This Week in Mormons

http://media.blubrry.com/thisweekinmormons/thisweekinmormons.com/podcast/TWiM_EP87_Sans_Avion.mp3Download the MP3 of the showThis past weekend was General Conference. What does that mean for TWiM? A special episode of This Week in Mormons in which we pore through the content of about half of Conference and talk about what spoke to us the most. We’ll cover the rest of it next week. We are forgoing the typical writeup format for the week. However, here is an article that was mentioned during the show about non-members watching Conference. If you missed Conference, get the sessions here. We couldn’t leave you without a few humorous things. Below is a picture from Times and Seasons that we thought was great. Below that is a video celebrating something wonderful for the future. Happy Conferencing!

http://media.blubrry.com/thisweekinmormons/thisweekinmormons.com/podcast/TWiM_EP86_Enemies_of_Scouting.mp3Download the MP3 of the showA local Young Men’s president is released for refusing to run the annual Friends of Scouting drive, citing high salaries to local Boy Scout leaders and a lack of funds actually going to the local unit. Crazy story. Listen in to hear the details. Our General Conference predictions. We’re mostly sad that with Mormon Times having folded back into Deseret News, we have no stories to report on conference food traditions and recipes for cinnamon rolls. Dangit! After a long hiatus, we bring back our “Rants!” segment. Al and Geoff both have some bones to pick. Other: A Mormon president in… Mali?, Iceland Mormon cultural center, and if you are 1) Single and 2) Mormon – 4) Get Help! The end of scouting Iceland in the Church Mormons for Mali All the single Mormons (All the single Mormons) Stupid Crutchy

http://media.blubrry.com/thisweekinmormons/thisweekinmormons.com/podcast/TWiM_EP85_Ogre_dot_com.mp3Download the MP3 of the showOur analysis of the cultural impact and awesome move by the Church with the Philadelphia Temple, for which ground was broken this past weekend. Strong move by the Church. Senior Missionaries – Why don’t more of them serve? Elder Holland has some ideas. So does the Bloggernacle. MoBach is over. Talk about a letdown. Sheesh. A boring season ends with a boring post-mortem. Geoff went to Iceland. He is a changed man. The actor who played John in one of the temple films was digitally removed and replaced with another actor. Why would the Church bother to yank someone from a twenty-year-old film? We’re really curious about the reasoning behind this. Other stuff: Cow moosick in France, the BYU Student Review is resurrected, Frats and sororities at the U of U are gone, the Payson Temple goes viral, and a little website that got Al into a whole lotta trouble. Links: Payson Temple rendering Desperately Seeking Seniors Elder Holland on senior missionaries John yanked? Temple John, where have you gone? Moosick Goodbye, Frats BYU Student Review (awesome!) Philly Temple   Philadelphia Temple Groundbreaking from Hudson Whitenight on Vimeo.   

http://media.blubrry.com/thisweekinmormons/thisweekinmormons.com/podcast/TWiM_EP84_War_of_Orcs.mp3Download the MP3 of the showJudas We are joined by the folks behind the “Most Interesting Mormon in the World” YouTube vids – Melissa Parker, Corbin Frost, and Adam Johnson. So kind of them to join us. We had a blast. The tenth anniversary of 9/11 has come and gone. How did you remember? We discuss President Monson’s remarks in the Washington Post, MoTab with Tom Brokaw, and “Chosen People Syndrome” – the myth of, miraculously, no Mormons dying in the attacks of September 11th. A British bus company has forbidden missionaries from tracting on its buses. We predict better adjusted and fewer guilt-ridden missionaries in the future. Other assorted: Payson Temple groundbreaking, Mountain Meadows Monument gets “National” status, a BoM movie (no, not that one), and a new poll showing that Americans still think Mormons are polygamists. Goodie. Links: President Monson’s op-ed “Chosen People Syndrome” Groundbreaking for Payson Temple Mountain Meadows Monument Book of Mormon Movie! Study about Mormons and Polygamy No more bus preaching Follow Adam on Twitter and his website Follow Corbin on Twitter and his website

http://media.blubrry.com/thisweekinmormons/thisweekinmormons.com/podcast/TWiM_EP83_The_Los_Tres_Amigos_Temple.mp3Download the MP3 of the showLDS men are marrying older for a number of weak reasons and Al questions statistics about LDS divorce rates. The Provo Travelodge is no more! What?! Yes, folks, the Church has bought it along with other parcels of land adjacent to the burned-down Provo Tabernacle. Is this suspect? An awesome looking, privately-funded Joseph Smith movie is out. Al has is pre-review, also known as a preview. The Boise Temple is getting a $13M renovation. Finally, Boise will be given justice! Other news: Updates on Mitch Mayne, the gay bishopric member; missionary mauled by a lion is recovering; pansies in Fort Collins; Brokaw and MoTab remember 9/11; Bushman! Links: Lion mauling Church buys Travelodge Pansies in Fort Collins New Joseph Smith movie (video below) Boise gets upgraded Bushman’s rules for himself Mormon men fear marriage Mitch Mayne MoTab, Brokaw, Remember 9/11 Relative Finder App for Facebook Hey, Play That One by George Michael! It’s just so awesomely terrible.

http://media.blubrry.com/thisweekinmormons/thisweekinmormons.com/podcast/TWiM_EP82_Barbara_Did_You_Know.mp3Download the MP3 of the showEarthquakes! Hurricanes! Michelle Bachmann would have us believe that God is punishing DC. Geoff reports from the ground. A bishop is hit with felony charges for failing to report a sexual assault on one of his flock. How do bishops balance discretion and confidence with a duty to report lawbreaking?Joanna Brooks has some tough questions for LDS politicians. Joanna Brook is all over the news this week. Jimmer’s getting married. Get over it. To find out how his honeymoon will be, see Episode #53. How does Mitt’s experience distributing welfare and assistance as a bishop play into his political views? Assorted: Mormons on NPR, 18 year-old missionaries, temples help property values, a new MYC building, and Warren Jeffs is in a coma. Whoopie! Links: Bishop charged Spires break off DC Temple in quake NPR and the Misunderstood Faith of Mormons Joanna Brooks asks the tough questions Goodbye, Melvin J. Ballard Building. Hello, Jacob Hamblin Building 18 year-old Elders. Yikes Property values and LDS Temples – FAIR Mitt and welfare Bowling, Geoff’s mom, and the Mormon Times I Represent the Lollipop Guild

http://media.blubrry.com/thisweekinmormons/thisweekinmormons.com/podcast/TWiM_EP81_Victims_of_a_Four_Foot_Broomstick.mp3Download the MP3 of the showYet another article about how Mormons are leaders, but from a different angle! Mormons aren’t just business leaders because they love business, but because Church culture helps people learn to organize others. The Ogden Temple Facelift. Good or bad? Does it diss the original architect? Are we ditching a dated, but unique, building in favor of something far more modern, generic, and less distinctive? The Washington Post acknowledges that Mormons know how to use the internet. We take charge of our own message and don’t let other dominate the conversation. John Huntsman: Jack Mormon. It’s official, but we still love him. Assorted: San Salvador Temple dedicated; Mormons quest for the White House; an openly gay man serving in a bishopric; and more Washington, DC singles! This time on PBS! Lists of clickety clickers: San Salvador Temple dedicated Ogden Temple. Botched surgery? Mormon men are uber organized Huntsman – “The Church was wrong” Vogue profile of Huntsman – “Like reformed Jews” The Mormon quest for the Presidency Using the Web to control the image Openly gay bishopric member Watch the full episode. See more Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly.  

http://media.blubrry.com/thisweekinmormons/thisweekinmormons.com/podcast/TWiM_EP80_Romneydan.mp3Download the MP3 of the showIn case you missed it, Stephen Colbert gives Mormons some love. It’s awesome. High-five a tiger! Arizona has two Mormons vying for the GOP nomination for the Senate race, and they’re in the same ward. “It’s like a Mormon version of Jerry Springer,” sources say. We have a great discussion about less activity, the at-risk demographic of 25-35 within the Church, and the shortcomings of the Institute program. Noted LDS scholar and “we’re-different-from-you” missionary work advocate, Gary Lawrence, publishes a new book about Mormon misconceptions. Rock it, Gary! Sherlock Holmes – banned in parts of Virginia for being anti-Mormon. Links: Two Mormons. One Senate seat. Same ward. Mitt Romney’s finances BYU broadcasting building dedicated Sherlock Holmes banned Ramadan at BYU Philadelphia Temple groundbreaking Ward Wars   The Colbert Report Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive    

http://media.blubrry.com/thisweekinmormons/thisweekinmormons.com/podcast/TWiM_EP79_Ogden_Is_Down_to_Its_Skivvies.mp3Download the MP3 of the showPlease join us all in wishing a belated birthday to Al. The man brings us so much joy and happiness. The man is Mormon hungover. A poll on Heavenly Mother. Who is she? What is her relationship to Heavenly Father? By Common Consent seeks to find the answer. The FAIR Conference has concluded, with an interesting presentation about the old Spalding-Rigdon theory about the authorship of the Book of Mormon. Pretty interesting stuff. Joanna Brooks has a post about five myths of Mormonism. Terrific stuff. We are not all white! Speaking of whiteness, Michael Otterson has a few things to say about the Church’s internationalization and how 52% of Mormons now live outside of the US and Canada. Other news: Some funerals for noted former LDS leadership, Mormonism will save the GOP from xenophobia, the Mormon Defense League website, a cryptically Book of Mormon-inspired action movie, and Brandon Davies is making a comeback! Four more years! Four more years! Clicks: Heavenly Mother is… FAIR Conference stuff Five myths about Mormons Funerals for her and for him Mormons will save the GOP Otterson rocks the casbah Mormon Defense League BoM-inspired movie? Brandon Davies is no longer breaking the Honor Code I'm Leaving You

http://media.blubrry.com/thisweekinmormons/thisweekinmormons.com/podcast/TWiM_EP78_The_Pavement_Gave_Way.mp3Download the MP3 of the showDouglass Brown vows to never read the Daily Universe again. What this means for your weekend and salvation, just ahead. BeliefNet writer finishes his month trying to be Mormon. Really insightful stuff! A new study shows that using pornography results in violent behavior. Heady stuff. Good ol’ Mark Hoffman has resurfaced. Actual tapes of him conducting his business have been discovered. These are the only audio recordings of Hoffman in action. Warren Jeffs promises a scourge upon those who are prosecuting him. Sickness and death! Man! Go FLDS! New Jerusalem set in Goshen, UT is completed. Can we get a tour? Is this our own Holy Land Experience? The Mormon Bachelorette is down. It’s down, people! In its place, we are bombarded with the “Mormon Matchmaker.” According to Al, people freaked out on a Mormon trek through Iowa but the street fell apart and they were forced to walk on dirt. Find the truth here! Links: BeliefNet blog New Jersusalem set The Mormon Matchmaker Douglass Brown puts down The Daily Universe, add him on Facebook! Warren Jeffs condemns everyone FLDS temple, Righteous Branch of LDS Mark Hoffman in the news Porn leads to violence The New Jerusalem    

http://media.blubrry.com/thisweekinmormons/thisweekinmormons.com/podcast/TWiM_EP77_Wanted_John_the_Beloved.mp3Download the MP3 of the showMyrtle Madness has ended! Geoff and Al recount… some of their adventures. President Monson’s stalker believes himself to be Jesus. As he stands trial, he tells authorities that he had problems, “Only President Monson could help [him] with.” Mitt Romney’s Mormonism is only known by 40% of Americans. Let’s keep it hush hush so that the 25% who won’t vote for a Mormon don’t realize that Romney’s one of them! A temple marriage petition to allow civil marriages immediately before a sealing. Al and Geoff debate the tenets of said petition! Mormon Matters does a great podcast about modesty. We highly recommend listening. Links: Old Grantsville church for sale Mormon Matters: Modesty Paris Temple updates (in French) Lame dating experts Monson stalker Mormonism and the “cult box” Romney’s religion unknown to most Church gets a Roku channel Mainstream Christians can learn from Mormons Temple wedding petition Elder Cook throws a pitch We’ve found one of four immortals Ron Howard directs stupid movie Have You Seen This Boy?   The Paris-Versailles Urban Youth Center

http://media.blubrry.com/thisweekinmormons/thisweekinmormons.com/podcast/TWiM_EP76_Fox_Is_Not_Your_Friend.mp3Download the MP3 of the showWe come to you live from exotic Myrtle Beach, SC! Myrtle Mayhem! Ainsley Earhardt, a Fox News correspondent, says that Mitt Romney is “not Christian.” This has really incensed not just Latter-day Saints, but many Mormon apologists across a wide religious spectrum. Fair and balanced. Right. Noted blogger and social media magnate Jesse Stay writes and insightful and inviting piece about reasons to believe the Church. This is one of the better reads we’ve come across in some time. The Church’s tax-exempt status has been called into question as the Church seeks to mollify those who would attempt to strip it. Utah Democrats are rocking the casbah. France is getting a temple! Awesome! This sparks a discussion about general Church administration, namely the rationale behind temples in places where the work is actually receding. Lil Wayne and Jimmer. Together forever. The Mormon Times is gone! Well, sorta. Touch me for luck: Christiangate Basic story on Fox news and Romney Op-ed criticizing Fox News Joanna Brooks has her say Jesse Stay’s great piece Church’s tax-exempt status Utah Democrats Temple in France Toronto consolidates missions Li’l Wayne raps Jimmer Angel Moroni tops Brigham City Temple

http://media.blubrry.com/thisweekinmormons/thisweekinmormons.com/podcast/TWiM_EP75_Stinking_Androgynous_Skunk.mp3Download the MP3 of the showMagically terrific documentary video of two LDS missionaries in the Washington, DC area. Way to get on your film noir, Washington Post. The Joanna Brooks show! Joanna Rocks Fox News and also wonders if Mitt Romney is developing a sense of humor about his religion. President Monson has a stalker. Benjamin Staples, you nefarious fool! Tricia Erickson is crazy. Assorted: Harry Potter/Book of Mormon mashup, Mormons in the MLB All-Star Game, Fort Collins Temple location announced Click Me: Romney and long underwear Brooks and Fox News Tricia Erickson and insanity Missionaries and film noir Monson and stalkers Sactown and Jimmergasms Mormons and All-Stars Fort Collins and Colorado I Just Wanted to Meet With the Prophet  

http://thisweekinmormons.com/podcast/TWiM_EP74_Mormons_3.5_Asians_0.mp3Download the MP3 of the showHappy Independence Day, Venezuela and Algeria! Happy belated Canada Day to our Canadian friends! Al desperately wants to help midgets having car trouble. We hope you all had a wonderful Fourth of July! Robin Williams makes a joke at the expense of the Church, and the press gives it way more coverage than it deserves! Mormons have a disproportionately high level of representation in Congress. Because of this, as well as the “Mormon Moment” stuff, Asians are furious! Furious! Other stuff: A Mountain Meadows landmark receives National status, Peggy Fletcher Stack gets hers, some LDS teens are the greatest auto technicians in the world!, updates on GAs not being involved in politics, some temple news… …and The Zarahemla Times!! Links: Mormon teens are automotive geniuses EXCLUSIVE! LDS Church leaders have donated to political candidates Mountain Meadows Monument Mormons vs. Asians Robin Williams is soooooo funny Keep it under your hat We are not alone Temple updates

http://media.blubrry.com/thisweekinmormons/thisweekinmormons.com/podcast/TWiM_EP73_Geoff_Has_Body_Image_Issues.mp3Download the MP3 of the showJon Huntsman has a terrible website. Seriously. Time to fire the social media and digital communications staff. It turns out General Authorities can’t take part in political campaigns. Who woulda thought? We long for the days of Apostles serving concurrently in the Eisenhower administration. *sigh*… Richard Bushman, author of Rough Stone Rolling and other works, responds to the humorous, yet false nature of “The Book of Mormon” musical…. not the book. The book is true, people! Al is in love with a story about what he alleges is every missionary’s fantasy. What a terrible, terrible person. This land is your land, O Canada! Mormon.org on Times Square appears to be yielding results, at least in terms of traffic. Hey athletes, put your church first and stop hosing around with money and fame. Links: ABC and the “Mormon Moment” Is the “Mormon Moment” good? Vote Huntsman because he speaks Chinese? In DC and hate driving to the temple? Take the shuttle! Mission before baseball Bushman weighs in Nigerian chess champs! GAs can’t campaign Of Missionaries, tabloids, and leggy women O Canada! Times Square Mormon.org   Progress at Brigham City Temple