The Latter Day Lens
The Latter Day Lens is a weekly faith-based podcast that explores the intersection of Mormonism, global news, and political science. Hosted by Shawn Record and Matthew Miles, a professor of political science, it provides an authentic and nuanced LDS perspective on current events. Each episode offers thoughtful Latter-day Saint commentary on topics ranging from Christianity and politics to social identity and economic policy. The podcast aims to help listeners navigate their faith in the modern world with intellectually honest discussions.
Episodes
Why Do Smart People Believe Conspiracy Theories? (ep. 188)
Send us Fan MailWhy Do Smart People Believe Conspiracy Theories?Why do intelligent, educated people sometimes believe things that aren't supported by evidence? And is believing a conspiracy theory necessarily a bad thing?Matt and Shawn welcome David back to The Latter Day Lens for a conversation about political identity, election predictions, conspiracy theories, religious faith, and the righ
Should the Government Regulate College Sports? (ep. 187)
Send us Fan MailWhat happens when conservative principles collide with government power?This week on The Latter Day Lens, Matt and Shawn are joined by Porter for a wide-ranging conversation about gambling, government regulation, college athletes, modesty, war, presidential power, Christmas music, and what it means to live your faith in the real world.Should the Government Regulate College Sports?T
When Church Leaders Tell You How to Vote (Ep. 186)
Send us Fan MailWhat should a faithful Latter-day Saint do when Church leaders take a political position—and you aren't sure you agree?That question drives one of our most candid conversations yet.The United Nations, Ezra Taft Benson, and Prophetic CounselWe begin with the United Nations. New Gallup polling across 137 countries finds that 50% of adults worldwide approve of the UN's perfo
Is the Book of Mormon Socialist? (Episode 185)
Send us Fan MailIs the Book of Mormon socialist?That question launches Matt, Shawn, and Levi into a much bigger debate about capitalism, democratic socialism, wealth inequality, agency, public education, corruption, and how far government should go in encouraging people to make good choices.But first: Is America's government becoming too corrupt?A new Gallup survey finds that 89% of U.S. adul
Why Are Latter-day Saints Breaking With Evangelicals? (episode 184)
Send us Fan MailWhy are Latter-day Saints and white evangelical Christians beginning to look different politically?Matt, Shawn, and guest Clayton examine new polling on Mormon politics, Christian nationalism, American power, and whether the increasingly global nature of the Church is changing the way Latter-day Saints see America and the world.They also ask whether modern politics punishes honest
Is Cheating Actually a Sin? | ChatGPT, BYU & the Honor Code (Ep. 183)
Send us Fan MailIs cheating actually a sin—or are some rules just arbitrary?Matt says that even after explicitly telling his BYU–Idaho students how they may and may not use ChatGPT, about 20% still cross the line. Shawn asks a more uncomfortable question: If a professor makes an arbitrary rule, is breaking it actually immoral?That launches a debate about AI, plagiarism, the Honor Code, obedience,
Episode 182: Federal Data Ethics, Civilian Harm Reduction, DEI Controversies, and 25 Years of LDS Growth
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Latter-day Lens, Matt, Shawn, and guest co-host Levi open with a personal announcement regarding the future of the show and Matt's timeline for stepping away.From there, the panel dives into four distinct issues spanning governance, ethics, academia, and church trends:Federal Data and Public Good: Following meteorologist John Morales's warning about
Episode 181: Poverty in America vs. the World, Democratic Socialism, Are Religious People Conservative?
Send us Fan MailIs communal property ownership an eternal gospel principle, and are Latter-day Saints commanded to live the Law of Consecration right now? In this episode, Matt, Shawn, and guest Melanie explore the scriptural tensions between property rights and consecration, the unique social isolation of American poverty compared to the developing world, and new survey data breaking down religio
Latter Day Lens 180: Why People Leave the Church, Free Market Immigration Reform, & Canceling Public Figures
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Latter Day Lens, Matt, Shawn, and special guest Porter dive into listener mailbag questions and examine today's pressing societal and religious questions through a Latter-day Saint perspective. Topics Covered in This Episode:Listener Mailbag: A lighthearted debate on favorite taxes, tithing, and common misconceptions surrounding plural marriage (polygamy
Episode 179: LDS Perspectives on Celestial Polygamy, Book Banning, War Powers, and Property Redistribution
Send us Fan MailIn this deep-dive episode of The Latter-Day Lens, hosts Matt and Shawn tackle listener mail and pressing socio-political questions through a unique Latter-day Saint perspective.1. Listener Mailbag: Mormon Heaven & Eternal Polygamy A listener and mental health therapist shares why young LDS women are feeling disheartened by perceptions of a male-centric heaven. Matt and Sean dis
Ep. 178: Mark Cuban, Capitalist Communism, and Scriptural Limits on Property
Send us Fan MailJoin Matt, Shawn, and guest Levi as they tackle complex cultural and geopolitical issues through a Latter-day Saint lens! In this episode, the team discusses a listener mailbag letter on unrighteous dominion and eternal polygamy, dives into the nuclear diplomacy double standards between South Korea and Saudi Arabia, debates employee stock ownership vs. free market principles, and e
Episode 177: Why Young Women Leave, Russian Oligarchs, U.S. Trust, and the Scriptural Meaning of Property Rights
Send us Fan MailEpisode Summary:Melanie returns to the show to add a missing perspective as the team tackles a wide range of timely and complex topics! The crew begins by diving into LDS youth retention rates, examining why young women leave the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at higher rates than young men between ages 18 and 25.From there, Matt, Shawn, and Melanie examine Russian oli
Episode 176: Gen Z's Career Dilemma, Declining Fertility, the Temple Steeple Dispute, and Is Church Culture Creating a Retention Gap for Young Women?
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Latter-day Lens, Matt, Shawn, and Porter reunite to tackle a fascinating mix of listener mail and heavy-hitting social data. From a deep dive into the nuances of the abortion debate to economic realities facing Gen Z, the team breaks down current events through a unique cultural lens.What We Discuss in This Episode:The Mailbag: Correcting the false dichotomy
Episode 175: Trump’s Crypto Billions, Socialist Shifts & The Future of AI Voting
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Latter-day Lens, Matt, Shawn, and guest host Marc tackle a fascinating slate of highly debated political topics through a unique cultural and ideological lens.The team dives deep into the ethics of elected officials profiting from cryptocurrency projects like World Liberty Financial, examining whether the President should face stricter business regulation whi
Episode 174: Should Government Shape Morality? Post-Roe Abortion Trends, Blind Patriotism, and the Therapeutic Church Myth
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Latter Day Lens, hosts Matt, Shawn, and Levi dive deep into the cultural data and political friction shaping modern society. They unpack fresh 2026 Gallup polling data regarding the state’s influence on personal ethics, trace the real-world statistical fallout four years after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and evaluate contrasting definitions of patriotism
Episode 173: Predestination vs Agency: What Do Latter-day Saints Believe? Iran, Sports & Religious Freedom
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Latter Day Lens, Matt, Shawn, and Melanie tackle a wide range of topics—from religious expression in sports to international diplomacy and one of the biggest theological questions in Christianity.The conversation begins with athletes expressing their faith on the world stage and whether professional sports organizations should allow religious messages on uniforms
Episode 172: Are LDS Members Christian? Switzerland's Immigration Cap, Hegseth's Military Purge, and Can Ukraine Win?
