The Latter Day Lens

Shawn & Matt
  • 4.9 (18)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

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 the headlines. Join us every Wednesday for LDS perspectives that are faith-promoting, intellectually honest, and designed to help you navigate your faith in the modern world. From Come Follow Me 2026 insights to deep dives into LDS history and doctrine, we tackle the conversations most people avoid.

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 169: The Myth of "Biological Parents" & Fighting Partisan Gerrymandering

    Send us Fan Mail 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. Later, the trio analyzes the ethics of partisan gerrymandering and whether statistical modeling can offer a cleaner path forward for voting rights. Finally, the conversation hits close to home as Levi explains why the phrase "biological parents" can deeply hurt adoptive families, leading to a profound discussion on how God defines family and how we can all look past toxic political labels to find our shared humanity. Connect with Us: Website: Latter-day LensEmail: latterdaylens@gmail.com Chapter Markers 00:00 – Introduction 01:34 – The Maturity Threshold of Local TV Weather: The hosts laugh over an Idaho Falls meteorologist who plays angry viewer voicemails on air, sparking a debate on weather-watching habits. 02:36 – Chick-fil-A and the EEOC Saturday Lawsuit: Matt introduces a federal lawsuit involving a Chick-fil-A franchise and an employee terminated over Saturday religious Sabbath observances. 03:36 – Investigating the Purpose of the EEOC: Shawn shares his initial research into the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, questioning its reach and administrative powers. 04:26 – Polling Priorities Across Executive Administrations: Matt analyzes how the enforcement focus of federal oversight bodies like the EEOC shifts drastically between presidential transitions. 05:38 – Conflict Resolution Strategies in the Modern Workplace: Shawn observes that a majority of scheduling conflicts are handled cordially, noting the structural failures that lead to high-profile lawsuits. 07:05 – Corporate Rights and First Amendment Boundaries: Matt introduces a strict constitutional perspective, outlining why original protections limit federal overreach but don't automatically dictate private business logistics. 08:08 – Commercial Independence vs. Anti-Discrimination Laws: The hosts trace the historic shift over the last 50 years regarding how public compliance laws interact with private market operations. 10:03 – Practical Management Logistics in the Fast-Food Sector: The panel looks at the operational demands placed on corporate managers, guessing at the scheduling realities that likely prompted the franchise's actions. 11:49 – Economic Power and Public Policy Constraints: Levi introduces the idea that corporate entities wield massive societal influence, arguing that structural abuses require active democratic pushback. 13:18 – Ideological Agendas and Executive Agency Enforcement: The hosts debate how partisan groups utilize federal agencies to protect differing core values, comparing civil rights protections to religious liberty cases. 14:56 – Transitioning to Mapmaking and Electoral Boundaries: Matt shifts the discussion toward voting rights and maps, noting how recent court decisions have changed the baseline for legislative map evaluations. 16:04 – Unpacking the Realities of Partisan Gerrymandering: Using the state of Utah as a primary example, Matt explains how legislative mapmakers mathematically dilute opposition voting power across geographic boundaries. 17:41 – Racial Gerrymandering vs. Partisan Safeguards: Shawn and Matt look at the legal differentiation between illegal racial line-drawing and legally permitted partisan self-preservation. 19:49 – Supreme Court Jurisprudence on Electoral District Maps: The panel outlines why federal courts typically decline to review partisan line-drawing claims, leaving map configuration in the hands of state political groups. 21:18 – Is Distributing Safe Seats Inherently Immoral?: Matt defends the utility of safe legislative districts, proposing that insulation from immediate voter swings allows representatives to focus on stable, long-term policy goals. 24:44 – Mathematical and Algorithmic Alternatives to Map Design: Levi introduces nonpartisan map tracking systems, showing how computers can utilize compactness and competition criteria to fix human bias. 26:31 – The Complicated Integration of Identity Metrics in Local Polling: The trio analyzes the complex parameters of demographic tracking, detailing the historic difficulties of balancing geography, race, and representation. 29:31 – Language, Adoption, and the "Biological Parents" Stigma: Levi transitions to a deeply moving, personal discussion about his daughter, explaining why standard biological phrasing in mainstream articles subtly isolates adoptive families. 30:55 – Scriptural Adoptions and Covenant Realities: Shawn and Matt connect Levi's experiences to foundational theology, emphasizing that the plan of salvation is built entirely on spiritual adoption and covenant bonds rather than DNA. 35:34 – The Pitfalls of Defending Divine Actions with Human Logic: Matt references flawed 1960s church scholarship to demonstrate why everyday members do not need to invent explanations or construct logical defenses for past or present policies. 41:11 – The Manhattan Institute Polling Data: Debunking Partisan Stereotypes: Matt presents data revealing surprising policy alignments among left-leaning voters on key issues like immigration, policing, and welfare oversight. 45:35 – Identity Overload: Dismantling Caricatures Through Personal Contact: The hosts discuss the dangers of modern online silos, advocating for face-to-face interaction and real-world civic engagement to break down political stereotypes. 52:22 – Political Realism, Compromise, and Final Reflections: Levi shares a vulnerable reflection on his view of modern party politics, concluding with an apology to individual voters as the hosts emphasize keeping faith above partisan identity.Key Words & Tags LDS podcast, Latter-day Saints, faith-promoting, current events, Chick-fil-A lawsuit, EEOC, religious liberty, freedom of religion, gerrymandering, political polarization, bipartisan common ground, adoption, adoptive families, Proclamation on the Family, political science, Christian culture, Idaho culture.

