Continuing our series entitled “Losing the Lamanites,” wherein we interview Mormons from Central and South America, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders — with the intent of exploring their faith transitions, and focusing (where relevant) on their thoughts and feelings around having been handed the now questionable “Lamanite” identity. In this episode we interview Hyrum Joe,
For this new series entitled “Losing the Lamanites,” we interview Mormons from Central and South America, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders — with the intent of exploring their faith transitions, and focusing (where relevant) particularly on their thoughts and feelings around having been handed the now questionable “Lamanite” identity. In this episode we interview
In this episode John Dehlin (OSF Chief Executive Officer, OSF Board Member) and Craig Woodfield (Board Member and OSF Finance Committee Chair) review the successes and accomplishments of the Open Stories Foundation for 2016. Items discussed include: The OSF’s longstanding commitment to financial transparency. The incredible growth of OSF podcasts in 2016. The emergence and success
In this episode Margi Dehlin shares an essay she recently wrote dealing with heartbreak, resilience, and intimacy entitled “Broken Open.” The text of the poem is available below. Broken Open, by Margi Dehlin Louise Erdrich wrote in The Painted Drum, “Life will break you. Nobody can protect you from that, and living alone won’t
Concluding our series on Transgender/Intersex issues within Mormonism, we interview London Flynn. London discusses her transition from male to female as a post-Mormon teen, including: Her desires and behaviors she wanted to take part in as a child, but was not free to express Achieving the Eagle Scout award as a teen, but feeling disconnected
In these episodes of Mormon Stories, John and Margi have a discussion with Natasha Helfer Parker, LCMFT, CST about forming a foundation for marriage that withstands change. They also discuss guiding principles to maintaining successful relationships. In Part 1, John, Margi and Natasha discuss: Differentiation: the constant tension between “me” and “we” in marriage Respect/friendship
In this episode of Mormon Stories, we continue our series on Transgender/Intersex education within Mormonism by interviewing Alex Autry. Alex discusses his transition from female to male as a post-Mormon teen, including: His early feelings and experiences with gender as a child His upbringing in the LDS Church and feelings of disconnection while involved in
In this episode, John and Margi interview four individuals who are transgender and either active LDS or former LDS. Our panelists for this interview are Kimberly, Ann, Emmett, and Augustus. We discuss: What it was like growing up in the LDS Church What effect bullying and life in the “closet” had on them How
Kimberly Anderson is a self-actualized woman who has made the change from living for 45 years as a Mormon man to living openly as a woman. Before her transition, she lived, worked, and thrived for decades as a spouse, parent of two children, faithful Mormon, professional photographer, and university professor (BYU, UVU, Snow College).
In this episode we discuss what happens when religions or religious people praise abusers in front of their victims. In April 2017, Keith Robert Vallejo, a Mormon bishop, was convicted of 10 counts of forcible sexual abuse and one count of object rape, involving two women – who were both staying at his home at
As part of our series on meetings with Mormon General Authorities, we interview Scott Duke. Scott met with Elder Christoffel Golden of the Seventy November 15, 2012. In this episode, Scott recounts: His LDS mission experience and the troubling historical issues he put on his “shelf” His confusion about the role of personal revelation within
As part of our series on meetings with Mormon General Authorities, we interview Meg and Jake Abhau as they relay the story of their September 2013 meeting with Mormon Apostle Elder D. Todd Christofferson. Meg and Jake appeared on episodes 508-510 of Mormon Stories discussing their experiences in early 2013 when their 13 year old
As part of our series on meetings with Mormon General Authorities, we interview Lance and Nicki Miles. Lance and Nicki’s story four-part story has so many compelling (and epic!) components, including: The death of Nicki’s dad at 13 years old, bonding her to the church. Sexual shame in the teenage years and into their missions. Lance’s
In this episode of Mormon Stories, we interview Noah Rasheta — the Executive Director of the Foundation for Mindful Living and host of the Secular Buddhism podcast. This meaningful and compelling interview covers: Noah’s early life as an orthodox Mormon believer and his struggle with the thought that with all of the good in the
Panelists Wendy & Thomas Montgomery and Daniel Parkinson delve into topics related to Utah’s escalating suicide crisis and the feeling of despair that many LDS LGBT individuals experience. Part 1: In this episode, the panel discusses appropriate guidelines when discussing suicide and work to identify possible correlates unique to Utah and the broader LDS LGBT
SUPER honored/proud to release my latest interview with Heidi Nielson Packard and Dr. Josh Packard. This powerful, informative, and in-depth interview covers: Heidi and Josh’s very orthodox Mormon upbringing and early years as Mormons. For those interested, Heidi’s brother is Christian Nielson, who is married to Stephanie Nielson of the NieNie Dialogues blog (sister to Courtney Clark
In this two-part episode, Dr. John Dehlin and his wife Margi hold a panel discussion with Kristin Marie, Michelle Ross, Paul Smith, and Ryan Stott. The panel navigates topics that include sexuality/purity messaging for the youth of the church, its impacts, and suggestions for approaching sexuality in healthy ways. Part 1: The panel discusses the purity
In this four-part episode, Trevor Haugen shares and analyzes his experience meeting with LDS General Authority Don R. Clarke and LDS church historian Dr. Matthew J. Grow as they attempt to address his mounting concerns with deeply troubling Mormon history and doctrine. Part 1: Trevor discusses his life as an orthodox Mormon believer, including his
In this two-part episode we interview the founders of MormonLeaks – Ryan McKnight ant Scott K. Fausett. According to the MormonLeaks web site: MormonLeaks™ is a non profit media organization founded on the belief that increased transparency within the Mormon Church results in fewer untruths, less corruption, and less abuse with Mormonism. The organization provides
