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Welcome to part three of the Joseph Smith Podcast! In this episode, we explore one of the most pivotal and mysterious events in early Mormon history — the story of Martin and Lucy Harris and the infamous loss of the 116 pages of the Book of Mormon manuscript. With historian and non-Latter-day Saint scholar John G. Turner, we dive into the complexities of translation, belief, and the relationships that shaped the early Restoration movement.We also examine:- The discovery of the plates- Martin Harris’ background and motives- Lucy Harris’ suspicions and possible involvement- The cultural and religious context of the time- Theories about the Book of Mormon translation process- What the loss of the 116 pages reveals about Joseph Smith’s prophetic developmentThis episode also reflects on broader themes of faith, deception, historical interpretation, and the psychology behind religious movements. Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or historian, this deep-dive provides rich insight from a non-Mormon perspective.____

Lindsay and Todd McCormick, a couple from Knoxville, Tennessee, share their powerful and emotional journey navigating faith, doubt, and community pressure within the LDS Church. From their musical Mormon upbringing and successful business ventures to being threatened twice with excommunication, this interview dives deep into the cost of questioning and choosing authenticity over conformity.They open up about their faith crisis, the controversial City Creek Mall, navigating parenthood in the church, and ultimately, their heartbreaking experience with betrayal from close friends and leaders. Through all of it, their love for each other and desire for truth remained steadfast.Topics include:-Faith deconstruction and polygamy-Church discipline and double standards-Excommunication threats and “apostasy”-Cultural expectations, identity, and healing-Choosing honesty over fear in Mormonism-Watch their raw and courageous story unfold.Contact Information:Lindsay on FacebookLindsay on InstagramTodd on FacebookTodd on In

In this second episode exploring Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet by John G. Turner, we dive into Chapters 2 and 3, covering Joseph Smith's evolving accounts of the First Vision, early controversies, treasure digging escapades, and his transformation into a religious leader. We discuss historical inconsistencies, cultural influences, and Turner's critical conclusions about Smith's experiences and motivations.Based on Chapters 2 & 3 of John G. Turner’s book, topics include:The First Vision's late emergence and conflicting versionsTreasure digging and supernatural claimsThe influence of revivalist cultureEarly church documents and evolving theologyTurner's secular interpretation of Joseph Smith’s story___________________YouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial Media:Insta: @mo

Brooke is returning to Mormon Stories Podcast after 13 years, when she and her husband came on as the first couple to be interviewed on the podcast. Brooke’s husband at the time, John McLay was a CES employee who lost his faith while working for the church. It was an epic Mormon Stories interview, and we are excited to hear what Brooke has been up to since. We will hear about how Brooke has rebuilt her life and career after a divorce, and how her life has been impacted by sharing her story in such a public way.___________________YouTubeShow NotesMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Today we are rebroadcasting an older, classic, episode of Mormon Stories from 2012!In this episode we interview John and Brooke McLay. John served for 14 years as an employee of the LDS Church Education System (CES). In this capacity he served as: a seminary teacher and principal, an institute teacher and director, a BYU Education Week speaker and an EFY Director. John also served as a member of a stake high council, and was serving in a bishopric during the months leading up to his decision to leave the LDS Church. John and Brooke resigned their membership of the LDS Church in August of 2011.  This is their story.Join us in the next episode where we re-interview Brooke Lark!___________________YouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117S

Join us for the very first episode of a new podcast called Joseph Smith: The Podcast - with Dr. John G. Turner.___________________YouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Katherine Bernard (KB) Olsen is a never-mo (never Mormon) — but also one of the most devoted fans of Mormon Stories Podcast. A queer, secular journalist with deep Jewish roots and a high-fashion pedigree, Katherine has spent over 20 years captivated by the LDS Church — despite never being religious herself. In her first-ever full-length interview about her life story, she opens up about her lifelong curiosity with Mormonism, identity, belief, and American culture.KB's impressive journalism career includes work at Vogue, New York Times, and other top-tier New York publications. After moving from Maryland to attend NYU for journalism, she found herself drawn not only to art and culture — but also to spirituality, history, and the paradoxes of organized religion. Over the years, her interest in Mormonism became a deep and serious intellectual pursuit.What You'll Hear in This Interview:-Her upbringing in a secular household in Maryland-Her exploration of Jewish identity and eventual conversion-Her first exposure

