Best Kyle Whitaker Podcasts (2025)

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Mormon Church Alienated Me From My Family In India - Sirisha Shumway | Ep. 2051 3:46:01

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We are very excited this week to release a first-of-its-kind Mormon Stories episode! Born and raised in Hyderabad, India, Sirisha Shumway converted to Mormonism at the age of 14, against the wishes of her family. She quickly became a very devout member of her LDS community, served a mission, and even worked for the church as a translator. After mov…

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Episode 63 - Pray and Don't Be Weird 35:47

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Send us a text Dustin and Kyle talk about prayer and how we tend to make it way more complicated than it is. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18By Silence The Talk

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The Three Degrees of Glory in Mormon Heaven - John Turner Pt. 11 | Ep. 2050 1:52:55

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We are back again with historian Dr. John Turner to explore Chapter Eleven of his new book Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. The chapter is titled “Pure Language” and covers the years 1831-1832 in Kirtland, Ohio. Turner discusses the stories of healing on the part of Joseph Smith, the controversy surrounding the publishing of …

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Mormon on my Own Terms - Olivia Calvert | Ep. 2049 3:37:44

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What happens when a Mormon woman questions her faith—but doesn’t walk away entirely? In this week's interview, Olivia Calvert shares her journey of embracing doubts and shifts in belief. Choosing to live Mormonism in her own way, Olivia’s path leads her to what she calls “casual discipleship.” While we have explored stories like this before from me…

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Episode 62 - You Can't Steal My Joy 33:44

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Send us a text Dustin and Kyle talk about Dustin's bad day and how important it is to stay rooted in Christ to fight the spiritual battles. We may lose some battles but Jesus won the war. "The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10…

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Early Mormon Missionary Polygamy with Native Americans? - John Turner Pt. 10 | Ep. 2048 2:04:39

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Tune in today to hear John Turner discuss chapter 10 of his book, Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. This chapter will focus on the question of if Joseph Smith gave early church missionaries permission to take Native Americans as plural wives. You will also get the chance to her John Turner answer listener questions regarding t…

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The Mormon Church Made Me Give Up My Baby w/ Myndee Tollefson | Ep. 2047 4:40:21

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Join us today for a unique Mormon Stories episode that is the first of its kind. Myndee Tollefson was born in Bountiful, Utah to an orthodox Mormon family. At just 19, she became pregnant and, feeling immense pressure from the Church and her family, gave her baby up for adoption through LDS Family Services—only to later discover that her child's li…

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Episode 61 - Co-Parenting Through Addiction Pt. 2 - w/ Leah Whitaker and Steve and Shonda Bourdo 44:17

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Send us a text Part 2 - Leah, Steve and Shonda continue their story of how co-parenting through addiction led to healing and forgiveness. "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity…

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Miracles, Demons & the United Order in Joseph Smith’s Kirtland - John Turner Pt. 9 | Ep. 2046 2:14:27

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Welcome to another episode with Dr. John Turner! Today we are covering Chapter Nine of his new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet." Chapter nine is titled “Flying High” and covers the year 1831 which mostly took place in Kirtland, Ohio for Joseph Smith and the early Saints. Topics include: -Comments from listeners on this …

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The Rise and Fall of Sunstone Magazine - Elbert Peck (re-broadcast) | Ep. 2045 2:03:01

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Join us today as we resurface another classic Mormon Stories episode! Originally filmed in 2007, this interview is with Elbert Peck who was the editor of Sunstone Magazine from 1986-2001. Topics will include: -His early years in Washington D.C. -His time at BYU with the Seventh East Press publication -What led to him taking over Sunstone Magazine -…

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Baptized in Utah to Fit In! - Gabrielle Zelaya | Ep. 2044 2:13:29

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Join us today for a unique Mormon Stories episode! Gabriella Zelaya shares her story of growing up amidst Mormon culture in Farmington, Utah as a non-member. Surrounded by an LDS-dominated community and extended family, Gabby navigated social pressure, exclusion, and judgment by the members that surrounded her. From feeling like an outsider in scho…

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Episode 60 - Co-Parenting Through Addiction Pt. 1 - w/ Leah Whitaker and Steve and Shonda Bourdo 1:00:23

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Send us a text Part 1 - Leah, Steve and Shonda share their story of how co-parenting through addiction led to healing and forgiveness. "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." …

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Do You Still Pray? 1:19:31

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Text us your questions! What happens to prayer after you rethink religion and spirituality? Does it feel empty, confusing, or even impossible? If so, you're not alone. In this episode, the three of us discuss our journeys from structured, wordy, and sometimes demonstrative prayer lives to something altogether different. Randy reflects on his charis…

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Joseph Smith Prepares Church for Second Coming of Jesus - John Turner Pt. 8 | Ep. 2043 2:20:02

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In this episode, we dive into Chapter Eight of Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet by John G. Turner, focusing on the fall of 1830 through the move to Kirtland, Ohio. We explore major challenges to Joseph Smith’s authority, including Hiram Page’s seer stone revelations and Oliver Cowdery’s pushback on church governance. Why did J…

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A Croatia & Slovenia Mormon Excommunication Story w/ Sara and Mitja Lakner Bevc | Ep. 2042 5:10:27

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What happens when faith, culture, and conscience collide? In this gripping full-length interview, Sara (American) and Mitja (Slovenian) share their deeply personal Mormon journeys—from conversion, missions, marriage, and cultural clashes to faith crises, public dissent in Utah church meetings, and ultimately, excommunication. With raw honesty, they…

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Episode 59 - Let's Talk About Money - Interview w/ Michael and Corinne Oheran 46:23

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Send us a text Dustin and Kyle talk with Michael and Corinne Oheran about how tithing to the church helped them trust God and live a life of generosity. "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not relu…

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Evil Changed Me: Lauren Matthias on True Crime Journalism and Her Mormon Faith—Pt. 2 | Episode 2041 2:08:49

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In this intimate follow-up episode, journalist Lauren continues her powerful story—this time focusing on her path from reporter to advocate, wife, and co-founder of Hidden True Crime. Lauren shares the deeply personal journey that brought her to John Matthias, their relationship, marriage, and parenting as a mixed-faith couple—all while navigating …

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Hidden True Crime's Lauren Matthias Pt. 1 - Early Years and Journalism Career | Ep. 2040 3:50:14

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In this powerful and emotional episode, journalist Lauren tells her Mormon story publicly for the first time. Known for covering others’ experiences—including the high-profile Lori Vallow Daybell trial—Lauren now opens up about her own journey through faith, trauma, resilience, and healing. She shares her upbringing in the LDS Church, the influence…

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Episode 58 - Where Do We Go from the Ashes? - Interview w/ Chad and Kayla Larson 48:19

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Send us a text Kyle and Dustin talk with Chad and Kayla Larson about how God, counseling, and community saved their marriage. Listen to this powerful message of forgiveness and hope. "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." Ephesians 5:21By Silence The Talk

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Joseph Smith's Early Opposition & Forgotten Critics - John Turner Pt. 7 | Ep. 2039 2:06:58

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In this episode, we dive into Chapter seven of Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet by John G. Turner. We explore early public criticism of Joseph Smith by figures like Abner Cole, the satirical Book of Pukei, and Luman Walters' possible influence. We also examine Joseph’s efforts to sell the copyright of the Book of Mormon in Can…

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My Mormon Bishop Dad was Excommunicated for Polygamy - Laurel Hell | Ep. 2038 5:30:52

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In this raw and emotional deep-dive, Laurel shares her powerful story of growing up in an extremely orthodox Mormon household as the youngest of eight children. From uncovering her Danish-Mormon ancestry to dealing with abuse, purity culture, and her father's secret polygamist "revelation" that led to his excommunication, Laurel reflects on how ear…

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Episode 57 - Podcast Takeover! - w/ Shauna Preslar and Jen Healey 38:00

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Send us a text Do you ever feel like your relationships are surface level? Shauna and Jen talk about what influences their relationships and walk with Jesus. "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:6…

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Book of Mormon: Historical or 19th Century Text? - John Turner Pt. 6 | Ep. 2037 1:33:49

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In Part 6 of our Joseph Smith podcast series, we dive deep into Chapter 6: "A Choice Seer." This episode explores the controversies surrounding the Book of Mormon—its origins, witnesses, and textual issues. We examine the arguments for and against its authenticity, its biblical parallels, and Joseph Smith’s role as translator vs. author. Topics inc…

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and Liquid Snake Voice Actor Cam Clarke | Ep. 2036 3:25:42

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In this powerful and emotional interview, voice actor Cam Clarke (known for iconic roles in animation and video games) shares his deeply personal journey growing up in a famous Mormon-Hollywood family. From his early years navigating faith, family expectations, and same-sex attraction, to starring in Saturday’s Warrior and undergoing electroshock t…

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Episode 56 - Faith Way Bigger Than a Mustard Seed - Interview w/ TJ Petzold 45:10

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Send us a text Dustin and Kyle talk with TJ Petzold about the death of his father Kevin, and how he lived a God honoring life that impacted so many people. "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalms 91:1By Silence The Talk

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Gender, Faith, and Privilege after Transitioning: Paula Stone Williams 1:11:28

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Text us your questions! What happens when a successful religious leader transitions genders and loses everything? Reverend Dr. Paula Stone Williams takes us on her extraordinary journey from privilege to authenticity. Paula once stood at the pinnacle of evangelical success – CEO of a large nonprofit, television host, magazine editor. But beneath th…

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CES Letter vs Book of Mormon | LDS Discussions 63 | Ep. 2035 2:05:30

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In this episode, we dive deep into the attacks on the CES Letter and its author, Jeremy Runnells, unpacking why apologetic responses—no matter how weak—are often accepted by believing members. This is the first in a multi-part series analyzing the LDS Discussions CES Letter project.We tackle critical questions about the Book of Mormon, including:-W…

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The Man Behind the CES Letter - Jeremy Runnells (Rebroadcast) | Ep. 2033 3:03:16

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Join us today as we rebroadcast the story of the man behind the famous CES Letter: Jeremy Runnells.In February 2012, Jeremy Runnels experienced a crisis of faith, which subsequently led to a faith transition in the summer of 2012. In the spring of 2013, Jeremy was approached and asked by a Church Education System (CES) Director to share his concern…

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Episode 55 - Don't Just Listen to the Word, Do What It Says! 52:10

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Send us a text Dustin and Kyle discuss James chapter 1 and how we need to live out our faith and not just talk the talk. "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22By Silence The Talk

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Did the Book of Mormon Witnesses Really See Golden Plates? - John Turner Part 5 | Ep. 2033 1:55:18

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In this episode, we continue our in-depth series with historian John G. Turner, author of Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. Covering chapter five of his book, we take a deep dive into the claims of the Three and Eight Witnesses to the golden plates. Did they actually see physical plates—or was it a visionary experience? We exp…

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LDS Prophet John Taylor’s 1886 Revelation Created Mormon Fundamentalism! | Ep. 2032 4:20:18

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Shocking new breaking news!!!! Did you know that LDS Church prophet John Taylor started Mormon Fundamentalism? The LDS Church History Library just released hi-res scans of the original version of a September 27, 1886, revelation to church president John Taylor that commanded Mormons to “do the works of Abraham.” As the LDS Church was gradually wind…

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Episode 54 - Streams in the Wasteland - Interview w/ Keith Ramsey 41:59

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Send us a text Listen to Keith's story about how finding community at a recovery program changed his life. "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19By Silence The Talk

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What Caused You to Leave Mormonism? - Live Q&A with Kolby, Britt, and John | Ep. 2031 2:45:12

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Join John, Britt Hartley, and Kolby Reddish today as we host a live call-in show around the topic: "What caused you to lose your Mormon faith?" We would love to hear from you. Show Notes⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ 00:00:00 Introduction to the Q&A 00:05:20 Where does the idea of a “shelf” come from? 00:14:40 Kolby’s shelf-breaking moment 00:25:25 Polls Results 00:3…

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Adding to the Good Pile: Women's Ordination and the Role of the Pastor's Wife with Beth Allison Barr 1:09:23

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Text us your questions! How did the role of "pastor's wife" replace ordination for women in church history? Is the news that there was women's ordination in church history hitting you unexpectedly right now? It's cool, we get it; take a moment and come back when you're ready. Historian and actual pastor's wife Beth Allison Barr returns for a potent…

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Did Joseph Smith Use Golden Plates to Translate the Book of Mormon? - John Turner Pt. 4 | Ep. 2030 1:41:22

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In Part 4 of our deep-dive podcast series with historian Dr. John G. Turner, we explore one of the most debated questions in Latter-day Saint history: Did Joseph Smith actually use the golden plates to translate the Book of Mormon? We also cover the roles of Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris, Cowdery’s relationship to the Smiths, the use of seer sto…

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My Dad Ruined My Mormon Wedding w/ Kayli & Nathan Hinckley | Ep. 2029 3:59:10

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In this powerful, raw, and emotional conversation, Nathan Hinckley and his daughter Kayli open up about their journey through Mormonism — from deep devotion to painful disillusionment — and how faith, family, and unexpected truths collided at one of the most sacred moments: Kayli’s wedding. From early seminary mornings and dreams of the Celestial K…

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Episode 53 - Answer the Call - Interview w/ Billy and Janet Cobern 1:03:19

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Send us a text Janet prayed for years that God would change Billy's prideful and self-absorbent heart. Listen to Billy's story about how finally answering a call from God changed his life. "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Chri…

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Martin & Lucy Harris and the Lost 116 Pages of the Book of Mormon - Dr. John G. Turner | Ep. 2028 2:53:32

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Welcome to part three of the Joseph Smith Podcast! In this episode, we explore one of the most pivotal and mysterious events in early Mormon history — the story of Martin and Lucy Harris and the infamous loss of the 116 pages of the Book of Mormon manuscript. With historian and non-Latter-day Saint scholar John G. Turner, we dive into the complexit…

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Threatened with Excommunication TWICE in Tennessee - Todd and Lindsay McCormick | Ep. 2027 3:03:23

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Lindsay and Todd McCormick, a couple from Knoxville, Tennessee, share their powerful and emotional journey navigating faith, doubt, and community pressure within the LDS Church. From their musical Mormon upbringing and successful business ventures to being threatened twice with excommunication, this interview dives deep into the cost of questioning…

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Episode 52 - It's Been One Year! 21:56

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Send us a text It's been one year since the start of Silence The Talk Podcast! Dustin and Kyle talk about their most impactful moments and how God has used the podcast to hold them accountable and grow their relationship with Him. "For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people." 1 Peter 2:15…

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Sexual Ethics, Queer Theology, & Responding to Critics: Matthew Vines (Part 2) 1:23:11

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Text us your questions! Matthew Vines returns to discuss how the revised edition of his book addresses critiques from prominent theologians, the distinction between affirming theology and queer theology, and the possibility of affirming, orthodox Christianity. Matthew unpacks the scholarly consensus that modern sexual orientation concepts simply di…

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Treasure Digging & the First Vision - Joseph Smith Podcast Ep. 2 w/ John Turner | Ep. 2026 2:29:02

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In this second episode exploring Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet by John G. Turner, we dive into Chapters 2 and 3, covering Joseph Smith's evolving accounts of the First Vision, early controversies, treasure digging escapades, and his transformation into a religious leader. We discuss historical inconsistencies, cultural infl…

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My Life After Mormon Stories with Brooke (McLay) Lark | Ep. 2025 2:32:40

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Brooke is returning to Mormon Stories Podcast after 13 years, when she and her husband came on as the first couple to be interviewed on the podcast. Brooke’s husband at the time, John McLay was a CES employee who lost his faith while working for the church. It was an epic Mormon Stories interview, and we are excited to hear what Brooke has been up …

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CES Director and Wife Leave Mormonism - John and Brooke (Lark) McLay (Rebroadcast) | Ep. 2024 4:49:05

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Today we are rebroadcasting an older, classic, episode of Mormon Stories from 2012!In this episode we interview John and Brooke McLay. John served for 14 years as an employee of the LDS Church Education System (CES). In this capacity he served as: a seminary teacher and principal, an institute teacher and director, a BYU Education Week speaker and …

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Episode 51 - You're Never Too Far Gone - Interview w/ Suzanna and Tedd Warren 1:15:16

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Send us a text Suzanna shares her testimony about how her messy life didn't keep God from meeting her where she was. Listen to how God healed her and is using her story to heal others. "Heal me Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise." Jeremiah 17:14By Silence The Talk

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The Joseph Smith Podcast: Family, Faith, & Folklore - w/ Dr. John Turner Ep. 01 | Ep. 2023 2:11:30

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We're kicking off this brand-new series with special guest John G. Turner, historian and author of the newly released book Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. In this episode, we dive into Turner's research process, the inspirations behind the book, and how his work compares to previous scholars like Fawn Brodie and Richard Bush…

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Never-Mormon Obsessed with Mormonism? - KB Olsen | Ep. 2022 4:19:48

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Katherine Bernard (KB) Olsen is a never-mo (never Mormon) — but also one of the most devoted fans of Mormon Stories Podcast. A queer, secular journalist with deep Jewish roots and a high-fashion pedigree, Katherine has spent over 20 years captivated by the LDS Church — despite never being religious herself. In her first-ever full-length interview a…

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Soft Swinging & Ketamine? - ExMormons React to Secret Lives of Mormon Wives S2 Pt. 1 | Ep. 2021 2:07:17

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Join Natasha Helfer, Chelsea Homer, and Alyssa Witbeck as we review Episodes 1-4 of Season 2 of the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives...where we answer the questions: What is Mormon soft swinging, and is that really a thing? ___________________ Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by b…

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Episode 50 - Triumph Over Tragedy - Interview w/ Greg and Evelyn Ondersma 1:08:00

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Send us a text Greg and Evelyn Ondersma talk about how they experienced several tragedies as a young married couple and how they saw God through it all. "I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalms 27:13-14…

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Are Mormons Christians? Live Call-in Show | Ep. 2020 2:45:23

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Please join us Thursday evening at 6pm Utah time for a call-in show discussing the topic of "Are Mormons Christian?" This is part 2 of a weekly call-in show format that we are experimenting with. ___________________ Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: O…