Listen, Learn & Love Hosted by Richard Ostler
792 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 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 225: Alex Christopherson and Thomas Webber, RMs, Engaged, Attending Church
January 20, 2020 05:38 - 1 hour - 113 MBMy friends Alex and Thomas (both RMs, BYU Grads and gay Latter-day Saints) share their journey coming out, serving missions, dating women and eventually finding each other. They are getting married in June 2020. They talk about their good family support, strong testimonies of the Church, staying close to God and attending their local Ward where their Bishop is helping them feel welcome. Great podcast about honoring each other's decisions, finding common group, a loving Bishop and good famil...
Episode 224: Jeff and Holly Fowler; Alec Fowler (their gay son) and his husband Blake McDougal
January 18, 2020 05:19 - 1 hour - 144 MBMy friends Jeff and Holly Fowler (active LDS, parents of 4, former Bishop) join me with their gay son Alec and his husband Blake. Alec and Blake were married in June of 2019. Jeff and Holly talk about supporting Alec and Blake, the wedding, keeping the family circle together, and open and honest communication. Alec and Blake share coming out to friends and family and the excellent relationship they have with both families. Thanks to all of you for being on the podcast. This is a beautiful fam...
Episode 223: David and Kathleen Cook, Service Mission Leaders
January 15, 2020 18:20 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBMy friends David and Kathleen Cook, who presided over the Chile Santiago South Mission from 2013-2016, join me to talk about Service Missions. The Cooks are currently serving as Service Mission Leaders in the upstate NY area. David’s prior service includes Area 70 and Stake President. Kathleen’s prior service included Relief Society President, Young Women President and Public Affairs Director for New York. They are the parents of 4 children and 6 grandchildren. They have wonderful insight...
Episode 222: B Winward, Active LDS, Gay, RM
January 12, 2020 04:22 - 1 hour - 54.1 MBMy friend B Winward shares her journey as a gay Latter-day Saint. B is from Utah County, served a mission in Guatemala, is graduating from UVU with a degree in Leadership, and as made humanitarian trips all over the world. B talks about coming out to herself as gay, overcoming self-harm, coming out to others including her family and current YSA Ward, and her strong testimony of the gospel. B is strong and courageous. You will enjoy listening to her story. Thanks for being on the podcast B. ...
Episode 221: Dr. LaShawn Williams and James Jones, Siblings, Black Latter-day Saints
January 10, 2020 14:14 - 1 hour - 76.3 MBMy friends LaShawn Williams and James Jones join me to share their lives as Black Latter-day Saints. LaShawn has a Doctorate in Education, is an Assistant Professor at Utah Valley University, has a clinical practice (https://drlashawn.com/), and is a mother of three James served a mission in South Africa, has a degree in Psychology, lives in Boston with a career in music and acting, is a Temple worker and co-host with Derek Knox of the podcast Beyond the Block (https://beyondtheblockpodcas...
Episode 220: Dr. Joe Cramer, Pediatric Doctor, Talks About Suicide
January 07, 2020 05:43 - 1 hour - 54.5 MBOur friend, our children’s doctor and ward member, bravely shares his own journey with plans for his suicide. Joe talks about what led up to his plan, why he ultimately choose to live, and his advice to help others not die by suicide. We may think that someone with a wonderful career (Residency at Duke, 30+ years at a successful Pediatrician, President of the Utah Medical Association) and great family (wonderful wife, five children and 13 grandchildren) would consider suicide. But thi...
Episode 220: Dr. Joe Cramer, Pediatric Doctor, Suicide
January 07, 2020 05:43 - 1 hour - 54.5 MBMy friend, our children’s doctor and ward member, bravely shares his own journey with plans for his suicide. Joe talks about what led up to his plan, why he ultimately choose to live, and his advice to help others not die by suicide. We may not think that someone with a wonderful career (Residency at Duke, 30+ years at a successful Pediatrician, President of the Utah Medical Association) and great family (wonderful wife, five children and 13 grandchildren) would consider suicide. But this wa...
Episode 219: Rob (dad), Kyndel (mom) and Quinn (transgender daughter) Marcroft
January 05, 2020 01:33 - 1 hour - 50.2 MBMy friends, the Marcroft family, share their journey with Quinn their transgender daughter. We start with Quinn sharing her story of coming out, working through difficult emotional issues, stepping away from the church and now living in Portland with her partner. Quinn is a CNA and wants to become a nurse because she wants to help others. Quinn’s story gives so much hope, understand and perspective to anyone who is willing to learn about our transgender friends. We then hear from Rob a...
Episode 218: Dr. Aaron Wilson, "America's Principal," discusses LGBTQ Friendly Schools
January 01, 2020 20:22 - 1 hour - 54.6 MBOur family friend Dr Aaron Wilson, Doctorate of Education BYU and Principal of Granite Park Junior High, joins us to talk about his new podcast. It is called America’s Principal (see http://www.americasprincipal.org/) and is resource for parents with the goal to provide information and resources that will make it easier for parents to navigate the public education system and raise their children. Two of his episodes to date talk about LGBTQ (episode 7 and 15). Thank you for your great ...
Episode 217: Jessica and Matt Frew (Active LDS) and Steve Stoddard (Jessica’s gay former husband).
December 30, 2019 07:13 - 1 hour - 66.6 MBEpisode 217: Jessica and Matt Frew (Active LDS) and Steve Stoddard (Jessica’s gay former husband). by Richard Ostler
Episode 216: Richard Ostler, Update to Listeners
December 27, 2019 02:58 - 59 minutes - 47.9 MBI wanted to give you, our listeners, an update on a few topics. I will talk about my LGBTQ POV, upcoming book (fall 2020), podcast history and future, my testimony, church service and additional thoughts. Thank you for joining me and your efforts to make this podcast possible.
Episode 216: Richard Ostler
December 27, 2019 02:58 - 59 minutes - 47.9 MBI wanted to give you, our listeners, an update on a few topics. I will talk about my LGBTQ POV, upcoming book (fall 2020), podcast history and future, my testimony, church service and additional thoughts. Thank you for joining me and your efforts to make this podcast possible.
Episode 215: Daniela Mera-Pray, Active LDS, Faith Crisis and Still Believes
December 24, 2019 05:09 - 1 hour - 51.6 MBMy friend Daniela Mera-Pray, age 24 and living in Mexico, shares her journey with her faith crisis. Daniela faith crisis ended with her still believing in our restored Church and staying a committed member. Daniela has great insights to help others in a faith crisis and those ministering to them. Daniela found community in the Facebook Group Called Uplift Community of Faith (https://www.facebook.com/groups/UpliftCOF/). I encourage anyone in a faith crisis who wants to find a way to s...
Episode 214: Mike and Tamie Snarr, Active LDS, Sharing the Light of Christ
December 21, 2019 05:03 - 1 hour - 58.4 MBMy friends (and ward members) Mike and Tamie Snarr join me to give the talks they shared in our Ward about ‘sharing the light of Christ’, thoughts on guilt free missionary work, and keeping the family circle together when a child steps away. Thanks for being on the podcast Mike and Tamie. You two are awesome. Thanks for helping us be better disciples of Christ.
Episode 213: Doug Richens, Active LDS, Incarceration
December 19, 2019 06:09 - 1 hour - 60.9 MBMy friend Doug Richens joins me talk about impact of crime and incarceration of individuals, families and communities. Doug, who works for the Church as Sr. Manager in the Priesthood of Family Department, share important work being done in the Church in this area. While this podcast focuses on incarceration, Doug shares wonderful principals of ministering and insights into the excellent work being done at the Church do meeting the needs of marginalized groups. Thanks for being on the p...
