Mormon Stories Podcast

This powerful and emotional story takes you through Marty’s life journey—from his upbringing in Mormonism, his experiences in high school and seminary, to his time in the military and beyond. Marty reflects on growing up in a trailer park, his mission to Jamaica, his struggles with faith, and his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. He candidly shares deeply personal moments: battling depression, losing loved ones, questioning his beliefs, and finding peace through family, a farm, and humanism. Explore topics of resilience, transformation, and healing as Marty recounts leaving Mormonism, confronting the trauma of war, and redefining his spiritual beliefs. A heartfelt account of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmo Our Platforms: YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple Podcasts Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Join us for a discussion with Sandra Tanner and Dan Vogel as we explore a remarkable video featuring BYU Professor and leading Mormon historian Steven C. Harper. In this video, Harper addresses key issues with the First Vision narrative and acknowledges several challenges raised by the CES Letter. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmo Our Platforms: YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple Podcasts Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

This video exposes a shocking case of abuse within the Mormon Church in Denmark, featuring former Bishop Lasse Meilsoe and journalist Michael Teschl. They discuss the Church’s mishandling of a rape case where a husband drugged and assaulted his wife, Kiran, over several years, confessing repeatedly to Church leaders. The Church’s actions to protect its image over victims, discouragement of reporting abuse to authorities, and their systemic prioritization of abusers are critically examined. Topics include Danish cultural responses, legal investigations into the Church’s practices, and the broader implications for Church transparency and accountability. A powerful and deeply unsettling look at abuse, complicity, and the fight for justice. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmo Our Platforms: YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple Podcasts Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Recently the Mormon Church released a new set of storybooks for children. For the storybook entitled "Doctrine and Covenants Stories" it has released a polygamy section that many feel is extremely harmful to children. Please join us as a Mormon Mom (Alyssa Witbeck) and a Mormon Therapist (Natasha Helfer) discuss their feelings about the likely harm that this section will cause to children. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmo Our Platforms: YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple Podcasts Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

This video explores the rich history and ongoing journey of Mormon feminism through the lens of Exponent II. Katie Ludlow Rich and Heather Sundahl share their personal stories, including feminist awakenings, experiences with the Church, and their work preserving women’s voices in Mormon history. Topics include women’s roles in the Church, the suppression of women’s spiritual practices, mixed-faith marriages, and the impact of feminist movements like Ordain Women. Dive into the influence of Exponent II, the challenges faced by Mormon feminists, and the resilience of women seeking to redefine their roles in faith and community. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmo Our Platforms: YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple Podcasts Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Is religion dying in America? In this episode, we sit down with Ryan T. Cragun and Jesse M. Smith, authors of Goodbye Religion: The Causes and Consequences of Secularization. This groundbreaking book examines the surge in people leaving organized religion and its profound impact on American culture and society. Drawing on extensive data and over a hundred in-depth interviews, Cragun and Smith delve into the social, psychological, and environmental factors behind religious exit. They also address the misconceptions surrounding secularization, revealing that leaving religion is not the crisis it’s often portrayed to be. Instead, they show how nonreligious individuals remain socially engaged and committed to making a positive impact in their communities. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmo Our Platforms: YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple Podcasts Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Join us as we welcome scholar Brent Metcalfe for the 30th anniversary of his excommunication from the Mormon Church. We cover not only his excommunication but also his famous discovery of the “Mosiah First Priority” in the Book of Mormon translation. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmo Our Platforms: YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple Podcasts Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

The LDS Church is quietly but significantly updating the introduction to the Book of Mormon, shifting its focus from historical claims to a broader, more spiritual narrative. In this episode , we dive deep into these changes, exploring what they reveal about the Church's evolving stance on the historicity of its sacred text. Is this an effort to address long-standing critiques about the lack of archaeological and genetic evidence? Or does it reflect a broader shift to make the Book of Mormon more approachable for a global audience? Join us as we unpack the implications of this significant change and discuss what it might mean for the future of Mormonism. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmo Our Platforms: YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple Podcasts Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

