Inside Out with Jim Bennett and Ian Wilks

Send us Fan MailWas there really a Mormon Mafia?After Candace Owens revived the phrase while discussing the death of Charlie Kirk, social media exploded with jokes—and questions. But according to Jim Bennett, the "Mormon Mafia" wasn't just an internet meme. It was a very real network of influential Latter-day Saints whose connections reached into the worlds of Howard Hughes, Las Vegas, the CIA, Watergate, and American politics.Drawing on his own family's remarkable firsthand experiences, Jim separates myth from history, explaining how his father became entangled in the Howard Hughes empire and why that bizarre chapter of American history continues to fuel conspiracy theories decades later.

Send us Fan MailDavid O. McKay remains one of the most beloved—and influential—presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But how well do we really know the man behind the carefully curated public image?In this special one-on-one episode, Jim Bennett sits down with acclaimed historian Greg Prince, author of the landmark biography David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism, for an in-depth conversation about President McKay's life, leadership, and legacy.

Send us Fan MailIs America really "a choice land above all others" — or has that idea become a barrier to the church's future? In this episode of Inside Out, Jim Bennett and Ian Wilkes welcome back Greg Prince to dig into the doctrine of the promised land and what it would actually take for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to become a truly international church.

Send us Fan MailWhen President Dallin H. Oaks recently reaffirmed that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the "only true and living church," it sparked a fresh round of discussion among members and former members alike. What does that claim actually mean? And how should Latter-day Saints understand it in today's religious landscape?Ian and Jim welcome back historian Greg Prince for a thoughtful conversation about President Oaks' remarks and the broader implications of exclusivity claims in religion. Together they explore what it means to possess "the fullness of the gospel," how priesthood authority and a testimony of Christ fit into the Church's identity, and whether the Church's greatest strength lies in what it proclaims—or in what it demonstrates through the way it treats people.

Send us Fan MailIs there a growing divide between the Trump administration and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?In this episode of Inside Out, Ian, Jim, and historian Greg Prince examine a recent Religion News Service article by Jana Riess arguing that the Church is quietly distancing itself from the MAGA movement—not through public denunciations, but through its actions.The conversation explores the Church's expanding humanitarian efforts, its relationship with the U.S. Constitution, the influence of partisan politics on Latter-day Saints, and whether Church leaders have a responsibility to speak more directly about moral issues in the public square.

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when faith becomes painful—but you still want to stay?In this episode of Inside Out, Jim Bennett and Ian Wilks welcome author, speaker, and host of the Listen, Learn & Love podcast Richard Ostler for a candid conversation about belonging, compassion, and the power of creating space for people whose experiences don't fit neatly into traditional expectations.Richard shares insights from years of listening to and supporting Latter-day Saints navigating faith crises, questions about church teachings, LGBTQ experiences, and complex family relationships. Together, the hosts and Richard explore what it means to lead with empathy rather than judgment, how authentic listening can build bridges across deep differences, and why creating a sense of belonging matters more than winning arguments.

Send us Fan MailFor more than two years, the small town of Fairview, Texas has been at the center of one of the most closely watched temple disputes in recent Latter-day Saint history.What began as a proposal for a new LDS temple quickly grew into a controversy over steeple height, zoning laws, religious freedom, local governance, and what it means to be a good neighbor.In this episode of Inside Out, Ian and Jim sit down with Fairview Mayor Dr. John Hubbard for an in-depth conversation about the conflict, the city's perspective, and the path that led from a denied permit to a controversial compromise.

Send us Fan MailIan and Jim sit down with renowned British investigative journalist John Sweeney, whose career has taken him from war zones and authoritarian regimes to some of the world's most controversial religious movements.John discusses his acclaimed BBC documentary The Mormon Candidate, produced during Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign, and reflects on his now-infamous interview with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. He shares behind-the-scenes insights into what happened before, during, and after the interview, how the Church responded, and how his views of Latter-day Saints evolved through the process.