Episode 212: Darren Bush, LDS Bishop
December 17, 2019 06:09 - 1 hour - 59.6 MBMy friend Darren Bush, a Bishop in Madison Wisconsin, talks about making his ward safe for everyone, helping his ward members focus on Christ, creating an atmosphere that's safe and unconditional loving, so when Ward members need spiritual guidance, they'll feel comfortable knowing he will "judge without being judgmental." Thanks for being on the podcast my friend Darren and all you are doing to help people truly understand the Atonement and come unto Christ through our restored Church.
Episode 211: Jacob Graf, Gay Latter-day Saint, RM, Age 26
December 14, 2019 07:21 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBMy friend Jacob Graf shares his story as a gay Latter-day Saint. Jacob feels his path is find a husband and have a family. Jacob is respectful of the church and grateful for the spiritual foundation it provides and his continued relationship with his Heavenly Parents. Jacob and is close to his wonderful and supportive family. Jacob acknowledges he is choosing a path outside the teachings of our church which I sustain and support, and as a fellow human is worthy our support and understanding...
Episode 210: Valerie Loveless, Mother, Author, Media Producer at Cedar Fort Publishing
December 11, 2019 06:54 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBMy friend Valerie Loveless (active LDS and mother of 3) joins me to talk about the joys and challenges of getting married young, being a ‘stay at home mom’, having a miscarriage and wanting to join the work force. Valerie has wonderful and honest insights to help others. Valerie talks about the book she wrote ‘Enduring Promises of the Heart’ (https://www.amazon.com/Enduring-Promises-Heart-Valerie-Loveless/dp/1462123074) and her work at Cedar Fort Publishing including their new podcast...
Episode 209: Daniel Yesilonis, Active LDS, Convert, Early Returned Missionary
December 08, 2019 03:36 - 1 hour - 66.8 MBMy friend Daniel joins me in Philadelphia to share his journey converting to the Church and then serving a mission. Daniel’s emotional health deteriorated on his mission leading to thoughts of suicide and self-harm. Daniel returned to Philadelphia after 9 months. During the next nine months , Daniel’s emotional health further deteriorated with constants thoughts on suicide and self-harm. Daniel is doing much better and shares how he was able to ‘walk out of this desert’ because of therap...
Episode 208: Kyle and Reece Jacobsen, Married, Great Family Support
December 06, 2019 02:28 - 1 hour - 63.3 MBMy friends Kyle and Reece Jacobsen (RMs from Moscow Russia and Ventura California, respectively) share their journey as gay Latter-day Saints. They eventually felt their path was a same-sex marriage and stepped away from the Church. They are respectful of the Church and are please it works for others. They share how their active LDS families navigated this road and the great support they had at their wedding and going forward. They are both close with their families which is consistent...
Episode 207: Mayor Jon Pike of St. George, Active LDS, LGBTQ Thoughts
December 04, 2019 07:50 - 46 minutes - 37.3 MBMy friend Mayor Jon Pike shares his thoughts about our LGBTQ friends including a former missionary companion and a cousin. As mayor of St. George, Jon shares his desire to ‘be the Mayor for everyone’. With that charge, he shares learning about LGBTQ member of his community and what he and his team is doing to meet their needs. He talks about allowing pride flags during this summer pride festival and the community discussion that followed. Jon shared some thoughts in his FB post on Sept 17th:...
Episode 206: Stephen Lambert, Gay, Director of Pride of Southern Utah
December 02, 2019 08:24 - 1 hour - 48.2 MBMy friend Stephen Lambert shares his journey as a gay Latter-day Saint. Stephen got married and together they raised 5 children. Stephen came out to his former wife 6 years ago and their marriage ended. Stephen no longer participates/believes in the Church but is respectful and glad it works for others. Stephen has great insights on mixed-orientations marriages (many do work) our single members considering a mixed-orientation marriage. Stephen also has helpful insights into how to be...
Episode 205: Dr. Tim Hollingshead, Founder of FreeIn13.com, Solving Porn
November 30, 2019 04:53 - 1 hour - 62.5 MBMy friend Dr. Tim Hollingshead shares his story of being a YSA Bishop (St George area) helping the YSAs overcome porn. Tim went on a deep dive realizing that he lacked all the tools needed to meet his YSA needs. After Tim was released he started freein13.com to help people escape the trap of pornography. If you are working to solve porn or are trying to help others, please listen to this podcast and go to freein13.com. This is an inspired program to help solve this challenge. I wish I had...
Episode 204: David and Jordyn Johnson, Married and Active LDS, Scrupulosity
November 28, 2019 06:25 - 1 hour - 63.1 MBMy friends David (Psychology major at BYU) and Jordyn (Dental Hygienist major at UVU) share their journey with scrupulosity. Since they are walking this road, they have great insights to help others. The have started an Instagram account about their story @scrupcrew (please follow to learn more). Thanks for being on the podcast and bravely sharing your story. You two are awesome and are helping so many!
Episode 203: John and Jenny Dye, Active LDS, Their Ministry
November 26, 2019 17:10 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBMy friends John and Jenny Dye share their work with the #LightTheWorld initiative (including the new elements announced for 2019), John’s work on the Mormon and Gay web site (https://mormonandgay.churchofjesuschrist.org/) and Jenny’s great podcast called Mormon News Report (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mormon-news-report-podcast/id1258689254). Wonderful efforts to help us Come unto Christ through our restored Church. Thanks for being on the podcast John and Jenny. You...
Episode 202: Marian Bergin, Active LDS, Mother of Two Gay Sons
November 24, 2019 03:47 - 1 hour - 52.1 MBMy friend Marian Bergin, age 84 in December, shares her insights of being a parent of two gay sons and a grandmother of a gay grandchild. Marian (who was a social worker) has great insights into how being LGBTQ is not a choice and what LDS parents can do to ensure healthy choices for their LGBTQ children. Marian expresses her wish for an event that she believes could improve the culture of our Church for our LGBTQ members and what we can do to improve the culture of the Church for our LGBT...
Episode 201: Brett and Becky Barney, Active LDS, Brett’s Coming Out
November 22, 2019 06:00 - 1 hour - 77.9 MBMy friends Brett and Becky Barney, who drove from Nebraska, share their experiences related to Brett's same-sex attraction. Both in their 50’s and married for 32 years, Brett shares why he decided to come out to Becky about 3.5 years ago and how their marriage is stronger than ever. It is a beautiful love story. Brett (EQ President) and Becky (RS Presidency) talk about why they publicly share their story in their Stake and with friends and their deep commitment to our restored Church. Yo...
Episode 200: Kyle Friant, RM, Age 21, Gay Latter-day Saint
November 20, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour - 66.5 MBMy friend Kyle Friant bravely shares his story growing up in central Utah, serving a mission in Bulgaria (coming home after 8 months), being home, going back out and serving in Pittsburg (coming home after 3 months), confronting being gay, and almost leaving the church. Kyle, who wrote 20 resignation letters but never sent them in, takes about why he decided to come back to Church and is now a committed member. It’s a remarkable story. Thanks for being on the podcast Kyle. You are one of ...
Episode 199: Tim and Aubrey Chaves, Active LDS, Faith Crisis
November 17, 2019 03:00 - 1 hour - 89.6 MBMy friends Tim and Aubrey Chaves (parents of 4 children) talk about their faith crisis/transition and why they stay active LDS. It’s a beautiful story. They also share creating a feeling of belonging at church, their role with Faith Matters (check out https://faithmatters.org/), wonderful gifts of a faith crisis and conclude with Tim’s journey with scrupulosity. If you are in a faith crisis and want to stay in the Church (or are helping others stay), please listen to this podcast. Tim an...
Episode 199: Tim and Aubrey Chaves, Active LDS, Faith Crisis, Scrupulosity
November 17, 2019 03:00 - 1 hour - 89.6 MBMy friends Tim and Aubrey Chaves (parents of 4 children) talk about their faith crisis/transition and why they stay active LDS. It’s a beautiful story. They also share creating a feeling of belonging at church, their role with Faith Matters (check out https://faithmatters.org/), wonderful gifts of a faith crisis and conclude with Tim’s journey with scrupulosity. If you are in a faith crisis and want to stay in the Church (or are helping others stay), please listen to this podcast. Tim an...
Episode 198: Dillan Conrad, RM, 30, Overcoming Self Body-Shaming
November 16, 2019 03:58 - 1 hour - 65.9 MBMy friend, Dillan Conrad, active LDS, straight LGBTQ ally, and married father of two boys, bravely shares his personal story of being a man who has never enjoyed "typical male things" and who has spent many years coming to terms with his negative self body image. Dillan also shares about serving as a full time missionary in Houston, TX. He tells of “rescuing the one” with Catharine who he stayed in contact with after his mission and spoke at her funeral. Thanks for being on the podcast ...
Episode 197: Mike Ramsey, Active LDS, Author
November 12, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 77.2 MBMy friend Mike Ramsey, married father of 4, joins us to talk about his new book published by Cedar Fort called ‘My Dad’s a Muslim, My Mom’s a Lesbian, and I’m a Latter-day Saint’. You can purchase the book at: https://mikeramsey.org/book-my-dads-a-muslim-my-moms-a-lesbian-and-im-a-latter-day-saint/. It will also be purchased as Deseret Book, Seagull Book or Amazon. Mike shares growing up without a father in his life and a lesbian mother. Mike became active in the Church, served a mi...
Episode 196: Ganel-Lyn Condie, LDS Author and Speaker
November 11, 2019 06:00 - 1 hour - 60.1 MBMy friend Sister Ganel-Lyn Condie (author of 7 books and over 800 speaking engagements) joins us to talk about her ‘Come Follow Me’ YouTube series (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa4odUWX7xWihiuGD4OujAQ), ‘Why I Stay’ (in the Church, Marriage and Body), her new podcast call ‘The Reconnect Podcast’ (https://www.facebook.com/thereconnectpodcast/) and insights in our millennial members. Thanks for being on the podcast Ganel-Lyn and all your great work to bring hope to some many through the...
Episode 197: Ganel-Lyn Condie, LDS Author and Speaker
November 11, 2019 06:00 - 1 hour - 60.1 MBMy friend Sister Ganel-Lyn Condie (author of 7 books and over 800 speaking engagements) joins us to talk about her ‘Come Follow Me’ YouTube series (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa4odUWX7xWihiuGD4OujAQ), ‘Why I Stay’ (in the Church, Marriage and Body), her new podcast call ‘The Reconnect Podcast’ (https://www.facebook.com/thereconnectpodcast/) and insights in our millennial members. Thanks for being on the podcast Ganel-Lyn and all your great work to bring hope to some many through the...
Episode 195: Annette Tidball, Convert, Husband Died in Plane Crash
November 10, 2019 04:14 - 58 minutes - 46.5 MBMy friend Annette Tidball joins us to talk about her new book ‘Fly Again’ (on Amazon) about the tragic death of her husband Brian in their mid-30’s following 10 years of marriage with 4 kids at home. Check out her book at: https://www.amazon.ca/FLY-AGAIN-Want-You-Live-ebook/dp/B07ZPSWPMT/ Annette has wonderful insights to help others dealing with a tragic death and what we can do to minister to those on this road. Annette also talks about why she decided to write this book which I enco...
Episode 194: Jimmy Rex, Helping and Lifting Others
November 08, 2019 05:01 - 1 hour - 62.5 MBMy friend Jimmy Rex (business owner, life coach, mentor, friend to many) shares his life story. Jimmy shares his church story including his mission in Mexico, staying active in the church, dating in and out of the church, but then gradually stepping away. He talks about what we could have done better to perhaps help him stay. Jimmy is supportive of the Church and is pleased that it is working for others. Yea, I’m sad when someone steps away but I also want to keep them in my circle and see ...
Episode 193: Dr Scott Braithwaite, BYU Associate Professor of Psychology, Faith and Suicide
November 05, 2019 04:20 - 1 hour - 54.7 MBMy friend Scott Braithwaite discusses stages of faith (Fowler model) and suicide (Joyner model). Scott presented both at BYU Education Week. Great podcast to help minister for those in a faith crisis/transition to help those who are suicidal. Also a great podcast if you are in a faith crisis or are suicidal. I wish I had known some of the things Scott shares before my YSA service. Scott has a unique perspective/voice on both topics from his clinical training (PhD is Clinical Psychol...
Episode 192: Emmett Claren, LDS, RM, Transgender Man
November 02, 2019 02:13 - 1 hour - 125 MBMy friend Brother Emmett Claren calls in from California to share his journey as a transgender man. Emmett shares the long-term gender dysphoria he felt from a young age and the accompanied feelings of depressions leading to suicide attempts. Emmett shares serving as a sister missionary (Salt Lake City) and then starting to transition after the mission while at BYU-Idaho. Emmett shares his experience with supportive priesthood leaders as he went through the social, legal and medical stag...
Episode 191: Dr. Debra Theobald McClendon, Anxiety and Scrupulosity
October 30, 2019 02:09 - 1 hour - 95 MBMy friend Dr. McClendon, licensed psychologist and frequent speaker at Education Week, joins us to talk about two articles she has written for the Ensign on anxiety and scrupulosity. Anxiety: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2019/04/young-adults/discerning-your-feelings-anxiety-or-the-spirit Scrupulosity: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2019/09/young-adults/understanding-scrupulosity-religious-ocd Scrupulosity, or religious OCD, is something every LDS...
Episode 190: Joe and Amy Pierson, Active LDS, Joe’s Porn Addiction
October 26, 2019 20:50 - 2 hours - 103 MBMy dear friends Joe and Amy Pierson (married 27 years, parents of 6 children and 1 grandchild) bravely share the story of Joe’s 20+ year addiction to pornography. Yes, it almost ended their marriage. And pornography ends some marriages. Through hard work, the Savior’s help and a deeply spiritual experience feeling God’s love, Joe has been free of pornography for nearly three years. It’s a brutal road of shame and dishonesty resulting in significant emotional pain (betrayal trauma) for...
Episode 189: Thomas Richins, RM, Age 24, BYU Student, Gay, Active LDS, Future in History
October 25, 2019 03:00 - 1 hour - 56.5 MBMy friend Thomas Richins shares his journey as a gay Latter-day Saint growing up in Joplin Missouri, serving a mission in Brazil, battling depression, coming out as gay to his family and a few close friends and then more broadly on this Facebook post https://www.facebook.com/thomas.richins.9/posts/1085974584945350 Thomas talks about great family support and his strong relationship with Heavenly Father and our Savior. Thanks for sharing your story, Thomas. You are a great man with a wonder...
Episode 188: Andrea Sorensen, Active LDS, Married Mother of 5, Addictions
October 23, 2019 03:00 - 1 hour - 70.8 MBMy friend Andrea Sorensen, a convert to the LDS Church, shares her journey with her parents addictions (Dad with Alcohol and Mother with Opioids). Andrea’s mother Debbie died from her addictions in June 2018. Andrea is on a mission to eliminate the shame around addictions so people be more likely to solve this challenge. She has so many helpful and thoughtful insights. I wish I had heard someone like Andrea before my YSA service. If you are working to solve an addiction (drugs, porn...
Episode 187: Tyler Barber, RM, Attends SUU, French Major, Gay
October 21, 2019 02:10 - 1 hour - 58.9 MBMy friend Tyler Barber shares his journey as a gay Latter-day Saint. Tyler talks about being less active but then returning to full activity and served a mission in Paris France. Tyler talks about knowing he is gay since age 12 and how he is navigating this road. Tyler came out to friends and family about 2 years ago. Tyler no longer participates in the Church but is respectful of those who love the Church and want to stay. Tyler is part of a peer mentor ship program entitled the ...
