Podcast
Latter Day Struggles
Hosted by Valerie Hamaker · EN
The Latter Day Struggles Podcast addresses beliefs and issues within the LDS faith that are challenging to talk about but vital to discuss for those trying to navigate their relationship in or around the church. Valerie and her guests invite psychological maturity, theological health, and institutional integrity.
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
435: Why Some Religions Drag their Feet even when the Rest of Society is Ready to Embody More Love?
3w ago00:52:39Tap to summarizeSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Religion IS Political [Part IV of VII]In this episode Val & Nathan continue to build a case that it is impossible for religious systems to be "neutral" on political issues. They explore how society evolves as religions & political systems engage in the dance of shaping and being shaped by one another and how in every era brave individuals lead out in inviting social change & can come from either spiritual realm as both politics & religions confront how to dignify human life. They also talk about how some churches lead the charge of social justice (confronting longstanding dominator hierarchies) and some churches are society's great "feet draggers" (defending dominator hierarchies). Why the feet-dragging? And why do the "feet draggers" often finally begrudgingly jump on the enlightenment train? Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Series Setup01:44 Legitimacy vs Transformation Religions05:43 Silence and Power Structures09:42 Why Churches Cannot Condemn11:37 Article of Faith 12 Obedience13:54 Moral Consequences and Neutrality18:38 Religion and Politics Interwoven19:55 Civilizational Development Framework22:50 Center of Gravity in Mormonism24:13 Leading Edge Reformers25:54 Civil Rights Awakening27:52 Laws Versus Hearts30:17 Legitimacy Church Trap31:19 Pressure Forces Change37:06 BYU And Wyoming Seven39:27 Social Capital And Attrition42:47 Patriarchy Next Frontier44:17 God Beyond Hierarchy47:18 Why Churches Catch Up48:03 Spiraling Toward Transformation49:00 Next Episode PreviewSupport the showSupport the showListen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODESFriday Episodes Annual Access $89Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10Valerie’s Support & Processing GroupsGift a ScholarshipDownload Free ResourcesVisit our WebsiteJoin Valerie in Italy 2026
Transcribe →433: On Churches of Legitimacy & Churches of Transformation
4w ago00:43:35Tap to summarizeSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Religion IS Political [Part III of VII]In this episode Val & Nathan go more "macro" and explain how churches (just like human beings and human civilizations) go through stages of development and that a church will choose its stances of "significant moral consequence" accordingly. In short, if a church is focused on earlier stage legitimacy--its all about preserving its favorite form(s) of dominator hierarchy. If the church has matured into a focus on personal transformation--it moves towards a stance of dismantling dominator hierarchies. And it is in moments of social unrest that one can see more clearly where a church is developmentally. Listen in and keep in mind--both type of church are necessary and serve a role in the development of the human race. As these topics are explored, it is fundamental to the growth of our culture at large to recognize that later stages of development (in the human being and in the church) are built on earlier stages of development. So lean into this, even if it's uncomfortable! Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Series Setup00:46 Recap Political Neutrality02:35 Statement Versus Practice06:42 Why the Silence Now08:51 Faith Leaders Speaking Up14:20 Solidarity Over Self Preservation20:32 Legitimacy Seeking Religion27:59 Transformation Seeking Religion31:18 Jesus Versus Christian Nationalism32:43 Personal Stakes and ClosingSupport the showSupport the showListen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODESFriday Episodes Annual Access $89Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10Valerie’s Support & Processing GroupsGift a ScholarshipDownload Free ResourcesVisit our WebsiteJoin Valerie in Italy 2026
Transcribe →431: LDS Strategic Political Engagement & the Upholding of Traditional Male Power Structures
May 400:34:02Tap to summarizeSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Religion IS Political [Part II of VII]In this episode Val & Nathan walk through the last several decades and map issues of high and low LDS political involvement, offering a template for what the church feels is significant enough to merit their active public statements, financial resources, active instruction to LDS membership regarding the vote. What the church deems "of significant moral consequence" (per their official statement of neutrality) and what is deemed not morally significant enough to comment on in times of social unrest makes for very interesting conversation. Join Val & Nathan as they unpack this highly relevant topic in an effort to make sense of this phenomenon, which they realize is anything but neutral. Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Series Setup00:19 Recap Political Neutrality02:42 Follow the Leader Tension03:45 LA Churches Speak Out05:26 Stated vs Observed Neutrality06:31 High Engagement Moral Issues11:40 Low Engagement Justice Issues16:29 Matthew 25 Reality Check19:47 2026 Silence and Current Events23:16 Doctrine and Covenants 9826:48 Silence as Endorsement29:13 Next Episode Preview and WrapSupport the showSupport the showListen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODESFriday Episodes Annual Access $89Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10Valerie’s Support & Processing GroupsGift a ScholarshipDownload Free ResourcesVisit our WebsiteJoin Valerie in Italy 2026
Transcribe →BONUS EPISODE: Tired of Feel Stuck, Angry & Alone?
