Mormon Stories - LDS 4567p

In this second episode exploring Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet by John G. Turner, we dive into Chapters 2 and 3, covering Joseph Smith's evolving s of the First Vision, early controversies, treasure digging escapades, and his transformation into a religious leader. We discuss historical inconsistencies, cultural influences, and Turner's critical conclusions about Smith's experiences and motivations. Based on Chapters 2 & 3 of John G. Turner’s book, topics include: The First Vision's late emergence and conflicting versions Treasure digging and supernatural claims The influence of revivalist culture Early church documents and evolving theology Turner's secular interpretation of Joseph Smith’s story ___________________ YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox us on Patreon PayPal Venmo Our Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple Podcasts Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast the Discord us:[email protected] Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Brooke is returning to Mormon Stories Podcast after 13 years, when she and her husband came on as the first couple to be interviewed on the podcast. Brooke’s husband at the time, John McLay was a CES employee who lost his faith while working for the church. It was an epic Mormon Stories interview, and we are excited to hear what Brooke has been up to since. We will hear about how Brooke has rebuilt her life and career after a divorce, and how her life has been impacted by sharing her story in such a public way. ___________________ YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox us on Patreon PayPal Venmo Our Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple Podcasts us: [email protected] PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast the Discord

Today we are rebroadcasting an older, classic, episode of Mormon Stories from 2012!In this episode we interview John and Brooke McLay. John served for 14 years as an employee of the LDS Church Education System (CES). In this capacity he served as: a seminary teacher and principal, an institute teacher and director, a BYU Education Week speaker and an EFY Director. John also served as a member of a stake high council, and was serving in a bishopric during the months leading up to his decision to leave the LDS Church. John and Brooke resigned their hip of the LDS Church in August of 2011.  This is their story. us in the next episode where we re-interview Brooke Lark! ___________________ YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox us on Patreon PayPal Venmo Our Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple Podcasts us: [email protected] PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast the Discord

us for the very first episode of a new podcast called Joseph Smith: The Podcast - with Dr. John G. Turner.___________________ YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox us on Patreon PayPal Venmo Our Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple Podcasts us: [email protected] PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast the Discord

Katherine Bernard (KB) Olsen is a never-mo (never Mormon) — but also one of the most devoted fans of Mormon Stories Podcast. A queer, secular journalist with deep Jewish roots and a high-fashion pedigree, Katherine has spent over 20 years captivated by the LDS Church — despite never being religious herself. In her first-ever full-length interview about her life story, she opens up about her lifelong curiosity with Mormonism, identity, belief, and American culture. KB's impressive journalism career includes work at Vogue, New York Times, and other top-tier New York publications. After moving from Maryland to attend NYU for journalism, she found herself drawn not only to art and culture — but also to spirituality, history, and the paradoxes of organized religion. Over the years, her interest in Mormonism became a deep and serious intellectual pursuit. What You'll Hear in This Interview: -Her upbringing in a secular household in Maryland -Her exploration of Jewish identity and eventual conversion -Her first exposure to Mormonism through South Park, Big Love, and The Book of Mormon musical -Her emotional journey coming out as gay in a non-ive environment -Her reflections on shame, logic, identity, and community -Her nuanced take on Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and Mormon reality TV -Her insights into conditioning, religious extremism, and spiritual seeking This episode is a masterclass in curiosity — how someone with no personal ties to the LDS Church became one of its most thoughtful outside observers. KB explores Mormonism not as a critic or a believer, but as a seeker with a journalist’s eye. Watch this episode on YouTube here. ___________________ Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: ⁠⁠One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ us on Patreon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠PayPal⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Venmo⁠⁠ Our Platforms: ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ Social Media: ⁠⁠Insta: @mormstories⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ the Discord⁠⁠ us: [email protected] PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Natasha Helfer, Chelsea Homer, and Alyssa Witbeck as we review Episodes 1-4 of Season 2 of the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives...where we answer the questions: What is Mormon soft swinging, and is that really a thing? Show Notes___________________ </p> <p><a href="https://www.mormonstories.org/mormon-historian-its-issues-in-ces-letter/">Show Notes</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T13dVy3izM">YouTube</a></p> <p><br></p> <p>Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!</p> <p>Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:</p> <ul>  <li><a href="https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m">One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox</a></li>  <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories"> us on Patreon</a></li>   <li><a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/mormonstories">PayPal</a></li>   <li><a href="https://.venmo.com/u/mormonstories">Venmo</a></li> </ul> <p><br></p> <p>Our Platforms:</p> <ul>   <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/mormonstories?sub_confirmation=1">YouTube</a></li>   <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories">Patreon</a></li>   <li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404">Spotify</a></li>   <li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772">Apple Podcasts</a></li> </ul> <p><br></p> <p> us:<br>[email protected]<br>PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117</p> <p><br></p> <p>Social Media:</p> <ul>   <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mormstories">Insta: @mormstories</a></li>   <li><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast">TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast</a></li>   <li><a href="https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF"> the Discord</a></li> </ul>

