142: The Impact of LDS Garments on Sexuality

On this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Natasha is joined by Nancy Ross and Larissa Kanno Kindred to discuss the impact that LDS garments have on sexuality. Nancy Ross is an associate professor and the department chair of the Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Department at Utah Tech University, where she has taught for 20 years. She researches LDS and Community of Christ women, women's ordination movements, and issues related to Mormon feminism. Her book, co-authored with Jessica Finnigan and Larissa Kanno Kindred, is titled  "Mormon Garments: Sacred and Secret" and was published by the University of Illinois Press in February 2026. The book examines the meaning and lived experiences of those who wear garments through the lenses of gender and belief.  Larissa Kanno Kindred holds a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Massachusetts Boston and is currently a doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at Tennessee State University. Her clinical and research interests center on identity development, racial socialization, and the intersection of race, gender, sexuality, and religion. She works as a mental health therapist and has published research on neurodiverse-affirming approaches to couples counseling and the online tradwife movement. Larissa also writes at the intersection of religion, embodiment, and lived experience; she is a co-author, with Nancy Ross and Jessica Finnigan, of Mormon Garments: Sacred and Secret, published by the University of Illinois Press, which examines the meaning of garments through the lenses of gender and belief.   To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha's channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.  The information shared on this program is informational and should not be considered therapy. This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening. And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services. There are also several upcoming workshops. Visit natashahelfer.com or symcounseling.com to find out more.