We are back with Michele and Mike Seamons in part two of this interview with the “Idyllic” Mormon family. In part 2, they detail how their picture of the Mormon dream can come with plenty of challenges. They build and lose businesses, move across the country multiple times, and repeatedly find themselves rebuilding their lives. Through it all, they respond by doubling down on their commitment to Mormonism and church service. Mike eventually finds himself serving as a bishop, where the responsibilities of counseling members and conducting disciplinary councils begin to change how he sees church leadership. At the same time, Michele’s relationship with the church begins to shift as music and other Christian influences introduce her to a different way of thinking about God. As their family and church lives continue to evolve, Mike and Michele begin confronting questions that will eventually force them to reconsider what faith looks like to them. https://seekwonderway.substack.com This is a three part episode. You can find all three parts on our channel. Part 1: https://youtu.be/eM6gTSZ73nQ Part 2: https://youtu.be/xIteF8O1Clo Part 3: https://youtu.be/HKC_QF1Kmo4 Show notes can be found on the Mormon Stories blog here: https://www.mormonstories.org/idyllic-mormon-family/ Timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:11:06 - Meeting Michele in the MTC 00:16:41 - Writing each other letters 00:25:29 - Engagement 00:28:42 - Motorcycle accident 00:36:00 - Working together at the bakery 00:41:18 - Mike called as YM president 00:43:18 - Called to lead a Youth Conference 00:45:24 - Moving “off grid” 01:06:04 - Moved to California 01:14:19 - Building a new business 01:20:27 - Working for Microsoft 01:30:03 - Mike called as bishop 01:36:07 - Listening to mainstream Christian music 01:42:09 - “Evangelical Mormon” 01:47:45 - Released as bishop 01:51:54 - Called into Stake leadership callings 01:58:16 - Conclusion for part 2 ___________________ At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/join Our Platforms: 🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us: 📧 MormonStories@gmail.com 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117