Spencer Nugent is absolutely one of the most talented and gracious humans I’ve ever interviewed on Mormon Stories Podcast. He also has a fascinating story.

Spencer, along with his parents and siblings, were the first Jamaicans baptized on the island into the Mormon church. Later Spencer’s family moved to Orem, Utah. Spencer attended UVSC and BYU, served a mission to San Antonio, Texas, and became an Industrial Designer. Spencer is a renaissance man of sorts. His many talents/interests include karaoke/music, art, travel, design, drawing, landscape architecture, teaching, etc.

After Spencer was married in the Salt Lake City temple and had two sons, he and his ex-wife eventually experienced a Mormon faith crisis and divorced.

Today’s episode will cover numerous topics, including:

  • His family’s conversion story in Jamaica, BEFORE the black priesthood and temple ban was lifted.
  • What it’s like to be an early part of a Mormon branch/district in the developing world in the 1970s and 1980s.
  • What it’s like to be part of “Mormon Royalty” (a pioneering family) in the developing world.
  • Mormon cultural imperialism/whitewashing,
  • Being black in the Mormon church,
  • Spencer’s mission,
  • Male eating disorders
  • Parenting, divorce, faith crises, and finding identity, morality, and community as a black, ex-Mormon divorced man in Utah.

You will not be disappointed hearing Spencer’s incredible Mormon story.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 1

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Part 2

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Part 3

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5 Comments

    • Spencer N. June 11, 2019 at 4:19 pm - Reply

      Thank you!!!

  1. Grammabd June 13, 2019 at 4:48 pm - Reply

    Spencer, I had to take a little road trip yesterday and while I drive I usually listen to a John Dehlin Podcast and YOU were it! I just wanted you to know that I thoroughly enjoyed hearing your journey from the time you were 3 till present! I have a son close to your age, so your timeframe reminds me of him! I am a convert and became a very strong TBM after being baptized. When my son married in the temple, I did not feel sorry for his father not being able to attend the temple wedding – he KNEW what was required to be there! But, since I was a convert, none of my family could attend either. Since leaving the church myself a few years ago, I have become aware of how judgemental and non-empathetic I was while being a TBM. I’m SO SORRY for the many times I must have been blind to my “better than thou” attitude. I said once that I was not bitter towards the people in my ward but I am towards the upper leadership of the church. I get less bitter as the years go by because I am so glad to be FREE. I like listening to Mormon Stories, they remind me not to be complacent about ALL the lies the church won’t admit to. Yes, the essays are a step but hardly the full truth. I am saddened by all the years that I felt so unworthy to be a member; now I know how unworthy the leadership of this church are! I wish you all the best as you go forward in your life!

  2. Mary Lynn price July 7, 2019 at 8:53 am - Reply

    Hi, Great interview! Thanks so much. Would you be so kind as to post the links to your sketch website? (I was walking and forgot to note it down) Spencer you are an awesome person. I’m so glad your boys have you as a dad. Thanks for helping heal the world with your authenticity

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