Listen, Learn & Love Hosted by Richard Ostler
789 episodes - English - Latest episode: 13 days ago - ★★★★★ - 812 ratingsWelcome to our podcast!
My name is Richard H. Ostler and I am a native of Salt Lake City, small business owner, married father of six with several grandchildren. I believe in and am deeply committed to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and want it to work for a wider group.
I am the author of three books:
“Listen Learn and Love: Embracing LGBTQ Latter-day Saints” published in 2020 available at Deseret Book (deseretbook.com/product/5248297.html) and Amazon (amazon.com/dp/1462135773)
“Listen Learn and Love: Improving Latter-day Saint Culture” published in 2022. The book explores who we can do better to help all Latter-day Saints feel more welcome, needed and a feeling of belonging in our congregations. Available at Deseret Book (deseretbook.com/product/6003149.html) and Amazon (amazon.com/dp/1462139566)
“Listen Learn and Love: Building the Good Ship Zion” released in Sept 2023. The book explores additional topics to help all Latter-day Saint feel welcome and needed on the Good Ship Zion. Available at Deseret Book (deseretbook.com/product/6026921.html) and Amazon (amazon.com/dp/1462145280)
The purpose of all three books is to help us better create Zion by helping more feel welcome, a sense of belonging, and needed in our congregations.
Proceed from the books go the Stockton Power Memorial Scholarship (www.standingforstockton.com) in honor of Stockton Powers a gay Latter-day Saint teenager who died of suicide in 2016. Everything I do is a self-funded labor of love ❤️
I am the author of two Ensign articles:
‘How the Savior’s Healing Power Applies to Repenting from Sexual Sin’ (August 2020/YSA Digital Only) www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/08/young-adults/how-the-saviors-healing-power-applies-to-repenting-from-sexual-sin
‘7 Tips for Overcoming Pornography Use’ (October, page 72) www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/10/young-adults/7-tips-for-overcoming-pornography-use.
This podcast is designed to discuss some more complicated issues in our church to help all of us better “listen, learn and love” so we can minister in a more effective way to all of our Heavenly Parents’ children.
Podcasts are indexed by category at listenlearnandlove.org/podcasts
Thank you for joining us. You can't donate to this podcast. There are no sponsors. But you can leave a review/rate the podcast on the platform you are listening and/or leave a review at Deseret Book/Amazon on my books.
With love, Richard 'Papa' Ostler ❤
Twitter: twitter.com/Papa_Ostler
IG: www.instagram.com/papa_ostler
Facebook: facebook.com/richard.ostler.5
E-mail: [email protected]
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Episodes
Episode 318: Emily Tomkinson, RM, Respectful of the Church, Married to a Woman
September 18, 2020 01:00 - 1 hour - 48.6 MBMy friend Emily Tomkinson joins us from the Seattle area to share her story. Emily grew up active LDS in Provo, served a mission, and was active until about age 30. Since that time, Emily has stepped away from the Church and is now married to her wife Jess and is the stepmom of boy/girl twins. Emily and Jess hold Family Night every Monday. Emily bravely shares her journey surviving a suicide attempt and coming to terms with her sexual orientation. Emily is in a great place emotionally and a...
Episode 317: Jenny Richards, Active LDS, LGBTQ Sister Emilee Died by Suicide
September 16, 2020 02:00 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBMy friend Jenny Richards (married mother of 4, classically trained pianist and composer with an undergraduate and master’s degree from Juilliard in New York) joins us to share and honor the life of her dear younger sister Emilee who died in January 2019. Emilee identified as a nonbinary lesbian. Emilee held a degree in psychology from Westminster and a master’s in neuropsychology from the University of Oregon and is a beautiful person. Jenny shares insights into Emiliee’s journey to help...
Episode 316: Andy Proctor, Navigating Faith Crisis with Positive Psychology to Build a Good Life Now
September 14, 2020 05:11 - 1 hour - 67.8 MBMy friend Andy Proctor, author of “Live Your Mission” for RM’s (amazon.com//dp/B018HLL5VQ), shares his own faith crisis/transition which ended with him staying a committed member of the Church. Because of Andy’s life experiences including his wife’s experience with mental illness, his education, and his professional work in positive psychology, he is uniquely qualified to help others who feel they “are alone and don’t know what to do.” Andy believes in building heaven starting now and helps o...
Episode 315: Meggan Chappell, Gay, Grad Student University Of Utah
September 12, 2020 03:02 - 1 hour - 42.9 MBMy friend Meggan Chappell joins us to share her story. Meggan, in her early 30’s, shares her story of coming to terms with her sexual orientation around age 30 which led to dark thoughts of suicide. Meggan worked through those dark times and felt her path forward is a same-sex relationship. Meggan and her girlfriend Janise have been together for three years. Meggan, who was an active Latter-day Saint and is respectful to the Church, shares staying close to her Heavenly Parents and the Savio...
Episode 314: Leland Wilson, Mid 50’s, Gay, Returned to Church after 38 years
September 10, 2020 05:46 - 1 hour - 48 MBMy friend Leland Wilson shares his journey as a gay Latter-day Saint. Leland left the Church (and Southern Utah) around 1983 (in his late teens). Leland lived a successful life as a floral designer and had a same-sex partner for 15+ years. Leland returned to Southern Utah in 2017 and ultimately returned to full activity in the Church. Thank you my friend Leland for being on podcast. Glad you are alive. Thank you for sharing your journey. Your story will help others. You are a good man
Episode 313: Jack Hadley, Active LDS, Father of a Gay Son
September 08, 2020 05:16 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBMy friend Jack Hadley (Entrepreneur, Adjunct Professor at BYU) shares his journey with his gay son Parker. Jack and Betina are the parents of five children and eight grandchildren. Parker, age 27 and a RM from Nova Scotia, was married in July of 2020 to his husband Alex with Jack officiating. Jack talks about how he is happy for Parker and is supportive of his decision. Jack wrote the following essay which I encourage our listeners to read. It reflect the honest feelings and good hear...
Episode 312: Josianne Petit, Founder Mama & Papa Panthers
September 06, 2020 00:58 - 1 hour - 45.6 MBEpisode 312: Josianne Petit, Founder Mama & Papa Panthers by Richard Ostler
Episode 311: Alexander Baxter, Gay Elders Quorum President
September 03, 2020 22:39 - 1 hour - 53.8 MBMy friend Alexander Baxter, RM, BYU Graduate and Grad Student at UC Davis, joins us to share his journey as a gay Latter-day Saint. I became aware of Alexander via his Twitter profile (@pionqueer47) with the words “Gay and Elder Quorum President – I guess its possible”. Alexander’s Bishop and Stake President knew he was gay before extending the call to serve as the Elders Quorum President. Alexander shares his journey, including how he realized he way probably gay during his mission (Tacoma...
Episode 310: Sam Skidmore, Gay, Working on PhD at Utah State
September 02, 2020 01:58 - 1 hour - 45.3 MBEpisode 310: Sam Skidmore, Gay, Working on PhD at Utah State by Richard Ostler
Episode 309: Pam Lyman, Son With Angelman Syndrome
August 30, 2020 23:00 - 1 hour - 62.3 MBMy friend Pam Lyman, active LDS and married mother of 4 boys, talks about raising a family with a son with Angelman Syndrome (https://www.angelman.org/) Pam and Matt's son Conrad who is 18 was diagnosed at 15 months with this family changing illness. Pam, who has been on this road for 16+ years, has wonderful insights for other families raising a child with a life-changing illness and what we can do better to support and sustain families walking this road. Thank you for being on the p...
Episode 308: Kurt Francom, Executive Director Leading Saints, Upcoming LGBTQ Virtual Summit
August 29, 2020 03:37 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBMy friend Kurt Francom joins us to talk about Leader Saints’ upcoming virtual summit for local LDS leaders be better prepared to minister to LGBT Latter-day Saints. The summit starts on September with the over 20 pre-recorded seminars released (about two per day). Some of the presenters are Spencer Thompson, Travis Steward, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Ty Mansfield, Jeff Case, Becky Borden, Blake Fisher, Ben Schilaty, Chelsea Chipman, and Becky and Scott Mackintosh. I encourage everyone to sign up...
Episode 307: Miles Selman, RM, Transgender Man, Homoromantic asexual, Active LDS
August 27, 2020 23:49 - 1 hour - 45.7 MBMy friend Miles Selman, age 23 who served a mission in Portugal, shares his journey with long-term gender dysphoria. That dysphoria (or incongruence) led to a failed suicide attempt about a year after his mission and led to needing to transition to deal with/manage the gender dysphoria. In December 2019, Miles identified as a transgender man and took on he/him pronouns. Miles has both a deep testimony of our restored Church and a conformation from his Heavenly Parents that he is male. H...
Episode 306: Jeff Derricott, Age 26, RM, BYU Grad, Gay Latter-day Saint
August 26, 2020 00:44 - 1 hour - 58 MBMy friend Jeff Derricott joins us to share his story. Jeff, who came out to his parents before his mission, shares trying everything to fall in love and marry a woman. In late 2018, Jeff’s world came crashing down as he realized that path was not within his control. Facing feelings of lost hope and some thoughts of suicide, Jeff shares his story to find hope and a path forward. For Jeff, that path of hope and healing includes a deep relationship with his Heavenly Parents, relying on t...
Episode 305: Julie Lee, Speaker, Author, Podcaster
August 23, 2020 23:23 - 1 hour - 45.8 MBMy friend Julie Lee, host of the I See You podcast, joins us to talk about her new book I See You: How Compassion and Connection Save Lives. Julie is married with two kids and active LDS. She shares insights about black and white thinking, how to "see" others with compassion and connection, and finding healing through Jesus, therapy and medication. Her mission is to bring us together as a human family. I encourage everyone to read her book published by our friends at Cedar Fort. Please g...
Episode 304: Lou Jarvis, Married Father of 4, Financial Setbacks
August 21, 2020 23:53 - 1 hour - 49.1 MBLou Jarvis, my long-time friend from our missions in England, joins us to talk about his business career. Lou, a business owner in Arizona, experienced financial success until 2008. Lou then bravely shares his story of making several major financial errors that led to Lou losing just about everything and total despair in an empty condo in Irvine, California in 2010. Lou talks about the cycle of looking back, ruminating, and wishing he could re-do several decisions and how he still gets t...
Episode 303: Chris D’Arcy, Gay LDS Convert, Strong Testimony, Currently Not Active
August 20, 2020 00:45 - 1 hour - 75.9 MBMy friend Chris D’Arcy, age 42, joins me from England to share his story. Chris, who has known he is gay from age 10-11, talks about his decision to join the Church in October of 2016 and the wonderful missionaries (Elders Cade Cloward and Spencer Dennis) who research and the shared with him the Church’s teachings on being gay. Those honest and thoughtful missionaries helped Chris gain a firm testimony of our restored Church. Chris was active in the Church for about for about three year...
Episode 302: Chad Ford, Associate Professor at BYU-H, International Mediator, Author
August 17, 2020 03:55 - 1 hour - 54.1 MBMy friend Chad Ford, active LDS, joins us to talk about his new book “Dangerous Love: Transforming Fear and Conflict at Home, at Work and the World" (see https://dangerouslovebook.com/). Chad, an expert in conflict resolution, talks in his book and the podcast about Christ-based principals to reduce the divisiveness and conflict in our families and communities through love. Chad’s gives us insights and tools to bring better unity and understanding. Chad is the Director of the McKay Cente...
Episode 301: Devin Bourne, 3rd-Year Medical School, Plans to Marry a Man and Stay Active LDS
August 14, 2020 03:56 - 1 hour - 56 MBMy friend Devin Bourne shares his journey as a gay Latter-day Saint. Devin, age 32 and an RM who served in San Jose CA, shares finding his path which includes ruling out a life of celibacy, marrying a woman, suicide and leaving the Church. Devin has both a deep testimony of our restored Church and that being gay is part of his divine essence---and it not willing to give up either. Devin is not inviting others to follow his path, but is asking for others to respect/support his decision ...
Episode 300: Charlie Bird, Gay Latter-day Saint, Author “Without the Mask”
August 11, 2020 01:18 - 1 hour - 60.2 MBMy friend Charlie Bird, former BYU Cosmo, joins us to talk about his new book published by Deseret Book called “Without the Mask” which can be ordered at: https://deseretbook.com/p/without-the-mask-coming-out-and-coming-into-gods-light-ppr?variant_id=186572-paperback. I encourage everyone to read and share his book. His book helps all of us better see/use the contributions of LGBTQ Latter-day Saints in at Church, in our families and society. Charlie is back at BYU working on a master in so...
Episode 299: Daniel Carter, LDS Composer and Music Department Employee, Same-Sex Marriage
August 08, 2020 14:37 - 1 hour - 82.9 MBMy friend Daniel Carter joins us to share his story as a gay Latter-day Saint. Daniel served a mission to England in the late 70’s and then worked for the Church in its Music Department for 27 years until his retirement in 2016. In that assignment, Daniel blessed many lives managing the Church’s worldwide production of sheet music. Daniel, a gifted composer, contributed a song in our Hymn Book (As Now We Take the Sacrament, p.169) and two songs in the Children’s Hymn Book. Daniel share...
Episode 298: Jill (mom), Esther (sister) of Luke (who died by suicide)
August 06, 2020 17:38 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBMy dear friends Jill and Esther Brown join us to talk about their dear son/brother Luke who died by suicide in January 2020 at age 31. Both active LDS, they are living their worst nightmare and the void of Luke being gone. They talk about Luke. The great man that he is and all the good he did for others. They give wonderful tribute to Luke and insights into his kindness, love for others and core goodness. They also talk about their brutal and difficult road and how things will nev...
Episode 297: Patrick Risk, Gay Latter-day Saint, LDS Church Employee
August 03, 2020 06:31 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBMy friend Patrick Risk, who was on episode 172, joins us to update our listeners on his life story. As always, Patrick is honest and vulnerable with his life story with includes a sexual abuse, anorexia, a divorce and being gay. Patrick feels (and I agree) that we heal and help each other when we are vulnerable, open and honest with our stories. Because Patrick is open, hundreds have reached out to Patrick feeling safe which allows Patrick to help them. Patrick started a Facebook Group ca...
Episode 296: Dr. Tyler Lefevor, Utah State University Professor, Queer
August 01, 2020 05:04 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBMy friend Tyler Lefevor joins us to share his story as a queer Latter-day Saint. Tyler, who is no longer a Church member but is supportive of those who stay in the Church, shares his journey which includes serving a mission, dating women and serving as an EQ President. Tyler, in his late 20s, ultimately felt his ‘best life path’ was to be with a man and is engaged to be married. Tyler got a psychology degree at BYU and then his doctorate from the University of Miami. Tyler completed a y...
Episode 295: Mishelle Kehoe, Recent RM, Sexual Assault Survivor, Binge Eating Disorder
July 30, 2020 02:30 - 1 hour - 68.5 MBMy friend Mishelle Kehoe, in her last year at BYU, shares the trauma from her sexual assault in 2016.This trauma ultimately postponed her mission, something she had been eagerly looking forward to. Mishelle talks about her anger toward God for having something out of her control cause her to postpone her mission. Mishelle shares the road to healing from the trauma of this experience and resolving her anger through what she calls the “trifecta of the Savior, therapy and family/friends.” Mish...
Episode 295: Mishelle Kehoe, RM, Sexual Assault Survivor, Binge Eating Disorder
July 30, 2020 02:30 - 1 hour - 68.5 MBMy friend Mishelle Kehoe, in her last year at BYU, shares the trauma from her sexual assault in 2016.This trauma ultimately postponed her mission, something she had been eagerly looking forward to. Mishelle talks about her anger toward God for having something out of her control cause her to postpone her mission. Mishelle shares the road to healing from the trauma of this experience and resolving her anger through what she calls the “trifecta of the Savior, therapy and family/friends.” Mish...
Episode 294: Mallory Tingey, Child Sexual Abuse Survivor, Path to Healing
July 27, 2020 04:53 - 1 hour - 59.3 MBMy friend Mallory Tingey (married mother of three, active LDS, in her early 30s) joins us to talk about being a victim of child sex abuse from three step-brothers. Mallory, age 12 at the time, had no tools or framework to process the abuse and felt it was her fault. Mallory talks about her 20 year road to healing (which is not fully complete) as she had unprocessed trauma for many years. She started an Instagram account @worthmorethanshame to share her story. If you are a victim/survi...
Episode 293: Krista Mortensen and Kyra Dunshee (Sisters): When Your Child Leaves the Church
July 24, 2020 04:33 - 1 hour - 71.3 MBMy friends Krista Mortensen (mother of 6) and Kyra Dunshee (mother of 10), both active LDS with decades of Church service, talk about how to keep the family circle together and strong when a child leaves the Church. I become aware of Krista from her July 2020 Ensign Article called “You Love, He Saves” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/07/you-love-he-saves. Krista shares more of the story behind this excellent article and her efforts to be honest about their family situ...
Episode 292: Jeff and Camille McConnell, Son Wesley (age 3) Died In A Choking Accident
July 21, 2020 23:32 - 1 hour - 76 MBMy friends Jeff and Camille McConnell share the tragic story of their son Wesley dying in a choking accident on Memorial Day in 2018. Jeff and Camille, active LDS and parents of 5 children ages 1-11, share how their worst nightmare because reality. Now 2 years from that horrible day, Jeff and Camille share their insights to overcome anger, grief, pain, and feelings of what they might have done differently to find hope, peace and healing. If you have lost of loved one or want to help ...
Episode 292: Jeff and Camille McConnell, Son Wesley (age 3) Died In A Chocking Accident
July 21, 2020 23:32 - 1 hour - 76 MBMy friends Jeff and Camille McConnell share the tragic story of their son Wesley dying in a chocking accident on Memorial Day in 2018. Jeff and Camille, active LDS and parents of 5 children ages 1-11, share how their worst nightmare because reality. Now 2 years from that horrible day, Jeff and Camille share their insights to overcome anger, grief, pain, and feelings of what they might have done differently to find hope, peace and healing. If you have lost of loved one or want to help...
Episode 291: Evan and Cheryl Smith, Former Stake Presidency Counselor, Gay Son
July 19, 2020 02:26 - 2 hours - 110 MBMy friends, Evan and Cheryl Smith, join us to share their journey supporting their gay son, Weston. Evan and Cheryl, who live near Plymouth, Massachusetts and have given decades of service to the Church, share their story, which includes a new navigable e-book that Evan wrote available at gayldscrossroads.org. Their story includes their journey to love and support LGBTQ Latter-day Saints and their support for Weston who feels his path is to marry a man---a decision that came during his LDS ...
Episode 290: Hyrum Edwards, Age 18, Gay Latter-day Saint
July 16, 2020 01:55 - 1 hour - 74.3 MBMy friend Hyrum Edwards, who recently graduated from Clearfield High where we was a Senior Class Officer, shares his journey as a gay Latter-day Saint. Hyrum came out to his wonderful parents Mike and Becky Edwards two years ago and publicly at the end of his junior year. Hyrum and talks about excellent support from his parents and everyone's efforts to keep the family circle together. Hyrum talks about difficult Church experiences and how we can do better to meet the needs of LGBTQ Latter-...
Episode 289: Jenie Hunter, Active LDS, Mother of a Gay Son
July 13, 2020 02:47 - 1 hour - 114 MBMy friend Jenie Hunter joins us to share their family experience over the last 8 years with their wonderful gay son Nicholas. The podcast is an expanded discussion of this outstanding blog post by Jenie in June 2020: https://www-jeniehuntercoaching-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.jeniehuntercoaching.com/amp/unconditional-love If you are a parent or someone who wants to know better how to support LGBTQ Latter-day Saints, please listen to Jenie’s podcast and read her blog post. She has rem...
Episode 288: Mark Matheson, LDS Professor, Teacher, Life Experiences
July 11, 2020 01:02 - 1 hour - 105 MBMy lifelong friend Mark Matheson joins us to share life lessons learned and insights from the Book of Mormon. Mark, who has been divorced and also lost a wife/son in a car accident, knows much about adversity and has great insights into how to overcome life’s challenges. Mark, now in his early 60’s, life has turned out far different than he anticipated. Yet Mark’s commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and serving others has allowed him to work through and overcome these adversities, ha...
Episode 287: Tré Smith, Cyprus Head Basketball Coach, Black Latter-day Saint
July 08, 2020 02:27 - 1 hour - 53.3 MBMy friend Tré Smith joins us to share his story as a Black Latter-day Saint. Tré talks about his decision to become fully active in the Church and the role of his wonderful YSA Bishop (now Stake President Kevin Gifford). Tré talks about learning to forgive the drunk driver that killed his younger brother and broke the heart of his good father. Tré talks about his wonderful wife Rachel and her love and support since their high school days. Tré talks about his support of Black Lives Matte...
Episode 286: Matthew Smith, RM, Gay Latter-day Saint
July 05, 2020 01:57 - 1 hour - 72.8 MBMy friend Matt Smith joins me to share his journey as a gay Latter-day Saint. I became aware of Matt with his coming out post titled ‘If you are gay, don’t throw it all way” that talked about his journey and overcoming suicide thoughts. The post is filled with hundreds of kind comments. https://www.facebook.com/matthew.smith.1293/posts/2992903347429656 Matt shares his path to be the very best gay Latter-day Saint he can be. For Matt, that includes his desire marry a man and participate...
Episode 285: Diahan Southard, Active LDS, Founder and CEO of Your DNA Guide
July 02, 2020 00:57 - 59 minutes - 47.7 MBMy friend Diahan joins us to talk about her work to understand the DNA industry and interpret DNA results. Diahan, a noted author and national speaker, is a leading expert in her field addresses key questions that result from DNA results such as new family relationships. Diahan also talks about DNA and LGBTQ families. Please check out Diahan’s company web site at https://www.yourdnaguide.com or FB page at https://www.facebook.com/YourDNAGuide You can reach Diahan at guide@yourDNAguid...
Episode 284: Taylor Petrey, Author “Tabernacles of Clay: Sexuality and Gender in Modern Mormonism”
June 29, 2020 01:51 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBMy friend Dr. Taylor Petrey, who as a doctorate in New Testament and early Christianity from Harvard Divinity School and is a tenured professor at Kalamazoo College in Michigan, joins me to talk about his new book. Taylor’s book talks about the Church’s history with marriage (interracial marriages, role of woman, etc) and how that has evolved over the decades as part of the on-going restoration. Taylor’s academic work is helpful to me as a committed Latter-day Saint to understand our history ...
Episode 283: Bryan Baggaley, Author of Building Faith Like the Brother of Jared
June 26, 2020 02:17 - 57 minutes - 46 MBMy friend Bryan Baggaley, married father of 8, shares about his recently released book on the Brother of Jared. Bryan, an engineer by trade, shares his decision to write the book and then key insights from the ministry of the Brother of Jared and how those apply to our lives. I encourage everyone to listen to the podcast and buy Brother Baggaley’s book (https://www.amazon.com/Building-Faith-Like-Brother-Jared/dp/1462137563 or https://www.cedarfort.com/collections/book-of-mormon/products/bu...
Episode 282: Rebekah Leavitt-Hatch, BYU Student, Abnormal Family Project
June 23, 2020 00:07 - 58 minutes - 47.1 MBMy friend Rebekah Hatch (BYU Psychology student, RM, married) joins us to talk about her initiative called the Abnormal Family Project, which uses art to bring a voice to families that don’t fit the traditional family stereotype that is strongly endorsed in the LDS culture. These families can include those who experience racial diversity, adoption, divorce, death, LGBTQ, immigration, poverty, etc. Rebekah has experienced the stigmatization directed towards nontraditional families as her paren...
Episode 281: Steve and Jamie Smith, Steve’s 14 Year Drug Addiction
June 20, 2020 00:22 - 1 hour - 66.9 MBMy friend Steve and Jamie Smith (active LDS and parents of 5 kids), share their journey with Steve’s drug addiction. Steve talks about why he is an addict, how he got on this road, how he finally found recovery and how he is moving forward. Jamie shares powerful insights about her road to recovery as the wife of an addict. Steve and Jamie are open with their story in their Ward, families and other circles. They both share insights into the role of shame to keep us from talking the necessar...
Episode 280: Tom Muench, Active LDS, RM, Current Porn Addiction
June 17, 2020 00:20 - 1 hour - 60 MBMy friend Tom Muench, married father of three, bravely shares his nearly two decade journey with pornography and his journey with same-sex attraction. Tom reached out to me with the impression that more people need to hear stories of those still trying to solve this challenge to give them hope and perspective. Here is part of his e-mail: “My object for reaching out is not to say that recovery isn't possible but to share in the pain of those who are still struggling despite their effor...
Episode 279: Brooke Brady, BYU Student, RM, Emotional Health
June 15, 2020 00:17 - 1 hour - 62.2 MBMy friend Brooke Brady joins me to share her multi-year journey with brutal emotional health challenges. These challenges started during her mission in Bolivia and have continued during the three years since her successful mission. Brooke shares, because of her emotional health, feeling God’s love and the Spirit---but also a few powerful experience to help her know God is there, is aware of her difficult road, and loves her. Brooke shares getting genetic testing in Nov 2019 and how the res...
