Shows
Latter Day Bridge Builders#021 -- Faith, Doubt and the Courage to Meet in the Middle w/ Ashton SmithIn this episode of Latter Day Bridge Builders, Mitch sits down with Ashton Smith to talk about what it really means to build bridges across belief.Ashton shares his experience growing up in an orthodox LDS environment, serving as an Elders Quorum president, and learning how curiosity, humility, and respect matter more than winning arguments. Together, they explore why “us vs. them” thinking shows up so easily in religion, politics, families, and online spaces, and why it quietly destroys relationships.This conversation dives into faith transitions, judgment vs. curiosity, the...
2026-02-0458 minLatter Day Bridge Builders#20 -- Learning to Breathe Without AnswersIn this episode of Latter Day Bridge Builders, Mitch sits down with returning guest Stevie for a raw, unfiltered conversation about faith, doubt, and what it actually feels like to live in the tension between the two.Stevie shares her experience moving from spiritual certainty into a full-blown faith crisis; one that collided with postpartum depression, suicidal ideation, temple service, and deeply personal questions about God, authority, garments, and identity. Rather than offering tidy answers, this conversation lives in the uncomfortable middle: wrestling with belief, grieving certainty, questioning institutional boundaries, and learning to find peace without resolution.
2025-12-2854 min
Latter Day Bridge Builders#20 -- Learning to Breathe Without AnswersIn this episode of Latter Day Bridge Builders, Mitch sits down with returning guest Stevie for a raw, unfiltered conversation about faith, doubt, and what it actually feels like to live in the tension between the two.Stevie shares her experience moving from spiritual certainty into a full-blown faith crisis; one that collided with postpartum depression, suicidal ideation, temple service, and deeply personal questions about God, authority, garments, and identity. Rather than offering tidy answers, this conversation lives in the uncomfortable middle: wrestling with belief, grieving certainty, questioning institutional boundaries, and learning to find...
2025-12-2854 min
Latter Day Bridge Builders#019 -- No Strings Attached: How to Bridge the Mormon / Ex-Mormon DivideIn this episode of Latter Day Bridge Builders, Mitch sits down with James Linton, an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to talk about the uncomfortable space between belief and disbelief; and why so many relationships get stuck there.Instead of debating doctrine, this conversation digs into how members and ex-members see each other, why fear and silence creep into friendships, and what actually helps bridge the gap. They explore ideas like:- Why religious identity feels so personal, and so fragile
2025-12-2158 min
Latter Day Bridge Builders#019 -- No Strings Attached: How to Bridge the Mormon / Ex-Mormon DivideIn this episode of Latter Day Bridge Builders, Mitch sits down with James Linton, an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to talk about the uncomfortable space between belief and disbelief; and why so many relationships get stuck there.Instead of debating doctrine, this conversation digs into how members and ex-members see each other, why fear and silence creep into friendships, and what actually helps bridge the gap. They explore ideas like:- Why religious identity feels so personal, and so fragile- How institutions struggle...
2025-12-2158 min
Latter Day Bridge Builders#018 -- How my mission in Africa changed meServing a Mormon mission in Cape Verde, Africa completely changed my life. It made me more serious, more committed, and opened my eyes to a culture totally different from the white Utah bubble I grew up in. It also pushed me to my limits, exposed me to the church’s messy racial history, and left me with questions I couldn’t ignore.In this episode, I reminisce about my mission:- What it was like serving in Cabo Verde on those 10 islands off the coast of West Africa- Learning Portuguese and Creole and...
2025-11-3026 minLatter Day Bridge Builders#018 -- How my mission in Africa changed meServing a Mormon mission in Cape Verde, Africa completely changed my life. It made me more serious, more committed, and opened my eyes to a culture totally different from the white Utah bubble I grew up in. It also pushed me to my limits, exposed me to the church’s messy racial history, and left me with questions I couldn’t ignore.In this episode, I reminisce about my mission:- What it was like serving in Cabo Verde on those 10 islands off the coast of West Africa- Learning Portuguese and...
