Mormon Happy Hour Podcast

Elena Thurston returns to share with us how the PoS, the new LDS LGBT Policy Handbook update dubbed the Policy of Silence, still affects families and children who want to serve missions. There has been no update, no clarification regarding children of “same-sex attracted” parents and the requirement that they disavow that parent in order … Continue reading "MHH96: The PoS (Policy of Silence) And Families with Elena Thurston"

Amidst the Letter to the IRS Whistleblower attention, a very important update to Handbook 2 was released by the LDS Church and then revised a few days later. This update contains heavy-handed silencing and further exclusion and denial of the existence of the LGBTQIA community. It isn’t “faith-promoting” as they say, and it is a … Continue reading "MHH95: Queer Perspectives on the PoS (The Policy of Silence)"

Ryan McKnight joins me to talk about one of his very favorite topics, LDS Church Finances, and the incredible documents leaked in the “Letter to the IRS Director” where a whistleblower alleges the LDS Church has hoarded over $100 BILLION in charitable donations from it’s members, aka tithing. Did you know the LDS church has … Continue reading "MHH94: Hot Takes on the Whistleblower Letter to the IRS"

There comes a time for many of us who have moved on from Mormonism that we feel ready to move on from the community that validated us when we left Mormonism. We are done with the triggers and are ready to embrace joy, happiness, and filling our lives with other interests! Up next in this … Continue reading "MHH93: Becoming and EX ExMormon: Terina’s Story"

Have you discovered the intriguing and glee-inducing world of subversive cross-stitch? It is from this creativity that I bring you the inspiring talent behind Bad Bible Stitches, a collection of art found on Instagram that showcases the more…colorful verses of holy writ for beautiful display. That creative woman is Jessica Hartle, who is also an … Continue reading "MHH92: Bad Bible Stitches and Jessica’s Story"

This week I catch up with Sam Young, the Former LDS Bishop who asked the LDS Church to stop asking children sexually explicit questions during Bishop Worthiness Interviews. Sam Young created a petition, collected survivor stories, organized a march in Salt Lake City and survived a 21 day Hunger Strike with firesides each night to … Continue reading "MHH91: A Year in Recap: Sam Young and Protect Every Child"

Lindsay and her husband Matt are in a Mixed Faith Marriage, and they are thriving! Not only have they figured out together a thing or two about what makes a marriage like this work better, but they have also built an amazing support system to share what they have learned with other couples. Lindsay shares … Continue reading "MHH90: Tips on Improving A Mixed Faith Marriage with Lindsay Kjar"

I’m doing it again, I have things to tell you, so here they are! I felt The Spirit during LDS Conference Weekend, did you?? I also am sharing with you a deeeeelicious drink recipe, Tropical Jungle Juice for a crowd! Be careful with this one, it goes down easy and packs a punch, a tropical … Continue reading "MHH89: A Second Post Mormon Confession Session"

Up next in my series all about leaving Mormonism AND ExMormonism, I chat with my childhood friend Valerie all about her experiences growing up Mormon, Ricks College (yes, before it was BYU-I), converting and marrying her husband, and falling down the rabbit hole and leaving Mormonism. It’s a crash course, with some great wisdom at … Continue reading "MHH88: Becoming an EX ExMormon: Valerie’s Story"

There comes a time for many of us who have moved on from Mormonism that we REALLY want to move on and not stay in the community that validated us when we left Mormonism. We are done with the triggers, the constant repeating drama, the never-changing harm that pours out of the LDS Church. We … Continue reading "MHH87: Becoming an EX-ExMormon: Jessica’s Story"

Today I have some Post Mormon Confessions for you, things I am still carrying around with me that I’d like to work through and let go. First up, I still carry my temple recommend in my wallet, 7 years later. Why the heck do I do this?? Second, boobs. Yep, I’m gonna talk about growing … Continue reading "MHH86: Post Mormon Confessions"

Mormon headlines are too legit to quit. They just keep on rolling forth like a stone cut out of a…heap of bs? Anyway, Emily Holyoak and I have a blast covering as many as we could in just under an hour. Listen in, you’ll have a great time, maybe learn something new, and I’m sure … Continue reading "MHH85: Mormon Headlines with Emily"

Do you love yourself? Do you really? What would it feel like to have a raw, unconditional love for yourself, every part of what makes you who you are? I’m on a mission to answer that question. Come with me and dive into vulnerability, authenticity, self-love, mindfulness and real exponential growth. I have begun a … Continue reading "MHH84: I Just Need to MFing Love Myself"

