Reviews
This podcast is compassionate and beautifully produced. The intertwined stories make it even more powerful. Love the music. Hard not to cry when listening.
Lozboty via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 11/06/24
Very good podcast. Upsetting that the Catholic Church broke this beautiful women. Lost a star as sometimes the podcaster rambled on about himself for too long, so at times I was skipping forward to get back on track with Alana’s story. Sorry. What a brave family she had to open themselves up...Read full review »
Jaime_C via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 10/02/24
I wasn’t sure about this podcast when I first read the description. Religions have always fascinated me and my own beliefs about God have never been as direct as the Bible states, listening I realize there are so many of us that are on that path! Thank you, Alana for being so brave and caring!...Read full review »
La805Diva via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/30/24
It's not that Alana's story was not insightful and tragic, the journalist wants you to also believe that he is trying to spread awareness, but I couldn't help but think that he capitalized on a girl's most intimate thoughts after she died. It left a bad impression when after each...Read full review »
CrystalMarco via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 09/05/24
While I don’t often leave written reviews on podcast, I’m an avid listener of the format. Dear Alana was an extremely difficult listen while also being an immensely important must listen. Simon and his team took delicate care to share Alana’s highly complicated, yet too short, life. And...Read full review »
nat_pizza via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/04/24
Heart wrenching and beautiful. One of the most emotional listens I’ve ever had with a podcast. Thank you all for telling Alana’s story.
GRE study via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/26/24
Simon, you have done an incredible job. This story is told so tenderly, lovingly and respectfully. The way you intertwined yours and her story is thoughtful and you never make it about yourself. One of the best podcasts I ever listened to. It’s up there with S-Town and I mean that in the most...Read full review »
Applebas via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 08/16/24
I just finished the series and am writing through tears. I have been a passionate LGBTQ+ ally most of my life, helping my closest friends through their journey of coming out amidst religious environments so I know this heartache intimately. This story is as beautiful as it is heart wrenching. The...Read full review »
Grown town via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/28/24
This was such a good podcast. So thoughtful, and written in conjunction with the family, which is so important and so many podcasts ignore. I love he introspective he was and how Alana really helped him learn about himself as well. Truly a 10/10.
Alqualen via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/12/24
So thoughtful. So well handled. I’m in awe. Raised Catholic. Did not see it as toxic but it definitely shaped me and deconstructed several years ago. I want justice. I want accountability. These priests and nuns needs to be held ACCOUNTABLE!!! This should never happen in 2024. They have...Read full review »
jenjenrnrn via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/04/24
So well done. And so sad so many people have had to suffer so deeply believing they need to change who they are.
Forget about privacy! via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/25/24
There aren’t appropriate words to describe how beautiful this podcast is in the most heartbreaking way. The raw honesty and vulnerability from Simon as he told Alana’s story was so genuine. As someone who loves God so much but is very much against organized religion, the religious trauma is...Read full review »
Rhett's Momma via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/19/24
The most beautiful heart wrenching podcasts I’ve ever listened to. Perfectly produced and written.
Caroline Ireland via Apple Podcasts · Ireland · 06/15/24
Would like to here more about Alana. The narrator is too involved and ‘felt the same’ as Alana…
ccpod via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 06/12/24
Nicely told story. Could not wait for the next episode.
WISnowmobile via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/07/24
Wow. This story was told with grace while still bringing into question the catholic church’s methods. Thank you for sharing her story.
Megchops via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/04/24
Presented with such kindness and humility. Such sadness for all people convinced they aren’t enough. You’re enough.
Cat Mausam via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 05/31/24
Wow
What a profound podcast that everybody needs to listen to! I couldn’t stop once I started! Alana your memory lives on in all of us!
Molaine via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/29/24
Simon does an incredible job connecting with not just Alana but with his listeners. We need stories like this to be amplified to every church in America. Thank you Simon and team for this show and bringing this topic of extreme religious conservatism that has no place in the true beliefs of...Read full review »
kristenkim via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/22/24
Listened to all 8 episodes while hiking. This series was very well done. The cadence of the story telling was perfect, the host’s voice was easy to listen to, and the emotion was genuine. Definitely recommend
Pam Pam Chap via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/20/24
I really don’t have the words to express my feelings about this podcast. I’m not usually speechless! It’s beautiful. It’s heart wrenching. It’s peaceful. It’s magical. So respectfully done. Thank you for bringing Alana’s story to light. Thank you for being brave and vulnerable enough to share...Read full review »
BlackWidowww85 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/10/24
I was moved at a deep heartfelt level listening to this podcast production. Simon Kent Fung was the perfect narrator and producer for this story. His work is thoughtful, reflective, considerate and highly introspective; unravelling the parallel stories of both Alanah and his own life as they...Read full review »
Drylla Fenn via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 05/09/24
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
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