Listen, Learn & Love Hosted by Richard Ostler

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Welcome to our podcast! My name is Richard H. Ostler and I am a native of Salt Lake City, small business owner, married father of six with several grandchildren. I believe in and am deeply committed to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and want it to work for a wider group.I am the author of three books: “Listen Learn and Love: Embracing LGBTQ Latter-day Saints” published in 2020 available at Deseret Book (deseretbook.com/product/5248297.html) and Amazon (amazon.com/dp/1462135773) “Listen Learn and Love: Improving Latter-day Saint Culture” published in 2022. The book explores who we can do better to help all Latter-day Saints feel more welcome, needed and a feeling of belonging in our congregations. Available at Deseret Book (deseretbook.com/product/6003149.html) and Amazon (amazon.com/dp/1462139566)“Listen Learn and Love: Building the Good Ship Zion” released in Sept 2023. The book explores additional topics to help all Latter-day Saint feel welcome and needed on the Good Ship Zion. Available at Deseret Book (deseretbook.com/product/6026921.html) and Amazon (amazon.com/dp/1462145280)The purpose of all three books is to help us better create Zion by helping more feel welcome, a sense of belonging, and needed in our congregations. Proceed from the books go the Stockton Power Memorial Scholarship (www.standingforstockton.com) in honor of Stockton Powers a gay Latter-day Saint teenager who died of suicide in 2016. Everything I do is a self-funded labor of love ❤️I am the author of two Ensign articles:‘How the Savior’s Healing Power Applies to Repenting from Sexual Sin’ (August 2020/YSA Digital Only) www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/08/young-adults/how-the-saviors-healing-power-applies-to-repenting-from-sexual-sin ‘7 Tips for Overcoming Pornography Use’ (October, page 72) www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/10/young-adults/7-tips-for-overcoming-pornography-use. This podcast is designed to discuss some more complicated issues in our church to help all of us better “listen, learn and love” so we can minister in a more effective way to all of our Heavenly Parents’ children.Podcasts are indexed by category at listenlearnandlove.org/podcastsThank you for joining us. You can't donate to this podcast. There are no sponsors. But you can leave a review/rate the podcast on the platform you are listening and/or leave a review at Deseret Book/Amazon on my books.With love, Richard 'Papa' Ostler ❤Twitter: twitter.com/Papa_OstlerIG: www.instagram.com/papa_ostlerFacebook: facebook.com/richard.ostler.5E-mail: richard@ostlergroup.com

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • marticita
    McKay Mayes episode
    I’m convinced that I was led by the spirit to listen to this episode with McKay. It was exactly what I needed to hear this week. He very articulately put into words the things that have been in my heart. So grateful for your courage and vulnerability in sharing your message. You’ve made a lasting impression in my life.
  • klinebch
    I really love these guests
    Thank you Richard for taking the effort to do this. It’s been so helpful for me as I navigate LGBTQ and the Latter-day Saint faith for my family. Bless you.
  • joesharppy
    Love
    This podcast is super helpful and understanding to all. Richard has on amazing guest with great stories. He has amazing empathy and listening skills. This podcast will continue to impact many lives!
  • Benatticus41
    Lots of Listening, Learning, and Loving
    I love this podcast. Listening to people’s stories helps me to Learn to see them as people to be Loved, not as problems to be fixed. Hearing other people’s stories also helps me to understand myself better, and to feel more connected and less alone. That’s so important to me as a queer Latter-day Saint
  • WhitRyKrieZeKai1718
    Episode 784
    Dear Heather- I am so sorry this happened to you. Thank you for your vulnerability in sharing your letter. That was so impactful to me. I am not a survivor of assault from Dr. David Broadbent, but we share a similar story of survival. Keep going. I see you. #metoo
  • Atbsahr
    Love this!
    Such a beautiful podcast! Thank you to Richard and all of his wonderful guest for teaching me more about empathy and love.
  • Poofy Roo
    Essential listening
    This podcast has been life-changing for me. I so appreciate Richard’s ministry to spread understanding and love. This is essential listening for Latter-day Saints.
  • NateJones
    Extremely helpful podcast
    Richard Ostler is extremely compassionate and skilled at helping people navigate accepting the LGBTQ within a religious framework. Whether you are Mormon, Christian, Muslim, Jewish or any other Faith, and not sure how to accept a family member or friend for being gay, non-binary, trans, etc., this will surely help you walk that tricky path.
