Mormon Stories Podcast

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 receiving a misdiagnosis of Stargardt disease, 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 upcoming memoirStay for the vulnerable reflectionsSupport Lauren’s journey by watching to the end___________________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 legacy___________________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 PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Laurel Hell shares her gripping journey of growing up in an orthodox Mormon family, marked by her father's excommunication over polygamy. She confronts the abuse and trauma tied to purity culture and rigid church doctrines. Laurel reflects on her mission in Poland, battling anxiety and shame, while navigating the toxic dynamics of Young Single Adult culture. Her journey of deconstruction leads her to reclaim her sexuality, ultimately leaving the church and embracing healing. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience and self-acceptance.

John Turner, a historian from George Mason University and author of 'Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet', dives into the multifaceted origins of the Book of Mormon. The discussion tackles the authenticity of its witnesses, weighing claims of deception against visionary experiences. Turner also explores the historical credibility of the text, linking it to archaeological evidence and the implications of viewing it as a 19th-century creation. Thought-provoking theological reflections on divine revelation and epistemic humility enrich this critical examination.

Cam Clarke, a celebrated voice actor known for his roles in iconic animations like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, shares his poignant journey growing up in a famous Mormon-Hollywood family. He discusses the challenges of reconciling his identity as a gay man with his faith, the impact of conversion therapy, and his experiences during the AIDS crisis. Together with his niece, Julie de Azevedo Hanks, they reflect on healing through art, the complexities of family love, and the nuanced experiences of being part of both the entertainment industry and the Mormon community.

In this discussion, Julia, known as Analyzing Mormonism on social media, dissects the CES Letter and its critiques from Mormon apologists. She tackles pivotal questions about the Book of Mormon, including its connection to the King James Bible and inconsistencies in translation. Julia also explores the implications of DNA evidence and anachronisms found in the text, while considering how these issues affect faith and church narratives. With humor and insight, she encourages a deeper critical engagement with Mormonism’s truth claims.

Join us today as we rebroadcast the story of the man behind the famous CES Letter: Jeremy Runnells.In February 2012, Jeremy Runnels experienced a crisis of faith, which subsequently led to a faith transition in the summer of 2012. In the spring of 2013, Jeremy was approached and asked by a Church Education System (CES) Director to share his concerns and questions about the LDS Church’s origins, history, and current practices. In response, Jeremy wrote what later became publicly known as Letter to a CES Director.Letter to a CES Director very quickly went viral on the internet. The CES Director responded that he read the “very well written” letter and that he would provide Jeremy with a response. No response ever came.From then on, hundreds of Mormons have stumbled across the CES Letter and it has caused them to question their faith. Other believing sites have attacked Jeremy Runnells over the years, saying that he was insincere or that he never believed the church was true. His story clears up all doubt that he was a true-believing Mormon.___________________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 PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Historian John Turner, author of "Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet," dives deep into the complex testimonies of the Three and Eight Witnesses of the golden plates. He examines whether their encounters were physical or visionary, raising intriguing questions about the nature of their experiences. The discussion touches on personal struggles, social influences on belief, and the challenges faced by early figures like Martin Harris. Furthermore, Turner navigates the evolving narratives and skepticism surrounding these foundational testimonies in Mormon history.

Shocking new breaking news!!!! Did you know that LDS Church prophet John Taylor started Mormon Fundamentalism?The LDS Church History Library just released hi-res scans of the original version of a September 27, 1886, revelation to church president John Taylor that commanded Mormons to “do the works of Abraham.” As the LDS Church was gradually winding down polygamy after 1890, a growing movement believed that polygamy was essential and could not be discarded. The revelation quietly circulated through copies, giving their position some teeth. Then, in the early 1920s, a man named Lorin Woolley began telling the other half of the story: at the time of the revelation, John Taylor had ordained him and other men with the authority to perform plural marriages and ensure “the principle” never died. What is this revelation, what does it say, and how was it used and even denied by church leaders?We are joined today by Bryan Buchanan of Benchmark Books and co-host of Sunstone History Podcast to talk about the new revelation.00:00:00 Introduction00:02:20 What John’s understand has been up to this point00:06:34 What happened? New documents released00:12:15 The church is attempting to be more transparent than in the past00:14:02 Quick review of polygamy history00:22:11 Reading the first document - Letter to John Taylor00:34:20 John Taylor passes away in 1837 - in hiding00:40:12 They want to become a state, but do not want to give up polygamy00:46:45 The response from Deseret News00:53:26 The second manifesto00:55:00 Leaders are dishonest in the Smoot hearings01:15:16 The Smoot hearings are a watershed moment01:23:50 First documented case of the 1886 revelation being circulated01:45:00 Badger receives a typed copy of these revelations01:53:30 Why are patriarchs or stake presidents performing plural marriages?01:58:00 Salt Lake Tribune is publishing huge lists of people who are new polygamists 02:05:20 John Taylor to John Woolley document02:16:12 What are Lorin Woolley’s motives?02:23:08 Around the 20s, the first full revelation is published02:39:29 J Reuben Clark - 1923 document03:04:18 John Taylor visited by Jesus saying polygamy is an eternal principle 03:14:03 “Truth” magazine published in 1935, and various other books03:17:20 J Reuben Clark Statement from June of 193303:44:05 “Latter-day Revelation” book made available (like a condensed D&C) 04:15:00 Why Bryan finds this to be such a fascinating time in Mormon history04:17:55 Come to Sunstone!___________________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 PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord