Lift + Love

Allison Dayton and the Lift and Love Team
  • 4.9 (86)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

The Lift+Love podcast is rooted in faith, family, and the conviction that all are alike unto God and that loving LGBTQ+ people is a calling to be embraced—not feared. Produced by the Lift+Love team, this podcast features topics relevant to Latter-day Saint LGBTQ+ individuals and their parents, relatives, friends, and others who are navigating this space with faith.  Across episodes, hosts from the Lift+Love team and their guests will address a variety of current topics, offer practical support, and share experiences related to LGBTQ+ issues in faith communities. Each conversation is grounded in compassion, honesty, and a commitment to keeping families connected to each other and Jesus Christ. Learn more and access free support and resources at www.liftandlove.org

  1. 6d ago

    "Our Mothers Knew It - Declaration of Divinity Part 1 " Episode 76 of the Lift+Love Podcast

    "Our Mothers Knew It - Declaration of Divinity Part 1 " Episode 76 of the Lift+Love Podcast We're revisiting a series that means a lot to us: "Declaration of Divinity." It’s a six-part series, hosted by Allison Dayton and Jenie Hunter, that was originally recorded back in 2021, but we’ve felt inspired to reintroduce it now, because it’s more relevant today than ever before. In this first episode, Allison and Jenie open up about the sacred, but sometimes painful certainty so many mothers carry about their LGBTQ children, in a world where those children are often misunderstood, excluded, and devalued. After speaking with many hundreds of moms, Allison and Jenie put together a statement that they lovingly refer to as the “mama manifesto”- a statement born out of many hundreds of conversations with mothers of LGBTQ kids, who have all asked God for answers and received the same answer -  that their children are not just okay, they are divine and God has a purpose for them.  The remaining episodes of this series will be released weekly (see schedule below): "Eternal Nature" - Declaration of Divinity 2 of 6 (Episode 77) - July 14th, 2026 "Eternal Families" - Declaration of Divinity 3 of 6 (Episode 78) - July 21st, 2026 "Divine Birthright" - Declaration of Divinity 4 of 6 (Episode 79) - July 28th, 2026 "Divine Purpose" - Declaration of Divinity 5 of 6 (Episode 80) - August 4th, 2026 "Divine Seeking" - Declaration of Divinity 6 of 6 (Episode 81) - August 11th, 2026 Learn more about Lift+Love on the Lift+Love website www.liftandlove.org

    19 min

  2. Jun 30

    We're the Family We're Supposed to Be - Building Zion at Home (w/ Tandy Larson) Episode 75

    We're the Family We're Supposed to Be - Building Zion at Home (with guest Tandy Larson) - Lift+Love Podcast Episode 75   Episode hosts Allison Dayton and Darice Auston talk with Tandy Larson about parenting two daughters who came out as LGBTQ while she staying engaged with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasizing that prioritizing a child’s mental health—after earlier suicide attempts, hospitalizations, and self-harm—helped her stay anchored.   Tandy describes how faith and family life became a long, non-linear “roller coaster” of grief and tension, requiring patience between spouses and among children with different comfort levels in church settings. She shares how their approach improved over time, keeping relationships first and leaning into discomfort by listening, learning, and building supportive networks through Lift+Love and community organizations like Equality Utah, Encircle, and Love Loud. They discuss responding to harmful church comments by speaking up, enlisting friends as advocates, and creating “Zion” as emotional safety at home, in friendships, and in the ward.   00:00 Mall Meetup Intro 01:23 Faith And Coming Out 01:45 Mental Health First 03:13 Second Daughter Shift 06:09 Living With Tension 06:42 Healthy Home Faith 11:47 Turning Point Lessons 15:01 Marriage And Church 19:15 Speaking Up In Ward 23:06 Building Zion Culture 27:54 Support In Adulthood 29:14 Celebrate Divine Design 31:56 Closing Thanks   You'll find the video version of this episode on the Lift+Love youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@liftandloveorg   Learn more about all the free resources that Lift+Love offers at www.liftandlove.org