Send us Fan MailWelcome back to The Latter Day Lens — your home for unscripted, faith-promoting discussion of current events, culture, and political science through a gospel lens. This week, Matt and Shawn go one-on-one with no guests, digging into a packed mailbag before working through some of the most provocative thought-provokers of the season.Mailbag: Are Latter-day Saints Christian? A listen
Episode 171: Voting for Character in Texas & California, Trusting the Zoomers, and Celebrating America's 250th
Send us Fan MailWelcome back to The Latter-day Lens, your home for unscripted, faith-promoting discussions analyzing current events, culture, and political science through a gospel lens.First this week, the hosts look ahead to next month’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Most people are unaware that there are two distinct organizational frameworks competing for
Episode 170: What the First Presidency Really Said About Voting | AI Lawyers, Virtue, and Political Accountability
Send us Fan MailThis week on Latter-day Lens, Matt and Shawn begin by responding to listener feedback about the housing crisis and explore how the 2008 financial crash, starter-home shortages, Airbnb, and government regulations have shaped today's housing market.The conversation then turns to education and whether schools should focus primarily on academics, virtue, character formation, or te
Episode 169: The Myth of "Biological Parents" & Fighting Partisan Gerrymandering
Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Matt, Shawn, and Levi for another unscripted, faith-promoting, and lively discussion of current events, culture, and political philosophy on this week's episode of the Latter-day Lens.The guys kick off the hour by reviewing listener feedback (or lack thereof!) and sharing a hilarious breakdown of why every middle-aged man eventually chooses a favorite local TV weath
Episode 168: Is Zoning Immoral? Plus, Navigating Pride Month as a Latter-day Saint
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Matt, Shawn, and Melanie tackle the intersection of gospel principles and complex modern issues. We begin with a debate on the "Marblehead Model" of housing—asking if cities have a moral obligation to provide affordable options or if the free market should lead.The conversation shifts to a nuanced discussion on Pride Month, exploring how empathy and a &qu
Episode 167: The Morality of Modern Living: Redistricting, Shoplifting, and Lab-Grown Meat
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Matt and Shawn dive into the "hot topics" of the week, starting with a provocative thought experiment on the historical context of voting rights. They compare the current climate of racial equality and immigration policy to previous decades, debating the impact of redistricting and detention practices.The conversation shifts to the rising concerns over sh
Episode 166 Secret Combinations, the Voting Rights Act, and a River of Regret
Send us Fan MailIn this high-energy episode, Matt, Shawn, and Marc dive into the deep end of American law and cultural shifts. The trio tackles the Supreme Court’s recent pivot on the Voting Rights Act, questioning whether dismantling 60-year-old protections is progress or a step backward into historical patterns.The conversation heats up as they move to the Middle East, debating the $25 billion p
Episode 165: Cancel Culture at UVU & the Legacy of Charlie Kirk
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Matt, Shawn, and Levi return to the lens to navigate the intersection of public safety, free speech, and the personal transformation that religion is supposed to provide. The guys dive into the recent controversy at Utah Valley University regarding the cancellation of Sharon McMahon's speech following the death of Charlie Kirk. They also tackle the resurgence
Episode 164: The Future of Marriage and the Ethics of the Automated Draft
Send us Fan Mail This episode of Latter Day Lens features a heavy-hitting discussion between Matt, Shawn, and Porter. The trio dives into the complexities of the social contract, starting with the ethics of a military draft and the "lukewarm" nature of libertarianism. The conversation shifts to the digital frontier, exploring whether dangerous AI tools like "Claude Mythos" shou
Episode 163: The LDS Political Shift: MAGA, Birthright Citizenship, and General Conference
Send us Fan MailIn this post-General Conference episode, Matt, Shawn, and Melanie tackle the intersection of faith and friction in modern America. The team starts with a listener's defense of FDR before diving into a high-stakes comparison of religious expression in professional sports. They also dissect the legal arguments surrounding President Trump’s executive order on birthright citizensh
Episode 162: Gerrymandering, The SAVE Act, and the Non-Citizen Audit: Who Actually Controls the Vote?
Send us Fan MailIf only 15 non-citizens were found on a voter roll of 6 million, why is the SAVE Act the biggest debate in Washington? This week, Matt and Shawn are joined by David Brown to dissect the "big numbers" of 2026—from the $56 billion LDS Church reserve fund to the microscopic reality of non-citizen voting.We start with Matt’s 50th birthday milestone: a high-altitude, weightles
Episode 161: Latter-day Stewardship: From Balanced Budgets to Defending the Constitution
