Mormon Stories Podcast

Mormon Stories Podcast

By Dr. John DehlinReligion & Spirituality
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Mormon Stories Podcast episodes

  • Joseph Smith's World on Fire in Nauvoo - John Turner pt 31 | Ep. 2112

    Welcome to Part 31 in our ongoing series with Dr. John Turner, based on his new book Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.


    Today we are diving into Chapter 31, “World on Fire,” and the explosive years 1842-1843 in Nauvoo –a period marked by scandal, secrecy, political pressure, and deep internal crisis.


    In this episode we cover the rise and fall of John C. Bennett and the “Spiritual Wifery” scandal. We also discuss the attempted assassination of Lilburn Boggs and the role of Porter Rockwell. We also cover aspects of polygamy, namely the Nancy Rigdon controversy and Joseph Smith’s failed proposal, the stories of Sarah Pratt and Sarah Ann Whitney (including the letter sent to the Whitneys in Joseph Smith’s own handwriting with specific instructions to burn the letter), and Emma Smith and the growing concerns in the Relief Society as well as Nauvoo at large.


    We also examine how Nauvoo struggled to manage these crises, how accusations and denials shaped public perception, and why John Turner calls this moment a true “world on fire.”


    If you’d like to help keep this project going, please consider donating to support this series. Your support makes long-form, in-depth historical discussion like this possible!


    Please purchase the book ⁠here⁠.


    To support this series please donate ⁠here⁠. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.

    ___________________


    YouTube

    Show Notes


    At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  


    Our overall mission is to: 

    1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology

    2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis

    3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions


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

    One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m 

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

    Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories 

    Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories 


    Join this channel to get access to perks:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/join


    Our Platforms:

    🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 

    🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

    ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 

    🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 

    🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 

    📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 

    🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF 


    Contact us:

    📧 [email protected]

    📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

    2 hr 26 min
  • My Mormon Mission in Russia Almost Broke Me - Kyson Dana | Ep. 2111

    ⚠️Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of violence, self-harm, suicide, and religious trauma.


    In this deeply vulnerable and wide-ranging conversation, Kyson Dana shares his story of growing up Mormon, serving a mission in Russia, and the lifelong psychological, spiritual, and physical consequences that followed. What was supposed to be the “best two years” of his life became the most traumatic –shaping his identity, mental health, and eventual departure from the Church. 


    Kyson opens up about generational trauma, internalized shame, self-policing, and suicidal ideation in his youth. He walks us through the intense pressure to be perfect, the weaponization of guilt and obedience, and how Mormonism taught him to disconnect from himself in order to survive. 


    We dive deeply into the realities of missionary life in Russia: shrinking missions, violence, threats, abductions, murders, leadership silence, and explicit instructions NOT to tell families what was happening. Kyson recounts being told not to come home unless it was “in a coffin,” enduring extreme fasting, psychological abuse, and witnessing acts of violence that were never processed or acknowledged.


    Beyond the mission, Kyson shares how this trauma followed him into adulthood –fueling panic disorder, Complex PTSD, and a prolonged faith crisis. He discusses therapy, EMDR, creative work, and the careful, supported use of psychedelics as part of healing. We also explore his work helping teens navigate shame-based purity culture, pornography narratives (“Fight the new drug!”), and the dangerous conflation of morality with normal human behavior. 


    This episode is about far more than Mormonism –it’s about identity, belonging, survival, and what it takes to come back to yourself after an institution teaches you to turn yourself off. 


    If you’ve ever felt broken by a system that promised salvation, you’re not alone.

    ___________________


    YouTube

    Show Notes


    At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  


    Our overall mission is to: 

    1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology

    2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis

    3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions


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

    One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m 

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

    Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories 

    Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories 


    Join this channel to get access to perks:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/join


    Our Platforms:

    🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 

    🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

    ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 

    🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 

    🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 

    📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 

    🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF 


    Contact us:

    📧 [email protected]

    📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

    4 hr 27 min
  • Relief Society Secret Polygamy & Joseph Smith's Character - John Turner Pt. 30 | Ep. 2110

    Welcome to Episode 30 of our series The Joseph Smith Podcast with Dr. John Turner where we discuss chapters from his new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.”

    In this episode, we dive further into Chapter 24 (“Upper Rooms”) from John Turner’s work and unpack the origins of the LDS Relief Society in May of 1842 –right in the middle of Joseph Smith’s secret practice of polygamy. We explore whether the Relief Society was meant to empower women, function as a stepping stone to priesthood-like authority, or help manage rumors and moral fallout from Nauvoo’s growing scandals.

    From Emma Smith’s complicated position, to whispered accusations, to the infamous “Happiness Letter,” this conversation traces how secrecy, power, and polygamy collide –and what it all says about Joseph Smith’s character. We also look at whistleblowers, public denials, internal investigations (or lack thereof), and how victims and critics were treated when scandals became impossible to contain. 

    This is part Mormon history, part true crime, and part moral reckoning –with big questions about leadership, secrecy, and accountability. 


    Please purchase the book ⁠here⁠.

    To support this series please donate ⁠here⁠. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.

    ___________________


    YouTube

    Show Notes


    At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  


    Our overall mission is to: 

    1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology

    2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis

    3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions


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

    One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m 

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

    Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories 

    Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories 


    Join this channel to get access to perks:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/join


    Our Platforms:

    🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 

    🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

    ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 

    🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 

    🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 

    📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 

    🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF 


    Contact us:

    📧 [email protected]

    📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

    1 hr 56 min
  • Elizabeth Smart's “Mormon” Kidnapping | Ep. 2109

    A new Netflix documentary on the 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart in Salt Lake City by Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee (all Mormons) has been released.  To what extent was this kidnapping influenced by Joseph Smith and/or Mormonism?  Join John, Samantha, Alyssa, and Taylor as they explore the Mormon connections to Elizbeth Smart's kidnapping.

    ___________________


    YouTube

    Show Notes


    At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  


    Our overall mission is to: 

    1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology

    2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis

    3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions


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

    One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m 

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

    Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories 

    Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories 


    Join this channel to get access to perks:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/join


    Our Platforms:

    🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 

    🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

    ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 

    🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 

    🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 

    📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 

    🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF 


    Contact us:

    📧 [email protected]

    📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

    2 hr 54 min
  • Freemasonry & The Early Nauvoo Endowment Ceremony - John Turner Pt. 29 | Ep. 2108

    Welcome back to our Joseph Smith Podcast series with historian Dr. John Turner!

    This is Episode 29, where we dive into Chapter 24, titled “Upper Rooms,” from John Turner’s new book Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.

    In this episode, we focus on Nauvoo in 1842 –a pivotal year when Freemasonry, the Relief Society, secrecy, and the earliest forms of the Nauvoo Endowment ceremony all intersect.

    The central question we wrestle with is this: To what extent did Freemasonry shape Joseph Smith’s use of secrecy –and was it intended to protect his authority and reputation?

    We explore the anti-Masonic climate of early America and the murder of William Morgan, why the Book of Mormon was once read as an “anti-Masonic Bible,” Joseph Smith’s embrace of Freemasonry, the founding of the Nauvoo Masonic Lodge, Parallels between Masonic rituals and the original Nauvoo Endowment, the secret oaths, handshakes, signs, tokens, and penalties, and Joseph Smith’s evolving theology around power and exaltation.

    This conversation is historically grounded, candid, and essential for anyone trying to understand how Mormon temple theology developed –and why it still matters today!

    ___________________


    Show Notes

    YouTube


    Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

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

    • One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox
    • Support us on Patreon
    • PayPal
    • Venmo


    Our Platforms:

    • YouTube
    • Patreon
    • Spotify
    • Apple Podcasts


    Contact us:
    [email protected]
    PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117


    Social Media:

    • Insta: @mormstories
    • TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast
    • Join the Discord
    2 hr 10 min
  • Italian Mormon Pioneers Leave Church - Leopoldo Larcher and Emily Guincho | Ep. 2107

    On today’s episode, we welcome two very special guests! Leopoldo Larcher and Emily Guincho are a father–daughter duo here to share their Italian Mormon story as the first family to join the LDS Church in Italy.


    Leopoldo details his experience of quickly being placed into leadership roles and bearing the responsibility of helping establish the structure of the Church in Italy. Over the years, he worked with many LDS Church leaders, from Ezra Taft Benson to Spencer W. Kimball.


    His daughter, Emily, joins us to share her own perspective on what it was like for her and her siblings to grow up in an environment dominated by church service and the immense pressure to represent Mormonism in their community.


    Together, Emily and Leopoldo reflect on what it meant to be Mormon pioneers in Italy, how their dedicated service affected their family life, and where they stand with the Church today. They also discuss what the LDS community looks like in Italy within a predominantly Catholic culture, and the challenges the Church faces as it attempts to establish a uniquely American institution in Europe.

    ___________________


    YouTube

    Show Notes


    At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  


    Our overall mission is to: 

    1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology

    2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis

    3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions


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

    One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m 

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

    Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories 

    Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories 


    Join this channel to get access to perks:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/join


    Our Platforms:

    🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 

    🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

    ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 

    🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 

    🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 

    📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 

    🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF 


    Contact us:

    📧 [email protected]

    📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

    3 hr 42 min
  • Where Did Joseph Smith Get the Idea for Ancient Plates? - LDS Discussions Pt. 70 | Ep. 2106

    Welcome to Episode 70 of our LDS Discussions series!


    In this episode, our panel takes a deep dive into one of the most debated questions surrounding the Book of Mormon: were ancient metal plates a known concept in Joseph Smith’s world, and are they truly comparable to the golden plates he described?


    We examine historical sources from the 18th and 19th centuries that reference metal records –brass, copper, lead, and stone –and place them within Joseph Smith’s cultural and intellectual milieu. From biblical scholarship and early American speculation about Native American origins to apologists’ use of presentism, this episode carefully distinguishes between general awareness of metal inscriptions and the specific, unprecedented claims of a large golden codex containing extensive narrative text.


    Along the way, we explore major figures, books, and ideas circulating before and during Joseph Smith’s lifetime, assess whether these sources were likely known to him, and ask a crucial question: at what point does probability break down –not because of a single anachronism, but because of the sheer scale and complexity of the plates described in the Book of Mormon?


    This conversation builds toward a detailed timeline of Joseph Smith’s environment, highlighting how concepts expanded, evolved, and were ultimately synthesized into something entirely new.


    Leave a comment letting us know if you like this format with John Dehlin being “not home.”

    ___________________


    YouTube

    Show Notes


    At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  


    Our overall mission is to: 

    1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology

    2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis

    3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions


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

    One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m 

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

    Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories 

    Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories 


    Join this channel to get access to perks:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/join


    Our Platforms:

    🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 

    🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

    ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 

    🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 

    🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 

    📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 

    🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF 


    Contact us:

    📧 [email protected]

    📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

    1 hr 50 min
  • From Mormon to Christian Pastor - Jean Daniel O’Donncada | Ep. 2105

    In this episode of Mormon Stories Podcast, we talk with Jean Daniel about his journey from a devoted Mormon convert to a Christian pastor. Growing up in Boston, Jean discovered Mormonism as a teenager and found in it a strong sense of structure, identity, and belonging. He served a mission in San Diego, CA and was later married in the Newport beach temple.


    While studying at Harvard and Yale Divinity Schools, Jean began to see the value in many Christian traditions and ultimately let go of the idea of “one true church.” He shares how this shift led him toward a more open, hopeful approach to Christianity grounded in community. Today, Jean serves as the National Pastor of Canada for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).


    This is a thoughtful conversation about faith after Mormonism and building a meaningful spiritual community with progressive beliefs.

    ___________________


    YouTube

    Show Notes


    At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  


    Our overall mission is to: 

    1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology

    2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis

    3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions


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

    One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m 

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

    Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories 

    Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories 


    Join this channel to get access to perks:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/join


    Our Platforms:

    🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 

    🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

    ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 

    🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 

    🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 

    📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 

    🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF 


    Contact us:

    📧 [email protected]

    📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

    2 hr 45 min
  • Book of Abraham & "God Making" in Nauvoo - John Turner Pt. 28 | Ep. 2104

    Welcome to Part 28 of our John G. Turner series of the Joseph Smith Podcast! Today we continue our deep dive into the Egyptian Materials, the Book of Abraham, and how its theology shaped Mormonism’s most distinctive doctrines –including premortal existence, exaltation, intelligences, and the idea of God becoming God.


    This episode explores how Joseph Smith resumed work on the papyri in Nauvoo, publicly introduced the Book of Abraham, and used it as a vehicle for unfolding expansive cosmology and theology. We examine the papyri themselves, the facsimiles, translation claims, the catalyst theory, and why there is little evidence that key scrolls are missing.


    More importantly, we trace how the Book of Abraham becomes the theological backbone for ideas that later crystalize in the King Follett Discourse, the Plan of Salvation, the War in Heaven, and the belief that humans can become Gods.


    This is Part 2 of our discussion on the Egyptian Materials and their lasting influence on Mormon doctrine.


    Please purchase the book ⁠here⁠.


    To support this series please donate ⁠here⁠. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.

    ___________________


    YouTube

    Show Notes


    At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  


    Our overall mission is to: 

    1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology

    2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis

    3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions


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

    One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m 

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

    Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories 

    Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories 


    Join this channel to get access to perks:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/join


    Our Platforms:

    🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 

    🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

    ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 

    🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 

    🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 

    📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 

    🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF 


    Contact us:

    📧 [email protected]

    📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

    2 hr 2 min
  • Child Bride under Warren Jeffs - Ceci Hendrickson | Ep. 2103

    In this episode of Mormon Stories Podcast, we sit down with Ceci Hendrickson, who shares her story of growing up in the FLDS Church before the rise of Warren Jeffs and witnessing how the church transformed under his leadership. Warren Jeffs was once her high school principal, long before he became the self-proclaimed prophet of the FLDS Church.


    Ceci walks us through her upbringing in a large polygamist family, where strict rules, indoctrination, and obedience were woven into everyday life. She describes how life changed dramatically when Warren Jeffs took power, detailing how religious practices became increasingly extreme. Families were torn apart as church members were regularly sent away, creating a culture of fear and paranoia within the community. We explore the realities of arranged marriages, the phrase “keep sweet,” and the systems that normalized control and abuse—especially for women and children.


    As a teenager, Ceci was suddenly told she would be married, launching her into a polygamous marriage that she now recognizes as child abuse. She shares what it was like to be reassigned within families, to live in hiding after crimes were committed, and to witness children—including her sister wife’s 12-year-old stepdaughter—being handed over to Warren Jeffs himself as plural wives. We also discuss the YFZ Ranch in Texas, the 2008 raid, Warren Jeffs’ continued control of the church from prison, and how his actions ultimately contributed to the unraveling of the FLDS community.


    We then discuss Ceci’s escape from polygamy, how she managed to reclaim her children from the church, and how she built a new life for her family outside of the FLDS faith.


    Today, Ceci is a mother, entrepreneur, and advocate, using her voice to help other women find their way out and reclaim their lives.

    ___________________


    YouTube

    Show Notes


    At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  


    Our overall mission is to: 

    1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology

    2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis

    3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions


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

    One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m 

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

    Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories 

    Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories 


    Join this channel to get access to perks:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/join


    Our Platforms:

    🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 

    🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

    ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 

    🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 

    🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 

    📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 

    🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF 


    Contact us:

    📧 [email protected]

    📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

    4 hr 28 min

About Mormon Stories Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Mormon Stories Podcast is the longest-running and most successful podcast in Mormonism. At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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