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Escaping Liberty Jail w/ Joseph Smith - John Turner Pt. 24 | Ep. 2090
In this episode (Part 24), we dive into one of the most dramatic and painful chapters in early Letter-day Saint history: Liberty Jail.
Joseph Smith was arrested on December 1, 1838 and eventually taken to Liberty Jail. Today we will cover his imprisonment, the chaotic legal proceedings that followed, and the eventual ?escape? that allowed him to reunite with his family as the Saints resettled in Quincy, Illinois.
We explore how internal conflicts, political pressures, treason charges, and widespread anti-Mormon hostility shaped Joseph?s experience ?and how his letters from Liberty Jail become some of the most cherished passages in Latter-day Saint scripture. We discuss betrayal, leadership crises, the brutality of Missouri?s expulsion, and the Saints? struggle to survive amidst violence, sickness, and dislocation.
This chapter also raises hard questions:
Was Joseph Smith?s trial fair?
What role did dissenting church leaders play?
How much of the Liberty Jail narrative has been ?whitewashed??
What does Joseph Smith?s behavior tell us about his character?
We conclude by following Joseph?s escape, his emotionally charged reunion with the Saints in Illinois, and the lasting trauma and financial strain the Missouri experience left behind. This is an episode you won?t want to miss!
Please purchase the book ?here?.
To support this series please donate ?here?. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories
Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories
Join this channel to get access to perks:
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Our Platforms:
?Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes
??Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
??Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1
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Could Joseph Smith Write or Dictate a Well-Worded Letter? LDS Discussions Pt. 67 | Ep. 2089
Welcome to another episode of our LDS Discussions series! In this episode, we take a detailed, evidence-based look at one of the most repeated claims in Latter-day Saint apologetics: that Joseph Smith was incapable of producing a well-written text ?and therefore could not have authored the Book of Mormon.
Drawing from Joseph Smith?s three earliest letters (written in 1829-1830), historical context, church manuals, apologetic arguments, and modern scholarship, we critically explore where the evidence leads. We don?t care where you land on the belief spectrum ?our is clarity, transparency, and accuracy.
We are joined today by Kolby Reddish and Julia (Nemo couldn?t make it), who walk us through the major claims, the apologetic narratives, and the documents themselves. This is an episode you won?t want to miss!
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories
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Join this channel to get access to perks:
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Our Platforms:
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??Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
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?PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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Help Keep Mormon Stories Podcast Alive (2025)
We at Mormon Stories Podcast worked super hard to deliver quality programming in 2025. We have great plans for 2026 which include:
More high quality, in-depth, classic, long form faith journey stories with Margi Dehlin.The completion of the "Life of Joseph Smith" series with Dr. John Turner (including SEVERAL chapters on Nauvoo Polygamy!!!). John says you won't want to miss these.A further reboot of the LDS Discussions series with Kolby Reddish, Nemo, and Julia.A continuation of the Mormon Bridgebuilders panel series with Beau Oyler, Dr. Julie Hanks, and Jana Spangler.We are also possibly facing additional legal costs (which I am not able to discuss at present). If you would like to help us financially prepare for potential legal costs, we would love your support.Donating is easy! Just click here: https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/We literally cannot survive with our donors. If you are a donor - thank you. If you are not a donor - it may be helpful for you to know that we lose at least 1-2 dozen recurring donors each month, so if you value our content and want to see it continue, please consider becoming a monthly donor today!Thanks to everyone, and happiest of holidays to you!
Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!
Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:
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Mormons React to Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 3 Pt. 1 | Ep. 2088
Welcome back to our deep-dive coverage of Secret lives of Mormon Wives!
In this episode, we break down every twist, confession, and jaw-dropping moment from Season 3 with honest reactions, analysis, and plenty of laughs along the way. Our panelists today are: Hayley Rawle (of Girl's Camp Podcast), Alyssa Alexander, Smantha Shelley (of Zelph on the Shelf), Brooklyn Alden and Dr. John Dehlin. If you've ollowed our previous reviews, you alreaedy know -we're all about thoughtful commetary, behind-the-scenes context, and pointing out the details you may have missed.
In Part One of our Season 3 review, we're exploring the storyline, relationships, and "revelations" that kick off the season. Whether you're a longtime fan of the show or jumping in for the first time, we'll help you make sense of the drama, the dynamics, and the secrets simmering under the surface.
So grab a snack, get comfy, and join us as we unpack it all -episode by episode!
Watch the series on Hulu here: https://www.hulu.com/series/the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-58cd73be-408d-4eed-8e3d-82339f3f93e2
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories
Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories
Join this channel to get access to perks:
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Our Platforms:
?Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes
??Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
??Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1
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Contact us:
?PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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Extermination Orders in Mormon Missouri - John Turner Pt. 23 | Ep. 2087
Welcome to Part 23 of our Joseph Smith the Podcast series with Dr. John G. Turner. Today we are continuing our discussion of Chapter 19 of his new book ?Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet? that covers the years 1838-1839 in Missouri.
Today we will dive deeper into one of the most volatile and consequential moments in early Latter-day Saint history: the escalating conflict between the Mormon settlers and the Missourians in the late 1830s. In this episode, we examine how political tensions, misinformation, vigilante actions, and religious absolutism collided to create a crisis that would lead to the infamous extermination order and some of the darkest events of the Mormon-Missouri War.
We explore the political landscape of Missouri, Joseph Smith?s rising militancy, the Danites, the allegations made by Thomas Marsh and Orson Hyde, the tragedy at Haun?s Mill, and the forces that brought both sides to the brink. From mob violence to theological justifications, from desperate settlers to governors refusing to intervene, this chapter shows how a religious movement and a frontier state found themselves locked in a spiral neither could escape.
If you?ve been following the series, this episode continues directly from Part 22 and sets the stage for the next chapter: Liberty Jail.
Please purchase the book ?here?.
To support this series please donate ?here?. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories
Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/join
Our Platforms:
?Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes
??Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
??Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1
?Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772
??Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories
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Contact us:
?PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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Can One Mormon Woman be Sealed to Two Men? - Rebecca Lucero Jones Pt. 2 | Ep. 2086
In part two of this important series with Rebecca Lucero Jones, we explore the question: What happens when a Mormon widow tries to be sealed to two men? In the LDS faith, a man can be sealed to a second wife if his first wife passes away. But, as we will learn from Rebecca?s story, Mormon widows do not receive the same treatment.
After the death of her first husband, Rebecca describes what it was like to find a second chance at love and marriage. She then shares her experience requesting a ?second-sealing clearance? from LDS Church leaders (in order to be sealed to her living husband), and what their ultimate response to this request was.
We also discuss how current policies complicate questions of the afterlife for these families. These policies leave widows feeling uncertain about their place in eternity and, in turn, often undesired by Mormon men who hope to avoid this existential confusion.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories
Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/join
Our Platforms:
?Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes
??Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
??Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1
?Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772
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Contact us:
?PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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Losing My Mormon Eternal Companion - Rebecca Lucero Jones | Ep. 2085
Today we are kicking off our two-part series with Rebecca Lucero Jones, who is here to share her story of losing her husband and the unique complications widows face within the Mormon faith. We will be examining the question of what the Mormon afterlife looks like for widows.
In Part 1, Rebecca describes her Mormon upbringing and her eventual marriage to her first husband, Isaac, with whom she had two children before he was tragically killed in a car accident.
Be sure to join us again later this week for the conclusion of Rebecca?s Mormon story and her efforts to obtain a second-sealing clearance from LDS Church leadership.
This is a fascinating and important issue faced by widows in the Mormon church?one we feel deserves to be brought to light.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories
Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories
Join this channel to get access to perks:
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Our Platforms:
?Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes
??Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
??Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1
?Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772
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Contact us:
?PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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The Danites: Joseph Smith's Mormon Paramilitary Group - John Turner Pt. 22 | Ep. 2084
Welcome back for Part 22 of our Joseph Smith the Podcast series with Dr. John G. Turner as we continue to cover his new book ?Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.?
In this episode, we explore one of the most controversial and lesser-known chapters in early Latter-day Saint history ?the rise of the Danites, a secretive paramilitary organization formed during the turbulent Missouri period of 1838.
We trace tensions between Mormons and non-Mormons escalated into organized violence, how Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and other church leaders responded, and what this meant for the future of the Latter-day Saint movement. Along the way, we discuss excommunications, failed settlements, political conflicts, and the enduring question: Did Joseph Smith authorize the Danites? violent actions?
This is the first half of Chapter 19 of the book, covering the years 1838-1839 in Missouri ?where ?Zion? collided with the American frontier.
Please purchase the book ?here?.
To support this series please donate ?here?. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.
00:06:35 The Mormons settled in Caldwell county, little Zion00:10:50 Joseph doesn?t want a repeat of what happened in Kirtland, Ohio00:15:15 Many of the Brethren no longer have confidence in Joseph Smith00:26:20 The true crime was disloyalty00:30:07 Is it possible that Oliver falsely accused Joseph with Fanny Alger?00:36:54 Adam-ondi-Ahman and the Garden of Eden00:40:18 Did Joseph Smith think the Book of Mormon geography expanded down to MesoAmerica?00:47:46 Rapidly growing Mormon settlements and non-Mormons object to it00:50:30 The Danites in Mormon history01:03:22 People fighting in the temple and everything was falling apart01:07:37 Joseph Smith authorizes violence against non-Mormon Missourians01:08:36 Who were the Danites and did Joseph Smith authorize it?01:21:49 Salty speech from Sidney Rigdon01:29:44 Danite sign of distress01:31:19 Closing remarks - lead up to Missouri mob violence01:36:09 If the Saints had always acted peacefully, could they have been left alone to thrive in Missouri?
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories
Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories
Join this channel to get access to perks:
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Our Platforms:
?Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes
??Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
??Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1
?Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772
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Contact us:
?PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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Wallace Stegner's "Mormon" Story w/ Alex Beam and Barbara Jones Brown | Ep. 2083
In this fascinating interview, author and journalist Alex Beam joins Mormon Stories to discuss his new biography titled Wallace Stegner: Dean of Western Writers ?published by Signature Books. Alex Beam is an acclaimed journalist and author known for his insightful historical biographies. Historian and executive director of Signature Books, Barbara Jones Brown is also joining us today!
Beam explores the life, legacy, and complex relationships Stegner had with Mormonism, the American West, and figures like Joseph Smith and Gordon B. Hinckley. From Stegner?s friendship and literary achievements to his nuanced understanding of Mormon culture, this conversation dives into history, literature, and faith.
Buy his new book from Signature books: https://www.signaturebooks.com/books/p/wallace-stegner
00:00:00 Introductions00:01:13 Who was Wallace Stegner?00:04:25 Who is Alex Beam?00:12:08 Who was Joseph Smith and his character?00:17:37 Why did Signature publish this book?00:20:10 Professor Vardis Fisher was a talent spotter00:24:47 Mormon adjacent life of Wallace Stegner00:34:07 Stegner had old fashioned values and dating Mormon women00:37:47 His experience at the University of Utah00:47:18 Stegner?s career and the main books he wrote00:57:07 His mother and brother died in Salt Lake City00:57:32 The picture of his mother?s gravestone01:04:08 Stegner on polygamy01:10:08 Stegner?s work on Bernard DeVoto01:19:35 Stegner won the Pulitzer Prize for his book ?The Year of Decisions 1846?01:23:21 Four historians whom he has complete trust in (including Juanita Brooks)01:30:06 Stegner wasn?t there to quarrel with the Mormon church01:32:17 Closing remarks
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories
Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories
Join this channel to get access to perks:
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Our Platforms:
?Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes
??Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
??Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1
?Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772
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Contact us:
?PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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Tim Ballard vs. the Mormon "Deep Church" w/ Carah Burrell! | Ep. 2082
In this explosive deep-dive, John Dehlin and Carah Burrell unpack the shocking rise, fall, and reinvention of Tim Ballard, the founder of Operation Underground Railroad and former ally of the LDS Church, as well as the self-styled hero of the Sound of Freedom movie.
From his alleged misconduct and excommunication to conspiracy claims about ?The Deep Church,? Tim Ballard?s story intertwines faith, politics, and power in ways that continue to shake the Mormon and evangelical words.
Join us as we trace the full timeline ?from his early missions and fundraising empire to the lawsuits, psychic consultations, and his recent pivot toward Christian nationalism and political ambition.
Watch till the end for breaking developments, exclusive insights, and what this all means for the future of Mormonism, OUR, and Ballard?s next moves!
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories
Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/join
Our Platforms:
?Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes
??Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
??Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1
?Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772
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Contact us:
?PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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The Kirtland Bank Scandal & Joseph Smith - w/ John Turner Pt. 21 | Ep. 2081
We are back today with part 21 of our Joseph Smith Podcast series with Dr. John Turner, discussing his new book Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.
In this episode, we explore one of the most fascinating and consequential moments in early Latter-day Saint history ?the Kirtland Bank Scandal. Chapter 18 titled ?Follies? (1836-1837), captures a turbulent period when Joseph SMith and the Saints in Kirtland, Ohio, faced financial ruin, internal dissent, and the unraveling of faith and community.
We trace how the ambitious completion of the Kirtland Temple left the Saints deep in debt and how Joseph Smith?s attempt to solve these financial woes through the creation of the Kirtland Safety Society Bank (or ?anti? Bank) spiraled into one of the earliest crises of the Restoration. Against the backdrop of President ANdrew Jackson?s anti-bank crusade and the Panic of 1837, the Saints? experiment with banking, prophecy, and faith would test their loyalty, their leadership, and their limits.
The story unfolds through dramatic events: Joseph and Sidney hiding from sheriffs, treasure-digging expeditions to Salem in search of divine relief from debt, and the chaotic collapse of confidence in the unchartered ?anti-bank.? We discuss how this episode intertwined religious revelation and financial desperation ? and how it triggered what became the largest apostasy in early church history.
Please purchase the book ?here?.
To support this series please donate ?here?. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
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Nahom: The Strongest Evidence for the Book of Mormon? - LDS Discussions w/ Kolby Reddish | Ep. 2080
Is Nahom really the strongest evidence for the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon? In this episode, we take a deep dive into noe of the most cited archaeological ?proofs? of the Book of Mormon -the discovery of altars inscribed with the letters NHM in Yemen.
John Dehlin and attorney and former clerk from the Idaho Supreme Court, Kolby Reddish examine what the text of the Book of Mormon actually says about Nahom, where it?s supposed to be located, and whether the archaeological evidence matches up. Along the way, we look at how apologists, scholars, and critics have each interpreted this find -and what it really says about the historicity of the Book of Mormon.
We also examine whether or not Joseph Smith could have known about Nahom (or Nehem) from maps or Biblical references, and how issues like confirmation bias and faith-based reasoning play into the debate.
This conversation aims to be evidence-based, thoughtful, and respectful -seeking understanding amid polarization in the Mormon and ex-Mormon communities.
00:00:00 Introduction00:03:15 Does the Book of Mormon need to be historical?00:04:31 John?s intentions for these episodes00:09:30 What is Nahom? - Introduction to First Nephi00:11:34 The place ?which was called Nahom?00:14:10 What the Book of Mormon text says in 1 Nephi 16:34
00:18:35 S Kent Brown calling the issue of Nahom ?basically settled?00:26:10 Photos of the altars with ?NHM?00:27:30 How apologists are characterizing this00:29:27 Clip on an Inconvenient Faith on Nahom00:33:05 Where are ?NHM? altars located and is it where the Book of Mormon says?00:36:45 What the Book of Mormon says about the location of Nahom00:43:48 Another map from Scripture Central page on an ancient tribal region00:46:00 The Site for the NHM altars (The Barran Temple)00:50:59 Brief introduction to the Sabaeans, a group of people much larger than those at Jerusalem00:52:15 The inscriptions on the altars01:00:24 Where this temple site is, 25 miles from the Nihm region01:02:56 Clip - Did Joseph Smith find ?Nahom? on old maps01:09:40 Maps that include Nahom/Nehem01:13:50 Occam?s Razor01:15:43 Nahum in the Bible01:19:52 Oliver Cowdery purchased a Bible01:23:44 All the problems you would have to overlook to accept Nahom01:27:38 Parallelism - Chiasmus argument01:41:57 Closing remarks
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
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Finding Joy After Mormonism w/ Sharon Beesley | Ep. 2079
In this episode of Mormon Stories, John and Margi Dehlin sit down with Sharon Beesley, a therapist, writer and former Mormon ?mommy blogger,? to explore the evolution of her faith journey in Mormonism.
Sharon was brought into the church as a child in Florida when her mother chose to convert. She discusses the warmth and community she found in her ward there, and the early testimonies that grounded her. Yet her story also weaves through deep loss with the death of her mother, and how that grief initially drew her closer to the Church.
Sharon attended BYU, got married, and set out to live the ideal Mormon lifestyle. Their family ultimately ended up in New York city, where Sharon began to find relationships with people outside the church. With this move, her worldview began to shift as she encountered new ideas about faith, feminism, and authenticity.
Topics Include:
-Growing up Mormon in Florida
-Coping with grief through faith
-Marriage, motherhood, and mixed-faith relationships
Feminism
This episode offers a gentle, wise, and grounding perspective for anyone navigating faith transitions, loss, or rediscovering joy beyond belief.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
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Polygamy or Adultery? Fanny Alger & Joseph Smith - John Turner Pt. 20 | Ep. 2078
Welcome to part 20 of our epic series on Dr. John G. Turner?s landmark biography, ?Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.?
Things are really heating up as we enter the mid-1830s in the life of Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter-day Saint movement. This episode dives into one of the most controversial and debated episodes in early Mormon history ?Joseph?s relationship with Fanny Alger, a young woman employed in the Smith household in Kirtland, Ohio in 1836.
Was it adultery? Was it an early form of plural marriage? Or was it something else entirely ?a ?scrape??
Join us for Part 1 of Chapter 18, where we unpack Turner?s detailed treatment of this scandal, explore how it fractured relationships within the early church (especially between Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery), and trace how it shaped the theology of polygamy that would later emerge in Nauvoo.
Please purchase the book ?here?.
To support this series please donate ?here?. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.
00:00:00 Introductions00:02:55 How do you pronounce Fanny Alger?s name?00:04:25 New headings to the Doctrine and Covenants00:09:53 The Book of Mormon caveat on polygamy and linking it to the Bible00:13:58 When Joseph Smith met Fanny and when the affair began00:15:35 What do we know about Fanny Alger?00:21:34 Had Joseph not received the keys for sealing in 1836?00:24:12 How does this scandal erupt?00:27:54 Why did it take two years for this all to come out?00:29:16 Levi Hancock background on sealing Joseph to Fanny Alger00:36:02 The nature of the relationship00:40:09 ?Dirty nasty filthy affair" vs ?scrape?00:45:49 Eliza R. Snow considered Fanny to be Joseph?s first wife00:47:29 Was Joseph Smith trying to justify his feelings for Fanny?00:51:55 Another possible interpretation01:00:08 What happens to Fanny?01:02:58 Fanny?s final testimony on the matter01:07:12 Apostles hear rumors that Joseph has committed adultery01:14:15 The reasons Kirtland collapsed01:19:19 Why this breach between Joseph and Oliver becomes irreparable01:21:44 How Joseph Smith got away with this?01:26:24 One thing that doesn?t seem to have happened is that no one asked Emma01:33:46 Does this make Joseph Smith a fraud?01:45:25 Closing Remarks
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
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Was Joseph Smith Credible? w/ Sandra Tanner - LDS Discussions 65 | Ep. 2077
Sandra Tanner is back with us on LDS Discussions to conclude our conversation on three new church essays recently published by the LDS Church. In this episode, we?ll finish our coverage of the essay on polygamy and move on to the final essay, which addresses the character of Joseph Smith.
Topics include:
-Joseph?s failed prophecies
-Joseph?s treatment of Emma
-Joseph?s 21 criminal cases
Join us as we unpack these final issues and reflect on what they reveal about Joseph Smith and early church history.
