423: If the Ensign Peak Fund isn't Your Donation Destination of Choice...
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In this powerful episode of *Latter Day Struggles*, host Valerie welcomes Mark Frigo, founder of the Faith Journey Foundation, to discuss the critical need for non-prescriptive, compassionate support for Latter-day Saints navigating faith crises. Mark shares his personal journey—from struggling with church expectations and identity, to finding spiritual awakening outside traditional Mormonism, and ultimately dedicating his life to creating safe spaces for others. He and Valerie emphasize that faith crises are not failures but moments of profound growth and identity formation. The conversation highlights the lack of institutional support for those evolving beyond the church’s traditional framework, especially in mental health and emotional well-being. Together, they unveil the Faith Journey Foundation as a donor-funded platform that provides scholarships and resources to help people access therapy, podcasts, retreats, and community—without the pressure of church-aligned narratives. The episode underscores a growing movement: a compassionate, sustainable, and inclusive model of spiritual care that honors individual journeys while preserving family and community.
Faith crises are not failures but essential stages of spiritual growth and identity formation.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lacks formal, neutral support for those navigating doubt or transition.
The Faith Journey Foundation funds scholarships and resources for people who cannot afford professional help.
Sustainable healing requires sustainable caregivers—professionals should be compensated for their work.
Community and compassion must be accessible, especially for women and marginalized voices within the LDS context.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome & Introduction to the Faith Journey Foundation
Valerie introduces the episode and welcomes Mark Frigo, co-founder of the Faith Journey Foundation, setting the stage for a conversation about faith crises and the need for non-prescriptive support.
Mark's Personal Faith Journey & the Birth of the Foundation
“I found a job in India or an assignment in India. And I went to India for a couple of years and found there isn't any nirvana anywhere in any religion.”
The Gap in Church Support Systems
“The church would like people to be meaningfully engaged in church. I get that, but you can't get people meaningfully engaged in a church if you're forcing them to stay against their will.”
The Power of Non-Religious, Professional Support
“Professional therapists take a very neutral view of your faith journey and want you to find health wherever that may be.”
How Valerie and Mark Connected & the Birth of the Partnership
Valerie recounts her early struggles with launching the podcast, the fear of church repercussions, and the moment she realized she needed a formal funding channel. Mark’s arrival as a solution is described as divine timing.
“We don’t take a fee ourselves... 95% of the money donated to Faith Journey Foundation goes to the people that are giving the support.”
“The courage it takes for somebody to admit that they need help is a big deal.”
“Faith crisis is not a failure of faith. It's often a moment of profound identity formation and spiritual honesty.”
Host
Guest
Valerie
person
Mark Frigo
person
Latter-day Struggles
media
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
organization
Faith Journey Foundation
organization
Nathan
person
Dan Weatherspoon
person
Susan Hinkley
person
Friday Fellowship
other
12-step programs
other
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