Larry Camp (he/him)

Larry joined Momma on August 19, 2024 for a live Q&A via Twitch and YouTube to talk about Religion & His Mental Health Journey

About Larry

Larry Camp is a lifelong lover of Hawaii, music and baseball. Raised in a Mormon family in Southern California, he went on a two-year mission and attended Brigham Young University, where he studied communications. After a brief first marriage, he met his wife Judy, with whom he’s shared over four decades. They raised three children and lived in multiple states, eventually settling in Arizona. Larry spent 22 years in the quick oil change business but always nurtured a deep connection to Hawaii, where they often vacationed and later moved for a few years.

In 2016, Larry began to question his Mormon beliefs after reading church essays, leading him and his family to leave the faith. Tragedy struck when his son Dusty passed away, which deeply impacted the family, especially his other son Crosby. To cope, Larry started the podcast "Nobody Knows Your Story," where he shares life experiences with others. Now, Larry enjoys life in Southern Utah with Judy, playing softball, traveling and spending time with their three grandchildren.

Socials / Links for Guest Connection

• Website: https://nobodyknowslarrycamp.com

• Podcast: https://nobodyknowsyourstory.buzzsprout.com/

• Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1606452002/ref=rdr_ext_tmb

References / Things Mentioned During the Stream

• Favorite Poem: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/51642/invictus

• True Crime Story: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Hofmann

• Show Recommendation: https://reelgood.com/show/murder-among-the-mormons-2021

• Book Recommendation: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60905899-the-bite-model-of-authoritarian-control?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=jeki3VApbN&rank=2

• Silent Disco: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_disco

• Connections: https://connectionsgame.org/ 

Episode Summary

If you’ve ever questioned your faith, struggled with loss, or felt the weight of expectations, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Larry Kamp's journey reflects a deep connection to music and family.

• Mental health discussions are crucial in high-demand religious settings.

• Personal growth often comes from questioning /clarifying beliefs. 

• High-demand religions often create an image that members feel pressured to maintain.

• Women in Mormonism face significant limitations due to patriarchal structures.

• Community support is crucial for those who leave religious groups.

• Human connection fosters hope and resilience.

• Coping with faith and loss requires empathy and understanding.

• Engaging in fun activities is essential for well-being.

• Curiosity and learning are vital for personal growth.

In this powerful episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, Larry Camp opens up about his life, his journey with the Mormon faith, and how leaving it shaped his mental health. A lifelong lover of music, sports, and Hawaii, Larry’s story is filled with twists and turns that reflect resilience and the importance of forging your own path.

Raised in a devout Mormon family, Larry embraced the religion’s demanding lifestyle, including serving a two-year mission and adhering to the strict rules. However, cracks began to form when he encountered troubling truths about the church’s history, ultimately leading him and his family to leave the faith in 2016. Larry explained how the church’s high expectations and guilt-driven culture often take a toll on mental health, especially for women, who are frequently subjected to intense judgment and impossible standards. He highlighted the church's patriarchal structure and its insistence on obedience, calling out its toxic impact on individual well-being.

One of the most moving parts of the interview came when Larry discussed the loss of his son, Dusty, in 2018. This devastating event, coupled with his departure from the Mormon Church, tested his resilience and emotional strength. He credited his wife of 43 years, Judy, as his rock during this challenging period. Larry candidly shared how the family coped and how his other son, Crosby, continues to struggle with Dusty’s death.

Larry also reflected on the beauty and challenges of living in Hawaii, a dream he realized after years of longing. Though he adored the Aloha spirit, the financial reality of life on the islands eventually led him and Judy to settle in Southern Utah. His passion for music, sports, and storytelling remains central to his life, as evidenced by his own podcast Nobody Knows Your Story, where he explores the richness of human experiences.

Throughout the conversation, Larry stressed the value of community—both in and out of religion. While the Mormon Church offers an unmatched sense of belonging, he emphasized the importance of finding your own network of support, especially after leaving a structured faith. He also shared a poignant insight about personal growth: “You can’t change the past, but you can always aim to do better moving forward.”

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that mental health journeys are rarely straightforward, but with the right people in your corner and a willingness to seek truth, healing is always possible. Whether you’re grappling with faith, loss, or life’s uncertainties, Larry’s story offers wisdom, humor, and hope for finding peace on your own terms.