Best Latter Day Survivors Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 790: Stan Mitchell, Pastor to LGBTQ+ Folk and Families 1:13:10

2h ago1:13:10

1:13:10

My friend and mentor Pastor Stan Mitchell (familiar with and friend to Latter-day Saints) joins us to share his story of his changed heart/perspective about LGBTQ people that occurred during his ministry at Grace Point Church in Nashville. Stan (who attended Latter-day Saint services as a youth causing him to reframe his view of Jesus from vengeful…

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Episode 789: Ben Higinbotham, Non-Binary Gay Latter-day Saint 1:07:49

3d ago1:07:49

1:07:49

My friend Ben Higinbotham (mid-30s, BYU grad, non-binary, gay, active LDS, RM, they/he/she) joins us to share their story of self-acceptance and personal growth. Ben talks about their lifelong journey on this road of being gay and not feeling like they fit as a girl—including personal revelation, coming out to others, their strong relationship with…

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Episode 788: Tyler Johnson’s New Book “When Church is Hard” 1:13:48

6d ago1:13:48

1:13:48

My friend Dr Tyler Johnson (former YSA Bishop, oncologist, clinical assistant professor at Stanford University) joins us to talk about his new book published by Deseret Book called “When Church is Hard”. Tyler talks about how different testimony types (“I know”, “I believe”, “I hope”, etc) actually are a good thing—helps us extend the tent of Zion …

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Episode 787: Colette Dalton, LCSW, The Queer Joy Summit (Nov 17-19) 1:00:48

9d ago1:00:48

1:00:48

*Trigger warning: This episode mentions suicide. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and are in need of support, please reach out for help by calling 988. We care and we want you to be safe.* My friend, Colette Dalton (she/her) is a queer licensed clinical social worker and certified sex therapist. Colette was my guest on an episode in 2021, …

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76. Jacquelynn Sokol and Emily Larsen with the Springville Museum of Art and Fostering Beauty and Contemplation Through Life-Affirming Art and Experience 30:21

9d ago30:21

30:21

Send us a text This week is unique for the podcast because I’m featuring a museum for the first time…the Springville Museum of Art. My guests Jacquelynn Sokol and Emily Larsen both work for the museum and they share some great thoughts about the power of art and the museum’s mission to make art accessible to everyone in their community. They share …

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Episode 786: Laurie Lee Hall, New Book: “Dictates of Conscience" 1:24:15

12d ago1:24:15

1:24:15

My friend Laurie Lee Hall (convert, former Director of LDS Temple Design and Construction, former Stake President, in her early 60s) joins us to share her story. Laurie Lee talks about her lifelong journey to manage her gender dysphoria and eventually “live as the woman I am”. Laurie Lee talks about the impossible choices she faced in this journey …

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75. Holly Christensen with 'The Magic Yarn Project' and Making Fun Character Wigs for Children Experiencing Hair Loss from Cancer Treatments 34:34

18d ago34:34

34:34

Send us a text Holly Christensen is a wife and homeschooling mom of three children, running her nonprofit ‘The Magic Yarn Project’ from her home. It all started several years ago when she decided to make a soft Rapunzel wig for a friend’s little girl who had been diagnosed with cancer. The wig was a hit…and Holly then started making more wigs for h…

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74. If You Want to Help After a Natural Disaster 15:25

24d ago15:25

15:25

Send us a text With Hurricanes Helene and Milton that have recently hit the United States, the topic of how to help after a natural disaster is at the forefront of many people’s minds. In this episode I’m sharing just a few ideas of ways you can serve and support communities that have experienced a natural disaster. Many of us have good intentions …

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Episode 785: Hunter Howell, Gay BYU-Idaho Student, Giving Hope/Serving Others 1:02:45

24d ago1:02:45

1:02:45

*** This episode talks about suicide. If you are suicidal, please call/text/chat *988 *** My friend Hunter Howell (Bio Medical Science Major, New Mexico/Farmington RM, Suicide Survivor) joins us to share his story. Hunter talks about his pre-mission years navigating his same-sex attraction, completing a mission (including falling in love with a com…

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Episode 784: Heather Prinz, LDS Married Mother of 4, Sexual Assault Survivor 1:18:29

29d ago1:18:29

1:18:29

My friend Heather Prinz (lives in Fayetteville Arkansas, Speech Pathologist, Sexual Assault Survivor: Dr. Broadbent OBGYN lawsuit) bravely joins us to share her story. Heather talks about her sexual assault under the guise of medical care, discovering she was one of hundreds of other victims, and her journey through trauma and healing. Heather talk…

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73. Mckell Draper and Being a Service Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 33:17

1M ago33:17

33:17

Send us a text This week on the podcast I am featuring my niece, Mckell Draper. Mckell is currently serving as a service missionary for our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a service missionary, she is dedicating 18 months to full time service at a variety of church and community organizations. Mckell takes us through wha…

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Episode 783: David Smurthwaite, Ministering to Latter-day Saints in Transgender/Non-Binary Spaces 1:32:24

