My friend Craig Jones (active LDS, married to his wife Jodi for 36 years, age 58, parents of three) joins us via Zoom from Edmonton, Canada to talk about his life-changing traumatic brain injury that occurred about ten years ago. 
 
Craig talks about being in a coma, rehab and then working to heal and move forward.   Craig is full of hope and a positive attitude—even with his life permanently changed.
 
If your mortal life has been forever changed because of medical issue in your life or a loved one, this podcast will help you.  Thank you, Craig for being on the podcast.  You are your wife Jodi are awesome.

Episode 529: Craig Jones, Traumatic Brain Injury

My friend Christian Judd shares the story of his brother Bryan who died by suicide in April of 2010.   I became aware of Christian and his good work and message around this topic with these tweets:
 
https://twitter.com/christianmjudd/status/1513174782723846145

https://twitter.com/christianmjudd/status/1513583004785917957
 
Dr. Judd, who is a board certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, shares insights on how to help individuals navigate when someone close has died by suicide. He also provides insight for those who have considered suicide.   
 
Here are three suicide prevention numbers.  Please reach out for help if you are having suicidal thoughts:
 
Huntsman Mental Health Institute Crisis line (Utah residents):  1-801-587-3000
National Suicide Prevention Hotline:  1-800-273-8255
The Trevor Project:   1-212-695-8650
 
Here is a link to the David Archuleta Love Loud video mentioned in the podcast:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ooh6otPKmzE
 
If you are having thoughts of suicide or have lost someone to suicide, Christian’s insights may help you.    Thank you Christian for being on the podcast and all your good work.  You are a good man and friend.

Also, check out Christian’s podcast called Social Hall Sports Podcast (mostly about sports) at https://linktr.ee/socialhallpod

And check out a chapter from my new book on mental health (chapter 6) at: amazon.com/dp/1462139566

Episode 530: Dr. Christian Judd - Coping with Loss from Suicide

My friend Taryn Hiatt, Area Director Utah/Nevada American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, joins us to talk about suicide prevention.
 
Taryn (who has been working in this space for over 20 years after her father Terry who died by suicide in 2002) talks about the various organizations available to those considering suicide, those working to prevent suicide, and support for suicide loss survivors.   Taryn has great insights into the scope of these organizations and how they all work together for the common goal of suicide prevention.
 
Taryn also shares her own journey as a survivor of being sexually assaulted and suicide attempts.   For Taryn this isn’t theoretical—rather since she is walking this road—Taryn has real-life and practical insights to give hope and healing.  Taryn talks about the “dark night of the soul” and finding hope that dawn will come.  Her story is deeply moving and will help you.
 
She also talks about how to better support our LGBTQ friends.
 
If you are considering suicide or working to help others, please listen to this podcast.   Taryn’s insights will help you.
 
Thank you, Taryn, for being on the podcast and all your great work in our community to saves lives and bring more understanding.  You are a hero to me and many others!
 
Here are resources mentioned in the podcast:
 
Suicide Prevention Hot Line:  1-800-273-8255
Trans Suicide Hot Line:  (877) 565-8860 or translifeline.org/hotline/
 
Trevor Project:  866-488-7386
Or www.thetrevorproject.org/
 
David Archuleta Love Loud:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ooh6otPKmzE
 
June 24th LGBTQ Suicide Prevention Event at University of Utah:  https://utlgbtq.attendease.com/
 
Link to support a loved one after an attempt:  https://afsp.org/when-a-loved-one-has-made-an-attempt/ and this recording  youtu.be/ouHshCnh_Yw and www.namiut.org/resources/mentoring
 
Link to support you after your attempt and coming home:  https://healthcare.utah.edu/hmhi/programs/crisis-diversion/

Episode 531: Taryn Hiatt, Suicide Prevention

My friend Teresa Myers (BYU grad, RM,  Recently Married, Active LDS) shares her story as a bisexual Latter-day Saint.   Teresa starts with difficult years (including suicidal ideation) that has a component in her sexual orientation.   Teresa talks about her decision come out to others, importance of therapy and her decision to share her story to help others.
 
Teresa talks about exploring all possible roads and then feeling personal revelation that her path forward was to marry a man and fully participating in the Church.  Teresa talks about opening up to her husband Corbin during the dating process and how that ended up strengthening their relationship and developed a better foundation for honestly, vulnerability and community.   Their story is a wonderful love story.
 
If you are a LGBTQ Latter-day Saint, please listen to Teresa’s story.   It will help you.  If you are a parent of someone wanting to better support LGBTQ Latter-day Saints, Teresa’s insights will help you.  
 
Thank you, Teresa for being on the podcast and your courage to share your story.   You are strong and brave and you being honest gives hope to others.
 
