Mormon.ish

What goes bump in the night in Mormon history? And why do stories of spirits, mysterious encounters, and messages from beyond continue to fascinate us? Join us for a special Halloween episode of Mormonish Podcast as we explore spooky stories from Mormon history alongside ghost stories submitted by our social media community. From encounters with departed loved ones to experiences that are a little harder to explain, these stories offer a glimpse into the mysterious side of Mormon belief and culture. We also talk about why people tell ghost stories in the first place. They can bring us together, offer comfort about life after death, pass along warnings, and help us make sense of experiences we don’t fully understand. What happens when those stories are viewed through a Mormon lens, with its teachings about spirits, ancestors, and the world beyond the veil? Turn down the lights, grab some Halloween candy, and join us for an evening of eerie tales, thoughtful conversation, and a few good chills!

Could a new data center put an important piece of Mormon history at risk? On this episode of Mormonish, John Hajicek and Ron Yorgason join us to explore John’s research into the historic Arthur plantation property near Liberty, Missouri, where a data center development raises questions about preserving the past. John shares his findings connecting the property to early Mormon history, Book of Mormon witness graves, and accounts of a reburied bone attributed to Zelph. We discuss the evidence, what remains uncertain, and what could be lost if these historical connections are overlooked. Will the LDS Church weigh in or take steps to help preserve this site? Could other Mormon denominations, historical organizations, or preservation groups get involved? We explore who might advocate for protecting this history—and whether there’s still time to make a difference.

In this episode, Ron Yorgason and Sarah Smith join Mormonish to discuss the Facebook support group they’ve started for parents who have stepped away from Mormonism while their children are serving—or preparing to serve—LDS missions. The group offers a place for post-Mormon parents to connect, share experiences, and talk through the challenges of navigating faith differences between themselves and their children. Many of these parents raised their children in Mormonism and encouraged them to want to serve missions, but later stepped away from the faith themselves. The group can also offer practical advice for situations that may arise during an LDS mission. At the group’s heart is a shared goal: loving and supporting their missionaries while maintaining positive, meaningful relationships across differing beliefs.Products

A $2 million donation—and a quiet return. With the LDS Church now donating $3 million to the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth, TX, we’re revisiting our episode about the First Americans Museum’s decision to return the church’s $2 million gift. The LDS church also previously donated $2 million to the International African American Museum in South Carolina. The common thread? Each museum partnership includes a FamilySearch genealogy center, connecting the church’s financial support with a presence inside institutions dedicated to preserving Black and Indigenous history. Genealogy can help visitors reclaim family stories, but FamilySearch is also operated by the LDS Church, where genealogy serves a religious purpose tied to temple ordinances for the deceased. How do those overlapping interests shape these partnerships—and why did the First Americans Museum give the money back? Join Mormonish as we explore philanthropy, faith, and who gets to tell a community’s story. This episode originally aired in October 2023.

“When the prophet speaks, the conversation is over.” “Follow the brethren.” “It’s wrong to criticize leaders, even if the criticism is true.” “This will all be sorted out in the next life.” “Doubt your doubts.” Sound familiar? Mormonish welcomes Unoriginal Jim to explore 40 thought-stopping phrases in Mormonism—and how they can shut down critical thinking and meaningful conversations. A thought-stopping phrase is a short, familiar saying used to dismiss questioning, doubt, or further discussion rather than address the issue itself. Steven Hassan discusses this technique in his work on undue influence and how it discourages independent thinking. We’ll unpack these familiar phrases, why they’re effective, and what happens when we stop accepting them as answers. How many do you recognize? What others can you add? You won’t want to miss this episode!