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Join us for a review of Fiona and Terryl Givens' new book: "All Things New: Rethinking Sin, Salvation, and Everything in Between." According to Amazon: "In this book, Fiona and Terryl Givens trace the roots of our religious vocabulary, explore how a flawed inheritance compounds the wounds and challenges of a life devoted to discipleship, and suggest ways of reformulating our language in more healthy ways all in the hope that, as B. H. Roberts urged, we may all cooperate in the works of the Spirit to find a truer expression of a gospel restored." Panelists include Jana Spangler, Anthony D. Miller, and Brittney Hartley. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

After being raised by an orthodox Mormon mother and a "redneck, somewhat Jack Mormon Pioneer stock dad," Gretchen Day decided that she was going to be an "all in" Mormon mother.  After getting engaged at age 19 (as a BYU Freshman), Gretchen went on to get married in the LDS temple, and to fulfill many of the stereotypes of a Utah County Ultra-Orthodox Mormon mother, including: Having 8 children. Homeschooling her children using Book of Mormon-based curriculum. Raising her children with little to no media. Imposing strict "modesty" guidelines on her children (mostly her daughters). Doing at least one underwater home birth. Pursuing strict dietary practices ("perfect eating) such as restricting sugar, eating only raw, vegan foods, etc. Over time, Gretchen's ultra-orthodox Mormon dream began to crumble in several different ways: She began to experience serious depression. She started making serious life decisions based on "spiritual experiences" based on feelings -- that may not have been very healthy for her

Gregory Barnes is a Mormon filmmaker and artist raised in Oak Park, Illinois. He studied film at BYU and served a Mormon mission in Argentina. Raised a faithful Mormon, Gregory was influenced by the comedic absurdity of exiting that Jell-O-obsessed desert religion. Gregory currently is a Master’s Student at TISCH at NYU where he made his most recent short film The Touch of the Master’s Hand -- a dark comedy about a Mormon missionary who confesses an unusual pornography addiction to his mission president. The film premieres at the Sundance Film Festival this week. Gregory's work has been featured by NPR, Playboy, and Pitchfork. Clip from movie: https://letterboxd.com/festiville/story/exclusive-clip-greg-barnes-mormon-masturbation/?fbclid=IwAR1wLkfTSrP06TpCoMac0ccOdq_uKWvikcPE_ODomZ8gACJCBfwz-h939rI https://fpg.festival.sundance.org/film-info/5fd1639604818b0ec7648fa7?fbclid=IwAR0_XlPZxkvM_JkWJbl3NrZV7EHJIdr5b-cZLmDzUAqWQlbBB0krBYjOTKo https://www.gregorybarnes.com  --- Send in a voice message: https://podc

After losing your orthodox Mormon faith, have you given up on the possibility of any sort of belief in and/or association with "God" or "Jesus"? More importantly, are you seeking to fill some of the existential and/or spiritual holes left over after your faith crisis? Today I sit down with John Hamer, Community of Christ Seventy and pastor of the Community of Christ Toronto Congregation to talk about why he thinks theists especially, but also some atheists have adopted a counterproductive position about the idea of "God." We'll also discuss why he thinks this is even a relevant conversation to have in the 21st century. Didn't rational people hash this all out in the Enlightenment? John Hamer believes that the majority of Christians including many intellectual leaders of the movement took a wrong turn centuries ago and with negative consequences for the whole path of Western civilization today. He proposes going back and exploring an alternative path, including opening up the term "God" as a variable in need o

John Larsen is one of the most influential and well-respected figures within Modern progressive and post-Mormon communities.  John (along with his ex-wife Zilpha) was the co-host of Mormon Expression podcast for several years, and he is an occasional host of Sunstone Podcast.  He has appeared on Mormon Stories Podcast several times over the past decade. In today's episode I bring John Larson back, and we discuss several topics, including: -Divorce after a faith crisis. -Raising children with mental illness after a faith crisis. -Alcohol and drug use after a faith crisis. -Non-monogamy/swinging after a faith crisis. -The LDS Church's response to the COVID pandemic. -The impact of the QAnon phenomenon within the United States, and within the LDS Church. -How conservative politics within the U.S. are tearing apart some Utah wards and families. -What it would take to bring John Larsen back as a podcaster. -The need for kindness within both political and religious discourse, and how challenging this can be. John L

