Post Mormon Peace

In the second part of my conversation with Steve Questenberry, we dive deep into the complexities of faith transitions—both for those leaving the church and for those who remain. Steve shares his experiences working with individuals questioning their faith, the importance of open dialogue, and how love and understanding can heal divides. We also discuss the power of listening without an agenda, personal growth through difficult conversations, and the lessons he has learned as a leader, father, and friend.
🎧 Topics covered:✔️ The role of fear and defensiveness in faith transitions✔️ How both sides of the conversation can experience pain and growth✔️ The importance of listening and loving without expectations✔️ Finding peace with uncertainty and embracing life’s journey
Reach out to Steve at: steve@kittsgroup.com

In this episode, I sit down for an in-person conversation with Steve Questenberry, former stake president and lifelong seeker of understanding. Steve shares his personal journey—from growing up in a troubled home in San Diego to joining the LDS Church as a teenager and later serving as a bishop and stake president. We discuss his faith journey, the impact of family dynamics on belief, and how he navigated the challenges of leadership within the church. Steve also reflects on the importance of understanding history, the impact of the Joseph Smith Papers, and the evolving landscape of faith within the LDS Church.
🎧 Topics covered:✔️ Steve’s conversion story and family dynamics✔️ Seeking answers and the role of personal faith✔️ Navigating leadership and change within the church✔️ The impact of the Joseph Smith Papers on historical understanding
Reach out to Steve at: steve@kittsgroup.com

In this episode, Derek Williams sits down with friend and boss, Alex Sharp to discuss personal growth, belief systems, and the search for meaning. They explore the balance between faith and skepticism, how childhood experiences shape our moral compass, and the power of focus and intentionality in life and business.

In this episode, Derek reflects on his conversations with his mom for the Post-Mormon Peace Podcast. Initially hoping to help those who left the church understand the other side, he instead found a deeper lesson in listening and empathy. He shares how shifting his approach—from defending a perspective to simply understanding—transformed the dialogue. Derek also explores how belief shapes reality, generational differences in processing faith, and the challenges of navigating family discussions with peace.

In the final episode of this three-part series, Derek and Ruth Ann explore how their family has cultivated an atmosphere of mutual respect, love, and acceptance despite differing beliefs. They share practical strategies, lessons learned, and key moments that helped their family grow closer together. This episode is an inspiring testament to the power of open communication, listening, and choosing unity over division.
Books Mentioned in Episode 3That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon's Perspective on Faith and Family by Tom Christofferson
Description: Tom Christofferson, brother of Elder D. Todd Christofferson, shares his journey as a gay member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The book focuses on his experiences with faith, family, and reconciling his identity, highlighting the possibility of unconditional love within families despite differing beliefs or lifestyles.
Bridges: Ministering to Those Who Question by David B. Ostler
Description: Written by a former stake president, this book explores how members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can build bridges of understanding with those experiencing doubts or leaving the Church. It provides practical insights and strategies for fostering empathy, love, and meaningful conversations.

Derek and Ruth Ann continue their conversation, diving into the emotional and relational dynamics of navigating faith differences within a family. Ruth Ann reflects on the challenges of seeing her children take different paths and the pivotal moments that shaped her responses. Through candid storytelling, they discuss love, acceptance, and the personal growth that comes with facing hard truths and finding peace.

in this candid and heartfelt episode, I sit down with my mom, Ruth Ann Williams, to explore her journey of faith, parenting, and love. We dive into her experiences as a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the values she worked to instill in our family, and the challenges she faced raising children in a world that is ever-changing.
This conversation offers a glimpse into the other side of the dialogue—the perspective of a loving parent, doing their best to nurture faith and provide structure, often shaped by the values and expectations of their generation.
Together, we reflect on moments of connection, generational differences in views on faith, and the importance of open communication in understanding one another. It was a healing and enlightening discussion that deepened my appreciation for her efforts and her unwavering commitment to love and family.

Meditation has been one of the greatest contributors to my personal growth in recent years. In this episode, I talk about how my understanding of meditation evolved from seeing it as a way to de-stress to viewing it as a practice that trains the mind and opens doors to peace and mindfulness. I’ll share practical tips, insights from neuroscience, and the Zen principle of the 'beginner’s mind' to help you start or deepen your practice. If you’re ready to explore the benefits of meditation for your sleep, focus, and overall well-being, tune in.

Is truth subjective? Is there a benefit to viewing certain aspects of life in this light?

In this episode, Jordan Smith joins me to share his story of navigating a faith transition and the profound changes it brought to his life. We talk about the initial struggles, the emotional journey of self-reflection, and how he found new meaning outside of structured religion. Jordan’s insights into parenting, relationships, and finding peace through physical and mental well-being offer valuable lessons for anyone on a journey of self-discovery. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion about growth, trust, and living authentically.