Join Natasha Helfer, Chelsea Homer, and Alyssa Witbeck as we review Episodes 1-4 of Season 2 of the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives...where we answer the questions: What is Mormon soft swinging, and is that really a thing?___________________Show NotesYouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Please join us Thursday evening at 6pm Utah time for a call-in show discussing the topic of "Are Mormons Christian?"This is part 2 of a weekly call-in show format that we are experimenting with.___________________Show NotesYouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

In this deeply moving and raw interview, Jennie shares her powerful life story—from growing up in a strict Mormon household to breaking free from the expectations that shaped her identity. She opens up about her parents’ conversions, her challenging marriage, the emotional toll of purity culture, and her gradual disillusionment with the church.Jennie also recounts the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Izzy, and how grief reshaped her spirituality and perspective on life. Through it all, she finds resilience, healing, and the courage to choose herself.A story of love, loss, faith, and transformation you won't forget.Topics Include:-Childhood in a devout LDS family-Marriage, purity culture, and incompatibilities in marriage -Crisis of faith and discovering church history-Navigating grief after the loss of her daughterSubscribe for more real stories about faith, loss, and rebuilding.Show NotesYouTube00:00:00 Introduction00:04:25 Background on her parents, who were both converts to the church00:14:02 Their e

In this emotional and deeply honest episode, Eve and her parents, Neal and Christa, share their powerful story of faith, devotion, awakening, and transformation. Raised in a multi-generational Mormon household, Eve and her family lived and breathed the teachings of the LDS Church—until the cracks began to show.From Neal’s time as a bishop and Christa’s strong belief in Mormon womanhood, to Eve’s mission and eventual faith transition, this conversation explores: The impact of religious upbringing and cultural expectations The emotional toll of unaddressed questions and historical issues How Gospel Topics Essays, polyandry, and the church’s lack of transparency triggered a faith crisis Eve’s pivotal role in helping her parents deconstruct their beliefs The cost—and freedom—of walking away Heartfelt, raw, and eye-opening, this interview shines a light on the complexity of leaving a high-demand religion and finding connection, purpose, and joy on the other side.Show NotesYouTube00:00:00 Introduction00:07:08 Neal’

Join us as we revisit this epic interview with John Dehlin and Carah Burrell, which originally aired on Carah's channel in 2023.Eve, a good friend of Carah Burrell's, was an active and faithful member of the LDS Church at the time of this interview. She had begun to question aspects of the Church—particularly polygamy—and agreed to sit down with Carah and John for a truly unique conversation. In this interview, they simply presented her with factual information about LDS history and captured her real-time reactions.This one-of-a-kind interview is now being shared on Mormon Stories Podcast for the very first time. Be sure to join us later this week as Eve returns to the podcast—this time with both of her parents, who have experienced their own faith journeys since Eve's original interview two years ago.Watch this episode on YouTube ⁠here⁠.Watch the original video from Carah Burrell here. And Part 1 of this series can be found here.Show Notes:Gospel Topics essay on plural marriage from LDS church:ht

Join us for our first live video call-in show. The topic: "What do Mormons Believe About God?" We will be briefly reviewing my essay that can be found here: https://johndehlin.substack.com/p/what-do-mormons-believe-about-godThen we would love some of our audience to join us to discuss any of the following topics:- What they were taught as Mormons about God.- What they think about the Mormon version of God.- What they believe about God.We will be joined by dear friends Kolby and Cam Reddish.

In this powerful continuation of our interview with Ben and Justine, we explore their raw and honest journey from deep devotion in the LDS Church to personal awakening, heartbreak, and healing.They share how their relationship grew during Justine’s school years, navigating early marriage, financial and gender-role challenges, and the burden of trying to live up to faith-based ideals. From motherhood identity struggles to confronting doctrinal issues and discovering their voices during a faith crisis, this episode is full of vulnerable, eye-opening moments.Highlights include:Gender roles & pressure in MormonismThe cost of silence during a faith crisisThe CES Letter, LDS Discussions & uncovering hard truthsHealing from betrayal, rebuilding marriage & reconnecting with familyTheir plea for empathy from believing membersWhether you're in faith, out of faith, or somewhere in between—this is a story about agency, partnership, and finding truth together.Show NotesWatch this episode on YouTube here.__