Send us Fan MailIan sits down with Jeff Strong, author of the groundbreaking book Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What Can We Learn from Them?Drawing on research involving more than 20,000 current and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jeff explores one of the most important and emotionally charged questions facing faith communities today: Why are so many people stepping away from organized religion, and what can those who stay learn from their experiences?

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really mean to claim to be "the only true and living church on the face of the earth"? In this episode of Inside Out, Ian and Jim sit down with returning guest Greg Prince to wrestle with one of the boldest claims in Latter-day Saint theology — and the exclusive priesthood authority that underpins it.

Send us Fan MailIan, Jim, and historian Greg Prince explore the controversial history of the Nauvoo Expositor and its lasting implications for honesty, institutional transparency, and the modern LDS Church. The discussion begins with a review of the Church’s official explanation for the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor printing press in 1844 and whether Joseph Smith’s actions as mayor of Nauvoo were legally or morally justified. Greg Prince argues that the expositor’s accusations—including plural marriage, theocratic leadership, secrecy, and theological innovation—were largely true, which made the publication uniquely threatening to Joseph Smith and the Church. The hosts discuss how the destruction of the press directly contributed to the events leading to Joseph Smith’s death at Carthage Jail.

Send us Fan MailIan and Jim welcome back historian and author Greg Prince for a deep dive into one of the most controversial topics in Latter-day Saint history: the multiple accounts of Joseph Smith’s First Vision.Together, they explore the historical record surrounding the First Vision, including the differences between Joseph Smith’s 1832, 1835, and 1838 accounts, the evolution of LDS teachings about the nature of God, and why the First Vision was largely absent from early missionary work and Church discourse for decades. Greg lays out the historical facts that have caused many members to struggle with faith, while Jim and Ian wrestle openly with what those facts mean spiritually, historically, and personally.

Send us Fan MailIan, Jim, and returning guest Greg Prince tackle one of the most urgent and sensitive issues facing the Latter-day Saint community today: faith crisis.Drawing on new research, personal experience, and candid discussion, the trio explores why so many members step away from the Church—and why common assumptions about sin, offense, or weakness often miss the mark. They examine the real drivers behind disaffiliation, including doctrinal concerns, historical questions, and a growing sense that the Church no longer resonates as it once did.

Send us Fan MailIan and Jim explore a “tale of the unexpected” that turns out to be far more universal than dramatic.Jim shares the story of how he ended up serving a mission—not through a sudden, life-altering conversion, but through a lifetime of quieter spiritual experiences he once felt weren’t “enough.” Along the way, he opens up about growing up as an outsider, navigating identity across different social worlds, and the pressure to make his story more compelling—even to himself.Through a pivotal moment on his mission, Jim realizes that the story he’s been telling isn’t true—and that the real story, the honest one, is far more meaningful.

Send us Fan MailIn this livestream, Ian and Jim are joined once again by historian and author Greg Prince for a candid, unfiltered conversation on one of the most talked-about developments in the Latter-day Saint world: the Church’s lawsuit against John Dehlin and Mormon Stories.The conversation also touches on broader themes, including the “Streisand Effect,” the challenges of faith transitions, and the need for open, respectful dialogue—both inside and outside the Church.In the final segment, the hosts briefly react to newly announced Young Women class names, raising questions about messaging, symbolism, and gender equity in Church programs.

Send us Fan MailIan shares one of the most disturbing—and unforgettable—experiences from his mission in Scotland.What begins as a routine visit with a potential convert quickly turns into something far stranger. A blessing. A voice that isn’t hers. A sudden, violent shift. And a moment that leaves two young missionaries questioning everything they thought they understood about faith, the supernatural, and the human mind.Jim responds with a story of his own—one that once felt like a clear case of spiritual possession, but now raises deeper questions about mental health, belief, and interpretation.

Send us Fan MailIan and Jim are joined by returning guest Greg Prince to explore his updated Roadmap 2.0 for improving Mormonism. Building on earlier discussions, the conversation dives deeply into one central question: Is the Church still relevant in today’s world—and if so, how?

