Long time listener here. I love the staging around the table. It feels more personal. We get to see all 4 of you in one shot. Great job on keeping the camera varied as well! Thank you!
I'm a never mormon regular listener. Mormon stories have done so much to help me deconstruct from my charismatic evangelical upbringing and find my own way. It's close enough that I relate but different enough that it didn't offend me years ago when my own shelf was breaking. This is one of my favorite episodes so far. John and Margie are the best interviewers in the whole religious deconstruction space.
Same with me! Enough unique things about mormonism that it gave me breathing room for my own raw feeling about my experiences, but it rang true enough that I got to digest things I had put away years and years ago.
Same here! I started listening before I realized my own southern baptist/evangelical shelf was breaking. It seemed safe because I thought it was so different. But then I started to see the ways my own scrupulocity was hindering and hurting me. I've listened to so many episodes now and I've healed from my own religious trauma and I so enjoy hearing people's stories.
I've been watching Mormon Stories for years now. I've never been Mormon and have only met one Mormon in my whole life, so your guess is as good as mine as to why or how I even found you. All this to say, I want to thank you all at Mormon Stories (and just the exmormon community at large) from the bottom of my heart for the work you do. I feel so privileged to be able to enter this sacred space you've all created together and hear these precious stories. It has helped me immensely in my own healing from my fundamentalist-adjacent Baptist background. And now it's helping my mom too. You are bringing love, truth, and light to the world, and the effects will ripple outwards for centuries. I'm confident of that. Allowing people to just tell their stories is so so powerful. Thank you again, and I wish you all love and healing. ❤
@@strawberryhairclips You may be surprised where you see them. A few months ago I went to our nearby bbq place for dinner. If i hadn't watched so much of this channel I may not have realized exactly what I was seeing at the next table. Two very clean cut young men, white shirts, dark slacks, sitting with a middle aged, clearly successful man. And there was no father sons vibe at all. After I finished eating I did approach them and ask if they were missionaries? They happily said yes. As we talked, one told me he was from Utah. You could actually see him puff with pride,. The other one was very proud to be from Idaho. Well this is the very deep South. I asked if they had wanted foreign missions and if so, were they disappointed when they received their call letters? But I immediately made a joke about, but surprise, down here turned out to be foreign after all. They all truly had a deep laugh over that. I told the older gentleman that I bet these elders really appreciated being hosted for dinner. And told the boys to eat up all they could, I'd heard that the pickin's could be slim in missions. I'm sure they knew I wasn't Mormon but we had at a very pleasant convo and I left before I could be asked if I belonged. This is a very small town with very few Mormons, so that local guy would have known me if I belonged, or had belonged. So that's my story about coming across Mormons in the wild. I kept it very friendly while having a bit of fun too. I'm positive they were absolutely mystified but too polite maybe to say anything. Keep your eyes open, you never know.
And the same with John and Margie. I'm always so amazed by them and their relationship. I would feel so grateful if my children someday have partners who look at and speak of them like we see in these two examples.
@@EmB-ix9tt I'm pretty sure Margie is a runner. That always did it for me. And horses. So just start a little bit of running and find some horses to groom. 😀
I have at least 50 UA-cam channels I subscribe to. But Mormon Stories with Dr. John Dehlin has become one of my most cherished and enlightening YT channels I am happy to say. Although I have never been a Mormon, but as a RN I cared for a number Mormon patients ( in NM ) as a psychiatric nurse so I became curious about the Mormon religion. I recognized many parallels between my Catholic indoctrination and brainwashing as a little child in parochial school and Mormonism. I left the Catholic Church right after high school graduation. I have a deeply keen interest in social psychology and cultish religions given my own background with the Catholic cult. I love the honesty, authenticity, compassion, kindness and enlightening evidence based knowledge that Dr John brings to the table with his high standards of integrity and genuine sincerity and professionalism that he shares on his podcasts without exception. As a result I look forward to every new podcast episode that Dr. John shares every week. He is a goldmine of insightful information that helps me to better understand why I needed to leave the Catholic Church some 50 years ago. It took me a long time to heal and recover after the Catholics got a hold of my childhood mind and programmed it with their ignorant dogmas. I am thrilled that Dr Dehlin is supporting the ex Mormon and current Mormon community by shedding Light on things long hidden or covered up. As the Bible states, “the Truth sets us Free” even though it can be quite inconvenient and even challenging at the times to deal with. Cognitive dissonance can be especially painful at first, but it all inevitably passes once we embrace the Light of Truth. Once we do, we can Shine forth into the outer darkness with the Light of Truth. This is what I love so much about Mormon Stories. I think there’s a little Mormonism in all of us. There is so much I can relate to in Dr John’s podcasts. Keep up the Good Work, John! God indeed works in mysterious ways and one of the ways He’s working is to Wake Us Up through Mormon Stories! There’s never a dull moment on Mormon Stories! I love Truth as a long time Truth seeker and Mormon Stories is all about drilling down on the falsehood by deconstructing it to reveal and expose the Truth! 🌀 ✨☀️✨🌘🌞🌒✨☀️✨
I have considered going back to my old Catholic Church especially after reading and studying the lives of early saints and the oldest Catholic calling of the consecrated Virgin . A good friend of mine took her vows several years ago and dedicates her life to Jesus Christ. She is also a naval officer. I find more comfort there than here although I have not left this LDS church yet...
@@rosemariebennett7213 This came to you for a reason. Not telling you what to do or which direction to go, (I’m not Catholic.) just saying maybe listen to the still small voice. It’s probably God’s. 😊
I don’t know how I ended up here. But what a great conversation. I know nothing of the Mormon experience. But to hear 4 parents talk so mindful of raising their children and their choices with no shame, so refreshing. It’s not like a liberal hands off, but a well thought out and developed sense of developing those children into good well rounded people.
You don't need to be threatened into raising good kids. My kids turned out wonderfully without the threats of hell and with only one involved parent. I had fewer problems than many of my devout friends.
@@Chezsey ofc it can be done, and well done to you. I’m not a parent. But was raised by 2. I found this chat and the thought behind the raising of their children outside of the church, to be different to anything I’ve heard from friends or my own experiences. My friends take on parenting is “you just get on with it.” These people are really taking serious time and consideration and consultation about how best to develop those kids into great human beings. I know thats most parents aim, but I often feel life and things get in the way for parents to be really mindful of what’s right for their kids and how best to developed their decision making and responsibilities. But maybe I’m making it sound too simple, I’m not a parent.
I'm a never-mo who loves Mormon Stories. It has so much for everyone, whether you are religious or not - dysfunctional family dynamics, anxiety/depression, marriage & family issues, teenage issues of all the above, etc. - that can be helpful to so many people. This is the best episode, #1 in my top ten. This is such a lovely couple that made me laugh (a lot) and cry.
I can testify that the relationship with your kids will expand and become much closer when you drop the conditional love, the church creates in your family!!
Wow! Great episode. I can relate so much to Jennifer's relationship with basketball. I was raised a Jehovahs witness. JW parents don't allow their kids to play for any organized teams so I never got to chase that dream but basketball was my escape also. Now that I left religion I'm training my daughter and she gets to play wherever and whenever she wants to.
That was a fantastic interview. LDS/nonLDS, it stands on its own as a heartfelt, honest, open dialogue between a husband, wife and concerned friends. Bravo!
OMG I relate to everything she is saying!! Hands down this is the best episode I’ve seen so far. The bit about Mormon influencers… you hit the nail right on the head! Wanting to be seen. I left 8 years ago and just started going to a non denominational church last year. I was actually afraid to start going to church again because I was worried I would be taking on the “religious stress” all over again… it has been the complete opposite. I’ve never felt more peace in my life, more QUIET confidence and for the first time actually having a real relationship with Christ. ❤️
I started listening to Mormon Stories about 9 months ago and it has been a lifeline for me as it wasn’t until recent that I learned of the church history issues. I love the experiences of these people who have had to go down that same path of pain and the betrayal of the church that we were raised in and spent our lives in devotion to it. I’m not as fortunate to have my husband there with me in my journey and that’s even more difficult. But without these podcasts and others like it I would be lost even more. The light will come and it is. Cults bring this kind of damage to those who leave them
Outstanding interview with Outstanding people. Got me alittle emotional at times listening to their experiences. Thankyou MS and these wonderful people. (Listening all the way from New Zealand) Much love and respect. 💜
Absolutely beautiful story- as a 42-year-old mom with an 11 and 13-year olds, I truly appreciated the parenting advice given towards the end of this episode. You two are wonderful- keepin it real and finding better parenting and marriage thru it all. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Wow. I love this couple. What a love story - honesty and trust and built on fully sharing. Thank you so much for telling your powerful story. You are not wounded birds. You are incredibly nice people who I'd love to be friends with. The church really complicates sections of our lives. You, Darian and Jennifer are such great people. I'm a Mormon who left the church after the church threw me out when I needed it the most in my life. Barely made it thru a suicidal period. Thank you for sharing your very good great love story.
See, that’s what I don’t get. God is love, & that sort of treatment from any church is unacceptable & not at all Godly. That behavior is from “the church,” not God, which hopefully tells you all you need to know.
That was a great conversation… loved hearing about the son that was arranging his accommodations after he heard that his parents were going to divorce ! Blessings to this family! ❤️🇨🇦
YES!! Post this quote as a short!! "They dont leave you when you are struggling. Mormons do." This resonates. I remember my closest friend in my former ward, watching when our bishop committed fraud against our family, and saying sorry but she has to tune it out because the bishop is about to give her husband a calling and she needs to believe he is inspired. So we got shunned in favour of a criminal bishop. 3:13:15 Also...really LOVE the ending, with those lovely adult children who turned out just fine without the cult lol
Such a good episode thank you! BYU athlete that gave up Stanford & majored in finance & have similar sexist experiences to you. My heart goes out to you! ❤️Thanks for sharing.