In this short Mormon Stories Episode I sat down with Trent Told, who created a prototype of Joseph Smith’s Book of Mormon Plates. Based on Dan Vogel’s theories surrounding the “Tin Plates” and the Book of Mormon, Trent created a proof of concept model of the Book of Mormon made out of tin, in order to help demonstrate the physical size and weight of the plates. This model is also intended to help illustrate complexity and improbability that Joesph Smith could have possessed and handled actual Gold Plates (let alone run with them). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

Join me today for one of my favorite Mormon Stories Podcast interviews/interviewees of all time. In today's episode, Stanford University graduate student Amy McPhie Allebest returns to discuss the development of patriarchy within human civilization, with a specific focus on the religious context. She also announces her new podcast entitled "Breaking Down Patriarchy - An Essential Texts Book Club." Patriarchy has incredibly deep roots in the human condition, and harms everyone - especially women, but also men, youth, and children. This episode is for ALL of us, and you will not be disappointed with Amy's incredible knowledge, insight, and compassion. The Oxford Dictionary defines patriarchy as "a system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it." All cultures all over the world practice patriarchy, sometimes violently, sometimes seemingly benevolently, sometimes in ways we are so accustomed to that we don't even notice. But when was patriarchy instituted? How?

In my opinion, one of the most damaging books ever published by the Mormon Church is Spencer W. Kimball’s “The Miracle of Forgiveness.” Among other things, this book teaches that: No young Mormon man or woman is worthy to go on a mission if they masturbate. Masturbation alone leads to masturbation with others, which leads to “homosexuality.” Being gay or lesbian is “ugly,” “repugnant,” and comparable to a disease. “Homosexuality” leads to bestiality. “Homosexuality” can be easily “cured.” People who have pre-marital sex, and even rape victims, are “blighted” and “scarred.” It is far better to die than to lose one’s “virtue.” Death by suicide is a sign of foolishness, faithlessness and/or weakness and/or sin. To be clear, this book is currently sold at Deseret Book, and remains on the book shelves of hundreds of thousands of Mormons across the world. In this short presentation, I offer my brief argument for why I believe that “The Miracle of Forgiveness” should be removed from Deseret Book, and I let listene

Please join me and Radio Free Mormon for a discussion of “Laura A. Gaddy vs. the Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” – a class action lawsuit currently before the United States District Court for the District of Utah, with Robert J. Shelby as the Presiding Judge. The main purpose of the case is as follows: “The case seeks certification as a class action based upon the large number of former Mormons who have been deceived by Defendant COP’s fraud, as a result of the Mormon Corporate Empire’s longstanding coordinated lies and material omissions about its history as well as lies about its use of tithing donations and how it would use that tithing in the future.” Two of the main documents central to the case can be found here (for your review): Gaddy v. LDS MDO Granting Defendants Motion to Dismiss Gaddy v. LDS Amended Complaint Gaddy vs. LDS Opposition to Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint Click here to contact Kay Burningham (the attorney on this case), or to foll

In a recent video released by paid actors supported by FAIRMormon and the More Good Foundation, Kwaku El, Brad Witbeck, and Cardon Ellis make the claim that I and Mormon Stories (and Jeremy Runnells) are intentionally "homewrecking for profit" with the work we do. In an attempt to combat this hurtful claim, I reached out to our amazing Mormon Stories Listeners, requesting your help by sharing if/how Mormon Stories Podcast has helped your family. I have been deeply honored and humbled by the overwhelming support we have received, and would like to personally thank each one of you that were brave enough to share your own “Mormon Story” with me. Mormon Stories podcast seeks to understand, explore, challenge, and improve the Mormon experience through stories, and has never had the intention of harming families in any way. In fact, we strive to support and mend family relationships by promoting healthy communication skills and unconditional love. The primary objectives of Mormon Stories podcast include: Providing

Recently two friends of mine (Liz Cannon and Ray Purcell) asked to interview me about my role and experiences over the past 20 years trying to support people experiencing a Mormon faith crisis. This is our interview. Note: This interview is not a "typical" Mormon Stories Podcast interview, in that it warrants a PG-13 "rating" due to some adult language and topics in the interview.  Listener and viewer discretion is advised. I hope you enjoy. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

My reaction to yesterday's riot at the U.S. Capitol (January 6, 2021). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

Jim Bennett is the author of "A Faithful Reply to the CES Letter." He is also the son of the late Utah U.S. Senator Bob Bennett. In Part 5 of a multi-part series with Jim, I bring to Jim listener/viewer questions, along with several questions/observations of my own, into a passionate, 4 hour final conversation. If you were frustrated that I gave Jim "a pass" in the previous episodes, you may be more satisfied with this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

