Mormon Stories Podcast16 Jul 2025

Evil Changed Me: Lauren Matthias on True Crime Journalism and Her Mormon Faith—Pt. 2 | Episode 2041

In this intimate follow-up episode, journalist Lauren continues her powerful story—this time focusing on her path from reporter to advocate, wife, and co-founder of Hidden True Crime. Lauren shares the deeply personal journey that brought her to John Matthias, their relationship, marriage, and parenting as a mixed-faith couple—all while navigating the high-stakes world of reporting on religious extremism and the Lori Vallow Daybell case.

She reflects on pivotal moments in Mormonism, including the excommunication of progressive voices, the Church’s stance on same-sex marriage, and the Ordain Women movement. As her career unfolds, Lauren breaks major stories from inside Mormon and FLDS communities, reporting from Hildale, Utah, and uncovering secrets in St. George.

Her life is upended again by the Daybell case, which becomes the catalyst for launching Hidden True Crime. Balancing her professional calling with profound personal loss—her brother’s accident and coma—Lauren makes the gut-wrenching decision to attend Lori Vallow Daybell’s trial anyway.

This episode is a moving reflection on belief, justice, trauma, love, and the power of storytelling to make sense of chaos.

From breaking the Daybell story to building a platform

A deeply personal account of faith, loss, and love

Includes exclusive insight into Chad Daybell’s patriarchal blessing and courtroom revelations

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Show Notes

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