

Mormon Stories Podcast
Dr. John Dehlin
Mormon Stories Podcast is an attempt to build understanding between and about Mormons through the telling of stories in both audio and video formats.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 12, 2025 • 3h 30min
Losing a Child After Losing Mormon Faith w/ Jennie Latham Johnson | Ep. 2019
Jennie Latham Johnson, a former Mormon raised in a strict household, shares her journey of breaking free from expectations while navigating profound loss. She opens up about the heart-wrenching experience of losing her daughter Izzy and how that trauma reshaped her views on faith and spirituality. Jennie discusses the toll of purity culture, her evolving beliefs, and the pursuit of healing and resilience amid grief. Her story is one of love, transformation, and the courage to redefine personal identity.

May 8, 2025 • 3h 60min
Our Adult Mormon Daughter Lost Her Faith! w/ Neal & Christa Rackleff | Ep. 2018
Neal Rackleff, a former LDS bishop and attorney, along with his wife Christa, a former Relief Society president, share their compelling journey of faith alongside their daughter Eve, who faced a faith crisis in their multi-generational Mormon household. They discuss the emotional toll of unresolved questions and historical church issues, how Eve's struggles led to their own deconstruction of beliefs, and the challenges of remaining connected amidst faith transitions. Their candid dialogue reflects on the complexities of leaving a high-demand religion and finding joy in newfound freedom.

May 5, 2025 • 1h 34min
Questioning Mormon Learns REAL Truth about Joseph Smith w/ John Dehlin and Carah Burrell | Ep. 2017
Carah Burrell, a former Mormon missionary and the creative force behind the Nuance Hoe YouTube channel, joins John Dehlin to unpack the complexities of Joseph Smith's legacy. They dive into the invasive topic of polygamy, exposing hidden truths about Smith's marriages and the emotional fallout for followers. The discussion reveals the struggles of questioning deep-seated beliefs and the significance of transparency in faith. Carah's firsthand insights provide a unique lens into the evolving perceptions of church history and personal journeys of belief.

May 2, 2025 • 2h 36min
What do Mormons Believe About God? - Mormon Stories Live! (Call-in Show) | Ep. 2016
Join us for our first live video call-in show! The topic: "What do Mormons Believe About God?"We will be briefly reviewing my essay that can be found here: https://johndehlin.substack.com/p/what-do-mormons-believe-about-godThen we would love some of our audience to join us to discuss any of the following topics:What they were taught as Mormons about God.What they think about the Mormon version of God.What they believe about God.We will be joined by dear friends Kolby and Cam Reddish.___________________Show NotesYouTube 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

May 1, 2025 • 3h 6min
Canadian Couple Leaves Mormon Church - Ben and Justine Jalaff Pt. 2 | Ep. 2015
Justine Jalaff is a Canadian ex-Mormon, sharing her heartfelt journey of faith crisis and healing. Ben Jalaff, her husband, provides insight into his Venezuelan roots and migration to Canada. Together, they discuss the emotional rollercoaster of early marriage, financial strains, and navigating gender roles within a faith-based context. They reflect on the pressure of conforming to societal expectations, the complexities of motherhood, and their quest for personal identity post-Mormonism. Their plea for empathy highlights the need for understanding amidst evolving beliefs.

Apr 28, 2025 • 3h 33min
A Canadian Mormon Story - Ben and Justine Jalaff Pt. 1 | Ep. 2014
In this episode, Ben and Justine share their powerful and emotional journeys through Mormonism, immigration, family trauma, and healing. They discuss Ben's family's escape from political turmoil, their struggles with loss, and the lure of the Mormon doctrine of eternal families.Ben faces racial and cultural challenges within the Church, battles self-worth issues, and grapples with the harm purity culture and missionary service caused.Justine recounts her own upbringing in a strict Mormon household, the pressure of modesty culture, and the way Mormon ideals shaped her relationships and sense of self. Together, they reflect on how they met, the impact of internalized racism, and their path toward authenticity, healing, and love — even as they confront the pain Mormonism left behind.This is part 1 of a very special two-part Mormon Stories interview.___________________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

Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 26min
Ten Things TO DO In Your Faith Deconstruction | Ep. 2013
In this powerful follow-up conversation, Britt Hartley returns to explore 10 practical and emotional steps to take during your faith deconstruction journey. From embracing anger and grief, to rediscovering your identity, setting boundaries, and finding peace in the unknown—this episode is a guide to healing, growth, and transformation.Whether you're newly questioning or deep in the process, these insights will help you navigate deconstruction with compassion and clarity.Topics include:-Grieving your old beliefs-Embracing uncertainty-Inner child & shadow work-Building authentic community-Setting loving boundaries-Learning to just beJoin us as we unpack the deep emotional layers of deconstruction and the tools that can truly support your journey.___________________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

Apr 21, 2025 • 3h 52min
Mormon Relief Society President Resigns - Jennifer Jeppson Wilson | Ep. 2012
Jennifer Wilson shares her deeply personal journey from growing up in a devout Mormon family to questioning, deconstructing, and ultimately leaving her faith. She opens up about her family's polygamist history, her mission experience, marriage, leadership roles in the church, and the struggles that came with navigating faith transitions. From grappling with church expectations to finding newfound freedom and clarity, Jennifer reflects on how this journey has reshaped her identity, marriage, and parenting.Key Topics Covered: Growing up in a Mormon household & family history, missionary experiences & gender expectations in the church, marriage, motherhood & church leadership roles, doubts, faith crisis & leaving the church, Raising kids outside of Mormonism & rediscovering identity.Join us for an honest, heartfelt conversation about faith, change, and self-discovery. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!___________________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 PodcastsSocial Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the DiscordContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

4 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 48min
Ten Things NOT to Do In Your Faith Deconstruction - Britt Hartley | Ep. 2011
Britt Hartley, author of 'No Nonsense Spirituality', dives into the intricacies of religious deconstruction. She highlights ten common pitfalls, like the risks of opening marriages too soon and the so-called 'psychedelic trap' of chasing spiritual highs. Parenting without traditional beliefs is another key topic, emphasizing the need for clear structure. Hartley shares insights on personal identity loss and the importance of community support, along with reflections on dating in the modern world. Her candid approach offers valuable guidance for anyone navigating life after faith.

Apr 15, 2025 • 3h 1min
Mormon Women ECSTATIC about Garments Change | Ep. 2010
After nearly two centuries of strict modesty standards, the Mormon Church has made a historic change—women’s garments now allow for exposed shoulders. In this in-depth panel, Mormon women unpack the significance of this shift. From the garments' Masonic roots and historical designs to the ways they’ve shaped modesty culture, sexuality, and control over women's bodies, this conversation dives deep. The panel also explores the social media response, health concerns, and the ongoing discomfort many women still face. With personal stories, historical context, and commentary on the new designs, this is a must-watch discussion on a topic rarely spoken about so openly.___________________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