Jon Ogden

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Jon Ogden—author of When Mormons Doubt.  Jon describes how his faith crisis blossomed during his LDS mission and time at BYU and ultimately became the impetus to writing the book, which strives to explore how the pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness can save relationships even when we disagree with those we love. We cover:  How his faith crisis developed on his LDS mission, but he finished his mission anyway Dating while at BYU and how it distracted him from his faith crisis How when a family member left the LDS Church, it forced him to confront his own doubts and begin an academic study of the truth claims of the Church When he realized that the same problems with Mormon historicity were also at play with Christianity in general He and his spouse’s current belief state, and their desire to have a sense of community and solid religious framework for their children to hold onto The main topics of his book, When Mormons Doubt, including a deep dive into sections on “Truth,” “Goodness,” and “Beauty.” 

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Jon Ogden—author of When Mormons Doubt.  Jon describes how his faith crisis blossomed during his LDS mission and time at BYU and ultimately became the impetus to writing the book, which strives to explore how the pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness can save relationships even when we disagree with those we love. We cover: <ul> <li>How his faith crisis developed on his LDS mission, but he finished his mission anyway</li> <li>Dating while at BYU and how it distracted him from his faith crisis</li> <li>How when a family member left the LDS Church, it forced him to confront his own doubts and begin an academic study of the truth claims of the Church</li> <li>When he realized that the same problems with Mormon historicity were also at play with Christianity in general</li> <li>He and his spouse’s current belief state, and their desire to have a sense of community and solid religious framework for their children to hold onto</li> <li>The main topics of his book, When Mormons Doubt, including a deep dive into sections on “Truth,” “Goodness,” and “Beauty.”</li> </ul>

038: Jon Ogden - Author of  "When Mormons Doubt" Pt. 2

037: Jon Ogden - Author of "When Mormons Doubt" Pt. 1

Julie DeAzevedo Hanks

In this episode of Mormon Stories, we interview Dr. Julie DeAzevedo Hanks about her article in LDSLiving Magazine titled "30 Questions Nobody Asks My Husband at Church."  John and Margi discuss the powerful cultural messages that are sent in the questions we ask.

In this episode of Mormon Stories, we interview Dr. Julie DeAzevedo Hanks about her article in LDSLiving Magazine titled "30 Questions Nobody Asks My Husband at Church."  John and Margi discuss the powerful cultural messages that are sent in the questions we ask.

036: 30 Questions Nobody Asks My Husband at Church - Julie DeAzevedo Hanks

Carol Lynn Pearson

Jana Riess

Jana Johnson

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, John and Margi interview Carol Lynn Pearson, Jana Riess, and Jana Johnson Spangler to explore their experiences as they navigate progressive Mormonism. We cover important topics such as: *Each panelist’s experience when their faith became more complex and whether they would self-describe as a Mormon *What made them choose to remain engaged in the Church *What the most valuable aspects of the faith are to each of them, and how they inform and impact their life *Their social experience in their wards and whether they feel alone or among many others who are navigating a middle-way *How they approach Sundays and whether they have supplemented their Sunday experience with anything that would be helpful to share with our audience *Whether they observe a decline in the health and vitality of the Church

In these episodes of Mormon Stories, John and Margi interview Carol Lynn Pearson, Jana Riess, and Jana Johnson Spangler to explore their experiences as they navigate progressive Mormonism. We cover important topics such as: *Each panelist’s experience when their faith became more complex and whether they would self-describe as a Mormon *What made them choose to remain engaged in the Church *What the most valuable aspects of the faith are to each of them, and how they inform and impact their life *Their social experience in their wards and whether they feel alone or among many others who are navigating a middle-way *How they approach Sundays and whether they have supplemented their Sunday experience with anything that would be helpful to share with our audience *Whether they observe a decline in the health and vitality of the Church

035: Navigating Progressive Mormonism with Carol Lynn Pearson, Jana Riess, and Jana Johnson Spangler Pt. 2

034: Navigating Progressive Mormonism with Carol Lynn Pearson, Jana Riess, and Jana Johnson Spangler Pt. 1

Brynne Thomas Gant

Thomas Gant

In this episode, we interview Brynne Thomas Gant -- author of the article titled "They Can Leave the Church, But They Can't Leave the Church Alone"

In this episode, we interview Brynne Thomas Gant -- author of the article titled "They Can Leave the Church, But They Can't Leave the Church Alone"

033: They Can Leave the Church, But They Can't Leave it Alone - Brynne Thomas Gant 

