Mormon Stories Podcast

In Part Two of our conversation with David Ostler (former bishop, stake president, and mission president), Dave continues his story after returning from Sierra Leone. He is called as Director of Historical Sites and with his wife Rachelle oversees the church’s historic sites in Palmyra New York. By this point, Dave is aware of many of the areas of church history that are troubling. While nuanced, Dave still considers able to live a consecrated life, as a faithful and devoted member.Dave reflects on his evolving understanding of Mormonism, including his work researching why people leave the church and writing Bridges: Ministering to Those Who Question. What began as an effort to help church leaders better understand those who doubt eventually led Dave to question whether these issues can ever be adequately addressed by the church. He considers some of the great questions about what it means to be human and through that study, begins to reconsider the framework through which he has understood the world.Dave and

Today we sit down with David Ostler, a former bishop, stake president, and mission president, and author of Bridges: Ministering to Those Who Question. Raised in a prominent Mormon family in Salt Lake City, Dave grew up surrounded by church leadership and expectations. He served a mission in Japan, married in the temple, and eventually became a bishop at just 33 years old.Dave reflects on how his upbringing shaped his understanding of faith, authority, and what it meant to be a Mormon man. He shares the challenges of church leadership, including administering discipline and balancing the demands of his calling with family life. At this point, Dave is aware of the humanness of the church’s leaders and its institutional limitations and many challenges of church history, church teachings on race, gender, and polygamy. In nuance he continued along the path he had always understood to be right.After retiring from a career in business, Dave and his wife Rachelle moved to India to do humanitarian work before being c

For 30 years, Timmy Gibson preached Christianity with absolute conviction. Raised in a Pentecostal family, he attended Bible college, became a pastor, and built a thriving evangelical church in Kansas City. But after decades of teaching that the Bible was God's perfect Word, Timmy began asking questions he could no longer ignore. Eventually, he faced an extraordinary decision: keep preaching what he no longer believed or walk away from the church he had spent nearly two decades building.In this episode of Exvangelical Stories, Dr. Todd Phillips sits down with former evangelical pastor and now atheist Timmy Gibson for an honest, deeply personal conversation about religious deconstruction, losing faith, and rebuilding life after Christianity.Timmy shares how his Pentecostal upbringing shaped his beliefs about speaking in tongues, divine healing, hell, salvation, and God's calling. He describes the people and experiences that challenged his theology, from watching faithful church members suffer despite p

Today on the Mormon News Podcast, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes examine a controversial video from LDS influencer Becky Squire defending bishop interviews with minors, the political landscape in Utah following the midterm elections, and changing university enrollment numbers following the Church's missionary-age announcement. We're also covering Quentin Cook's warnings about anonymity, developments involving Jared Harding Wilson, continued controversy surrounding the Cody Wyoming Temple, and more.___________________Show NotesYouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand reli

The 2026 midterm elections brought a significant shift toward Democrats across the country, but what happened in Utah and other heavily Mormon communities?Today on the Mormon News Podcast, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes explore the election results and what they might tell us about the changing political landscape among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Using analysis from Alex Bass of Mormon Metrics, we’re looking at Utah’s surprising election results, Democratic gains in traditionally Republican areas, and the voting patterns of the 20 congressional districts with the highest concentrations of Latter-day Saints.We’ll also examine new voter survey data that raises some interesting questions about Mormon political identity. One survey suggests LDS voters split 56% Republican to 44% Democratic, while another puts Republican support closer to 70%. What explains that difference, and what can we actually conclude?Topics include:The nationwide blue shift and how Utah comparesRepublican under

In Part Five of The Brigham Young Podcast series where we cover John Turner’s book Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet, we sit down with John Turner to discuss Chapter Five, “Prophets and Pretenders,” and explore Brigham Young’s leadership during the final months in Nauvoo. We examine Young’s violent rhetoric, the growing tensions surrounding the Saints, and the infamous “Bogus Brigham” incident. We also explore the completion of the Nauvoo Temple and the development of the endowment, including how temple rituals evolved, what Joseph Smith may have passed on to Young, and how these practices shaped early Mormon theology. The conversation also considers the role of women in the developing theology of exaltation, the expansion of polygamy, and the ways priesthood authority and the doctrine of living prophets allowed Mormon teachings and practices to change. How did Brigham Young navigate the transition from Joseph Smith’s leadership, and what does this period reveal about the evolution of the Mormon endowment? Join

How do you tell your spouse you've lost your faith–and what comes next?Today we sit down with Sophie Allen, a Mormon convert who found a sense of belonging and community in the LDS Church after a difficult childhood and becoming a single mother at a young age. Sophie embraced Mormonism and eventually married in the temple, hoping to build the kind of traditional family she hadn't experienced growing up.But after years of being deeply committed to the church, questions about its teachings on LGBTQ+ issues led Sophie down a path of questioning that changed everything. As she began learning more about church history and exploring the ex-Mormon community, she eventually reached a point where she could no longer continue believing. She shares what it was like to tell her husband she had lost her faith, stop wearing her temple garments, and begin figuring out what life outside the church would look like.Sophie and her husband also discuss the challenges and unexpected opportunities of navigating a mixed-fai

What happens when questioning your faith could cost you your identity, your community, your relationships, and your livelihood?In this episode of Exvangelical Stories, Dr. Todd Phillips sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, and Great Men founder Shane Sams for the first full public telling of Shane’s deconstruction story.Shane grew up Southern Baptist in small-town Kentucky and eventually became a successful entrepreneur speaking to thousands on major evangelical stages about faith, business, and building the Kingdom of God. But privately, he was beginning to question biblical inerrancy, evangelical certainty, religious shame, and whether the system he had spent years defending was actually true.A turning point came after conversations with former Mormons in Utah. From there, Shane began reexamining Christianity, rewriting his talks, stepping away from evangelical speaking, and facing the financial, relational, and emotional cost of changing his beliefs.He also shares what helped him rebuild: therapy, ketamin

Today on Mormon Stories News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes investigate an unexpected LDS connection to Elizabeth Holmes and the Theranos fraud scandal, plus a returned missionary’s sentencing, Ronald Rasband’s claims, modern polygamy, BYU controversies, Ted Bundy, gambling, and a Deseret Industries closure.ELIZABETH HOLMES’ MORMON DEFENDERBefore Holmes was sentenced, her partner’s mother, Susan Evans, wrote to the judge in her defense, citing her LDS faith and BYU education.https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23303975-elizabeth-holmes-supporting-documents/RETURNED MISSIONARY SENTENCEDKrew Zaugg receives a sentence in an Idaho assault case involving a 15-year-old; the victim’s family speaks about harassment.https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/10/idaho-falls-man-who-sexually-assaulted-a-15-year-old-in-his-tesla-gets-a-rider/RASBAND’S BIG CLAIMSRonald Rasband discusses missionary work and Church growth in a BYU devotional.https://youtu.be/jzHI5-Gh2wcAN OHIO PASTOR AND POLYGAMYA pastor’s embrace of a second wi

In Episode 86 of LDS Discussions on Mormon Stories, we examine historical accounts of Joseph Smith’s treasure-digging activities and the reported use of animal sacrifice in attempts to locate buried treasure. From roosters and black sheep to black dogs and white sheep, these accounts raise questions about the folk magic practices associated with Joseph Smith and the people who participated in treasure seeking in the early 19th century. We begin with the account of Abner Cole and explore reported connections to Luman Walters, a magician and conjurer who was said to have influenced Joseph Smith’s treasure-seeking activities. We then examine accounts from William Stafford, Hiel Lewis, and others, including reports of animal sacrifices intended to appease supernatural beings and keep treasure from disappearing. We also discuss the historical context of peepers, treasure digging, and the idea that certain words, circles, and ceremonies were necessary to locate hidden treasure. The discussion also explores intervie

Welcome to Exvangelical Stories, a new series under the umbrella of Mormon Stories Podcast exploring the experiences of people who grew up in evangelical Christianity, questioned their faith, and found their way beyond the religious worlds that shaped their lives. In this episode, Dr. Todd Phillips sits down with Kevin Crowe to explore his journey from growing up in the Evangelical church to becoming an ex-Christian and creating content about religious deconstruction. Kevin describes his childhood in the Church of God, where church was a regular part of life, and his eventual immersion in an intense religious culture filled with speaking in tongues, being “slain in the Spirit,” spiritual warfare, and the fear of hell. Kevin shares his experiences with the production Heaven’s Gate and Hell’s flames where he watched people getting dragged off the stage and into hell. He discusses what it was like to witness to others and carry the eternal fate of others in his own hands. We explore how Kevin tried to discern Go

This week on Mormon Stories News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes take a closer look at the LDS Church's renewed emphasis on tithing, the controversy surrounding biblical scholar Dan McClellan, and troubling claims about the Church's abuse helpline. We're also covering new survey findings, backlash over a Church Juneteenth post, Elder Gong's connection to AI ethics, and changes to BYU-Idaho's reporting.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for tho

In this episode of LDS Discussions on Mormon Stories, we examine the historical evidence surrounding Joseph Smith’s First Vision, focusing on the traditional 1820 date, the religious revivals in Palmyra, New York, and the timeline of events in the Smith family’s life. Although the First Vision is now central to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ foundational narrative, Joseph Smith did not produce his earliest written account describing his vision until 1832.We examine the historical context behind the story, including the death of Joseph’s brother Alvin Smith, the Smith family involvement with the Presbyterian Church, the arrival of Reverend George Land and Reverend Benjamin Stockton in the region, and the evidence for religious revivals in Palmyra and Manchester during the 1820s. By comparing church records, historical accounts, and Joseph Smith’s own narrative, we build a timeline and investigate whether the events described in his later account align with the historical record. What can we r

What happens when a church’s teachings about gender conflict with how you feel inside?In the final part of our conversation with Stetson Done, we reflect on his story, the process of rebuilding his beliefs, and where he stands with Mormonism today. They discuss the church’s teachings about eternal gender, its policies toward transgender members, and the contrast between how the church responds to trans people and other serious issues within the institution.The conversation then broadens to address common questions and misconceptions about transgender people, including gender dysphoria, hormone blockers, bathroom access, and transgender athletes.Together, Stetson and John explore how political polarization shapes conversations about trans people, why transgender identities have become such a contentious issue, and Stetson’s hope that these questions could be approached with more understanding and less political division.This final part is a conversation about identity, belief, and what it means to listen to pe

What happens when you follow the path laid out for you, but it still doesn’t feel right?In Part Two of our conversation with Stetson Done, Stetson returns from his mission and quickly becomes engaged, believing marriage is the next step in the life he is supposed to build. But despite trying to be a good spouse and faithful Mormon, he struggles with the expectations of marriage, sex, and motherhood. As his questions about the church grow, he begins to recognize his attraction to women and encounters new ideas of his own gender identity that he never had the context to understand before.Stetson shares what led him to leave his marriage, the process of coming out to his family, and how hearing experiences of other transgender men helped him understand himself in a new way. He will also discuss what it was like to finally find a relationship that brought self actualization, and the joy he has discovered in becoming a father - rather than a mother.This is part two of a three-part conversation with Stetson. Please

What happens when you grow up doing everything you are told, but it never feels right?In Part One of our conversation with Stetson Done, a transgender man who grew up Mormon, Stetson shares his story of growing up in a loving LDS family in Mesa, Arizona. Although he appreciated the structure and community of Mormonism, he struggled with the expectations placed on girls and the belief that becoming a wife and mother was his highest calling. He knew he didn’t want that future, but didn’t yet understand why.Stetson describes the gender divisions he experienced in church, the differences between the Young Women's and Young Men's programs, and the loneliness of feeling out of place without having the language to explain it. He also reflects on his LDS mission in El Salvador/Belize, and the disparity between how male and female missionaries are regarded in the Church.Although Stetson found purpose in much of the Mormon structure, questions about church teachings—including polygamy and the legalization of sa

Today on Mormon Stories News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes are covering six stories involving the LDS Church, from a revealing Missionary Department job posting to newly released police interrogation footage, debates over tithing, and developments in Mormon culture and education.THE LDS CHURCH IS HIRING SOMEONE TO HANDLE MISSIONARY CRISESA Church job posting offers an unusually detailed look at how the Missionary Department handles problems involving missionaries, including health emergencies, worthiness concerns, arrests, and allegations of abuse. One responsibility is particularly revealing: protecting the interests of the Church, the missionary, and lastly, the victims.https://epej.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/ChurchEmployment/job/378249RYAN CHRISTOPHER HALL: MORMONISM ENTERS A POLICE INTERROGATIONNewly released footage from a 2024 investigation shows detectives confronting Ryan Christopher Hall, a former Maryland sheriff's detective and devout Mormon who was convicted. Dur

What happened to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after Joseph Smith was killed?In Part Four of our series with historical Dr. John Turner, we examine the complicated succession crisis that followed Joseph Smith’s martyrdom in 1844. Drawing from Turner’s book Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet, we explore the competing claims to leadership, the role of Joseph’s family, Sidney Rigdon’s challenge to the Twelve, and the ways Brigham Young gradually established himself as Joseph’s successor. Why wasn’t there a clear succession plan? Did Joseph intend for one of his sons to eventually lead the Church? Why didn’t Sidney Rigdon receive the Second Anointing? How much did the Smith family name matter to Brigham Young? And what really happened when Brigham was said to have miraculously taken on Joseph Smith’s “countenance”?We also discuss James Strang’s competing claim to succession, his opposition to polygamy, and why he was able to attract hundreds of Latter-day Saints. Along the way, we look at the so-cal

In Part Two, we continue Patrick Brady and Dan Dorty’s story as Patrick becomes a Mormon bishop while privately struggling with his sexuality and his increasingly complicated relationship with Dan. Patrick discusses serving as a bishop, his approach to worthiness interviews, pornography and masturbation, the law of chastity, and his desire to create a safer environment for members of his ward. We also explore the Church’s 2015 policy concerning same-sex couples and its eventual reversal, and how these events affected Patrick’s faith. The conversation then turns to Patrick and Dan questioning their place in the Church, the SEC investigation, Church history, Patrick coming out to his wife, and his eventual decision to step away from Mormonism. Patrick reflects on marriage, family, faith, sexuality, and what happened when he finally took away the Church’s power to control him. ___________________Show NotesYouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told b

In this interview, we sit down with Patrick Brady and his partner Dan Dougherty to hear Patrick’s story of growing up as a gay man in the Mormon church, marrying a wonderful woman, raising a family, serving in church leadership, and eventually becoming a bishop while keeping a deeply important part of his identity hidden.Patrick was married to Heidi for 27 years and had four children, and he describes how much he loved his family while simultaneously feeling unable to live openly as a gay man. From an early age, he was taught that being gay was sinful and that marriage to a woman could somehow “fix” his same-sex attraction. He shares how teachings from Mormon leaders, including Spencer W. Kimball, shaped his understanding of homosexuality and led him to compartmentalize his feelings and try to eliminate them rather than accept them. He shares his experiences as a missionary, his return to Salt Lake City, the underground gay culture among Mormon men, and his efforts to reconcile his sexuality with the Church h