Podcasts about lds church

My friend Alex Cutini joins us to share his story: Alex Cutini grew up Catholic in Brazil, sensing early on that he was different from the other boys. At 18, his search for meaning led him to join the LDS Church, serve a mission a year later in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and eventually move to the United States to graduate from BYU-Idaho. Beneath the surface, the strain of hiding who he was grew into profound depression and moments of suicidal ideation. Coming out meant stepping away from the church and facing the heartbreak of family members who struggled to accept him. Yet alongside that pain came grace: a deep, enduring love with his husband Matt, now married for ten years, and unexpected, unwavering support from his mission president and the missionary and family who baptized him. As both of their families slowly learned how to love more fully, Alex found his way forward—toward healing, purpose, and ultimately becoming the CEO of Encircle, where his story now helps save lives. Alex then shares the story of Encircle, now serving communities through five locations across Utah. He honors Stephenie Larsen's original vision and courage in founding Encircle, and explains how that vision has grown into a lifeline for queer youth and their families. Encircle provides affirming clinical therapy, currently accepting new clients, alongside a wide range of free programs and services designed to create safety, connection, and hope. Together, these offerings reflect a simple but powerful mission: to ensure no young person or family has to navigate identity, mental health, or belonging alone. This is one of the most powerful podcasts we've ever done. Alex's coming-out story is profoundly moving as he shares his journey from shame to self-love and acceptance—traveling from darkness, depression, and little hope to light, happiness, and a deeper capacity to help others. I wish everyone—straight or queer—could hear his story. The principles and insights he shares have the power to help us all. Thank you, Alex, for being on the podcast and for your extraordinary work at Encircle. You are making a tremendous difference for good in our community, and you are one of my heroes. And to everyone involved with Encircle—thank you. I am deeply supportive of your lifesaving work. Links: Alex's Instagram: @alexcutini Alex's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcutini/ Encircle's Instagram: @encircletogether Encircle: https://encircletogether.org/

Welcome to Part 26 of our Joseph Smith Podcast series! In this episode, we continue our deep dive into Chapter 22 of John Turner's new biography, Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet, as the story moves to the founding of Nauvoo, Illinois in 1840 –a fresh start for the Latter-day Saints and a turning point in Joseph Smith's theology and authority.We explore the emergence of baptism for the dead, one of the most distinctive doctrines introduced in Nauvoo, and how Joseph Smith framed proxy ordinances as answers to grief, death, and eternal family bonds. From New Testament passages to Adam Clarke's biblical commentary, we examine how this doctrine developed, why the Saints embraced it so enthusiastically, and how it eventually became tied to the temple.This episode also covers the doctrine of re-baptism, a ritual that allowed faithful members to recommit repeatedly, and what this reveals about early Mormon ideas of salvation, renewal, and belonging. We also introduce one of the most controversial figures of the Nauvoo period: John C. Bennett –a charismatic leader with a scandalous past whose rise and fall would have lasting consequences for Nauvoo, Joseph Smith, and the Church's political and legal standing.Along the way, we discuss Nauvoo's utopian hopes, strange theological ideas, spiritual experimentation, the growing power of the Nauvoo militia (and Joseph Smith), and the seeds of opposition that will eventually lead to Joseph Smith's death. Join us in the next episode for our discussion on Polygamy!Please purchase the book ⁠here⁠.To support this series please donate ⁠here⁠. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the 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 this powerful episode, we sit down with Appio Hunter, whose early life as a Portuguese-speaking Mormon kid, his journey through conversion therapy, and his eventual path to love, self-acceptance, and healing make for one of the most profound LGBTQ+ Mormon Stories ever shared on this channel.Raised between Southern California and Utah by a Brazilian mother and a father with deep pioneer-era lineage, Appio knew from age four that he was different. By adolescence, he recognized he was gay –just as he was absorbing the harsh anti-gay rhetoric embedded in Mormon culture of the era. What followed was years of masking, spiritual turmoil, self-hatred, and the crushing belief that he needed to be “fixed.”Appio was eventually ushered into LDS-supported Reparative Therapy, including talk therapy, group sessions, “baseball therapy,” and even a type of 12-step program designed to eliminate same-sex attraction. This path led him all the way to the early 1990s offices of senior LDS General Authorities –including Russell M. Nelson and Henry B. Eyring –where he was held up as a "success story" of conversion therapy.Beneath the surface of being the “poster boy” for Reparative Therapy, the cost was devastating: self-loathing, loneliness, suicidal ideation, and the tragic loss of peers who didn't survive the program. Ultimately, Appio's journey brought him toward authenticity and real love.This is a story of survival, identity, love, and liberation –a must-watch for anyone navigating faith transitions, LGBTQ+ issues, or the legacy of Mormon conversion therapy.___________________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

When Radio Free Mormon says this is the show the LDS church doesn’t want you to see, he’s not kidding! The LDS church already took down the original version of this episode by lodging a copyright strike against it with YouTube. But now, what with Dallin H. Oaks being made president of the LDS church,… Read More »The Show The LDS Church Doesn’t Want You To See! RFM: 432

The LDS Church has quietly opened the door for English-speaking members to read Bible translations beyond the King James Version. On the surface, that may sound harmless. But once members begin reading the Bible in clearer, modern language, some long-standing Mormon doctrinal assumptions start running into friction. Tonight, we look at why this change matters… Read More »LDS Church Moves Away From KJV? The post LDS Church Moves Away From KJV? appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

