Best Exponent Podcasts (2024)

1
Fifty Years of Exponent II 1:02:39

7d ago1:02:39

1:02:39

Join special guest host Rachel Rueckert, editor-in-chief of Exponent II magazine, for an insightful conversation with Katie Ludlow Rich and Heather Sundahl about their soon-to-be-released book, Fifty Years of Exponent II. They explore the common themes that feminist women have been facing since the inception of the Exponent II in 1974. Katie Ludlow…

1
Episode 770: Lori LeVar Pierce, President Exponent II, LGBTQ Ally, Feminist, Active LDS 1:12:25

6d ago1:12:25

1:12:25

My friend Lori LeVar Pierce (grew up in the South, BA and MBA from BYU, corporate executive, married mother of three, teacher, lives in Columbus, Mississippi) joins us to introduce listeners to Exponent II—which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Lori talks about the purpose of Exponent II (including a quarterly magazine, a blog, annual retreat) …

1
Summer 2024 Magazine Launch Party 58:36

19d ago58:36

58:36

The audio from the Exponent II Magazine Launch Party Zoom Call for the Summer Edition, an open-themed issue. Contributing writers and artists for the Summer issue of the magazine share their backstories and inspiration for their work. Carol Ann Litster Young (managing editor of the magazine) as MC and Rachel Rueckert (editor-in-chief of the magazin…

1
Episode 772: Bryce Cook, LDS Father of Two Gay Sons, Longtime Ally 1:19:45

40m ago1:19:45

1:19:45

My friend and mentor Bryce Cook (married, father of 6 children/7 grandchildren) joins us to talk about how he and his wife Sara navigated the road of having two gay sons (which started in 2003 when their son Trevor came out as gay). Bryce talks about how his worldview of gay people dramatically changed upon learning his good/talented/spiritual son …

1
How new church policies make trans members invisible and could push them to leave | Episode 352 47:40

7h ago47:40

47:40

The occasional updates to the online General Handbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are often routine, addressing relatively mundane policies, practices and procedures within the global faith of 17.2 million members.Not so this week.The new guidelines spelled out for local lay leaders and their approach to transgender individua…

1
Episode 771: Seth Price, Recent RM, Gay Latter-day Saint 1:03:57

2h ago1:03:57

1:03:57

** Trigger Warning. This episode talks about suicide. If you are suicidal, please call, test, chat 988 ** My friend Seth Price (Canadian, Age 20, Service Missionary) joins us to bravely share his story. Seth talks about dealing with and then accepting being called on a service mission (finished July 2024) when he always wanted to serve a proselytin…

1
Utah’s LDS sometimes discriminate — and are sometimes discriminated against | Episode 351 43:45

2h ago43:45

43:45

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wants to invite her daughter’s friend to join them for their congregation’s annual Halloween trunk-or-treat. But it’s being held in the parking lot of the church, and she worries the parents will think the invitation carries ulterior motives.Across the street, a couple plan a neighborhood …

1
Latter-day Saints and body image | Episode 350 31:12

13d ago31:12

31:12

Religion, in general, has prompted believers to have a more positive view of their bodies, and Mormonism specifically teaches that Heavenly Parents are embodied, that humans are created in their divine image, and that the body is a temple.Why, then, do some members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints struggle with their body image? W…

1
Episode 769: Jessie Salter and Jett Atwood, Same-Sex Marriage, Attending Church 1:12:58

14d ago1:12:58

1:12:58

My friends Jessica Salter and Jett Atwood (gay Latter-day Saint women in a same-sex marriage, attend and believe in Church) join us to share their stories. Jett & Jessie (who were married on June 15, 2024) talk about their supportive ward in Utah County (including their bishopric attending their reception) and being so fortunate to have many in the…

1
Big change for church’s young single adults could bring big benefits | Episode 349 34:20

13d ago34:20

34:20

Last August, nearly 20,000 Latter-day Saint young single adults came together to sing, dance, play, pray, run and worship over three weekends. By all accounts, it was a smashing success.They’re back again this weekend for a three-day festival to celebrate their membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to strengthen their faith…

1
Episode 768: Sarah and Jeff Case, Gather Conference, Gather For Youth 1:16:54

17d ago1:16:54

1:16:54

My friends Sarah and Jeff Case (mixed-orientation marriage, active LDS, two queer kids) join us to update listeners on their story, share principles to keep families together, and the new Gather for Youth (ages 14-18) at the Gather Conference (Sept 13-14th, 2024). Sarah (middle school teacher, straight) and Jeff (clinical psychologist, gay) talk ab…

1
Church can be painful for some Latter-day Saints. So what’s the answer? | Episode 438 53:40

29d ago53:40

53:40

For many Latter-day Saints, church is a place of solace, service and spirituality.Some folks, though, find their participation in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be painful, a source of inner conflict.These days some members, especially younger ones, feel betrayed to discover that the faith’s history is not as pure as the simplis…

