The Latter Day Lens

Shawn & Matt
  • 4.9 (17)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 3D AGO

    Episode 154: Doomsday Clock 2026, Right to Repair, and Wolford v. Lopez Explained

    Send us a text 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 The Doomsday Clock now sits at its closest point to midnight in history. We examine the lack of progress in managing nuclear risk, climate change, and the rise of disruptive AI. The Question: Is humanity closer to self-destruction today than at any point in the last 80 years?Topic 2: End-Times Anxiety & Responsibility Following the arrest of Elleshia Anne Seymour in Croatia—who fled Utah with her children due to fringe "apocalypse" beliefs—we discuss the impact of radical rhetoric within the LDS community. The Question: Is it irresponsible for church members to amplify "end-times" concerns through books and social media?Topic 3: Guns and Private Property (Wolford v. Lopez) The Supreme Court is weighing Hawaii’s law requiring gun owners to get explicit permission before entering private property. We debate the intersection of the Second Amendment and property rights. The Question: Should "no shirt, no shoes" legally extend to "no firearms" by default?The Big Question: The Right to Repair Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is pushing for laws that force manufacturers to make products easier to fix. We look at the move away from a "disposable" economy. The Question: Is the "unfixable" nature of modern tech a market failure, and does the government have the moral authority to force a design change?Chapters 00:00 The Will to Do Hard Things 05:59 The Doomsday Clock and Global Catastrophe 15:28 End Times Beliefs and Social Media Responsibility 21:11 Gun Rights and Property Ownership 22:11 The Libertarian Perspective on Freedom 23:39 Discrimination and Property Rights 25:47 Legal Rights and Gun Ownership 28:26 Political Discrimination and Hiring Practices 31:32 The Right to Repair and Market Failures 38:27 Public Service and Community Engagement

    43 min

  2. JAN 28

    Episode 153: The Latter-day Lens on Trump’s Second Term, Tariffs, and the Spirit World and Near Death Experiences

    Send us a text 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 the afterlife or are simply biological functions of the brain. Key Discussion Points Taxing Wealth vs. Income: A listener challenge on whether it is "fair" for inherited wealth to go untaxed.The "MAGA" Perspective: Marc steps in to represent the MAGA viewpoint in response to listener requests for more diverse political representation.Trump’s First Year Review: An analysis of nine key actions, including federal workforce cuts, executive orders, and shifting global trade.The Immigration Debate: A deep dive into whether overstaying a visa is a "crime" or a civil violation, and the motivations behind current deportation policies.Trump's historically low approval ratings: Should he care?Tariffs & The Economy: Analyzing the $100 billion reduction in the federal deficit versus the potential isolation of the U.S. market.Near-Death Experiences: A faith-based vs. biological look at the "Grayson Scale" and what happens to the spirit during a medical crisis.Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome back, Marc! (The "War in Heaven" Veteran).  01:15 – Mailbag: Fair share taxes and the inheritance debate.  02:15 – Addressing the "Lacking MAGA Voice" critique.  06:35 – Trump’s Second Term: The One-Year Report Card.  10:15 – The Jan 6th Pardons and Judicial Integrity.  13:30 – Heated Debate: Is overstaying a visa a crime? 22:10 – Presidential Approval Ratings: Are polls accurate in 2026?  30:10 – Tariffs: National sales tax or economic masterstroke?  43:00 – The Big Question: International Association for Near-Death Studies.  46:00 – Miracles vs. Biology: What happens when we die?  50:35 – Closing thoughts and "Too much MAGA?" Keywords: Latter-day Saints, Mormon politics, Spirit World, Near-death experiences (NDE), Latter-day Lens, Faith and politics, Lorenzo Snow (referenced in the episode), Book of Mormon values, Trump Second Term 2026, Tariff economic impact, Mass deportations 2026, DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), Presidential approval ratings, Federal deficit reduction, MAGA movemen

    51 min

  3. JAN 21

    Episode 152: Is America a Failed Empire? The Two Unpopular Parties, Labor Unions, and Finding a Latter-day Lens on Political Philosophy

    Send us a text 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). 00:46 – The "Alien" Mailbag: Why does no one want to talk about UFOs? 03:29 – National Renewal vs. Steady Decline The team analyzes Leon Panetta’s Wall Street Journal op-ed. Is the U.S. truly at a "critical turning point," or is our current gridlock just a reflection of a divided electorate? The Optimist View: The states are still functioning, and history shows America solves problems when they become crises.The Realist View: Extreme polarization is making it nearly impossible to address long-term issues like the national debt and Social Security.15:01- The Third Party Myth? The guys discuss the "Bull Moose" and Ross Perot legacies. Why third parties rarely win (and why the Republican Party’s origins as a third party led straight to the Civil War).The impact of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) as seen in Alaska and its potential to empower moderate voices.27:15 –Labor Unions: Principle vs. Practice A look at why unions are popular in polls but struggling in membership. The "indirect benefits" of unions: How they set the standard for wages and benefits even for non-union employees.The historical correlation between the decline of unions and the widening wealth gap.43:53 –The Latter-day Lens on Political Philosophy Matt poses a challenging question: If Jesus were here today, which "Liberalism" would He endorse? Social Liberalism: Using government as a safety net to ensure true agency.Classical Liberalism: Protecting property rights and limiting state power.Liberal Socialism: The idea that material necessity is a barrier to true spiritual and civil freedom.Keywords  Latter Day Lens Podcast, LDS Political Discussion, Leon Panetta Op-Ed, Liberal Socialism vs. Classical Liberalism, Ranked Choice Voting, Labor Unions 2026, Christian Political Philosophy, Is America a failed state?, Two-party system gridlock, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Politics, President Oaks on Liberalism and Conservatism, Political agency and the Gospel.

