If you’ve ever questioned your faith, struggled with loss, or felt the weight of expectations, this episode is for you.

More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/larry-camp

In this powerful episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, Larry Camp opens up about his life, his journey with the Mormon faith, and how leaving it shaped his mental health. A lifelong lover of music, sports, and Hawaii, Larry’s story is filled with twists and turns that reflect resilience and the importance of forging your own path.

Raised in a devout Mormon family, Larry embraced the religion’s demanding lifestyle, including serving a two-year mission and adhering to the strict rules. However, cracks began to form when he encountered troubling truths about the church’s history, ultimately leading him and his family to leave the faith in 2016. Larry explained how the church’s high expectations and guilt-driven culture often take a toll on mental health, especially for women, who are frequently subjected to intense judgment and impossible standards. He highlighted the church's patriarchal structure and its insistence on obedience, calling out its toxic impact on individual well-being.

One of the most moving parts of the interview came when Larry discussed the loss of his son, Dusty, in 2018. This devastating event, coupled with his departure from the Mormon Church, tested his resilience and emotional strength. He credited his wife of 43 years, Judy, as his rock during this challenging period. Larry candidly shared how the family coped and how his other son, Crosby, continues to struggle with Dusty’s death.

Larry also reflected on the beauty and challenges of living in Hawaii, a dream he realized after years of longing. Though he adored the Aloha spirit, the financial reality of life on the islands eventually led him and Judy to settle in Southern Utah. His passion for music, sports, and storytelling remains central to his life, as evidenced by his own podcast Nobody Knows Your Story, where he explores the richness of human experiences.

Throughout the conversation, Larry stressed the value of community—both in and out of religion. While the Mormon Church offers an unmatched sense of belonging, he emphasized the importance of finding your own network of support, especially after leaving a structured faith. He also shared a poignant insight about personal growth: “You can’t change the past, but you can always aim to do better moving forward.”

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that mental health journeys are rarely straightforward, but with the right people in your corner and a willingness to seek truth, healing is always possible. Whether you’re grappling with faith, loss, or life’s uncertainties, Larry’s story offers wisdom, humor, and hope for finding peace on your own terms.

Religion & Mental Health with Larry Camp