In this episode, Samantha, John, and Gerardo unpack the fallout from a leaked audio clip of BYU Football captain and former Mormon Missionary Tyler Batty’s explicit halftime speech, recorded outside the locker room at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The speech, featuring vulgar language, has raised questions about BYU’s Honor Code, which strictly forbids profanity, vulgar language, and other conduct unbecoming of its standards. The controversy became even more interesting when BYU Coach Kalani Sitake defended Batty, calling his actions necessary for “helping the program.” Meanwhile, KSL, owned by the LDS Church, published an opinion piece telling critics to “get over it,” dismissing calls for accountability or discipline for Batty. We will explore the deeper implications of the incident, questioning whether public figures like Batty enjoy privileges denied to regular students—especially minorities—who are often held to stricter standards. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmo Our Platforms: YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple Podcasts Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Join us for our annual status report where we discuss our successes for 2024, our status as a sustainable podcast/non-profit, and our plans for 2025. If you want to donate to help keep Mormon Stories alive, or to support us during "Giving Tuesday" week, you can donate here: https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/

Join us as we dive deep into the unique experiences of several women navigating life in and outside of Mormonism. From patriarchal blessings and missions to the complexities of dating, marriage, and personal revelation, these stories explore the pressure to conform to Church expectations and the personal growth that comes from questioning them. We discuss YSA culture, worthiness interviews, and the Church's teachings on relationships, consent, and sexuality. The women share their experiences with dating apps, "soaking," and the confusion between spiritual promptings and anxiety. Other key topics include the Church's influence on women’s roles, the challenges of single life, political and faith landscapes, and deconstructing teachings like the Family Proclamation. With insights into the CES Letter, Joseph Smith’s history, and financial concerns, this video offers a candid, thought-provoking look at life within the Mormon framework and beyond. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmo Our Platforms: YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple Podcasts Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

In this episode, we explore one woman's journey of faith, identity, and self-discovery within and beyond the Mormon Church. From her experiences in musical theater auditions, serving a mission, and navigating family trauma, to struggles with infertility and finding her own path, she shares deeply personal insights. We discuss the cultural pressures of motherhood, the challenges of deconstructing religious beliefs, and the impact of leaving the Church after COVID. Her story also touches on her evolving perspective on topics like polygamy, women's roles, and Heavenly Mother, along with finding empowerment through fitness, creative expression, and fantasy literature. Join us for a candid and heartfelt conversation about redefining purpose, embracing authenticity, and thriving in "Plan B." Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmo Our Platforms: YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple Podcasts Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Wanna meet and/or thank and/or ask questions to the writers/directors/producers of the new hit movie Heretic? Our first screening sold out in 2 hours, so we've opened up a 2nd showing! Tickets will go fast, so get them now! Who? Scott Beck & Bryan Woods (director/writer) & Julia Glausi (producer) Date: 11/25/24 at 8pm. Q&A starts immediately after credits. Link: https://slfstix.org/broadway/now-playing/heretic . Make sure to pick 8pm. We still have a few slots open for the donor dinner for anyone willing to make a $1000+ donation to help cover travel expenses for our special guests! Email me at mormonstories@gmail.com if you wanna join!!!

BREAKING NEWS! We have successfully secured a special screening of the hit movie Heretic with the writers/directors (Scott Beck and Bryan Woods) and one of the producers (Julia Glausi). Details: - Date/time: 11/25/24 at 7pm - Location: Broadway Theatre in SLC - Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at https://slfstix.org/broadway/now-playing/heretic. Make sure to purchase for Monday at 7pm. You can use the coupon code MormonStoriesHeretic at checkout for a 20% discount. Final thing. Mormon Stories is covering the airfare and hotel of Scott, Bryan, and Julia. To make this event possible, we are looking for a few donors who are able to donate >$1000 each to help cover the travel/lodging expenses. What you will get in return for your support: - Private pre-screening dinner Monday night with me and the special guests. - Free tickets and special seating for the screening. Please contact me (mormonstories@gmail.com) if you are able to donate, and I'll send you more details. Otherwise please save the date/time, and check back tomorrow for ticket information!!!! Can't wait to share this movie with you all, get some of our Heretic questions answered, and to share a hearty Mormon Stories "Thank you" to the creators of this wonderful film. John

