Mormon Stories Podcast

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

In this heartfelt episode, Kevin and Jennifer share their inspiring journey through their Mormon upbringing, missions, and eventual faith transition. They discuss navigating doubts, supporting their gay and transgender children, and redefining what love and family mean. From facing church pressures to embracing authenticity, their story highlights resilience, acceptance, and the power of unconditional love. Don't miss this moving conversation about finding peace and purpose beyond organized religion.Show NotesYouTube00:05:25 Kevin’s story begins00:14:20 Kevin met with general authority Paul H. Dunn to get approved for his mission00:27:58 Jennifer’s Story begins00:36:11 They met again with Paull Dunn about getting married in the temple00:48:38 Defining their own gender roles in their marriage01:01:18 Concerns with paying tithing01:09:00 Teenage son struggling with p*rn and coming out as gay01:17:48 Their gay son decided to serve a mission; he was told his mission will “cure him of his gayness”01:30:00 Mission president refused to let him go home, and had possession of his passport01:38:00 Kevin told his son “never try to make the church work for you - it never will”01:51:55 Their gay son says that if he was not able to leave the mission he may have committed suicide02:08:50 Their daughter tells them she is done with the church; she experienced love bombing02:12:50 Kevin asks his mom, “If the church wasn't true would you want to know” - she says no02:16:50 “If there is a place in the church for my gay son, we will reconsider”02:30:40 Discussing transgender issues in the church02:40:48 Why do a lot of ex-Mormons turn to atheism after leaving the church?02:28:20 Has the way that they see “love” and “family” changed over the years? What do they mean for them now?02:56:23 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

Lori Vallow Daybell was interviewed on NBC/Dateline Exclusive. Keith Morrison sat down with convicted murderer and Mormon mom, Lori Vallow, to talk about her case. Her two children, Tylee and J.J. were last seen in September of 2019 and she and her new husband Chad Daybell were arrested and charged for their murder. During the Dateline interview, Lori said that she and Chad Daybell were going to be exonerated because of Jesus. “I have seen things in the future that Jesus showed me when I was in heaven.” She went on to say that “Jesus is a funny guy and a wonderful person that loves everybody and especially loves her.” Lori has long been desirous to appear on Dateline and finally got her wish. She is also charged with conspiracy in the attempted murder of her niece’s ex-husband in another case.Show NotesYouTube00:00:30 Lauren Mathias, Megan Conner, Gerardo and John00:10:00 She went in surprised, she’d heard most of it, but was surprised at Lori’s anger00:17:50 Gerardo feels the interview would have been different with someone with a cult background00:19:25 Did the interview show us the real Lori Vallow?00:29:50 Lori is trying to lay groundwork for blaming Tylee for JJ’s death00:34:00 Discussing the evidence that Tylee was killed weeks before JJ00:47:40 Lori claiming that she met Jesus00:51:25 Polling the audience about weather Lori Vallow believes this is true01:09:30 Where do Chad’s beliefs begin and end?01:12:05 Lori bringing in the spare tire and the car chair01:25:00 We didn’t see much of the 90 minute interview between Lori and Keith01:29:55 What Keith did that Lauren did not like01:37:00 Was JJ asleep or was he already dead?01:39:30 How Mormons view death and how Lori did not have a lot of grief or sadness in this01:41:50 Lori saying that Tammy loves her and she loves Tammy01:55:20 It was clearly disturbing to see Alex and Chad unloading a pickup truck02:05:55 Alex’s death - was it natural causes or a murder?02:18:00 Harmful places in Visions of Glory 02:19:55 Mormon beliefs that play into this crime 02:31:00 Other individuals who killed their children because they thought their children were possessed02:39:00 Lauren being a members of the church02:49:45 Lori saying that she’s right and “I told you so”03:18:30 Keith pointed out that Lori was giving parenting adviceMormon 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

Dana shares her personal journey of growing up in the Mormon church, navigating mental health challenges, and eventually deconstructing her faith. From her Mormon upbringing and mission experience to questioning societal and religious expectations, Dana's story explores themes of self-discovery, the impact of religion on her life, and the search for meaning beyond traditional beliefs. After leaving the church, Dana delves into topics like mental health, fertility, relationships, and motherhood, offering a candid perspective on her path toward healing and personal growth. This channel is a space for open discussion on faith, identity, and life after Mormonism.Show NotesYouTube00:05:00 Dana’s Mormon Story begins00:17:00 What examples did she see of women in the church?00:21:34 It was out of the ordinary to see women with careers00:38:23 She was reported to the Bishop and her parents that she had experimented with cutting01:06:30 Dana’s mission experience service in Atlanta, Georgia01:12:22 She didn't love the temple experience - was “underwhelming”01:24:24 David Archuleta was at the MTC during the same time01:32:51 Dana knew very soon that she wanted to leave the mission early and she had to fight to go home01:38:27 Dana Decided to go to BYU01:56:25 Felt pressure to be married by the time she finished BYU02:02:17 Dana to tell her parents that they could not be married in the temple and her mother told her “He’s taken everything from you”02:18:07 Mormon therapist asked her to consider if she would be open to dating a non-Mormon02:29:50 Dana lists the ways the church failed her - the church makes promises it can’t keep02:41:20 Began to research severe PMS and PMDD, and learned that she suffered from it02:47:02 Dana decided to have a baby by herself - very radical in Mormonism03:08:00 Dana feels that she was a better foster parent as an ex-Mormon03:14:40 Deconstructing the idea of “motherhood” in Mormonism03:27:18 Dana focusing on her PhDMormon 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

When vlogger Ruby Franke was arrested for child abuse in August 2023, it shocked millions who had followed her family’s seemingly perfect life on YouTube. But behind the wholesome image was a much darker reality. With counselor Jodi Hildebrandt’s influence, the Franke family spiraled into a nightmare. Now, in Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, the Frankes’ eldest children, Shari and Chad, and Ruby’s husband, Kevin, speak out for the first time. In this episode of Mormon Stories, we react to this gripping series, unpacking the shocking revelations and what they say about family, control, and the dangers of social media.Show NotesYouTube00:02:45 Curious Case of Judi Hildebrant 00:22:45 “Mormon Mommy Bloggers”00:30:40 Kevin is also a victim of an abuser00:48:50 Ruby thinks a happy family is an obedient family 01:10:57 Ruby’s channel was “Advancing the image of the church”01:26:00 Pressure in Mormonism to find a partner that is acceptable by church standards01:56:49 The Franke kids begin to shut down to the camera02:02:26 Ruby tells Chad: “Fake being happy right now”02:14:17 Who is the “Devil in the Family” representing?02:30:20 “The beanbag incident” with Chad’s bed being taken away02:40:42 Shari saying Chad got “beaten” and had to help him clean up blood off the walls 03:01:21 Kevin’s initial reaction to ConneXions - “This is a cult”03:23:20 Lauren’s reaction to Jodi’s house: “They had Costco inside this house”03:28:00 The LDS church could be shutting this dogma down but they don't04:04:00 When Jodi is possessed its a feature, when the kids are possessed its a bug04:31:10 Jodi Gave Ruby permission to be this way04:49:40 Shari calls the police for the first time to do a wellness check on the kids04:58:54 The younger daughter found in the closet - wasn't even able to talk05:17:50 “Takes an exceptional lack of empathy” for a mother to do this05:25:11 Assessment of how Kevin let this happen05:41:30 Sometimes families like these can be more susceptible to manipulation 06:07:00 Become cult informed! Become born again to your own intrinsic knowledge 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

In this long awaited interview, James Huntsman, a successful businessman and member of the Huntsman family, joins John Dehlin and fraud attorney Mark Pugsley to discuss his high-profile fraud lawsuit against the LDS Church—how he lost his LDS faith, why he pursued a fraud lawsuit to get a tithing refund, what he learned, and why he has no regrets.Show NotesYouTube00:00:49 Brief overview of James Huntsman's lawsuit00:07:27 Family background info00:18:50 Served a mission at 1800:22:21 Discussion of a kidnapping in their family00:36:27 Emergence of Ensign Peak & church investments 00:49:58 Cracks start developing in James’ faith01:03:03 What led to him deciding to file the suit01:09:35 The downsides of him suing01:17:00 Comparing the organized structure of his family’s business to the disorganization of the church 01:28:55 What sparked his desire to sue the church01:37:00 “It was a very personal battle for me”01:48:40 Statute of limitations for fraud01:54:00 Everyone now knows how much the church has - floodgates of awareness have been opened to the churches bad financial dealings02:07:00 James has no intention of damaging the church02:14:15 The church today does not need members tithing 02:26:00 How did they feel after they filed?02:44:20 Are churches protected from committing fraud02:58:00 James feels relieved that it is all over, and they can talk about it now03:11:29 Final thoughts & 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

For nearly two centuries, Joseph Smith’s involvement in polygamy has been a point of controversy. Historians and more recently, LDS leaders, have affirmed that the Mormon prophet took dozens of wives. But a growing movement within the Church is challenging that narrative, arguing that Smith was a monogamist—and that polygamy was a later invention used to justify the actions of Brigham Young and other church leaders.One of the most vocal advocates of this perspective is Michelle Stone, creator of 132 Problems: Revisiting Mormon Polygamy, a YouTube channel with nearly 120,000 subscribers. A lifelong member of the LDS Church, Michelle once had a strong testimony of polygamy, believing it was divinely inspired. But everything changed ten years ago when her husband questioned whether polygamy was ever truly of God. Determined to prove him wrong, Michelle embarked on a deep dive into historical records—only to find herself questioning whether Joseph Smith practiced polygamy at all.Now, she joins Mormon Stories to share her research, her faith journey, and why she believes the Church has it wrong on one of the most controversial chapters in its history.Show NotesYouTube00:05:22 Why we want to have Michelle on00:15:48 Michelle’s great-grandfather was told by the president of the church to go to Mexico to get a second wife 00:35:07 Her grandfather was called to be a mission president in Tonga, leaving behind other wives00:48:56 She was never taught that Joseph didn’t practice polygamy 01:05:00 Things made more sense once she realized there was problems in church history01:14:00 Trauma of losing a child at the hospital in 2020 during the pandemic 01:24:00 Had an experience where she felt that she saw her daughter grown up01:56:48 Michelle was devastated by the Nov 2015 LGBTQ Policy02:04:50 Discussion of polygamy in the BOM02:14:50 Michelle had a second faith crisis in 202002:32:33 When did she start her YouTube channel “132 Problems”?02:43:34 God saying in the BoM that polygamy is an abomination02:56:01 Has she ever decided differently than what god “commanded”?03:18:15 Discussion on RLDS church and why they split from the LDS church03:19:41 Michelle is asking individuals to “hold a little space” for this new theory03:31:54 Her episode on Emma changed her mind03:49:20 “I have become more confident in my stance since I started speaking out”04:16:57 Michelle’s thoughts on Fanny Alger04:39:45 Why were there rumors of polygamy going on in the church in 1835?05:00:40 Questions on the Nauvoo Expositor05:33:00 How can the church be true if the original men made so many mistakes?05:40:50 What are her thoughts on the church maybe excommunicating her?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 VenmoOur Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast Join the Discord

Alyssa Whitbeck, a former Mormon and mother, joins marriage and family therapist Natasha Helfer to discuss the Mormon Church's recent revision of its controversial polygamy lesson for children. They explore the criticism that spurred these changes, emphasizing the importance of age-appropriate education. The guests unpack the implications of teaching about polygamy and the historical context surrounding Joseph Smith and his wives. They highlight the need for transparency in religious teachings to promote healthy understanding among youth.

A thought-provoking quiz encourages discussions about LDS Church history and transparency. It dives into Joseph Smith's credibility, highlighting contrasting narratives around his leadership and the Book of Mormon. Personal anecdotes shed light on how church teachings impact individual faith journeys. The varying accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision spark vibrant debate, urging listeners to reflect on their beliefs. The call to engage in conversations about church history fosters community support and invites shared experiences.

Anna Schreyer, who grew up in a Pentecostal family in Utah and spent time as a missionary in Mozambique, shares her transformative journey of faith. She discusses navigating the complexities of high-demand religious environments, detailing her questioning of beliefs as she was shaped by both Assemblies of God and the pervasive influence of Mormon culture. Anna reflects on the emotional challenges of leaving a strict faith, exploring themes of healing, identity, and the quest for authenticity in the aftermath.