Welcome to the weekly MormonNewsRoundup where Al & Dives ruminate on the great and spacious Beehive!

Hey guys, it’s Throwback Thursday! Today we’re revisiting one of my favorite conversations on the show—my sit-down with Mormon feminist powerhouse Abby Hansen.If that name doesn’t ring a bell, Abby has been a bold and influential voice in Mormon feminist spaces for years, involved with Ordain Women and featured in the documentary Where We Stand (Journeyman Pictures). She dives into tough conversations about gender, equality in the church, and the challenges of raising kids when faith journeys diverge.In this highlight version (~30 minutes), you’ll hear Abby’s candid perspectives on Mormon feminism, working with transgender Latter-day Saints, and navigating family dynamics with honesty and empathy—without me talking over her.For the full, uncut conversation, check out Episode 129 of the Mormon News Roundup Link: https://youtube.com/live/5NNIqjEAd4Y💡 Don’t forget: no unhallowed hand can stop the conversation from progressing.Please consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Was Noah’s flood truly global, as described in the Bible and Mormon scriptures, or is it a symbolic story influenced by ancient myths? In this video, we examine:The Genesis flood narrative and its parallels with the Epic of GilgameshHow the Book of Mormon, Book of Abraham, and Book of Moses rely on a literal global floodScientific evidence from geology, archaeology, and paleontology challenging a worldwide delugeApologetic responses from FAIR Mormon and LDS leadersJoin us as we explore the tension between scripture and science, and what it means for the historicity of Mormon texts.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into scripture, history, and critical analysis.#Mormonism #NoahsFlood #BookOfMormon #ScienceVsFaith #BiblicalHistory #ldschurch Based on: https://www.ldsdiscussions.com/floodPlease consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Join Dr. Julie Hanks and Valerie Hamaker, two feminist therapists, as they dive into the latest changes in the LDS Church:Updates to garmentsShifts in female missionary agesNew rules for women entering the templeThey also discuss the future of the church and how patriarchy impacts both men and women, exploring what these changes mean for members and ex-members alike.🎥 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated with thoughtful discussions on Mormonism, feminism, and reform.#MormonNews #FeministMormon #LDSChanges #JulieHanks #ValerieHamaker #ExMormonPlease consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Many people have heard of Kate Kelly—the Mormon feminist who challenged church power—but few know her full story.In this episode of Mormon News Roundup, we trace her journey in chronological order: from a faithful member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the founder of Ordain Women, and ultimately to a nationally recognized advocate for gender equality and the Equal Rights Amendment.This video covers:The founding of Ordain Women and the 2013 General Conference protestThe theological and ethical arguments for women’s ordinationThe events leading up to her 2014 excommunicationNational media coverage and public reactionLife after the LDS Church, including activism in feminism and reproductive rightsHer evolution into a broader political and cultural voiceThrough interviews, speeches, and key moments, you’ll see how Kate Kelly’s story reflects the power—and cost—of challenging institutional authority from within.🎥 Featured clips:Ordain Women protest (2013)Mormon Stories early dialoguePre- and post-excommunication interviewsNPR, CBS, and long-form reflectionsLater activism and ERA advocacy👉 Watch the related shorts:Kate Kelly overview: https://youtube.com/shorts/6wJlt7x1z1A?feature=shareWhy Ordain Women mattered: https://youtube.com/shorts/ZF3ngJZ3268?feature=share📌 This is the complete story—from belief to dissent to national influence.Please consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Leaving the Mormon Church isn’t just about stopping attendance—it’s about undoing a lifetime of conditioning, shame, fear, and identity control.In this episode, Jimmy Snow (Mr Atheist) shares his full Mormon timeline: growing up deeply embedded in LDS leadership culture, early childhood indoctrination, purity shame, priesthood pressure, sexual guilt, Proposition 8, and the slow, painful realization that the church’s truth claims simply don’t hold up to reality.Jimmy walks through:Why “leaving the church” isn’t the same as escaping MormonismChildhood indoctrination and the illusion of choice at baptismSexual shame, guilt cycles, and priesthood hypocrisyThe moment belief finally collapsedHiding atheism, family fallout, and identity crisisWhy life after Mormonism—despite hardship—became happier and healthierThis is not an attack—it’s an honest account of deprogramming, rebuilding values, and learning how to live without fear of eternal punishment.If you’re questioning, transitioning out, or trying to understand why leaving Mormonism is so hard, this story may sound uncomfortably familiar.🧠 Skepticism over shame❤️ Community over control🕊️ Freedom over fearSubscribe for more ex-Mormon stories, atheist content, and critical thinking.Leave a comment—especially if you’re on your own exit journey.Original Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rRjW6VXk5kPlease consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In April 2020, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a “Now You Know” video explaining the gold plates—the foundation of the Book of Mormon. But how complete is that explanation?In this video, we walk through the Church’s presentation line by line, comparing it with historical sources, primary documents, and modern scholarship. What emerges is a pattern: simplified storytelling, selective framing, and major unanswered questions.We examine:The evolving accounts of Joseph Smith’s First VisionThe timeline inconsistencies surrounding Moroni’s visitThe physical plausibility of the gold plates (weight, size, transport)The seer stone in a hat vs traditional translation narrativeThe “caractors” document vs stylized “reformed Egyptian”The role (or lack thereof) of the plates during translationContradictions and complexities in the witness testimoniesThe absence of archaeological support for large metal recordsAnachronisms within the Book of Mormon itselfIf the gold plates were meant to serve as tangible evidence, why were they rarely used in the translation process—and why were they never made broadly available for examination?This video doesn’t just critique—it compares claims to evidence, and narrative to historical record.📚 Sources referenced include historical documents, early accounts, and the work of historians such as Dan Vogel.Please consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Today on The Mormon News Roundup, I’m doing something different.Instead of reacting to breaking news or the latest institutional scandal, I walk through the current temple recommend interview questions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—and I answer them honestly, exactly as they are asked today.If you don’t answer these questions “correctly,” you don’t enter the temple.No temple, no ordinances.No ordinances, no highest degree of heaven.These questions are framed as measures of worthiness, spirituality, and moral fitness—but embedded in them are deep assumptions about authority, obedience, guilt, sexuality, money, epistemology, and even thought itself.I spent decades answering these questions the “right” way. My livelihood once depended on it.Today, I answer them truthfully.This episode is not about mockery or personal grievance. It’s about examining whether these questions are coherent, ethical, evidence-based, or psychologically healthy. If truth matters, these questions deserve scrutiny—not automatic assent.We go through all 18 temple recommend questions, covering topics like:Faith vs. evidenceTestimony and emotional epistemologyProphetic authoritySexual shame and thought crimeTithing and institutional deceptionHonesty, obedience, and worthinessYou don’t need a recommend to be ethical.You don’t need priesthood keys to be decent.You don’t need secret rituals to be worthy.If you find this episode helpful, uncomfortable, or clarifying—good.That’s what honest inquiry does.☕ Yes, I drink coffee.📺 Like, subscribe, and follow for more Mormon News Roundup.✨ Always think celestial.Please consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Gordon B. Hinckley is remembered by many Latter-day Saints as a kind, media-savvy prophet who modernized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He smiled easily, charmed journalists, built temples across the globe, and became the public face of Mormonism for over a decade.But behind the polished image lies a far more troubling record.In this episode of the Mormon News Roundup, we count down the Top 10 Fails of Gordon B. Hinckley, taking a hard look at the decisions, statements, and leadership patterns that caused real harm to members and damaged the church’s credibility. From founding the secretive Ensign Peak Advisors fund, to misleading claims about church finances and humanitarian aid, to the City Creek Mall controversy, Hinckley’s tenure was marked by secrecy, exaggeration, and image management.We also examine his homophobic rhetoric toward LGBTQ+ members, his misleading public statements about polygamy, his role in patriarchal leadership structures like the Proclamation on the Family, and the disastrous handling of the Mark Hofmann forgeries. Finally, we explore how Hinckley’s massive temple-building program prioritized prestige and legacy over transparency, charity, and accountability.This video isn’t about personal attacks — it’s about power, authority, and accountability. When religious leaders claim divine guidance, their words and actions deserve scrutiny. Hinckley’s failures shaped the faith, finances, and lives of millions, and their consequences are still being felt today.👇 Chapters include:• Ensign Peak & financial secrecy• False claims of transparency• City Creek Mall• Policing culture & media• LGBTQ+ harm• Polygamy contradictions• Inflated humanitarian claims• Patriarchal leadership• The Mark Hofmann scandal• Temple expansion & vanity projectsIf you value honest analysis, historical accountability, and unfiltered discussion of Mormon leadership, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications.Gordon B. Hinckley — dismissed without further argument.Please consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Why do so many Americans have a negative view of the LDS Church?This episode of Mormon News Roundup breaks down the data, polling, and public perception behind Mormonism’s reputation problem.This is not just a personal story or anecdotal criticism. Multiple national surveys show that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is viewed less favorably than most mainstream religious groups in the United States.A major Pew Research survey found that roughly 25% of Americans hold an unfavorable view of Latter-day Saints, while only 15% hold a favorable view, with the remainder neutral or unfamiliar. A YouGov poll ranking 35 belief systems placed Mormonism near the bottom, with a net favorability score of –21.These surveys don’t measure legal guilt or theological truth claims.They measure how people feel—and the data is clear.In this episode, I count down the Top 10 reasons many Americans don’t like Mormonism, rooted in history, doctrine, and institutional behavior, including:• Polygamy and its ongoing doctrinal legacy• The Church’s treatment of LGBTQ members• Political activism against LGBTQ civil rights• Secretive temple rituals viewed as cult-like• Aggressive missionary practices• Excommunication and silencing of critics• Deep institutional patriarchy• The priesthood and temple ban on Black members• Non-Trinitarian theology and changing revelation• Extreme wealth, limited transparency, and the Ensign Peak scandalThis episode makes an important distinction: individual Mormons are often sincere, kind people. But institutions are judged by their actions—and polling shows that many Americans are responding negatively to the LDS Church as an institution.Whether you’re a believing member, former member, or simply curious about religion and public perception, this episode explains why Mormonism struggles with favorability in modern America—and why those perceptions didn’t come out of nowhere.🔔 Subscribe to Mormon News RoundupIndependent analysis of Mormonism, church leadership, history, and current events.💬 Comment belowWhich of these reasons do you think has done the most damage to the Church’s public image?Please consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

For this Throwback Thursday, we’re revisiting one of the most memorable episodes of the Mormon News Roundup — Episode 115 — featuring the hilarious and unapologetically sharp Makenzie Vance.Makenzie has built a reputation in the ex-Mormon space for her brutally honest and wildly funny commentary. On her YouTube channel she blends dark humor, self-awareness, and fearless criticism of Mormon culture in a way that’s completely unique. She’ll take on the LDS Church, internet personalities, and even prominent ex-Mormons without hesitation — and that bold style has helped her videos regularly pull 100K+ views.The original episode runs about an hour and a half, but for today’s throwback I cut it down into a 30-minute highlight reel focusing mostly on Makenzie’s best moments from the conversation. Think of this as the greatest hits version of the episode.If you enjoy sharp humor, unfiltered takes, and some of the funniest commentary in the ex-Mormon community, you’re going to love this one.Grab a snack, sit back, and enjoy the ride.And as always:“No unhallowed hand can stop the Mormon News Roundup from progressing.”Please consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Were Mormon teachings about race rooted in divine revelation — or the fallible opinions of imperfect men?In this groundbreaking video, we dive deep into the history and background of the LDS Church’s teachings concerning African descent and Native American descent.From the origins of racial doctrines to how they were taught as Revelation, this video summarizes the historical context, the claims of divine authority, and the impact these teachings have had — both then and now.🔍 Topics Covered:• The LDS Church and teachings about Black people• Doctrines involving Native Americans and the Book of Mormon• Which teachings were presented as Revelation• How historical context shaped policy and belief• Critical analysis of prophetic fallibility versus divine inspiration👉 Watch the original video that inspired this vid here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZIptfaNWO8📌 Subscribe for more deep dives into Mormon history & theology: [Your Channel Link]👍 Like, comment, and share your thoughts!Please consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In 2010, the LDS Church launched the “I’m a Mormon” campaign—a sleek, high-budget public relations effort designed to normalize Mormon identity and counter negative stereotypes. Through billboards, ads, and professionally produced videos, members introduced themselves by name, profession, and family role before confidently declaring, “I’m a Mormon.”The message was clear: Mormonism was diverse, optimistic, mainstream, and culturally safe. What was less visible were the distinctive doctrines, historical controversies, and institutional practices that didn’t fit the brand. Critics later argued the campaign wasn’t transparency—it was image management.Then, in 2018, church leadership abruptly reversed course, discouraging use of the word “Mormon” altogether—effectively disavowing the very branding the campaign had spent years promoting.Ex-Mormons responded in their own way.The “I Am an Ex-Mormon” movement emerged as a grassroots counter-campaign, replacing polished talking points with lived experience. Former members shared stories of doubt, harm, loss, growth, and awakening—often at great personal cost.This video is a compilation of some of my favorite Ex-Mormon vignettes from that era. These are real people, from all walks of life, living full and happy lives—telling their stories in their own words.No rebranding.No corporate messaging.Just truth.I hope you enjoy.Please consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Millions of Mormons cling to faith despite contradictions, cover-ups, and corruption in church history, doctrine, and leadership. In this video, The Hidden Files of the Mormon Church exposes 10 common lies Latter-day Saints tell themselves — the mental gymnastics used to defend the LDS Church — and explains why each one falls apart under scrutiny.Watch as we break down these familiar apologetic excuses and reveal the truth behind the narratives. These aren’t harmless misunderstandings; they’re deliberate strategies to shield faith from facts.📺 Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrtLxHNsTu0#ExMormon #MormonismExposed #LDSChurch #FaithCrisis #HiddenFilesPlease consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.