  • Original Recipe
    Doctrinally Unsound
    This podcast uses the Christlike principle of loving all sinners as a Trojan-horse to embracing ideas that are contrary to the Proclamation on the Family and God’s statements regarding gender. This podcast is a masterclass in deception. The host and his guests use the phrase “coming out as gay” to describe same-sex attraction as though God would give his children something that would restrict their agency. This is contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it doesn’t matter how popular the idea is, God won’t interfere with agency. We must all choose to live with God and He will never give us a genetic tendency that will interfere with our agency, no matter how much you want it to be so.
  • Enderwiggn
    A miracle of a podcast
    So thankful for the influence this podcast has had over my life. This is a work of absolute love, and it shows. Richard Ostler is an amazing host who loves The Lord and knows all about hastening the work!
  • You’ll never guess.
    Just thanks
    This is my favorite and first podcast I’ve ever listened to. My dad was on episode 676, I am his youngest. And I came out as nonbinary about a month after that episode was released. I’ve listened to a whole bunch of episodes from this and it has given me hope for the future.
  • DrJSK
    There is room for everyone
    I love getting to here others stories of navigating their faith and sexuality. Richard thank you for showing so many diverse diverse and for sharing them with love Amber respect for every unique journey!
  • Brendananant
    Loving as Jesus Does
    This podcast is amazing!! I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to share my story of being a gay member of the church and testify of Christ!! I know that as we listen to, learn from, and love people, we are doing what Jesus does! -Brenden Krogh
  • Another LDS Listener
    A great show for building understanding!
    This series has been so helpful for me to hear others’ diverse experiences and has increased my understanding of others, and myself, in the process! I highly recommend this podcast!!
  • Just another antelope
    Everyone has a story that matters
    I love this podcast. We will change the world as we listen to each other. God bless all of our LGBTQ+ siblings as they share their experiences here.
  • cjwilson1952
    Lauren Harrigian
    Is still a biological male. Let’s get real.
  • Camille McC
    So much insight
    This podcast has made me a more compassionate person. It has broadened my perspective of the whole spectrum of difficulties that people face in this life and how we can support them.
  • UtahPodcastGuru
    Drifting
    I believe Richard’s heart is pure. I believe he sincerely loves people and loves the Lord. I sometimes wonder if he has drifted away from his support of the church without realizing it. I hope he doesn’t turn against it one day.
  • Jr High Life
    Junior High Endorsed
    I have taught Gospel Doctrine for many years, covering the four standard works a few times each. This study has changed me, and made me feel like I’m learning for the first time. I appreciate the Church’s trust to encourage and support deep enriching study, and the many people who have made it easily accessible. This New Testament year, I especially was changed by the episode with the guest (I believe a philosopher) who powerfully held a light to the power of loving. As an aside, I am a licensed therapist and have provided mental health services in the junior high setting for 14 years, and smiled at Hank’s feelings on junior high. Great podcast. A weekly must!
  • MrsThree
    Highly recommend
    I’m so grateful to Richard “Papa” Ostler for all that he is doing to amplify marginalized voices, especially those in the LGBTQ+ space and their families. The intersection of faith and LGBTQ+ is not an easy space to occupy, but folks like brother Ostler make it a safer and softer place to land. This podcast gives me hope. Highly recommend.
  • Sean Stansberry
    Inspiring and Uplifting
    Richard Ostler aka Papa Ostler is such a great man that really understands where our LGBT Brothers and Sisters stand in the church. I had a great opportunity to be able to be on one of his podcast episode to discuss my conversion story and also to share my story of being SSA in the church and through the entire podcast that we recorded the spirit was present the whole time before, during, and after the podcast! I suggest that anyone that is struggling with being LGBT in the Lords church or anything related we have Papa Ostlers on our side. I hope one day the church will allow all marriages to be accepted to be sealed in the temple.
  • kristiishappy
    Great example of love
    I always feel uplifted after listening. I love hearing the stories of real people and their struggles and triumphs and everything in between. My mind has been opened. Richard is such a great example of showing love without judging. Thank you.
  • Jabbadatuba
    Great perseptives
    I love how Richard interacts with his guests and what he elicits from them. His guests are always interesting and engaging but Richard has a way of drawing people out and helping to make their stories that much more compelling and applicable.
