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Mormon Stories Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Dr. John Dehlin
Mormon Stories Podcast explores, celebrates, and challenges Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormon Stories is a product of the Open Stories Foundation - a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to supporting Mormons in religious transition. Mormon Stories is not affiliated with or sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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- 2 days ago1h 57m
Brigham Young and the Nauvoo Temple Endowment - Brigham Young Podcast Pt. 5 | Ep. 2223
In Part Five of The Brigham Young Podcast series where we cover John Turner’s book Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet, we sit down with John Turner to discuss Chapter Five, “Prophets and Pretenders,” and explore Brigham Young’s leadership during the final months in Nauvoo. We examine Young’s violent rhetoric, the growing tensions surrounding the Saints, and the infamous “Bogus Brigham” incident. We also explore the completion of the Nauvoo Temple and the development of the endowment, including how temple rituals evolved, what Joseph Smith may have passed on to Young, and how these practices shaped early Mormon theology. The conversation also considers the role of women in the developing theology of exaltation, the expansion of polygamy, and the ways priesthood authority and the doctrine of living prophets allowed Mormon teachings and practices to change. How did Brigham Young navigate the transition from Joseph Smith’s leadership, and what does this period reveal about the evolution of the Mormon endowment? Join us as we explore these questions with historian John Turner and take a closer look at one of the most consequential periods in early Mormon history.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donationsPatreonVenmo PayPal Our Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog 🎙️Patreon ✳️Spotify🍎Apple Podcasts🖼️Instagram 📱TikTok 🎮Discord Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
- 3 days ago3h 10m
Mormon Wife Tells Husband She No Longer Believes - Sophie Allen | Ep. 2222
How do you tell your spouse you've lost your faith–and what comes next?Today we sit down with Sophie Allen, a Mormon convert who found a sense of belonging and community in the LDS Church after a difficult childhood and becoming a single mother at a young age. Sophie embraced Mormonism and eventually married in the temple, hoping to build the kind of traditional family she hadn't experienced growing up.But after years of being deeply committed to the church, questions about its teachings on LGBTQ+ issues led Sophie down a path of questioning that changed everything. As she began learning more about church history and exploring the ex-Mormon community, she eventually reached a point where she could no longer continue believing. She shares what it was like to tell her husband she had lost her faith, stop wearing her temple garments, and begin figuring out what life outside the church would look like.Sophie and her husband also discuss the challenges and unexpected opportunities of navigating a mixed-faith marriage. They reflect on learning to respect each other's beliefs, finding new ways to connect, maintaining intimacy, and building a relationship that allows them to remain individuals without growing apart.This is a conversation about faith, marriage, family, and what it takes to choose each other even when you no longer see the world in the same way.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donationsPatreonVenmo PayPal Our Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog 🎙️Patreon ✳️Spotify🍎Apple Podcasts🖼️Instagram 📱TikTok 🎮Discord Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
- 5 days ago2h 17m
From Southern Baptist to “I Don’t Know” - Shane Sams | Ep. 2221
What happens when questioning your faith could cost you your identity, your community, your relationships, and your livelihood?In this episode of Exvangelical Stories, Dr. Todd Phillips sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, and Great Men founder Shane Sams for the first full public telling of Shane’s deconstruction story.Shane grew up Southern Baptist in small-town Kentucky and eventually became a successful entrepreneur speaking to thousands on major evangelical stages about faith, business, and building the Kingdom of God. But privately, he was beginning to question biblical inerrancy, evangelical certainty, religious shame, and whether the system he had spent years defending was actually true.A turning point came after conversations with former Mormons in Utah. From there, Shane began reexamining Christianity, rewriting his talks, stepping away from evangelical speaking, and facing the financial, relational, and emotional cost of changing his beliefs.He also shares what helped him rebuild: therapy, ketamine and psychedelic experiences, learning to live with uncertainty, rethinking Jesus outside traditional evangelicalism, and finding community with others going through religious deconstruction.If you are questioning Christianity, leaving evangelicalism, deconstructing your faith, wrestling with biblical inerrancy, recovering from religious fear or shame, or wondering what life can look like after certainty, this conversation is for you.CONNECT WITH SHANE SAMSGreat MenA community for driven men navigating midlife, relationships, health, purpose, business, identity, and the challenges they were never meant to carry alone.https://greatmen.orgShane Sams on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@shanesamsInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/shanesamscreatesFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/shanesamscreatesCONNECT WITH DR. TODD PHILLIPSDecon/ReconQuestioning Christianity can cost you the community you need most. Decon/Recon is a private, protected community for people who are done pretending, with honest conversation, live support, shared resources, and genuine connection without evangelizing, debating, pressure, or judgment.Join Decon/Recon:https://www.skool.com/deconrecon/aboutYouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@drtoddphillipsInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/drtoddphillips/Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/Drtoddphillips/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@drtoddphillipsExvangelical Stories is produced in partnership with Mormon Stories and explores the real experiences of people whose lives were shaped by evangelical Christianity, what happened when they began questioning it, what deconstruction cost them, and how they are rebuilding afterward.______________________________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donationsPatreonVenmo PayPal Our Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog 🎙️Patreon ✳️Spotify🍎Apple Podcasts🖼️Instagram 📱TikTok 🎮Discord Contact us:📧 MormonStories
- 1 weeks ago2h 57m
Elizabeth Holmes’ Mormon Connection, Ted Bundy, & BYU Controversies - Mormon News | Ep. 2220
Today on Mormon Stories News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes investigate an unexpected LDS connection to Elizabeth Holmes and the Theranos fraud scandal, plus a returned missionary’s sentencing, Ronald Rasband’s claims, modern polygamy, BYU controversies, Ted Bundy, gambling, and a Deseret Industries closure.ELIZABETH HOLMES’ MORMON DEFENDERBefore Holmes was sentenced, her partner’s mother, Susan Evans, wrote to the judge in her defense, citing her LDS faith and BYU education.https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23303975-elizabeth-holmes-supporting-documents/RETURNED MISSIONARY SENTENCEDKrew Zaugg receives a sentence in an Idaho assault case involving a 15-year-old; the victim’s family speaks about harassment.https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/10/idaho-falls-man-who-sexually-assaulted-a-15-year-old-in-his-tesla-gets-a-rider/RASBAND’S BIG CLAIMSRonald Rasband discusses missionary work and Church growth in a BYU devotional.https://youtu.be/jzHI5-Gh2wcAN OHIO PASTOR AND POLYGAMYA pastor’s embrace of a second wife raises questions about religious justifications for plural marriage.https://religionunplugged.com/news/2026/10/27/ohio-pastor-second-wife-embraces-polygamyBYU FOOTBALL AND RELIGIONUCF is fined after anti-Mormon chants, while a Deseret News essay explores faith and football.https://apnews.com/article/ucf-byu-fine-mormon-church-2cae3a9aa8e195e99175cb523d306bf6https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2026/10/26/getting-off-the-rollercoaster/TED BUNDY’S LDS CONNECTIONNew DNA evidence connects Bundy, baptized LDS in 1975, to a Utah cold case.https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ted-bundy-utah-teenager-cold-case-murder-dna/BYU’S RELIGIOUS LIBERTY CONTRASTBYU Law announces a religious liberty clinic amid disputes over Indigenous braids and Black students’ locs.https://dockets.justia.com/docket/utah/utdce/2%3A2026cv00226/163094KALSHI, GAMBLING AND BYUUtah sues prediction-market company Kalshi; an advertisement allegedly filmed at BYU adds another dimension.https://www.deseret.com/utah/2026/10/20/utah-sues-kalshi-prediction-market-sports-betting-online-gambling/PRESTON DESERET INDUSTRIES CLOSESThe Church plans to close its Preston, Idaho, location after 48 years, citing facility and investment concerns.https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/preston-s-deseret-industries-to-close-after-48-years/article_695aeac5-63ee-4550-8d07-834e89c21327.htmlJoin John and Meggan for reporting and discussion of the week’s Mormon news.___________________Show NotesYouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donationsPatreonVenmo PayPal Our Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog 🎙️Patreon ✳️Spotify🍎Apple Podcasts🖼️Instagram 📱TikTok 🎮Discord Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
- 1 weeks ago1h 30m
Joseph Smith's Animal Sacrifices - LDS Discussions Pt. 86 | Ep. 2219
In Episode 86 of LDS Discussions on Mormon Stories, we examine historical accounts of Joseph Smith’s treasure-digging activities and the reported use of animal sacrifice in attempts to locate buried treasure. From roosters and black sheep to black dogs and white sheep, these accounts raise questions about the folk magic practices associated with Joseph Smith and the people who participated in treasure seeking in the early 19th century. We begin with the account of Abner Cole and explore reported connections to Luman Walters, a magician and conjurer who was said to have influenced Joseph Smith’s treasure-seeking activities. We then examine accounts from William Stafford, Hiel Lewis, and others, including reports of animal sacrifices intended to appease supernatural beings and keep treasure from disappearing. We also discuss the historical context of peepers, treasure digging, and the idea that certain words, circles, and ceremonies were necessary to locate hidden treasure. The discussion also explores interviews collected by Frederick Mather, reports involving the earth of Oliver Harper, and additional accounts attributed to Alfred Trumble, Emily Austin, Ellen Dickinson, and Nan Hill Stratton. We consider whether Joseph Smith sincerely believed in his ability to find treasure and how these stories fit into the broader history of early Mormonism. We also discuss parallels between animal sacrifice in folk magic and sacrificial imagery in Christianity, along with the importance of examining historical figures within the full context of their lives. A note on historical claims: This episode brings together accounts of animal sacrifice associated with Joseph Smith and early treasure digging. Our goal is to collect and discuss these claims in one place, not to independently establish the accuracy of every account. ___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donationsPatreonVenmo PayPal Our Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog 🎙️Patreon ✳️Spotify🍎Apple Podcasts🖼️Instagram 📱TikTok 🎮Discord Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
- 1 weeks ago1h 48m
Left Pentecostal Christianity to Fight Christian Nationalism - Kevin Crowe | Ep. 2218
Welcome to Exvangelical Stories, a new series under the umbrella of Mormon Stories Podcast exploring the experiences of people who grew up in evangelical Christianity, questioned their faith, and found their way beyond the religious worlds that shaped their lives. In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Crowe to explore his journey from growing up in the Evangelical church to becoming an ex-Christian and creating content about religious deconstruction. Kevin describes his childhood in the Church of God, where church was a regular part of life, and his eventual immersion in an intense religious culture filled with speaking in tongues, being “slain in the Spirit,” spiritual warfare, and the fear of hell. Kevin shares his experiences with the production Heaven’s Gate and Hell’s flames where he watched people getting dragged off the stage and into hell. He discusses what it was like to witness to others and carry the eternal fate of others in his own hands. We explore how Kevin tried to discern God’s will and how he explained questions about the Bible, including Noah’s Ark. Kevin shares how a conversation with a form pastor changed his entire life. Kevin also reflects on the aftermath of leaving Christianity in 2009, the loneliness of deconstruction, the lingering fear of hell, and the realization that belief can disappear faster than the fear associated with it. We discuss cognitive dissonance, why people that leave religion because they want to sin is a misunderstanding of the experience of losing one’s faith.Finally, Kevin talks about creating Jesus Unfollower, joining the deconstruction community, navigating social media as a former believer, and choosing comedy over rage in his commentary. He offers advice for those questioning their faith: stay curious, ask questions, take your time, and give yourself permission to investigate what you believe.Where to find Kevin Crowe:YouTubeInstagramwww.kevincrowecomedy.comWhere to find Dr. Todd Phillips:Join Decon/ReconYouTubeInstagramFacebookTikTok___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donationsPatreonVenmo PayPal Our Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog 🎙️Patreon ✳️Spotify🍎Apple Podcasts
- 2 weeks ago3h 55m
Tithing Campaign, Dan McClellan Backlash, Abuse Helpline Claims & More - Mormon News | Ep. 2217
This week on Mormon Stories News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes take a closer look at the LDS Church's renewed emphasis on tithing, the controversy surrounding biblical scholar Dan McClellan, and troubling claims about the Church's abuse helpline. We're also covering new survey findings, backlash over a Church Juneteenth post, Elder Gong's connection to AI ethics, and changes to BYU-Idaho's reporting.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donationsPatreonVenmo PayPal Our Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog 🎙️Patreon ✳️Spotify🍎Apple Podcasts🖼️Instagram 📱TikTok 🎮Discord Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
- 2 weeks ago1h 26m
The First Vision Happened in 1825?! - LDS Discussions Pt. 85 | Ep. 2215
In this episode of LDS Discussions on Mormon Stories, we examine the historical evidence surrounding Joseph Smith’s First Vision, focusing on the traditional 1820 date, the religious revivals in Palmyra, New York, and the timeline of events in the Smith family’s life. Although the First Vision is now central to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ foundational narrative, Joseph Smith did not produce his earliest written account describing his vision until 1832.We examine the historical context behind the story, including the death of Joseph’s brother Alvin Smith, the Smith family involvement with the Presbyterian Church, the arrival of Reverend George Land and Reverend Benjamin Stockton in the region, and the evidence for religious revivals in Palmyra and Manchester during the 1820s. By comparing church records, historical accounts, and Joseph Smith’s own narrative, we build a timeline and investigate whether the events described in his later account align with the historical record. What can we reasonably conclude when the historical evidence does not appear to match the traditional narrative? And how would we evaluate claims that depend on events for which independent evidence is lacking? Finally, we consider how the First Vision developed into central element of Latter-day Saint identity, why the historical timeline matters, and what the evidence can –and cannot –tell us about Joseph Smith’s intentions when he recounted these events. The central question is not simply whether Joseph Smith could have placed an event in the wrong year. It is whether the historical context he described is consistent with the available evidence. Join us as we investigate the historical record and explore what it reveals about one of the most important stories in Mormonism.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donationsPatreonVenmo PayPal Our Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog 🎙️Patreon ✳️Spotify🍎Apple Podcasts🖼️Instagram 📱TikTok 🎮Discord Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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About Mormon Stories Podcast
Mormon Stories Podcast explores, celebrates, and challenges Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormon Stories is a product of the Open Stories Foundation - a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to supporting Mormons in religious transition. Mormon Stories is not affiliated with or sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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