Inside Out with Jim Bennett and Ian Wilks

Latest Episodes:

The Burning in the Bosom Aug 01, 2026

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Can your feelings tell you what's true? And what happens when the same feeling shows up during Star Wars, a favorite song, or a testimony meeting?

In this episode of Inside Out, Jim Bennett, Ian Wilks, and returning guest Greg Prince tackle one of the most important and challenging questions in religious life: How do we discern truth?

The Mormon Mafia Jul 25, 2026

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Was there really a Mormon Mafia?

After Candace Owens revived the phrase while discussing the death of Charlie Kirk, social media exploded with jokes—and questions. But according to Jim Bennett, the "Mormon Mafia" wasn't just an internet meme. It was a very real network of influential Latter-day Saints whose connections reached into the worlds of Howard Hughes, Las Vegas, the CIA, Watergate, and American politics.

Drawing on his own family's remarkable firsthand experiences, Jim separates myth from history, explaining how his father became entangled in the Howard Hughes empire and why that bizarre chapter of American history continues to fuel conspiracy theories decades later.

A Conversation with Greg Prince About David O. McKay Jul 18, 2026

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David O. McKay remains one of the most beloved—and influential—presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But how well do we really know the man behind the carefully curated public image?

In this special one-on-one episode, Jim Bennett sits down with acclaimed historian Greg Prince, author of the landmark biography David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism, for an in-depth conversation about President McKay's life, leadership, and legacy.

A Choice Land - with Greg Prince Jul 11, 2026

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Is America really "a choice land above all others" — or has that idea become a barrier to the church's future? In this episode of Inside Out, Jim Bennett and Ian Wilkes welcome back Greg Prince to dig into the doctrine of the promised land and what it would actually take for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to become a truly international church.

The Fullness of the Gospel - with Greg Prince Jul 04, 2026

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When President Dallin H. Oaks recently reaffirmed that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the "only true and living church," it sparked a fresh round of discussion among members and former members alike. What does that claim actually mean? And how should Latter-day Saints understand it in today's religious landscape?

Ian and Jim welcome back historian Greg Prince for a thoughtful conversation about President Oaks' remarks and the broader implications of exclusivity claims in religion. Together they explore what it means to possess "the fullness of the gospel," how priesthood authority and a testimony of Christ fit into the Church's identity, and whether the Church's greatest strength lies in what it proclaims—or in what it demonstrates through the way it treats people.

Is the LDS Church Quietly Breaking with Trump? - with Greg Prince Jun 27, 2026

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Is there a growing divide between the Trump administration and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

In this episode of Inside Out, Ian, Jim, and historian Greg Prince examine a recent Religion News Service article by Jana Riess arguing that the Church is quietly distancing itself from the MAGA movement—not through public denunciations, but through its actions.

The conversation explores the Church's expanding humanitarian efforts, its relationship with the U.S. Constitution, the influence of partisan politics on Latter-day Saints, and whether Church leaders have a responsibility to speak more directly about moral issues in the public square.

A Conversation with Richard Ostler Jun 20, 2026

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What happens when faith becomes painful—but you still want to stay?

In this episode of Inside Out, Jim Bennett and Ian Wilks welcome author, speaker, and host of the Listen, Learn & Love podcast Richard Ostler for a candid conversation about belonging, compassion, and the power of creating space for people whose experiences don't fit neatly into traditional expectations.

Richard shares insights from years of listening to and supporting Latter-day Saints navigating faith crises, questions about church teachings, LGBTQ experiences, and complex family relationships. Together, the hosts and Richard explore what it means to lead with empathy rather than judgment, how authentic listening can build bridges across deep differences, and why creating a sense of belonging matters more than winning arguments.

A Conversation with Dr. John Hubbard, Mayor of Fairview, Texas Jun 13, 2026

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For more than two years, the small town of Fairview, Texas has been at the center of one of the most closely watched temple disputes in recent Latter-day Saint history.

What began as a proposal for a new LDS temple quickly grew into a controversy over steeple height, zoning laws, religious freedom, local governance, and what it means to be a good neighbor.

In this episode of Inside Out, Ian and Jim sit down with Fairview Mayor Dr. John Hubbard for an in-depth conversation about the conflict, the city's perspective, and the path that led from a denied permit to a controversial compromise.

The John Sweeney Interview Jun 06, 2026

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Ian and Jim sit down with renowned British investigative journalist John Sweeney, whose career has taken him from war zones and authoritarian regimes to some of the world's most controversial religious movements.

John discusses his acclaimed BBC documentary The Mormon Candidate, produced during Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign, and reflects on his now-infamous interview with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. He shares behind-the-scenes insights into what happened before, during, and after the interview, how the Church responded, and how his views of Latter-day Saints evolved through the process.

A Conversation with Jeff Strong May 30, 2026

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Ian sits down with Jeff Strong, author of the groundbreaking book Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What Can We Learn from Them?

Drawing on research involving more than 20,000 current and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jeff explores one of the most important and emotionally charged questions facing faith communities today: Why are so many people stepping away from organized religion, and what can those who stay learn from their experiences?

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