  • Teetah87
    Such a great place to hear others stories and recognize our need to love and support each other
    Richard is a terrific host and has done an excellent job gathering a wide variety of voices and making this podcast a safe space. There aren’t many of those out there for gay men and I’m so grateful to learn from my band of brothers (and sisters) in Christ. Thank you for the great work you’re doing Richard!
  • tcarson73
    Thank you Richard!
    Richards’s podcast brings hope and light that helps us be unified in Christlike love. Thank you for making a safe space to share stories and learn from each other.
  • karenraf
    Continuing to listen, learn snd love
    Richard Ostler’s books are great. The podcasts are additional great resources for those in the LGBTQ+ community, their families and allies, and those who want to learn more in order to support these children of our Heavenly Father. You will find much to contemplate on being of one heart and one mind and becoming a Zion people.
  • AllenAd2020
    Confusing
    Richard Ostler tries to understand the LGBTQ community but at the same time panders to his audience. This podcast unfortunately will give people the impression that the Church will some day change its doctrine on sexuality. Richard is a great example of someone who is trying to help but at the same time condoning actions that are contrary to Christ’s teachings.
  • Readin' mama
    Must-listen podcast!
    I wish I could adequately express what listening to the people interviewed on this show, and to Richard, has done for my growth, understanding, and capacity to love and accept. Many episodes have answered my prayers, or have taught me something I didn’t realize I needed to learn. I cannot thank Richard enough for helping us all to Listen, Learn, and Love.
  • Mav-G4580
    Podcast is Helpful
    Everyone’s journey is sacred. Thanks for sharing these and helping others be heard and seen.
  • hfl8
    Fantastic Podcast
    This podcast does exactly what it says. You are invited to Listen, Learn and Love people from so many different backgrounds and life experiences. I never feel a sense of shame or guilt for not doing or saying or thinking a certain way. I feel invited to see people in their unique wholeness and I feel welcomed and encouraged as I try to love better.
  • katiemg6
    Open mind, open heart
    I love this podcast! I learn something from every episode I listen to. Richard Ostler’s compassionate interview style helps to highlight the goodness and humanity in every individual he highlights. He is doing God’s work, opening hearts and minds and helping us to walk in another’s shoes. Thank you for this special, needed way of ministering to all of God’s children.
  • bericjohnson
    Fantastic!
    Richard Ostler‘s podcast has given me much greater understanding and compassion for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters and for others with unique challenges. The frequency of episodes is also awesome!
  • lakelife4
    Validating
    I love how you really do take the time to listen and let people share their stories and then you validate their experience. Just giving people that opportunity allows them to heal. Well done.
  • Joshua Sykes =]
    #Grateful
    Grateful for this podcast. It’s title is spot on, plenty of #listening, #learning, and #loving. Directed at an audience of Latter-day Saints or anyone who wants to live like Jesus did.
  • smashinash17
    Love!
    I’m learning so much and I’m so grateful for this podcast. I’m so impressed with Richard Ostler’s technique as he interviews the guests. I appreciate that he never tries to finish the guest’s sentences or put words in their mouths He just has a gift for holding space for people and it’s really beautiful to witness. I’m truly grateful for this podcast and those who courageously share their story.
  • Bcasus
    A Choice?
    Episode 573 - interesting story. I think Kory is being disingenuous when he speaks about making a choice. It’s clear that he has decided there was only one “right”choice he believes is ordained by Heavenly Father. He still doesn’t allow that he could have chosen differently and still be loved and approved of. It’s not a true choice if you are manipulating vulnerable people to choose a life that makes you feel more comfortable, rather than allowing they can truly choose freely how to live their life.
  • Devoney P
    Love the Focus!
    This episode touches my heart every time I listen to it. I love Richard Ostler’s mission to listen to, learn from, and love everyone. His special cause to embrace LGBTQ+ members of the church especially touches my heart for personal reasons. Thank you, Richard, and guests!
  • kleinrn
    Increased my perspective tremendously!
    I really enjoyed this podcast. I’m so glad found this podcast, and have referred others to it. I have children who are not active currently, some of their reasons are addressed here, and I didn’t have the knowledge or experience to guide them through their challenges in a way that was meaningful to them. So many of the guests are so relatable and likable and makes their lifestyle so much more real for me in my life. I’ve getting a greater appreciation and understanding of how we can be of assistance to them and being an example for others of true and unconditional love towards all of heavenly fathers children.
