14 episodes
Dear Alana, Tenderfoot TV
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- Society & Culture
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4.7 • 2.1K 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
Brought me to tears
So well done. And so sad so many people have had to suffer so deeply believing they need to change who they are.
Heartbreakingly beautiful
There aren’t appropriate words to describe how beautiful this podcast is in the most heartbreaking way. The raw honesty and vulnerability from Simon as he told Alana’s story was so genuine. As someone who loves God so much but is very much against organized religion, the religious trauma is palpable and devastating. God doesn’t dessert people. His most pious followers who claim to represent Him do. And I’m so sorry to you both for that. I desperately want to hug all of your pain away.
Nicely Told
Nicely told story. Could not wait for the next episode.
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