Episodes

  • CES Letter vs Book of Mormon | LDS Discussions 63 | Ep. 2035

    CES Letter vs Book of Mormon | LDS Discussions 63 | Ep. 2035
    Jun 26 2025

    In this episode, we dive deep into the attacks on the CES Letter and its author, Jeremy Runnells, unpacking why apologetic responses—no matter how weak—are often accepted by believing members. This is the first in a multi-part series analyzing the LDS Discussions CES Letter project.We tackle critical questions about the Book of Mormon, including:-Why does it contain errors from the 1769 King James Bible?-What about the italicized words from the KJV showing up in the text?-Why doesn’t the Book of Mormon match Joseph Smith’s own translation of the Bible?-What does DNA evidence say about the Book of Mormon narrative?-And how do apologists handle the serious anachronisms in the text?Along the way, we explore FAIR Mormon’s increasingly irrelevant defenses, the hidden Gospel Topics Essays, and shifting church narratives.This is an essential deep-dive for anyone curious about Mormonism’s truth claims, historical issues, and the apologetics surrounding them.Join the conversation and subscribe for future episodes in this CES Letter series.
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    2 hrs and 6 mins
  • The Man Behind the CES Letter - Jeremy Runnells (Rebroadcast) | Ep. 2033

    The Man Behind the CES Letter - Jeremy Runnells (Rebroadcast) | Ep. 2033
    Jun 23 2025

    Join us today as we rebroadcast the story of the man behind the famous CES Letter: Jeremy Runnells.In February 2012, Jeremy Runnels experienced a crisis of faith, which subsequently led to a faith transition in the summer of 2012. In the spring of 2013, Jeremy was approached and asked by a Church Education System (CES) Director to share his concerns and questions about the LDS Church’s origins, history, and current practices. In response, Jeremy wrote what later became publicly known as Letter to a CES Director.Letter to a CES Director very quickly went viral on the internet. The CES Director responded that he read the “very well written” letter and that he would provide Jeremy with a response. No response ever came.From then on, hundreds of Mormons have stumbled across the CES Letter and it has caused them to question their faith. Other believing sites have attacked Jeremy Runnells over the years, saying that he was insincere or that he never believed the church was true. His story clears up all doubt that he was a true-believing Mormon.___________________

    YouTube


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    3 hrs and 3 mins
  • Did the Book of Mormon Witnesses Really See Golden Plates? - John Turner Part 5 | Ep. 2033

    Did the Book of Mormon Witnesses Really See Golden Plates? - John Turner Part 5 | Ep. 2033
    Jun 20 2025

    In this episode, we continue our in-depth series with historian John G. Turner, author of Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. Covering chapter five of his book, we take a deep dive into the claims of the Three and Eight Witnesses to the golden plates. Did they actually see physical plates—or was it a visionary experience?

    We explore the early translation period, the role of the Whitmer family, the revelations guiding Joseph Smith, and the complicated testimonies of Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer. Were the golden plates material objects, or were they seen with "spiritual eyes"? We also discuss later accounts, contradictions, and the ongoing debate among scholars and believers.

    Highlights:

    The experiences of the Three and Eight Witnesses

    Spiritual vs. physical claims of the plates

    Testimonies, contradictions, and controversies

    What happened to the plates—and the witnesses—afterward

    Subscribe for more episodes exploring Joseph Smith’s life, early Mormonism, and the origins of the Book of Mormon.


    ⁠Show Notes⁠

    ⁠YouTube

    00:00:00 Introduction

    00:07:34 Why are the Whitmer’s getting involved?

    00:14:28 Joseph Smith covering the plates in a barrel of beans

    00:20:13 The Whitmer Family

    00:25:51 The Melchizedek priesthood

    00:31:31 The experience with the three witnesses

    00:39:12 Did Gold plates exist?

    00:42:49 Spiritual eyes vs physical eyes

    00:45:38 Did the witnesses see physical plates?

    01:03:17 The eight witnesses

    01:10:15 Possible explanation for the witnesses to the golden plates

    01:25:26 What became of the Eight Witnesses?

    01:28:22 What became of the golden plates?

    01:31:43 How the Book of Mormon gets printed

    01:49:13 What is coming up next

    ___________________


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    1 hr and 55 mins
  • LDS Prophet John Taylor’s 1886 Revelation Created Mormon Fundamentalism! | Ep. 2032

