We sit down with the attorneys behind the explosive lawsuits filed against LDS Church, alleging decades of systemic child sexual abuse and institutional cover-up. These lawsuits include shocking claims of abuse facilitated by Church leaders across multiple states and even international borders, with some cases framed under federal trafficking statutes.The attorneys reveal how these cases aim to hold the Church accountable, explain the legal strategy behind the state and federal coordination efforts, and share the stories of survivors fighting for justice.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

In this discussion, historian Keith Erekson, who oversees historical research for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addresses sensitive topics in Mormon history alongside researcher Sandra Tanner. They delve into polygamy, including Joseph Smith's controversial marriages, and the church's historical transparency regarding events like the Mountain Meadows Massacre. The duo debates the church's narratives, the consequences of unveiling hidden histories, and the ongoing challenges of reconciling faith with historical accountability.

Join immigration attorney Justin Sweeney, who grew up in the LDS community and held various leadership roles, as he candidly shares his faith crisis journey. He dives deep into questioning church history, including the controversial topics of Joseph Smith's polygamy and the authenticity of church rituals. Justin discusses the emotional turmoil of reconciling personal beliefs with institutional truths and the importance of transparency in faith journeys. His story underscores the connection between professional inquiry and spiritual exploration.

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has unanimously rejected James Huntsman's fraud lawsuit against the LDS/Mormon Church, which claimed that the church misled the membership over its tithing usage. Join John, Gerardo, and attorney Kolby Reddish to break down the decision. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox Support us on Patreon PayPal Venmo Our Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple Podcasts Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast Join the Discord

Austin Wheeler, a U.S. Army veteran with over six years of service, shares his transformative journey through Mormonism and military culture. He discusses the trauma of navigating the toxic elements of both the military and the church, particularly the influences of violence and masculinity. Austin reflects on the emotional struggles of identity and purpose shaped by these experiences. He also addresses the implications of faith loss and the impact of militarism within religious contexts, ultimately seeking personal meaning beyond disillusionment.

Join Paul Martinez, a courageous Mormon convert with high-functioning autism and ADHD, as he shares his deeply personal journey. He discusses how neurodivergence can lead to vulnerabilities in abusive relationships and the emotional complexities of faith in a high-demand religious context. Paul reflects on childhood challenges, family dynamics, and the transformative impact of embracing his identity. With insightful anecdotes, he navigates the intersection of mental health and spirituality, celebrating resilience and self-discovery in the face of adversity.

BYU Professor Anthony Sweat brings art to life, exploring troubling truths about church history as outlined in the CES Letter. The discussion delves into Joseph Smith's controversial practices, including treasure digging and polygamy. Sweat's artwork reveals the discrepancies in traditional narratives, challenging accepted church teachings. The conversations also reflect on transparency in church history and the evolving perceptions of significant figures, all while highlighting the emotional turmoil created by past practices.

In this conversation, Erika Nordfelt, a mental health professional from Rexburg, Idaho, shares her enlightening journey from a strict Mormon upbringing to healing and self-discovery. She dives into the intricacies of sexual shame within the Mormon community and the importance of open dialogue about sexuality. Erika reflects on her experiences navigating faith, identity, and relationships, while advocating for a more compassionate approach to mental health. Her insights shed light on the often stigmatized topics of pornography, shame, and the challenges faced by those transitioning out of rigid belief systems.

January 9 saw the release of a new Netflix series, American Primeval, set in the context of mid-19th-century Utah. Though the series is fictionalized, many of the events and peoples depicted are real, including the Utah War, the Mountain Meadows Massacre, the Mormon settlers, and the Shoshone, Ute, and Paiute Indians. Historians Barbara Jones Brown and Darren Parry join host John Dehlin for this live podcast to answer viewer's questions about which aspects of the series are factual and which are historical fiction. Barbara is co-author of Vengeance Is Mine: The Mountain Meadows Massacre and Its Aftermath, and Darren is the author of The Bear River Massacre: A Shoshone History. Barbara and Darren offer a unique perspective because they are not only historians of this time period in Utah, they are direct descendants of peoples depicted in the mini-series--Darren is Northwestern Shoshone, and Barbara is a descendant of perpetrators of the horrific massacre at Mountain Meadows. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox Support us on Patreon PayPal Venmo Our Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple Podcasts Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast Join the Discord

Join Lauren Johnson Matthias (@HiddenTrueCrime ) Megan Conner (@Third_Verse ) Mindy Caldwell, and John Dehlin as they react to Shari Franke's new book "The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom" by Shari Franke, Ruby Franke's oldest daughter. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox Support us on Patreon PayPal Venmo Our Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple Podcasts Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast Join the Discord