May 200:38:43Tap to summarizeSend us a Positive Review!In this Bonus Episode, Val answers some piling up questions about the power of healing that uniquely happens in the Latter Day Struggles Fundamentals of LDS Faith Crisis Healing Groups that hundreds of you have experienced in the past 3+ years. A few of the questions that she answers: **What is the difference between your Faith Crisis Healing groups and your new Live Fellowship Group? **How are they different than other platforms where people meet and talk? **How are these groups different than other platforms where people meet and talk?**Are both-gendered groups effective? **Should I do a faith crisis healing group instead of therapy? I am_____________ (fully active, all of the way out, etc., etc.,) Am I Good fit? Interested in grabbing the very last seat of the ONLY 2026 group of this kind? Click below to enroll! **If watching this in the future, check out https://valeriehamaker.com/support-groups/ and see what is available. If no groups are registering, contact admin@latterdaystruggles.com and get added to a wait list! Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Q&A Setup01:45 Why Only One Group02:48 Live Event Announcement05:48 Book and 2026 Plans07:25 Live Fellowship Explained12:52 Who Joins the Groups15:58 What Has Changed21:45 Platform Difference and Curriculum25:16 Why Mixed Gender Groups29:54 Groups Versus Therapy31:59 Am I a Good Fit35:15 Closing and Next StepsSupport the showSupport the showListen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODESFriday Episodes Annual Access $89Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10Valerie’s Support & Processing GroupsGift a ScholarshipDownload Free ResourcesVisit our WebsiteJoin Valerie in Italy 2026
Transcribe →429: Is the Mormon Church Politically Neutral?
Apr 2700:42:57Tap to summarizeSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Religion IS Political [Part I of VII]Anyone else noticing religious leaders from some faith traditions throughout the world speaking out against more and more egregious forms of US government-imposed violence, force, exploitation of power, and unaccountability at levels unfathomable until only recently? And other churches, LDS included choose silence and stand by a formal stance of neutrality at this moment. This series might be one of the more important and relevant of this podcast as Val & Nathan take you step by step towards their conclusion that religion and spirituality is and always will be political and politics is an expression of one's level of spirituality. Join them each week for this six-part series hopefully giving you words to make sense of your discomfort over silence in the face of harm and injustice. Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Series Intro00:42 Why Church Silence Matters03:32 Six Episode Roadmap05:02 Personal Take on Neutrality07:02 Prop 8 and Moral Exceptions09:08 Isolationism and Autonomy13:34 Reading the Official Statement20:51 Initial Reactions and Agreement23:33 Conscience vs Real Practice27:44 Mitt Romney as Case Study30:42 Obedience and Hierarchy Thread35:12 Immigration Example and Wrap Up39:21 Closing and Next Episode TeaseSupport the showSupport the showListen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODESFriday Episodes Annual Access $89Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10Valerie’s Support & Processing GroupsGift a ScholarshipDownload Free ResourcesVisit our WebsiteJoin Valerie in Italy 2026
Transcribe →427: When Normal Growth Feels Like Rebellion
Apr 2000:44:36Tap to summarizeSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: An Exploration of the Idea of "Normal" within the LDS Church [Part II of II] In this episode Val breaks down a couple of concepts that are NEVER talked about--the difference between "normal" in a family, church, or any collective and what is "normative" in that same group. NORMAL = "what we do around here that keeps things stable", whereas NORMATIVE = what is developmentally on track to help a person thrive?When these two concepts clash--yikes. And when your "normative" growth isn't understood, you DO look very "abnormal"...and maybe even sinful, rebellious, prideful, and lost. Listen in to have your mind blown a little today! Timestamps:00:00 Unexpected Episode Setup00:50 Guesting on Pioneer Paradox02:17 Myth of Normal in Mormonism03:07 Defining Normal06:30 Defining Normative09:09 When Normal Isn’t Healthy11:52 LDS Culture of Conformity13:42 Markers of Mormon Normal19:08 Labels for Nonconformists23:30 Faith Journey as Growth26:08 Normative Developmental Shifts31:05 Reconstruction and Inner Authority34:04 Closing EncouragementSupport the showSupport the showListen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODESFriday Episodes Annual Access $89Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10Valerie’s Support & Processing GroupsGift a ScholarshipDownload Free ResourcesVisit our WebsiteJoin Valerie in Italy 2026
Transcribe →425: When LDS "Normal" isn't very Normal
Apr 1301:08:17Tap to summarizeSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: An Exploration of the Idea of "Normal" within the LDS Church In this fun collaboration with Casey & Will of the Pioneer Paradox Podcast, Val comes on wearing her "psychologist's hat" to talk about concepts within the LDS faith that seem normal until one squints and realizes that maybe they are common but definitely not 'normal'. Listen in as they walk through four common phenomenon within Mormondom that may be common ways to view the world but are not necessarily 'normal'. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Italy Trip03:14 Myth of Normal Setup06:23 Nature and Feminine Flow08:40 Scouting and Rites of Passage13:29 Canoe Covenant Story18:30 Rituals as Meaning20:59 Finding Your Inner Voice24:26 Normal vs Normative28:32 Boundaries and Growth32:15 Certainty Sets Up Doubt35:29 Exclusivity Blocks Wisdom39:54 Parenting Critical Awareness44:52 Mixed Faith Family Pain50:29 Tribal Narratives Outsiders56:30 Choose People Over Church01:00:34 Decouple God From Church01:04:42 Closing Thanks And FarewellSupport the showSupport the showListen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODESFriday Episodes Annual Access $89Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10Valerie’s Support & Processing GroupsGift a ScholarshipDownload Free ResourcesVisit our WebsiteJoin Valerie in Italy 2026
Transcribe →423: If the Ensign Peak Fund isn't Your Donation Destination of Choice...
Apr 600:49:06Tap to summarizeSend us a Positive Review!In this episode Valerie introduces you to Mark Crego, fellow Latter-day Saint seeker, whose own many-decades-long faith journey led him to create a not-for-profit organization to help those in faith crisis in the LDS church get the resources they need. In the episode Mark's passion to help others is fueled by the memory of being a young man with questions and nowhere to take them and no community to normalize (or even celebrate) his growth. Those who do not have resources or a supportive community while on the LDS faith journey often suffer from mental health issues, relationship distress, isolation, and shame. Learn how to be a part of a movement that makes sure that NO ONE experiences their most vulnerable spiritual awakening moments alone and concurrently supports professionals who have devoted their careers to creating communities of healing for the Latter-day Saint seeker.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:43 Mark’s Faith Journey Origins 04:00 Why Faith Journey Foundation Exists 05:22 Susan Hinkley and Related Projects06:11 Valerie on Normalizing Faith Growth 10:20 Finding Neutral Support Beyond Church Systems 15:40 Faith Crisis as Identity Formation 18:59 How Valerie and Mark Met 19:18 Valerie's Origin Story with Latter Day Struggles23:20 The Miracle of Finding Faith Journey Foundation26:52 Scholarships and How to Get Help 30:54 Funding Model and Supported Projects 35:20 Sustainable Care and Paying Professionals 37:01 Other Communities and Projects FJF Supports38:28 Valerie on Criticism of Paid Faith Work40:14 Compassion Doesn't Mean Free Labor44:14 Closing Invitation and Final ThoughtsSupport the showSupport the showListen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODESFriday Episodes Annual Access $89Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10Valerie’s Support & Processing GroupsGift a ScholarshipDownload Free ResourcesVisit our WebsiteJoin Valerie in Italy 2026
