The Mormon Expositor Podcast

[UtahDan]

As some of you know I am one of the hosts of the Mormon Expositor Podcast. For those unfamiliar it is a discussion of all things Mormon and is run by a group of that includes believers and non-believers. We try to represent as many view points as we can (though that doesn't happen on every single episode) and think we have a decent balance. Fair warning that it is very frank and that there are some very negative opinions that get expressed by a couple of the regulars. I'm Matthew over there (that is my real name. I know, don't ask.) I'm creating this thread so that I can post information about the podcast, mostly about new episodes, rather than create new threads. Discussion about the episodes, suggestions, and criticism is definitely welcome. The podcast can be streamed from the website or is available for download through iTunes or any of the other popular podcast apps.

To get us started, the most recent episode (which I am not on) is an interview with Mormon Sexologist Dr. Melissa Jones (http://www.mjsexologist.com/#).


Brandt talks with Dr. Melissa Jones, a practicing sexologist (and a Mormon) to discuss Mormons and their views on sex, masturbation, and pornography, as well as healthy approaches to sexuality.

http://mormonexpositor.com/32-an-interview-with-a-mormon-sexologist-dr-melissa-jones/

[Sullyute]

I started listening to this last night. It was a little shocking to hear of the places she had to go and the people she had to interview as part of her education. She has her degree from UNLV so you have an idea.

Edit: Another thing that I found interesting is that the Dr. said that of all the religious people she has worked with Mormons are the ones who look for permission the most. If they have permission they are good to go but, if left to their own determination have a hard time making a decision on their own whether something is "ok" in the bedroom. I found that very telling.

[UtahDan]

33: Who is Mark Hofmann? The Truth Behind the Salamander Letter Bombings (Part 1) (http://mormonexpositor.com/33-who-is-mark-hoffman-the-truth-behind-the-salamander-letter-bombings-part-1/)


Podcast: Play in new window (http://media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositor/p/media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositorpodcast/p/www.mormonexpositor.com//wp-content/uploads/2013/03/mxp-episode_033.mp3) | Download (http://media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositor/p/media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositorpodcast/p/www.mormonexpositor.com//wp-content/uploads/2013/03/mxp-episode_033.mp3) (Duration: 1:39:23 — 68.3MB)
Troy hosts with Amy and Clay as they set the stage for the “Salamander Letter” bombings that occurred in SLC on October 15, 1985. This episode details Mark Hofmann and what may have motivated him to become the most successful forger in modern history and introduces first two forged documents he sold to the LDS Church.

http://mormonexpositor.com/33-who-is-mark-hoffman-the-truth-behind-the-salamander-letter-bombings-part-1/

[OrangeUte]

33: Who is Mark Hofmann? The Truth Behind the Salamander Letter Bombings (Part 1) (http://mormonexpositor.com/33-who-is-mark-hoffman-the-truth-behind-the-salamander-letter-bombings-part-1/)


Podcast: Play in new window (http://media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositor/p/media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositorpodcast/p/www.mormonexpositor.com//wp-content/uploads/2013/03/mxp-episode_033.mp3) | Download (http://media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositor/p/media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositorpodcast/p/www.mormonexpositor.com//wp-content/uploads/2013/03/mxp-episode_033.mp3) (Duration: 1:39:23 — 68.3MB)
Troy hosts with Amy and Clay as they set the stage for the “Salamander Letter” bombings that occurred in SLC on October 15, 1985. This episode details Mark Hofmann and what may have motivated him to become the most successful forger in modern history and introduces first two forged documents he sold to the LDS Church.

http://mormonexpositor.com/33-who-is-mark-hoffman-the-truth-behind-the-salamander-letter-bombings-part-1/

I can't wait to listen to this. Hoffman's murders happened when I was in high school and Steve Christensen was the brother in law of one if my teachers.

Thanks for the post on this UD.

[FountainOfUte]

I listened to the podcast with Dr. Jones. It really liked it. It's refreshing to hear a voice like this within the LDS church.

However, all of the comments to the podcast seemed to have a problem with her statement about Satan and his role in sexual desires. I think they're taking her thoughts out of context. She wasn't saying that's where desires come from, but simply that Satan uses people's sexual desires to manipulate them into sin. I think that's true. That doesn't mean all sexual desire is bad or motivated by Satan. Far from that. Sexual desire is God given, and yes, like everything good given from God, Satan finds ways to get us to abuse it -- just like money, or time, or anything else.

Anyway, great podcast. I'll have to check out more of them.

[UtahDan]

I listened to the podcast with Dr. Jones. It really liked it. It's refreshing to hear a voice like this within the LDS church.

