Mormon Stories

320: Changing Demographics in the Worldwide LDS Church with Matt Martinich of the Cumorah Foundation

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 16:26:51 -0700

In this episode Scott Holley interviews Matt Martinich of the Cumorah Foundation. Matt takes us on a tour of the triumphs and challenges of Mormonism throughout the world. Matt’s blog can be found at: LDS Church Growth.

319: Changing Mormon Demographics in the U.S. with Dr. Ryan Cragun

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 07:32:58 -0700

In this episode Scott Holley and I interview sociologist Dr. Ryan Cragun about his newly published report called, "Mormons in the United States 1990-2008: Socio-demographic Trends and Regional Differences."

Special Announcement: Phoenix Conference -- February 17-19, 2012

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:09:14 -0700

Special Announcement: Phoenix Conference -- February 17-19, 2012

318: BYU Professor Charles Harrell and the Evolution of Mormon Doctrine Part 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:43:02 -0700

In this episode, BYU Professor Charles Harrell discusses his new book entitled: "This Is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon Theology."

317: BYU Professor Charles Harrell and the Evolution of Mormon Doctrine Part 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:40:27 -0700

In this episode, BYU Professor Charles Harrell discusses his new book entitled: "This Is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon Theology."

316: John and Brooke McLay Pt. 4 - How the LDS Church Education System (CES) Harms the Church and Its Members

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sun, 8 Jan 2012 07:20:05 -0700

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 counsel, 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.

315: John and Brooke McLay Pt. 3 - The Decision to Resign from the LDS Church as a CES Seminary and Institute Teacher

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sun, 8 Jan 2012 07:20:01 -0700

314: John and Brooke McLay Pt. 2 - Ceasing to Believe in the LDS Church as a CES Seminary and Institute Teacher

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sun, 8 Jan 2012 07:19:58 -0700

313: John and Brooke McLay Pt. 1 - Growing up in the LDS Church and Serving as an LDS CES Seminary and Institute Teacher

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sun, 8 Jan 2012 07:19:52 -0700

312: Mormon Expression Interviews John Dehlin

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Tue, 3 Jan 2012 19:11:10 -0700

In this episode John and Zilpha Larsen interview John Dehlin.

311: Translating the Book of Mormon with Brant Gardner Pt. 5

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:13:24 -0700

In our conversation with Brant Gardner about his new book entitled "The Gift and Power: Translating the Book of Mormon," we discuss most of the major issues with the Book of Mormon including: Joseph Smith's use of folk magic, the translation process (including the peep stone in the hat), anachronisms, DNA and race.

310: Translating the Book of Mormon with Brant Gardner Pt. 4

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:12:32 -0700

309: Translating the Book of Mormon with Brant Gardner Pt. 3

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:09:54 -0700

308: Translating the Book of Mormon with Brant Gardner Pt. 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:08:54 -0700

307: Translating the Book of Mormon with Brant Gardner Pt. 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:44:28 -0700

306: Flunking Sainthood with Jana Reiss Pt. 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:21:54 -0700

In this episode, we spend two good hours with author and scholar Jana Reiss. Jana discusses: her early years being raised by secular parents, her conversion to God/Christianity, and her ultimate conversion to Mormonism. We also discuss with Jana her new book, "Flunking Sainthood.."

305: Flunking Sainthood with Jana Reiss Pt. 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:07:17 -0700

304: Inside the Phoenix Mormon Stories Support Community

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:05:20 -0700

In this episode, four members of the Phoenix Mormon Stories Support Community: Kendahl, Lauren, Scott, and James, discuss: 1) the value that this community has played in their lives, and 2) the lessons they have learned about how to successfully run such a community.

303: James McLachlan: Compelling Mormonism Pt. 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:34:53 -0700

James McLachlan is a professor of philosophy and religion at Western Carolina University, and is actively involved in academic discussions of Mormonism as a co-chair of the American Academy of Religion’s Mormon Studies Group and a board member and past president of the Society for Mormon Philosophy and Theology. But to overplay his academic bona fides is possibly a mistake, because, as this interview with longtime friend and Mormon Stories contributor Dan Wotherspoon reveals, Jim is the opposite of the stuffy scholar stereotype. In this two-part interview, his incredibly quick and inquisitive mind is on full display, but it’s his good humor and ability to use observations from everyday life, great literature, and important films to elucidate powerful philosophical and religious questions that will surely captivate listeners. Among other discussions, through Jim's lenses Mormonism’s fully engaged God—as Sterling McMurrin described: a God with his "own problems"—comes alive and becomes a highly compelling alternative to traditional Christian views that borrow so heavily from Greek ideas about the nature of perfection. Hear, too, Jim's wonderful take on why those of us who experience many of Mormonism’s theological ideas differently from many in the mainstream might still feel confident in answering temple recommend questions affirmatively.

