In this episode, we explore one woman’s powerful journey of faith, identity, and self-discovery as she navigates life within—and ultimately beyond—the Mormon Church. Growing up in a devout LDS family in Utah, she thrived in the Church, excelling in music, theater, and religious devotion. However, a shocking family crisis—her father’s financial crimes, infidelity, and excommunication—shattered that stability, forcing her into a caretaker role for her mother and younger siblings.
Despite these hardships, she remained committed to her faith, serving a mission in Oregon, where she met her future husband. But after returning home, she grappled with the intense cultural pressures of marriage and motherhood. Diagnosed with PCOS and facing infertility, she struggled with feeling betrayed by a doctrine that placed motherhood as the pinnacle of a woman’s purpose.
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted regular Mormon church attendance, she and her husband took a step back, sparking deep questions about belief, authority, and personal identity. Through her faith transition, she explored difficult topics such as polygamy, women’s roles, priesthood authority, and the silencing of discussions about Heavenly Mother. The Mormon deconstruction process was both painful and eye-opening, leading her to embrace new forms of empowerment through fitness, creative expression, and fantasy literature. Musicals like Wicked deeply resonated with her evolving perspective, mirroring her path of questioning and self-liberation.
She also delves into the societal conditioning surrounding gender roles within the Mormon Church and how stepping away has given her the freedom to redefine what brings her joy and fulfillment. Through therapy, personal reflection, and embracing new experiences outside the confines of religious expectations, she has found a sense of purpose in “Plan B”—a life outside of the rigid structure she was raised in.
Join us for a candid and heartfelt conversation about resilience, transformation, and the journey of forging an authentic life beyond faith. Whether you’re questioning your own beliefs, supporting a loved one through their faith transition, or simply interested in personal stories of growth and self-discovery, this episode offers a compelling and deeply relatable narrative. Her story is one of courage, embracing uncertainty, and ultimately, defying gravity.