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Latter-Day Lens, Matt and Shawn dive deep into the tension between calculated risk and eternal perspective. Starting with Matt's recent dive into the safety statistics of private aviation versus winter sports, the conversation quickly shifts from the physical risks of flying to the spiritual and social risks of how we live our lives.They explore the &quo
Episode 160: LDS Perspectives on Wealth Taxes, Media Trends, Conflict in Iran, and Faith-Based Usury
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Latter Day Lens, Matt, Shawn, and guest Levi Barnes dive into the complex intersections of modern headlines and eternal principles. The conversation starts light with Matt’s upcoming 50th birthday plans—including a discovery flight—and Levi’s bruised attempts at snowboarding.The team then tackles the serious stuff: the shift of major media platforms toward th
Episode 159: Scandal, Fiction, and Faith: The Epstein Files Distraction and Evolving Gender Roles
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Matt, Shawn, and Porter tackle a series of high-stakes headlines and "The Big Question" regarding the future of traditional norms. Chapter Headings0:00 – Introduction and Audio QualityMatt discusses the recent technical fixes to the podcast audio and the importance of listener feedback.10:04 – The Epstein Files and Iran Bombing TimingA discussion on the D
Episode 158: LDS Perspectives on LGBTQ Identity Trends and Christian Nationalism
Send us Fan MailIn this episode Matt, Shawn, and Marc dive into the intersection of identity, executive power, and the economic ripple effects of modern trade policy. From the evolving landscape of LGBTQ identification in America to the unprecedented legal maneuvers of the executive branch, the hosts unpack how these shifts align with—or challenge—Latter-day Saint perspectives.Chapter Headings &am
Episode 157: Stewardship or Ownership? Examining Copyrights, Inheritance Taxes, and Latter-day Prophecies about Gaza
Send us Fan MailThis week, host Matt Miles is joined by co-host Shawn Record and Levi Barnes. The trio dives into the deep end of politics, property rights, and the complicated nature of modern prophecy. The episode kicks off with a celebration of Matt’s newest book, The Metrics of Faith, and a lighthearted (but debated) look at whether Donald Trump accidentally confirmed the existence of aliens o
Episode 156: From the Epstein Files to Elder Gilbert’s Calling to the Twelve: Finding Truth in the Noise
Send us Fan MailThe Latter-Day Lens team is back for a wide-ranging discussion that moves from joyful personal milestones to the complexities of modern justice and church leadership. Host Matt and co-host Shawn are joined by Melanie to celebrate her recent engagement before diving into the "Thought Provoker" on the controversial release of the Epstein files. They also tackle the "ma
Episode 155: Does Healthcare Belong in the Constitution, Can AI Guide Judicial Wisdom, and is Satan the Great Separator in Politics?
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Latter Day Lens, Matt, Shawn, and Porter dive into the complex intersection of faith, politics, and technology. The team debates whether healthcare should be considered a God-given right or a government service, explores the spiritual risks of judges using AI for judicial opinions, and analyzes the massive shifts in traditional journalism at CBS News. Finally
Episode 154: Doomsday Clock 2026, Right to Repair, and Wolford v. Lopez Explained
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Latter Day Lens, hosts Matt, Shawn, and Graham engage in a thought-provoking discussion about societal challenges, the willingness to tackle hard issues, and the implications of modern beliefs on end times. They explore the significance of the Doomsday Clock, the complexities of gun rights versus property rights, and the Right to Repair movement as a response
Episode 153: The Latter-day Lens on Trump’s Second Term, Tariffs, and the Spirit World and Near Death Experiences
Send us Fan MailThe team opens with a "mailbag" segment addressing listener feedback regarding tax fairness and the need for a truly conservative/MAGA voice on the panel. The discussion then moves to a "report card" for President Trump’s first year of his second term, covering everything from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to mass deportations and tariffs. The d
Episode 152: Is America a Failed Empire? The Two Unpopular Parties, Labor Unions, and Finding a Latter-day Lens on Political Philosophy
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Matt and Shawn welcome Levi back to the podcast to tackle a range of heavy-hitting topics—from the stability of the American empire to the surprising resurgence of labor unions. The team dives deep into an op-ed by Leon Panetta, debates whether the two-party system is beyond repair, and explores a "Latter-day Lens" on political philosophies. They wrap up
Episode 151: Worlds Without Number: From Bosco to Boundaries, Romney to Roswell
Send us Fan MailThis week, Matt, Melanie, and Shawn bridge the gap between church callings and cosmic mysteries. From the newly announced 2026 mission presidents to the controversial "disclosure" of extraterrestrial life, the team explores where faith meets the modern world.Chapters00:00 – Introduction & The "Order 67" Removal The hosts catch up and discuss the recent news
Episode 150: The Future of Public Service, Venezuela’s Regime Change, and Remembering President Holland
