BYU Professor Creates AI Deepfakes of Children - Mormon News 7.24.26 | Ep. 2175
Mormon Stories PodcastShow Notes
On today's episode of Mormon News, Nemo the Mormon and Meggan Hayes break down another busy week of headlines involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
We begin with new research identifying seven trends shaping the future of the LDS Church, including changing missionary priorities, evolving member behaviors, and what the data suggests about where Mormonism may be headed.
Next, we examine growing questions about whether the Church's rapid temple-building pace is outstripping its ability to staff those temples, as members continue raising concerns about volunteer shortages.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wUhf29KocOs
We'll also cover new developments in the Reese Riggin case, including newly released character letters submitted to the court, one of which was written by his LDS bishop, as prosecutors presented additional allegations while arguing he should remain in custody.
Links: https://theelectricgf.com/2026/07/08/judge-denies-bail-reduction-for-riggin-based-on-new-allegations/ https://www.tiktok.com/@krtvgreatfalls/video/7657320783747878175?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc https://floodlit.org/a/b753/
We'll also discuss allegations against an AI executive and BYU adjunct professor accused of creating deepfake images of friends and children, and what this case says about the growing risks of AI technology.
We'll also examine a widely shared faith-promoting miracle story involving Briel Adams-Wheatley and discuss some of the ethical questions surrounding how stories like these are presented and used.
Link: https://youtu.be/uZKXCiAarBs?si=vrli_sl3967u1Bcf
Finally, we wrap up with two stories out of Rexburg Idaho that say a lot about Mormon Culture.
Link: https://x.com/RealPlantBrah/status/2073394722219942098?s=20 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19G9xk7nbM/ ___________________
YouTube
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 Patreon Venmo PayPal
Our Platforms: 🌐Mormon Stories Blog 🎙️Patreon ✳️Spotify 🍎Apple Podcasts 🖼️Instagram 📱TikTok 🎮Discord
Contact us: 📧 [email protected] 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
More from Mormon Stories Podcast
In this episode of LDS Discussions on Mormon Stories, we examine the historical evidence surrounding Joseph Smith’s First Vision, focusing on the traditional 1820 date, the religious revivals in Palmyra, New York, and the timeline of events in the Smith family’s life. Although the First Vision is now central to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ foundational narrative, Joseph Smith did not produce his earliest written account describing his vision until 1832.
What happens when a church’s teachings about gender conflict with how you feel inside?
What happens when you follow the path laid out for you, but it still doesn’t feel right?
What happens when you grow up doing everything you are told, but it never feels right?
Today on Mormon Stories News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes are covering six stories involving the LDS Church, from a revealing Missionary Department job posting to newly released police interrogation footage, debates over tithing, and developments in Mormon culture and education.