Welcome to the MormonNewsRoundup where Dives ruminates on the great and spacious Beehive!

Throwback Thursday brings us one of the most fascinating conversations we've ever had.

Dr. Randy Bell is a sociologist, economist, author, and internationally recognized disaster recovery expert known as the "Master of Disaster." For decades, he has consulted on hundreds of major disasters and high-profile events around the world, studying how individuals and communities recover from trauma and adversity.

In this episode, Randy shares how his experience studying trauma, resilience, and recovery applies directly to faith transitions, religious deconstruction, and life after Mormonism. Drawing from years of working with victims of tragedy and disaster, he explains the trauma cycle, the path toward healing, and how adversity can become a catalyst for personal growth.

This highlight reel features some of the most memorable moments from our conversation. If you've experienced a faith crisis, major life transition, or personal setback, Randy's insights may help you see the journey in an entirely new light.

🎥 Watch the original full interview:

[Original Randy Bell Episode (Maven Ep. 57)](https://youtu.be/2AeaUl4ZlHQ?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Subscribe for more Throwback Thursday highlights, classic Maven interviews, and conversations about faith, resilience, recovery, and personal growth.

#RandyBell #MasterOfDisaster #ThrowbackThursday #Maven #FaithCrisis #ExMormon #TraumaRecovery #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #PostTraumaticThriving

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The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The testimonies of the Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses are some of the most frequently cited pieces of evidence for the Book of Mormon. For believing Latter-day Saints, they provide powerful support for Joseph Smith's claims. For critics, they raise important historical questions that deserve careful examination.

Over the years, I've created a number of short videos exploring what these witnesses actually said, how their accounts changed over time, and whether their testimonies withstand historical scrutiny. This video brings all of those reels together into one convenient supercut.

Topics include:

• The Three Witnesses

• The Eight Witnesses

• Spiritual vs. physical experiences

• Later statements from the witnesses

• Historical context

• Common apologetic arguments

• Critical perspectives

Whether you're a believer, a former member, or simply interested in American religious history, I hope this collection helps you better understand one of the most fascinating aspects of the Book of Mormon's origins.

If you enjoy this video, please consider subscribing for more content on Mormon history, doctrine, apologetics, and current events.

What do you think? Do the witnesses strengthen the case for the Book of Mormon, or do their accounts leave you with more questions? Let me know in the comments.

#BookOfMormon #Mormon #LDS #ExMormon #JosephSmith #ChurchHistory #ThreeWitnesses #EightWitnesses #GoldPlates #MormonHistory

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The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Brigham Young University is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I earned two degrees from BYU and spent nearly 24 years working for the Church, so my perspective comes from firsthand experience.

Over the years, I've developed a number of critiques of BYU, including what I believe have been its racist, sexist, and homophobic policies at various points in its history. At the same time, I've invested considerable time in understanding the university firsthand. I've taken the official campus tour, interviewed the university president, spoken with numerous faculty members, and sat down with both the football and basketball coaches.

This video is a supercut of my BYU-related content, bringing together commentary, critiques, observations, and YouTube Shorts in one place. Whether you're a current student, alumnus, prospective student, believing Latter-day Saint, former member, or simply interested in the history and culture of BYU, I hope this compilation provides context for why I hold the views that I do.

The goal isn't to attack individuals—it's to examine the institution, its history, its policies, and its influence through the lens of someone who knows it from the inside.

I'd love to hear your own experiences with BYU in the comments. Please keep the discussion respectful, even when we disagree.

#BYU #BrighamYoungUniversity #Mormon #LDS #ExMormon #Religion #College #HigherEducation #ChurchofJesusChrist #Utah #Commentary #Education #FaithCrisis

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New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM EST

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The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Why do people stay in high-demand religions like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Is it really all about Jesus... or are there a few other "perks" involved?

This comedy parody takes a lighthearted look at some of the complicated—and sometimes hilarious—reasons people remain in Mormonism, even as membership growth slows and more people question organized religion. Whether you're an ex-Mormon, a current member, an ex-Christian, or simply interested in religion and culture, this sketch explores the social, cultural, and theological incentives that can make leaving harder than it seems.

It's satire, but like all good satire, it's inspired by real conversations happening throughout the Mormon community.

What do you think keeps people in high-demand religions? Let me know in the comments!

Original video inspiration:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxo31flHy7Y

#Mormon #ExMormon #LDS #Comedy #Parody #Funny #Jesus #ExChristian #Religion #ReligiousTrauma #MormonStories #BYU #Kolob #Polygamy #ChurchDecline #Satire #Christianity #Deconstruction

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New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM EST

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The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Who are the most influential voices in the ex-Mormon community?

In this episode of Mormon News Roundup, I reveal my personal Top 10 favorite ex-Mormons—the creators, historians, activists, whistleblowers, and commentators whose work has informed, inspired, and challenged me over the years.

This isn't a list of the biggest channels or the most famous names. It's a ranking based on the people I personally follow, respect, and believe have made a meaningful contribution to conversations surrounding Mormonism.