Links mentioned in the podcast:
 
LDS Living Article: https://www.ldsliving.com/what-can-you-say-when-a-family-member-comes-out-as-gay-7-ideas-from-a-latter-day-saint-mom/s/10712
 
Meghan Decker Book:  https://meghandecker.com/tender-leaves-of-hope
 
Richard Ostler Faith Matters Podcast: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/114-are-we-listening-learning-and-loving-a/id1307757928?i=1000561389883


** Please Check Out My LGBTQ Book At: ** 
Deseret Book: www.deseretbook.com/p/listen-learn-and-love-embracing-lgbtq-latter-day-saints 

Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/1462135773

** Want to develop church-supported LGBTQ activities in your local area?  Please join our FB group below **

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1433556613672143

Episode 532:  Teresa Myers, Age 24, Bisexual Latter-day Saint

My friend Isabelle Wheeler (age 23, UVU student, RM) bravely shares their journey as a nonbinary Latter-day Saint.   Isabelle talks about their early life, college, serving a mission (Fort Lauderdale, FL), and their experiences following their mission.  
 
If you are nonbinary or transgender, Isabelle’s insights and experience will help you.  If you are a parent or local leader trying to better support nonbinary or transgender Latter-day Saints, Isabelle’s story will help you.
 
Thank you, Isabelle for your courage to be on the podcast.  I was deeply moved hearing your experiences and gospel insights.   You are remarkable and our Church is better with you as a member.
 
Links mentioned in the podcast:
 
Deseret News Article:  https://www.deseret.com/u-s-world/2022/6/7/23157031/1-in-20-young-adults-identify-as-transgender-or-nonbinary-pew-survey-finds-pew-research-lgbtq
 
LGBTQ Workshop Panel with Trans and Nonbinary Students:   June 15th, Utah Valley University Institute, 7 pm, 785 College Dr, Orem, UT 84058
 
Chapter 8 from Richard Ostler’s Book:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/uz9qjy1dq5fox7c/Chapter%208%2C%20Transgender%20Latter-day%20Saints.pdf?dl=0

Great podcast from Questions for the Closet on Gender Dysphoria: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-is-gender-dysphoria/id1504990147?i=1000565502494

** Please Check Out My LGBTQ Book At: ** 
Deseret Book: www.deseretbook.com/p/listen-learn-and-love-embracing-lgbtq-latter-day-saints 

Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/1462135773

** Want to develop church-supported LGBTQ activities in your local area?  Please join our FB group below **

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1433556613672143

Episode 533: Isabelle Wheeler, Nonbinary Latter-day Saint

My friend Marie Cook (Active LDS, Age 28, Married Mother, Temple Square RM) bravely shares her story growing up in a home with a narcissistic mother.  Marie discusses how she gradually realized her unhealthy upbringing and how these behaviors were becoming part of how she treated others.

Following a painful breakup, Marie (with the help of friends) walked into BYU-Idaho counseling center to begin her road to healing and to break the cycle in her future family.  It is a remarkable story of courage to change her trajectory and now help others.  

Marie, who is a certified recovery coach, shares helpful tips on her Instagram account @marieelliscook

If you are in a relationship with someone who is narcissistic, this podcast will help you.  If you want insights to help others in a narcissistic relationship, this podcast will help you. 

And if you have narcissistic tendencies, this podcast will help you. Thank you, Marie, for your courage to share your story.

Episode 534: Marie Ellis Cook, Narcissistic Abuse Survivor

My friend Ashely Smith (Married Mother of Six, Active LDS, Mayor of Cañon City, Colorado) shares the story of raising and supporting their gay son Kyle.  
 
This podcast is based on the excellent article that Ashley wrote for LDS Living in June 2022 (https://www.ldsliving.com/what-can-you-say-when-a-family-member-comes-out-as-gay-7-ideas-from-a-latter-day-saint-mom/s/10712). 
 
This is a powerful podcast.   I encourage everyone to read the LDS Living article and listen to the podcast and then consider what you can do in your circle of influence to improve our understanding of and support for LGBTQ Latter-day Saints.  
 
Thank you, Ashley for being on the podcast and writing this LDS Living article.  You are doing wonderful work in many areas to bless and help others.

** Please Check Out My LGBTQ Book At: ** 
Deseret Book: www.deseretbook.com/p/listen-learn-and-love-embracing-lgbtq-latter-day-saints 

Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/1462135773

** Want to develop church-supported LGBTQ activities in your local area?  Please join our FB group below **

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1433556613672143

Episode 535: Ashley Smith, LDS Mother of a Gay Son, LDS Living Article

My friend Sadi Rogers (age 32, EMT, mother of 3) shares her story as a gay Latter-day Saint.  Sadi talks about growing up in Arizona, realizing she has romantic feelings for women, being honest with her Bishop and eventually marrying a man.
 
Sadi talks about the goodness of that marriage (lasted 11 years) which eventually ended.  Sadi then talks about her desire to be single and fully participate in the Church.    That changed when Sadi met and then fell in love with her now wife Quinn Kelly—including personal revelation this was her path.
 
While I invite everyone to follow Church teachings, I share stories of LGBTQ Latter-day Saints on their own unique paths to help us better support others.  Neither Sadi or I are inviting others to follow Sadi’s path—but we are inviting us to come together as the same human family to love and support each other and leave judgement to our Savior and His perfect understanding.
 