032: They Can Leave the Church, But They Can't Leave it Alone - Brynne Thomas Gant 

In this episode of Mormon Stories and Mormon Transitions, John and Margi reflect back on their 13 years of experience as semi- and non-believers and provide their advice on how to successfully navigate activity in the LDS Church.  Some of the topics discussed are: *Advice on how to determine whether church attendance is a healthy option for you and your family *Living the “Law of Tithing” in a way that is meaningful to you *Focusing on teaching lessons about truths that resonate with you, and less on the topics that trouble you as they most likely will be covered many other times *How to respond to inquiries about your activity status from fellow ward members *Setting boundaries and expectations when given a calling *Protecting your children by having an open discussion after church that allows them to safely process and talk through the information  *Building social credit in your ward to spend thoughtfully when the time arrives *Advice on how to ethically navigate the temple recommend interview *Answering the question “can you be honest and ethical in staying?”

In this episode of Mormon Stories and Mormon Transitions, John and Margi reflect back on their 13 years of experience as semi- and non-believers and provide their advice on how to successfully navigate activity in the LDS Church.  Some of the topics discussed are: *Advice on how to determine whether church attendance is a healthy option for you and your family *Living the “Law of Tithing” in a way that is meaningful to you *Focusing on teaching lessons about truths that resonate with you, and less on the topics that trouble you as they most likely will be covered many other times *How to respond to inquiries about your activity status from fellow ward members *Setting boundaries and expectations when given a calling *Protecting your children by having an open discussion after church that allows them to safely process and talk through the information  *Building social credit in your ward to spend thoughtfully when the time arrives *Advice on how to ethically navigate the temple recommend interview *Answering the question “can you be honest and ethical in staying?”

031: Staying Active in the Mormon Church as a semi- or non-believer

This episode is a recording of Dr. John Dehlin's goodbye presentation to Cache Valley Oasis - a secular support community formed in Fall of 2015 in Logan, Utah. In his presentation (recorded May 21, 2017), John shared reflections of "lessons" he has learned over the course of 13 years as a Mormon/Post-Mormon activist.

This episode is a recording of Dr. John Dehlin's goodbye presentation to Cache Valley Oasis - a secular support community formed in Fall of 2015 in Logan, Utah. In his presentation (recorded May 21, 2017), John shared reflections of "lessons" he has learned over the course of 13 years as a Mormon/Post-Mormon activist.

030: Reflections of a Mormon/Post-Mormon Activist: Looking Back and Forward

029: Creating a Family Culture

Helping Mormons through difficult transitions.

Poorly done

I cannot thank you both enough for all the work you do. This podcast as well as Mormon Stories has been life changing for me. I especially love the episodes on Healthy Sexuality. I had no idea I had such little education on the topic. Sean and I thank you for helping us so much through this faith transition. I will be forever grateful for the time and energy you have dedicated to helping so many people through this.
Crystal Escobar
@wannabebalanced

Life Changing!!!

Mormon Transitions

In this episode we are joined by sex therapists Natasha Helfer Parker and Kristin Bennion to discuss healthy sexuality in a Mormon transition.  

In this episode we are joined by sex therapists Natasha Helfer Parker and Kristin Bennion to discuss healthy sexuality in a Mormon transition.

005: Healthy Sexuality in a Mormon Transition Pt. 1

In this episode, John, Margi, and Natasha Helfer Parker discuss forming a foundation for marriage that withstands change

In this episode, John, Margi, and Natasha Helfer Parker discuss forming a foundation for marriage that withstands change

027: Healthy Marriage Pt. 1

Lance Miles

In this 4-part series, we interview Nicki and Lance Miles who share their Mormon upbringing, how they met, and how their individual mission experiences intertwined in Episode 1. In Episode 2, we have a serious discussion about Lance’s father who comes out as gay and the impact it had on the Miles family.  Nicki and Lance share how their feelings towards their father evolved in a more positive direction as time progressed.  Episode 3 details the meeting Nicki and Lance had with Marlin K. Jensen, former historian for the LDS Church.  They detail the questions asked of the historian, and the impact his answers had on them. Rounding out the interview, in Episode 4 we discuss Nicki’s feminist awakening and the impact it had on Lance’s view of their marriage.  Transitioning out of the LDS Church led the couple to take a serious look at the foundation of their marriage and their approach to raising their children.

