Free Daily Podcast Summary
Dear Alana,: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Tenderfoot TV
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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Sep 25, 202345 min
Part 8: The Saint
Alana’s mother seeks justice amidst the Church’s denial. Simon confronts his past. And another tragedy befalls the Chen household, destroying almost everything. 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.
- Sep 18, 202345 min
Part 7: Notre Dame is Burning
Alana’s newfound love separates her from her church. As Notre Dame Cathedral burns, so does her faith. But as her self-acceptance grows, her life takes a tragic turn. 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.
- Sep 15, 202323 min
Bonus 1: Dr. Hillary McBride
Host Simon Kent Fung sits down with trauma therapist Dr. Hillary McBride to delve deeper into the mental health dimensions of Dear 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. ------------------------------------------------------ Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for an extended version of this interview and ad-free listening at tenderfootplus.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Sep 11, 202340 min
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.
- Sep 4, 202338 min
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.
- Aug 28, 202346 min
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.
- Aug 21, 202338 min
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.
- Aug 14, 202332 min
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.
Get Dear Alana, summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey
A Christian, conservative perspective on current events, culture, and theology with thoughtful, engaging commentary.
Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life
Two hosts explore transformative stories and taboo topics with people challenging norms and living unfiltered lives.
Come Back Podcast
Personal stories of returning to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation
Survivors and experts explore how people join cults, endure manipulation, and rebuild after leaving.
Alive Again
People who survived life-threatening events share how their perspectives and lives changed afterward.
The Alisa Childers Podcast
Addressing progressive Christianity and skeptical challenges to the gospel from a biblical perspective.
That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs
A Christian author explores books, faith, travel, music, and conversations with friends, sharing what inspires and delights her.
Beyond Belief: Tales of Religious Exodus
Freidom Fighter
The Missionary
A journalist investigation into an American missionary in Uganda accused of causing hundreds of child deaths at her unlicensed clinic.
The Drop the Needle Podcast
Interviews exploring spirituality, mindset, and music, featuring healers, artists, and teachers discussing personal growth and meaningful songs.
Lesbian Chronicles: Coming Out Later in Life
Two women share their journeys of coming out as lesbians later in life, leaving heterosexual marriages to live authentically.
Nobody Should Believe Me
Andrea Dunlop examines Munchausen by Proxy abuse through expert interviews and case studies, revealing its psychological roots and lasting harm.
About Dear Alana,
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.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Dear Alana, in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Dear Alana, daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Dear Alana, as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Dear Alana, podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Dear Alana, product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Tenderfoot TV.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Dear Alana, release new episodes?
Dear Alana, publishes 2x weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Dear Alana, cover?
Dear Alana, covers topics including Religion & Spirituality, Culture, Journals, Society & Culture, Personal Journals. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Dear Alana, summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.