Episodes

  • Introducing "Dear Alana,"
    Aug 7 2023

    A devout Colorado youth, Alana Chen, disappears from Boulder, leaving behind dozens of journals that reveal her aspiration to become a nun alongside fatal secrets about sexuality and faith. Host, Simon Kent Fung, who shares a strikingly similar past, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her fate, while confronting his own demons.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    2 mins
  • 'Dear Alana,' [Teaser]
    Aug 8 2023

    Alana’s mother finds a letter Alana wrote to herself before she died, a letter that reveals the very complicated relationship she had with her family, her church, and herself. Host Simon Kent Fung explores the life of Alana Chen, a devout young woman from Colorado whose journals bring up his own demons.

    Premieres August 14th.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    2 mins
  • Part 1: Mom
    Aug 14 2023

    Simon travels to Boulder to meet Alana’s mother, Joyce, and becomes determined to help her understand what happened to Alana.

    This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.

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    Go deeper at https://dearalana.com/

    Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    33 mins
  • Part 2: Father
    Aug 14 2023

    Simon recounts his earlier calling to the priesthood. Alana sneaks out to church, and meets a controversial priest who advises her on becoming a nun.

    This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.

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    Explore more at https://dearalana.com/

    Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    32 mins
  • Part 3: My Secret
    Aug 21 2023

    With access to her 20 journals, Simon discovers Alana’s devotion and obsession with sin, Father Dave’s encroaching influence, and the secret she’s asked to keep.

    This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.

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    Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    38 mins
  • Part 4: Judo
    Aug 28 2023

    Through their spiritual mentors, Alana and Simon are introduced to Conversion Therapy. A deep dive into the psychological & theological theories behind this practice.

    This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.

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    Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    46 mins
  • Part 5: Piece of the Pie
    Sep 4 2023

    Alana starts college and thrives in her new community, which creates conflict with her old friends. Alana is rushed to the ER after a suicide scare.

    This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.

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    Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    38 mins
  • Part 6: DEFILED
    Sep 11 2023

    Alana enters treatment and comes clean to her family. While still actively seeking Conversion Therapy behind their back, she falls in love.

    This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.

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    Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    40 mins