
Free Daily Podcast Summary
by Dr. John Dehlin
Mormon Stories Podcast explores, celebrates, and challenges Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormon Stories is a product of the Open Stories Foundation - a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to supporting Mormons in religious transition. Mormon Stories is not affiliated with or sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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For this week's Mormon News Podcast, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes look at Nemo the Mormon getting international attention as LADbible takes a deep dive into his excommunication from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, plus new developments in the LDS Church's lawsuit against Mormon Stories, declining Latter-day Saint birthrates, former tradwives rejecting the movement, changes to the 2027 Come, Follow Me manual, and more.Nemo the Mormon's excommunication is already familiar to many in the Mormon world, but now his story is reaching a much larger international audience. LADbible's new documentary, Nemo vs the Mormon Church: The Cost of Speaking Out, explores Nemo's experience challenging Church leaders, losing his membership, and what came afterward.There are also new developments in the LDS Church's lawsuit against Mormon Stories. The Salt Lake Tribune reports on comments made by Church attorney David Jordan during an appearance on the pro-LDS Keystone podcast and why Mormon Stories' attorneys believe those comments could complicate the Church's case. John also joined Mormonism Live this week to discuss the lawsuit, the Church's claims, and what the documents actually show.We also look at a recent leadership session from the Highland Utah East Stake and what local Church leaders are being told.Latter-day Saints are still having more children than many Americans, but LDS family sizes and birthrates have been falling. The Salt Lake Tribune looks at the Church's long history of encouraging marriage and children, how those messages have changed, and whether Latter-day Saint couples are likely to reverse the trend.The New York Times is also looking at women who once embraced the tradwife movement and are now rejecting it. We discuss what they're saying about traditional gender roles, marriage, motherhood, and why some women are walking away from the lifestyle.Then, Mormon.ish takes a close look at the newly released Come, Follow Me 2027 New Testament manual, comparing it with the previous curriculum to see what's been added, removed, and reframed.And finally, a little Ted Lasso makes its way into the Mormon conversation.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donationsPatreonVenmo PayPal Our Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog 🎙️Patreon ✳️Spotify🍎Apple Podcasts🖼️Instagram 📱TikTok 🎮Discord Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
Does chiasmus prove that the Book of Mormon is an ancient text?In this episode of LDS Discussions, we take a closer look at one of the most frequently cited arguments for the Book of Mormon’s ancient authenticity: chiasmus. Mormon apologists have argued that the presence of complex chiastic structures demonstrates that the Book of Mormon was written by ancient Hebrew authors and could not have been produced by Joseph Smith in the 19th century. But there is a problem with that argument: chiasmus does not appear only in the Book of Mormon. We examine what chiasmus actually is, how John W. Welch famously identified chiasmus in the Book of Mormon. We also look at the way chiasmus and other biblical literary patterns appear throughout the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Book of Moses, Book of Abraham, and even Joseph Smith’s personal writings and letters. We also examine an important question about translation. If the Book of Mormon was originally written in Reformed Egyptian and then translated into English, how could highly specific Hebrew literary structures survive that process? The Book of Mormon itself says that its language had been altered, raising questions about the assumption that these literary structures should necessarily have been preserved. If the presence of chiasmus in the Book of Mormon is supposed to demonstrate that it was written by ancient authors, what should we make of the same literary technique appearing in texts that unquestionably originated in the modern era? Even Shakespeare, who was born in London, wrote complex chiasms. The goal is not simply to ask whether chiasmus exists in the Book of Mormon, but whether its existence actually demonstrates ancient authorship. ___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donationsPatreonVenmo PayPal Our Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog 🎙️Patreon ✳️Spotify🍎Apple Podcasts🖼️Instagram 📱TikTok 🎮Discord Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
What does it mean to grow up Black and Mormon in an overwhelmingly white church?In Part One of our conversation with Mariama Nadworna, she shares her story of growing up in Sierra Leone before moving to the UK as a child. When her mother began investigating Mormonism, Mariama’s family eventually went “all in” on the church, embracing its teachings and community as they adjusted to life in a new country.Mariama describes how her Mormon upbringing shaped the way she understood race, worthiness, obedience, and her own identity. She also discusses growing up Black in predominantly white Mormon spaces, learning to navigate the world “from the outside in,” and feeling pressure to be exceptional in order to prove herself. We explore the church’s historical teachings about race, including the “Curse of Cain,” interracial marriage, and the priesthood ban, as well as the ways these teachings affected her understanding of her own worth.Mariama also reflects on her mission, dating, education, and the ways her African heritage and spirituality shaped her relationship with Mormonism. This episode ultimately begs the question: What happens when the community you seek belonging in will not accept you for who you truly are?___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donationsPatreonVenmo PayPal Our Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog 🎙️Patreon ✳️Spotify🍎Apple Podcasts🖼️Instagram 📱TikTok 🎮Discord Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
