~ cueing up the show ~
~ pulling every episode ~
Mormon Stories Podcast — Every episode — OmList
om
list
Swipe
Tournament
Lists
Friends
All
Movies
TV
Books
Games
Music
Podcasts
People
▾
Sign in
Every episode
Mormon Stories Podcast
30 episodes
When a Child Questions Mormonism - Annie Marie | Ep. 2180
Aug 11, 2026 · 3 hr 47 min
What would cause a child to lose their LDS faith? We strive to answer this question in today's interview with TikTok star, Annie Marie. Annie is an ex-mormon content creator who has gained an audience from her satirical videos that mainly center around questions she had as a child growing up in the LDS faith. Today she sits down with John and Margi to share her full Mormon story, offer commentary on some of her most popular videos, and walk us through her creative process. Annie came from a stri…
YOU WILL STAY!, Ken Jennings, Arizona Ruling, Young Women Leaving | Mormon News 8.8.26 | Ep. 2179
Aug 8, 2026 · 3 hr 13 min
On today's episode of Mormon News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes break down another busy week of headlines involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We begin with a major Arizona Supreme Court ruling protecting clergy confidentiality when abuse is disclosed during religious confession. We'll discuss what the decision means, why it matters, and the broader questions it raises about protecting vulnerable people, religious freedom, and institutional accountability. Links: The Guardi…
Healing my Inner Child After Mormonism - Mindy Gledhill | Ep. 2178
Aug 3, 2026 · 2 hr 11 min
Today on Mormon Stories, we are thrilled to welcome back singer-songwriter Mindy Gledhill, who is returning to the podcast to share the stories behind her newest collection of songs, the PhoneBooth Sessions (vol. 1 & 2), which reflect on her childhood, adolescence, and life after stepping away from Mormonism. Along the way, she opens up about some of the early questions that challenged her faith and where she stands with her belief today. Mindy will also discuss how inner-child work has helped h…
Security and Exchange Commission Scandal - LDS Discussions Pt. 80 | Ep. 2177
Jul 31, 2026 · 2 hr 56 min
In Episode 80 of our LDS Discussions series, Julia, Kolby, and Nemo the Mormon join together for a deep dive into one of the most significant financial controversies in modern Latter-day Saint history: Ensign Peak Advisors and the SEC’s investigation into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The discussion begins by examining what Ensign Peak Advisors is, why the Church created an enormous investment reserve, and whether maintaining such a fund is inherently problematic. From there,…
Mormon Missionary Held Against Her Will - Hailey Walser | Ep. 2176
Jul 27, 2026 · 2 hr 36 min
Why are so many young Mormons leaving the Church? Today, we're joined by Hailey Walker to explore that question through the lens of her own Mormon story. Hailey was raised in the Church in Alaska, where growing up Mormon looked very different from the experience many members have in Utah. As a teenager, she began asking questions about feminism, Church culture, and the role of women, but still considered herself a committed believer. Hoping to strengthen her testimony, she chose to serve a missi…
BYU Professor Creates AI Deepfakes of Children - Mormon News 7.24.26 | Ep. 2175
Jul 24, 2026 · 1 hr 22 min
On today's episode of Mormon News, Nemo the Mormon and Meggan Hayes break down another busy week of headlines involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We begin with new research identifying seven trends shaping the future of the LDS Church, including changing missionary priorities, evolving member behaviors, and what the data suggests about where Mormonism may be headed. Link: https://religionnews.com/2026/07/16/more-about-jesus-less-about-coffee-seven-lds-church-trends-accordi…
Ancient Jewish Tradition? Jasmin & The Book of Abraham - LDS Discussions Pt. 79 | Ep. 2174
Jul 22, 2026 · 1 hr 37 min
Welcome to LDS Discussions Part 79, where we continue our deep dive into the Book of Abraham, examining one of the most popular apologetic arguments: the claim that Joseph Smith drew on ancient traditions about Abraham rather than translating the surviving papyri. We begin by exploring the history of the Joseph Smith Papyri and the various theroies proposed to explain the Book of Abraham, including why so many copeting models exist. From there, we focus on the “ancient traditions” theory, lookin…
The Cost of Leaving Christianity - Thomas Westbrook | Ep. 2173
Jul 20, 2026 · 3 hr 8 min
