Matt Purcell is the grandson of Spencer Palmer, former BYU professor of religion, mission president, temple president, LDS church area authority, personal friend of Mormon Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley, and likely recipient of the top secret Mormon church Second Anointing ritual.

In today’s episode, Matt tells his story of being one of several victims of sexual abuse by his grandfather. Matt is joined by his wife, Stephanie. Both share their Mormon stories, which include their faith journeys after discovering problematic Mormon church history.

In part two of our interview, Matt and Stephanie dive into the effects of infertility and postpartum depression, the wheels that started turning in their heads after the 2015 exclusion policy, and much, much more. We are so lucky to get to hear Matt and Stephanie’s journey and hope you enjoy Carah Burrell as your host on this epic two-part Mormon Story!

**Trigger warning on this episode***

Show Notes:

Part 1:

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Part 2:

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10 Comments

  1. Marlbey December 19, 2021 at 1:10 pm - Reply

    Stephanie, did you ever talk to your youth bishop about the allegation he made to your father? Because here’s what I heard: your father used fear to alienate you from your mother. When you reached out to another trusted adult (the Bishop) to confide in him about your father’s abusive, controlling behavior, your father once again took steps to scare you away from your bishop too.

    TLDR; I think it is quite possible that your father intentionally lied about the nature of the concerns that the Bishop raised with him so that you wouldn’t trust or go back to the bishop.

  2. Bryan December 19, 2021 at 7:12 pm - Reply

    Does Matt accuse Spencer Palmer of abusing him? Or his other grandpa? The synopsis seems to imply that it is Spencer Palmer. But if it Spencer Palmer why wouldn’t the synopsis just say that plainly?

  3. Mark D Nielsen December 20, 2021 at 10:47 am - Reply

    I am wondering if there are pictures online of Matt Purcell’s grandpa so I can see if I am remembering the same man that Matt resembles so closely from my trips to the temples starting on Halloween 🎃 1982.

  4. Mark D Nielsen December 20, 2021 at 10:54 am - Reply

    A question to John and Cara firstI grew up on Apple Blossom Lane, a contnuation of Murray Holladay Road. I am wondering how close my childhood home is to you now.

    I am also wondering if there are pictures online of Matt Purcell’s grandpa so I can see if I am remembering the same man that Matt resembles so closely from my trips to the temples starting on Halloween 🎃 1982.

  5. Nanette Merrill December 20, 2021 at 2:18 pm - Reply

    David Broadbesnt and his father were both OBGYN. I worked in labor and delivery at utah Valley Hospital. He was a creep. His dad was worse. He was cruel and unkind to his patient. His dads favorite thing to say was “well it was fun getting it in but not so fun getting it right”. As far as rectal exams. Some doctors perform them. But they talk to the patient and are he take time to talk to the patient first about it. I’m so sorry.

    Mom of 8

  6. Dan December 26, 2021 at 5:55 pm - Reply

    Thank you to Stephanie and Matt. They are truly thoughtful, admirable, and courageous. Both are so articulate and very interesting. What great people! It was an outstanding podcast.

  7. Megan S December 28, 2021 at 9:09 am - Reply

    Have a link to the YouTube video they mentioned about other faiths saying they know the truth?

  8. Me January 4, 2022 at 1:51 am - Reply

    I kinda like the long interviews. I cleaned my house, did laundry and organized a few messes while listening. As a survivor of childhood trauma, i know it takes a lot of guts to come forward with this stuff. Some people won’t want to believe it, some will have guilt they didn’t know, and you will be supported by lots of people who have been through similar trauma!
    Thank you for sharing your stories. Your examples will help others to come forward and get the help and support they need to get through. All the guilt thats piled on in the name of Savior! To quote a fave movie line, “if Jesus came back now and saw what was happening in his name, He would never stop throwing up” take care!

  9. Jan King January 2, 2023 at 9:19 pm - Reply

    I just met with my very loving bishopric yesterday, Jan 1, 2023 to request that my membership be removed from church records, after 51 years as a “card carrying, all in mormon” 82 year old woman. This has come after much prayer, study and reflection.
    I’m so appreciative of these podcasts.

  10. James Muir March 21, 2023 at 12:04 pm - Reply

    The Second Anointing is superfluous. The truly righteous get the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost…..None of the top brethren have ever had this according to Dallin H. Oaks 2016 Bellevue, Washington Minute 30ish. Only God the Father can perform the BFHG.

    Being faithful to that BFHG will eventually result in receiving your calling and election made sure by the direct voice of God saying: THOU SHALT WITH US PARTAKE OF ETERNAL LIFE…..repeated twice as all three speak the same. …….first hand experience speaking, Incidentally, I got that 19 years after the BFHG. Both had nothing to do with being LDS. God draws you to the BFHG and the C&E hits without expectation. BTY, Hinckley was a neighbor growing up and after my BFHG I annoyed every LDS congregation with my knowledge and zeal. After I was given to open up THE WONDERS OF ETERNITY in a studied paper for four years, Hinckley pressed five stakes who all refused to ex me until he pressed upon BYU Faculty to toss me without a charge.

    Second Anointing is BOGUS IMO!

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