Mormon Discussion Podcast

What happens when faith becomes a franchise? In this gripping episode of Mormonism LIVE, we sit down with award-winning filmmaker Nathan Apffel and Chris Ayoub to discuss his upcoming documentary “The Religion Business”—a hard-hitting exposé exploring the multi-billion dollar intersection of belief, power, and profit. From televangelists to temples, we’ll pull back the curtain on how modern religious empires are built, marketed, and monetized. Nathan and Chris shares behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the film, jaw-dropping moments from his interviews, and the uncomfortable truths he’s uncovered about how organized religion can exploit spiritual hunger for institutional gain. Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation will challenge you to consider where devotion ends and the business begins. PREMIER 1 – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-religion-business-salt-lake-premiere-1-tickets-1497737024759?msockid=1f8172e49f156a17358a64eb9e876b0e PREMIER 2 – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-religion-business-salt-lake-premiere-2-tickets-1500878260279?msockid=1f8172e49f156a17358a64eb9e876b0e Purchase the docuseries here – https://www.thereligionbusiness.com/docuseries Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to join the conversation. #TheReligionBusiness #NathanApffel #MormonismLIVE #FaithCrisis #ReligiousProfitMachine #ExMormon #Documentary #ChurchMoney The post Turning Faith into a Fortune: The Religion Business appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

What If the Prophet You Trust Showed Signs You’d Warn Your Children About? We often teach our children how to recognize red flags—signs that someone might not have good intentions. But what happens when those same behaviors show up in the life of someone we revere as a prophet? In this eye-opening episode, we explore the established patterns and techniques used by predators—behaviors like isolating individuals, using spiritual authority, giving gifts, and creating undue emotional dependence. Then we take a close, respectful look at the life of Joseph Smith to see if these patterns emerge. This isn’t about attacking faith. It’s about asking hard, faithful questions in pursuit of truth—because if our beliefs are true, they can withstand scrutiny. And if they aren’t, shouldn’t we want to know? If you’ve ever felt something didn’t quite sit right with certain stories in Church history, you’re not alone. Let’s explore this with clarity, compassion, and a commitment to truth. #JosephSmith #MormonHistory #GroomingAwareness #LDSTruthSeekers #MormonFaithCrisis #LDS #latterdaysaints The post Predatory Techniques of Mormonism’s Prophet Joseph Smith appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Lila Tueller, Daughter of LDS General Authority, Shares Untold Stories of Pain and Faith in “Shattered Trust” What happens when loyalty to the Church comes at the expense of the individual? Lila Tueller, daughter of well-known LDS General Authority Hartman Rector, Jr., has spent a lifetime inside the heart of Mormonism. In her powerful new book, Shattered Trust, she opens the door to stories rarely acknowledged—firsthand accounts from members and former members who found themselves caught between personal suffering and institutional silence. In this episode of Mormonism Live, we explore Lila’s perspective and the deeply moving narratives she shares. With clarity and compassion, Shattered Trust sheds light on what can happen when systems meant to uplift become blind to the pain within their own walls. If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about faith, loyalty, and accountability, this conversation may offer the validation—and the honesty—you didn’t know you were looking for. Lila’s Book “Shattered Trust” can be purchased early – https://new-leaf-publishing.kit.com/743db0bf92 Lila has another book “I Love You Because: A Collection of Thoughts and Memories” – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8C8CKW Narcisstic abuse recovery Book by Lila – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F5BF1NS1 Lila is a fabric designer. You can visit her shop where fabrics are sold – https://lilatuellerdesigns.etsy.com Join Our Mailing List Stay in the loop with exclusive updates, new episodes, and behind-the-scenes insights. Join our mailing list today: https://subscribepage.io/MormonDiscussion Support the Cause If our work has helped you or someone you love, consider paying it forward. Your donation keeps our mission alive: https://donorbox.org/mormonism-after-dark Support the Cause If our work has helped you or someone you love, consider paying it forward. Your donation keeps our mission alive: https://donorbox.org/mormonism-live Like & Subscribe on YouTube If you’re enjoying our content, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode: youtube.com/@MormonDiscussion Join Us In Person – August 2nd, 2025 RFM & Bill are gathering in person for a powerful, community-building event in Salt Lake City! Grab your spot before tickets run out: Register Here –    https://donorbox.org/events/780890/steps/choose_tickets Join Us For A Live Show – August 4th, 2025 RFM,  Bill, & Rebecca are gathering in person for a Live Showing of the Mormon Newscast in Salt Lake City! Grab your spot before tickets run out: https://donorbox.org/events/784033 Sponsor a Scholarship Help someone attend who otherwise couldn’t. Donate to our scholarship fund and make our events accessible to all: donorbox.org/mormon-discussion-scholarships The post Mormon Spiritual Abuse appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Who really was Joseph Smith? When one peels back the layers of legend and legacy to explore the life of Mormonism’s controversial founder, a far more complex and human figure emerges—part visionary, part rebel, and entirely unlike the sanitized version told in Sunday School. From buried golden plates and seer stones to secret plural marriages and clashes with the law, this conversation reveals the man behind the movement. Was he a prophet inspired by God—or a charismatic charlatan driven by ambition? Whether you’re a faithful Latter-day Saint, a curious seeker, or someone wrestling with LDS beliefs, this episode offers a compelling, eye-opening look at the man who started it all—and it just might change the way you see Mormonism forever. Join Us In Person – August 2nd, 2025 RFM & Bill are gathering in person for a powerful, community-building event in Salt Lake City! Grab your spot before tickets run out: Register Here – https://donorbox.org/events/780890/steps/choose_tickets Join Us For A Live Show – August 4th, 2025 RFM,  Bill, & Rebecca are gathering in person for a Live Showing of the Mormon Newscast in Salt Lake City! Grab your spot before tickets run out: https://donorbox.org/events/784033 Sponsor a Scholarship Help someone attend who otherwise couldn’t. Donate to our scholarship fund and make our events accessible to all: donorbox.org/mormon-discussion-scholarships Help support Bill Reel & Radio Free Mormon in making informative entertaining content that shines a light on truth and leads with transparency.  DONATE VIA DONORBOX! https://donorbox.org/mormonism-live Join our Mailing List – subscribepage.io/MormonDiscussion  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-discussions-podcasts-full-lineup/id562296100 https://open.spotify.com/show/0lEZJF0ZH6ccoteUP9Z4Fu Instagram: /https://www.instagram.com/mormondiscussion/ TikTok: @mormondiscussion https://www.tiktok.com/@mormondiscussion Mormon Discussion Merch store https://www.exmoshirts.com/collections/mormondiscussions Mormon Discussions Website – https://mormondiscussions.org/ Contact Bill Reel, RFM, and the Mormon Discussions Team: MormonDiscussionsPodcasts@gmail.com The post Joseph Smith: The Man Behind Mormonism appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Of all the misleading tactics used by Latter-day Saint apologists, this one might just take the crown. It’s sneaky, it’s calculated—and even after being called out repeatedly, they still keep doing it. Why? Because when it comes to defending Mormonism and the LDS Church, it seems the ends justify any means. But not this time. We’re calling it out publicly—and you need to see it for yourself. Help support Bill Reel & Radio Free Mormon in making informative entertaining content that shines a light on truth and leads with transparency. DONATE VIA DONORBOX! https://donorbox.org/mormonism-live Join our Mailing List – subscribepage.io/MormonDiscussion https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-discussions-podcasts-full-lineup/id562296100 https://open.spotify.com/show/0lEZJF0ZH6ccoteUP9Z4Fu Instagram: /https://www.instagram.com/mormondiscussion/ TikTok: @mormondiscussion https://www.tiktok.com/@mormondiscussion Mormon Discussion Merch store https://www.exmoshirts.com/collections/mormondiscussions Mormon Discussions Website – https://mormondiscussions.org/ Contact Bill Reel, RFM, and the Mormon Discussions Team: MormonDiscussionsPodcasts@gmail.com The post The Sneakiest Mormon Apologetic Of Them All appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

In this episode of Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon dive headfirst into the Church’s newest official Gospel Topics entry on the Book of Abraham, dissecting its language, implications, and apologetic framing. With surgical precision (and just a bit of satire), they explore how the Church attempts to repackage decades of controversy surrounding Joseph Smith’s translation claims, the missing scroll theory, and the pivot to the “catalyst theory.” Listeners will be taken through the subtle rhetorical maneuvers in the essay—how it avoids hard declarations, redefines “translation,” and leans on ambiguity to keep belief afloat. The hosts also unpack the broader trend of shifting responsibility from prophetic certainty to scholarly speculation, while comparing this essay with past statements and apologetic strategies. This is not just a history lesson—it’s a real-time case study in institutional narrative management. For anyone who’s ever wondered how a modern-day church tries to make a 19th-century Egyptian fiasco feel “faith-promoting,” this episode is a must-listen. https://donorbox.org/events/784033 – The Mormon Newscast Live Studio Audience Monday August 4th 5:30pm to 10pm https://donorbox.org/events/780890 – Unfiltered: A Night with Radio Free Mormon & Bill Reel SALT LAKE CITY Saturday August 2nd Join Our Mailing List Stay in the loop with exclusive updates, new episodes, and behind-the-scenes insights. Join our mailing list today: https://subscribepage.io/MormonDiscussion Support the Cause If our work has helped you or someone you love, consider paying it forward. Your donation keeps our mission alive: donorbox.org/umbrella-entity Like & Subscribe on YouTube If you’re enjoying our content, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode: youtube.com/@MormonDiscussion The post Book of Abraham Apologetics [Mormonism Live 238] appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Discovered by accident in a desert cave, the Dead Sea Scrolls have become one of the most significant archaeological finds of the last century. But what do they actually say—and why do they matter? In this episode, we explore the strange, surprising, and deeply revealing world of the scrolls: hidden prophecies, rival messiahs, priesthood power struggles, sacred meals, and apocalyptic expectations. Whether you’re fascinated by ancient scripture, curious about early religious movements, or wondering how it all connects to Mormonism, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of history’s greatest textual mysteries. Help support Bill Reel & Radio Free Mormon in making informative entertaining content that shines a light on truth and leads with transparency.  DONATE VIA DONORBOX! https://donorbox.org/mormonism-live Join our Mailing List – subscribepage.io/MormonDiscussion  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-discussions-podcasts-full-lineup/id562296100 https://open.spotify.com/show/0lEZJF0ZH6ccoteUP9Z4Fu Instagram: /https://www.instagram.com/mormondiscussion/ TikTok: @mormondiscussion https://www.tiktok.com/@mormondiscussion Mormon Discussion Merch store https://www.exmoshirts.com/collections/mormondiscussions Mormon Discussions Website – https://mormondiscussions.org/ Contact Bill Reel, RFM, and the Mormon Discussions Team: MormonDiscussionsPodcasts@gmail.com The post Mormonism & the Dead Sea Scrolls [Mormonism Live 237] appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

