My friend Autumn McAlpin (co-director and mother of two queer sons) and Vienna Boyes (co-director, mid 20s, queer) join us to share their stories and also their new feature length documentary called “Sanctuary”.

Sanctuary—a must see—is a powerful documentary telling stories at the intersection of being a Latter-day Saint (and other Christian faiths) and being LGBTQ. I watched Sanctuary and was deeply moved hearing powerful stories/projects/efforts of queer people, parents, allies, and local church leaders. I learned so much and was deeply moved.

I encourage everyone to watch Sanctuary (see show notes) and share with others. The film will be going on a screening tour in early 2026 before being released on streamers -- please follow the film's website and Instagram for screening announcements.

Thank you, Autumn, and Vienna—and everyone involved with the documentary. You are making a huge difference in our community!

Links:

Sanctuary Web Site: https://sanctuarydoc.com/

Sanctuary Instagram: @sanctuarydocfilm

Vienna's Instagram: @indigothestudio

Autumn's Instagram: @autumnmcalpin

Spencer’s Song: https://open.spotify.com/track/2qKXdi4mxZ0rXGoxJ6jlCF

My friend Bryson Lind (active gay Latter-day Saint, mid 30’s) joins us to discuss his new therapy practice in Utah (Aletheia Counseling) and important topics he helps clients (LGBTQ and straight) solve including:

* Overcoming unwanted behaviors

* Reconstructing a relationship with the Divine

* Honoring everyone’s path

* Trusting our Light of Christ/Inner Compass

* Navigating relationships with parents and leaders

* Developing self-confidence and patience

If you are looking for a therapist (or insights from a therapist to help you—or to be a better ally for LGBTQ Latter-day Saints), this is a must listen podcast. Bryson’s brings his lived experience, clinical training, and 5 years of clinical practice together to offer powerful solutions and principles. I was so moved listening to Bryson and so grateful to have him back on the podcast.

Thank you, Bryson. You are a good man doing great work in our community.

Links:

Bryson’s e-mail: [email protected]

Bryson’s Work Phone: 385-442-9721

Bryson’s earlier podcast: https://soundcloud.com/user-818501778/episode-588-bryson-lind-rm-byu-grad-gay-clinical-mental-health-counselor

Bryson’s Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/bryson-garrett-lind-provo-ut/1090307

My friend Rob Metalf (married father of two, age 33) joins us to share his journey with his mental health (OCD/anxiety) and his physical health (Ankylosing spondylitis—or AS). Rob (guitar player and songwriter) has formed a band (TOWN!) and is releasing an album (The Road Trip) that captures many of his life experiences. The first song (Forever—see show notes) is a song about his anxiety. In the podcast, Rob talks about other songs that on the album talking about important and sensitive subjects (suicide, relationship with the Church, Alzheimer's).

In the podcast, Rob shares his journey with AS (undiagnosed for a long time) and how it took him from an avid outdoorsman to—on his worse days—bedridden. Rob talks about his journey to find a diagnosis and the right medication to get him in a better spot—and all the people that helped him along the way. Rob is honest about feeling angry/abandon by God and how we can better support people with long-term health challenges.

Rob is one of my heroes. He is a survivor and now using his gifts to help others through sharing his story and his music. I encourage you to listen to and share this podcast and his music. Thank you, Rob, for being on the podcast. You are a good man.

Links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5B6F6RaBY79SLmTIZvOzLs?si=495f1a71eacd480e&nd=1&dlsi=cc0b82d21bb24d6e

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/forever/1826704391?i=1826704454

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abandcalledtown/

Talk given in our YSA Ward on the character of our Heavenly Parents and Jesus—and how that brings us peace, healing, and hope.

Focused on seven concepts:

1) Our Heavenly Parents love all Their children

2) We have to believe/know we are acceptable to God. That we are created as intended. That no one is a mistake

3) Zion isn’t sameness

4) Jesus loves to forgive

5) Whole and complete now

6) Don’t feel you are behind

7) Throw out the dating checklist

Links:

Seven Tips for Overcoming Porn Use: www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/10/young-adults/7-tips-for-overcoming-pornography-use

How the Savior’s Healing Applies to Repenting from Sexual Sin: www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/08/young-adults/how-the-saviors-healing-power-applies-to-repenting-from-sexual-sin

My friends Aaron and Julie Bujnowski (married parents of two; living North of Dallas, Texas, active Latter-day Saints) join us to talk about their new book “Navigating to Jesus: A Journey of Faith.” In this important 10-chapter book, Aaron and Julie share many of their own difficult/wounding experiences (both in and out of the Church), and their path forward to healing and staying in the Church is Jesus.

Thank you, Aaron and Julie, for opening up your hearts in writing this needed book and being on the podcast. I am grateful for your courage to talk about some of your difficult life experiences, and “navigating to Jesus” is the answer. I encourage everyone to check out your book!

Links:

Amazon: https://a.co/d/cUw0Y09

Cedar Fort: https://www.cedarfort.com/products/navigating-to-jesus-a-journey-of-faith?sca_ref=2861413.ytmX5gv94t

Instagram: @navigatingtojesus

Earlier episode on Listen, Learn, and Love (episode 647): soundcloud.com/user-818501778/episode-647-aaron-and-julie-bujnowski-new-book-discovering-your-temple-insights

My friend Jessica Frew (life coach, former husband is gay and still “part of the family”, married mother of three) joins us to share her story of her husband coming out as gay and that marriage ending—and still staying close as they co-parent their daughter.

Jessica also talks about her important new book called “Shove Your Shoulds” which focuses on healthier boundaries, improved self-image, and deeper acceptance of ourselves and others. Jessica writes the book from her own experiences and from her work as a life coach.

I am grateful for Jessica’s voice on acceptance and understanding in our community—and encourage everyone to check out her new book (currently in presale—release date of Sept 12, 2025).

Thank you, Jessica, for being on the podcast. You are awesome.

Links:

Book website: https://shoveyourshoulds.com/

Jessica on Instagram: @heyjessicafrew

Jessica’s podcast (Husband In Law): podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/husband-in-law/id1464470280

Jessica’s earlier episode on Listen, Learn, and Love (episode 217): https://soundcloud.com/user-818501778/episode-217-jessica-and-matt-frew-active-lds-and-steve-stoddard-jessicas-gay-former-husband

*** This episode talks about suicide. If you are suicidal, please call/text/chat *988 ***

My friend Alex Hayes (from Utah County, Age 18, planning to serve a mission) bravely joins us to share his story which includes:

* Turning to porn at age 13 use as a coping mechanism

* Don’t label porn as an addiction

* Sexual orientation/feelings (gay or straight) are not from Satan

* Importance of being a safe place when people are vulnerable

* How shame and lack of self-love contributed to worse coping mechanisms resulting in being raped

* PTSD of that whole experience (psych ward, etc)

* How Emily Belle Freeman “Introduced this new Savior”

* Alex’s powerful testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus—and their role in our lives

* How the “Miracle of the Gospel is Hope”

* Buring desire to help others know Jesus and His Gospel of love and hope.

Alex is one of the bravest that has ever been on our podcast because of his courage to be vulnerable and honest. Alex—because of his experiences—knows Jesus and His ability to heal and give hope.

If you are looking for hope that Jesus can bring in your lives (or help others find hope), please listen and share this episode. Alex is one of my new heroes. Our church and world are a better place with Alex Hays in it.

Thank you, Alex, for your courage to be on the podcast. You are a good man with a gift to help others.

Links:

Instagram: @alexhayes205

My friend Darren Parry (Shoshone Leader, Adjust Professor at Utah State and University of Utah, Author) joins us to talk about his new book called “Tending the Sacred: How Indigenous Wisdom will Save the World” which talks about values from the lens of our Indigenous friends to help understand and solve today’s problems.

Darren talks about his own history (including his ancestors) using real life examples on how “Indigenous Wisdom” helps see and solve problems bringing us together as the same human family.

I am deeply moved by Darren’s insights/soft heart and work to build bridges. I’m honored to have served as Darren’s companion during our missions in England 45 years ago as I had the chance to see Darren’s love for the people of England (and love for me—his new junior companion).

I encourage everyone to reach Darren’s book—for timeless values to help bring us together. Thank you to our friends at BCC Press for publishing Darren’s book.

Thank you, Darren, for being on the podcast and your needed work in our world!

Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1961471248

Darren’s FB: https://www.facebook.com/darren.parry.7

My friends McArthur Krishna and Anne Pimentel (authors, BYU grads, advocates for those on the margins) join us to talk about their important new book (at Deseret Book and Amazon) called “Changemakers: Women Who Bolding Built Zion”

The podcast/book covers important topics:

How revelation is “scattered”

How women led changing the Church Institution with Primary and Relief Society

How most of the change we can impact is in our local area around culture

Anne’s racial awakening—and her desire to help people of other races feel belonging

The “Back Yard Principle”

Supporting those who leave the church

Why McArthur and Anne (knowing all the complicated issues) stay in the Church

Why McArthur hopes the Church her daughters are raised in is different than the Church she was raised in—and how we should embrace change

Importance of personal authority

If you are looking to improve church culture to better create Zion so more feel welcome, I encourage you to read/share this book. It has real-life stories and perspectives/principles to help each of us. I wish I had read a book like this a long time ago.

I encourage everyone to listen to the podcast, read the book—and share with others.

Thank you, McArthur and Anne, for your needed work in our community. Honored to have you on the podcast!

Links:

Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/1560855185

Deseret Book: www.deseretbook.com/product/6085124.html

McArthur IG: @mcarthurkrishna_creates

McArthur FB: www.facebook.com/mcarthur.mcarthurfreeranger

Heavenly Mother Matters IG: @heavenlymothermatters

Anne IG: @the.vision.beautiful

James Jones Online Course: btbacademy.thinkific.com/courses/lds-anti-racism-101-abandoning-attitudes-and-actions-of-prejudice

Chapter on How We Should Treat People Who Leave the Church: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zkupzyte3lqqtxla6q9y1/Chapter-4-How-Should-We-Treat-Those-Who-Leave-the-Church.pdf?rlkey=w00hdkyywo5m9dyg1uwscqbxm&dl=0

My friends Shirley Washenko (sexual abuse survivor/advocate) and Sage Williams (MSc, RN, long-time advocate) joins us to talk about their new, groundbreaking and needed book (published by Deseret Book) called “Healing after Sexual Abuse, A Latter-day Saint Perspective”.

The book has these powerful chapters:

1) Establishing Identity

2) Uncovering Wounds

3) Embracing Agency

4) Differentiating Healing Journeys

5) Responding to Anger with Integrity

6) The Core: Connection

7) It Takes “an Angel” to Speak the Truth

8) Grief: Linking, Past Present, and Future

9) Forgiveness in a New Light

10) The Healing Journey

This is one of the finest podcasts we’ve done on healing after sexual abuse. Shirley and Sage (from their respective experiences) bring new, impactful, and practical insights to help heal from sexual abuse. The book will help sexual abuse survivors and also the rest of us as we learn better tools to help them.

I encourage everyone to listen to the podcast, read the book—and share with others.

Thank you, Shirley and Sage, for your life-saving work to bring hope and healing. You are two of my heroes. Honored to have you on the podcast!

Links:

Web Site: www.healingaftersexualabuse.com/

Deseret Book: www.deseretbook.com/product/P6078641.html

Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/1639934219