302: James McLachlan: Compelling Mormonism Pt. 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:28:33 -0700

301: LDS Women and Sexual Desire with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife Pt. 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 9 Nov 2011 10:49:24 -0700

This workshop on LDS Women and Sexual Desire was delivered on September 23rd, 2011 by Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife. In this presentation, Jennifer speaks to LDS women about the cultural and psychological barriers to sexual desire, as well as how to shift one’s relationship to sexuality to make it more pleasurable and desirable.

300: LDS Women and Sexual Desire with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife Pt. 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 9 Nov 2011 10:48:14 -0700

299: LDS Bishop Kevin Kloosterman's Talk on Homosexuals in the Mormon Church

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sun, 6 Nov 2011 22:49:25 -0700

This is LDS Bishop Kevin Kloosterman's talk on homosexuals in the LDS Church that was given on 11/6/2011 during the Mormon Stories "Circling the Wagons" conference in Salt Lake City, UT in support of our LDS LGBT brothers and sisters.

298: We really need your support

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 07:19:12 -0600

Please support Mormon Stories financially if you can.

297: Washington D.C. Conference Testimony Meeting

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:26:10 -0600

As part of the 2011 Mormon Stories Washington D.C. conference, conference participants close the conference with their testimonies.

296: Why Mormon Stories, Why I Left, and Why I Stay

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:25:10 -0600

As part of the 2011 Mormon Stories Washington D.C. conference, John Dehlin discusses the motives behind Mormon Stories, Steve Kovalenko explains why he left the LDS Church, and Chesea Shields Strayer explains why she stays in the LDS Church.

295: Greg Prince on "Big Tent Mormonism"

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:21:34 -0600

For the keynote address at the 2011 Mormon Stories Washington D.C. conference, noted author, scientist and philanthropist Greg Prince discussed the history of Mormon thought, and his vision for "Big Tent Mormonism."

294: Childhood Sexual Abuse with Dr. Barbara Morrell

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:03:19 -0600

In today’s interview, Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Dr. Barbara Morrell — a licensed psychologist working in the Brigham Young University Counselling and Psychological Services. She divides her time between doing psychotherapy and coordinating the Stress Management and Biofeedback Services. Her interest in and experience with treating childhood sexual abuse began during her masters program in 1985 working as a volunteer counselor with AMACs (Adults Molested as Children). She received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from BYU in 1997 and wrote her dissertation on adult men who had been sexually abused as children. Barbara began working in the BYU Counseling Center in 1996 and for many years was the sexual assault liaison between the center and the University Police, county law enforcement, and other agencies. Students who had been sexually assaulted were referred directly to her for immediate help and ongoing therapy. Dr. Morrell has served two LDS missions, one to Taiwan at the normal missionary age, and 10 years later she took a leave of absence from her work as a high school counselor for a second mission to Geneva Switzerland. She loves teaching in the Church and loved working for two years as a temple worker in the Provo temple.

293: Terryl Givens - An Approach to Thoughtful, Honest and Faithful Mormonism Pt. 5

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:24:20 -0600

Terryl Givens did graduate work at Cornell University in Intellectual History and UNC Chapel Hill where he received his PhD in Comparative Literature. He holds the James A. Bostwick chair of English, and is Professor of Literature and Religion at the University of Richmond, where he teaches courses in 19th century studies, and the Bible’s influence on western literature. As a commentator on Mormon religion and culture, he has appeared on PBS, NPR, and CNN. Author of ten books, his writing has been praised by the New York Times as “provocative reading,” and includes, most recently, When Souls had Wings, a history of the idea of premortal life in western thought, and a two volume history of Mormon theology underway for Oxford University Press.

292: Terryl Givens - An Approach to Thoughtful, Honest and Faithful Mormonism Pt. 4

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:23:24 -0600

291: Terryl Givens - An Approach to Thoughtful, Honest and Faithful Mormonism Pt. 3

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:22:30 -0600

290: Terryl Givens - An Approach to Thoughtful, Honest and Faithful Mormonism Pt. 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:21:21 -0600

289: Terryl Givens - An Approach to Thoughtful, Honest and Faithful Mormonism Pt. 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:21:20 -0600

288: Treating Depression in Mormon Culture

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:23:37 -0600

Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Dr. Christopher Helfer and Dr. Vicki Winkle, two 4-year residents at the University of Utah in the psychiatric program, regarding depression. Both were raised in the LDS faith. This podcast offers basic education as to what clinical depression entails, current "best practice" treatments that are backed by scientific research, and includes some discussion as to how depression manifests within Mormon culture.

287: D. Michael Quinn Pt. 3

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 01:56:23 -0700

D. Michael Quinn is one of the most important Mormon historians of the 20th century. In this episode audience members share their thanks for Michael's contributions.

286: D. Michael Quinn Pt. 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 01:54:22 -0700

D. Michael Quinn is one of the most important Mormon historians of the 20th century. In this episode a private dinner group asks D. Michael questions.

285: D. Michael Quinn Pt. 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 01:51:03 -0700

D. Michael Quinn is one of the most important Mormon historians of the 20th century. In this episode John Dehlin interviews D. Michael Quinn.

284: Eugene England’s Life and Legacy Pt. 4

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:12:25 -0600

Eugene England (1933–2001) was one of the founders and great leaders in Mormon Studies and independent Mormon discussions. He and four others founded Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, for which he served as its first editor. He was instrumental in the creation of the Association for Mormon Letters, and he is considered the champion of the “personal essay” as a powerful form for Mormon expression. England was a peace activist, whose reflections on having been present in the Vatican during the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II (one of the bullets nicked his hand and left a small burn on his temple as it whizzed past) led him to found “Food for Poland,” a large-scale effort involving students from many college campuses to provide support for the Solidarity movement when it struggling under Polish government crack downs. He was an innovative and highly influential teacher. He revamped “study abroad” programs at both BYU and Utah Valley State College, leading to unparalleled learning experiences for students who traveled with his groups to London. He supported and was an active voice for academic freedom at BYU, championed the rise of Mormon Studies at UVSC, and was an articulate voice and active supporter for nearly every good cause in independent Mormon circles for nearly four decades.

More than any of these or many other accomplishments we didn’t name, however, Eugene England was a person of faith and incredible spiritual depth who, along with Leonard Arrington and Lowell Bennion, stands as an example of a committed, faithful life of intellectual and spiritual integrity, maturity, and grace even as he was often misunderstood and under-appreciated. He is important to get to know, and that is the process that this podcast hopes to help start.

283: Eugene England’s Life and Legacy Pt. 3

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:11:24 -0600

282: Eugene England’s Life and Legacy Pt. 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:10:17 -0600

281: Eugene England’s Life and Legacy Pt. 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:09:21 -0600

280: How to Have Better Sex in Your Mormon Marriage

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Mon, 5 Sep 2011 12:07:02 -0600

In today’s episode Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife joins Natasha Helfer Parker (the Mormon therapist) and John Dehlin to discuss…..sex: specifically, how to have a better sex life in your Mormon Marriage.

279: One Mormon Family's Battle with Mental Illness Pt. 5

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 17:21:07 -0600

In this episode, Natasha Helfer Parker anonymously interviews a mother/son duo about the unique challenges of experiencing mental illness as an active Mormon family. Mother and son candidly discuss what they went through as she faced a nervous breakdown, comorbidity of several diagnoses, suicidality and her history of sexual abuse during her childhood. Discussion on how their Mormon faith both helped and hindered aspects of their healing is broached as well as thoughts and direction for others who may be facing similar situations.

278: One Mormon Family's Battle with Mental Illness Pt. 4

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 17:20:01 -0600

277: One Mormon Family's Battle with Mental Illness Pt. 3

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 17:19:12 -0600

276: One Mormon Family's Battle with Mental Illness Pt. 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 17:18:16 -0600

275: One Mormon Family's Battle with Mental Illness Pt. 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 17:16:47 -0600

274: LDS Church Chief Apologist -- Dr. Daniel C. Peterson Pt. 4

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:17:51 -0600

Daniel C. Peterson is a professor of Islamic Studies and Arabic in the Department of Asian and Near Eastern Languages at Brigham Young University and currently serves as editor-in-chief of BYU's Middle Eastern Texts Initiative. He is a member of the executive council of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship at Brigham Young University.

Peterson is known for his work as an apologist and scholar on subjects dealing with claims of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), of which he is a member. He has served as the editor of the FARMS Review, a periodical produced by the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies. Peterson is a regular participant in online fora about Mormonism where he discusses the LDS faith and its apologetics.[2] One of his most recent projects has been the development of a website featuring the testimonies of LDS scholars.[3]

273: LDS Church Chief Apologist -- Dr. Daniel C. Peterson Pt. 3

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:17:54 -0600

272: LDS Church Chief Apologist -- Dr. Daniel C. Peterson Pt. 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:17:57 -0600

271: LDS Church Chief Apologist -- Dr. Daniel C. Peterson Pt. 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:18:02 -0600

270: Dr. Michael Coe - An Outsider's View of Book of Mormon Archaology Pt. 3

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 07:43:55 -0600

Coe is the Charles J. MacCurdy professor emeritus of Anthropology at Yale University and curator emeritus of the Division of Anthropology at the school's Peabody Museum of Natural History. He is an expert on the Maya, who inhabited the same part of Mexico and Central American where Mormon scholars say the events of the Book of Mormon took place. In this interview, Coe discusses the challenges facing Mormon archaeologists attempting to prove the historical truth of their central scripture and his own views on Joseph Smith

269: Dr. Michael Coe - An Outsider's View of Book of Mormon Archaology Pt. 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 07:42:24 -0600

268: Dr. Michael Coe - An Outsider's View of Book of Mormon Archaology Pt. 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 07:40:44 -0600

267: The Church Years: Michael Quinn, History, and the Mormon World View

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Fri, 5 Aug 2011 16:08:52 -0600

A rebroadcast from the 1995 SLC Sunstone Symposium: The Church Years: Michael Quinn, History, and the Mormon World View starring Martha Sonntag Bradley and D. Michael Quinn.

266: Coming out as Gay to Mormon Parents

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:27:50 -0600

Natasha Helfer Parker interviews J. Seth Anderson and his parents about what it was like for their family when Seth told them he was homosexual. Seth is a community activist and self proclaimed local historian in Phoenix, Arizona. Born in Provo, UT, he grew up in Utah, California and Arizona. He plays piano, is a seminary graduate and served a mission in Samara, Russia. His day job is in ocean transportation and logistics, but the rest of his time is devoted to building community. He is currently working on a book about downtown Phoenix that will be released in November, he writes for the Downtown Phoenix Journal and for his own blog jsethanderson.com about downtown Phoenix history and politics, Mormon history and LGBT issues. He also a co-host of qTalk Arizona, Arizona's only LGBT themed podcast. Seth lives by the motto, "don't dream it, be it."

265: BYU Professor and LDS Church Employee Kendall Wilcox Comes out as Gay Pt. 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Fri, 8 Jul 2011 17:14:12 -0600

Kendall Wilcox is a lifelong member of the LDS church, returned missionary, BYU graduate, filmmaker, BYU professor, producer for BYUTV..and he is (now) an openly gay man. This is his story, and below are the links to his 2 new initiatives: 1) Empathy First (a non-profit dedicated to promoting empathy, and 2) his documentary entitled Far Between.

264: BYU Professor and LDS Church Employee Kendall Wilcox Comes out as Gay Pt. 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Fri, 8 Jul 2011 17:11:55 -0600

263: 2011 SLC Conference Pt. 5 – Comedian Bengt Washburn on Mormonism

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Thu, 7 Jul 2011 20:59:53 -0600

On June 11, 2011, members of the Mormon Stories community held their 2nd regional conference in Salt Lake City. After the conference, Comedian Bengt Washburn performed a short routine on Mormonism.

262: 2011 SLC Conference Pt. 4 – “Testimony” Meeting (aka Mormon Storytelling)

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Thu, 7 Jul 2011 20:57:18 -0600

On June 11, 2011, members of the Mormon Stories community held their 2nd regional conference in Salt Lake City. At the close of this conference, attendees were invited to share their “testimonies” of truth, whether traditional or non-traditional from an LDS perspective.

261: 2011 SLC Conference Pt. 3 – Panel: Navigating an Open Approach to Mormonism

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Tue, 5 Jul 2011 14:53:53 -0600

On June 11, 2011, members of the Mormon Stories community held their 2nd regional conference in Salt Lake City. In this panel presentation entitled “Navigating an Open Approach to Mormonism”, professors Margaret Toscano and Joanna Brooks, along with Carol Lynn Pearson, Jared Anderson and John Dehlin discuss inclusivity, openness, and an expended approach to Mormon identity, while also fielding practical questions from the audience.

260: 2011 SLC Conference Pt. 2 - Joanna Brooks on Mormon Identity in the 21st Century: Claiming and Belonging

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:17:18 -0600

On June 11, 2011, members of the Mormon Stories community held their 2nd regional conference in Salt Lake City. In this keynote address entitled "Mormon Identity in the 21st Century: Claiming and Belonging", professor and author Joanna Brooks explores a more expansive vision for Mormon identity.

259: 2011 SLC Conference Pt. 1 - Welcome, Shared Values, and Carol Lynn Pearson on "No More US vs. THEM"

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:02:32 -0600

On June 11, 2011, members of the Mormon Stories community held their 2nd regional conference in Salt Lake City. In this welcoming address, Anne McMullin Peffer explains the purposes of the Mormon Stories conferences and reads a preliminary draft of a "shared values statement" that attempts to specify the values uncorrelated Mormons hold in common. Then, in a keynote address entitled "No More US and THEM", author, poet and playwright Carol Lynn Pearson discusses her vision for a more inclusive Mormonism.

258: Dustin Jones and the Lingering Legacy of the LDS Negro Doctrine Pt. 3

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Tue, 31 May 2011 00:13:03 -0600

Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Dustin Jones, a black active latter-day saint, about the unique challenges of growing up Mormon as one who has African ancestry. Dustin practices law in Arizona, is married to an interracial woman (Chinese Mexican) and has 4 children.

257: Dustin Jones and the Lingering Legacy of the LDS Negro Doctrine Pt. 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Tue, 31 May 2011 00:12:15 -0600

256: Dustin Jones and the Lingering Legacy of the LDS Negro Doctrine Pt. 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Tue, 31 May 2011 00:09:22 -0600

255: Greg Prince on Lessons from the Lives of David O. McKay, Leonard Arrington and Paul H. Dunn

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Fri, 20 May 2011 18:02:27 -0600

On March 26, 2011 we held our first Mormon Stories regional retreat/conference in New York City. In this presentation Greg Prince discusses 21st century lessons from the lives of David O. McKay, Leonard Arrington and Paul H. Dunn.

254: Exploring the Future for Uncorrelated Mormons with John Dehlin

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:36:34 -0600

On March 26, 2011 we held our first Mormon Stories regional retreat/conference in New York City. This presentation exploring the future for uncorrelated or non-traditional Mormons was given by John Dehlin.

253: The LDS Church and Mental Health with Dr. David Christian

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:22:43 -0600

On March 26, 2011 we held our first Mormon Stories regional retreat/conference in New York City. This presentation on religion and mental health was given by psychologist Dr. David Christian. The title of this presentation was, "Utility vs. Validity: A Practical Approach to Faith-Related Psychological Problems."

252: 2011 New York City Mormon Stories Retreat - Kickoff

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:37:24 -0600

On March 26, 2011 we held our first Mormon Stories regional retreat/conference in New York City. The purpose of the event was to explore the possibility of creating regional communities of support for "uncorrelated Mormons." This episode was the introduction to the event.

Special Announcement: Local Facebook Communities of Support

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Tue, 5 Apr 2011 21:58:16 -0600

Based on the success of our recent Mormon Stories Conference in New York City, we have decided to organize several local, Facebook-based communities of support for what we like to call uncorrelated (or intellectual/feminist/gay/politically liberal/inactive/post/ex) Mormons. We have already created 32 groups, and hope to establish a support group for every major city/region in the world. The idea behind each group will be to: 1) foster local, face-to-face communities of support for non-traditional Mormons, and 2) help to encourage healthy/constructive living amongst those for whom the traditional LDS Church experience is not adequate. Note: this is NOT meant to replace the LDS church experience. Instead, it is meant to augment the church experience (for those who still attend), or to provide community support for those who no longer feel comfortable attending church. Some ideas we are hoping to foster include: Monthly local meet-ups Book clubs/study groups Weekly play groups for children Annual youth conferences for teens College groups for Mormon university students (BYU/UVU and USU already created!) A dating service Service projects Annual conferences/retreats Etc. If you are interested in any of this, please check out our existing groups for a group near you. If you would like to start your own local support group, please email us at: mormonstories@gmail.com

251: Grant & Heather Hardy - Book of Mormon Scholarship Pt. 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Tue, 5 Apr 2011 21:28:43 -0600

In this 2-part discussion, KC Kern (BookofMormonOnline.Net) speaks with Dr. Grant Hardy and his wife Heather Hardy. Grant Hardy is Professor of History and Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. He has a B.A. in Ancient Greek from Brigham Young University and Ph.D. in Chinese Language and Literature from Yale. He has authored Worlds of Bronze and Bamboo: Sima Qian’s Conquest of History; The Establishment of the Han Empire and Imperial China; and Understanding the Book of Mormon: A Reader’s Guide, as well as the Introduction for Royal Skousen’s recent Yale edition of the Book of Mormon. He has also edited The Book of Mormon: A Reader’s Edition; Enduring Ties: Poems of Family Relationships; and the Oxford History of Historical Writing. Vol. 1. His 36-lecture DVD/CD course for The Teaching Company entitled “Great Minds of the Eastern Intellectual Tradition” will be released this summer. Heather Hardy has a BS and an MBA from Brigham Young University (she says the latter seemed like a good idea when Grant was studying Greek; someone was going to have to support the family someday). She worked in university finances at Yale and then as the scholarship coordinator at BYU for a couple of years. She has published articles in Dialogue and the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, but is mostly a full-time reader masquerading as a stay-at-home mother. Grant and Heather have been married for 28 years and have been talking to each other non-stop the whole time. This interview is broken in two parts: Part 1: Introductions, early personal, academic, and scholarly experiences, and approaching the Book of Mormon as world scripture and literature. Part 2: Understanding the Book of Mormon: A Reader’s Guide, thoughts on narrative structures, phraseology, historicity, evidences, anachronisms, Book of Mormon usage in the LDS Church, and on balancing faith and reason.

250: Grant & Heather Hardy - Book of Mormon Scholarship Pt. 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Tue, 5 Apr 2011 21:23:56 -0600

249: A Mormon’s Spiritual Transformation through Meditation & the Hindu Yogic Tradition Pt. 4

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 05:20:57 -0600

In this episode Andrew Ainsworth interviews Phil McLemore to discuss: 1) his conversion to Mormonism and his spiritual transformation through meditation, 2) How to meditate and why you should; Mantras in Mormon culture, and 3/4) Mormon Mantras & The Yoga of Christ.

248: A Mormon’s Spiritual Transformation through Meditation & the Hindu Yogic Tradition Pt. 3

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 05:19:58 -0600

247: A Mormon’s Spiritual Transformation through Meditation & the Hindu Yogic Tradition Pt. 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 05:19:01 -0600

246: A Mormon’s Spiritual Transformation through Meditation & the Hindu Yogic Tradition Pt. 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 05:13:17 -0600

245: Pornography, Masturbation, Sex and Marriage in Mormonism

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:16:16 -0700

In this episode Natasha Parker and John Dehlin interview Dr. Stephanie Buehler -- a prominent sex therapist from California, founder of the the Buehler institute, and author of the book Sex, Love and Mental Illness. Today we discuss pornography, masturbation, sex and marriage within Mormonism.

244: Sex and Immigration (Re-launching of Mormon Matters Podcast)

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sun, 6 Mar 2011 10:24:52 -0700

In this re-launching of Mormon Matters podcast, Dan Wotherspoon leads a panel consisting of Joanna Brooks, Heather Olson Beal and John Dehlin to discuss: 1) sexuality as a single LDS church member, 2) the 5 Browns sexual abuse news, and 3) immigration and the LDS church.

