Mormon Stories Podcast

In Part 2 of our story, Kyle opens up about his life growing up in the Two by Twos faith — from a childhood shaped by pressure to "uphold the family name," to navigating chronic illness and suppressing his passions for music and basketball in order to prioritize church. We talk about the expectations around professing young, the control over dating, marriage, and even parenting — including the harmful encouragement of corporal punishment.As cracks began to form during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kyle and Kari found themselves questioning everything they believed. From hidden doubts, religious trauma, and Kari’s journey of discovering her bisexuality, to the couple’s darkest moments and eventual transformation, this episode dives deep into how they began rebuilding their lives outside the 2x2 world.We also discuss the emerging abuse allegations within the Two by Twos church, the beginnings of their Ex-Two by Two support group, and the broader fight for transparency and accountability in a faith that claims to have no organization at all. This is a raw, emotional, and revealing chapter of their deconstruction 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

Kari Hanks and Kyle Hanks, both former members of the secretive 2x2 cult, share their gripping journeys of leaving behind a manipulative faith. They discuss their upbringing in a community with strict doctrines, revealing hidden abuse scandals and emotional suppression. The couple reflects on their personal revelations that sparked deconstruction, the role of the COVID-19 pandemic in their transformation, and their current advocacy for informed consent and support for ex-members. Their candid stories highlight the profound impact of childhood trauma and the challenges of rebuilding identity after leaving.

After five years of reflection, Kate opens up about her journey growing up in a strict Mormon household, serving a mission in Argentina, and working for the LDS Church. She shares pivotal moments of doubt, her experiences in church administration, and the troubling realities she uncovered in the Confidential Records department. From questioning church discipline policies to witnessing firsthand how the institution handles abuse cases, Kate's story reveals the struggles and insights that ultimately led her to leave the church. Join us as she discusses faith, disillusionment, and life after Mormonism.___________________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

On March 12, 2025, Church educator and BYU professor Jared Halverson released an Instagram short where he stated: “One of the statistics that has worried me the most of late, comes from a survey that was done in 2023 and it’s suggesting that for the first time that I can think of, more women are leaving religion than men are.” Is this true? Why are more women leaving Mormonism than men are? Join us today as we gather with Katie Rich (author of Fifty Years of Exponent II), Amy McPhie Allebest (of the Breaking Down Patriarchy YouTube channel), and Abby Maxwell Hansen (who was threatened with excommunication for her profile on Ordain Women in 2013 and an Exponent II blogger since 2019), as well as writer and columnist Jana Riess to discuss this growing phenomenon.Jared Halverson is an associate professor of Ancient Scriptures and served for over 20 years in the Church Education System. Halverson earned his BA in History and MA in Religious Education. He has been a featured speaker in devotionals as well as in academic settings. He is the host of the YouTube channel and podcast titled “Unshaken.”You can view Jared Halverson’s original video here.___________________YouTubeShowNotesMormon 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

Today we are re-introducing Sandra Tanner to a new generation of Mormons, exMormons, and never-Mormons. Both Sandra and her husband Jerald have strong Mormon backgrounds. When he was only eighteen, Jerald began to have doubts about his faith. When they began dating, Sandra Tanner also began to doubt. Throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s Jerald and Sandra Tanner were among the first to begin publishing on the problems with Mormon history and its truth claims. They opened a bookstore called the Utah Lighthouse Ministry and began publishing their research. Today we are going to talk about their discoveries on topics such as changes to the Book of Mormon, the problems with the Book of Abraham translation, the Kinderhook plates, how the Church covered up problematic parts of its history, and how they impacted hundreds of people in and out of the Mormon church. You won’t want to miss this episode!___________________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

After being inspired by the Mormon Stories Paul brothers episode, Dave courageously shares his powerful journey through faith, family struggles, and self-discovery. From his upbringing in a traditional Mormon household to navigating complex questions about church history, LGBTQ+ issues, and personal loss, Dave's story is one of resilience and hope. He reflects on his brother's tragic passing, his evolving beliefs, and why he ultimately chooses to stay active in the church today. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about faith, doubt, and finding meaning through it all.___________________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 episode, we’re joined by historian and mapmaker John Hamer as he responds to Michelle Stone’s recent claims that Joseph Smith did not practice polygamy. Drawing from historical records, primary sources, and his extensive research, John offers context and analysis on one of the most debated topics in Latter-day Saint history. Join us for an insightful conversation unpacking the complexities of Joseph Smith’s involvement in early Mormon polygamy.John Hamer is an American-Canadian historian who has focused primarily on Mormon history and has published a number of books on the topic, including Scattering of the Saints: Schism Within Mormonism and House of the Lord: The Story of the Kirtland Temple. John Hamer was raised in the Mormon Church, left the religion and joined the Community of Christ Church in 2010 and now serves as a pastor in their Toronto Congregation.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

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