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As part 3 in our series on Mormons in the U.K. we interview BBC TV Star Alex Winters - who worked for seven years as a presenter on the BBC Children's channel CBeebies (the U.K. equivalent to Nick Jr or Disney). Alex was raised as a devout Mormon in Wales, U.K., served an honorable mission, and was married in the London temple.  Throughout his adult life Alex has served in several significant ward and stake callings including ward bishopric and stake high council. As his acting career developed, Alex was so popular as a media celebrity within the U.K. that the LDS Church offered him a major role in their "I'm a Mormon" PR campaign (which he declined for professional reasons). Over the past year or two Alex developed questions and concerns about LDS church doctrine (e.g., November 2015 LGBT policy) and history (e.g., Joseph Smith's treasure digging, seer stone use, polygamy and polyandry) which led to his loss of faith in Mormonism. This is Alex's story. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spoti

As part 3 in our series on Mormons in the U.K. we interview BBC TV Star Alex Winters - who worked for seven years as a presenter on the BBC Children's channel CBeebies (the U.K. equivalent to Nick Jr or Disney). Alex was raised as a devout Mormon in Wales, U.K., served an honorable mission, and was married in the London temple.  Throughout his adult life Alex has served in several significant ward and stake callings including ward bishopric and stake high council. As his acting career developed, Alex was so popular as a media celebrity within the U.K. that the LDS Church offered him a major role in their "I'm a Mormon" PR campaign (which he declined for professional reasons). Over the past year or two Alex developed questions and concerns about LDS church doctrine (e.g., November 2015 LGBT policy) and history (e.g., Joseph Smith's treasure digging, seer stone use, polygamy and polyandry) which led to his loss of faith in Mormonism. This is Alex's story. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spoti

In this two-part episode we interview Stephen Bloor. Stephen discusses his experiences growing up as a Mormon in the U.K. including serving an LDS mission and being married in the Frankfurt, Germany temple. Eventually Stephen served as an LDS Bishop in the U.K. for 7 years.  While serving as bishop Stephen learned of troubling issues with LDS Church history including Joseph Smith's polygamy, his marriage to other men's wives (polyandry), and his sexual relationships with underaged girls. Unable to reconcile these problems, Stephen eventually resigned from his position as LDS bishop. After resigning as bishop, Stephen was told by his LDS leaders that he was not allowed to return to church, and would not be allowed to discuss any of his issues or concerns with other LDS church members (by threat of excommunication). Through these actions, Stephen was effectively cut off from the community he served for decades.   Over time, Stephen became involved in former U.K. Stake President Top Phillips's law suit agains

In this two-part episode we interview Stephen Bloor. Stephen discusses his experiences growing up as a Mormon in the U.K. including serving an LDS mission and being married in the Frankfurt, Germany temple. Eventually Stephen served as an LDS Bishop in the U.K. for 7 years.  While serving as bishop Stephen learned of troubling issues with LDS Church history including Joseph Smith's polygamy, his marriage to other men's wives (polyandry), and his sexual relationships with underaged girls. Unable to reconcile these problems, Stephen eventually resigned from his position as LDS bishop. After resigning as bishop, Stephen was told by his LDS leaders that he was not allowed to return to church, and would not be allowed to discuss any of his issues or concerns with other LDS church members (by threat of excommunication). Through these actions, Stephen was effectively cut off from the community he served for decades.   Over time, Stephen became involved in former U.K. Stake President Top Phillips's law suit agains

For my first interview in our "Mormons in the U.K." series, I interview my dear friend Nathan Lisgo.  In this two part series Nathan discusses: 1) Growing up in Lancaster, England, serving a mission, getting married in the temple, etc. 2) His faith transition, largely caused by questions/concerns regarding the LDS Church's history regarding African Americans and the priesthood.  And 3) How Nathan has navigated a nuanced testimony and a mixed-faith marriage with his wife and three children. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

For my first interview in our "Mormons in the U.K." series, I interview my dear friend Nathan Lisgo.  In this two part series Nathan discusses: 1) Growing up in Lancaster, England, serving a mission, getting married in the temple, etc. 2) His faith transition, largely caused by questions/concerns regarding the LDS Church's history regarding African Americans and the priesthood.  And 3) How Nathan has navigated a nuanced testimony and a mixed-faith marriage with his wife and three children. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

In part two of my interview with Amy and Jake Malouf, we discuss the verdict from their October 11, 2016 Mormon Disciplinary Council on charges of Apostasy, along with their reactions to the verdict. This is a link to the recent article from the Anchorage Press about Amy and Jake's disciplinary council. This is a link to the letter Amy and Jake read during their disciplinary council. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

