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Latter Day Struggles

Valerie Hamaker
Mental Health
LDS Church
LDS Temple Recommend
Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints
Social Justice
Faith Crisis
LDS Faith
Spiritual Growth
Mormon Fundamentalism
LDS Faith Crisis
Spiritual Healing
God
Religion and Spirituality
Temple Recommend Interview
Belief Policing
LGBTQ Issues
Polygamy
Purity Testing
Temple Recommend
Oath-Bound Organizations

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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes330Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Mental HealthSpiritualityReligion & SpiritualityHealth & Fitness

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Artwork for Latter Day Struggles

Latest Episodes

Send us a Positive Review!

Series title: Mormon Faith Crisis—Progression, Not Pathology [Part III of III]

In this episode Valerie welcomes back friend and researcher Jeff Strong for the third installment of their series exploring Jeff's research le... more

Send us a Positive Review!

As we begin 2026 and the fourth year of the Latter Day Struggles Podcast, we wanted to say THANK YOU to ALL supporters of the podcast and platform! 

So please enjoy this Office Hours recording and a podcast episode that is... more

Send us a Positive Review!

Series title: Mormon Faith Crisis—Progression, Not Pathology [Part II of III]

In today's episode Valerie and guest researcher Jeff Strong explore why people in the same LDS congregation can experience church so differentl... more

Send us a Positive Review!

Series title: Mormon Faith Crisis—Progression, Not Pathology [Part I of III] 

The data is rolling in and Wow…if you want to know what’s really on the hearts and minds of many active Latter-day Saints, this 3-part series i... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Jeff Strong
A researcher focused on understanding the experiences of members in the LDS faith
Episode: 395: We Need to Stop Calling Growth a Sin in the LDS Church
Steve Hitz
Co-author of 'Igniting the Holy Flame,' a book focusing on building communities of love in the aftermath of negative religious culture.
Episode: 373: What Caterpillars Can Teach us about Blind Conformity
Ginger Hitz
Co-author of 'Igniting the Holy Flame,' emphasizing the need for compassionate spiritual connections.
Episode: 373: What Caterpillars Can Teach us about Blind Conformity
Valerie Hamaker
Marriage and family counselor, host of Latter Day Struggles Podcast, and advocate for mental health in the LDS community.
Episode: 347: Public Voices: Navigating an LDS Culture of Quiet Dissent
Valerie Hammacher
Trauma-informed marriage and family counselor, host of Latter Day Struggles Podcast
Latter Day Struggles Podcast
Episode: 345: Heavenly Momma Drama: Navigating Fear & Embodying Faith
Russ Hinkley
Husband of Susan Hinkley from At Last She Said It, and author interested in early Christian history.
Episode: 325: Why Jesus Likely Couldn't Care Less about Church Handbooks & Creeds
Kathryn Sonntag
Engaged scholar in Rootwork and its applications
Episode: 🔒 322: How Rootwork Brings us to Deep Kinship in this World & in the Mormon Cosmos w/ Kathryn Sonntag & Taylor Petrey
Taylor Petrey
Author and scholar exploring themes of kinship, gender, and sexuality in Mormon theology
Episode: 317: Ideas on a Heaven Large Enough for All Loving Connection
Jana Riess
Author and researcher focusing on faith journeys in the LDS Church
N/A
Episode: 295: On LDS "Loyalists", "Leavers" & Everyone In Between! with Jana Riess

Host

Valerie Hamaker
Host of insightful conversations surrounding faith transitions, mental health, and community building within the LDS context. An experienced mental health professional focusing on providing support for individuals navigating complex relationships with their faith.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • Great place to feel not alone!

    I stumbled over one of Valerie’s classes through another therapist, and I was hooked. So many of the things Valerie said in that class, spoke to my soul. Somewhere during that class, I heard she had a podcast and I knew I needed to find it. I have been binging ever since! Thank you to the Hamaker’s for the work they do and being so inclusive. Thank you for putting words to our feelings that we don’t know how to explain. We are forever grateful!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mama BD4
    United States5 months ago
  • You have an ageism problem

    Do you really have to mention “Steve” with his white hair and his being the “Grandpa” of the group? On what day in all of our short lives are we suddenly part of the “older crowd” that you’re amazed are capable of thinking in a way that you consider “amazingly young-thinking”? In the overall scheme of things, we’re all very close to the same age. Yes, I suddenly find myself, a mother of six, a 74-year-old woman whose children are all grown and I’m eligible for Medicare and social security. So wh... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    kathysuperwoman
    United States5 months ago
  • Talk abt talking

    Used to enjoy this podcast until

    I joined a “faith expansion group”. Now I see that her podcast and group are just a lot of platitudes talking about talking about the subject at hand. Wasted time with meditation that could’ve been had in one’s own time rather than what members paid for. Supplemental group was shaming, unguided and bashing. Valerie is aloof and doesn’t stay connected with group happenings on Marco Polo. Her group was her agenda and not client centered. Very $$$ oriented inst... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Somebody u never knew
    United States6 months ago
  • Priestcraft

    When half the episodes are hidden behind a paywall, it’s apparent what the real goal of this podcast has become.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    AGuyNamedEddie
    United States6 months ago
  • Meh

    Used to love it. Got very focused on sales.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    DredPirrrateRoberts
    United States6 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some critics mentioned concerns about a perceived focus on commercialization or negativity toward traditional church structures.
Listeners express deep gratitude for the community and understanding the podcast offers, particularly for individuals feeling isolated in their faith journeys.
The hosts are praised for their vulnerability and ability to articulate complex feelings about faith.
Many find the conversations validating and supportive, especially regarding faith transitions and mental health.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

396: UNLOCKED for All Listeners: Shifting the Focus from Abortion to Preventing Unwanted Pregnancy!
Q: What do you recommend as a solution to address the issues around unwanted pregnancies?
We need to move the conversation towards accountability for men and focus on preventing unwanted pregnancies upstream.
396: UNLOCKED for All Listeners: Shifting the Focus from Abortion to Preventing Unwanted Pregnancy!
Q: Can you talk about how religious discourse often frames the conversation around abortion?
The discourse tends to emphasize anti-abortion stances while neglecting women's autonomy and the complexities of men's responsibilities.
395: We Need to Stop Calling Growth a Sin in the LDS Church
Q: How can we coexist despite differing spiritual stages?
By understanding and appreciating the different segments in the community, we can foster compassion and unity.
395: We Need to Stop Calling Growth a Sin in the LDS Church
Q: What are some of the greatest strengths of the culture?
Community, service, faith, unity, and kindness are viewed as significant strengths.
393: Quiet Conflict: What the Research Reveals About Active LDS Members
Q: Who are these folks that you surveyed? Are they self declared active, less active, ambivalent?
Our objective was to obtain a comprehensive perspective that encompasses the entire LDS community, from devout to disaffiliated.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Latter Day Struggles

What is Latter Day Struggles about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast focuses on the often complex and challenging conversations surrounding beliefs and issues within the Latter-Day Saints community. By inviting guests from various backgrounds, the discussions navigate the intersection of faith, mental health, and individual experiences within a religious context. Through episodes exploring topics such as mental health, gender dynamics, and community dynamics within the Church, it aims to foster psychological maturity and theological reflection. Notably, the podcast creates a space for open dialogue on sensitive issues, leveraging personal narratives and expert insights to support listeners in their faith journeys. Its commitment to addressing these critical discussions sets it apart as a unique ... more

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How many listeners does Latter Day Struggles get?

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Which podcasts are similar to Latter Day Struggles?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Latter Day Struggles:

1. At Last She Said It
2. Mormon Land
3. Mormon Stories Podcast
4. Faith Matters
5. Ask Dr. Julie Hanks

How many episodes of Latter Day Struggles are there?

Latter Day Struggles launched 4 years ago and published 330 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Latter Day Struggles?

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What guests have appeared on Latter Day Struggles?

Recent guests on Latter Day Struggles include:

1. Jeff Strong
2. Steve Hitz
3. Ginger Hitz
4. Valerie Hamaker
5. Valerie Hammacher
6. Russ Hinkley
7. Kathryn Sonntag
8. Taylor Petrey

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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