Welcome to Mormon Stories, where personal transformation, faith deconstruction, and self-discovery take center stage. In this episode, Paul Martinez shares his compelling journey from being raised in Mormonism to ultimately leaving the church, navigating the complexities of being Mormon and neurodivergent, family relationships, and personal growth along the way.

Paul’s story begins with a childhood marked by isolation, as he struggled to fit into both his family and broader social circles. Despite these challenges, he found a deep connection to Mormonism in his young adulthood, drawn in by its sense of structure and purpose. His faith journey led him to baptism, a mission in Argentina, and eventual marriage in the Salt Lake City temple, all while grappling with high expectations, strict moral codes, and personal doubts.

During his time as a missionary, Paul faced intense pressure to conform, endured repeated robberies, and struggled with the demanding culture of high performance and obedience. As a Mormon and neurodivergent individual, he often felt out of sync with the rigid expectations of both the mission and the broader church culture. Over time, cracks in his belief system began to form—he grew disillusioned with Mormonism’s passive-aggressive nature, its black-and-white thinking, and its troubling history.

One of the turning points in Paul’s faith crisis was the LDS Church’s stance on LGBTQ issues, including the 2015 policy labeling same-sex couples as apostates. This, coupled with his deepening research into church history and doctrine, led him to question everything he once believed. Ultimately, he made the difficult decision to stop attending and resign from the church, stepping into the unknown with a mix of fear and liberation.

Post-Mormonism, Paul has focused on rebuilding his life, career, and sense of self. He candidly discusses his divorce, dating experiences, and his evolving understanding of love and relationships. He also reflects on the impact of toxic relationships, the parallels between childhood abuse and institutional control, and the process of unlearning deeply ingrained beliefs. Through music, self-reflection, and personal growth, he has found new ways to heal, redefine his identity, and embrace life beyond the church.

Join Paul as he unpacks the emotional complexities of faith transitions, personal healing, and the journey to self-acceptance. Subscribe for raw, insightful discussions on life after Mormonism, relationships, and rediscovering personal freedom.