Guest Episodes Archives - Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel: Recent Episodes

Bill Reel

An Honest Search For Truth

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What if the reason you felt like you were never enough… wasn’t you? In this episode, Teresa explores the striking parallels between narcissistic relationship dynamics and high-demand religious systems, specifically within Mormonism. Through a compassionate but honest lens, she examines how institutional patterns like shifting expectations, avoidance of accountability, image preservation, and conditional belonging can shape identity, nervous system regulation, and long-term wellbeing, especially physical health. This conversation goes beyond theology and into lived experience and explores: • Why high-demand systems can mirror narcissistic dynamics. • How that creates codependency patterns. • Chronic self suppression and its impact on the nervous system. • Why chronic symptoms like fatigue, pain, anxiety, and autoimmune conditions can emerge in these environments. • How healing often requires moving through grief, anger, and identity reconstruction. • And why the body’s response is not a character flaw, but a survival adaptation. If you’ve ever felt exhausted from striving, confused by persistent symptoms, or disconnected from your authentic self after leaving a high-demand environment, this episode may help you understand why and that healing is possible.

Join us at our NEW CHANNEL: @almostawakenedpodcast

Teresa will be launching her upcoming Anchor and Regulate groups beginning March 11th. These groups are structured nervous system healing spaces designed for individuals navigating chronic symptoms, chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety and mystery illnesses that are driven by stress or trauma. These groups combine psychoeducation, somatic practices, emotional processing, and supportive community to help you rebuild safety in the body and support you in resolving chronic symptoms.
Learn more here: https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/group-support

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THIS WAS AN ALMOST AWAKENED EPISODE BUT HAD SO MUCH OF THE COVERSATION REVOLVING AROUND MORMONISM THAT WE HAVE INCLUDED IT HERE AS A GUEST EPISODE

Join hosts Bill Reel & Britt Hartley on this thought-provoking episode of Almost Awakened as they engage in a profound conversation with Dr. Dan McClellan. With a rich background in Ancient Near Eastern studies and a doctorate in the cognitive science of religion, Dr. McClellan brings a unique perspective to the table.

In this interview, delve into the intricacies of Mormon doctrine, particularly examining James E. Talmage’s role in codifying beliefs about the Godhead and exploring how this approach is received in wider biblical scholarship. Beyond the theological discussion, the conversation opens up to the broader benefits of studying the Bible, even for those in the post-deconstruction phase of their spiritual journey.

Dr. McClellan shares insights on the significance of biblical literacy in understanding Western civilization, literature, art, and government. The interview doesn’t shy away from tough questions, addressing Dr. McClellan’s experience with various religious groups claiming him and how he navigates identity in the context of evolving beliefs.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into Dr. McClellan’s perspective on Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible, his favorite stories for deep exegesis, and the challenges and rewards of being a public scholar. As the conversation unfolds, the hosts explore the delicate balance between data and dogma, pondering the impact of changing doctrines on spiritual experiences.

The interview wraps up with a glimpse into Dr. McClellan’s ongoing projects, his stance on reporting religious aspects of global situations like Gaza, and a shout-out to his social media platform, courses, and the Data over Dogma podcast. Tune in for a captivating dialogue that transcends boundaries, inviting you to discern between data and dogma in your own spiritual exploration. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your understanding of the Bible and religion with Dr. Dan McClellan on Almost Awakened!

Thanks so much for watching! Please like, subscribe, and leave a comment! Visit our Channel to find everything Mormonism! https://www.youtube.com/c/MormonDiscussionsInc or @MormonDiscussion

Our mission at Mormon Discussion is to be a beacon of support for those who are questioning the truth claims or renegotiating their relationship with faith. Our podcasts like “Mormonism Live,” “Radio Free Mormon,” and “Mormon Discussion” offer a safe space for Discovery and healing. But we need your help. Your donations power our work – expanding outreach, improving content, and creating new initiatives. Visit https://donorbox.org/umbrella-entity or https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/please-consider-donating-today/ and make a difference today. Your support empowers us to empower others.

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David Peck, host of the podcast “Of Saints and Sufis” sits down with Bill Reel to explore the juxtaposition of Religion & Spirituality. They dive into what it means for Bill to describe himself as an atheist and a mystic and they then explore where Religion seems to miss the mark defining the undefinable while… Read More »Guest Episode: Bill Reel & David Peck – Religion & Spirituality

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Bill Reel, Executive Director of Mormon Discussion Inc., was interviewed on 2.233.22 on 21st Century Saints.  Check them out at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLESyNtVAdYF52HVt5Cu-Ew  This interview can be watched from there channel here.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVzaIc7oDD8 Please Subscribe to our friends across the waters.  They do great work, please consider supporting them.

