John Dehlin’s net worth is estimated at $840,564, amassed primarily through his career as a psychologist, podcast host, and founder of the Mormon Stories podcast. His journey, from a devout Mormon upbringing to excommunication and the creation of a platform challenging traditional faith, has been anything but ordinary. This deep dive explores the complexities of Dehlin’s finances, delving into the controversies, the income streams, and the unanswered questions surrounding his podcasting empire.
Dehlin’s Financial Path: From BYU to Broadcasting
John Dehlin’s story begins with a seemingly traditional trajectory. A Brigham Young University graduate with a degree in political science, he furthered his education with a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. However, his excommunication from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2015 dramatically altered his course, propelling him into the world of podcasting and online media. This pivotal moment significantly impacted not only his career but also his financial success. It’s here that “Mormon Stories,” a podcast exploring faith transitions and critiques of the LDS Church, emerged, becoming a significant source of both his income and influence.
Dehlin’s Salary and the Open Stories Foundation Controversy
Dehlin’s $236,021 salary in 2019, representing 60% of the Open Stories Foundation’s earnings, sparked controversy over non-profit compensation practices. The Open Stories Foundation, the non-profit organization Dehlin founded to house “Mormon Stories” and other related projects, became a focal point of contention. Critics questioned the appropriateness of such a substantial salary within a non-profit structure, with some, like former associate producer James Patterson in his IRS complaint, accusing Dehlin of treating the foundation as his “personal domain.” Dehlin, however, maintains that his compensation reflects the demanding nature of his work supporting individuals navigating complex faith transitions. This debate raises crucial questions about transparency and accountability within non-profit organizations. While Dehlin claims to have undergone an audit, the lack of official records adds another layer of ambiguity to the situation.
Mormon Stories: Valuing a Digital Gathering Place
“Mormon Stories” has undeniably become a significant platform for those questioning or leaving the LDS Church. It serves as a virtual space for sharing experiences and challenging traditional beliefs. However, the podcast’s precise financial contribution to Dehlin’s net worth remains elusive. Data on audience size and download numbers isn’t readily available, making it difficult to accurately assess its monetary value. Understanding the podcast’s reach and impact requires further investigation into its audience engagement and overall influence.
Beyond the Podcast: Dehlin’s Diverse Income Streams
While “Mormon Stories” is Dehlin’s most prominent venture, it’s not his sole source of income. He continues to practice as a licensed psychologist, adding another layer to his financial portfolio. However, the proportion this contributes to his overall wealth is unclear due to the lack of publicly available financial information. This lack of transparency can fuel skepticism and raise questions about the financial interplay between his various professional activities.
The Open Stories Foundation: Foundation for Success or Contention?
The Open Stories Foundation, while serving as the umbrella for “Mormon Stories,” has also been a source of controversy. The debate surrounding Dehlin’s salary and the allegations of questionable financial oversight raise concerns about the organization’s transparency and accountability. The lack of readily available financial details makes it difficult for the public to fully understand the Foundation’s financial health and its relationship to Dehlin’s personal net worth.
Contextualizing Dehlin’s Compensation
Comparing Dehlin’s salary to industry benchmarks is challenging due to the unique nature of his work and the evolving landscape of online media. Determining what constitutes “fair” compensation in this context requires further research and analysis of comparable organizations operating within the podcasting and faith transition support space.
The Future of Mormon Stories and its Founder
The controversies surrounding Dehlin and the Open Stories Foundation undoubtedly pose challenges. The long-term impact on the “Mormon Stories” podcast and its audience remains uncertain. Whether these financial questions will erode listener trust or strengthen Dehlin’s position as a voice for those navigating faith transitions is a question that will unfold over time.
How Much Does John Dehlin Make?
The question of Dehlin’s income is complex. While his 2019 salary from the Open Stories Foundation was $236,021, representing 60% of the foundation’s total revenue, his overall income likely fluctuates. The substantial increase in the Foundation’s revenue following his excommunication suggests a correlation, but further research is needed to understand the contributing factors. The allegations of questionable financial practices within the Foundation, including the IRS complaint and the uncertainty surrounding the claimed audit, further complicate the picture.
| Year | Open Stories Foundation Revenue | John Dehlin’s Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Data not available | Data not available |
| … | … | … |
| 2015 | $198,136 | Data not available |
| 2016 | $332,678 | Data not available |
| … | … | … |
| 2019 | Data not available | $236,021 |
This data provides a snapshot, but it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations of available information and the possibility of undisclosed income sources.
Is John Dehlin Religious?
Dehlin’s spiritual journey is marked by a transition from devout Mormon missionary to outspoken critic of the LDS Church. His excommunication served as a catalyst, leading to the creation of “Mormon Stories” and his subsequent advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and critiques of traditional religious dogma. While his podcast generates substantial revenue, reducing his motivations to purely financial gain oversimplifies a complex narrative. His journey reflects a broader trend of individuals grappling with faith in the modern world, exploring alternative spiritual paths, or embracing secular humanism.
Dehlin’s future spiritual path might involve continued deconstruction of traditional beliefs, exploration of alternative spiritualities, or a synthesis of his Mormon upbringing with new perspectives. Ultimately, his story underscores the evolving nature of spiritual exploration and the ongoing quest for meaning. It suggests that simple labels like “religious” or “non-religious” may not adequately capture the complexities of individual belief systems.
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