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 31: Rosemary Card On Her New Book ‘Model Mormon’
June 18, 2018 12:00 - 1 hour - 50.8 MBActive Mormon Millennial, Author, Temple Dress Store Founder, and former Model, Rosemary Card shares her Christlike insights and life experiences to help others. People like Rosie Card are the future of our Church and the World.
Episode 30: Jana Riess Shares Research on Why Members are Leaving
June 08, 2018 19:15 - 1 hour - 45.8 MBHonored to have my friend Jana Riess, noted author and Mormon convert, discuss her research findings on why some of our men, women and our millennials are leaving the church. It is part of her forthcoming book ‘The Next Mormons being released in March 2019 from Oxford University Press. To minister to those that might step away or have stepped away, we need to understand the reasons. Jana provides the research and helpful insight to reach, understand and minister. Thank you Jana for your...
Episode 29: So, Were You An AP On Your Mission?
May 30, 2018 20:02 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBPodcast focusing on helping the boys/men in our church develop self-worth and being ‘worthy’ by developing Christlike attributes, honoring their covenants, and being good husbands and fathers. Instead of their self-worth and feelings of being ‘worthy’ defined by their church leadership callings.
Episode 28: Laura Root, Former RS President, Now in Same-Sex Marriage, Still Attends Her Ward
May 25, 2018 00:19 - 1 hour - 46.7 MBLaura Root, in her 40’s, bravely shares her journey as a single gay Mormon woman which eventually led her into a same-sex marriage. She continues to attend her Idaho Ward where she has attended for 16 years and where she once served as the Relief Society President. Laura is no longer able to participate fully in Mormonism. While Laura is living outside of the doctrine of our church she is not living outside of the circle of humanity to extend our love and kindness. Thank you Laura for ...
Episode 27: Ganel-Lyn Condie
May 22, 2018 16:26 - 1 hour - 46.4 MBGanel-Lyn Condie noted LDS speaker and author, who just released her 6th book called ‘You are More Than Enough, You Are MAGNIFICIENT”, shares valuable insights to see ourselves as beloved children of Heavenly Parents. She also talks about suicide, being kind to LGBTQ people, how to navigate faith changes within our families, and making our church more inclusive and accepting. Thank you Ganel-Lyn for all you are doing to bless others and help us come unto Christ.
Episode 26: Lisa Hansen, Active Mormon and LGBTQ Therapist
May 19, 2018 18:30 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MBLisa Hansen, PhD, LMFT, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and clinical director of Flourish Counseling Services, PLLC (with an office at Encircle). She has conducted approximately 4,000 LGBTQ therapy sessions. Lisa shares her insights and expertise to help families, local leaders and LGBTQ people navigate this road. Thank you, Lisa! You are awesome!
Episode 26: Lisa Hansen, Active LDS and LGBTQ Therapist
May 19, 2018 18:30 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MBLisa Hansen, PhD, LMFT, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and clinical director of Flourish Counseling Services, PLLC (with an office at Encircle). She has conducted approximately 4,000 LGBTQ therapy sessions. Lisa shares her insights and expertise to help families, local leaders and LGBTQ people navigate this road. Thank you, Lisa! You are awesome!
Episode 25: Alyson and George Deussen Parents of a Wonderful Gay Son, Stockton, Who Died by Suicide
May 17, 2018 21:40 - 1 hour - 58.7 MBAlyson and George talk about their dear gay son Stockton who died in June 2016 at the age of 17. In bravely continuing to share their story, they teach all of us (parents, local leaders, community) how to better minister to and support our beautiful LGBTQ brothers and sisters (and really everyone). I deeply love and admire Alyson and George. They are two of the strongest and more Christlike people I know and are blessing hundreds. Want to be a better disciple of Christ and better minist...
Episode 24: Peter Moosman (Gay Mormon) and Blair Ostler (Bisexual Mormon)
May 16, 2018 20:51 - 1 hour - 48 MBPeter is a gay Mormon and Blair is a bisexual Mormon. At April 2018 General Conference, they held signs ‘hug a gay Mormon’ and ‘hug a bisexual Mormon’. Peter and Blair share their story for our listeners so we can better understand and support our LGBTQ members. Thank you, Peter and Blair. You two are awesome!
