Mormon Stories Podcast

In this short Mormon Stories Episode I sat down with Trent Told, who created a prototype of Joseph Smith’s Book of Mormon Plates. Based on Dan Vogel’s theories surrounding the “Tin Plates” and the Book of Mormon, Trent created a proof of concept model of the Book of Mormon made out of tin, in order to help demonstrate the physical size and weight of the plates. This model is also intended to help...

Join me today for one of my favorite Mormon Stories Podcast interviews/interviewees of all time. In today's episode, Stanford University graduate student Amy McPhie Allebest returns to discuss the development of patriarchy within human civilization, with a specific focus on the religious context. She also announces her new podcast entitled "Breaking Down Patriarchy - An Essential Texts Book Club."...

In my opinion, one of the most damaging books ever published by the Mormon Church is Spencer W. Kimball’s “The Miracle of Forgiveness.” Among other things, this book teaches that: No young Mormon man or woman is worthy to go on a mission if they masturbate. Masturbation alone leads to masturbation with others, which leads to “homosexuality.” Being gay or lesbian is “ugly,” “repugnant,” and compara...

Please join me and Radio Free Mormon  for a discussion of “Laura A. Gaddy vs. the Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” – a class action lawsuit currently before the United States District Court for the District of Utah, with Robert J. Shelby as the Presiding Judge. The main purpose of the case is as follows: “The case seeks certification as a class actio...

In a recent video released by paid actors supported by FAIRMormon and the More Good Foundation, Kwaku El, Brad Witbeck, and Cardon Ellis make the claim that I and Mormon Stories (and Jeremy Runnells) are intentionally "homewrecking for profit" with the work we do. In an attempt to combat this hurtful claim, I reached out to our amazing Mormon Stories Listeners, requesting your help by sharing if/h...

Recently two friends of mine (Liz Cannon and Ray Purcell) asked to interview me about my role and experiences over the past 20 years trying to support people experiencing a Mormon faith crisis. This is our interview. Note: This interview is not a "typical" Mormon Stories Podcast interview, in that it warrants a PG-13 "rating" due to some adult language and topics in the interview.  Listener and vi...

My reaction to yesterday's riot at the U.S. Capitol (January 6, 2021).

Jim Bennett is the author of "A Faithful Reply to the CES Letter." He is also the son of the late Utah U.S. Senator Bob Bennett. In Part 5 of a multi-part series with Jim, I bring to Jim listener/viewer questions, along with several questions/observations of my own, into a passionate, 4 hour final conversation. If you were frustrated that I gave Jim "a pass" in the previous episodes, you may be mo...

Jim Bennett is the author of " A Faithful Reply to the CES Letter ."  He is also the son of the late Utah U.S. Senator Bob Bennett. In Part 4 of a multi-part series with Jim, we discuss in-depth his approach to maintaining belief in the Mormon church AFTER exposure to all of the historical and social problems currently vexing the LDS church, as highlighted in Jeremy Runnell's groundbreaking book "...

Jim Bennett is the author of " A Faithful Reply to the CES Letter ."  He is also the son of the late Utah U.S. Senator Bob Bennett. In Part 2 of a multi-part series with Jim, we discuss in-depth his approach to maintaining belief in the Mormon church AFTER exposure to all of the historical and social problems currently vexing the LDS church, as highlighted in Jeremy Runnell's groundbreaking book "...

Jim Bennett is the author of " A Faithful Reply to the CES Letter ."  He is also the son of the late Utah U.S. Senator Bob Bennett. In Part 2 of a multi-part series with Jim, we discuss in-depth his approach to maintaining belief in the Mormon church AFTER exposure to all of the historical and social problems currently vexing the LDS church, as highlighted in Jeremy Runnell's groundbreaking book "...

Jim Bennett is the author of " A Faithful Reply to the CES Letter ."  He is also the son of the late Utah U.S. Senator Bob Bennett. In Part 1 of a multi-part series with Jim, we discuss in-depth his approach to maintaining belief in the Mormon church AFTER exposure to to all of the historical and social problems currently vexing the LDS church, as highlighted in Jeremy Runnell's groundbreaking boo...

