses early 20th Century Mormon women, again through writings from this era. Dr. Bushman also shares her perspective on the present and future of Mormonism, and provides some encouragement to the discouraged. In her summary, she asks our sisters to consider remaining engaged in the LDS church, even as times get tough. There is hope — and perhaps more writing, meaningful projects and steely determination are key ingredients.If you happen enjoy/appreciate Claudia’s interviews, please do email me so I can pass the word along. I’m quite sure Dr. Bushman will appreciate hearing from you.
Direct download: MormonStories-059-ClaudiaBushman3.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

A discussion with Dr. Claudia Bushman of 19th and Early 20th Century Mormon women, through the writings of 10 women of this era.
Direct download: MormonStories-058-ClaudiaLBushman2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

Today it is time to hear from one of the foremost voices on Women's Issues within Mormonism: Dr. Claudia Bushman. Dr. Bushman is a historian by training, and has taught at Columbia University for many years. She is the author of several books and articles, including:"Mormon Sisters: Women of Early Utah" and"Mormon Domestic Life in the 1870s: Pandemonium or Acadia". Perhaps most significantly, Dr. Bushman is one of the founders of Exponent II, a Boston-based magazine and now blog focused on feminism and women's issues within Mormonism. In this interview with Dr. Bushman, we learn what she means when she describes herself as a Mormon Feminist. She also recounts her involvement in the formation of Exponent II, as well as in the broader area of women's issues in the LDS church. To conclude, Dr. Bushman discusses her views on the critical role of women in the church today -- and how we, as a church, might work to better accommodate, and better utilize women in the 21st century.

Direct download: MormonStories-057-ClaudiaLBushman.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

Any discussion of women in the LDS Church would be incomplete without first understanding a bit about the history of women more broadly within the context of 19th and 20th century America. Consequently, in part 2 of this multi-part series on Women in the LDS Church, we will hear from an LDS woman who also teaches women's studies at a division 1 university in the US. She will discuss the 3 major phases of feminism in the United States, trace its history from the mid 1800s to today, and will conclude with her own reflections about being an LDS woman in 2007. We hope that this will set the stage for the rest of the episodes on LDS women, and most importantly, we hope that you enjoy the discussion.
Direct download: MormonStories-056-WomenPt2.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

This episode kicks off an multi-part podcast series on women in the LDS Church.
Direct download: MormonStories-055-WomenPt1.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

Born to Sunstone and Dialogue - style parents, Nate Oman was raised to expect"messiness" within both the world, and his Church. After serving a mission in Korea and graduating from BYU, Nate attended Harvard Law School. During law school, Nate became one of the very first Mormon bloggers on the Internet, and is one of the founders of the juggernaut blog timesandseasons.org. Nate is also a positive example of thoughtful LDS faith.
Direct download: MormonStories-054-NateOman.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

At 6:44pm on February 13th in Salt Lake City, Utah -- an 18-year-old Salt Lake City resident and Bosnian immigrant named Sulejman Talovic entered Trolley Square mall with a shotgun and began a shooting spree. In the end, 9 people were shot, and 6 were killed, including Talovic himself. One of the witnesses to this event was Matt Lund -- father of 6 children, and member of the LDS Church. This is his story. Today on Mormon Stories.
Direct download: MormonStories-053-TrolleySquare.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:55am MDT