Please us Thursday evening at 6pm Utah time for a call-in show discussing the topic of "Are Mormons Christian?"This is part 2 of a weekly call-in show format that we are experimenting with.If you would like to the show, please observe the following:1) Come prepared with a ONE MINUTE comment or question on the topic for the ists to discuss. This is NOT the format to tell your moment story. If the ists want to follow up with more questions they will do so.2) Please make sure that when you enter StreamYard your video and audio are fully enabled or you will not be added to the conversation.3) When you , please share in the StreamYard group chat your comment or question so it can be considered by the s.4) The StreamYard link will be pinned as a YouTube comment at the beginning of the show.5) If you have a video comment or question that you want to share before the show airs, please send it to: [email protected], and please consider posting it to TikTok and tagging it #mormonstorieslive.Show Notes for this episode can be found on the Mormon Stories Blog here. ___________________ Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:  One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox   us on Patreon   PayPal   Venmo Our Platforms:   YouTube   Patreon   Spotify   Apple Podcasts us: [email protected] PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media:   Insta: @mormstories   TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast    the Discord

In this deeply moving and raw interview, Jennie shares her powerful life story—from growing up in a strict Mormon household to breaking free from the expectations that shaped her identity. She opens up about her parents’ conversions, her challenging marriage, the emotional toll of purity culture, and her gradual disillusionment with the church.Jennie also recounts the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Izzy, and how grief reshaped her spirituality and perspective on life. Through it all, she finds resilience, healing, and the courage to choose herself.A story of love, loss, faith, and transformation you won't forget.Topics Include:-Childhood in a devout LDS family-Marriage, purity culture, and incompatibilities in marriage -Crisis of faith and discovering church history-Navigating grief after the loss of her daughterSubscribe for more real stories about faith, loss, and rebuilding. Watch this episode on YouTube here.___________________ </p> <p><a href="https://www.mormonstories.org/mormon-historian-its-issues-in-ces-letter/">Show Notes</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T13dVy3izM">YouTube</a></p> <p><br></p> <p>Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!</p> <p>Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:</p> <ul>  <li><a href="https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m">One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox</a></li>  <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories"> us on Patreon</a></li>   <li><a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/mormonstories">PayPal</a></li>   <li><a href="https://.venmo.com/u/mormonstories">Venmo</a></li> </ul> <p><br></p> <p>Our Platforms:</p> <ul>   <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/mormonstories?sub_confirmation=1">YouTube</a></li>   <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories">Patreon</a></li>   <li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404">Spotify</a></li>   <li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772">Apple Podcasts</a></li> </ul> <p><br></p> <p> us:<br>[email protected]<br>PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117</p> <p><br></p> <p>Social Media:</p> <ul>   <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mormstories">Insta: @mormstories</a></li>   <li><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast">TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast</a></li>   <li><a href="https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF"> the Discord</a></li> </ul>

In this emotional and deeply honest episode, Eve and her parents, Neal and Christa, share their powerful story of faith, devotion, awakening, and transformation. Raised in a multi-generational Mormon household, Eve and her family lived and breathed the teachings of the LDS Church—until the cracks began to show.From Neal’s time as a bishop and Christa’s strong belief in Mormon womanhood, to Eve’s mission and eventual faith transition, this conversation explores:The impact of religious upbringing and cultural expectationsThe emotional toll of unaddressed questions and historical issuesHow Gospel Topics Essays, polyandry, and the church’s lack of transparency triggered a faith crisisEve’s pivotal role in helping her parents deconstruct their beliefsThe cost—and freedom—of walking awayHeartfelt, raw, and eye-opening, this interview shines a light on the complexity of leaving a high-demand religion and finding connection, purpose, and joy on the other side. ___________________ </p> <p><a href="https://www.mormonstories.org/mormon-historian-its-issues-in-ces-letter/">Show Notes</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T13dVy3izM">YouTube</a></p> <p><br></p> <p>Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!</p> <p>Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:</p> <ul>  <li><a href="https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m">One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox</a></li>  <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories"> us on Patreon</a></li>   <li><a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/mormonstories">PayPal</a></li>   <li><a href="https://.venmo.com/u/mormonstories">Venmo</a></li> </ul> <p><br></p> <p>Our Platforms:</p> <ul>   <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/mormonstories?sub_confirmation=1">YouTube</a></li>   <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories">Patreon</a></li>   <li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404">Spotify</a></li>   <li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772">Apple Podcasts</a></li> </ul> <p><br></p> <p> us:<br>[email protected]<br>PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117</p> <p><br></p> <p>Social Media:</p> <ul>   <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mormstories">Insta: @mormstories</a></li>   <li><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast">TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast</a></li>   <li><a href="https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF"> the Discord</a></li> </ul>

