Pioneering Paradox: A podcast for conflicted saints

Casey McFarland
  • 4.9 (15)
  • Religion

An attempt to find a middle ground in the Mormon experience.

  1. Are Latter Day Saints Colonizers? w/Zander Sturgill

    Jun 15

    Are Latter Day Saints Colonizers? w/Zander Sturgill

    For almost 200 years, Latter-day Saints were taught that the Book of Mormon tells the story of the Native peoples of North and South America. One Church pamphlet distributed to Native Americans of all tribes stated, and I quote: “The best source of true information that tells you who you are, where you came from, and what you can achieve is found in an important book—the Book of Mormon.” Today we’re joined by Zander Sturgill, an active Latter-day Saint and Navajo who is thoughtfully challenging the predominant historical narrative. His approach honors both Native peoples and the Book of Mormon by allowing their stories to stand strong—separate yet respected. Zander works full-time at the Ancient America Foundation and runs the YouTube channel America Explored, where he examines little-known aspects of Native American history in Utah while honoring both pioneer and Indigenous perspectives. Some recent scholars have described our past insistence on telling Native Americans their own story as a form of Mormon colonization. As usual on this podcast, it’s a paradox. We approach this topic with humility—exploring how Latter-day Saints can honor their sacred text while fully respecting the rich diversity of Native cultures and identities. We don’t presume to label anyone; instead, we create space for people to define themselves. This podcast does not receive any outside funding. We’re able to keep it going thanks to periodic mentions of our international tours. If you’d like to help support the show, please visit www.reliqtravel.com We have some truly amazing tours to Italy with Mcarthur Krishna and Amy Jensen of Women on the Stand and Greece with the That's Church interfaith community, .coming in 2027. Thank you so much for listening. Follow Zander: @ancientamericafoundation Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zandersturgill

    1h 16m

  2. Jun 10

    Author Meagan Skidmore: How Parenting a Transgender Child Changed My Perspective

    Meagan Skidmore is the author author of TransparentSEE: How I Learned to SEE through My Journey as a Parent of a Transgender Kiddo It's a memoir that chronicles her journey as the parent of a transgender child. Through personal stories, reflection, and spiritual exploration, Skidmore examines how her understanding of identity, faith, family, and love evolved over time. The book invites readers to move beyond fear and assumptions, embracing greater compassion, connection, and acceptance while exploring what it means to truly “see” others—and ourselves. Meagan also has a podcast titled Living Beyond the Shadow of Doubt and is a life coach who is currently taking clients.

    53 min
  3. Melissa Mason- Cracking the Cosmic Egg Through Travel

    Jun 3

    Melissa Mason- Cracking the Cosmic Egg Through Travel

    Melissa de Leon Mason is a therapist in Cache Valley, Utah. She is a graduate of Notre Dame University. She has amassed a following of 10k people on her insta account @quilttallthethings and has spoken on the national level Melissa de Leon Mason is a therapist based in Cache Valley, Utah. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and has built a following of over 10,000 on her Instagram account @quilttallthethings. Also a proud mother of 4 wonderful kids. Fresh off a recent trip to Italy, we invited Melissa to join us for a conversation about travel through the lens of what Richard Rohr calls “the Cosmic Egg.” We explore how our personal and tribal stories are challenged when we leave home, and how travel helps us see that our individual stories are part of a much larger story, the universal human experience of being alive on this planet together. We discuss how travel allows us to expand our perspectives and absorb wisdom from many different cultures. Melissa brings her insight as a therapist to the conversation, blending personal reflection with professional wisdom. If you love travel, this is an episode for you!

    1h 9m

  4. May 28

    Come to Italy with McArthur and Amy Watkins Jensen

    As part of a roll out of our 2027 Tours we are excited to announce a tour to Southern Italy April 22-30 with McArthur Krishna and Amy Watkins Jensen. See details here: https://www.reliqtravel.com/tours/becoming

    25 min
  5. FROM CRISIS TO HARMONY w/Melanie and Casey

    May 20

    FROM CRISIS TO HARMONY w/Melanie and Casey

    Many of you know that my wife Melanie and I experienced a very difficult and long faith upheaval that affected nearly every aspect of our lives. We can laugh about it now but those years of struggle were very serious and tense times for us. but they were also full of new ideas, unlearning false traditions, rebirth, and excitement. In this episode we talk about how we formed new framework and spiritual rituals that replaced some of the void and grief and helped us maintain a connection to the divine and integrate useful parts of our heritage. We both held onto a belief that moving forward in our faith journey meant letting go of blame, hate and duality and allowing more grace, gratitidue and love in. We hope you enjoy this conversation.

    1h 11m

  6. May 14

    Staying Connected through difficult conversations w/ Christian Hansen

    "Every single one of us is selling something or trying to persuade someone multiple times a day. Whether it’s convincing your kids to eat their vegetables and finish their homework, or gently steering your spouse toward Mexican food instead of Italian on date night. The truth is, the art of persuasion is one of the most important skills we can develop. When done well, it strengthens relationships. When done poorly, it can damage them. In today’s episode, we’re joined by author and speaker Christian Hansen to explore how we can master difficult but necessary conversations, build stronger connections, and stay persuasive even when we disagree. Christian is the author of three fantastic books on influence and persuasion: The Influence Mindset, The Influence Mindset for Sales Acceleration, and Unforgettable Phrases That Get People to Choose You. He brought so many practical, thoughtful, and eye-opening ideas to this conversation. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode! https://www.amazon.com/Influence-Mindset-Science-Getting-People-ebook/dp/B0989DFGF7 https://www.amazon.com/Influence-Mindset-Sales-Acceleration-People-ebook/dp/B0FDH4LQ7Z https://www.thechristianhansen.com/phrasebook

    1h 13m

  7. Apr 15

    Chad Ford- The tension between social action and inner peace

    Eschatology is a word I didn't know prior to this convo with Chad Ford. It deals with theology of end times and how that changes behavior . Chad makes a case that the Latter Day Saint theology dictates that we are co builders with God and we are not to just sit around and let the world collapse around us. How do we balance social ills with inner peace? What can the Latter Day Saints do with the call from President Oaks to "use the language and methods of peacemakers"? How do we help the next generation imagine a better future? These are all topics we discuss in this very important and timely episode. Thanks for listening.

    1h 30m

  8. Apr 8

    Nature with Neighbors: The Year Yellowstone changed our Neighborhood

    In 2013 one fast and testimony meeting altered the course of our neighborhood. Four families started something we didn't realize would become a yearly tradition, but last week we completed our 14th annual neighborhood National Park Trip. today we have visited 17 parks. I invited Peggy Craney and Corinne Kelly to join me and Mel to talk about how it all began, how it can be replicated (we hope) what these trips have done for our families and most especially our kids. I am just naive enough to believe that nature with friends is just the thing that can heal our divide in our world right now. Thanks for listening.

    1h 7m
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An attempt to find a middle ground in the Mormon experience.

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