2025-11-3026 min
Latter Day Bridge Builders#017 -- Modesty, Masturbation, and Misogyny: A Feminist Take on Mormon Purity CultureThis week, I sit down with Jules Miller.Former seminary teacher, lifelong feminist, and someone who knows purity culture from the inside and the outside. We get into the object lessons, the bishop interviews, the shame cycles, the “worthiness” obsession, and how all of it shaped the way so many of us grew up.We pull apart the mixed messages, the contradictions, the fear, and the mental gymnastics… and we talk honestly about how this stuff lands on real people. Especially women.If you’ve ever been told you...
2025-11-1757 minLatter Day Bridge Builders#017 -- Modesty, Masturbation, and Misogyny: A Feminist Take on Mormon Purity CultureThis week, I sit down with Jules Miller.Former seminary teacher, lifelong feminist, and someone who knows purity culture from the inside and the outside. We get into the object lessons, the bishop interviews, the shame cycles, the “worthiness” obsession, and how all of it shaped the way so many of us grew up.We pull apart the mixed messages, the contradictions, the fear, and the mental gymnastics… and we talk honestly about how this stuff lands on real people. Especially women.If you’ve ever been told you were chewed gum, a licked cupcake, a walking temptation, or someone...
2025-11-1757 min
Latter Day Bridge Builders#016 -- The Art of Listening Lessons from Four ConversationsIn this episode of Latter Day Bridge Builders, Mitch reflects on four real life conversations that reshaped how he sees faith, empathy, and connection. Each of these moments with friends, mentors, and fellow Latter-day Saints revealed something deeper about what it truly means to listen instead of trying to be right. It’s an honest, thoughtful look at how bridge building works in the real world—not in theory, but across dinner tables, text threads, and long drives home.🧠 What you’ll hear:• How four conversations taught the “art of listening”• Why being open-minded matte...
2025-11-0924 minLatter Day Bridge Builders#016 -- The Art of Listening Lessons from Four ConversationsIn this episode of Latter Day Bridge Builders, Mitch reflects on four real life conversations that reshaped how he sees faith, empathy, and connection.Each of these moments with friends, mentors, and fellow Latter-day Saints revealed something deeper about what it truly means to listen instead of trying to be right.It’s an honest, thoughtful look at how bridge building works in the real world—not in theory, but across dinner tables, text threads, and long drives home.🧠 What you’ll hear:• How four conversations taught the “art of listening”• Why being open-minded matters more than being right• The role of nuance...
2025-11-0924 min
Latter Day Bridge Builders#015 -- Aftershocks in Zion: Navigating Tragedy and Hope in LDS CultureAftershocks in Zion | Latter Day Bridge Builders PodcastUtah has been through a lot lately — tragedy, transition, and questions about who we are as a community. In this episode, we reflect on three recent events that shook the Latter-day Saint world:• The shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in Utah Valley• The passing of President Russell M. Nelson and the rise of President Dallin H. Oaks• A devastating attack on a Latter-day Saint congregation in Michigan.Rather than react with outrage or division, we explore what it means to respond with empathy, faith, and understanding — to build bridges even when the ground...
2025-11-0924 min
Latter Day Bridge Builders#015 -- Aftershocks in Zion: Navigating Tragedy and Hope in LDS CultureUtah has been through a lot lately — tragedy, transition, and questions about who we are as a community. In this episode, we reflect on three recent events that shook the Latter-day Saint world:• The shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in Utah Valley• The passing of President Russell M. Nelson and the rise of President Dallin H. Oaks• A devastating attack on a Latter-day Saint congregation in Michigan.Rather than react with outrage or division, we explore what it means to respond with empathy, faith, and understanding — to build bridges even when the g...
2025-11-0224 min
Latter Day Bridge Builders#14 -- A Fresh Start in an Old Place (Re-introduction)It’s been a while. In this re-introduction, I share what’s happened since the last time you heard from me; why the podcast went quiet, what’s changed in my life and faith, and why I felt it was time to come back.A lot has happened since I first started Latter Day Bridge Builders. I talk about officially stepping away from the Church, what that process looked like for me, and how I’m learning to rebuild connection and meaning on my own terms. But more than anything, this episode is about coming back to what matters: empathy...
2025-10-2614 minLatter Day Bridge Builders#014 -- A Fresh Start in an Old Place (Re-introduction)It’s been a while. In this re-introduction, I share what’s happened since the last time you heard from me; why the podcast went quiet, what’s changed in my life and faith, and why I felt it was time to come back.A lot has happened since I first started Latter Day Bridge Builders. I talk about officially stepping away from the Church, what that process looked like for me, and how I’m learning to rebuild connection and meaning on my own terms. But more than anything, this episode is about coming back to what matters: empathy...
2025-10-2614 min
Latter Day Bridge BuildersEpisode #13 - Becoming an Ally - Jonathan Alder, author of ClosetedIt's no secret that LGTBQ+ individuals have a hard time being members of the LDS church. Statements, talks, policies and doctrines have made many LGTBQ+ people feel isolated and alienated as well as deeply hurt by the church that claims to be in direct communication with Jesus Christ through modern prophets, seers and revelators. It can be difficult for a queer or transgender person to know where they belong.Jonathan Alder is a gay, ex-member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who has authored several books including his fictional series The Hawthorn Saga and...
2023-03-201h 27
Latter Day Bridge BuildersEpisode #12 - The LDS Mission ExperienceWhether you were/are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not, you probably know about Mormon missionaries. They're the young adults with black name tags and are usually dressed in a white shirt and tie, or a dress/skirt. In this episode of LDBB, Garrett and Mitch talk about some of the LDS culture regarding missions. The goal of this episode is to build bridges with people who feel like they don't fit the traditional narrative regarding this "right of passage" in Mormonism. Whether it's from not serving a mission at...
2023-02-131h 05
Mormon Book Reviews PodcastLatter Day Bridge Builders w/Mitch Crosgrove & Garrett JefferiesOn a special episode of Mormon Book Reviews, Podcasters Mitchell Cosgrove & Garrett Jefferies talk with Steve Pynakker. The name of their new podcast is Latter Day Bridge Builders. They share how their podcast is dedicated to building bridges between people in LDS culture. Specifically trying to build the bridge between ex members and true believing Latter-day Saints. They also talk about how they want to build bridges between other groups of people who have been effected or are just curious about Mormonism as well. Mitchell and Garrett are both RM's and they share their mission experinces as well as...
2023-01-1552 min
Latter Day Bridge BuildersEpisode #11 (Part 2) - How Ex-Mormons Can Build Bridges with Latter-day SaintsIn part 2 of our interview with Christian Hägglund, we discuss ways in which Ex-Mormons may be able to see Latter-day Saints in a different light. While this episode may be more intentionally spoken towards Ex-Mormons, we feel many people from different backgrounds and walks of life. Send us an email with questions, feedback, or comments to: LDSBridgeBuilders@gmail.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/latter-day-bridge-builders/donations
2023-01-0951 min
Latter Day Bridge BuildersEpisode #10 (Part 1) - Ex-Mormon Interview w/Christian Hägglund: Religious Shame, Max Skousen and Denver SnufferChristian Hägglund is a Swedish author, lawyer and Ex-member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In part 1 of this interview, he shares his experience growing up in the church in Sweden and how religious shame was a motivating factor in his life and mission. He also shares how he came across the teachings of Denver Snuffer and Max Skousen and how those teachings influenced him as a member of his local bishopric.Be sure to listen to Part 2 where we get into how some of these teachings can help people have more positive v...
2023-01-091h 12
Latter Day Bridge BuildersEpisode #9 - Stevie's Conversion StoryJoin us in listening to Stevie Johnson share her conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Stevie grew up in Utah and was raised in a non-denominational church by her adoptive mother (an ex-Mormon). Listen to her story as she shares how she gained a testimony of the church and how that story relates a little to Garrett and Mitch's stories of stepping away from the church. Thank you for your support this year! We will return with new episodes in the beginning of 2023. Happy Holidays!Follow Stevie on Instagram: @coachsteviej
2022-11-291h 14
Latter Day Bridge BuildersEpisode #8 - Mental Health and Mormonism, an Interview with Paul Callister, PhD, CMHCWe absolutely LOVE this interview we did with Paul Callister. Paul is a mental health counselor who practices in Bountiful, UT. See more about his practice here: Bountiful CounselingPaul received his Ph.D. from Oregon State University. The title of his dissertation is The Book of Mormon Topic Structure, Keyness Distinctions, and Collocates of Deity: Implications for Mental Health ProfessionalsIn the interview, we discuss some of Paul's dissertation findings and how it relates to the wider discussion of mental health and worldviews that Latter-day Saints have. We also talk about what ways members...
2022-11-131h 09
Latter Day Bridge BuildersEpisode #7 - Jacqueline Schneiber-Pettit (Active Member Interview)Join us for a special interview with Jacqueline Schneiber-Pettit who is an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this interview, we ask Jacqueline about how her journey in the church has been and how different views on things may be reconciled while still believing in the church/gospel of Jesus Christ.We are thankful to our listeners who have generously given donations so we can get some more audio equipment and keep interviews like this one a regular thing on Latter Day Bridge Builders Podcast. If you would...
2022-10-301h 00
Latter Day Bridge BuildersEpisode #6 - The Gospel is Perfect, the People Aren't (Tackling Clichés series)**ANNOUNCEMENT**We at Latter Day Bridge Builders feel the need and want to expand our hosting backgrounds. In an effort to better build bridges, we are looking for a third host. We are looking for someone who is an active/believing member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Preferably we would like to get a woman's voice on the show to have more diversity of thought and experience. If you or someone you know would be interested, please reach out via email to LatterDayBridgeBuilders@gmail.comThis hosting opportunity...
2022-10-1656 min
Latter Day Bridge BuildersEpisode #5 - Is the church a cult? (Tackling Clichés series)Listen, if you're a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you probably have heard someone refer to the church as a cult. Maybe as an ex-member, you have called the church a cult. In this episode of LDBB, Garrett and Mitch do a deep dive into this controversial call sign. What are the definitions of the word "cult?" What are the connotations? Does the church maybe fit some areas that can be considered culty? Is there perhaps a better term (like "high demand religion") to better facilitate conversations about this subject? Listen to...
2022-10-031h 11
Latter Day Bridge BuildersEpisode #4 - "You can leave the church, but you can't leave it alone" (Tackling Clichés series)This is our first episode in a limited series called "Tackling Clichés" where we discuss several quips often used in discussions about Mormonism. Usually, these clichés are used as "gotcha" statements and end conversations instead of opening discussions. In this series, we will discuss what is true about the statement and where we may take things too far. The phrase, "you can leave the church, but you can't leave it alone" is often used by members of the church in reference to ex-members. Ex-Mormons have a complicated relationship with the church and often have some se...
2022-09-1154 min
Latter Day Bridge BuildersEpisode #3 - Let's talk about boundariesBoundaries. What are they? Why are they important?Mitch and Garrett express some of their views on boundaries and some ways that both members and ex-members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may be crossing a boundary they don't know is there.Please leave us a review, or send us an email with feedback:LDSBridgeBuilders@gmail.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/latter-day-bridge-builders/donations
2022-08-281h 03
Latter Day Bridge BuildersEpisode #2 - Why do people leave or become less active in Mormonism?DISCLAIMER: No specific information about "Anti-Mormon" material is presented in this episode. Our podcast does not want to create or share doubt/disbelief in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or its doctrine. In today's discussion, Garrett and Mitch talk about why they think people leave or become less active/believing in Mormonism. And if those are valid reasons or not.SPOILER ALERT: They are!We would love it if you could leave us a review/rating and share this episode with your friends/family if you think it could help!
2022-08-1458 min
Latter Day Bridge BuildersEpisode #1 - Why do people join or stay in the LDS church?In today's episode, Garrett and Mitch discuss why they think people join or stay in the LDS church. And if those are valid reasons or not. SPOILER ALERT: They are!We would love it if you could leave us a review/rating and share this episode with your friends/family if you think it could help!Send us an email to LDSBridgeBuilders@gmail.com with any feedback, questions, or concerns.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/latter-day-bridge-builders/donations
2022-08-1450 min
Latter Day Bridge BuildersEpisode #0 - IntroductionIn this episode, we explain what we want to accomplish with this podcast, as well as some rules that we have for ourselves and any potential guests we may have in the future.Our first two episodes will drop next week on Aug 14, 2022. Here are their titles:Episode #1 - Why do people stay in the LDS church? Are they valid in their decision to stay?Episode #2 - Why do people leave Mormonism? Are they valid in that choice?Send us an email to LDSBridgeBuilders@gmail.com with any feedback, questions or...
2022-08-0715 min