Are you looking for a story of hope and love to end this gosh-forsaken year? Here you go. WordPerfect co-founder and philanthropist Bruce Bastian (interviewed here and here ) never expected to find love again after his mixed-orientation Mormon marriage dissolved. Then he met Clint Ford. This is an epic love story for the ages, folks. So hopeful. So inspiring. I hope you enjoy!!!! And I hope that t...

Ten years ago I interviewed WordPerfect co-founder and philanthropist Bruce Bastian,  wherein we discussed his life growing up as gay Mormon boy in Idaho, his years at WordPerfect, his journey "coming out" as a gay Mormon father in the 1990s, and his early efforts to support LGBTQ rights. Since this first interview, Bruce became even more active in fighting for LGBTQ equality in the United States,...

Today, Anthony Miller, Jana Spangler and Brittney Hartley join us to discuss the topic of navigating and enjoying Christmas after a Mormon faith crisis.

Zelph on the Shelf is one of the most successful YouTube channels in history dedicated to exploring Mormonism in thoughtful and entertaining ways.   Five years ago I sat down with Samantha Shelley and Tanner Gilliland to discuss their loss of faith as "Mormon Millennials." That episode was extremely well-received at the time, and was highly influential in the journey of tens of thousands of Mormon...

Recently, the Mormon apologetic organization FAIRMormon has released several aggressive new videos via their YouTube Channel starring the actors Kwaku El, Cardon Ellis, and Brad Witbeck. These videos are intended to appeal to younger Latter-day saints, but also launch aggressive attacks against me (John Dehlin) and Jeremy Runnells (author of the CES Letter). The historical accuracy/honesty of thes...

Recently I was super fortunate to sit down with reality tv stars Heather Gay and Dre Nord - who are both currently appearing on BravoTV's " Real Housewives of Salt Lake City ."  In this three-part series, we focus on Heather and Dre's life experiences within the context of Mormonism (and Utah Mormonism).  Part 1 covers... Heather and Dre's early years as devout Mormons. Dre's marriage, divorce, an...

Recently I was super fortunate to sit down with reality tv stars Heather Gay and Dre Nord - who are both currently appearing on BravoTV's " Real Housewives of Salt Lake City ."  In this three-part series, we focus on Heather and Dre's life experiences within the context of Mormonism (and Utah Mormonism).  Part 1 covers... Heather and Dre's early years as devout Mormons. Dre's marriage, divorce, an...

Mormon Stories Listeners, I really need your help.  The Mormon Church is funneling millions of dollars each year into non-profit "charities" like the More Good Foundation and FAIRMormon to smear my name and Jeremy Runnell's name, in hopes of destroying the positive impact of Mormon Stories Podcast.  Watch any cult documentary.  It's what cults do. In a recent video released by paid actors supporte...

Recently I was super fortunate to sit down with reality tv stars Heather Gay and Dre Nord - who are both currently appearing on BravoTV's " Real Housewives of Salt Lake City ." In this two-part series, we focus on Heather and Dre's experiences as Mormons.  Topics covered in today's episode include: Heather and Dre's early years as devout Mormons. Dre's marriage, divorce, and faith crisis as a Morm...

In today’s episode we will provide an overview of several LDS church apologetic non-profits, and discuss recent concerns about dishonesty, mean-spiritedness, and the incitement of violence by some people associated with these Mormon apologist non-profits. The Mormon apologetic non-profits that we will be discussing today include: the More Good Foundation , the Mormon Interpreter Foundation , Book...

Paul Cardall battled long odds from birth, eventually triumphing over a serious heart disability to earn distinction as an outstanding composer and pianist. In 1997 he first won widespread notice by setting author Richard Paul Evans’ No. 1 NY Times best-seller The Christmas Box to music. Cardall’s achievements range from releasing 11 chart-topping albums, winning the Gospel Music Association Dove...

In 2014 the LDS Church released an essay entitled "Race and the Priesthood" as part of its Gospel Topics Essays Initiative. This essay was groundbreaking in that it officially renounced past LDS racist teachings regarding blacks and the LDS Priesthood. This essay has been highly controversial. Some see it as groundbreaking positive progress. Some see it as deceptive and/or inadequate. Others lost...

Join me now as I interview historian Dr. Matt Harris about his new book entitled "The LDS Gospel Topics Series: A Scholarly Engagement" published by Signature Books. In this episode we will provide an overview of the book, and discuss the events that led to the release of the essays by the LDS Church.