  • K.M. Ellis
    So helpful
    Hearing these stories helps me be a better Christian. Thank you Brother Ostler for the time you spend finding the right guests & bringing their stories out so well.
  • Jonny558
    True to the Name
    I’ve grown to admire Richard Ostler and the mission of this podcast. He provides a space for marginalized parole to share their experiences without judgement. Richard sets a great example of how to listen, learn, and love.
  • 489Robinson
    Great Guests
    I have really enjoyed the guests and their stories. I like Papa’s calm demeanor, however at times it seems a little too calm and can almost put me to sleep when he talks.
  • Tovebrock
    Uplifting Podcast
    I become a better person by listening to this podcast. My heart seems to grow and make room for loving more and loving better. I’m grateful for Char Ahlstrom sharing her journey. I was really touched by it. Thank you!
  • Nancy W.S.
    Improving lives
    Richard’s podcast has been such a safe space to go to listen about the challenges many people face that, in the past, weren’t really talked about. It is refreshing to be able to really listen, learn and move forward in better ways to love those around us who may be in spaces that we are not familiar with, reaching out our hand of Christ-like love and inclusiveness.
  • jaciwightman
    SO IMPORTANT! 🙏💗
    In this podcast, Richard Ostler is doing an incredibly important work in helping us see how we can shift LDS culture for the better while still retaining respect for the doctrine. I’m having conversations with so many friends and family on this lately, and I’ve been recommending this podcast again and again. Take a minute to listen - it will change you. 💗💗💗
  • jessicastacey12
    Beautiful!
    Thank you! This podcast has opened my mind and heart. I love how Richard tells his guests to “keep talking” and “tell me more.” I wish people would listen to me this way. As a very nuanced member of the church who has taken a step back from regular attendance, I often feel misunderstood and it’s easy to feel like people are afraid of what I have to say. Listen, learn and love is a beautiful model of what love in real life looks like. I want to listen and learn from all the voices in this way. I want them to feel like they can keep talking and I’ll keep listening and loving no matter our differences or disagreements. I’ll walk with you, I’ll talk with you, that’s how I’ll show my love for you! Thanks Richard, for being such a wonderful example and a safe place for me and so many others.
  • Gogabla
    Used to be good
    I used to really love this podcast. The last few times I’ve tried to listen, I can’t maintain my interest because Bro Ostler’s interview style has become lazy (I know that’s not charitable, but I’m not sure how else to describe it). He just says, “Talk to us.” “Just keep talking.” If you, as the interviewer, don’t have any questions why should I? Puts too much burden on the interviewee, and it now feels like people just come on and read essays, which makes for poor podcasting. I think this new style is “too humble.” I wish Bro. Ostler would come prepared with questions to keep us and his guests in a dialogue (if only vicariously).
  • 30allright
    Episode 44 Early Return Missionaries
    How tragic that the Lord’s true church has so many judges. This episode grieved me. I would love it if my son who left the church at 18 had served a service mission in Palmyra and had prayed in the Sacred Grove. Who do we think we are that we think someone owes us an explanation? We need to check our own houses. Have we become such busy bodies. We peck away at our brethren like the siblings of the ugly duckling. Richard your voice is very soft and I’m wondering if you can turn up the volume on your microphone? Guests are mostly loud enough except if their connection isn’t very clear.
  • Tlou60
    For everyone!
    I LOVE this podcast! Has helped me to better understand my fellow brothers & sisters and their struggles, burdens and perspectives. For anyone wanting to be better at leaning in and loving others unconditionally. So grateful to Richard and all who participate for helping me to see things from a perspective other than my own.
  • PoetryRules
    So insightful
    This podcast has helped me to listen, better understand, and empathize with others.
  • TannerJMusic
    Truly Inspiring
    This podcast is so amazing and has played a crucial role in my personal life. As I listen to these inspiring stories from such brave people, I learn a lot from their experiences and I’m slowly starting to learn to love and accept myself for who I am—something which has been very hard for me to do for several years. Listening to this podcast also serves as an inspiration for me to try and connect with more people and help them with their needs. Richard and his guests are stellar examples of love, kindness, and understanding, and I believe anyone in the world can benefit from listening to these stories no matter their identity is. Thank you Richard for everything you do!
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