Ep 278: W. Paul Reeve, "Religion of a Different Color: Race and the Mormon Struggle for Whiteness"
June 12, 2020 00:34 - 1 hour - 59.2 MBMy friend Paul Reeve (active LDS, Professor of Mormon Studies at the University of Utah, expert on Race and Latter-day Saint History) shares his insights into racism within LDS history, stories of Black Latter-day Saints, and what we can do to eliminate racism in our own lives and better support Black Latter-day Saints. Paul’s insights were recently covered by the Daily Universe at BYU: https://universe.byu.edu/2020/06/03/lisis-384-final/. Paul mentions the Church’s Race and the Priestho...
Episode 277: James McGraw, Active LDS, LGBTQ Ally, Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student
June 10, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 68.3 MBMy friend James McGraw (married father of two, RM) shares his journey to become an LGBTQ ally. It started at UVU as a psychology student where he got to know many LGBTQ students and included serving with the Special Assistant to the President for Inclusion on a number of diversity related projects. Later James younger brother came out as gay and James says “I love my brother, It’s just that simple.” James is a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student at Bowling Green in Ohio and would like to ...
Episode 276: Drew Young, LDS Author, Early Release Missionary
June 08, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 63.2 MBMy friend Drew Young (active LDS, age 24, married) shares his story as an early release missionary in his new book called “The Meaning of Your Mission: Lessons and Principals to Know You Are Enough.” Drew talks about the anxiety and depression that led to ending his mission after 62 days and the dark 18 months that followed. Drew eventually found hope and healing and is releasing a book to share his story. Drew’s book, with a forward from Hank Smith and published by Cedar Fort, is now a...
Episode 275: Eric Rawlings, Gay Latter-day Saint, Age 38
June 06, 2020 03:38 - 55 minutes - 44.3 MBMy friend Eric shares his story as a gay Latter-day Saint. Eric, who is active in the Church and in college working towards a career in social work, shares his nearly three decade journey on this road. In addition to great insights into life as a LGBTQ Latter-day Saint, Eric shares how he worked to forgive his abusive father (who has died) and their reconciliation from each side of the veil. Thank you for being on the podcast Eric. You have a kind and gentle heart and insights into how to u...
Episode 274: Tim Ringgold, Providing Hope and Solving Addictions Through Music
June 03, 2020 00:38 - 1 hour - 71.9 MBMy friend Tim Ringgold shares his life mission and profession to solve addictions, bring hope and healing through music. Tim, who is not a member of the LDS Church, also shares his thoughts on supporting his bisexual daughter and deeply spiritual experiences about his daughter who passed away. If you have an addiction or want to help someone solve an addiction, please listen to this podcast. Tim has new insights and tools that I wish I knew before my YSA assignment. You can learn more abo...
Episode 273: Seeking Heavenly Mother with Kayla Bach, Emily Peck and Charlotte Shurtz
May 30, 2020 23:42 - 1 hour - 60.7 MBKayla, Emily and Charlotte are the co-founders of Seeking Heavenly Mother (https://seekingheavenlymother.com/). These three women, all LDS Returned Missionaries who are attending or have graduated from BYU, have great insights about our Heavenly Mother. They answer these questions: What is the Church’s position on Heavenly Mother? Why does Heavenly Mother matter? Why did they start the Seeking Heavenly Mother project? What is the positive impact of more discussion about Heavenly Mother? Wha...
Episode 272: Dalton Bradford, BYU Student, RM, LGBTQ Ally
May 28, 2020 00:56 - 1 hour - 72.6 MBMy friend Dalton Bradford joins us to share his love and support for our LGBTQ friends. Dalton, who is graduating in Middle East Studies and Arabic, is serious about LGBTQ issues as he plans to live in the Middle East working to improve rights for LGBTQ people living in that region. Dalton, who has lived in 8 different countries, also shares how he is navigating his LDS faith and also shares about his emotional health. Dalton is joined by his girlfriend Shelby Huey, RM and MTC Teacher. Sh...
Episode 271: Cassidy Jensen, Raped, Trying to Move Forward
May 24, 2020 00:48 - 1 hour - 65.4 MBMy friend Cassidy Jensen shares her brutally painful journey following being raped while a student at BYU Law School in 2019. Cassidy, who is now married and practicing Family Law in California, shares shattered dreams, shame, trauma, losing trust in God and the road to healing. Cassidy shares some of her experience at her blog: https://weallhavelight.com/ including her powerful victim impact statement at https://weallhavelight.com/blog-1/alettertomyrapist If you need to heal from trauma/cr...