Shows
Post Mormon PeaceMeet in the MiddleIn this episode of Post Mormon Peace, we explore what it really means to meet in the middle when beliefs, identities, and experiences diverge. Rather than arguing to be right or trying to change someone’s mind, we talk about how curiosity, empathy, and genuine listening create bridges across ideological and religious divides. We share a personal story about navigating a political disagreement with a close friend — not by debating, but by asking questions to understand his why.
This conversation challenges the idea that people leaving a faith tradition need to remain quiet, neutral, or distant to main...
2025-11-0715 minPost Mormon PeaceComing Back to the Table: The Imperfect Side of PeaceFrom the outside, it can look like I’ve built a perfectly peaceful life of open conversations and harmony. The truth? Choosing openness often means choosing discomfort. In this episode, I talk about what peace actually looks like in practice—the messy parts, the triggers, and the moments I’d rather keep my mouth shut.
I share recent stories with a sibling, my dad, a close friend, my wife, and a raw moment with my mom where I snapped, then called back to apologize. You’ll hear how I’m learning to zoom out (think S&P 500 growth cur...
2025-10-2228 minPost Mormon PeaceParenting Without Pressure: Love, Trust, and Letting Go (Part 2 with Ashlyn)In this heartfelt follow-up episode, Derek sits down once again with his teenage daughter, Ashlyn, for an open conversation about how parenting in their family has evolved—especially since leaving the Mormon church.
They explore the transformation from a model of correction and control to one centered on love, trust, open communication, and emotional freedom. Derek shares insights from working with coach Steve Hardison and discusses how one powerful shift in focus—“my sole and primary purpose as a parent is to love and accept my children”—has changed everything.
Ashlyn brings her honest, thoughtful perspectiv...
2025-07-0452 minPost Mormon PeaceI Asked My Teenage Daughter What It Was Like to Leave the Church at 10In this special episode, Derek invites his 14-year-old daughter Ashlyn onto the podcast for a vulnerable and illuminating conversation about what it was like to grow up in the LDS Church and then face the family’s transition out of it.
Ashlyn offers her personal reflections on what the church meant to her, how she experienced the family's decision to leave, and how her worldview has shifted since. With impressive depth and emotional honesty, she opens up about feelings of shock, confusion, sadness, betrayal, and ultimately growth—providing rare insight into how a thoughtful teen navigates a majo...
2025-06-1645 minPost Mormon PeaceTables Turned: Jourdan Interviews DerekIn this introspective and candid episode, Jordan takes the interviewer seat to explore Derek’s journey in launching the Post-Mormon Peace podcast. The discussion uncovers the emotional and logistical challenges of speaking publicly about leaving Mormonism, especially after moving back into Utah County with young children. Derek shares his motivations, inner fears, and the mindset shifts that helped him push forward.
Together, they delve deep into topics like acceptance, navigating relationships post-faith transition, the importance of self-love, and fostering meaningful dialogue with those who remain in the church. The episode stands as both a personal reflection and a...
2025-04-3048 minPost Mormon PeaceStill Going to Church, Still Not Sure: Blake Lawler on Doubt, Duty, and Doing His BestWhat happens when the life you've built around your faith begins to crack — and you're no longer sure if you believe?
In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Derek reconnects with Blake Lawler, a fellow former missionary and dentist, who opens up about his journey navigating a crisis of faith within a devoted LDS family. Blake shares how one quiet moment of research unraveled deeply held beliefs, the emotional toll of carrying doubts in silence, and the complexities of being a father and husband when your beliefs no longer align with your family's.
This episode explores:...
2025-04-151h 13Post Mormon PeaceTwo Sides of a Faith Story: My Wife’s JourneyThis might be one of the most important conversations we’ve had on the podcast. I interview my wife, Jenny, as she tells her story—what it was like growing up in a faith she loved, how she handled my early doubts, and what eventually led to her own deconstruction. Her story is full of grace, struggle, and transformation. Whether you’re in the middle of your own faith shift or just want to better understand a loved one, this conversation is for you.
Reach out to Jenny at jennymwilliams1@gmail.com
Reach out to us at...
2025-04-041h 06Post Mormon PeacePart Two with Steve Quesenberry: Love and UnderstandingIn the second part of my conversation with Steve Questenberry, we dive deep into the complexities of faith transitions—both for those leaving the church and for those who remain. Steve shares his experiences working with individuals questioning their faith, the importance of open dialogue, and how love and understanding can heal divides. We also discuss the power of listening without an agenda, personal growth through difficult conversations, and the lessons he has learned as a leader, father, and friend.
🎧 Topics covered:
✔️ The role of fear and defensiveness in faith transitions
✔️ How both sides of the conversat...
2025-03-3153 minPost Mormon PeaceI Interviewed My Parents Previous Stake President: Steve QuesenberryIn this episode, I sit down for an in-person conversation with Steve Questenberry, former stake president and lifelong seeker of understanding. Steve shares his personal journey—from growing up in a troubled home in San Diego to joining the LDS Church as a teenager and later serving as a bishop and stake president. We discuss his faith journey, the impact of family dynamics on belief, and how he navigated the challenges of leadership within the church. Steve also reflects on the importance of understanding history, the impact of the Joseph Smith Papers, and the evolving landscape of faith within th...
2025-03-2658 minPost Mormon PeaceFrom CEO Alex Sharp-Beyond Religion: Finding Purpose, Morality, and ConnectionIn this episode, Derek Williams sits down with friend and boss, Alex Sharp to discuss personal growth, belief systems, and the search for meaning. They explore the balance between faith and skepticism, how childhood experiences shape our moral compass, and the power of focus and intentionality in life and business.
2025-03-1857 minPost Mormon PeaceBridging the Gap: What I Learned from Listening to My MomIn this episode, Derek reflects on his conversations with his mom for the Post-Mormon Peace Podcast. Initially hoping to help those who left the church understand the other side, he instead found a deeper lesson in listening and empathy. He shares how shifting his approach—from defending a perspective to simply understanding—transformed the dialogue. Derek also explores how belief shapes reality, generational differences in processing faith, and the challenges of navigating family discussions with peace.
2025-03-1018 minPost Mormon PeaceThrough My Mother's Eyes (Part Three): Creating a Culture of UnityIn the final episode of this three-part series, Derek and Ruth Ann explore how their family has cultivated an atmosphere of mutual respect, love, and acceptance despite differing beliefs. They share practical strategies, lessons learned, and key moments that helped their family grow closer together. This episode is an inspiring testament to the power of open communication, listening, and choosing unity over division.
Books Mentioned in Episode 3
That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon's Perspective on Faith and Family by Tom Christofferson
Description: Tom Christofferson, brother of Elder D. Todd Christofferson, shares his...
2025-03-0445 minPost Mormon PeaceThrough My Mother's Eyes (Part Two): Navigating DifferencesDerek and Ruth Ann continue their conversation, diving into the emotional and relational dynamics of navigating faith differences within a family. Ruth Ann reflects on the challenges of seeing her children take different paths and the pivotal moments that shaped her responses. Through candid storytelling, they discuss love, acceptance, and the personal growth that comes with facing hard truths and finding peace.
2025-02-2441 minPost Mormon PeaceThrough My Mother's Eyes (Part One): Foundations of Faithin this candid and heartfelt episode, I sit down with my mom, Ruth Ann Williams, to explore her journey of faith, parenting, and love. We dive into her experiences as a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the values she worked to instill in our family, and the challenges she faced raising children in a world that is ever-changing.
This conversation offers a glimpse into the other side of the dialogue—the perspective of a loving parent, doing their best to nurture faith and provide structure, often shaped by the values and ex...
2025-02-1751 minPost Mormon PeaceUnlocking Inner Peace: A Practical Guide to Meditation and MindfulnessMeditation has been one of the greatest contributors to my personal growth in recent years. In this episode, I talk about how my understanding of meditation evolved from seeing it as a way to de-stress to viewing it as a practice that trains the mind and opens doors to peace and mindfulness. I’ll share practical tips, insights from neuroscience, and the Zen principle of the 'beginner’s mind' to help you start or deepen your practice. If you’re ready to explore the benefits of meditation for your sleep, focus, and overall well-being, tune in.
2025-02-1415 minPost Mormon PeaceTruth is SubjectiveIs truth subjective? Is there a benefit to viewing certain aspects of life in this light?
2025-01-3015 minPost Mormon PeaceFaith, Family, and Freedom: An Open Discussion with Jordan Smith About Life After Religion (2/2)In this episode, Jordan Smith joins me to share his story of navigating a faith transition and the profound changes it brought to his life. We talk about the initial struggles, the emotional journey of self-reflection, and how he found new meaning outside of structured religion. Jordan’s insights into parenting, relationships, and finding peace through physical and mental well-being offer valuable lessons for anyone on a journey of self-discovery. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion about growth, trust, and living authentically.
2025-01-2445 minPost Mormon PeaceFaith, Family, and Freedom: An Open Discussion with Jordan Smith About Life After Religion (1/2)In this episode, Jordan Smith joins me to share his story of navigating a faith transition and the profound changes it brought to his life. We talk about the initial struggles, the emotional journey of self-reflection, and how he found new meaning outside of structured religion. Jordan’s insights into parenting, relationships, and finding peace through physical and mental well-being offer valuable lessons for anyone on a journey of self-discovery. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion about growth, trust, and living authentically.
2025-01-2450 minPost Mormon PeaceFinding Peace after Faith: Books that Transform the JourneyDerek shares a list of the most influential books he personally read that helped navigate peacefully through changes in his beliefs.
2025-01-1326 minPost Mormon PeaceDerek's Story - Post Mormon Peace (Episode One)In the premiere episode of Post Mormon Peace, Derek shares his story.
2024-10-2643 minPost Mormon PeaceWelcome to Post Mormon PeaceIn this opening intro to Post Mormon Peace, Derek explains the idea behind the podcast and what you can expect from episodes in the future.
2024-10-2606 min