Lynn grew up in a large, devoted Mormon family, deeply connected to her great great grandfather, Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon church, and shaped by strong traditions and high expectations.

As a child, Lynn worked hard in school, followed strict family rules, and tried to live up to the “Mormon royalty” label placed on her by her community.

Then at 19, she left everything and everyone she knew and moved from Utah to Manhattan. I have an undergraduate degree in psychology and journalism and an MBA from NYU.

As she met people from outside her faith and started asking questions about her beliefs and the history she’d always been told.

After discovering new perspectives and truths, Lyn discovered that the church was based on fraud and deception and decided to leave the Mormon Church, knowing it meant she might lose her sense of belonging and family support.

Alone in New York, she struggled with doubt, loneliness, and her own identity, but slowly found support in therapy, self-help, and new friendships. Through self-reflection, Lynn learned to accept herself, heal from old wounds, and build a spiritual life that felt honest and meaningful rather than following rules.

Today, Lynn shares her experience to help others facing religious trauma, family estrangement, and big life changes, believing healing and connection are possible for everyone. She is the author of We Were Smiths: Escaping the Shadow of Joseph Smith’s Mormon Legacy, a memoir seeking publication.

Social Media

Lynsmithgregory.com, @lynsmithgregory on social media, Heretic Survivor: From Mormon to Me blog

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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

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Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie