Mormon Discussion Podcast: Leading With Faith

Black Skin A Curse From God? Rumors have been swirling recently that the LDS Church is changing certain verses in its African language translations of the Book of Mormon; certain verses that in the English Book of Mormon talk about black skin being a curse from God. The rumor is that those verses have been changed in African language translations so as to keep Africans from knowing that the Book of Mormon calls black skin a curse. Radio Free Mormon investigates those rumors and reports the facts!

The post LDS Church Changing Book of Mormon To Fool...

We dig into one of the lesser-known but deeply revealing historical sources from early Mormonism: the Fayette Lapham interview with Joseph Smith Sr. Lapham’s account places Joseph Smith’s father in conversation about the earliest days of the movement — before the Church had polished narratives, before later offices were cleanly defined, and before memory had decades to smooth out the rough edges. What emerges is a version of early Mormon leadership that feels far less settled and far more experimental than most members were ever taught. One claim in particular raises eyebrows: the suggestion that Joseph Smith may have i...

Tonight on The Mormon Newscast we lead with breaking local news out of Layton: a junior high employee has been arrested and charged with inappropriate conduct involving a 17-year-old. We break down what we know, the legal implications, and the community response. In other headlines, we cover a troubling case out of Cody where a woman allegedly wiped her husband’s phone after his arrest on suspicion of child sex crimes and now faces significant prison time and fines if convicted. Also in Cody news, an LDS man has been accused of sexually abusing a minor and we’ll brin...

Join us on New Year’s Eve for a special episode of Mormonism Live. We’ll look back at the biggest Mormon news stories of the year from The Mormon Newscast and reveal the Top 5 stories you voted for. We’ll also dig into a few late-breaking developments, including the passing of Elder Holland.

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David Whitmer is one of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, but his life after Mormonism raises some of the most challenging questions anyone serious about truth claims has to wrestle with. He broke with Joseph Smith. He rejected Brigham Young. He condemned polygamy, secret combinations, and priesthood hierarchy. And yet, for nearly sixty years, he never denied seeing the angel or the plates. In this episode of Mormonism Live, we take a careful, historically grounded look at David Whitmer’s life and testimony. We explore what he actually claimed to see, how he described the experience, wh...

WHY MORMONS HAVE TO LIE ABOUT MORMONISM. RFM and Kolby Reddish take Austin Fife out behind the woodshed yet again in this newest analysis of “The Light and Truth Letter.” The more Austin defends the LDS Church, the deeper the hole he digs for Mormonism. In Chapter 19 titled “Critical Myths,” Austin Fife proves that truth should be no obstacle in defending the Mormon Church. RFM and Kolby are right there to point out all the lies, half-truths and distortions that Austin must use to make Mormonism defensible. And then they address the real elephant in the living room: Why do Mormo...

Join us this Christmas Eve for the Third Annual Radio Free Mormon Christmas Eve Party. RFM will be joined by over Mormon influencers from the Mormon and post-Mormon space, and maybe even a few surprises! Get stocked up on eggnog and gingerbread cookies! Stay up with RFM and watch the stars come out! This is going to be a blast!

Thomas murphy
https://www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/V58N04_2.pdf

Unsettling Scripture

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When Radio Free Mormon says this is the show the LDS church doesn’t want you to see, he’s not kidding! The LDS church already took down the original version of this episode by lodging a copyright strike against it with YouTube. But now, what with Dallin H. Oaks being made president of the LDS church, and what with excommunications on the rise again, this message has never been more timely! Is there a connection between increasing church discipline and President Oaks’s injunction to local leaders that they need to excommunicate more members? Listen, and you decide

...

The LDS Church has quietly opened the door for English-speaking members to read Bible translations beyond the King James Version. On the surface, that may sound harmless. But once members begin reading the Bible in clearer, modern language, some long-standing Mormon doctrinal assumptions start running into friction. Tonight, we look at why this change matters and what happens when Mormon theology is measured against a less filtered biblical framework. We also cover several additional stories making waves this week: We’ll look at how a Primary song may be quietly showing doctrinal shifts, a spell-check mishap involving Wade Christofferson, an...

This week on The Mormon Newscast, we lead with new data from sociologist Jana Riess showing that Gen Z and younger Millennials are leaving the LDS Church at significant rates, raising serious questions about the Church’s repeated claims of strong growth. We break down what the data actually says, what it does not say, and how this trend collides with the Church’s public narrative. We also look at the newly announced Young Men’s Advisory Board and what it signals about where is heading. At the same time, Apostle David Bednar suggests that faithful parents can ultimately save w...

Radio Free Mormon and Kolby Reddish dissect chapter 17 of Austin Fife’s Light On Truth Letter. Easily the worst chapter so far, Austin inadvertently reveals a lot about himself, including the fact that the way he deals with critics of Mormonism is to “stop listening to them.” This was surprising from somebody who wrote an entire book to address their arguments, but there you have it. Austin also lets us know that he systematically mischaracterizes critics of Mormonism as the worst people on the planet so he can make Mormons look good by comparison. It is a tour de force...

Tonight on Mormonism Live we celebrate the 5th anniversary of Mormonism Live. 5 years of in depth dives into Mormon History. 5 Years of examining the theology of the LDS Church, 5 years of current events. All on a weekly live show designed to entertain you! It’s our 5th Anniversary special, and we’re turning the show over to you. Call in and tell us your favorite episodes, your favorite RFM breakdowns, your favorite Bill Reel rants, the moments that shocked you, cracked you up, or helped you see Mormonism in a whole new way. Whether you’ve been with us since...

A lot of people feel down around the holidays. So did RFM! But a few years ago, RFM stumbled across some wisdom from a guy who lived 2,000 years ago that turned everything around. And maybe it will for you, too! RFM shares how he used to be in love with Christmas as a boy, how he parted ways with Christmas in a messy break-up, and how after a long period of alienation, they finally got back together. Join RFM as he tells the wonderful stories that led him through this experience, and how he gained an unexpected insight into...

Tonight on The Mormon Newscast: The LDS Church is now pressuring creators to stop using the word “Mormon” because they want surprise, surprise, they want the word; even after years of telling members not to use it. Why does the Church suddenly want the word back? What’s behind this new legal push, and what does it mean for podcasts, media, and the wider post-Mormon community? We break down the key details from the Salt Lake Tribune’s reporting, the legal implications, and why critics say the Church abandoned the trademark years ago.
Plus, other major Mormon headlines:
•...

There are stunning new developments in the Wade Christofferson case, a story shaking Mormonism from the inside out. A federal complaint, coded messages to a child, a secret attic space, and a connection to one of the highest-ranking leaders in the LDS Church… this update is darker, more disturbing, and more revealing than previously reported. And the deeper you look, the harder it gets to ignore the patterns. We walk you through the newest details, what investigators found, what prosecutors allege, and why this case is quickly becoming one of the most significant abuse stories in modern LDS history. If...

Oliver Cowdery was more than Joseph Smith’s scribe. Oliver was a co-founder of the Mormon movement, a visionary of sacred experiences with Heavenly Messengers, and one of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon’s golden plates as well as an angel. But what happens when that witness walks away? In this episode of Mormonism Live, we dive deep into Cowdery’s life, exploring his pivotal role in early Church history, his fiery fallout with Joseph, and the twists and turns of his life outside Mormonism and in the end, back in. Did he ever truly deny his te...

In this follow-up to “To Catch a Thief,” Radio Free Mormon and Bill Reel return with a deeper, wider investigation into the claims and credibility of Ward Radio’s Jonah Barnes. Last time, we showed clear evidence that Barnes lifted Eldon Watson’s Adam-God research and passed it off as his own. This time, we broaden the lens. RFM and Bill walk through a lineup of respected scholars and historians whose work directly contradicts Barnes’s narratives, exposing just how far he’s been stretching, bending, or outright stealing ideas to prop up his platform. When someone pretends to be a scholar...

Tonight on The Mormon Newscast, we’re diving into a major update in the Wade Christofferson case. New details are out about how the LDS Church allegedly handled his membership, leadership callings, and decades of abuse reports. And what this says about the system itself. We’ll walk through the new timeline, the institutional decisions, and why so many feel the Church’s internal structure made future victims less safe.
We’re also covering several big stories breaking across Mormonism this week:
• Salt Lake Tribune’s article on faithful podcasters • Active-shooter training rolled out for LDS buildings
• Anothe...

Getting together with family during the holidays can be beautiful… or it can feel like stepping into a spiritual escape room you never signed up for. In this episode of Almost Awakened, Teresa and I dive into the real-life challenges that mixed-faith families face this time of year — from surprise prayers to passive-aggressive testimony moments to the subtle pressure to play your old role in the family system. In this episode of the Almost Awakened Podcast, We’ll walk through 10 practical, human, and emotionally intelligent tools that help you stay regulated, connected, and true to yourself when the room is ful...

Tonight’s Mormon Newscast opens with a heavy story making waves across the ex-Mormon and Mormon-watching world: the arrest of Apostle D. Todd Christofferson’s brother on federal child-abuse charges. We walk through what’s known, what’s confirmed, and what this means inside a culture where reputational control is everything. We’ll also cover the Church’s recent move to lower the missionary age for young women to 18, raising big questions about recruitment strategy and cultural pressure. From there, we jump the quiet removal of the Saturday night session of General Conference, and we also take a look over the pon...

In this episode, we break down the story of a Latter-day Saint Bishop who when he was currently serving when he officially stepped away from the Mormon Church. We’ll walk through what led to his decision, what he saw behind the curtain as a leader, and how the gap between the Church’s public messaging and its private reality became impossible for him to ignore. This isn’t just another faith transition story. It’s a rare account from someone who lived the system, moved up in the ward hierarchy, enforced the rules, and finally couldn’t keep pretending...

Radio Free Mormon is joined once again by esteemed co-counsel Kolby Reddish to take apart yet another chapter of Austin Fife’s “Light On Truth Letter.” RFM and Kolby agree this has got to be the crappiest chapter in an otherwise crappy book. But sometimes, the crappier the chapter, the longer it takes to break down. We point out numerous logical fallacies Austin Fife engages in to try to make Mormon plural marriage defensible, many of which Austin Fife mentioned earlier in his own book! That’s right! Austin Fife sets forth in the first chapter of his book a list o...

Tonight on The Mormon Newscast, we’re jumping into Sunday School where the Come Follow Me finally lands on D&C 132, and the online reactions range from confused to downright chaotic. We also dig into what’s actually going on with the Giving Machines this year, and why the spin doesn’t match the data. The Church is touting 250 trucks of humanitarian aid, so we’ll walk through what that really means and what it doesn’t. And yes! the word Mormon might be sneaking its way back into mainstream use… even inside Church circles. We’ll also talk about Latter-d...

In this episode, Radio Free Mormon welcomes Bill Reel into the studio for a deep-dive investigation into a troubling pattern coming out of the Ward Radio camp. RFM walks viewers through clear, point-by-point evidence that Ward Radio’s Jonah Barnes is presenting another scholar’s research as if it were his own. Bill acts as the jury weighing the evidence and speaks to why this matters for anyone trying to do responsible Mormon scholarship. And in the end you get a front row seat as RFM attempts to catch a thief. They also explore what happens to a community when...

Mormonism Live’s Bill Reel & RFM dive deep into a recent claim by Ward Radio that the so-called “Adam God Doctrine” never existed. They sift through the documentary history, the original speeches, journal entries, and the commentary of leading Mormon scholars to see if the claim holds up. Did the doctrine ever exist? Was it a misunderstanding, a misrepresentation, or a developed belief held by some early leaders? We’ll explore all that—and what it means for a faith’s history where its apologists do everything they can to get away from the problems and contradictions of Mormonism

Thank...

This week on the Mormon Newscast, we start with Tim Ballard, who’s now claiming the LDS Church has its own “deep state.” We break down what he actually said, why he’s saying it now, and how this keeps pushing the Church into a political storm it does not want. Next, we look at a disturbing case: another Latter-day Saint with a history of sexual abuse has been called to a high-level leadership position. Members are asking how this keeps happening. We also cover a viral TikTok calling out the Church’s charity motivations., we check in on the rising...

Britt Hartley from No Nonsense Spirituality and Bill Reel from the Almost Awakened Podcast are teaming up again for a brand-new series built around honest, wide-open conversations on spirituality, atheism, psychology, consciousness, and whatever else grabs our curiosity in the moment. In this first episode, we jump from one fascinating question to the next. What is the nature of reality? Are we living in a simulation? What does an AI revolution mean for human meaning and purpose? And would you pull your kids out of a religion you know is false… even if staying in it meant they’d live...

Purity culture didn’t begin with religion, it began with control. In this episode, Teresa and Bill explore how ancient systems of ownership and inheritance evolved into moral laws that still shape our relationship to the body, desire, and worth today. Even after leaving high-control faiths, the conditioning remains embodied, showing up as shame, numbness, fear of pleasure, self-policing, and confusion about intimacy. From a trauma-informed and nervous-system lens, Teresa unpacks how sexual shame becomes a learned state of dysregulation, where the body equates arousal with danger. Together, they trace the historical roots of purity codes, examine how they pe...

In this episode of Almost Awakened, we dig into the emotional weapon that too many of us have been shaped by—shame. Bill and Teresa break down how unhealthy systems—religious, familial, and relational—use shame to keep people small, obedient, and disconnected from their true selves. We explore the difference between guilt and shame, unpack the mechanics of control, and call out the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways shame is embedded in Mormonism and beyond. Topics covered: How shame hijacks our sense of worth and belonging Lesser-known examples of shame-based control in high-demand religions The psychological damage caused by chroni...

I have been putting off telling this story for all nine years I have been podcasting. Beyond that, I have never shared this story publicly, and privately only with a handful of close friends. This occurrence happened in 1979, when I was nineteen years old. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before or since. It stands as a singularity in my lifetime. This is the story of how I met Satan. And yes, I instantly regretted it. So turn out the lights, gather close to whatever device you’re watching this on, and listen to this absolutely true st...

This week on Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon sit down with researcher Kolby Reddish for a fascinating deep dive into the Dead Sea Scrolls and what they reveal about the Book of Mormon’s ancient claims. Kolby walks us through the history of the Scrolls, what they actually contain, and how they’ve transformed modern biblical scholarship. Then the conversation turns to the big question: If these are the most important ancient Hebrew and Aramaic writings ever discovered, certainly they mean something about the history, language, theology, and narrative patterns found in the Book of Mormon? Don’...

This week on The Mormon Newscast, we kick things off with the story everyone’s talking about—Latter-day Saint women lining up in droves to snag the Church’s new sleeveless garments. For decades, complaints about the old design have simmered quietly, but this release sparked a full-blown “garment gold rush.” We’ll unpack what this says about control, modesty culture, and the changing face of Mormon womanhood. Also in the headlines: Latter-day Saints are having fewer children and Church officials are taking note. Elder Neil L. Andersen’s recent devotional left some scratching their heads, while an Idaho mayoral candid...

The question of whether Mormons should be called “Christian” is all the rage. But it was also a much-debated question back in the 1980s when RFM was at the height of his Mormon Apologetic career. Radio Free Mormon brings his years of experience and perspective to this question and gives the final and authoritative answer to whether Mormons are Christian. Case closed!

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Everyone knows Martin Harris as one of the Three Witnesses. But few know how strange, conflicted, and revealing his story really is. Was he a man of unwavering faith in the Truth… or a man chasing every new revelation that came along? In this episode of Mormonism Live, we dig into the real Martin Harris; the devout farmer who financed the Book of Mormon, saw angels (and maybe more), then spent decades bouncing between movements, prophets, and visions. From his 1838 claim that he only saw the plates “in vision or imagination,” to his deep belief in the Shaker “Sacred Roll and...

Tonight on The Mormon Newscast, we’re diving into a lineup that has the Mormon world buzzing. The LDS Church quietly rolled out changes to scripture headings and introductions, raising questions about what’s driving these edits and why transparency still feels optional. We’ll also unpack new data suggesting a steady decline in the percentage of Latter-day Saints paying full tithing, a shift with big implications for church finances and faith culture.

Meanwhile, the Church just announced 55 new missions worldwide and we’ll explore what that might really signal. We’ll also discuss the new TV docuseries...

Is it really possible that the LDS Church is removing the racist passages from the Book of Mormon? Not from the English version, but instead from the versions prepared for distribution in developing nations such as in Africa? Join RFM as he reviews the evidence and make up your own mind!

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What happens when trauma awareness turns into over-protection, and healing gets stuck in the identity of what harmed us? In this episode of Almost Awakened, Teresa Hobbs and Bill Reel unpack the concept of fragilization; the process by which individuals and cultures become organized around avoiding discomfort in the name of safety. Drawing from their work supporting people through religious trauma, deconstruction, and nervous system healing, Teresa and Bill explore how the instinct to protect ourselves can sometimes keep us trapped in patterns of helplessness. They discuss how to honor pain without becoming fused with it, how validation can...

Lee Krahenbuhl returns to Mormonism Live for a fascinating deep dive into some of the strangest and most unusual aspects of Mormon history. Discover the surprising connections between Brigham Young, matchmaking traditions, spirit messages from Joseph Smith, and the most famous magician of the 19th century.

What hidden stories link Mormon leaders, spiritualism, and 19th-century magic?

How do these strange connections reshape our understanding of LDS history? Don’t miss this eye-opening episode as we uncover the bizarre, the mysterious, and the downright magical side of Mormonism’s past.

Support Mormonism Live here: http...

Tonight on The Mormon Newscast RFM and Bill Reel dive deep into the latest from inside and around the LDS Church. Watch as we explain the headlines, the subtext, and the stuff members aren’t supposed to talk about out loud. Our main story tonight is the recently announced new LDS Leadership and what they are already saying.
Stories include:
Church avoids Dallas misstep in newest video
Is the LDS Prophet called of God or not? – a question that Oaks may have answered himself.
“We have work left to do,” says Oaks about women.
What one...

RFM is joined by Summur Rayn and Charles (aka “Black Priesthood”) to discuss important current issues facing Black Mormons throughout the world, including Africa. You won’t want to miss this thoughtful and penetrating conversation.

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Tonight on Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon sit down with writer and blogger Sarah Steed, whose essays contain sharp insight, poetic honesty, and unflinching critique of LDS culture. Sarah’s work dives deep into the unspoken layers of Mormon life—gender, perfectionism, obedience, and the lingering ghosts of patriarchy that shape the spiritual experience of both men and women. She explores how theology becomes culture, how “sisterhood” can sometimes turn into surveillance, and how the Restoration’s original mysticism was slowly domesticated into corporate religion. This is not your typical discussion on faith. Expect intelligent dialogue, uncomforta...

In this special episode, we take a in-depth look at the life and ministry of Elder Dallin H. Oaks, who stands next in line to become President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Few leaders have been as controversial —from his time as President of BYU to decades in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. We’ll explore the major moments that have shaped his spiritual approach to the gospel and to others: the legal mind that helped define Church policy, the Speaker who spoke boldly on Church theology, and the Latter-day Saint disciple who has guid...

Tonight on The Mormon Newscast: From prophetic succession to public scandal, we’re covering another week of seismic shifts inside Mormonism. Russell M. Nelson’s Funeral & Succession Process
Tim Ballard Back in the Headlines
Mormon Doctor Charged
The Family Proclamation as Doctrine?
Temple Update
Deseret Book & the New Mormon Orthodoxy

Join the Conversation: Comment live, share your thoughts, and help us unpack what all this means for the modern Mormon movement.

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RFM is joined by special guest Dr. Julie Hanks to respond to the scurrilous accusations made against her by Jacob Hansen! This is going to be a lot of fun!

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In this episode of Almost Awakened, Bill and Teresa explore one of the most misunderstood aspects of emotional health, boundaries. We unpack what safe and unsafe boundaries look like, how trauma and conditioning shape the ways we draw our lines, and why some “boundaries” are really just walls disguised as self-protection. You’ll learn how to identify when a boundary is rooted in fear versus self-respect, and how to create space for connection without sacrificing your safety or authenticity. If you’ve ever felt guilty for setting boundaries, or confused when someone else’s “boundary” felt more like a punishment, th...

Join Radio Free Mormon for a thoughtful (and sometimes irreverent) breakdown of the Saturday Afternoon Session of General Conference. This session often hides some of the most telling comments, and RFM is here to dissect every word, nuance, and contradiction. Expect humor, history, and a clear-eyed look behind the pulpit polish.

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Traditionally the most “high-profile” session of the weekend, the Sunday Morning Session gets Radio Free Mormon’s full treatment. From prophetic posturing to carefully crafted soundbites, RFM highlights what’s said on the big stage—and what’s quietly avoided. If you want the conference decoded, this is the session to watch.

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What happens when your church convinces you that your own memories, questions, and feelings can’t be trusted? In this episode of Almost Awakened, Bill Reel and Teresa Hobbs unpack the dark art of religious gaslighting — how high-demand faiths twist reality, dismiss legitimate concerns, and make believers doubt themselves under the guise of “God’s will.” We’ll explore: What gaslighting is and how it got its name Five real-world examples from Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Scientology, and more How leaders rewrite history, dismiss evidence, and blame the victim The deep psychological harm caused when faith makes you distrust your own perce...

The era of temple mania may finally be over. For years, General Conference after General Conference felt like a temple-announcement arms race — a building boom meant to project momentum and growth. But this week, the LDS Church abruptly hit the brakes. No new temples announced. No new groundbreaking. Just… silence. Has the age of temple expansion officially ended, and what does that say about the state of the church? We’ll also break down Elder Rasband’s subtle — but significant — shift in rhetoric around The Family: A Proclamation to the World. His recent comments seem to reposition the document’s status doctr...

The Saturday Evening Session is often framed as a “special” gathering, but what actually got said? Radio Free Mormon brings his signature wit and insight to peel back the layers of the evening talks. Whether it’s soft rebranding or subtle shifts in doctrine, RFM helps you see what’s really going on.

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Join Radio Free Mormon for a thoughtful (and sometimes irreverent) breakdown of the Saturday Afternoon Session of General Conference. This session often hides some of the most telling comments, and RFM is here to dissect every word, nuance, and contradiction. Expect humor, history, and a clear-eyed look behind the pulpit polish.

The post GenCon Post Mortem: Saturday Afternoon: RFM: 419 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Radio Free Mormon kicks off our General Conference coverage with a deep dive into the Saturday Morning Session. From the opening talks to the themes that set the tone for the weekend, RFM brings sharp analysis, quick wit, and insider knowledge you won’t hear in Sunday School. What did the leaders say, what did they leave out, and what does it all really mean? Tune in and find out.

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Mormon apologists lean on chiasmus as one of their strongest evidences for the Book of Mormon. Radio Free Mormon takes us through a fascinating exercise, demonstrating that chiasmus also appears in . . . Radio Free Mormon podcasts! If chiasmus in the Book of Mormon proves it was written by ancient Hebrews, what does chiasmus in RFM prove? This episode blows apart the myth that chiasmus is evidence for the Book of Mormon. Case Closed!

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Mormonism Live uncovers the explosive history of the Reed Smoot Hearings (1904–1907)—a time when Mormon leaders, including President Joseph F. Smith, were forced to testify under oath before the United States Senate. What happens when prophets, seers, and revelators can no longer hide behind the pulpit and instead must answer blunt questions from skeptical senators under oath and penalty of perjury?

We’ll walk you through:
Why the hearings began and why the nation was riveted.
Joseph F. Smith’s shocking admissions about polygamy, revelation, and his business empire.
The contradictions between what Church leaders...

The Almost Awakened Podcast is planning out a “Opposing Viewpoints” series and in this first episode of our new Opposing Viewpoints series, Bill shares a recent confrontation he had with a Mormon apologist—an exchange where both sides walked away feeling the other had acted in bad faith. Together, Bill and Teresa unpack the experience, steelman the apologist’s position and motivations, and vulnerably explore Bill’s own thought process and responses in the moment. What happens when two people both believe they’re standing for truth, yet each feels misrepresented by the other? What drives these kinds of clashes, and...

What happens when a Mormon Apostle gets asked troublesome questions about Mormonism? In this episode of Mormonism Live, RFM and Bill Reel sit down with someone who had questions —hard questions — for the LDS Apostle about Mormonism. As the conversation unfolds, we witness a fascinating dynamic: a man taking a closer look at belief, truth claims, and the stories the Church tells its members. It’s a rare opportunity to see what happens when one presses for clarity—and Elder Renlund finds himself on the receiving end of uncomfortable but essential inquiries. Don’t miss this unique episode that blends sha...

Tonight on The Mormon Newscast, we cover two major stories. First, LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson—the oldest-ever prophet in church history—has passed away. We’ll look at his life, legacy, and what comes next for church leadership. Second, we turn to Michigan, where a shocking attack targeted an LDS congregation, leaving investigators searching for answers. We’ll cover what happened, the response from members on the ground, and what this means for the broader community. Join us as we bring clarity and context to these two significant and emotional stories in Mormonism today.
Support the show: Duration: 02:09:25

Tonight on The Mormon Newscast, we dive into a headline that has people talking: a Cross placed on Temple Square. What does it mean for Mormon identity, public image, and the Church’s relationship with broader Christianity? We’ll unpack the symbolism, the reactions, and what this moment might signal moving forward. But that’s not all—tonight’s lineup is packed: The return of “Garment Bottom Guy” and what his latest stunt reveals about Mormon culture and protest. President Russell M. Nelson immortalized in a brand-new hymn—we’ll explore the lyrics, the message, and the worship implications. A major update on...

What do Mormon temples and Masonic lodges really have in common? In this episode of Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon dig deep into the original words of LDS leaders, historians, and first-hand witnesses to uncover the startling overlap between Freemasonry and the Mormon temple endowment. From Joseph Smith and Heber C. Kimball to Brigham Young and beyond, the record is clear: Church authorities openly admitted the connection—sometimes calling Masonry “apostate priesthood” or even “corrupted endowments.” We’ll walk you through the actual quotes, the historical documents, and the missing context you won’t hear in Sunday School...

In tonight’s episode, we take a close look at how the LDS Church has navigated the delicate situation of acknowledging that Charlie Kirk’s accused assassin was a member of their faith. We’ll walk through what the Church has said, what it hasn’t said, and how this event is being framed both inside and outside of Mormonism. We’ll also cover updates on the Mormon assassin story since our last coverage — what’s been confirmed, what remains unclear. On top of that, we have a breaking story about new guidance the LDS Church has given its members about...

The Book of Mormon makes it clear that the gifts of the Spirit are a sign of salvation. If a church has the gifts of the Spirit, it is a true church that leads to salvation. If a church does not have the gifts of the Spirit, it is a false church that leads to damnation. How does the modern LDS Church fare when this test from the Book of Mormon is applied to it? Not well, I’m afraid. Ultimately, the Book of Mormon has the unfortunate honor of destroying modern Mormonism. Tune in for the details!

...

In this special episode of The Mormon Newscast, we break down everything we know so far about the alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk. Tyler James Robinson, a 22-year-old from Southern Utah with a Mormon background, has shocked a community known more for its quiet neighborhoods than national headlines. We’ll explore Robinson’s ties to Utah and Mormon culture, what investigators say links him to the crime, and why stories like this hit especially hard in a place that prides itself on safety and community. But that’s not where the story ends. As we peel back the layers, we fin...

Tonight on The Mormon Newscast, we’re diving into the growing spotlight on ex-Mormon voices in the media. The Wall Street Journal recently covered social media influencers critiquing Mormonism, sparking a rebuttal from the Deseret News and a statement from Senator Mike Lee. We’ll unpack what this means for the public conversation around the Church, truth claims, and the culture war brewing online. In our secondary stories: The Church’s rollout of new terminology and what that signals about evolving language in Mormonism. A Salt Lake Tribune article exploring the pain and division that can follow leaving the faith...

Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt gave the keynote address at the recent FAIR apologetic conference. The theme was that we can still trust modern prophets in spite of how badly past prophets have goofed things up. RFM reviews this talk as a sort of open letter to Elder Corbitt, explaining in detail why none of the arguments in his talk are persuasive. If you want to see how Mormon leaders play word games, this show is for you!”

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RFM is joined once again by his faithful lawyer sidekick Kolby Reddish as we review chapter 11 of the light on truth letter. In this episode, we show why it is that spiritual experiences are not a good way to arrive at truth, and they should probably not be used to ascertain whether any religion is correct, up to and including Mormonism. Join us on our testimony roundup, won’t you?

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Join Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon on Mormonism Live as we dig into the long and turbulent history of Joseph Smith’s run-ins with the law. From treasure digging charges in New York, to assault accusations in Ohio, to treason indictments in Missouri and Illinois, Joseph Smith’s life was marked by constant legal battles that shaped both his reputation and the future of Mormonism.

We’ll trace the key moments where courts, judges, and mobs intersected with the Mormon prophet, exploring how his actions, claims, and conflicts repeatedly brought him face-to-face with American justice—and ultimate...

Tonight on Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon take on the brand-new video series “An Inconvenient Faith” — a polished production where scholars, researchers, and familiar voices inside and outside the LDS Church confront the most problematic issues in Mormonism.  We’ll break down the claims, highlight what the so-called “Experts” gets right (and where it pulls punches), and talk openly about why the Church’s truth claims simply don’t hold up under scrutiny. Whether you’re curious, questioning, or already on the other side, this conversation promises to go deeper than the deflection of problems that many in the series...

Tonight on the Mormon Newscast our top story covers LDS apologist Jasmine Rappleye’s alleged public apology regarding her controversial remarks on Mormon sexual abuse and clergy privilege. What does this apology really mean, and how is the broader community responding? We’ll also dive into several other big stories making headlines in Mormonism this week: Polygamy Deniers Under Fire – Critics push back on those who dismiss or minimize Mormonism’s long polygamous history. The Park Plaza Parking Lot Debacle – A community flashpoint that reveals deeper tensions about church property and public use. We also revisit Mormon Church Land Purchases...

RFM covered the excommunication of Brandeis Hebrew scholar David P. Wright a few weeks ago. Now we cover the paper written by David P. Wright that got him excommunicated! The paper shows how Joseph Smith used the Epistle to the Hebrews from the Bible in his creation of the Book of Mormon. Professor Wright’s paper is a tour-de-force, and the LDS Church once again shows its penchant for excommunicating the best and the brightest of its members.

The post Excommunicated for THIS? : RFM: 411 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Tonight on Mormonism Live, RFM and Bill Reel are joined by special guest John Dehlin of Mormon Stories to reflect on five decades of Sunstone—the symposium that has been at the heart of Mormon thought, scholarship, and counter-narratives for half a century. From its beginnings in the 1970s to its role today as a gathering place for both believers and post-believers, Sunstone has been a hub for open dialogue, difficult questions, and groundbreaking conversations. Together, we’ll explore its history, controversies, influence, and where it may be headed in the next fifty years. Join us live and add your...

RFM is joined once more by Kolby Reddish as they break down the Light and Truth Letter. In chapter 10, Austin Fife argues the LDS temple endowment ritual is better explained by links to the ancient Near East, as opposed to the contemporary Masonry going on in Joseph’s own backyard. In presenting his case, Austin Fife never tells you exactly what the correspondences are between the LDS temple and Masonry. RFM and Kolby Reddish show the connections, and once you have seen them, it is hard to believe Joseph Smith came up with the names, signs, tokens, penalties and sy...

Tonight on Mormonism Live *** LAUREN COMES INTO THE PODCAST 1/2 HOUR IN **** We’re joined by investigative journalist and podcaster Lauren Matthias about a half hour into the show, creator and host of the acclaimed Hidden True Crime podcast. Lauren has built a reputation for deep, thoughtful reporting on some of the most compelling and disturbing criminal cases in recent years, including the Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell saga. In this episode, we’ll explore Lauren’s journey into true crime reporting, the behind-the-scenes realities of covering high-profile cases, and what her investigations have revealed about human behavior, justice, and the co...

Our lead story dives into a controversial change to Utah law altering CSA Law. A move critics say may have been crafted to protect the family of a powerful GOP senator. We’ll break down the bill, the political fallout, and the serious questions it raises. Also tonight: Dallin H. Oaks gives a bizarre and telling dedication speech you have to hear to believe Psychedelics and Religion — exploring the strange overlap between spiritual experience and altered states The LDS Church’s half-billion-dollar Australian farmland buying spree and what it reveals about trade loopholes Tattoos in Mormonism — from “graffiti on God’s temp...

Tonight on Mormonism Live, we take a scalpel to Mormonism’s Founder Joseph Smith as He takes one to a Book of Abraham character What happens when a god loses his snout which Has Joseph Smith losing face—and why does it feel so… Mormon? In this off-the-rails episode, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon dive deep into the bizarre, symbolic, and surgical mutilation of Anubis, the Egyptian god of the dead, and uncover what this act might represent within Mormonism’s tangled relationship with Egyptian & The Book of Abraham We take a deep look at the potential effort of Mormo...

LIVE Mormon Newscast | August 5, 2025 | With Studio Audience! Watch Live @ 6pm Mountain / 8pm Eastern Join us live in front of a studio audience for a jam-packed episode of The Mormon Newscast! This week has been a wild ride in the world of Mormonism, and we’re covering all the headlines, scandals, surprises, and statements that dropped like seer stones from the sky. From legal showdowns to leadership quotes, temple controversies to social media meltdowns, we’ve got the full rundown of the week’s Mormon madness. You’ll get the sharpest takes, real-time reactions, and maybe even a few gasps from our...

How Did Joseph Smith Convince So Many? Exploring Hypnosis, Visions, and the Birth of a Movement

How did Joseph Smith inspire thousands to not only believe in his prophetic gifts but also claim their own divine visions and supernatural encounters? Could hypnosis or altered states of consciousness explain part of the story? Tonight, we explore the controversial theory that Joseph Smith may have used hypnotic influence to spark spiritual experiences—and how that shaped early Mormonism. Don’t miss this mind-bending episode!

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Tonight on The Mormon Newscast, we’re diving into a disturbing and heartbreaking headline: A former Mormon missionary has been arrested in Pittsburgh, accused of sexually abusing multiple minors. We’ll break down the details of the case, how he allegedly used his church affiliation to gain trust, and what this means for the LDS Church’s ongoing struggle with abuse scandals.

Also in this episode: Tim Ballard Acquitted – What does this mean for the embattled Operation Underground Railroad founder and his future in right-wing religious circles? Florida Family Horror – A gut-wrenching case involving the abuse of foster and...

Did David O. McKay lose his testimony of the Book of Mormon? Not as a kid or young man, but while serving as the ninth president of the LDS Church? Incredibly, the evidence actually seems to support the idea! Join Radio Free Mormon as he sets forth the case that David O. McKay, the most popular president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 20th Century, did not believe the Book of Mormon to be ancient, but instead believed that Joseph Smith himself wrote it. This is one you won’t want to mi...

What happens when faith becomes a franchise? In this gripping episode of Mormonism LIVE, we sit down with award-winning filmmaker Nathan Apffel and Chris Ayoub to discuss his upcoming documentary “The Religion Business”—a hard-hitting exposé exploring the multi-billion dollar intersection of belief, power, and profit. From televangelists to temples, we’ll pull back the curtain on how modern religious empires are built, marketed, and monetized. Nathan and Chris shares behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the film, jaw-dropping moments from his interviews, and the uncomfortable truths he’s uncovered about how organized religion can exploit spiritual hunger for institution...

Tonight on Mormon Newscast: LDS Temple Training Raises Eyebrows Over Possible LGBTQ Targeting In our lead story, we dive into concerning reports about recent temple worker training in the LDS Church—allegedly singling out LGBTQ members in ways that raise serious questions about inclusion and policy enforcement. What exactly is being taught behind closed temple doors?

We also cover:
Recent Court Ruling against Washington Law revoking Priest Penitent Privilege
Breaking barriers: Stassi D. Cramm is ordained as the first female prophet-president of the Community of Christ, marking a historic shift in Mormonism’s broader restoration move...

In this episode of the Almost Awakened Podcast, Bill Reel and Teresa Hobbs explore why stillness can feel so uncomfortable, especially for those recovering from religious trauma, chronic stress, and nervous system dysregulation. Teresa shares a powerful moment between them as a couple when a simple request for soothing touch opened the door to a deeper mindfulness and somatic tracking practice. Together, they talk about why so many of us are constantly moving, fixing, distracting, or bracing… and how mindfulness can help us gently be with our sensations rather than run from them. They discuss: The science behind mindfulness an...

What If the Prophet You Trust Showed Signs You’d Warn Your Children About? We often teach our children how to recognize red flags—signs that someone might not have good intentions. But what happens when those same behaviors show up in the life of someone we revere as a prophet? In this eye-opening episode, we explore the established patterns and techniques used by predators—behaviors like isolating individuals, using spiritual authority, giving gifts, and creating undue emotional dependence. Then we take a close, respectful look at the life of Joseph Smith to see if these patterns emerge. This isn’t...

What happens when a U.S. senator’s politics start clashing with his religion? In this explosive episode of Mormon Newscast, we unpack the controversy surrounding Senator Mike Lee’s latest moves and the growing tension between LDS teachings and far-right ideology. Has Mike Lee become a liability for the Church—or is he just saying the quiet part out loud? We also cover: The IRS quietly gives churches the green light to endorse political candidates—what this means for the LDS Church. Elder Dallin H. Oaks mentions Heavenly Mother—but not in the way you’d expect. A new twist in...

Defenders of the Book of Mormon point to the war chapters as evidence of its truth. Tonight, Radio Free Mormon reviews five important aspects of the war chapters and comes to a decidedly different conclusion. The war chapters, far from vindicating the truth of the book of Mormon, end up being the book of Mormon’s final Waterloo!

The post Book of Mormon Waterloo: RFM: 408 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

He Was Too Honest About Mormon Scripture—So They Made Him Pay!  David P. Wright, a brilliant scholar of the Hebrew Bible, once taught at BYU—until his academic integrity put him at odds with LDS orthodoxy. In 1989, he was fired for holding views deemed incompatible with Church doctrine. But the campaign against him didn’t stop there. After securing a position at Brandeis University, a General Authority issued instructions to excommunicate him—all triggered by a scholarly paper showing literary parallels between the Book of Mormon and the New Testament. In this episode, RFM walks you through the evidence—...

Lila Tueller, Daughter of LDS General Authority, Shares Untold Stories of Pain and Faith in “Shattered Trust” What happens when loyalty to the Church comes at the expense of the individual? Lila Tueller, daughter of well-known LDS General Authority Hartman Rector, Jr., has spent a lifetime inside the heart of Mormonism. In her powerful new book, Shattered Trust, she opens the door to stories rarely acknowledged—firsthand accounts from members and former members who found themselves caught between personal suffering and institutional silence. In this episode of Mormonism Live, we explore Lila’s perspective and the deeply moving narratives she shar...

Something major just happened to the LDS Church in one of the world’s most powerful—and most tightly controlled—nations. A quiet move by a foreign government has suddenly upended worship for hundreds of members and raised serious questions about the future of the Church in a place it’s long tried to operate under the radar.

Why now? Why there? And what does this mean for the Church’s global growth strategy? Let’s just say… not everyone is gathering for Sunday meetings this week. Tune in for the full story, the hidden dynamics behind the headlines...

Radio Free Mormon shows six places where Joseph Smith used Josephus, a two thousand year old historical source, to supplement Smith’s scriptural productions. By this method among others, Joseph Smith fulfilled the Book of Mormon prediction that he would restore ancient truths that had become lost.

The post Mormon Easter Eggs: RFM: 406 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Mormonism uses many thinking errors to promote its message. RFM sits down with Dr. Randy Bell and Kolby Reddish, Esq., to identify the top twelve logical fallacies, together with examples from Mormon sources! This will be a lot of fun!

The post Mormon Thinking Errors: RFM: 405 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Who really was Joseph Smith? When one peels back the layers of legend and legacy to explore the life of Mormonism’s controversial founder, a far more complex and human figure emerges—part visionary, part rebel, and entirely unlike the sanitized version told in Sunday School. From buried golden plates and seer stones to secret plural marriages and clashes with the law, this conversation reveals the man behind the movement. Was he a prophet inspired by God—or a charismatic charlatan driven by ambition? Whether you’re a faithful Latter-day Saint, a curious seeker, or someone wrestling with LDS beliefs...

This week on the Mormon Newscast, BYU’s starting quarterback is back in the spotlight—but this time, it’s not for what’s happening on the field. With serious legal allegations and academic questions piling up, the playbook in Provo is getting complicated. Is this a career-ending fumble or just a temporary timeout? We break down the latest developments, the unexpected moves behind the scenes, and why this story could go into overtime. Buckle up—this game is far from over, and it may only be halftime. Another Cougar QB is bucking tradition. He’s headed out—but not for the ty...

Of all the misleading tactics used by Latter-day Saint apologists, this one might just take the crown. It’s sneaky, it’s calculated—and even after being called out repeatedly, they still keep doing it. Why? Because when it comes to defending Mormonism and the LDS Church, it seems the ends justify any means. But not this time. We’re calling it out publicly—and you need to see it for yourself.

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The Nephite monetary system is a weak spot in the Book of Mormon narrative. It rarely gets discussed because it is so infrequently studied. RFM is going to change all that with this episode, in which he takes a deep dive into the Nephite monetary system, only to find that it has more problems than solutions.

The post Book of Mormon Money Problems: RFM: 404 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

In this episode of Mormon Newscast, we dive headfirst into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ bold claim that baptisms are skyrocketing. Is this truly a sign of global revival, or is there more going on beneath the surface? Bill Reel, Radio Free Mormon, and Rebecca Bibliotheca break down the numbers, and question whether we’re witnessing genuine growth—or strategic optics. [June 23 2025]

Elder Holland deeply misrepresenting Church growth – https://www.facebook.com/bill.reel.7/videos/10218767200993596

75 + instances of LDS Leaders misrepresenting the truth – https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/the-mormon-truth-crisis/

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In this episode of Almost Awakened, Bill and Teresa explore the transformative shift from external obedience to internal integrity. What happens when we stop living by someone else’s rules and start listening to our own inner voice? The conversation dives into the psychology of control, the cost of compliance, and the courage it takes to choose authenticity. With humor, vulnerability, and practical insight, they unpack how we were conditioned to equate obedience with virtue—and how reclaiming our autonomy is the path to real wholeness. If you’ve ever felt like your strings no longer fit, this one’s for you...

In this episode of Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon dive headfirst into the Church’s newest official Gospel Topics entry on the Book of Abraham, dissecting its language, implications, and apologetic framing. With surgical precision (and just a bit of satire), they explore how the Church attempts to repackage decades of controversy surrounding Joseph Smith’s translation claims, the missing scroll theory, and the pivot to the “catalyst theory.” Listeners will be taken through the subtle rhetorical maneuvers in the essay—how it avoids hard declarations, redefines “translation,” and leans on ambiguity to keep belief afloat. The hosts also...

Attorneys RFM and Kolby Reddish tackle chapter 8 of the Light on Truth Letter titled, “Fruits of the Church.” The entire chapter is a logical fallacy!

The post Fruits in the Church: RFM: 403 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

[The Mormon Newscast 6.16.25] In a stunning shift, the LDS Church has officially acknowledged the existence of a once denied Revelation—where Jesus Christ appeared and imposed doctrines that have long been abandoned. For decades, leaders downplayed or outright dismissed its authenticity. So what changed? In this episode of Mormon Newscast, we break down the Church’s new admission, explore the timing and historical context behind it, and examine why this moment matters—not just for historians, but for every Latter-day Saint wrestling with the gap between what’s claimed and what’s admitted. We also cover a Bishops endorsement of a sex o...

In this powerful episode of Radio Free Mormon, six bold and insightful women join RFM to dissect the explosive “Women in the Church” chapter from Austin Fife’s controversial Light and Truth Letter. With raw honesty and lived experience, these women share how the Church’s teachings on gender have shaped—and in many cases, harmed—their spiritual journeys, relationships, and sense of self. Together, they expose the psychological toll of patriarchy dressed up as revelation, confront long-standing cultural assumptions, and offer a window into what true spiritual autonomy looks like. This isn’t theory—this is real Mormon women, telling t...

In this explosive episode of Mormon Newscast, we break a major developing story that could have legal and reputational consequences for the LDS Church: allegations of tax filing fraud that may have violated IRS regulations. What was hidden, who knew, and what comes next? [June 9th 2025] Plus, we dive into new national survey data showing Utah among the fastest-growing states in religious disaffiliation, raising fresh questions about the future of faith in the Beehive State. We’ll also bring you the latest from Fairview, Texas, where the temple height battle continues to stir controversy—and possibly local legal action. And...