I had so many questions for Blaire Ostler, former CEO and current board member of the Mormon Transhumanist Association. What is it? What are its basic beliefs and tenets? Isn’t Transhumanism a mostly secular atheist movement? But, what if I don’t believe in Jesus or God, does that still jive with MTA?  How does the … Continue reading "MHH83: Mormon Transhumanist Association with Blaire Ostler"

Lauren Vega and her friend Claire Watt created an art installation depicting the juxtaposition of a Mormon youth experience with modesty and that of an average youth not in the Mormon Church. It is powerful and resonates so deeply with those of us who lived the modesty rhetoric within Mormonism. They join me to share … Continue reading "MHH82: The Modesty Talks"

Have you heard of Ogden’s Own Distillery and their line-up of subversive Mormon Themed liquors? Take a peek behind the hilarious labels and learn a bit about how they came to be, complete with rich tributes to controversial Mormon history and whole-hearted support for Utah’s LGBTQ community! Steve Conlin, CEO and President of Ogden’s own … Continue reading "MHH81: A Pride Peek into 5 Husbands Vodka"

THIS IS PART 2 of a panel discussion. Recently, Mike Norton aka NewNameNoah presented an expansion of information that was previously presented regarding McKenna Denson when she came forward with allegations of rape at the hands of the Missionary Training Center president in the 80’s, Joseph Bishop. This further information, and the manner in which … Continue reading "MHH80: McKenna-geddon, The Heated Aftermath Pt 2"

Recently, Mike Norton aka NewNameNoah presented an expansion of information that was previously presented regarding McKenna Denson when she came forward with allegations of rape at the hands of the Missionary Training Center president in the 80’s, Joseph Bishop. This further information, and the manner in which Norton presented it has erupted a firestorm of … Continue reading "MHH79: McKenna-geddon, The Heated Aftermath Pt 1"

Joanna Smith has created an absolute dream oasis of resources and support for women. The Wave provides a space for co-working, networking, mentoring, and more! It is the very definition of what Women Supporting Women looks like. The Wave believes in holistic support, meeting all the needs of a professional woman! Listen to Joanna tell … Continue reading "MHH78: The Wave: Women Supporting Women"

Did Mormonism ruin your relationship with women like it did mine? Join April Carlson and I as we discuss Mormon Mean Girls! April is a mental health therapist who spends much of her time working with those in faith transitions, and girl does she see the interesting dynamic at work within Mormon Women. Did you … Continue reading "MHH77: Mormon Mean Girls"

Lesley Butterfield is back again to discuss her recent Commentary published in the Salt Lake Tribune entitled “LDS Church Officials are Practicing Spiritual Extortion.” Lesley speaks from a place of personal heartache as she describes how the Policies and Doctrine elicited by LDS Officials are indeed abusive. Her experiences are all too common. Lesley ends … Continue reading "MHH76: LDS Church and Spiritual Extortion"

This is the second half of the panel discussion Lesley, Bryce and I have regarding the SCMC. Don’t miss Episode 73 (The Call to the SCMC) and Episode 74, Part 1 of our Debrief Panel after the call. All three videos are available on Patreon right now! Links mentioned in this episode: Video of Panel … Continue reading "MHH75: Why We Care About the Strengthening Church Members Committee, Pt 2"

Lesley Butterfield, Bryce Blankenagel and I create a very strong case for why we all should care about the Strengthening Church Members Committee and their top secret files obtained through secret spies and online moles. We learned quite a few things during our call to the SCMC office, call in Episode 73, and we bring … Continue reading "MHH74: Why We Care About the Strengthening Church Members Committee, Pt 1"

Today, 3 Mormons are back to call the Strengthening Church Members Committee. This Committee serves the church leadership as an Orwellian group of dutiful spies who track down the activities of members who have been deemed apostate. These files contain screenshots of online activities and other evidence of apostasy. Once a member gains the level … Continue reading "MHH73: Part 1 Call to Elder Dyches of the Strengthening Church Members Committee"

Crystal Legionnaires made waves one year ago when she stood and shouted “Stop Protecting Sexual Predators” in the Conference Center during a live session of conference. This year, she carefully chose a new demonstration to promote a message of importance for the quality of life of all LGBTQ individuals who are harmed by the policies … Continue reading "MHH72: Crystal’s Silent Walking Protest at Conference"

Part 2 brings 3 guests all with extensive experience and expertise, all unique and fascinating, with Cannabis! First up, learn all the benefits it can bring to your mental health, backed by scientific research! Best of all, learn what it can do to conquer an upbringing in Mormon sex shaming and unlock mind-blowing orgasms! Who … Continue reading "MHH71: The 420 Cannabis Special Part 2"