However, all of the comments to the podcast seemed to have a problem with her statement about Satan and his role in sexual desires. I think they're taking her thoughts out of context. She wasn't saying that's where desires come from, but simply that Satan uses people's sexual desires to manipulate them into sin. I think that's true. That doesn't mean all sexual desire is bad or motivated by Satan. Far from that. Sexual desire is God given, and yes, like everything good given from God, Satan finds ways to get us to abuse it -- just like money, or time, or anything else.

Anyway, great podcast. I'll have to check out more of them.

Glad you liked it!

[Ex'dute]

Just got through the first part of the Hoffman podcast. It was fascinating. Good job. I can wait to hear the follow-ups.

I took a class at the U. taught by Linda Sillitoe, who was one of the co-authors of "Salamander." I have that book somewhere collecting dust on a bookshelf. The podcast makes me want to reread that book. I'm sure it will be a completely different experience now, since when I read it before probably 20 years ago I was a believer in the LDS Church. Now I'll see it through a completely different lens.

[Solon]

Just got through the first part of the Hoffman podcast. It was fascinating. Good job. I can wait to hear the follow-ups.

I took a class at the U. taught by Linda Sillitoe, who was one of the co-authors of "Salamander." I have that book somewhere collecting dust on a bookshelf. The podcast makes me want to reread that book. I'm sure it will be a completely different experience now, since when I read it before probably 20 years ago I was a believer in the LDS Church. Now I'll see it through a completely different lens.

A few years back, I gave my father a copy of that book that was signed by Mark Hoffman.
Of course, I forged the signature.

[Pheidippides]

A few years back, I gave my father a copy of that book that was signed by Mark Hoffman.
Of course, I forged the signature.

Lol. That's funny on a couple of levels.

[NorthwestUteFan]

A few years back, I gave my father a copy of that book that was signed by Mark Hoffman.
Of course, I forged the signature.

In Mrs Moss's 10th grade Social Studies class we discovered Mark Hoffman's name in a text book. We were simultaneously fascinated 1) that one of us had the same book that Mark used and 2) that we were still using a 15 year old textbook.

Our neighbor at the time of the bombings was Kathy Sheets' daughter and are close friends with my parents, so the murders hit very close to home. Her youngest brother is my age and he moved in to live with her through high school.

Mark Hoffman is one of the most talented forgers in history and it is a shame he couldn't direct his talents to better use. Now I hope he has a very long and boring life in prison and can rot in hell afterward.

[LA Ute]

Steve's Christensen's wife (and her sisters) are longtime friends of my wife, who wrote a Utah Holiday profile of her after this had all died down. (Does anyone here even remember Utah Holiday?)

Little-known factoid: Steve's dad Mac Christensen (of Mr. Mac fame) paid for the LDS missions of Hoffman's sons.

[Applejack]

I'm distantly related to Mr. Mac. He always appears at funerals of my very old relatives, dressed to the nines in baggy, high-waisted suits.

[LA Ute]

I'm distantly related to Mr. Mac. He always appears at funerals of my very old relatives, dressed to the nines in baggy, high-waisted suits.

...of low quality.

[Rocker Ute]

...of low quality. Mr Mac may be the nicest guy this side of heaven for all I know, but I remain convinced that he was called as a mission president solely so that he could witness first hand the low-grade crap that he sold by the crate to missionaries. Every missionary I knew that bought their suits from Mr Mac was buying a real suit 6 months into their mission and about 4 months after they should have.

[SeattleUte]

Mr Mac may be the nicest guy this side of heaven for all I know, but I remain convinced that he was called as a mission president solely so that he could witness first hand the low-grade crap that he sold by the crate to missionaries. Every missionary I knew that bought their suits from Mr Mac was buying a real suit 6 months into their mission and about 4 months after they should have.

Those suits served me well in Ecuador. You could have them washed with soap and water on a ribbed concrete block and hang them to dry. The Swedish Knit used to shine in the sun light like mail.

[LA Ute]

I was stuck in SLC with only casual clothes and needed a suit fast, so I bought one at Mr. Mac (same-day tailoring, inexpensive, yada yada.). It looked OK, but think I wore the thing to church 4 times before it started to fall apart.

[UtahDan]

38: Who is Mark Hofmann? The Truth Behind the Salamander Letter Bombings (Part 2) (http://mormonexpositor.com/38-who-is-mark-hofmann-the-truth-behind-the-salamander-letter-bombings-part-2/)


Podcast: Play in new window (http://media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositor/p/media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositorpodcast/p/mormonexpositor.com//wp-content/uploads/2013/05/mxp-episode_038.mp3) | Download (http://media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositor/p/media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositorpodcast/p/mormonexpositor.com//wp-content/uploads/2013/05/mxp-episode_038.mp3) (Duration: 1:08:16 — 46.9MB)
Troy hosts with Amy and Clay as they discuss Mark Hofmann’s continued forgeries and dealings with the LDS church and church members. Two more controversial documents are discussed in detail, the Josiah Stowell letter, and the infamous Salamander Letter. The depth of Mark Hofmann’s deceitfulness is outlined and his nefarious murders are discussed – the stage is set for his trial.
References
Salamander: The Story of the Mormon Forgery Murders (http://signaturebooks.com/2010/02/salamander-the-story-of-the-mormon-forgery-murders/)
The Mormon Murders: A True Story of Greed, Forgery, Deceit and Death (http://www.amazon.com/The-Mormon-Murders-Steven-Naifeh/dp/1250025893)
Victims: The LDS Church and the Mark Hofmann Case (http://www.amazon.com/Victims-CHURCH-MARK-HOFMANN-CASE/dp/0252018850/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363292236&sr=1-1&keywords=The+LDS+Church+and+the+Mark+Hofmann)
Register of the Mark Hofmann Case Collection (http://files.lib.byu.edu/ead/XML/MSS1571.xml)
The Tanners’ examination of the documents and the Josiah Stowell letter (http://www.utlm.org/onlinebooks/trackingch6b.htm)
The Salamander Letter (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salamander_letter)
Early Mormonism and the Magic World View — D. Michael Quinn (http://signaturebooks.com/2010/02/early-mormonism-and-the-magic-world-view/)
Mormon Expression — D&C 8 & 9 for dummies – Part 1 (http://mormonexpression.com/2011/06/07/139a-dc-8-and-9-for-dummies-part-1/)
Mormon Expression — D&C 8 & 9 for dummies – Part 2 (http://mormonexpression.com/2011/06/07/139b-dc-8-and-9-for-dummies-part-2/)

[Sullyute]

I am listening to the newest podcast and it is great. The songs are wonderful. I am always impressed by the overall musical talent of mormons (and ex-mormons) in general. I loved the "Gold Plates, Baby" Vanilla Ice remix. And most important you get to hear UB5's own Utah Dan tickle the ivory and strum the guitar.

[UtahDan]

Thanks. Also of note is Nikumans brother Ivan who is AMAZING.

[UtahDan]

Conference Reviews. We has them.

52a: October 2013 General Conference Saturday Sessions (http://mormonexpositor.com/52a-october-2013-general-conference-saturday-sessions/)


Podcast: Play in new window (http://media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositor/p/media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositorpodcast/p/mormonexpositor.com//wp-content/uploads/2013/10/mxp-episode_052a.mp3) | Download (http://media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositor/p/media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositorpodcast/p/mormonexpositor.com//wp-content/uploads/2013/10/mxp-episode_052c.mp3) (Duration: 1:21:55 — 56.3MB)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:21:55 — 56.3MB) Heather and Brandt host reviews of the Relief Society and Priesthood sessions of General Conference. Panelists include: Sarah, Jean, Ryan, and Craig. Notes: How General Authorities Eat Their Reese s Peanut Butter Cups

[UtahDan]

52b: October 2013 General Conference Sunday Sessions (http://mormonexpositor.com/52b-october-2013-general-conference-sunday-sessions/)

[UtahDan]

52c: October 2013 General Conference Relief Society and Priesthood Sessions (http://mormonexpositor.com/52c-october-2013-general-conference-relief-society-and-priesthood-sessions/)

[DrumNFeather]

Conference Reviews. We has them.

52a: October 2013 General Conference Saturday Sessions (http://mormonexpositor.com/52a-october-2013-general-conference-saturday-sessions/)


Podcast: Play in new window (http://media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositor/p/media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositorpodcast/p/mormonexpositor.com//wp-content/uploads/2013/10/mxp-episode_052a.mp3) | Download (http://media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositor/p/media.blubrry.com/mormonexpositorpodcast/p/mormonexpositor.com//wp-content/uploads/2013/10/mxp-episode_052c.mp3) (Duration: 1:21:55 — 56.3MB)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:21:55 — 56.3MB) Heather and Brandt host reviews of the Relief Society and Priesthood sessions of General Conference. Panelists include: Sarah, Jean, Ryan, and Craig. Notes: How General Authorities Eat Their Reese s Peanut Butter Cups

Lemme guess...you guys gave glowing reviews! ;)

[NorthwestUteFan]

Thanks. Also of note is Nikumans brother Ivan who is AMAZING.

I love that song. It affects me in a very personal way and brings me to tears every time I hear it. I didn't realize it was Niku's brother who did it.

Nice job on these podcasts, Danite. I think you guys deserve to win a Brodie Award for either the ERA podcast, or the Mark Hoffman series (or both)...

[NorthwestUteFan]

Note, my feelings for that song have nothing to do with my relationship with my wife.