Hidden True Crime's Lauren Matthias Pt. 1 - Early Years and Journalism Career | Ep. 2040

In this powerful and emotional episode, journalist Lauren tells her Mormon story publicly for the first time. Known for covering others’ experiences—including the high-profile Lori Vallow Daybell trial—Lauren now opens up about her own journey through faith, trauma, resilience, and healing. She shares her upbringing in the LDS Church, the influence of her legally blind father, and her early fears around death that led to a fascination with true crime. Lauren details her mission to Ohio, her shock upon learning about polygamy, and her love for investigative storytelling. The story takes deeply personal turns as she opens up about being diagnosed with MS, her father’s arrest and trial, her own struggles with mental health, sexual assault, marriage trauma, and the challenges of being a Mormon woman in journalism. From painful experiences to moments of empowerment in her career and community, Lauren’s account is raw, inspiring, and unflinchingly honest. Hear about her memoir Stay for the vulnerable reflections Support Lauren’s journey by watching to the end ___________________ Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: ⁠⁠One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠PayPal⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Venmo⁠⁠ Our Platforms: ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ Social Media: ⁠⁠Insta: @mormstories⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join the Discord⁠⁠ Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117