It’s here! The Mormon Happy Hour Celebration of 420! Leaving a high demand, conservative religion such as Mormonism, complete with a code for what to put in your body called the Word of Wisdom, you have some deep seeded caution, fear and apprehension about a substance designated as a “drug.” Join me as I take … Continue reading "MHH70: The 420 Cannabis Special Part 1"

Tarot reading and other mystical arts were largely discredited in my Mormon youth, often with allegations of utilizing Satanic powers. Join Sara Hanks herself as we explore her journey into the world of Tarot and the evolution of thought and belief between being an active Mormon and a Tarot card reader. We compare Mormon supernatural … Continue reading "MHH69: A Post Mormon Exploration of Tarot Reading"

Blaire Ostler took her traditional post outside the LDS Conference Center during their biannual General Conference, holding her sign inviting attendees to “Hug a Queer *Mormon) *this year she did modify it to say “Latter Day Saint.” Join her as she shares with us her passionate queer response to the recent monumental reversal of the … Continue reading "MHH68: A Queer Chat about the Policy Reversal"

Michael Smith returns with his irreverent interruptions to discuss the recent LGBT Exclusion Policy Reversal that was announced. We also introduce a VERY important Instagram account that is raising awareness in an area Colleen passionately advocates to change, the BYU Honor Code office! And lastly, since it is the very weekend of LDS General Conference, … Continue reading "MHH67: LGBT Policy Reversal, Honor Code Stories & Rumors"

This week I have three Sunstone interviews for you! First, John Hamer and I discuss his involvement in the Community of Christ, which used to be the RLDS church. Next, David Dixon, who is a foundational member of the Phoenix area ExMormon groups, discusses his own physical and mental recovery from Mormonism, and Kent Belliston … Continue reading "MHH66: Sunstone Event Spotlights"

Gina Colvin and I make a case for Secular Lent as she teaches me about her own Lent practices and what she has learned during her deep dives into what Lent is all about. We share our own thoughts on what spirituality means to us as we have left Orthodox Mormonism behind. Be inspired by … Continue reading "MHH65: Secular Lent with Gina Colvin"

Michael Smith shares 5 Tips for Transitioning Mormons, and they are…helpful? No, really, they are…and they are also snarky, hilarious, and full of latent Priesthood Authority! We explore topics such as self-care, relationships with believers, boundaries, and advice for moving forward. All advice comes with a side of light-mindedness and loud laughter. Please enjoy the … Continue reading "MHH64: Just the Tips: Advice to Transitioning Mormons"

Are you new to the world of alcohol? Does it overwhelm you? Is there a bit of fear and anxiety? Or are you thrilled and want to know where to start? Join Chloe and I as we share with you our NOT expert first time drinking tips to keep you safe and make a plan … Continue reading "MHH63: First Time Drinking Tips for Fresh PostMos"

Laurie shares her PostMo love story that is a whirlwind of crazy, exciting and adorable! It involves a faith crisis, divorce, family relations and her conflict with Mormonism in her life. To round out the Love theme, Marie Kent and I explore the topic of Love vs. Lust with Spencer W. Kimball. It’s an epic … Continue reading "MHH62: Laurie’s PostMo Love Story and Love vs. Lust"

***Trigger Warning: Description of sexual assault, attempted rape & murder*** To avoid descriptive content, skip 3 minutes (12:00 – 14:54) near the beginning of Maddy’s interview. Maddy Cicotte courageously survived a violent assault on her mission, a situation she never should have been in. Maddy turned her trauma into advocacy, asking the Church of Jesus … Continue reading "MHH61: Time for Cambio: Mormon Missionary Safety Advocacy"

Happy Valentine’s Day from Mormon Happy Hour! Enjoy a special holiday gift of a Post-Mormon Love story! So often, the journey through to the other side of Mormonism involves changes in our romantic relationships. These changes can be painful, and they can also be full of growth and happiness. Today is Part 1 in a … Continue reading "MHH60: V-Day Special: Elena’s PostMo Love Story"

Claudine Gallacher is a life coach who specializes in the unique needs of those transitioning away from Mormonism. Recently, Claudine posed the question on Social Media “What would you like to hear from your TBM or true believing Mormon friends and family?” She received an outpouring of thoughtful responses from Post-Mormons who were yearning to … Continue reading "MHH59: What We’d Love to Hear From Believers"

Exclusive MormonLeaks Ryan McKnight‘s briefing on the latest leak from his Truth and Transparency Foundation regarding confessed child sex abuse. Ryan shares the background, circumstance and all the points of the current leak regarding the Film Director of Mormon Temple Endowment Videos and Sundance Film Festival Co-Founder admitting to child molestation in the early 90s. Ryan’s … Continue reading "MHH58: Ryan McKnight of MormonLeaks Exclusive Briefing on Leaked Confession of Child Sex Abuse"

I bet you didn’t know, but Lesley Butterfield, Bryce Blankenagel and Colleen Payne Dietz have not yet resigned from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, more popularly referred to as the “Wins For Satan” Church, following President Nelson’s admonishment to cease using the term “Mormon” as it causes “wins for Satan.” We will … Continue reading "MHH57: 3 Mormons: Why We Haven’t Resigned"

This week, catch exciting Mormon Headlines with Marie Kent from My Book of Mormon Podcast. You can always count on Marie’s feminist never-Mormon perspective to highlight just how peculiar Mormonism can be. Colleen and Marie discuss the news that Sister Missionaries are now permitted to wear pants in the mission field, an unfortunate missionary that … Continue reading "MHH56: Mormon Headlines with Marie Kent"

Chloe, Paige and Colleen tackle the topic of Motherhood, and all it’s heavy connotations within the Mormon Culture. We explore each of our own journeys through the decision to have children or not. What is nurturing? What does it look like? Is every woman built to be a mother? We discuss living an authentic life, … Continue reading "MHH55: Motherhood Is A Choice, right?"

Jody England Hansen has been asking for updates in the Temple for years now. She is an active member, a feminist, an LGBTQ ally, a Mama Dragon Group Leader, and a progressive thinker with very unique ways of understanding and explaining topics within the LDS Gospel. Join me as I explore with her a list … Continue reading "MHH54: A Faithful Feminist Perspective on Temple Changes"

Lesley Butterfield, Chloe Andersen, and Colleen get together to itemize and discuss the recent **updates** to the Temple Ordinances. As women, we have some pretty strong feels about our temple experiences and how these changes have been handled. Are the changes positive? Have all the harmful, sexist and patriarchal things about the temple now been … Continue reading "MHH53: The Temple Cha-I mean Updates"

Celebrating two birthdays this week on MHH, no, not that one you’re thinking of that’s also happening this week. So to do that, I dug deep into the MHH material stash and brought out three gems to gift you! First up, the concluding Part III of John & Mary, advice from Spencer W. Kimball, in … Continue reading "MHH52: Year End Birthday Gifts"

Join Chloe from Wardless Podcast and Colleen as we explore navigating the holidays as a Post Mormon. Chloe gives us a peek into her single and dating life as a happy, fulfilled and confident Post Mormon woman. We cover our relationships with religion in general, the beautiful bonus of being single, and achieving personal growth … Continue reading "MHH51: Chloe chats Post-Mormon Christmas and Dating"

This week, Sam Young returns to give us his inside reaction to the episode of This American Life: But That’s What Happened, that addressed the consequences in the lives of children after experiencing Worthiness Interviews conducted within the LDS Church. Sam shares the results from this and other actions that Protect LDS Children has taken … Continue reading "MHH50: Sam Young Reacts to Episode of This American Life"

Welcome, Jami Good, a delightful and insightful long time listener and supporter of the show, here to run down the latest headlines within Mormonism! Together, we hit all the hot topics, including Bill Reel’s pending excommunication, changes to mission types, worthiness interviews on This American Life, Leah Remini to take on Mormonism, post-Mormon AZ Senator … Continue reading "MHH49: Mormon Headlines with Jami Good"

Throw away everything you think you know about patriarchal polygamy and monogamous gender binary scripts, and listen to Blaire Ostler’s mind-blowing theories on Queer Polygamy! Don’t worry, she defines all the poly and amorous words for you, as we talk about deconstructing the traditional beliefs and fears we have about love, deepening and expanding relationships, and … Continue reading "MHH48: Queer Polygamy: A Delicious Mind Bender with Blaire Ostler"

This week, Mithryn returns with the actual nutty and horrifying facts behind the Doctrine of Blood Atonement on a segment of Six Minute Skinny Dip into Mormon History, so don’t miss out…or else! And next, I bring you two delightful interviews with actual Goddesses, the beloved Natasha Helfer Parker and Gina Colvin. Natasha is a phenomenal … Continue reading "MHH47: A Holiday Gift of Blood Atonement, Natasha Helfer Parker & Gina Colvin"

Finally, we have arrived at a new name for the podcast following President Nelson’s condemnation of nicknames. Welcome to the “Wins For Satan” Happy Hour! Colleen welcomes a new guest this week and runs down the headline news in Mormonism, coming to the conclusion that the church is “Under New Management” and Pres. Nelson is … Continue reading "MHH46: Under New Management: The “Wins For Satan” Happy Hour"