By Small & Simple Screens

Austin Falter

By Small & Simple Screens are worldviews formed. I help Latter-day Saint parents and leaders understand what children’s stories, movies, and media are teaching about God, family, and the world—so they can raise discerning, faithful kids in a media-saturated age. This channel primarily explores kids’ movies, books, social media, and other formative media through story analysis, symbolism, and worldview. We ask one central question: What is this story teaching my child about God, family, and the world? We also interview experts on the Family Proclamation, faith crisis among youth, social media and its effects, and media literacy. I’m Austin Falter—a father, filmmaker, Latter-Day Saint children’s author, and media professional with a background in communication. I’ve produced dozens of Latter-day Saint podcasts and share what I’m learning as a parent and storyteller navigating a story-shaped world. Media is never just entertainment. It’s formation.

  1. Oct 27

    The Modesty Problem is Going Viral!

    Are Latter-day Saints becoming too afraid to talk about modesty? After our first conversation about LDS modesty standards reached 85,000 views, it became clear that this topic struck a nerve. So we're continuing the conversation. This time, I'm joined by Lynzi Clyde from Hey Lindsay and Luke Hanson from Doctrine and Governance to explore why modesty has become such a difficult subject in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Have we become too casual about what we wear? Does clothing communicate something about us, even when we don't intend it to? And how can we teach modesty without making people feel judged or unwelcome? We discuss: Why our first modesty episode resonated with so many Latter-day Saints Whether LDS modesty expectations have become too relaxed Lynzi's "modesty triangle": God, yourself, and society Why modesty means more than covering shoulders or following clothing rules Whether we really dress only for ourselves How clothing communicates identity, values, and attraction The responsibilities of both men and women How parents can teach modesty to children and teenagers Whether correcting someone's clothing can push them away from church The connection between modesty, temple garments, and covenants One of the biggest questions Austin raises is this: Would Jesus rather have someone come to church dressed immodestly or stay away because they felt judged? The answer isn't as simple as it might seem. This conversation is about more than clothes. It's about discipleship, personal responsibility, Christlike love, and whether we're still willing to invite each other to live higher standards. Watch our first episode: What Happened to LDS Modesty Standards? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp8Y3CAq-oQ ALL MY LINKS! https://smallsimplescreens.com/ Purchase "Family: A Rhyming Proclamation for Kids" https://plainandpreciouspublishing.com/collections/childrens-books Check Out My LDS Kids Show (Brother Sunbeam) https://youtube.com/@brothersunbeam?si=WuFxgFJ1IgxZ1jJm By Small & Simple Screens helps Latter-day Saints see what movies, books, and media are actually teaching about God, family, and the world… I analyze kids’ stories, symbolism, and storytelling patterns through a gospel lens—not to cancel culture or panic parents, but to help families raise discerning kids in a media-saturated world. Disclaimer: This podcast and its content reflect my personal views and analysis as a Latter-day Saint parent, creator, and storyteller. It is not produced by, endorsed by, or representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or its official teachings. Any references to doctrine, scripture, or Church publications are offered for discussion and personal study, not as official interpretation. CONTACT: Austin@Falter.Media #mormon #lds #latterdaysaints

  2. Oct 20

    Why This LDS Therapist Challenges the Born This Way Debate

    Are people born gay, do they choose their sexuality, or is the question itself too simplistic? In this episode of By Small & Simple Screens, I sit down with Jeff Robinson, a psychotherapist with 30 years of experience, and his son Andrew Robinson, a Latter-day Saint seminary teacher, to explore some of the assumptions shaping conversations about same-sex attraction, LGBTQ issues, and faith. Andrew explains why he believes seminary teachers and Church members need to be more careful about the assumptions behind difficult questions. Jeff shares his personal framework for understanding sexual attraction, identity, and agency, including why he challenges the familiar born-this-way-versus-choice debate. We discuss: What the LDS Church teaches about the causes of same-sex attraction Why identifying assumptions matters in conversations about LGBTQ issues Jeff's perspective on sexuality as learned behavior The difference between attraction, identity, and personal choice How shame, perfectionism, and isolation can affect individuals navigating these questions The role of agency, biology, and environment How parents and seminary teachers can approach sensitive questions with greater care I also push back on some of Jeff's explanations, particularly when it comes to the difference between doing something and choosing it. This is a conversation about faith, personal experience, competing perspectives, and the importance of asking better questions. The guests' theories about the origins of sexual orientation are their own perspectives and should not be confused with established scientific consensus or official Church doctrine. What do you think? How can we approach difficult questions about sexuality and faith with greater understanding, compassion, and intellectual honesty? Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe for more conversations about faith, culture, and the assumptions shaping our worldview. Resources mentioned: Article | Helping Youth and Young Adults Address LGBT Issues in The Classroom https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CxFHIyHhDC01awUV3kqe1KJA0kiogEwX/view ALL MY LINKS! https://smallsimplescreens.com/ Purchase "Family: A Rhyming Proclamation for Kids" https://plainandpreciouspublishing.com/collections/childrens-books Check Out My LDS Kids Show (Brother Sunbeam) https://youtube.com/@brothersunbeam?si=WuFxgFJ1IgxZ1jJm By Small & Simple Screens helps Latter-day Saints see what movies, books, and media are actually teaching about God, family, and the world… I analyze kids’ stories, symbolism, and storytelling patterns through a gospel lens—not to cancel culture or panic parents, but to help families raise discerning kids in a media-saturated world. Disclaimer: This podcast and its content reflect my personal views and analysis as a Latter-day Saint parent, creator, and storyteller. It is not produced by, endorsed by, or representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or its official teachings. Any references to doctrine, scripture, or Church publications are offered for discussion and personal study, not as official interpretation. CONTACT: Austin@Falter.Media #mormon #lds #latterdaysaints

  3. Sep 10

    Premortal Middle-Earth: Did Tolkien Discover the Premortal Life?

    J.R.R. Tolkien was a devout Catholic. So why does his creation story sound surprisingly Latter-day Saint? In this episode, I sit down with Christian from The Holy Rebellion and take him somewhere every Lord of the Rings fan should eventually go: The Silmarillion. Most people know Frodo, Gandalf, Sauron, and the One Ring. But Tolkien created an entire mythology behind Middle-earth, including a creation story that gives incredible new meaning to the world of The Lord of the Rings. And reading it through Latter-day Saint eyes reveals some fascinating parallels. We explore: Tolkien's creation of the world through music Ilúvatar and the divine council The Ainur and Latter-day Saint ideas about premortal existence Melkor's rebellion and its parallels to the War in Heaven The Flame Imperishable and divine authority Sauron, agency, power, and control Creation and the Book of Abraham Covenants, priesthood power, and divine light Why Tolkien believed myths could reveal fragments of truth We're not arguing that Tolkien secretly wrote Latter-day Saint theology. He was deeply Catholic, and his faith shaped his mythology. But the parallels are fascinating. And once you understand Tolkien's creation story, The Lord of the Rings may never feel quite the same again. What parallels do you see between Tolkien's mythology and the gospel? Let me know in the comments. ALL MY LINKS! https://smallsimplescreens.com/ Purchase "Family: A Rhyming Proclamation for Kids" https://plainandpreciouspublishing.com/collections/childrens-books Check Out My LDS Kids Show (Brother Sunbeam) https://youtube.com/@BrotherSunbeam?si=WuFxgFJ1IgxZ1jJm By Small & Simple Screens helps Latter-day Saints see what movies, books, and media are actually teaching about God, family, and the world… I analyze kids’ stories, symbolism, and storytelling patterns through a gospel lens—not to cancel culture or panic parents, but to help families raise discerning kids in a media-saturated world. Disclaimer: This podcast and its content reflect my personal views and analysis as a Latter-day Saint parent, creator, and storyteller. It is not produced by, endorsed by, or representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or its official teachings. Any references to doctrine, scripture, or Church publications are offered for discussion and personal study, not as official interpretation. CONTACT: Austin@Falter.Media #mormon #lds #latterdaysaints

  4. Aug 21

    What Happened to LDS Modesty Standards?

    Did the Church change its standards on modesty, or did it change how we're expected to think about them? In this episode, I sit down with Luke Hanson for an honest conversation about modesty, For the Strength of Youth, parenting, clothing, and why this topic has become so difficult for Latter-day Saints to talk about. We look at the shift from specific clothing rules to today's more principle-based approach and ask what that actually means for parents and youth trying to make real decisions. We get into: What changed in For the Strength of Youth Whether clothing inevitably communicates something Why defining modesty has become so controversial The difference between principles and rigid checklists Whether parents should still establish standards at home Shame, judgment, sexuality, and the fear surrounding these conversations Why "higher and holier" may require more thought, not fewer standards Neither of us is interested in returning to a shame-based checklist. But avoiding the conversation altogether doesn't help our kids either. So what should we actually be teaching about modesty? Let me know what you think in the comments. ALL MY LINKS! https://smallsimplescreens.com/ Purchase "Family: A Rhyming Proclamation for Kids" https://plainandpreciouspublishing.com/products/family-a-rhyming-proclamation-for-kids Check Out My LDS Kids Show (Brother Sunbeam) https://youtube.com/@brothersunbeam?si=WuFxgFJ1IgxZ1jJm By Small & Simple Screens helps Latter-day Saints see what movies, books, and media are actually teaching about God, family, and the world… I analyze kids’ stories, symbolism, and storytelling patterns through a gospel lens—not to cancel culture or panic parents, but to help families raise discerning kids in a media-saturated world. Disclaimer: This podcast and its content reflect my personal views and analysis as a Latter-day Saint parent, creator, and storyteller. It is not produced by, endorsed by, or representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or its official teachings. Any references to doctrine, scripture, or Church publications are offered for discussion and personal study, not as official interpretation. CONTACT: Austin@Falter.Media #mormon #lds #latterdaysaints

  5. Jul 30

    Why Screen Time Rules Aren’t Enough Anymore

    Giving your child a smartphone without preparing them is like handing them car keys without driver's ed. In this episode, I sit down with Kami Davis, co-creator of Screen Smarts, to talk about how parents can move beyond fear and teach kids the digital life skills they actually need. Instead of relying only on restrictions or screen time limits, Screen Smarts helps families build healthy habits through practical conversations and real-world preparation. We discuss: Why rules alone aren't enough How to prepare kids for social media, AI, scams, and online predators Talking about pornography without shame Building healthy technology habits as a family Helping kids become confident digital citizens instead of fearful consumers If you're raising kids in today's digital world, this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can start using today. 🎁 Special Offer Use code SCREENS for 10% off: 📘 Resources: https://learnscreensmartz.com/resources/ 🎓 Screen Smarts Course: https://learnscreensmartz.com/course/ I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. What's been the biggest technology challenge in your family? ALL MY LINKS! https://smallsimplescreens.com/ Purchase "Family: A Rhyming Proclamation for Kids" https://plainandpreciouspublishing.com/products/family-a-rhyming-proclamation-for-kids Check Out My LDS Kids Show (Brother Sunbeam) https://youtube.com/@BrotherSunbeam?si=WuFxgFJ1IgxZ1jJm By Small & Simple Screens helps Latter-day Saints see what movies, books, and media are actually teaching about God, family, and the world… I analyze kids’ stories, symbolism, and storytelling patterns through a gospel lens—not to cancel culture or panic parents, but to help families raise discerning kids in a media-saturated world. Disclaimer: This podcast and its content reflect my personal views and analysis as a Latter-day Saint parent, creator, and storyteller. It is not produced by, endorsed by, or representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or its official teachings. Any references to doctrine, scripture, or Church publications are offered for discussion and personal study, not as official interpretation. CONTACT: Austin@Falter.Media #mormon #lds #latterdaysaints

  6. Jul 9

    Am I Wrong About Flat Characters? Why Good Characters Don't Always Transform

    Aaron Wilson pushes back. Can characters who don't transform or change still teach our kids good morals? What are Paddington and Captain America teaching? Artists Hands Trailer (Aaron Wilson's Film) https://youtu.be/sJWMEBQ-RiI?si=aWG4Lu1DNO5zIHtw ALL MY LINKS! https://smallsimplescreens.com/ Purchase "Family: A Rhyming Proclamation for Kids" https://plainandpreciouspublishing.com/products/family-a-rhyming-proclamation-for-kids Check Out My LDS Kids Show (Brother Sunbeam) https://youtube.com/@brothersunbeam?si=WuFxgFJ1IgxZ1jJm By Small & Simple Screens helps Latter-day Saints see what movies, books, and media are actually teaching about God, family, and the world… I analyze kids’ stories, symbolism, and storytelling patterns through a gospel lens—not to cancel culture or panic parents, but to help families raise discerning kids in a media-saturated world. Disclaimer: This podcast and its content reflect my personal views and analysis as a Latter-day Saint parent, creator, and storyteller. It is not produced by, endorsed by, or representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or its official teachings. Any references to doctrine, scripture, or Church publications are offered for discussion and personal study, not as official interpretation. CONTACT: Austin@Falter.Media #mormon #lds #latterdaysaints

  7. Jun 9

    What Happened to Heroism in Marvel Movies?

