The Latter Day Lens
Welcome to The Latter Day Lens, a weekly faith-based podcast where we explore the intersection of Mormonism, global news, and political science. Hosted by Shawn Record and Matthew Miles, a professor of political science, this is your home for an authentic and nuanced LDS perspective on the world’s toughest topics.Each episode provides thoughtful Latter-day Saint commentary on current events, ranging from Christianity and politics to social identity and economic policy. Whether you are an active LDS member seeking a deeper religious podcast experience or a listener interested in Mormon studies, we apply a "gospel lens" to move beyond th...
Episode 172: Are LDS Members Christian? Switzerland's Immigration Cap, Hegseth's Military Purge, and Can Ukraine Win?
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Welcome 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 listener asks about the Pentagon's recent reclassification of LDS military personnel — moving members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints out of the "Christian" category and into their own designation. Sena...
Episode 171: Voting for Character in Texas & California, Trusting the Zoomers, and Celebrating America's 250th
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Welcome 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 this national celebration: America250, the bipartisan, non-political commission established by Congress in 2016 focusing on education and community history, and Freedom 250, a quasi-government track created under the Trump administration fo...
Episode 170: What the First Presidency Really Said About Voting | AI Lawyers, Virtue, and Political Accountability
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This 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 teaching students how to become lifelong learners. Shawn introduces the concept of the "autodidact" while Matt argues for the importance of virtue, writing, and thoughtful engagement with great ideas.
Porter joins the discussion for a lively...
Episode 169: The Myth of "Biological Parents" & Fighting Partisan Gerrymandering
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Join 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 weather forecaster. Turning to the news, they tackle a recent EEOC lawsuit involving a Chick-fil-A worker fired over Saturday Sabbath observances, sparking a deep dive into corporate religious freedom and constitutional boundaries.
...
Episode 168: Is Zoning Immoral? Plus, Navigating Pride Month as a Latter-day Saint
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In 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 "Child of God" first identity can coexist with a commitment to the restored gospel. Finally, we dive into the geopolitical landscape, discussing the implications of the 1991 Ukraine nuclear agreement and wh...
Episode 167: The Morality of Modern Living: Redistricting, Shoplifting, and Lab-Grown Meat
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In 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 shoplifting in major cities and the efficacy of new law enforcement strategies. This leads to a deeper philosophical discussion on whether the responsibility for teaching morality lies with the government, public schools, or religious...
Episode 166 Secret Combinations, the Voting Rights Act, and a River of Regret
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In 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 price tag of the Iranian stalemate and whether the U.S. is chasing ghosts or legitimate security threats. Finally, the guys bring it back to the Book of Mo...
Episode 165: Cancel Culture at UVU & the Legacy of Charlie Kirk
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In 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 of measles in the U.S. and whether governments have a moral obligation to mandate health protocols. Finally, the team discusses Matt’s new book, exploring the vital difference between religious "behaving" and religious "be...
Episode 164: The Future of Marriage and the Ethics of the Automated Draft
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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" should be regulated like nuclear weapons. Finally, they tackle the historical and future trajectory of marriage doctrine within the context of Latter-day Saint theology.
In this episode, we discuss:
The Libertarian Di...Episode 163: The LDS Political Shift: MAGA, Birthright Citizenship, and General Conference
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In 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 citizenship and the 14th Amendment. Finally, the hosts explore recent data showing a historic shift of Latter-day Saints toward the Democratic Party and share their personal takeaways from the April 2026 General Conference.
In this episode, we di...
Episode 162: Gerrymandering, The SAVE Act, and the Non-Citizen Audit: Who Actually Controls the Vote?
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If 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, weightless flight that sparked a profound conversation on why "death is not the final enemy." Matt shares a personal temple experience that reframed his view on the resurrection and our atta...
Episode 161: Latter-day Stewardship: From Balanced Budgets to Defending the Constitution
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In 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 "theology of the afterlife" through the lens of the film Eternity, debating whether heaven is defined by our location or our relationships. The hosts then pivot to a "...
