British YouTuber, Nemo the Mormon, is facing excommunication. Was it for being on LADBible? Was it for speaking out at the McKinney, Texas City Council? Was it for his years of being on Mormon Stories? Join us as we meet with Nemo himself and discuss why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has summoned him to a disciplinary council. Show Notes YouTube Nemo the Mormon Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-...
Sep 11, 2024•2 hr 50 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Hulu released a new TV show titled The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, featuring the eight Mormon mothers behind the viral MomTok group that became a swinging scandal. Are these women truly representative of the Mormon faith? Can we trust them to reflect the entire Mormon Church? Join us as we discuss these questions with Samantha Shelley, Brittney Hartley, and Alyssa Witbeck. To watch the new show on Hulu visit here. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us...
Sep 09, 2024•3 hr 18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join us for a special episode featuring the father/daughter duo Ryan and Scout Fisher. Ryan, known for his work as a Book of Mormon defender and host of The Nephite Explorer series, shares his journey, including working closely with Tim Ballard and his experiences as a missionary in Poland, where he was kidnapped and locked in a jail cell. Ryan’s patriarchal blessing foretold that millions would know his name, leading him to embark on Heartland tours and excursions with his daughter Scout to pro...
Sep 06, 2024•4 hr 59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Jackson and Hayden Paul are two brothers who run the Stick of Joseph YouTube channel. The Stick of Joseph channel seeks to make the Book of Mormon accessible by making engaging, entertaining and informative content. Jackson and Hayden are what some would call apologists for the Mormon church. Join us as we meet with them to hear their Mormon stories, and to understand how they continue to believe in core Mormon truth claims in spite of modern scientific evidence. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Storie...
Sep 06, 2024•6 hr 47 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join us as we uncover what drove change within the Mormon Church, from government pressure on BYU to admit more black students to the church’s troubling response. We’ll dive into shocking letters sent to black prospective students, a five-step plan to keep them out, and the protests that followed. Learn how government intervention eventually forced the end of discrimination and explore why Mormon leaders were so uneasy with black students. This episode, featuring historian Dr. Matthew Harris, is...
Sep 02, 2024•2 hr 17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we are joined with Sandra Tanner to discuss Mormon historian, Richard Bushman’s recent response to the CES Letter. Bushman’s response was on the topic of the translation of the Book of Mormon. Did Joseph Smith really use a seer stone? Is the author of the CES Letter, Jeremy Runnells, wrong for feeling betrayed by the church? Did the church really hide that Joseph Smith had and used a seer stone to translate their most sacred text? Join us to find out these answers! Show Notes YouTube Mormo...
Aug 30, 2024•4 hr 42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join us as historian Matthew Harris returns to discuss what happens when members of the Mormon Church First Presidency go rogue. We explore George Romney's support of Civil Rights versus Ezra Taft Benson's involvement with the John Birch Society. We'll also dive into the impact of white church members marching in the Civil Rights Movement and how figures like Stewart Udall, Cleon Skousen, Robert Welch, and Hugh B. Brown challenged the Brethren at Church Headquarters with their views and publicat...
Aug 26, 2024•3 hr 54 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently released new policies surrounding transgender members of the church. It has taken the news and social media by storm! Among other things, the new policies include a measure to annotate trans members’ records, grouping them with members who have committed sexual violence or child abuse. Today we are joined with Amanda and Shaye Scott to discuss these new policies. Show Notes YouTube episode Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us...
Aug 25, 2024•2 hr 34 min•Transcript available on Metacast A new study shows that religion usually leads to a more positive body image but Mormons in Utah are getting cosmetic surgeries at a rate 10% higher than the national average. What’s driving this trend? Today, we’re talking with Dr. Julie Hanks, Alyssa Whitbeck, Celeste Davis, and others to explore what’s happening in Utah’s Mormon culture. Tune in to hear the real story behind these numbers. Show Notes YouTube Episode Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality...
Aug 23, 2024•2 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join Nate Byrd, Summer-Rayn, Dr. Darron Smith, and John Dehlin as they tackle the uncomfortable truths of Mormon leaders supporting racial segregation. This episode dives into topics like the European origin theory of the lost ten tribes, the discovery of black ancestry in those who appear white, patriarchs’ treatment of the “Curse of Cain,” and a shocking statement by Mormon prophet Harold B. Lee about closing BYU rather than admitting black students. Featuring clips from the episodes with hist...
Aug 19, 2024•3 hr 13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join us today as John and Margi interview Allison Shiffler. Raised in a part-member family, Allison faced struggles with body image, bulimia, and the perfectionism in Mormon culture. She went through two disciplinary councils questioning her worthiness. Despite this, Allison broke free from Mormon patriarchy, graduated from Columbia University, raised a child as a single mother, and became a therapist. Her story is a powerful example of empowerment, breaking down patriarchy, and discovering ones...
Aug 15, 2024•3 hr 8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join us today as we discuss the priesthood and temple ban with historian Matthew Harris. Today we will discuss Hugh B. Brown and his attempts to lift the priesthood and temple ban for black members of the church. Hugh B. Brown was an attorney and joined the First Presidency in 1963. He made countless efforts to convince the Brethren that the ban on blacks should be lifted and even told the New York Times that there was a strong possibility the ban would soon be removed. This response caused a gr...
Aug 12, 2024•2 hr 11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we are joined with Rebecca Bibliotheca and Landon Brophy (both of Mormonish Podcast) to discuss the breaking news over the proposed Mormon temple in Fairview, Texas. Show Notes YouTube 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 Venmo Our Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple Podcasts Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Sal...
Aug 09, 2024•3 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join us as a panel of Mormon women come together to discuss the controversies surrounding Hannah Neeleman, a ballerina who embraced the "tradwife" lifestyle. Critics argue that this lifestyle limits women's choices and reinforces patriarchal norms. Our panelists share their personal stories and reflections, addressing the challenges and regrets associated with the trad wife ideal in Mormonism. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to del...
Aug 08, 2024•3 hr 16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Elisha Lee takes us on an emotional journey through her life from experiencing her parents' divorce as a child to facing intense shame and scrutiny as a teenager. She shares raw accounts of bishop interviews, religious scrupulosity, and the pressure to conform to church standards. As a young adult, Elisha threw herself into church devotion, only to later confront doubts that would unravel her faith. Her candid reflections on marriage, parenthood, and personal growth in the wake of leaving Mo...
Aug 05, 2024•4 hr 43 min•Transcript available on Metacast Can ancient scripture be reinterpreted to erase racism? Mormon apologists are attempting just that with controversial 'skin of blackness' passages in the Book of Mormon. But can these efforts stand up to historical scrutiny, or do they merely obscure uncomfortable truths? Critics argue it whitewashes history and denies lived experiences. Join us as we critically examine how modern LDS apologists attempt to explain away racist teachings in early Mormon history and scripture by comparing t...
Aug 02, 2024•2 hr 41 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the 1950s and 60s, the Mormon church faced internal turmoil as a group of intellectuals known as the "Swearing Elders" challenged orthodox doctrines. This clash between free-thinking scholars and conservative leaders like Joseph Fielding Smith led to attempts at excommunication, spy infiltration, and the firing of liberal educators. Amidst this tension, Church President David O. McKay emerged as an unexpected protector of intellectual freedom. The period also saw the church grappling with civ...
Jul 31, 2024•3 hr 42 min•Transcript available on Metacast As the first to be “born in the covenant” to convert parents, Rian Anderson's world revolved around the Church, until her mission became a crucible of mental anguish and familial tension. Expecting her experience to be one based on love and service, Rian was instead met with strict rules, surveillance, and spiritual turmoil as she continually felt forced to act against her own conscience & integrity. Through it all, Rian found support through weekly calls with her family, which she cheri...
Jul 29, 2024•4 hr 58 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join with us today as we continue to discuss the history of racism in the Mormon church with historian Matt Harris. We will discuss segregation in Utah, including blood banks, hotels, in Relief Societies, etc. In the 1950s a talk was given by Mormon leader Mark E. Petersen that generated a lot of backlash from critics. Matt Harris gives an insider's view into the minds of these Mormon leaders and how they were not all in agreement with the priesthood and temple ban. We are thrilled to announce t...
Jul 25, 2024•2 hr 9 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we will dive deep into the unfolding legal action surrounding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) and its financial practices. Multiple lawsuits alleging fraud over tithing will be consolidated into a high-stakes class action case, accusing the church and its investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors, of misleading members about the use of their donations. We will break down the complexities of the case, exploring how plaintiffs from across the nation are ...
