Sunstone Podcast

E185: Can You Avoid Organizational Abuse in the Church? Oct 29, 2024

People need organizations to help us fulfill our potential. However, organizations are never entirely safe. In this episode, J. Bonner Ritchie explores how the LDS Church functions and how members can transcend its inherent organizational dangers.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SLP-185.mp3

E184: The Afterlife: A Celestial Six-pack or a Ten-mile Gut? Oct 22, 2024

Stephen Carter takes you on a tour of various afterlife theologies—from Ancient Greek to LDS to New Age—to see if he can believe in one.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SLP-184.mp3

E183: Could Feminism Have Saved the Nephites? Oct 03, 2024

What should we make of the astonishing lack of females in the Book of Mormon? Carol Lynn Pearson says that it points to a lesson the Nephites never learned—one that likely contributed to their destruction.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SLP-183.mp3

E182: The Search for God in Intentional Community. Sep 17, 2024

In 1972, Marylee Mitcham started a quasi-monastic Catholic community, where she lived for ten years. Later, when she joined the LDS Church, she learned that one of her ancestors had started a branch of the United Order in early Utah. Mitcham narrates her fascinating religious history in this episode.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SLP-182.mp3

E181: Hugh Nibley: The Man and the Legend. Sep 13, 2024

LDS scholar Hugh Nibley became a legend in his own time. But how many of the legends were real and how many were fantasies? In this episode, Boyd Petersen digs into the facts behind the stories.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SLP-181.mp3

E180: Is Conversion a Type of Trauma? Aug 27, 2024

Religious conversion and trauma have very similar structures, but with one important difference. In this episode, Stephen Carter draws on Adam Phillips, Julie Hanks, and Prentis Hemphill to explore what happens when people enter a religion, and what happens when they leave.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SLP-180.mp3

E179: Why Korihor Needed a Good Physical Therapist. Jul 27, 2024

Is the story of Korihor the story of a missed opportunity? In the Book of Mormon, an anti-Christ named Korhior is struck dumb by Alma using the power of God. Could there have been a neurological contributor to Korihor’s sudden loss of speech? But even more importantly, could Korihor have been rehabilitated, physically and spiritually, if he had received the same treatment Alma had received when he had been struck down by God? Wade Greenwood explores the possibilities and what we can learn from them.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SLP-179.mp3

E177: How Caffeine Survived the Word of Wisdom. Jun 19, 2024

A Mormon can’t get a temple recommend if they drink coffee or black tea, but they can get one if they consume energy drinks that have five times as much caffeine as either. Launching from Michael Pollan’s book “Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World,” Stephen Carter explores the strange limbo caffeine has occupied in in the LDS Church—from general condemnation to apostolic approval.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SLP-177.mp3

E176: The Badness of Goodness. May 31, 2024

“When virtues run wild, catastrophe reigns.” In this episode, John Durham Peters reveals the dangers of Mormon perfectionism and suggests a new approach.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SLP-176.mp3

E175: The World Beyond the Valley. May 21, 2024

Esther Peterson was one of the most beloved and effective activists of the 20th century, working with John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Jimmy Carter to improve women’s rights in the United States. And she grew up Mormon in Provo, Utah. In this episode, Esther talks about how her Mormon upbringing affected her activism—both for good and ill.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SLP-175.mp3

E174: One of These Gods is Not Like the Other. May 15, 2024

If the Christian God and the Mormon God got into a fight, who would win? In this episode, S. Richard Bellrock shows just just how unfair the fight would be.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SLP-174.mp3

E173: How Should Mormons Write History? Apr 29, 2024

History is a dangerous profession in the LDS Church, sometimes leading to excommunication. Stephen Carter explores why history is such a charged topic—and what Ethiopian leopards have to do with it.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SLP-173.mp3

E172: What Really Happened When Phineas Got His New Wives? Apr 09, 2024

One fine July Sunday in Relief Society, Deja Earley was asked to share a story about her Mormon ancestors. Her story did not go down well. In this episode, Deja tries to come to terms with her polygamous forebears.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SLP-172.mp3

E171: The Movie that Turns Easter on its Head. Mar 27, 2024

Testimony meeting would be a terrible place for Stephen Carter to talk about the movie that finally made him feel a connection to the atonement. Hint: It has connections to Lord of the Rings, Avatar, and Run Lola Run.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SLP-171.mp3

E170: The Weird New Atonement Theory You Can’t Talk About in Sunday School. Mar 04, 2024

The Atonement is all about suffering. Or is it? In this episode, Stephen Carter stumbles across a new atonement theory that would stop any Sunday school lesson in its tracks. Yet, it fits perfectly into the Plan of Salvation.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SLP-170.mp3

E169: Where Do We Go From Here? Part II Feb 28, 2024

In Part II of Gregory Prince’s article, he explores what he thinks the LDS Church has done right and what kinds of changes both it and its members will need to go through to meet current and future challenges.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SLP-169.mp3

E168: Where Do We Go From Here? Part I. Feb 25, 2024

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SLP-168.mp3

Gregory A. Prince has been watching the LDS Church for 75 years. And it has changed. A lot. Some changes have been constructive; some have been devastating. What does Prince see as the best way forward from where we are now? What will this path demand of the Church organization and its members?

E167: Why I Stay. Jan 29, 2024

Carol Lynn Pearson is known for her long-standing advocacy for the LGBT community in the LDS Church. This episode presents her thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of the Church, and why she continues to engage with it.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SLP-167.mp3

E166: What Makes the True Believer Tick? Jan 08, 2024

Using Eric Hoffer’s book “The True Believer,” Stephen Carter explores how Mormonism became a mass movement and the surprising way its cycle is playing out today.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SLP-166.mp3

E165: His Eye Is on the Sparrow. Dec 11, 2023

The New Testament is full of healing stories. But in real life, not so much. Dana Haight Cattani talks about her struggle with cancer.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SLP-165.mp3

E164: In the Mountains, No One Can Hear You Swear. Dec 05, 2023

After a tour of the Orem Temple’s art with Stephen Carter, Michael Stubbs talks about how difficult it is for him to find God in nature—even when hiking with a bunch of rowdy Young Men!

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SLP-164.mp3

E163: Nephite Treasure in the Mountains: Utah County’s “Dream Mine.” Nov 22, 2023

Treasure digging did not stop with Joseph Smith. In this episode, Kevin Cantera tells us about John Koyle, a Mormon visionary who started a mine that he said would lead to caverns filled with Nephite gold.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SLP-163.mp3

E162: In the Garden God Hath Planted: Remembering Lavina Fielding Anderson Nov 13, 2023

This episode honors the life, thought, and spirit of Lavina Fielding Anderson with one of her best Sunstone articles: “In the Garden God Hath Planted: Explorations Toward a Maturing Faith.”

