Mormon Stories Podcast

After five years of reflection, Kate opens up about her journey growing up in a strict Mormon household, serving a mission in Argentina, and working for the LDS Church. She shares pivotal moments of doubt, her experiences in church administration, and the troubling realities she uncovered in the Confidential Records department. From questioning church discipline policies to witnessing firsthand how the institution handles abuse cases, Kate's story reveals the struggles and insights that ultimately led her to leave the church. Join us as she discusses faith, disillusionment, and life after Mormonism.

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On March 12, 2025, Church educator and BYU professor Jared Halverson released an Instagram short where he stated: “One of the statistics that has worried me the most of late, comes from a survey that was done in 2023 and it’s suggesting that for the first time that I can think of, more women are leaving religion than men are.” Is this true? Why are more women leaving Mormonism than men are? Join us today as we gather with Katie Rich (author of Fifty Years of Exponent II), Amy McPhie Allebest (of the Breaking Down Patriarchy YouTube channel), and Abby Maxwell Hansen (who was threatened with excommunication for her profile on Ordain Women in 2013 and an Exponent II blogger since 2019), as well as writer and columnist Jana Riess to discuss this growing phenomenon.

Jared Halverson is an associate professor of Ancient Scriptures and served for over 20 years in the Church Education System. Halverson earned his BA in History and MA in Religious Education. He has been a featured speaker in devotionals as well as in academic settings. He is the host of the YouTube channel and podcast titled “Unshaken.”

You can view Jared Halverson’s original video here.

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Today we are re-introducing Sandra Tanner to a new generation of Mormons, exMormons, and never-Mormons. Both Sandra and her husband Jerald have strong Mormon backgrounds. When he was only eighteen, Jerald began to have doubts about his faith. When they began dating, Sandra Tanner also began to doubt. Throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s Jerald and Sandra Tanner were among the first to begin publishing on the problems with Mormon history and its truth claims. They opened a bookstore called the Utah Lighthouse Ministry and began publishing their research. Today we are going to talk about their discoveries on topics such as changes to the Book of Mormon, the problems with the Book of Abraham translation, the Kinderhook plates, how the Church covered up problematic parts of its history, and how they impacted hundreds of people in and out of the Mormon church. You won’t want to miss this episode!

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After being inspired by the Mormon Stories Paul brothers episode, Dave courageously shares his powerful journey through faith, family struggles, and self-discovery. From his upbringing in a traditional Mormon household to navigating complex questions about church history, LGBTQ+ issues, and personal loss, Dave's story is one of resilience and hope. He reflects on his brother's tragic passing, his evolving beliefs, and why he ultimately chooses to stay active in the church today. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about faith, doubt, and finding meaning through it all.

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In this episode, we’re joined by historian and mapmaker John Hamer as he responds to Michelle Stone’s recent claims that Joseph Smith did not practice polygamy. Drawing from historical records, primary sources, and his extensive research, John offers context and analysis on one of the most debated topics in Latter-day Saint history. Join us for an insightful conversation unpacking the complexities of Joseph Smith’s involvement in early Mormon polygamy.

John Hamer is an American-Canadian historian who has focused primarily on Mormon history and has published a number of books on the topic, including Scattering of the Saints: Schism Within Mormonism and House of the Lord: The Story of the Kirtland Temple. John Hamer was raised in the Mormon Church, left the religion and joined the Community of Christ Church in 2010 and now serves as a pastor in their Toronto Congregation.

Show Notes

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New research by PhD student Colby Townsend reveals striking connections between The Book of Mormon and Adam Clarke’s Bible Commentary, a widely used biblical resource in Joseph Smith’s time. In this episode, we explore how Smith engaged with Clarke’s insights, made textual modifications, and reframed biblical passages to fit his theological vision. Was Smith restoring lost scripture, or was he influenced by contemporary scholarship?

Show Notes

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00:11:35 Summary of Joseph Smith using the Adam Clarke Commentary

00:17:06 During this time, this is NOT considered plagiarism

00:19:55 The new article by Colby Townsend

00:23:24 Clip of Hayley talking about Joseph Smith using the Bible Commentary

00:29:45 What were we taught about how the Book of Mormon was produced?

