Mormon Dad Believes, Daughter Doesn't - Katie & Matt Todd | Ep. 2116

Feb 23, 2026

Katie Todd, raised LDS who lost her faith as a teen after encountering church history, speaks candidly about doubt and life beyond belief. Matt Todd, a lifelong Latter-day Saint and attorney, shares how he lovingly navigated his daughter’s deconversion. They discuss tough topics like polygamy, the Book of Abraham, racial priesthood history, family trust, and ways to stay connected amid deep disagreement.

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ANECDOTE

How Katie's Testimony Evaporated Overnight

Katie lost her testimony quickly after reading the CES Letter and primary sources about polygamy, the Book of Abraham, and the priesthood/race history.
She read the CES Letter in class in March 2019 and within days told her dad she couldn't believe the church was God's church anymore.

ANECDOTE

Sanitized Polygamy Lessons That Backfired

Katie recalled being taught polygamy at Young Women as a practical solution for widows, which left her unprepared for primary-source history.
That sanitized explanation collapsed for her when she learned the fuller historical details, triggering distrust.

INSIGHT

How Parental Reaction Predicts Family Outcomes

Open, nonpunitive parental reactions greatly increase the chance of preserving family relationships after a child's faith change.
John notes most ex-members hide doubts because typical parental responses are shaming or punitive, but Katie's experience diverged.

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What happens when a devoted Mormon father and his daughter –who no longer believes –sit down for an honest, loving conversation?

In this powerful "bridgebuilding" episode, Matt and Katie Todd share their story of faith, doubt, and family. Matt is a lifelong Latter-day Saint. Katie began questioning the Church while attending American Heritage School in Utah County –right across from the Timpanogos Temple –and eventually lost her faith as a teenager.

They talk about growing up in Utah County as a Mormon, reading church history and the CES Letter (during class!), controversial topics –such as polygamy, the priesthood and temple ban, and the Book of Abraham. They also talk about what it’s like to lose your testimony as a teenager, the fear that parents feel when their kids leave the church, and how unconditional love can survive even in the face of deep disagreement.

This episode isn’t about winning arguments. It’s about trust, conscience, empathy, and learning how families can stay connected even when beliefs change.

Whether you’re a believer, a former believer, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers a rare and hopeful model for how to disagree without rejecting each other.

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