14 episodes

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

Dear Alana‪,‬ Tenderfoot TV

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.7 • 1.7K Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

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

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Part 1: Mom

    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.

    • 33 min
    Part 2: Father

    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.

    ----

    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.

    • 32 min
    Part 3: My Secret

    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.

    ----

    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.

    • 38 min
    Part 4: Judo

    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.

    ----

    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.

    • 46 min
    Part 5: Piece of the Pie

    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.

    ----

    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.

    • 38 min
    Part 6: DEFILED

    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.

    ----

    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.

    • 40 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
1.7K Ratings

1.7K Ratings

L Adkins ,

💗

Thank you for your work on this, Simon & crew. Alana’s story is deeply moving, both inspired and inspiring. Sending love and strength to her family. May they feel some peace knowing that such a beautiful telling of her story is inspiring others.

Alid1993 ,

Important Story To Tell

This podcast was so well done. It was a beautiful tribute to Alana and touched on very important issues that need to be spoken about. I was moved after listening.

VAmar88 ,

Incredibly Powerful

I’m so moved by this podcast. It felt respectful to Alana, her family and Simon, himself. A lot of courage on the part of Simon, her family & friends, and his family to be so open and honest. Also really appreciated the voiceover actress’ thoughtful portrayal of Alana’s journal entries. I like to think that this podcast will have a ripple effect. It’s various themes, such as self-acceptance, mental health struggles and unconditional support, are all worthy of reflection.

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