Thomas Westbrook, creator and host of Holy Koolaid, joins Mormon Stories to share his remarkable journey from growing up in an intensely fundamental Christian environment to becoming one of YouTube’s leading voices for skepticism, science, and critical thinking. Raised by missionary parents and immersed in evangelical culture from childhood, Thomas recounts life overseas, homeschooling, Youth With A Mission (YWAM), purity culture, sexual shame, biblical literalism, and the constant pressure to e…
LDS Church Claims Record 88,500 Missionaries. Is It True? Mormon News 7.17.26 | Ep. 2172
Jul 17, 2026 · 1 hr 23 min
On today's episode of Mormon News, Nemo the Mormon and Meggan Hayes break down another busy week of headlines involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We begin with the Church's announcement that more than 88,500 missionaries are now serving worldwide, which leaders say is an all-time record. We'll examine whether today's LDS missionary statistics are truly comparable to previous Church records. Links: Deseret News: https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/07/14/new-record-88500-miss…
John Larsen v. John Dehlin - 2026 Edition | Ep. 2171
Jul 13, 2026 · 2 hr 56 min
After years away from the microphone, John Larsen returns to Mormon Stories Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation. A legend in the Mormon and ex-Mormon podcasting world, John Larsen helped shape an entire generation of critical Mormon thought through Mormon Expression. Now, he sits down with John Dehlin to reflect on the journey that brought him here –from his Mormon upbringing and faith crisis to build one of the most influential podcasts in the space, and ultimately stepping away to build a…
Mormon Apostle’s Brother Faces LIFE, DOMO CEO Josh James Arrested - Mormon News 7.10.26 | Ep. 2170
Jul 10, 2026 · 3 hr 42 min
On today's episode of Mormon News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes break down another busy week of headlines involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We begin with breaking news involving the family of Apostle D. Todd Christofferson. His brother, Wade Christofferson, has pleaded guilty in federal court to sexually abusing minors and sending sexually explicit letters to a young Utah girl. He now faces a potential life sentence in prison. We'll break down the case, the charges, and…
Mormon Wife Loses Faith, Husband is Elder’s Quorum President - Devlyn and Randy Day | Ep. 2169
Jul 7, 2026 · 4 hr 14 min
What happens when one spouse loses their faith while the other is serving as an Elder’s Quorum President? In this episode of Mormon Stories, Devlyn and Randy Day share their remarkable journey through one of the most difficult challenges a Mormon marriage can face: a mixed-faith relationship. Raised in a deeply faithful Latter-day homes, they built what they believed was the ideal Mormon family. But after Devlyn began studying Church history–including Rough Stone Rolling, the Gospel Topics Essay…
Rasband's Big Claim, Prison Garments, 55 New Missions - Mormon News 7.3.26 | Ep. 2168
Jul 3, 2026 · 3 hr 2 min
On today's episode of Mormon News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes break down another busy week of headlines involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.This week we take a closer look at Elder Ronald A. Rasband's patriotic address, where he claimed God preserved the United States for the Restoration, taught that Noah's Flood fractured the continents to protect the promised land, reaffirmed the Garden of Eden in Missouri, and described America as a stepping stone to eternal life. We'l…
Explosive History in the William Clayton Diaries w/ Bryan Buchanan & LDS Discussions Pt 78 | Ep 2167
Jul 1, 2026 · 2 hr 20 min
Welcome to another episode of LDS Discussions! We are joined again by Bryan Buchanan to discuss the William Clayton Diaries. The William Clayton Diaries are among the most important firsthand records from Joseph Smith’s final years in Nauvoo. Few individuals stood closer to Joseph Smith than William Clayton, who served as clerk, confidant, and participant in many of the most controversial events of Mormon history. In this episode, we dive directly into the diaries themselves. We examine what Cla…
Hidden History of the William Clayton Diaries w/ Bryan Buchanan - LDS Discussions Pt. 77 | Ep. 2166
Jun 29, 2026 · 3 hr 20 min
Welcome to another episode of LDS Discussions! Today we are joined by Bryan Buchanan to discuss the William Clayton Diaries. For decades, the William Clayton Diaries have occupied a near-mythical place in Mormon history. Hidden away in the First Presidency vault, copied in secret, fought over in court, leaked to researchers, and cited in some of the most controversial debates surrounding Joseph Smith and plural marriage, these journals have one of the most fascinating histories of any historical…
Oaks’ True Church, Abusive Mormon Dentist?, Too Close to the Bishop - Mormon News 6.26.26 | Ep. 2165
Jun 26, 2026 · 3 hr 44 min
On today's episode of Mormon News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes break down another busy week of headlines involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This week we take a closer look at the 2026 Seminar for New Mission Leaders, where Church leaders doubled down on claims of exclusive authority, the "only true church," and what they describe as "true doctrine." We'll discuss what was taught and why it matters. Links: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14idTXmfqam/ https://www.thechurc…
Did LDS Leaders Teach That Sexual Sin Is Next to Murder? - LDS Discussions Pt. 76 | Ep. 2164
Jun 24, 2026 · 1 hr 23 min
For years, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were taught that violations of the law of chastity were “next to murder” in seriousness. Recently, Jasmin Rappleye defended that teaching (and maybe changed its interpretation) in a viral video, sparking widespread discussion both inside and otuside Mormonism. In this somehat impromptu epsiode in our LDS Discussiones series, we will examine the historical record and ask an important question: Has this doctrine actually been ta…
LDS Stake President Covers Up Abuse & Becomes Area Authority Seventy - Rebecca Gooden | Ep. 2163
Jun 22, 2026 · 4 hr 10 min
What happens when a trusted Mormon leader learns about child sexual abuse –and choses not to report it? In this powerful and heartbreaking episode, Rebecca Gooden and her son Matthew share their family’s story of abuse, betrayal, and institutional failure within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Years after discovering that her husband, Shawn Gooden, had sexually abused two of her younger brothers, Rebecca found herself confronting a devastating reality: church leaders had known a…
Kyle McKay Apologizes, Is "Mormon" Making a Comeback?, Gong and AI - Mormon News 6.19.26 | Ep. 2162
Jun 19, 2026 · 1 hr 54 min
This week on Mormon Stories News, we take a closer look at the people, controversies, and events making waves across Mormonism. We begin with the story of a disturbing abuse case involving a former LDS Priest Quorum Specialist accused of sexually abusing his nephew. The case has prompted conversations about trust, access to youth, safeguarding policies, and whether church members are adequately trained to recognize and prevent abuse within families and congregations. We also examine a rare publi…
How LDS Apologists like Jasmin Rappleye Handle the Book of Abraham - LDS Discussions Pt. 75 | Ep. 2161
Jun 17, 2026 · 2 hr 30 min
In a recent episode on the YouTube channel Hello Saints, Jeff McCullough interviewed Jasmin Rappleye (who got her degree from BYU in Ancient Near Eastern Studies) about one of Mormonism’s most controversial scriptures: the Book of Mormon. During the discussion, several apologetic approaches to the Book of Abraham was presented. In this episode, we examine three of the most common theories used to defend Joseph Smith’s translation: -The Missing Scroll Theory -The Long Scroll Theory -The Catalyst…
From Megachurch to Mormon: Watching the Church Become What I Left - Lance Kennedy | Ep. 2160
Jun 15, 2026 · 3 hr 18 min
What happens when the son of a Pentecostal megachurch pastor decides to become Mormon? In this episode of Mormon Stories Podcast, we sit down with Lance Kennedy to discuss his unique religious journey from evangelical Christianity to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Raised in Texas as the son of a prominent pastor, Lance grew up behind the scenes of one of the fastest-growing church movements in America, watching firsthand as churches evolved from small congregations into large-s…
Mormons Not Christian Says Pete Hegseth's Department of War? - Mormon News 6.11.26 | Ep. 2159
Jun 11, 2026 · 2 hr 58 min
This week on Mormon Stories News, John Dehlin along with Julia, and Brooklyn of the OSF team, break down some of the biggest stories making headlines in Mormonism. President Nelson announced the Springfield, Missouri temple on April 2, 2023, yet ground was just broken for it on June 6, 2026. Why the delay? Have other temples been delayed? What is the average amount of time for a temple to be finished between its first announcement to dedication? What are the membership numbers that will fill the…
How a Mormon Therapist Lost His Faith - Brad Reedy | Ep. 2157
Jun 8, 2026 · 2 hr 59 min
Today on Mormon Stories Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Brad Reedy, therapist, author, and founder of “Finding You Intensives”, to discuss his remarkable journey through faith, spirituality, addiction, and personal growth. We are also very glad to be joined by Samantha Shelly (from Zelph on the Shelf) for this uplifting conversation. Raised outside of religion, Brad spent much of his youth searching for meaning and belonging. After struggling with substance abuse as a teenager and surviving a near…
Mormon Sealings & Nate Oman w/ Bryan Buchanan - LDS Discussions Pt. 74 | Ep. 2156
Jun 3, 2026 · 3 hr 20 min
In this episode, we expand on ideas presented by Nate Oman during a discussion on Faith Matters and trace the complicated, evolving history of Mormon sealings from Joseph Smith through the 20th century. Today, “eternal families” are often presented as the central purpose of temple sealings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But historically, the story is much messier. In this conversation, we explore how early sealings were not originally centered on the modern concept of nuclea…
From Anti-Scientologist to “Anti-Mormon” - “TrevAnon” from the Netherlands | Ep. 2155
Jun 1, 2026 · 3 hr 21 min
We have a very special guest on Mormon Stories today, who some of our live audience may know as "TrevAnon" on YouTube. He has helped out for many years as a moderator for Mormon Stories livestreams, and he is here today to tell us why a Never-Mormon from the Netherlands would find interest in Mormonism. This episode will begin with Trev's story, and how he developed his interest in cults and other high-demand religions--especially Scientology. Additionally, he has prepared a presentation that wi…
LDS Church Leaders Falling for Frauds - LDS Discussions Pt. 73 | Ep. 2153
May 27, 2026 · 2 hr 9 min
Welcome to Episode 73 in our LDS Discussions series! In this episode, we explore the long history of fraud, forgery, and "discernment" within Mormon history –from Joseph Smith’s treasure digging and the Kinderhook Plates to the Salamander Letter, Paul Dunn, Tim Ballard, and Jodi Hildebrandt. We discuss why people believe extraordinary claims, the role of critical thinking and skepticism, and whether church leaders who claim divine guidance have actually demonstrated the “Gift of Discernment” the…
Teen Stays Faithful after CES Letter and Mormon Stories Podcast - Gustavo Hernandez | Ep. 2152
May 25, 2026 · 3 hr 32 min
Content Warning: Discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation. In this episode of Mormon Stories, Gustavo Hernandez from Mexico City shares his experience growing up Mormon in Mexico, discovering difficult church history as a teenager, and ultimately choosing to remain an active, believing member of the Church while navigating doubt, anxiety, and faith crises. Gustavo opens up about the shame culture surrounding worthiness, pornography confessions, and perfectionism in Mormonism –including how te…
40% of Mormons Raised in the U.S. Have Left the Church - Mormon News 5.22.26 | Ep. 2151
May 22, 2026 · 2 hr 22 min
In this episode, John and Meggan examine several major stories shaping the current state of Mormonism, including new research on LDS disaffiliation and decline, increasing institutional strain on local leadership, financial fraud tied to prominent Utah business figures, and the continuing controversy surrounding the Fairview Texas temple. •Drawing from research and analysis by Jeff Strong and team of researchers, we discuss what current membership and retention trends may reveal about blind spot…
Leaving the Seventh-day Adventist Church - Melissa Duge Spiers Pt. 2 | Ep. 2150
May 21, 2026 · 2 hr 20 min
In Part 2 of our series on Seventh-day Adventism, Melissa Spiers shares her personal story of growing up as a fourth-generation Adventist in a deeply religious family shaped by strict lifestyle rules, purity culture, and constant pressure to perform spiritually. Melissa describes her experience navigating SDA education systems, thought control, and the intense expectations placed on young women within the church. She also discusses her eventual move away from Adventism, and the complicated relat…
Seventh-day Adventism vs. Mormonism - Melissa Duge Spiers | Ep. 2149
May 18, 2026 · 2 hr 40 min
For the first time on Mormon Stories Podcast, we’re diving into the world of Seventh-day Adventism. John sits down with Melissa Spiers, a former Seventh-day Adventist, to explore the history, beliefs, culture, and practices of the SDA Church—and to compare them with Mormonism along the way. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Melissa gives an overview of Seventh-day Adventist origins, theology, lifestyle standards, and church culture, while John and Melissa discuss some of the surprising similari…
← Back to the show