    32 min

  3. Jun 23

    "I Don't See the Path - One Dad's Journey From Fix It to Feel It" with Josh Rollins Episode 74

    Father's Day Special Episode: "I Don't See the Path - One Dad's Journey From Fix It to Feel It" with Josh Rollins - "Dad Lag", "Translating" Church Messages, and Finding Support for Latter-day Saint Dads of LGBTQ+ Kids - Episode 74 of the Lift+Love Podcast In this Father's Day episode, episode hosts Allison Dayton and Darice Auston sit down with Josh Rollins — a former Bishop and father of 5 who leads Lift+Love's monthly dads support group. This is one of the most tender conversations the podcast has hosted. Josh and his wife Jen have been married 28 years and have five kids: Jace, who is trans; Chelsea, who is bisexual; Aiden, who is gay; and two younger kids still at home. What makes Josh's story particularly layered is that he was serving as bishop when his kids began coming out — convinced his family was on track for the celestial kingdom, only to find himself suddenly without a map. Josh talks through what it meant to watch Aiden — deacons quorum president, Eagle Scout — hit a wall that no amount of translating could get past. You can translate "find your special someone." You can't translate "get married in the temple." That's where the pain began. He shares Jace's mission experience: leaving as a sister missionary, writing home to say "I have same-sex attraction happening," staying 15 months before Jen felt prompted to bring him home — and only then learning how dark things had really gotten. The conversation moves into the concept of "dad lag" — why moms tend to adjust sooner — and Darice offers a reframe worth sitting with: women are already practiced at translating a male-centered church into their own experience, so the step toward empathizing with a queer kid's translation struggle is a shorter one. For dads wired to fix things, the journey from "fix it" to "feel it" takes longer. Josh also shares the moment that finally allowed him to surrender: the quiet answer he received while wrestling with where his family fit in the plan. "They were my kids way before they were yours — and I've got 'em." He closes with an open-door invitation to the dads group — a confidential, global space he didn't even know existed before Allison asked him to lead it. A place where dads show up running on empty and leave having said the things they can't say to their queer kids, so their kids don't carry the weight of their fathers' struggles. The dads support group meets the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM mtn. It's free, confidential, and they meet live on Zoom (so you can join from wherever you live). Sign up at liftandlove.org/support and click on the "dads support group" button to receive the link and email reminders. Learn more about all the free resources that Lift+Love offers at www.liftandlove.org

    43 min

  4. Jun 16

    Proclaim Peace with Patrick Mason and David Pulsipher - Classic episode of the Lift+Love Podcast episode 73

    We're pleased to reintroduce a classic episode of the Lift+Love podcast, featuring Patrick Mason and J. David Pulsipher. We think you're going to love it! In 2021, episode hosts Allison Dayton and Jenie Hunter interviewed Patrick Mason and J. David Pulsipher about their book Proclaim Peace - The Restoration's Answer to an Age of Conflict. This book is a spiritual journey by two believing scholars of peace. In a world plagued by violence, Mason and Pulsipher believe, with President Russell M. Nelson, that “peace is possible” and that the “descendants of Abraham . . . are in a pivotal position to emerge as peacemakers” (“Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” Ensign, Nov. 2002). This book is an effort to lift up the Restoration’s distinctive principles that invite us to renounce violence and proclaim Christ’s good news of love and peace to a world that desperately needs it. Proclaim Peace seeks not to promote any particular ideology, but to invite readers, especially the rising generation, to reflect on the interpersonal, ethical, and social dimensions of Christian discipleship. You can find the book Proclaim Peace - The Restoration's Answer to an Age of Conflict on Amazon here

    47 min

  5. Jun 10

    "Building The Hearth - Creating Belonging" with Jeff and Katherine Wise Episode 72 of the Lift+Love podcast