00:30:17 Quote from David Whitmer on the translation through the seer stone

00:35:00 The Expansion Theory

00:40:26 Quote from Emma on the Book of Mormon translation

00:42:33 Quote from Martin Harris on it being a direct translation

00:44:00 There is no account from Oliver Cowdery on the translation process; Oliver was also willing to lie

00:44:51 Clip of Brad Wilcox on how the Book of Mormon was translation

00:48:08 Background of Colby Townsend

00:50:08 Quotes from the article

00:57:55 Joseph used other Bible Commentaries

01:02:00 Conclusion from Colby Townsend’s article

01:07:40 Clip of the the Bible not having plain and precious things being removed

01:09:25 Clip - The Book of Mormon is to bring back the things lost from the Bible

01:11:20 2 Nephi 11:2 Nephi talks about the importance of Isaiah

01:22:43 Quote from the Colby’s article about how Joseph was well versed in the Bible

01:24:55 Dan Vogel’s theory about the presence of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon

01:26:14 Colby Townsend discussing Joseph and Methodism

01:29:25 Adam Clarke’s Biblical Commentary

01:33:35 Joseph’s access to Clarke

01:40:00 Comparing The Book of Mormon to the Adam Clarke Commentary

01:49:35 Joseph copying both the KJV and then Adam Clarke’s commentary

01:58:38 Next example in Isaiah 50:2 “their fish is dried up”

02:12:20 The example of Isaiah 2: 12-16 “cedars and oaks” and “high mountains and lofty hills”

02:18:45 Isaiah 9:3 “thou hast increased their joy”

02:24:20 Gerardo found his own examples

02:32:24 Examples in Isaiah 14:3 “in that day”

02:38:59 Isaiah 49:1 “O ye distant lands”

02:48:10 Example Isaiah 29:11 “read it, for it is sealed up”

02:56:50 If this is the most correct book why was so much of it changed?

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In this heartfelt episode, Kevin and Jennifer share their inspiring journey through their Mormon upbringing, missions, and eventual faith transition. They discuss navigating doubts, supporting their gay and transgender children, and redefining what love and family mean. From facing church pressures to embracing authenticity, their story highlights resilience, acceptance, and the power of unconditional love. Don't miss this moving conversation about finding peace and purpose beyond organized religion.

Show Notes

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00:05:25 Kevin’s story begins

00:14:20 Kevin met with general authority Paul H. Dunn to get approved for his mission

00:27:58 Jennifer’s Story begins

00:36:11 They met again with Paull Dunn about getting married in the temple

00:48:38 Defining their own gender roles in their marriage

01:01:18 Concerns with paying tithing

01:09:00 Teenage son struggling with p*rn and coming out as gay

01:17:48 Their gay son decided to serve a mission; he was told his mission will “cure him of his gayness”

01:30:00 Mission president refused to let him go home, and had possession of his passport

01:38:00 Kevin told his son “never try to make the church work for you - it never will”

01:51:55 Their gay son says that if he was not able to leave the mission he may have committed suicide

02:08:50 Their daughter tells them she is done with the church; she experienced love bombing

02:12:50 Kevin asks his mom, “If the church wasn't true would you want to know” - she says no

02:16:50 “If there is a place in the church for my gay son, we will reconsider”

02:30:40 Discussing transgender issues in the church

02:40:48 Why do a lot of ex-Mormons turn to atheism after leaving the church?

02:28:20 Has the way that they see “love” and “family” changed over the years? What do they mean for them now?

02:56:23 Final thoughts

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Lori Vallow Daybell was interviewed on NBC/Dateline Exclusive. Keith Morrison sat down with convicted murderer and Mormon mom, Lori Vallow, to talk about her case. Her two children, Tylee and J.J. were last seen in September of 2019 and she and her new husband Chad Daybell were arrested and charged for their murder. During the Dateline interview, Lori said that she and Chad Daybell were going to be exonerated because of Jesus. “I have seen things in the future that Jesus showed me when I was in heaven.” She went on to say that “Jesus is a funny guy and a wonderful person that loves everybody and especially loves her.” Lori has long been desirous to appear on Dateline and finally got her wish. She is also charged with conspiracy in the attempted murder of her niece’s ex-husband in another case.

Show Notes

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00:00:30 Lauren Mathias, Megan Conner, Gerardo and John

00:10:00 She went in surprised, she’d heard most of it, but was surprised at Lori’s anger

00:17:50 Gerardo feels the interview would have been different with someone with a cult background

00:19:25 Did the interview show us the real Lori Vallow?

00:29:50 Lori is trying to lay groundwork for blaming Tylee for JJ’s death

00:34:00 Discussing the evidence that Tylee was killed weeks before JJ

00:47:40 Lori claiming that she met Jesus

00:51:25 Polling the audience about weather Lori Vallow believes this is true

01:09:30 Where do Chad’s beliefs begin and end?

01:12:05 Lori bringing in the spare tire and the car chair

01:25:00 We didn’t see much of the 90 minute interview between Lori and Keith

01:29:55 What Keith did that Lauren did not like

01:37:00 Was JJ asleep or was he already dead?

01:39:30 How Mormons view death and how Lori did not have a lot of grief or sadness in this

01:41:50 Lori saying that Tammy loves her and she loves Tammy

01:55:20 It was clearly disturbing to see Alex and Chad unloading a pickup truck

02:05:55 Alex’s death - was it natural causes or a murder?

02:18:00 Harmful places in Visions of Glory

02:19:55 Mormon beliefs that play into this crime

02:31:00 Other individuals who killed their children because they thought their children were possessed

02:39:00 Lauren being a members of the church

02:49:45 Lori saying that she’s right and “I told you so”

03:18:30 Keith pointed out that Lori was giving parenting advice

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Dana shares her personal journey of growing up in the Mormon church, navigating mental health challenges, and eventually deconstructing her faith. From her Mormon upbringing and mission experience to questioning societal and religious expectations, Dana's story explores themes of self-discovery, the impact of religion on her life, and the search for meaning beyond traditional beliefs. After leaving the church, Dana delves into topics like mental health, fertility, relationships, and motherhood, offering a candid perspective on her path toward healing and personal growth. This channel is a space for open discussion on faith, identity, and life after Mormonism.

Show Notes

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00:05:00 Dana’s Mormon Story begins

00:17:00 What examples did she see of women in the church?

00:21:34 It was out of the ordinary to see women with careers

00:38:23 She was reported to the Bishop and her parents that she had experimented with cutting

01:06:30 Dana’s mission experience service in Atlanta, Georgia

01:12:22 She didn't love the temple experience - was “underwhelming”

01:24:24 David Archuleta was at the MTC during the same time

01:32:51 Dana knew very soon that she wanted to leave the mission early and she had to fight to go home

01:38:27 Dana Decided to go to BYU

01:56:25 Felt pressure to be married by the time she finished BYU

02:02:17 Dana to tell her parents that they could not be married in the temple and her mother told her “He’s taken everything from you”

02:18:07 Mormon therapist asked her to consider if she would be open to dating a non-Mormon

02:29:50 Dana lists the ways the church failed her - the church makes promises it can’t keep

02:41:20 Began to research severe PMS and PMDD, and learned that she suffered from it

02:47:02 Dana decided to have a baby by herself - very radical in Mormonism

03:08:00 Dana feels that she was a better foster parent as an ex-Mormon

03:14:40 Deconstructing the idea of “motherhood” in Mormonism

03:27:18 Dana focusing on her PhD

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When vlogger Ruby Franke was arrested for child abuse in August 2023, it shocked millions who had followed her family’s seemingly perfect life on YouTube. But behind the wholesome image was a much darker reality. With counselor Jodi Hildebrandt’s influence, the Franke family spiraled into a nightmare. Now, in Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, the Frankes’ eldest children, Shari and Chad, and Ruby’s husband, Kevin, speak out for the first time. In this episode of Mormon Stories, we react to this gripping series, unpacking the shocking revelations and what they say about family, control, and the dangers of social media.

Show Notes

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00:02:45 Curious Case of Judi Hildebrant

00:22:45 “Mormon Mommy Bloggers”

00:30:40 Kevin is also a victim of an abuser

00:48:50 Ruby thinks a happy family is an obedient family

01:10:57 Ruby’s channel was “Advancing the image of the church”

01:26:00 Pressure in Mormonism to find a partner that is acceptable by church standards

01:56:49 The Franke kids begin to shut down to the camera

02:02:26 Ruby tells Chad: “Fake being happy right now”

02:14:17 Who is the “Devil in the Family” representing?

02:30:20 “The beanbag incident” with Chad’s bed being taken away

02:40:42 Shari saying Chad got “beaten” and had to help him clean up blood off the walls

03:01:21 Kevin’s initial reaction to ConneXions - “This is a cult”

03:23:20 Lauren’s reaction to Jodi’s house: “They had Costco inside this house”

03:28:00 The LDS church could be shutting this dogma down but they don't

04:04:00 When Jodi is possessed its a feature, when the kids are possessed its a bug

04:31:10 Jodi Gave Ruby permission to be this way

04:49:40 Shari calls the police for the first time to do a wellness check on the kids

04:58:54 The younger daughter found in the closet - wasn't even able to talk

05:17:50 “Takes an exceptional lack of empathy” for a mother to do this

05:25:11 Assessment of how Kevin let this happen

05:41:30 Sometimes families like these can be more susceptible to manipulation

06:07:00 Become cult informed! Become born again to your own intrinsic knowledge

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