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In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Sean Carter—traveling law humorist of Lawpsided Seminars, and former member of the LDS Church.  In this entertaining and lively interview, we discuss: Sean's upbringing in the Compton area of Los Angeles and how he determined his career path How he became funny as a way for people to like him in school His experience of growing up black as a young man and his later realization of his efforts to "exempt himself out of blackness," or to make sure that he himself didn't experience discrimination while being aware that it existed against his community His path to attending Harvard Law School, and coincidentally at the same time as President Barack Obama His marriage to his educated wife who was not religious in any way, and how his investigation of the LDS Church began as a way to bring "Jesus to her" How one of his biggest struggles with joining the LDS Church was being endowed and having someone else pick out his underwear, which for Sean was a stigma attached

In this episode of Mormon Stories, we hold a panel discussion with Dr. Darron Smith—author of When Race & Religion Collide: Black Athletics at BYU and Beyond, Ryan McKnight—MormonLeaks publisher, and Vanessa Judd—a victim of assault by a BYU athlete. We discuss the MormonLeaks video which depicted an interaction between the Provo Police Department, a BYU football player, and other unidentified individuals. The video was recorded on December 4, 2016 and in it we learn that this is the second visit from the police that night and one of multiple visits they have had to make over time to the athlete. We discuss: *The ethics of releasing the video *The ethics of NCAA athletics (especially at BYU), and *The relationship between Provo Police, BYU and the Honor Code, especially regarding the many claims and accusations made concerning students being expelled or suspended for less than what is admitted to in this video --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

In this mini-episode of Mormon Stories, we follow-up with John O’Conner—father of a Mormon Missionary in the path of Hurricane Harvey.  John had an email exchange with his son’s mission president that was released on MormonLeaks wherein John was given little to no information on his son’s whereabouts, a disaster plan of action, or a phone number to reach his son directly.  Instead, the mission president encouraged John to “support him in his decision to serve with all his heart, might, mind, and strength and to keep the mission rules and policies.” --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Jon Ogden—author of When Mormons Doubt. Jon describes how his faith crisis blossomed during his LDS mission and time at BYU and ultimately became the impetus to writing the book, which strives to explore how the pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness can save relationships even when we disagree with those we love. We cover: *How his faith crisis developed on his LDS mission, but he finished his mission anyway *Dating while at BYU and how it distracted him from his faith crisis *How when a family member left the LDS Church, it forced him to confront his own doubts and begin an academic study of the truth claims of the Church *When he realized that the same problems with Mormon historicity were also at play with Christianity in general *He and his spouse’s current belief state, and their desire to have a sense of community and solid religious framework for their children to hold onto *The main topics of his book, When Mormons Doubt, including a deep dive into se

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Jon Ogden—author of When Mormons Doubt. Jon describes how his faith crisis blossomed during his LDS mission and time at BYU and ultimately became the impetus to writing the book, which strives to explore how the pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness can save relationships even when we disagree with those we love. We cover: *How his faith crisis developed on his LDS mission, but he finished his mission anyway *Dating while at BYU and how it distracted him from his faith crisis *How when a family member left the LDS Church, it forced him to confront his own doubts and begin an academic study of the truth claims of the Church *When he realized that the same problems with Mormon historicity were also at play with Christianity in general *He and his spouse’s current belief state, and their desire to have a sense of community and solid religious framework for their children to hold onto *The main topics of his book, When Mormons Doubt, including a deep dive into se

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Jason Echols of /r/exmormon.  For many, the exmormon subreddit serves as a one-stop shop for current events and happenings that may interest those who have left the faith.  Jason gives us the inside scoop of this prominent gathering place, and details his belief that the forum provides a training ground for exmormons to learn how to voice opinions in healthy and assertive ways. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Jason Echols of /r/exmormon.  For many, the exmormon subreddit serves as a one-stop shop for current events and happenings that may interest those who have left the faith.  Jason gives us the inside scoop of this prominent gathering place, and details his belief that the forum provides a training ground for exmormons to learn how to voice opinions in healthy and assertive ways. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

In this two-part episode we sit down for final time with Grant Palmer to discuss the release of his final book: Restoring Christ: Leaving Mormon Jesus for Jesus of the Gospels.   In part 1 of the interview we dig deep into two chapters: one on Joseph Smith's possible treason against the United States government, and one on Joseph Smith's use of concubinage in addition to polygamy and polyandry. In part 2 we discuss Grant's research into "leaving Mormon Jesus for Jesus of the Gospels," and conduct a final Q&A with Grant. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

In this two-part episode we sit down a final time with Grant Palmer to discuss the release of his final book: Restoring Christ: Leaving Mormon Jesus for Jesus of the Gospels.   In part 1 of the interview we dig deep into two chapters: one on Joseph Smith's possible treason against the United States government, and one on Joseph Smith's likely use of concubinage in addition to polygamy and polyandry. In part 2 we discuss Grant's research into "leaving Mormon Jesus for Jesus of the Gospels," and conduct a final Q&A with Grant. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

In our third sit-down with former Mormon Bishop and podcaster Bill Reel, we discuss: His early years as a convert to the Mormon church. His original motives for starting his podcast, Mormon Discussion. The most significant contributing factors to his Mormon faith transition. His evolution as a podcaster, which includes becoming increasingly frustrated with, and critical of the LDS church, its policies, and its leadership. His current Mormon beliefs and non-beliefs. His motives for remaining active in the LDS church. His responses to recent criticisms of his positions. His perspective on the possible threat of excommunication. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

In our third sit-down with former Mormon Bishop and podcaster Bill Reel, we discuss: His early years as a convert to the Mormon church. His original motives for starting his podcast, Mormon Discussion. The most significant contributing factors to his Mormon faith transition. His evolution as a podcaster, which includes becoming increasingly frustrated with, and critical of the LDS church, its policies, and its leadership. His current Mormon beliefs and non-beliefs. His motives for remaining active in the LDS church. His responses to recent criticisms of his positions. His perspective on the possible threat of excommunication. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

Continuing our series on “Losing the Lamanites,” we interview Gabriel Misla who originated from the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico.  We cover: Gabriel’s experience joining the Church as a young man in the island territory and his eventual immigration to the mainland US His mission service to the Dominican Republic, and the cultural nuances between the two islands that heightened his sensitivity to how race is viewed in the LDS Church How he came to terms with his sexuality and his experience as a gay Latter-day Saint, including spending time in Evergreen His reminiscence of elation of being from the tribe of Ephraim in his patriarchal blessing because  it meant he was more like his white Utah missionary companions—and now his regret over how his thinking was influenced by the Church’s views on race His thoughts and feelings over the Book of Mormon’s still accepted views on Lamanites and race, and what he feels the Church should do His vision and plans for the future as a post-Mormon still living in Utah -

Continuing our series on “Losing the Lamanites,” we interview Gabriel Misla who originated from the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico.  We cover: Gabriel’s experience joining the Church as a young man in the island territory and his eventual immigration to the mainland US His mission service to the Dominican Republic, and the cultural nuances between the two islands that heightened his sensitivity to how race is viewed in the LDS Church How he came to terms with his sexuality and his experience as a gay Latter-day Saint, including spending time in Evergreen His reminiscence of elation of being from the tribe of Ephraim in his patriarchal blessing because  it meant he was more like his white Utah missionary companions—and now his regret over how his thinking was influenced by the Church’s views on race His thoughts and feelings over the Book of Mormon’s still accepted views on Lamanites and race, and what he feels the Church should do His vision and plans for the future as a post-Mormon still living in Utah -

Ruthie Robertson ignited a nationwide firestorm when she revealed she was fired as an adjunct professor at BYU-Idaho for an LGBTQ-supportive Facebook post on her private page.  During these episodes of Mormon Stories, we delve deep into Ruthie’s Mormon background and her motivations in publishing her post, as well as her opinions about the decision to terminate her employment.  John and Ruthie also discuss the possible “chilling effect” this event could have on students and professors at BYU-Idaho who wish to support their LGBTQ friends and family. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