Send us Fan MailEpisode OverviewIn this milestone 150th episode, Matt and Shawn reunite after a holiday break in San Diego to ring in the New Year. The discussion traverses personal mission memories of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, the controversial geopolitical shift in Venezuela, the value of national monuments versus social programs, and a deep dive into what truly motivates civic leadership in rur
Episode 149: Church Influencers, State Rights, and the Labels That Divide Us
Send us Fan MailAnnouncementsNo new episodes through December 2025—Episode 150 drops January 2026. Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music feeds are experiencing technical issues. Follow Matt on Instagram during the break.TopicsYoung Men's Advisory Board: The newly announced Young Men's Advisory Board is notable because five of its fourteen volunteer advisors are public influencers, signaling a
Episode 148: Abolish the FDA? The Radical Free Market Healthcare Fix & The "False Gods" of the US Military
Send us Fan MailMatt’s got a Christmas tree, a Lenin bust, and a bunch of books and maps in his office. Shawn has buckwheat, stockings, and very strong opinions. In this episode, the Latter Day Lens mailbag explodes and drags us into some uncomfortable but important questions about what Latter-day Saints really worship and trust.We wrestle with:Why so many women say they’d rather raise kids in Eur
Episode 147: US Religious Decline: Is America Becoming Like Europe? Political Power, Women's Distrust in American Democracy, and Wicked's Good vs. Evil
Send us Fan MailFaith and Exceptionalism (03:21)The US is becoming less religious, but Matt and Shawn debate if this signals secular decline or a unique American shift. Shifting Faith: Matt argues the decline of mainline Protestantism is due to its alignment with politics. He notes the growth of the Latter-day Saint Church and other faiths as people seek "pure religion," suggesting an &q
Episode 146: Should Governments Sell Land, MTG Retires from Congress, CDC Website Changes, The CIA's Secret Studies on Persuasion
Send us Fan MailThe Thought Provoker:First this week. Idaho's government voted to sell 160 acres of state land near the town of Driggs. The land is currently leased to the Beard family, who use it for ranching. A billionaire owns land next to this property and may want to buy it. The Land Board voted 4-1 to move forward with the sale. Is it morally wrong for states to sell public land to the
Episode 145: Why Republicans Are in Trouble: Plus, The Debt Bomb and America's Biased Immigration Policy
Send us Fan MailIn this packed episode, Matt and Shawn dive into the latest political and moral challenges facing the nation:The Republican Crisis: The conversation starts by analyzing the troubling election results for the Republican party and the unexpected demographic shifts moving away from Donald Trump. We discuss why Utah and Idaho remain the biggest exceptions to this trend, debating whethe
Episode 144: Freedom, Power, and the Price of Morality: Is Hinckley's Debt Advice Outdated?
Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Matt, Shawn, and Melanie as they dive into complex, interconnected themes of freedom, power dynamics, and the difficult relationship between morality and economics.The conversation starts by challenging the idea that freedom is simply the "power to make choices," drawing on the philosophy of Victor Frankl to discuss the unchangeable freedom of response that exi
Episode 143: AI's Spiritual Skeptics, Epstein & the Royal Crown, Charlie Kirk's Shooter vs Ben Lomond High School Shooter
Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the Latter Day Lens! This week, hosts Matt and Shawn are joined by Marc to tackle pressing questions at the intersection of faith, economics, and emerging technology.We dive into the listener mailbag to explore the concept of Consecrationism—the idea that a perfect system requires people to willingly share their property and excess—and whether it represents a "
Episode 142: Islamophobia in New York, Zohran Mamdani's Socialism, A Record-Setting Grand Teton climb, and Trump's Pardons
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Matt and Shawn explore various themes including sibling dynamics, communication styles, the ethics of gambling, cultural perspectives on Islamophobia, and the moral implications of socialism versus capitalism. They also discuss the role of justice and mercy in the legal system, particularly in relation to presidential pardons and political loyalty.The Thought
Episode 141: The Latter Day Almanac: President Oaks' Politics, Homan's Bribery Scandal, and the Science of the Soul
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, the Shawn, Levi & Matt discuss a range of topics including peaceful protests, the role of church leaders in political matters, the influence of the church on political views, and the concept of mobilization in revolutions. They also delve into the ethics of prediction markets, the nature of bribery in politics, and the intersection of science and spirituality,
Episode 140: The Antichrist, Argentina's Bailout, and the Inevitable War
Send us Fan MailHosts Matt and Shawn go one-on-one this week for a deep dive into global hot topics, a passionate debate on economic policy, and a philosophical search for truth. They start by reading a listener letter that perfectly sums up their conversational dynamic—sometimes frustrating, always engaging, and never boring!🎙️ In This Episode:(00:34) Listener Feedback & The Matt Phenomenon:
Episode 139: Polygamy in Eternity, General Conference Insights, Betting Markets, Is Trump a Socialist?