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Today The Walker Family join in a round-table discussion over LGBT issues and their personal journeys in this arena.   Today you get to take some time to “walk a mile in their shoes” and see how this incredible family dealt with growth, change, and understanding.  They are vulnerable.  They are honest.  And they lay… Read More »Walk a Mile In Our Shoes: 002: LGBTQA Plus

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Today you get to meet the Walker’s.  A Family in the midst of their own faith journey willing to open up and share their experience.  Today is their first episode.  Today your offered an opportunity to “walk a mile in their shoes”.   They are vulnerable.  They are honest.  And they lay their lives on… Read More »Walk a Mile In Our Shoes: 001: Meet The Walker’s

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Today’s Episode is hosted by Trace Rogers.  Trace volunteers as the Website Manager for Mormon Discussion Podcast.  He has been with us for over a year and has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to improve your listening experience.  Almost all of the site’s improvements over the past year and it functionality behind the scenes is… Read More »251: Resolution For Conversion – Trace Rogers

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Today Suzette Smith shares the talk she gave at a recent Exponent II retreat.  Exponent II is a Mormon Feminist Magazine that give voice to the Female Perspective.  Suzette Shares her spiritual journey and touches on the feminine divine.  Resources: “Telling the Story of Grief” by Julie Lefgren Exponent II Blog, May 5, 2016 “Claiming… Read More »242: Suzette Smith – A Spiritual Journey

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Today we begin a series that examines Stages of Faith from the perspective of other Religious denominations and their religious leaders.  I tried to find every audio discussion of “Faith Transitions” based in some way on a Fowler “Faith Stage Theory”.  Heads up some of these religious leaders are still biased and imposing their conclusion… Read More »217: Stages of Faith Series 4: Willow Creek

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Guest host Suzette Smith sits down today to interview Rachel Hunt Steenblik about Heavenly Mother, The LDS Gospel Topics Essay on Mother in Heaven, and Mormon Feminism in general.  This is a great discussion that embraces that Mormonism has so much potential to expand in various directions including conversation of the feminine divine. https://www.lds.org/topics/mother-in-heaven?lang=eng http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Mother_in_Heaven… Read More »216: Heavenly Mother

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In today’s episode two women Annikka and Charlene who are the believing spouses in a marriage where one side has serious doubts and went through a serious faith transition.  They share their thoughts and stories on what it means to be the believing spouse in a what becomes a mixed-faith marriage, the difficulties that arise, and… Read More »215: Supporting Spouses Of Those Who Doubt

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Today we begin a series that examines Stages of Faith from the perspective of other Religious denominations and their religious leaders.  I tried to find every audio discussion of “Faith Transitions” based in some way on a Fowler “Faith Stage Theory”.  Heads up some of these religious leaders are still biased and imposing their conclusion… Read More »213: Stages of Faith Series 3: Grace Valley

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Today we begin a series that examines Stages of Faith from the perspective of other Religious denominations and their religious leaders.  I tried to find every audio discussion of “Faith Transitions” based in some way on a Fowler “Faith Stage Theory”.  Heads up some of these religious leaders are still biased and imposing their conclusion… Read More »210: Stages of Faith Series 2: Covenant Church

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Today we begin a series that examines Stages of Faith from the perspective of other Religious denominations and their religious leaders.  I tried to find every audio discussion of “Faith Transitions” based in some way on a Fowler “Faith Stage Theory”.  Heads up some of these religious leaders are still biased and imposing their conclusion… Read More »208: Stages of Faith Series 1: Revolutionary Spirituality

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Today Jon Young sits down with LDS politician A.J. Balukoff.  A.J. Balukoff was a Democratic candidate for Governor of Idaho in the 2014 elections.  In today’s episode Jon navigates between the world of LDS faith and politics. He hits on the following about being a Mormon Democrat – Abortion law and social solutions – Gay marriage… Read More »162: AJ Balukoff: Mormon Democrat

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This is the audio from Religious speaker Jon Paulien.  This is his expounding on his ideas on the stages of faith.  The audio while not great quality is very informative and helpful.  My goal is is to support LDS who are deconstructing and then reconstructing their faith and this audio will be a help to… Read More »Bonus: Stages of Faith: Paulien

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How concerned should we be with Mormonism’s historical truth claims?  Are we missing the point entirely by debating historocity? Today Guest Host Jon Young talks with Adam Miller about his popular post “Letter to a CES Student”, a response to Jeremy Runnels’ “Letter to a CES Director.”  Unlike debunking efforts at FairMormon, Miller’s response is… Read More »127: Adam Miller: Letter to a CES Student

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Ryan Boothe joins us again today for another episode of “Stage 4 Mormons”.  Ryan has a unique knack for hitting subjects in a unique way that helps us gain insight into this Fowler’s Stage 4, that many of us find ourselves in.  My heart was pricked by some of what he says and I pray… Read More »126: Stage 4 Mormons: Episode 3

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Today Guest Host Jon Young sits down with Ty Mansfield and discusses Same Sex Attraction, how we as a Church culture handle LGBT issues, Ty’s personal journey and how he has persevered on his own spiritual journey.  Ty’s spiritual struggle and need to separate the gospel from culture in the church is a story all of… Read More »123: Ty Mansfield: A Spiritual Journey with Same Sex Attraction

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Ryan Boothe joins us again for another episode of “Stage 4 Mormons”.  His podcasts are designed to help those in what Fowler labels as Stage 4 in his Stages of Faith.  Are you having a hard time?  Are you struggling?  Well Ryan is here to try and help and ease your faith transition.  His discussions… Read More »111: Stage 4 Mormons: Episode 2

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Today Guest Host Jon Young sits down with LDS author Russell McConkie and discuss his book “Genesis Evolution.  Do science and religion really have to be at odds with each other? Are they compatible? Does there really need to be a debate about evolution vs. God?   What if Moses actually understood the science behind the… Read More »108: Russell McConkie: Genesis Evolution

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This is a followup 4 pt series to compliment David Bokovoy’s interview on the Historical Jesus.  Many of you are reading Bart Erhman and others who completely throw the Divine Christ out the door.  Many simply discount every evidence as discrediting any view that sees the Divine in Christ.  I want to say thanks to… Read More »Bonus: NT Wright: Historical Jesus PT4

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This is a followup 4 pt series to compliment David Bokovoy’s interview on the Historical Jesus.  Many of you are reading Bart Erhman and others who completely throw the Divine Christ out the door.  Many simply discount every evidence as discrediting any view that sees the Divine in Christ.  I want to say thanks to… Read More »Bonus: NT Wright: Historical Jesus PT3

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This is a followup 4 pt series to compliment David Bokovoy’s interview on the Historical Jesus.  Many of you are reading Bart Erhman and others who completely throw the Divine Christ out the door.  Many simply discount every evidence as discrediting any view that sees the Divine in Christ.  I want to say thanks to… Read More »Bonus: NT Wright: Historical Jesus PT2

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This is a followup 4 pt series to compliment David Bokovoy’s interview on the Historical Jesus.  Many of you are reading Bart Erhman and others who completely throw the Divine Christ out the door.  Many simply discount every evidence as discrediting any view that sees the Divine in Christ.  I want to say thanks to… Read More »Bonus: NT Wright: Historical Jesus PT1

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Today we have a special episode featuring a new program “Stage 4 Mormons”  Ryan is our host.  He talks with us about that transitional and sometimes difficult period of shifting from simple thinking to a more nuanced and complex way of thinking.  Please send me feedback on this episode as we would enjoy hearing your thoughts.… Read More »100: Stage 4 Mormons: Episode 1

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Nick Galieti graciously steps in once again to guest host this episode of MormonDiscussion. He has put together a masterful gospel discussion on reflecting on our love for the Savior using Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s talk “Feed My Sheep” The complete talk can be found here http://laytreasuresinheaven.com/feed-my-sheep-elder-holland/ Nick Galieti Host/Producer – “The Good Word” Podcast… Read More »082: Nick Galieti: Come Let Us Reason together

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Nick Galieti steps in this week to guest host this episode of MormonDiscussion.  He has put together a masterful gospel discussion on the Atonement using James R. Rasband’s talk “Faith to Forgive Grievous Harms: Accepting the Atonement as Restitution” The complete talk can be found here http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=2075 https://devotional.byuh.edu/media130219 Nick Galieti Host/Producer – “The Good Word”… Read More »055: Nick Galieti: James Rasband and the Atonement of Christ

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This is a a link to the podcast RadioWest and is linked from their site – http://radiowest.kuer.org/post/mormon-belief-digital-age All credit is given to this site for this link.   Please check out radiowest – http://radiowest.kuer.org/   Their description of this broadcast –  Thursday, we’re talking about what the New York Times has called a “wave of doubt and… Read More »Bonus: Radio West: Hans Mattson and Doubting Mormons

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Philosophical Problem of Evil In the philosophy of religion, the problem of evil leads to the question of how do we reconcile the existence of evil with that of a deity who is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent. This critical argument delves into attempts to show that the co-existence of evil and such a deity is… Read More »026: Chris Reeve: Philosophical Problem of Evil

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