Transcribe →BONUS EPISODE: Community Healing: How our Greatest Wounds & our Greatest Healing Happens through Human Relationship Audiobook
Apr 105:54:53Tap to summarizeSend us a Positive Review!Hey Latter Day Struggles! Due to your many requests—we are dropping a Latter Day Struggles series in “audiobook” format. You can enjoy the entire narrative arc in a single, uninterrupted format! Enjoy the experience as things 'click' into place as you take in this 'audiobook'! Please let us know what is happening within you as you transcend and include Mormonism one series at a time! As a bonus drop, we have prepared one of our favorite series titled, "Community Healing: How our Greatest Wounds & our Greatest Healing Happens through Human Relationship" for you! Enjoy this deep dive.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Reset 10:32 Faith Crisis Isolation 16:00 Shunning and Going Underground 27:53 Finding Support Groups 36:38 Quotes on Group Healing 48:56 Trust the Healing Process 56:17 Roadmap Out of Chaos 01:01:19 Witnessed Healing in Relationship 01:13:25 Beyond All In or Out 01:21:22 Curriculum True Self to Rebirth 01:27:37 Relationships and Patriarchy Work 01:35:08 Hope Through Community 01:42:07 Introducing the True Self 01:59:37 Gnostics and Inner Authority 02:16:18 Love Over Fear 02:26:10 Sharing True Self Statements 02:45:22 Grief and Identity Shift 02:56:20 Writing the True Self Statement 03:03:02 Love Based Spiritual Growth 03:16:25 A Healthier Faith Relationship 03:23:23 Men Patriarchy and Identity 03:31:52 Reclaiming the Core Self 03:39:51 True Self Statement Practice 03:44:26 Welcome to Eden Poem 03:54:16 Community Stories Begin 04:11:37 Community and Belonging 04:46:17 Seeing Pain Not Ideas04:53:18 Final Invitation to HealSupport the showSupport the showListen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODESFriday Episodes Annual Access $89Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10Valerie’s Support & Processing GroupsGift a ScholarshipDownload Free ResourcesVisit our WebsiteJoin Valerie in Italy 2026
Transcribe →421: Why No Mixed-Gender Sunday School Presidencies? A Gender Equality Slippery-Slope Speculation
Mar 3000:48:02Tap to summarizeSend us a Positive Review!In this follow up episode on recent LDS news that women are now allowed to serve in Sunday School presidencies, Val & Nathan pivot to the peculiar part of the announcement prohibiting no "mixed-gender" presidencies and share the outcome of their exploration of this odd move. Upon deeper reflection, the move seems less about worries about slippery slopes towards sexual iniquity and possibly more about preserving another kind of slippery slope--the one that disrupts what some feel is the "natural order of the universe". If a female formally presides over a male in one realm of the LDS church, what could this possibly lead to? Listen in as we propose that moves of this nature is proof that ultimately an all male priesthood must be surrendered...even if excruciatingly slowly...if the LDS church is going to survive in the long run. Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Context 02:09 Reading the New Policy 02:46 First Reactions and Jokes 04:54 Why Mixed Gender Feels Weird 5:51 Relief Society President and Bishop — Mixed Gender Already Exists08:21 Loyalist Perspective Brainstorm 09:32 Women Under Men in Leadership 11:09 Nathan's BYU Co-Mission Leader Experience13:33 Men Under Women and Shame 15:53 Two Existential Questions the Church Dodged17:14 Presiding and Priesthood Questions 19:13 Can Women Practice Revelation Without Male Approval?22:49 Priesthood as Human Construct — "All or None of Us Have It"25:12 Keys vs Duties Explained 28:12 Baptism Witnesses — A Case Study in Power Shifts29:47 Power and Control Creep 32:39 Family Proclamation Implications 35:23 Women Leading Faith Journeys at Home37:38 Joseph Smith Gave Women Blessings — Then They Were Taken Back39:25 What Reforms Might Come Next 44:21 Closing Thoughts and FarewellSupport the showSupport the showListen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODESFriday Episodes Annual Access $89Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10Valerie’s Support & Processing GroupsGift a ScholarshipDownload Free ResourcesVisit our WebsiteJoin Valerie in Italy 2026
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