The Best Episodes of Mormon Stories Podcast
In the vast landscape of podcasts, Mormon Stories emerges as a uniquely candid exploration of faith, identity, and community within and beyond Mormonism. Whether you’re deeply familiar with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) or simply curious, Mormon Stories fosters thoughtful reflection and open conversations about its complexities. Through heartfelt narratives, it offers listeners a space to connect, question, and grow.
What is Mormon Stories?
Mormon Stories is a long-form podcast and media platform founded in 2005 by John Dehlin. Accessible on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, the podcast delves into personal experiences, historical events, and social issues tied to Mormonism. Each episode features in-depth interviews that tackle church history, faith transitions, and contemporary topics with authenticity and insight.
Through its blend of narrative and analysis, Mormon Stories creates a space where listeners can navigate their own questions about belief, belonging, and truth.
When I was leaving the Mormon church, this podcast helped me feel less alone during my faith transition. It was so helpful to me to listen to these stories and to find voices of support.
What topics does Mormon Stories cover?
The podcast’s range is as expansive as its audience, exploring themes with wit, depth, and curiosity:
- Faith Transitions: Personal accounts of navigating faith crises and redefining beliefs.
- Church History: Examining foundational events like Joseph Smith’s First Vision and the controversial practice of polygamy, blending personal reflection with historical analysis.
- Cultural and Social Issues: From LGBTQ+ inclusion to evolving gender roles, episodes address how Mormonism shapes and is shaped by broader societal forces.
- Personal Narratives: Stories from members, ex-members, and others provide a tapestry of diverse experiences.
- Current Events: Discussions on policy changes and cultural shifts within the church offer timely insights.
Why do people listen to Mormon Stories?
Mormon Stories resonates with a broad spectrum of listeners because of its approachable tone and commitment to addressing challenging topics:
- Faithful Members: Seeking nuanced perspectives often absent from official church discourse.
- Questioners and Ex-Mormons: Finding validation and community during times of uncertainty.
- Outsiders: Gaining an insightful window into Mormon culture and beliefs.
- Academics and Critics: Appreciating its detailed critiques and discussions.
Who Created Mormon Stories?
John Dehlin, a sixth-generation Mormon, launched Mormon Stories after a transformative faith crisis. Once a devout member who baptized over 100 converts as a missionary, Dehlin’s deep dive into church history unearthed troubling inconsistencies that shook his faith. Finding little support within the church, he created Mormon Stories as a resource for others navigating similar struggles.
Dehlin’s commitment to fostering open dialogue—alongside his academic background in clinical psychology—has made him a prominent advocate for those questioning high-demand religions. His work is grounded not in bitterness but in empathy, aiming to create space for healing and understanding.
Is Mormon Stories anti-Mormon?
While some critics label the podcast anti-Mormon, its purpose is more nuanced. Supporters see it as a platform for transparency, a place where difficult but necessary conversations can unfold. Dehlin describes its mission as fostering understanding rather than tearing down beliefs, though its honest critique of church history and policies has led to tension with LDS leadership.
The Most Popular Mormon Stories episodes
Each episode of Mormon Stories uncovers stories of resilience, heartbreak, and transformation. Here are a few standout episodes:
Tom Phillips, the Second Anointing, and Mormon Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland
The “Second Anointing” is a secret and sacred LDS temple ordinance performed for select church leaders and their spouses, conferring guaranteed exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom. Involving rituals like anointing with oil and foot washing, this ordinance is administered by apostles and is largely unknown to most LDS members. Tom Phillips, a former stake president in the UK, shared his experience of receiving this ordinance from Elder M. Russell Ballard, followed by a profound faith crisis due to historical and scientific issues with the church. His journey included personal correspondence with LDS Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland, a subsequent loss of faith, and significant personal and familial suffering, including divorce.
Taking Down Warren Jeffs with Elissa Wall
Part 1 (Ep. 1652) | Part 2 (Ep. 1653) | Part 3 (Ep. 1654)
Elissa Wall recounts her courageous journey growing up in the FLDS Church, a fundamentalist offshoot of Mormonism. She shares harrowing details of her life as a child bride, the abuse she endured, and her pivotal role in bringing Warren Jeffs, a notorious leader, to justice. This episode sheds light on the resilience of survivors and the power of seeking justice in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The Dark Side of a Mormon Mission with Brinley Jensen
Brinley Jensen provides a raw and unflinching account of her experiences as an LDS missionary. From emotional isolation to the intense pressure to perform, she exposes the hidden struggles that many missionaries face but rarely discuss. This episode offers a sobering look at the psychological toll of missionary life.
Losing Faith When Your Child’s a Mormon Missionary with Julie and Jill Durrant
Julie and Jill Durrant, a mother-daughter duo, explore how Julie’s faith unraveled during Jill’s mission. Their candid discussion delves into the intergenerational impact of faith transitions, illustrating the ripple effects that questioning beliefs can have within close-knit families.
Growing Up in Polygamy with Sam and Melissa Zitting Wyson
Sam and Melissa Zitting Wyson offer a deeply personal look into life within a polygamous family. They recount the rigid structures, challenges, and their eventual escape to build a new life. This episode provides a unique perspective on resilience and the pursuit of personal freedom.
Mormon Church Bought Her Silence While Protecting Her Abuser with Chelsea Goodrich
Chelsea Goodrich bravely shares her story of surviving abuse and the LDS Church’s use of non-disclosure agreements to silence her. This critical episode examines systemic issues in the church’s handling of abuse cases, emphasizing the importance of accountability and survivor advocacy.
My Episodes! How to Leave the Mormon Church with Alyssa Grenfell
Part 1 (Ep. 1850) | Part 2 (Ep. 1851)
In this episode, I share my journey of writing How to Leave the Mormon Church, a practical and emotional guide for anyone navigating faith transitions. I discuss the challenges of leaving a high-demand religion and offer insights into rebuilding life after Mormonism. My book provides a compassionate roadmap for those making this life-altering decision. You can find How to Leave the Mormon Church on Amazon.
More Mormon Stories
Mormon Stories is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, with additional resources at mormonstories.org. Whether you’re questioning, curious, or searching for solidarity, this podcast provides a platform for honest dialogue and discovery. Through shared stories, it fosters a sense of community for those navigating the complexities of faith and identity.
