Mormon Stories Podcast

Latest Episodes:

High-Ranking Leader Leaves Mormon Church: The Second Anointing | Ep. 1919 Jul 19, 2024

Show notes

As part of our mini-series on Mormonism's Second Anointing Ritual, we are re-releasing part of Hans and Birgitta's original interview discussing their participation in this exclusive ceremony. ⁠Hans H. Mattsson⁠ is a 3rd generation LDS church member from Sweden who served as a bishop and stake president in Sweden before serving in the LDS church 3rd Quorum of the Seventy from 2000-2005 in the Europe Central area under LDS Apostle L. Tom Perry. After discovering troubling information about the Church's history and truth claims, the Mattssons, along with many Swedish saints wanted answers, leading up to the Church's infamously poor attempt to keep them in the fold, now known as "the Swedish Rescue."

Truth Seeking with Hans & Birgitta Mattsson:

Part 1

Part 2

Remembering the Swedish Rescue:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Hans' book may be purchased here

⁠Show Notes⁠

⁠YouTube⁠

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Revealing The Secret Mormon Report That Shattered Racist Doctrine | Ep. 1918 Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

Join us today as we discuss Mormon the priesthood and temple ban with historian Matt Harris. We will be talking about missionary work in South Africa, patriarchal blessings for black individuals, the removal of church leaders because of their ancestry, and the notes from the top secret meeting that came to be known as the Bennion report. Nate Byrd of the Black Menaces is joining us today to share his perspective.

We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you!

Purchase Matt Harris’ book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality

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Receiving the Second Anointing and then Leaving Mormonism - Tom Phillips (Rebroadcast) | Ep. 1917 Jul 12, 2024

Show notes

In this compelling rebroadcast (first time on youtube), we revisit John Dehlin's 2012 interview with Tom Phillips, a U.K. convert and former LDS stake president whose close friendships with LDS leaders like Harold Hillam, Gordon Hinkley, Russel Ballard, and Jeffrey Holland likely led to the invitation to receive the religion's most exclusive ordinance, the Second Anointing. However, Tom's journey would soon take an unexpected turn after taking part in the secretive ritual which would have repercussions for his place among the community and even his own family.

Since the original episode, an intriguing twist has emerged: Tom's son, Alan, has ascended to the role of General Authority in the Church, despite his father's well-documented disaffection. This development adds a poignant layer to an already complex narrative of faith, doubt, and family dynamics within the LDS Church.

Whether you're hearing this story for the first time or revisiting it with fresh ears, Tom Phillips' journey continues to resonate, raising thought-provoking questions about faith, truth, and the accountability and privilege of Mormonism's top leaders.

⁠Show Notes⁠

⁠YouTube⁠

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Black Mormons Respond to LDS Priesthood and Temple Ban | Ep. 1916 Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

Today we are joined by Dr. Darron Smith, Summur-Rayn Barrett, and Nate Byrd of Black Menaces to react to the first three episodes with Matt Harris. Their commentary unpacks Joseph Smith's complex racial attitudes, Brigham Young's implementation of the priesthood ban, and the painful legacy of racist doctrines. Their candid discussion highlights the urgent need for accountability within the Mormon church and grapples with the lasting impact of this racial discrimination.

Purchase Matt Harris’ book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality

⁠Show Notes⁠

⁠YouTube⁠

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Was Utah Jazz Draft Pick Kyle Filipowski Groomed by his Mormon Girlfriend? | Ep. 1915 Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

Tonight we will be discussing one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 NBA Draft - the fall of Duke forward Kyle Filipowski. Filipowski is a skilled 7-foot big man, two-time All-ACC selection and All-American in 2024. He was projected as a first-round pick by many accounts, but ended up being chosen as the second pick of the second round. Most are blaming Kyle's Mormon girlfriend - Caitlin Hutchison (8 years his senior) - and accusing her of grooming him as an adult while he was a child/teenager.

⁠Show Notes⁠

⁠YouTube⁠

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The Dark Side of Mormon College Towns (Rexburg, Provo) - Courtney Kimpel ft. Hayley Rawle | Ep. 1914 Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

Hayley and Courtney bravely unmask the devastating impacts of sexual shaming in the LDS Church. Representing Provo and Rexburg, two cities with highly dense Mormon populations, Courtney & Hayley reveal how dogmatic teachings warp self-worth and consent. This raw conversation offers validation and healing for those grappling with religious sexual shame, charting a path toward self-acceptance and empowerment.

⁠Show Notes⁠

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Professor Confronts Mormon Leaders on Racism - Lowry Nelson | Ep. 1913 Jun 27, 2024

Show notes

Show Notes

Purchase Matt Harris’ book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality

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A Nashville Mormon Story: Darian and Jennifer Ellsworth Rogers | Ep. 1912 Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

From basketball dreams deferred to navigating faith crises, Darren and Jennifer Rogers share their journey out of Mormonism and into a new paradigm of parenting. With candid insights about gender roles, sexual shame, and the struggle to find identity beyond the church, this couple offers hope for those questioning their beliefs. Their story of rebellion, conformity, and ultimately forging their own path provides a compelling look at life after Mormonism and raising kids outside of faith and shame.

⁠Show Notes⁠

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My Mormon Grandparents Received the Second Anointing - Derren Klein | Ep. 1911 Jun 21, 2024

Show notes

Derren Klein didn't know a split-second decision to examine a document headed for the trash would blow open not just a family secret, but one of the Mormon Church's most-guarded, controversial, and exclusive rituals: the Second Anointing. This discovery set Klein on a transformative journey as he confronted unsettling truths about his faith, family history, and the very foundations of Mormonism.

⁠Show Notes⁠

⁠YouTube⁠

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From Policy to Doctrine: The Mormon Priesthood and Temple Ban on Black Members | Ep. 1910 Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

Join with us today as we discuss the priesthood and temple ban with historian Matt Harris. Joseph F. Smith and Joseph Fielding Smith, both Mormon leaders, could not find any doctrinal bases for the priesthood and temple ban and yet it still remained for decades. Members of the church performed blackface and wrote racist poems published in church periodicals. Many of the Mormon leaders did not agree with the ban and some were even removed from their callings because of their different opinions.

Show Notes

Purchase Matt Harris’ book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:

Our Platforms:

Social Media: