Mormon Stories Podcast

Gabrielle Zelaya shares her intriguing journey as a non-member navigating the challenges of growing up in a predominantly Mormon community in Farmington, Utah. She discusses the pressure to convert for acceptance and the emotional toll of purity culture. Gabrielle delves into the impact of mental health struggles, the journey of disaffection from the Church, and the importance of healing from trauma. Her candid reflections on belonging, identity, and the cultural divide in Mormonism offer a powerful insight into her transformative experiences.

Join John Turner, historian and author of 'Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet', as he delves into the tumultuous years of Joseph Smith’s leadership. They discuss challenges to Smith's authority from key figures like Hiram Page and Oliver Cowdery, explore the transition from seer stones to direct revelations, and investigate early concepts of Zion and millennial beliefs. The conversation also touches on the intriguing legacy of Enoch and the early missionary efforts among Native Americans in Jackson County, providing a nuanced look at the complexities of faith and leadership.

Sara Lakner Bevc, a Croatian-American former missionary, and her husband Mitja, a Slovenian convert, vividly recount their tumultuous journeys through Mormonism. They discuss the emotional turmoil of excommunication, cultural clashes, and the pressures of a mixed-faith marriage. Their candid reflections on identity, public dissent in church settings, and navigating belief illustrate the high stakes of integrity versus compliance. Together, they explore love, heartbreak, and ultimately, the quest for personal truth in the face of adversity.

Lauren Matthias, co-host of the Hidden True Crime Podcast, shares her unique journey from journalist to advocate, navigating her Mormon faith while covering the deep complexities of true crime stories. She reveals personal insights on the Lori Vallow Daybell case and the emotional toll of her brother's accident. The conversation touches on faith and feminism, the struggle of mixed-faith relationships, and the importance of storytelling within the Mormon community. Listeners gain a profound understanding of justice, trauma, and the power of personal narratives.

In this powerful and emotional episode, journalist Lauren tells her Mormon story publicly for the first time. Known for covering others’ experiences—including the high-profile Lori Vallow Daybell trial—Lauren now opens up about her own journey through faith, trauma, resilience, and healing.She shares her upbringing in the LDS Church, the influence of her legally blind father, and her early fears around death that led to a fascination with true crime. Lauren details her mission to Ohio, her shock upon learning about polygamy, and her love for investigative storytelling.The story takes deeply personal turns as she opens up about being diagnosed with MS, her father’s arrest and trial, her own struggles with mental health, sexual assault, marriage trauma, and the challenges of being a Mormon woman in journalism.From painful experiences to moments of empowerment in her career and community, Lauren’s account is raw, inspiring, and unflinchingly honest.Hear about her memoirStay for the vulnerable reflectionsSupport Lauren’s journey by watching to the end___________________Show Notes YouTubeMormon 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

In this episode, we dive into Chapter Seven of Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet by John G. Turner. The chapter is titled “Moses” and covers the 1830 period and the transition from New York to Kirtland, Ohio. We explore early public criticism of Joseph Smith by figures like Abner Cole, the satirical Book of Pukei, and Luman Walters' possible influence. We also examine Joseph’s efforts to sell the copyright of the Book of Mormon in Canada, what that reveals about his intentions, and the revelation that supposedly authorized it.We discuss how Joseph’s financial motives, revelations, and treatment of Martin Harris raise important questions, and consider the book's early lack of demand—even as Joseph continued to pivot and adapt. From legal troubles and claims of treasure seeking, to his revisions of the Bible and the rise of anti-Masonry, this episode looks at how Joseph’s evolving theology and personal ambitions shaped early Mormonism.We also tackle difficult questions around gender and divine authority: Why were no women, including Emma Smith, called as witnesses to the golden plates? What does Emma's role—and her sacrifices—say about the story Joseph told?This is a wide-ranging and thought-provoking installment that challenges the traditional narrative while offering rich historical context.Topics Include:-Abner Cole’s criticisms & Book of Pukei-Attempt to sell the Book of Mormon copyright in Canada-Revelations and motives: divine or self-serving?-Joseph’s treatment of Emma & women’s roles-Legal issues & treasure seeking-Bible revisions, anti-Masonry, and theology-Emma’s loyalty and legacyDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy thoughtful conversations on religious history.Please purchase the book here.To support this series please donate here. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.___________________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

Laurel Hell shares her gripping journey of growing up in an orthodox Mormon family, marked by her father's excommunication over polygamy. She confronts the abuse and trauma tied to purity culture and rigid church doctrines. Laurel reflects on her mission in Poland, battling anxiety and shame, while navigating the toxic dynamics of Young Single Adult culture. Her journey of deconstruction leads her to reclaim her sexuality, ultimately leaving the church and embracing healing. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience and self-acceptance.

John Turner, a historian from George Mason University and author of 'Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet', dives into the multifaceted origins of the Book of Mormon. The discussion tackles the authenticity of its witnesses, weighing claims of deception against visionary experiences. Turner also explores the historical credibility of the text, linking it to archaeological evidence and the implications of viewing it as a 19th-century creation. Thought-provoking theological reflections on divine revelation and epistemic humility enrich this critical examination.

Cam Clarke, a celebrated voice actor known for his roles in iconic animations like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, shares his poignant journey growing up in a famous Mormon-Hollywood family. He discusses the challenges of reconciling his identity as a gay man with his faith, the impact of conversion therapy, and his experiences during the AIDS crisis. Together with his niece, Julie de Azevedo Hanks, they reflect on healing through art, the complexities of family love, and the nuanced experiences of being part of both the entertainment industry and the Mormon community.

In this discussion, Julia, known as Analyzing Mormonism on social media, dissects the CES Letter and its critiques from Mormon apologists. She tackles pivotal questions about the Book of Mormon, including its connection to the King James Bible and inconsistencies in translation. Julia also explores the implications of DNA evidence and anachronisms found in the text, while considering how these issues affect faith and church narratives. With humor and insight, she encourages a deeper critical engagement with Mormonism’s truth claims.