Subscriber-only episodeSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: A Sweeping Conversation on the New Mormon History, Hierarchy, & Social Justice [Part II of IV]In this thought-provoking part II of Valerie's conversation with Greg Prince, they delve into the history itself and talk about the intriguing rise of Mormon fundamentalism in the mid-twentieth century, setting the stage for later conflicts in how to narrate the origin stories of the early Mormon people. Greg shares his personal journey and insights from his research, especially his experiences writing the biography of Leonard Arrington. Listeners are taken on a deep exploration of the intersection of faith, myth, and truth, and the psychological effects on members during a spiritual awakening as they navigate the complexities of historical fact versus traditional teachings. Tune in to engage with this balancing act of preserving faith while embracing honesty and our ongoing quest for healing within our LDS faith community. No one does this better than Greg Prince!  **More sensitive or more psychologically advanced themes are saved for paid Friday episodes to protect the content creators from being mischaracterized by less familiar consumers.**LEARN HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO FRIDAY EPISODES(Watch a 2-minute how-to video)THEN subscribe to Fridays here. TROUBLE WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Email: support@buzzsprout.comCONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available ⁠⁠here!⁠ SUPPORT GROUPS: Next support & processing group coming March 2025. To register/learn more, visit here.OFFICE HOURS FOR FRIDAY SUBSCRIBERS: Register here.CLASSES: Visit our library.SUPPORT: Make a one-time donation to ⁠her business Venmo...

Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: A Sweeping Conversation on the New Mormon History, Hierarchy, & Social Justice [Part I of IV]Welcome back to "Latter Day Struggles," for another not-to-be-missed four-part series with distinguished guest, Greg Prince—an influential voice in progressive Mormon circles and a man of diverse expertise and deep compassion. In today’s episode, we explore Greg's seven generations of Latter-Day Saint heritage and his application of scientific principles to the study of Mormon history and theology. As a devoted researcher and advocate, Greg delves into the LDS Church's engagement with LGBTQ issues in general and their many-decades-long involvement fighting gay marriage, as detailed in Greg's excellent book "Gay Rights and the Mormon Church: Intended Actions: Unintended Consequences". FRIDAY'S episode II of this series will focus on Greg's experience writing "Leonard Arrington and the Writing of Mormon History" and a fascinating conversation about this era from a man who can offer some first-hand wisdom. Please subscribe to listen! Info below!Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below. See you there! Gay Rights and the Mormon Church: Intended Actions—Unintended Consequences: https://amzn.to/47f5SezSupport the show**More sensitive or more psychologically advanced themes are saved for paid Friday episodes to protect the content creators from being mischaracterized by less familiar consumers.**LEARN HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO FRIDAY EPISODES(Watch a 2-minute how-to video)THEN subscribe to Fridays here. TROUBLE WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Email: support@buzzsprout.comCONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available ⁠⁠here!⁠ SUPPORT GROUPS: Next support & processing group coming March 2025. To register/learn more, visit here.OFFICE HOURS FOR FRIDAY SUBSCRIBERS: Register here.CLASSES: Visit our library.SUPPORT: Make a one-time donation to ⁠her business Venmo...

Subscriber-only episodeSend us a Positive Review!In this thought-provoking episode of Latter Day Struggles, Valerie invites listeners into the heart of gender issues within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, first by reading "Dear Mormon Man, What would You Do?" by Amy McPhie Allebest (linked in full below) where Amy "flips the script" and offers a peek into the imaginary world of matriarchy and its devastating impact on an earnest Mormon man. As a therapist with a background in trauma, Valerie offers insights on coping with faith crises, feminist awakenings, the lonely journey of faith development which requires us each to navigate the twin needs of autonomy and connection. Here is the link to the essay that I read and discussed in this episode : https://mormondom.com/letter-to-a-mormon-man-8d251aa1f062Please support Amy’s Podcast “BREAKING DOWN PATRIARCHY” **More sensitive or more psychologically advanced themes are saved for paid Friday episodes to protect the content creators from being mischaracterized by less familiar consumers.**LEARN HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO FRIDAY EPISODES(Watch a 2-minute how-to video)THEN subscribe to Fridays here. TROUBLE WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Email: support@buzzsprout.comCONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available ⁠⁠here!⁠ SUPPORT GROUPS: Next support & processing group coming March 2025. To register/learn more, visit here.OFFICE HOURS FOR FRIDAY SUBSCRIBERS: Register here.CLASSES: Visit our library.SUPPORT: Make a one-time donation to ⁠her business Venmo...