In this 4-part series, we interview Nicki and Lance Miles who share their Mormon upbringing, how they met, and how their individual mission experiences intertwined in Episode 1. In Episode 2, we have a serious discussion about Lance’s father who comes out as gay and the impact it had on the Miles family.  Nicki and Lance share how their feelings towards their father evolved in a more positive direction as time progressed.  Episode 3 details the meeting Nicki and Lance had with Marlin K. Jensen, former historian for the LDS Church.  They detail the questions asked of the historian, and the impact his answers had on them. Rounding out the interview, in Episode 4 we discuss Nicki’s feminist awakening and the impact it had on Lance’s view of their marriage.  Transitioning out of the LDS Church led the couple to take a serious look at the foundation of their marriage and their approach to raising their children.

022: Nicki and Lance Miles' Mormon Transition Pt. 1

In this episode recorded January 31, 2017 Margi and John Dehlin interview Julie De Azevedo-Hanks, Kerstin Koldewyn, and former LDS Quorum of the 70 member Hans Mattsson about how to speak to children during a Mormon faith transition.  Questions and comments are also discussed from our live listening audience.

In this episode recorded January 31, 2017 Margi and John Dehlin interview Julie De Azevedo-Hanks, Kerstin Koldewyn, and former LDS Quorum of the 70 member Hans Mattsson about how to speak to children during a Mormon faith transition.  Questions and comments are also discussed from our live listening audience.

004: Communicating with Children During a Mormon Faith Transition

Josh Packard

SUPER honored/proud to release my latest interview with Heidi Nielson Packard and Dr. Josh Packard. This powerful, informative, and in-depth interview covers:  Heidi and Josh’s very orthodox Mormon upbringing and early years as Mormons. For those interested, Heidi’s brother is Christian Nielson, who is married to Stephanie Nielson of the NieNie Dialogues blog (sister to Courtney Clark Kendrick or CJane) Their faith crisis involving science and LDS history (reading Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling), which resulted in Josh asking to be released from the bishopric, How Heidi and Josh found value in secular humanism as a way to raise their children after Mormonism, How the military community has helped to meet there social needs after leaving Mormonism, and How they overcame early “mistakes” in communicating with believing family, resulting in more loving, respectful relationships with believing family members today. 

SUPER honored/proud to release my latest interview with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/heidi.nielsonpackard.1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heidi Nielson Packard</a> and Dr. Josh Packard. This powerful, informative, and in-depth interview covers: <ul> <li>Heidi and Josh’s very orthodox Mormon upbringing and early years as Mormons. For those interested, Heidi’s brother is Christian Nielson, who is married to Stephanie Nielson of the <a href="http://www.nieniedialogues.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NieNie Dialogues blog</a> (sister to <a href="http://www.cjanekendrick.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Courtney Clark Kendrick or CJane</a>)</li> <li>Their faith crisis involving science and LDS history (reading Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling), which resulted in Josh asking to be released from the bishopric,</li> <li>How Heidi and Josh found value in secular humanism as a way to raise their children after Mormonism,</li> <li>How the military community has helped to meet there social needs after leaving Mormonism, and</li> <li>How they overcame early “mistakes” in communicating with believing family, resulting in more loving, respectful relationships with believing family members today.</li> </ul>

013: Heidi and Josh Packard's Mormon Transition Pt. 2

In this episode we are joined by sex therapists Natasha Helfer Parker and Kristin Bennion in part 2 of our discussion on healthy sexuality in a Mormon transition.  

In this episode we are joined by sex therapists Natasha Helfer Parker and Kristin Bennion in part 2 of our discussion on healthy sexuality in a Mormon transition.

006: Healthy Sexuality in a Mormon Transition Pt. 2

014: Heidi and Josh Packard's Mormon Transition Pt. 3

Noah Rasheta

In this episode of Mormon Stories, we interview Noah Rasheta — the Executive Director of the Foundation for Mindful Living and host of the Secular Buddhism podcast.  This meaningful and compelling interview covers:  Noah’s early life as an orthodox Mormon believer and his struggle with the thought that with all of the good in the world, is it possible that the path set forth by the LDS Church is the only valid one? How he felt uneasy and shaken as he broadened his study of the Mormon faith His description of his transitioning process, his fears of leaving the LDS Church, and “coming out” as a non-believer to those in his faith community How as his transition progressed, his view towards people became more kind, warm, and compassionate His studies of Buddhist philosophy and the development of a purpose-driven life by integrating Buddhist teachings, modern science, humanism, and humor 