Episode 186: Jeralee Renshaw, Active LDS/RS Teacher, Helping Church Be Safe for Everyone
October 19, 2019 02:21 - 1 hour - 62.7 MBMy friend Jeralee Renshaw, married mother of four and nine grandchildren, shares her journey of a life of Church service. All was going well until about eight years, when their oldest son came to them and described his deconstruction of belief in the LDS Church. A journey which eventually took his family out of the Church. That kind of rocked her world. Jeralee shares how she navigating this road which led her to better understand the facts of our church history and the need to share ...
Episode 185: Kathryn and Tyler McDonald, Active LDS
October 17, 2019 04:04 - 1 hour - 73.3 MBMy friend Kathryn and Tyler McDonald, parents of two girls, join us to share Kathryn’s journey with her eating disorder. Kathryn bravely shares her story bulimia and anorexia with inpatient treatment and a relapse after some big life changes. She is able to connect the dots that this isn’t really about foot but about more complex ‘bottom of the iceberg’ issues. Kathryn takes the shame out of an eating disorder which increases the ability to solve this. She talks about the beautiful p...
Episode 184: Karl Malchut, Gay, Affirmation Leader
October 15, 2019 03:31 - 1 hour - 49.5 MBMy friend Karl Malchut joins us to tell his story. Karl talks about growing up gay in a religious family, leaving that faith and joining the LDS Church and now being Jewish. Karl talks about being grateful for his time in the Church. Karl talks about his life being gay, insights learned and hopes for the future. Karl also shares his role as President of the Affirmation Chicago and his goals to bring more understanding between our LGBTQ member and the LDS Church. Affirmation Chicago ...
Episode 183: Sarah Bowers, Gay Latter-Day Saint, Affirmation President Pacific Region
October 12, 2019 04:01 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBMy friend Sarah Bowers shares her journey as a gay Latter-day Saint. Sarah, who lives in California and is in her late 20s, earned a degree in International Studies and wants to get a Masters in Social Work. Sarah shares her thoughts about her future, strong relationship with Heavenly Parents, coming out to her parents and her relationship with her YSA Bishop. Sarah shares how she would like to share her life with a woman. While I wouldn’t invite anyone down a road outside the doctr...
Episode 182: Trevor Searle, RN, Gay Latter-day Saint, Almost Chose Suicide, Now Has Hope
October 09, 2019 03:00 - 1 hour - 66.3 MBMy friend Trevor Searle shares his journey as a gay Latter-day Saint. He talks about always wanting to do the right thing (including serving a mission, marrying a woman and having a family). Trevor talks about how his sexual orientation never changed, which led him to conclude he is a 'monster' and should die. Trevor talks about his near suicide and Heavenly Father answering his prayer that he shared in this moving post: https://www.facebook.com/trevor.searle.33/posts/%201021927438...
Episode 181: Lark Galley, Active LDS, Mother of Four, Son Christian Died by Suicide March 2019.
October 06, 2019 03:16 - 1 hour - 52.1 MBMy friend Lark Galley bravely shares the story of her 19 year old son who died by suicide. She is now living her worst nightmare. Lark, like others, is openly and passionately talking about this subject to help solve this tragic problem in our community and help heal the hearts of those impacted. Here is a link to Christian’s obituary: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saltlaketribune/obituary.aspx?n=christian-galley&pid=191899632&fhid=4550 Thank you Lark for having the courage to ...
Episode 180: Caleb Jones, Married Father of 4, Active LDS, Gospel Insights
October 03, 2019 04:33 - 1 hour - 74.9 MBMy friend Caleb Jones share wonderful insights into the Gospel of Jesus Christ, faith transitions, serving others, and why he stays a committed Latter-day Saint. Caleb also talks about the LGBT FHE that has started in his Stake. Great podcast for those who are in a faith transition and want to remain LDS and for those looking for added insights into Christ teachings. Caleb also discusses Elder Uchtdorf’s powerful 2015 talk about ministering https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/arti...