In this in-depth interview, Jared and Camille share their intertwined journeys through faith, family, and personal growth within the Mormon Church. They discuss formative experiences, from Jared’s basketball career and mission (under Jeffrey Holland and Brad Wilcox) —where he faced challenges like fraudulent baptisms in Chile and an unexpected interview with Apostle Richard G. Scott—to Camille’s teenage struggles with modesty, faith and mental health. Their love story, temple experiences, and navigating higher callings in the Church, including Jared's time as a bishop, reveal the pressures and impacts of leadership roles. Join us as we explore how these experiences transformed their lives, their perspectives on faith, and how their mental health and relationship have evolved since leaving the Church. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmo Our Platforms: YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple Podcasts Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Join us as Matthew Harris returns to discuss Gordon B. Hinckley's efforts to address lingering racism in the church, the push to remove Bruce R. McConkie's Mormon Doctrine from shelves, and members' calls for an apology for the church's past racism. We also explore Elder Holland's attempts to rebrand these doctrines as "folklore," the continuation of racist teachings by BYU professors like Randy Bott, and the creation of the Gospel Topics Essays. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmo Our Platforms: YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple Podcasts Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Today we are interviewing the creators of the new movie Heretic, staring Hugh Grant. Heretic is a horror film about two Mormon sister missionaries who meet a man named Mr. Reed (Grant) who ensnares them in a deadly game of cat and mouse while locked in his house. Scott Beck and Bryan Woods are an American filmmaking duo who also directed A Quiet Place and Nightlight. Today they are going to answer questions about what inspired them to create the film, what messages they wanted to share, and how they wanted the film to impact their viewers. This is an episode you wont want to miss! Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmo Our Platforms: YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple Podcasts Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Mormon Stories Podcast has been invited by A24 studios to hold a special screening of the new Mormon-themed thriller/horror movie "Heretic" - which features Hugh Grant. Premise? "When two missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attempt to convert a reclusive Englishman, it turns out to be far more dangerous than they could have expected." Trailer link: ttps:// • Heretic | Official Trailer HD | A24 John has also been invited to interview two of the filmmakers this week on Mormon Stories Podcast. Join John Dehlin this Sunday (11/10/24) in Salt Lake City at 2pm for this special VIP screening where John will facilitate a conversation with the attendees (you) in preparation for this interview this week on Mormon Stories Podcast. Location of event will be provided when you purchase tickets. Tickets are $10/person for monthly donors, and $20/person for the general public. All proceeds go to support Mormon Stories Podcast. Tickets link: https://donorbox.org/events/704647 We hope you can join us! Regardless, thank you so so much for your support of Mormon Stories Podcast over the past year. John Dehlin

We are super excited to announce that THRIVE 2024 is almost sold out! These conferences provide a great opportunity to get tips and tricks on navigating a faith crisis and space to make new connections with others going through a faith crisis. Cost is only $20! Seating is limited so please get your tickets early, we always feel bad turning people away once all tickets are sold. Register here: https://thrivebeyondreligion.com/event/thrive-day-2024/ ________________ Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmo Our Platforms: YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple Podcasts Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

We are back again to discuss episodes three, four and five from Hulu's new hit docuseries The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. But how Mormon are these women? How Mormon is their story? How much does Mormonism really influence their daily lives? Join us as we discuss these questions with Samantha Shelley, Brittney Hartley, Alyssa Witbeck and John and Gerardo. To watch the new show on Hulu visit here. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmo Our Platforms: YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple Podcasts Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord