Blonde Apologist

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jenet Erickson, BYU professor and researcher whose work on family, motherhood, and child wellbeing has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Today Show, to have a deeper conversation about the doctrine, culture, and research surrounding gender roles.

Is there room for the career-driven woman in the gospel?
What does “presiding” actually mean?
Are men and women truly equal in the Church?
And why do prophetic messages surrounding men and women sometimes sound different across generations?
Truly, this became one of my favorite episodes I’ve ever recorded. No matter your gender, season of life, or circumstance, I promise this conversation will leave you thinking more deeply about your divine role and identity.

This week’s episode is a raw and honest conversation about believing in the gospel while struggling to live it. My friend shares her journey through pain, depression, addiction, and a suicide attempt, all while never fully losing her testimony. Her story is a powerful reminder that God does not walk away from us, even when we feel far from Him.
We also talk about the pressure to be the “perfect” member and what it looks like to keep showing up spiritually when you do not feel worthy. If you have ever wondered, “If I can’t do it perfectly, do I even belong?” this episode is for you.

When a spouse leaves the Church, it can feel like everything in your marriage shifts overnight. In this episode, I sit down with Iuri Melo, a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience, to talk about what this actually looks and feels like for both people; the believing spouse and the one stepping away. We get into the emotions, the mistakes that can create more distance, and what actually helps couples stay connected. We also talk about therapy, what a healthy mixed-faith marriage can look like, and how to navigate raising kids when beliefs differ.

My husband’s back to join me in a discussion on the law of chastity. What actually counts as breaking the law of chastity? What’s “on and off limits” according to For the Strength of Youth? And how does this commandment look different in dating vs. marriage? In this episode we share our experience trying to live this imperfectly, talk about things like pornography and share our plans for teaching this important commandment to our kids.

Episode on LDS sexual theology and where our culture gets it wrong: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0gjGqnhRCF7EPlccYSoTAA?si=7hnwld_BS6G8k2hR_mRycg

Episode that is essentially sex ed but with a therapist:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3HM2BSr7jTSbSbp8ayHUjA?si=9IGGRqXIReyp4IIjD5ztvw

Episode on pornography with a therapist: https://open.spotify.com/episode/20YbQhpKjRAn6A2vr3eQ8N?si=SBIvw_TJRdyu6V4CKoTjRg

After receiving hundreds of your questions and concerns, I sat down with Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat and Dr. Richard LeDuc from The Standard of Truth Podcast to have an honest, thoughtful conversation about one of the most complex topics in Church history: polygamy. This episode doesn’t attempt to answer every question, but the Spirit was strongly present throughout the conversation. It explores how early Saints responded to practicing polygamy, possible reasons God commanded it, and offers a closer look at complex aspects of the history; including Joseph Smith being sealed to a 14-year-old girl and Emma Smith’s experience. It also addresses what this practice could mean for eternity and the challenge of reconciling something that may feel uncomfortable while continuing to hold onto faith.

Resources for further study:
Book Recommendation

https://a.co/d/0ethk4qr

Plural Marriage in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/plural-marriage-in-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints?lang=eng

This overview essay establishes that monogamy is the church’s standing law of marriage but acknowledges God commanded plural marriage in biblical times and again through Joseph Smith. It covers D&C 132, the purposes of plural marriage, and the eventual cessation of the practice. 

Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/plural-marriage-in-kirtland-and-nauvoo?lang=eng

Focuses on the origins under Joseph Smith in the 1830s–1840s. Discusses the angel with a drawn sword, Joseph’s multiple wives (including polyandrous marriages to women already married to other men), the secrecy surrounding early practice, and Emma Smith’s reactions.

Plural Marriage and Families in Early Utah

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/plural-marriage-and-families-in-early-utah?lang=eng

Covers the 1847–1890 period. Addresses demographics (20–30% of Latter-day Saint families practiced it),  daily life in plural families, financial and interpersonal challenges, women’s agency,  and U.S. government anti-polygamy legislation.

The Manifesto and the End of Plural Marriage:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/the-manifesto-and-the-end-of-plural-marriage?lang=eng