    1h 8m

  4. JAN 14

    Episode 151: Worlds Without Number: From Bosco to Boundaries, Romney to Roswell

    Send us a text 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" calls including BYU legend Robbie Bosco, former Relief Society and Young Women leaders, and high-level CEOs from companies like Priceline and Beachbody.11:42 – Bypassing Boundaries: AI and the Grok Controversy A serious look at the dark side of AI: reports of users using Elon Musk’s "Grok" to generate non-consensual sexualized imagery. The group debates platform accountability and the legal protections (or lack thereof) for victims of digital defamation.23:23 – Romney’s Revenue: Saving Social Security Mitt Romney has proposed closing tax loopholes for the ultra-wealthy to prevent a Social Security benefits shortfall by 2034. Shawn champions the principle of self-reliance, while Matt and Melanie look at the proposal through the lens of scriptural warnings about the concentration of wealth.35:23 – The Big Question: Have Aliens Visited Earth? Inspired by the film The Age of Disclosure, Matt goes all-in on his "Roswell theory." The group dives into Moses 1:33 and the doctrine of "worlds without number," debating whether human ingenuity has discovered secrets God intended to keep hidden.Key Takeaways Service vs. Status: Whether you are an iconic quarterback or a Primary teacher for the "Valiant 10s," the value of a calling is found in the service, not the title.Accountability in the Digital Age: While free speech is a core value, protecting individuals from AI-driven harm and the violation of bodily privacy is a modern moral imperative.The Infinite Creation: LDS theology explicitly teaches the existence of other inhabited worlds; the debate is whether those inhabitants have ever dropped by for a visit.Next Step for Listeners: Do you believe high-profile callings are a sign of "merit" or just a logistical reality?

    57 min

  5. JAN 7

    Episode 150: The Future of Public Service, Venezuela’s Regime Change, and Remembering President Holland

    Send us a text 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. 2. The Thought Provoker Venezuela & Executive Power: The hosts debate President Trump’s recent actions in Venezuela. Matt argues that bypassing Congress violates Article I of the Constitution, while Shawn explores the "spin" of the administration regarding criminal warrants and oil interests.3. Monuments vs. Mandates: Is $54 million better spent fixing D.C. fountains or funding local clinics? Link to information about Stone Mountain 4. The Big Question: What Drives Civic Leadership? Inspired by a recent Gallup study on rural communities, the hosts discuss why people step into public service. The Role of Religion: Matt argues that religion provides both the motivation (to be our brother’s keeper) and the skills (organizing, public speaking, leadership) necessary for service.Self-Interest vs. Altruism: Shawn challenges the idea of "pure" public service, citing Ayn Rand’s theory of self-interest.The Solution: A paradigm shift back to the "Founders' Model"—building a successful career first, then dedicating later years to serving the community without a need for financial gain.Chapters 00:00 | Welcome Back & New Year in San Diego Matt and Shawn celebrate the 150th episode and the start of January 2026. They share stories from their holiday hiatus, including an "arm wrestling" match, a visit to the USS Midway, and a debate over Russian beet salad. 04:41 | The Mailbag: Revelation & The Constitution A listener asks if the U.S. Constitution can be both divinely inspired and in need of updates. Matt discusses the Constitution as an "aspirational" document, drawing parallels to the ongoing Restoration of the Gospel. 09:04 | Remembering President Jeffrey R. Holland Shawn and Matt reflect on their personal encounters with Elder Holland during their missions in Ukraine. Shawn recounts a story of a miraculous healing and the powerful "stretcher" talk given in the MTC. 14:26 | Venezuela & Foreign Policy Lies The hosts dive into the recent regime change in Venezuela. They debate the constitutionality of the move and discuss the tension between "America First" rhetoric and international intervention. 21:30 | The Midterm Prediction Matt offers a bold political forecast: why he believes Congress will target Trump’s inner circle with impeachments rather than the President himself. 27:14 | Monuments vs. Social Programs A discussion on the $54 million National Park Service project to repair D.C. fountains. Shawn argues against government spending on aesthetics, while Matt defends monuments as a "Title of Liberty" for the nation. 39:53 | The Big Question: What Drives Civic Leadership? Drawing from a Gallup study, the hosts explore what motivates people in rural communities to run for office. 51:11 | Professional Politicians vs. Public Servants Matt makes a case for the "Founders' Model" of public service—individuals who serve after established careers—while Shawn

