Mormon Stories Podcast

Welcome back to Part Two of our deep-dive coverage of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 3!In this episode, John is joined by Alyssa Alexander and Samantha Shelley to continue unpacking the plot-points this season that highly represent Mormon culture. We will take a closer look at Mikayla and Jace’s relationship, the cast's opinions on LGBT+ issues in Utah, Demi’s claim of sexual-assault , and Taylor and Dakota’s baby blessing. From complicated relationship dynamics to the cultural tensions woven through these episodes, we examine what’s really going on behind the drama.Whether you’re watching along with us or just here for the commentary, settle in and join the conversation as we dive even deeper into the season’s most emotional and culturally revealing moments.Watch the series on Hulu here.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/joinOur Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

We are back today with Part 2 of our epic interview with Heidi Bruno. In Part 1, Heidi shared her story of suffering sexual abuse as a teenager at the hands of the Elders Quorum President in her ward.In Part 2, we shift the focus to Heidi’s daughter, Holly, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of eight and tragically passed away in March of 2018. Heidi describes the inspiring movement that Holly started during her treatment, called “Love Is Everywhere,” and the wide-reaching impact it had on many communities.While the gospel was a great comfort to Holly and her family during this heartbreaking time, Heidi also shares how her views on the LDS Church began to shift after experiencing the death of her daughter as a devout Mormon mother.We are extremely grateful to Heidi for her strength in sharing this sobering story and hope that it resonates with all of you as deeply as it did with us.You can listen to Holly and her sisters singing "This Is My Song" on YouTube here.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/joinOur Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Heidi Bruno, a former member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shares her harrowing journey of sexual abuse as a teenager by a church leader. Her story reveals the complexities of trust and manipulation woven into her faith experience. Heidi discusses the shame that silenced her for years and the realization of her victimization. She also explores the lack of sex education and the power dynamics within the church that made her vulnerable. This candid dialogue highlights the challenge of confronting past traumas while navigating a faith transition.

Historian John G. Turner joins to discuss an intense chapter in Latter-day Saint history—Joseph Smith's incarceration in Liberty Jail. They examine the tumultuous events leading to Smith's arrest and the harsh conditions he faced while imprisoned. Turner highlights the betrayal by former allies, the brutal realities of the Missouri expulsion, and the profound impact of Smith's letters from jail. The conversation also dives into his eventual escape and emotional reunion in Illinois, revealing the enduring trauma and resilience of the Saints during this defining period.

Kolby Reddish, an attorney and contributor to LDS Discussions, and researcher Julia dive deep into the often-debated topic of Joseph Smith's writing ability. They dissect historical claims, particularly Emma Smith's testimony about his capabilities. The discussion reveals how church narratives have leaned on her words while examining the reliability of those claims. They explore Joseph's early letters, highlighting their complexity and direct links to the Book of Mormon, ultimately suggesting that these documents challenge the long-held belief of his incompetence in authorship.

In this engaging discussion, listeners hear about the ambitious plans for 2026, including deep dives into faith journeys and the completion of the 'Life of Joseph Smith' series. The financial landscape is candidly addressed, with insights on donor churn and potential legal costs looming ahead. Exciting upcoming content features the reboot of popular series and the continuation of valuable panel discussions. There’s a heartfelt call to the audience for support, emphasizing the importance of donations in keeping this vital conversation alive.

Welcome back to our deep-dive coverage of Secret lives of Mormon Wives!In this episode, we break down every twist, confession, and jaw-dropping moment from Season 3 with honest reactions, analysis, and plenty of laughs along the way. Our panelists today are: Hayley Rawle (of Girl's Camp Podcast), Alyssa Alexander, Smantha Shelley (of Zelph on the Shelf), Brooklyn Alden and Dr. John Dehlin. If you've ollowed our previous reviews, you alreaedy know -we're all about thoughtful commetary, behind-the-scenes context, and pointing out the details you may have missed.In Part One of our Season 3 review, we're exploring the storyline, relationships, and "revelations" that kick off the season. Whether you're a longtime fan of the show or jumping in for the first time, we'll help you make sense of the drama, the dynamics, and the secrets simmering under the surface.So grab a snack, get comfy, and join us as we unpack it all -episode by episode! Watch the series on Hulu here: https://www.hulu.com/series/the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-58cd73be-408d-4eed-8e3d-82339f3f93e2___________________YouTubeShow NotesAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/joinOur Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Dr. John G. Turner, a historian and author, dives into the tumultuous Missouri crisis of 1838-1839, exploring the conflict between Mormon settlers and local Missourians. He discusses the political landscape and Joseph Smith’s militant shift, leading to the infamous extermination order. Key moments include violent confrontations, the Haun's Mill massacre, and the role of defector Thomas Marsh. Turner also reflects on national reactions and the decision by Joseph Smith to surrender, offering a gripping account of this dark chapter in Latter-day Saint history.

Rebecca Lucero Jones, a widow and academic, shares her profound journey navigating LDS temple sealing policies after losing her first husband. She discusses the emotional and spiritual turmoil of seeking a second sealing with her new husband, Adam, contrasted against the church's more lenient rules for men. Rebecca highlights the gender disparity in sealing policies and the discouragement it imposes on widows, ultimately reflecting on her personal deconstruction, her mixed-faith marriage, and her advocacy for change and support within the community.

Rebecca Lucero Jones, a professor and licensed marriage and family therapist, shares her poignant journey as a widow within the Mormon faith. She discusses the complexities of grief after losing her husband, Isaac, and the cultural challenges that widows face. Rebecca reflects on her upbringing, the impact of her parents' divorce, and her experiences with marriage and motherhood. She also delves into the theological implications of eternal marriage and explores how her grief reshaped her career and community relationships, making her story both touching and enlightening.