When Radio Free Mormon says this is the show the LDS church doesn’t want you to see, he’s not kidding! The LDS church already took down the original version of this episode by lodging a copyright strike against it with YouTube. But now, what with Dallin H. Oaks being made president of the LDS church,… Read More »The Show The LDS Church Doesn’t Want You To See! RFM: 432 The post The Show The LDS Church Doesn’t Want You To See! RFM: 432 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Natasha is joined by two of her colleagues on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. Amy Roy and Lindsay Ferguson, both interns at Symmetry Counseling, join to discuss supporting faith transitions. Resources referenced in this episode: "When Mormons Doubt" by Jon Ogden: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1535350377/?bestFormat=true&k=when%20mormons%20doubt&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k0_1_16_de&crid=WMLVXOBVUVX2&sprefix=when%20mormons%20dou "Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids without Religion" by Dale McGowan: https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Beyond-Belief-Raising-Religion/dp/0814437419/ref=sr_1_2?crid=352KN87OF690Y&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Ua-_vxM_d-ndcFQVCIkpLRM2COHo1k1vUNsb7Vg8DTIj9zWaLhzegioWmYIX-kglontgVYgyIWW7h2b9swuOondzm9QzYrwoV0bPAWgHtFBOUN9q69ljskYzZZCu3JgPZoibeY4A-UoYIvJCsn9_7T9mEThlMhQ4O2pE06VTtdW53ssBV2AAlwuHlIOk4KDnNwCRaqfN6PPrj5uua1iymcZMZ_EPvPXwgyo9Geh90ws.fZfGgtXas2D1MMYcIHHKADhkgBYgnJyu5KEzjtlgTC0&dib_tag=se&keywords=parenting+beyond+belief&qid=1766593809&s=books&sprefix=parenting+beyond+belief%2Cstripbooks%2C167&sr=1-2 Mormon Mental Health Association: https://mormonmentalhealthassoc.org/ Parenting after a Mormon Faith Crisis: https://www.mormonfaithcrisis.com/parenting-after-a-mormon-faith-crisis-an-overview/ Uplift Kids: https://upliftkids.org/ More on Amy and Lindsay: Amy Roy believes in the power of helping people discover the strengths they already possess within themselves.  Personal empowerment is a driving force in her work and she is deeply passionate about helping people create the lives they desire. Amy spent many years working in higher education and has loved helping young adults along their journey into adulthood.  After completing the CES Seminary teaching program, she worked as an CES Institute teacher for Harvard and MIT students in Cambridge, MA.  Amy's experience of leaving the LDS Church after two years of research, followed by her journey in alcohol recovery, inspired her to return to school for her second master's degree to become a therapist.  Amy is passionate about helping people in recovery and those creating a new life for themselves after major life changes and/or trauma. She sought out a practice with a faith transition specialty and is thrilled to now be with Symmetry!  She is also a board member of the Mormon Mental Health Association (MMHA)  Along with being a Certified Life Coach, Amy holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University and a Master of Higher Education Leadership degree from Northcentral University, and is currently finishing her Master's in May as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor.  Go here to find out more about Amy: https://symcounseling.com/amy-roy/   Lindsay Ferguson is a CSW intern therapist at Symmetry Counseling and an MSW graduate student at Louisiana State University, graduating in May 2026. She works with individuals of all ages and couples, supporting clients through life transitions, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, LGBTQ+ experiences, religious transitions, and mental health challenges, with a focus on values-based, meaningful living. She's been married for 20 years, is a mom of four (two teens and 11-year-old twins), and enjoys reading, walks with her dogs, and time with her family.  Go here to find out more on Lindsay: https://symcounseling.com/lindsay-ferguson/   To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha's channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.  The information shared on this program is informational and should not be considered therapy. This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening. And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services. There are also several upcoming workshops. Visit natashahelfer.com or symcounseling.com to find out more.

TW: Discussion of religious trauma, cults, SA, child abuse and pedophilia In the final Darling, Bish Hour of 2025 Melissa and Amy discuss Surviving Mormonism docuseries with Heather Gay. Melissa shares clinical concepts regarding cults and the manipulation tactics they utilize, the harm of “conversion therapy” and abuses of the LDS church. Through this Melissa and Amy share the stories of survivors, advocating for marginalized groups and communities.We hope you enjoy the episode and THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Please follow YBT podcast, click automatic downloads and give a 5-star rating (it really helps!) Please follow @yourbishtherapist on Instagram, Patreon, YouTube, FB, and TT For full video (ad free, bonus content & early releases) visit YBT Patreon, Spreaker Supporters Club or YouTube Patreon: https://patreon.com/YourBishTherapist?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Spreaker Supporters club: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/your-bish-therapist--6065109/supportYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8bmVPTlWANg5v7rGRJjow?subconfirmation=1 To find links to all YBT content: https://linktr.ee/yourbishtherapistBrand Ambassador: www.Iamhumanthebrand.com for clothing with a purpose. Code BISH20 for 20% off purchasePodcast website page:  https://www.spreaker.com/show/your-bish-therapist Disclaimer: Posts are not intended to diagnose, treat or provide medical advice. Your Bish Therapist (YBT) is for entertainment and informational purposes only. The podcast, my opinions, and posts, are my own and are not associated with past or present employers, any organizations, Bravo TV, Grey Heart productions or any other television network. The information in YBT podcast and on its its social media is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat. Please do not act or refrain from acting based on anything you read, see, or hear on YBT, podcast or associated social media. Communicating with YBT via email, and/or social media does not form a therapeutic alliance. Melissa, operator of YBT, is unable to provide any therapeutic advice, treatment or feedback.

Why are Mormons so popular, you ask? Because it's part of their faith.From Hulu's The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives to your favorite homemaking TikTok influencers, the women of the Church of Latter Day Saints have been gaining massive audiences for over a decade. Brittany is joined by Jana Riess, senior columnist at Religious News Service and author of The Next Mormons: How Millennials are Changing the LDS Church to discuss how Mormon culture provides some of TikTok's most powerful influencers with heavenly tools for viral success.This episode originally aired on November 12, 2024.Support Public Media. Join NPR Plus.Follow Brittany Luse on Instagram: @bmluseFor handpicked podcast recommendations every week, subscribe to NPR's Pod Club newsletter at npr.org/podclub.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Please join us for a live episode with Roger Hendrix - one of the highest ranking Latter-day Saints ever interviewed on Mormon Stories Podcast.  Roger served as CES Director, Bishop, Stake Presidency Member, Mission President, and served for 18 years as a Trustee on the board of the Deseret Trust Company (called to the position by President Gordon B. Hinckley). We will be discussing the future of the LDS Church and the Mormon people, and would love to hear your opinions and questions too!___________________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

#LDSAbuse #Mormon #LDS GUEST LINKS: Justin from LDS Abuse: https://apple.com This video provides an in-depth examination of the LDS church, exploring its history and the controversies that have surrounded it, including allegations of LDS abuse and Mormon abuse. The LDS church, also known as the Mormon church, has a complex and fascinating history that is marked by both remarkable accomplishments and troubling incidents. By delving into the church's past, we can gain a deeper understanding of the factors that have contributed to its growth and the challenges it has faced, including issues related to abuse and the symbolism of the skull and bones and the owl and key. The video aims to offer a balanced and nuanced perspective on the LDS church, acknowledging both its positive contributions and its shortcomings, and encouraging viewers to think critically about the information presented. The discussion of LSD history and the experiences of those who have been affected by the church's practices, including cases of abuse, is intended to promote greater awareness and understanding of this complex and multifaceted topic.  

Netflix's new documentary "Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story" drops December 30th, and it finally shifts the focus to where it belongs — not on Ruby Franke, but on the woman Ruby herself blamed for leading her into what she called "a dark delusion." Jodi Hildebrandt wasn't just Ruby's business partner. She was a licensed mental health counselor with a documented history of ethical violations, a pattern of isolating clients from their families, and an ideology that former clients say destroyed marriages and lives for nearly two decades before she ever met Ruby Franke. In 2012, her license was put on probation for disclosing confidential patient information without consent. The LDS Church removed her from their referral list. And she just kept going — rebranding as a "life coach" and building ConneXions into an online empire targeting vulnerable people within the Mormon community. Former clients described the same playbook over and over: separate spouses, pathologize normal behavior as addiction, cut off anyone who questions her, position herself as the only source of truth. One therapist who trained under her said publicly, "I believe she is evil. I don't say that lightly." Then Ruby Franke entered the picture. And things escalated to levels that would shock even seasoned investigators — duct tape, rope, cayenne pepper in open wounds, children forced to believe they deserved the torture they were receiving. Both women pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse. Both were sentenced to four to thirty years. But the only reason any of this came to light is because a twelve-year-old boy climbed out a window and asked a stranger for help. A child had to save himself because every system that should have protected him failed. That's the real story here. #JodiHildebrandt #RubyFranke #EvilInfluencer #Netflix #TrueCrime #8Passengers #Documentary #ConneXions #MomsOfTruth #ChildAbuse Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Netflix's new documentary "Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story" drops December 30th, and it finally shifts the focus to where it belongs — not on Ruby Franke, but on the woman Ruby herself blamed for leading her into what she called "a dark delusion." Jodi Hildebrandt wasn't just Ruby's business partner. She was a licensed mental health counselor with a documented history of ethical violations, a pattern of isolating clients from their families, and an ideology that former clients say destroyed marriages and lives for nearly two decades before she ever met Ruby Franke. In 2012, her license was put on probation for disclosing confidential patient information without consent. The LDS Church removed her from their referral list. And she just kept going — rebranding as a "life coach" and building ConneXions into an online empire targeting vulnerable people within the Mormon community. Former clients described the same playbook over and over: separate spouses, pathologize normal behavior as addiction, cut off anyone who questions her, position herself as the only source of truth. One therapist who trained under her said publicly, "I believe she is evil. I don't say that lightly." Then Ruby Franke entered the picture. And things escalated to levels that would shock even seasoned investigators — duct tape, rope, cayenne pepper in open wounds, children forced to believe they deserved the torture they were receiving. Both women pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse. Both were sentenced to four to thirty years. But the only reason any of this came to light is because a twelve-year-old boy climbed out a window and asked a stranger for help. A child had to save himself because every system that should have protected him failed. That's the real story here. #JodiHildebrandt #RubyFranke #EvilInfluencer #Netflix #TrueCrime #8Passengers #Documentary #ConneXions #MomsOfTruth #ChildAbuse Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Netflix's new documentary "Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story" drops December 30th, and it finally shifts the focus to where it belongs — not on Ruby Franke, but on the woman Ruby herself blamed for leading her into what she called "a dark delusion." Jodi Hildebrandt wasn't just Ruby's business partner. She was a licensed mental health counselor with a documented history of ethical violations, a pattern of isolating clients from their families, and an ideology that former clients say destroyed marriages and lives for nearly two decades before she ever met Ruby Franke. In 2012, her license was put on probation for disclosing confidential patient information without consent. The LDS Church removed her from their referral list. And she just kept going — rebranding as a "life coach" and building ConneXions into an online empire targeting vulnerable people within the Mormon community. Former clients described the same playbook over and over: separate spouses, pathologize normal behavior as addiction, cut off anyone who questions her, position herself as the only source of truth. One therapist who trained under her said publicly, "I believe she is evil. I don't say that lightly." Then Ruby Franke entered the picture. And things escalated to levels that would shock even seasoned investigators — duct tape, rope, cayenne pepper in open wounds, children forced to believe they deserved the torture they were receiving. Both women pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse. Both were sentenced to four to thirty years. But the only reason any of this came to light is because a twelve-year-old boy climbed out a window and asked a stranger for help. A child had to save himself because every system that should have protected him failed. That's the real story here. #JodiHildebrandt #RubyFranke #EvilInfluencer #Netflix #TrueCrime #8Passengers #Documentary #ConneXions #MomsOfTruth #ChildAbuse Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

In today's episode, we dive into Chapter 21 titled “Keys” from Dr. John Turner's new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.” This chapter cover the pivotal years of 1839-1840, as the Saints leave behind the trauma of Missouri and begin building a new gathering place in Commerce (soon to be Nauvoo), Illinois.We pick up the story right after Joseph Smith escapes Liberty Jail, exploring how he reclaims leadership, rebuilds momentum, and introduces new theological ideas that will shape Latter-day Saint doctrine for generations.Dr. Turner –writing as a never-Mormon historian –gives us a clear-eyed look Joseph's rapid return to power, the purchase of Nauvoo lands, the arrival of the mummies and papyri, early missionary ambitions in Europe, evolving doctrines about angels and theosis, and Joseph's bold claims about “keys” –including what Turner calls “the keys of the universe.”We also get into the politics: Joseph's 1840 trip to Washington, his audience with President Martin Van Buren, and the Saints' ongoing fight for redress. And yes –we discuss everything from healings during the malaria outbreak to phrenology, patriarchal blessings, lineage theories, dynastic sealings, and even the perennial question: Was Joseph Smith actually good-looking?Please purchase the book ⁠here⁠.To support this series please donate ⁠here⁠. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the 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

Netflix's new documentary "Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story" drops December 30th, and it finally shifts the focus to where it belongs — not on Ruby Franke, but on the woman Ruby herself blamed for leading her into what she called "a dark delusion." Jodi Hildebrandt wasn't just Ruby's business partner. She was a licensed mental health counselor with a documented history of ethical violations, a pattern of isolating clients from their families, and an ideology that former clients say destroyed marriages and lives for nearly two decades before she ever met Ruby Franke. In 2012, her license was put on probation for disclosing confidential patient information without consent. The LDS Church removed her from their referral list. And she just kept going — rebranding as a "life coach" and building ConneXions into an online empire targeting vulnerable people within the Mormon community. Former clients described the same playbook over and over: separate spouses, pathologize normal behavior as addiction, cut off anyone who questions her, position herself as the only source of truth. One therapist who trained under her said publicly, "I believe she is evil. I don't say that lightly." Then Ruby Franke entered the picture. And things escalated to levels that would shock even seasoned investigators — duct tape, rope, cayenne pepper in open wounds, children forced to believe they deserved the torture they were receiving. Both women pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse. Both were sentenced to four to thirty years. But the only reason any of this came to light is because a twelve-year-old boy climbed out a window and asked a stranger for help. A child had to save himself because every system that should have protected him failed. That's the real story here. #JodiHildebrandt #RubyFranke #EvilInfluencer #Netflix #TrueCrime #8Passengers #Documentary #ConneXions #MomsOfTruth #ChildAbuse Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Netflix's new documentary "Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story" drops December 30th, and it finally shifts the focus to where it belongs — not on Ruby Franke, but on the woman Ruby herself blamed for leading her into what she called "a dark delusion." Jodi Hildebrandt wasn't just Ruby's business partner. She was a licensed mental health counselor with a documented history of ethical violations, a pattern of isolating clients from their families, and an ideology that former clients say destroyed marriages and lives for nearly two decades before she ever met Ruby Franke. In 2012, her license was put on probation for disclosing confidential patient information without consent. The LDS Church removed her from their referral list. And she just kept going — rebranding as a "life coach" and building ConneXions into an online empire targeting vulnerable people within the Mormon community. Former clients described the same playbook over and over: separate spouses, pathologize normal behavior as addiction, cut off anyone who questions her, position herself as the only source of truth. One therapist who trained under her said publicly, "I believe she is evil. I don't say that lightly." Then Ruby Franke entered the picture. And things escalated to levels that would shock even seasoned investigators — duct tape, rope, cayenne pepper in open wounds, children forced to believe they deserved the torture they were receiving. Both women pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse. Both were sentenced to four to thirty years. But the only reason any of this came to light is because a twelve-year-old boy climbed out a window and asked a stranger for help. A child had to save himself because every system that should have protected him failed. That's the real story here. #JodiHildebrandt #RubyFranke #EvilInfluencer #Netflix #TrueCrime #8Passengers #Documentary #ConneXions #MomsOfTruth #ChildAbuse Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

This week MRM's Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson discuss the book Articles of Faith by Apostle James E. Talmage, a book made with a leather cover and gilded pages and given away one year as a Christmas gift present to employees of the LDS Church. What exactly is taught by Talmage?

