Latter Day Struggles

Send us a Positive Review!

Series Title: A Sweeping Conversation on the New Mormon History, Hierarchy, & Social Justice [Part IV of IV]

Welcome to this last episode in this four-part series with esteemed guest Greg Prince, scientist, author, and scholar with deep ties to Mormon studies. In this episode, Val and Greg continue to examine the history of LDS hierarchy with a special focus on the gutsy and progressive Hugh B. Brown. 

Their conversation about the importance of diversity in any body of leadership leads to an exploration of the broader implications of the LDS Church's aging leaders (due to their succession-by-seniority-policy multiplied by advancements in medicine in the past several decades), discussing the possible need for succession policy reform, such as emeritus status, to maintain church vitality and address the concerns of the young faithful. 

Greg and Valerie touch on several important subjects, including the treatment of LGBTQ individuals and the ways in which a possible generational disconnect could be shaping the future of church membership. Don't miss this in-depth discussion, which extends an ongoing invitation for reflection and discourse in the LDS community.

Support the show

Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES

Friday Episodes Annual Access $89

Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10

Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups

Gift a Scholarship

Download Free Resources

Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!

Series Title: A Sweeping Conversation on the New Mormon History, Hierarchy, & Social Justice [Part III of IV]

In today's part III of Valerie's series with Greg Prince they delve into an era that Greg claims we should all better understand as we navigate our 21st century LDS faith. This episode casts a spotlight on the leadership of David O. McKay, with a special focus on his complex relationship to the eventual lifting of the temple/priesthood ban, his handling of Ezra Taft Benson's anti-communist obsession, and his questionable handling of McConkie's infamous "Mormon Doctrine." 

This conversation illustrate the intricate interplay between policy, revelation, and societal readiness that shaped church decisions during McKay’s presidency. 

Valerie and Greg also navigate through challenging themes, such as the potential for power to corrupt, the church's structural comparisons to a corporation, and the high expectations placed upon church leaders. The discussion also delves into the personal impact of church policies on its members and the importance of actively owning one's faith. 

FRIDAY'S episode is a seamless continuation of this conversation with a special focus on some scientific findings (researched by himself and Lester Bush) around leadership vulnerabilities of any kind of formalized genontracry. Please subscribe to listen! Info below! Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below. See you there!

Support the show

Support the show

Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES

Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10

Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups

Gift a Scholarship

Download Free Resources

Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!

Support the show

Support the show

Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES

Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10

Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups

Gift a Scholarship

Download Free Resources

Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!

Series Title: A Sweeping Conversation on the New Mormon History, Hierarchy, & Social Justice [Part II of IV]

In this thought-provoking part II of Valerie's conversation with Greg Prince, they delve into the history itself and talk about the intriguing rise of Mormon fundamentalism in the mid-twentieth century, setting the stage for later conflicts in how to narrate the origin stories of the early Mormon people. 

Greg shares his personal journey and insights from his research, especially his experiences writing the biography of Leonard Arrington. Listeners are taken on a deep exploration of the intersection of faith, myth, and truth, and the psychological effects on members during a spiritual awakening as they navigate the complexities of historical fact versus traditional teachings. 

Tune in to engage with this balancing act of preserving faith while embracing honesty and our ongoing quest for healing within our LDS faith community. No one does this better than Greg Prince!  

Support the show

Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES

Friday Episodes Annual Access $89

Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10

Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups

Gift a Scholarship

Download Free Resources

Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!

Series Title: A Sweeping Conversation on the New Mormon History, Hierarchy, & Social Justice [Part I of IV]

Welcome back to "Latter Day Struggles," for another not-to-be-missed four-part series with distinguished guest, Greg Prince—an influential voice in progressive Mormon circles and a man of diverse expertise and deep compassion.

In today’s episode, we explore Greg's seven generations of Latter-Day Saint heritage and his application of scientific principles to the study of Mormon history and theology. As a devoted researcher and advocate, Greg delves into the LDS Church's engagement with LGBTQ issues in general and their many-decades-long involvement fighting gay marriage, as detailed in Greg's excellent book "Gay Rights and the Mormon Church: Intended Actions: Unintended Consequences".


FRIDAY'S episode II of this series will focus on Greg's experience writing "Leonard Arrington and the Writing of Mormon History" and a fascinating conversation about this era from a man who can offer some first-hand wisdom.

Please subscribe to listen! Info below!Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below. See you there!


Gay Rights and the Mormon Church: Intended Actions—Unintended Consequences: https://amzn.to/47f5Sez

Support the show

Support the show

Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES

Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10

Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups

Gift a Scholarship

Download Free Resources

Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!

In this thought-provoking episode of Latter Day Struggles, Valerie invites listeners into the heart of gender issues within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, first by reading "Dear Mormon Man, What would You Do?" by Amy McPhie Allebest (linked in full below) where Amy "flips the script" and offers a peek into the imaginary world of matriarchy and its devastating impact on an earnest Mormon man. 

As a therapist with a background in trauma, Valerie offers insights on coping with faith crises, feminist awakenings, the lonely journey of faith development which requires us each to navigate the twin needs of autonomy and connection. 

Here is the link to the essay that I read and discussed in this episode : https://mormondom.com/letter-to-a-mormon-man-8d251aa1f062Please support Amy’s Podcast “BREAKING DOWN PATRIARCHY” 

Support the show

Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES

Friday Episodes Annual Access $89

Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10

Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups

Gift a Scholarship

Download Free Resources

Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!

In this thought-provoking episode Valerie delves into the topic of women and church hierarchy, focusing on the symbolic and practical implications of women seated at the stand in church leadership. 

Valerie shares her personal connections to the San Francisco Bay Area (where the recent "seating chart" debacle took place) with her experience as a missionary in that area. She contrasts gender policies within the LDS framework to those of other denominations and unpacks some of the complexities of gender dynamics, the influence of historical and transgenerational trauma, and suggests reimagining stewardship beyond traditional hierarchies. 


Tune in for an insightful dialogue and be sure to catch Friday's episode reading and analyzing Amy McPhie Allebest’s influential essay "Dear Mormon Man, Tell Me What Would You Do?"

Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below. See you there!————————————————————————————————————— 

Support the show

Support the show

Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES

Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10

Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups

Gift a Scholarship

Download Free Resources

Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!

Series Title: A Sketch of the Life & Work of Mormon Feminist Maxine Hanks [Part IV of IV]

In this profound final episode of this series featuring Maxine Hanks' journey of faith, Valerie invites Maxine to candidly share her journey back into the LDS Church, shedding light on not only her own positive experiences of LDS reconciliation, but also her thoughts on others of the "September 6" (and beyond) who have not been treated so generously. 

Maxine and Valerie also delve into the critical roles of women and gender equality in church history, addressing the ongoing need for healing in the church community. Reflecting on personal callings and ministering, Maxine's insights into her experiences offer listeners a rich understanding of her own unique journey. 

Tune in for an episode that not only traverses complex theological ground but also touches the heart with stories of transformation and the ongoing desire to seek solutions within the LDS tradition.

Support the show

Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES

Friday Episodes Annual Access $89

Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10

Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups

Gift a Scholarship

Download Free Resources

Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!

Series Title: A Sketch of the Life & Work of Mormon Feminist Maxine Hanks [Part III of IV]

In this beautiful episode 3, Valerie continues the deep dive into the beautiful life story of special guest, Maxine Hanks. From exploring her theological journey into early Christian gnosticism, to her experiences in Christian liturgy, to her studies at Harvard, to her work as a Chaplain, and finally her return to the LDS Church, Maxine's journey offers a unique perspective on faith and self-discovery. 

Her fascinating path interweaves elements of personal growth, mission, and calling with a desire to be instrumental in community reconciliation and part of an expanding body of Christ. This episode also introduces a further exploration of Maxine’s reintroduction experience to the LDS faith (which is detailed in the final episode of this series). 

The final episode of this series delves into Maxine's reconciliation experience with the LDS church, her thoughts on others in her September 6 cohort whose experiences were not as generous, and her vision for a more loving body of Christ as a church who learns the power of true ministry.

Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below. See you there!

Support the show

Support the show

Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES

Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10

Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups

Gift a Scholarship

Download Free Resources

Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!

Series Title: A Sketch of the Life & Work of Mormon Feminist Maxine Hanks [Part II of IV]

In this insightful episode, Valerie and guest scholar Maxine Hanks dive deep into the realm of feminism within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. 

Today's episode focuses on the pioneering work of D. Michael Quinn, whose exploration into polygamy, LGBT history, and women holding the priesthood stirred church-wide controversy. As a priesthood holding BYU professor at the time, Quinn's brave, honest, and concise historical excavation seemed especially threatening to the presiding guardians of the LDS theological and historical majority narrative. 

This episode further explores the intertwined roles of historians, psychologists, feminists, and LGBTQ individuals and ally activists in the LDS space and highlights the vital importance of "shadow workers"...those willing to bring into the light tough topics that many are afraid to address, but which need to be addressed for this Christian community to truly embody a body of Christ.

Support the show

Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES

Friday Episodes Annual Access $89

Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10

Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups

Gift a Scholarship

Download Free Resources

Visit our Website