On a recent trip from New Jersey to Vermont with Mormon Therapist Natasha Helfer Parker and Dr. Gina Colvin we decided to have a rough, unplanned, unrehearsed, and VERY informal first discussion about post-Mormon polyamory and non-monogamy.   For those who care deeply about this issue, there are a few very important things we would like to emphasize: This is a rough, free-form, first discussion about orthodox, transitioning, and post-Mormon non-monogamy and polyamory.  This is not meant to be a pre-planned, comprehensive, uber-professional treatment of the topic.  If you are looking for such a treatment, please do not listen. For those of you who are very knowledgable about and/or experienced with polyamory and non-monogamy, we openly acknowledge that we likely (or most definitely) employed several incorrect or improper terms, stereotypes, and biases in this discussion. We do this partially on purpose - because it gives us/you a chance to explore and correct common mistakes or misperceptions used regarding t

Elna Baker is the author of the highly acclaimed The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance: A Memoir.  She is also a contributor to the podcast This American Life. As part of the 2016 New York City Mormon Transitions Retreat Elna shares experiences regarding her faith transition away from Mormonism. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

As part of the 2016 Mormon Transitions New York Retreat we interview journalists Abby Huntsman and Carrie Sheffield.  In this interview they discuss their transitions out of Mormonism. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

Announcements: Hiring OSF DIrector of Operations, NYC Retreat October 14-16. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

Dr. Greg Prince is best known within Mormonism as the author of three books: - Power from on High: The Development of Mormon Priesthood - David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism - Leonard Arrington and the Writing of Mormon History In this three-part series we discuss the following: - Part 1: Greg's early years as a Mormon in the Los Angeles area, his graduate work as a dentist and as a pathologist, and his role in developing a cure for RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection), which has saved tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of infant lives. - Part 2: Greg discusses the challenges of raising a son (Madison) with autism, then discusses how he developed a gospel framework that allowed him to avoid a faith crisis, which led to his entree into Mormon history authorship. We focus on his Priesthood book. - Part 3: Greg goes deep into how he maintains faith/belief and activity in God/Christ/the LDS Church as a scientist, and after knowing so much troubling LDS history. He also lays out in detail his n

Dr. Greg Prince is best known within Mormonism as the author of three books: - Power from on High: The Development of Mormon Priesthood - David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism - Leonard Arrington and the Writing of Mormon History In this three-part series we discuss the following: - Part 1: Greg's early years as a Mormon in the Los Angeles area, his graduate work as a dentist and as a pathologist, and his role in developing a cure for RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection), which has saved tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of infant lives. - Part 2: Greg discusses the challenges of raising a son (Madison) with autism, then discusses how he developed a gospel framework that allowed him to avoid a faith crisis, which led to his entree into Mormon history authorship. We focus on his Priesthood book. - Part 3: Greg goes deep into how he maintains faith/belief and activity in God/Christ/the LDS Church as a scientist, and after knowing so much troubling LDS history. He also lays out in detail his n

Dr. Greg Prince is best known within Mormonism as the author of three books: - Power from on High: The Development of Mormon Priesthood - David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism - Leonard Arrington and the Writing of Mormon History In this three-part series we discuss the following: - Part 1: Greg's early years as a Mormon in the Los Angeles area, his graduate work as a dentist and as a pathologist, and his role in developing a cure for RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection), which has saved tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of infant lives. - Part 2: Greg discusses the challenges of raising a son (Madison) with autism, then discusses how he developed a gospel framework that allowed him to avoid a faith crisis, which led to his entree into Mormon history authorship. We focus on his Priesthood book. - Part 3: Greg goes deep into how he maintains faith/belief and activity in God/Christ/the LDS Church as a scientist, and after knowing so much troubling LDS history. He also lays out in detail his n

Amy and Jake Malouf have been devout LDS church members for their entire lives – living the past 14+ years in Anchorage, Alaska. They have served in high-level callings in their Anchorage ward, and are very well-respected and well-liked in their Alaska LDS community. Two years ago Amy and Jake began to have doubts about the truthfulness of the LDS Church. As they began to share their questions/doubts/concerns about LDS doctrine and policy on Facebook (e.g., the November 2015 policy against LGBT Mormons and their children), their posts were monitored by ward and stake members and reported to the stake leadership. When they were directly asked by their stake president to remain silent about their questions/concerns/doubts/disbelief – they declined as a matter of conscience. Recently when they spoke out publicly on Facebook against the November, 2015 LGBT policy (out of concern for LDS LGBT youth suicides) they were informed by their LDS stake president that they will soon be excommunicated. The date/time of the