Send us Fan MailIan and Jim are joined once again by returning guest Greg Prince to explore the evolution of his influential “Roadmap” for improving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Building on more than 20 prior conversations, Greg introduces Roadmap 2.0—a significantly expanded and refined version of his original work. Drawing on decades of research, personal experience, and deep reflection, Greg explains how the new roadmap goes beyond diagnosis to offer concrete, thoughtful solutions to some of the Church’s most pressing challenges.

Send us Fan MailIan and Jim reunite for a wide-ranging, candid conversation sparked by a recent Church policy change allowing women to serve as ward Sunday School presidents.What begins as a discussion of a seemingly small shift quickly expands into a deeper exploration of authority, gender roles, and the nature of change within the Church. Jim and Ian examine whether this move represents meaningful progress or merely a symbolic “crack in the dam”—and what it might signal for the future.

Send us Fan MailThis is audio from a livestream discussion that took place on March 10, 2026. You can watch the original video here. Ian and Jim are joined once again by historian and author Greg Prince for a candid discussion on one of the most difficult and urgent issues facing the Church today: abuse, accountability, and institutional responsibility.Framed as “encouragement, not criticism,” Greg shares insights from his proposed roadmap for improving Mormonism—focusing on how the Church can better protect vulnerable individuals and confront systemic shortcomings. The conversation is sparked by recent headlines and expands into a broader examination of clergy abuse, legal structures, and the role of Church leadership.

Send us Fan MailIan and Jim welcome returning guest Michelle Brady Stone, along with historian Cheryl Bruno, co-founders of the Journal of Mormon Polygamy. Together, they explore the complex and often controversial history of polygamy in the early Church through the lens of scholarship, not soundbites.

Send us Fan MailIan and Jim welcome a longtime friend and Ian's former missionary companion, Byron Casper—the son of legendary golfer Billy Casper. Byron shares what it was like growing up in the shadow of one of golf’s greatest champions, rebelling as a teenager, and eventually serving a mission in Scotland despite feeling completely unprepared for it. His story includes everything from PGA Tour life to culture shock in Aberdeen, a fiery missionary companionship with Ian, and a transformative final month serving among the poverty of Glasgow’s Easterhouse. Along the way, the conversation is packed with unforgettable stories—mission legends, clashes of personality, encounters with witches in Scotland, a surreal moment in a bathroom with golf icon Jack Nicklaus, and Byron’s journey back into the professional golf world after his mission.

Send us Fan Mail Ian and Jim sit down with listener Chris Robinson to discuss faith, shame, addiction, and the long road toward self-acceptance.Chris shares his deeply personal story growing up in the Church, serving a mission, and quietly battling a pornography addiction that filled his life with secrecy, guilt, and spiritual turmoil. Chris’s courage in sharing his story opens an honest conversation about topics that are often avoided but desperately needed.

Send us Fan MailIn this deeply personal episode, Ian shares a story he’s never told publicly before about an experience that changed his life forever.Jim responds with a powerful mission story of his own, and together they reflect on what these sacred moments mean — inside faith, outside faith, and beyond religious boundaries. Does God show up only within organized religion? Or is divine love universal and available to everyone?

Send us Fan MailThis is the audio version of a live discussion with Greg Prince that took place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.Greg Prince’s Roadmap for Improving Mormonism outlines how essential it is for the Church to adopt a positive philosophy of sex as it deals with the realities and the challenges of the modern world. You can watch the video on YouTube by clicking here. 

Send us Fan MailHow much do we really know? And how much should we claim to know?Ian, Jim, and historian Greg Prince explore the role of mystery in faith. Beginning with a fascinating story about President David O. McKay’s reluctance to “paint Christ,” the conversation unfolds into a wide-ranging discussion about doctrine, certainty, humility, science, temple symbolism, and the danger of claiming too many answers.