Send us a Positive Review!In this thought-provoking episode Valerie delves into the topic of women and church hierarchy, focusing on the symbolic and practical implications of women seated at the stand in church leadership. Valerie shares her personal connections to the San Francisco Bay Area (where the recent "seating chart" debacle took place) with her experience as a missionary in that area. She contrasts gender policies within the LDS framework to those of other denominations and unpacks some of the complexities of gender dynamics, the influence of historical and transgenerational trauma, and suggests reimagining stewardship beyond traditional hierarchies. Tune in for an insightful dialogue and be sure to catch Friday's episode reading and analyzing Amy McPhie Allebest’s influential essay "Dear Mormon Man, Tell Me What Would You Do?"Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below. See you there!————————————————————————————————————— Support the show**More sensitive or more psychologically advanced themes are saved for paid Friday episodes to protect the content creators from being mischaracterized by less familiar consumers.**LEARN HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO FRIDAY EPISODES(Watch a 2-minute how-to video)THEN subscribe to Fridays here. TROUBLE WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Email: support@buzzsprout.comCONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available ⁠⁠here!⁠ SUPPORT GROUPS: Next support & processing group coming March 2025. To register/learn more, visit here.OFFICE HOURS FOR FRIDAY SUBSCRIBERS: Register here.CLASSES: Visit our library.SUPPORT: Make a one-time donation to ⁠her business Venmo...

Subscriber-only episodeSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: A Sketch of the Life & Work of Mormon Feminist Maxine Hanks [Part IV of IV]In this profound final episode of this series featuring Maxine Hanks' journey of faith, Valerie invites Maxine to candidly share her journey back into the LDS Church, shedding light on not only her own positive experiences of LDS reconciliation, but also her thoughts on others of the "September 6" (and beyond) who have not been treated so generously. Maxine and Valerie also delve into the critical roles of women and gender equality in church history, addressing the ongoing need for healing in the church community. Reflecting on personal callings and ministering, Maxine's insights into her experiences offer listeners a rich understanding of her own unique journey. Tune in for an episode that not only traverses complex theological ground but also touches the heart with stories of transformation and the ongoing desire to seek solutions within the LDS tradition.**More sensitive or more psychologically advanced themes are saved for paid Friday episodes to protect the content creators from being mischaracterized by less familiar consumers.**LEARN HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO FRIDAY EPISODES(Watch a 2-minute how-to video)THEN subscribe to Fridays here. TROUBLE WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Email: support@buzzsprout.comCONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available ⁠⁠here!⁠ SUPPORT GROUPS: Next support & processing group coming March 2025. To register/learn more, visit here.OFFICE HOURS FOR FRIDAY SUBSCRIBERS: Register here.CLASSES: Visit our library.SUPPORT: Make a one-time donation to ⁠her business Venmo...

Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: A Sketch of the Life & Work of Mormon Feminist Maxine Hanks [Part III of IV]In this beautiful episode 3, Valerie continues the deep dive into the beautiful life story of special guest, Maxine Hanks. From exploring her theological journey into early Christian gnosticism, to her experiences in Christian liturgy, to her studies at Harvard, to her work as a Chaplain, and finally her return to the LDS Church, Maxine's journey offers a unique perspective on faith and self-discovery. Her fascinating path interweaves elements of personal growth, mission, and calling with a desire to be instrumental in community reconciliation and part of an expanding body of Christ. This episode also introduces a further exploration of Maxine’s reintroduction experience to the LDS faith (which is detailed in the final episode of this series). The final episode of this series delves into Maxine's reconciliation experience with the LDS church, her thoughts on others in her September 6 cohort whose experiences were not as generous, and her vision for a more loving body of Christ as a church who learns the power of true ministry.Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below. See you there!Support the show**More sensitive or more psychologically advanced themes are saved for paid Friday episodes to protect the content creators from being mischaracterized by less familiar consumers.**LEARN HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO FRIDAY EPISODES(Watch a 2-minute how-to video)THEN subscribe to Fridays here. TROUBLE WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Email: support@buzzsprout.comCONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available ⁠⁠here!⁠ SUPPORT GROUPS: Next support & processing group coming March 2025. To register/learn more, visit here.OFFICE HOURS FOR FRIDAY SUBSCRIBERS: Register here.CLASSES: Visit our library.SUPPORT: Make a one-time donation to ⁠her business Venmo...

Subscriber-only episodeSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: A Sketch of the Life & Work of Mormon Feminist Maxine Hanks [Part II of IV]In this insightful episode, Valerie and guest scholar Maxine Hanks dive deep into the realm of feminism within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Today's episode focuses on the pioneering work of D. Michael Quinn, whose exploration into polygamy, LGBT history, and women holding the priesthood stirred church-wide controversy. As a priesthood holding BYU professor at the time, Quinn's brave, honest, and concise historical excavation seemed especially threatening to the presiding guardians of the LDS theological and historical majority narrative. This episode further explores the intertwined roles of historians, psychologists, feminists, and LGBTQ individuals and ally activists in the LDS space and highlights the vital importance of "shadow workers"...those willing to bring into the light tough topics that many are afraid to address, but which need to be addressed for this Christian community to truly embody a body of Christ.**More sensitive or more psychologically advanced themes are saved for paid Friday episodes to protect the content creators from being mischaracterized by less familiar consumers.**LEARN HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO FRIDAY EPISODES(Watch a 2-minute how-to video)THEN subscribe to Fridays here. TROUBLE WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Email: support@buzzsprout.comCONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available ⁠⁠here!⁠ SUPPORT GROUPS: Next support & processing group coming March 2025. To register/learn more, visit here.OFFICE HOURS FOR FRIDAY SUBSCRIBERS: Register here.CLASSES: Visit our library.SUPPORT: Make a one-time donation to ⁠her business Venmo...

Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: A Sketch of the Life & Work of Mormon Feminist Maxine Hanks [Part I of IV]In this first of a compelling four-part series, Valerie welcomes Maxine Hanks, editor of the groundbreaking feminist book "Women and Authority" which led to the infamous "September 6" purge of 1993, where many LDS feminists and scholars were disciplined by the LDS church for their scholarship and advocacy work. In the next four episodes, Valerie welcomes Maxine Hanks to the Latter Day Struggles podcast where Maxine offers a detailed account of her own life story, beginning with her call to help her LDS church see its own feminist roots, her word editing "Women and Authority" and details not only her own intriguing experience as one of the "September 6" but also her sacred and circuitous 20-year journey of faith expansion following her excommunication that culminated in her decision to return to formal LDS affiliation. Today's episode specifically focuses on her sacred experiences feeling called to uncover the powerful feminist underpinnings that are unique to the early Mormon faith and how and why this project was a lightning bolt for her patriarchal Mormon community. Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below. See you there!————————————————————————————————————— SUBSCRIBE: All Friday episodes of Latter Day Struggles can be accessed through ⁠⁠⁠a paid subscription ($9.99/month)⁠. Thank you for supporting Valerie’s professional commitment to your LDS Faith expansion journey!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/bddk8ak7 ⁠Click here for a step-by-step guide on how to support the podcast and subscribe⁠https://valeriehamaker.com/how-to-subscribe/ ——————————————————————————————————————SUPPORT: Like what you’re hearing at Latter Day Struggles Podcast? You can support Valerie’s efforts by becoming a recurring donor on ⁠Patreon.com⁠!——————————————————————————————————————SUPPORT GROUPS: You are invited to join one of Valerie’s space-limited ⁠⁠⁠Faith Crisis and Expansion Support and ProSupport the show**More sensitive or more psychologically advanced themes are saved for paid Friday episodes to protect the content creators from being mischaracterized by less familiar consumers.**LEARN HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO FRIDAY EPISODES(Watch a 2-minute how-to video)THEN subscribe to Fridays here. TROUBLE WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Email: support@buzzsprout.comCONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available ⁠⁠here!⁠ SUPPORT GROUPS: Next support & processing group coming March 2025. To register/learn more, visit here.OFFICE HOURS FOR FRIDAY SUBSCRIBERS: Register here.CLASSES: Visit our library.SUPPORT: Make a one-time donation to ⁠her business Venmo...

Subscriber-only episodeSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Exploration of GC Address ‘For the Sake of Your Posterity’ by E. Godoy [Part II of II]In this episode Val and Nathan continue their conversation exploring E Godoy's talk "For the Sake of Your Posterity" and focus on the anxiety and pain this talk caused many faith-expanding parents in and around the LDS church. Valerie breaks down several neurological reasons why this talk's fear and guilt orientation especially impacts people in early faith crisis and Nathan shares some personal experiences about why this talk was painful as it revealed to him how his earlier compliance to talks of this nature actually negatively impacted his own capacity to love his children well. Join them in this tender episode advocating for more understanding and compassion on questing parents in LDS faith expansion.**More sensitive or more psychologically advanced themes are saved for paid Friday episodes to protect the content creators from being mischaracterized by less familiar consumers.**LEARN HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO FRIDAY EPISODES(Watch a 2-minute how-to video)THEN subscribe to Fridays here. TROUBLE WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Email: support@buzzsprout.comCONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available ⁠⁠here!⁠ SUPPORT GROUPS: Next support & processing group coming March 2025. To register/learn more, visit here.OFFICE HOURS FOR FRIDAY SUBSCRIBERS: Register here.CLASSES: Visit our library.SUPPORT: Make a one-time donation to ⁠her business Venmo...

Valerie and Nathan discuss the fundamental importance of parental influence, concerns about fear and guilt tactics used in the church, and the need for understanding stages of faith development. They explore reasons why parents in LDS faith crisis found Elder Godoy's talk painful and reframe the concept of 'weak links' and 'strong links'. They emphasize the harm of rigidity, guilt, and fear tactics on weary parents and call for empathy in parenting during LDS faith journey.