Radio Free Mormon

RFM is joined by Meggan Hayes (“Generally Unquotable), Jim Bennett (“Inside Out”), Randy Bell and Summur-Rayn for a discussion of the highlights of the October 2026 General Conference. RFM brings the video clips and you bring the popcorn! This is going to be a fun and penetrating discussion!

What happened to the apostles who helped build early Mormonism—and then walked away? When the original Quorum of the Twelve was organized in 1835, these men were not fringe figures. They preached the gospel, served missions, worked directly with Joseph Smith, participated in the movement’s spiritual experiences, and occupied some of its highest positions of authority. Yet six of those original apostles would eventually leave, be excommunicated, challenge Joseph Smith, or follow a very different version of the Restoration. In this episode of Mormonism LIVE, we tell the stories of Thomas B. Marsh, William E. McLellin, John F. Boynton, Luke Johnson, Lyman Johnson, and Joseph Smith’s own brother William Smith. Their stories take us into the Kirtland banking collapse, charges brought against Joseph Smith, the violence of 1838 Missouri, succession disputes, polygamy, prophetic authority, broken trust, and the question some early Mormon leaders eventually faced: Had Joseph Smith himself gone astray? Some came back.…

General Conference Post-Mortem 2026! (Sunday Afternoon) Join Radio Free Mormon immediately after the Sunday Afternoon Session for his rapid-fire reactions, sharp analysis, historical context, and hot takes on what was said, what stood out, what changed—and what may deserve a closer look. RFM is covering every session of General Conference all weekend long, so you don’t have to suffer alone. General Conference has never been this much fun! And please consider supporting RFM as he takes upon himself General Conference for and in behalf of US who don’t want to. https://donorbox.org/general-conference-post-mortem

General Conference Post-Mortem 2026! (Sunday Morning) Join Radio Free Mormon immediately after the Sunday Morning Session for his rapid-fire reactions, sharp analysis, historical context, and hot takes on what was said, what stood out, what changed—and what may deserve a closer look. RFM is covering every session of General Conference all weekend long, so you don’t have to suffer alone. General Conference has never been this much fun! And please consider supporting RFM as he takes upon himself General Conference for and in behalf of US who don’t want to. https://donorbox.org/general-conference-post-mortem

Join Radio Free Mormon immediately after the Sunday Afternoon Session for his rapid-fire reactions, sharp analysis, historical context, and hot takes on what was said, what stood out, what changed—and what may deserve a closer look. RFM is covering every session of General Conference all weekend long, so you don’t have to suffer alone. General Conference has never been this much fun. And please consider supporting RFM as he takes upon himself General Conference for and in behalf of US who don’t want to. https://donorbox.org/general-conference-post-mortem

Join Radio Free Mormon immediately after the Saturday Morning Session for his rapid-fire reactions, sharp analysis, historical context, and hot takes on what was said, what stood out, what changed—and what may deserve a closer look. RFM is covering every session of General Conference all weekend long, so you don’t have to suffer alone. General Conference has never been this much fun!

Tonight on Mormonism LIVE, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon are joined by special guest John Dehlin for an exhaustive examination of the LDS Church’s lawsuit against Mormon Stories. Instead of arguing about the case in the abstract, we take 30 specific claims made by the Church and its attorneys and put them side-by-side with the court record, the Church’s own filings, Mormon Stories’ responses, the mediation history, and recent public statements by Church attorney David Jordan. John Dehlin also joins us to explain what actually happened behind the scenes—including why Mormon Stories changed its branding before the lawsuit was filed, what the Church asked for during mediation, and why he believes the Church’s current public description of the case leaves out crucial context. Among the questions we investigate: Did Mormon Stories intentionally copy the Church’s blue “light-rays” branding? Does the Church’s evidence really show trademark confusion? Did John Dehlin intentionally choose the name Mormon Stories to…

Ever wonder if Mormon Apologists like Jacob Hansen actually believe the arguments they make on behalf of the Mormon Church? Well that answer is now settled, and it is settled by none other than Jacob Hansen himself! On a recent podcast, Jacob Hansen admitted there is a difference between “Jacob the historian” and “Jacob the apologist.” “Jacob the historian” is interested in facts and what is most likely to have happened. “Jacob the apologist” doesn’t really care about any of those things, as it turns out. Who would have thought? The amazing thing is to hear Jacob Hanse himself admit to it! This is one you won’t want to miss! And it is a warning that should be played at the beginning of every Jacob Hansen podcast!

