Mormon Stories Podcast

Latest Episodes:

1791: The Teachings of Prophet Ezra Taft Benson w/ John Larsen Jul 27, 2023

Show notes

Step into the thought-provoking world of hosts John Larsen, Carah Burrell, and John Dehlin as they delve into the life and beliefs of Ezra Taft Benson, an influential figure in Mormonism. Uncovering historical insights, they explore Benson's views on communism, civil rights, and his perplexing association with conspiracy theories. From dissecting Benson's rigid authoritarian stance to questioning his understanding of communism, they candidly evaluate the impact of his leadership within the Church.

With engaging discussions on American exceptionalism, the divinity of the Constitution, and the role of women in Benson's teachings, this episode invites listeners to reflect on how religious leaders can shape doctrines and beliefs. Whether you're curious about the intersections of religion and politics, the complexity of prophetic claims, or the enduring legacy of influential figures, this enthralling conversation will leave you pondering the relevance of Ezra Taft Benson's teachings in today's ever-changing world. Explore the fascinating journey of a man whose beliefs have sparked both admiration and controversy, and join the hosts in exploring the possibility of reconciling past prophecies with present realities.

Episode Show Notes

YouTube Link

Dabbler Farm Wishlist

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

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

Our Platforms:

Contact us:

MormonStories@gmail.com

PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Social Media:

1790: Currently-Serving Mormon Bishop Loses Faith in Mormonism: Zane and Tina Beard Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

Tina's upbringing in the Mormon Church seemed uneventful until she had a troubling temple experience that made her question whether it was a cult. Zane, initially attracted to Tina's spirituality, went through his own faith crisis after reading anti-Mormon literature but eventually had a "spiritual experience" reaffirming his belief in the church.

Their story takes a dramatic turn when Tina starts losing her testimony, leading to emotional turmoil within their marriage, especially since Zane is called to be a bishop. The couple navigates the complexities of a non-believing bishop leading a congregation and the challenges of facing their doubts and fears while remaining true to themselves and their family.

Note: The airing of this episode was delayed at the request of the Beards until they felt more comfortable in their circumstances for it to become public.

Episode Show Notes

YouTube Link

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

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

Our Platforms:

Contact us:

MormonStories@gmail.com

PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Social Media:

1789: Mormon Church Humanitarian Efforts - Widow's Mite Report Pt. 3 Jul 21, 2023

Show notes

John Dehlin is joined by guests Spencer Anderson, Radio Free Mormon, and Rebecca Bibliotheca to go over the latest Widow’s Mite Report shedding light on the financial practices and transparency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We discuss the church's significant wealth and delve into its historical and current approach to charitable giving. We expose discrepancies in reported figures, revealing how the church combines various donations to inflate its humanitarian efforts. We explore whether the church could do more with its immense resources and discuss its environmental stewardship initiatives. Additionally, the conversation touches on tax issues in Australia and Canada. If you're curious about the financial side of religious institutions and their charitable efforts, this eye-opening discussion provides valuable insights.

The Widow's Mite Report Overview

Episode Show Notes

YouTube Link

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

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

Our Platforms:

Contact us:

MormonStories@gmail.com

PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Social Media:

1788: Spiritual Witnesses and Testimonies w/ LDS Discussions Ep. 43 Jul 20, 2023

Show notes

Join hosts Mike, Nemo, and John Dehlin as they delve into the intricacies of spiritual witnesses within Mormonism. How do sincere seekers often end up with different answers when appealing to "the Spirit"? Can individuals be exploited by circumstances deliberately designed to create feelings of spiritual confirmation? What are the consequences when "spiritual witnesses" go wrong?

Join us as we dive into the psychological phenomena of spiritual witnesses. We examine topics such as indoctrination, repetition, and the Illusory Truth effect, as well as other psychological mechanisms like confirmation bias, the backfire effect, and motivated reasoning. This episode can provide insight to your own spiritual experiences and provide tools to recognize attempts to manufacture the experience in you.

Overview of Testimonies and Spiritual Witnesses in Mormonism (ldsdiscussions.com)

Episode Show Notes

YouTube Link

_________________________

LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors!
Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:

LDS Discussions Platforms:

Contact LDS Discussions:

Twitter: @ldsdicussions
Facebook: @ldsdiscussion
Insta: @ldsdiscussions
Email: ldsdiscussions@gmail.com

MormonStories@gmail.com

PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Social Media:

1787: Sound of Freedom, Tim Ballard & Underground Railroad: Anna Merlan and Tim Marchman of Vice News Jul 13, 2023

Show notes

Today we will be covering the new hit movie Sound of Freedom - based loosely on the work of Tim Ballard, founder of Operation Underground Railroad.

If you have first-hand stories of experiences with Tim Ballard and/or OUR, or other information that could be helpful to this episode, please email them to me at mormonstories@gmail.com.

Joining us for the interview will be journalists Anna Merlan and Tim Marchman, who have both been heavily involved in coverage of this story.

Human Trafficking Advocacy | Freedom Network USA

Articles from Vice on Tim Ballard and OUR can be found below:

Episode Show Notes

YouTube link

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

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

Our Platforms:

Contact us:

MormonStories@gmail.com

PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Social Media:

1786: Reconstruction after Mormonism - Bill and Amanda Reel Pt. 3 Jul 12, 2023

Show notes

Join us for part three of our interview with Bill and Amanda Reel as we navigate the intricate topics of identity, spirituality, and the profound impact of shedding religious frameworks. We delve into discussions on morality, sexuality, and the complexities of relationships in a post-religious context, explore the meaning and purpose of life beyond religious constructs and the challenges of finding community and support outside of traditional religious structures. Prepare to be inspired and challenged as we venture into the realms of existentialism, the resolution of death, and the embrace of the present moment. Join us on this captivating exploration of life, spirituality, and the endless possibilities that lie beyond the confines of religious dogma.

Donate to Mormon Discussions

Episode Show Notes

YouTube Link

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

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

Our Platforms:

Contact us:

MormonStories@gmail.com

PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Social Media:

1785: How Bishop Bill Reel Lost his Mormon Faith - Bill and Amanda Reel Pt. 2 Jul 11, 2023

Show notes

Dive deeper into the captivating story of Bill and Amanda Reel as they embark on the second part of their remarkable journey. We explore their gripping encounters with church authorities, their disillusionment with Mormonism's truth claims, and their courageous decision to become whistleblowers within the faith. Discover the challenges they faced, including the lack of safety to be honest and the harm caused by the Mormon Church. Bill gives insight into the world of Mormon apologists and their ethics, as well as the transformative power of real authenticity when you can leave behind the burden of inauthenticity. Explore the shifting landscape of progressive Mormonism and the ultimate question of whether the Church's good outweighs its flaws. Prepare to be captivated by this thought-provoking exploration of faith, honesty, and the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of truth and freedom.

Donate to Mormon Discussions

Episode Show Notes

YouTube Link

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

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

Our Platforms:

Contact us:

MormonStories@gmail.com

PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Social Media:

1784: The Making of Mormon Bishop Bill Reel - Bill and Amanda Reel Pt. 1 Jul 10, 2023

Show notes

Discover the captivating story of Bill and Amanda Reel as they share their extraordinary journey through Mormonism, exploring Bill's transformation from a troubled youth seeking fatherly guidance to a dedicated bishop caught in a web of doubt and awakening. Unveil the challenges faced by this couple within the Mormon patriarchy, their relentless pursuit for truth, and how their experiences ultimately led them on a path of self-discovery and personal growth. Join us as we delve into the untold chapters of their lives, exposing the complexities and contradictions of faith, family, and the power of questioning within a religious institution.

Donate to Mormon Discussions

Episode Show Notes

YouTube Link

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

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

Our Platforms:

Contact us:

MormonStories@gmail.com

PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Social Media:

1783: The Transfiguration of Brigham Young w/ LDS Discussions Ep. 42 Jul 06, 2023

Show notes

Unearth the captivating rise of Brigham Young from the mesmerizing “Transfiguration” that altered Mormonism's course. Mike, Nemo, and John explore this event through meticulous analysis of historical records, contemporary journals, and a carefully constructed narrative. Unveil the astonishing accounts of miracles, including a highly cited backdated miracle and the use of carefully worded descriptions in "Saints." Discover why the Transfiguration holds immense significance for Mormonism and how it serves as a guide to the birth of miracle stories.

Overview of the Transfiguration of Brigham Young and Miraculous Stories (ldsdiscussions.com)

Episode Show Notes

YouTube Link

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

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

Our Platforms:

Contact us:

MormonStories@gmail.com

PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Social Media:

1782: Being Black at a White Christian University: Exposing Racism at BYU - Rachel Weaver Jul 03, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode, we delve into the remarkable story of Rachel Weaver—another member of BYU's Black Menaces. Prepare for an inspiring exploration of Rachel's life as a black convert to a conservative religion in a liberal environment to her life as a student at BYU. What eventually led her to forge her own path by stepping away from the faith that once defined her?

Episode Show Notes

Black Menaces

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

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

Our Platforms:

Contact us:

MormonStories@gmail.com

PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

Our Platforms:

Contact us:

Social Media:

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

Our Platforms:

Contact us:

Social Media:

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

Our Platforms:

Contact us:

Social Media:

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

Our Platforms:

Contact us:

Social Media:

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

Our Platforms:

Contact us:

Social Media:

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

Our Platforms:

Contact us:

Social Media:

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

Our Platforms:

Contact us:

Social Media:

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

Our Platforms:

Contact us:

Social Media:

Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

Our Platforms:

Contact us:

Social Media:

Related Podcasts

1

2

3

4

5

6