Ruthie Robertson ignited a nationwide firestorm when she revealed she was fired as an adjunct professor at BYU-Idaho for an LGBTQ-supportive Facebook post on her private page.  During these episodes of Mormon Stories, we delve deep into Ruthie’s Mormon background and her motivations in publishing her post, as well as her opinions about the decision to terminate her employment.  John and Ruthie also discuss the possible “chilling effect” this event could have on students and professors at BYU-Idaho who wish to support their LGBTQ friends and family. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

In this episode of Mormon Stories/Transitions, John and Margi interview the brilliant Dr. Julie DeAzevedo Hanks about her article titled “30 Questions Nobody Asks My Husband at Church.” John, Margi, and Julie focus on the powerful cultural messages about gender, potential, life decisions, and worth that are broadcast in the questions we ask.  During the interview, cultural assumptions are challenged in some of the questions from Julie’s article: Did you know that you are a son of your Heavenly Mother? What does your wife do for a living? Who’s watching your kids? Why are you getting a graduate degree? Will you go home and change? Your clothes are distracting the sisters. …and many more. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview former LDS Stake President and LDS Chief Architect Laurie Lee Hall. Laurie Lee’s story is fascinating on many levels: Laurie Lee worked for 20 years as Chief Architect for the LDS Church and as Director of Design and/or Construction for around 40 LDS temples. She served as Stake President of the Tooele Utah Valley View Stake in Tooele, Utah for 8 years. While she remembers identifying internally as a woman from a very young age, she began to experience intense pressure to transition to female while serving as an LDS Stake President. This ultimately led to her being released as stake president after 8 years of service. About two months ago Laurie Lee was excommunicated stemming from her decision to transition gender presentation while living in her home ward/stake. Laurie Lee and her spouse have been married 32 years this month and are the parents of five children and 11 grandchildren. Laurie Lee remains a believer in many of the core tenets of Mormonism (e.g.

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview former LDS Stake President and LDS Chief Architect Laurie Lee Hall. Laurie Lee’s story is fascinating on many levels: Laurie Lee worked for 20 years as Chief Architect for the LDS Church and as Director of Design and/or Construction for around 40 LDS temples. She served as Stake President of the Tooele Utah Valley View Stake in Tooele, Utah for 8 years. While she remembers identifying internally as a woman from a very young age, she began to experience intense pressure to transition to female while serving as an LDS Stake President. This ultimately led to her being released as stake president after 8 years of service. About two months ago Laurie Lee was excommunicated stemming from her decision to transition gender presentation while living in her home ward/stake. Laurie Lee and her spouse have been married 32 years this month and are the parents of five children and 11 grandchildren. Laurie Lee remains a believer in many of the core tenets of Mormonism (e.g.

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview former LDS Stake President and LDS Chief Architect Laurie Lee Hall. Laurie Lee’s story is fascinating on many levels: Laurie Lee worked for 20 years as Chief Architect for the LDS Church and as Director of Design and/or Construction for around 40 LDS temples. She served as Stake President of the Tooele Utah Valley View Stake in Tooele, Utah for 8 years. While she remembers identifying internally as a woman from a very young age, she began to experience intense pressure to transition to female while serving as an LDS Stake President. This ultimately led to her being released as stake president after 8 years of service. About two months ago Laurie Lee was excommunicated stemming from her decision to transition gender presentation while living in her home ward/stake. Laurie Lee and her spouse have been married 32 years this month and are the parents of five children and 11 grandchildren. Laurie Lee remains a believer in many of the core tenets of Mormonism (e.g.

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview former LDS Stake President and LDS Chief Architect Laurie Lee Hall. Laurie Lee’s story is fascinating on many levels: Laurie Lee worked for 20 years as Chief Architect for the LDS Church and as Director of Design and/or Construction for around 40 LDS temples. She served as Stake President of the Tooele Utah Valley View Stake in Tooele, Utah for 8 years. While she remembers identifying internally as a woman from a very young age, she began to experience intense pressure to transition to female while serving as an LDS Stake President. This ultimately led to her being released as stake president after 8 years of service. About two months ago Laurie Lee was excommunicated stemming from her decision to transition gender presentation while living in her home ward/stake. Laurie Lee and her spouse have been married 32 years this month and are the parents of five children and 11 grandchildren. Laurie Lee remains a believer in many of the core tenets of Mormonism (e.g.