Podcasts about facilitate

This week on Mormon Stories News, John Dehlin along with Julia, and Brooklyn of the OSF team, break down some of the biggest stories making headlines in Mormonism.President Nelson announced the Springfield, Missouri temple on April 2, 2023, yet ground was just broken for it on June 6, 2026. Why the delay? Have other temples been delayed? What is the average amount of time for a temple to be finished between its first announcement to dedication? What are the membership numbers that will fill these temples?On June 7, 2026 General Authority Seventy Kyle S. McKay spoke at a Stake Conference in Yukon, Oklahoma. Shortly after the video was posted, however, Mormon church leaders quickly removed it. Join us as we go over the most controversial parts of his talk!June has been dubbed “Fidelity Month” by Governor Cox. Cox did not announce the declaration with a news release, nor did he post it on social media as he has done at the beginning of June in the past years. But does Utah WANT this change? Is Cox trying to replace Pride Month?On June 4th the Department of Defense made some changes to the recognized list of religions. The list included several “Christian” denominations such as Lutheran, Jehovah's Witnesses, Methodists, etc. However, The LDS Church was not listed among the “Christian” denominations.On June 6th Edward Smart, the father of well-known Elizabeth Smart, shared a public Instagram Post about his current status with the LDS Church. The LDS Church is making changes to the Sacrament Meeting rooms! This story first broke with Rebecca Bibliotheca of Mormonish Podcast who shared that architectural plans for two LDS meeting house remodels reveal that the sacrament altar is now to be placed front and center under the pulpit. The plans will be in place by 2028 and this will be the new structure going forward. In 2026, BYU Football player Parker Kingston was charged with first-degree felony rape in Utah. The incident was reported by a 20-year-old woman in February 2025. Kingston has pleaded not guilty and the case is proceeding through the Utah court system. News has been released concerning the request for a new judge for the case.An invested citizen was able to attend a Utah City Council Meeting in which someone shared their concerns about the American Fork Police department in their handling of Reckless Ben (previously covered on Mormon Stories). This insider video gives a closer look at the concerned citizens of American Fork.The Great Salt Lake is in critical condition with historically low water levels due to long-term drought and heavy water diversion for agriculture and urban use. These changes threaten key ecosystems and create toxic dust storms that impact air quality across the Wasatch Front. Governor Cox said he discussed with President Trump a potential federal funding around $1 billion.___________________YouTubeShow NotesAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Today on Mormon Stories Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Brad Reedy, therapist, author, and founder of “Finding You Intensives”, to discuss his remarkable journey through faith, spirituality, addiction, and personal growth. We are also very glad to be joined by Samantha Shelly (from Zelph on the Shelf) for this uplifting conversation. Raised outside of religion, Brad spent much of his youth searching for meaning and belonging. After struggling with substance abuse as a teenager and surviving a near-fatal overdose, he encountered Mormonism and found the structure, community, and spiritual direction  had been missing from his life.As his understanding of faith evolved, Brad found himself wrestling with questions about spirituality, identity, parenting, relationships, and what it means to live authentically. Together, we explore the tension between religion and spirituality, the challenges of faith transitions, and why something that once helped a person thrive may no longer fit later in life.Brad shares his experience as a passionate convert, missionary, BYU student, and later a marriage and family therapist. Along the way, he reflects on the strengths and limitations of high-demand religions, the role that structure can play in healing and growth, and the difference between living from guilt versus living from love.This conversation is a thoughtful exploration of transformation, self-discovery, and the ongoing search for meaning beyond certainty.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

What started as a dispute over a massive LEGO Star Wars collection has exploded into one of the strangest stories on YouTube.Join Dr. John Dehlin, Julia Sanders of Analyzing Mormonism, and never-Mormon commentator Matt Gillespie of Matt's Kustom Kreations, as they investigate the viral controversy surrounding a LEGO collection reportedly worth more than $200,000. Together, they examine the timeline of events, the competing claims, the lawsuits, the corporate takeover of a Bricks & Minifigs franchise, and the investigation that brought national attention to the story.A family consigned a collection reportedly worth more than $200,000 to a Bricks & Minifigs franchise in Oregon. After a corporate takeover of the store, the collection allegedly disappeared, leading to lawsuits, public accusations, competing narratives, and an ongoing battle over who is responsible.In this episode, we break down the timeline of Bricks & Minifigs controversy, the key players involved, and the investigations that brought national attention to the case. We examine the reporting and videos released by Reckless Ben and others, the responses from Bricks & Minifigs leadership, and the legal questions that remain unresolved.We also explore a lesser-discussed aspect of the story: the surprising number of individuals connected to the dispute who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From Bricks & Minifigs executives to figures invovled in post-takeover operation of the store, Mormon connections repeatedly emerge throughout the story. We discuss what those connections are, what can be documented, and how Mormon culture, business networks, and personal relationships may have intersected with the events surrounding the case.The matters discussed in this episode involve ongoing legal and public disputes. Unless otherwise stated, references to misconduct, wrongdoing, concealment, theft, fraud, corruption, or similar claims are allegations made by third parties and should not be understood as statements of proven fact. We encourage viewers to review the underlying sources, court filings, public statements, and responses from all parties discussed. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as an assertion that any individual or organization is guilty of criminal or civil wrongdoing.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

In this episode, we expand on ideas presented by Nate Oman during a discussion on Faith Matters and trace the complicated, evolving history of Mormon sealings from Joseph Smith through the 20th century.Today, “eternal families” are often presented as the central purpose of temple sealings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But historically, the story is much messier.In this conversation, we explore how early sealings were not originally centered on the modern concept of nuclear families being together forever. Instead, sealing theology developed gradually during the Nauvoo period and often functioned as a way to create dynastic networks, priesthood connections, and systems of authority –what some critics compare to an MLM-style hierarchy of spiritual relationships. We discuss the evolution of sealing theology from Joseph Smith to Brigham Young, baptisms for the dead and the trauma surrounding Alvin Smith's death, the rise of dynastic sealings and the “Law of Adoption” where men were sealed to other men. We also discuss the relationship between sealings and plural marriage, how the sealing language changed over time, why Joseph Smith never initially sealed himself to Emma, the story of Jane Manning James and how she was “attached” to Joseph Smith instead of sealed. We also discuss the racial restrictions for Black Mormons, questions of informed consent, authority, and prophetic consistency, and whether the modern LDS concept of “forever families” would have been recognizable to Joseph Smith himself. We also examine how doctrines once treated as essential and eternal –including the Law of Adoption –were later abandoned entirely, raising larger questions about revelation, institutional change, and the development of Mormon theology. Whether you're believing, questioning, post-Mormon, or simply interested in religious history, this episode offers a deep dive into one of the most controversial and misunderstood developments in Mormon history.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

We have a very special guest on Mormon Stories today, who some of our live audience may know as "TrevAnon" on YouTube. He has helped out for many years as a moderator for Mormon Stories livestreams, and he is here today to tell us why a Never-Mormon from the Netherlands would find interest in Mormonism. This episode will begin with Trev's story, and how he developed his interest in cults and other high-demand religions--especially Scientology. Additionally, he has prepared a presentation that will compare and contrast Scientology to Mormonism. Join along as we hash out all the similarities and differences point by point. We are grateful to TrevAnon (Corry) for sharing his story and expertise with our audience, and hope you find it as interesting as we did. ___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

This week on Mormon Stories News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes break down some of the biggest stories making headlines in Mormonism.We begin with the growing scandal surrounding former Pinal County Sheriff and congressional candidate Mark Lamb. Recent reporting from The Arizona Republic details allegations involving explicit messages, secret relationships, and accusations that raise serious questions about image management, accountability, and whether Mormon leaders around Lamb have helped to protect him from consequences. We also examine the case of former LDS stake president Patrick Bucknum, who has been accused by federal authorities of orchestrating a years-long fraud scheme involving millions of dollars.We take a look at the newest reports from Ensign Peak Advisors, the investment arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With the church's investment portfolio recently losing billions, we discuss what the latest filings reveal, where the money is being invested, and why church finances remain one of the most debated topics among members and former members alike.We also cover the arrest of William Scott Messer at BYU-Idaho. The case has generated significant attention in the Rexburg community and raises questions about discernment and how William obtained an ecclesiastical endorsement.Next, we discuss Auckland YSA and visiting General Authority Peter Meurs and his challenge encouraging young single adults to go on 26 dates in 2026. While some see the initiative as a fun way to encourage social interaction, others view it as another example of the intense cultural pressure many Latter-day Saints experience surrounding dating, marriage, and family formation.Finally, we break down the latest reporting from The Salt Lake Tribune regarding church annotations. The article shines a light on a little-understood system used by church leaders to place confidential notes on member records. The story has sparked fresh concerns about how abuse is handled in the church and the lack of training given to the leaders who are tasked with making and keeping annotations.From leadership scandals and financial disclosures to dating culture, criminal investigations, and church transparency, this week's Mormon Stories News covers the stories shaping conversations throughout the Mormon world.Show notes can be found on the Mormon Stories blog here.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Welcome to Episode 73 in our LDS Discussions series!In this episode, we explore the long history of fraud, forgery, and "discernment" within Mormon history –from Joseph Smith's treasure digging and the Kinderhook Plates to the Salamander Letter, Paul Dunn, Tim Ballard, and Jodi Hildebrandt.We discuss why people believe extraordinary claims, the role of critical thinking and skepticism, and whether church leaders who claim divine guidance have actually demonstrated the “Gift of Discernment” they preach about. Along the way, we examine the Book of Abraham, the Kinderhook Plates controversy, Mark Hofmann's forged documents, hidden church history, and modern scandals that continue to raise difficult questions for believers and critics alike.The episode also looks at how faith can remain resilient even after exposure to false claims, and why many argue that institutional dishonesty –rather than belief itself –is the deeper issue.Topics include: Joseph Smith's treasure digging, the Book of Abraham facsimiles, how Elder Oaks defended the Salamander Letter, and the hiding of early Mormon documents. This discussion asks a central question: If church leaders claim special spiritual discernment, why were so many frauds, forgeries, and harmful figures embraced or defended for so long?If you enjoy long-form Mormon history and analysis, consider subscribing and supporting the channel.If you have thoughts on other topics you wish for us to cover, please leave them in the comments!___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Content Warning: Discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation.In this episode of Mormon Stories, Gustavo Hernandez from Mexico City shares his experience growing up Mormon in Mexico, discovering difficult church history as a teenager, and ultimately choosing to remain an active, believing member of the Church while navigating doubt, anxiety, and faith crises. Gustavo opens up about the shame culture surrounding worthiness, pornography confessions, and perfectionism in Mormonism –including how teachings from leaders like Spencer W. Kimball deeply affected his mental health as a young teen. He discusses experiencing panic attacks, existential dread, and suicidal thoughts while trying to reconcile faith, church history, and his desire to feel accepted by God. Along the way, Gustavo encountered the CES Letter, Mormon Stories, exMormon Reddit, temple controversies, Joseph Smith's polygamy, the priesthood ban, Freemasonry, and multiple First Vision accounts. Despite everything, he chose to stay active in the Church, serve a mission in Guatemala, and eventually became an institute teacher in Mexico. The interview includes topics like what it's like being Mormon in Mexico, growing up in a predominantly Catholic culture, p*rnography shame and bishop interviews, faith crisis as a fourteen year old boy, the CES Letter and apologetics, mission burnout, mental health and suicidal ideation, remaining active after losing certainly, as well as current beliefs about Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, polygamy, and LGBTQ issues. Whether you agree with Gustavo's conclusions or not, his story offers an honest and nuanced look at faith, doubt, mental health, and what it means to stay.___________________Show NotesYouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

In this episode, John and Meggan examine several major stories shaping the current state of Mormonism, including new research on LDS disaffiliation and decline, increasing institutional strain on local leadership, financial fraud tied to prominent Utah business figures, and the continuing controversy surrounding the Fairview Texas temple.•Drawing from research and analysis by Jeff Strong and team of researchers, we discuss what current membership and retention trends may reveal about blind spots devout Latter-day Saints have, the primary reasons for disaffiliation, how LDS trends compare with other denominations, gender differences in the decline, institutional trust, and why many members appear to be quietly disengaging from traditional LDS expectations.•We also examine a recent Salt Lake Tribune report detailing how some Utah County prosecutors notify the church's law firm when LDS bishops submit letters on behalf of criminal defendants, raising questions about ecclesiastical influence, legal systems, and institutional boundaries.Additional topics include:•A Church News livestream acknowledging how overwhelmed many LDS bishops have become while supporting young men•The Noah's Event Centers fraud convictions involving active Latter-day Saints and ongoing questions surrounding discernment• The final public plea from the mayor of Fairview, Texas asking the church to reconsider the height of the proposed temple steeple in an effort to preserve community trust.•The church battling insurers over sex abuse settlement coverage before the 10th Circuit Court•And Charlie Bird and Ryan Clifford announced via social media this week that they have already begun the process to add a child to their family.Together, these stories paint a larger picture of a church navigating growth, decline, public scrutiny, generational change, and increasing tension between institutional authority and individual experience.___________________Show NotesYouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

In Part 2 of our series on Seventh-day Adventism, Melissa Spiers shares her personal story of growing up as a fourth-generation Adventist in a deeply religious family shaped by strict lifestyle rules, purity culture, and constant pressure to perform spiritually.Melissa describes her experience navigating SDA education systems, thought control, and the intense expectations placed on young women within the church. She also discusses her eventual move away from Adventism, and the complicated relationship between religion, identity, and personal freedom.Another major focus of this episode is Melissa's discovery of abuse within her own family, the response from Seventh-day Adventist leadership, and the broader systems she believes protect abuse within high-control religious institutions. She shares how these experiences affected her relationships, mental health, and eventual religious deconstruction.Throughout the conversation, Melissa reflects on healing, rebuilding life outside of religion, and the challenges many people face after leaving high-demand faith communities. We also discuss her new memoir, "Holy Disobedience: Sex, Sin, and Secrets in the Biggest Church No One Knows".You can purchase it here.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Some leaders take over the room. Others step back too far and lose direction. Most were never actually taught how to lead conversations well. In this episode, we explore facilitation as a core leadership skill—how to guide without dominating, and create structure without control. In this episode, you'll learn: Why many leaders default to over-talking or under-leading How facilitation helps you lead with more clarity and influence Simple ways to ask better questions and create structure in conversations If you want to lead more effectively without dominating the room, this episode is for you.   For more inspiration—and to watch my free training, The Calm and Confident Communicator—head over to www.speaktoinspire.com. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an upcoming tip to elevate your speaking skills. And I'd be so grateful if you'd leave a rating and review—it really helps more people find the show!

For the first time on Mormon Stories Podcast, we're diving into the world of Seventh-day Adventism. John sits down with Melissa Spiers, a former Seventh-day Adventist, to explore the history, beliefs, culture, and practices of the SDA Church—and to compare them with Mormonism along the way.In Part 1 of this two-part series, Melissa gives an overview of Seventh-day Adventist origins, theology, lifestyle standards, and church culture, while John and Melissa discuss some of the surprising similarities and key differences between the SDA and LDS traditions.Then later this week in Part 2, Melissa shares her personal story of growing up in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, her experiences within the faith, and the reasons she ultimately chose to leave.If this topic interests you, be sure to check out Melissa's book, "Holy Disobedience: Sex, Sin, and Secrets in the Biggest Church No One Knows."You can purchase it here.___________________Show NotesYouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

The Soviet Union used Lend-Lease to "plunder" American technology, including entire Ford factories and suitcases of blueprints guarded by NKVD agents. Harry Hopkins personally intervened to facilitate the shipment of specialized chemicals and enriched uranium to the USSR. Sean McMeekin notes that while some officials like Harry Dexter Whitewere identified as NKVD agents, Hopkins acted as a devoted "agent of influence," routinely overruling ambassadors like Averell Harriman when they attempted to exert leverage over these transfers. Hopkins ensured that the flow of vital resources remained unconditional, viewing Stalin's interests as his own and outmaneuvering anyone who raised concerns. (7/8)UNDATED BAKU

Celebs Go Dating Professor Green returns to Secure The Insecure this week to talk to Johnny Seifert after four years since he last appeared on the podcast.Professor Green opens up about his identity, why he turned to alcohol, how parenting has changed him, why going outside is so important lessons from Celebs Go Dating and the mental health tools in his tool kit.You can see Professor Green on Celebs Go Dating streaming on Channel 4 nowYou can see Professor Green with Example on tour visit: www.trythisforexample.comFor more information on getting outdoors visit www.blacks.co.ukSecure The Insecure is the celebrity mental health podcast that airs on Mondays available to watch on Youtube or listen to on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Make sure you subscribe/rate/review where you are watching or listening to Secure The Insecure.Follow Johnny Seifert on Social Media:Instagram: www.instagram.com/johnnyseifertInstagram: www.instagram.com/securetheinsecurepodcastTikTok www.tiktok.com/johnnyseifert92 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our final episode in our Joseph Smith: The Podcast series, where we cover John Turner's new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.” In this episode, we explore the immediate aftermath of Joseph Smith's assassination and the profound consequences that followed his family, plural wives, and the early Latter-day Saint movement.The chapter we are covering today is the Epilogue.We look at the chaotic hours and days after his death in Nauvoo, including how his body and Hyrum's were handled, the conditions of their temporary burial, and the secrecy surrounding their remains. The episode also examines Emma Smith's role in the aftermath --her grief, her control over Joseph's body, and the difficult position she found herself in as both widow and critic of polygamy.We also discuss how Joseph's plural wives responded to his death, the emotional and political complexities of their mourning, and the uneasy reality of their realtionships with Brigham Young and other church leaders. From there, we move into the succession crisis that followed --how leadership shifted, why Brigham Young ultimately prevailed over Sidney Rigdon, and how competing visions of the church began to emerge.Finally, we step back to consider Joseph Smith's broader legacy, the scale of opposition he faced, and how his influence continued to shape American religious history long after his death.If you'd like to help keep this project going, please consider donating to support this series here. Your support makes long-form, in-depth historical discussion like this possible!Purchase John Turner's book here.Let us know your thoughts on a Brigham Young series (comprising ten episodes) covering John Turner's book Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet.___________________Show NotesYouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