00:00:00 Introduction00:05:32 What did Emma know about JS?s practice of Plural Marriage?00:12:26 If these were righteous marriages, why doesn't the church publicize who the plural wives are?00:27:38 Sharing clips from Julia?s channel - Eliza Snow and the gold watch00:33:24 Next Clip - Joseph?s treatment of Emma00:39:57 How did women experience plural marriage?00:53:45 How did plural marriage end in the church?01:01:34 Next Essay - Joseph Smith?s Character01:11:17 Church claims Joseph ?recognized his weaknesses?01:16:15 Discussing Joseph?s failed prophecies01:19:45 What did Joseph?s contemporaries say about his character?01:22:55 Brad Wilcox clip01:26:16 Can a person with flaws still be a prophet?01:34:09 Russell M. Nelson clip01:49:02 If you?re offended by Joseph?s actions you?re not spiritually mature?02:00:05 Discussing Joseph?s 21 criminal cases02:19:27 Did Joseph pay his debts?02:24:24 Did Joseph exercise undue political power?02:34:49 Summarizing the essay on Joseph?s character02:45:11 How to make sense of the conflicting views of Joseph Smith according to the church03:06:44 What grade would we give these essays?03:08:10 Conclusion
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
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Why Young Women Are Leaving the Mormon Church - Caroline Barrow | Ep. 2076
Caroline Barrow was raised in a typical Mormon household in Louisiana. While she was a faithful believer in the Church, she always had questions about certain teachings but was often encouraged to halt her critical thinking on these issues. She chose to attend BYU and serve a Mormon mission, but continued to be plagued by questions?particularly around polygamy and the treatment of women in the LDS faith. Caroline also found herself struggling with scrupulosity, perfectionism, and the many pressures placed on women in the Church.
Listen as she shares her story of how she confronted these questions and learned to trust herself and her instincts as an analytical woman within the Mormon faith.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
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The Kirtland Temple Dedication Pentecost - John Turner Pt. 19 | Ep. 2075
In part 19 of our deep-dive into Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet by Dr. John G. Turner, we explore the fascinating events surrounding the Kirtland Temple dedication (that took place in 1836) in Kirtland, Ohio.
This episode focuses on Chapter 17, examining key developments in early Latter-day Saint ritual practice ?including solemn assemblies, washings and anointings, the washing of feet, and even ritual cleansings (in cinnamon whiskey!). We also discuss internal church conflicts, prophetic authority, spiritual manifestations, and the powerful endowment promises given to early Church leaders.
We also explore Joseph Smith?s institutional genius, visions and heavenly visitations, Hebrew studies and the Adamic language, early temple worship and spiritual ecstacy, and controversies and personal reflections from John Turner?s biography.
Please purchase the book ?here?.
To support this series please donate ?here?. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.
00:00:00 Introduction00:03:44 Comment on the case of Lucina Elliott00:11:58 Launching into the conflict in Chapter 17 - William Smith00:18:08 Joshua and Joseph?s study of Hebrew00:30:20 Solemn Assembly in the Kirtland Temple00:33:16 What Joseph did in response to conflict - introduce rituals00:45:46 The origins of the washing and anointing part of the LDS endowment00:59:35 Powerful moment when the First Presidency confessed their sins01:04:34 Visions and the heavens being opened01:10:17 Visitations of Christ, Adam, Abraham, Michael, etc.01:15:35 Kirtland Temple Dedication01:30:08 The practice of speaking in tongues in the 1800s01:36:00 The use of wine during these rituals01:40:49 The washing of feet01:51:36 A vision of Jesus Christ standing at the pulpit in front of them02:08:48 How Dr. John G. Turner ended the chapter02:11:05 Final remarks
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
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Four (or Five) Types of Mormons? - Are LDS Church Members Secularizing? | Ep. 2074
Join John Dehlin, Julie Hanks, Jana Spangler, and Beau Oyler (the Mormon Bridgebuilders) as we review a new analysis of LDS Church members by Alex Bass.
Links:
- Robert Kirby's 5 Types of Mormons
00:00:00 Introduction
00:06:15 Maddie Packer clip
00:11:29 Julie?s response to this clip
00:16:44 How social media plays into the problem - only sound bits are shared
00:23:52 Introducing Alex Bass
00:26:05 Alex?s ?Mormon Typology Report?
00:28:23 How Alex conducted this survey
00:29:49 The Four Types of Mormons
00:32:27 First type: ?devout believers"
00:33:47 Second typer: ?The adaptive believers?
00:43:32 Is Mormon Orthodoxy in decline?
00:52:33 Third Type: ?The Inbetweeners?
00:55:42 Fourth Type: ?Cultural Mormons?
01:12:24 Graph of how the groups are changing over time
01:15:27 Saying goodbye and thank you to Alex
01:16:15 Ben Park?s summary of this study
01:19:14 Applications to BYU are declining
01:30:33 LDS is the highest republican group
01:37:17 Half of mormons now support same-sex marriage
01:54:35 Mayci Nealey (SLOMW) clip
01:54:42 Welcoming Patrick Mason to the panel
02:17:00 Jana on the "Hallmarks of developmental psychology?
02:28:43 How Mormon Stories has tried to encourage people to stay in the church
02:3214 The three types of Mormons who are still attending church
02:39:30 How wards have different ?personalities?
02:58:21 Closing thoughts
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
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The Mormon Church Saved My Life - Keira Shae | Ep. 2073
Today we welcome to the podcast Keira Shae, who joins us to share her story of converting to the LDS Church as a teenager while growing up in an abusive home.
Living in Utah, Keira was surrounded by Mormons and idealized them as a contrast to her tumultuous home life. Around the age of fifteen, she went to live with a foster family who required her to follow church guidelines very rigidly. At the time, however, this structured lifestyle was a welcome change from her chaotic upbringing.
After marrying and starting a family with a return missionary, Keira did her best to live up to the expectations of being the ?perfect? Mormon wife and mother. Over time, though, she found herself struggling with perfectionism, scrupulosity, and the process of discovering her bisexuality.
Join us to hear how Keira confronted these challenges and where she stands with the Mormon Church today.
You can purchase Keira's memoir, How the Light Gets In here.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
?Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology?Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis?Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
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Family Feud & Scandal in Early Mormonism - John Turner pt. 18 | Ep. 2072
Welcome back to Part 18 of our Joseph Smith Podcast series, where we continue our in-depth exploration of Dr. John Turner?s groundbreaking biography, Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.
In this episode, we dive into parts of Chapter 16 and 17 ?two of the most dramatic and revealing sections yet. We cover the explosive sibling feud between Joseph Smith and his brother William, explore the first child abuse scandal in 1835, and trace Joseph?s evolving leadership and spiritual promises as the Restoration movement matures.
From the aftermath of Zion?s Camp and early church discipline to visions of divine power and the early roots of temple ritual, these chapters reveal a prophet under pressure ?and a family and faith community in turmoil. This is an episode you won?t want to miss!
Please purchase the book ?here?.
To support this series please donate ?here?. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.
00:00:00 Introduction00:06:23 Joseph?s months long feud with his brother William00:20:36 Joseph Smith senior gets sick00:23:32 Elliott scandal00:36:12 The Elliott?s make confessions00:44:14 Why was William so invested in this case?00:54:15 The Second Anointing01:07:03 How things end up between Joseph Smith and William Smith?01:11:03 Closing remarks
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
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LDS Church Announces New Prophet and 1st Presidency - Dallin Oaks, Henry Eyring, Todd Christofferson | Ep. 2071
Today, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a new Prophet and First Presidency. Following the passing of President Russell M. Nelson, senior apostle Dallin H. Oaks has been called as the next Prophet and President of the Church, with Henry B. Eyring and D. Todd Christofferson as his counselors.
In this livestream reaction episode, we discuss the LDS system of prophetic succession (seniority-based), why these counselors choices are both expected AND surprising, who might fill the new vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the health and age concerns surrounding the new leadership, and reactions to the official Church livestream, press conference and speeches given. We also explore the broader implications of the Church ?including generational leadership, LGBTQ issues, and possible future apostolic calls.
Join us as we watch and react live to the LDS announcement of the new First Presidency.
The original broadcast can be viewed here.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
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An African (Kenya) Mormon Story - Dr. Joe Ngatia | Ep. 2070
In this powerful and first-ever interview with a Latter-day Saint convert from Kenya, we explore the remarkable faith journey of Dr. Joe Ngatia (pronounced ?ga-tia?). Africa has become one of the fastest growing regions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, yet Joe?s story reveals the complexities behind that growth ? from faith and miracles to history, race, and resilience.
Joe shares his encounter with the missionaries and how his family first reacted having only heard rumors about ?Mormons being devil worshippers.? His story moves from Nairobi to Rexburg, Idaho, BYU-Provo, and on to medical school in Florida, chronicling his faith, struggles with racism in America, and developing cracks in his testimony. Joe reflects on questions of revelation, truth, miracles, and identity ? asking what it means to remain true to one?s own spiritual experiences while confronting painful history?
This is one of our most profound and far-reaching conversations yet ? bridging continents, beliefs, and experiences in search of understanding.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
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Origins of the Book of Abraham - John Turner pt. 17 | Ep. 2069
Welcome back to Part 17 of our Joseph Smith Podcast series covering Dr. John Turner?s new biography on Joseph Smith titled: Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.
In this episode, we begin part one of our deep dive into the Book of Abraham ?a controversial and fascinating text within Latter-day Saint history. We?ll trace its origins in 1835 Kirtland, explore Joseph Smith?s acquisition of Egyptian papyri and mummies, and discuss the Egyptomania of the time that fueled public curiosity.
With guest scholar Dr. John Turner, we set the stage for how the Book of Abraham fits into the broader story of Mormonism, how Joseph Smith interpreted the papyri, and why questions of translation, sincerity, and inspiration still matter today. This is just the beginning of our discussion ?the Nauvoo period will follow in later chapters!
Please purchase the book ?here?.
To support this series please donate ?here?. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
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Are "Anti-Mormons" or Mark Driscoll Responsible for Charlie Kirk & Michigan LDS Killings? | Ep. 2068
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) has been in the news lately in connection with the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the murderous attack on an LDS chapel in Michigan. As Americans have rushed to find the "cause" of these attacks, several groups have been blamed including: Latter-day Saints, Political Conservatives/Republicans, Political Liberals/Democrats, Evangelical Christians, and Ex-Mormon influencers. Today we will discuss many of these theories with an amazing panel: Julie de Azevedo Hanks, Bishop Beau Oyler, Jana Spangler, and John Dehlin.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
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Anti-Mormonism and Kirtland Blessings - John Turner Pt. 16 | Ep. 2067
Welcome back to part 16 of our Joseph Smith Podcast with Dr. John G. Turner! In this episode, we cover chapter fifteen of John Turner?s new book titled ?Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet? which covers 1834-1835 in Kirtland, Ohio and parts of Missouri. We discuss the rise of patriarchal blessings, the creation of new church offices ?like the Twelve and the Seventy. We also discuss the challenges posed by critics like E. D. Howe and his problematic book published in 1834. These years were formative for Joseph Smith and the Latter-day Saint movement.
We explore such topics as:
-The publication of E. D. Howe?s Mormonism Unveiled
-The 1835 Doctrine and Covenants (and the Lectures on Faith)
-The creation of the Quorum of the Twelve and the Seventy
-The beginning of the Law of Adoption
-How Joseph Smith used blessings and promises to help people follow him
Did this first anti-Mormon publication get under Joseph Smith?s skin? What power did early church members believe they were receiving through blessings and ordinances? How did Joseph Smith transform crises into opportunities to strengthen his movement? Join us as we seek to answer each of these questions!
Please purchase the book ?here?.
To support this series please donate ?here?. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
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Escaping Scientology - Claire & Marc Headley Pt. 2 | Ep. 2066
In Part Two of our conversation with Claire and Marc Headley, we dive into the details of how they finally escaped the Sea Organization and the events that led up to that decision. We will also discuss other topics such as the FBI's investigation into Scientology, why they have spoken out against the church since leaving, and how Scientology responds to critics.
Claire and Marc also open up about their ongoing mission to help others break free, including their work with the Michael J. Rinder Aftermath Foundation, which provides resources and support for those leaving Scientology.
You will not want to miss this captivating story of escape from a very dangerous organization.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
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Born into Scientology - Claire & Marc Headley Pt. 1 | Ep. 2065
Prepare yourself for an EPIC non-Mormon story! This week we are introducing Claire and Marc Headley, who were born into the Church of Scientology and have a remarkable escape story that we are excited to share with you.
Both Claire and Marc were members of the Sea Organization within Scientology, where the church?s elite-level leaders work and are required to sign a billion-year contract of servitude. During their time there, both worked closely with David Miscavige, the current leader of Scientology, and witnessed his brutality firsthand.
In this first part, Claire and Marc discuss the foundations of Scientology, what it was like to be raised in it, and how they came to join the Sea Org. They also share insider information on high-profile members such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta, and even address the mystery of what happened to Shelly Miscavige.
Then, join us on Wednesday for part two of this interview, where they share their incredible story of escaping the Sea Org and talk about their work with the Mike Rinder Aftermath Foundation.
So strap in and enjoy this stranger-than-fiction story!
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
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Joseph Smith and Zion?s Camp - Disastrous or Inspirational? John Turner Pt. 15 | Ep. 2064
We are back again with Dr. John Turner in part 15 of the Joseph Smith Podcast, covering his new book ?Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.? Join us as we explore the dramatic events of 1834 when Joseph Smith led Zion?s Camp, from Kirtland, Ohio to Clay County, Missouri. This episode dives deep into the historical and spiritual implications of Zion?s Camp ?including Joseph Smith?s controversial prophecies, the hardships faced by the Saints as refugees, the question of prophetic failure, and the lasting theological impact on the Latter-day Saint movement.
Topics covered today include:
-The story of Zelph the White Lamanite
-Joseph Smith?s dog ?Major?
-The thunderstorm that may have saved Zion?s Camp
-The tension between Governor Dunclan and Joseph Smith
Like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into Mormon history and theology.
Please purchase the book ?here?.
To support this series please donate ?here?. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
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Contact us:
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New Church Essays on Translation and Polygamy - LDS Discussions w/ Sandra Tanner | Ep. 2063
We are thrilled to have Sandra Tanner as a guest on our LDS Discussions series this week! Along with John, Julia, and Nemo, Sandra is here to offer commentary on three new essays recently released by the LDS Church, addressing the issues of Book of Mormon translation, polygamy, and Joseph Smith?s character.
In part one of this two-part episode, we will focus on Joseph Smith?s ?translation? of the Book of Mormon and on polygamy.
Among the topics we?ll cover:
-?Translation? vs. ?Revelation?
-Joseph?s use of the seer stones
-What became of the Eight Witnesses
-The polygamy manifestos
-The Nauvoo Expositor
You won?t want to miss this fascinating conversation with the one and only Sandra Tanner, as we dissect the essays point by point and offer a unique perspective on these issues.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
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Contact us:
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Link to episode
I Declined My Mormon Mission Call - Benson Lawson | Ep. 2062
This week, we?re sitting down with Benson Lawson, who made the bold decision to decline his Mormon mission call. In the LDS community, serving a mission is often seen as non-negotiable?an expectation placed on nearly every young man. For those who choose differently, the backlash can be overwhelming.
Benson is bravely sharing his story with us, opening up about the pressure, the stigma, and why a mission wasn?t the right path for him.
Join us as we explore the reasons why a mission is not right for everyone, and what affect this choice can have on a Mormon man in particular.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
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??Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
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CES Letter v. The Book of Mormon pt. 2 - LDS Discussions | Ep. 2061
We are back today for part two of our examination of the CES Letter vs. the Book of Mormon. The CES Letter is perhaps one of the most influential documents in Mormon studies, and for years the LDS Church has criticized it and its author, Jeremy Runnells. Is this a fair treatment by the Church, or are Jeremy's questions on church doctrine valid?
In this series, we are going point by point through the questions raised in the CES Letter to discuss how they line up with the Book of Mormon, as well as the responses the Church has provided thus far.
Some of the questions we?ll cover include:
-Why is there no archaeological evidence for the Book of Mormon?
-Where did the events of the Book of Mormon actually take place?
-Why does the Book of Mormon share so many similarities with other books from Joseph Smith?s time?
-Does the Book of Mormon reflect a Trinitarian view of God?
Join us today as we attempt to answer these questions?and more.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
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??Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
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Chess Champion Raised in a Cult: Danny Rensch's Dark Squares | Ep. 2060
Today we are very excited to welcome Danny Rensch to the podcast! Lovers of chess may know Danny as an international chess champion and co-founder of Chess.com?but did you know he was also raised in a cult?
In this interview, Danny discusses the release of his new book, Dark Squares: How Chess Saved My Life, which tells the story of his upbringing in the Church of Immortal Consciousness. Groomed by the cult?s leader, Steven Camp, to become a chess grandmaster, Danny was separated from his family at a young age and taught that his ultimate purpose in life was to bring awareness to the religion through chess.
Join us to learn more about:
-The Church of Immortal Consciousness, their beliefs, and its founders
-Danny?s training with alcoholic chess master Igor Ivanov
-Danny?s struggles with substances and addiction, and how these were fostered by ?the collective?
-Danny?s career as a chess master and how it ultimately led him to co-found Chess.com
Danny Rensch?s book Dark Squares: How Chess Saved My Life is out now! Let?s help him get on the bestseller list by purchasing the book here.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
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??Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
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Mob Violence Against (and by?) Mormons in Missouri - John Turner pt. 14 | Ep. 2059
We are here today with part fourteen of our Joseph Smith: The Podcast series with Dr. John Turner. Today we are continuing on with chapter thirteen of his new book ?Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.? The chapter is titled ?Zion is Fled? and covers the years 1883-1834 in Missouri. In this episode we explore one of the most turbulent periods in early Mormon history. We dive into the Missouri conflict of the 1830s, the Saints? rising tensions with their neighbors, and the violent clashes that shaped both Mormon identity and leadership.
We also discuss:
-The growing resentment of Non-Mormons
-The destruction of a Mormon printing press by mob violence
-Slavery in Missouri and how that related to the Saints
-Doctor Philastus Hurlbut affidavits
-The Solomon Spaulding Manuscript
-The 1833 Meteor shower
-How persecution shaped and influenced the Saints? identity
This conversation wrestles with big questions: Why did violence erupt? How did Joseph Smith and the Saints respond to failed prophecies? And what do these early struggles reveal about faith, leadership, and survival in a hostile America?
Please purchase the book ?here?.
To support this series please donate ?here?. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
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Contact us:
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An Inconvenient Faith & Progressive Mormonism w/ Julie Hanks, Jana Spangler & Beau Oyler | Ep. 2058
Recently a documentary series entitled "An Inconvenient Faith" appeared on YouTube, produced by Robert Reynolds and Jim Bennett (among others). The documentary seeks to promote progressive Mormonism within LDS church membership. The documentary is groundbreaking in the sense that it includes both Ex-Mormons (e.g. Jeremy Runnells, Sandra Tanner, John Dehlin, Bill Reel) and faithful Mormon scholars (e.g. Richard Bushman, Terryl & Fiona Givens, Patrick Mason). The series has also received a considerable amount of excitement and critique on the Internet.
Please join Mormon Stories for a livestream as a panel (John Dehlin, Bishop Beau Oyler, Julie Hanks, and Jana Spangler) react to the documentary. We welcome your participation as well!
View the documentary ?here?.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
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Contact us:
?PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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Independent Fundamentalist Baptists (IFB) - Camille Lewis & Bob Jones University | Ep. 2057
This week we continue our series of non-Mormon stories with Camille Lewis. Raised as an Independent Fundamental Baptist, Camille attended and later taught at Bob Jones University?an Evangelical college in Greenville, NC, known for its strict rules and staunch conservatism. The university also has a troubling history of discrimination, including once forbidding interracial dating. While serving as a professor at BJU, Camille was reprimanded for refusing to allow the school?s daycare to physically discipline her children, and was ultimately asked to resign.
Join us as we explore the teachings of Evangelicalism, the legacy of Bob Jones University and its founders, and where Camille stands in her faith today.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
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??Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories
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Contact us:
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Joseph Smith's School of the Prophets - John Turner pt. 13 | Ep. 2056
Welcome to another episode with Dr. John Turner as we cover his new book ?Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.? Today we are covering chapter thirteen titled ?Zion is Fled? that covers 1833-1834 in Kirtland, Ohio.
We answer important questions like: What is the importance of scriptures and what does that mean for this religious movement? Is Joseph Smith credible as a prophet, seer, and revelator? Even the Mormon church today is calling the Book of Mormon a ?revelation? not a translation. Is the Book of Mormon a work of genius or is it from God?
