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Artwork for Listen, Learn & Love Hosted by Richard Ostler

Listen, Learn & Love Hosted by Richard Ostler

Richard Ostler
Mental Health
Latter-Day Saints
Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints
LGBTQ Community
LGBTQ+ Community
Suicide Prevention
LGBTQ+ Issues
LDS Church
Community Support
Family Dynamics
Pornography
LGBTQ Inclusion
Faith
Parenting
Marriage
Personal Revelation
Suicide
LGBTQ Latter-Day Saints
LGBTQ Issues
Same-Sex Marriage

Welcome to our podcast! My name is Richard H. Ostler and I am a native of Salt Lake City, small business owner, married father of six with several grandchildren. 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. I am the author of three books: “Listen Learn and Love: Embracing LGBTQ Latter-day Saints” published in 2020 av... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes533Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Religion & Spirituality

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Listen, Learn & Love Hosted by Richard Ostler

Latest Episodes

My friend Greg Price (writer, scientist, businessman, philanthropist—see bio at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_Prince) joins us to talk about his book “Gay Rights and the Mormon Church: Intended Actions, Unintended Consequences” released in 2... more

My friends Daniel Carter and Devan Jensen join us to share the story behind the beautiful new hymn “Long Ago, Within a Garden,” with text by Devan and music by Daniel, written in 1999 and added in February 2026 to Hymns—For Home and Church (no. 1210)... more

My friend Jeff Strong (married father of five, grandfather, former mission president, retired senior executive consumer goods) join us to talk about his new book. Jeff introduces his book with the story of his son Cale leaving the MTC and then leavin... more

My friend Duane Jennings (gay, same-sex marriage, mid-60’s, RM from South Africa, Affirmation Leader for 15+ years, author “Stumbling Blocks and Stepping-Stones”) joins us to share his story including: · Journey to understand and accept his sexuality... more

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Recent Guests

Gregory Prince
Author of Gay Rights and the Mormon Church
Author, Mormon historian
Episode: Episode 884: Greg Prince Book “Gay Rights and the Mormon Church”, Episode One
Daniel Carter
Composer and hymn writer featured on the episode
Church hymn-writing community, BYU connections
Episode: Episode 883: Daniel Carter and Devan Jensen, New Church Hymn “Long Ago, Within a Garden”
Devan Jensen
Author/composer and collaborator on the hymn
LDS music publishing community
Episode: Episode 883: Daniel Carter and Devan Jensen, New Church Hymn “Long Ago, Within a Garden”
Jeff Strong
Author of Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn From Them; former bishop and mission president
Author, LDS researcher
Episode: Episode 882: Jeff Strong, New Book “Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn From Them”
Dwayne Jennings
LGBTQ advocate, former Affirmation leader, author
Affirmation
Episode: Episode 881: Duane Jennings, Longtime LGBTQ Advocate, Author
Eli McCann
Gay Latter-day Saint, author
Author of We're Thankful for the Moisture
Episode: Episode 880: Eli McCann, New Book “We’re Thankful for the Moisture”
Josh Otani
Therapist specializing in healing from sexual shame, sexual compulsion, and betrayal trauma; trained in EFCT, IFS, and somatic-spiritual approaches
Big Valley Therapy / Otani Therapy
Episode: Episode 879: Josh Otani, Therapist To Heal from Sexual Shame, Betrayal Trauma, Etc
Andy Pedersen
Couple member who gave a talk on supporting LGBTQ Latter-day Saints
Episode: Episode 878: Andy and Stephanie Pedersen, Andy’s Talk In Church About Supporting LGBTQ Latter-day Saints
Stephanie Pedersen
Co-presenter and partner in the discussion about LGBTQ inclusion
Episode: Episode 878: Andy and Stephanie Pedersen, Andy’s Talk In Church About Supporting LGBTQ Latter-day Saints

Host

Richard Ostler
Host focused on promoting empathy, understanding, and love across complex issues, especially those facing LGBTQ+ individuals within religious communities.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 1k ratings
  • Kindness embodied

    For anyone who has been wounded, this is a place of healing. Richard celebrates kindness and gentleness. He invites compassion. He facilitates understanding. His guests feel SEEN which is what we all desire. That ability to SEE people translates into the healing kind of Love that feels holy.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Rebecca Mullen Coaching
    United States6 months ago
  • Personal and Inspiring

    This podcast values the powerful wisdom of lived experience and has helped me better understand people I love. I always leave feeling deeper compassion for our human experience and desire to love and create more belonging in my community.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    sageelizabeth24
    United Statesa year ago
  • McKay Mayes episode

    I’m convinced that I was led by the spirit to listen to this episode with McKay. It was exactly what I needed to hear this week. He very articulately put into words the things that have been in my heart. So grateful for your courage and vulnerability in sharing your message. You’ve made a lasting impression in my life.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    marticita
    United Statesa year ago
  • I really love these guests

    Thank you Richard for taking the effort to do this. It’s been so helpful for me as I navigate LGBTQ and the Latter-day Saint faith for my family. Bless you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    klinebch
    United Statesa year ago
  • Love

    This podcast is super helpful and understanding to all. Richard has on amazing guest with great stories. He has amazing empathy and listening skills. This podcast will continue to impact many lives!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    joesharppy
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

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

Some critiques mention disagreements with certain theological interpretations, reflecting diverse perspectives among the audience.
Listeners appreciate the impactful stories shared by guests and the host's empathetic approach.
Many find the discussions relatable and transformative, especially in the context of faith and LGBTQ+ experiences.
The podcast is a healing space that encourages compassion and understanding.

Top Religion & Spirituality Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 880: Eli McCann, New Book “We’re Thankful for the Moisture”
Q: How did Eli meet Skylar and decide to start a family given their different backgrounds?
Eli explains they connected via a dating app on a layover in Salt Lake City, discovered shared values and compatible visions for family, and chose to pursue parenthood together despite initial doubts about whether it would happen for two men.
Episode 876: Gabby Rich, Lesbian Latter-day Saint, Teacher, Age 28
Q: Gabby, you identify as lesbian—how has that shaped your relationship with faith and your sense of belonging within the church?
Gabby describes a long arc from internalized shame to coming out to family and finding support, describing how faith can coexist with authentic sexuality through community spaces, ally parents, and spiritual reconnection.
Episode 878: Andy and Stephanie Pedersen, Andy’s Talk In Church About Supporting LGBTQ Latter-day Saints
Q: Tell us more about the process for writing the talk and how it was received.
Andy describes revising several times to focus on love, consulting church resources, and seeking bishop approval, ultimately delivering a brave talk that emphasized allyship and empathy, which many in his ward received positively.
Episode 871: Candice Bithell, LDS Mother of a Transgender Son
Q: What changed your perspective most as you navigated Bones's realization of their gender identity?
A shift from fear to curiosity, guided by the parables and a commitment to unconditional love, helped me see Bones as a person first, which transformed how our family supported them.
Episode 866: Dr. Mark White, Being an Ally, Book: Indigo’s Baptism
Q: What motivated you to create Indigo's Baptism and Firefly Inkworks as a publishing platform?
My motivation came from watching marginalized voices be unheard or unseen, and recognizing that stories can heal, inform, and unite. Firefly Inkworks exists to publish and amplify those voices, especially the experiences of queer families within LDS communities.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Centered on fostering understanding and compassion, the podcast explores the intersection of faith, LGBTQ+ issues, and mental health within religious contexts, particularly focusing on the experiences of Latter-day Saints. Topics span personal narratives, advocacy for marginalized communities, and insights from mental health professionals, emphasizing the importance of empathy, connection, and personal transformation. The format often features discussions with guests who share their complex journeys, aiming to create a supportive environment that encourages listeners to appreciate diverse perspectives and build a sense of belonging within their faith communities. Notably, the podcast often tackles sensitive subjects like suicide, healing, a... more

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Faith Matters
2. At Last She Said It
3. Latter Day Struggles
4. All In
5. Come Back Podcast

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 8 years ago and published 533 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Gregory Prince
2. Daniel Carter
3. Devan Jensen
4. Jeff Strong
5. Dwayne Jennings
6. Eli McCann
7. Josh Otani
8. Andy Pedersen

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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