243: Jared Anderson: An Academic Introduction to the New Testament Pt. 5

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 06:29:48 -0700

n this 5-part series, Brian Johnston interviews Jared Anderson. Jared is finishing his Ph.D. in Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, focusing on the Gospels and New Testament.

242: Jared Anderson: An Academic Introduction to the New Testament Pt. 4

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 06:29:00 -0700

241: Jared Anderson: An Academic Introduction to the New Testament Pt. 3

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 06:27:18 -0700

240: Jared Anderson: An Academic Introduction to the New Testament Pt. 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 06:27:10 -0700

239: Jared Anderson: An Academic Introduction to the New Testament Pt. 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 06:16:31 -0700

238: Dan Wotherspoon - Mormonism Broad and Deep Pt. 4

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:33:52 -0700

In this 4-part series we interview Dan Wotherpoon. Dan has a Ph.D. in religion from Claremont Graduate School, and was Director of the Sunstone Education Foundation and Editor of Sunstone Magazine for eight years. Throughout this interview Dan discusses his early experiences with the LDS church, his crisis of faith, and his re-engagement with the church from a more deep and broad perspective.

237: Dan Wotherspoon - Mormonism Broad and Deep Pt. 3

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:32:51 -0700

236: Dan Wotherspoon - Mormonism Broad and Deep Pt. 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:31:09 -0700

235: Dan Wotherspoon - Mormonism Broad and Deep Pt. 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:09:14 -0700

234: Postpartum Depression Within Mormonism Pt. 3

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sat, 5 Feb 2011 18:39:38 -0700

In this episode, Natasha Helfer Parker (The Mormon Therapist) interviews "Sarah," an LDS mother of four who has a history of depression starting in adolescence followed by a serious bout of postpartum depression after the birth of her second child. She also interviews Jamie Bodily, mother of five and certified doula through toLABOR regarding her experience and knowledge regarding postpartum depression. Jamie has a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling, a Masters Degree in Human Services from Capella University and her undergraduate degree in Family Science from Brigham Young University. She initiated, co-wrote, and coordinated a doula program for women in recovery from substance addiction and runs a website called parentscount.com. Other resources discussed in these interviews include: postpartum.net, doulamatch.net, dona.org, and tolabor.com. Part1 - Sarah's history with depression as an adolescent and single adult and then dealing with postpartum depression after the birth of her second child. Part 2 - Discussion on Sarah's decision to go on an antidepressant- risks, benefits, guilt factors, stigmas, etc. Part 3 - Discussion with Jamie Bodily, certified doula regarding postpartum depression and/or anxiety along with its management and treatment. What can women expect as "normal" symptoms after the birth of a child vs more serious symptoms needing to be diagnosed.

233: Postpartum Depression Within Mormonism Pt. 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sat, 5 Feb 2011 18:38:46 -0700

232: Postpartum Depression Within Mormonism Pt. 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sat, 5 Feb 2011 18:24:50 -0700

231: Mormon Stories 2011 and Beyond

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:50:29 -0700

Today John Dehlin discusses the future of Mormon Stories podcast in 2011 and beyond, and asks for listener support.

230: Understanding Scrupulosity Within the LDS Church Pt. 2

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 09:56:37 -0700

Today we interview an LDS man who suffered from a psychological disorder called Scrupulosity -- which is defined as religious- or moral-based Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD affect millions of people around the world, and Scrupulosity is a particularly interesting and challenging manifestation of the disorder.

In this 2-part interview we learn about this man's struggle with Scrupulosity which developed during his teen years and peaked while serving his LDS mission. We also discuss how he was able to get help for the disorder, and finally get better.

229: Understanding Scrupulosity Within the LDS Church Pt. 1

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 09:08:10 -0700

228: Agitating Faithfully for Gender Equality Within the LDS Church

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 07:18:33 -0700

Today we interview Dane Laverty -- founder of the "Agitating Faithfully" web site. Agitating Faithfully is a site supporting gender equality in the church. It was inspired by President Gordon B. Hinckley's answer to the question, "At present women are not allowed to be priests in your Church...Is it possible that the rules could change in the future..?" He responded, "Yes. But there's no agitation for that. We don't find it."

227: Understanding Atheism after Mormonism Pt. 6

mormonstories@gmail.com (John Dehlin) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:49:39 -0700