Mormon Stories Podcast

Britt Hartley, author of 'No Nonsense Spirituality', dives into the intricacies of religious deconstruction. She highlights ten common pitfalls, like the risks of opening marriages too soon and the so-called 'psychedelic trap' of chasing spiritual highs. Parenting without traditional beliefs is another key topic, emphasizing the need for clear structure. Hartley shares insights on personal identity loss and the importance of community support, along with reflections on dating in the modern world. Her candid approach offers valuable guidance for anyone navigating life after faith.

After nearly two centuries of strict modesty standards, the Mormon Church has made a historic change—women’s garments now allow for exposed shoulders. In this in-depth panel, Mormon women unpack the significance of this shift. From the garments' Masonic roots and historical designs to the ways they’ve shaped modesty culture, sexuality, and control over women's bodies, this conversation dives deep. The panel also explores the social media response, health concerns, and the ongoing discomfort many women still face. With personal stories, historical context, and commentary on the new designs, this is a must-watch discussion on a topic rarely spoken about so openly.Show NotesYouTube00:00:00 Introductions00:18:15 Rules around garments00:26:32 Modesty culture shaped by garments00:34:10 Church doctrine around garments00:39:50 Modesty policing among members - “garment checking”01:06:00 The effect of garments on a couple’s sex life01:25:00 Photos of the new garment designs01:32:00 How would they have received this info as an active believer?01:51:00 Nancy’s final comments02:02:35 @AndreaFausett video02:09:28 @VikaFroclieh video02:18:00 Video of woman walking into church in new garments02:25:25 Discussion on if tight fitting clothing is okay02:27:00 “Gen Z is different”02:28:10 Third @AndreaFausett video02:332:26 Sharing superchat comments02:34:54 @NicoleEversten video02:36:25 Second @VikaFroclieh video02:42:30 @Haleyrawle video02:51:20 @Exponentii_blog video (Abby’s video)02:55:32 Final thoughtsMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

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 passions 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 support group, and the broader fight for transparency and accountability in a faith that claims to have no organization at all. This is a raw, emotional, and revealing chapter of their deconstruction journey.Show NotesYouTube00:00:00 Introduction00:04:02 Kyle’s background & upbringing as a 2x200:16:17 What happens when a child “professes”?00:29:06 Feeling immense pressure to stick to the gospel00:34:21 His views on dating at the time00:44:40 2x2 Wedding00:48:23 Were told by multiple people the needed to “break their kids” - corporal punishment very big among 2x200:56:40 How did 2x2 members look at covid/the vaccine/masks?01:12:49 Kari told Kyle she was atheist 01:26:24 Kyle had the feeling that he just ran off a cliff01:37:21 Kari realized, if it feels like the only way out is death, it is not a healthy religion - realized he was giving too much to something that was not giving back01:46:09 Kari got her ears pierced for the first time - was a very liberating experience 01:47:15 “The Ex 2x2 Support Group”01:53:38 Highly respected overseer found dead in a hotel room 02:15:25 “If there is no organization, there is no organization to sue”02:29:55 ‘How do you shut down an organization that doesn't exist?”02:35:02 How much money does the 2x2 church have? How can it be tracked?02:42:00 How do they try to gather with ex-members?02:53:15 ConclusionMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Kari Hanks and Kyle Hanks, both former members of the secretive 2x2 cult, share their gripping journeys of leaving behind a manipulative faith. They discuss their upbringing in a community with strict doctrines, revealing hidden abuse scandals and emotional suppression. The couple reflects on their personal revelations that sparked deconstruction, the role of the COVID-19 pandemic in their transformation, and their current advocacy for informed consent and support for ex-members. Their candid stories highlight the profound impact of childhood trauma and the challenges of rebuilding identity after leaving.

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 administration, 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. Join us as she discusses faith, disillusionment, and life after Mormonism.Show NotesYouTube00:00:00 Beginning00:03:40 Kate Lyn’s Mormon story begins 00:10:20 Confessing "sins" to her bishop00:16:44 Decides to serve a mission00:30:37 Hardest parts of mission00:39:58 “Golden investigator” on mission was con man00:47:33 Started working for the church00:49:00 Worked with high level leaders01:14:25 People trying to steal from the church01:18:53 Confidential Records department01:22:46 Reading about bad things in the discipline documents 02:13:12 Becoming PIMO (physically in mentally out"02:15:56 Woman excommunicated for sleeping with her bishop at 14 years old02:24:37 “I don't think I would have left the church, if I didn’t work for the church”02:39:40 On Mormons who look down on peopleMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