Send us Fan MailThis week on Latter-day Lens, join Matt, Shawn, and Marc as they dive into a thought-provoking listener mailbag question: Is polygamy an eternal principle 💍 within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? The hosts wrestle with interpretations of Doctrine and Covenants 132, the sealing power, and the historical pattern of one man and one woman in scripture, challenging comm
Episode 138: Conference Predictions, Right-Wing Feminism, UDOT's Land Grab, Taylor Swift's Genius, and the Polygamy Question
Send us Fan MailThis week, join the exceptionally fun trio of Shawn, Melanie, and Matt as they tackle some of the most compelling, and at times controversial, issues of our time! You won't want to miss their lively discussion on why some women choose a right-wing feminist strategy for survival, whether UDOT's use of eminent domain to build the FrontRunner 2X is morally justified, and if
Episode 137: AI's White Collar Armageddon, Is It Okay To Get Fired For Your Opinions, and Is the D&C Racist?
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Matt, Shawn, and David, begin with some casual banter before diving into the main topics. Matt shares listener feedback, including a critique of his political views and a listener's interest in Shawn's career. This leads to a debate about whether a public school teacher should be fired for their personal opinions on social media, especially if they are go
Episode 136: RFK Jr.: Integrity or Sellout?, Kamala Harris's Critique of Biden, Appropriate Response to Political Anger, Rise of Depression Diagnoses in the US
Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this episode, the Shawn, Porter, and Matt discuss various political and social issues, including Project 2025, the Alcohol Intake and Health Study, RFK Jr.'s political integrity, Kamala Harris's critique of Biden, public outrage over judicial decisions, and the rising rates of depression among young Americans. They emphasize the importance of understanding the u
Episode 135: The American Dream, Unequal Responses to Tragedy, Trump's Use of Power, We Love Those Who Praise Us
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, the Shawn, Matt & Levi discuss various themes including the importance of friendships, the concept of the American dream and exceptionalism, the response to loss of life in legislation, the influence of Trump's presidency on personal wealth, and the nature of government and leadership. They explore how societal values shape responses to tragedy and the mor
Episode 134: Trump, Flag Burning, the Success of Socialism in Spain, and the Decline of Christianity in the United States
Send us Fan MailThis week on The Latter-day Lens, join your host Matt, with co-host Shawn and special guest Linda, as they tackle a series of thought-provoking questions. The discussion kicks off with President Trump's stance on flag burning and its legal and moral implications in the context of the First Amendment. The hosts then pivot to an analysis of Spain's recent economic boom unde
Episode 133: The Brotherhood Crisis: Are Men Morally Obligated to Make Friends?
Send us Fan MailIn this thought-provoking episode of The Latter Day Lens, hosts Matt, Shawn, and newly-called Elders Quorum President Marc tackle some of today's most pressing questions about masculinity, friendship, and faith.The Friendship ImperativeThe conversation begins with a listener's observation about the importance of truly knowing individuals in church leadership rather than f
Episode 132: Zipper Merging, Arresting Putin, the Intel Socialism Debate, and the Need for Male Mentors
Send us Fan MailWelcome to The Latter-day Lens! In this week's episode, hosts Shawn, Matt, and Graham tackle some of the most pressing questions from the mailbag and beyond. Info on the Zipper MergeThe Thought Provoker:First this week: A recent survey shows that only 40% of Americans would like their child to attend a four-year college right out of high school. More Americans would like their
Episode 131: Is the Second Coming Imminent? Russia, the Economy, and Latter-day Prophecy
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, hosts Shawn, Matt, & Melanie are back together and jump right into a thought-provoking mailbag question about the podcast's "most listened to" status. Matt backs up the claim with some surprising metrics, and the hosts share their differing views on promoting the show.They then dive into three major topics:Russia: The hosts discuss a Russian jour
Episode 130: The Agency of AI, the Morality of Medical Debt Reporting, & Loneliness in Zion
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, the Shawn, Matt, & Porter discuss various topics including the role of AI in communication, medical debt, and the loneliness crisis in Utah. First up: AI is changing the way that people speak. Researchers analyzed 280,000 YouTube videos from academic channels and found that in the 18 months since ChatGPT was released speakers are using words favored by the chat
Episode 129: 4-Day Work Week, & Texas Redistricting:, Communal Economic Equality
Send us Fan MailEpisode Description: This week, we dive into a listener's take on Trump's Brazil tariffs and the "BRICS threat." Then, we explore Iceland's successful 4-day work week and ponder the future of labor in a tech-driven world. We also tackle the contentious issue of mid-decade redistricting in Texas, examining its legality versus its morality. Finally, we discus
Episode 128: MAGA's Meaning, Epstein's Secrets, China 2.0, and the Morality of Legal Fees
Send us Fan MailThis week on the Latter Day Lens, Matt, Shawn, and Marc dive into a whirlwind of topics, from economic theory and political landscapes to the legal system. Get ready for lively debate and unexpected agreements!00:01 - 01:00: Kicking Off with Reenactments and RibbingThe episode opens with Matt introducing Marc as "a guy that voted for Trump," leading into a light-hearted d
Episode 127: Unsolved Crimes, Undocumented Workers, and Unchecked Power: Where Do We Draw the Line?
