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Latter Day Struggles

Valerie Hamaker
LDS Church
Mental Health
Patriarchy
LDS Faith
Faith Crisis
Spiritual Growth
Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints
Faith Journey
Latter Day Saints
Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints
Family Dynamics
Psychological Maturity
LDS Community
Feminine Divine
Spirituality
Anxiety
Mormonism
Sacrament
Love
Plato's Allegory Of the Cave

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
Health & FitnessReligion & SpiritualityMental HealthSpirituality

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Latest Episodes

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Series Title: Torn: Why People We Love are Leaving the Church & What We Can Learn from Them [Part 1 of 3]

In this three part series, Valerie is joined by Jeff Strong- friend, colleague, and author of the best-selling book... more

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In this episode, Valerie & colleague Jana Spangler are guests on Dan Wotherspoon's Latter Day Faith podcast where they talk about a little known version of the human shadow.  

Many of us know about the 'classic shadow'...... more

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Series Title: "Latter Day Missionaries": A Mental Health Resource for LDS Missionaries & their Families [Part II of II]

In this episode Dr. Bryson Ensign joins Valerie again to unpack OCD & scrupulosity in the LDS mission... more

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Series Title: "Latter Day Missionaries": A Mental Health Resource for LDS Missionaries & their Families [Part I of II]

Do you know anyone who experienced issues with anxiety, depression, homesickness, getting along with t... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Valerie Hemmaker
Therapist/coach focusing on faith transition and relationships
Symmetry Counseling
Episode: 447: Why We Stay Small & Hide our Greatest Strengths from the World
Bryson Ensign
Psychiatrist with focus on missionary mental health
Latter Day Missionaries / Mental Health Training Center
Episode: 443: Addressing Real Mental Health Needs for the Full-time LDS Missionary
Nathan Hammacher
Guest discussing theological development and transformation in Christianity
Episode: 441: The Politics of Jesus: Not Subtle, Not Silent, Not Neutral
Will Navigate
Founder of an all-male book club; guest on the episode
Unspecified
Episode: 425: When LDS "Normal" isn't very Normal
Mark Crego
Founder of Faith Journey Foundation and guest on the show
Faith Journey Foundation
Episode: 423: If the Ensign Peak Fund isn't Your Donation Destination of Choice...
Jana Riess
Researcher on LDS demographics and religion in media
Researcher / Author
Episode: 413: Complexity of Clark Gilbert Call to the Q12
Jason Bergman
Former BYU faculty member
Academia / Education
Episode: 413: Complexity of Clark Gilbert Call to the Q12
Taylor Petrey
Colleague and friend of Valerie
Episode: 407: Is the Family Proclamation a Commentary or a Revelation?
Jeff Strong
A researcher and speaker focused on faith identity within the LDS community
Episode: 397: What Happens When Only One Kind of Latter-day Saint is Allowed to Exist in the Church

Hosts

Valerie Hamaker
Host of Latter Day Struggles, frequently navigating faith, culture, and personal growth with clinical insight.
Nathan Hammacher
Co-host providing analysis and context on faith and culture within Mormon communities.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • Protein for My Soul

    I love this podcast so much, I backed up to episode 1 and am listening to them in order. I’ve been listening everyday for the past month. I feel that my spiritual health and strength is increasing due in large part to the thoughts and principles I’m hearing and then processing, and incorporating into my life.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    agos9707
    United States7 months ago
  • 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 Statesa year 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 Statesa year 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 Statesa year 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 Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

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

Audience appreciates the focus on mental health within faith contexts and practical healing strategies.
Guests are valued for bringing lived experience and professional expertise to complex faith-related topics.
Some reviews critique paywall features or perceived bias, but broad feedback highlights the show's courage and community impact.
Listeners praise honesty and vulnerability from hosts and guests, often describing the show as grounding and life-affirming.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

447: Why We Stay Small & Hide our Greatest Strengths from the World
Q: Is there anything you'd like to say about, well, Val, how can everybody find you and then Jana, you as well if they want to? Why don't you go ahead and do it right now?
They discuss how to connect through Symmetry Counseling and the Latter Day Struggles channels, including their website and social handles.
445: LDS Missionary Work and OCD Scrupulosity
Q: Is OCD and scrupulosity something missionaries can address before and after their mission, or is it mainly a pre-mission training topic?
It can be addressed both before and after the mission; the Mental Health Training Center exposes missionaries to the material early, with ongoing access during the mission to reinforce recognition and management of symptoms.
BONUS EPISODE: Do you Want to Make a Difference? Join us!
Q: What is the Live Fellowship and how is it structured?
It is an open-ended, evergreen group that meets twice a month, using the podcast as a springboard for inquiry, where everyone belongs and participates in deep, philosophical conversations.
BONUS EPISODE: Tired of Feel Stuck, Angry & Alone?
Q: Am I a good fit for the groups?
If you want to reconcile your relationship with the LDS Church while processing beliefs and maintaining a personal identity, or you want to understand how you became entrenched in Mormon theology and seek a non-agenda environment, the groups are a good fit.
BONUS EPISODE: Tired of Feel Stuck, Angry & Alone?
Q: Who joins your groups?
People seeking a healthy relationship with themselves and the Church, spanning a wide range of backgrounds from devout to non-affiliated, join the groups to find peace, clarity, and ongoing community.

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?

A thought-provoking show that centers on faith, personal growth, and the social dynamics of the LDS community. Across episodes, hosts and guests explore faith crises, gender dynamics, patriarchy, therapy, and the role of religion in modern life, often weaving psychological insight with theological reflection. Noteworthy is a consistent emphasis on compassionate, nonjudgmental dialogue, accessibility of mental-health resources, and practical steps for navigating belief and community. The format often pairs a married hosting duo with expert guests and community voices, offering both personal testimony and professional perspective to help listeners think critically and heal within their faith journeys.

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How many listeners does Latter Day Struggles get?

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How many subscribers and views does Latter Day Struggles have?

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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.ish
4. Mormon Stories Podcast
5. Faith Matters

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. Valerie Hemmaker
2. Bryson Ensign
3. Nathan Hammacher
4. Will Navigate
5. Mark Crego
6. Jana Riess
7. Jason Bergman
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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