Breaking News! Heather Gay TV Project Seeking Mormon Stories | Ep. 1903
Digest
Sean Delin, host of the Mormon Stories podcast, welcomes Heather Gay back to the show. They discuss Heather's journey as a Mormon woman who has transitioned out of the church, including her experience on the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and her New York Times best-selling book, "Bad Mormon." The episode culminates in a major announcement: Sean and Heather are collaborating on a new television project that will focus on the stories of Mormons and others who have left the church. The project aims to provide a platform for sharing stories of healing, growth, and empowerment, and to help those who are struggling with similar issues. They emphasize that the project is not intended to be anti-Mormon, but rather to offer a space for authentic and vulnerable storytelling. They encourage anyone who feels compelled to share their story to reach out to the production team at newproject@slossinproductions.com. The episode concludes with a discussion about the importance of sharing stories and the healing power of authenticity, particularly in the context of leaving a high-demand religion like Mormonism.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode and welcomes Heather Gay back to the Mormon Stories podcast. Sean Delin, the host, shares that it is Sunday morning and he is excited to have Heather on the show.
Heather's Journey
This Chapter delves into Heather's personal journey as a Mormon woman who has transitioned out of the church. She discusses her experience on the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and the challenges of navigating her faith while participating in the show. She also reflects on the process of writing her book, "Bad Mormon," and the fear she initially felt in sharing her story publicly.
New Television Project Announcement
This Chapter marks the major announcement of the episode: Sean and Heather are collaborating on a new television project that will focus on the stories of Mormons and others who have left the church. The project aims to provide a platform for sharing stories of healing, growth, and empowerment, and to help those who are struggling with similar issues.
Project Intent and Call to Action
This Chapter clarifies the intent of the new television project, emphasizing that it is not intended to be anti-Mormon, but rather to offer a space for authentic and vulnerable storytelling. Sean and Heather encourage anyone who feels compelled to share their story to reach out to the production team at newproject@slossinproductions.com.
The Importance of Sharing Stories
This Chapter delves into the importance of sharing stories and the healing power of authenticity, particularly in the context of leaving a high-demand religion like Mormonism. Sean and Heather discuss the psychological benefits of telling one's story and the impact it can have on others who are struggling with similar experiences.
The Future of Mormonism and Religious Transitions
This Chapter explores the future of Mormonism and the broader landscape of religious transitions in a changing world. Sean and Heather discuss the increasing number of people leaving the church, the challenges of navigating faith in a secularized society, and the importance of providing support and resources for those who are struggling with their beliefs.
Keywords
Mormon Stories
Mormon Stories is a podcast hosted by Sean Delin that explores the experiences of Mormons and others who have left the church. The podcast provides a platform for sharing stories of faith, doubt, and transition, and aims to foster understanding and dialogue around Mormonism.
Heather Gay
Heather Gay is a reality television personality and author known for her appearances on the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. She is also the author of the New York Times best-selling book, "Bad Mormon." Heather's story is a testament to the challenges of navigating faith and identity in a complex and often judgmental world.
Real Housewives of Salt Lake City
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is a reality television series that follows the lives of a group of women living in Salt Lake City, Utah. The show has been praised for its portrayal of Mormon culture and the complexities of faith, family, and social dynamics in the community.
Bad Mormon
Bad Mormon is a memoir by Heather Gay that explores her journey as a Mormon woman who has transitioned out of the church. The book offers a candid and insightful look at the challenges of navigating faith, identity, and personal growth in a high-demand religion.
Scientology
Scientology is a religious organization founded by L. Ron Hubbard. The organization has been the subject of much controversy and scrutiny, with allegations of abuse, manipulation, and financial impropriety. The documentary series "Going Clear" and "Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath" have shed light on the inner workings of the organization and the experiences of former members.
Leah Remini
Leah Remini is an actress and television personality who is known for her role in the sitcom "The King of Queens." She is also a vocal critic of Scientology and has been a leading figure in exposing the organization's alleged abuses.
