Interview with Mallory McCraney

Shawn McCraney, in his teaching from Heart of the Matter ESPRESSO, emphasized the importance of addressing the harmful influences within certain religious communities that impose additional burdens on former LDS members, advocating for transparency about churches that demand tithing, preach five-point Calvinism, or instill fear. Alongside critiquing these communities, he reflected on his personal journey as a parent, revealing his early struggles with raising his daughter Mallory and highlighting the New Testament's vision of love as a transformative answer for fostering healthier relationships.

Shawn reflects on his past parenting style, which was stern and concerned with appearances, expressing regret for not being kinder and more understanding to his daughter, Mallory. He discusses the influence of music and faith on their lives, the family history of substance abuse, and the complex relationship between substance use and spirituality, emphasizing that abstention from substances does not equate to being closer to God.