Radio Free Mormon

Everyone knows Martin Harris as one of the Three Witnesses. But few know how strange, conflicted, and revealing his story really is. Was he a man of unwavering faith in the Truth… or a man chasing every new revelation that came along? In this episode of Mormonism Live, we dig into the real Martin Harris; the devout farmer who financed the Book of Mormon, saw angels (and maybe more), then spent decades bouncing between movements, prophets, and visions. From his 1838 claim that he only saw the plates “in vision or imagination,” to his deep belief in the Shaker “Sacred Roll and Book,” to his eventual return to Utah under Brigham Young’s wing. Every major twist in Harris’s life points to one central question: Can we trust Martin Harris as a reliable witness for the Restoration? Whether you’re a believer who reveres his testimony or a skeptic who doubts every word, you’ll walk away seeing Harris, and the early Church, in a far more complicated light than ever before. If the episode helps, support Mormonism Live so we can keep doing rigorous, source-driven work: Donate: https://donorbox.org/mormonism-live If anyone needs support dealing with spiritual trauma, 1-on-1 coaching and support groups are available at https://awakenandthrive.orgResources:https://www.dialoguejournal.com/articles/martin-harris-the-kirtland-years-1831-1870https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/letterbook-2/69?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://fullerconsideration.com/images/Tiffany’s%20Monthly%20-%20Mormonism%20No.%202%20-%20Martin%20Harris.pdfhttps://bhroberts.org/records/nvGFqb-0LWaIn/burnetts_letter_claims_witnesses_confessed_to_not_seeing_the_plateshttps://www.dialoguejournal.com/articles/martin-harris-mormonisms-early-convert/

Is it really possible that the LDS Church is removing the racist passages from the Book of Mormon? Not from the English version, but instead from the versions prepared for distribution in developing nations such as in Africa? Join RFM as he reviews the evidence and make up your own mind!

Lee Krahenbuhl returns to Mormonism Live for a fascinating deep dive into some of the strangest and most unusual aspects of Mormon history. Discover the surprising connections between Brigham Young, matchmaking traditions, spirit messages from Joseph Smith, and the most famous magician of the 19th century. What hidden stories link Mormon leaders, spiritualism, and 19th-century magic? How do these strange connections reshape our understanding of LDS history? Don’t miss this eye-opening episode as we uncover the bizarre, the mysterious, and the downright magical side of Mormonism’s past. Support Mormonism Live here: https://donorbox.org/mormonism-live RESOURCES:https://catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org/assets/dacd8009-cabe-438d-bd55-2319992d5ea2/0/0

RFM is joined by Summur Rayn and Charles (aka “Black Priesthood”) to discuss important current issues facing Black Mormons throughout the world, including Africa. You won’t want to miss this thoughtful and penetrating conversation.

Tonight on Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon sit down with writer and blogger Sarah Steed, whose essays contain sharp insight, poetic honesty, and unflinching critique of LDS culture. Sarah’s work dives deep into the unspoken layers of Mormon life—gender, perfectionism, obedience, and the lingering ghosts of patriarchy that shape the spiritual experience of both men and women. She explores how theology becomes culture, how “sisterhood” can sometimes turn into surveillance, and how the Restoration’s original mysticism was slowly domesticated into corporate religion. This is not your typical discussion on faith. Expect intelligent dialogue, uncomfortable questions, and honest reflections about what it means to be whole in a system that prizes obedience over authenticity. Topics Include: LDS theology and the loss of mysticism The hidden cost of perfection culture How patriarchy recruits both men and women Rethinking “eternal marriage” and divine feminine power What a more authentic, spiritually alive Mormonism might look like RESOURCES: https://substack.com/@thesarahsteed https://thesarahsteed.substack.com/p/why-women-would-rather-be-alone https://thesarahsteed.substack.com/p/for-all-eternity https://thesarahsteed.substack.com/p/the-ghost-of-polygamys-past-f02 https://thesarahsteed.substack.com/p/the-trouble-with-being-perfect https://thesarahsteed.substack.com/p/forever-isnt-a-plan-temple-ready https://thesarahsteed.substack.com/p/the-sunday-smile  https://substack.com/home/post/p-172891704 Join the live chat and be part of the conversation as we unpack the cultural, psychological, and spiritual realities behind modern Mormonism. Support the show: https://donorbox.org/mormonismlive If anyone needs support dealing with spiritual trauma, 1-on-1 coaching and support groups are available at: https://awakenandthrive.org/

In this special episode, we take a in-depth look at the life and ministry of Elder Dallin H. Oaks, who stands next in line to become President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Few leaders have been as controversial —from his time as President of BYU to decades in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. We’ll explore the major moments that have shaped his spiritual approach to the gospel and to others: the legal mind that helped define Church policy, the Speaker who spoke boldly on Church theology, and the Latter-day Saint disciple who has guided the Church in shaping its modern approach. This episode offers a sincere examination of the experiences, decisions, and teachings that have defined Elder Oaks’s journey of as a Latter -day Saint Leader Donate & Stay Connected Support Mormonism Live and the work we do by donating here: https://donorbox.org/mormonismlive Stay informed with our latest episodes and updates by signing up for our newsletter: Join our Mailing List – https://subscribepage.io/MormonDiscussion If anyone needs support dealing with spiritual trauma, 1-on-1 coaching and support groups are available at https://awakenandthrive.org/

RFM is joined by special guest Dr. Julie Hanks to respond to the scurrilous accusations made against her by Jacob Hansen! This is going to be a lot of fun!

Join Radio Free Mormon for a thoughtful (and sometimes irreverent) breakdown of the Saturday Afternoon Session of General Conference. This session often hides some of the most telling comments, and RFM is here to dissect every word, nuance, and contradiction. Expect humor, history, and a clear-eyed look behind the pulpit polish.

Traditionally the most “high-profile” session of the weekend, the Sunday Morning Session gets Radio Free Mormon’s full treatment. From prophetic posturing to carefully crafted soundbites, RFM highlights what’s said on the big stage—and what’s quietly avoided. If you want the conference decoded, this is the session to watch.

The Saturday Evening Session is often framed as a “special” gathering, but what actually got said? Radio Free Mormon brings his signature wit and insight to peel back the layers of the evening talks. Whether it’s soft rebranding or subtle shifts in doctrine, RFM helps you see what’s really going on.