On March 12, 2025, Church educator and BYU professor Jared Halverson released an Instagram short where he stated: “One of the statistics that has worried me the most of late, comes from a survey that was done in 2023 and it’s suggesting that for the first time that I can think of, more women are leaving religion than men are.” Is this true? Why are more women leaving Mormonism than men are? Join us today as we gather with Katie Rich (author of Fifty Years of Exponent II), Amy McPhie Allebest (of the Breaking Down Patriarchy YouTube channel), and Abby Maxwell Hansen (who was threatened with excommunication for her profile on Ordain Women in 2013 and an Exponent II blogger since 2019), as well as writer and columnist Jana Riess to discuss this growing phenomenon.Jared Halverson is an associate professor of Ancient Scriptures and served for over 20 years in the Church Education System. Halverson earned his BA in History and MA in Religious Education. He has been a featured speaker in devotionals as well as in academic settings. He is the host of the YouTube channel and podcast titled “Unshaken.”You can view Jared Halverson’s original video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TevsIrw1nqsShow Notes: https://www.mormonstories.org/why-are-women-leaving-the-mormon-church/

Today we are re-introducing Sandra Tanner to a new generation of Mormons, exMormons, and never-Mormons. Both Sandra and her husband Jerald have strong Mormon backgrounds. When he was only eighteen, Jerald began to have doubts about his faith. When they began dating, Sandra Tanner also began to doubt. Throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s Jerald and Sandra Tanner were among the first to begin publishing on the problems with Mormon history and its truth claims. They opened a bookstore called the Utah Lighthouse Ministry and began publishing their research. Today we are going to talk about their discoveries on topics such as changes to the Book of Mormon, the problems with the Book of Abraham translation, the Kinderhook plates, how the Church covered up problematic parts of its history, and how they impacted hundreds of people in and out of the Mormon church. You won’t want to miss this episode!Show NotesYouTube00:04:00 Topics we are going to cover today00:05:24 Changes to the text of the Book of Mormon00:25:40 The usage of the seer stone and an “exact” translation00:32:00 The Book of Mormon as a revelation rather than a translation 00:33:45 Problems with the Book of Abraham translation00:49:12 The Church came up with the Catalyst Theory00:54:00 The Kinderhook Plates issues01:14:10 Other “Cover-ups” that the church has done01:28:00 Nephi vs. Moroni 01:31:55 Changes to D&C01:38:10 Discussion of Michelle Stone’s claims & Sandra’s response01:54:55 “We felt the obligation to set the record straight”01:59:00 How does Sandra respond to critics that say she should continue to deconstruct Christianity02:25:20 ConclusionMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

After being inspired by the Mormon Stories Paul brothers episode, Dave courageously shares his powerful journey through faith, family struggles, and self-discovery. From his upbringing in a traditional Mormon household to navigating complex questions about church history, LGBTQ+ issues, and personal loss, Dave's story is one of resilience and hope. He reflects on his brother's tragic passing, his evolving beliefs, and why he ultimately chooses to stay active in the church today. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about faith, doubt, and finding meaning through it all.Show NotesYouTube00:03:12 Dave’s intention for coming on Mormon Stories00:08:03 Dave’s mormon story begins - explaining family background00:13:41 Story of backpacking with his brother and having an accident00:24:46 Dave’s mission to Warsaw, Poland00:34:50 Life after his mission - dating and marriage01:01:05 Dave’s experience with a Roman Catholic woman that inspired him - introduced him to interracial marriage01:13:30 Dave thought “If I remain silent now, I am a hypocrite to my own testimony” (regarding his friend leaving the church)01:21:04 Why do we call it going down the rabbit hole when it is actually coming out into the light?01:45:00 “Does God help amputees?” argument02:00:50 “There has to be recognition that what we were taught was not the truth”02:17:30 Why John Dehlin does Mormon Stories02:46:17 Elder Holland “greatest missionary of all time” experience02:59:55 Dave discusses the Book of Mormon03:36:44 Dave’s younger brother, Dan, passed away in 202303:44:19 What are the main reasons that he chooses to stay active in 2025?04:01:26 What is his response to the fact that the church does a lot of harm to people as well? How does he personally work through this04:11:30 Dave feels that there are real advancements being made in the church currently04:20:24 ConclusionMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

