Reviews
This podcast was so compelling from so many angles. It is wonderful that it’s told from a Catholic perspective. All around beautiful and respectful. The writing, the story, the message. I would recommend this to anyone from a teen and above. Incredible.
Sgotter217 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/25/24
It is so ironic that a church that moves paedophile priests from church to church without any consequences such as excommunication can sit in judgement of someone’s sexual preference. I am so glad I left that toxicity when I was still a teenager. This is a great story, my heart goes out to the...Read full review »
lilly021761 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/24/24
What an eye opener! I cried many year listening to this. Very well told.
tgaugler via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/23/24
Very moving and a powerful testament to not only the hypocrisy of the ‘ religious mentors’ regarding gay people but also to the devastating consequences of it. RIP Alana❤️
Alicescafe via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 04/16/24
For some reason this was categorized with true crime. I never would’ve listened to a religious based podcast that includes suicide and LGBTQ. Just nothing that interests me in any level.
Chefchik8 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/07/24
dress it up however you like, you’re still exploiting someone’s memory for profit.
chaposuxxx via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/30/24
As a Catholic, this series was very difficult to get through. The behaviors of certain clergy were deplorable and ongoing, damaging a fragile and impressionable young woman. Alana was so worthy and beautiful , yet completely unaware of how much she was cherished. Despite her family’s consistent...Read full review »
MiddleSister68 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/28/24
This is an incredible piece of reporting, self-examination, and ultimately I believe, a reminder that story telling is a act of communication with the divine in all of us. From a queer Jew, thank you.
BeeSnacks via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/23/24
I am curious about what goes on in the minds and hearts of christians faced with homosexuality. This podcast was well designed, and I couldn’t wait to hear each episode!
Lou222 via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 03/22/24
This podcast was really meaningful. I was a very faithful Catholic but had my heart broken by Church doctrine and trad Catholic friends and family. I am no longer Catholic but this was so relatable and my heart goes out to Alana’s family and her best friend Joy. What a lovely life gone too soon.
Apchicago7 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/21/24
I've attempted to write this review several times over, and each time I'm at a loss because no amount words seem to be enough. This podcast will stay with me for a very long time to come, and I feel privileged to have found it. For those who criticize the host's inclusion of...Read full review »
Kendallynxo via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/21/24
This is a heartbreaking, beautiful, and empowering story.
Kaityydid via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/07/24
A tender touch to such a sensitive story. Amazing work!
Esteban.Arroyo via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/05/24
This is such an impactful listen. This one made me tear a few times.
Ahmberr via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/02/24
I never write reviews but this podcast was different. Alana’s story is wonderfully captured in this podcast. Alana’s life reminds us of how delicate life is and how vital it is to accept and love each other. Rest forever in peace Alana ❤️
brista0317 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/01/24
This podcast should be required listening. I am grateful to have met Alana and her family, Simon and his. What a heartbreaking story. Alana was a special and talented person. Her memory is a blessing and a guiding light for so many. A true saint, for sure. Thank you for sharing.
Sj7575 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/27/24
As someone who works in Suicide Prevention, this podcast ,was exactly what we needed to hear represented on media. Simon did a phenomenal job reporting and also sharing his own story alongside. A journey of hope and healing through loss, trials, queerness and acceptance.
stephkaneen via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/19/24
Sorry but did't like it Found the whole thing very predicatbale and probably not worth a multi-episode podcast Sadly there are people who get caught up in weird religious environments - and often pre-existing mental health issues can become compoundedRead full review »
Wild Dog Spur via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 02/15/24
I have a close friend who just shared his own experience of “coming out” to his family, many years ago . I was shocked and saddened on his behalf and wanted nothing more than to hold him and tell him how perfect he is. Simon, through his incredible empathy, brought Alana’s struggles alive with...Read full review »
Hhahhhhh via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/13/24
I listened to it all. I didn't know where Alana began, and Simon ended. The lines between the subject and the narrator are tragically blurred. I can't believe the production team didn't raise this before beginning. In part seven, the narrative moves from a friend processing her grief...Read full review »
Dreid63 via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 02/12/24
Thank you Joyce for the courage to share Alana’s journey in this life; the trials and tribulations, the joys, the beauty. Simon Kent Fung, thank you for being vulnerable in sharing your own story. Simon, your tender approach and bond with Joyce is palpable; kindred spirits sharing the journey. I...Read full review »
DAnne-Girl via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/11/24
This story had such an emotional effect on me. I thought about it long after I had finished it. It is so sad, but told so beautifully.
Kevvy_D via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 02/01/24
In this podcast, Simon expertly interweaves respectful and sensitive reporting with vulnerable personal narrative. As a lesbian Christian, I connected to it so deeply. I miss Alana without ever having met her, because her loved ones shared about her with both tenderness and honesty. Thank you,...Read full review »
Lt0093 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/30/24
As a queer woman who struggled immensely with her faith this podcast blew me away. I felt so connected to Alana and Simon. Thank you so much for this, it was very healing.
admiral liv via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/27/24
Fantastic story of self reckoning and preservation of one’s self. Extremely well told and heartfelt. I will definitely follow you.
Pezrock8 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/25/24
I have never been so deeply moved by a podcast before. Thank you for sharing Alana’s story Simon, and also sharing your own. Your vulnerability and respect are admirable. Thank you for such a beautiful podcast.
k_dizzy1206 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/24/24
This podcast is sensitive and raw, heartfelt and heartbreaking. Many thanks to the person who wrote it and had the humility and love to share it with the world. Likewise to Alana’s family and friends. You are contributing to great healing that is much needed in our world.
runlong77 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/24/24
I don’t usually write reviews, but this podcast was truly beautiful. It was so well done and the parallels between Simon and Alana and his own vulnerability to share his own story was what made this podcast so powerful. Alana’s story is such an important one to share and I feel grateful to her...Read full review »
Clou75 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/22/24
Thank you for sharing Alana’s story with such care and respect, and sharing your own story in parallel. Many podcasts fail to present the level of compassion you offered.
nursepeeler via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/20/24
Wow
What a touching a beautiful way to tell this story. The hosts final line of the podcast was heartbreaking but so perfect ❤️
MR MEANYHEAD via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/18/24
This is the first review I have ever left …and feel the need to say how beautiful it was told. Simon has so much love and empathy in his voice, it sounds kinda strange to say but I loved listening to him talk and will miss it now that I have finished this podcast. He was able to articulate the...Read full review »
omega rd via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 01/16/24
I shed tears multiple times while listening to this podcast. I experienced a range of emotions—sorrow, anger, tenderness. Simon, as the host, displayed incredible vulnerability, beautifully interweaving his own story with Alana's. I will always remember Alana and wish peace for her family,...Read full review »
Rozhindo via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/11/24
Like so many here I don’t usually write reviews. But this podcast is the best I have ever heard. Thank you Simon, for this deeply respectful reporting of Alana’s story and struggles while sharing your own too. I wish all the best to you and to Alana’s family. The last episode brought me to tears,...Read full review »
MaydaFarm via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/08/24
Thank Simon, for sharing your journey and telling this very important story. You honored Alana in an incredibly loving and thoughtful way.
ZooeyBC via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/06/24
beautiful storytelling, loved it
cerwilly via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/05/24
This podcast prompts deep reflection. Alana Chen's journey, as revealed through her journals, forces listeners to contemplate the intricate connections between sexuality and faith. The storytelling is so immersive that it has lingered with me, sparking introspective thoughts long after each...Read full review »
tiaandkeiko via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 01/03/24
Such an amazing podcast about truly heartbreaking subject matter. I loved the way Simon intertwined his story with Alana’s. Hopefully Alana’s family can take solace in the knowledge that her life has not been in vain and has helped others.
LincKym via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 01/03/24
This is an excellent, honest, deep-diving podcast on a painful subject. I appreciate the host’s bravery in sharing his own experiences, and he does a beautiful job illuminating the commonalties with his life and the life of the subject. Thank you for all your hard work putting this together and...Read full review »
CBR8512 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/01/24
An elegant, exceptionally well produced podcast.
Feebee1125 via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 12/31/23
This podcast was hauntingly beautiful and so well done. The angle you took was extremely sensitive and sweet. I believe it really honored Alana’s life. Her story will stick with me for a long time.
EstrellaE via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/31/23
Wow
Thank you Simon. What a beautiful impactful story about Alana.
Lex850677 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/31/23
This is the most heartbreaking, moving, and painfully beautiful podcast I have ever heard. Not once have I cried about a podcast (and I’ve heard many) until now. Thank you so much for sharing Alana’s wonderful, saintly spirit with us all and confronting hard truths about the dangers of religious...Read full review »
pediatric MH professional via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/29/23
Thank you, Kevin, for this beautifully narrated, bittersweet documentary podcast. What I am thankful for is that you did not give up on God and your Catholic faith as you struggled and came out. My daughter, at 21, finally seems happy as she openly explores dating a woman. Growing up she has had...Read full review »
true crime diva via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/28/23
I don’t normally post reviews of podcasts, in fact this might be the first time I ever have, but this podcast was extraordinary from beginning to end. This podcast is so incredibly important, and you managed to somehow tackle religious trauma with such compassion and earnest. Thanks to giving...Read full review »
beccarab via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/27/23
I can’t even make it through the first episode, this podcast is beyond boring.
Kayla Corne via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/27/23
This is as such a heartbreaking show, it shines light on the trauma and hate organizations have on people when they are vulnerable. This is also a show about love and light and how there is support and love right there. Very well done.
Jillianerin via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/26/23
Wow
I’ve never written a review for a podcast before. This podcast has truly touched my heart and my soul. Simon, thank you from the bottom of my heart for telling Alana’s story and, in turn, your story and so many of our stories in the LGBTQIA+ community. I will never forget Alana. I stumbled...Read full review »
Mll424 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/21/23
Simon, This was absolutely incredibly done! This deserves the highest of rewards and recognition. I could feel how much this meant to you. The way you put this together to tell Alana’s story was incredible. To have your story and conversations with your family was gripping. Your conversation...Read full review »
jess-dub via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/21/23
The most recent study in which a woman with an average age is a man who is a man with an age that has
Wqewqeqe123213 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/21/23
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