How often have you heard someone say they aspire to be an ISO consultant? Likely not at all! That's not surprising as it's quite a niche world to find yourself in, yet despite that, there are still thousands of ISO professionals worldwide. We're continuing with our mini-series where we introduce members of our team, to explore how they fell into the world of ISO and discuss the common challenges they face while helping clients achieve ISO certification.   In this episode we introduce Steve Mason, a Principle isologist® at Blackmores, to share the journey of how he went from intern, to ISO Assessor, to ISO consultant and the challenges he's faced while working with clients. You'll learn ·      What is Steve's role at Blackmores? ·      What does Steve enjoy outside of consultancy? ·      What path did Steve take to become an ISO Consultant? ·      What is the biggest challenge he's faced when implementing ISO Standards? ·      What is Steve's biggest achievement?   Resources ·      Isologyhub ·      ISO 14001:2026 What's Changed And How to Comply Webinar Registration   In this episode, we talk about: [00:30] Episode Summary – We introduce Steve Mason, a Principle Isologist® here at Blackmores, to discuss his journey towards becoming an ISO consultant who specialises in ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 27018, ISO 27017 and ISO 20000-1. [02:40] What is Steve's role at Blackmores? Her role primarily involves supporting clients in two key areas: maintaining and continually improving their existing ISO management systems and helping them establish and implement new standards. As part of that support, he: ·      Makes Standards understandable and accessible to clients ·      Conduct internal audits ·      Reviews and updates management system documentation ·      Facilitate management reviews ·      Train internal teams and prepare them for certification audits. Steve is the Standard champion for ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 27017, ISO 27018 and ISO 20000-1 at Blackmores, but he also deals with ISO 9001, ISO 41001, ISO 22301 and ISO 42001 related projects and support. Steve's other main role at Blackmore's is as a Mental Health First Aider, which is shared with Minoo Agarwal. Together, they provide resources and offer support to the team. [06:00] The importance of Mental Health management in the workplace: Steve had faced bullying in previous roles, so preventing others from experiencing the same had become a big motivator for him taking on the role of Mental First Aider for Blackmores. He emphasizes it's importance, and highlights 2 key Standards that you can use to help support mental first aid within your business. This includes ISO 45003 Mental Health in the Workplace and BS 30480 Suicide and the Workplace. [09:10] What does Steve enjoy doing outside of consultancy?: Steve has a wide variety of interests and hobbies, including: Lay Minister: Steve is a Lay Minister in the United Reform Church and mainly based at the URC Chapel in Walkern, but can be found leading worship and preaching at Ashwell, Baldock, Stevenage and Knebworth chapels. Poetry: Steve enjoys writing poetry about anything and everything, racking up an impressive 190 poems so far. Some of his main inspirations include Wordsworth and Keats. If you ever see a poem on the Blackmores LinkedIn page, odds are, it was written by Steve! Classical Music: He's a fan of classical music, anything by Beethoven, Mahler or Shostakovich specifically. He likes these composers in particular due to their stretching of the rules of music for the time. Exploring hidden London: Steve often goes on hidden London tours which explore disused underground stations which may have been shut down as long as 100 years ago! Buses and Trains: Steve was lucky enough to drive a bus in his past, of which he has the licence plate of sitting in his office. He collects bus and train models and will go out to snap a photo or two of their real world counterparts when he comes across them. History: Steve is a huge mystery buff, with a particular fondness for Richard III and the War of the Roses and the Anglo Saxon period of history. Family Tree: Steve has been tracing his family tree back as far as he can on his mother's side, which extends as far back as 1547! Interestingly enough he found out that relatives from way back then got married in the church that he currently lives nearby and got qualified as a Lay Minister for the Church of England in Stevenage! Cats: He's owned his fair share of feline friends through the years, with one particular tabby holding the name 'Spartacus'. [22:35] What was Steve's path towards becoming an ISO Consultant?:  Steve was once told in the 1980s 'There is no future in Standards; find another career, perhaps in Sales or Purchasing'. How wrong that turned out to be! He's always worked with standards, from the first day he started work doing inspection in Goods Inwards, he was referring to them. The direction towards Management systems came in 1983 when he started implementing BS 5750. From that day onward he had been involved in Management Systems. Steve completed a management apprenticeship at Racal-Guardall where he was able to do 3 months' work experience in all departments, which helped him appreciate how companies function and how important it is to maintain good communication channels. He was at the end of this apprenticeship that the opportunity arose in the QA department to work on BS 5750. His career path has included other organisations such as Tektronix, BOC Ohmeda, Cirkit, Deta, TDK and BSI, all of which earned Steve a lot of experience in Manufacturing and Service and Distribution, mainly in Quality and Customer Service roles. Steve has always felt a bit like a closet consultant, even when he worked as an assessor at BSI. He feels as if Blackmores has enabled him to fully flourish and develop his portfolio of standards – not bad for a career where there was apparently no future in standards! [28:45] Born to be a consultant – Steve mentions that consultancy is a skill that many are born to be. You can train and learn the skills of course, but for some it comes very naturally and it can be hard to replicate that skillset in others. [30:15] What is Steve's favourite aspect of being a Consultant? Steve loves talking with clients and working with them to explore solutions that can address the requirements of the standards. His motto is 'Mould the Standard to the organisation and not the organisation to the standard' This means, always producing a management system that benefits the organisation first and then adjusting it to meet the requirements of the standard. Organisations that mould the business to the standard usually end up with a management system that is a 'bolt-on' and an uncomfortable, sometimes irrelevant, fit. Everyone in the organisation needs to feel that the management system is a natural fit to what they do. He also enjoys supporting his colleagues at Blackmores. We're a business built on knowledge sharing, and there's no point gatekeeping anything we've learned as a team. So consultants often get together to discuss lessons learned and ensure best practice is a shared experience. Ironically enough, one of Steve's least favourite aspects of being a consultant is auditing! Mostly since he's been doing it for some 40 years now, so he can be forgiven for finding the exercise a bit tedious at times. However, he never let's that affect the end result of an audit. [37:00] What Standards does Steve specilaise in and why? Steve initially started with ISO 9001 but was steered towards ISO 27001 and ISO 20000-1 during his time as BSI. This was based upon his career path up to the point he joined BSI as they align assessors to familiar business and technical environments. In Blackmores, he has been able to develop these areas of Quality, Service and Risk by adding standards related to Business Continuity, PII and Cloud Security, Facilities Management and AI Management. Steve's favourite standard is ISO 20000-1 which started off as an IT Service Management System but can also be used effectively for all services. He always refers to ISO 20000-1 as 'ISO 9001 on Steroids' because it is much more specific and focuses on the subject of service management. Sadly, ISO20000-1 is under rated, under sold and in some cases, never heard of – this is usually because contracts require IS O9001 but the people writing those contracts don't actually know or understand what they are asking for. In simple terms it is a Service Quality Management System and Steve has come across organisations which have shoe-horned ISO 9001 into the business instead of using the natural fitting standard ISO 20000-1. Steve would advise any company that is providing a service with helpdesk support to look at ISO 20000-1, especially if they find that ISO 9001 isn't working well for them. [43:00] What is the biggest challenge Steve had faced during a project and how did he overcome it?: Creating a management system in 10 days for a client which was due to lose a major contract because they had let their certification to ISO 9001 lapse between the 2008 and 2015 versions. Quite the undertaking in such a short amount of time! Steve refuses to claim full responsibility for the success however, as the client was totally invested in getting the system up and running and put in a lot of effort to work with Steve to get it done in time. If it had been any other standard, it would have been impossible, but because it was ISO 9001 and wthey were drawing on what had been in place previously it was possible. Generally, problems arise when there is limited or no Leadership support and commitment, because without this management systems can't be set up in a way that benefits the organisation. All management systems must align with the Business Strategy and should be used to ensure that the strategy is achieved. If you'd like to learn more about the importance of Leadership and aligning your management system with strategic direction, check out a few of our previous episodes. [50:10] What is Steve's proudest achievement?  Steve isn't really one to collect achievements, so he cites winning 1st Prize at 6 years old in a fancy-dress competition, dressed as a Snowman was a proud achievement for 6 year old him. He is also proud of becoming a Lay Reader initially in the Church of England at 37 and latterly in the URC. Another highlight is appearing on The Chase back in 2017, successfully passing the auditions which saw 40,000 applicants. If you want to go see him go up against the Chasers, he was in Series 10 episode 119. He can't point to any one ISO related project as he sees them all as an equal success. He puts all his effort into every project, and his success track shows this to be evident. [54:35] ISO 14001 Transition Webinar:  If you currently hold a 2015 certificate for ISO 14001, then the countdown has already started to transition to the latest 2026 version. We'll be covering the changes and what you need to do to comply and complete your transition in a webinar on the 29th May. You can register your place here.   If you'd like any assistance with implementing ISO standards, get in touch with us, we'd be happy to help! We'd love to hear your views and comments about the ISO Show, here's how: ●     Share the ISO Show on Twitter or Linkedin ●     Leave an honest review on iTunes or Soundcloud. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one. Subscribe to keep up-to-date with our latest episodes: Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube |iTunes | Soundcloud | Mailing List

