Listen, Learn & Love Hosted by Richard Ostler

Richard Ostler

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Mar 3, 2023 • 1h 21min

Episode 619: Taylor Smith, Navigating Complicated Church Topics, Creating Space and Zion

My friend Taylor Smith (married father of 5, active LDS, born in Canada, lives in Maryland) joins us to share an extended version of a talk he gave in Church back in September 2022 about his journey to better see, mourn and support those in our Church who may have a harder road to walk (women, black members, LGBTQ members, those with honest questions, etc). Taylor talks about how in recent years he has experienced a paradigm shift that has allowed him to more genuinely love and support these individuals—amongst some wrestling’s of his own—while he stays a committed Latter-day Saint. Taylor shares quotes from church leaders, scriptures, and gospel principles about how we can better create Zion—and move from saying theoretically that there is a place for everyone in the church, towards actually creating that place in reality. He becomes emotional at times when he shares some of his experiences of listening and sitting with the pain of those walking a harder road. It is hard to put into a podcast description the power for Taylor’s message. All I can say is, if you are working through a faith crisis, looking to create more space in our congregations, looking to create Zion, or looking to better support marginalized Latter-day Saints, please listen to Taylor’s powerful talk. I was deeply moved. Thank you, Taylor and your wife Judy, for all the good you are both doing in our church community. Thank you for your willingness to be vulnerable and helping to better love, understand and support others. You are making a difference. If you would like to contact Taylor, his e-mail address is tayandjudysmith@gmail.com Podcast Links: Taylor’s talk via DropBox: https://www.dropbox.com/s/s89wap1atvfyfox/Taylor%20Smith%20LL%26L%20Podcast%20-%202.25.23.pdf?dl=0
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Feb 28, 2023 • 1h 26min

Episode 618: HXP (Humanitarian XP)

I asked my friends at HXP (formerly HEFY) to come on the podcast and introduce this non-profit providing Latter-day Saint youth trips around the world. We joined by: Amy Antonelli: CEO Kelsi Christensen: Chief Innovations Officer Hannes Du Randt: Program Designer/Trip Leader The HXP teams introduces HXP, its worldwide trips (288 scheduled for the Summer of 2023; almost all full), the needs for parent builders, its goals and hopes. The team goes on to talk about the hopes to positively impact youth (95% are Latter-day Saint Youth and all Trip Leaders are active Latter-day Saints) to feel God’s love for them and other people around the world—as the engage in sustainable and impactful humanitarian projects. They talk about sign up for 2024 trips (enrollment opens in early November 2023). Each HXP members share some of their story including Amy finding worth/value/perspective as a single Latter-day Saints, Kelsi serving a mission in Brazil, a people she loved, and connecting with the Japanese people she hoped to serve, and Hannes (a dear family friend) his conversion story (that happened in the same room we record podcasts). If you are an LDS parent looking for a uniquely positive experience for your youth (ages 14-16 for domestic trips; 16-19 for international trips), please check out this podcast and HXP. And if you are looking to build your faith by hearing others experiences, Amy, Kelsi and Hannes will inspire you. Thank you, Amy, Kelsi, Hannes and everyone at HXP for your much needed work in our world. Links mentioned: HXP: https://www.humanitarianxp.org/ Hannes’ Conversation Story (Episode 7): https://soundcloud.com/user-818501778/episode-7-hannes-du-randt-mormon-conversation-story
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Feb 25, 2023 • 1h 3min

Episode 617: Emily Wood, Healing from Pain and Trauma

My friend (and former YSA) joins us to bravely talk about the pain and trauma experienced as a nanny in Germany. Emily later returned to Germany and served in the same area—and had a chance encounter with those responsible for her pain/trauma and talks about feelings of God’s love for them. However, feeling God’s love for them and forgiveness, didn’t fully resolve the trauma as Emily was still rejecting herself. Emily bravely shares her journey to see, address, and solve trauma. It’s a remarkable story. A story that will help others working to solve trauma and those wanting to help them. Thank you, Emily, for being on the podcast. I learned so much from you. I wish I had understood the principles and concepts you shared much earlier. Thank you your courage to be on the podcast. You are awesome! Links mentioned in the podcast: Emily Coaching Business: www.growwithzoella.com
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Feb 22, 2023 • 1h 24min