us as we revisit this epic interview with John Dehlin and Carah Burrell, which originally aired on Carah's channel in 2023. Eve, a good friend of Carah Burrell's, was an active and faithful member of the LDS Church at the time of this interview. She had begun to question aspects of the Church—particularly polygamy—and agreed to sit down with Carah and John for a truly unique conversation. In this interview, they simply presented her with factual information about LDS history and captured her real-time reactions. This one-of-a-kind interview is now being shared on Mormon Stories Podcast for the very first time. Be sure to us later this week as Eve returns to the podcast—this time with both of her parents, who have experienced their own faith journeys since Eve's original interview two years ago. Watch this episode on YouTube ⁠here⁠. ___________________ At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by and former 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: Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church , investigators, and non- regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology Mormons (and of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:  ⁠One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox⁠ ⁠ us on Patreon⁠ ⁠PayPal⁠ ⁠Venmo⁠ Our Platforms: ⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ Social Media: ⁠Insta: @mormstories⁠ ⁠TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast⁠ ⁠ the Discord us:[email protected] Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

us for our first live video call-in show. The topic: "What do Mormons Believe About God?" We will be briefly reviewing my essay that can be found here: https://johndehlin.substack.com/p/what-do-mormons-believe-about-godThen we would love some of our audience to us to discuss any of the following topics:- What they were taught as Mormons about God.- What they think about the Mormon version of God.- What they believe about God.We will be ed by dear friends Kolby and Cam Reddish.

In this powerful continuation of our interview with Ben and Justine, we explore their raw and honest journey from deep devotion in the LDS Church to personal awakening, heartbreak, and healing. They share how their relationship grew during Justine’s school years, navigating early marriage, financial and gender-role challenges, and the burden of trying to live up to faith-based ideals. From motherhood identity struggles to confronting doctrinal issues and discovering their voices during a faith crisis, this episode is full of vulnerable, eye-opening moments. Highlights include: Gender roles & pressure in Mormonism The cost of silence during a faith crisis The CES Letter, LDS Discussions & uncovering hard truths Healing from betrayal, rebuilding marriage & reconnecting with family Their plea for empathy from believing Whether you're in faith, out of faith, or somewhere in between—this is a story about agency, partnership, and finding truth together. Show Notes Watch this episode on YouTube here. ___________________ At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by and former 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: Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church , investigators, and non- regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology Mormons (and of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:  One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox us on Patreon PayPal Venmo Our Platforms:   YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple Podcasts us: [email protected] PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media:    Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast the Discord

In this episode, Ben and Justine share their powerful and emotional journeys through Mormonism, immigration, family trauma, and healing. They discuss Ben's family's escape from political turmoil, their struggles with loss, and the lure of the Mormon doctrine of eternal families. Ben faces racial and cultural challenges within the Church, battles self-worth issues, and grapples with the harm purity culture and missionary service caused. Justine recounts her own upbringing in a strict Mormon household, the pressure of modesty culture, and the way Mormon ideals shaped her relationships and sense of self. Together, they reflect on how they met, the impact of internalized racism, and their path toward authenticity, healing, and love — even as they confront the pain Mormonism left behind. This is part 1 of a very special two-part Mormon Stories interview. ___________________ At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by and former 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: Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church , investigators, and non- regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology Mormons (and of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox us on Patreon PayPal Venmo Our Platforms:  YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple Podcasts us: [email protected] PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast the Discord