In this episode, we’re joined by historian and mapmaker John Hamer as he responds to Michelle Stone’s recent claims that Joseph Smith did not practice polygamy. Drawing from historical records, primary sources, and his extensive research, John offers context and analysis on one of the most debated topics in Latter-day Saint history. Join us for an insightful conversation unpacking the complexities of Joseph Smith’s involvement in early Mormon polygamy.John Hamer is an American-Canadian historian who has focused primarily on Mormon history and has published a number of books on the topic, including Scattering of the Saints: Schism Within Mormonism and House of the Lord: The Story of the Kirtland Temple. John Hamer was raised in the Mormon Church, left the religion and joined the Community of Christ Church in 2010 and now serves as a pastor in their Toronto Congregation.Show NotesYouTube00:00:50 Michelle Stone00:01:50 John Hamer has been on MSP eleven times at least00:03:35 Background for John Hamer00:11:30 Why would the Community of Christ have an interest in this topic? 00:22:07 A Golden Age of Disinformation 00:30:20 Personal Investment in Disinformation00:31:45 Why do people prefer disinformation? 00:35:35 False Equation as the Basis00:37:35 Rejection of Expertise00:43:47 Holding Beliefs in Contradiction to Evidence00:45:53 Religious Propositions - such as flat earthers00:51:41 Solomon Spaulding Theory for the Book of Mormon01:01:35 Historians regardless of affiliation conclude that Joseph Smith practiced polygamy01:04:40 Testimonies of Every Type of Witness01:09:17 Why Credit This Conspiracy Theory?01:15:30 “Lying for the Lord” Joseph didn’t think he was lying01:24:45 Lying for the Lord about Polygamy timeline01:32:10 Joseph Smith III and the story of the wedge01:37:19 Michelle Stone and the broad rejection of expertise01:42:00 Apologetic Lack of Methodology 01:48:?? Uphold Knowledge Not Truth Claims01:52:20 Questions for John Hamer on the topic of polygamy02:07:46 The text of D&C 132, it has the context of the time02:11:40 Temple Lot Case02:19:30 John Hamer’s final words for the showMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

New research by PhD student Colby Townsend reveals striking connections between The Book of Mormon and Adam Clarke’s Bible Commentary, a widely used biblical resource in Joseph Smith’s time. In this episode, we explore how Smith engaged with Clarke’s insights, made textual modifications, and reframed biblical passages to fit his theological vision. Was Smith restoring lost scripture, or was he influenced by contemporary scholarship?Show NotesYouTube00:11:35 Summary of Joseph Smith using the Adam Clarke Commentary00:17:06 During this time, this is NOT considered plagiarism00:19:55 The new article by Colby Townsend00:23:24 Clip of Hayley talking about Joseph Smith using the Bible Commentary00:29:45 What were we taught about how the Book of Mormon was produced?00:30:17 Quote from David Whitmer on the translation through the seer stone00:35:00 The Expansion Theory00:40:26 Quote from Emma on the Book of Mormon translation00:42:33 Quote from Martin Harris on it being a direct translation00:44:00 There is no account from Oliver Cowdery on the translation process; Oliver was also willing to lie00:44:51 Clip of Brad Wilcox on how the Book of Mormon was translation00:48:08 Background of Colby Townsend 00:50:08 Quotes from the article00:57:55 Joseph used other Bible Commentaries01:02:00 Conclusion from Colby Townsend’s article01:07:40 Clip of the the Bible not having plain and precious things being removed01:09:25 Clip - The Book of Mormon is to bring back the things lost from the Bible01:11:20 2 Nephi 11:2 Nephi talks about the importance of Isaiah01:22:43 Quote from the Colby’s article about how Joseph was well versed in the Bible01:24:55 Dan Vogel’s theory about the presence of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon01:26:14 Colby Townsend discussing Joseph and Methodism01:29:25 Adam Clarke’s Biblical Commentary01:33:35 Joseph’s access to Clarke01:40:00 Comparing The Book of Mormon to the Adam Clarke Commentary01:49:35 Joseph copying both the KJV and then Adam Clarke’s commentary01:58:38 Next example in Isaiah 50:2 “their fish is dried up”02:12:20 The example of Isaiah 2: 12-16 “cedars and oaks” and “high mountains and lofty hills”02:18:45 Isaiah 9:3 “thou hast increased their joy”02:24:20 Gerardo found his own examples02:32:24 Examples in Isaiah 14:3 “in that day”02:38:59 Isaiah 49:1 “O ye distant lands”02:48:10 Example Isaiah 29:11 “read it, for it is sealed up”02:56:50 If this is the most correct book why was so much of it changed?Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord