Host Simon Kent Fung explores the life of Alana Chen, a 24-year-old woman who disappeared from Boulder, Colorado in 2019. Alana left behind two dozen journals chronicling a deep faith, love of fashion, and dream of becoming a nun. She also harbored a secret. At 14, she confessed to her priest that she was attracted to women and was instructed not to tell her parents. Over the next seven years, Alana covertly received conversion therapy which her family believes played a role in her fate. Simon, who sought to change his sexual orientation through conversion therapy for nearly a decade in his efforts to become a priest, is compelled to understand the truth of what happened to Alana—and finally face what happened to him. "Dear Alana," is an unraveling mystery and a poignant spiritual memoir about teenage rebellion and spiritual manipulation, the price we pay to belong and the systems that pay no price at all. Explore more at www.dearalana.com
Tenderfoot TV & iHeartPodcasts
The Dear Alana podcast is a beautifully done tribute to Alana, exploring important issues such as self-acceptance, mental health struggles, and unconditional support. The podcast is deeply moving and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact on the listener. The host, Simon Kent Fung, tells the story with vulnerability and gentle storytelling that captivates the audience.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the careful and respectful handling of Alana's story. Simon, along with Alana's family and friends, show tremendous courage in being open and honest about their experiences. The voiceover actress who portrays Alana's journal entries adds depth to the storytelling. The themes explored in the podcast, such as self-acceptance and mental health struggles, are important topics that deserve reflection.
Another strength of this podcast is the heartfelt storytelling by Simon Kent Fung. His vulnerability shines through as he weaves his own personal journey alongside Alana's story. This parallel adds depth and connection for the listeners and makes for a compelling narrative. The production quality is excellent, creating an immersive experience for the audience.
However, one potential weakness of this podcast is that it may be triggering for some listeners due to its heavy subject matter. The exploration of internalized homophobia and religious trauma could be difficult for individuals who have similar experiences or trauma related to these topics. It is important for potential listeners to consider their own emotional well-being before diving into this podcast.
In conclusion, The Dear Alana podcast is a beautifully heartbreaking story full of hope. Simon Kent Fung shares his own journey alongside Alana's story in a way that touches the heart and sparks introspection. It is a testament to love and resilience in the face of adversity. While it may not be suitable for everyone due to its sensitive subject matter, it is definitely worth listening to for those who are ready to engage with these important issues.
In the depths of an Atlanta forest, a clash between activists and authorities ended in tragedy. But the official narrative doesn't add up. We Came to the Forest, a new investigative podcast from Wondery, Campsite Media, and TenderfootTV, peels back the layers of secrecy surrounding a deadly confrontation that shook a community to its core. Through exclusive recordings and never-before-released eyewitness accounts, host Matthew Schaer exposes the hidden truths behind a nighttime shootout that left one activist dead and countless lives forever changed. As we dig deeper, we uncover a web of conflicting testimonies, missing evidence, and allegations of a cover-up reaching the highest levels of law enforcement. From the idealistic dreams of young environmentalists to the complex motivations of local officials, this story challenges our understanding of justice, activism, and the lengths people will go to protect what they believe in. What actually happened in the forest? “We Came to the Forest” is available now, wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On July 27th, 1996, a domestic terrorist bombed the Summer Olympic Games held in Atlanta, GA. While the FBI and the media fixated on the wrong man, the bomber planned his next, more overtly political attacks on 2 abortion clinics and a gay nightclub. The bomber would later be identified as a dedicated soldier in the white-supremacist Christian Identity Movement. Through the lens of these 4 bombings, and the victims left to pick up the pieces, Flashpoint explores America's greatest threat, the political and religious radicalization of homegrown terrorists. Binge the whole season now. Click here to listen to the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hi, Dear Alana fans! Tenderfoot TV and iHeartPodcasts have teamed up for another exciting podcast called Talking to Death, hosted by Up and Vanished creator Payne Lindsey. Since you love our previous podcast collaborations, we think you'll like this one too. Don't just take our word for it, though. Check out this trailer and start listening today! Show Description: Up and Vanished host and creator Payne Lindsey wants to talk you to death in his first “true crime” talk show (that may or may not actually be about true crime). Pull up a chair as Payne and guests talk about all things crime, life, mystery, and fun. From Tenderfoot TV and iHeartRadio comes a new weekly series, Talking to Death. Take a listen… odds are, you won't die. Listen to Talking to Death on the iHeartRadio app, or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alana's mother seeks justice amidst the Church's denial. Simon confronts his past. And another tragedy befalls the Chen household, destroying almost everything. This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised. ---- Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alana's newfound love separates her from her church. As Notre Dame Cathedral burns, so does her faith. But as her self-acceptance grows, her life takes a tragic turn. This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised. ---- Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Host Simon Kent Fung sits down with trauma therapist Dr. Hillary McBride to delve deeper into the mental health dimensions of Dear Alana. This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised. ------------------------------------------------------ Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for an extended version of this interview and ad-free listening at tenderfootplus.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alana enters treatment and comes clean to her family. While still actively seeking Conversion Therapy behind their back, she falls in love. This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised. ---- Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alana starts college and thrives in her new community, which creates conflict with her old friends. Alana is rushed to the ER after a suicide scare. This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised. ---- Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Through their spiritual mentors, Alana and Simon are introduced to Conversion Therapy. A deep dive into the psychological & theological theories behind this practice. This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised. ---- Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With access to her 20 journals, Simon discovers Alana's devotion and obsession with sin, Father Dave's encroaching influence, and the secret she's asked to keep. This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised. ---- Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Simon recounts his earlier calling to the priesthood. Alana sneaks out to church, and meets a controversial priest who advises her on becoming a nun. This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised. ---- Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Simon travels to Boulder to meet Alana's mother, Joyce, and becomes determined to help her understand what happened to Alana. This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised. ---- Go deeper at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alana's mother finds a letter Alana wrote to herself before she died, a letter that reveals the very complicated relationship she had with her family, her church, and herself. Host Simon Kent Fung explores the life of Alana Chen, a devout young woman from Colorado whose journals bring up his own demons. Premieres August 14th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A devout Colorado youth, Alana Chen, disappears from Boulder, leaving behind dozens of journals that reveal her aspiration to become a nun alongside fatal secrets about sexuality and faith. Host, Simon Kent Fung, who shares a strikingly similar past, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her fate, while confronting his own demons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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