In this powerful follow-up conversation, Britt Hartley returns to explore 10 practical and emotional steps to take during your faith deconstruction journey. From embracing anger and grief, to rediscovering your identity, setting boundaries, and finding peace in the unknown—this episode is a guide to healing, growth, and transformation. Whether you're newly questioning or deep in the process, these insights will help you navigate deconstruction with comion and clarity. Topics include: Grieving your old beliefs Embracing uncertainty Inner child & shadow work Building authentic community Setting loving boundaries Learning to just be us as we unpack the deep emotional layers of deconstruction and the tools that can truly your journey. ___________________ At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by and former 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 , investigators, and non- regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Mormons (and of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories  Venmo: https://.venmo.com/u/mormonstories  Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories  this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/ Our Platforms: 🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes  🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories  ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1  🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772  🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories  📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast  🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF  us: 📧 [email protected] 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Jennifer Wilson shares her deeply personal journey from growing up in a devout Mormon family to questioning, deconstructing, and ultimately leaving her faith. She opens up about her family's polygamist history, her mission experience, marriage, leadership roles in the church, and the struggles that came with navigating faith transitions. From grappling with church expectations to finding newfound freedom and clarity, Jennifer reflects on how this journey has reshaped her identity, marriage, and parenting.Key Topics Covered: Growing up in a Mormon household & family history, missionary experiences & gender expectations in the church, marriage, motherhood & church leadership roles, doubts, faith crisis & leaving the church, Raising kids outside of Mormonism & rediscovering identity. us for an honest, heartfelt conversation about faith, change, and self-discovery. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!___________________At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by and former 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 , investigators, and non- regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Mormons (and 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🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/Our Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF us:📧 [email protected]📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

In this episode, we explore 10 common pitfalls people face during religious deconstruction. From navigating relationships and parenting outside of organized religion to the challenges of psychedelics, intellectualism, and identity loss—this is a raw, honest conversation about life after faith. Whether you're just beginning your journey or deep in it, this discussion offers insight, validation, and guidance. Key topics covered: Why opening your marriage right after leaving religion may backfire How to provide structure for your kids without religion The psychedelic trap & chasing spiritual highs The “missionary phase” of ex-belief systems Finding meaning beyond religion, without clinging to new dogmas The lifelong process of deconstruction And much more, including Gen Z dating, chakras, free will, and dreams Don’t miss her reflections on what she’s learned, what to avoid, and how to move forward with integrity and openness. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox us on Patreon PayPal Venmo Our Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple Podcasts us: [email protected] PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast the Discord

After demonizing and sexualizing women's shoulders for almost two centuries, the Mormon church recently altered its garments for women to allow the showing of women's shoulders. Today a of Mormon women discuss the changes.

In Part 2 of our story, Kyle opens up about his life growing up in the Two by Twos faith — from a childhood shaped by pressure to "uphold the family name," to navigating chronic illness and suppressing his ions for music and basketball in order to prioritize church. We talk about the expectations around professing young, the control over dating, marriage, and even parenting — including the harmful encouragement of corporal punishment. As cracks began to form during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kyle and Kari found themselves questioning everything they believed. From hidden doubts, religious trauma, and Kari’s journey of discovering her bisexuality, to the couple’s darkest moments and eventual transformation, this episode dives deep into how they began rebuilding their lives outside the 2x2 world. We also discuss the emerging abuse allegations within the Two by Twos church, the beginnings of their Ex-Two by Two group, and the broader fight for transparency and ability in a faith that claims to have no organization at all. This is a raw, emotional, and revealing chapter of their deconstruction journey. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox us on Patreon PayPal Venmo Our Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple Podcasts us: [email protected] PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast the Discord

Kari & Kyle Hanks share their journey of leaving the secretive 2x2 church, a religious group with no official name, written doctrine, or corporate structure. They discuss their upbringings, struggles with faith, the exclusivity of the religion, and the trauma they endured. From discovering the church’s hidden history to creating a group for ex-, they expose abuse scandals, strict doctrines on women, and emotional suppression within the group. Their deconstruction was influenced by the Mormon Stories Podcast, COVID-19, and personal revelations about belief, identity, and autonomy. Now, they advocate for informed consent and those leaving high-control religions. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox us on Patreon PayPal Venmo Our Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple Podcasts us: [email protected] PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast the Discord

After five years of reflection, Kate opens up about her journey growing up in a strict Mormon household, serving a mission in Argentina, and working for the LDS Church. She shares pivotal moments of doubt, her experiences in church istration, and the troubling realities she uncovered in the Confidential Records department. From questioning church discipline policies to witnessing firsthand how the institution handles abuse cases, Kate's story reveals the struggles and insights that ultimately led her to leave the church. us as she discusses faith, disillusionment, and life after Mormonism. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox us on Patreon PayPal Venmo Our Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple Podcasts us: [email protected] PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast the Discord