From Kolob to Calvary's podcast

Have you ever taught a lesson that went so badly it sent someone running from the room? In Chapter 16 of Mormonism, the Matrix and Me , Tracy Tennant shares one of the most unforgettable moments of her time teaching in Relief Society. Known for using creative object lessons to illustrate spiritual principles, Tracy decides to demonstrate the importance of reverence by bringing a beautifully decora...

Why did it seem like everyone else had a direct line to heaven? In Chapter 15 of Mormonism, the Matrix and Me , Tracy Tennant wrestles with a question that quietly troubled her for years: why did so many people around her seem to have dramatic spiritual experiences while she felt… nothing? Friends and fellow church members often spoke confidently about receiving daily promptings from the Holy Ghos...

What happens when the public statements of a church leader raise uncomfortable questions? In Chapter 14 of Mormonism, the Matrix and Me , Tracy Tennant reflects on the excitement many Latter-day Saints felt when LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley appeared in high-profile media interviews, including conversations with journalist Mike Wallace on 60 Minutes and features in Time Magazine . Many m...

Why do some Christians strongly challenge Mormon beliefs? In Chapter 13 of Mormonism, the Matrix and Me , Tracy Tennant recalls her growing frustration with "born-again Christians" who openly criticized the teachings of the LDS Church. Living across the street from evangelical neighbors who questioned Mormon doctrine only deepened her determination to defend what she believed was the one true chur...

What could possibly go wrong when three teenagers have their wisdom teeth removed? In Chapter 12 of Mormonism, the Matrix and Me , Tracy Tennant shares a series of hilarious and slightly mortifying parenting moments that unfold in the aftermath of oral surgery. As each of her children emerges from anesthesia, the results range from surprising to downright unforgettable. One son proudly demonstrate...

What begins as an ordinary errand quickly turns into a frightening encounter when Tracy Tennant and her two sons find themselves being chased through parking lots and back streets by an enraged driver. In Chapter 11 of   Mormonism, the Matrix and Me , Tracy recounts a harrowing experience during a trip to Utah when a moment of teenage mischief sparks an unexpected and dangerous confrontation. What...

What does motherhood look like when you're trying to raise the "perfect" Mormon family? In Chapter 10 of Mormonism, the Matrix and Me , Tracy Tennant shares the joys, chaos, and occasional embarrassment that come with raising energetic children while striving to meet the expectations of LDS family life. From children who manage to lodge unexpected objects in their noses to a rambunctious four-year...

What happens when a devoted Mormon begins discovering Christian worship music? In Chapter 9 of Mormonism, the Matrix and Me , Tracy Tennant recounts how music became an unexpected doorway into a deeper curiosity about Jesus. Introduced to contemporary Christian artists—especially the powerful vocals of Sandy Patty—Tracy is struck by something she had rarely encountered before: songs that speak of...

Is the United States Constitution divinely inspired? And could it someday "hang by a thread," waiting for faithful believers to save it? In Chapter 8 of Mormonism, the Matrix and Me , Tracy Tennant explores a series of prophetic teachings that shaped her understanding of the future while she was a committed member of the LDS Church. Several Mormon leaders, including Joseph Smith, taught that the U...

What if three mysterious hitchhikers vanished from the back seat of your car after warning that the end of the world was near? In Chapter 7 of Mormonism, the Matrix and Me , Tracy Tennant explores the fascinating world of "faith-promoting rumors" that circulate within Mormon culture—stories that are repeated and retold as evidence that God is actively guiding and protecting members of the LDS Chur...

What happens when good intentions collide with rambunctious children and an unhappy neighbor? In Chapter 6 of Mormonism, the Matrix and Me , Tracy Tennant shares two unforgettable episodes from family life that illustrate an important lesson about relationships: sometimes doing the right thing must come before we feel like doing the right thing. While staying temporarily in a trailer park with fri...

How far would you go to get to the hospital to deliver your baby? In Chapter 5 of Mormonism, the Matrix and Me , Tracy Tennant shares one of the more unforgettable moments of her young married life—arriving at the hospital on a motorcycle to give birth to her third child after discovering the family car isn't working. During this season of life, Tracy also meets two women in her LDS ward who will...

What does it mean for a faithful Latter-day Saint to prepare for the temple? In Chapter 4 of Mormonism, the Matrix and Me , Tracy Tennant reflects on her experiences as she prepares to participate in the sacred temple ordinances of the LDS Church. As a young Mormon woman attending LDS Institute classes, Tracy encounters teachings that raise new questions—among them the surprising claim that plural...

Have you ever thought you stumbled upon hidden treasure—only to discover something completely unexpected? In Chapter 3 of Mormonism, the Matrix and Me , Tracy Tennant recounts a memorable and humorous moment early in her marriage when her husband Scott brings home a mysterious package he discovered in a dumpster. Carefully wrapped and surprisingly heavy, the package sparks excitement and curiosity...

What is dating and marriage like inside Mormon culture? In Chapter 2 of Mormonism, the Matrix and Me , Tracy Tennant shares a humorous but revealing look at the expectations surrounding marriage in the LDS Church. After realizing that marrying Donny Osmond may not be in the cards, Tracy turns her attention to a more attainable prospect—a returned missionary in her local ward. Within Mormon culture...

What happens when a young teenager is suddenly introduced to Mormonism and moved into the heart of LDS culture? In Chapter 1 of Mormonism, the Matrix and Me , Tracy Tennant shares the beginning of her journey into the world of Mormonism at just 13 years old. Tracy's family relocates to Utah, placing her in the center of a culture where the LDS Church shapes everyday life, friendships, and identity...

Why do sincere people remain trapped in belief systems that ultimately distort the truth about God? In this episode of   From Kolob to Calvary , Tracy Tennant introduces a special audiobook-style series based on her book   Mormonism, the Matrix, and Me . In this personal and thought-provoking journey, Tracy shares how she began questioning the teachings of Mormonism and eventually discovered the f...

Leaving the LDS Church can be one of the most difficult relational journeys a person will ever face. Conversations with family members, spouses, and close friends often carry deep emotion, and the way those conversations are handled can shape relationships for years to come. In this concluding episode of the Leaving Mormonism series, Tracy Tennant encourages listeners to approach this transition w...

Leaving Mormonism: Living with Fear, Regret, and Isolation Leaving the LDS Church can bring a powerful sense of freedom—but it can also come with unexpected emotional challenges. Many former Mormons wrestle with fear, regret, loneliness, and the painful feeling of being cut off from the community they once knew. In this episode of From Kolob to Calvary , Tracy Tennant talks about the emotional sid...

One of the most common assumptions within the LDS community is that people who leave the Mormon Church simply want to abandon moral standards and pursue a life of indulgence. Many faithful Latter-day Saints believe former members leave the Church so they can drink alcohol, smoke, break the Word of Wisdom, or live without boundaries. But is that really why people leave Mormonism? In this episode of...

When someone leaves the LDS Church, emotions often run high. Questions, frustration, and years of suppressed doubts can suddenly spill out—and sometimes the result is sarcasm, arguments, or harsh words that damage important relationships. In this episode of From Kolob to Calvary , Tracy Tennant discusses one of the most common mistakes people make when leaving Mormonism: abandoning tact and sensit...

Leaving the LDS Church is not just a theological decision—it's often an emotional earthquake that affects family relationships, friendships, and community connections. In this episode of From Kolob to Calvary , former Mormon Tracy Tennant speaks honestly about the difficult moment many Latter-day Saints face when they realize they no longer believe Mormon teachings. What happens when you tell your...