Send us Fan MailIan shares a spontaneous with two young missionaries in a shopping mall — a conversation that quickly moved from small talk to polygamy, race and the priesthood, prophetic fallibility, and moral obedience.What happens when one missionary says he would follow the prophet “even if it was wrong,” and his companion quietly says he wouldn’t?Then the discussion turns to the recent calling of Elder Clark G. Gilbert as an apostle — a decision that has sparked both support and backlash. Is this a missed opportunity for broader representation? A signal of retrenchment? A strategic move by President Oaks? What does it mean to sustain a leader you don’t necessarily agree with?

Send us Fan MailWe're going to be one of the first podcasts out of the gate to discuss President Oaks's debut address as President of the Church, which he gave today at BYU! Come be part of the discussion - it starts at 7:00 PM, about an hour from now!Click here or visit https://www.youtube.com/live/yCpgfxzximk?si=RrZBJySGSaH3qjxz

Send us Fan MailIan and Jim welcome historian and author Greg Prince back to the podcast for a searching, urgent conversation about moral authority in the public square—and the growing silence of religious institutions at a moment of profound civic and ethical crisis.

Send us Fan MailIan and Jim sit down for a one-on-one conversation to examine recent remarks by Elder Ronald A. Rasband about missionary work, church growth, and the “hastening” of the Lord’s work.Taking a close look at six “false narratives” Elder Rasband says need debunking, Jim and Ian explore what church growth really means—and how it’s measured. They discuss missionary numbers, retention rates, regional differences, and why broad claims often lack the hard data needed to evaluate them honestly.

Send us Fan MailIan and Jim are joined once again by historian and scholar Greg Prince to explore one of the most neglected and sensitive issues in modern Mormonism: disability. Drawing from Greg’s unpublished “roadmap” for institutional reform—and from deeply personal experience as the parent of an autistic adult—the conversation examines how church culture, doctrine, and silence have shaped the lived experiences of people with disabilities and their families.Together, Greg, Jim, and Ian unpack harmful theological assumptions, patronizing narratives, and the human tendency to seek tidy answers for suffering. The discussion ranges from autism and physical disability to broader parallels with race, gender, and LGBTQ issues in the Church. At its heart, this episode is a call for humility, compassion, and honesty—centered on two simple principles: don’t judge, and ask how you can help.

Send us Fan MailIan and Jim are joined once again by historian and author Greg Prince to discuss the Church’s long-standing “us versus them” mindset — how it shaped missionary culture, theological certainty, and member identity, and how it continues to affect relationships with other faiths, former members, and the wider world. 

Send us Fan MailRichard Lyman Bushman, one of the most influential historians of Joseph Smith and early Mormonism, returns to Inside Out for a candid conversation about faith, doubt, and the complicated relationship between spiritual conviction and institutional history.

Send us Fan MailIn this New Year episode of Inside Out, Ian and Jim welcome back historian and scholar Greg Prince for a wide-ranging conversation centered on the recent passing of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and what his funeral revealed about the Church’s leadership transition and future direction.

Send us Fan MailIan and Jim welcome back renowned Mormon historian and author Greg Prince for a thoughtful, eye-opening conversation about one of the most debated elements of modern Mormon culture: the Word of Wisdom. Together, they examine how a revelation originally given “not by commandment or constraint” became a central loyalty marker for temple worthiness—and why the Church’s modern enforcement looks very different from the actual text of Doctrine & Covenants 89. 

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really mean to be a Christian - or a Mormon - today?Ian and Jim are once again joined by historian Greg Prince and author and former bishop Ganesh Cherian for an honest, unscripted conversation about faith, loyalty, identity, and the future of Mormonism.

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when conscience collides with institution—and peace, not anger, is the result?Ian and Jim sit down with Karen Hyatt, a lifelong Latter-day Saint whose deep devotion to Christ led her to one of the most controversial conclusions in modern Mormon discourse: that Joseph Smith was not a polygamist—and that the historical record has been profoundly misrepresented.Karen shares her faith journey as a convert, missionary, wife, and researcher, culminating in her two-hour documentary Woe Unto You Scribes, which compiles primary documents from the Joseph Smith Papers and other contemporary sources. What follows is not a story of bitterness or rebellion—but of calm conviction, spiritual clarity, and integrity.