    59 min

  6. 12/17/2025

    Episode 149: Church Influencers, State Rights, and the Labels That Divide Us

    Send us a text 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 the Archdiocese of Boston by maintaining an anti-ICE nativity scene. If a ward defied an Area Presidency this way, would Shawn's love of local government control apply to church governance? Kratom Deaths in Idaho: Bonneville County has investigated six kratom-related deaths in 18 months. The FDA prohibits kratom, but Idaho law allows its sale. Is this federalism gone bad? The Big Question: The Economist ranked the top economies in 2025—and the results defy simple "socialist vs. capitalist" explanations. Since ideology doesn't explain outcomes, is it morally appropriate to use labels like capitalist, socialist, or Marxist at all? Chapters 00:00 Podcast Updates and Technical Glitches 02:51 The Role of Social Media in Content Creation 05:38 The Influence of Digital Content Creators in the Church 09:36 Local Control vs. Central Authority in the Church 17:57 Political Messages and Church Doctrine 24:57 Building the Kingdom of God 26:58 Federalism and Public Health 30:54 The Role of Federalism in Drug Regulation 37:33 Economic Ideologies and Their Impact 44:26 The Manipulation of Labels in Politics

    49 min

  7. 12/10/2025

    Episode 148: Abolish the FDA? The Radical Free Market Healthcare Fix & The "False Gods" of the US Military

    Send us a text 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 response.How laws that aren’t explicitly racist (like gerrymandering) can still leave people of color disadvantaged — and why Matt’s stopped calling policies “racist” even when they obviously hurt minorities.The heartbreaking rise in global child deaths as foreign aid shrinks: are American Saints more fired up about defending the unborn than feeding already-born, already-suffering children abroad?Whether the U.S. healthcare system needs more government… or way less. Matt and Shawn both shock themselves by landing on a radical free-market answer.The christening of the USS Utah nuclear sub and Spencer W. Kimball’s warning against worshipping the “false gods” of military might — is it spiritually sketchy for Saints to cheer for ever-bigger weapons?And finally, “limitarianism”: should government cap personal wealth at €10M in the name of justice… or is that just sanctified envy dressed up as philosophy?Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Holiday Cheer 02:39 Listener Mailbag and Community Engagement 05:48 Cultural Perspectives on Maternity Leave 08:38 Food Quality and Health in America 11:24 Racial Disparities and Voter Suppression 14:11 Foreign Aid and Global Health Concerns 17:18 The Role of Government vs. Individual Responsibility in Charity 20:03 Healthcare System Breakdown 22:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 26:22 Healthcare Economics: A Clash of Ideologies 28:36 The Role of Insurance in Healthcare 31:05 Free Market vs. Regulation in Healthcare 33:25 The Case for Unregulated Healthcare 37:23 The Impact of Regulations on Healthcare Costs 41:04 Military Spending and Moral Implications 47:56 Limitarianism: A Controversial Proposal 53:48 Final Thoughts on Wealth and Value

    55 min

  8. 12/03/2025

    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 a text 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 "Great Awakening" revivals of the past, though Matt highlights current growth within the Church as a type of revival. The Morality of Political Power Plays (15:07) The hosts discuss Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García's maneuver to secure his staffer, Patty García, a seat by announcing his retirement after the filing deadline, effectively eliminating a primary election. Noblesse Oblige: Shawn calls the tactic immoral, motivated by arrogance or self-interest, invoking the concept of "Noblesse Oblige"—the privileged acting for the "less blessed." Kingmaker: Matt agrees the move is unethical but admits he'd be tempted by the "kingmaker" role, reflecting a common distrust in voters' judgment among the political elite. Distrust and Discontent (25:39) A Gallup poll shows extreme dissatisfaction with US democracy, especially among women aged 18 to 44, 40% of whom would move abroad—a fourfold increase since 2014. The Problem: Matt argues this level of distrust risks undermining the divinely inspired US Constitution and suggests it is linked to policies from the last decade, such as those impacting women's healthcare access, which disproportionately affect their liberty. The Cause: Shawn believes the discontent is rooted in social media's self-esteem pressures and political "bamboozling," rather than actual legal disparity. Matt counters that a platform addressing this widespread unhappiness is crucial for future politicians. Good, Evil, and Fictional Franchises (38:22) Matt and Shawn analyze shared themes in Stranger Things and Wicked. Becoming Good: Matt links this to the gospel principle of being "born again," arguing that true goodness is a transformation of the heart, not just the sum of one's actions. He uses a convert's powerful baptism story to illustrate the contrast between life's "bitter" cup and the "sweet" love of God. Representation: Matt praises the character Susie from Stranger Things as the best fictional portrayal of a Latter-day Saint in media. Chapters 00:00 Friendship and Loyalty in Adversity 02:57 The Decline of Religion in America 05:45 Awakening and Spiritual Growth 08:38 American Exceptionalism and Religious Freedom 11:46 Political Morality and Ethics 14:34 Dissatisfaction with Democracy 17:34 The Nature of Good and Evil in Fiction 20:22 Cultural Reflections

    50 min
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4.9
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Shawn & Matt
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    156
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Latter Day Lens Podcast 422139
  • Show Website
    The Latter Day Lens

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