14 episodes
Dear Alana, Tenderfoot TV
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- Society & Culture
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4.7 • 199 Ratings
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Host Simon Kent Fung explores the life of Alana Chen, a 24-year-old woman who disappeared from Boulder, Colorado in 2019. Alana left behind two dozen journals chronicling a deep faith, love of fashion, and dream of becoming a nun. She also harbored a secret. At 14, she confessed to her priest that she was attracted to women and was instructed not to tell her parents. Over the next seven years, Alana covertly received conversion therapy which her family believes played a role in her fate. Simon, who sought to change his sexual orientation through conversion therapy for nearly a decade in his efforts to become a priest, is compelled to understand the truth of what happened to Alana—and finally face what happened to him. "Dear Alana," is an unraveling mystery and a poignant spiritual memoir about teenage rebellion and spiritual manipulation, the price we pay to belong and the systems that pay no price at all.
Explore more at www.dearalana.com
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Part 1: Mom
Simon travels to Boulder to meet Alana’s mother, Joyce, and becomes determined to help her understand what happened to Alana.
This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.
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Go deeper at https://dearalana.com/
Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
Part 2: Father
Simon recounts his earlier calling to the priesthood. Alana sneaks out to church, and meets a controversial priest who advises her on becoming a nun.
This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.
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Explore more at https://dearalana.com/
Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
Part 3: My Secret
With access to her 20 journals, Simon discovers Alana’s devotion and obsession with sin, Father Dave’s encroaching influence, and the secret she’s asked to keep.
This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.
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Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
Part 4: Judo
Through their spiritual mentors, Alana and Simon are introduced to Conversion Therapy. A deep dive into the psychological & theological theories behind this practice.
This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.
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Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
Part 5: Piece of the Pie
Alana starts college and thrives in her new community, which creates conflict with her old friends. Alana is rushed to the ER after a suicide scare.
This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.
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Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
Part 6: DEFILED
Alana enters treatment and comes clean to her family. While still actively seeking Conversion Therapy behind their back, she falls in love.
This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.
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Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Customer Reviews
heartbreaking and beautiful
This is the first review I have ever left …and feel the need to say how beautiful it was told. Simon has so much love and empathy in his voice, it sounds kinda strange to say but I loved listening to him talk and will miss it now that I have finished this podcast.
He was able to articulate the story for Alana & her family so well, I am sure they are proud and Alana would have loved him!
We all wish she could be here …. You are loved Alana by so many people. 💕
Questionable reporting and production
I listened to it all.
I didn't know where Alana began, and Simon ended. The lines between the subject and the narrator are tragically blurred. I can't believe the production team didn't raise this before beginning. In part seven, the narrative moves from a friend processing her grief after Alana's suicide to Simon's isolation in San Francisco. At that point, inserting his experience felt profane. I could not bridge the gap.
The production uses Alana's charged journal entries compulsively and repetitively.
With a background in design and tech, what are Simon's credentials for analyzing a young woman's journals? The production suffers from an absence of professional voices. The discussion with Dr. Hillary McBride comes too late and is insufficient for a serious subject. While listening, I wondered about schizophrenia, given Alana's age, religiosity, and suicidal ideation.
In the end, it's telling that only glowing reviews are visible.
A podcast that I will remember forever
This podcast prompts deep reflection. Alana Chen's journey, as revealed through her journals, forces listeners to contemplate the intricate connections between sexuality and faith. The storytelling is so immersive that it has lingered with me, sparking introspective thoughts long after each episode. It's a thought-provoking experience that goes beyond the conventional’ true crime’ genre, leaving a lasting impact on its audience. A must listen!!
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