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SLP-162.mp3

E161: How the Barbie Movie Rewrites the Faith Crisis Script. Oct 30, 2023

Are you a Barbie, a Ken, or a Gloria? Stephen Carter, who watched the Barbie movie five times in the theaters, argues that these three characters typify some of the most common faith crises in the LDS Church. And that they show us how to look at these crises in a completely new light.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SLP-161.mp3

E160: The Plan of Saw-vation: What the Movie “Saw” Reveals about What Truly Terrifies Mormons. Oct 18, 2023

As the old Primary song goes, “I’m trying to be like Jigsaw.” In this episode, Stephen Carter explores the peculiar reason why so many Mormons are afraid to die.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SLP-160.mp3

E159: Why the Heck Don’t Mormons Swear? Oct 09, 2023

Jana Riess grew up in a household where swearing was the norm. And she wonders if bringing a little of that spice over to our religious devotions might not kick things up a notch.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SLP-159.mp3

E158: How to Listen to a Man: And Other Things I Learned from “Fascinating Womanhood.” Oct 02, 2023

Buckle up as Stephen Carter takes you on a ride through Mormonism’s most popular, and notorious, marriage manual on its 60th anniversary.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SLP-158.mp3

E157: The Excommunication of Charles William Kingston. Sep 19, 2023

How did the one of richest Mormon polygamous groups get its start? With one man, Charles William Kingston. In this episode, his great-grandson, Charles Elden Kingston, tells his story.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SLP-157.mp3

E156: Should We Save the Provo Temple? Sep 12, 2023

Yes, the mothership temple of Utah County has been the butt of many jokes. But what will we lose if the LDS Church goes ahead with its renovation of the Provo Temple? Alan Barnett reveals surprising architectural aspects of the Provo and Ogden Temples, and argues that their loss robs us of an essential part of Mormon history and imagination.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/156.mp3

E155: Are There Jokes in Heaven? Are They Better than General Conference Jokes? Sep 01, 2023

Our intuition tells us that there must be humor in heaven, but the D&C has specific injunctions against laughter. Using theories of humor and stories from the Bible, Stephen Carter tries to figure out what kind of jokes gods make. And if they’re any good.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/155.mp3

E154: Passive-aggression Among the Latter-day Saints Aug 23, 2023

When Michael Stevens started teaching university courses in Utah, he noticed that passive-aggressive behavior was significantly higher there than at the midwestern universities he had taught at. His studies revealed that the behavior was highest among people with an LDS background. Where does this behavior come from? How does it manifest itself? And how does it affect Mormon culture?

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/154.mp3

E153: Jesus Christ (Almost) Visits the Mormons. Aug 16, 2023

Would Jesus pass muster to visit an LDS ward? Ryan Shoemaker doesn’t think so. But for reasons that have more to do with Whole Foods than the whole gospel. Episode includes bonus scripture from Jake Christensen.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/153.mp3

E152: Saving the Good Ship Zion by Leaving It. Jul 10, 2023

The story goes that anyone who leaves the Good Ship Zion comes back all wet and half drowned. But in this episode, Stephen Carter argues that this is short-sighted, and that a journey away from the ship may actually be the best way to save both yourself and the ship.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SLP-152.mp3

E151: Jesus, John Wayne, and Captain Moroni: How Mormonism Became Evangelical. Jul 03, 2023

Mormonism used to pride itself on how different it was from other Christian sects. But it has since become part and parcel of the Evangelical movement. How did this happen? In this episode, Stephen Carter looks at recent LDS history through Kristen Du Mez’s book “Jesus and John Wayne: How Evangelicalism Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation.”

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SLP-151.mp3

E150: A Pride Month Sermon. Jun 26, 2023

Walking into the forest means walking into the unknown. Reverend Patty Willis has done so many times in her life, and is about to do it again.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/150.mp3

E149: How the Proclamation on the Family Could Include Transgender People. Jun 15, 2023

When the Proclamation on the Family says “gender,” what does it mean? Ted Lee makes a case that using the academic, rather than colloquial, definition of gender opens the way to fitting transgender people into the Plan of Salvation.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/149.mp3

E148: What Would Socrates Think of LGBTQ Issues if He Were Mormon? Jun 09, 2023

In these two hilarious and compelling dialogues by Theric Jepson, Mormon Socrates explores the theology behind transgender people and reproductive rights.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/148.mp3

E147: Should Mormons Become a Part of Cancel Culture? May 22, 2023

It’s hard to know how to respond when a favorite artist breaks one of you most cherished values. Starting with Erich Hatala Matthes’ book “Drawing the Line: What to Do with the Work of Immoral Artists from Museums to the Movies,” Stephen Carter explores some approaches to cancel culture and their surprising connections with Mormonism.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SLP-147.mp3

E146: The Curious Case of James Madison Monroe. May 09, 2023

The line between polygamy and adultery in early Mormonism was blurry, and people were killed over the interpretation of that line. This article by Edward Hogan explores how often the killers got off scot free—or even with a pat on the back.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/146.mp3

E145: Are Mormon Rituals Weird Enough? Apr 28, 2023

Ritual is the basic building block of civilization. But what makes a strong ritual? And does Mormonism have enough of it to survive? Stephen Carter explores the Mormon implications of Dimitris Xygalatas’s book “Ritual: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living.” Listen to its companion episode at

https://sunstone.org/e118-the-lds-proselytizing-mission-as-hazing/

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SLP-145.mp3

E144: Telling Your Life Story After Religion. Apr 17, 2023

When you lose your religion, you lose your life story. You have to reconstruct what life means. Stephen Carter presents an approach to telling your life story after the pre- and post-mortal lives have been removed from your worldview.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SLP-144.mp3

E143: Could the Book of Abraham Save Us from AI? Mar 31, 2023

Artificial Intelligence could possibly destroy humanity. How do we reduce that risk? R. W. Richey shows how Abraham 3 offers a practical solution.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SLP-143.mp3

E142: How Testosterone Changed Mormon History Mar 07, 2023

Why are Mormons a bewildering mix of peculiar and normal? Some of it has to do with . . . testosterone? Stephen Carter explores the Mormon implications of Joseph Henrich’s book “The Weirdest People in the World.”

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SLP-142.mp3

E141: “You Will Not Talk about that Woman in My Church”: How We Wrote “Mormon Enigma.” Feb 20, 2023

“Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith” was a turning point in the telling of Mormon history. And it has a fascinating history of its own. Linda King Newell recounts how she and Valeen Avery Tippetts wrote this groundbreaking book. This episode was recorded at the 2009 Salt Lake Symposium.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SLP-141.mp3

E140: Hallucinogens in Early Mormon History Feb 08, 2023

How much of a role might hallucinogens have played in some of the visions of early Mormon history? Bryce Blakenagel, host of the Naked Mormonism podcast, explores the possibilities. This episode was recorded at the 2022 Salt Lake Summer Symposium.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SLP-140.mp3

E139: The Jungian Shadow and Mormon History Jan 23, 2023

If the LDS Church has light, it also has a shadow. But what should it do with that shadow? Valerie Hamaker, host of the Latter Day Struggles podcast, shows how the Jungian shadow can either save or destroy a person—or a religion. This episode was recorded at the 2022 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SLP-139.mp3

E138: The Woman Who Brought Satanism to Utah Dec 28, 2022

LDS Church member Beatrice Sparks published two wildly popular diaries of teen drug abuse and Satanism: “Go Ask Alice” and “Jay’s Journal.” But the diaries, and Beatrice herself, were much more complicated than they appeared. Using Rick Emerson’s book “Unmask Alice: LSD, Satanic Panic, and the Imposter Behind the World’s Most Notorious Diaries,” Stephen Carter delves into just how Mormon the Beatrice Sparks phenomenon was.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/SLP-138.mp3

E137: Affinity Fraud in Mormonism Dec 06, 2022

Utah has often been called the ‘fraud capital of the world.” In this episode, Ryan McKnight takes us on a tour of Utah’s worst fraudsters—all of them LDS. Recorded at the 2018 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SLP-137.mp3

E136: From the Book of Mormon to a Box of Tissues: How Mormon Masculinity Is Changing Nov 14, 2022

They’re embedded in a patriarchal church, so shouldn’t Mormon men be the very definition of toxic masculinity? In this episode, Stephen Carter explores the surprising ways Mormon masculinity has shifted over the past few years.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SLP-136.mp3

E135: How Artificial Intelligence Changes How We Think About the Plan of Salvation. Nov 07, 2022

In the Book of Abraham, the gods create intelligences and put them into human bodies. Humans are now creating intelligences. But the intelligences we create could have the capacity to destroy us. Ross Richey shows how this could change the way we think about the Plan of Salvation. This episode was recorded at the 2018 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SLP-135.mp3

E134: AIDS in 1980s Utah. Nov 04, 2022

Utah’s first AIDS cases were confirmed in 1983. How did gay and lesbian people in Utah respond to this new disease? How did the LDS Church respond? J. Seth Anderson presents an overview of this tragic part of Utah’s history. This episode was recorded at the 2017 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SLP-134.mp3

E133: More Than One Way to Polyg. Oct 25, 2022

What if we could free polygamy from patriarchy and inequality? In this episode, Brady Williams and Blaire Ostler talk about how we could greatly expand the definition of this odd Mormon concept to make room for more types of relationships.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SLP-133.mp3

E132: Don’t Forgive the Way God Forgives Oct 07, 2022

Stephen Carter found a copy of “The Miracle of Forgiveness” at DI . . . and read it. How does the book that launched a million bishop confessions sound more than 50 years after publication? And how has the very idea of forgiveness changed along the way?

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SLP-132.mp3

E131: Why Most Ex-Mormons Leave Religion Completely. Oct 07, 2022

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/SLP-131.mp3

When people leave the LDS Church, they rarely go join another church. Why do ex-Mormons go from “all in” to “all out”? Ryan Wimmer presents his ideas in this episode, recorded at the 2018 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

E130: Own Your Religion Sep 21, 2022

After working with Helen Whitney on the PBS documentary “The Mormons,” Whitney told Greg Prince, “You have a good religion, but you need to own it. Most of its members are borrowing it.” In this episode, Prince reflects on what it means to own one’s religion. Recorded at the 2018 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/SLP-130.mp3

E129: Disconcerting Soup for the Soul Sep 15, 2022

How many of your beliefs, words, and actions are driven not by your self, but by your context? Social psychologist Peter Leavitt proposes some disconcerting answers, giving us more reason question ourselves as well as more reason to be compassionate with others. This episode was recorded at the 2018 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/SLP-129.mp3

E128: More Than One Way to Family Sep 15, 2022

After an LDS apostle suggested the existence of “counterfeit families,” Sunstone sponsored a conference that gave many types of families a voice. In this episode, LaShawn Williams, Jerilyn Hassell Pool, Brady Williams, Richard Ostler, and Weston Clark talk about their unique families. This episode was recorded at the 2018 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/SLP-128.mp3

E127: The Polygamy Explosion in Early Utah Aug 25, 2022

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SLP-127.mp3

During early Utah’s “Mormon Reformation,” LDS leaders whipped the Saints into a religious fervor. Along with this reformation came an unprecedented spate of polygamous marriages. Scholar John G. Turner tells the story of the run-up and fallout of this matrimonial frenzy. This episode was recorded at the 2016 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

E126: Will You Have a Personality in Heaven? Aug 16, 2022

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SLP-126.mp3

Will the personality we develop in mortal life have any kind of staying power in the post-mortal life? Stephen Carter uses the television series “Severance” to explore the possibilities.

E125: A Native View of Pioneer Day. Jul 21, 2022

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/SLP-125.mp3

Who was living in Salt Lake Valley when the Mormon pioneers arrived? What relationships existed between the Mormons and the Natives during Utah’s settlement? Forrest Cuch talks about the role generational trauma played in Utah’s settlement and how can we reconcile the difficulties of Utah’s past. This episode was recorded at the 2018 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

E124: Post-Mormonism and the Witchy Worldview. Jun 21, 2022

In this episode, Zina Bennion and Sara Hanks talk about their journeys from being Mormons to being witches, and how their upbringing still affects the way they practice and believe now. This episode was recorded at the 2019 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SLP-124.mp3

E123: Why Latter-day Saints Should Embrace “Under the Banner of Heaven”. Jun 13, 2022

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SLP-123.mp3

It would probably surprise both the prophet Mormon and Dustin Lance Black to know how much they have in common. In this episode, Stephen Carter shows how the similarities between Under the Banner of Heaven and the the Book of Mormon should encourage Latter-day Saints to give the television series a chance.

E122: Bug or Feature? Historical Inaccuracies in Under the Banner of Heaven. Jun 06, 2022

How important is the “historical” in historical fiction? Three historians, Barbara Jones Brown, Bryan Buchanan, and Cheryl Bruno, talk with Stephen Carter about the historical inaccuracies in Under the Banner of Heaven and whether they were worth it.

E121: Mormon Fundamentalists Talk about Under the Banner of Heaven. Jun 03, 2022

Mormon fundamentalism plays a shadowy, menacing part in Under the Banner of Heaven. This episode gathers Vicki Darger, Benjamin Shaffer, Shirlee Draper, and Moroni Lopez Jessop, all either current or former fundamentalists, to talk about the realities of current-day Mormon fundamentalism, temple ceremonies, blood atonement, and polygamy.

E120: Under the Banner of Heaven with Actors Tyner Rushing and Scott Michael Campbell May 17, 2022

Lindsay Hansen Park interviews two actors who took on iconic Mormon roles for “Under the Banner of Heaven”: Tyner Rushing as Emma Hale Smith, and Scott Michael Campbell as Brigham Young. Did one of them really end up in Relief Society one Sunday?

E119: An Ex-Mormon Temple Worker Tours the Washington DC Temple May 13, 2022

Stephen Carter and his ex-Mormon brother walked into the Washington DC Temple open house, and what they saw on the walls changed the way they perceive the LDS Church forever. No ex-Mormons were re-converted in the making of this episode.

E118: The LDS Proselytizing Mission as Hazing. May 04, 2022

In this episode, S. Richard Bellrock argues that the LDS proselytizing mission hits all the right buttons at all the right times to be a bona fide instance of hazing, with both hazing’s benefits and drawbacks.

E117: Does Postmodernism Help or Hinder Mormonism? Apr 20, 2022

Most Mormons are suspicious of postmodernism. But Mormon apologists have actually made use of it to defend the faith. How in the world did they do it? Will it backfire? Taylor Petrey takes us on a tour of this fraught relationship in this 2019 Sunstone Summer Symposium recording.

E116: The Oozing Videotape: And Other Dead Wrong Gospel Metaphors Apr 12, 2022

Stephen Carter believes that a Canadian horror film holds the key to escaping any faith crisis. But will it turn you into a zombie?

E115: How God Became So Human Mar 31, 2022

In this episode, scholar Reza Aslan examines how the idea of gods arose in human evolution, was gradually personalized, endowed with human traits and emotions, and eventually transformed into a single Divine Personality. This episode was recorded at the 2019 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

E114: The Temple and the Mall: How the LDS Church Redefined the Sacred and the Secular Mar 28, 2022

Ten years ago, President Thomas S. Monson opened the City Creek Shopping Center across from Temple Square with the immortal words, “Let’s go shopping!” Where is the line between the sacred and the secular in Mormonism? Matthew Bowman explores that question in this week’s episode. Recorded at the 2019 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

E113: The Fake Empathizer Mar 08, 2022

According to Paula Baker, the LDS Church is trying to become more empathetic. But when is empathy real and when is it fake? Baker explores the differences and how they could apply to an LDS context. This episode was part of a session at the 2021 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

E112: Reframing the Grief in a Mixed-faith Marriage Feb 28, 2022

As more people experience faith transitions, many LDS couples find themselves grieving over their suddenly mixed-faith marriages. In this episode, eight therapists and life coaches give both personal and professional insights into honoring the challenging and the beautiful aspects of differing beliefs in a marriage. This episode was recorded at the 2020 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

E111: Where the Heck is Hell in the Bible? Feb 15, 2022

A recent Pew Research poll showed that 72% of Americans believe in a literal heaven, 58% in a literal hell. Most people who hold these beliefs are Christian and assume they are the age-old teachings from the Bible. But eternal rewards and punishments are found nowhere in the Old Testament and are not what Jesus or his disciples taught. In this episode, Dr. Bart D. Erhman unfolds the history of post-mortality, drawing from his latest book, Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife. This episode comes from the 2020 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

E110: The LDS Church and the Bear River Massacre Feb 08, 2022

The largest massacre of Native Americans by federal troops in the history of the United States took place in Cache Valley, Idaho, and it was both invited and condoned by the Mormons settling the area. Darren Parry, author of “The Bear River Massacre: A Shoshone History,” tells the story of that day on this episode of the Sunstone Podcast. This episode comes from the 2020 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

E109: How Hearts Are Changed: Learning to Affirm LGBTQ Journeys Jan 31, 2022

Heather Robertson and Christina Dee, both practicing members of the LDS Church, have experienced a significant shift in their approach to the LGBTQ community. This is their story. This episode comes from the 2020 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

E108: Your Faith Journey’s Hidden Agenda Jan 25, 2022

Most people see their faith journey as taking them away from religion. But, using The Matrix, The Hobbit, and Star Wars, Stephen Carter uncovers evidence that faith journeys have something completely different up their sleeves.

E107: What Don’t the Prophets Say Anymore?: Analyzing General Conference. Jan 13, 2022

It seems like every general conference is the same, but data analytics tells us otherwise. Quentin Spencer talks about the surprising things the prophets have stopped talking about during the past 80 years. This episode is a recording from the 2020 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

E106: In Search of a Larger God Jan 06, 2022

Susan Meredith Hinckley used to feel like she needed a bigger church, but behind that need was a more fundamental one: the need for a larger God. Regaining her spiritual footing after her children left Mormonism has required a new kind of faith: a turning away from the confines of what she had been taught and toward what she has seen and lived for herself. This episode is a session from the 2020 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

E105: Mormons and Native Americans: Myths vs. Realities Dec 14, 2021

What is it like to grow up as a “Lamanite” in the LDS Church? Sarah Newcomb talks about her complicated history as a seventh-generation Native American Mormon in this recording of a 2020 Sunstone Summer Symposium session.

E104: The Real Reason the LDS Church Doesn’t Apologize Dec 01, 2021

The LDS Church has an actual policy of never apologizing. Is it just to ward off lawsuits, or is something deeper going on? In this episode, Stephen Carter uncovers the roots of this policy and its surprising consequences.

E103: A Brief History of LDS Church LGBTQIA+ Teachings. Nov 15, 2021

In 2019, Kyle Ashworth released the “On the Record” project (lattergaystories.org/record), a detailed chronology of quotes and messaging about LGBTQIA+ issues from the LDS Church. In this episode, Ashworth takes us on a whirlwind tour of that history. Recorded at the 2021 Sunstone Symposium.

E102: Three Lesson I’ve Learned Giving My Kids a Foundation After My Faith Transition. Nov 11, 2021

Most discussions about faith transitions center on adults. But what about the children of these parents? After his own faith transition, Jon Ogden wrestled with how he and his wife could best raise their kids — particularly while living in Utah County. In this episode, recorded at the 2021 Sunstone Symposium, Ogden shares lessons he and others have learned while building a new community and curriculum for their children.

E101: The Sexual “What-if” Syndrome Nov 02, 2021

Many people who transition from orthodox Mormonism to either post or nuanced positions often look back on their sexual journey and feel that a lot of their decisions were co-opted by the Church. And now they’re dealing with grief, anger, feelings of betrayal, and the “what if?” syndrome. This episode addresses some of the common “what if’s?” that people deal with and how to move into healthier paradigms. Presenters include Natasha Helfer, Sara Hughes-Zabawa, Jennifer White, and Jenny Elledge. This episode was recorded at the 2020 Sunstone Digital Symposium.

E100: Joining a Cult Is Fun to Do, Fun to Do, to Do to Do Oct 25, 2021

To believe is to be human. But belief has a price—one that has risen higher and higher in recent years. Can we afford it anymore? That’s the question Stephen Carter asks as he explores Amanda Montell’s book “Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism.”

E99: Queer Polygamy: A Conversation with Taylor Petrey and Blaire Ostler Oct 12, 2021

“Queer polygamy” is probably one of the most provocative phrases you could throw into an LDS conversation. But Blaire Ostler thinks it can open up constructive new ways of reimagining the ways we relate to each other. In this episode, Ostler and professor of religion Taylor Petrey unpack this phrase and explore its possibilities.

E98: Joseph Smith Led Me Out of the Closet Oct 05, 2021

The idea that our spirits are the literal offspring of heavenly parents is found nowhere in LDS scripture or the writings, sermons, and contemporaneous teachings of Joseph Smith. In fact, the theology of Smith’s King Follett Discourse undermines the doctrine. Drawing from LDS scripture and Smith’s famous sermon, Rob Lauer presents a Mormon theology that fully embraces and celebrates people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Recorded at the 2021 Sunstone Symposium.

E97: The Impact of Religious Rigidity on Disaffiliated Young Adults Sep 21, 2021

Liz Brown MacDonald interviewed fifteen young adults from rigidly religious homes who had left the LDS Church and was amazed by how many similarities their stories had. For example, the lengths the children would go to to cover up their disaffiliation with the church; the way their parents would blame themselves for the children’s disaffiliation; the heartbreak that attended both parents and children. What could the LDS Church do to alleviate this suffering? This episode is from the 2021 Sunstone Summer Symposium.

E96: Mad Bear at Temple Square: Unprecedented Protest Sep 14, 2021

Displays showing the remains of Native Americans were pretty normal in LDS museums for many decades. In this episode, Thomas Murphy gives a brief history of how these displays came to be, who protested them, and why repatriation is finally starting to happen. This episode is from the 2021 Sunstone Symposium.

E95: Queer Mormon Theology: Not an Oxymoron Sep 01, 2021

Is an LGBTQ worldview more Mormon than Mormonism these days? After reading Blaire Ostler’s book “Queer Mormon Theology,” Stephen Carter thinks so. In this episode, Stephen follows some of Ostler’s concepts to discover some startling compatibilities between the LGBTQ and LDS worldviews.

E94: Do You Doubt Deeply Enough? Aug 17, 2021

The LDS Church used to run on belief. But things have changed so drastically in the past five years that Stephen Carter believes only doubt can save it now. But it must be a very deep kind of doubt. One that would change the church forever.

E93: The Connection Between the Descendants of Confederate Veterans, Mormons … and the Rest of Us Jun 01, 2021

It’s incredibly frustrating when groups construct a version of history that ignores documented facts. Why do we do it? Stephen Carter analyzes a recent article from the Atlantic showing why the descendants of Confederate veterans, Mormons, and the rest of us ignore facts.

E92: Viva la Renovation!: A Response to Patrick Q. Mason’s Book “Restoration: God’s Call to the 21st Century” May 04, 2021

In his new book, Patrick Mason argues that the best way to move the Restoration forward is to start … the Renovation? In this episode, Stephen Carter delves in to Mason’s ideas to see if a renovation will be enough to move Mormonism forward, and, if so, how we might actually go about it.

E91: “Murder Among the Mormons:” A Conversation with Shannon Flynn Apr 14, 2021

One of the biggest stars of the Netflix documentary “Murder Among the Mormons” is Shannon Flynn, who was Mark Hofmann’s close friend. In this episode, Bryan Buchanan and Lindsay Hansen Park talk with Flynn about his relationship with Hofmann, and Flynn’s behind-the-scenes role in the making of the documentary.

E90: Sealed: An Unexpected Journey into the Heart of Grace: A Conversation with Katie Langston Mar 29, 2021

Mormonism has long been suspicious of the concept of grace, choosing to focus instead on worthiness. But worthiness culture was toxic for Katie Langston. During a 10-year spiritual journey, Katie learned about, experienced, and finally embraced grace. Stephen Carter talks with Katie about her journey and the book she’s publishing about it.

E89: Murder Among the Mormons: We Were There Mar 23, 2021

Interviewed by Jimmy Rex, Sunstone gathers some of the people who appeared on the Netflix documentary “Murder Among the Mormons” to talk about what it was like to be there during the time of Mark Hofmann’s forgeries and bombings. Panelists include Brent Ashworth, Curt Bench, Brent Metcalfe, and Sandra Tanner.

E88: “Murder Among the Mormons”: A Conversation with the Directors Mar 16, 2021

How do you go about making a movie about the notorious bombings committed by Mark Hoffman? Especially when Mormons are not your audience? Lindsay Hansen Park talks with Jared Hess and Tyler Measom about how they went about making the Netflix documentary “Murder Among the Mormons.”

E87: It’s Complicated: A Conversation with Jane Christie Mar 01, 2021

In this recording of a Sunstone UK Fireside, Jane Christy talks about the difficulties and rewards of being an active member of a small LDS ward while being a feminist and bi-sexual.

E86: This Is Your Brain on Polygamy Feb 16, 2021

Why is the doctrine of eternal polygamy so painful to so many Mormon women? Stephen Carter turns the question around, exploring why eternal polyandry would be a painful prospect to Mormon men. The answers lie in the limbic layer of the brain, which has a lot to teach us about the delicate workings of love.

E85: The Real Way to Bring People Back into Mormonism: A Conversation with Peter Bleakley Feb 08, 2021

In this recording of a Sunstone U.K. fireside, Peter Bleakley argues that the LDS Church should be “rocking the 21st century”—but that it absolutely isn’t. Bleakley presents his ideas on how the LDS church could both change and make use of its strengths to reignite the spiritual passion of the many young people leaving the church.

E84: Politics is Religion Now: And That’s Terrible News for Mormonism Jan 18, 2021

We may think that American politics is simply going nuts, but what it’s actually doing is turning into religion. In this episode, Stephen Carter argues that Mormonism had a big hand in turning politics into religion—and that, ironically, this shift is biting the Church hard.

E83: A Good Year to Die?: An Oddly Mormon Approach to Progression Jan 04, 2021

Mormonism is all about goals, growth, and progression. But Abinadi and Joseph Smith threw some serious monkey wrenches into the definition of those words. In this episode, Stephen Carter proposes a new approach to the Mormon obsession with progression. And it’s kind of dark.

E82: Christmas Is a Mass Psychedelic Trip: And We Really Need It This Year Dec 21, 2020

Charles Dickens is often credited as being the man who invented Christmas with his story “A Christmas Carol.” And the story bears a striking resemblance to a psychedelic trip, which has profoundly affected the way we celebrate Christmas, whether we are religious or not. Join Stephen Carter on this trip through history, culture, religion, and the brain as he argues that we need the psychedelic effects of Christmas more than ever this year.

E81: We Get Gratitude All Wrong and #Givethanks Proved It Dec 08, 2020

A few weeks ago, LDS social media feeds exploded with #givethanks. But something about it seemed … off. Stephen Carter digs into the oddities of Mormon gratitude in this episode of the Sunstone Podcast.

E80: Sunday School Spy: How COVID-19 Helped Me Infiltrate My Ward Nov 22, 2020

After a two-year break from church, why in the world would you want to go back to Sunday school? Stephen Carter had a few strange reasons, none of which will ever be quoted in General Conference. Listen to the harrowing story of his first virtual Sunday school class.

E78: October 2020 Conference Analysis Oct 13, 2020

Forget the pandemic, the truly earth-shattering thing about 2020 is that people from Sunstone, Dialogue, and Exponent actually liked Dallin Oaks’ October conference talk! And was this the official anti-DezNat general conference? There are plenty of surprises in this analysis with Heather Harris-Bergevin, Jim Bennett, Emily Jensen, and Stephen Carter.

E77: Faith Journeys in Britain Oct 01, 2020

This panel discussion from Sunstone Birmingham features current and ex-Mormons telling the story of their faith journeys. Moderated by Mark Johnson, the panel includes Deborah Squires-Coleman, Debra Edwards, Mark Lake, and Lauren Richardson Alcock.

E76: Jesus as a Liberal Sep 22, 2020

Kristine Haglund, Karin Peter, and Stephen Carter scoured the 2020 Democratic National Convention transcripts for signs of Jesus’ teachings. What they found (and didn’t find) gave them new insight into what Jesus’ politics might have been.

Episode 75: Jesus as a Conservative Sep 15, 2020

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/SLP-075.mp3

Phil McLemore and Stephen Carter scoured the 2020 Republican National Convention’s transcripts for signs of Jesus’ teachings. What they found led to surprising insights about constructive ways conservatives and liberals can talk with each other.

Episode 74: The American Indian/Lamanite Disconnect Sep 08, 2020

The Lamanites in the Book of Mormon were presented as the ancestors of the American Indians by early LDS Church leaders. But how plausible is that connection? In this episode, John Larsen and Christopher Smith dig into the difficulties.

Episode 73: Bathing with God: An Interview with Glenn Ostlund Aug 24, 2020

What if a voice started talking to you while you were all alone, soaking in a nice, warm bath?

What if that voice told you that everything is a fiction — and that fictions are the single most important innovation in the history of humanity?

What if you debated and argued with this voice until suddenly you found yourself overflowing with love, gratitude, and a genuine curiosity about everything in existence?

In this episode, Stephen Carter talks with author Glenn Ostlund about his book “Bathing with God.” (A less salacious book than the title might suggest, but give it a chance!)

Episode 72: Mormonism and White Supremacy in Education Aug 12, 2020

The LDS Church is more enmeshed in white supremacy that most Latter-day Saints realize. Education professor Roni Jo Draper talks with co-host Blaire Ostler about how systemic racism shows up in Mormon conversations about education and how we can start to dismantle it.

Episode 71: John’s Book of Mormon Project: An Introduction Aug 05, 2020

The Book of Mormon is simultaneously the most central and the most problematic part of the Restoration movement. In this episode, John Larsen introduces a new series in the Sunstone Podcast where he will be exploring various approaches to the Book of Mormon, revealing both its problems and its power.

E70: What Happens When White People Talk With White People About Race? Jul 07, 2020

As Ijeoma Oluo wrote, “White people, talk about race with other white people. … Take some of the burden of racism off of people of color. Bring it into your life so that you can dismantle racism in the white spaces of your life.” But how do white people talk constructively about race amongst themselves? In this episode, Karin Peter, Liz Martin, and Stephen Carter (none of them race scholars, all of them white) try to take a few steps in that direction.

E69: A Technological Resurrection Jul 01, 2020

Christian and LDS doctrine both teach about the resurrection of the dead. But how will that resurrection occur? Lincoln Cannon, Jordan Roberts, and Blaire Ostler have a theory that it will be accomplished through technological means. How does new technology and old scripture support their assertion? And what complexities does their theory pose?

E68: Black and Queer in the LDS Church: A Conversation with LeiLoni Lee Jun 22, 2020

LeiLoni Lee grew up as a Black person in a small, largely White Utah town. She loved her experience in the LDS Church until the day a “trusted adult” told her that her dark skin was the sign of a curse. Then, at age 12, she began to realize that she was Queer. Blaire Ostler talks with LeiLoni about how Mormons can be better allies to both the Black and Queer communities.

E67: Will Church Ever Be Church Again? Jun 16, 2020

With the advent of COVID-19, physically going to church has taken on the aura of a life-and-death proposition. Jana Riess and Stephen Carter discuss how we may have reached a historic period where the way we worship changes forever.

E66: Mormonism and White Supremacy Jun 08, 2020

In her new book, “Mormonism and White Supremacy: American Religion and the Problem and Racial Innocence,” Joanna Brooks reveals uncomfortable truths about how White supremacist attitudes were built into the LDS Church—and how they still function today. Joanna Brooks and Mica McGriggs talk with Stephen Carter about how racism became part of the Church’s structure and what we can do to dismantle it.

E65: Sexuality and Gender in Modern Mormonism: A Conversation with Taylor Petrey Jun 03, 2020

Taylor Petrey, author of the new book “Tabernacles of Clay: Sexuality and Gender in Modern Mormonism” talks with Ben Park and Lindsay Hansen Park about the many ways LDS teachings on gender and sexuality have shifted since World War II.

E64: Writing Mormon History: Historians and Their Books May 19, 2020

Every great book has a great backstory,” says the blurb on the back of “Writing Mormon History: Historians and Their Books” Editor Joseph Geisner and contributor Daniel Stone talk with Lindsay Hansen Park and Josh Allred about their journeys of writing books that have influenced our understanding of the Mormon past.

E63: How Mormons Shoot Themselves in the Foot on the Internet May 11, 2020

LDS Churches have been closed for two months now, which means we can only talk about religion online. And often our attempts at discussion blow up in our virtual faces. This panel explores how to discuss religion constructively online. Panelists include Gina Colvin, Michael Austin, Blaire Ostler, and Stephen Carter.

E62: What Would a Prophetic People Do During a Pandemic? Apr 27, 2020

We live in unprecedented times, with unprecedented problems, that demand unprecedented solutions—solutions that only a prophetic people can provide. But what does being prophetic even mean? And when is a person being prophetic? What stops Mormons from being prophetic, and what can help them? This panel discussion includes Mica McGriggs, Daniel Carter, Lindsay Hansen Park, and Stephen Carter.

E61: Mormonism after COVID-19 Apr 20, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended normal life the world over. And things will likely be very different after the pandemic subsides. This panel discussion explores the kinds of changes the LDS Church might go through, including in its temple worship, and what theological possibilities the pandemic could spawn. Panelists include Blaire Ostler, Carl Youngblood, Michaelann Gardner, and Stephen Carter.

E60: April 2020 General Conference Analysis Apr 08, 2020

In this episode, Sunstone assembles a panel from across the belief spectrum to help us dig in to not only what happened at this most recent conference, but also what happens at General Conference … generally. Panelists include Lindsay Hansen Park, John Larsen, Blaire Ostler, Jaxon Washburn, and Stephen Carter. Join us for a vigorous discussion that ends with everyone still liking each other.

E59: Turning Tragedy into Triumph: And Other Terrible Ideas Apr 03, 2020

From Zion’s Camp to the Willie and Martin handcart companies, the LDS Church is great at retelling tragedies as triumphs. In this episode, Stephen Carter talks about how every group does the same thing, and how it can actually create even more tragedy.

E58: Trapped in Babel: Healing the Religious and Political Divide Mar 26, 2020

When it comes to religion and politics, it seems like everyone is talking in a different language. What if that’s a good thing? Stephen Carter reinterprets the story of the Tower of Babel to show how the “Babel Cycle” has spun out of control, and how harnessing it again could help heal the political and religious divide.

E57: The Weird But Obvious Reasons Why the LDS Church Doesn’t Want You to Stream Sacrament Meeting Mar 18, 2020

As LDS wards look for ways to “have church” during social distancing, the question comes up: “Why in the world have we never ever streamed sacrament meetings?” In this episode, Stephen Carter answers that question with his own personal conspiracy theory, supported with dozens of rolls of toilet paper.

E56: Legalizing Polygamy: An Article by George R. Compton Mar 10, 2020

George R. Compton believes that the eventual legalization of polygamy is inevitable, and the Utah legislature recently took a giant step in that direction by voting to stop prosecuting polygamy as a felony. In what ways would the legalization of polygamy be useful to current American culture? This episode presents Compton’s fascinating article as narrated by Stephen Carter.

E55: A Tale of Two Republicans: How Mitt Romney and Mike Lee Are Two Sides of the LDS Coin Mar 01, 2020

For more than a century, Mormonism has been married to the Republican Party, conservative political values being preached unapologetically from both the general and ward pulpit. But a rift seems to be occurring between the two, as evidenced by LDS senators Mitt Romney and Mike Lee voting on opposite sides of the recent impeachment. In this episode, John Larsen lays out the history of the LDS Church and the Republican Party and argues that the the LDS Church may be rethinking its Republican affinity.

E54: Mormon Philosophy Simplified: A Conversation with Brittney Hartley Feb 24, 2020

Brittney Hartley sees a huge gap between the colorful world of Mormon academia and the average church member. In this episode, Jaxon Washburn talks with her about the book she published to fill that gap and how it can steer LDS Church members away from fundamentalist thinking.

E53: Tight Like Unto a Dish?: A Conversation with MormonLeaks Feb 17, 2020

Ryan McKnight and Ethan Dodge believe that the LDS Church would be a better place if it were transparent about its finances and policies. Toward that end, they have established MormonLeaks which releases internal documents and recordings from the LDS Church. John Larsen interviews McKnight and Dodge about some of the surprising results of their work.

E52: The Ex-Mormon Overcorrection Feb 10, 2020

During his years of watching the ex-Mormon community, John Larsen has seen an interesting pattern. As they leave the LDS Church, ex-Mormons often accidentally deprive themselves of emotional and psychological benefits to which Mormonism doesn’t have exclusive claim. What are these benefits, and how can ex-Mormons reclaim them?

E51: Returning to Church Without Returning to Church Feb 03, 2020

Could returning to church actually be a sign of significant spiritual growth for post-Mormons? Or would they just be sucked back into the cultural ailments they were trying to escape in the first place? Stephen Carter argues that eventually returning to church is essential—but for reasons that would surprise both orthodox Mormons and post-Mormons.

E50: Religion Is a Technology, and Jesus Was a Saboteur Jan 27, 2020

Are LDS borderlanders the only ones who can slow down, or even stop, the Pride Cycle as described in the Book of Mormon? Stephen Carter thinks so, because they’re the only ones who have been both inside and outside the “technology” of the LDS Church. With a few tips from Jesus, Stephen thinks borderlanders can sabotage the Church toward Zion.

E49: What Was In the Lost 116 Pages?: An Interview with Don Bradley Jan 20, 2020

Imagine if the Book of Mormon were 116 pages longer. That’s what Don Bradley has been doing for the past 15 years as he has reconstructed what might have been in first 116 pages of the Book of Mormon manuscript that Martin Harris lost. Jaxon Washburn interviews Bradley about his methods and findings.

E48: LGBTQ Equality Would Break LDS Doctrine: A Call for Responses Jan 13, 2020

Although an advocate for LGBTQ equality, John Larsen doesn’t believe the LDS Church can bring that community into full fellowship without dismantling its doctrine. In this episode, he lays out his argument and then calls for responses to it, hoping that there is indeed room for LGBTQ equality in the LDS Church.

E47: What Really Happened to the Lost 116 Pages?: An Interview with Don Bradley Jan 05, 2020

The loss of the original 116 pages of the Book of Mormon manuscript is often laid at the feet of Lucy Harris. But it’s possible—even likely—that she was innocent. Jaxon Washburn talks with Don Bradley about this traumatic incident in early Mormon history.

E46: John’s Top-Ten List Dec 30, 2019

What’s up with John Larsen, anyway? On some episodes, he’s very critical of the LDS Church; on others, he’s very supportive. In this episode, John presents the top ten most important things to know about his approach to Mormonism.

E45: What Would Jesus Do with $100 Billion? Dec 23, 2019

A whistleblower recently alleged to the IRS that the LDS Church has kept $100 billion of funds meant for charitable purposes. The Church maintains that it keeps funds in store for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. In this episode, John Larsen analyzes what that statement could mean about the LDS version of the Second Coming—where, apparently, the stock market, the worldwide financial system, and corporations will still be fully functional. A far cry from the apocalyptic vision of most Christians.

E44: A Christmas Carol Conspiracy Theory Dec 16, 2019

Why has Charles Dickens’ story “A Christmas Carol” been one of the most popular stories in the English language for almost 150 years? Stephen Carter thinks he found the answer—one that will completely change how you view the story—one that made Stephen into a reluctant “Christmas Carol’ convert.

E43: The Sunstone Santa Special Dec 11, 2019

Sunstone presents two perspectives on Santa. The neighbors won’t let their kids play with his kids in December. He’s not allowed to speak in church before Christmas. Why? Because L. Kay Gillespie (1) doesn’t believe in Santa, (2) isn’t quiet about it, and (3) thinks Santa should get the heck out of Christmas and get his own dang holiday! On the other hand, being Santa once helped revive Rory Swensen’s cold, dead heart.

E42: Ministering to Those Who Question: A Conversation with David B. Ostler Nov 25, 2019

What is the most important thing to do when someone starts talking with you about a religious concern? According to David B. Ostler, simply to listen. In his debut episode, new Sunstone Podcast co-host Jaxon Washburn talks with Ostler about his book “Bridges: Ministering to Those Who Question.”

E41: Your Faith Crisis Isn’t Actually Yours Nov 19, 2019

We like to think that our faith crisis came about because we followed the truth. But what if a faith crisis is actually produced by cultural cycles that have been grinding on for millennia? Stephen Carter discusses how anthropology and the sociology of knowledge turns the concept of a faith crisis on its head.

E40: Mormon Iconoclast Part 4: Eric Samuelsen’s “Borderlands” Nov 11, 2019

His play “Borderlands” exacted a great cost from Eric Samuelsen, both personally and professionally. But it is also likely his greatest work. Stephen Carter and director Jerry Rapier discuss how the play came together and its potent effect on the LDS community.

E39: Mormon Iconoclast Part 3: Eric Samuelsen’s ‘Peculiarities’ Nov 04, 2019

Two BYU students go to Nevada to get civilly married for a weekend so they can see what sex is like. A bishop tries to fend off needy ward members long enough to have a romantic evening with his wife. An LDS mom starts work in a brothel to support her family. In what is probably his most provocative LDS work, Eric Samuelsen delves into “weird Mormon sex” with a set of five short plays. Stephen Carter and Jerry Rapier discuss their meaning and how Plan-B Theater brought them to film.

E38: How ‘Saw’ Is the Ultimate Mormon Horror Film Oct 28, 2019

LDS culture is so relentlessly optimistic and family-friendly that we almost always overlook the profound horror at its theological roots. Fortunately, the horror movie “Saw” opens our eyes. After this episode, you’ll be calling it “the Plan of Saw-vation.”

E37: Mormon Iconoclast Part 2: Eric Samuelsen’s “The Plan” Oct 21, 2019

Behind every great man stands a great woman … who stood up to him! The Bible often gives its female characters short shrift. But playwright Eric Samuelsen brings them vividly to life in his play “The Plan.” Stephen Carter and Melissa Leilani Larson discuss this astonishingly feminist piece of LDS theater.

E36: Mormon Iconoclast: An Introduction to Eric Samuelsen Oct 14, 2019

Mormonism suffered a great loss in September when Eric Samuelsen passed away. But few people have actually heard of him, which is a shame, because he revolutionized LDS culture one iconoclastic play at a time. Stephen Carter and J. Scott Bronson discuss two of his award-winning plays.

E35: Wayne Booth: “The Rhetorician Who Can Change Everything” Oct 06, 2019

What’s more important? Having the truth, or understanding your opponent? In this first installment of the Forgotten Mormons series, Stephen Carter, Greg Clark, and Jon Ogden introduce Wayne C. Booth, the LDS rhetorician who would like to blow everything you know about constructive dialogue out of the water. Its implications—from political discourse to Sunday school to the dinner table—are game changing.

E34: Expanding the Soul … and the Podcast: A Conversation with Jaxon Washburn Sep 29, 2019

How do you grow spiritually? Do you move from being wrong to being right? Or from being right to being righter? Jaxon Washburn sees soul growth as expansion rather than as movement toward correctness. Jaxon will be a co-host for future episodes of the Sunstone Podcast. Come get a taste of his thinking, and learn how he will approach his episodes.

E33: A History of the Faith Crisis: A Conversation with Jeff Burton Sep 16, 2019

The concept of a faith crisis is a relatively new one, especially in LDS discourse. But Jeff Burton has been documenting cases of faith crises since the early 1980s. What has changed about the patterns of faith crises from then until now? Are there more people going through them, or are they just more willing to talk about it? What do Church leaders think about this phenomenon?

E32: Too Interesting to Leave: A Conversation with Rick Bennett Sep 02, 2019

Rick Bennett has earned his place among LDS podcasters by hosting guests from across the belief spectrum, from Utah Lighthouse Ministry founder Sandra Tanner to official LDS Church historian Steven Snow. John Larsen talks with Rick about how in the world he does it.

E31: Early Mormonism and the Masonic Worldview Aug 26, 2019

It’s not just the temple endowment ceremony that has deep roots in Freemasonry, you can find its lore in the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, too. John Larsen and Clair Von Barrus take a deep dive into the parallels in this episode.

E30: An Introduction to Mormon Transhumanism: A Conversation with Blaire Ostler Aug 18, 2019

Will all the promises of Christianity—immortality, god-like powers, etc.—actually be provided by science? Mormon theology has plenty of room for that idea! John Larsen talks with Blaire Ostler about the Mormon Transhumanist worldview.

E29: Revising Your Sexual Story: A Conversation with Natasha Helfer Parker Aug 12, 2019

Breaking news! Mormons and ex-Mormons could be having better sex! And they don’t even need Cosmopolitan’s hot tips! John Larsen and Natasha Helfer Parker dive into the Hows of enjoying sex, both in and out of the faith.

E28: Overcoming the Anger: How to Let Go and Move On Aug 07, 2019

When individuals leave the Church they are often overwhelmed with negative emotions. Based on his many years working with individuals in faith transition, John Larsen will discuss ways to move on from the pain and embrace more peace and joy.

E27: Farewell to Manti: A Visit to the Last Pageant Jun 30, 2019

Join John Larsen and Lindsay Hansen Park on a road trip to the Manti Pageant where you’ll learn about the history of the pageant, the attitudes behind it, and the reasons for its demise.

E26: A Post- Mormon Sex Primer with Mary Fisher Jun 23, 2019

Sex can get complicated after Mormonism. Fortunately, John Larsen and Mary Fisher are here to give you some tips on how explore (or not) safely and ethically.

E25: Not Church Jun 16, 2019

An Introduction to Oasis. When people transition out of the LDS Church, they often look for a place to fill their need for community, and some of them end up in an Oasis group. John Larsen talks with some of the organizers of the Salt Lake City chapter.

E24: Life Outside the Closet: A Talk with the Latter-day Lesbians Jun 09, 2019

Shelly was a Mormon mother of seven children before she realized that she was a lesbian. Now she and her partner Mary run the “Latter-day Lesbian” podcast. They came to Salt Lake City for the Pride Festival and stopped in the Sunstone studio to talk with John Larsen.

E23: Striking a Balance: Finding the Podcast’s Voice Jun 02, 2019

As the Sunstone Podcast hits its six-month mark, Lindsay Hansen Park and John Larsen discuss the podcast’s successes and difficulties and their vision for going forward.

E22: You’re Not Alone: A Conversation with the Mama Dragons May 26, 2019

When a child comes as as LGBTQIA+ what is a Mormon mother to do? John Larsen talks with some of the founding members of the Mama Dragons, a growing group of women who ferociously defend their queer children.

E21: The Art of a Skillful Faith Transition: A Conversation with Stephen Carter May 19, 2019

More than 20 years ago, Stephen Carter met Eugene England, starting a relationship that altered the course of his spiritual life. Now, Stephen is an award-winning author and editor in Mormon Studies, who attends both LDS and Unitarian Universalist congregations. In this episode John and Stephen talk about how Gene taught him the art of “a skillful faith transition.

E20: The Case for Therapy: A Discussion with Jenny Marrow May 13, 2019

For a long time, going into therapy has had a stigma attached to it in the LDS Church. In this episode, John Larsen and Jenny Marrow argue that that should change—both for Mormons and ex-Mormons.

E18: Making Connections Between Mormon Communities May 01, 2019

John Larsen and Lindsay Hansen Park take the stand at the 2019 Sunstone Short Creek conference to talk about how various Mormon communities can better converse with one another.

E17: Mormons Building Bridges Apr 21, 2019

Mormons Building Bridges made national news headlines when they brought together 300 Mormons to march in the 2012 Salt Lake City Pride Parade. How did they get started and how has the organization grown since then? John Larsen interviews some of MBB’s leaders in this episode.

E16: From Outrage to Silence: A Conversation with Gina Colvin Apr 14, 2019

Gina Colvin and John Larsen are going on their faith journeys on different sides of the planet and in different cultures. What are the similarities? What are the differences? How are they trying to move from outrage to silence?

E15: Building Community after Mormonism Apr 07, 2019

John Larsen and John Dehlin spent years publicly deconstructing the LDS Church. But now they’re wondering, what can they build “from the ashes?” What is their role in the post-Mormon community beyond the “addiction to anger” and toward doing the difficult work of community building?

E14: The Unknown McKay: An Interview with Harvard Heath Mar 31, 2019

In his new book “Confidence Amid Change: The Presidential Diaries of David O. Mckay, 1951-1970,” Harvard Heath presents an intimate portrait of one of the LDS Church’s most charismatic presidents. John Larsen interviews Heath about the lesser-known aspects of McKay’s life in this episode of the Sunstone Podcast.

E13: Marriage on a Tightrope Mar 24, 2019

Navigating a mixed-faith marriage is never easy, but that’s what Kattie and Allan Mount do on their podcast “Marriage on a Tightrope.” What’s it like to work through such sensitive topics so publicly? How have they changed since they began? John Larsen interviews Kattie and Allan in this fascinating episode.

E12: Post-Mormon Advice Mar 17, 2019

What is life during the first few weeks, months, and years after leaving the LDS Church? What are the perks and the pitfalls? Join John Larsen, Lettie Rockwell, Wendi Remley, and Steve Holbrook as they remember their own journeys (complete with mis-steps) and give tips on how to navigate a healthy transition out of Mormonism.

E11: Changes in Mormonism Mar 11, 2019

Join John Larsen as he reviews the changes in the last month in Mormonism with guests Blaire Ostler, Lindsay Hansen Park, and Amylin Peterson.

E10: Mormon Theology is Queer: An Interview with Blaire Ostler Mar 03, 2019

Though LDS culture doesn’t currently embrace queerness, Blaire Ostler argues that LDS theology does. You’ll never see the creation story the same way after hearing this episode.

Episode 9: Sunstone History Podcast Nov 04, 2024

An introduction to Sunstone’s new Mormon History podcast. deep dive into the weirdest parts of Mormonism.

There’s the Mormon history you do know … and the Mormon history you don’t. Join Lindsay Hansen Park (Year of Polygamy) and historian Bryan Buchanan as they dig into all aspects of Mormonism’s astonishing 200-year past—uncovering the little-known stories that chronicle how a six-person church grew into a multi-billion-dollar religion.

Listen to this episode here.

Episode 8: February 2019 Mormon News Round-Up Nov 04, 2024

Join John Larsen, Lindsay Hansen Park, Tim Coray, and Cristina Rosetti as they discuss the Mormon news updates from February 2019.

Listen to this episode here.

Episode 7: You Can Leave the Church, But Can’t Leave It Alone? Nov 04, 2024

In this special episode from Sunstone Phoenix, John Larsen debunks the myth that “you can leave the church but can’t leave it alone,” and suggests ways of rewriting this old script.

Listen to this episode here.

Episode 6: An Interview with the Truth and Transparency Foundation Nov 04, 2024

It’s not just the LDS Church that needs transparency. John Larsen interviews Ryan McKnight and Ethan Dodge of the Truth and Transparency Foundation about their work leaking corporate and organizational documents from various churches—and especially about their most recent LDS leak involving a high-profile Mormon filmmaker.

Listen to this episode here.

Episode 5: Ponzi Schemes and Mormonism Nov 04, 2024

Join John Larsen as he interviews one of the most preeminent litigators in Utah Mark Pugsley about ponzi schemes and their frequency in Mormon communities.

About this guest: Mark Pugsley’s practice is focused on investment disputes and financial fraud. He has handled securities cases for twenty five years, including civil lawsuits, FINRA arbitrations, IRS, CFTC and SEC whistleblower cases, Ponzi schemes, and receivership litigation including clawback cases.

Mr. Pugsley also frequently handles civil enforcement actions and regulatory investigations brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Utah Division of Securities, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). He has handled shareholder disputes, class actions and shareholder derivative actions involving private and publicly-traded companies.

Mr. Pugsley was elected to a three year term as a Commissioner of the Utah State Bar (Third District) in 2018 and is the chair of the Securities Litigation Group at Ray Quinney & Nebeker. He holds active licenses to practice law in Utah and California.

Listen to this episode here.

Episode 4: Sunstone Firesides Nov 04, 2024

Join John as he introduces the Sunstone Firesides podcast with Lindsay Hansen Park and Cristina Rosetti.

Listen to this episode by clicking here.

Episode 3: Cristina Rosetti and Lindsay Hansen Park Nov 04, 2024

Join Sunstone podcast host John Larsen for a lighthearted discussion with Lindsay Hansen Park and Cristina Rosetti, reviewing this month’s news in Mormonism.

Listen to this episode here.

Episode 2: Jeffrey S. Anderson Nov 04, 2024

This is your brain on God.

John Larsen interviews Neuroradiologist Jeff Anderson about his study of the religious brain.

Jeffrey S. Anderson, MD, PhD directs the fMRI Neurosurgical Mapping Service and is Principal Investigator for the Utah Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory. Dr. Anderson’s lab studies brain networks using functional imaging techniques such as fMRI, diffusion tensor imaging, and magnetoencephalography. Dr. Anderson also has particular interest in autism, multiple sclerosis, vision research, and dementia.

Listen to this episode here.

This Is Your Brain on God

Episode 1: Sam Young Nov 04, 2024

Who is the man behind the Protect LDS Children movement that has garnered international attention, placing the spotlight on the risk of sexually explicitly interviews for Mormon youth? Join Sunstone podcast host John Larsen as he interviews Sam Young, the former LDS bishop seeking to put an end to these interviews.

Listen to this episode here.

Episode 0: John Larsen Nov 04, 2024

In January of 2019, Sunstone is launching a new family of podcasts, giving you a resource for unbiased information and thoughtful, accepting community.

Donate to Sunstone now to help us launch, and subscribe here in January 2019.

Listen to this episode here.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected