Listen, Learn & Love Hosted by Richard Ostler

Richard Ostler

Episodes

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Apr 5, 2023 • 1h 15min

Episode 630: McKenna Goodrich, Age 17, Lesbian Latter-day Saint

My friend McKenna Goodrich joins us via Zoom from her home in Georgia to bravely share her story in hopes of helping others. McKenna talks about coming out to herself knowing she was different and then coming out to others. McKenna talks her personal relationship with Jesus and love from her Heavenly Father that is helping her on her journey. McKenna (whose Mom Alicia Hall was on Episode 596) talks about the experiences that led her to understand she is lesbian how that, along with being a beloved daughter of God, is part of her identity—both being good things. McKenna talks about her patriarchal blessing, why she is a member of the Church, why she hopes to serve and mission, and her hopes for the future. McKenna is a member of Gen Z of which 19.7% identify as LGBTQ (Gallup). Great episode for Y/W leaders to listen and then counsel together on how to support Y/W who are not straight/cis (including those who are not out). McKenna has great support from her Y/W leaders. Thank you, McKenna, for being on the podcast. You are so brave. You being open gives hope to other queer Latter-day Saints and helps all of us consider who to better support our queer friends. Thank you for your courage. You have a great life ahead of you! Podcast Links: Ministering to LGBTQ Latter-day Saints Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1433556613672143 Richard Ostler Book: Embracing LGBTQ Latter-day Saints: Deseret Book: www.deseretbook.com/p/listen-learn-and-love-embracing-lgbtq-latter-day-saints Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/1462135773
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Apr 2, 2023 • 1h 2min

Episode 629: Emily Adams, LDS Author, New Book “Divine Quietness”

My friend Emily Robinson Adams (married mother of three, appellate attorney) join us to talk about her new book called “Divine Quietness: Fining Meaning When Heaven is Silent”. In the book, Emily bravely shares her journey with prayers met with silence. She talks about why a loving God would not answer her prayers. Emily shares her experience—which occurred over a couple of years—to deconstruct and then reconstruct her belief in and relationship with God using a completely new framework. She talks about the books, practices, analogies and perspectives that helps her reconstruct her relationship with God. I was deeply moved listening to Emily. If you are wondering if God is there and/or why your prayers do not feel like they are being answered, Emily’s book will help you. It is not just theory—it includes her own powerful and vulnerable story. Emily’s book will also help you better help others. Thank you, Emily, for writing this book and being on the podcast. Your voice is so needed in our community. This book is a must-read. Podcast links: Deseret Book: https://deseretbook.com/p/divine-quietness Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZ2CZFJH
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Mar 30, 2023 • 55min

Episode 628: Allison Dayton and Ben Schilaty: New LGBTQ Conference Called “Gather”

My friends Allison Dayton (founder of Lift and Love) and Ben Schilaty (co-host of Questions From The Closet and Author) join us to talk about a new LDS/LGBTQ event called “Gather: Christ-centered support for Latter-day Saint LGBTQ individuals and those who love them”. The conference is on Sept 15th and 16th, 2023 at Utah Valley Convention Center, Provo, Utah. Allison and Ben talk about why they (and others) decided to do the conference, who is invited, goals, logistics, speakers, and their personal hopes for the conference. I was deeply moved listening to Allison and Ben as they shared some of their story and the hopes for this conference. I encourage everyone to attend this conference and invite others. It will help you. And help all of us better create Zion. Podcast Links: Gather: https://gather-conference.com/ Lift and Love: https://www.liftandlove.org/ Questions From The Closet: https://questionsfromthecloset.com/ Ben Schilaty’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PNM4GFC
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Mar 27, 2023 • 57min

Episode 627: Mary Alice Hatch, Host of “What Now” Podcast, RS President

My friend Mary Alice Hatch (married mother of 2) joins us from her home in San Clemente, California to share her story. Mary Alice talks about her son coming home from his mission early after receiving personal revelation it was the right thing to do. She talks about her support of her son and honoring his personal revelation and the need for our culture to do the same. This experience of seeing first-hand how the culture can be damaging for some Latter-day Saints, inspired Mary Alice to start a podcast call “What Now” which focused on how to improve the experience for Latter-day Saints. It is a powerful and needed podcast in our community. Mary Alice also talks about what her Relief Society Presidency is doing to create a safe culture for members to feel safe opening up about the realities of their lives so we can better heal and support others. She talks about how “people don’t connect to perfection but to vulnerability”. Mary Alice offers ideas on what we can do in our circle of influence to improve our culture. Thank you, Mary Alice, for being on the podcast and your great work in our community. I encourage everyone to check out Mary Allice’s podcast. Podcast links: What Now Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-now/id1474476293 Mary Alice Instagram: @podcastwhatnow Elder Holland’s Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iEjWlwoi7A Richard Ostler’s chapter on supporting early release missionaries: https://www.dropbox.com/s/14w6jnbyia6e7dc/Chapter%208%20Variations%20in%20Missionary%20Service.pdf?dl=0
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Mar 24, 2023 • 1h 16min

Episode 626: Hunter Steele (gay BYU student) and Amie Steele (supportive LDS mother)

My friends Hunter Steele (Age 24, BYU Journalism Major, Kennewick Washington RM) and his mother Amie Steele (married mother of three) join us to share their story. Hunter starts with his story growing up in Nephi, Utah (student body president of his high school) trying to reconcile his sexual orientation in a very heteronormative environment. Hunter talks about his mission (good experience) and then returning home realizing he was still attracted to men. Hunter talks about doing all things “with God” in his journey which led him to come out to his therapist and parents (both good experiences). Hunter then talks about why he came out publicly. This is a powerful—Spirit led—story. Amie shares her story of Hunter coming out to her (she didn’t ever suspect he was gay) and he journey to love and support Hunter. She talks about relying to Christ, prayer ,and scripture study to navigate this road. They share coming out to extended family and friends and the support and love they are receiving. This is one of the finest podcasts we’ve done—especially to have both a parent and her son who is gay jointly sharing their story. I was deeply moved listening to Hunter and Amie and believe their story will help you. I encourage you to listen to this podcast and share it with others. Their story will help so many. Thank you, Hunter and Amie, for sharing your story! Podcast links: Hunter’s coming out post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CkWe6RxyV_l/ Hunter’s Instagram reel with his journal entry: https://www.instagram.com/p/CotP2HNj33w/ Ministering to LGBTQ Latter-day Saints Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1433556613672143 Richard Ostler Book: Embracing LGBTQ Latter-day Saints: Deseret Book: www.deseretbook.com/p/listen-learn-and-love-embracing-lgbtq-latter-day-saints Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/1462135773
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Mar 18, 2023 • 1h 7min

Episode 624: Mitchell Harris, BYU Student, Pansexual and Non-Binary

My friend Mitchell Harris (any/all) joins us to share their story as a pansexual non-binary Latter-day Saint. Mitchell is a committed Latter-day Saint, served a mission in Mexico City, and is a Math Education major at BYU. Mitchell talks about their early experience and realizing they are queer and their decision to come out in 2019. Mitchell talks about Transmedicalism (something new to me) and how some non-binary/trans people (like Mitchell) do not experience long-term gender dysphoria—yet are trans/non-binary. Mitchell also talks about Church doctrines that help them maintain faith in Christ and why they are a member of the Church. I learned so much from Mitchell. They helped me consider the things I can do in my circle of influence to improve the experience of queer members. The “Body of Christ” is strengthened by having people like Mitchell in it and their contributions. Thank you, Mitchell, for being on the podcast. Your story will help so many. You can find Mitchell on Twitter at @mormonpan
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Mar 16, 2023 • 1h 7min

Episode 623: Katherine Herrmann, Latter-day Saint Author of “TransLucent"

My friend Katherine Herrmann (divorced, father of 7) joins us to talk about her newly published book called “TransLucent: How I put off my natural man and found a spiritual woman” which is focused on her life experiences as an active Latter-day Saint. In the podcast, Katherine shares how she was compelled to write the book and why it’s important. The book explores a twofold journey of understanding her gender identity as a woman, but also as a daughter of God. Learning to overcome her natural man through social and medical transition, but more importantly with obedience, trusting God, following spiritual promptings, and always staying on the covenant path. The book covers her early years, marriage, family, and divorce. A mixture of experiences with Priesthood leadership. Her years giving hugs at General Conference. How she came to bear her testimony in over 40 wards in 3 years. Getting involved in BYU Women’s Conference and as a volunteer for Time Out For Women. Entering the LDS Singles scene attempting to find love again at church dances and firesides. And the riveting conclusion of when she miraculously did. I encourage listeners to listen to Katherine’s story. I was deeply moved listening to Katherine—it’s a story that helps us better support each other and extend the stakes of Zion. Thank you, Katherine, for being on the podcast. Your work is so needed in our community. Podcast Links: Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id6445496533 Amazon Kindle & Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSW8S76X Translucent Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089654260941 E-Mail: translucent@andhalfatime.com
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Mar 12, 2023 • 1h 23min

Episode 622: Madi Davis, BYU Student, Bravely Shares Her Journey To Solve Porn Use