In this episode, we dive into the life and legacy of Ernest L. Wilkinson, president of Brigham Young University from 1952 to 1971. Known for rapidly expanding BYU into a major religious university, Wilkinson was also a deeply polarizing figure whose leadership raised serious questions about race, politics, academic freedom, and loyalty within the Church.Joined by historian and longtime Signature Books publisher Gary Bergera, we explore Wilkinson's diary collection and what it reveals about his ambitions, fears, and decisions.From alleged “spy ring”activity among faculty, to clashes with Apostle Boyd K. Packer, to his views on black students, LGBTQ+ students, and the role of capitalism in the gospel, this conversation uncovers a complex portrait of a man who helped shape modern BYU –while leaving behind a legacy still debated today.Gary Bergera has spent decades shaping Mormon historical scholarship and was a key figure in Signature Books. His work has helped bring forward documents and perspectives that continue to challenge and inform conversations today.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Another Mormon podcaster has been excommunicated for apostasy. In this episode, Landon Brophy of the Mormonish Podcat joins us to share his full Mormon story –from devoted BYU-bound Eagle Scout, missionary, seminary teacher, bishopric member, and military chaplain path… to publicly questioning church truth-claims and ultimately being excommunicated by the LDS Church. And all after seven years of being in-active. Landon walks through his faith crisis step-by-step: discovering problems with the Book of Abraham, DNA and archeology issues surrounding the Book of Mormon, biblical scholarship, FARMS apologetics, and the moment he realized the evidence no longer supported what he had been taught. He also discusses the rise of Mormon-themed podcasts, the church's increasing response to public criticism, and why excommunication no longer holds the same power it once did. We also discuss the apostasy charges against him, the letter from church leadership, Mormon stories and the exMormon community, and Tim Ballard and the origins of the Mormonish Podcast. We also discuss why Landon still considers himself Mormon as part of his culture, how his family reacted to his faith transition and what peace after Mormonism looks like. We also look at how the church has treated critics in the past to how the church has treated those with abuse allegations. This is a powerful conversation about belief, identity, authority, and what happens when someone chooses honesty over fear. ___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Welcome to Episode 72 in our LDS Discussions series! This episode is a treat because for the first time in the history of LDS Discussions, every panelist is actually IN studio!Today we are doing a deep dive into one of the most foundational (and controversial) questions surrounding the Book of Mormon: What does the text actually claim about itself –and do those claims hold up?We explore the Book of Mormon's own statements about its origins, including the assertion that it was written in “Reformed Egyptian,” the idea that Egyptian is more information-dense than Hebrew, and the claim that “none other people knoweth our language.” From there, the discussion expands into linguistics, ancient writing systems, and the internal logic of the text itself.Along the way, we examine: What Egyptian and Hebrew writing actually look like from a linguistic standpoint, the practicality of engraving dense records onto metal plates, the role of editors like Mormon and Moroni (who abridged the records) and whether their explanation makes sense, and the implications of “unfallisifiable” claims in religious texts.We also take a close look at historical developments like the decipherment of Egyptian (think the Rosette Stone and Champollion), Joseph Smith's own attempts at creating or translating languages (including the Kirtland Egyptian Papers), and the broader 19th-century context that may have influenced these ideas.By comparing the Book of Mormon's claims to what we know about ancient languages and writing systems today, this episode raises important questions about authorship, translation, and historical plausibility. If you enjoy thoughtful, in-depth discussions on LDS history and truth claims, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below!___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Send us Fan MailMost nonprofits don't lose grants because they “aren't doing good work” they lose because they aren't ready to prove it. Grant strategist Lisa Eaves joins us to break down what funders actually look for, why preparation matters more than last-minute writing, and how small organizations can build a real path to sustainable nonprofit funding. Lisa shares the story behind her consulting firm, The Grant Liaison, and the idea that grant work is a partnership, not a magic trick you outsource. We talk about the three-way relationship at the heart of every award: the community need, the nonprofit's capacity, and the funder's goals. From there, she walks through her “Grant Quest” approach, including grant readiness, targeted grant research, tight compliance with RFP guidelines, and writing applications that feel polished, credible, and specific. We also dig into the part leaders often underestimate: what happens after you win. Strong grant management, outcome reporting, and clear evaluation data help you show stewardship and earn the next level of investment. Lisa explains why counting activities is not enough and how nonprofits can shift toward impact-based storytelling that resonates with foundations, corporations, and government funders. Finally, we zoom out to community leadership. Lisa makes the case for listening to the community in real ways, showing up consistently, and collaborating instead of competing especially when funding gets tight. If you lead a nonprofit, sit on a board, or support a coalition, this conversation gives you a practical map for smarter grant strategy and stronger community impact. Subscribe for more conversations like this, share the episode with a nonprofit leader who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find Community Possibilities. What part of the grant process feels hardest for your organization right now?Guest BioLISA FARRAR EAVES has spent more than 25 years working on every side of the grant process as a grant administrator, grant reviewer, and grant writer in nonprofit and government settings. She understands how grants really work, what funders look for, and where organizations most often get stuck, bringing rare, real-world insight to an often misunderstood process. She is the founder and owner of The Grant Liaison, LLC, a grant services firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, where she helps nonprofits and businesses turn big ideas into fundable, manageable projects. Known for her engaging, down-to-earth teaching style, Lisa makes complex grant concepts feel clear and achievable. She regularly shares her expertise as a speaker and volunteer with organizations such as SCORE, the Atlanta Urban LeLike what you heard? Please like and share wherever you get your podcasts!Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions  How Ann  can help:·        Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.·        Help you create a strategic plan that doesn't stress you and your group out, doesn't take all year to design, and is actionable.·        Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.·        Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.·        Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.·        Speak at your conference or event.Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.   Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com

With the National Day of Prayer on 7 May 2026, Dr. Karen shares her insights and highlights the vital role of prayer in guiding leaders, strengthening nations, and sustaining organizations through uncertainty and change. Drawing from scripture, historical context, and real-world executive leadership challenges, Dr. Karen emphasizes the importance of seeking Godly wisdom, direction, and … The post Prayer, Purpose, Personal Legacy, and How Mothers Facilitate Executive Success (Episode # 518U) first appeared on TRANSLEADERSHIP, INC®.

In today's episode, sisters Meggan and Julie share what it was like growing up in a family of 14 children in a very strict Mormon household. They describe a home built around structure, obedience, and high expectations: early morning scripture study, strict rules, limited privacy, and constant pressure to represent the “ideal” Mormon family. They each re-tell their own experiences growing up in this environment, and discuss why they found their relationship fractured for many years—then reveal how they re-kindled their relationship. They also each discuss their individual faith journeys and where they stand with their beliefs today.Topics/themes include:-Family dynamics-Authority and control in the home-Modesty and purity culture-Perfectionism, shame and worthiness-Faith transitionsMeggan is also the host of her own post-Mormon channel, Generally Unquotable, which can be found here.This episode is a beautiful example of bridge building and unconditional love, and we are very grateful to Meggan and Julie for sharing their story with us.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Welcome to Part 40 of our Joseph Smith Podcast series with Dr. John Turner!Today we are covering the final chapter of Dr. John Turner's new book,  Joseph Smith; The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. The chapter is titled “Bleeding Hearts.”In this episode we unpack the turbulent final months of Joseph Smith's life in 1844. We explore escalating legal pressures, political tensions in Nauvoo, and the controversial events surrounding the Nauvoo Expositor, press freedom, and Smith's increasingly complex role as prophet, mayor, and military leader.We also examine the accusations of polygamy and misconduct circulating at the time, the internal fractures within the Latter-day Saint movement, and how Joseph Smith responded through sermons, leadership decision, and public defense.As tensions rise, we follow the path from legal entanglements and political conflict in Illinois to Smith's final days, his decision to flee, and the events leading to his death at Carthage Jail. The episode closes with reflections on the aftermath of his killing and its lasting impact on the movement he founded.This is a deep historical discussion drawing on Dr. Turner's scholarship and primary source material to better understand one of the most consequential and contested moments in early American religious history.If you'd like to help keep this project going, please consider donating to support this series here. Your support makes long-form, in-depth historical discussion like this possible!Purchase John Turner's book here.Let us know your thoughts on a Brigham Young series (comprising ten episodes) covering John Turner's book Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Welcome back to part 2 of Dr. Michael Coe week here on Mormon Stories Podcast, where we are re-releasing some on the most important episodes in the history of this channel. The original description for this episode reads:"We are excited to revisit Dr. Michael Coe at his home in New Haven, Connecticut, to discuss some of the challenges facing Mormon archaeologists attempting to prove the historical truth of their central scripture.Dr. Michael Coe is the Charles J. MacCurdy Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at Yale University and Curator Emeritus of the Division of Anthropology at the Peabody Museum of Natural History. He is an expert on the Maya, who inhabited the same part of Mexico and Central America where Mormon scholars say the events of the Book of Mormon took place."This episode was released in April of 2018.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

A Foreign ministry spokesperson says China's zero-tariff policy for 53 African diplomatic partners demonstrates a shared commitment to contributing to global peace and development, adding that China will steadily enhance trade with Africa.

Join us today for another re-mastered classic Mormon Stories episode! This interview with Dr. Michael Coe is one of the most important Mormon Stories episodes to date. In order to introduce this significant conversation to our newer audiences, we have compiled it into a single episode and re-broadcasting it. The original description for this episode reads,"Dr. Michael Coe is the Charles J. MacCurdy professor emeritus of Anthropology at Yale University and curator emeritus of the Division of Anthropology at the school's Peabody Museum of Natural History. He is an expert on the Maya, who inhabited the same part of Mexico and Central American where Mormon scholars say the events of the Book of Mormon took place. In this interview, Coe discusses the challenges facing Mormon archaeologists attempting to prove the historical truth of their central scripture and his own views on Joseph Smith."This episode originally aired in August 2011, and was titled "Dr. Michael Coe – An Outsider's View of Book of Mormon Archaeology" (episodes 268-270). A follow-up conversation was filmed and released in April 2018, which will be re-broadcasted this week as well.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Welcome to Part 39 of our Joseph Smith Podcast series with Dr. John Turner!In Chapter 30 titled “The Kingdom (which covers the year 1844), we explore what may be the true beginning of the end for Joseph Smith –politically, socially, and religiously. This episode dives into Joseph Smith's unexpected run for President of the United States, including the development of his platform, his views on slavery, and how he attempted to position himself within the broader national debate. We examine the role of figures like William Phelps in shaping the platform, as well as the tensions between abolitionism, racial attitudes, and expansionist ideas in the 1840s.We then turn to one of the most controversial developments of this period: the Council of Fifty –a secretive body tied to the concept of the “Kingdom of God” on earth. What did it mean for Joseph Smith to be anointed as a king? How did this council blur the line between church and state? At the same time, opposition is rising. Polygamy is becoming public, creating internal fractures and external outrage. We discuss the growing resistance within Nauvoo, including Emma Smith's return to the Relief Society and her public pushback against plural marriage. Finally, we examine the King Follett Discourse, one of Joseph SMith's most theologically expansive sermons –introducing ideas about the nature of God and humanity that would shape Latter-day theology moving forward. All of this unfolds amid increasing tension, dissent, and conflict that will soon erupt in dramatic ways. If you'd like to help keep this project going, please consider donating to support this series here. Your support makes long-form, in-depth historical discussion like this possible!Purchase John Turner's book here.Let us know your thoughts on a Brigham Young series (comprising ten episodes) covering John Turner's book Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet.___________________Show NotesYouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

In this episode, we sit down with Jared Smith –an ex-Christian, former Wheaton College student, and atheist YouTuber –to explore what happens when someone deeply rooted in evangelical Christianity takes a serious look at Mormonism.Jared shares his journey from devoted believer to skeptic, including his time at Wheaton College (often called the “Harvard of Christian institutions”), where he studied everything from apologetics to exorcism –and even Christian heavy metal.We dive into his firsthand experiences auditing religions, attending Mormon services, reading the Book of Mormon, and engaging with LDS culture from an outsider's perspective. Along the way, we explore what it's like to WANT your religion to be true –and still lose it, the role of Jesus in Mormonism vs. traditional Christianity, those who take religion most seriously are the ones who seem to be leaving, the emotional and intellectual toll of deconstruction, what he thought when he read the Book of Mormon, and the intersection of belief, identity, and online content creation.We also discuss broader topics like Jehovah's Witnesses and blood doctrine, charismatic Christianity (including exorcism and speaking in tongues), and the culture of apologetics across faith traditions.Jared offers a thoughtful, non-combative perspective as someone more interested in understanding belief than attacking it –making this conversation a nuanced look at faith, doubt and everything in between.Check out Jared's YouTube channel “Heliocentric”: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS5YtyTzVJo_N-vjub8te3gVideos to watch in preparation for our next episode with Jared Smith:“This Mormon church sucked” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_iAA_Zp-GQHis episode with Nemo the Mormon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQSo0aQQkbgJacob Hansen's response to Jared - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOFghorZj9s___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is suing Mormon Stories Podcast and Dr. John Dehlin claiming trademark and copyright infringement.  We feel very confident in our standing in this case.  We also feel as though the church is mischaracterizing what happened in mediation in a way that is misleading, untrue, and damaging.  Please join us today to learn our perspective on what the LDS church demanded in mediation, what John Dehlin and Mormon Stories did to accommodate reasonable requests, and how you can help support Mormon Stories Podcast.  - To donate to the Mormon Stories Podcast legal defense fund, please click here: https://www.mormonstories.org/legal/- To review a few quick responses to the church's press release, please click here.___________________YouTubeShow NotesAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

David Daoud discusses reports that the US administration pressured Israel to halt its offensive against Hezbollah to facilitate negotiations with Iran, preventing the Israeli military from establishing a new, favorable status quo in Lebanon. (1)1969 LEBANON

In Part 38 with historian John Turner we dive into his latest book Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. In this episode, we focus on Chapter 29, “Cool as a Cucumber,” unpacking the turbulent years of 1843-1844 –arguably the beginning of the end for Joseph Smith.We explore mounting legal pressure, political entanglements, and growing internal dissent with Nauvoo. Along the way, we examine controversial and often difficult topics, including Joseph Smith's relationship with William Law and his wife, accusations of coercion tied to plural marriage, and an alleged physical altercation involving Watler Bagby.This episode traces how tensions –both inside and outside the church –escalaated rapidly, setting the stage for the final chapter of Joseph Smith's life.If you'd like to help keep this project going, please consider donating to support this series ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Your support makes long-form, in-depth historical discussion like this possible!Purchase John Turner's book ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.Let us know your thoughts on a Brigham Young series (comprising ten episodes) covering John Turner's book Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet.___________________⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Show Notes⁠⁠At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

In Part 38 with historian John Turner we dive into his latest book Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. In this episode, we focus on Chapter 29, “Cool as a Cucumber,” unpacking the turbulent years of 1843-1844 –arguably the beginning of the end for Joseph Smith.We explore mounting legal pressure, political entanglements, and growing internal dissent with Nauvoo. Along the way, we examine controversial and often difficult topics, including Joseph Smith's relationship with William Law and his wife, accusations of coercion tied to plural marriage, and an alleged physical altercation involving Watler Bagby.This episode traces how tensions –both inside and outside the church –escalaated rapidly, setting the stage for the final chapter of Joseph Smith's life.If you'd like to help keep this project going, please consider donating to support this series here. Your support makes long-form, in-depth historical discussion like this possible!Purchase John Turner's book here.Let us know your thoughts on a Brigham Young series (comprising ten episodes) covering John Turner's book Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

  12. Phil Swan and Joe Pistrito envision reusable systems landing humans on Mars within a decade. They advocate for infrastructure like mass drivers to reduce transportation costs and facilitate a sustainable multiplanetary human civilization.1910 USS MASSACHUCETTS

