Mormon Stories Podcast

Latest Episodes:

783: Jason Echols of /r/exmormon (Reddit) Pt. 1 Aug 21, 2017

Show notes

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Jason Echols of /r/exmormon. For many, the exmormon subreddit serves as a one-stop shop for current events and happenings that may interest those who have left the faith. Jason gives us the inside scoop of this prominent gathering place, and details his belief that the forum provides a training ground for exmormons to learn how to voice opinions in healthy and assertive ways.

782: A Final Evening with Grant Palmer Pt. 2 - Restoring Christ, Q&A, and a Final Goodbye Aug 14, 2017

Show notes

In this two-part episode we sit down for final time with Grant Palmer to discuss the release of his final book: Restoring Christ: Leaving Mormon Jesus for Jesus of the Gospels.

In part 1 of the interview we dig deep into two chapters: one on Joseph Smith's possible treason against the United States government, and one on Joseph Smith's use of concubinage in addition to polygamy and polyandry.
In part 2 we discuss Grant's research into "leaving Mormon Jesus for Jesus of the Gospels," and conduct a final Q&A with Grant.

781: A Final Evening with Grant Palmer Pt. 1 - Joseph Smith's Possible Treason and Concubinage Aug 14, 2017

Show notes

In this two-part episode we sit down a final time with Grant Palmer to discuss the release of his final book: Restoring Christ: Leaving Mormon Jesus for Jesus of the Gospels.

In part 1 of the interview we dig deep into two chapters: one on Joseph Smith's possible treason against the United States government, and one on Joseph Smith's likely use of concubinage in addition to polygamy and polyandry.
In part 2 we discuss Grant's research into "leaving Mormon Jesus for Jesus of the Gospels," and conduct a final Q&A with Grant.

780: Bill Reel's Evolution Pt. 2 Aug 11, 2017

Show notes

In our third sit-down with former Mormon Bishop and podcaster Bill Reel, we discuss:

His early years as a convert to the Mormon church.
His original motives for starting his podcast, Mormon Discussion.
The most significant contributing factors to his Mormon faith transition.
His evolution as a podcaster, which includes becoming increasingly frustrated with, and critical of the LDS church, its policies, and its leadership.
His current Mormon beliefs and non-beliefs.
His motives for remaining active in the LDS church.
His responses to recent criticisms of his positions.
His perspective on the possible threat of excommunication.

779: Bill Reel's Evolution Pt. 1 Aug 11, 2017

Show notes

In our third sit-down with former Mormon Bishop and podcaster Bill Reel, we discuss:

His early years as a convert to the Mormon church.
His original motives for starting his podcast, Mormon Discussion.
The most significant contributing factors to his Mormon faith transition.
His evolution as a podcaster, which includes becoming increasingly frustrated with, and critical of the LDS church, its policies, and its leadership.
His current Mormon beliefs and non-beliefs.
His motives for remaining active in the LDS church.
His responses to recent criticisms of his positions.
His perspective on the possible threat of excommunication.

778: Losing the Lamanites - Gabriel Misla (Puerto Rico) Pt. 2 Jul 24, 2017

Show notes

Continuing our series on “Losing the Lamanites,” we interview Gabriel Misla who originated from the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. We cover:

Gabriel’s experience joining the Church as a young man in the island territory and his eventual immigration to the mainland US
His mission service to the Dominican Republic, and the cultural nuances between the two islands that heightened his sensitivity to how race is viewed in the LDS Church
How he came to terms with his sexuality and his experience as a gay Latter-day Saint, including spending time in Evergreen
His reminiscence of elation of being from the tribe of Ephraim in his patriarchal blessing because it meant he was more like his white Utah missionary companions—and now his regret over how his thinking was influenced by the Church’s views on race
His thoughts and feelings over the Book of Mormon’s still accepted views on Lamanites and race, and what he feels the Church should do
His vision and plans for the future as a post-Mormon still living in Utah

777: Losing the Lamanites - Gabriel Misla (Puerto Rico) Pt. 1 Jul 24, 2017

Show notes

Continuing our series on “Losing the Lamanites,” we interview Gabriel Misla who originated from the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. We cover:

Gabriel’s experience joining the Church as a young man in the island territory and his eventual immigration to the mainland US
His mission service to the Dominican Republic, and the cultural nuances between the two islands that heightened his sensitivity to how race is viewed in the LDS Church
How he came to terms with his sexuality and his experience as a gay Latter-day Saint, including spending time in Evergreen
His reminiscence of elation of being from the tribe of Ephraim in his patriarchal blessing because it meant he was more like his white Utah missionary companions—and now his regret over how his thinking was influenced by the Church’s views on race
His thoughts and feelings over the Book of Mormon’s still accepted views on Lamanites and race, and what he feels the Church should do
His vision and plans for the future as a post-Mormon still living in Utah

776: Mormon Stories Interviews Fired BYU-I Professor & LGBT Ally Ruthie Robertson Pt. 2 Jul 21, 2017

Show notes

Ruthie Robertson ignited a nationwide firestorm when she revealed she was fired as an adjunct professor at BYU-Idaho for an LGBTQ-supportive Facebook post on her private page. During these episodes of Mormon Stories, we delve deep into Ruthie’s Mormon background and her motivations in publishing her post, as well as her opinions about the decision to terminate her employment. John and Ruthie also discuss the possible “chilling effect” this event could have on students and professors at BYU-Idaho who wish to support their LGBTQ friends and family.

775: Mormon Stories Interviews Fired BYU-I Professor & LGBT Ally Ruthie Robertson Pt. 1 Jul 21, 2017

Show notes

Ruthie Robertson ignited a nationwide firestorm when she revealed she was fired as an adjunct professor at BYU-Idaho for an LGBTQ-supportive Facebook post on her private page. During these episodes of Mormon Stories, we delve deep into Ruthie’s Mormon background and her motivations in publishing her post, as well as her opinions about the decision to terminate her employment. John and Ruthie also discuss the possible “chilling effect” this event could have on students and professors at BYU-Idaho who wish to support their LGBTQ friends and family.

774: 30 Questions Nobody Asks My Husband at Church - Julie DeAzevedo Hanks Jul 20, 2017

Show notes

In this episode of Mormon Stories/Transitions, John and Margi interview the brilliant Dr. Julie DeAzevedo Hanks about her article titled “30 Questions Nobody Asks My Husband at Church.”

John, Margi, and Julie focus on the powerful cultural messages about gender, potential, life decisions, and worth that are broadcast in the questions we ask. During the interview, cultural assumptions are challenged in some of the questions from Julie’s article:

Did you know that you are a son of your Heavenly Mother?
What does your wife do for a living?
Who’s watching your kids?
Why are you getting a graduate degree?
Will you go home and change? Your clothes are distracting the sisters.

…and many more.

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