In this powerful, raw, and emotional conversation, Nathan Hinckley and his daughter Kayli open up about their journey through Mormonism — from deep devotion to painful disillusionment — and how faith, family, and unexpected truths collided at one of the most sacred moments: Kayli’s wedding.

From early seminary mornings and dreams of the Celestial Kingdom to patriarchal blessings, church culture clashes, and a heartbreaking faith crisis — this interview pulls no punches. Nathan, a once-devoted bishop and father, shares how his spiritual unraveling sent shockwaves through his family, culminating in a moment that changed everything at his daughter's temple wedding.

How do you break the news to your family that you no longer believe — when your whole life has been built around it?

How did Kayli handle growing up as a “perfect Mormon girl,” only to find herself questioning it all before adulthood?

Topics explored:

-Growing up Mormon in Tennessee

-Spiritual perfectionism & scrupulosity

-Patriarchal expectations vs self-identity

-Leaving the Church and breaking generational cycles

-Family dynamics around faith, control, and truth

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Show Notes

00:00:00 Introduction

00:04:41 How the Hinckley’s end up in Tennessee

00:22:29 Kayli’s upbringing on “the compound” also called “The Mormon Holler” by non-members

00:26:15 Mormon garment mindset and wearing bikinis

00:36:10 Kayli learning the word “feminist”

00:42:45 Scrupulosity around beauty and appearance or just the rules?

01:07:56 Persecution complex, throwing rocks at a tree

01:22:00 Getting her patriarchal blessing

01:27:49 Dating non-members and finding a husband

01:46:45 How was Kayli’s testimony during this time?

01:57:03 Still born sister that she wanted to see in heaven

02:04:16 Nathan losing his testimony

02:13:40 Nathan was asked to take a survey for the Church on the Gospel Topics Essays

02:27:30 Nathan struggles with his testimony

02:36:17 Kayli goes down the rabbit hole while parents on vacation

02:39:59 I was one person before, and in the next moment I was a different person

02:50:38 Why didn’t Nathan just hide it or fake it

02:55:51 Nathan began writing and posting things publicly 

03:01:01 Kayli removed her name from the Church pretty quickly

03:05:26 “An Old Friend of Mine” song

03:14:30 How did Ethan respond to Kayli’s deep dive into the church?

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