Episode 160: LDS Perspectives on Wealth Taxes, Media Trends, Conflict in Iran, and Faith-Based Usury
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In 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 the right and whether a "middle ground" actually exists in politics. They debate Senator Bernie Sanders’ proposed 5% wealth tax on billionaires and whether it aligns with the Christian duty to care for t...
Episode 159: Scandal, Fiction, and Faith: The Epstein Files Distraction and Evolving Gender Roles
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In this episode, Matt, Shawn, and Porter tackle a series of high-stakes headlines and "The Big Question" regarding the future of traditional norms.
Chapter Headings
0:00 – 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 DOJ's missing files and Republican Representative Thomas Massie’s comments on military timing.The DOJ's release of missing Epstein files and the geopolitical justifications for the strikes in Iran.Episode 158: LDS Perspectives on LGBTQ Identity Trends and Christian Nationalism
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In 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 & Show Notes
00:00 | Mailbag: Wu-Tang, IP Protection, and C.R.E.A.M.The hosts discuss a listener's take on how the lyrics to "C.R.E.A.M." serve as a...Episode 157: Stewardship or Ownership? Examining Copyrights, Inheritance Taxes, and Latter-day Prophecies about Gaza
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This 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 on Air Force One.
Users are currently wagering over $29 million on whether the Second Coming of Jesus Christ will occur by the end of 2026. Shawn suggests that pr...
Episode 156: From the Epstein Files to Elder Gilbert’s Calling to the Twelve: Finding Truth in the Noise
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The 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 "marijuana problem" and how to navigate the Word of Wisdom when science and personal revelation intersect. Finally, the group addresses the calling of Elder Clark G. Gilbert to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, offering a...
Episode 155: Does Healthcare Belong in the Constitution, Can AI Guide Judicial Wisdom, and is Satan the Great Separator in Politics?
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In 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, they tackle "The Big Question": If Christ is the Great Connector, how should that influence our behavior in a polarized political world?
Instead of listener comments, we’re featuring th...
Episode 154: Doomsday Clock 2026, Right to Repair, and Wolford v. Lopez Explained
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In 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 to market failures. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding motivations behind social media content and the role of good governance in addressing community needs.
Topic 1: 85 Seconds to Midnight
<...Episode 153: The Latter-day Lens on Trump’s Second Term, Tariffs, and the Spirit World and Near Death Experiences
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The 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 debate gets particularly sharp over the legal classification of undocumented immigrants and the validity of political polling. Finally, the hosts pivot to a metaphysical discussion on near-death experiences (NDEs) and whether they offer proof of th...
Episode 152: Is America a Failed Empire? The Two Unpopular Parties, Labor Unions, and Finding a Latter-day Lens on Political Philosophy
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In 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 with a spirited discussion on whether Jesus would endorse classical liberalism, social liberalism, or liberal socialism.
00:00 – Welcome back, Levi! (And Sean’s bizarre mission president dreams).
00...
Episode 151: Worlds Without Number: From Bosco to Boundaries, Romney to Roswell
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This 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.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction & The "Order 67" Removal The hosts catch up and discuss the recent news that In-N-Out is getting rid of "Order 67" due to disruptive behavior from younger customers.01:03 – The "Celebrity" Mission President List The Church has released the 2026 mission leadership assignments. Matt uses Gemini to highlight "noteworthy" call...Episode 150: The Future of Public Service, Venezuela’s Regime Change, and Remembering President Holland
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Episode Overview
In 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 rural America.
1. Memories of a Modern Apostle
Matt and Shawn reflect on the life and impact of President Jeffrey R. Holland.
<...
Episode 149: Church Influencers, State Rights, and the Labels That Divide Us
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Announcements
No 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.
Topics
Young 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 potential shift toward valuing digital communication expertise in Church leadership.
Federalism in Church Governance: A Catholic parish in Dedham, Massachusetts, is defying th...
Episode 148: Abolish the FDA? The Radical Free Market Healthcare Fix & The "False Gods" of the US Military
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Matt’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 Europe than in the U.S. (paid maternity leave, food, breastfeeding norms) — and whether “if you don’t like it, move” is a fair respons...Episode 147: US Religious Decline: Is America Becoming Like Europe? Political Power, Women's Distrust in American Democracy, and Wicked's Good vs. Evil
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Faith 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 "American exceptionalism" where religious freedom fosters a marketplace of faith. Awakening: Shawn challenges this, longing for the widespread <...
Episode 146: Should Governments Sell Land, MTG Retires from Congress, CDC Website Changes, The CIA's Secret Studies on Persuasion
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The 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 highest bidder?
Next up, Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced that she is leaving Congress, what does this mean?<...
Episode 145: Why Republicans Are in Trouble: Plus, The Debt Bomb and America's Biased Immigration Policy
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In 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 whether it's tied to regional economics or a deeper, post-assassination-attempt loyalty.The Immorality of Debt: Is it wrong for a government to spend money it does not have...Episode 144: Freedom, Power, and the Price of Morality: Is Hinckley's Debt Advice Outdated?
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Join 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 exists even in the most oppressive circumstances.
The Economics of Immorality: The hosts examine the historical argument that slavery was...Episode 143: AI's Spiritual Skeptics, Epstein & the Royal Crown, Charlie Kirk's Shooter vs Ben Lomond High School Shooter
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Welcome 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 "third way" that addresses the moral failings of Socialism and Capitalism. The discussion heats up with pers...
Episode 142: Islamophobia in New York, Zohran Mamdani's Socialism, A Record-Setting Grand Teton climb, and Trump's Pardons
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In 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 Provoker:
First this week, Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani delivered an emotional speech at a Bronx mosque, directly challenging what he called Islamophobic attacks, primarily from independent rival and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani reacted...
Episode 141: The Latter Day Almanac: President Oaks' Politics, Homan's Bribery Scandal, and the Science of the Soul
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In 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, particularly focusing on the idea that all spirit is matter and the implications of dark matter in understanding connections between individuals.
The Thought Provoker:
First this week. Dallin H. Oaks...
Episode 140: The Antichrist, Argentina's Bailout, and the Inevitable War
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Hosts 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: The hosts discuss a letter from a listener who admits they "frequently found [themselves] yelling" at Matt while listening. They explore why Matt's approach—sometimes saying things he doesn...Episode 139: Polygamy in Eternity, General Conference Insights, Betting Markets, Is Trump a Socialist?
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This 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 common assumptions about life in the celestial kingdom.
General Conference & Agency 🙏
The conversation shifts to highlights from the most recent General Conference. Find o...
Episode 138: Conference Predictions, Right-Wing Feminism, UDOT's Land Grab, Taylor Swift's Genius, and the Polygamy Question
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This 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 the critique that disliking Taylor Swift's music is sexist holds any water. Finally, they dive into the big question sparked by recent...
Episode 137: AI's White Collar Armageddon, Is It Okay To Get Fired For Your Opinions, and Is the D&C Racist?
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In 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 government employees.
Next, the conversation shifts to Artificial Intelligence (AI). They discuss a prediction from the Zoom CEO that AI will lead to a three or four-day workweek...
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
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Summary
In 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 underlying causes of these issues and the role of faith and personal responsibility in addressing them.
The Thought Provoker:
First this week. A government report on alcohol and health, which found a l...
Episode 135: The American Dream, Unequal Responses to Tragedy, Trump's Use of Power, We Love Those Who Praise Us
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In 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 moral implications of political actions.
First this week. A recent poll shows that Americans are losing faith in American Exceptionalism. Nearly 70% of people said they believe the American dream—that if you work hard, yo...
Episode 134: Trump, Flag Burning, the Success of Socialism in Spain, and the Decline of Christianity in the United States
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This 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 under a socialist government, examining whether this challenges traditional views on capitalism and socialism. The conversation continues with a look at the use of the National Guard...
Episode 133: The Brotherhood Crisis: Are Men Morally Obligated to Make Friends?
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In 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 Imperative
The conversation begins with a listener's observation about the importance of truly knowing individuals in church leadership rather than focusing solely on programs and numbers. This leads to a deeper discussion about whether men have a moral and religious obligation to cultivate friendships. Marc quotes Joseph Smith's teaching that "friendship is the grand principle...