What does it mean to grow up Black and Mormon in an overwhelmingly white church?In Part One of our conversation with Mariama Nadworna, she shares her story of growing up in Sierra Leone before moving to the UK as a child. When her mother began investigating Mormonism, Mariama’s family eventually went “all in” on the church, embracing its teachings and community as they adjusted to life in a new country.Mariama describes how her Mormon upbringing shaped the way she understood race, worthiness, obedience, and her own identity. She also discusses growing up Black in predominantly white Mormon spaces, learning to navigate the world “from the outside in,” and feeling pressure to be exceptional in order to prove herself. We explore the church’s historical teachings about race, including the “Curse of Cain,” interracial marriage, and the priesthood ban, as well as the ways these teachings affected her understanding of her own worth.Mariama also reflects on her mission, dating, education, and the ways her African heritage and spirituality shaped her relationship with Mormonism. This episode ultimately begs the question: What happens when the community you seek belonging in will not accept you for who you truly are?___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donationsPatreonVenmo PayPal Our Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog 🎙️Patreon ✳️Spotify🍎Apple Podcasts🖼️Instagram 📱TikTok 🎮Discord Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
Today on Mormon Stories News, John and Meggan examine new Pew data on Mormon retention, the Church’s opposition to Idaho Proposition 1, questions surrounding David McConkie’s employment at BYU, a response from Suzie Greco, Elizabeth Smart’s Survivor Files, and Colorado State’s apology following anti-Mormon chants at a BYU football game.ARE MORMONS STAYING?New Pew data gives us another look at LDS retention in the United States. We compare the new findings with Church-focused retention research released earlier this year.https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/06/05/latter-day-saint-faith-retention-united-states/https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2026/09/22/tradition-and-change-among-latter-day-saints-in-the-us/CHURCH OPPOSES IDAHO PROP 1The LDS Church has asked Idaho members to oppose Proposition 1, a reproductive freedom ballot initiative. We look at what has transpired since.https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/09/read-letter-from-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saint-leaders-on-idaho-abortion-prop-1-initiative/DAVID McCONKIE AT BYUQuestions are being raised about BYU’s employment of David G. McConkie, who appears on a public offender registry. We look at the available records and what is being reported about his work at BYU.https://www.nsopw.gov/search-public-sex-offender-registries?search=https://www.icrimewatch.net/offenderdetails.php?OfndrID=31038418&AgencyID=54438https://www.reddit.com/r/mormon/comments/1wj58fx/byu_employs_convicted_sex_offender_david_g/SUZIE GRECO RESPONDSSurvivor advocate and researcher Suzie Greco responds following our previous coverage of the warning she says she received from LDS leaders.ELIZABETH SMART: SURVIVOR FILESElizabeth Smart is sharing a new series, Survivor Files, centered on survivor stories and experiences.https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_smart_official/reels/COLORADO STATE APOLOGIZES TO BYUColorado State apologized after fans directed derogatory chants at BYU during their football game.https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/49986309/colorado-st-apologizes-byu-derogatory-chants-fans___________________YouTubeShow NotesAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donationsPatreonVenmo PayPal Our Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog 🎙️Patreon ✳️Spotify🍎Apple Podcasts🖼️Instagram 📱TikTok 🎮Discord Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
Today on Mormon Stories News, John and Meggan examine the LDS Church attorney’s response to claims about the Mormon Stories lawsuit, new Pew data on Mormon retention, the Church’s opposition to Idaho Proposition 1, questions surrounding David McConkie’s employment at BYU, a response from Suzie Greco, Elizabeth Smart’s Survivor Files, and Colorado State’s apology following anti-Mormon chants at a BYU football game.LDS CHURCH LAWYER RESPONDSAn attorney for the LDS Church responds to John Dehlin’s claims about the Mormon Stories lawsuit. We compare his account with the original correspondence, court filings, mediation claims, and the Church’s earlier Bad Mormon trademark dispute with Heather Gay.https://youtu.be/eW0XiaJ0yA4https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2023/2/8/23590017/bad-mormon-court-fight-church-of-jesus-christ-heather-gay-real-housewives-salt-lake/https://www.mormonstories.org/lds-church-lawsuit/ARE MORMONS STAYING?New Pew data gives us another look at LDS retention in the United States. We compare the new findings with Church-focused retention research released earlier this year.https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/06/05/latter-day-saint-faith-retention-united-states/https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2026/09/22/tradition-and-change-among-latter-day-saints-in-the-us/CHURCH OPPOSES IDAHO PROP 1The LDS Church has asked Idaho members to oppose Proposition 1, a reproductive freedom ballot initiative. We look at what has transpired since.https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/09/read-letter-from-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saint-leaders-on-idaho-abortion-prop-1-initiative/DAVID McCONKIE AT BYUQuestions are being raised about BYU’s employment of David G. McConkie, who appears on a public offender registry. We look at the available records and what is being reported about his work at BYU.https://www.nsopw.gov/search-public-sex-offender-registries?search=https://www.icrimewatch.net/offenderdetails.php?OfndrID=31038418&AgencyID=54438https://www.reddit.com/r/mormon/comments/1wj58fx/byu_employs_convicted_sex_offender_david_g/SUZIE GRECO RESPONDSSurvivor advocate and researcher Suzie Greco responds following our previous coverage of the warning she says she received from LDS leaders.ELIZABETH SMART: SURVIVOR FILESElizabeth Smart is sharing a new series, Survivor Files, centered on survivor stories and experiences.https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_smart_official/reels/COLORADO STATE APOLOGIZES TO BYUColorado State apologized after fans directed derogatory chants at BYU during their football game.https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/49986309/colorado-st-apologizes-byu-derogatory-chants-fans___________________YouTubeShow NotesAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donationsPatreonVenmo PayPal Our Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog 🎙️Patreon ✳️Spotify🍎Apple Podcasts🖼️Instagram 📱TikTok 🎮Discord
In this episode, we continue examining Brigham Young’s life and his increasingly central role in the development of early Mormon polygamy. Join us as we discuss John Turner’s book “Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet” with John Turner himself. Today we are discussing the chapter “The New and Everlasting Covenant.”After returning from his mission to Britain, Brigham Young encounters a Mormon movement undergoing dramatic changes. Joseph Smith is deeply involved in plural marriage, John C. Bennett’s scandal begins to expose the complicated sexual and religious world developing in Nauvoo, and Brigham himself moves from uncertainty to becoming one of polygamy’s most prominent advocates. We examine the controversial story of Martha Brothertone, Brigham Young’s plural marriages and polyandrous relationships, his relationship with Joseph Smith, and the dynastic ambitions that connected plural marriage to Mormonism’s highest leaders. We also look at Brigham’s role in introducing Hyrum Smith to plural marriage and the enormous power differential created when these relationships were presented as commands from God. Finally, we turn to the death of Joseph Smith and the question of succession. Who would have succeeded Joseph if both Joseph and Hyrum had survived? Why wasn’t Brigham Young immediately recognized as Joseph’s successor? And how did the events surrounding Joseph’s death set the stage for the eventual rise of Brigham Young? ___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donationsPatreonVenmo PayPal Our Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog 🎙️Patreon ✳️Spotify🍎Apple Podcasts🖼️Instagram 📱TikTok 🎮Discord Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
In today's Mormon Stories News, John and Meggan are back with six stories raising questions about LDS leadership, institutional accountability, and the future of Mormonism. We respond to Skye's criticism of our previous coverage, examine abuse survivor advocate Suzie Greco's reported warning, and unpack Elder Kevin W. Pearson's striking remarks about a future Church with 50 million members. Plus, a new report explores the Church's emphasis on marrying young and having children, a video raises questions about service missionaries providing legal assistance, and BYU appears in a report on universities criticized for their treatment of LGBTQ students.SKYE RESPONDS TO MORMON STORIESSkye says John disparaged his marriage. We revisit the criticism and discuss how to address disagreements about mixed-orientation marriages without dismissing the people living them.https://www.instagram.com/p/DdFKB3iSzao/SUZIE GRECO WARNED?Survivor advocate and researcher Suzie Greco reports receiving a warning. We examine her account, her research into abuse and institutional structures, and the specific reforms she has proposed for the LDS Church.https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19QPkf4ApB/50 MILLION MORMONS?Elder Kevin W. Pearson speaks about the Church moving from 18 million to 50 million members. Is he describing an expectation for future growth?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqVNtE5pV3UMARRY YOUNG, HAVE MORE BABIES?A new KUER report examines the LDS Church's messaging around younger marriage, family formation, and modern motherhood. We discuss what that messaging means for young adults making decisions about their futures.https://www.kuer.org/health/2026-09-16/lds-church-younger-marriage-more-babies-modern-motherhoodSERVICE MISSIONARIES PROVIDING LEGAL HELP?A video prompts questions about the role of service missionaries in providing legal assistance. We look at what's being described and what questions it raises about missionary service and professional expertise.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H10ajNFcXABYU AND THE 15 WORST UNIVERSITIESThe Advocate includes BYU in its coverage of universities criticized for anti-LGBTQ policies and practices. We discuss the concerns behind the report and what they mean for LGBTQ students attending religious universities.https://www.advocate.com/news/education/15-worst-anti-lgbtq-universitiesJoin us today for the latest Mormon news, analysis, and conversation. Share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe to Mormon Stories Podcast for more coverage of the LDS Church.___________________YouTubeShow NotesAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donationsPatreonVenmo PayPal Our Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog 🎙️Patreon ✳️Spotify🍎Apple Podcasts🖼️Instagram 📱TikTok 🎮Discord Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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Mormon Stories Podcast explores, celebrates, and challenges Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormon Stories is a product of the Open Stories Foundation - a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to supporting Mormons in religious transition. Mormon Stories is not affiliated with or sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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