Mormon Stories Podcast

Myndee Tollefson shares her harrowing journey from a strict Mormon upbringing in Bountiful, Utah, to grappling with the emotional aftermath of giving up her baby for adoption. She candidly discusses the pressures from the church and family, revealing the toxicity of purity culture and the harsh realities faced by birth mothers. Myndee reflects on the profound emotional costs of such institutional coercion and highlights her path to healing and self-acceptance. Her story illuminates the complexities of faith, motherhood, and the struggle for personal autonomy.

In this engaging discussion, historian John Turner, a professor at George Mason University and author of "Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet," dives into the transformative year of 1831 in Kirtland, Ohio. Topics include the early criticisms of the Book of Mormon and the curious absence of its influence in Smith's preaching. Turner explores the fascinating intersections of miraculous events and demonic possessions, critiques of the United Order, and how these elements shaped early Mormonism. His insights reveal the complexities between spiritual authority and community dynamics.

Elbert Peck, former editor of Sunstone Magazine, shares his journey through Mormon studies and thought. He reflects on his early years and pivotal experiences at BYU, emphasizing the vibrant intellectual atmosphere he helped cultivate. The conversation dives into the magazine's financial struggles and the controversial discussions it pioneered, particularly during the September Six excommunications. Peck highlights the legacy of influential figures and the ongoing challenges of fostering dialogue within the Mormon community, capturing the delicate balance between faith and intellect.

Get ready for the 50th Sunstone Symposium in Salt Lake City! The lineup boasts renowned speakers, including John Dehlin, promising engaging discussions. The event is a hub for intellectual Mormons, fostering deep conversations and connections. Attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with insightful topics and activities. Don't miss this chance to be part of an enriching experience!

Gabrielle Zelaya shares her intriguing journey as a non-member navigating the challenges of growing up in a predominantly Mormon community in Farmington, Utah. She discusses the pressure to convert for acceptance and the emotional toll of purity culture. Gabrielle delves into the impact of mental health struggles, the journey of disaffection from the Church, and the importance of healing from trauma. Her candid reflections on belonging, identity, and the cultural divide in Mormonism offer a powerful insight into her transformative experiences.

Join John Turner, historian and author of 'Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet', as he delves into the tumultuous years of Joseph Smith’s leadership. They discuss challenges to Smith's authority from key figures like Hiram Page and Oliver Cowdery, explore the transition from seer stones to direct revelations, and investigate early concepts of Zion and millennial beliefs. The conversation also touches on the intriguing legacy of Enoch and the early missionary efforts among Native Americans in Jackson County, providing a nuanced look at the complexities of faith and leadership.

Sara Lakner Bevc, a Croatian-American former missionary, and her husband Mitja, a Slovenian convert, vividly recount their tumultuous journeys through Mormonism. They discuss the emotional turmoil of excommunication, cultural clashes, and the pressures of a mixed-faith marriage. Their candid reflections on identity, public dissent in church settings, and navigating belief illustrate the high stakes of integrity versus compliance. Together, they explore love, heartbreak, and ultimately, the quest for personal truth in the face of adversity.

Lauren Matthias, co-host of the Hidden True Crime Podcast, shares her unique journey from journalist to advocate, navigating her Mormon faith while covering the deep complexities of true crime stories. She reveals personal insights on the Lori Vallow Daybell case and the emotional toll of her brother's accident. The conversation touches on faith and feminism, the struggle of mixed-faith relationships, and the importance of storytelling within the Mormon community. Listeners gain a profound understanding of justice, trauma, and the power of personal narratives.

In this powerful and emotional episode, journalist Lauren tells her Mormon story publicly for the first time. Known for covering others’ experiences—including the high-profile Lori Vallow Daybell trial—Lauren now opens up about her own journey through faith, trauma, resilience, and healing.She shares her upbringing in the LDS Church, the influence of her legally blind father, and her early fears around death that led to a fascination with true crime. Lauren details her mission to Ohio, her shock upon learning about polygamy, and her love for investigative storytelling.The story takes deeply personal turns as she opens up about being diagnosed with MS, her father’s arrest and trial, her own struggles with mental health, sexual assault, marriage trauma, and the challenges of being a Mormon woman in journalism.From painful experiences to moments of empowerment in her career and community, Lauren’s account is raw, inspiring, and unflinchingly honest.Hear about her memoirStay for the vulnerable reflectionsSupport Lauren’s journey by watching to the end___________________Show Notes YouTubeMormon 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 Podcasts⁠⁠Social Media:⁠⁠Insta: @mormstories⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Discord⁠⁠Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

In this episode, we dive into Chapter seven of Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet by John G. Turner. We explore early public criticism of Joseph Smith by figures like Abner Cole, the satirical Book of Pukei, and Luman Walters' possible influence. We also examine Joseph’s efforts to sell the copyright of the Book of Mormon in Canada, what that reveals about his intentions, and the revelation that supposedly authorized it.We discuss how Joseph’s financial motives, revelations, and treatment of Martin Harris raise important questions, and consider the book's early lack of demand—even as Joseph continued to pivot and adapt. From legal troubles and claims of treasure seeking, to his revisions of the Bible and the rise of anti-Masonry, this episode looks at how Joseph’s evolving theology and personal ambitions shaped early Mormonism.We also tackle difficult questions around gender and divine authority: Why were no women, including Emma Smith, called as witnesses to the golden plates? What does Emma's role—and her sacrifices—say about the story Joseph told?This is a wide-ranging and thought-provoking installment that challenges the traditional narrative while offering rich historical context.Topics Include:- Abner Cole’s criticisms & Book of Pukei- Attempt to sell the Book of Mormon copyright in Canada- Revelations and motives: divine or self-serving?- Joseph’s treatment of Emma & women’s roles- Legal issues & treasure seeking- Bible revisions, anti-Masonry, and theology- Emma’s loyalty and legacyDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy thoughtful conversations on religious history.Please purchase the book here.To support this series please donate here. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.___________________Show NotesYouTubeMormon 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