Episode 24: Peter Moosman (Gay Latter-day Saint) and Blair Ostler (Bisexual Latter-day Saint))
May 16, 2018 20:51 - 1 hour - 48 MBPeter is a gay Mormon and Blair is a bisexual Mormon. At April 2018 General Conference, they held signs ‘hug a gay Mormon’ and ‘hug a bisexual Mormon’. Peter and Blair share their story for our listeners so we can better understand and support our LGBTQ members. Thank you, Peter and Blair. You two are awesome!
Episode 23: Richard Ostler LGBTQ Viewpoint
May 15, 2018 20:13 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MBPodcast describing my LGBTQ viewpoint from the perspective of a faithful and believing Mormon. Based on this Facebook Post: https://www.facebook.com/richard.ostler.5/posts/10214519759580891
Episode 22 Jaxon Washburn: Active Latter-day Saint Shares Millennial Perspective
May 12, 2018 16:55 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBMy good friend Jaxon Washburn, age 19 helps us understand our younger members. Jaxon is currently at Arizona State University working on a degree in Religious Studies and is preparing to serve a mission. He is deeply connected to many religions and shares his testimony and belief in our Restored Church. Jaxon talks about our younger members and addresses common traits, relevant data, difficult issues, how church leaders can better reach this group, and his experience. I believe people ...
Episode 22 Jaxon Washburn: Active Mormon Shares Millennial Perspective
May 12, 2018 16:55 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBMy good friend Jaxon Washburn, age 19 helps us understand our younger members. Jaxon is currently at Arizona State University working on a degree in Religious Studies and is preparing to serve a mission. He is deeply connected to many religions and shares his testimony and belief in our Restored Church. Jaxon talks about our younger members and addresses common traits, relevant data, difficult issues, how church leaders can better reach this group, and his experience. I believe people ...
Episode 21: Cynthia Winward: Active Mormon Woman Shares Her Perspective
May 09, 2018 14:00 - 1 hour - 43.8 MBCynthia Winward helps us better understand woman’s voices in the church so we can do a better job of hearing this voices, seeing things from other perspectives, so our Restored Church can work for more of our members. Thank you, Cynthia. You are strong, capable and a great example for me and so many.
Episode 20: Cruz Soto: Remarkable Man. Remarkable Journey to Join the Mormon Church.
May 08, 2018 15:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBCruz Soto shares his journey from the streets of California into the Mormon Church. I was honored to be Cruz’s YSA Bishop and see this journey first-hand. Listening to Cruz’s story will help us better minister to all our members. Cruz is joined by his dear wife Kelsi Soto. Podcast based on this Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/richard.ostler.5/posts/10209368305477758
Episode 19: Richard Ostler speaks about LGBTQ at Utah State University
April 28, 2018 18:42 - 1 hour - 53.2 MBRichard Ostler Presentation at Utah State University on Tuesday, April 25th on how to show kindness, love, compassion and respect to God’s LGBTQ Children. Church owned LDS Living wrote the following article based on this presentation. http://www.ldsliving.com/-You-Can-Be-an-LGBT-Ally-and-a-Faithful-Member-of-the-Church-Says-Former-YSA-Bishop/s/88315
Episode 18: England Manchester Mormon Missionaries and St Michael and All Angels Church
April 25, 2018 19:28 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MBEllis Ivory (former Mission President) and Brent Brown (former Missionary) tell the story of holding an all-mission conference in 1979 in this historic 12th Century Church. Brent Brown and his wife Mona return in 2016 and learned of a fundraiser to ‘save the bell tower’. Brent talks about ‘returning the favor’ of 37 years ago and organized a fundraiser among these missionaries. In 2017, President and Sister Ulrich went to Hawkshead to present a check for $20,000 and share all the door-o...
Episode 17: David Ostler (former Mission President, Stake President) Discusses Mormon Faith Crisis
April 21, 2018 15:31 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBDavid Ostler (my good brother) as his dear wife Rachelle are active members of the church living in Virginia. Dave has served as a Mission President, Stake President and currently as Service Missionaries. As part of that assignment, they reached out to members who no longer attend to better understand the ‘why’ behind why they left. On this podcast, Dave will discuss how we can better minister to those who are struggling or who have stepped away and a new web site called stakeandwardreso...
Episode 17: David Ostler (former Mission President, Stake President) Discusses LDS Faith Crisis
April 21, 2018 15:31 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBDavid Ostler (my good brother) as his dear wife Rachelle are active members of the church living in Virginia. Dave has served as a Mission President, Stake President and currently as Service Missionaries. As part of that assignment, they reached out to members who no longer attend to better understand the ‘why’ behind why they left. On this podcast, Dave will discuss how we can better minister to those who are struggling or who have stepped away and a new web site called stakeandwardreso...
Episode 16: Don and Debra Coe, Parents of a Wonderful Gay Son
April 18, 2018 22:10 - 1 hour - 45 MBDon and Debra, active members of the church, share their family journey to love and accept their gay son Lincoln and his husband Robert. The Coes give helpful advice for parents, local leaders and LGBTQ people. The Coes talk about how most of their local Mormon community supported/attended the wedding reception for this same-sex couple ... in the same way ‘we’d support a straight couple.’ The Coes also share a tender reconciliation between their son Marshall and Lincoln/Robert on Mother’...
Episode 15: Chris Gallagher (Gay, RM, U of U Student, Dating Men)
April 17, 2018 20:40 - 1 hour - 58.5 MBJoin us as my good friend Chris Gallagher shares his life journey growing up in the Bay Area, serving a mission to Uruguay, BYU, leadership role at USGA at BYU, transferring to the University of Utah and starting to date men. Hearing Chris’s story ... even if some of it is outside of the doctrine of our Church ... helps us to better understand our LGBTQ brothers and sisters. Thank you Chris for bravely sharing your story.
Episode 14: Temple Recommend Question #7 (Support/Affiliate/Agree)
April 16, 2018 19:27 - 7 minutes - 5.44 MBI'd like to share some my thoughts on this question from the perspective of a deeply believing and committed member. These are my thoughts only. I do not speak for the Church. Perhaps my thoughts will be helpful to both our members and those doing Temple recommend interviews.
Episode 13: Masturbation (for a mature LDS Audience):
April 15, 2018 00:19 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MBThoughts on this topic from the perspective of a former YSA Bishop. Based on this Facebook Post https://www.facebook.com/richard.ostler.5/posts/10213596025968128
Episode 12: Is life in Mormonism the Same for a Single Gay Man as a Single Straight Woman?
April 12, 2018 21:45 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBIf we look closer, these are two very different roads. This podcast addresses these differences so we can all better minister to our LGBTQ members. The podcast is based on this Facebook post from June 2017 https://www.facebook.com/richard.ostler.5/posts/10211776675765510
Episode 12: Is life in the LDS Church the Same for a Single Gay Man as a Single Straight Woman?
April 12, 2018 21:45 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBIf we look closer, these are two very different roads. This podcast addresses these differences so we can all better minister to our LGBTQ members. The podcast is based on this Facebook post from June 2017 https://www.facebook.com/richard.ostler.5/posts/10211776675765510
Episode 11: Nine Suggestions For My Single Male Friends to Find Their Eternal Companion
April 01, 2018 17:04 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBPodcast on finding your companion based on my our experience to find my wife and from working with many during my YSA assignment. Based on this Facebook post https://www.facebook.com/richard.ostler.5/posts/10211905609468772
Episode 10: Ben Schilaty, Gay Active LDS Member
March 23, 2018 17:18 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBBen currently attends BYU where he is getting his Master's in Social Work and teaches Spanish. Ben shares his journey coming to terms with his sexual orientation, coming out to his friends at BYU, staying active in the Church and broadly sharing his life story as a Gay Mormon.
Episode 9: Is She Wearing Her Garment In That Wedding Dress Photo?
March 17, 2018 19:10 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBThis podcast discusses cultural judging in our Mormon culture and how we can do better to help everyone feel like they belong. It is based on a Facebook post from May 2017 that went viral with over 10,000 shares. See www.facebook.com/richard.ostler.5/posts/10211600652005026
Episode 8: Jena Peterson, Openly Gay Woman Married to her Husband, and Active LDS Member
March 14, 2018 20:58 - 1 hour - 50.2 MBJena bravely share her story as gay woman who is active in the LDS church. Jena and her husband are the parents of 3 children and she owns her own practice as a Life Coach, focusing on LGBT individuals and/or their families. Thank you Jena for the courage to share your story. You are awesome! You are helping us to better understand God’s LGBTQ children.