Jim Bennett is the author of "A Faithful Reply to the CES Letter."  He is also the son of the late Utah U.S. Senator Bob Bennett. In Part 4 of a multi-part series with Jim, we discuss in-depth his approach to maintaining belief in the Mormon church AFTER exposure to all of the historical and social problems currently vexing the LDS church, as highlighted in Jeremy Runnell's groundbreaking book "CES Letter: My Search for Answers to my Mormon Doubts." Today's episode covers: Women and the church and the Ordain Women movement. The Mormon church's approach to "Law of Chastity" issues including pornography, masturbation, and one-on-one "worthiness interviews." The Mormon church's handling and mishandling of sexual abuse cases. The Mormon church's treatment (including excommunication) of activists and critics. A closing discussion of the faith crisis "epidemic" within the modern LDS church, and Jim's opinions about the best way to handle the situation. To thank Jim for his participation so far in this series, ple

Jim Bennett is the author of "A Faithful Reply to the CES Letter."  He is also the son of the late Utah U.S. Senator Bob Bennett. In Part 2 of a multi-part series with Jim, we discuss in-depth his approach to maintaining belief in the Mormon church AFTER exposure to all of the historical and social problems currently vexing the LDS church, as highlighted in Jeremy Runnell's groundbreaking book "CES Letter: My Search for Answers to my Mormon Doubts." Today's episode covers: Joseph Smith's polygamy. Racism in the Book of Mormon. The LDS Church priesthood and temple ban on members of African descent. The LDS Church's teachings regarding LGBTQ members and same-sex marriage. What is the role/need for Mormon prophets? Also, please do not miss my dear friend Bill Reel's super in-depth interview with Jim if you happened to miss it. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

Jim Bennett is the author of "A Faithful Reply to the CES Letter."  He is also the son of the late Utah U.S. Senator Bob Bennett. In Part 2 of a multi-part series with Jim, we discuss in-depth his approach to maintaining belief in the Mormon church AFTER exposure to all of the historical and social problems currently vexing the LDS church, as highlighted in Jeremy Runnell's groundbreaking book "CES Letter: My Search for Answers to my Mormon Doubts." Today's episode covers: The Book of Mormon The Witnesses to the Book of Mormon The Book of Abraham The Kinderhook Plates The First Vision And much, much more! Also, please do not miss my dear friend Bill Reel's super in-depth interview with Jim if you happened to miss it. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

Jim Bennett is the author of "A Faithful Reply to the CES Letter."  He is also the son of the late Utah U.S. Senator Bob Bennett. In Part 1 of a multi-part series with Jim, we discuss in-depth his approach to maintaining belief in the Mormon church AFTER exposure to to all of the historical and social problems currently vexing the LDS church, as highlighted in Jeremy Runnell's groundbreaking book "CES Letter: My Search for Answers to my Mormon Doubts. Today's episode covers: How/why to continue believing in God after a Mormon crisis of faith. How/why to continue believing in Jesus after a Mormon crisis of faith. What it means to Jim to be a fallible Mormon prophet. How Jim views the claim that the Mormon church is the "one true church." Jim's condemnation of FAIRMormon's recent YouTube videos attacking Jeremy Runnells and me. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

Are you looking for a story of hope and love to end this gosh-forsaken year? Here you go. WordPerfect co-founder and philanthropist Bruce Bastian (interviewed here and here) never expected to find love again after his mixed-orientation Mormon marriage dissolved. Then he met Clint Ford. This is an epic love story for the ages, folks. So hopeful. So inspiring. I hope you enjoy!!!! And I hope that this story makes you as happy as it made me. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

Ten years ago I interviewed WordPerfect co-founder and philanthropist Bruce Bastian, wherein we discussed his life growing up as gay Mormon boy in Idaho, his years at WordPerfect, his journey "coming out" as a gay Mormon father in the 1990s, and his early efforts to support LGBTQ rights. Since this first interview, Bruce became even more active in fighting for LGBTQ equality in the United States, continuing his involvement with the Human Rights Campaign and supporting LGBTQ equality in Utah - all of which meaningfully contributed to the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States in 2015. Recently I sat down again with Bruce to record a history of these past 10 years from his perspective.  I hope you enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

Today, Anthony Miller, Jana Spangler and Brittney Hartley join us to discuss the topic of navigating and enjoying Christmas after a Mormon faith crisis. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message