EXPOSED: LDS Church & Tax Filing Fraud? In this special edition of Mormonism Live, we uncover stunning new evidence that suggests the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may have violated U.S. tax laws—intentionally. From questionable filings to shell entities and hidden assets, this episode lays out what we’ve found, why it matters, and what legal consequences the Church could face if the IRS takes action. We follow the paper trail, examine public records, and reveal the patterns that point to a systemic problem far beyond “clerical error.” Is this financial mismanagement—or deliberate deception? How deep does it go? Who’s behind it? And what happens next? This could be the biggest legal scandal the modern Church has faced.Watch now before the spin begins. Help support Bill Reel & Radio Free Mormon in making informative entertaining content that shines a light on truth and leads with transparency.  DONATE VIA DONORBOX! https://donorbox.org/mormonism-live Join our Mailing List – subscribepage.io/MormonDiscussion  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-discussions-podcasts-full-lineup/id562296100 https://open.spotify.com/show/0lEZJF0ZH6ccoteUP9Z4Fu Instagram: /https://www.instagram.com/mormondiscussion/ TikTok: @mormondiscussion https://www.tiktok.com/@mormondiscussion Mormon Discussion Merch store https://www.exmoshirts.com/collections/mormondiscussions Mormon Discussions Website – https://mormondiscussions.org/ Contact Bill Reel, RFM, and the Mormon Discussions Team: MormonDiscussionsPodcasts@gmail.com The post LDS Church In Trouble With IRS? [Mormonism Live 236] appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Is the Book of Abraham based on papyrus we no longer have? In this episode, we explore the Missing Scroll Theory—the idea that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Abraham from a long roll of papyrus that has since been lost or destroyed. We’ll examine the historical records, including firsthand accounts from early Saints like Lucy Mack Smith, who described a distinct long scroll separate from the surviving fragments. Apologists argue this missing roll may still vindicate Joseph’s translation. Critics say the theory is a modern invention meant to rescue a narrative that doesn’t fit the evidence. Join us as we unpack the assumptions, the math, and the motives behind the Missing Scroll Theory. Help support Bill Reel & Radio Free Mormon in making informative entertaining content that shines a light on truth and leads with transparency.  DONATE VIA DONORBOX! https://donorbox.org/mormonism-live Join our Mailing List – subscribepage.io/MormonDiscussion  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-discussions-podcasts-full-lineup/id562296100 https://open.spotify.com/show/0lEZJF0ZH6ccoteUP9Z4Fu Instagram: /https://www.instagram.com/mormondiscussion/ TikTok: @mormondiscussion https://www.tiktok.com/@mormondiscussion Mormon Discussion Merch store https://www.exmoshirts.com/collections/mormondiscussions Mormon Discussions Website – https://mormondiscussions.org/ Contact Bill Reel, RFM, and the Mormon Discussions Team: MormonDiscussionsPodcasts@gmail.com The post The Book of Abraham’s Missing Scroll Theory [Mormonism Live 235] appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

[Mormonism Live 234] In this episode of Mormonism Live, Radio Free Mormon (Bill is on vacation) dives headfirst into the growing tension between scientific discovery and Mormon doctrine. When it comes to mormonism in the modern world, science keeps raising its hand with uncomfortable questions. The LDS Church, meanwhile, continues to insist it has the answers… or at least that it’s “not official doctrine” when the answers don’t hold up. Tune in as we put the truth claims of Mormonism under the microscope. Help support Bill Reel & Radio Free Mormon in making informative entertaining content that shines a light on truth and leads with transparency.  DONATE VIA DONORBOX! https://donorbox.org/mormonism-live Join our Mailing List – subscribepage.io/MormonDiscussion    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-discussions-podcasts-full-lineup/id562296100 https://open.spotify.com/show/0lEZJF0ZH6ccoteUP9Z4Fu Instagram: /https://www.instagram.com/mormondiscussion/ TikTok: @mormondiscussion https://www.tiktok.com/@mormondiscussion Mormon Discussion Merch store https://www.exmoshirts.com/collections/mormondiscussions Mormon Discussions Website – https://mormondiscussions.org/   Contact Bill Reel, RFM, and the Mormon Discussions Team: MormonDiscussionsPodcasts@gmail.com The post Science vs. Mormonism [Mormonism Live 234] appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.