    "Building The Hearth - Creating Belonging" with Jeff and Katherine Wise - Episode 72 of the Lift+Love podcast   Episode hosts Allison Dayton and Darice Auston interview Katherine and Jeff Wise about their son Talmage coming out as gay in February 2013 while Jeff was serving as an LDS bishop. They describe early mistakes, including Jeff delaying telling Katherine due to multiple family crises, and Katherine’s immediate spiritual experience confirming God’s love for Talmage. The Wises chose to tell family, friends, and their ward openly rather than keep it secret, and received supportive responses. After Jeff attended a Los Altos fireside featuring Bob Rees and Mitch Mayne, they hosted their own fireside in March 2015, which led to creating a monthly gathering called The Hearth. They discuss how the November 2015 exclusion policy drove many young gay people away despite supportive local leadership, and why they continue participating in church to advocate for marginalized people.   00:00 Meet the Wises 01:02 Son Comes Out 02:33 Bishop and Ward Impact 03:34 Mom Learns Later 04:48 Stress and Secrecy 07:24 Late Night Questions 09:28 Context and Denial 14:05 Spiritual Confirmation 18:29 Blessing and Expansion 20:17 Don’t Hide Who You Are 21:41 Coming Out Publicly 23:21 Telling the Ward 26:09 Ward Comes Together 28:54 Telling the Kids 30:46 Lovingest Support 33:18 From Secret to Fireside 36:41 Launching The Hearth 40:33 Policy Shockwaves 2015 45:14 Trans Policy Echoes 46:36 Why We Stay 49:43 Worth the Work   Find the audio version of this episode here and the video version of this episode on our Lift+Love YouTube channel here Find resources, support meetings, events, and community — including 13 different types of free online support meetings for LGBTQ+ individuals and those who love them — on the Lift+Love website here

    51 min

  6. Jun 2

    Joy in Dissonance: Parenting Adult Children (with Lisa Valentine Clark) — Episode 71

    Joy in Dissonance: Parenting Adult Children (with Lisa Valentine Clark) — Episode 71 In this episode, episode hots Allison Dayton and Jenie Hunter welcome back Lisa Valentine Clark- comedian, actress, host of The Lisa Show, and one of the original "OG" Lift+Love moms.  Lisa shares how she stays anchored amid dissonance: a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, love for her family, and a commitment to truth — even when truth means sitting with uncertainty. She talks about what it looks like to practice her religion largely on her own after losing her husband, finding unexpected joy in the temple and in serving as a Primary chorister. On parenting her 5 adult children, Lisa reflects with openness and grace: she wishes she had held less tightly to a prescribed "covenant path," and describes what showing up for her adult children actually looks like — reciprocal respect, genuine relationship without agenda, prayer, naming their spiritual gifts, and loving boldly even when it feels awkward or invites judgment from others. This episode is for every parent who wants to love their LGBTQ child well and still hold onto their personal faith — and may relate to Lisa’s experience with letting go of the script. In this episode: Why Lisa roots herself in fundamentals when faith feels complicated Learning to make "uncomfortable" part of discipleship Joy vs. happiness — and why the distinction matters Solo worship after loss, and where she finds reassurance What she wishes she'd done differently as a younger parent How to see and name the spiritual gifts in your LGBTQ children Loving boldly in the face of ward judgment What "support" actually looks like in practice About Lisa Valentine Clark: Lisa Valentine Clark is a comedian, actor, and host of The Lisa Show, a nationally-syndicated, award-winning family and lifestyle podcast (a BYU Radio production) available on all streaming platforms. She has been a host for BYU-TV's Random Acts, co-creator of the award-winning web series Pretty Darn Funny, and appeared in the films Once I Was a Beehive (2015) and Once I Was Engaged (2021). Lisa is the mother of five children, three of whom are LGBTQ. She spoke at the inaugural Gather Conference in 2023 and served as a mainstage host at Gather Conference 2024. Learn more about Lisa and The Lisa Show at  https://www.byuradio.org/the-lisa-show Find the audio version of this episode here and the video version of this episode on our Lift+Love YouTube channel here Find resources, support meetings, events, and community — including 13 different types of free online support meetings for LGBTQ+ individuals and those who love them — on the Lift+Love website here

    37 min

  7. May 26

    "Why People Are Leaving the Church—and What We Can Learn" (with Jeff Strong) Episode 70

