Mormon Stories Podcast

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.

The podcast dives into the controversial topic of Joseph Smith's polygamous relationships. It explores whether he engaged in sexual relations with his plural wives, ranging from underage women to those already married. The discussion critically evaluates historical evidence, societal implications, and the emotional struggles faced by those involved. Listeners are invited to consider the complexities behind polygamy in early Mormonism and its lingering effects on modern narratives. Expect thought-provoking insights and rich analysis as the speakers tackle this sensitive subject.

We sit down with the attorneys behind the explosive lawsuits filed against LDS Church, alleging decades of systemic child sexual abuse and institutional cover-up. These lawsuits include shocking claims of abuse facilitated by Church leaders across multiple states and even international borders, with some cases framed under federal trafficking statutes.The attorneys reveal how these cases aim to hold the Church accountable, explain the legal strategy behind the state and federal coordination efforts, and share the stories of survivors fighting for justice.Show NotesYouTube00:05:30 Anne Andrews00:06:55 Kimberly DeGonia00:08:55 Kolby Reddish00:16:38 The human trafficking statute and how we define human trafficking00:36:50 The Atonement and the church protecting itself00:41:25 Describing the events in the way that lawyers do - High Level and what that means00:42:43 Importance of the victim’s age00:52:17 Discussion of the American criminal justice system01:08:25 Charges are filed against Payton01:19:50 Was Payton ever disciplined by the church?01:32:50 Movement to consolidate the cases in Los Angeles01:52:18 Dispelling myths on mandatory reporting laws01:55:52 Rough timeline of proceedings ahead02:17:00 Issues of Church and State laws?02:24:00 What suggestions do they have for the LDS church to handle these situations better?02:33:32 What is their motivation in defending these cases?02:52:11 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 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

In this discussion, historian Keith Erekson, who oversees historical research for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addresses sensitive topics in Mormon history alongside researcher Sandra Tanner. They delve into polygamy, including Joseph Smith's controversial marriages, and the church's historical transparency regarding events like the Mountain Meadows Massacre. The duo debates the church's narratives, the consequences of unveiling hidden histories, and the ongoing challenges of reconciling faith with historical accountability.