Featured in this countdown:

• Ryan Josiah

• Julia (Analyzing Mormonism)

• James Huntsman

• Aron Ra

• Lucifer's Lantern (Tongue In Cheek)

• Sophronia

• Sam Young

• Makenzie Vance

• Dan Vogel

• David Nielsen

Along the way, I explain why each person made my list, highlight the unique contributions they've made, and reveal who I believe deserves the #1 spot.

Whether it's historical research, exposing institutional problems, advocating for abuse prevention, creating thoughtful social media content, or showing extraordinary personal courage, every person on this list has left a lasting impact.

Who would make your Top 10? Let me know your rankings in the comments!

If you enjoy Mormon News Roundup, please like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone interested in Mormon history, LDS news, and thoughtful discussions about faith transitions.

#ExMormon #Mormon #LDS #MormonStories #DanVogel #RyanJosiah #SamYoung #DavidNielsen #MormonHistory #FaithCrisis

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New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM EST

Please like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!

The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Welcome back to Throwback Thursday.

Today we’re revisiting Episode 73 with Maven — a conversation that’s equal parts calm, reflective, and unexpectedly emotional.

We originally filmed this out on the water, surrounded by open sky, gentle waves, and the kind of quiet that makes people talk a little more honestly than they planned to. In this highlight cut, we’ve pulled together the most memorable moments from that day — including Maven’s story, the atmosphere on the boat, and the turning point that made this episode stand out.

🎣 “Never heard of her?”

That line alone sets the tone for what follows.

This isn’t just a recap — it’s a condensed version of a moment that felt real, unfiltered, and worth revisiting.

If you’ve seen the full episode before, this is your chance to relive it. If you haven’t, this is the best place to start.

Watch the full original episode here:

https://youtu.be/Qp0qQfadlDM

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The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I finally sat down face-to-face with Ward Radio host Cardon Ellis to see if we could finally bury the hatchet.

After months of beefing online, things got intense in the studio. We didn't hold back on the topics that divided us, and how we actually view each other's platforms.

Did we finally settle our differences, or did we just draw the battle lines deeper? Watch until the very end to find out.

Let me know in the comments: Do you think we actually made peace?

👇 SUBSCRIBE for more raw, unfiltered interviews:

#CardonEllis #WardRadio #Interview #Podcast #BuryTheHatchet

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The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

For several years, I performed as a member of the Orchestra at Temple Square, accompanying what was then known as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on Music and the Spoken Word.

From long Sunday mornings and rehearsals in the Tabernacle to touring, auditions, and eventually leaving the orchestra, this is my honest story of what it was really like behind the scenes.

This isn't an exposé. It's a personal memoir about music, faith, and one of the most memorable chapters of my life.

Along the way, I discuss:

• What rehearsals were really like

• The musicians behind the performances

• Touring with the orchestra

• My changing beliefs while still performing

• The emotional power of music

• How my time with the orchestra unexpectedly came to an end

Although I no longer believe in the truth claims of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to make music alongside so many exceptional musicians. Some experiences transcend belief, and beautiful music is one of them.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about Mormonism, music, faith transitions, and honest personal stories, consider subscribing for more episodes.

#Mormon #ExMormon #TabernacleChoir #TempleSquare #MusicAndTheSpokenWord #LDS #FaithJourney #ClassicalMusic #MormonStories #MormonNewsRoundup

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The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

One of the most controversial teachings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the idea that paying tithing can determine your worthiness—and even your eligibility for temple ordinances and the highest degree of heaven.

Over the years on Mormon News Roundup, I've called out this "pay-to-play" system again and again. In this compilation, I've gathered some of my strongest anti-tithing rants into one episode.

From temple recommend interviews to the pressure placed on struggling families, this video examines why many former members see mandatory tithing as one of the most harmful aspects of Mormonism.

If you've ever wondered why so many people object to LDS tithing, this is the episode.

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy Mormon News Roundup.

What was the moment that changed your perspective on tithing? Let me know in the comments.

#Mormon #ExMormon #LDS #MormonNewsRoundup #Tithing #Religion #Cult #Deconstruction #JosephSmith #RussellNelson

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New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM EST

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The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Welcome back to Mormon News Roundup!

Over the past few years, I've created hundreds of TikToks, YouTube Shorts, and Reels covering Mormon news, LDS history, apologetics, church leadership, current events, and some of the funniest moments from the channel.

In today's episode, we're counting down my Top 10 most viral TikToks of all time, featuring the videos that reached hundreds of thousands of viewers and generated some of the biggest conversations in our community. From hilarious satire to breaking Mormon news, to deep dives into controversial topics, these are the clips that resonated the most.

We'll finish with my #1 most-watched reel ever, the video that became the biggest hit in Mormon News Roundup history.

Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments if you agree with the rankings—or tell me which TikTok you think deserved a spot on the list!

If you enjoy Mormon commentary, news, history, and a little satire along the way, be sure to:

👍 Like the video

💬 Leave a comment

🔔 Subscribe for new episodes of Mormon News Roundup every week

Thanks for watching and for helping this community continue to grow!

#Mormon #ExMormon #LDS #MormonNews #TikTok #YouTubeShorts #Religion #MormonNewsRoundup #ChurchHistory #Commentary

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Please like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!

The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.