Netflix's new documentary "Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story" drops December 30th, and it finally shifts the focus to where it belongs — not on Ruby Franke, but on the woman Ruby herself blamed for leading her into what she called "a dark delusion." Jodi Hildebrandt wasn't just Ruby's business partner. She was a licensed mental health counselor with a documented history of ethical violations, a pattern of isolating clients from their families, and an ideology that former clients say destroyed marriages and lives for nearly two decades before she ever met Ruby Franke. In 2012, her license was put on probation for disclosing confidential patient information without consent. The LDS Church removed her from their referral list. And she just kept going — rebranding as a "life coach" and building ConneXions into an online empire targeting vulnerable people within the Mormon community. Former clients described the same playbook over and over: separate spouses, pathologize normal behavior as addiction, cut off anyone who questions her, position herself as the only source of truth. One therapist who trained under her said publicly, "I believe she is evil. I don't say that lightly." Then Ruby Franke entered the picture. And things escalated to levels that would shock even seasoned investigators — duct tape, rope, cayenne pepper in open wounds, children forced to believe they deserved the torture they were receiving. Both women pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse. Both were sentenced to four to thirty years. But the only reason any of this came to light is because a twelve-year-old boy climbed out a window and asked a stranger for help. A child had to save himself because every system that should have protected him failed. That's the real story here. #JodiHildebrandt #RubyFranke #EvilInfluencer #Netflix #TrueCrime #8Passengers #Documentary #ConneXions #MomsOfTruth #ChildAbuse Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

In this in-depth conversation, John sits down with Karen Hyatt to explore her lifelong faith journey in the LDS Church and the research that ultimately led to her excommunication. Karen shares her background as a devoted member -convert parents, mission service, leadership roles, and decades without doubt –before explaining what prompted her to closely examine Doctrine and Covenants 132 and the history of polygamy.The discussion traces Karen's deep divine into church history, including the Book of Mormon's condemnation of polygamy, early revelations, the Nauvoo Expositor, William Clayton's journals, Emma Smith's role, and conclusions reached by modern LDS historians. Karen explains why she ultimately rejected D&C 132, why she believes Joseph Smith did NOT practice polygamy, and how she responds to accusations of bias or conspiracy thinking.Karen also walks through the personal and institutional consequences of speaking publicly: compiling and sending her research to the Apostles (and their wives!), creating videos, disciplinary councils, losing her temple recommend, and being barred from paying tithing –while still choosing to attend church and value her ward community. The episode examines broader themes of authority, misinformation, prophetic fallibility, confirmation bias, and whether faith can exist without institutional silence.This episode is a candid, emotionally grounded look at belief, dissent, and the cost of challenging one of Mormonism's most controversial doctrines.Karen has compiled her research into a book titled “Woe Unto You, Scribes: The Hidden History of Polygamy.” You can order a spiral bound notebook online by emailing her: WoeUntoYouScribes@gmail.comTo find a PDF version of her book click here: https://josephtoldthetruth.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Woe-Unto-You-Scribes.pdfPlease purchase the book ⁠here⁠.To support this series please donate ⁠here⁠. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the 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

This week MRM's Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson discuss the book Articles of Faith by Apostle James E. Talmage, a book made with a leather cover and gilded pages and given away one year as a Christmas gift present to employees of the LDS Church. What exactly is taught by Talmage?

Join Kolby, Nemo, Julia, and Dr. John Dehlin for one of our most in-depth LDS Discussions episodes yet as we unpack “The Other Isaiah Problem” and what it means for the historicity of the Book of Mormon.In this episode, we explore why scholars overwhelmingly view isaiah as a multi-author work, how the Great Isaiah Scroll challenges the Book of Mormon's use of Isaiah, and why the text consistently aligns with the King James Version rather than ancient sources. We walk through the history of the brass plates, the transition from school to codex technology, and the anachronisms the Church now quietly acknowledges.We compare the Great Isaiah Scroll, the Masoretic Text, the Original Manuscript of the Book of Mormon, and the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, revealing where Joseph Smith appears to be pulling from later biblical scholarship –including Adam Clarke's commentary –and where verses in the Book of Mormon simply did not exist in ancient manuscripts. We ask the question: What does this mean for believers who want the text to be historical?Whether you're deeply familiar with LDS scholarship or just starting your faith journey, this episode lays out the evidence clearly, accessibly, and respectfully –while still asking the hard questions.___________________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 MRM's Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson discuss the book Articles of Faith by Apostle James E. Talmage, a book made with a leather cover and gilded pages and given away one year as a Christmas gift present to employees of the LDS Church. What exactly is taught by Talmage?

Holy Week Israel Trip - https://www.cwicmedia.com/Israel A man with a fake gun and chemicals attacks Latter-day Saint worshipers in a Sacrament Meeting in the Dominican Republic. Rob Reiner and his wife were stabbed to death. Why are some, including the President, dancing on his grave? Greg appeared on John Dehlin's Mormon Stories podcast yesterday. Cwic Media Website: www.cwicmedia.com

This week MRM's Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson discuss the book Articles of Faith by Apostle James E. Talmage, a book made with a leather cover and gilded pages and given away one year as a Christmas gift present to employees of the LDS Church. What exactly is taught by Talmage?