We also cover topics such as the School of the Prophets, how the Word of Wisdom came to be and Joseph Smith?s vision of the grand Zion Community in Independence, Missouri.
Please purchase the book ?here?.
To support this series please donate ?here?. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
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The Making of "Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin & Influence" | Ep. 2055
We are super excited to announce that a new docuseries entitled "Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence" is set to be released on September 1st and 2nd on Investigation Discovery and HBO Max. This four part series provides unparalleled context behind the Ruby Franke / 8 Passengers / Jodi Hildebrandt saga.
Several Ex-Mormon influencers were included in the series including Lauren and Dr. John Mathias (Hidden True Crime), Jordan and McKay Forsyth, Dr. Julie De Azevedo, and Natasha Helfer. Former Mormon Stories Podcast interviewees Jessi Hildebrant and Adam Paul Steed.
In this panel, John Dehlin will interview several of the creators of the series including Olivia Crist, Rachel Bozich, and Lauren Andrade.
___________________
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
Our overall mission is to:
1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
?Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today
One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m
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Contact us:
?PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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Mormon Seminary Teacher Resigned LAST WEEK & Tells Us Why - Riley Davis | Ep. 2054
Today we are continuing our series of interviews with LDS Church Education System employees. Today?s guest is extra special, as he resigned from his seminary teaching position just days before the filming of this episode!
Riley Davis was born into the church and grew up in a very traditional Mormon family in Utah. As the son of an LDS bishop, Riley struggled with depression due to religious scrupulosity in his youth, but found healing and growth through church youth programs like the Boy Scouts of America?an experience that inspired him to continue working with youth for the rest of his life. After serving a mission in Buenos Aires, Riley eventually became a math and science teacher but was soon presented with an opportunity to work for CES as an LDS seminary teacher.
Riley also shares with John insights into the current state of the CES program and where it may be headed in the future.
Content Warning: This episode discusses self-harm. Please listen with care.
___________________
Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!
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Did Joseph Smith Speak in Tongues? - John Turner Pt. 12 | Ep. 2053
We are back with Chapter Twelve of John Turner?s new book ?Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.? Today we are covering Chapter Twelve which is titled: ?Olive Leaves? that covers the years 1832-1833 in Kirtland, Ohio.
We tackle topics like the excommunication of Jesse Gause, one of the first General Authorities and other conflicts between the Mormon leaders.
We also answer questions like...
-Was the idea of the different priesthoods original to Joseph Smith?
-Did Joseph Smith speak in tongues?
-Did Joseph Smith actually predict the Civil War?
-Is the School of the Prophets unique and where did the Solemn Assembly come from?
You won?t want to miss this important installment of the Joseph Smith Podcast!
___________________
Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!
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Did Book of Mormon Lamanites Exist? - Ganesh Cherian | Ep. 2052
Join us live today as we welcome back Ganesh Cherian who is here to discuss the aspects of the Book of Mormon that clearly show its 19th century origins. What influences did Joseph Smith use to write the Book of Mormon? Do unique aspects of his life show up in the text?
From American patriotism and Native American policy to slippery treasure and evolving doctrines, this deep dive challenges the traditional narrative that the Book of Mormon is an ancient text. Based on Ganesh?s new book ?Joseph Smith: The Architect of Mormonism? we answer the question: Did Book of Mormon Lamanites Exist?
___________________
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Mormon Church Alienated Me From My Family In India - Sirisha Shumway | Ep. 2051
We are very excited this week to release a first-of-its-kind Mormon Stories episode! Born and raised in Hyderabad, India, Sirisha Shumway converted to Mormonism at the age of 14, against the wishes of her family. She quickly became a very devout member of her LDS community, served a mission, and even worked for the church as a translator.
After moving to the US to completer her education, Sirisha faced increasing pressure to marry and raise a family in the LDS faith. But when her husband began questioning church history, she embarked on her own faith crisis, uncovering disturbing truths about Joseph Smith, polygamy, and other deceptions about church history.
Topics include:
-Sirisha's upbringing in India
-Structure of the LDS church in India
-Church interfetance in family relationships
-And the long-lasting impact of high-demand religions on personal identity
We are grateful to Sirisha for sharing her story with us, and hope you enjoy this very unique episode.
___________________
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The Three Degrees of Glory in Mormon Heaven - John Turner Pt. 11 | Ep. 2050
We are back again with historian Dr. John Turner to explore Chapter Eleven of his new book Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. The chapter is titled ?Pure Language? and covers the years 1831-1832 in Kirtland, Ohio. Turner discusses the stories of healing on the part of Joseph Smith, the controversy surrounding the publishing of the Book of Commandments as well as some of the members questioning Joseph Smith?s revelations. Dr. Turner also discusses Joseph Smith?s revelation on the three degrees of heaven and the possible connections to Emanual Swedenborg (as well as the fact that Hitler is in Mormon heaven!)
We also tackle some big questions:
-Is John Turner?s book just another hagiography idealizing his subject?
-Why did Alexander Campbell oppose Mormonism so vehemently?
-What are we to make of these stories of healing?
-Was the tar and feathering of Joseph Smith having to do with sexual impropriety?
You won?t want to miss this important episode in the Joseph Smith Podcast series!
___________________
Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!
Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:
??One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox????Support us on Patreon????PayPal????Venmo??Our Platforms:
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Link to episode
Mormon on my Own Terms - Olivia Calvert | Ep. 2049
What happens when a Mormon woman questions her faith?but doesn?t walk away entirely? In this week's interview, Olivia Calvert shares her journey of embracing doubts and shifts in belief. Choosing to live Mormonism in her own way, Olivia?s path leads her to what she calls ?casual discipleship.? While we have explored stories like this before from men in the church, it is rare for an LDS woman to open up about her faith in this way.
Topics include:
-Purity culture
-Faith crises
-Church history
-Choosing to stay Mormon?on your own terms.
If you?ve ever felt like you don?t quite fit the Mormon mold, this story might be exactly what you need to hear. Join us as we talk about the many ways people are navigating Mormonism today.
___________________
Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!
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??One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox????Support us on Patreon????PayPal????Venmo??Our Platforms:
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Early Mormon Missionary Polygamy with Native Americans? - John Turner Pt. 10 | Ep. 2048
Welcome to part ten of the Joseph Smith Podcast! We welcome back Dr. John Turner who is here to discuss chapter ten of his new book Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. Chapter ten covers the 1832 time frame in Independence, Missouri.
Turner answers questions like: Where did Joseph Smith get the idea of a New Jerusalem? Where did Joseph Smith get the idea of temples? Did Joseph Smith receive a revelation that early Mormon missionaries should live polygay among the Native Americans? Other topics discussed are how the church added three new pages to the Gospel Topics Essay specifically discussing Joseph Smith?s lived polygamy and his overall character.
Please purchase the book ?here?.
To support this series please donate ?here?. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.
___________________
Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!
Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:
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The Mormon Church Made Me Give Up My Baby w/ Myndee Tollefson | Ep. 2047
Join us today for a unique Mormon Stories episode that is the first of its kind. Myndee Tollefson was born in Bountiful, Utah to an orthodox Mormon family. At just 19, she became pregnant and, feeling immense pressure from the Church and her family, gave her baby up for adoption through LDS Family Services?only to later discover that her child's life in the adoptive family was not what the Church promised.
Topics include:
-Toxicity of purity culture
-Unplanned pregnancy in Mormonism
-Harsh backlash from her family and LDS community
-Adoption within the LDS Family services program
-The church's role in facilitating and encouraging adoption
-Being a "birth mom"
-Troubled teen culture within Mormonism
Her story sheds light on the emotional and spiritual costs of institutional coercion, and the healing that comes with breaking free from this control.
___________________
Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!
Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:
??One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox????Support us on Patreon????PayPal????Venmo??Our Platforms:
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Miracles, Demons & the United Order in Joseph Smith?s Kirtland - John Turner Pt. 9 | Ep. 2046
Welcome to another episode with Dr. John Turner! Today we are covering Chapter Nine of his new book ?Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet." Chapter nine is titled ?Flying High? and covers the year 1831 which mostly took place in Kirtland, Ohio for Joseph Smith and the early Saints.
Topics include:
-Comments from listeners on this podcast series
-Why Joseph Smith didn?t preach from the Book of Mormon
-Early criticism of the Book of Mormon
-Demonic possessions and miracles
-The United Order
-Missionaries teaching the Lamanites
Non-Mormon historian, John Turner, approaches these topics in refreshing and informed ways. You won?t want to miss this episode!
Please purchase the book here: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300255164/joseph-smith/
To support this series please donate here: https://donorbox.org/josephsmith. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.
___________________
Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!
Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:
??One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox????Support us on Patreon????PayPal????Venmo??Our Platforms:
??YouTube????Patreon????Spotify????Apple Podcasts??Social Media:
??Insta: @mormstories????TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast????Join the Discord??Contact us:
PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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The Rise and Fall of Sunstone Magazine - Elbert Peck (re-broadcast) | Ep. 2045
Join us today as we resurface another classic Mormon Stories episode! Originally filmed in 2007, this interview is with Elbert Peck who was the editor of Sunstone Magazine from 1986-2001.
Topics will include:
-His early years in Washington D.C.
-His time at BYU with the Seventh East Press publication
-What led to him taking over Sunstone Magazine
-Interactions with other key Sunstone members
-Events leading up to the September Six excommunications of 1993
-The decline of Sunstone publications
We hope you enjoy the re-broadcast of this important interview, and look forward to seeing all of you at the 50th anniversary Sunstone Symposium this weekend! (July 31st - August 1st)
___________________
Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!
Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:
??One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox????Support us on Patreon????PayPal????Venmo??Our Platforms:
??YouTube????Patreon????Spotify????Apple Podcasts??Social Media:
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PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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Baptized in Utah to Fit In! - Gabrielle Zelaya | Ep. 2044
Join us today for a unique Mormon Stories episode! Gabriella Zelaya shares her story of growing up amidst Mormon culture in Farmington, Utah as a non-member. Surrounded by an LDS-dominated community and extended family, Gabby navigated social pressure, exclusion, and judgment by the members that surrounded her.
From feeling like an outsider in school to eventually converting to Mormonism as a teenager for a sense of belonging, Gabby opens up about the emotional toll of purity culture, ?love bombing,? and the struggle to find self-worth. She recounts her journey through mental health challenges, her eventual disaffection from the Church, and the healing work she?s done to break cycles of shame and rebuild her life on her own terms.
Topics Include:
-Growing up non-Mormon in a Mormon world
-Conversion for community and survival
-Love bombing and disillusionment
-Breaking free and healing from trauma
Join us for this raw and inspiring conversation.
___________________
Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!
Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:
??One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox????Support us on Patreon????PayPal????Venmo??Our Platforms:
??YouTube????Patreon????Spotify????Apple Podcasts??Social Media:
??Insta: @mormstories????TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast????Join the Discord??Contact us:
PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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Joseph Smith Prepares Church for Second Coming of Jesus - John Turner Pt. 8 | Ep. 2043
In this episode, we dive into Chapter Eight of Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet by John G. Turner. The chapter is titled ?Enoch? which focuses on the fall of 1830 through the move to Kirtland, Ohio in 1831. We explore major challenges to Joseph Smith?s authority, including Hiram Page?s seer stone revelations and Oliver Cowdery?s pushback on church governance. Why did Joseph stop using a seer stone? What does it mean when revelations clash?
We also discuss:
-The origins of the concept of Zion
-Apocalyptic expectations, blood moons, and the Second Coming
-The influence of the Book of Enoch and Joseph?s expanding biblical vision
-Missionary work among Native Americans and the designation of Jackson County as the New Jerusalem
-Sidney Rigdon?s introduction and influence, including debates about his possible prior contact with Joseph Smith
-The emotional and financial sacrifices demanded of early followers?and what Joseph himself was giving up (or not)
With theological innovation, power struggles, failed prophecies, and spiritual fervor, this chapter reveals the complexity of Joseph Smith's evolving leadership. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that considers both historical context and human motivations.
Please purchase the book here.
To support this series please donate here. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.
___________________
Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!
Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:
??One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox????Support us on Patreon????PayPal????Venmo??Our Platforms:
??YouTube????Patreon????Spotify????Apple Podcasts??Social Media:
??Insta: @mormstories????TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast????Join the Discord??Contact us:
PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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A Croatia & Slovenia Mormon Excommunication Story w/ Sara and Mitja Lakner Bevc | Ep. 2042
What happens when faith, culture, and conscience collide?
In this gripping full-length interview, Sara (American) and Mitja (Slovenian) share their deeply personal Mormon journeys?from conversion, missions, marriage, and cultural clashes to faith crises, public dissent in Utah church meetings, and ultimately, excommunication.
With raw honesty, they open up about the emotional toll of leaving the LDS Church, the pressure to conform, navigating belief in a mixed-faith marriage, and the high cost of asking difficult questions. Featuring moments of courage, heartbreak, and awakening, this episode explores what it means to choose integrity over silence.
Key Moments Include:
-Serving a missions in Croatia
-Struggles with identity, marriage, and belief
-Mitja?s public opposition in sacrament meeting
-Facing church discipline and excommunication
-Sara?s emotional departure from the LDS Church
A powerful story of love, loss, disruption?and starting over.
___________________
Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!
Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:
??One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox????Support us on Patreon????PayPal????Venmo??Our Platforms:
??YouTube????Patreon????Spotify????Apple Podcasts??Social Media:
??Insta: @mormstories????TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast????Join the Discord??Contact us:
PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
Link to episode