Post Mormon Peace

Jeff Strong, Part 1: Why People Leave the Church

When Jeff Strong’s missionary son decided to come home and step away from the Church, it forced Jeff to confront questions he had already begun seeing in the lives of peo

Learning to See the Gray: Corey’s Story, Part 1

In Part 1 of our conversation with Corey Buse, we go back to growing up Mormon in Utah in the 1990s, where church, family, friends, and community were all deeply intertwi

When Your Wife Realizes She’s Gay: Chad’s Story of Love, Loss, and Acceptance

In this episode, Chad describes the heartbreak and uncertainty of navigating a mixed-orientation marriage, divorce, single parenthood, and an entirely new relationship wi

I Don’t Need Mormonism to Be Wrong Anymore

In this solo episode, Derek reflects on what peace has started to look like several years after leaving the LDS Church. After moving back to Utah and finding himself sur

Why People Really Leave the Mormon Church | A Conversation About the book "Torn" By Jeff Strong

Why do people really leave the LDS Church—and how well do believing members understand their reasons? In this episode of Post-Mormon Peace, Derek Williams and Jordan Smi

Meet in the Middle

In this episode of Post Mormon Peace, we explore what it really means to meet in the middle when beliefs, identities, and experiences diverge. Rather than arguing to be r

Coming Back to the Table: The Imperfect Side of Peace

From the outside, it can look like I’ve built a perfectly peaceful life of open conversations and harmony. The truth? Choosing openness often means choosing discomfort. I

Parenting Without Pressure: Love, Trust, and Letting Go (Part 2 with Ashlyn)

In this heartfelt follow-up episode, Derek sits down once again with his teenage daughter, Ashlyn, for an open conversation about how parenting in their family has evolve

I Asked My Teenage Daughter What It Was Like to Leave the Church at 10

In this special episode, Derek invites his 14-year-old daughter Ashlyn onto the podcast for a vulnerable and illuminating conversation about what it was like to grow up i

Tables Turned: Jourdan Interviews Derek

In this introspective and candid episode, Jordan takes the interviewer seat to explore Derek’s journey in launching the Post-Mormon Peace podcast. The discussion uncovers

Still Going to Church, Still Not Sure: Blake Lawler on Doubt, Duty, and Doing His Best

What happens when the life you've built around your faith begins to crack — and you're no longer sure if you believe? In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Derek

Two Sides of a Faith Story: My Wife’s Journey

This might be one of the most important conversations we’ve had on the podcast. I interview my wife, Jenny, as she tells her story—what it was like growing up in a faith

Part Two with Steve Quesenberry: Love and Understanding

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

I Interviewed My Parents Previous Stake President: Steve Quesenberry

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

From CEO Alex Sharp-Beyond Religion: Finding Purpose, Morality, and Connection

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 balanc

Bridging the Gap: What I Learned from Listening to My Mom

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 oth

Through My Mother's Eyes (Part Three): Creating a Culture of Unity

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 d

Through My Mother's Eyes (Part Two): Navigating Differences

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 th

Through My Mother's Eyes (Part One): Foundations of Faith

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 d

Unlocking Inner Peace: A Practical Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness

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