A new study shows that religion usually leads to a more positive body image but Mormons in Utah are getting cosmetic surgeries at a rate 10% higher than the national average. What’s driving this trend? Today, we’re talking with Dr. Julie Hanks, Alyssa Whitbeck, Celeste Davis, and others to explore what’s happening in Utah’s Mormon culture. Tune in to hear the real story behind these numbers. Show Notes YouTube Episode 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

Nate Byrd, an advocate for racial issues in the Mormon community, joins Summer-Rayn, a researcher in racial dynamics, and Dr. Darron Smith, an academic in race and religion, alongside John Dehlin, a social issues researcher. They delve into the uncomfortable truths of Mormon leadership's historical support for racial segregation. Discussion points include the impact of patriarchal blessings on Black members, the legacy of racist ideologies, and the need for critical reevaluation of church doctrines. The dialogue is rich with personal experiences and calls for inclusivity within the faith.

Join us today as John and Margi interview Allison Shiffler. Raised in a part-member family, Allison faced struggles with body image, bulimia, and the perfectionism in Mormon culture. She went through two disciplinary councils questioning her worthiness. Despite this, Allison broke free from Mormon patriarchy, graduated from Columbia University, raised a child as a single mother, and became a therapist. Her story is a powerful example of empowerment, breaking down patriarchy, and discovering oneself beyond Mormonism. Show Notes YouTube Episode 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 us today as we discuss the priesthood and temple ban with historian Matthew Harris. Today we will discuss Hugh B. Brown and his attempts to lift the priesthood and temple ban for black members of the church. Hugh B. Brown was an attorney and joined the First Presidency in 1963. He made countless efforts to convince the Brethren that the ban on blacks should be lifted and even told the New York Times that there was a strong possibility the ban would soon be removed. This response caused a great deal of problems at Church Headquarters. We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you! Show Notes YouTube Episode Purchase Matt Harris’ book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality 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

Today we are joined with Rebecca Bibliotheca and Landon Brophy (both of Mormonish Podcast) to discuss the breaking news over the proposed Mormon temple in Fairview, Texas. ⁠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 us as a panel of Mormon women come together to discuss the controversies surrounding Hannah Neeleman, a ballerina who embraced the "tradwife" lifestyle. Critics argue that this lifestyle limits women's choices and reinforces patriarchal norms. Our panelists share their personal stories and reflections, addressing the challenges and regrets associated with the trad wife ideal in Mormonism. ⁠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

Elisha Lee, a former member of the Mormon Church, shares her poignant journey of faith, starting with childhood experiences of divorce and shame. She reflects on the emotional complexities of leaving organized religion, including the pressure of conformity and personal doubts. Elisha discusses the challenges of marriage and parenting post-Mormonism, the influence of community support through platforms like TikTok, and how her evolving identity has reshaped her understanding of family and belonging. Her story is a powerful exploration of healing and self-discovery.

The podcast critically examines the controversial 'skin of blackness' passages in the Book of Mormon. It highlights modern apologists' attempts to reinterpret these texts while addressing historical racism. The discussion scrutinizes early Mormon teachings on race, including Joseph Smith's perspectives on intermarriage with Native Americans. Moreover, it explores the church's evolving narratives and their implications for marginalized communities, advocating for transparency and accountability in these sensitive discussions. Engaging stories and historical analyses reveal the complexities of racial identity within the faith.

Dive into the struggles of church educators who opposed historical racial policies in Mormonism. Discover the clash between free-thinking scholars and conservative leaders that led to firings and excommunications. Explore how figures like David O. McKay defended intellectual freedom during a time of civil rights upheaval. Delve into the tensions at BYU between faith and academic pursuits, and witness the church's grappling with evolving racial doctrines amid societal change. Uncover the legacy of race and doctrine within this transformative era.

Rian Anderson, a former missionary with a tumultuous journey through the Church, shares her experiences of mental anguish and PTSD after her mission. She recounts expectations of love and service met with oppression and isolation during COVID-19. Rian discusses the tension between family loyalty and church demands, especially as her family lost faith. She highlights the emotional strain caused by strict rules and the journey to reclaim her identity, ultimately discovering that true family love was what she had all along.