Two ex-Mormon women in their 20's. Both queer. Both divorced. Both ready to share the ins-and-outs of Mormonism and what it's like to leave.
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Welcome to an evolved "The Examined Lives" podcast! What started as a deep dive into the drama of the The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives reality show has evolved into a bold exploration of modern love, non-monogamy, and its portrayal in mainstream media. Join hosts Lauren, an ENM relationship coach and swinger, and Ben, an ex-LDS polyamorist, as they bring their unique perspectives to mainstream media’s portrayal of ethical non-monogamy. From dissecting TV shows to sharing their own insights a ...
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Ex-Mormon, neurodivergent, divorcee, sharing my thoughts on Mormonism. Join me for stories, interviews, history, and difficult conversations while we sort through what it means to be an exmo. Find me on instagram @confessionsofanexmo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Finding Faith Above with Exmo Christian Shelby Hohsfield, Self-worth, Self-help, Know God, Ex-Mormon, Religious Trauma, Church Hurt, Trust God, Discernment
Shelby Hohsfield | Exmo Christian, Writer, Speaker, and unstoppable ENTHUSIAST of Living God’s Purpose after the Church.
I help women safely reconnect with God. I know what it is like to have so many questions about the Christian faith. If you are like me, you may have some religious baggage that left you questioning your self-worth in a big way. You’re asking... How do I raise my kids with faith when I’m still trying to figure it out? Where can I find a community I can trust? Why does every church feel like culture shock? Will I ever know Jesus? Is Faith something meant for other people? It’s just so overwhel ...
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Ex-Mormon siblings Brother Dan and Sister Lisa discuss Mormonism, LDS culture, religiosity, atheism, mortality, personal growth & the examined life.
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The From Grace To Grace Podcast is a thought-provoking LDS podcast where two friends, explore the rich tapestry of gospel topics. Through open-hearted discussions, we aim to navigate the diverse landscapes of faith, doctrine, and personal belief. Join us as we journey together, seeking to understand, respect, and find common ground within the Latter-day Saint community. Each episode promises to be a bridge between differing views, fostering a space of unity, enlightenment, and grace.
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Scenes from movies and TV that have helped me make sense of myself as a transgender man, an ex-Mormon, a mother, a brother, and a total moron.
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Melissa Kruger hosts Sometimes in Shambles, a mental health podcast based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. Melissa hopes that with Sometimes in Shambles, she can create a listening experience that lets you know you are not alone in what you are going through. Her goal is to only talk about things that she is passionate about and has experienced, to make the podcast the most real it can be. Melissa talks a lot about depression and anxiety along with other sprinkles of mental illness. She also tal ...
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Devon Brown hosts a forum for Ex-Mormons to discuss their mission experiences and lives outside of the church.
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"Afterglow: UnVEILING The Idaho Cult" explores the twisted true crime saga of Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell, a case that has captivated the nation. Lori, a mother of three, became a figure of infamy when her children, Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow, vanished in 2019. The subsequent investigation revealed a web of deceit, including the untimely deaths of two spouses and Lori's marriage to doomsday prepper Chad Daybell just weeks after his wife's sudden passing. This podcast examines the alleged "rel ...
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Survivors supporting other survivors learning how to heal from * Fundamentalist high demand religions * Trauma * Child Sexual Assault/Pedophilia/Incest * Narcissistic abuse * Generational abuse * LGBTQIA+ abuse & discrimination * Manipulation, gaslighting, shame, guilt
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Compersion Season 1: A (kinda) Cautionary Tale
27:05
27:05
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27:05Send us a text Lauren kicks things off by humbling Ben’s enthusiasm—turns out she’s not soooo good, just “regular good.” From there, they dive into a lively pre-show chat that includes music festival misadventures and an unfiltered look at Lauren’s “Sacred Sluts” project. Then it's time for a no-holds-barred breakdown of Compersion Season 1: mornin…
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Ep. 34 - Pressure to be Mor(e)mon (Riggs's Exit Story)
47:23
47:23
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47:23We were so excited to record with Karina's friend Riggs! We hope you enjoy listening to their story! What a true relief it is to no longer have so much pressure to always be MORE when you're already doing everything you possibly can to be the perfect little Mormon.By Sammi Earnest & Karina Vance
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A Love Story: A Professor, a Triad and a Super Hero
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25:27
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25:27Send us a text Lauren and Ben trip over pleasantries straight into naked hot tubs, Tropicana slander, and the dread of floppy poolside antics. On this episode they dissect a movie about a polyamorous relationship (in the 20's!) and Wonder Woman's kinky origins. Professor Marston and the Wonder Women gets a solid review, along with plenty of made-up…
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TW: Mentions of abortion We just wanna say thank you SO much to our listeners for your patience! It's been a hot minute since we've put out a new episode--we actually recorded this one WEEKS ago and then life threw a bunch of curveballs, so we're just finally getting it out. Enjoy this super cringey recap of the church's April 2025 General Conferen…
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Ep. 32 - The perks of being a man (Chris's Exit Story)
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47:13
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47:13Join us as our new friend Chris details his introduction & exit from the church along with all the perks that come with being a man in the church.By Sammi Earnest & Karina Vance
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Wanderlust, Winding Through ENM, & Wasted Ski Days
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33:12
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33:12Send us a text Lauren’s fresh off a very successful swingers’ trip (tan lines included!), while Ben’s still mourning a flat tire that ruined his ski plans. Ouch! They dissect Netflix’s Wanderlust, calling out TV’s obsession with simultaneous orgasms and the awkwardness of meeting your partner's other partners. The conversation takes a heartfelt tur…
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Join us as we continue to tell the tale of the restoration as told by J$ (Joseph Smith) himself. SOURCES: Churchofjesuschrist.org mormonr.orgBy Sammi Earnest & Karina Vance
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Send us a text In this gripping episode of Afterglow, we present a chilling and pivotal piece of evidence from the Lori Vallow/Chad Daybell case: the jailhouse phone call between Lori Vallow and her son, Colby Ryan, from June 2020. Just after the discovery of Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow's remains on Chad Daybell's property, this raw and emotional phon…
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Whispers from the Cell: The June 8th Revelation
35:38
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35:38Send us a text "Whispers from the Cell" takes you inside the chilling conversation between Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell, recorded just one day before the bodies of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan were found. What secrets lay hidden in their coded language and religious fervor? We break down the June 8th jail call, a key piece of evidence in the Idaho cult…
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TW: Mentions of verbal abuse, sexual assault, and homophobia Join us as we read AITA stories from Redditt...Mormon style! Let us know if you'd like more AITA episodes! Maybe we'll make it a series!By Sammi Earnest & Karina Vance
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Send us a text Tune into "Examined Lives " where Lauren, the Swinging Lifestyle Coach, and her friend Ben dissect Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM) in pop culture. This week, they discuss BBC's (now seen on Netflix) "Wanderlust", where a couple messily cheats their way into non-monogamy. They debate infidelity-as-a-gateway to non-monogamy, the perils of o…
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Samantha Sorensen is the author of "Nonconsentual Morality: A Silenced Woman's Voice From The Dark." In this episode she tells us her story of growing up within the LDS faith and facing abuse and sexual assault along with not getting the help she needed. She then discusses her breaking point and how she came to discover the perfect title for her bo…
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Send us a text Summer Shiflet found herself at the center of a storm in the Daybell case. This episode explores her emotional journey, beginning with a deeply moving jailhouse call from her sister, Lori Vallow Daybell, just eleven days after the children's bodies were found. We then analyze the explosive recording of her conversation with prosecuto…
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Send us a text Join us as we explore the circumstances surrounding Joe Ryan's death, the third husband of Lori Vallow. We present police interviews from 2020, where detectives attempt to verify claims that Tylee Ryan had a key to Joe's apartment and entered it after his passing. Listen as we analyze the detective's questioning, the initial autopsy …
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In this episode we discuss the origin story of the church along with the incongruencies in Joseph's writings about the "First Vision." SOURCES: churchofjesuschrist.org cesletter.orgBy Sammi Earnest & Karina Vance
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Two Sides of Alex: Ex-Wife and Fiancée Speak - A Story of Love, Loss, and Conflicting Memories
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1:14:08Send us a text Who was Alex, really? In this gripping episode of Afterglow, we hear from two women who loved him: his ex-wife and his fiancée. Their recollections of Alex are strikingly different, raising questions about the nature of truth and memory. As their stories unfold, a complex portrait of Alex emerges, one filled with love, loss, and unan…
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It's been a hot minute, but we're finally back with PART TWO of our Mormon Cringe series! This one is primarily about cringey experiences we had in the dating world as Mormons. Buckle up!By Sammi Earnest & Karina Vance
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Send us a text This episode continues our deep dive into the Charles Vallow case, focusing on Melanie Gibb's second interview with Chandler PD on August 19, 2020. Melanie's testimony sheds light on the events leading up to Charles' death, including the disturbing claims of his "possession" and the alleged "prayer circles." We analyze the inconsiste…
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TW: Mentions of cult behavior, homophobia, transphobia, abuse, and suicide 2/2 - In this two part series we go over a list of qualifiers for cults and discuss how Mormonism fits within them. SOURCES: The International Authority on Cults & Coercion churchofjesuschrist.org wasmormon.org Seductive Poison by Deborah Layton…
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Send us a text Lauren and Ben are back with their review and commentary on the rest of the Peacock series, Couple to Throuple. They'll break down the pairings, the swaps, and everything in between. Expect some drama, some laughs, maybe even a few tears—and of course, they’ll share their favorite contestants. Plus, stick around till the end for a fr…
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The Many Faces of MELANIE GIBB. Doomsday Mom Lori Vallow's Best Friend's Police Interview
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1:00:19
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1:00:19Send us a text Delve into the complexities of Melanie Gibb in this episode of Afterglow: Unveiling the Idaho Cult, Season 4, Episode 2: The Many Faces of Melanie Gibb. We analyze the pivotal police interview conducted at the Chandler Police Station, where Gibb discusses her knowledge of Charles Vallow's death. As a close friend of Lori Vallow Daybe…
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TW: Mentions of cult behavior, homophobia, transphobia, abuse 1/2 - In this two part series we go over a list of qualifiers for cults and discuss how Mormonism fits within them. SOURCES: The International Authority on Cults & Coercion churchofjesuschrist.org wasmormon.org Seductive Poison by Deborah Layton…
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Red Pajamas, Raccoons, and a Jailhouse Call! The Beginning of the End for Chad Daybell
1:03:05
1:03:05
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1:03:05Send us a text Afterglow: Unveiling the Idaho Cult returns for Season 4 with a pivotal episode: Red Pajamas, Raccoons, and a Jailhouse Call - The Beginning of the End for Chad Daybell. This episode dives deep into the crucial preliminary hearing of Chad Daybell held in August 2020, before the murder charges were filed. We hear from three key witnes…
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TW: Mentions of homophobia, sexism, racism, abuse, and infidelity Join us as we discuss all things marriage, dating, and divorce in this three part series (3/3). SOURCES: churchofjesuschrist.org For the Strength of Youth- 2001 version Young Women’s Personal Progress 2009 Young Men’s Duty to God 2010 Orson Pratt, The Seer Vol. 1.2, February 1853…
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TW: Mentions of homophobia, sexism, racism, abuse, and infidelity Join us as we discuss all things marriage, dating, and divorce in this three part series (2/3). SOURCES: churchofjesuschrist.org For the Strength of Youth- 2001 version Young Women’s Personal Progress 2009 Young Men’s Duty to God 2010 Orson Pratt, The Seer Vol. 1.2, February 1853…
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TW: Mentions of homophobia, sexism, racism, abuse, and infidelity We're back and better than ever after enjoying a wonderful holiday season with our loved ones. We're so excited for you to join us as we discuss all things marriage, dating, and divorce in this three part series (1/3). SOURCES: churchofjesuschrist.org For the Strength of Youth- 2001 …
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Three's Company: Love, Drama, and Boundaries on Couple to Throuple
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29:26
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29:26Send us a text If you’ve ever wondered what happens when The Bachelor meets ethical non-monogamy (ENM), here it is. Lauren and Ben dive into Couple to Throuple, the Peacock reality show that’s equal parts fascinating, cringe, and surprisingly educational. Spoiler: It’s not just about threesomes—it’s about feelings, boundaries, and the emotional rid…
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Is this the end?! In this season 5 finale, we discuss the decision to intensionally end the production of this podcast, reflect on why we started it, our current positions on faith and disbelief after these last 5 years, how doing this has changed our lives and our relationship to each other, and where we intend to go from here. We also discuss the…
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Ep. 22 - "Have you heard of the Church of Gay?"
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56:21
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56:21TW: Mentions of homophobia and transphobia Gender roles in the church are FELT!! Come along with us as we discuss the gender binary, gender roles, and homophobia that is ever present in the Mormon church. SOURCES: The Family: A Proclamation to the World Latter Gay Stories churchofjesuschrist.orgBy Sammi Earnest & Karina Vance
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The siblings are joined by special return guest Brother Jordan to talk about the predatory organization (or cult) known as Twin Flames Universe, which claims that ‘You can have Harmonious Twin Flame Union if you choose to take the spiritual journey all the way to your natural destination of eternal love’ … also, make a lot of personal sacrifices an…
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Come along with us as we dive into the church's financial situation and unpack where that money is really going. Sources: https://thewidowsmite.org/2023update/ https://universe.byu.edu/2023/12/13/light-the-world-encourages-people-to-spread-light-and-service-this-christmas-season/#:~:text=Light%20the%20World%20began%20as,Christ%2C%20according%20to%2…
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Kage shares their story of meeting the missionaries and feeling like she was living a double life as she explored Mormonism in their early 20s.By Sammi Earnest & Karina Vance
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Easy Does It: Open Marriage Gets Real on the Small Screen
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30:54Send us a text Lauren and Ben are back with a fresh take on their podcast! Say goodbye to Mormon wife drama and hello to a spicier exploration of non-monogamy in mainstream media. In this episode, they dive into Netflix's "Easy," following the adventures (and misadventures) of Andy and Kyle - a power couple testing the waters of open marriage. Our …
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TW: Mentions of emotional abuse and cult behavior Our special guest Em shares their story of growing up Catholic, exploring another church during college, and ultimately deciding that religion is just not for them.By Sammi Earnest & Karina Vance
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Ep. 18 - "I felt like I was pushed out." (PART TWO)
42:24
42:24
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42:24TW: Mentions of sexual assault, pornography, depression, anxiety, and abuse Karina's sister Sarah shares her story of trying desperately to hold onto the church and the struggles she faced as she was eventually pushed out.By Sammi Earnest & Karina Vance
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Ep. 17 - "I felt like I was pushed out." (PART ONE)
47:20
47:20
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47:20TW: Mentions of sexual assault, pornography, depression, anxiety, and abuse Karina's sister Sarah shares her story of trying desperately to hold onto the church and the struggles she faced as she was eventually pushed out.By Sammi Earnest & Karina Vance
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Things got a little spooky on this week's episode as we discuss the origin of Halloween and how we experienced it as Mormons. SOURCES Library of Congress: https://www.history.com/news/halloween-samhain-celts-catholic-church https://blogs.loc.gov/headlinesandheroes/2021/10/the-origins-of-halloween-traditions/#:~:text=Yet%2C%20the%20Halloween%20holid…
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Topless Tastings & The ‘Book of Rumors’ Season Send-Off
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28:37
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28:37Send us a text In this episode, Ben shares his experience at a body-positive, topless whiskey-tasting party, and Lauren recounts a comedy competition where swinging humor sparked mixed reactions—and some unexpected misunderstandings. With Halloween, aka “Swingers’ Christmas,” approaching, Lauren and Ben discuss their costume collections and themed …
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another lil song bb sweets ~ Happy HalloweenBy Maximum J. Murphy
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Send us a text Listen in as Lauren and Ben talk about episode 7 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which all takes place in Sin City. The women are getting along better than ever (sans Whitney) but now the husband and boyfriend cause most of the drama. Sexy male strippers & gambling are the backdrop, and we’ll discuss oily bodies, toxic monogamy …
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Ep. 15 - Struck by lightning & turned evil!
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52:49
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52:49TW: Mentions of eating disorders & addiction Sammi's BFF Lily joins us to share her story & give a little insight on the church's health code ✨The Word of Wisdom✨By Sammi Earnest & Karina Vance
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Ep. 14 - General Conference Recap (PART TWO)
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40:55
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40:55TW: As many of you know, General Conference is pretty jam-packed with content that can be quite triggering in various ways. Please take care to only listen if you're in a good headspace and allow yourself time to process if needed. We're here for you. 2/2 - We did some digging through the talks given at the church's Semi-Annual General Conference t…
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The siblings discuss the documentary series ‘Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God’, the cast of characters, their motivations, the grotesque circumstances of their leader’s demise, and the consequences of her absence. And of course they make comparisons to other religions, cults, and the rise of their female leaders in particular. They also discuss…
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Peach on the Beach and Cream Colored Jeans (E6)
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28:33
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28:33Send us a text In this spicy episode Lauren and Ben discuss labiaplasty, why no one does paintings of balls and whether rubbing oil on a Chippendale's chest will keep you out of (Mormon) heaven. Speaking of heaven, Ben describes the Mormon afterlife and spoiler alert: the most obedient people still might get to have sex. For Better or Even Better: …
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Ep. 13 - General Conference Recap (PART ONE)
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41:34
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41:34TW: As many of you know, General Conference is pretty jam-packed with content that can be quite triggering in various ways. Please take care to only listen if you're in a good headspace and allow yourself time to process if needed. We're here for you. 1/2 - We did some digging through the talks given at the church's Semi-Annual General Conference l…
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Send us a text In this episode, Lauren and Ben discuss friendship, ENM, stress, conflict and soda shops. While this episode focuses on the fracturing of the #MomTok gang, we discuss vulnerability and a different way to look at their conflict . We'll also discuss some Words of Wisdom in ENM / The Lifestyle as well as more on the LDS church. As alway…
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TW - Mentions of racism and suicide Our special guest Daryl shares his story of traveling hours with his family to participate in the church in rural Australia as a child. After raising children in the church, his move to the USA, and marriage to a Never-Mo, started his questioning & eventual exit from the church.…
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Garments, Drama, and Oh Boy, the Truth Box! (E4)
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27:37
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27:37Send us a text In this episode, Lauren and Ben discuss Episode 4 of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives', sharing their personal updates before diving into THE key event, the “sh*t show” of the birthday celebration weekend. Ben educates us on the history and current use of Mormon garments, inspired by their favorite quote “Can we Door Dash garments?”…
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Dearly Beloved, I wrote you a song. No One's To Blame, do you see? It's going to be okay. xoBy Maximum J. Murphy
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