In this episode, Ben and Justine share their powerful and emotional journeys through Mormonism, immigration, family trauma, and healing. They discuss Ben's family's escape from political turmoil, their struggles with loss, and the lure of the Mormon doctrine of eternal families.Ben faces racial and cultural challenges within the Church, battles self-worth issues, and grapples with the harm purity culture and missionary service caused.Justine recounts her own upbringing in a strict Mormon household, the pressure of modesty culture, and the way Mormon ideals shaped her relationships and sense of self. Together, they reflect on how they met, the impact of internalized racism, and their path toward authenticity, healing, and love — even as they confront the pain Mormonism left behind.This is part 1 of a very special two-part Mormon Stories interview.00:00:00 Introduction 00:06:34 Ben’s parents experience multiple infant loss/miscarriage00:28:15 Reconnecting with the Church in Canada00:39:00 “I left my hom

In this powerful follow-up conversation, Britt Hartley returns to explore 10 practical and emotional steps to take during your faith deconstruction journey. From embracing anger and grief, to rediscovering your identity, setting boundaries, and finding peace in the unknown—this episode is a guide to healing, growth, and transformation.Whether you're newly questioning or deep in the process, these insights will help you navigate deconstruction with compassion and clarity.Topics include:Grieving your old beliefsEmbracing uncertaintyInner child & shadow workBuilding authentic communitySetting loving boundariesLearning to just beJoin us as we unpack the deep emotional layers of deconstruction and the tools that can truly support your journey.00:00:00 Introduction00:04:17 First: Anger, grief phase, etc. Lean into the anger00:12:12 Second: Embracing what you don’t know00:20:36 Third: Dating yourself00:29:52 Fourth: Inner child work00:37:11 Fifth: Shadow work00:44:35 Sixth: Deculting00:50:38 Seventh: Vulnera

Jennifer Wilson shares her deeply personal journey from growing up in a devout Mormon family to questioning, deconstructing, and ultimately leaving her faith. She opens up about her family's polygamist history, her mission experience, marriage, leadership roles in the church, and the struggles that came with navigating faith transitions. From grappling with church expectations to finding newfound freedom and clarity, Jennifer reflects on how this journey has reshaped her identity, marriage, and parenting.Key Topics Covered: Growing up in a Mormon household & family history, missionary experiences & gender expectations in the church, marriage, motherhood & church leadership roles, doubts, faith crisis & leaving the church, Raising kids outside of Mormonism & rediscovering identity.Join us for an honest, heartfelt conversation about faith, change, and self-discovery. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!___________________At Mormon Stories we explore, cele

In this episode, we explore 10 common pitfalls people face during religious deconstruction. From navigating relationships and parenting outside of organized religion to the challenges of psychedelics, intellectualism, and identity loss—this is a raw, honest conversation about life after faith. Whether you're just beginning your journey or deep in it, this discussion offers insight, validation, and guidance.Key topics covered:Why opening your marriage right after leaving religion may backfireHow to provide structure for your kids without religionThe psychedelic trap & chasing spiritual highsThe “missionary phase” of ex-belief systemsFinding meaning beyond religion, without clinging to new dogmasThe lifelong process of deconstructionAnd much more, including Gen Z dating, chakras, free will, and dreamsDon’t miss her reflections on what she’s learned, what to avoid, and how to move forward with integrity and openness.Show NotesYouTube00:00:00 Introduction00:04:44 These are things she's learned to be a

After demonizing and sexualizing women's shoulders for almost two centuries, the Mormon church recently altered its garments for women to allow the showing of women's shoulders. Today a panel of Mormon women discuss the changes.

In Part 2 of our story, Kyle opens up about his life growing up in the Two by Twos faith — from a childhood shaped by pressure to "uphold the family name," to navigating chronic illness and suppressing his passions for music and basketball in order to prioritize church. We talk about the expectations around professing young, the control over dating, marriage, and even parenting — including the harmful encouragement of corporal punishment.As cracks began to form during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kyle and Kari found themselves questioning everything they believed. From hidden doubts, religious trauma, and Kari’s journey of discovering her bisexuality, to the couple’s darkest moments and eventual transformation, this episode dives deep into how they began rebuilding their lives outside the 2x2 world.We also discuss the emerging abuse allegations within the Two by Twos church, the beginnings of their Ex-Two by Two support group, and the broader fight for transparency and accountability in a faith that claims to have