1
Episode 767: Brenden Krogh, Gay Latter-day Saint, Christ’s Ability to Bring Hope 1:04:23

29d ago1:04:23

1:04:23

My friend Brenden Krogh (age 25, grew up in Grantsville/Mona Utah, Lives in St George, Active LDS, RM) joins us to share his story. Brenden talks about his journey to understand and accept being gay and the role of his Heavenly Parents and the Savior in this process—including personal revelation that he is created as intended and he should feel no …

1
After 50 years, feminist voice still rings out in the pages of Exponent II | Episode 437 32:27

27d ago32:27

32:27

Claudia Bushman was 40 years old, a mother of six and working on an advanced history degree when she, essentially, was volunteered to become the first editor-in-chief of Exponent II, an independent feminist magazine for Latter-day Saint women. That was 1974.Rachel Rueckert, a 30-something novelist, career woman and the magazine’s current top editor…

1
Episode 766: Sarah and Josh Sabey - @forlittlesaints, New Book: Book of Mormon Storybook 51:18

27d ago51:18

51:18

This episode is guest-hosted by Tonya Miller. Tonya interviews Sarah and Josh Sabey, who run For Little Saints (@forlittlesaints). Sarah and Josh share the experiences they've had in creating their newest publication, "The Book of Mormon Storybook." Sarah and Josh talk about wishing that they had a way to share the scriptures with their children th…

1
A look at LDS missionary folklore and what it says about the faith | Episode 436 38:50

1M ago38:50

38:50

Few groups exist in the world like missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.They may be assigned to different countries or speak different languages, but for 18 months to two years, tens of thousands of these mostly young proselytizers share the same strict schedule, routine, identity and purpose: namely, to share the good ne…

1
Episode 765: Lilly MacKenzie, Transgender Latter-day Saint, BYU Student 57:51

1M ago57:51

57:51

My friend Lilly MacKenzie (3rd year BYU student) joins us to share her story. Lilly talks about her journey (starting in her early years) realizing she was different and gradually developing the vocabulary, understanding, and person insights to realize she is transgender. Lilly talks about how she feels so much better being her authentic self. Lill…

1
Did Joseph Smith practice polygamy? | Episode 345 36:50

1M ago36:50

36:50

In 2014, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published an official essay detailing Joseph Smith’s marriages to multiple women. After decades of insisting otherwise, the Community of Christ, formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, has since conceded that the faith founder did participate in polygamy. Highly …

1
Episode 764: Austin Peterson, Gay Latter-day Saint, Gather Conference, Gather For Youth 1:14:30

1M ago1:14:30

1:14:30

My friend Austin Peterson (Ghana RM, BYU Grad, FSY Leader, Gather Event Coordinator) joins us to share his story. Austin starts with his journey to accept being gay and gradually coming out (including as a Bishopric member during his testimony). Austin talks about the good experiences and the painful experiences being open in his Latter-day Saint c…

1
"Leadership roulette" for same-sex LDS couples | Episode 344 40:00

2M ago40:00

40:00

Janette Petersen, a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had been attending Sunday services with her wife, Tammy, as faithfully as her job would allow for nearly five years when her membership was withdrawn. Although the letter she received informing her of the decision did not state a reason, Janette told The Tribune…

1
Episode 763: Spencer Smith, Gay Latter-day Saint 1:09:12

2M ago1:09:12

1:09:12

My friend Spencer Smith (age 31, ER attending pharmacist, BYU grad, active LDS) join us to share his story. Spencer (oldest of five; grew up in Sacramento) talks his journey to accept his sexual orientation and coming out to others. Spencer talks about not being able to make dating work with women and managing the sometimes painful cultural expecta…

1
Episode 762: Todd (gay) and Tanya (straight) Hughes, Recently Divorced, Staying Close 1:07:49

2M ago1:07:49

1:07:49

My friends Todd and Tanya Hughes (live in Ventura County CA, married for 29 years, recently divorced, still best friends) join us to share their story. Todd (who recently turned 50) shares his background growing up gay in the church, and all the shame and self-hate that came with that. Todd and Tanya met on their missions and ended up getting marri…

1
The case for a group dedicated to protecting Latter-day Saint civil rights | Episode 343 34:00

2M ago34:00

34:00

For 115 years, the NAACP, the nation’s oldest civil rights organization, has been advancing the cause of justice for Black Americans. For 111 years, the Anti-Defamation League has been doing much the same for Jewish Americans. And for 104 years, the American Civil Liberties Union has been safeguarding the constitutional rights of everyone in the Un…

1
50th Anniversary: Spring 2024 Magazine Launch Party 1:18:23

2M ago1:18:23

1:18:23

The audio from the Launch Party Zoom Call for the Spring Edition, 50th Anniversary Issue of the Exponent II Magazine! Hear from the authors and artists for the Spring 2024 magazine issue centered on, the 50th Anniversary of Exponent II. Note: I forgot to press record at the beginning of the Zoom call, so the cover reveal with Page Turner and letter…

1
Episode 761: Dr. Jeremy Kerrigan, Age 40, Gay Latter-day Saint, Recently Out 1:08:10

2M ago1:08:10

1:08:10

**This podcast mentions suicide. If you are suicidal, please call/text chat 988** My friend Jeremy Kerrigan (LDS convert, married father of 5, Arizona native, Chiropractor, photographer) joins us to share his story. Jeremy talks about being aware of this same-sex attraction most of his life but not fully addressing it until he came out to his wife …

1
Why a pastor is teaching evangelicals about the LDS Church | Episode 342 32:05

2M ago32:05

32:05

Jeff McCullough took a trip to Utah in 2020, and it changed his life.No, the evangelical pastor didn’t convert to the state’s predominant religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he didn’t launch a virulent campaign to explore what some have seen as Mormonism’s heresies. Instead, he felt a divine call to launch a YouTube chann…

1
Scholars Share New Insights on Early Mormon Polygamy 54:49

2M ago54:49

54:49

Listen as contributors to the new volume, Secret Covenants: New Insights on Early Mormon Polygamy, delve into the complex history of early Mormon polygamy. The discussion covers Joseph Smith's controversial marriage proposals, the enduring fascination with the practice, and the pivotal role of Fanny Alger in the narrative. The guests emphasize the …

1
Episode 760: Glen “Mateo” Bass; Bisexual Latter-day Saint, Rebaptized 2024, Sharing Hope 1:10:28

2M ago1:10:28

1:10:28

**This podcast mentions suicide. If you are suicidal, please call/text chat 988** My friend Glen Bass (father of two, lives in Utah County, left church 2018, rebaptized 2024, divorced after 15 years of marriage) joins us to share his story. Glen talks about his early years figuring out he is not 100% heterosexual. Glen talks about his mission and b…

1
What happened behind the scenes before and after the Black priesthood ban ended | Episode 341 53:10

3M ago53:10

53:10

Forty-six years ago this month, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, under then-President Spencer W. Kimball, lifted its prohibition preventing Black men from entering the all-male priesthood and Black women and men from participating in temple rites.This historic shift, the most significant since the faith stopped practicing polygamy, …

1
Episode 759: Dr. Kerry Spencer Pray, New Book: “The Book of Queer Mormon Joy” 51:55

2M ago51:55

51:55

My friend Dr. Kerry Spencer Pray (lives in Maryland, Associate Professor at Sevenson University, married to her wife Heather, mother of two, taught at BYU for 15 years, no longer practicing Mormon) joins us to share her story. Dr. Pray talks about her prior marriage to her former husband (they both are gay), why that marriage ended (they are on goo…

1
Episode 758: Jaci Wightman - Wellness Coach, Healing From Compulsive Eating and Sugar Addiction 1:13:25

2M ago1:13:25

1:13:25

This episode is guest-hosted by Tonya Miller. Tonya interviews Jaci Wightman, who shares her compelling story of recovery from dependence on food, and on sugar in particular. Jaci describes the ways that she felt prepared and guided in her journey, which began with her learning that sugar addiction is very real. Jaci talks about being resistant to …

1
The surprising news about LDS Church growth | Episode 340 30:55

3M ago30:55

30:55

For The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there is much to celebrate in its latest statistical report: The worldwide growth rate in the 17.2 million-member faith is growing. The expansion of congregations is expanding. And the number of U.S. states with declining membership is, well, declining.East Africa, meanwhile, is booming, the U.S.…

1
Episode 757: Haymitch St. Stephen, New Book about Forgiveness (Ourselves and Others) 1:07:54

3M ago1:07:54

1:07:54

My friend Haymitch St. Stephen (BYU degree, Stanford graduate degree, mid 30s, SLC native, Latter-day Saint) joins us to talk about his new book called “Friend of the Devil: A Story of Mental Health, Mistakes, and Self-Forgiveness”. This book is the story of Haymitch’s lifelong friend Cameron White, who—at age 17 in 2007—was the drunken driver of a…

1
What was lost when the LDS Church started emphasizing covenants over community | Episode 339 39:05

3M ago39:05

39:05

Since shortening its Sunday services and refocusing its curriculum more than five years ago, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has trumpeted a home-centered, church-supported approach with an emphasis on covenant-making and covenant-keeping.This shift has some members worried about a loss of community.Gone are roadshows, pageants, spo…

1
Episode 756: Hannah Russell, Asexual Latter-day Saint 1:25:11

3M ago1:25:11

1:25:11

My friend Hannah Russell (married mother of three, PhD, lives in Cincinnati, active Latter-day Saint) joins us to share her story of being asexual out of a desire to help others not feel alone. Hannah starts realizing she is different and falsely concluding “I am not a divine child of Heavenly Parents” because I don’t have any sexual interest. Hann…

1
The LDS Church isn’t dying in Germany, but it is changing | Episode 338 31:41

3M ago31:41

31:41

Born in West Germany, Ralf Grünke has been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for most of his life. But it was complicated. And, among his Catholic and Lutheran peers, that meant he sometimes keenly felt his “otherness.”Still, being “an ugly duckling between the swans,” Grunke has written, was a “blessing in disguise.”He st…

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