To become a saint,

she lost herself

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Dear Alana trailer

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This is the true story

of young people

caught between

the promise of perfection

and the price we pay

to belong.

Alana Chen

Alana Chen playing frisbee

Alana Chen as a child

Alana Chen

Alana Chen

Rocky Mountains

Episodes

Aug 14, 2023
•
2:05
Introducing "Dear Alana,"
A devout Colorado youth, Alana Chen, disappears from Boulder, leaving behind dozens of journals that reveal fatal secrets about sexuality and faith.
Sep 15, 2023
•
1:57
'Dear Alana,' TEASER
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.
Aug 14, 2023
•
32:23
Part 1: Mom
Simon travels to Boulder to meet Alana’s mother Joyce, and becomes determined to help her understand what happened to Alana.
Aug 14, 2023
•
31:28
Part 2: Father
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.
Aug 21, 2023
•
37:38
Part 3: My Secret
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.
Aug 28, 2023
•
45:25
Part 4: Judo
Through their spiritual mentors, Alana and Simon are introduced to Conversion Therapy. A deep dive into the psychological & theological theories behind this practice.
Sep 4, 2023
•
37:27
Part 5: Piece of the Pie
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.
Sep 11, 2023
•
39:36
Part 6: DEFILED
Alana enters treatment and comes clean to her family. While still actively seeking Conversion Therapy behind their back, she falls in love.
Sep 18, 2023
•
44:44
Part 7: Notre Dame is Burning
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.
Sep 25, 2023
•
45:18
Part 8: The Saint
Alana’s mother seeks justice amidst the Church’s denial. Simon confronts his past. And another tragedy befalls the Chen household, destroying almost everything.
Sep 15, 2023
•
23:51
Bonus 1: Dr. Hillary McBride
Host Simon Kent Fung sits down with trauma therapist Dr. Hillary McBride to delve deeper into the mental health dimensions of Dear Alana.

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