Send us Fan MailJim and Ian sit down with Pat Boisselle — an old friend of Ian's whose life in Mormonism was defined by devotion, service, and sincerity. For decades, Pat was the kind of Latter-day Saint who quietly strengthened his community: a devoted husband, a dedicated missionary, a compassionate servant, and someone known for going above and beyond without seeking recognition.But in recent years, Pat’s faith was shaken by troubling questions, institutional decisions, and personal experiences that made him reevaluate the church he once gave everything to. It’s the heartfelt account of a good man seeking truth, wrestling with loss, and choosing integrity even when it hurts.

Send us Fan MailJoin us at https://www.buzzsprout.com/673495/episodes/18289328

Send us Fan MailIan and Jim welcome back a favorite guest: Nemo the Mormon, joining Inside Out from the UK for a deep-dive conversation about one of the most defining—and difficult—topics in Latter-day Saint culture: fallibility vs. infallibility in the Church.Using a homemade “Infallibility Meter” (complete with sound effects and a cardboard spinner), the three tackle several big topics at random—each framed around the question: What does the Church get right, and where does human fallibility show through?

Send us Fan MailIan and Jim welcome back historian and author Greg Prince for a deep dive into one of the most sensitive and consequential themes in Greg’s “Roadmap for Improving Mormonism”: gerontocracy—a system of governance led by the very old—and how it shapes the culture, leadership, and future of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Send us Fan MailIn one of our most anticipated conversations to date, Inside Out welcomes the remarkable Sandra Tanner — writer, historian, researcher, and the great-great-granddaughter of Brigham Young. For more than sixty years, Sandra and her late husband Jerald Tanner have been at the forefront of documenting and analyzing the origins, doctrines, and historical claims of the LDS Church. Their work has influenced generations of scholars, members, and truth-seekers across the faith spectrum.In this candid, wide-ranging interview, Sandra recounts her journey from faithful Latter-day Saint to one of the most influential critical voices in modern Mormon history.

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a faith community quietly backs away from a doctrine without ever really owning the fallout? In this episode, historian and author Greg Prince returns to talk about the long shadow of Mormon polygamy - not just in the 19th century, but in the lived experience of Latter-day Saints today.

Send us Fan Mail

Send us Fan MailIan and Jim sit down with Jordan Broadbent, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Head of Humanitarian Efforts for Europe. From his early faith journey in England to his transformative shift from the corporate world into humanitarian service, Jordan shares the experiences and convictions that led him to dedicate his life to helping others.

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a Latter-day Saint bishop begins to ask deeper questions about faith, purpose, and the nature of God? In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Ian and Jim sit down with Stephen Hunter — former political lobbyist, bishop, and now Orthodox Christian — to explore his remarkable spiritual journey.

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when faith, psychology, and the power of influence collide? In this extraordinary episode, Jim and Ian welcome Dr. Steven Hassan, one of the world’s foremost experts on cult dynamics, undue influence, and mind control. A former member of the Unification Church (“Moonies”) who has spent nearly fifty years helping people recover from coercive systems, Dr. Hassan brings deep insight and compassion to the conversation.

Send us Fan MailIn this post–General Conference discussion, Ian and Jim welcome back historian and author Greg Prince for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about what just unfolded during the Church’s apostolic interregnum since President Nelson’s passing.

Send us Fan MailOur second livestream! We'll be recapping General Conference and hopefully taking questions from you guys!Click here for the link to tonight's livestream at 8:00 PM MDT, or use the URL belowhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zpm9vr8lW0A

Send us Fan MailIan and Jim welcome back historian and author Greg Prince for a wide-ranging and timely conversation about the tragic attack on a Michigan Latter-day Saint congregation, the passing of President Russell M. Nelson, and the future of President Dallin H. Oaks. Together, they wrestle with questions of faith, politics, and identity, asking whether the church can rise to meet this moment of polarization with clarity and courage.