    LDS Prophet John Taylor’s 1886 Revelation Created Mormon Fundamentalism! | Ep. 2032
    Jun 16 2025
    Shocking new breaking news!!!! Did you know that LDS Church prophet John Taylor started Mormon Fundamentalism?The LDS Church History Library just released hi-res scans of the original version of a September 27, 1886, revelation to church president John Taylor that commanded Mormons to “do the works of Abraham.” As the LDS Church was gradually winding down polygamy after 1890, a growing movement believed that polygamy was essential and could not be discarded. The revelation quietly circulated through copies, giving their position some teeth. Then, in the early 1920s, a man named Lorin Woolley began telling the other half of the story: at the time of the revelation, John Taylor had ordained him and other men with the authority to perform plural marriages and ensure “the principle” never died. What is this revelation, what does it say, and how was it used and even denied by church leaders?We are joined today by Bryan Buchanan of Benchmark Books and co-host of Sunstone History Podcast to talk about the new revelation.00:00:00 Introduction00:02:20 What John’s understand has been up to this point00:06:34 What happened? New documents released00:12:15 The church is attempting to be more transparent than in the past00:14:02 Quick review of polygamy history00:22:11 Reading the first document - Letter to John Taylor00:34:20 John Taylor passes away in 1837 - in hiding00:40:12 They want to become a state, but do not want to give up polygamy00:46:45 The response from Deseret News00:53:26 The second manifesto00:55:00 Leaders are dishonest in the Smoot hearings01:15:16 The Smoot hearings are a watershed moment01:23:50 First documented case of the 1886 revelation being circulated01:45:00 Badger receives a typed copy of these revelations01:53:30 Why are patriarchs or stake presidents performing plural marriages?01:58:00 Salt Lake Tribune is publishing huge lists of people who are new polygamists 02:05:20 John Taylor to John Woolley document02:16:12 What are Lorin Woolley’s motives?02:23:08 Around the 20s, the first full revelation is published02:39:29 J Reuben Clark - 1923 document03:04:18 John Taylor visited by Jesus saying polygamy is an eternal principle 03:14:03 “Truth” magazine published in 1935, and various other books03:17:20 J Reuben Clark Statement from June of 193303:44:05 “Latter-day Revelation” book made available (like a condensed D&C) 04:15:00 Why Bryan finds this to be such a fascinating time in Mormon history04:17:55 Come to Sunstone!___________________YouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord
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    4 hrs and 20 mins
  • What Caused You to Leave Mormonism? - Live Q&A with Kolby, Britt, and John | Ep. 2031

    What Caused You to Leave Mormonism? - Live Q&A with Kolby, Britt, and John | Ep. 2031
    Jun 14 2025

    Join John, Britt Hartley, and Kolby Reddish today as we host a live call-in show around the topic: "What caused you to lose your Mormon faith?" We would love to hear from you.

    Show Notes⁠

    ⁠YouTube⁠

    00:00:00 Introduction to the Q&A

    00:05:20 Where does the idea of a “shelf” come from?

    00:14:40 Kolby’s shelf-breaking moment

    00:25:25 Polls Results

    00:38:35 Britt’s shelf breaking moment

    00:51:53 Sloan Smart - The Happiness Letter

    01:15:00 Samuel

    01:21:55 Chris - The Second Annointing

    01:49:55 Jennie from Life Take Two

    01:56:00 Kurt

    02:02:40 Annie Edwards - Mormonism is not a place for women

    02:10:40 Mark Stoddard

    02:16:15 Melissa

    02:20:08 Mike & Kerry Fuller

    02:22:50 Mark and Stephanie

    02:31:24 Samantha

    02:33:30 Gene Judson

    02:37:30 Closing comments


    Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

    Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:

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    Our Platforms:

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    Contact us:
    MormonStories@gmail.com
    PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117


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    2 hrs and 45 mins
  • Did Joseph Smith Use Golden Plates to Translate the Book of Mormon? - John Turner Pt. 4 | Ep. 2030

    Did Joseph Smith Use Golden Plates to Translate the Book of Mormon? - John Turner Pt. 4 | Ep. 2030
    Jun 12 2025

    In Part 4 of our deep-dive podcast series with historian Dr. John G. Turner, we explore one of the most debated questions in Latter-day Saint history: Did Joseph Smith actually use the golden plates to translate the Book of Mormon?

    We also cover the roles of Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris, Cowdery’s relationship to the Smiths, the use of seer stones and divining rods, and the complex origins of LDS priesthood authority. This episode covers chapter five in John G. Turner’s new book titled Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet, revealing new perspectives on how the Book of Mormon was produced and what was happening behind the scenes.

    Topics include:

    • Joseph’s poverty and early struggles

    • Martin Harris’ doubts and dedication

    • Translation methods and spiritual tools

    • Priesthood revelations and baptisms

    • Internal conflicts and legacy

    Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy thoughtful conversations on religious history.

    00:00:00 Introduction

    00:08:30 Overview of the last episode

    00:13:44 The revelations that Joseph Smith recorded

    00:16:54 Discussing whether or not Mormons are Christian

    00:42:30 Lemuel Durfee and the Smith’s losing their farm

    00:51:55 The golden plates were completely unused with Oliver Cowdery

    01:04:10 Oliver Cowdery attempting to translate the golden plates

    01:22:43 Joseph and Oliver baptize each other with the priesthood

    01:31:40 How was the Book of Mormon produced?

    01:40:00 Closing remarks

    ___________________


    Show Notes

    YouTube


    Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

    Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:

    • ⁠⁠One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠
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    • ⁠⁠Join the Discord⁠⁠


    Contact us:

    MormonStories@gmail.com

    PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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    1 hr and 41 mins
  • My Dad Ruined My Mormon Wedding w/ Kayli & Nathan Hinckley | Ep. 2029

    My Dad Ruined My Mormon Wedding w/ Kayli & Nathan Hinckley | Ep. 2029
    Jun 9 2025
    In this powerful, raw, and emotional conversation, Nathan Hinckley and his daughter Kayli open up about their journey through Mormonism — from deep devotion to painful disillusionment — and how faith, family, and unexpected truths collided at one of the most sacred moments: Kayli’s wedding.From early seminary mornings and dreams of the Celestial Kingdom to patriarchal blessings, church culture clashes, and a heartbreaking faith crisis — this interview pulls no punches. Nathan, a once-devoted bishop and father, shares how his spiritual unraveling sent shockwaves through his family, culminating in a moment that changed everything at his daughter's temple wedding.How do you break the news to your family that you no longer believe — when your whole life has been built around it?How did Kayli handle growing up as a “perfect Mormon girl,” only to find herself questioning it all before adulthood?Topics explored:-Growing up Mormon in Tennessee-Spiritual perfectionism & scrupulosity-Patriarchal expectations vs self-identity-Leaving the Church and breaking generational cycles-Family dynamics around faith, control, and truth___________________YouTubeShow Notes00:00:00 Introduction00:04:41 How the Hinckley’s end up in Tennessee00:22:29 Kayli’s upbringing on “the compound” also called “The Mormon Holler” by non-members00:26:15 Mormon garment mindset and wearing bikinis00:36:10 Kayli learning the word “feminist”00:42:45 Scrupulosity around beauty and appearance or just the rules?01:07:56 Persecution complex, throwing rocks at a tree01:22:00 Getting her patriarchal blessing01:27:49 Dating non-members and finding a husband01:46:45 How was Kayli’s testimony during this time?01:57:03 Still born sister that she wanted to see in heaven02:04:16 Nathan losing his testimony02:13:40 Nathan was asked to take a survey for the Church on the Gospel Topics Essays02:27:30 Nathan struggles with his testimony02:36:17 Kayli goes down the rabbit hole while parents on vacation02:39:59 I was one person before, and in the next moment I was a different person02:50:38 Why didn’t Nathan just hide it or fake it02:55:51 Nathan began writing and posting things publicly 03:01:01 Kayli removed her name from the Church pretty quickly03:05:26 “An Old Friend of Mine” song03:14:30 How did Ethan respond to Kayli’s deep dive into the church?Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord
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    3 hrs and 59 mins
  • Martin & Lucy Harris and the Lost 116 Pages of the Book of Mormon - Dr. John G. Turner | Ep. 2028

    Martin & Lucy Harris and the Lost 116 Pages of the Book of Mormon - Dr. John G. Turner | Ep. 2028
    Jun 5 2025
    Welcome to part three of the Joseph Smith Podcast! In this episode, we explore one of the most pivotal and mysterious events in early Mormon history — the story of Martin and Lucy Harris and the infamous loss of the 116 pages of the Book of Mormon manuscript. With historian and non-Latter-day Saint scholar John G. Turner, we dive into the complexities of translation, belief, and the relationships that shaped the early Restoration movement.We also examine:- The discovery of the plates- Martin Harris’ background and motives- Lucy Harris’ suspicions and possible involvement- The cultural and religious context of the time- Theories about the Book of Mormon translation process- What the loss of the 116 pages reveals about Joseph Smith’s prophetic developmentThis episode also reflects on broader themes of faith, deception, historical interpretation, and the psychology behind religious movements. Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or historian, this deep-dive provides rich insight from a non-Mormon perspective.___________________YouTubeShow Notes00:00:00 Introduction00:04:40 Mound Builder Myth00:13:10 Feedback and comments on this new podcast00:21:55 What matters more than Joseph Smith being a fraud? 00:26:07 What John G. Turner thinks of the Book of Mormon00:35:45 The background of Martin Harris00:45:40 Joseph performs a magic trick with a pin00:50:10 Did Martin Harris try to see and feel the plates?01:02:53 What was likely in the box if not the plates?01:21:04 Is Emma a co-conspirator with Joseph Smith or does she truly believe?01:37:16 The Anthon transcript01:41:00 John Turner’s best explanation01:50:20 What does he make of the Urim and Thummim spectacles?02:04:43 Theory of what Joseph Smith likely was doing? 02:13:24 Did Joseph Smith have co-authors that helped him?02:16:33 The Lost 116 Pages02:29:44 What about Joseph Smith’s response to the lost 116 pages?02:43:21 The Mosiah Priority in the Book of Mormon02:48:55 Closing commentsMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord
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    2 hrs and 54 mins