1287: Surviving Spiritual Abuse and Suicidality at BYU-Idaho Faculty - Ryan Nielsen Pt. 1

For today’s Mormon Stories Podcast episode we interview Ryan Nielsen and Holly Parson Nielsen, who were both raised as devout Mormons in Rexburg, Idaho. After marriage, Ryan worked as full-time BYU-Idaho faculty for twelve years in the Department of Music, while Holly taught middle school art. Important themes for this episode include: Ryan's perfectionism and guilt/shame as a Mormon youth. Holly's closeted feminism as a Mormon youth and adult. Holly and Ryan learning to listen to their own inner voices, which also involved navigating a religious faith crisis. Navigating BYU-Idaho while one is full time faculty, and in a mixed-faith marriage. This story includes harassment from bishopric over maintaining continuing faculty endorsement (mostly related to Holly’s resignation from the Mormon church. An insider’s view of BYU-Idaho administration, including difficulties dealing with BYU-Idaho executives related to Title IX issues (e.g., sexual misconduct of Mormon ecclesiastical leaders towards BYU-Idaho students and faculty). Navigating and healing from religion-based depression, including suicidality. Deconstructing Mormon literalism and reconstructing a nuanced worldview. Learning to choose love over ideas. Additional Resources mentioned in the episodes: Ryan's AMAZING faith crisis/transition Reading/Podcast list can be found here , and has also been included below, after the video and audio links. This is probably the most impressive and thoughtful resources list I've ever seen for Mormon/religious faith transitions. Holly's Art : https://www.artbyholly. com/abstract.html -- This link goes straight to the art Holly has done related to her faith transition, and her reclamation of motherhood. Ryan's Music : http://www.ryannielsenmusic. com/music -- This link goes straight to the music portion of Ryan's website. Several pieces there are related to my faith transition, including "Prayer for Peace" and "Requiem." Support Ryan ! Ryan has written a 9 movement suite that explores his experience of a faith crisis, through the lens of the life of Elijah Abel. It's time to get this recorded. Ryan has created a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the project . Please support this worthy project!