    "Why People Are Leaving the Church—and What We Can Learn" (with Jeff Strong) Episode 70 Allison Dayton and Darice Auston interview Jeff Strong (former senior executive at P&G and Johnson & Johnson and former leader of a service-oriented LDS mission with his wife Sarah) about his book "Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn From Them", based on surveys of over 15,000 Church members. Strong emphasizes that stepping away is deeply personal and often involves long, sincere wrestling, then outlines four primary reasons: lifestyle (6%), church history/truth claims (42%), social positions and moral conflict (33%), and church experience (18%). He argues a “fifth wave”—church culture—can relieve or worsen these tensions, using a “soil” metaphor balancing protection/stability with nourishment, and notes unhealthy correction/containment increases the likelihood of leaving. He shares stories highlighting LGBTQ+ pain and belonging, estimates about 40% of formerly active members have stepped away over 25 years, and describes the need to openly discuss these conflicts.   Learn more about Jeff Strong: https://www.tornbyjeffstrong.com/about Find his book "Torn - Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn From Them" here Find the video version of this episode of the Lift+Love podcast here  Find resources, support meetings, events, and community (including free 13 different types of online support meetings for LGBTQ+ and those who love them) on the Lift+Love website here

    53 min

  8. May 12

    Parenting Trans Kids - We have a Lot of Work to Do (with Ingrid Smith) Lift+Love Podcast Episode #69

    Parenting Trans Kids - We have a Lot of Work to Do (with Ingrid Smith) Lift+Love Podcast Episode #69 Episode Hosts Allison Dayton and Darice Auston interview Toronto-based Ingrid Smith, parent of a 28-year-old trans daughter (and a coach for parents of trans and non-binary kids), whose no-nonsense, compassionate approach has built a devoted following on Instagram @thewayforward4parents In this episode: Why parents need their own space to process their emotions — separate from their kids What to do (and avoid) when your child first comes out How to navigate family photos, old memories, and your own grief The inner resistance many parents feel and why it doesn't make you a bad parent Gender affirming care: what the data actually says The unique complications for parents in faith communities How to differentiate between God and institution (when they feel like the same thing) 00:00 Meet Ingrid Smith 02:14 Ingrid’s Story and Mission 04:56 Why Parents Need Support 08:04 What Not to Say 09:27 Repair and Rebuild Trust 11:36 Photos Memories and Pronouns 14:37 Finding a Win Win 18:56 Coaching Scope and Boundaries 20:51 Common Parent Concerns 21:26 Parental Resistance 21:47 Silence and Denial 22:50 HRT Fears and Confusion 23:39 Choice Versus Identity 26:20 Risk Data and Detransition 27:47 Faith and Gender History 30:16 Church Community Backlash 33:14 Repairing Faith Wounds 37:05 Differentiating God and Institution   Connect with Ingrid: Follow Ingrid on Instagram @thewayforward4parents The Way Forward Coaching Website Get Ingrid's newsletter for parents of LGBTQ+ kids Access free resources for parents of LGBTQ+ kids Blog | The Way Forward Watch Ingrid on Real Talk with Dr. Lulu Find the video version of this episode of the Lift+Love podcast here  Find the transcript of this episode of the Lift+Love podcast here   Find resources, support meetings, events, and community (including free online support meetings for parents of trans/nonbinary kids) on the Lift+Love website here

    40 min
See All (71)

4.9
out of 5
86 Ratings

About

The Lift+Love podcast is rooted in faith, family, and the conviction that all are alike unto God and that loving LGBTQ+ people is a calling to be embraced—not feared. Produced by the Lift+Love team, this podcast features topics relevant to Latter-day Saint LGBTQ+ individuals and their parents, relatives, friends, and others who are navigating this space with faith.  Across episodes, hosts from the Lift+Love team and their guests will address a variety of current topics, offer practical support, and share experiences related to LGBTQ+ issues in faith communities. Each conversation is grounded in compassion, honesty, and a commitment to keeping families connected to each other and Jesus Christ. Learn more and access free support and resources at www.liftandlove.org

Information

  • Creator
    Allison Dayton and the Lift and Love Team
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Lift + Love

You Might Also Like