Episode 616: Geri Broadbent, Husband Died in 2021 at Age 43, Mother of Four

My friend Geri Broadbent joins us to share the story of her husband Dan who died at age 43 after an 6-year battle cancer. Geri talks about the years (some during COVID) of his cancer treatments and his passing in December of 2021. She talks about the things she did to find hope and support during his battle and after his passing. She talks about the courage of her husband Dad and how she found to best support him. She talks about things family and friends did that were helpful—and how we can do better. She talks about life after Dan including Church (Geri in an active Latter-day Saint), therapy, finding hope and healing, and supporting her four children. If you have lost your spouse or a loved one—or are looking to better support someone walking this road, I encourage you to listen to Geri’s story. She is vulnerable, brave, real, insightful—with unique insights to find hope and healing. Thank you, Geri, for being on the podcast. You did a great job of honoring your good husband Dan and bringing more understanding for support people dealing with the death of a loved one. You voice is so needed in our community. Links mentioned in the podcast: Geri’s Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/dan_beats_cancer/ Dan’s obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/daniel-broadbent-obituary?id=31800935
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Feb 19, 2023 • 1h 7min

Episode 615: Bonnie Young, Author of Sex Educated: Letters from a LDS Therapist to Her Younger Self

My friend Bonnie Young (active Latter-day Saint, LMFT, married mother of two) joins us to talk about her groundbreaking new book, "Sex Educated: Letters from a Latter-day Saint Therapist to Her Younger Self." While Bonnie wrote this book mainly for Latter-day Saint women who desire to maturely and compassionately reflect on their own sexual journeys, it can also be used as a tool and resource for parents, Latter-day Saint couples, fathers of daughters, and for younger Latter-day Saints who are searching for faith-based and research-backed sexual education. Each chapter of the book is a letter that Bonnie writes to her younger self, and each letter has a different focus. The contents of the letters explore the importance of learning about sex, the goodness of sex, consent, modesty and maturation, the centrality of women's sexual development and experiences, healing from sexual shame, and more. I was deeply moved listening to Bonnie’s insights about the important and sensitive topic— I wish I had a book like this during my growing up years. I encourage listeners to check out Bonnie’s book. When we know better, we do better. Thank you, Bonnie, for being on the podcast and your needed work in our community. Links mentioned: Bonnie’s book: https://a.co/d/eAX5Loj Bonnie Young Counseling: www.bonnieyoungcounseling.com Azure Counseling: https://www.azurecounseling.com/
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Feb 15, 2023 • 1h 9min

Episode 614: Emma Edwins, Convert, Transgender Latter-day Saint, Part 2

My friend Emma Edwins (Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy; Licensed Clinical Counselor, who was on Episode 598) joins us to update her story. Emma, a convert and active Latter-day Saint, shares answers to questions she is receiving. Emma talks about a thoughtful and balanced approach to supporting others who experience gender dysphoria and are considering transitioning. Emma also talks about making this conversation about listening, understanding and being open to learning—and not fear based narratives. If you are looking to better understand and support transgender Latter-day Saints, Emma’s story will help you. And if you have feelings of gender dysphoria, Emma’s insights will help you. Thank you, Emma, for being on the podcast. You are a remarkable woman doing much good in many circles. You are helping us create Zion. Honored to have you on the podcast! Podcast links: Emma’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMcGpe-zLbY Emma’s email: storiesoflatterdayfaith@gmail.com Emma’s other podcast (Episode 598): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-598-emma-edwins-convert-transgender-latter/id1347971725?i=1000591219814 Richard Ostler solo podcast on this topic (Episode 601): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-601-conversation-with-my-trans-friends-and/id1347971725?i=1000591977601 Church transgender web site: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/transgender 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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Feb 12, 2023 • 1h 31min

Episode 613: Jacob Guy, Age 22, Gay Latter-day Saint

My friend Jacob Guy, (RM, FSY Counselor, Weber State Student) joins us to share his story. Jacob talks about his spiritual journey and temple attendance to come out to himself and others about 18 months ago. That included breaking off a serious relationship with a woman. Jacob shares a powerful visual analogy of being locked out of the house of happy married straight people and not having a key to open the door—one of the most powerful examples I’ve heard. Jacob talks about his rock-solid relationship with Jesus and how He is helping him find hope and peace concurrently with the unknowns of his future. Jacob reads from his from his scriptures to share some of his favorite stories of Jesus and the principles Jesus teaching that apply to all of our lives. I was deeply moved hearing Jacob’s courageous, no-shame, spiritually mature story—including deep peace and acceptance of his sexual orientation. If you are in the process of coming out (even to yourself), Jacob’s story will help you. If you are out, I believe Jacob’s story will help you. And if you are looking to better understand and support LGBTQ Latter-day Saints, Jacob’s story will help you. Thank you for being on the podcast Jacob. You are a good man. Links mentioned in the podcast: 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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Feb 9, 2023 • 1h 12min

Episode 612: Sherry Cassel, Sexual Assault Survivor, Early 60’s, Active LDS, Mother of Three

** Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault** My friend Sherry Cassel bravely shares her story of being a survivor of sexual assault (from infancy until after her mission) and ongoing verbal and physical assault well into adulthood. Further, Sherry talks about how she became sexually active after her mission (partly because it was the only way she had been programed to feel loved) and having three children out of wedlock from three different men. Sherry talks about her love for these wonderful children. Sherry talks about being diagnosed with Complex PTSD and her road to dealing, accepting, and working to solve her mental health issues resulting from long-term trauma. Sherry talks about the beautiful relationship she has with her children (two with temple marriages and the third a member of the LGBTQ+ community who is navigating well in life through their own mental illness journey). She also talks about her patriarchal blessing and the importance of that blessing into her eternal destiny and also finding peace that some of her mortal dreams will not happen. If you are a survivor of past/current abuse, Sherry’s powerful podcast will help you. And if you are looking for better support and understand abuse survivors, Sherry’s insights will help you. And if you are just looking for a story or courage, faith and forgiveness, Sherry’s story will inspire you. Thank you, Sherry, for your courage to be on the podcast and share your story. You are brave. You are free from shame. You are one of my new heroes. Your story will help so many! Links mentioned in the podcast: Sherry’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momto4xo Richard Ostler Repentance Chapter: 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 Elder Kearon General Conference Talk: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/04/24kearon Steve Young’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639930310
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Feb 6, 2023 • 56min

Episode 611: Bonnie Lyman, Finding Hope and Peace When Adult Children Choose Different Paths

My friend Bonnie Lyman (active LDS, life coach, lives in Spokane, two of five children not participating in the Church) joins us to share her story. Bonnie (who is her 70’s and has been on this road for more than two decades) shares her story of finding peace and hope—and love for all her family. Bonnie has powerful gospel insights to find joy, peace, love for all her kids and how her dreams for her eternal family have not changed. I was deeply moved by Bonnie and her maturity to deal with the complexities of life and still find peace, love and hope. She is in a remarkable place of peace—and her story will help all of us find the same. If you have people you love choosing different paths, I invite you to listen to this podcast and connect with Bonnie and her work. Thank you, Bonnie, for being on the podcast. I was deeply moved hearing your story. You voice and work in so needed in our community! Links mentioned in the podcast: Bonnie’s life coach web site: https://www.bonnielyman.com/ Facebook Group for LDS Parents with children on different paths: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BridgesLDSParents Liahona Article: You Love, He Saves: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/07/you-love-he-saves
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Feb 3, 2023 • 1h 13min

Episode 610: Kali Olsen, Bisexual, Active Latter-day Saint

My friend Kali Olsen (RM, BYU-I student, married to a man) shares her story as a bisexual Latter-day Saint. Kali talks about her journey to understand and then accept her sexual orientation. Kali also shares coming out to her fiancé McKay and his support (they were married in April 2022). Kali goes on to discuss why she decided to come out more broadly on social media to help support other LGBTQ people. Kali then talks about how we can do better as Latter-day Saints to support our LGBTQ members and create a safe space for people of all political parties. If you are an LGBTQ Latter-day Saint or want to know how to support them better, I encourage you to listen to Kali’s podcast. Great job Kali! Your story will help so many. Thank you for your courage to be on the podcast. Links mentioned in the podcast: Kali’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kali.crawford.7/ Kali’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kali.j.olsen/ Kali’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/kalic_justine

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