Meeting myself after Mormonism with Kelsey Wells

After 10 years, Kelsey Wells is finally ready to share her whole story about leaving Mormonism. We dive into her devout Mormon upbringing, her husband leaving the church before her, and the intense social and emotional fallout she faced after discovering the church wasn’t true. Then we chat about how she's rebuilt her sense of self and spirituality since then.

[@myassitsbeentaken]

I appreciate the vulnerability so much. As a convert to the church at (18y/o), I served a mission, was "all-in", got married in the temple, etc. Then my world came crashing down when my wife died at 29. I realized that God, if there is a God, does not interject into our lives. Miracles are a figment of our creation and a way for us as humans to come to terms with inexplicable human/mortal experiences. Aside from the doctrinal and administrative issues I have uncovered during my deconstruction, I came to realize through life's struggles that the God I was taught in the Mormon church and "his" nature is simply not true and is a construct that has been built to control members and benefit the church as an organization. I appreciate the truth and stories you share so much. Keep doing what you're doing, it's changing lives.

[@karleebronson6413]

35:00 -- "my family...their hearts were shattered so much that they weren't able to see that mine was..." ugh those feelings are so real.

[@JimPaloAlto]

It would be very hard for anyone to bear, then bare to the world, the experiences that Kelsey shared here. A very moving discussion.

[@annavieiralves]

This was one of the best podcasts episodes that I ever heard, thank you for sharing your history ❤

[@brooklyna8943]

Thank you so much. Your ability to express the lived experience of finding out it’s not true and having every part of your body, mind, heart, and soul hyjacked because of it, is very resonating on a deep level. I am 24 and in the thick of the struggle to love myself after deconstructing Mormonism for two years. I related to what Kelsey said about being unable to or not knowing you should love yourself being Mormon because that is your cross to bare in life and Jesus is there to help you bare it. So eye opening. This will be my go to video to show my little sisters if they ever choose to leave. This video was very healing. Thank you.

[@onlinedanielle]

im so excited for this one. im just starting it but before i even listen to anything... i just want to send love. thank you for having the strength to share your story. ❤

[@everpearce]

This was so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing so vulnerably. It is going to help so many! I love how you spoke to the profound impact fitness and nutrition have on our mental health and am so glad it helped you so much. I want to add one thing I could see someone needing to hear after this episode… It is okay to need medication and therapy! There should be no shame in that. Some people will need those things before they can get themselves to physically care for and nourish themselves better. Some people will need it even after being as intentional with movement and nutrition as they can possible be. Sometimes I feel like there is a fine line in talking about fitness and nutrition where we may unintentionally perpetuate the stigma of medication and seeking professional help. I know I have felt it-the shame and guilt thinking there’s something wrong with me… if I could just get myself to workout or eat a certain way all my mental problems should be solved. Anyway, I just want people to feel empowered to seek professional help through therapy or medication if that’s what they feel is best for them… and to do it without shame. ❤❤❤

[@nastialover180]

Never knew Kelsey was former Mormon! So interesting! Great episode w

[@trevorper]

Thank you both so much for this episode. So many relatable moments and you both did a fantastic job of communicating such deep moments and topics in such a beautiful and concise way! 🙏🏼

[@jessicathurston6494]

So good. Thank you so much. Thank you Kelsey for speaking so profoundly and succinctly on your experience and thank you Hayley for hosting the conversation ❤

[@kathrynclass2915]

22:35 it was blind Faith, but we used to refuted that by saying we were allowed to ask questions. We said anyone can ask questions therefore we don’t , as Mormons, require blind faith but actually that’s exactly what it is, and you guys described it perfectly that you ultimately are required to believe even if you don’t understand it… Believe and follow the profit

[@kathryncardon6692]

I read the CES letter three years ago after slowly getting away from church but still believing to some extent. It just hurt so much. I feel so grateful you ladies are talking about this. Its so so lonely.

[@TheHubbabubbabubble]

It can be so hard but the truth is so worth it. Embrace life and all the good parts and the freedom to do so. ❤

[@samk4379]

neither me nor my family is religious, but so much of what you said resonated with me. i came out to them as transgender 7 years ago. their hearts were shattered enough to not see how much i was struggling. it’s taken over half a decade to slowly build back our relationship, but for a long time, i had to cope with the fact that i might never have the kind of connection we had before. sending love to both you and your families

[@LauraOttawa]

She's great! I've never been in a high demand religion but I find it fascinating to listen to these stories. I resonated with a lot of things she said.

[@betheden7700]

The mental health struggles I had during Mormonism made it hard to leave. Also my family already had mental health issues so it made it worse with all the rules

[@shelleyhowell86]

I believe that religious obsession is a mental illness. It gives the power hungry evil buggers at the top of the religious food chains more control over people. These religions are branches of secret societies.

[@emilysnow6757]

There is nothing so creepy as someone calling your family to at that they say you wearing a tank top at Cheesecake Factory! I'm new enough out of the church that I'm still too scared to wear a tank top in public, but I'm aware enough that it's weird to feel that way.

[@laurens268]

58:02 self-love is innate self-loathing is learned WOW