The Latter Day Lens

The Latter Day Lens

Your home for authentic, faith-promoting, entertaining discussion of current events. In the podcast we tackle the tough topics that most people avoid and showcase how faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints apply gospel principles in their everyday experiences. New episodes each Wednesday.

Episodes

September 24, 2025 63 mins

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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 conversa...

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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...

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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.

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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 w...

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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 number...

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Welcome 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. 

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The 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 child to “take some time off” (13%) ...

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In 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 journalist's argument that Putin...
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In 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 chatbot (like delve, realm, and adept) 51...

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Episode 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 discuss the New York Times' coverage o...

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This 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 Ribbing

The episode opens with Matt introducing Marc as "a guy that voted for Trump," leading into a light-hearted discussion about Marc's Revolutio...

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This 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, where a popular dance fitness program...

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This 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 documents like the Declaration of I...
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In 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 for US bonds and a Moody's d...
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 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, dissecting Senator Mike Lee's c...

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Join 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's 250th anniversary. Concurrently...

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We 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 wealth and political connections in Americ...

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Join 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 historical events so unique and how...

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This 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 whether parents should guide their k...

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In 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 forming strategic partnerships with employ...

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In 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 nuanced debate about what self-relianc...

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