What would compel a BYU student to resign from the Church immediately after graduation? Join us today as we explore this question and more with our guest, Ryan Huey.Ryan was raised in Missouri as one of six children in a very devout Mormon family. He served an LDS mission in Texas, worked as an EFY counselor, and later attended BYU–Provo. But at multiple points throughout his Mormon upbringing, the foundations of his faith began to show cracks.Topics include:-Shame cycles-Mission experiences-Finding identity beyond Mormonism-BYU student cultureand moreWe hope you enjoy this thoughtful conversation about faith, identity, and how to redefine your life beyond Mormonism.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Welcome to Part 37 in our series with Dr. John Turner covering his new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.”In this episode, we explore one of the most controversial and least understood rituals in early Mormonism: The Second Anointing. While Emma Smith was away, tensions continued to rise –but when she returned, the conflict between her and Joseph Smith regarding polygamy reached a breaking point. Already furious over plural marriage, Emma confronted Joseph in a series of explosive moments –demanding accountability, destroying symbolic gifts, and treating his reputation, his movement, and even his future. We follow the fallout from Emma's return from St. Louis, including disputes involving figures like William Clayton and Eliza R. Snow, as well as the story of Flora Ann Woodworth –whose relationship with Joseph raises difficult questions about power, coercion, and consent.As Emma pushes back, Joseph faces a real fear: that she could leave him and expose everything.But then something changes.At the center of this episode is the introduction of the Second Anointing –a secret, elite ordinance promising exaltation, godhood, and eternal salvation not just for the individual, but for their family line. We break down the ritual itself, the promise that “nothing but the shedding of innocent blood” can prevent godhood, the ability to seal others to eternal life, parallels to religious indulgences, and the spiritual framing of the ordinances for those who received it. We also examine how this moment may have shifted Emma's resistance –and why, despite everything, she ultimately remained with Joseph until the very end.If you'd like to help keep this project going, please consider donating to support this series here. Your support makes long-form, in-depth historical discussion like this possible!Purchase John Turner's book here.Let us know your thoughts on a Brigham Young series (comprising ten episodes) covering John Turner's book Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Today we are joined by Dr. John Lundwall (PhD, comparative myth and religion), to share what he believes is the BIGGEST anachronism in the book of Mormon – the text itself. Using his expertise in ancient religions and how they are practiced, Dr. Lundwall offers an analysis of the religious cultures that exist in the Book of Mormon and how they are inconsistent with any other ancient religious practices. He examines early religious expression through rock art, solar deities, and ritual spaces, highlighting how ancient belief systems were primarily oral, symbolic, and embodied—expressed through ritual, chant, and performance rather than writing. He then contrasts this with the Book of Mormon's highly text-centered nature, beginning with its very first page.We will also discuss the religious cultures that exist in the Book of Mormon and how they are inconsistent with what we know about ancient societies. Dr. Lundwall explores how writing developed historically, and how religious knowledge was typically preserved and transmitted through oral tradition rather than written records. He will also discuss the “Golden Plates” at length, and share his insight on why their creation would have been highly unlikely for cultures of this time period.___________________Show NotesYouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Welcome to Part 36 of our Joseph Smith Podcast series with Dr. John Turner covering his new book “Joseph Smith: Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.”Today we are covering Chapter 28: "Anointed" that covers 1843. In this episode, we explore one of the most explosive and painful chapters in early Mormon history –Emma Smith's direct opposition to Joseph Smith over the practice of polygamy. As tensions rise within Nauvoo, Emma confronts the growing reality of plural marriage, leading to deep personal conflict, secrecy, and division.We examine Joseph Smith's controversial marriages, including his sealing to Helen Mar Kimball, and the broader system that introduced young women into polygamy –often through pressure, family influence, and religious framing. Through firsthand accounts, journals, and later testimonies, we unpack the human cost of these relationships and the theological justification behind them.This episode also dives into Doctrine and Covenants 132 –the pivotal revelation on plural marriage –exploring its origins, its impact on Emma, and the broader implications for Mormon theology and authority. We discuss questions surrounding consent, power, sexuality, and the role of women, alongside the cultural and religious environment that allowed polygamy to take root. As the conflict escalates, Emma begins pushing back –publicly and privately –while Joseph attempts to solidify the practice doctrinally. The episode culminates in one of the most controversial and secretive ordinances in Mormonism: the Second Anointing.If you'd like to help keep this project going, please consider donating to support this series here. Your support makes long-form, in-depth historical discussion like this possible!Purchase John Turner's book here.Let us know your thoughts on a Brigham Young series (comprising ten episodes) covering John Turner's book Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet.___________________Show NotesYouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Joining John & Mergi Dehlin today is Chelsey Rencher Liaga, here to share her Mormon story of how she was “groomed” for Mormon motherhood, and how this hindered the development of her own mental health and self identity.Chelsey was born in Gilbert, Arizona (a heavily Mormon community) and had a typical Mormon upbringing. She suffered from perfectionism as a child, which later led to body dysmorphia issues and an eating disorder that affected her time on her mission in Spokane, Washington.After her mission she met her husband at BYU, and they quickly started building their perfect Mormon family. Chelsey describes the stress she felt early on in their marriage to cook, clean, and uphold the household, and how she eventually overcame this stressor.She also details her career as a therapist, her experiences as a working mother, and working at LDS family services.Topics include:-Perfectionism-Purity culture-Motherhood-Mixed faith marriage-Mixed race marriage-Mental HealthThis is a pervasive issue in Mormonism that we know many Mormon women can relate to, and hope that Chelsey's story can help other LDS women feel seen. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses eating disorders. Please listen responsibly. ___________________Show NotesYouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Following the passing of my dear friend and former BYU professor, Dr. William Bradshaw, we are honoring his life today by re-broadcasting my interview with him from 2010.The original description for this episode is as follows:"In this episode, John Dehlin interviews one of his former professors and mentors, Dr. William Bradshaw, on a wide variety of topics. Dr. Bradshaw has just recently retired from a rich and fulfilling career as a molecular biology professor at BYU in which he influenced thousands of students to continually be open to the best thinking of the sciences while still nurturing a robust, mature faith and spiritual life. Many report Dr. Bradshaw's classes and their various interactions with him as pivotal to their finding a way to value the wisdom generated in both their heads and their hearts.In this far-ranging discussion, Dr. Bradshaw takes us through the arc of his life, including his mission, experiences at Harvard, the circumstances of his career choice, and the surprise call he and his wife Marge received to serve as very young mission presidents in Hong Kong, during which service they had to wrestle with opening and closing missionary work in Vietnam. Dr. Bradshaw relates stories from his career at BYU, talks about science and religion issues, and reveals the way he faces challenges to his faith from Mormon history and scriptural studies.Many Mormon Stories podcast listeners will already be familiar with one aspect of Dr. Bradshaw's life from Episode 191, which featured a recording of the most recent lecture he gave at BYU on the biological origins of homosexuality–a lecture he has arranged and given every year for the past several years. Dr. Bradshaw first became prompted to study the research on this subject when his son Brett came out about his homosexuality. Since that time, the Bradshaws have been active members in various LDS groups for families working to support their LGBT children."Dr. Bradshaw's funeral will be held at the Orem Stake Chapel (365 South 900 East, Orem, UT 84097) on April 3rd at 11:00 AM.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Join us to speak with Bridget Read about her new article in New York Magazine entitled "Under the Mormon Influence: How the Women of Utah Blogged and Posted Their Way Into American Hearts and Wallets."Bridget Read has been a writer at New York Magazine since 2019 and is the author of "Little Bosses Everywhere: How the Pyramid Scheme Shaped America."If you'd like to help keep this project going, please consider donating to support this series here. Your support makes long-form, in-depth historical discussion like this possible!Purchase John Turner's book here.Let us know your thoughts on a Brigham Young series (comprising ten episodes) covering John Turner's book Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Welcome back to Part 35 of our series with Dr. John Turner discussing his new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.”In 1843, Joseph Smith began introducing some of his closest family members – including his wife Emma Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith –to the controversial and secretive practice of plural marriage.This episode dives into one of the most complex and debated periods of early Latter-day Saint history. We explore the story of the Kinderhook Plates –a set of six brass plates that briefly captured Joseph Smith's attention before being exposed as a fraud –and what that moment reveals about claims of translation and discernment.We also examine the marriages to the Partridge sisters, the dynamics between Joseph and Emma, and the growing theological framework surrounding celestial marriage, “calling and election made sure,” and eternal hierarchy. As new doctrines emerged, secrecy, trust, and power became deeply intertwined. This episode raises difficult questions such as: What happened to the Kinderhook Plates –and why didn't the translation continue? How did plural marriage unfold behind the scenes? What did Joseph teach privately vs publicly? How did those closest to him respond about polygamy?This is a careful, long-form discussion intended to slow down and examine the historical record in detail. If you'd like to help keep this project going, please consider donating to support this series here. Your support makes long-form, in-depth historical discussion like this possible!Purchase John Turner's book here.Let us know your thoughts on a Brigham Young series (comprising ten episodes) covering John Turner's book Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet.___________________Show NotesYouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Today, Debora Meireles Ling joins John and Margi to share her journey growing up in a deeply orthodox LDS family in Brazil, where Mormonism shaped nearly every part of her life. As a teenager, Debora felt intense pressure to live the gospel perfectly and struggled with perfectionism as she tried to meet the expectations placed on faithful members.Debora was called to serve a mission in the São Paulo South Mission, but the experience quickly became overwhelming. After experiencing severe anxiety and panic attacks, she was sent home early—a devastating event she initially interpreted as a punishment from God. She reflects on the emotional toll of mission culture and the challenges missionaries can face when mental health struggles arise.After returning home, Debora worked to rebuild her life while remaining deeply committed to her faith. She eventually married a fellow returned missionary, and together they tried to build the kind of life they had always been taught to pursue within the Church. Over time, however, new questions and experiences began to challenge some of the assumptions she had carried for most of her life. This conversation explores perfectionism, missionary culture, mental health, and more.___________________Show NotesYouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Welcome back to Part 34 of our series with Dr. John G. Turner! Today we are covering most of Chapter 27 in John Turner's new book Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. The chapter is called “Deep Water” and covers the year 1843.The main topic for today is polygamy.Join us as we discuss several of Joseph Smith's wives such as Flora Woodworth, Eliza R. Snow, Sarah Ann Whitney, Lucy Walker, etc. John Dehlin challenges Dr. John Turner on specific aspects such as whether Emma Smith really did push Eliza R. Snow down the stairs and whether or not Porter Rockwell did actually attempt to assassinate Lilburn Boggs. We also discuss the validity of the William Clayton journals and postulate on why the church has yet to publish them.Throughout 1843, Joseph Smith promised men and women salvation based on their willingness to enter into polygamy. He spent church funds on gifts for his wives, as well as buying some of them plots of land, and even travel expenses for some of the women (from England to Nauvoo). Joseph Smith used language that could be seen as coercive, for example, telling Lucy Walker that polygamy was a command of God and that he would give her “until tomorrow to decide this matter [of polygamy] and that “If you reject this message the gate will be closed forever against you.”In this episode we tackle hard questions such as: Can people who do bad things also be good? Does good behavior negate seemingly abusive actions? Are people all bad and all good? Can Joseph Smith's actions be seen as human trafficking?This chapter in Mormonism is deeply problematic and disturbing, but Dr. John Turner handles it amazingly.Let us know your thoughts on a Brigham Young series (comprising ten episodes) covering John Turner's book Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet.If you'd like to help keep this project going, please consider donating to support this series here. Your support makes long-form, in-depth historical discussion like this possible!Purchase John Turner's book here.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

In his official 1838 history, Joseph Smith described discovering the golden plates inside a carefully constructed stone box in the Hill Cumorah. According to his account, the box contained the plates, the Urim and Thummim, and a breastplate.But what happened to that stone box?In this episode of LDS Discussions, we take a deep dive into the historical record surrounding the stone box narrative. We compare Joseph Smith's 1838 history with earlier and later accounts, statements from witnesses like David Whitmer, Martin Harris, and Oliver Cowdery, and later retellings from leaders such as Brigham Young.We explore:-What Joseph Smith said was inside the box-Whether early Saints believed there was MORE than one box-Claims about swords, the Liahona, and other Nephite artifacts-The evolution of the story over time-Whether codex-style plates create anachronistic problems-The “magic worldview” shared by early Mormon leaders-Comparisons to treasure-digging culture-Why there is no physical evidence of the stone box todayWe also examine 19th century newspaper references discussing the stone box, Whitmer's later (contradictory) interviews, and the strange disappearance of a stone structure that supposedly survived for over a thousand years.If the box was real and physically constructed with stone slabs and pillars –as described –why did it leave no trace? Why didn't believers preserve fragments the way people took pieces of the Berlin Wall? And why does the Hill Cumorah today appear completely undisturbed?This episode wrestles with a central question: Does the detail of a stone box strengthen Joseph Smith's credibility –or create new historical and epistemological problems?This is Episode 71 in our LDS Discussions series!___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

In Part 38 with historian John Turner we dive into his latest book Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. In this episode, we focus on Chapter 29, “Cool as a Cucumber,” unpacking the turbulent years of 1843-1844 –arguably the beginning of the end for Joseph Smith.We explore mounting legal pressure, political entanglements, and growing internal dissent with Nauvoo. Along the way, we examine controversial and often difficult topics, including Joseph Smith's relationship with William Law and his wife, accusations of coercion tied to plural marriage, and an alleged physical altercation involving Watler Bagby.This episode traces how tensions –both inside and outside the church –escalaated rapidly, setting the stage for the final chapter of Joseph Smith's life.If you'd like to help keep this project going, please consider donating to support this series ⁠here⁠. Your support makes long-form, in-depth historical discussion like this possible!Purchase John Turner's book ⁠here⁠.Let us know your thoughts on a Brigham Young series (comprising ten episodes) covering John Turner's book Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet.___________________⁠YouTube⁠⁠Show Notes⁠At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Please join us as we interview Chase McWhorter from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives about his Mormon Story.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Join Michelle Stone and Cheryl Bruno as they discuss the history of the Mormon polygamy wars that erupted in the U.S. AFTER the death of Joseph Smith.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Join us as we conclude Carol Lynn Pearson week on Mormon Stories Podcast!Today we have planned a celebration & Q&A with beloved author, poet, feminist, and activist Carol Lynn Pearson. We will have several guests on to share their dedications to Carol Lynn. And Barbara Brown from Signature Books will join us as we also discuss the new release of: The Diaries of Carol Lynn Pearson--Mormon Author, Feminist, and Activist: Volume 1 (1956-1990).Please help us support Carol Lynn Pearson and purchase her new memoir, here.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Welcome back to Carol Lynn Pearson week on Mormon Stories podcast, as we re-visit two very important interviews with a one-of-a-kind Mormon woman.Today's episode was originally recorded in 2018, when we teamed up with Sunstone to do a live recording where we discussed Pearson's book, The Ghost of Eternal Polygamy. Special thanks to the Salt Lake City Community of Christ for hosting such a wonderful evening and for the many listeners who came to enjoy the experience.In our next episode, we will close out the week by welcoming Carol Lynn Pearson back on the podcast to celebrate the release of her new book, The Diaries of Carol Lynn Pearson. We will also be joined on that interview by the director of Signature Books, Barbara Jones Brown.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Today, we are thrilled to kick off Carol Lynn Pearson week on Mormon Stories Podcast! Join us for the re-broadcast of two very important interviews with a one-of-a-kind Mormon woman. Then, we will close out the week by welcoming Carol Lynn Pearson back on the podcast to celebrate the release of her new book, The Diaries of Carol Lynn Pearson, where we will also be joined by the director of Signature Books, Barbara Jones Brown.Carol Lynn Pearson is the author of a 1986 memoir, Goodbye, I Love You, about the death of her gay husband from AIDS.Her musical, My Turn on Earth, is among the most successful Mormon musicals of all time.Carol Lynn is an advocate for women and LGBTQ+ Mormons. Her 2007 book, “No More Goodbyes,” tells the stories of gay Mormons (and those of other faiths), coping with family, religion, and, occasionally, suicide.Today's interview was filmed in 2010, and was originally broken into four parts and released as episodes 173-177. We have compiled them into a singular episode in order to re-introduce it to our listeners.CONTENT WARNING: This series contains discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation. Please listen responsibly.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions