Mormon.ish

The LDS church makes a big effort to find people who are on the membership roles that are not attending the congregation where their membership records are.

Ward, clerks and other auxiliary leaders are tasked with finding the whereabouts of these wayward members and either moving their membership records to their new location or sending the records to sort of a dead letter file in Salt Lake.

Just what lengths will the LDS church go to find you? Special guest Suspicious Might brings the receipts as we go through information on the various real methods the LDS church uses to track people down.

This episode was originally aired on September 2, 2025.

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Have you noticed the overwhelming number of ads for the LDS church lately? Ads that don't indicate they are from the LDS church up front? There's a reason for this. In this episode, Mormonish Podcast is joined by Dr. Glen Randy Bell to explore the similarities between and MLM and the LDS church.

The LDS Church uses advertising tactics similar to those seen in multi-level marketing (MLM) by promoting an idealized lifestyle and emphasizing personal transformation and community belonging.

Its ads often showcase happy families, clean living, and emotional fulfillment—selling a vision rather than a doctrine. Like MLMs, the Church leverages personal stories and testimonials to create emotional appeal and social proof, subtly encouraging viewers to “join the fold” for personal and spiritual rewards.

This approach prioritizes connection over theology, drawing people in through relatable, aspirational messaging rather than direct religious instruction.

Thank you so much for watching Mormonish Podcast!

**How to DONATE to Mormonish Podcast:

If you would like to help financially support our podcast, you can DONATE to support Mormonish Podcast here:

Mormonish Podcast is a 501(c) (3)

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****WE HAVE MERCH! ****

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We appreciate our Mormonish viewers and listeners so much!

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Religious trauma occurs when a person’s religious experiences cause deep emotional, psychological, or spiritual harm. It can stem from controlling or fear-based beliefs, strict religious environments, or experiences of shame and rejection tied to faith.

This kind of trauma often affects how people see themselves, others, and even the world around them—leaving lasting wounds that take time, compassion, and understanding to heal.

Mormonish is joined by religious trauma coaches Bill Reel and Teresa Hobbs to explore systems in place to move beyond religious trauma to a healthier life.

Thank you so much for watching Mormonish Podcast!

***How to DONATE to Mormonish Podcast:

If you would like to help financially support our podcast, you can DONATE to support Mormonish Podcast here:

Mormonish Podcast is a 501(c) (3)

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****WE HAVE MERCH! ****

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We appreciate our Mormonish viewers and listeners so much!

Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to Mormonish Podcast!

Contact Mormonish Podcast: [email protected]

The Truth About Missionary Ad Campaigns

Rebecca and Ganesh discuss the upcoming LDS General Conference in light of all the events of the past week. Will the tragedy in Michigan and the death of President Nelson change what happens at General Conference? Will President Oaks officially take the reigns? Will a new apostle be called? Will tributes to Michigan be given? Could the Family Proclamation be canonized on its thirtieth anniversary? Rebecca and Ganesh explore all the angles and more!

The 1988 Christian "Family Manifesto"

Is the Master Plan Jesus Land?

Mormon and Transgender: Former Chief Temple Architect Speaks Out

Joseph Smith was influenced by the free love and spiritual wifery he saw around him.

Does the LDS church collect data on members who have left the church? You might be surprised at the lengths they go to.