Interview with McKenna Denson, Part 1
AI-generated summary
This episode introduces McKenna Denson, a former LDS missionary whose interview centers on exposing concealed truths within Mormonism—a theme aligned with the Yeshuan emphasis on bringing hidden things to light rather than perpetuating institutional darkness. The theological framework mirrors the Yeshuan critique of religious systems that obscure reality through authority structures and doctrine.
The episode structure promises a comprehensive narrative arc: Denson's pre-mission faith journey, her MTC experience and mission service, her decision to publicly disclose previously private information, and her current activism. McCraney's approach emphasizes subjective personal experience and truth-telling over institutional loyalty—consistent with Yeshuan rejection of external religious authority in favor of authentic faith engagement.
Rather than doctrinal argument, the episode prioritizes testimony and transparency as theological witnesses against systemic religious deception, reflecting the Yeshuan conviction that authentic faith demands honest confrontation with institutional corruption.
Open Transcript
Show 48 - McKenna Denson: Part I
Introduction
Welcome. Introduction of McKenna.
Text message a few months ago from McKenna. It was regarding a mutual friend of ours, Kristy Johnson, who bravely shared the horrors of her life at the hands of her daughter as an active LDS girl. Since then, McKenna has made some real marks in the books of real Mormon revelations. No, she has not been looking in a hat – her revelations are based in revealing things – in bringing things to the light – instead of concealing them in darkness. And we are gonna talk all about them now.
Word Associations
Now, strange as this may sound, I’d like to start with some word associations if you will. I’ll say one word (two in one case) and you get no more than three words to summarize your thoughts on the word you hear. Ready?
Mormonism?
LDS Priesthood?
Sin?
Life?
Justice?
Repentance?
Robert Kirby?
Men?
Women?
McKenna?
God?
Thank you.
McKenna Denson's Story
McKenna Denson – let’s kick this exhaustive interview off with you and I just kicking back, taking a deep breath, and act like we are all alone, in a restaurant or bar, and I am learning all about you – the person – here in PART ONE or our first hour. I want to know about your family heritage, grandparents, parents, earliest memories, penchants and idiosyncrasies, genetic predispositions, thoughts about God and life and things like that – from a young girl all the way up to when you joined the LDS church, and then received your call to serve a mission. We will take a break then. And then come back to Part II.
From the Mission call to the MTC and that whole scene where, if you are willing, you’ll walk us through those events at period in your life. We’ll follow up from there to post-MTC mission life, and have you sort of summarize your life post-LDS Mission to your making the choice to go public with information you kept private for so many years. We’ll take another break and then part III will consist of you stepping forward and all that has happened from that point to today.
In Part Four, I want to work backward a bit and speak to things that have to do with you and your person today – and to hear your heart of hearts toward some of the particulars of your activism, life, and hopes.
We will then open the mic up to people who might have a question for you. Along the way through these four parts I will interject questions, comments or ask for clarifications that I hope will benefit our conversation.
So, McKenna – let’s talk sister.