In this episode of Mormon Stories, we interview Noah Rasheta — the Executive Director of the Foundation for Mindful Living and host of the Secular Buddhism podcast.  This meaningful and compelling interview covers: <ul> <li>Noah’s early life as an orthodox Mormon believer and his struggle with the thought that with all of the good in the world, is it possible that the path set forth by the LDS Church is the only valid one?</li> <li>How he felt uneasy and shaken as he broadened his study of the Mormon faith</li> <li>His description of his transitioning process, his fears of leaving the LDS Church, and “coming out” as a non-believer to those in his faith community</li> <li>How as his transition progressed, his view towards people became more kind, warm, and compassionate</li> <li>His studies of Buddhist philosophy and the development of a purpose-driven life by integrating Buddhist teachings, modern science, humanism, and humor</li> </ul>

018: Noah Rasheta's Mormon Transition Pt. 1

019: Noah Rasheta's Mormon Transition Pt. 2

Margi Dehlin

As the first interview for the new Mormon Transitions project, I am incredibly pleased to interview my dear wife of 23 years, Margaret (Margi) Weber Dehlin. In this three-part interview, I ask Margi a series of 46 questions focusing on thee parts:  Part 1: Margi’s life as a believing Mormon.  This includes questions about how her family joined the LDS church in Washington D.C. during the 1970s, reflections on her own “conversion” to the church, Margi’s favorite parts about being a believing, active Mormon, and the most challenging parts as well. Part 2: Margi’s faith crisis and transition away from Mormon orthodoxy, including our time trying to remain LDS as semi-believers, and her experiences and reflections on my excommunication.  Topics include the impetus for Margi’s faith transition, how she/we “came out” to our children parents, extended family, etc. as unorthodox Mormons, and what the most difficult and rewarding parts of the transition were. Part 3: Margi’s life and perspective now, as a post-Mormon, including reflections on her current beliefs and non-beliefs, her approach to nurturing a healthy/happy family without religion, how she approaches raising children without the church, and why she feels as though she and our family are happier and healthier than ever before after leaving the church. 

As the first interview for the new Mormon Transitions project, I am incredibly pleased to interview my dear wife of 23 years, Margaret (Margi) Weber Dehlin. In this three-part interview, I ask Margi a series of 46 questions focusing on thee parts: <ul> <li>Part 1: Margi’s life as a believing Mormon.  This includes questions about how her family joined the LDS church in Washington D.C. during the 1970s, reflections on her own “conversion” to the church, Margi’s favorite parts about being a believing, active Mormon, and the most challenging parts as well.</li> <li>Part 2: Margi’s faith crisis and transition away from Mormon orthodoxy, including our time trying to remain LDS as semi-believers, and her experiences and reflections on my excommunication.  Topics include the impetus for Margi’s faith transition, how she/we “came out” to our children parents, extended family, etc. as unorthodox Mormons, and what the most difficult and rewarding parts of the transition were.</li> <li>Part 3: Margi’s life and perspective now, as a post-Mormon, including reflections on her current beliefs and non-beliefs, her approach to nurturing a healthy/happy family without religion, how she approaches raising children without the church, and why she feels as though she and our family are happier and healthier than ever before after leaving the church.</li> </ul>

Margi Dehlin's Mormon Transition Pt. 1

In this episode, recorded January 17, 2017, we discuss additional tips on communicating with orthodox/believing Mormons during a faith transition.  Co-hosts are John and Margi Dehlin.  Panelists include Steve Holbrook, Jenny Morrow, Ryan McKnight and Royleane Otteson.

In this episode, recorded January 17, 2017, we discuss additional tips on communicating with orthodox/believing Mormons during a faith transition.  Co-hosts are John and Margi Dehlin.  Panelists include Steve Holbrook, Jenny Morrow, Ryan McKnight and Royleane Otteson.

003: Communicating with Orthodox/Believing Mormons Pt. 2

024: Nicki and Lance Miles' Mormon Transition Pt. 3

023: Nicki and Lance Miles' Mormon Transition Pt. 2

Margi Dehlin's Mormon Transition Pt. 2

020: Noah Rasheta's Mormon Transition Pt. 3

In this episode recorded 2/28/2017, John and Margi Dehlin interview Mary Mealing, Lisa Keyes and Lisa Patterson Butterworth.  This is part 2 in a series on communicating with children during a Mormon faith transition.

In this episode recorded 2/28/2017, John and Margi Dehlin interview Mary Mealing, Lisa Keyes and Lisa Patterson Butterworth.  This is part 2 in a series on communicating with children during a Mormon faith transition.

007: Communicating with Children during a Mormon Faith Transition Pt. 2

021: Noah Rasheta's Mormon Transition Pt. 4

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