Mormon Stories Podcast

Dr. John Dehlin

Mormon Stories Podcast is the longest-running and most successful podcast in Mormonism. At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormon Stories is a product of the Open Stories Foundation - a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to supporting Mormons in religious transition. Mormon Stories is not affiliated with or sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

  1. 2d ago

    John Larsen v. John Dehlin - 2026 Edition | Ep. 2171

    After years away from the microphone, John Larsen returns to Mormon Stories Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation.  A legend in the Mormon and ex-Mormon podcasting world, John Larsen helped shape an entire generation of critical Mormon thought through Mormon Expression. Now, he sits down with John Dehlin to reflect on the journey that brought him here –from his Mormon upbringing and faith crisis to build one of the most influential podcasts in the space, and ultimately stepping away to build a very different kind of life. In this candid interview, John shares what life looks like today: living sustainably, growing much of his own food, working in local government, and creating intentional community. He also opens up about his mission, the questions that led him out of the church, why apologetics never worked for him, his fascination with primary historical sources, and how Mormon Expression came to be.  The conversation also explores the rise of Mormon Studies, the challenge of creating content for years on end, community dynamics within the ex-Mormon movement, current events, AI, politics, the future of society, and what it really means to move on after leaving Mormonism.  Whether you’ve followed John Larsen for years or are meeting him for the first time, this episode offers a rare glimpse into one of the most respected voices in the Mormon studies and post-Mormon communities.  If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about Mormon history, faith transitions, and building a meaningful life after religion, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode.  ___________________ YouTube At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.   Our overall mission is to:  1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 MormonStories@gmail.com 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

  2. 5d ago

    Mormon Apostle’s Brother Faces LIFE, DOMO CEO Josh James Arrested - Mormon News 7.10.26 | Ep. 2170

    On today's episode of Mormon News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes break down another busy week of headlines involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We begin with breaking news involving the family of Apostle D. Todd Christofferson. His brother, Wade Christofferson, has pleaded guilty in federal court to sexually abusing minors and sending sexually explicit letters to a young Utah girl. He now faces a potential life sentence in prison. We'll break down the case, the charges, and why this story is making headlines. Next, we take a closer look at Domo founder Josh James, one of Utah's most influential tech CEOs and a featured voice in the documentary An Inconvenient Faith. We'll examine newly released bodycam footage from his DUI arrest and revisit his public defense of Mormonism. We'll also discuss the heartbreaking case of Mitchell and Carrie Murray, an LDS couple who pleaded guilty to child abuse homicide following the death of their toddler. We'll examine the disturbing details released by prosecutors and why this case has shocked so many people across Utah. We'll examine Mitt Romney's comments that people in their 80s should not be running the country or the world, and ask whether that conversation also applies to leadership within high-demand religions like the LDS Church. We'll cover the case of Adam Clark, a former LDS youth Sunday School teacher accused of stealing thousands of dollars from an Eagle Mountain youth sports organization. We'll discuss why trust, reputation, and religious identity can sometimes influence how people evaluate character. We'll also discuss Utah County's new Zoom wedding service, which allows couples to get married online from anywhere in the world. Is Utah becoming the new Las Vegas? Finally, we'll examine growing concerns over Flock license plate cameras near BYU. We'll discuss the university's use of automated surveillance technology, why some students and former members are raising privacy concerns, and what this debate reveals about safety, trust, and institutional oversight. Join us live as we provide context behind the headlines, separate fact from speculation, and discuss what these stories reveal about Mormonism today. ___________________ Show Notes YouTube At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.   Our overall mission is to:  1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 MormonStories@gmail.com 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

  3. Jul 7

    Mormon Wife Loses Faith, Husband is Elder’s Quorum President - Devlyn and Randy Day | Ep. 2169

    What happens when one spouse loses their faith while the other is serving as an Elder’s Quorum President?  In this episode of Mormon Stories, Devlyn and Randy Day share their remarkable journey through one of the most difficult challenges a Mormon marriage can face: a mixed-faith relationship. Raised in a deeply faithful Latter-day homes, they built what they believed was the ideal Mormon family. But after Devlyn began studying Church history–including Rough Stone Rolling, the Gospel Topics Essays, and the CES Letter–her testimony unraveled. Terrified of losing her marriage, she struggled for years with guilt, shame, postpartum depression, and the fear of disappointing everyone she loved.  Meanwhile, Randy remained a devoted believer. He served as an Elder’s Quorum President, met regularly with bishops, prayed endlessly for his wife to return, and wrestled with the heartbreaking belief that his eternal family might be slipping away.  Rather than ending in divorce, their story became one of patience, empathy, therapy, and unconditional love. Together they discuss growing up in Mormon culture, temple experiences, the November 2015 policy, church history, navigating depression, serving in callings and the impact those callings had on their family.  Whether you’re experiencing a faith crisis yourself, supporting a believing spouse, or trying to understand the challenges of a mixed-faith marriage, we hope this conversation brings hope, compassion, and understanding. If this episode was meaningful to you, please consider subscribing, leaving a comment, and sharing it with someone who may need to hear this story.  ___________________ Show Notes YouTube At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.   Our overall mission is to:  1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 MormonStories@gmail.com 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

  4. Jul 3

    Rasband's Big Claim, Prison Garments, 55 New Missions - Mormon News 7.3.26 | Ep. 2168

    On today's episode of Mormon News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes break down another busy week of headlines involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.This week we take a closer look at Elder Ronald A. Rasband's patriotic address, where he claimed God preserved the United States for the Restoration, taught that Noah's Flood fractured the continents to protect the promised land, reaffirmed the Garden of Eden in Missouri, and described America as a stepping stone to eternal life. We'll also discuss the Church's invitation for members worldwide to participate in a unified fast for religious liberty. Next, we'll discuss a federal lawsuit alleging that Utah prison guards sexually assaulted female inmates, including allegations that one correctional officer's LDS temple garments were found in an inmate's cell and questions about whether prison leaders attempted to cover up the abuse.We'll also examine the Church's announcement that it is creating 55 new missions, what "new" actually means, why Africa is receiving nearly one-third of them, and the decision to lower the missionary age for women from 19 to 18.We'll cover the case of a Rexburg man accused of setting his parents' home on fire after allegedly telling police God instructed him to do it, raising questions about revelation, mental illness, and claims of divine communication.We'll also discuss the dedication of the new Nauvoo Temple Visitors' Center, including the Church's installation of a historic Tiffany stained-glass window that sold at auction for $237,500.Next, we'll examine the plea agreement involving former LDS Young Men leader Virgil Larson, accused of giving nude massages to minors, and why the amended charges would allow him to avoid registering as a sex offender.Finally, we'll discuss the viral video: Did the Mormon Church pass the test? We'll explore what that conversation reveals about missionaries and training around child safety in the church.Join us live as we provide context behind the headlines, separate fact from speculation, and discuss what these stories reveal about Mormonism today. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmo Our Platforms: YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple Podcasts Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

  5. Jul 1

    Explosive History in the William Clayton Diaries w/ Bryan Buchanan & LDS Discussions Pt 78 | Ep 2167

    Welcome to another episode of LDS Discussions! We are joined again by Bryan Buchanan to discuss the William Clayton Diaries. The William Clayton Diaries are among the most important firsthand records from Joseph Smith’s final years in Nauvoo. Few individuals stood closer to Joseph Smith than William Clayton, who served as clerk, confidant, and participant in many of the most controversial events of Mormon history.  In this episode, we dive directly into the diaries themselves. We examine what Clayton recorded, what historians can learn from his daily entries, and why these journals have become central to discussions about Joseph Smith’s plural marriages, the Council of Fifty, the Quorum of the Anointed, the Kinderhook Plates, Nauvoo politics, and the final months leading up to Joseph Smith’s death.  Along the way, we explore the lives of Joseph and Emma Smith, Margaret Moon, Sarah Whitney, Lucy Walker, Flora Woodworth, Eliza R. Snow, and many of the other figures who appear throughout these remarkable journals.  We also address modern claims that the diaries were altered, fabricated, or created after the fact, and compare those claims to the evidence available to historians who have studied the original manuscript.  Topics include William Clayton’s relationship with Joseph Smith, evidence for Joseph Smith’s polygamy, Emma’s reactions and resistance to the “P” or “priesthood,” the Moon sister’s involvement in polygamy, the strengths and limitations of Clayton as a source and why historians consider these diaries indispensable.  The William Clayton journals offer an unparalleled window into the inner workings of Nauvoo Mormonism. Whether you are a believer, skeptic, historian, or simply curious about early Mormon history, these records provide some of the most revealing evidence available from the period.  ___________________ YouTube At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.   Our overall mission is to:  1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 MormonStories@gmail.com 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

  6. Jun 29

    Hidden History of the William Clayton Diaries w/ Bryan Buchanan - LDS Discussions Pt. 77 | Ep. 2166

    Welcome to another episode of LDS Discussions! Today we are joined by Bryan Buchanan to discuss the William Clayton Diaries. For decades, the William Clayton Diaries have occupied a near-mythical place in Mormon history. Hidden away in the First Presidency vault, copied in secret, fought over in court, leaked to researchers, and cited in some of the most controversial debates surrounding Joseph Smith and plural marriage, these journals have one of the most fascinating histories of any historical document in the Latter-day Saint tradition.  In this episode, we trace the remarkable journey of William Clatyon’s Nauvoo journals from the 1840s to the present day. We explore how historians such as James Allen, Dean Jessee, Leonard Arrington, Thomas Alexander, Andrew Ehat, Scott Faulring, and others gained access to these records, why the Church restricted them for so many years, and how copies eventually found their way into the hands of independent researchers and critics.  We also examine the legal battle surrounding the journals, the role of Jerald and Sandra Tanner in publishing portions of them, the impact of the Mark Hofmann era, and the ongoing debates over access, transparency, and historical scholarship within Mormonism.  With Yale University Press preparing the first complete scholarly edition of the William Clayton Diaries, this is the perfect time to revisit one of the most important archival stories in Mormon history.  We discuss the discovery and preservation of Clayton’s journals, the First Presidency vault and restricted documents, specific transcripts that were created for the Clayton diaries, how those transcriptions leaked out into the public and the lawsuit on these leaked transcripts. We also lightly discuss the recent news that additional parts of Clayton’s diaries have been released to the public and the debate around whether Joseph Smith was actually a polygamist.  Whether you’re interested in Mormon history, archival controversies, historiography, or the debate over Joseph Smith’s polygamy, this episode provides the essential backstory behind one of the most important historical sources from Nauvoo.  Be sure to join us for the next episode where we share some of the most controversial and exciting entries from William Clayton’s journals! ___________________ YouTube At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.   Our overall mission is to:  1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 MormonStories@gmail.com 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

  7. Jun 26

    Oaks’ True Church, Abusive Mormon Dentist?, Too Close to the Bishop - Mormon News 6.26.26 | Ep. 2165

    On today's episode of Mormon News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes break down another busy week of headlines involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This week we take a closer look at the 2026 Seminar for New Mission Leaders, where Church leaders doubled down on claims of exclusive authority, the "only true church," and what they describe as "true doctrine." We'll discuss what was taught and why it matters. Links: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14idTXmfqam/ https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2026/06/18/read-summaries-photos-2026-seminar-new-mission-leaders/ https://youtu.be/FIKqJVU63Pk?si=d3bNWHUMYK8Uc2AP https://youtu.be/bshDxxlcMu0?si=COTdwPlTv6l87PYO We'll also cover the disturbing allegations against an Orem dentist accused of abusing a high school intern, along with his connections to the LDS community. Links: https://www.ksl.com/article/51540804/orem-dentist-accused-of-abusing-high-school-intern http://www.youtube.com/@r.brucehowell2847 Next a discussion about bishop interviews, trust, and boundaries after the Church's official Young Women Worldwide page encouraged girls ages 12 to 17 to participate in a "How Well Do You Know Your Bishop?" activity designed to help them feel more comfortable with their bishop. We'll examine why some are raising concerns about normalizing close relationships between young girls and adult male ecclesiastical leaders, particularly in light of one-on-one worthiness interviews and the growing number of bishops listed in the Floodlit database. Links: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZdSd4mifYC/ https://floodlit.org/lpe/ever-bishop/ We'll also discuss reports that the temple naming system has changed and what could be behind the change. Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/exmormon/s/BHjrL95u1e We'll examine the case of an Orem man accused of stealing two valuable Minerva Teichert paintings from his elderly mother, replacing them with copies, and selling the originals to help finance a new restaurant. Link: https://www.fox13now.com/news/fox-13-investigates/man-accused-of-stealing-paintings-by-famous-utah-artist-replacing-them-with-copies Finally, we'll discuss BYU-Idaho's new ecclesiastical endorsement policy, which changes what happens when students allow their endorsements to expire, and what that says about accountability and institutional oversight. Links: https://byuiscroll.org/changes-to-ecclesiastical-endorsement-process-are-coming-to-byui/ https://web.byui.edu/policylibrary/policy/bf4987db-aa02-4437-be12-54fc93eeb185 Join us live as we provide context behind the headlines, separate fact from speculation, and discuss what these stories reveal about Mormonism today. ___________________ Show Notes YouTube At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.   Our overall mission is to:  1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 MormonStories@gmail.com 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

  8. Jun 24

    Did LDS Leaders Teach That Sexual Sin Is Next to Murder? - LDS Discussions Pt. 76 | Ep. 2164

    For years, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were taught that violations of the law of chastity were “next to murder” in seriousness. Recently, Jasmin Rappleye defended that teaching (and maybe changed its interpretation) in a viral video, sparking widespread discussion both inside and otuside Mormonism. In this somehat impromptu epsiode in our LDS Discussiones series, we will examine the historical record and ask an important question: Has this doctrine actually been taught by LDS leaders? Using General Conference addresses, First Presidency messages, Journal of Discourse sermons, and passages from Spencer W. Kimball’s The Miracle of Forgiveness, we trace more than a century of statements who repeatedly taught that sexual sin was second only to murder in seriousness. Was this merely cultural rhetoric? A misunderstanding of scripture? Or was it a consistent teaching passed from one generation of church leaders to the next? Join us as we examine the sources, read the original quotations, explore the history behind one of Mormonism’s most controversial teachings, and even share some of the reactions to Jasmin’s new video! ___________________ Show Notes YouTube At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.   Our overall mission is to:  1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 MormonStories@gmail.com 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

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About

Mormon Stories Podcast is the longest-running and most successful podcast in Mormonism. At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormon Stories is a product of the Open Stories Foundation - a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to supporting Mormons in religious transition. Mormon Stories is not affiliated with or sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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