Dr. Omar Kader was born in Provo, Utah to Palestinian immigrants. HIs father was a devout Muslim and a disabled World War I vet who owned a successful Provo fruit farm. During Omar's childhood he and his family were called the n-word by fellow Provoans, but fought to earn the respect of his community. Omar and his father were close friends of Dr. Hugh Nibley, who liked to practice his Arabic skills with Omar's dad. In this epic multi-part series, we hear several inspiring stories, including: How Omar escaped Palestine after being sent back there by his father to prevent him from marrying a Utah woman. How Dr. Hugh Nibley fought to help Omar enroll in Brigham Young University. How Omar met, courted, and married his amazing wife Nancy - a brilliant Mormon girl from Ogden, UT (this courtship included his conversion to the LDS faith). We also touch on what it was like to enter into a multi-cultural marriage in Utah during the 1960s. Omar's draft into the Vietnam War (serving in Germany) How Omar and Nancy risked

Dr. Omar Kader was born in Provo, Utah to Palestinian immigrants. HIs father was a devout Muslim and a disabled World War I vet who owned a successful Provo fruit farm. During Omar's childhood he and his family were called the n-word by fellow Provoans, but fought to earn the respect of his community. Omar and his father were close friends of Dr. Hugh Nibley, who liked to practice his Arabic skills with Omar's dad. In this epic multi-part series, we hear several inspiring stories, including: How Omar escaped Palestine after being sent back there by his father to prevent him from marrying a Utah woman. How Dr. Hugh Nibley fought to help Omar enroll in Brigham Young University. How Omar met, courted, and married his amazing wife Nancy - a brilliant Mormon girl from Ogden, UT (this courtship included his conversion to the LDS faith). We also touch on what it was like to enter into a multi-cultural marriage in Utah during the 1960s. Omar's draft into the Vietnam War (serving in Germany) How Omar and Nancy risked

Dr. Omar Kader was born in Provo, Utah to Palestinian immigrants. HIs father was a devout Muslim and a disabled World War I vet who owned a successful Provo fruit farm. During Omar's childhood he and his family were called the n-word by fellow Provoans, but fought to earn the respect of his community. Omar and his father were close friends of Dr. Hugh Nibley, who liked to practice his Arabic skills with Omar's dad. In this epic multi-part series, we hear several inspiring stories, including: How Omar escaped Palestine after being sent back there by his father to prevent him from marrying a Utah woman. How Dr. Hugh Nibley fought to help Omar enroll in Brigham Young University. How Omar met, courted, and married his amazing wife Nancy - a brilliant Mormon girl from Ogden, UT (this courtship included his conversion to the LDS faith). We also touch on what it was like to enter into a multi-cultural marriage in Utah during the 1960s. Omar's draft into the Vietnam War (serving in Germany) How Omar and Nancy risked

Dr. Omar Kader was born in Provo, Utah to Palestinian immigrants. HIs father was a devout Muslim and a disabled World War I vet who owned a successful Provo fruit farm. During Omar's childhood he and his family were called the n-word by fellow Provoans, but fought to earn the respect of his community. Omar and his father were close friends of Dr. Hugh Nibley, who liked to practice his Arabic skills with Omar's dad. In this epic multi-part series, we hear several inspiring stories, including: How Omar escaped Palestine after being sent back there by his father to prevent him from marrying a Utah woman. How Dr. Hugh Nibley fought to help Omar enroll in Brigham Young University. How Omar met, courted, and married his amazing wife Nancy - a brilliant Mormon girl from Ogden, UT (this courtship included his conversion to the LDS faith). We also touch on what it was like to enter into a multi-cultural marriage in Utah during the 1960s. Omar's draft into the Vietnam War (serving in Germany) How Omar and Nancy risked

In this epic, three-part interview with Paul, Lisa, and Kyle, we learn about one ordinary Mormon family’s extraordinary Mormon transition. Topics covered in this episode include: Living as an orthodox Mormon family in rural Utah. Dealing with a crisis of faith in a large, orthodox Mormon family. Living in a mixed-faith marriage. How to ineffectively and effectively communicate with believing family members (siblings, extended family). Dealing with a missionary in the field while the family is having a crisis of faith. Supporting a gay child. Leaving the church after decades of service, and in mid-life. As a parent, sitting outside your own child’s wedding. Finding communities of support (and joy) after leaving the church. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message