Great, much needed podcast. It’s really disappointing that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or Mormon leaders still don’t get it. I don’t have a lot of hope that they ever will.

I appreciate that these two are trying to make sense of difficult situations and questions about churchgoing. But when anger is the dominant force in these conversations, it’s difficult to be reassured that the narrative being shared is truly authentic. I see so many hurts for people in and out of church (myself included)- many little pockets of pain that aren’t being addressed. It’s natural to find comfort in people who speak out and who want change. But this doesn’t build my faith. It doesn’t help me see how I can build bridges of healing and understanding. This podcast creates an odd dissonance that makes one view absolutely right and the other wholly wrong. That’s not truth. And if we disagree, we all bear some burden in disagreements. There is no perfect injured party. Church is not -and will never be- perfect. Church will never be progressive. And it will never change the way we would like. Church is an organization, but belief in a higher power is not. I have come to find that the only true change I will ever make in this life is within my own heart. I hope these two will find some peace and clarity for themselves. I’m sorry that in order to feel heard and seen, they felt they needed to share their story of leaving church. That’s fine. Sometimes, however, there is more than meets our ears or eyes behind the stories we tell each other.

Really important work. Embarrassed that the church leaders you had treated you so poorly.

This podcast has helped my mixed faith marriage and my own faith journey as a member.

I have only listened to one episode, #313 Not Willing to be Burned at the Stake Center, and have never been involved in any of their programs. So I write as a member of the LDS church, but as a fairly objective outsider. 1. I have no doubt they have helped people. 2. There were major red flags that came up for me concerning the Hamakers and their motivations as they spoke of their membership council. It is my opinion that church leaders don’t hold membership councils for silly reasons. We will never have the other side of the story, because it is confidential, so tread lightly with who you trust without having the other account. 3. Hyrum Page thought he was receiving revelation from God as well. But God Himself corrected that assumption in D&C 28. The Hamakers may very well believe they are on the Lord’s errand, but it doesn’t necessarily make it so. And it doesn’t mean they aren’t doing good. 4. It feels to me that the Hamakers are putting their trust in the teachings of their profession over the Church. That is absolutely their prerogative, but I don’t believe it’s the only option the way they make it out to be. And I don’t think it is a breech of integrity if you play different roles in different situations. We all do that every day. 5. It feels to me that the Hamakers are on the defensive. It doesn’t FEEL that they are coming entirely from pure love. I’m sure many of their fans will flood the reviews with 5 star opinions, I just wanted to offer another viewpoint, for anyone who is feeling that something is off.

Such an incredible podcast for anyone on a faith journey. Will forever be endlessly grateful for Valerie and her husband for their vulnerability, expertise, bravery, and love.💞 THANK YOU BOTH for your work!!!!

I was going through a lot of cognitive dissonance and you helped me begin to resolve it. Thank you :)

I have been through a long faith crisis/transition and this podcast has helped me more than anything else to process the religious trauma I’ve been through. I went from feeling depressed and sometimes suicidal to feeling like I can move forward with hope for the future with a strong community and lots of love in my life. Thank you so much for your work and sacrifice, Valerie and Nathan.

I am so sorry for what you have had to endure lately. You have my support. Because of your podcast I went from feeling like I was almost loosing it and alone, to feeling validated and “seen”. Keep up this important work…

We have enjoyed listening to Latter Day Struggles over the past year and a half and it has been a source of comfort and strength as we’ve navigated a nuanced journey in the church. The Hamakers are offering a huge service to the community, and we need more safe spaces like this that are full of honesty, inclusion and hope. 🙏🏼