021: Mormon, Married, Gay and Facing Discipline--An Interview with Buckley Jeppson Pt. 3

In this powerful, raw, and emotional conversation, Nathan Hinckley and his daughter Kayli open up about their journey through Mormonism — from deep devotion to painful disillusionment — and how faith, family, and unexpected truths collided at one of the most sacred moments: Kayli’s wedding.From early seminary mornings and dreams of the Celestial Kingdom to patriarchal blessings, church culture clashes, and a heartbreaking faith crisis — this interview pulls no punches. Nathan, a once-devoted bishop and father, shares how his spiritual unraveling sent shockwaves through his family, culminating in a moment that changed everything at his daughter's temple wedding.How do you break the news to your family that you no longer believe — when your whole life has been built around it?How did Kayli handle growing up as a “perfect Mormon girl,” only to find herself questioning it all before adulthood?Topics explored:-Growing up Mormon in Tennessee-Spiritual perfectionism & scrupulosity-Patriarchal expectations vs self-identity-Leaving the Church and breaking generational cycles-Family dynamics around faith, control, and truth___________________YouTubeShow Notes00:00:00 Introduction00:04:41 How the Hinckley’s end up in Tennessee00:22:29 Kayli’s upbringing on “the compound” also called “The Mormon Holler” by non-members00:26:15 Mormon garment mindset and wearing bikinis00:36:10 Kayli learning the word “feminist”00:42:45 Scrupulosity around beauty and appearance or just the rules?01:07:56 Persecution complex, throwing rocks at a tree01:22:00 Getting her patriarchal blessing01:27:49 Dating non-members and finding a husband01:46:45 How was Kayli’s testimony during this time?01:57:03 Still born sister that she wanted to see in heaven02:04:16 Nathan losing his testimony02:13:40 Nathan was asked to take a survey for the Church on the Gospel Topics Essays02:27:30 Nathan struggles with his testimony02:36:17 Kayli goes down the rabbit hole while parents on vacation02:39:59 I was one person before, and in the next moment I was a different person02:50:38 Why didn’t Nathan just hide it or fake it02:55:51 Nathan began writing and posting things publicly 03:01:01 Kayli removed her name from the Church pretty quickly03:05:26 “An Old Friend of Mine” song03:14:30 How did Ethan respond to Kayli’s deep dive into the church?Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

9 Kesä 3h 59min

Welcome to part three of the Joseph Smith Podcast! Today we are back with Dr. John Turner to cover his new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.” Today we are covering Chapter Four titled: Lost in Translation which takes place in 1827-1829 in Palmyra, New York.In this episode, we explore one of the most pivotal and mysterious events in early Mormon history — the story of Martin and Lucy Harris and the infamous loss of the 116 pages of the Book of Mormon manuscript. With historian and non-Latter-day Saint scholar John G. Turner, we dive into the complexities of translation, belief, and the relationships that shaped the early Restoration movement.We also examine:-The discovery of the plates-Martin Harris’ background and motives-Lucy Harris’ suspicions and possible involvement-The cultural and religious context of the time-Theories about the Book of Mormon translation process-What the loss of the 116 pages reveals about Joseph Smith’s prophetic developmentThis episode also reflects on broader themes of faith, deception, historical interpretation, and the psychology behind religious movements. Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or historian, this deep-dive provides rich insight from a non-Mormon perspective.Please purchase the book ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.To support this series please donate ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.___________________YouTubeShow NotesMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

5 Kesä 2h 53min

Lindsay and Todd McCormick, a couple from Knoxville, Tennessee, share their powerful and emotional journey navigating faith, doubt, and community pressure within the LDS Church. From their musical Mormon upbringing and successful business ventures to being threatened twice with excommunication, this interview dives deep into the cost of questioning and choosing authenticity over conformity.They open up about their faith crisis, the controversial City Creek Mall, navigating parenthood in the church, and ultimately, their heartbreaking experience with betrayal from close friends and leaders. Through all of it, their love for each other and desire for truth remained steadfast.Topics include:-Faith deconstruction and polygamy-Church discipline and double standards-Excommunication threats and “apostasy”-Cultural expectations, identity, and healing-Choosing honesty over fear in Mormonism-Watch their raw and courageous story unfold.Contact Information:Lindsay on FacebookLindsay on InstagramTodd on FacebookTodd on InstagramPhotobarnLindsay's Photo Business00:00:56 Introductions00:03:14 Lindsay’s Mormon story00:10:23 Gender expectations growing up00:14:48 Lindsay started a photography business00:17:15 Todd’s Mormon story00:21:40 They met on her birthday and married in the Nauvoo Temple00:24:06 When did their faith journey begin and their doubts?00:25:47 How did the threats for excommunication start?00:35:11 Todd didn’t feel inspired, he felt stagnant00:36:30 They started their Photo Barn business and became successful overnight00:41:55 Story of them in the temple and Lindsay thinking critically00:43:33 Story of them in Sunday School and the prophets not leading them astray00:50:21 The next catalyst happened on a ward temple trip00:55:00 They chose to start over in all of their beliefs, taking subjects one by one, etc. 01:10:04 They realized the Doctrine and Covenants was a mess01:16:22 The Word of Wisdom is confusing01:29:20 They gave talks in Sacrament Meeting and were corrected publicly01:31:08 “There is a case being built against the McCormicks”01:33:55 Facing excommunication or baptizing their eight year old01:37:13 Not being authentic can really hurt your physical and mental health01:57:36 It’s a testament to how much they love the church that they attended for years02:01:08 The person in the bishopric that worked for them that they let go02:07:45 They got a message that the Stake President wanted to meet with them02:12:05 They presented seven letters in a folder, less letters than before02:17:58 Her friend repeated that Lindsay joked about wine02:21:09 What happens when you get excommunicated 02:32:30 One critical part of the story - telling the leaders that they needed a warning02:38:32 They were shocked when they found out that they were NOT getting excommunicated02:41:49 How has the membership played out after this moment? 02:49:18 Nathan apologized for how he treated her when she left the church02:59:14 I didn’t leave the church AT you, it’s just our path___________________YouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:⁠⁠One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠Venmo⁠⁠Our Platforms:⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠Social Media:⁠⁠Insta: @mormstories⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Discord⁠⁠Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

2 Kesä 3h 3min

In this second episode exploring the new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet” by John G. Turner, we dive into chapters two and three. Chapter Two titled “Light” covers the years 1817-1825. We discuss such topics as Joseph Smith's evolving accounts of the First Vision, early controversies, treasure digging escapades, and his transformation into a religious leader. We discuss historical inconsistencies, cultural influences, and Turner's critical conclusions about Smith's experiences and motivations.Topics include:-The First Vision's late emergence and conflicting versions-Treasure digging and supernatural claims-The influence of revivalist culture-Early church documents and evolving theology-Turner's secular interpretation of Joseph Smith’s storyPlease purchase the book ⁠here⁠.To support this series please donate ⁠here⁠. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.___________________YouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the DiscordContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

30 Touko 2h 29min

Brooke is returning to Mormon Stories Podcast after 13 years, when she and her husband came on as the first couple to be interviewed on the podcast. Brooke’s husband at the time, John McLay was a CES employee who lost his faith while working for the church. It was an epic Mormon Stories interview, and we are excited to hear what Brooke has been up to since. We will hear about how Brooke has rebuilt her life and career after a divorce, and how her life has been impacted by sharing her story in such a public way.___________________YouTubeShow NotesMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

28 Touko 2h 32min

Today we are rebroadcasting an older, classic, episode of Mormon Stories from 2012!In this episode we interview John and Brooke McLay. John served for 14 years as an employee of the LDS Church Education System (CES). In this capacity he served as: a seminary teacher and principal, an institute teacher and director, a BYU Education Week speaker and an EFY Director. John also served as a member of a stake high council, and was serving in a bishopric during the months leading up to his decision to leave the LDS Church. John and Brooke resigned their membership of the LDS Church in August of 2011.  This is their story.Join us in the next episode where we re-interview Brooke Lark!___________________YouTubeShow NotesMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

26 Touko 4h 49min

We're kicking off this brand-new series with special guest John G. Turner, historian and author of the newly released book Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.In this episode, we dive into Turner's research process, the inspirations behind the book, and how his work compares to previous scholars like Fawn Brodie and Richard Bushman. We discuss the Introduction and Chapter One of Dr. John Turner’s book where we explore Joseph Smith’s visionary parents, his early years, the origins of the Book of Mormon, and whether the LDS Church has hidden key historical documents.Please purchase the book ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.To support this series please donate ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.___________________YouTubeShow NotesMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

23 Touko 2h 11min

Katherine Bernard (KB) Olsen is a never-mo (never Mormon) — but also one of the most devoted fans of Mormon Stories Podcast. A queer, secular journalist with deep Jewish roots and a high-fashion pedigree, Katherine has spent over 20 years captivated by the LDS Church — despite never being religious herself. In her first-ever full-length interview about her life story, she opens up about her lifelong curiosity with Mormonism, identity, belief, and American culture.KB's impressive journalism career includes work at Vogue, New York Times, and other top-tier New York publications. After moving from Maryland to attend NYU for journalism, she found herself drawn not only to art and culture — but also to spirituality, history, and the paradoxes of organized religion. Over the years, her interest in Mormonism became a deep and serious intellectual pursuit.What You'll Hear in This Interview:-Her upbringing in a secular household in Maryland-Her exploration of Jewish identity and eventual conversion-Her first exposure to Mormonism through South Park, Big Love, and The Book of Mormon musical-Her emotional journey coming out as gay in a non-supportive environment-Her reflections on shame, logic, identity, and community-Her nuanced take on Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and Mormon reality TV-Her insights into conditioning, religious extremism, and spiritual seekingThis episode is a masterclass in curiosity — how someone with no personal ties to the LDS Church became one of its most thoughtful outside observers. KB explores Mormonism not as a critic or a believer, but as a seeker with a journalist’s eye.___________________YouTubeShow NotesMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:⁠⁠One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠Venmo⁠⁠Our Platforms:⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠Social Media:⁠⁠Insta: @mormstories⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Discord⁠⁠Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

22 Touko 4h 19min