Informed Consent
Informed consent is a fundamental principle in ethics and healthcare that requires individuals to be fully informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a procedure or treatment before they make a decision. In the context of religious transitions, informed consent refers to the right of individuals to make informed choices about their faith and to be free from coercion or manipulation.
Religious Transitions
Religious transitions refer to the process of changing one's religious beliefs or practices. This can involve leaving a religion altogether, converting to a different religion, or simply changing one's level of religious observance. Religious transitions can be complex and challenging, often involving personal growth, identity formation, and navigating relationships with family and community.
High-Demand Religion
A high-demand religion is a religious group that requires a significant amount of time, energy, and commitment from its members. These groups often have strict rules and regulations, and may exert significant control over the lives of their members. Examples of high-demand religions include Mormonism, Scientology, and Jehovah's Witnesses.
Ex-Mormon
An ex-Mormon is a person who has left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Ex-Mormons may have a variety of reasons for leaving the church, including doubts about the church's teachings, disagreements with church policies, or personal experiences of harm or abuse.
Q&A
What is the main announcement made in this episode of Mormon Stories?
Sean Delin and Heather Gay announce a new television project that will explore the experiences of Mormons and others who have left the church, aiming to provide a platform for sharing stories of healing and growth.
What is the intended purpose of the new television project?
The project aims to provide a platform for sharing stories of healing, growth, and empowerment, and to help those who are struggling with similar issues. It is not intended to be anti-Mormon, but rather to offer a space for authentic and vulnerable storytelling.
Why is Heather Gay so passionate about this project?
Heather believes that sharing her own story has been incredibly healing and empowering, and she wants to provide that same opportunity for others who have experienced similar challenges in leaving the church.
What are some of the key themes explored in this episode?
The episode explores themes of religious transitions, informed consent, the healing power of storytelling, the challenges of leaving a high-demand religion, and the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance.
How does the episode address the potential for the project to be perceived as anti-Mormon?
Sean and Heather explicitly state that the project is not intended to be anti-Mormon, but rather to offer a space for authentic and vulnerable storytelling. They emphasize that they still have love for the Mormon church and the Mormon people, even if they also recognize the harm that the church has caused to many.
What is the call to action for listeners of the podcast?
Listeners who feel compelled to share their story are encouraged to reach out to the production team at newproject@slossinproductions.com.
What are some of the potential benefits of sharing one's story in the context of leaving a high-demand religion?
Sharing one's story can be incredibly healing and empowering, helping individuals to process their experiences, find a sense of community, and reclaim their sense of self. It can also help others who are struggling with similar issues to feel less alone and to find hope and inspiration.
What are some of the challenges that individuals face when leaving a high-demand religion?
Individuals who leave high-demand religions often face significant challenges, including social isolation, family estrangement, loss of community, and potential financial hardship. They may also experience emotional and psychological distress as they navigate their new identity and beliefs.
How does the episode address the broader landscape of religious transitions in a changing world?
The episode acknowledges the increasing number of people leaving organized religion, particularly in the context of the rise of the internet, changing social values, and the growing awareness of religious abuse and manipulation. It highlights the need for support and resources for those who are navigating their faith and identity in a complex and often challenging world.
What is the overall message of the episode?
The episode emphasizes the importance of sharing stories, the healing power of authenticity, and the need for compassion and understanding for those who are navigating religious transitions. It encourages listeners to embrace their own experiences, to find their voice, and to support others who are seeking to heal and grow.
Show Notes
We are super excited to announce a new tv project in development - led by ex-Mormon Heather Gay of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. In my opinion, this project has the potential to move the needle in our goal to bring more transparency to Mormon church. Heather's plea is included below. Please email her production company if you are interested.
"To all my Bad Mormons – The last few years have brought me so many incredible experiences and opportunities, but by far the most formative has been being able to work through my faith transition with the church amongst a community of people who understood and support my experiences. We are exploring a television project that I hope will extend this opportunity to more people who might be struggling with similar issues. If you think you might be interested, please reach out to me at newproject@slausonproductions.com and tell me a little about your story and why you think it could be valuable to share." - Heather Gay
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