1M ago1:32:24

1:32:24

My friend David Smurthwaite (married father of 4, gender expansive, active Latter-day Saints) joins us to share ideas on ministering to anyone struggling with the updated Church transgender policies. David starts with a brief recap of his own story (including talking to his Bishop at age 11 and opening up to his wife Marisa about 8 years ago). Davi…

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72. Ashlee Taylor with ‘The Refuge Utah’ and Empowering Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault 33:21

1M ago33:21

33:21

Send us a text Ashlee Taylor has worked with nonprofits for her entire career and she now serves as the Executive Director of The Refuge Utah, a center that assists victims and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. This can be a sensitive topic to cover, but I think an essential one as well. I really appreciated the ways Ashlee shared …

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Episode 782: Dr Kristine Coons, Transgender Latter-Day Saint, Understand the Science 1:12:37

1M ago1:12:37

1:12:37

My friend Dr. Kristine Coons (active Latter-day Saint, Internal Medicine Physician, came out to her wife in 2014, was on episode 699) joins us to share her journey/insights. Kristine brings a unique and needed perspective with her medical expertise in understanding gender dysphoria and the nuance of defining gender/biological sex—along with her own…

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Episode 781: Exponent II Celebrates 50 Years with Katie Rich and Heather Sundahl 1:15:53

1M ago1:15:53

1:15:53

Guest Host: Tonya MillerExponent II has played an essential role in creating a shared, safe space for women and gender minorities connected to the Church to explore and express the impacts of "isms" in Church culture. It began in the Boston area as a quarterly newspaper in 1974 by friends who had met and worked on projects together in the Relief So…

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71. Ideas for Serving in Our Schools and Why It Matters 30:45

2M ago30:45

30:45

Send us a text It’s that time of year when many families are finally getting settled into their school routine and schedule. Life can be busy! Running kids around, balancing many responsibilities in and outside our homes, and keeping up with all that life has to offer. So with this episode I wanted to take a minute to give the reminder that volunte…

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Episode 780: Tegan Zelano Blanchard (or “Z”), Recent RM, Bisexual member, Giving Hope to Others 1:40:56

2M ago1:40:56

1:40:56

**This episode talks about suicide. If you are suicidal, please call/text/chat 988** My friend Z Blanchard, (lived in Utah, Costa Rica, San Diego and Ecuador; Argentina RM; attending UVU in Utah; age 21) joins us to share his story as a bisexual member of the Church of Jesus Christ out of his heartfelt desire to give hope to others. Z (youngest of …

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"John Smith" 3:25:28

2M ago3:25:28

3:25:28

"John" is an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He tells his story anonymously as he has experienced retaliation from church members and leaders when he has attempted to gain justice and promote change. John's story involves multiple periods of his life and experiences in the church. We are so honored to be trusted to…

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Episode 779: Tonya Baker Miller, LCSW, Active LDS, Supporting Transgender Members and Their Families 1:39:45

2M ago1:39:45

1:39:45

This episode is dedicated to the loving memory of JeNeal Nichol Miller, who passed away on Pioneer Day this year. She inspired everyone she knew to be nonjudgmental and Christlike. She was a true ally and is deeply missed. **This episode talks about suicide. If you are suicidal, please call/text/chat 988** My friend Tonya Baker Miller (married moth…

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70. Danielle Simko with 'Lead with Light' and Teaching Others to Become Effective Leaders Through Service 26:24

2M ago26:24

26:24

Send us a text Danielle Simko graduated from high school this last May and along with everything else that you can imagine a busy senior doing, she also competed in her local city’s pageant with the Miss America organization. On this episode Danielle shares about the community service initiative she started called ‘Lead with Light’. Her goal with i…

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Episode 778: Caysen Crum, Gay Latter-day Saint, Age 24, Self-Love/Acceptance 1:40:56

2M ago1:40:56

1:40:56

**This episode talks about suicide. If you are suicidal, please call/text/chat 988** My friend Caysen Crum (New Hampshire RM, Southern Utah University Grad, HXP Guide, Further Physician, Minersville Utah) joins us to share his story of doing everything he could to be “Mr. perfect and straight” (including serving a perfectly obedient mission, dating…

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Episode 777: Ben Bernards, LDS Father of Two Transgender Daughters 1:40:56

2M ago1:40:56

1:40:56

My friend Ben Bernards (lives in Sacramento, RM, current Bishopric member, author, podcaster, EFY speaker, early 40s) joins us to share their family story. This story started with three children — a daughter and then two sons — but now continues with 3 daughters, as both of their sons are transgender. Ben talks about how he and his wife Megan are n…

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69. Anadine Marshall with 'Charity Vision' and Restoring Curable Sight Impairment Worldwide 34:37

2M ago34:37

34:37

Send us a text Anadine Marshall has done work with many nonprofits in a variety of ways…and right now she’s serving as the Programs Director with the nonprofit Charity Vision. I was so inspired by this nonprofit and the work they do to not only restore curable sight impairment worldwide…but also the goal they have of empowering the communities they…

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Episode 776: Michelle and Steve Shaw – Improving Church Culture for Members with Disabilities 1:19:29

2M ago1:19:29

1:19:29

Michelle and Steve Shaw are the parents of four children, three of whom have been diagnosed with neurological disabilities, ranging from ADHD to anomalies in the brain. They are active members of the Church and live in the Seattle area; Michelle serves in her Stake Primary Presidency and Steve serves on the Stake High Council. Michelle is also a sp…

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Episode 775: Rylee, Transgender Latter-day Saint, Brave Story 1:20:02

2M ago1:20:02

1:20:02

My friend Rylee (he/they) joins us to share their story. Rylee (married father of 7, mid-40’s. RM, believing/active LDS, IT professional) talks about their feelings of gender dysphoria from their earliest memories. Rylee (who is doing the podcast to give others hope walking this road) talks about their journey of self-discovery, navigating faith an…

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68. Participating in the National Day of Service on September 11 14:57

2M ago14:57

14:57

Send us a text In the United States, September 11 has been officially recognized and established under federal law as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Organizations all over the nation…including nonprofits, employers, faith and religious groups, cities and schools…organize projects and use this day to encourage the people of our nation to…

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Episode 774: John Crane, Late 70s, RM, Believes in Gospel, Same-Sex Marriage 1:16:57

3M ago1:16:57

1:16:57

My friend John Crane (lives in Austin TX, grew up in Oregon/Washington, Sweden RM 1966-68, married a woman, has 4 kids and many grandkids, divorced, been with husband Thom for over 35 years, no longer LDS), joins us to share his story being gay and a deep believer in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. John starts with his growing up years and finding his …

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67. Rebroadcast: Amy Francis with 'Rocky Mountain Therapy Dogs' and Providing Health, Hope, and Healing to the Community with Therapy Dogs 36:10

3M ago36:10

36:10

Send us a text Amy Francis is the Founder and CEO of Rocky Mountain Therapy Dogs. They are a non-profit that offers training and certification of dogs, as well as connecting dog handlers with service opportunities in the community. Therapy dogs are a little different than service animals. While they are working dogs, instead of providing a service …

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Episode 773: Guillermo Lemus, Faith Crisis/Expansion, Staying LDS 1:08:22

3M ago1:08:22

1:08:22

My friend Guillermo Lemus (age 30, BYU grad student, BYU-Idaho grad, married, RM) joins us to share his multi-year journey to process the complicated aspects of our Church and find a way to remain a member of the Church. In sharing his story, Guillermo normalizes a faith crisis/expansion (including all the pain one feels on this road) and what he (…

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

3M 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 …

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66. Rebroadcast: Camber Hess, Using Service to Cope with Grief and Her 'Infant Loss Stories' Project 40:56

3M ago40:56

40:56

Send us a text This podcast episode is a sweet and tender interview with my husband’s cousin, Camber Hess. Camber lost one of her daughters as an infant several years ago, and has also experienced infertility and miscarriage. In this episode she talks about those experiences, and shares how receiving heartfelt service from others helped her cope wi…

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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) …

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

3M 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…

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65. Why You Might Want to Consider Doing an Act of Service When You're Having a Rough Day 9:00

4M ago9:00

9:00

Send us a text Hello! I'm back after a little summer break. I'm so happy to be back here...we've got a lot of great episodes coming up on the podcast. But today, I'm sharing some thoughts with you on why doing a small act of service might be just what you need on a bad day. I also talk about how I love sharing doable ideas on this podcast so ANYONE…

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

4M 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…

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

4M 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 …

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

4M 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…

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

4M 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…

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

5M 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…

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

5M 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…

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

5M 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…

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64. Rebroadcast: Shauna Brown with 'Project Read' and Changing Lives Through Literacy 36:23

5M ago36:23

36:23

Send us a text Shauna Brown has been with Project Read for over 20 years…she started out as a volunteer herself, and is now the Executive Director. Project Read is an adult literacy program where they help individuals gain the skills they need in reading, writing, math, and even digital skills. One thing I especially love about this episode is all …

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

5M 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 …

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63. Rebroadcast: Lori Muir with 'Ironman Q Foundation' and Supporting Cancer Families 29:49

5M ago29:49

29:49

Send us a text After a 5 year battle with cancer, Quinton Muir passed away in 2017 at the age of 16. Now his parents, Jeff and Lori Muir are running a foundation called the Ironman Q Foundation to honor his memory and to help other families who find themselves navigating a cancer diagnosis. This of course was a tender interview as Lori shared her m…

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

5M 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…

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62. Rebroadcast: Vaughn Kimball and Being a Volunteer Coach for Kids Sports Teams 31:03

6M ago31:03

31:03

Send us a text Vaughn Kimball is my older brother…but he’s also had a lot of experience working with youth through work and also a variety of volunteer roles and opportunities. For this episode I asked him if he could talk about being a volunteer coach for kids sports teams. He shares a lot of good advice and encouragement for anyone that’s ever th…

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

5M 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…

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

6M 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 …

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