Interracial Marriage is critical to the reasons for a priesthood/temple ban on black LDS Church members. For many years, the official position of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) was that “it is not known precisely why, how, or when this restriction [on the priesthood for male members of African descent] began in the church.” However, historical research utilizing early records suggests that the origins of the ban are quite specific, pointing to a confluence of events involving race and interracial sexual relations (often called “amalgamation” or “miscegenation” at the time) that served as the primary catalyst. https://youtu.be/V3DtkTfLazM Don't miss our other conversations on the priesthood ban: https://gospeltangents.com/mormon_history/racial-priesthood-temple-ban/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved 0:00 Meet Stassi Cram Priesthood Before the Prejudice (1830–1846) Contradicting later restrictions, evidence shows that Black men held the priesthood and participated in temple ordinances during the earliest decades of the Church. Black Pete, the first Black convert, was baptized in 1830 and served a mission in Ohio, likely performing baptisms in January 1831. Elijah Abel, perhaps the most famous early Black Mormon, was ordained an Elder and then a Seventy in 1836, received his washing and anointing ordinance in the Kirtland Temple, and participated in baptisms for the dead in the 1840s. Joseph Ball was ordained a high priest and served as a branch president in Lowell, Massachusetts, after Joseph Smith’s death in 1844. Ball was also slated to receive his temple endowment in Nauvoo in 1845. Walker Lewis, baptized in 1843, was ordained an Elder by William Smith, and was later referred to by Brigham Young in 1847 as “one of the best elders an African in Lowell,” [Massachusetts.] Furthermore, marriage between Black and white members was not automatically prohibitive; John Teague, a white Irishman, joined the church in 1842 with his Black wife, Evelyn Wilbur, and John was ordained a priest and then an elder. These facts confirm that no formal priesthood restrictions existed before 1847. Interracial Marriage Crisis of 1847 The shift from granting the priesthood to prohibiting it appears to have been driven by the highly visible, controversial interracial relationships of two Black elders in 1846 and 1847. Warner McCary and Interracial Polygamy: McCary, a freed slave who claimed to be part Indian, was baptized by Apostle Orson Hyde in 1846. Some believe he was ordained an Elder, but this is disputed. In 1847, McCary married Lucy Stanton, a white woman, with Orson Hyde performing the wedding. McCary later caused outrage in Winter Quarters by engaging in “sealing ceremonies” with white women that included sexual intercourse witnessed by his wife. Church leaders quickly expelled McCary from the camp. Brigham Young expressed concern about “amalgamation,” or race mixing, during a meeting where McCary was discussed. Enoch Lewis and the Mixed-Race Child: Simultaneously, in Massachusetts, Enoch Lewis (son of Elder Q. Walker Lewis) married Matilda Webster, a white woman, in 1846, and they had a mixed-race infant girl in 1847. Mission president William Applebee was so disgusted upon meeting the couple and their child that he wrote a dismayed report to Brigham Young asking if it was “the order of God to be tolerated in this church to ordain negroes to the priesthood” and allow amalgamation. When Brigham Young received Applebee’s report in October 1847, he responded strongly, stating that when Black and White people “mingle seed it is death to all” and that if they were far away from non-Mormons, they would “all be killed.” Following these cases, Brigham Young privately claimed that “black-white sexual relations were against the law of God and advocated death to all who participated.” This reaction was fueled by a desire to stop interracial marriage & led to the institutional restriction. The ban was publicly affirmed on February 15, 1852, when Brigham Young addressed the Utah territorial legislature and espoused the Curse of Cain doctrine, stating that the mark of Cain “is seen in the face of every negro on the earth” and declaring that any man “having one drop of seed of Cain in him cannot hold the priesthood.” Elephant in the Room: Racism While interracial relationships may have been the catalyst that triggered the ban, many argue that this analysis ignores the underlying issue: pre-existing racial prejudice. Marguerite Driessen notes, “interracial marriage can cause no problems and it can result in no bad consequences at all unless there’s already racial prejudice to begin with.” The underlying racism allowed church leaders to: Ignore precedents like Elijah Abel's ordination. Contort accepted doctrine to justify exclusion. For example, the Second Article of Faith states that humans will be punished for their own sins, not Adam’s transgression, yet the priesthood ban relied on the “curse of Cain,” effectively punishing Black individuals for the sins of an ancestor. The notion of “accursed lineage” derived from the Book of Abraham’s account of Egyptus, which was used to justify denying saving ordinances based solely on lineage, a factor over which people have “no agency or control.” Thus, the events of 1847-1852 did not create the prejudice, but rather offered a convenient, concrete focus for leaders to impose restrictions that many members and leaders were already culturally inclined to accept. The ban was the result of church policy, not doctrine, and was maintained because the congregation was unwilling to fully accept equality until the 1978 revelation ended the restriction.

Today we welcome Greg Matsen, a believing member of the LDS Church, to talk about what the Church means to him and how he tries to live out a healthy, thoughtful approach to Mormonism.Host of the podcast Cwic Show, Greg joins us today to share his Mormon story–from growing up in a “practical” orthodox family in Southern California and serving a mission in Mexico City, to navigating marriage, parenting, and personal belief in the LDS church today.We dive into his experiences with doubt, why he believes questioning can actually strengthen faith, and what led him to start the Cwic Show on YouTube. Along the way, Greg shares his thoughts on church misconceptions, LGBTQ issues, politics, and tough questions like the role of women in the Church–all from the perspective of an active and believing member of the LDS church.We hope this episode will be beneficial to anyone trying to stay faithful to the Mormon Church, even after doubts arise.___________________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 MRM's Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson discuss the book Articles of Faith by Apostle James E. Talmage, a book made with a leather cover and gilded pages and given away one year as a Christmas gift present to employees of the LDS Church. What exactly is taught by Talmage?

Many Mormon fundamentalists restrict blacks from joining despite the 1978 revelation that allowed black men to hold the priesthood. This is considered a landmark moment in LDS history, but many in Mormon fundamentalists believe this 1978 revelation marked the moment the mainstream Church lost its essential authority. This theological break, rooted in Brigham Young’s fiery declarations about race and priesthood lineage, is why most fundamentalist groups reject modern LDS temple work. https://youtu.be/Rp-2f0Uxuh4 Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Why Black Priesthood Revelation Nullified Authority for Fundamentalists The 1978 revelation that allowed black men to hold the priesthood is considered a landmark moment in LDS history, but for many in Mormon fundamentalism, this decision marked the moment the mainstream Church lost its essential authority. This theological break, rooted in Brigham Young’s fiery declarations about race and priesthood lineage, is why most fundamentalist groups reject modern LDS temple work. The Conditional Priesthood Restrict Blacks For groups like the Ross LeBaronites and others who separated from the LDS Church, the 1978 revelation essentially nullified the Church's priesthood authority. This perspective relies heavily on an address given by Brigham Young in 1852 to the territorial legislature. In this discourse, Brigham Young articulated a powerful condition for maintaining the priesthood: “If we were to… come and decide that it was right to mingle with the seed of Cain and make them partake of all the blessings that we have then on that day and hour the priesthood is taken from the church and God leaves us to our fate“. Because of Brigham Young’s strong language, many fundamentalists are “very reticent to consider that Brigham could be wrong” about the priesthood ban. Therefore, they view the 1978 revelation as fulfilling the condition for the priesthood being withdrawn. The Temple Barrier The rejection of the 1978 decision has direct implications for temple work. Most fundamentalist groups will not use the LDS Temple because they feel its authority is no longer valid. This view is so central that it applies even to other fundamentalist splinter groups. The Missouri temple, for example, is noted as the only fundamentalist community that has rejected and lifted the racial teachings, but this decision causes most other fundamentalists to have “reservations about using their temple” for the “same reason” they reject the LDS temple. They view the temple authority as having been compromised. Was the Ban Revealed in Nauvoo? While some historians argue that the priesthood ban was a pragmatic decision starting around 1847, possibly catalyzed by incidents involving black men like William McCary and Enoch Lewis—events that prompted Brigham Young to want to put this to a stop. Other evidence suggests the doctrine may have predated the Utah period. For some, it is difficult to accept that Brigham Young “radically depart[ed] from Joseph Smith” and suddenly invented a racist doctrine. Jacob points to historical sources have fueled this debate: Nauvoo Lineage Emphasis: There are indications that an emphasis on lineage and blood connected to priesthood started emerging in Nauvoo. Brigham Young, in 1845, reportedly told the high priests quorum that many elders couldn’t hold the keys of the kingdom until their “blood changes and they become the right lineage”. George Q. Cannon’s Diaries: Diaries released in 2016 or 2017 show that George Q. Cannon discussed the priesthood ban in the 1890s, stating that he was taught the ban as a young boy in Nauvoo by John Taylor, suggesting the restriction was in place earlier than commonly dated. Elijah Abel‘s Restrictions: In June 1843, apostles restricted the preaching of Elijah Abel—a black elder who held the priesthood—to only his “own race”. This belief that the restriction was revealed in Nauvoo allows fundamentalists to reconcile the ban with Joseph Smith's period while maintaining Brigham Young's authority, even if they struggle with the theological implications. The key takeaway for them is that Brigham Young, whether right or wrong about the lineage-based restrictions, was not acting out of hatred or bigotry, but rather out of a form of “benevolent racism”—believing in a lineage-based restriction without personal malicious intent. The result is a complex theological landscape where adherence to what is perceived as the divinely revealed structure of the early Church necessitates the rejection of the mainstream church's post-1978 authority and its ordinances. For more information regarding the beginnings of the ban, check out Dr Paul Reeve's amazing research. Here is a link to Jacob’s paper: TheOriginofthePriesthoodBan. Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved

Welcome back to Part Two of our deep-dive coverage of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 3!In this episode, John is joined by Alyssa Alexander and Samantha Shelley to continue unpacking the plot-points this season that highly represent Mormon culture. We will take a closer look at Mikayla and Jace's relationship, the cast's opinions on LGBT+ issues in Utah, Demi's claim of sexual-assault , and Taylor and Dakota's baby blessing. From complicated relationship dynamics to the cultural tensions woven through these episodes, we examine what's really going on behind the drama.Whether you're watching along with us or just here for the commentary, settle in and join the conversation as we dive even deeper into the season's most emotional and culturally revealing moments.Watch the series on Hulu 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

Tonight on Mormonism Live we celebrate the 5th anniversary of Mormonism Live. 5 years of in depth dives into Mormon History. 5 Years of examining the theology of the LDS Church, 5 years of current events. All on a weekly live show designed to entertain you! It's our 5th Anniversary special, and we're turning the… Read More »Mormonism Live 5th Anniversary !!!

Tonight on Mormonism Live we celebrate the 5th anniversary of Mormonism Live. 5 years of in depth dives into Mormon History. 5 Years of examining the theology of the LDS Church, 5 years of current events. All on a weekly live show designed to entertain you! It's our 5th Anniversary special, and we're turning the… Read More »Mormonism Live 5th Anniversary !!! The post Mormonism Live 5th Anniversary !!! appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Tonight on Mormonism Live we celebrate the 5th anniversary of Mormonism Live. 5 years of in depth dives into Mormon History. 5 Years of examining the theology of the LDS Church, 5 years of current events. All on a weekly live show designed to entertain you! It's our 5th Anniversary special, and we're turning the show over to you. Call in and tell us your favorite episodes, your favorite RFM breakdowns, your favorite Bill Reel rants, the moments that shocked you, cracked you up, or helped you see Mormonism in a whole new way. Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or joined somewhere in the chaos, this community has carried the show for five years and tonight we're celebrating every wild, weird, hilarious, and meaningful moment we've created together. Come hang out, share your story, and help us look back on the episodes that shaped the conversation. If you want to support the work we do, donations for Mormonism Live can be made here:https://donorbox.org/mormonism-live And if anyone needs support dealing with spiritual trauma, 1-on-1 coaching and support groups are available athttps://awakenandthrive.org/ Let's make this anniversary one to remember.

We are back today with Part 2 of our epic interview with Heidi Bruno. In Part 1, Heidi shared her story of suffering sexual abuse as a teenager at the hands of the Elders Quorum President in her ward.In Part 2, we shift the focus to Heidi's daughter, Holly, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of eight and tragically passed away in March of 2018. Heidi describes the inspiring movement that Holly started during her treatment, called “Love Is Everywhere,” and the wide-reaching impact it had on many communities.While the gospel was a great comfort to Holly and her family during this heartbreaking time, Heidi also shares how her views on the LDS Church began to shift after experiencing the death of her daughter as a devout Mormon mother.We are extremely grateful to Heidi for her strength in sharing this sobering story and hope that it resonates with all of you as deeply as it did with us.You can listen to Holly and her sisters singing "This Is My Song" on YouTube 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

3 Continents Tour - https://www.cwicmedia.com/journey-of-wisdom Cwic Show Today 12-10-25 Karen Hyatt, a "polygamy denier," was excommunicated from the LDS Church according to her own video. Are women leaving the workforce in droves? What does this say about traditional families and gender roles? What are women in the church taught?   Website - www.cwicmedia.com 

The path to LeBaronism began when the speaker gained a testimony of the Adam-God doctrine, then accepted principles like rebaptism, eventually leading to a testimony of the Law of Adoption and connection with the Church of the Firstborn. https://youtu.be/AYwLSTRuidE Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved How LeBaron Group Practices Temple Work Without a Temple The quest for pure priesthood authority and the full restoration of doctrines—from Adam-God to the Law of Adoption—led one believer away from the mainstream LDS church and into the unique world of the Ross LeBaronites and the Church of the Firstborn. This journey highlights the fundamental difference between this fundamentalist group and larger organizations: their focus is on patriarchal authority and the function of ordinances, regardless of location. From Adam-God to Adoption: A Conversion Story The path into the Church of the Firstborn often begins with an intense intellectual and spiritual curiosity about early Mormon theology. For some, this journey began by stumbling upon controversial doctrines, such as the Adam-God doctrine, which posits that God himself established the human family on Earth by leaving celestial glory to deal with mortality. The search for deeper principles led to an online forum around 2014 where various fundamentalist voices converged. It was here that the writings and historical research of Fred Collier became especially influential. Collier was regarded as a key figure in the Church of the Firstborn, working alongside Ross LeBaron (the “religious innovator.”) While Ross established the “priesthood foundation”, Collier was the “systematizer”—sometimes referred to as a “Bruce R. McConkie of fundamentalism”—who used historical sources and revelations to articulate a coherent system, adding stability to LeBaron’s teachings. Collier's materials, often shared as pamphlets and essays, presented a highly developed priesthood cosmology. Ultimately, this research and theology, especially the doctrine of the Law of Adoption, led to joining Fred Collier's specific faction of the Church of the Firstborn. Patriarchal Priesthood Structure Unlike the LDS Church, the structure established by Ross LeBaron does not utilize the standard structure of Apostles. Ross acted as the prophet, and the leadership centered on patriarchs. Ross's major mission was to ordain these patriarchs and establish a patriarchal pattern. When a man was set apart, Ross conferred upon him “all the keys, rights, power, and authority of the patriarchal order of priesthood”. This authority was not meant solely for missionary work away from headquarters (like an apostle) but for building a family organization and a patriarchal order. This included the authority to have wives sealed in plural marriage and to adopt sons and families via the Law of Adoption. Ross ordained at least 40 patriarchs during his lifetime, and today, hundreds of people trace their patriarchal authority back to Ross LeBaron. Doing Temple Work in the Mountains One of the most unique aspects of the Church of the Firstborn today is its approach to temple ordinances in the absence of a dedicated temple structure. Historically, Ross LeBaronites—including Tom Green's and Fred Collier's groups—performed temple ordinances in homes that were temporarily dedicated for that purpose. This practice takes a cue from Nauvoo, where Joseph Smith performed ordinances in the Red Brick Store and the Mansion House before the Nauvoo Temple was completed. The fundamental idea is that the authority to perform the ordinance is paramount, not the specific physical structure. However, some groups now seek a dedicated, even if temporary, sacred space. The current approach involves setting up a temporary tabernacle in the mountains to perform the endowment ceremony and other temple ordinances. This method is favored over the home-based work, drawing inspiration from Brigham Young, who once gave endowments on Ensign Peak in 1849, citing comments that the poor could receive their endowments in the mountains. While performing ordinances way up in the mountains presents logistical challenges, such as lacking running water and electricity, adherents find that having this dedicated space allows for a “really spiritual powerful temple experience”. Learning from Cautionary Tales The movement is not without its difficulties. The fragmentation within the Church of the Firstborn, including the separation from Fred Collier's group in 2019-2020, often stemmed from serious issues related to sexual abuse. A major challenge within fundamentalism generally is a reluctance to report abuse to law enforcement, fueled by a defense mechanism mentality and distrust of a government perceived to be hostile toward their practice of polygamy. However, some families separate from these larger groups, seeing the importance of protecting their community and learning from “cautionary tales”—such as Ross's doctrinal errors in old age or the issues of abuse in Fred’s group—to create a safer continuation of the Church of the Firstborn. Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved

Tonight on The Mormon Newscast: The LDS Church is now pressuring creators to stop using the word “Mormon” because they want surprise, surprise, they want the word; even after years of telling members not to use it. Why does the Church suddenly want the word back? What's behind this new legal push, and what does… Read More »LDS Church Wants The Word Mormon Back The post LDS Church Wants The Word Mormon Back appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Join us today for the start of an epic two-part episode with Heidi Bruno, who is here to share her story of abuse within the church and her experience of losing a child as a Mormon mother.In Part 1, Heidi details her history of sexual abuse as a teenager by the Elders Quorum President in her ward—while her father was serving as bishop. We discuss how her abuser groomed her using highly manipulative tactics and by abusing his authority in the ward. For years afterward, Heidi carried the shame of this abusive relationship, not understanding until much later that she had been a victim. She also shares what ultimately led her to speak up about the abuse once she gained the awareness that she had been victimized.Then, join us later this week for Part 2 of Heidi's story, where she discusses the loss of her eight-year-old daughter to cancer and the effect this devastating loss had on her LDS faith. You will not want to miss this powerful and important 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

There are stunning new developments in the Wade Christofferson case, a story shaking Mormonism from the inside out. A federal complaint, coded messages to a child, a secret attic space, and a connection to one of the highest-ranking leaders in the LDS Church… this update is darker, more disturbing, and more revealing than previously reported.… Read More »SHOCKING New Details on Mormon Apostle’s Brother !!! The post SHOCKING New Details on Mormon Apostle’s Brother !!! appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

In this episode (Part 24), we dive into one of the most dramatic and painful chapters in early Letter-day Saint history: Liberty Jail. Joseph Smith was arrested on December 1, 1838 and eventually taken to Liberty Jail. Today we will cover his imprisonment, the chaotic legal proceedings that followed, and the eventual “escape” that allowed him to reunite with his family as the Saints resettled in Quincy, Illinois. We explore how internal conflicts, political pressures, treason charges, and widespread anti-Mormon hostility shaped Joseph's experience –and how his letters from Liberty Jail become some of the most cherished passages in Latter-day Saint scripture. We discuss betrayal, leadership crises, the brutality of Missouri's expulsion, and the Saints' struggle to survive amidst violence, sickness, and dislocation. This chapter also raises hard questions:Was Joseph Smith's trial fair?What role did dissenting church leaders play?How much of the Liberty Jail narrative has been “whitewashed”?What does Joseph Smith's behavior tell us about his character?We conclude by following Joseph's escape, his emotionally charged reunion with the Saints in Illinois, and the lasting trauma and financial strain the Missouri experience left behind. This is an episode you won't want to miss! Please purchase the book ⁠here⁠.To support this series please donate ⁠here⁠. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the 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

Send us a Positive Review!In today's BONUS EPISODE Val breaks down some ideas around why the LDS Church is uniquely vulnerable to the underreporting of child sex abuse.  While some of its issues will be vulnerabilities of all patriarchal systems, there are others that might be unique to the LDS church due to its history, doctrine, practices, and culture.  Listen in as Val walks through her own process of understanding this devastating phenomenon in hopes to evoke more dialogue, heightens awareness and brings about systemic reform in the long run.  In the end, looking that this phenomenon will serve the best interests of all parties involved, so please share this episode far and wide.  Resources Referenced in this episodeFrom the Latter Day Struggles Podcast:Patriarchy, Power and Gender Roles Resource CatalogEpisode 35, 36, 45, 986 Part Series - The Shocking Correlation Between Men Socialized in Patriarchies & Psychological/Spiritual Underdevelopment beginning on Episode 28310 Part Series - In-depth Exploration of Patriarchy and its Correlation to Violence & Abuse beginning on Episode 333 Other Resources:Year of Polygamy- Episode 197 Polygamy, Mormonism, and Child AbuseThe Dialogue Journal- Confronting Men's Violence Against Women and Girls in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Suzanne E. GrecoSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie's Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Over several decades, the LDS Church produced a series of books each year from their first 16 presidents. These were leather-bound and had gilded pages. They were given to church employees with a card explaining they were given by the First Presidency. We think this is about as “official” as it gets. Today MRM's Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson look take a three-part look at the book honoring Gordon B. Hinckley.

Over several decades, the LDS Church produced a series of books each year from their first 16 presidents. These were leather-bound and had gilded pages. They were given to church employees with a card explaining they were given by the First Presidency. We think this is about as “official” as it gets. Today MRM's Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson look take a three-part look at the book honoring Gordon B. Hinckley.

Fred Collier is one of the patriarchs of Ross LeBaron’s Church of the Firstborn. Fred tried to take over after Ross’s death and even converted Tom Green, an apostle in a rival group, “The Branch.” We’ll discuss more about how Fred’s group descends from Ross LeBaron. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/nTOU2ZYkNco Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission While the core authority of the Utah-based Church of the Firstborn traced back through Ross Wesley LeBaron's unique patriarchal lineage derived from Benjamin F. Johnson, the movement’s doctrines and missionary success were significantly shaped by one influential follower: Fred Collier. Collier, who converted to fundamentalism in 1970, was described not as a professional historian but as a “self-trained historian” who dedicated his efforts to researching early Mormon history, ultimately providing the historical bedrock for Ross LeBaron’s claims. The Partnership: History, Mysteries, and the Patriarchal Order Collier joined a core group of “historian followers” drawn to Ross LeBaron because they felt there was something “solid to his claims.” Ross's ministry focused less on concentrating authority (like other fundamentalist groups) and more on disseminating a “patriarchal order of priesthood.” Ross liked to “delve into the mysteries.” This included embracing doctrines like plural marriage and the Adam-God doctrine. Collier expanded on these ideas, even writing a lengthy paper, The Adam God Doctrine in the Bible, attempting to find support for the concept in both the Old and New Testaments. Collier used his historical skills not just for study but for effective missionary work. He was instrumental in helping the Church of the Firstborn articulate its beliefs and authority, serving as a contrast to Ross’s own unorthodox methods: Eccentric Ministry: Ross spent over 20 years on radio shows like KSXX, where he would “clown around” or be controversial and “silly” to attract attention before sharing his message, mirroring unusual methods sometimes used by Old Testament prophets. Historical Converts: Ross’s eccentric style generally did not attract serious religious followers. Collier, however, converted “quite a number of people” by gathering copious historical research and sharing it. Collier also gained notoriety in historical circles for publishing works like Unpublished Revelations, which was valued because it stuck strictly to historical facts without conflating them with fundamentalist folklore or bias. Restoration of the Law of Adoption One of Collier's most significant historical discoveries that shaped the Church of the Firstborn was the concept of the Law of Adoption. Collier found the principle, common during the early Nauvoo/Utah pioneer periods (where men and families would be “sealed to men” in father-son relationships to establish a celestial family structure on Earth), through the published diaries of John D. Lee. When Collier presented this to Ross, Ross embraced it fully. Thereafter, the Law of Adoption became a core aspect of the Church of the Firstborn's structure, requiring anyone receiving patriarchal priesthood to enter into adoption covenants. The LeBaron-ites were likely the first fundamentalists to practice adoption since Wilford Woodruff officially discontinued it in the LDS Church in 1894. Schism Over Celestial Love The partnership between Ross (the innovative prophet) and Collier (the systematizing historian/writer) eventually fractured over a crucial doctrinal difference in 1983. Collier had received a vision which convinced him that the essential principle distinguishing a celestial person was “celestial love”—a selfless love for others and a “total commitment” characterized by losing oneself in service. Collier believed that the lower terrestrial kingdom was populated by people who were honorable but were motivated by seeking their “own reward and aggrandizement.” Collier wanted Ross to adopt this principle of selfless love, believing that the movement under Ross felt too loose and individualistic. However, Ross disagreed vehemently, holding the perspective that competition was a big driving force of the universe. In the ensuing debate, Ross allegedly stated that Christ died for his “own glory” for his own exaltation, which Collier felt was blasphemy against the Atonement. Less than a month later, Ross changed his priesthood teachings entirely, leading Collier to conclude that Ross had fallen into doctrinal apostasy. Fred Collier’s Enduring Legacy Collier separated from Ross, going on to lead his own group (which peaked at several hundred followers in 1992.) Although Ross had never formally appointed a successor, he acknowledged that Collier was the most likely candidate, having “done more to build up our system and the work than anyone else.” Collier continued his work as a prolific author, writing numerous pamphlets and books. His historical research, focusing on early temple doctrine, priesthood, and the Adam-God doctrine, has since “permeated fundamentalism,” with followers of different groups utilizing his historical scholarship. Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission

Over several decades, the LDS Church produced a series of books each year from their first 16 presidents. These were leather-bound and had gilded pages. They were given to church employees with a card explaining they were given by the First Presidency. We think this is about as “official” as it gets. Today MRM's Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson look take a three-part look at the book honoring Gordon B. Hinckley.

Welcome to another episode of our LDS Discussions series! In this episode, we take a detailed, evidence-based look at one of the most repeated claims in Latter-day Saint apologetics: that Joseph Smith was incapable of producing a well-written text –and therefore could not have authored the Book of Mormon.Drawing from Joseph Smith's three earliest letters (written in 1829-1830), historical context, church manuals, apologetic arguments, and modern scholarship, we critically explore where the evidence leads. We don't care where you land on the belief spectrum –our is clarity, transparency, and accuracy.We are joined today by Kolby Reddish and Julia (Nemo couldn't make it), who walk us through the major claims, the apologetic narratives, and the documents themselves. This is an episode you won't want to miss!___________________⁠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

Tonight on The Mormon Newscast, we're diving into a major update in the Wade Christofferson case. New details are out about how the LDS Church allegedly handled his membership, leadership callings, and decades of abuse reports. And what this says about the system itself. We'll walk through the new timeline, the institutional decisions, and why… Read More »How The Mormon Church Enabled Wade Christofferson? The post How The Mormon Church Enabled Wade Christofferson? appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Send us a Positive Review!Join Valerie and therapist colleague Dr. Julie Hanks in this recording of a recent “Instagram Live” where they explored the recent breaking news from LDS Newsroom decreasing the eligibility age from 19 to 18 for young women interested in serving full-time missions. In this conversation Val and Julie tackle possible as variety of topics, including short term and long term social, cultural, and mental health drawbacks and benefits that might follow this policy change. They also address how skyrocketing attrition rates from women in patriarchal churches worldwide (and within the LDS church) might be connected to this shift in policy. Don't miss this riveting discussion that continues to correlate the connection between psychological health and gender equality—a topic that these two heritage Latter-day Saint therapists have committed a great deal of their careers to highlighting for the benefits of the LDS Church and all connected to it.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and Guest Introduction01:29 – Implications of Mission Age Change02:27 – Gender Roles and Patriarchy03:30 – Strategic Motivations and Retention04:51 – Personal Reflections on Mission Experiences06:04 – Missions as Catalysts for Change08:45 – Concerns About Early Marriage and Education10:00 – Generational Differences and Faith Journeys12:23 – Temple Access for Young Women13:30 – Women Leaving Organized Religion14:09 – Challenges and Opportunities for Church Evolution16:00 – Paradox of Devotion and Faith Crisis19:16 – Balancing Individuality and Community in Faith20:30 – The Church's Developmental Stage22:21 – Potential for Organizational Change24:00 – Normalizing Women's Leadership31:50 – Impact of Mission Age on Family Life32:17 – Egalitarian Structure in the Church33:32 – Women's Leadership and Identity35:30 – Birth Rate and Missionary Integration37:00 – Economic Realities and Family Planning39:39 – Mental Health Concerns for Young Missionaries40:24 – Pressure and Autonomy in Missionary Service42:00 – Stigma and Social Ranking45:23 – Patriarchy and Gender Roles in the Church47:15 – The Cost of Conformity49:54 – Encouragement for Individual Choices51:00 – Redefining Spirituality and Autonomy52:39 – Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie's Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Welcome back to our deep-dive coverage of Secret lives of Mormon Wives!In this episode, we break down every twist, confession, and jaw-dropping moment from Season 3 with honest reactions, analysis, and plenty of laughs along the way. Our panelists today are: Hayley Rawle (of Girl's Camp Podcast), Alyssa Alexander, Smantha Shelley (of Zelph on the Shelf), Brooklyn Alden and Dr. John Dehlin. If you've ollowed our previous reviews, you alreaedy know -we're all about thoughtful commetary, behind-the-scenes context, and pointing out the details you may have missed.In Part One of our Season 3 review, we're exploring the storyline, relationships, and "revelations" that kick off the season. Whether you're a longtime fan of the show or jumping in for the first time, we'll help you make sense of the drama, the dynamics, and the secrets simmering under the surface.So grab a snack, get comfy, and join us as we unpack it all -episode by episode! Watch the series on Hulu here: https://www.hulu.com/series/the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-58cd73be-408d-4eed-8e3d-82339f3f93e2___________________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 23 of our Joseph Smith the Podcast series with Dr. John G. Turner. Today we are continuing our discussion of Chapter 19 of his new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet” that covers the years 1838-1839 in Missouri.Today we will dive deeper into one of the most volatile and consequential moments in early Latter-day Saint history: the escalating conflict between the Mormon settlers and the Missourians in the late 1830s. In this episode, we examine how political tensions, misinformation, vigilante actions, and religious absolutism collided to create a crisis that would lead to the infamous extermination order and some of the darkest events of the Mormon-Missouri War.We explore the political landscape of Missouri, Joseph Smith's rising militancy, the Danites, the allegations made by Thomas Marsh and Orson Hyde, the tragedy at Haun's Mill, and the forces that brought both sides to the brink. From mob violence to theological justifications, from desperate settlers to governors refusing to intervene, this chapter shows how a religious movement and a frontier state found themselves locked in a spiral neither could escape.If you've been following the series, this episode continues directly from Part 22 and sets the stage for the next chapter: Liberty Jail.Please purchase the book ⁠here⁠.To support this series please donate ⁠here⁠. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the 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