My friend Madi Davis (Age 19, BYU Student, Pre-Business) courageously shares her journey with pornography use that started at age 13. Madi (who is the first woman on our podcast talking about her own porn use) shares about how this came into her life and the immense shame she encountered, which was further magnified as this is framed as a male problem. She shares feeling as though she is the only one, and finally bravely talking to her Bishop and feeling the power of the atonement in her life. Madi talks about powerful principles and concepts that have helped her understand and solve her porn use—a framework that is much more effective than we have used in the past. Madi also talks about why she is talking about this, how she hopes her future husband will respond, and what she wishes her younger self understood. Madi is brave—bringing this important subject into the light where we can talk about it and work together to solve it. If you are a parent, local leader or working to solve porn use, Madi’s podcast will help you. This is one of the very best podcasts we've done on this subject. Thank you Madi for being on the podcast. You are brave. You are a warrior. Your work is so needed. You are helping so many. Podcast Links: Madi's Email: sistersonthefrontlines@gmail.com Madi’s podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/sistersonthefrontlines/?listen-on=true Madi’s IG account https://www.instagram.com/sistersonthefrontlines/ Richard Ostler Liahona Article: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/10/young-adults/7-tips-for-overcoming-pornography-use?lang=eng Richard Ostler Chapter on Solving Porn Use: https://www.dropbox.com/s/w2ex40l4se85wku/Chapter%204%20Ending%20Pornography%20Use.%20%20Listen%20Learn%20and%20Love%2C%20Improving%20Latter-day%20Saint%20Culture.pdf?dl=0 Richard Ostler Chapter on Repentance: https://www.dropbox.com/s/beou6wikby3rox0/Chapter%205%20Hope-Filled%20Repentance.%20%20%20Listen%20Learn%20and%20Love%2C%20Improving%20Lattter-day%20Saint%20Culture.pdf?dl=0
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Mar 9, 2023 • 1h 33min

Episode 621: Dr Paul Reeve, LDS Historian, New Book “Let’s Talk about Race and Priesthood”

My friend Paul Reeve (active Latter-day Saint, Simmons Chair of Mormon Studies at University of Utah, author, married father of six) joins us to talk about his new book (published by Deseret Book) called “Let’s Talk about Race and Priesthood.” This book (forward written by Darius A. Gray) shares the historical facts and personal stories around this important topic. Paul has divided the book into three sections: Phase One: Universal Priesthood and Temples Phase Two: Segregated Priesthood and Temples Phase Three: A Return to Racial Inclusivity Paul talks about why this book is needed, how racism still is a challenge in our Church, how understanding our history—even the difficult chapters—is essential to healing and coming together to create Zion. In addition to the historical facts, Paul humanizes this topic by sharing stories of black Latter-day Saints impacted by priesthood and temple restrictions. I believe it is the responsibility of Latter-day Saints to know our history. I encourage all of us to read Paul’s book and reflect on what we can do in our circle to better support black Latter-day Saints and root our racism—following the charge extended by President Nelson. Deseret Book writes about this series of books: “Each is written by a trusted, faithful scholar who thoroughly explains the topic including key issues to consider. Designed for people who have sincere questions and are seeking answers, the series provides access to some of the best thinking in the Church.” Thank you for Paul for your life work to help us understand this issue—and bring to light the heroic and often painful stories of black Latter-day Saints. Podcast Links: Deseret Book: https://deseretbook.com/p/let-s-talk-about-race-and-priesthood Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639931198 Black Latter-day Saint database: www.CenturyOfBlackMormons.org Paul Reeve bio: https://faculty.utah.edu/u0033169-W._PAUL_REEVE/hm/index.hml
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Mar 6, 2023 • 1h 9min

Episode 620: Melissa Inouye, New Book “Every Needful Thing”, Essays from 22 Latter-day Saint Women

Dr. Melissa Inouye, someone I deeply admire and respect, joins us to talk about a new book she and Kate Holbook (who died in August 2022) edited called “Every Needful Thing: Essays on the Life of the Mind and the Heart.” The book is a collection of twenty-two essays from accomplished academic and professional Latter-day Saint women. Melissa talks about why she and Kate decided to create this book, why this book is needed, and who is the audience. Melissa talks about gospel principles of belonging, learning, extending the stakes of Zion, and the systematic societal imbalances that work against us hearing and valuing women’s stories. The book is published by Deseret Book and BYU Maxwell Institute. Melissa also talks about how the School of the Prophets is a living framework for the restoration and how D&C 88 is bases for this book. Melissa also shares some of her personal story from a feeling in High School of being drawn to academia—and how that became a reality of her life—a story that gives perspective and hope to others starting their journey. Melissa also talks directly to those working to stay in the Church who have honest concerns about historical and/or current issues. This was a powerful part of the podcast. I encourage all Latter-day Saints to listen to this podcast and read this book. It helps us create Zion. Thank you, Melissa, Kate, and all the Latter-day Saint women, involved in the book and all your combined efforts throughout our Church. Your work is needed and appreciated. Podcast Links Kate Holbrook’s obituary: https://www.larkinmortuary.com/obituary/view/kate-holbrook--94/ Book Links: Deseret Book: https://deseretbook.com/p/every-needful-thing Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639931260 Crossings: A Bald Asian American Latter-day Saint Woman Scholar's Ventures Through Life, Death, Cancer, and Motherhood: https://www.amazon.com//dp/194439480X

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