Thank you for your courage to be on the podcast Sadi and share your story.  You are a wonderful person doing much good in this world.  I’m glad you have Quinn in your life.  You both have my love and support.
 
For more stories of LGBTQ Latter-day Saint women, please check out Meghan Decker’s book (referenced in the podcast) at https://meghandecker.com/tender-leaves-of-hope

** Please Check Out My LGBTQ Book At: ** 
Deseret Book: www.deseretbook.com/p/listen-learn-and-love-embracing-lgbtq-latter-day-saints 

Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/1462135773

** Want to develop church-supported LGBTQ activities in your local area?  Please join our FB group below **

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1433556613672143

Episode 536: Sadi Rogers, Same-Sex Marriage, Believes in Church

My friend Taylor Niebergall (active LDS, Married Mother of Two) joins us to talk about her podcast focus on building bridges between those in the Church and those who have left the Church.   
 
Taylor talks about why she started the podcast, the purpose and her hopes to build more understanding between these two groups of people.   
 
You can check out Taylor’s podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-bridges/id1585596531. The article she wrote can be found here,  http://the-after-eden-project.com/  and you can follow the Building bridges Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/Building-Bridges-podcast-101942785569497/  or Taylor’s personal account here https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008387117636  

You can also check out my brother David Ostler’s book referenced in the podcast at:  https://bridgeslds.com/about-author/
 
Thank you Taylor for being on the your good work to bring us together as the same human family.

** Check out my book on improving Latter-day Saint Culutre ** 

Amazon: amazon.com/dp/1462139566

Deseret Book:  https://deseretbook.com/p/listen-learn-love

Episode 537: Taylor Niebergall, Building Bridges Podcast

My friend John Gustav-Wrathall introduces us to Affirmation, a support organization of our LDS LGBTQ friends.   I’m personally supportive of Affirmation and its mission to help our LDS LGBTQ friends.   You can learn more about affirmation at https://affirmation.org/.   You can also listen to John’s personal journey as a gay Latter-day Saint in Episode 49.

Episode 71: John Gustav-Wrathall, Executive Director Affirmation

Welcome to our podcast!   My name is Richard Ostler (twitter:  twitter.com/Papa_Ostler; FB: facebook.com/richard.ostler.5; IG: instagram.com/papa_ostler/) and am a native of Salt Lake City.  

I am the author of "Listen Learn and Love:  Embracing LGBTQ Latter-day Saints" at Amazon (amazon.com/dp/1462135773) and Deseret Book (deseretbook.com/p/listen-learn-and-love-embracing-lgbtq-latter-day-saints)

I am also the author of "Listen, Learn and Love:  Improving Latter-day Saint Culture" at Amazon (amazon.com/dp/1462139566) and Deseret Book (deseretbook.com/p/listen-learn-love)

I am the author of two Ensign articles on ‘How the Savior’s Healing Power Applies to Repenting from Sexual Sin’ (August 2020/YSA Digital Only) www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/08/young-adults/how-the-saviors-healing-power-applies-to-repenting-from-sexual-sin
and ‘7 Tips for Overcoming Pornography Use’ (October, page 72) www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/10/young-adults/7-tips-for-overcoming-pornography-use.   Expanded thoughts on these articles are in my book about Improving Latter-day Saint Culture.

I have degrees from the University of Utah and Brigham Young University (business).  I married my best friend and eternal companion Sheila Juergens of Houston, Texas in 1990 and we are the parents of six children and several grandchildren and live near Cottonwood High School in Salt Lake City.   I believe in and am deeply committed to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and want it to work for a wider group.

The name ‘Papa Ostler’ resulting from being introduced to Twitter by my High School age son Matt in 2010. I wanted the high school age youth to know I wasn’t their age as I interacted with them … hence the name Papa Ostler.

I served as a YSA Bishop in the West Valley City/Magna area of Salt Lake (released in 2016) and met some of the finest people I will ever know. In addition to meeting with wonderful active members of my Ward, I reached out and connected via social media (mostly via the private messaging features of FB and Twitter) with many of our inactive members and their non-member friends. Over time, many felt comfortable meeting with me and sharing their stories. Through hundreds of interviews and ‘listening to understand’, I was able to ‘see’ the church from the eyes of those on the outside.  Many feel the church is their ‘spiritual home’ but feel uncomfortable attending for a variety of reasons such as work-in-progress testimonies, concerns about church history, feeling unworthy because of past or current sin, don't fit the cultural mold, role of women, are LGBTQ and/or feel God's LGBTQ childen should be more welcomed in our congregations, etc.

This podcast is designed to 'Have a Conversation' about some of the more complicated issues in our church to help all of us 'listen, learn and love' so we can minister in a more effective way to all of Heavenly Father’s children.   

Are podcast are indexed by category at listenlearnandlove.org/podcasts

Thank you for joining us.   You can't donate to this podcast.  There are no sponsors.   But you can leave a review/rate the podcast on the platform you are listening.

With love, Richard 'Papa' Ostler  ❤
richard@ostlergroup.com

Episode 71: John Gustav-Wrathall, Executive Director Affirmation

Richard Ostler

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