Meeting John Larsen

[_Craig Paxton]

I can’t even recall when I first learned of John Larsen’s existence. But as an active poster in exmormon discussion boards over the past 10 years I’ve always been fascinated by the back stories of the people who post anonymously or in real life (in real life)….who we are, what our experiences were in the church, our seeds of doubt, our struggles within Mormonism and ultimately what caused us to finally ask that all important question…”what if it’s not what it claims to be”. At some point I became aware of John through his posting on various boards…he seemed to understand the struggles and challenges those of us who have come to the realization that the church is not what it claims to be deal with on a daily basis.

During my early search for trying to understand how to navigate this new exmo life I reached out to various groups and individuals…My encounters have been a who’s who of the exmormon world. I’ve had lunch with Mike Norton, Breakfast with Tal Bachman, dinner with some Exmormon Conference attendees, which included some regular posters on Mormon Discussions ( You know who you are…wink wink). I’ve even gone to the NOM Gateway lunch group and dined with the current administrator of the NOM message board, Thayne and some other NOM friends…but meeting John seemed to be more elusive. It wasn’t that he wasn’t out there making himself unavailable to those seeking community. John was being just the opposite by offering friendship and community to those struggling to understand our new worldview.

John first popped onto my radar screen when I first saw him post about holding gatherings for fellow Northern Utahans in the Davis County area, but due to conflicts with my schedule I was never able to attend. Silently I was envious of those who would return and report of being able to meet with fellow non-believers and the enjoyment they would experience of being around others who “got it”. I longed to experience this as well.

Then John and Zilpha began their podcast, “Mormon Expressions” I quickly became an avid listener, downloading and listening to each broadcast for listening during my daily workout. I rapidly became a fan.

John was blessed with a keen mind, a sharp wit, a clever eye for detail and the uncanny ability to deconstruct the various pieces of Mormonism and then articulate them to his podcast audience in such a clear understandable and entertaining manner…I looked forward to each and every podcast release.

Since those early exmormon years…when I struggled for community with other similarly minded individuals to commiserate with and had the need to know that I wasn’t crazy, I’ve grown. Looking back I can see just how much I’ve grown, just how far my recovery from Mormonism has progressed, just how more sure and confident I am in my life journey. While I still enjoy the occasional visit with those who have left, still enjoy hearing a good exit story and still listen to various exmormon themed podcasts…I am no longer that infant in need of support to stand strong in a Post Mormon world.

But still lingering was the reality that my post Mormon Bucket List was still not complete…I had never met John Larsen. So I finally decided to check that item off my list.

Being an avid listener of the Mormon Expressions podcast, I knew that the podcast had moved to a new broadcasting location on 8th South in downtown Salt Lake and that the show invited listeners to attend the production at a live broadcast. So yesterday I said to myself, what the hell, I think I’m going to go. Driving through this transitioning part of Salt Lake with its mix of industrial buildings and smart apartment buildings that cater to an artsy crowd…I was surprised at how difficult it was to actually find the broadcast location. Ok so I’ll admit I didn’t think that Whitefield’s would be in the new modern commercial building on the south side of 800 South…instead I focused my search to the decrepit buildings that cater to the trade and manufacturing industries on the north…when this failed to turned to the south side of the street. My search for the studio soon took me to the backside of the building holding “The Queen’s Tea Shop” where I finally found the Whitefield’s Studio.

As I approached the studio front I was pleased to see Thayne of NOM drive in and my awkwardness at being alone seemed to fade, I felt I would be among friends.

John was at the front of the studio in deep thought prepping for the theme du jour of the evening…a fun romp into the question of which church is more wacky, the Mormon’s or Jehovah’s Witnesses…I won’t spoil the fun by revealing the conclusion.

While I must admit that I have seen pictures of John throughout the years, he seemed much younger and trimmer than I had imagined. Having arrived early but not wanting to get in the way of his preparation, bided my time and waited until I felt I could finally introduce myself. After some hesitation, I mustered the courage and approached John. He was friendly, unassuming and very kind in his manner and greeting and immediately set me at ease. All in all it was a fun and enlightening evening…I highly recommend those that can…do likewise. John is a gifted, articulate, entertaining and yes some would say bombastic (I didn’t say that) spokesman for our community. Thanks John for all you do it was fun to finally meet you in person…

[_Stumpy Pepys]

Craig said: During my early search for trying to understand how to navigate this new exmo life I reached out to various groups and individuals…My encounters have been a who’s who of the exmormon world. I’ve had lunch with Mike Norton, Breakfast with Tal Bachman, dinner with some Exmormon Conference attendees, which included some regular posters on Mormon Discussions ( You know who you are…wink wink). I’ve even gone to the NOM Gateway lunch group and dined with the current administrator of the NOM...NOM…NOM...

(ellipses added for rhetorical convenience)

Proof that exmos leave the church simply so they can excuse themselves from sin... GLUTTONY!!!

[_Craig Paxton]

Craig said: During my early search for trying to understand how to navigate this new exmo life I reached out to various groups and individuals…My encounters have been a who’s who of the exmormon world. I’ve had lunch with Mike Norton, Breakfast with Tal Bachman, dinner with some Exmormon Conference attendees, which included some regular posters on Mormon Discussions ( You know who you are…wink wink). I’ve even gone to the NOM Gateway lunch group and dined with the current administrator of the NOM...NOM…NOM...

(ellipses added for rhetorical convenience)

Proof that exmos leave the church simply so they can excuse themselves from sin... GLUTTONY!!!

Ummm...ok...it was during this same time that I met with LDS GA's, stake presidents, FARMS apologists and BYU professors, several bishops too...

[_Stumpy Pepys]

Ummm...ok...it was during this same time that I met with LDS GA's, stake presidents, FARMS apologists and BYU professors, several bishops too...

there is a big difference. they are enjoying the economic and culinary blessings of their righteousness and creating jobs in the restaurant and grocery industy.

[_Stumpy Pepys]

seriously, didn't mean to derail your thread.

thanks for sharing that. i thought it was very cool.

[_EmilyAnn]

thanks for sharing that. i thought it was very cool.

I think it is very cool too!!

[_cwald]

Cool.