Why this Former Mormon Missionary Stopped Believing – Alyssa Grenfell Pt. 1
In this captivating interview, Alyssa shares poignant moments that shaped her perception of gender roles, societal expectations, and the struggle for self-worth within the Mormon context. The narrative explores her attempts to reconcile personal identity with the rigid doctrines of the Church, touching on themes of control, body autonomy, and the internal conflicts that arise when faith clashes with individual growth.
Alyssa recounts her mission, marriage, and the disillusionment that eventually led to her departure from the Mormon Church. The interview offers a powerful reflection on the cost of leaving behind the familiar for the pursuit of personal authenticity. Listeners are invited to join this intimate journey of self-discovery, challenging societal norms, and finding empowerment outside the constraints of religious expectations.
Buy the book “How to Leave the Mormon Church”
Alyssa Grenfell:
How to Leave the Mormon Church – w/ Alyssa Grenfell Pt. 2
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Show Notes:
- How to Leave the Mormon Church by Alyssa Grenfell
- alyssa.grenfell@gmail.com
- Alyssa Grenfell – TikTok
- Alyssa Grenfell – Website
- Alyssa Grenfell – YouTube
- Educated by Tara Westover
- 1998 Disney’s Mulan
- I’m Glad by Mom Died by Jeannette McCurdy
- Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
- Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
- Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
- “Wrong Roads” by Elder Holland
- Safety for the Soul talk by Elder Holland
- The Truman Show IMDB
- Provo City Center Temple
- Emmett Till
- Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer
- Under the Banner of Heaven Hulu
- John Dehiln’s How to Stay in the Church… After A Major Challenge to Your Faith
- CES Letter by Jeremy Runnells
- Bishop resigns over the pulpit
- Pleasantville IMDB
- Truman Show IMDB
- The Matrix IMDB
- Smallfoot IMDB
- The Village IMDB
- Tangled IMDB
- Good Better Best talk by Elder Oaks
- Plato’s Cave Allegory
- Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson
- The Gift of the Mormon Faith Crisis podcast
- Marriage on a Tightrope Podcast
- Marriage on a Tightrope Facebook Group
- Elder Ballard “Where will you go?” talk
- Drugs and the Meaning of Life by Sam Harris
- WACA Facebook – Women of a certain age
- Thrive Beyond Religion
- Nuancehoe YouTube
- Mormon Expression with John Larsen
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6 Responses
I for one can’t recall ever picturing any woman who is showing to much skin(whatever that means) as being naked. I think that for most men that was a lie, probably rooted in that Bishop’s personal experience.
I’ve almost finished part 1 and Alyssa is amazing. It’s frustrating, though, to have John interrupt her to try to make peace with all of his audience members by saying Mormon Stories is non-partisan. She was merely talking about what some Republicans are doing to ban books and discriminate against LGBTQ people and that is somehow partisan? One could argue that everything she is saying is “partisan” because it isn’t “inclusive” and “welcoming” to all your faithful Mormon listeners and viewers who might be somehow offended. Are you really that desperate to not offend? It seems like the whole point of Mormon Stories is to offend and shake up the status quo. If adults somehow find that offensive then why are they even watching or listening?
Great episode. Will Alyssa’s book be available in Spanish in the future? There is, I believe, a big need for the truth claims to be debunked in languages other than English. Thank you MS for all you do to shed a bright light in the darkness.
I’m interested in the infographic her spouse put together for byu. Couldn’t find it in show notes. Thanks!
Hi!! I loved Alyssa’s story and I love this podcast! I was wondering if you have a transcript of the podcast? I was trying to turn on closed captions for Alyssa’s Pt. 2 episode and they weren’t working for me. Maybe that’s just my phone but if you don’t have transcripts I would be happy to contribute towards making some in the future!
Thank you so much to Alyssa and the Mormon Stories team for these episodes!!
This is definitely a youthful perspective, and also one steeped in privilege. Sometimes you can’t live the life you want, none of it, because the barriers are external, not internal.