Mormon Stories Podcast

In this episode, we dive into Chapter seven of Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet by John G. Turner. We explore early public criticism of Joseph Smith by figures like Abner Cole, the satirical Book of Pukei, and Luman Walters' possible influence. We also examine Joseph’s efforts to sell the copyright of the Book of Mormon in Canada, what that reveals about his intentions, and the revelation that supposedly authorized it. We discuss how Joseph’s financial motives, revelations, and treatment of Martin Harris raise important questions, and consider the book's early lack of demand—even as Joseph continued to pivot and adapt. From legal troubles and claims of treasure seeking, to his revisions of the Bible and the rise of anti-Masonry, this episode looks at how Joseph’s evolving theology and personal ambitions shaped early Mormonism. We also tackle difficult questions around gender and divine authority: Why were no women, including Emma Smith, called as witnesses to the golden plates? What does Emma's role—and her sacrifices—say about the story Joseph told? This is a wide-ranging and thought-provoking installment that challenges the traditional narrative while offering rich historical context. **Topics Include:** - Abner Cole’s criticisms & Book of Pukei - Attempt to sell the Book of Mormon copyright in Canada - Revelations and motives: divine or self-serving? - Joseph’s treatment of Emma & women’s roles - Legal issues & treasure seeking - Bible revisions, anti-Masonry, and theology - Emma’s loyalty and legacy ___________________ YouTube [https://youtu.be/3X-laqMIblA] Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: * One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox [https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m] * Support us on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories] * PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/mormonstories] * Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories] Our Platforms: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/mormonstories?sub_confirmation=1] * Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404] * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772] Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: * Insta: @mormstories [https://www.instagram.com/mormstories] * TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast] * Join the Discord [https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF]

In this raw and emotional deep-dive, Laurel shares her powerful story of growing up in an extremely orthodox Mormon household as the youngest of eight children. From uncovering her Danish-Mormon ancestry to dealing with abuse, purity culture, and her father's secret polygamist "revelation" that led to his excommunication, Laurel reflects on how early trauma, sexual repression, and church doctrine shaped her identity.She opens up about her mission to Poland, her battle with anxiety, shame, and identity within the church, and how the toxic dynamics of Mormon Young Single Adult (YSA) culture pushed her to the edge. Ultimately, Laurel's journey of deconstruction—triggered by political events, therapy, and research into church history—leads her to reclaim her sexuality, leave the church, and finally begin to heal.Topics include: abuse, purity culture, sexual trauma, polygamy, depression, and suicidal ideation. Viewer discretion advised.___________________ YouTube [https://youtu.be/aJmye3kzPs4] Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: * One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox [https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m] * Support us on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories] * PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/mormonstories] * Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories] Our Platforms: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/mormonstories?sub_confirmation=1] * Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404] * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772] Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: * Insta: @mormstories [https://www.instagram.com/mormstories] * TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast] * Join the Discord [https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF]

In Part 6 of our Joseph Smith podcast series, we dive deep into Chapter 6: "A Choice Seer." This episode explores the controversies surrounding the Book of Mormon—its origins, witnesses, and textual issues. We examine the arguments for and against its authenticity, its biblical parallels, and Joseph Smith’s role as translator vs. author.Topics include:-Were the witnesses in on a scam?-Historicity of the Book of Mormon-Anachronisms and biblical borrowings-Criticism from early figures like Alexander Campbell-Literary structures like chiasmus-Theology, archeology, and universalism-Is the Book of Mormon scripture?A thoughtful, critical, and respectful look at how scholars and believers wrestle with faith, history, and evidence.___________________ YouTube [https://youtu.be/YC7oocH-H7I] Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: * One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox [https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m] * Support us on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories] * PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/mormonstories] * Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories] Our Platforms: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/mormonstories?sub_confirmation=1] * Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404] * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772] Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: * Insta: @mormstories [https://www.instagram.com/mormstories] * TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast] * Join the Discord [https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF]

In this powerful and emotional interview, voice actor Cam Clarke (known for iconic roles in animation and video games) shares his deeply personal journey growing up in a famous Mormon-Hollywood family. From his early years navigating faith, family expectations, and same-sex attraction, to starring in Saturday’s Warrior and undergoing electroshock therapy at BYU, Cam opens up about the emotional toll of trying to reconcile his identity with his religion. He discusses coming out, surviving the AIDS crisis, finding healing through art, and ultimately resigning from the LDS Church. Cam’s story is raw, heartfelt, and inspiring—a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of self-love. Topics include: * Growing up Mormon in a showbiz family * Struggles with sexuality and faith * Saturday’s Warrior and mission life * Conversion therapy and coming out * Voice acting career and ComicCon life * Reflections on love, loss, and legacy Show Notes [https://www.mormonstories.org/hollywood-voice-actor-cam-clarke/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxHohtWoQso] Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: * One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox [https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m] * Support us on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories] * PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/mormonstories] * Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories] Our Platforms: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/mormonstories?sub_confirmation=1] * Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404] * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772] Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: * Insta: @mormstories [https://www.instagram.com/mormstories] * TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast] * Join the Discord [https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF]

In this episode, we dive deep into the attacks on the CES Letter and its author, Jeremy Runnells, unpacking why apologetic responses—no matter how weak—are often accepted by believing members. This is the first in a multi-part series analyzing the LDS Discussions CES Letter project.We tackle critical questions about the Book of Mormon, including:-Why does it contain errors from the 1769 King James Bible?-What about the italicized words from the KJV showing up in the text?-Why doesn’t the Book of Mormon match Joseph Smith’s own translation of the Bible?-What does DNA evidence say about the Book of Mormon narrative?-And how do apologists handle the serious anachronisms in the text?Along the way, we explore FAIR Mormon’s increasingly irrelevant defenses, the hidden Gospel Topics Essays, and shifting church narratives.This is an essential deep-dive for anyone curious about Mormonism’s truth claims, historical issues, and the apologetics surrounding them.Join the conversation and subscribe for future episodes in this CES Letter series.