Episode 7: Hannes du Randt Mormon Conversation Story
March 08, 2018 02:34 - 1 hour - 47.9 MBIn 2010, Hannes (age 13) and his family arrived in Utah from South Africa. Hannes joined the Church in 2014 and then served mission for our Savior Jesus Christ to Chicago. His story is one of most faith promoting and sacred experiences of my life. Be prepared to be uplifted. Hannes is joined on this podcast with his friends Matt Ostler, Braxton Chipman and Tom Garbett who talk about his conversion story. We love and admire you Hannes and your wonderful family, Sincerely, The Ostler Family ❤️
Episode 7: Hannes du Randt LDS Conversation Story
March 08, 2018 02:34 - 1 hour - 47.9 MBIn 2010, Hannes (age 13) and his family arrived in Utah from South Africa. Hannes joined the Church in 2014 and then served mission for our Savior Jesus Christ to Chicago. His story is one of most faith promoting and sacred experiences of my life. Be prepared to be uplifted. Hannes is joined on this podcast with his friends Matt Ostler, Braxton Chipman and Tom Garbett who talk about his conversion story. We love and admire you Hannes and your wonderful family, Sincerely, The Ostler Family ❤️
Episode 6: Hope filled, Non-Shaming Thoughts on Solving Pornography
March 03, 2018 21:28 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBWhat I teach about pornography after serving as a YSA Bishop. This podcast is for good men and women courageously trying to solve a porn problem and others trying to help them. This podcast is based on this Facebook post https://www.facebook.com/richard.ostler.5/posts/10210699039265271
Episode 5: Paul and Susie Augenstein talk about LGBTQ LDS Meeting in their Ward
February 28, 2018 20:45 - 1 hour - 49.7 MBPaul currently serves as an LDS Bishop of his local Ward in Riverton Utah. On January 28, 2018 Bishop and Sister Augenstein held a meeting in their LDS Ward Building where LGBTQ people and family members spoke. They share their journey to listen, learn and love God’s LGBTQ which led to having LGBTQ people their home and the meeting in their Ward to talk about LGBTQ. LDS Living wrote about this meeting: http://www.ldsliving.com/Inactive-Gay-Mormon-Shares-Powerful-Insights-After-Attending...
Episode 4: John Bonner, a Gay Latter-day Saint and Dear Friend
February 24, 2018 22:09 - 1 hour - 64.5 MBOn Feb 15, 2018, John’s story went viral in LDS circles as Church owned LDS Living published ‘You are My People: Inactive Gay Mormon Shares Powerful Insights After Attending Church for the First Time in Years.' We will hear John share his journey as a gay Latter-day Saint man, some of his highs and lows, and his experience attending church on January 28, 2018 which led to the LDS Living article. Thank you John for helping us to listen, learn and love. More at www.facebook.com/richard.os...
Episode 4: John Bonner, a Gay Mormon and Dear Friend
February 24, 2018 22:09 - 1 hour - 64.5 MBOn Feb 15, 2018, John’s story went viral in Mormon circles as Church owned LDS Living published ‘You are My People: Inactive Gay Mormon Shares Powerful Insights After Attending Church for the First Time in Years.' We will hear John share his journey as a gay Mormon man, some of his highs and lows, and his experience attending church on January 28, 2018 which led to the LDS Living article. Thank you John for helping us to listen, learn and love. More at www.facebook.com/richard.ostler.5/...
Episode 3: How to Feel Forgiven and Have Hope after Sin
February 21, 2018 21:27 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBNeed to feel forgiven following sin? Need to have hope you can become clean again? Want to help others working through sin? Please listen to this podcast based on impressions from Heavenly Father after hundreds of interviews during my YSA service. Podcast based on this post: www.facebook.com/richard.ostler.5/posts/10209802682896922
Episode 2: Mormon 'Faith Crisis'
February 16, 2018 18:46 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MBRichard ‘Papa’ Ostler talks about the Mormon ‘faith crisis’ including his own ‘mini-faith crisis’ while serving as a YSA Bishop. Richard remains a deeply committed Mormon. He shares principals to help others through their own faith crisis and how we can better understand and support the good members of our church struggling with their faith. Podcast based on this post: www.facebook.com/richard.ostler.5/posts/10213734628273099
Episode 2: Latter-day Saint 'Faith Crisis'
February 16, 2018 18:46 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MBRichard ‘Papa’ Ostler talks about an LDS ‘faith crisis’ including his own ‘mini-faith crisis’ while serving as a YSA Bishop. Richard remains a deeply committed Latter-day Saint He shares principals to help others through their own faith crisis and how we can better understand and support the good members of our church struggling with their faith. Podcast based on this post: www.facebook.com/richard.ostler.5/posts/10213734628273099
Episode 1: Introduction
February 10, 2018 18:52 - 25 minutes - 20.3 MBEpisode 1 introduces the podcast and talks about our purpose, scope and goals. Richard Oster also shares some LGBTQ thoughts.