Love Mormon Stories episodes no matter who is co-hosting w/ John, but I absolutely love the episodes where Margi co-hosts. She’s so good at connecting w/ the feelings underneath the stories, especially when there are guests who’ve experienced sexual assault & consent violations. This was yet another fantastic discussion. Thank you for continuing to share the content that you do.
I love the ending here while they’re discussing their new parenting style. I was not bored or raised in any orthodox religion, but I had an extremely similar parenting style and I never felt the need to rebel and my parents knew about EVERYTHING I was up to (I wasn’t a saint either lol!). And if they disagreed or worried about me, I knew how important that was. I’m 30 years old now and my parents have always been my closest friends and mentors. I feel extremely privileged to have been raised this way. I’m so glad their kids will have this luxury as well. It will make them more empathetic and charismatic adults!
One of your faithful Never Mo fans. This was a GREAT interview! I am famous for saying, “Life is a journey.” This couple has had an interesting journey. It seems Mormonism doesn’t want you to progress beyond the very basics of the Mormon gospel. Get your testimony early and keep it!
Thank you for this channel. I have been “reprogramming” from organized religion for several years. The “unstructured” life is very difficult going from the strict structure. Your program and variety of guests has been very helpful. Thank you.
I don’t know you but I celebrate you for gifted parenting! I love that you knew to embolden and empower your children and their friends. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this presentation.
I lived in Brentwood for 15 years. My boys graduated from Brentwood High School. After I got divorced I moved off Haywood Lane. So it’s cool hearing from areas I’m from ❤️ I hope y’all got to hang out downtown Nashville!
As a never mormon but listener of MS and the ex-fundie realm, this episode genuinely gave me pause and I cried. Jennifer and Darian's experience of lds and leaving it to become better parents heals a bit of my own heart. Breaking generational religious fabrication is beautiful and their story is now a favorite episode of mine.
Thank you for addressing this ❤ this is my number one concern about leaving and it's something that I feel like my parents will ask about when I finally tell them I've left. My oldest just turned 7 so baptism is on my mind, and I think he's too young to decide, too.
This was such a GOOD episode!!! I love their unconditional love for each other so much - it’s Beautiful. I loved the idea of the Artsy Patriarchal Blessing for each child. I really want to see a sample of each of them😊. I bet they are fantastic- what a treasured idea (unlike a regular P.Blessing). I’m an Artist and would love to create this idea for my kids and grandkids.
I'm in the process of figuring out who I am after leaving the church, and I'm realizing how limited my opportunities were growing up because of how closely my family followed the rules of the church. I used to play volleyball. I loved it. I wasn't great, but I was good. But I knew I couldn't go far with it because in order to play at a high school level, you pretty much needed to also be on a club team and since they competed on Sunday's, it was not even an option. So I quit before I got there. Same with violin- I played in the local orchestra, but the next age level had practice on Sunday, so I couldn't move up from the level I was at. I was not encouraged to pursue my interests. There was only church. I don't think my parents even knew what my interests were. I didn't feel seen. So I'm working to pay attention to my children's unique interests and qualities, and I let them know that I notice and see them. I'm supporting them in what they want to do. (I'm also choosing not to have too many kids so that we can afford to give them that attention and support.) Hearing this being talked about here was super validating to my parenting philosophy, thank you.
I can relate to this podcast sooo much!!! I did feel that my virginity was my value. 😢 The purity culture has affected my whole life. It has caused so much turmoil in my mind that has affected my marriage. I was afraid to be sexual even after marriage.
Excellent interview and love the round table format. FWIW, I was so like Jennifer. Into sports and my career. BYU was a nightmare with few women friends and it stayed the same after graduation. I had nothing in common with women in the church and so much in common with all people outside of the church. Not the reason I left but we are similar. Amazing couple!
Never Mormon who grew up in slc and something she said connected with me so much about feeling shamed for liking boys. In middle school when I was starting to “date” I remember feeling so shamed by Mormon moms of the guys I was talking to. I remember not understanding why their sons who I felt instigated most of the flirting didn’t get the same attention. I think back to what I was experiencing and it was so innocent. I felt so much shame for any expression of affection.
This is probably one of my favorite interviews to date. I want to be their friends so bad. Darian is so freaking nonchalantly HILARIOUS and I really just want Jenifer to adopt me. The way they describe their parenting style is SO ME!!! My husband and I are currently PIMO’s but we let our Junior drink with great communication and trust involved. Thank you for sharing. Love from Idaho. ❤
I love the things that were said in this! The one about his daughters being like 1/10 person in polygamy just said so much! Because that was the one thing that started me on my own journey out
Your words rang true; I felt the spirit. I still have chills. I'm so glad the church no longer owns or controls my spirituality. Love to you and your family (and to the Dehlins, too.)
I'm just at the beginning of the interview, but when Jennifer said she always felt like an outcast, and she didn't fit in with the Bible belt peers, I had to speak up. I lived in Utah for 32 years as a non mormon due to my husband's career. Raising my 3 children in a setting where they are the outcasts. They are the ones whose parents won't let their kids play with mine. I have so many stories of terrible behavior from adults and their children. I watched my children be crushed and overlooked and told they were going to hell. So I understand how it feels from a mother's point of view. It's happening every day in every neighborhood, and in every school. You are treated like a second class person if you are not mormon.
I moved to Nashville from mormonville/ Utah, and the Christian culture absolutely rejects and isolates if you’re Mormon. I left the church about ten years ago and dove into the Bible Belt because my relationship with Christ was never altered. It was him who set me free. BUT I was shocked at how the Christian culture treated me and my children too. I’ve decided to raise my kids to have a strong relationship with Christ and read their Bible, follow his teachings, and we volunteer at church but there is no “in group” here as well. Same games same mentality. Just another side of the fence. I think if we truly believe and follow him we don’t need all of these rules. It’s just natural and you naturally feel loved and included. Which is what Jesus tried to teach the Pharisees among other things. And I agree, you won’t fit in there either, but then as a Mormon in Utah Inwasnt welcome to that cult as well. Our family wasn’t rich enough and our home was broken so we were outcasts for those reasons.
I can relate. I grew up in a small Mormon town. My parents are divorced, but my dad was Mormon. I was raised Catholic with my mom. Due to my last name and father, I had close Mormon friends when we were little. However by junior high, they all separated from me, because I was Catholic and of Mexican decent. It was super hurtful. Plus some of my dad’s family wouldn’t even talk to my sisters and I for the same reasons. Although I’ve never been Mormon, I can definitely relate to MS podcast.
@@kelleycoronado9314 It's so hard! There are so many barriers to humanity and genuine love and kindness. I wish people would stop playing all of the games. Can you imagine how beautiful the world would be?
I absolutely love this interview. Jennifer does such a great job at explaining how women are not always a safe place for other women in the Mormon world. Young women should not be shamed the way they are, it is a sad and mentally abusive practice.
When i got to the part about Andrew texting the divorce news to your family, i laughed so hard. And that was not good as I broke some ribs a couple of nights ago. So thanks guys! 😂😂😂
I played this pre existence game when I was 9! This was in Utah! I also figured out the game and I went to the “celestial room” with cake and pizza, etc. my siblings were in outer darkness in an over heated room with saltines and no water.
Long time listener here. I love the staging around the table. It feels more personal. We get to see all 4 of you in one shot. Great job on keeping the camera varied as well! Thank you!
Agree! 😀👍🏻
Same here. The production of this episode was done very well!
One of the best interviews- Allowing them to take the lead and sit back and listen. Loved it so much I watched it twice❤
I'm a never mormon regular listener. Mormon stories have done so much to help me deconstruct from my charismatic evangelical upbringing and find my own way. It's close enough that I relate but different enough that it didn't offend me years ago when my own shelf was breaking. This is one of my favorite episodes so far. John and Margie are the best interviewers in the whole religious deconstruction space.
know Jes\\ know peace, no Jesus no peace. praying you come to the Gospel of John....amazing
Same with me! Enough unique things about mormonism that it gave me breathing room for my own raw feeling about my experiences, but it rang true enough that I got to digest things I had put away years and years ago.
Same here! I started listening before I realized my own southern baptist/evangelical shelf was breaking. It seemed safe because I thought it was so different. But then I started to see the ways my own scrupulocity was hindering and hurting me. I've listened to so many episodes now and I've healed from my own religious trauma and I so enjoy hearing people's stories.
DITTO
Ditto
Just want to say, bringing Margi to the conversations was one of the greatest decision MS ever made.
I get so excited when I see Margie is on an episode. 😂 Sorry John, love you too but Margie is something special.
I also adore her!!!!
Totally agree! She offers such thoughtful insights to the conversation.
Margi is phenomenal.
Agreed!!❤
I've been watching Mormon Stories for years now. I've never been Mormon and have only met one Mormon in my whole life, so your guess is as good as mine as to why or how I even found you. All this to say, I want to thank you all at Mormon Stories (and just the exmormon community at large) from the bottom of my heart for the work you do. I feel so privileged to be able to enter this sacred space you've all created together and hear these precious stories. It has helped me immensely in my own healing from my fundamentalist-adjacent Baptist background. And now it's helping my mom too. You are bringing love, truth, and light to the world, and the effects will ripple outwards for centuries. I'm confident of that. Allowing people to just tell their stories is so so powerful. Thank you again, and I wish you all love and healing. ❤
@@strawberryhairclips You may be surprised where you see them.
A few months ago I went to our nearby bbq place for dinner. If i hadn't watched so much of this channel I may not have realized exactly what I was seeing at the next table. Two very clean cut young men, white shirts, dark slacks, sitting with a middle aged, clearly successful man. And there was no father sons vibe at all.
After I finished eating I did approach them and ask if they were missionaries? They happily said yes. As we talked, one told me he was from Utah. You could actually see him puff with pride,. The other one was very proud to be from Idaho. Well this is the very deep South. I asked if they had wanted foreign missions and if so, were they disappointed when they received their call letters? But I immediately made a joke about, but surprise, down here turned out to be foreign after all. They all truly had a deep laugh over that. I told the older gentleman that I bet these elders really appreciated being hosted for dinner. And told the boys to eat up all they could, I'd heard that the pickin's could be slim in missions.
I'm sure they knew I wasn't Mormon but we had at a very pleasant convo and I left before I could be asked if I belonged. This is a very small town with very few Mormons, so that local guy would have known me if I belonged, or had belonged.
So that's my story about coming across Mormons in the wild. I kept it very friendly while having a bit of fun too. I'm positive they were absolutely mystified but too polite maybe to say anything.
Keep your eyes open, you never know.
I love the way you two still look at each other when you tell your story. It’s so sweet and endearing.
And the same with John and Margie. I'm always so amazed by them and their relationship. I would feel so grateful if my children someday have partners who look at and speak of them like we see in these two examples.
“I am most comfortable on the island of misfits. That is my safe space.” Amen, I completely relate.
They are totally neurodivergent!!! Love it. “The same but different”
As a women in her mid 40s, I need to know all about Margie’s and Jennifer’s arm workout routines. 💪
Ha♡
@@EmB-ix9tt I'm pretty sure Margie is a runner. That always did it for me. And horses. So just start a little bit of running and find some horses to groom. 😀
margie looks amazing. Wow.
Just push the against your body
Working on this also!
I have at least 50 UA-cam channels I subscribe to. But Mormon Stories with Dr. John Dehlin has become one of my most cherished and enlightening YT channels I am happy to say.
Although I have never been a Mormon, but as a RN I cared for a number Mormon patients ( in NM ) as a psychiatric nurse so I became curious about the Mormon religion. I recognized many parallels between my Catholic indoctrination and brainwashing as a little child in parochial school and Mormonism.
I left the Catholic Church right after high school graduation.
I have a deeply keen interest in social psychology and cultish religions given my own background with the Catholic cult.
I love the honesty, authenticity, compassion, kindness and enlightening evidence based knowledge that Dr John brings to the table with his high standards of integrity and genuine sincerity and professionalism that he shares on his podcasts without exception.
As a result I look forward to every new podcast episode that Dr. John shares every week. He is a goldmine of insightful information that helps me to better understand why I needed to leave the Catholic Church some 50 years ago. It took me a long time to heal and recover after the Catholics got a hold of my childhood mind and programmed it with their ignorant dogmas.
I am thrilled that Dr Dehlin is supporting the ex Mormon and current Mormon community by shedding Light on things long hidden or covered up.
As the Bible states, “the Truth sets us Free” even though it can be quite inconvenient and even challenging at the times to deal with. Cognitive dissonance can be especially painful at first, but it all inevitably passes once we embrace the Light of Truth. Once we do, we can Shine forth into the outer darkness with the Light of Truth.
This is what I love so much about Mormon Stories. I think there’s a little Mormonism in all of us. There is so much I can relate to in Dr John’s podcasts.
Keep up the Good Work, John!
God indeed works in mysterious ways and one of the ways He’s working is to Wake Us Up through Mormon Stories! There’s never a dull moment on Mormon Stories!
I love Truth as a long time Truth seeker and Mormon Stories is all about drilling down on the falsehood by deconstructing it to reveal and expose the Truth!
🌀
✨☀️✨🌘🌞🌒✨☀️✨
Fantastic comment and I agree with you.
I have considered going back to my old Catholic Church especially after reading and studying the lives of early saints and the oldest Catholic calling of the consecrated Virgin . A good friend of mine took her vows several years ago and dedicates her life to Jesus Christ. She is also a naval officer. I find more comfort there than here although I have not left this LDS church yet...
@@sherielowe4256 👉🏿♥️👈🏽
@@rosemariebennett7213
This came to you for a reason. Not telling you what to do or which direction to go, (I’m not Catholic.) just saying maybe listen to the still small voice. It’s probably God’s.
😊
Beautifully written, Amen!
I don’t know how I ended up here. But what a great conversation. I know nothing of the Mormon experience. But to hear 4 parents talk so mindful of raising their children and their choices with no shame, so refreshing. It’s not like a liberal hands off, but a well thought out and developed sense of developing those children into good well rounded people.
God bless you all
Awesome people
You don't need to be threatened into raising good kids. My kids turned out wonderfully without the threats of hell and with only one involved parent. I had fewer problems than many of my devout friends.
Oh my God that lady talks so much interrupts everybody she is annoying
@@Chezsey ofc it can be done, and well done to you. I’m not a parent. But was raised by 2. I found this chat and the thought behind the raising of their children outside of the church, to be different to anything I’ve heard from friends or my own experiences. My friends take on parenting is “you just get on with it.” These people are really taking serious time and consideration and consultation about how best to develop those kids into great human beings. I know thats most parents aim, but I often feel life and things get in the way for parents to be really mindful of what’s right for their kids and how best to developed their decision making and responsibilities. But maybe I’m making it sound too simple, I’m not a parent.
These are two sets of good parents discussing things, that at middle age (out since 2015), I needed to hear-- as a parent and a child. THANK YOU!
I'm a never-mo who loves Mormon Stories. It has so much for everyone, whether you are religious or not - dysfunctional family dynamics, anxiety/depression, marriage & family issues, teenage issues of all the above, etc. - that can be helpful to so many people. This is the best episode, #1 in my top ten. This is such a lovely couple that made me laugh (a lot) and cry.
I’ve watched a lot of Mormon stories, and this, by far, is my favorite episode. I have so many takeaways from this interview.
I can testify that the relationship with your kids will expand and become much closer when you drop the conditional love, the church creates in your family!!
I love this couple. They seem to have done so much work on themselves.
Wow! Great episode. I can relate so much to Jennifer's relationship with basketball. I was raised a Jehovahs witness. JW parents don't allow their kids to play for any organized teams so I never got to chase that dream but basketball was my escape also. Now that I left religion I'm training my daughter and she gets to play wherever and whenever she wants to.
That was a fantastic interview. LDS/nonLDS, it stands on its own as a heartfelt, honest, open dialogue between a husband, wife and concerned friends. Bravo!
You can tell they love each other so much. When either of them are talking they are turned toward them and smiling. So awesome to see.
OMG I relate to everything she is saying!! Hands down this is the best episode I’ve seen so far. The bit about Mormon influencers… you hit the nail right on the head! Wanting to be seen. I left 8 years ago and just started going to a non denominational church last year. I was actually afraid to start going to church again because I was worried I would be taking on the “religious stress” all over again… it has been the complete opposite. I’ve never felt more peace in my life, more QUIET confidence and for the first time actually having a real relationship with Christ. ❤️
I’ve passed this episode a few times, I didn’t have 3 hours, but it was my favourite episode, a lovely couple and their story was inspiring
Two awesome power couples just bouncing ideas back and forth, highly entertaining , thanks for this one
I started listening to Mormon Stories about 9 months ago and it has been a lifeline for me as it wasn’t until recent that I learned of the church history issues. I love the experiences of these people who have had to go down that same path of pain and the betrayal of the church that we were raised in and spent our lives in devotion to it. I’m not as fortunate to have my husband there with me in my journey and that’s even more difficult. But without these podcasts and others like it I would be lost even more. The light will come and it is. Cults bring this kind of damage to those who leave them
Stay strong!
@@TheInstigator1026thank you! I’m sure trying!
I live in New Zealand & I’m not a Mormon but I enjoy listening to you both. You both are decent people 🥰🇳🇿
Outstanding interview with Outstanding people. Got me alittle emotional at times listening to their experiences. Thankyou MS and these wonderful people. (Listening all the way from New Zealand) Much love and respect. 💜
Love the Misfit analogy, now I know why I love that story so much and it is my Christmas tree each year.
Absolutely beautiful story- as a 42-year-old mom with an 11 and 13-year olds, I truly appreciated the parenting advice given towards the end of this episode. You two are wonderful- keepin it real and finding better parenting and marriage thru it all. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Glad it was helpful!
This couple are so adorable and I love the way the son was so proactive about looking for plan two when he heard the divorce comment.😂
The video and cinematography in this one is awesome!!!
Grateful for Dr. Delin
Eeeeyyyyy, fellow Iowan here! It was wonderful to hear your stories today!
I love these life stories and John unfolds them perfectly.
Been waiting for this interview to air!! The Rogers are wonderful!
That interview was something else!
I loved seeing the kids at the end
" Certainty kills curiosity." That is a good one to contemplate.
This couple seems like a COUPLE. They actually love each other. I don't know if I have ever seen this before. It's surprising to me. 😊
@@cabrown308I’m sure it meant the authenticity they share! It’s apparent
TOTALLY AGREE! It’s SO rare and beautiful to see (at least from my experience)!
Thanks To Mormon Stories Great Job To You All!!😊❤
Wow. I love this couple. What a love story - honesty and trust and built on fully sharing. Thank you so much for telling your powerful story. You are not wounded birds. You are incredibly nice people who I'd love to be friends with. The church really complicates sections of our lives. You, Darian and Jennifer are such great people. I'm a Mormon who left the church after the church threw me out when I needed it the most in my life. Barely made it thru a suicidal period. Thank you for sharing your very good great love story.
See, that’s what I don’t get. God is love, & that sort of treatment from any church is unacceptable & not at all Godly. That behavior is from “the church,” not God, which hopefully tells you all you need to know.
It is baffling how painful being a member used to be for me. My headaches have stopped since getting away from it.
That was a great conversation… loved hearing about the son that was arranging his accommodations after he heard that his parents were going to divorce ! Blessings to this family! ❤️🇨🇦
Love this couple and I ❤❤❤ John & Margi. Great interview - so inspirational and informative!
I enjoyed hearing their story. Would have liked to have heard more from Darian.
Agreed.
YES!! Post this quote as a short!! "They dont leave you when you are struggling. Mormons do." This resonates. I remember my closest friend in my former ward, watching when our bishop committed fraud against our family, and saying sorry but she has to tune it out because the bishop is about to give her husband a calling and she needs to believe he is inspired. So we got shunned in favour of a criminal bishop. 3:13:15
Also...really LOVE the ending, with those lovely adult children who turned out just fine without the cult lol
Such a good episode thank you! BYU athlete that gave up Stanford & majored in finance & have similar sexist experiences to you. My heart goes out to you! ❤️Thanks for sharing.
So nice to see a good old-fashioned Mormon Story again! Keep them coming, please!
Love Mormon Stories episodes no matter who is co-hosting w/ John, but I absolutely love the episodes where Margi co-hosts. She’s so good at connecting w/ the feelings underneath the stories, especially when there are guests who’ve experienced sexual assault & consent violations.
This was yet another fantastic discussion.
Thank you for continuing to share the content that you do.
I love the ending here while they’re discussing their new parenting style. I was not bored or raised in any orthodox religion, but I had an extremely similar parenting style and I never felt the need to rebel and my parents knew about EVERYTHING I was up to (I wasn’t a saint either lol!). And if they disagreed or worried about me, I knew how important that was. I’m 30 years old now and my parents have always been my closest friends and mentors. I feel extremely privileged to have been raised this way. I’m so glad their kids will have this luxury as well. It will make them more empathetic and charismatic adults!
Mormon Stories is my favourite UA-cam, an im not even mormom.
LOVED this interview!!! What an amazing story and family. Your kids are adorable❤️
Thank you so much!!
This is a beautiful couple. Thank you for sharing your very special story. God bless you and your family.
Wow! So amazing and hopeful. Thank you for your vulnerability.
One of your faithful Never Mo fans. This was a GREAT interview!
I am famous for saying, “Life is a journey.” This couple has had an interesting journey.
It seems Mormonism doesn’t want you to progress beyond the very basics of the Mormon gospel. Get your testimony early and keep it!
Thank you for this channel. I have been “reprogramming” from organized religion for several years. The “unstructured” life is very difficult going from the strict structure. Your program and variety of guests has been very helpful. Thank you.
Another great Mormon Stories! The location thing seems a wonderful addition, looking forward to more like this!
I love the homey setting with the fireplace and the table. It looks so cozy.
I don’t know you but I celebrate you for gifted parenting! I love that you knew to embolden and empower your children and their friends. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this presentation.
Very interesting and honest couple. Thx for being this to us.
I lived in Brentwood for 15 years. My boys graduated from Brentwood High School. After I got divorced I moved off Haywood Lane. So it’s cool hearing from areas I’m from ❤️ I hope y’all got to hang out downtown Nashville!
Love the trailer, introduction ad, John, great job!
This is an episode I will listen to over and over again. Thank you ❤️
What a lovely couple! Also loved the cinematography! The shot of the table at the end with the chairs facing out was a beautiful touch ❤
Aww it was lovely to see the kids at the end too
I lived in Snowflake, AZ and went to school with many Ellsworths. Great interview ❤
I love these two! What a beautiful story.
Me too!
Thank you for sharing their dynamic story. ❤
My husband has stayed by my side!! He’s such a hero!!
The bit about the youthful shaming I related to and had a good cry listening. 🐳🌈🌸
The very words 'worthiness interview' or even 'worthiness are so damaging. Glad we got out when our kids were young.
As a never mormon but listener of MS and the ex-fundie realm, this episode genuinely gave me pause and I cried. Jennifer and Darian's experience of lds and leaving it to become better parents heals a bit of my own heart. Breaking generational religious fabrication is beautiful and their story is now a favorite episode of mine.
This was so good and helpful. Thank you for sharing your story.! And, thank you John and Margie, you guys are such good people!!❤
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for addressing this ❤ this is my number one concern about leaving and it's something that I feel like my parents will ask about when I finally tell them I've left. My oldest just turned 7 so baptism is on my mind, and I think he's too young to decide, too.
This was such a GOOD episode!!! I love their unconditional love for each other so much - it’s Beautiful. I loved the idea of the Artsy Patriarchal Blessing for each child. I really want to see a sample of each of them😊. I bet they are fantastic- what a treasured idea (unlike a regular P.Blessing). I’m an Artist and would love to create this idea for my kids and grandkids.
Wonderful people and story!
“We are a breeding ground for toxic relationships” so so true
Thank you from Germany.
I'm in the process of figuring out who I am after leaving the church, and I'm realizing how limited my opportunities were growing up because of how closely my family followed the rules of the church. I used to play volleyball. I loved it. I wasn't great, but I was good. But I knew I couldn't go far with it because in order to play at a high school level, you pretty much needed to also be on a club team and since they competed on Sunday's, it was not even an option. So I quit before I got there. Same with violin- I played in the local orchestra, but the next age level had practice on Sunday, so I couldn't move up from the level I was at. I was not encouraged to pursue my interests. There was only church. I don't think my parents even knew what my interests were. I didn't feel seen. So I'm working to pay attention to my children's unique interests and qualities, and I let them know that I notice and see them. I'm supporting them in what they want to do. (I'm also choosing not to have too many kids so that we can afford to give them that attention and support.) Hearing this being talked about here was super validating to my parenting philosophy, thank you.
I can relate to this podcast sooo much!!! I did feel that my virginity was my value. 😢
The purity culture has affected my whole life. It has caused so much turmoil in my mind that has affected my marriage. I was afraid to be sexual even after marriage.
Enjoyed the interview. Loved the last five minutes!
Excellent interview and love the round table format. FWIW, I was so like Jennifer. Into sports and my career. BYU was a nightmare with few women friends and it stayed the same after graduation. I had nothing in common with women in the church and so much in common with all people outside of the church. Not the reason I left but we are similar. Amazing couple!
I love this couple❤
Beautiful interview.
Never Mormon who grew up in slc and something she said connected with me so much about feeling shamed for liking boys. In middle school when I was starting to “date” I remember feeling so shamed by Mormon moms of the guys I was talking to. I remember not understanding why their sons who I felt instigated most of the flirting didn’t get the same attention. I think back to what I was experiencing and it was so innocent. I felt so much shame for any expression of affection.
This is excellent because they are being so honest.
This is probably one of my favorite interviews to date.
I want to be their friends so bad.
Darian is so freaking nonchalantly HILARIOUS and I really just want Jenifer to adopt me.
The way they describe their parenting style is SO ME!!!
My husband and I are currently PIMO’s but we let our Junior drink with great communication and trust involved.
Thank you for sharing.
Love from Idaho. ❤
PIMO?
@@annetteherold5514 physicallly in mentally out
@@annetteherold5514 physically in, mentally out
I love the things that were said in this! The one about his daughters being like 1/10 person in polygamy just said so much! Because that was the one thing that started me on my own journey out
A women’s value is their virginity. Wow. That is so true in the church. It’s like that was all they were made for. She is pretty accurate.
Every episode of Mormon Stories has people dealing with trauma. My heart goes out to all of the participants.
Your words rang true; I felt the spirit. I still have chills. I'm so glad the church no longer owns or controls my spirituality. Love to you and your family (and to the Dehlins, too.)
I'm just at the beginning of the interview, but when Jennifer said she always felt like an outcast, and she didn't fit in with the Bible belt peers, I had to speak up. I lived in Utah for 32 years as a non mormon due to my husband's career. Raising my 3 children in a setting where they are the outcasts. They are the ones whose parents won't let their kids play with mine. I have so many stories of terrible behavior from adults and their children. I watched my children be crushed and overlooked and told they were going to hell. So I understand how it feels from a mother's point of view. It's happening every day in every neighborhood, and in every school. You are treated like a second class person if you are not mormon.
I moved to Nashville from mormonville/ Utah, and the Christian culture absolutely rejects and isolates if you’re Mormon. I left the church about ten years ago and dove into the Bible Belt because my relationship with Christ was never altered. It was him who set me free. BUT I was shocked at how the Christian culture treated me and my children too. I’ve decided to raise my kids to have a strong relationship with Christ and read their Bible, follow his teachings, and we volunteer at church but there is no “in group” here as well. Same games same mentality. Just another side of the fence. I think if we truly believe and follow him we don’t need all of these rules. It’s just natural and you naturally feel loved and included. Which is what Jesus tried to teach the Pharisees among other things. And I agree, you won’t fit in there either, but then as a Mormon in Utah Inwasnt welcome to that cult as well. Our family wasn’t rich enough and our home was broken so we were outcasts for those reasons.
That's so sad.
I can relate. I grew up in a small Mormon town. My parents are divorced, but my dad was Mormon. I was raised Catholic with my mom. Due to my last name and father, I had close Mormon friends when we were little. However by junior high, they all separated from me, because I was Catholic and of Mexican decent. It was super hurtful. Plus some of my dad’s family wouldn’t even talk to my sisters and I for the same reasons. Although I’ve never been Mormon, I can definitely relate to MS podcast.
@@kelleycoronado9314 It's so hard! There are so many barriers to humanity and genuine love and kindness. I wish people would stop playing all of the games. Can you imagine how beautiful the world would be?
@@Francis-px2oc exactly! ❤️ we can do our part in the meantime!
So fantastic and inspiring
The way he is looking at her while she’s talking is a dream 😍
The last 5 mins of this video was such a treat. 🥰❤️
I absolutely love this interview. Jennifer does such a great job at explaining how women are not always a safe place for other women in the Mormon world. Young women should not be shamed the way they are, it is a sad and mentally abusive practice.
Absolutely wonderful episode. Tried to save it for work but it was too damn good.
I love your channel. Love hearing your content
Great story!
When i got to the part about Andrew texting the divorce news to your family, i laughed so hard. And that was not good as I broke some ribs a couple of nights ago. So thanks guys! 😂😂😂
What a nice episode! You are a lovely couple! From a Jets fan! ❤
Thank you for sharing your story ❤
It’s a “breeding ground for narcissism & codependency & toxic relationship” speaks so loudly for me!😢
I totally loved this episode! 💕
"Certainty kills curiosity." -Jennifer
I loved that!
Also the nobody gets to be My moral authority!!
I played this pre existence game when I was 9! This was in Utah! I also figured out the game and I went to the “celestial room” with cake and pizza, etc. my siblings were in outer darkness in an over heated room with saltines and no water.
Awesome!
Fantastic interview