All the pleadings have been drafted and filed relating to John Dehlin’s Motion to Dismiss the Church’s trademark infringement case against him. RFM is joined by esteemed co-counsel Kolby Reddish to explain what is going on and who is likely to prevail in the motion to dismiss. As an added bonus, Church lawyer David Jordan gave an interview on a pro-Mormon podcast recently that we dissect and catch David Jordan trying to confuse the audience, and use their lack of legal acumen against them. David Jordan also manages to tell at least one whopper which we demonstrate with receipts. If this is the best legal representation the Church can find, maybe RFM should go back into active practice! Join us for this great episode! RFM and Kolby make the law understandable and even entertaining. No small feat, that

On this episode of Mormonism Live, we sit down with Rachelle and John Moyer, the creators behind “Ex-Mormon: The Musical,” to talk about how the project came together, what inspired the songs, and why music can be such a powerful way to process faith, identity, loss, humor, and life after Mormonism. We’ll dig into the story behind the album, the creative process of turning the ex-Mormon experience into a musical, and some of the themes woven throughout the soundtrack. We’ll also play and discuss several of the songs along the way. Whether you’ve left Mormonism, are questioning, still believe, or simply appreciate clever songwriting about complicated human experiences, this should be a fun and fascinating conversation about what happens when religious deconstruction meets musical theater. Listen to “Ex-Mormon: The Musical (Original Musical Soundtrack)” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4OxkzS1jbuwicBjZkGw2TS Join us as we talk with Rachelle and John Moyer about the humor, pain, creativity, and lived…

Elder Bruce R. McConkie gave one of his most famous talks in history in 1980 named “The Seven Deadly Heresies.” RFM and Bill Reel break down this talk, exposing not only what Elder McConkie says, but why he says it; together with the things Elder McConkie doesn’t say at all! This one you won’t want to miss! Elder Bruce R. McConkie gave one of his most famous talks in history in 1980 named “The Seven Deadly Heresies.” RFM and Bill Reel break down this talk, exposing not only what Elder McConkie says, but why he says it; together with the things Elder McConkie doesn’t say at all! This one you won’t want to miss! Support Mormonism LIVE! and its hosts Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon as take the deep dives into Mormonism and its history! https://donorbox.org/mormonism-live

Tonight on Mormonism Live, we examine a recurring pattern in Joseph Smith’s prophetic career: when he encountered something mysterious, incomplete, inaccessible, or simply unknown, he rarely seemed content to say, “I don’t know.” Instead, he supplied an answer—and often an extraordinarily detailed one. A skeleton becomes Zelph, complete with a name, identity, history, and ancient associations. Egyptian papyri become the writings of Abraham. Egyptian figures become Abraham, Pharaoh, Shulem, Olimlah, gods, and cosmic teachings. The Kinderhook Plates produce an ancient genealogy. A stone becomes a seer stone capable of revealing hidden knowledge. Native Americans become Lamanites. Landscapes become Cumorah, Zion, the Garden of Eden, Adam-ondi-Ahman, and the “plains of the Nephites.” And the pattern extends beyond objects and geography. Where scripture appears incomplete, Joseph supplies the JST, Book of Moses, Enoch material, and D&C 7’s hidden parchment. Where ancient language is unknowable, he supplies the…

This time the LDS Church has gone too far! Lying to its membership is one thing, because the members know better than to criticize the leaders of the Church, even if the criticism is true. But this is in a court of law! Judge’s are not famous for taking it well when lawyers lie to their face. We’ll have to see what happens in this lawsuit once that realization starts sinking in! Here it is. The whole story of how the LDS Church just got caught lying in their lawsuit against John Dehlin! (This podcast contains material previously released on the 8-31-26 Mormon Newcast; substantially streamlined through editing for your pleasure.)

In a strange turn of events, Mormon apologist Cardon Ellis is helping John Dehlin fight the LDS Church in the lawsuit the church is bringing to try to shut John down! It appears that religion, as well as politics, can make for strange bedfellows! You have to watch this to believe it! (Contains outtakes from previously released material.)

In this amazing episode of RFM, we get three podcasts in one! The first deals with comments collected from apologetic podcasts that may end up being useful to John Dehlin in defending himself in court against the Mormon Church! The second deals with the 600-Year Prophecy of Christ’s Birth found in the Book of Mormon, and how a close examination of that one prophecy can clarify how we read the Book of Mormon. Finally, RFM tells the story of how it is he actually changed a word in the text of the Book of Mormon! This is not clickbait. This really happened! This one you won’t want to miss!

RFM and Bill Reel are joined by Dr. Thomas Murphy to discuss what the presence of Native American myths, individuals, and stories in the Book of Mormon means. Are these evidence the Book of Mormon is true? Or do they give us an insight into some of the creative grist Joseph was using to compile his narrative of ancient American inhabitants? World-renowned expert in the field Dr. Murphy helps us find the answers! Please Consider Donating to Support Our Work! https://donorbox.org/mormonism-live

The Mormon Church is claiming their lawsuit against John Dehlin has nothing to do with freedom of speech. Of course not! They are just trying to sue John Dehlin into oblivion so he will agree it is wiser and less-expensive to stop criticizing Mormonism. It is so obvious that even church members are noticing and beginning to turn against the church. And the clumsy filings of the church, together with an even clumsier press conference, go a long way toward proving the Mormon Church is suing John Dehlin for all the reasons they say they are not. Listen and see if you agree! (This material originally aired on the Mormon Newscast on August 24, 2026.)

Mormon apologist Jacob Hansen has chosen the hill he wants to die on. That hill is his unusual position that even though prophets can be (and have been!) horribly wrong about doctrinal issues, they can still be trusted to teach us the truth. I know. I know. It doesn’t make any sense to me, either! But in this episode, we will demonstrate that not only is this actually Jacob Hansen’s position, but that he will in fact die on the particular hill. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Radio Free Mormon.

In June 1834, while marching with Zion’s Camp through Illinois, Joseph Smith and his followers came across an ancient Native American burial mound. Members of the group dug into the mound and uncovered a human skeleton—with what appeared to be an arrowhead among its ribs. According to multiple members of Zion’s Camp, Joseph Smith then received a vision revealing the identity of the dead man. His name was Zelph. He was described as a “white Lamanite,” a warrior and “man of God” who had fought under a great prophet named Onandagus. Wilford Woodruff recorded that Onandagus was known across a territory extending from “the hill Cumorah” to the Rocky Mountains and that Joseph received this information “in a vision.” But the story gets considerably more interesting when we dig deeper. In this episode of Mormonism Live, we examine the earliest surviving Zelph accounts from Wilford Woodruff, Reuben McBride, Levi Hancock, Heber C. Kimball, and others. What did these witnesses independently agree Joseph said? Which…

RFM and Bill Reel host an august panel of Sunstone Symposium presenters and attendees, as they tell us fun and fascinating stories about what goes on behind the scenes of Sunstone! Join us! Mormon Studies were never so much fun!

Kolby Reddish and RFM used their combined legal education, experience and acumen to break down and analyze the recent Arizona Supreme Court Case dismissing the lawsuit against the LDS Church for covering up child abuse in its ranks. If you’re wondering what the hell happened in Arizona, this discussion by two “Mormon Legal Eagles” should be just what you are looking for!

What if one of the most important events in early Mormon history never actually accomplished what it set out to do? In 1834, Joseph Smith organized nearly 200 armed men and led them almost 900 miles across the American frontier with one stated objective: redeem Zion and restore the Saints to their lands in Jackson County, Missouri. They marched. They trained. They carried muskets and swords. They expected confrontation. But they never fought a battle. Instead, they encountered political resistance, internal dissent, a violent storm many viewed as miraculous, a devastating cholera outbreak that claimed fifteen lives, and a revelation that abruptly ended the expedition. So what happened? More importantly… how did what appeared to be a failed mission become one of the greatest success stories in Mormon history? In this episode of Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon take a deep dive into the complete story of Zion’s Camp—from the revelations that launched it to the theological reinterpretation that…

What did the Nauvoo Temple endowment look like in its earliest form? In this episode of Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon examine one of the earliest published firsthand accounts of the Nauvoo Temple ceremony: Catherine Lewis’s 1848 narrative. Written only a few years after the events it describes, Lewis’s account provides a remarkable window into the temple rituals, secrecy, and theological ideas circulating during the Nauvoo period. Together we’ll explore: The earliest known form of the Mormon endowment Washing and anointing ordinances New names, signs, tokens, and the veil The Garden of Eden drama and progression through the kingdoms How Lewis connects temple secrecy with plural marriage Heber C. Kimball’s role in her narrative The Law of Adoption and priesthood authority Early teachings surrounding Native Americans and “white and delightsome” How Lewis’s account compares with William Clayton, the Nauvoo Expositor, John C. Bennett, Martha Brotherton, and other contemporary sources We’ll also…

President Dallin Hoaks has gone on record giving us every reason we need to not trust what he says. In this episode, Radio Free Mormon brings the receipts, showing that the current president of the LDS Church is the kind of guy who will try to get you to believe something, even when he knows it isn’t true. That is quite the allegation! And RFM more than backs it up in this remarkable episode!

The LDS Church claims huge growth in membership numbers in Africa. But is this claim true? Or is it manufactured like the baptism numbers claimed for Central and South America back in the 1970s? During Mormonism Live last night, an African named Riya Ngambi called in and spilled the beans on the whole operation, showing how the Mormon Church baptism numbers reported for Africa are largely fictional, and do not represent a state of burgeoning membership as the Church claims!

RFM and Bill Reel are joined by a special panel of Black Mormons and ex-Mormons in this important episode. What is it like experiencing Mormonism through the lens of race? Especially when that race paints you as a second class citizen? Are discriminatory practices and beliefs about Black people a thing of the past in Mormonism, or is there still more work to do? Join us as we listen and learn from our esteemed team of panelists! If this episode was valuable, please: Subscribe to the channel Like the video Leave a comment with your thoughts Share it with someone interested in Mormon history Support Mormonism Live: https://donorbox.org/mormonism-live

Jacob Hansen has been slowly but surely losing his mind over the last several years. Okay. Not so slowly. But still. The past week has brought not one, but two, videos from Jacob that seem bent on proving he is now officially non compos mentis. Take a look at these new videos from Jacob and see if you agree his little choo-choo seems to be chugging around the bend!

Radio Free Mormon details the circumstances leading up to the guilty plea last Thursday in federal court by Wade Christofferson to CSA charges. What did D. Todd Christofferson know, and when did he know it? And based on the little information the Church has disclosed, D. Todd definitely knew about the danger his brother posed to small children at least as recently as 2020 or 2021. Which means if D. Todd had reported it to police at that time, the child abuse to which Wade just pleaded guilty would never have happened! This is inexcusable. It is definitely time for D. Todd Christofferson to step down from his position in the First Presidency, and to resign from his office as apostle! (This is a segment from the 7-13-26 Mormon Newscast previously aired.)

RFM was a Mormon apologist 40-years ago, and as part of that ended up writing a paper on Lehi’s Dream that was published in The Journal of Book of Mormon Studies. It is an important paper that continues to be cited by Mormon apologists in various publications and formats, even as recently as March of 2026, long after I have slipped the surly bonds of Mormonism, and reached out to touch the face of RFM. This is an important part of my story, and how it is that a dream I had when I was younger came true; but only in the strangest and most unlikely of ways!

We have shown in a prior podcast that the Book of Mormon answers all the important religious disputes of Joseph Smith’s day. In this episode we demonstrate that the Book of Mormon uses the language and expressions of other early 19th Century authors to do so! Using only publications from prior to 1830! The results are in! Whether you look at the Book of Mormon from the 20,000 foot level at the contemporary religious issues it solves, or whether you look at the Book of Mormon from the microscopic level at the words and phrases it uses, all evidence indicates it to be a product of Joseph Smith’s time and place: Early 19th Century America! Tools used for tonight’s show https://books.google.com/advanced_book_search https://books.google.com/ngrams/ Support Mormonism Live: https://donorbox.org/mormonism-live Visit Mormon Discussions: https://mormondiscussions.org If you enjoy thoughtful conversations on Mormon history, doctrine, and culture, please like, subscribe, and share the episode.

Dr. Randall Bell and RFM head east for a crazy two days of jamming as many church history sites in as we possibly can handle! We took photos and video to document our misadventures and share it all here with you! Well, almost all. Part is still a secret of Dr. Bell’s that he will be revealing once he receives a certain something in the mail. Stay tuned!

For decades, the historical consensus has been that Joseph Smith introduced and practiced plural marriage in Nauvoo. But a small group of researchers has argued for a very different conclusion: that Joseph Smith was not the founder of Mormon polygamy and that the historical evidence has been misunderstood. In this episode of Mormonism Live, we sit down with researcher Jeremy Hoop to explore that perspective in depth. Jeremy has spent years examining William Clayton’s journals, the Nauvoo land deeds, the Augusta Cobb letters, the British Mission, and many other historical sources. He explains why he believes the standard narrative deserves to be reconsidered and walks us through the evidence that has led him to his conclusions. Whether you agree with Jeremy or not, this conversation is an opportunity to hear one of the leading voices of the Joseph Smith “non-polygamist” position explain his research in his own words. Our goal is to better understand the arguments, the historical documents, and the reasoning…

Tonight on Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon take a deep dive into one of the most talked-about Mormon history stories in recent memory: the recent leaking of the William Clayton journals. For years, the full Clayton journals have been a source of speculation, controversy, and anticipation. William Clayton was not a peripheral observer. He was in the inner circle of Joseph Smith’s Nauvoo world, served as Joseph’s clerk, recorded the revelation that became Doctrine and Covenants 132, and left behind some of the most important firsthand records tied to plural marriage, temple theology, and the secret inner workings of early Mormonism. Now that these journals have surfaced, new claims are being made—especially by Jeremy Hoop—that the journals do not support the traditional historical case for Joseph Smith’s polygamy. Is that true? Did the leaked journals undercut the standard narrative? Or do they, when read carefully and in context, actually reinforce what historians have been saying for decades?…

RFM is joined by Dr. Don Cohen who outlines his fascinating journey from the Jewish faith in which he was born, to his conversion to Mormonism, and from there to where he has landed today. Throughout, Don’s allegiance to evidence and research has been his guiding star. Join us as Dr. Cohen explains his spiritual journey; a journey that is still continuing!

Does the Book of Mormon fit better in the ancient world or in early nineteenth century America when it was created? Defenders of the book point to a handful of twisted and strained comparisons to the ancient world to make their case. Bill and RFM, on the other hand, demonstrate conclusively that the Book of Mormon is a much better fit for the early nineteenth century in which it was produced. Indeed, no book is more obviously a product of its times than the Book of Mormon. And that time was the first part of the nineteenth century in the newly established United States of America. Please consider supporting our work by Donating Today ! – https://donorbox.org/mormonism-live Of anyone needs support dealing with spiritual trauma, 1-on-1 coaching and support groups are available at https://awakenandthrive.org/

RFM is joined by former Mormon Ted Novak, who shares his story of faith and ultimately, of faith deconstruction. Ted thought he studied his religion while he was a member, but he realized along the way what he was really studying was the “Mormon-Approved” version. Once Ted opened himself up to studying non-Mormon-Approved sources, he slowly began to realize that what the LDS Church was selling him was a bill of goods that didn’t stand up to scrutiny; not just one one issue, but on a host of issues! This is one you won’t want to miss!

BREAKING NEWS! Elder Kyle McKay, Church Historian for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, apologized in writing for racially insensitive comments he made at a stake conference in Oklahoma last Sunday!

What if the most revealing thing about Mormon apologetics isn’t the evidence being presented… but the behavioral patterns behind the arguments? Tonight on Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon sit down with Dawn McCarty who works in Forensic Criminology behavioral analysis. Can forensic criminology profile Mormon apologetics? Drawing from several of her recent forensic intelligence briefs, Dawn examines Mormon apologetics, institutional responses to criticism, and high-demand religious systems through the lens of behavioral analysis, threat assessment, cognitive containment, and coercive influence. Together we discuss: • How criminologists identify behavioral patterns in institutions • Narrative patching, semantic inversion, and epistemological fog • The psychology behind apologetic argumentation • Jacob Hansen’s conversations with Alex O’Connor and Bill Reel • The LDS Church’s lawsuit against Mormon Stories and John Dehlin • How institutions maintain authority during periods of public scrutiny •…

Famous Youtuber “Reckless Ben” just got served with a restraining order forbidding him from podcasting anymore about the “Bricks & Minifigs” Case and requiring him to take down any podcasts he has already published dealing with the case. Reckless Ben can’t talk about the Restraining Order. But RFM can!

The Mormon Church keeps telling us it is growing. And not only is it growing, they say it is growing faster than it has ever grown in history! And yet faithful Mormon researcher Jeff Strong says the LDS Church has lost 40 % of its active membership in the last twenty-five years. How will the Church react now that its generation-long deception is being revealed? And what will the Mormon influences do who have repeated and championed the lies told them by the Church they seek to defend? Time will tell. In the meanwhile, Bill and RFM are going to take a victory lap on this issue, because they have been calling out the Church on this deception for as long as they have been podcasting. Finally RFM and Bill Reel are vindicated!!! Quinton Cook & Marin Hospital – https://wasmormon.org/quentin-l-cooks-privatization-of-marin-hospital/ Please consider donating to support our work – https://donorbox.org/mormonism-live

Ever wonder what happens when you take all the earliest accounts of the Angel Moroni appearing to Joseph Smith and compare them? The answers can be problematic but always fascinating. RFM is joined by an all-star panel of Bill Reel, Randy Bell and everyone’s favorite Rando, Kolby Reddish, to hash through the sources. The result is a story that looks less like the recounting of an incident that actually happened to Joseph Smith, and more like a work in progress. This is one show you won’t want to miss!

Tonight on Mormonism Live we tackle one of the most controversial and uncomfortable documents in LDS history: Joseph Smith’s 1832 First Vision account. Not the polished 1838 version members know from the Pearl of Great Price. Not the story that has been repeated in manuals and General Conference over a hundred years. We’re going back to Joseph’s own handwritten account—the one hidden away in a vault, physically cut from his letterbook with a penknife, and unavailable to the public for over a century. We examine the major differences that made this account so troubling. In 1832 Joseph says he was in his 16th year rather than 14. He says he sought forgiveness of sins instead of asking which church was true. He already believed all denominations had apostatized, while the later account says “it had never entered into my heart” that they were all wrong. And perhaps most significant of all, the 1832 account centers on one divine being—Jesus Christ—with no mention of God the Father appearing. Then we follow the…

Bill Reel and RFM are joined this week by Meggan Hayes, host of the “Generally Unquotable” podcast, which features a news report on things Mormon every weekday morning! How does Meggan do it? Where does she get her stories? What are the biggest stories she has covered? These are just some of the things we’ll be finding out in this fascinating episode of Mormonism Live!

I had a faith crisis in my mid-twenties. A big faith crisis. It involved a salamander and it involved a letter. It made me question everything I thought I knew about Joseph Smith, the book he produced, and the religion he founded. The LDS religion. MY religion! And in that time of despair, I clung to the most significant single evidence that the Book of Mormon is ancient, and therefore authentic, and therefore true. I clung to the presence of “chiasmus” in the Book of Mormon; that incredible ancient Hebrew literary form that shows up in such abundance in the Nephite record. But had I been told everything there was to tell about chiasmus? Or had information been withheld from me to make “chiasmus” look like a much more impressive evidence for the Book of Mormon? Was it a solid evidence, or was it fool’s gold? And if I had known it was fool’s gold in my twenties, would I have clung to it as such strong evidence for the Book of Mormon? And if I had not clung to “chiasmus,” as proof of the Restoration, might I…

Tonight on Mormonism Live, we explore one of the most uncomfortable and fascinating questions in early Mormon history: Was Moroni originally understood through the same treasure-digging framework Joseph Smith had already been practicing for years? Long before the Book of Mormon was published, Joseph Smith and those around him were involved in treasure seeking using seer stones, ritual practices, magic circles, guardian spirits, and buried treasures hidden in hills. In the earliest recollections of Moroni and the gold plates, the similarities become difficult to ignore. In this episode we examine: Moroni as a possible “treasure guardian” Joseph Smith’s use of the rock in the hat before the Book of Mormon Guardian spirit folklore in early America Magic circles, rituals, and treasure enchantments Animal sacrifice allegations in treasure digging “Slippery treasure” stories and buried ancient records How apologetics attempt to separate treasure digging from Mormon origins Why the historical continuity matters The…

What if the harm didn’t start with a crisis… but with what you were taught as a child? In this episode of Mormonism Live, we sit down with researcher and clinician Samuel Clemens, PhD, LCSW, to unpack his groundbreaking study on religious trauma among former Latter-day Saints—particularly those who identify as sexual minorities. This isn’t a conversation about people being “offended” or simply losing belief. It’s about something deeper. Clemens’ research reveals that for many, the damage isn’t tied to a single moment—but to years of subtle conditioning. Messages about worthiness, identity, obedience, and belonging begin early… and often shape how individuals see themselves long before they have the language to understand who they are. We explore: How religious trauma develops over time—not in one event, but through repetition Why identity and morality being fused together creates lasting psychological conflict The “double bind” many experience: be authentic and risk losing everything, or conform and lose…

RFM is joined by Kolby Reddish to finish off our analysis of the historic trouncing Bill Reel recently gave to Mormon apologist Robert Gurr! This is one for the record books! My favorite part is Mr. Gurr’s argument for why it is horses went extinct in the Americas. Hint: It has nothing to do with the ice age, and everything to do with hungry Nephites! Hungry, Hungry Nephites!

Who won the debate? Bill Reel or Robert Gurr? Bill Reel and RFM dissect Bill’s recent debate about Mormonism with Robert Gurr. This one is going to be a lot of fun! Don’t miss it!

RFM is joined by esteemed co-counsel Kolby Reddish to dissect Jacob Hansen’s recent debate with Allie Beth Stuckey of The Blaze. Strangely, Jacob seems to want to talk about anything other than Mormonism. His efforts to make Mormonism sound like Protestantism grow increasingly bizarre. But Allie is not going to let him get away with his typical Jacob Hansen obfuscation, and neither are we! We are left with the question of why is it that Jacob Hansen wants to defend Mormonism while being completely unwilling to talk about Mormonism itself. You won’t want to miss this one!

An attorney looks at the complaint! What is up with the Mormon Church? Why are they suing John Dehlin? Radio Free Mormon uses his 36-year career as an attorney to review and dissect the Church’s complaint, and discovers a number of fascinating elements to what the Mormon Church may really be up to! If you want to know what’s going on with this lawsuit, there is no better place to turn than Radio Free Mormon!