Send us Fan MailThis week on The Latter Day Lens, Matt, Shawn, and Graham tackle a thought-provoking lineup of topics that cut to the heart of justice, liberty, and the proper role of government. We dive deep into the surprising reality of America's low crime clearance rates and ask if it's time for a new approach to deterring crime. Then, we pivot to a local controversy in Provo, Utah,
Episode 126: Unpacking Propaganda, Power, and Protest
Send us Fan MailThis episode of Latter Day Lens dives into some heavy-hitting topics, from the nature of propaganda in foundational American documents to the complexities of the BYU Honor Code and the nuanced role of conflict in societal change.Here's a breakdown of the key discussions:Propaganda: Good or Bad? The hosts grapple with the definition of propaganda, debating whether historical do
Episode 125: Hyperinflation Fears, Job Market Realities, Iran's Nuclear Claims, and Synthetic DNA Ethics
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Matt, Shawn, and Marc dive into some of the most pressing and thought-provoking issues of our time:Robert Kiyosaki's Hyperinflation Warning: We kick off by discussing "Rich Dad Poor Dad" author Robert Kiyosaki's dire predictions for the US economy, including impending hyperinflation and a financial wipeout for millions. He points to weak demand
Episode 124: Is America Headed for Civil War? Decoding Political Toxicity, Voucher Waste, and Moral Authority in a Divided Nation.
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Matt, Shawn, and Linda dive headfirst into the swirling currents of contemporary American challenges. We'll start by grappling with Professor Marci Shore's stark warnings of civil war and her decision to leave the U.S., prompting us to question our moral obligations in a "democratic emergency." Then, we pivot to the realm of political rhetoric,
Episode 123: Military Presence, Digital Dating, Celebrity Faith, & Religious Freedom
Send us Fan MailJoin Matt, Shawn, and Melanie this week as they dive into some of the biggest ideas shaping our world, from the presence of the US military on home soil to the cutting edge of AI in dating, the public display of celebrity faith, and fundamental questions about religious freedom.Military Visibility: A New Era?Last Saturday, Washington D.C. hosted a military parade marking the Army&a
Episode 122: What Is America? Media Polarization, Gaza Coverage, and Whether Natural Laws Actually Exist
Send us Fan MailWe open this episode with a moment of reflection, discussing the somber news regarding Ukrainian refugees in Utah and the ongoing challenges many face with immigration and refugee status.We then dive into a listener's compelling question: "Is America an aristocracy in disguise?" This sparks a lively debate among Matt, Shawn, and Levi about the role of inherited wealt
Episode 121: Jail Escapes, Presidential Pardons, and the BYU Honor Code
Send us Fan MailJoin Matt, Shawn, and Marc on the Latter-day Lens podcast for a lively and thought-provoking discussion that spans centuries and tackles complex moral questions.In this episode, we kick off with a fascinating dive into Colonial Heritage Festivals and Revolutionary War reenactment, as Marc shares his experiences representing the 33rd Regiment of Foot. Learn what makes these historic
Episode 120: College, Culture, Calling Out Racism, and the Supreme Court
Send us Fan MailThis week on the Latter-day Lens, hosts Matt and Sean dive into hot-button topics that spark lively debate.First, they tackle recent research suggesting that college can actually make students more conservative depending on their major. Is it the professors, the self-selection of students, or something else entirely? Matt and Sean explore the implications of this finding and debate
Episode 119: AI Ethics, Biden's Presidency, and Refugee Politics: Where Morality Meets Democracy
Send us Fan MailIn this intellectually stimulating episode, Matt, Shawn, and Melanie explore complex intersections of politics, education, immigration policy, and artificial intelligence ethics. Our discussion examines vocational education's resurgence, controversial refugee policies, presidential decision-making, and the emergence Education Policy Debate High schools across America are formi
Episode 118: Self-Reliance, Racial Gap in Small Business Success, Ukraine's Mineral Deal, and Religious Expression in Academia
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Matt, Shawn, and Levi engage in a thought-provoking discussion about three distinct topics that challenge conventional thinking within their community. The conversation begins with Levi's bold assertion that "self-reliance is a Satanic doctrine," arguing that interdependence rather than self-sufficiency is the true gospel principle. This leads to a n
Episode 117: Faith in a Fractured World: Misinformation, Politics & Divine Guidance Today
Send us Fan MailThis week, hosts Shawn, Matt, and Marc delve into some thought-provoking questions ripped straight from the headlines!Topic 1: The Weaponization of MisinformationIn a recent talk at Harvard, Pete Buttigieg painted a stark picture of misinformation, characterizing it as a weapon more devastating than nuclear arms in its ability to fracture American society. He highlighted Russia&apo
Episode 116: White Collar Crime, Taxes, Trump's First 100 Days: A Provocative Discussion
Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Matt, Shawn, and Melanie for a deep dive into the week's most pressing and thought-provoking issues! In this episode, they tackle the controversial shifts in white-collar crime enforcement, including foreign bribery, public corruption, money laundering, and the impact of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Matt, Shawn, and Melanie debate the morality of priori
Episode 115: Biden Better on the Border than Trump, Mormon Views on the Pope, App Control, Lottery Wins, & Money Dysphoria
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Latter Day Lens, hosts Matt and Shawn delve into various topics including the contrasting deportation rates under Presidents Biden and Trump, the significance of the Pope's death, and the political dynamics involved in church leadership. They also discuss Utah's recent App Store Accountability Act aimed at protecting children online. The conversation hi
Episode 114: Oligarchy, ProPublica's Prophecy, a Lost Deportee, and the IVF Parenthood Question
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Shawn, Matt, & Marc engage in a lively discussion covering various topics. They dive headfirst into the murky waters of corruption, questioning if all forms are equally damaging, sparked by AOC's critique of fellow Democrats and the broader issue of politicians profiting in office. The conversation then shifts to a chilling look at a Trump advisor's p
Episode 113: Police Training Gaps, CBT for Crime Reduction, Trump's Tariffs, and Four Strains of LDS Thought
Send us Fan MailWe experienced some technical difficulties this week ...please be patient with the broadcast.Welcome to Latter-day Lens with Shawn, Levi, and Matt! This week, we're tackling some heavy hitters that touch our communities and our faith. From tragic gaps in law enforcement training and the debate around talk therapy's place, to Trump's controversial trade tactics and a
Episode 112: Politics, College, and General Conference: A Lively Debate
Send us Fan MailThis episode of "The Latter-Day Lens" features a spirited discussion between Matt, his daughter Melanie, and friends Shawn and Jacob. The conversation moves through several engaging topics with the perfect blend of humor, disagreement, and thoughtful commentary that showcases the group's chemistry and willingness to challenge each other's viewpoints.The episode
Episode 111: Beyond Divides: College Worth, Church Growth, Happiness, and Immigration
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Shawn, David, and Matt discuss various themes around social division and unity, including the perceived value of college education, the success metrics of their religious community, global happiness trends linked to trust, and the surprising political common ground on immigration among members of their church. Topic 1: College Education ValueA recent Gallup st
Episode 110: Trump's Speech to Congress, Partisan Views of Foreign Countries, Suing Church Members, America's Christian Heritage
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Latter Day Lens Podcast, hosts Matt, Shawn, and Marc engage in a lively discussion that begins with light-hearted banter about cooking and personal anecdotes. The conversation then shifts to a critical analysis of Trump's recent speech, where Marc expresses his view that it was a notably pro-American address. The discussion evolves into a deeper explorat
Episode 109: Ukraine, DOGE, Lazy federal employees, Cloud hosting of explicit images, The latter day lens on racism
Send us Fan MailThis episode opens with a listener challenging hosts Shawn and Sam for previously dismissing Matt's concerns about Trump's Ukraine policy. The listener cites seven recent Trump administration actions that appear to validate Matt's predictions, including calling Zelensky a dictator, excluding Ukraine from peace negotiations, advocating for Russia's G8 readmission