Jul 22, 2024•2 hr 30 min•Transcript available on Metacast As part of our mini-series on Mormonism's Second Anointing Ritual, we are re-releasing part of Hans and Birgitta's original interview discussing their participation in this exclusive ceremony. Hans H. Mattsson is a 3rd generation LDS church member from Sweden who served as a bishop and stake president in Sweden before serving in the LDS church 3rd Quorum of the Seventy from 2000-2005 in the Europe Central area under LDS Apostle L. Tom Perry. After discovering troubling information abou...
Jul 19, 2024•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join us today as we discuss Mormon the priesthood and temple ban with historian Matt Harris. We will be talking about missionary work in South Africa, patriarchal blessings for black individuals, the removal of church leaders because of their ancestry, and the notes from the top secret meeting that came to be known as the Bennion report. Nate Byrd of the Black Menaces is joining us today to share his perspective. We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr...
Jul 15, 2024•2 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this compelling rebroadcast (first time on youtube), we revisit John Dehlin's 2012 interview with Tom Phillips, a U.K. convert and former LDS stake president whose close friendships with LDS leaders like Harold Hillam, Gordon Hinkley, Russel Ballard, and Jeffrey Holland likely led to the invitation to receive the religion's most exclusive ordinance, the Second Anointing. However, Tom's journey would soon take an unexpected turn after taking part in the secretive ritual which would...
Jul 12, 2024•4 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we are joined by Dr. Darron Smith, Summur-Rayn Barrett, and Nate Byrd of Black Menaces to react to the first three episodes with Matt Harris. Their commentary unpacks Joseph Smith's complex racial attitudes, Brigham Young's implementation of the priesthood ban, and the painful legacy of racist doctrines. Their candid discussion highlights the urgent need for accountability within the Mormon church and grapples with the lasting impact of this racial discrimination. We are thrilled to announ...
Jul 08, 2024•2 hr 22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight we will be discussing one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 NBA Draft - the fall of Duke forward Kyle Filipowski. Filipowski is a skilled 7-foot big man, two-time All-ACC selection and All-American in 2024. He was projected as a first-round pick by many accounts, but ended up being chosen as the second pick of the second round. Most are blaming Kyle's Mormon girlfriend - Caitlin Hutchison (8 years his senior) - and accusing her of grooming him as an adult while he was a child/teen...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hayley and Courtney bravely unmask the devastating impacts of sexual shaming in the LDS Church. Representing Provo and Rexburg, two cities with highly dense Mormon populations, Courtney & Hayley reveal how dogmatic teachings warp self-worth and consent. This raw conversation offers validation and healing for those grappling with religious sexual shame, charting a path toward self-acceptance and empowerment. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to...
Jul 02, 2024•2 hr 54 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join us today as we discuss Mormon the priesthood and temple ban with historian Matt Harris. We will be talking about missionary work in South Africa, patriarchal blessings for black individuals, the removal of church leaders because of their ancestry, and the notes from the top secret meeting that came to be known as the Bennion report. Nate Byrd of the Black Menaces is joining us today to share his perspective. We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr...
Jun 27, 2024•3 hr 44 min•Transcript available on Metacast From basketball dreams deferred to navigating faith crises, Darren and Jennifer Rogers share their journey out of Mormonism and into a new paradigm of parenting. With candid insights about gender roles, sexual shame, and the struggle to find identity beyond the church, this couple offers hope for those questioning their beliefs. Their story of rebellion, conformity, and ultimately forging their own path provides a compelling look at life after Mormonism and raising kids outside of faith and sham...
Jun 24, 2024•3 hr 27 min•Ep 1912•Transcript available on Metacast Derren Klein didn't know a split-second decision to examine a document headed for the trash would blow open not just a family secret, but one of the Mormon Church's most-guarded, controversial, and exclusive rituals: the Second Anointing. This discovery set Klein on a transformative journey as he confronted unsettling truths about his faith, family history, and the very foundations of Mormonism. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver...
Jun 21, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep 1911•Transcript available on Metacast Join with us today as we discuss the priesthood and temple ban with historian Matt Harris. Joseph F. Smith and Joseph Fielding Smith, both Mormon leaders, could not find any doctrinal bases for the priesthood and temple ban and yet it still remained for decades. Members of the church performed blackface and wrote racist poems published in church periodicals. Many of the Mormon leaders did not agree with the ban and some were even removed from their callings because of their different opinions. W...
Jun 19, 2024•2 hr 1 min•Ep 1910•Transcript available on Metacast