Dear Alana,

4x nominee and WINNER at the 2024 Ambie Awards. Host Simon Kent Fung explores the life of Alana Chen, a 24-year-old woman who disappeared from Boulder, Colorado in 2019. Alana left behind two dozen journals chronicling a deep faith, love of fashion, and dream of becoming a nun. She also harbored a secret. At 14, she confessed to her priest that she was attracted to women and was instructed not to tell her parents. Over the next seven years, Alana covertly received conversion therapy which her family believes played a role in her fate. Simon, who sought to change his sexual orientation through conversion therapy for nearly a decade in his efforts to become a priest, is compelled to understand the truth of what happened to Alana—and finally face what happened to him. “Dear Alana,” is an unraveling mystery and a poignant spiritual memoir about teenage rebellion and spiritual manipulation, the price we pay to belong and the systems that pay no price at all. ****Named one of the best podcasts of 2023 by Apple, KQED, and Lifehacker, and critically acclaimed by The Guardian, the CBC, and People Magazine. Explore more at www.dearalana.com

Episodes

Introducing "Dear Alana,"

August 7, 2023 • 2 mins

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ...

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'Dear Alana,' [Teaser]

August 8, 2023 • 1 min

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho...

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Part 1: Mom

August 14, 2023 • 33 mins

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. ---- Go deeper at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge a...

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Part 2: Father

August 14, 2023 • 32 mins

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

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Part 3: My Secret

August 21, 2023 • 38 mins

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. ---- Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfo...

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Part 4: Judo

August 28, 2023 • 46 mins

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. ---- Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoo...

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Part 5: Piece of the Pie

September 4, 2023 • 38 mins

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. ---- Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listeni...

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Part 6: DEFILED

September 11, 2023 • 40 mins

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

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Bonus 1: Dr. Hillary McBride

September 15, 2023 • 23 mins

Host Simon Kent Fung sits down with trauma therapist Dr. Hillary McBride to delve deeper into the mental health dimensions of Dear 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. ------------------------------------------------------ Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to ...

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Part 7: Notre Dame is Burning

September 18, 2023 • 45 mins

Alana’s newfound love separates her from her church. As Notre Dame Cathedral burns, so does her faith. But as her self-acceptance grows, her life takes a tragic turn. 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. ---- Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderf...

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Part 8: The Saint

September 25, 2023 • 45 mins

Alana’s mother seeks justice amidst the Church’s denial. Simon confronts his past. And another tragedy befalls the Chen household, destroying almost everything. 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. ---- Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderf...

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