    In this episode, Tanner Millet and I dive deep into the changing moral landscape of Marvel movies and modern storytelling. What started as a conversation about superhero films quickly turned into a much bigger discussion about justice, sacrifice, heroism, and the stories shaping our culture. We explore: The difference between restorative and retributive justice Why classic hero stories focused on sacrifice and transformation How modern Marvel films often blur the line between hero and villain The role of trauma identity in modern protagonists Why movies like Black Panther and Shang-Chi still stand out And what today’s media is teaching kids about power, revenge, and morality We also discuss Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, the spiritual roots of storytelling, and why true heroism transcends gender and ideology. Whether you love Marvel, care about storytelling, or just want to think more deeply about the media shaping our world, this episode is for you. Purchase "Family: A Rhyming Proclamation for Kids" https://plainandpreciouspublishing.com/products/family-a-rhyming-proclamation-for-kids Purchase "He Lives: A Rhyming Testimony of the Living Christ" https://plainandpreciouspublishing.com/products/he-lives-a-rhyming-testimony-of-the-living-christ Check Out My LDS Kids Show (Brother Sunbeam) https://youtube.com/@BrotherSunbeam?si=WuFxgFJ1IgxZ1jJm Follow Me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/smallsimplescreens/ Subscribe to my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@SmallSimpleScreens By Small & Simple Screens helps Latter-day Saints see what movies, books, and media are actually teaching about God, family, and the world… I analyze kids’ stories, symbolism, and storytelling patterns through a gospel lens—not to cancel culture or panic parents, but to help families raise discerning kids in a media-saturated world. Disclaimer: This podcast and its content reflect my personal views and analysis as a Latter-day Saint parent, creator, and storyteller. It is not produced by, endorsed by, or representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or its official teachings. Any references to doctrine, scripture, or Church publications are offered for discussion and personal study, not as official interpretation. CONTACT: Austin@Falter.Media #mormon #lds #latterdaysaints

  8. Jun 3

    Vidangel for Books? Parents Need This! (Bookrata Interview)

    In this episode, I sit down with Marcus Williams and Brock Morris from Bookrata, a new platform designed to help readers, parents, and educators better understand what’s actually inside the books they’re reading. Unlike traditional review systems, Bookrata uses detailed content analysis to rate books across categories like language, sex, violence, wellness, religion, and LGBTQ themes—giving users the ability to customize filters based on their own values and preferences. We discuss: Why current book recommendation systems often lack transparency How Bookrata’s filtering system actually works The challenges parents face navigating modern books and BookTok culture Why objectivity and user autonomy matter so much How families can create personalized filters for different children And how this could reshape literary discovery and media literacy We also demo the platform using books from Brandon Sanderson, fantasy romance, and viral modern titles to show how detailed the ratings really are. If you’ve ever wanted a clearer way to know what’s inside a book before handing it to your child—or reading it yourself—this conversation is for you. Purchase "Family: A Rhyming Proclamation for Kids" https://plainandpreciouspublishing.com/products/family-a-rhyming-proclamation-for-kids Purchase "He Lives: A Rhyming Testimony of the Living Christ" https://plainandpreciouspublishing.com/products/he-lives-a-rhyming-testimony-of-the-living-christ Check Out My LDS Kids Show (Brother Sunbeam) https://youtube.com/@BrotherSunbeam?si=WuFxgFJ1IgxZ1jJm Follow Me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/smallsimplescreens/ Subscribe to my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@SmallSimpleScreens By Small & Simple Screens helps Latter-day Saints see what movies, books, and media are actually teaching about God, family, and the world… I analyze kids’ stories, symbolism, and storytelling patterns through a gospel lens—not to cancel culture or panic parents, but to help families raise discerning kids in a media-saturated world. Disclaimer: This podcast and its content reflect my personal views and analysis as a Latter-day Saint parent, creator, and storyteller. It is not produced by, endorsed by, or representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or its official teachings. Any references to doctrine, scripture, or Church publications are offered for discussion and personal study, not as official interpretation. CONTACT: Austin@Falter.Media #mormon #lds #latterdaysaints

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About

By Small & Simple Screens are worldviews formed. I help Latter-day Saint parents and leaders understand what children’s stories, movies, and media are teaching about God, family, and the world—so they can raise discerning, faithful kids in a media-saturated age. This channel primarily explores kids’ movies, books, social media, and other formative media through story analysis, symbolism, and worldview. We ask one central question: What is this story teaching my child about God, family, and the world? We also interview experts on the Family Proclamation, faith crisis among youth, social media and its effects, and media literacy. I’m Austin Falter—a father, filmmaker, Latter-Day Saint children’s author, and media professional with a background in communication. I’ve produced dozens of Latter-day Saint podcasts and share what I’m learning as a parent and storyteller navigating a story-shaped world. Media is never just entertainment. It’s formation.

Information

  • Creator
    Austin Falter
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Austin Falter
  • Show Website
    By Small & Simple Screens

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