Mormon Stories Podcast

In this episode we assemble an all-star panel to discuss the events of Mormonism in 2015.  Panelists include Dr. J. Nelson Seawright, John Hamer, Jamie Hanis-Handy, and Marisa Calderwood. Topics discussed include: The impact of Kate Kelly's excommunication on Mormon feminism and the events of 2015. The increase of excommunications for apostasy, including those of John Dehlin, Rock Waterman, and Marisa and Carson Calderwood. The death of three LDS apostles, including Boyd K. Packer. The November 2015 LDS policy change naming same-sex married individuals as mandatory apostates, and preventing their children from membership in the church. The release of the LDS Gospel Topics essays, and their impact on LDS activity/inactivity/apostasy The status of Mormon apologetics The status of progressive Mormonism  

From Canada to Norway: A multicultural journey through Mormonism, Islam, and the European perspective, with Claudia Fox Reppen    In this first installment of Mormon Stories Europe, Henning Müller of Mormon Stories Germany interviews Canadian-born Claudia Fox Reppen about her multi-ethnic heritage, emigration to Norway, and Mormon faith transition.   Claudia and Henning examine the following topics in this three-part series:  – The interesting story about Claudia’s upbringing and how Claudia’s family became members of the LDS Church  – Growing up in the Church as a young tomboy, how she was affected by Mormonism’s teachings on gender roles, and how it contributed to her struggles with anxiety and depression – Opening “Pandora’s Box” of uncorrelated Mormon History, the question of homosexuality, and American Mormon politics  – Claudia’s positive and negative experiences working with asylum seekers in Norway – The cultural similarities between Muslims and Mormons and the stark similarities in rhetoric employed by conservative LDS leaders and radical Islamists with regards to the role of women  – Why the European Mormon perspective is unique and important, our hopes for attracting more European voices and establishing a bridge of discourse between a European and North American audience.      Join the discussion and follow Mormon Stories Europe on Facebook here!https://www.facebook.com/mormonstorieseurope/    

From Canada to Norway: A multicultural journey through Mormonism, Islam, and the European perspective, with Claudia Fox Reppen    In this first installment of Mormon Stories Europe, Henning Müller of Mormon Stories Germany interviews Canadian-born Claudia Fox Reppen about her multi-ethnic heritage, emigration to Norway, and Mormon faith transition.   Claudia and Henning examine the following topics in this three-part series:  – The interesting story about Claudia’s upbringing and how Claudia’s family became members of the LDS Church  – Growing up in the Church as a young tomboy, how she was affected by Mormonism’s teachings on gender roles, and how it contributed to her struggles with anxiety and depression – Opening “Pandora’s Box” of uncorrelated Mormon History, the question of homosexuality, and American Mormon politics  – Claudia’s positive and negative experiences working with asylum seekers in Norway – The cultural similarities between Muslims and Mormons and the stark similarities in rhetoric employed by conservative LDS leaders and radical Islamists with regards to the role of women  – Why the European Mormon perspective is unique and important, our hopes for attracting more European voices and establishing a bridge of discourse between a European and North American audience.      Join the discussion and follow Mormon Stories Europe on Facebook here! https://www.facebook.com/mormonstorieseurope/    

From Canada to Norway: A multicultural journey through Mormonism, Islam, and the European perspective, with Claudia Fox Reppen    In this first installment of Mormon Stories Europe, Henning Müller of Mormon Stories Germany interviews Canadian-born Claudia Fox Reppen about her multi-ethnic heritage, emigration to Norway, and Mormon faith transition.   Claudia and Henning examine the following topics in this three-part series:  – The interesting story about Claudia’s upbringing and how Claudia’s family became members of the LDS Church  – Growing up in the Church as a young tomboy, how she was affected by Mormonism’s teachings on gender roles, and how it contributed to her struggles with anxiety and depression – Opening “Pandora’s Box” of uncorrelated Mormon History, the question of homosexuality, and American Mormon politics  – Claudia’s positive and negative experiences working with asylum seekers in Norway – The cultural similarities between Muslims and Mormons and the stark similarities in rhetoric employed by conservative LDS leaders and radical Islamists with regards to the role of women  – Why the European Mormon perspective is unique and important, our hopes for attracting more European voices and establishing a bridge of discourse between a European and North American audience.      Join the discussion and follow Mormon Stories Europe on Facebook here! https://www.facebook.com/mormonstorieseurope/    

In December of 2015 Jake Ricks was informed that he would be facing an LDS disciplinary council for apostasy, based on a series of benign Facebook posts he made during the previous year.  On January 3rd, 2016 the disciplinary council was held (with Jake and his wife, Hannah, in attendance), and the decision of “no action” was determined by his stake president.  This is Jake and Hannah’s Story.  (audio version to come) Part 1: Jake and Hannah’s LDS background, and the events leading up to Jake’s disciplinary council for apostasy held on January 3rd, 2016. Part 2: Jake and Hannah Discuss the Outcome of Jake’s January 3rd, 2016 LDS Disciplinary Council for apostasy.

In December of 2015 Jake Ricks was informed that he would be facing an LDS disciplinary council for apostasy, based on a series of benign Facebook posts he made during the previous year.  On January 3rd, 2016 the disciplinary council was held (with Jake and his wife, Hannah, in attendance), and the decision of “no action” was determined by his stake president.  This is Jake and Hannah’s Story.  (audio version to come) Part 1: Jake and Hannah’s LDS background, and the events leading up to Jake’s disciplinary council for apostasy held on January 3rd, 2016. Part 2: Jake and Hannah Discuss the Outcome of Jake’s January 3rd, 2016 LDS Disciplinary Council for apostasy.

In this episode we interview Utah attorney Mark Pugsley.  Mark specializes in securities litigation, and discusses the culture of financial fraud within Utah Mormonism.

In this episode Jamie Hanis Handy assembles an amazing panel (Natasha Helfer Parker, Dr. Kristy Money, and Dr. Gina Colvin) to discuss the recent LDS church essay entitled: "Joseph Smith’s Teachings about Priesthood, Temple, and Women."

As progressive and post-Mormons continue to leave the LDS church in increasing numbers, many former LDS church members miss the sense of community that they once enjoyed as active Mormons.Oasis is a network of secular communities that meet weekly (on Sundays), organized according to the following values:1) People are more important than beliefs.2) Reality is known through reason.3) Meaning comes from making a difference4) Human hands solve human problems.5) Be accepting and be accepted.Currently the Oasis Network has two thriving communities:Houston Oasis: http://houstonoasis.orgKansas City Oasis: http://KCoasis.orgAlso, a new community in under development in Boston: http://bostonoasis.orgIn this episode we interview the two founders of Oasis: Mike Aus of Oasis Houston, and Helen Stringer of Oasis Kansas City.

Daniel Miller worked for the LDS Church for two years as a Program Manager in the Publishing Services Department. During this time he oversaw all media production for seminary and institute (CES portfolio, broadcasts).  In this three-part series, Daniel and his wife AnnaMarie discuss his early years as a church member in Idaho and as a missionary in Japan, his time as an LDS Church employee, and the factors that led him and his family away from LDS Church activity.