    59 min

  2. May 20

    Episode 168: Is Zoning Immoral? Plus, Navigating Pride Month as a Latter-day Saint

    Send us Fan Mail 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 why political science suggests a growing disconnect between voter satisfaction and election results. Key Topics Discussed: The Ethics of Zoning: Are exclusionary housing laws a violation of the Law of Consecration?Navigating Identity: Understanding the distinction between social labels and our primary identity as children of the covenant.International Integrity: Why past diplomatic promises in Ukraine affect our current credibility in the Middle East.Democracy and Discontent: Analyzing why 95% of incumbents are re-elected despite widespread dissatisfaction with the system.Episode Chapter Markers 00:00 – Intro: The Hufflepuff vs. Slytherin Debate04:18 – Mailbag: Addressing the $35 Trillion Fraud Claim06:36 – The Moral Obligation of Affordable Housing09:22 – D&C 104 and the Abundance of the Earth14:48 – SquareTwo Essay: LGBTQ+ Identity and Church Membership17:50 – Empathy and Pride: Learning from the "Left-Handed" Analogy21:30 – President Nelson and the Hierarchy of Identity23:25 – Trump, Ukraine, and the 1991 Nuclear Disarmament Pact27:55 – Comparing International Aid: Revolutionary War Parallels28:40 – Why Incumbents Win When Voters Are Unhappy32:12 – President Oaks on Civic Engagement and Making a DifferenceKeywords  Latter-day Saints, LDS podcast, Mormon news, Christian politics, Gospel perspective. Affordable housing ethics, Pride Month, Ukraine nuclear agreement, political science, President Oaks, identity in Christ. Rexburg, BYU-Idaho, Political Science, LDS current events.

    50 min

  3. May 13

    Episode 167: The Morality of Modern Living: Redistricting, Shoplifting, and Lab-Grown Meat

    Send us Fan Mail 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 institutions. Later in the episode, the hosts explore the reliability of hypnosis in criminal trials and the moral weight of jury decisions. They also touch on the evolution of BYU sports in the Big 12 era and conclude with a unique look at the ethics of lab-grown salmon versus traditional fishing. Keywords Latter-day Saint podcast, LDS perspective, Voting Rights Act, BYU Big 12, NIL ethics, criminal justice reform, lab-grown meat ethics, moral education, public school ethics, redistricting. Chapter Headings 00:00: Intro: The Voting Rights Act and Historical Equity The hosts discuss listener feedback regarding the 1965 Voting Rights Act and a thought experiment on historical voting disparities.14:00: Who Should Teach Our Children Morality? A debate on the role of public education, sports coaches, and religion in instilling values in the next generation.18:25: Hypnosis in Court: The Ethics of the Judicial System Discussing the case of Charles Don Flores and whether outdated forensic methods should be grounds for overturning convictions.22:50: BYU Sports, NIL, and the Wealth Gap Examining the Church's relationship with high-stakes college athletics and the moral implications of coach salaries26:22 — Coaches and Tennis: Sports as a Moral Ground How athletic mentors can instill "gentlemanly" values and where the coaching system often fails.26:57 — Death Row and Hypnosis: The Charles Don Flores Case An analysis of the unreliability of hypnosis in criminal trials and Penn Jillette’s recent advocacy for a man on death row.29:14 — Holding the System Accountable: Police and Prosecutors Matt proposes a radical accountability system where legal officers face the same penalties as the defendants they wrongly convict.30:35 — The 20-Minute Execution Rule: Jury Accountability A provocative discussion on why juries need to feel the immediate weight of their decisions to ensure justice.35:10 — Skepticism of the Jury System Matt shares his personal experience on a jury to illustrate how easily 12 strangers can be manipulated.37:34 — BYU Sports and the Big 12: Is Success Good for the Church? Analyzing the PR benefits of high-level college athletics and the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money.45:04 — Goldfish, Ponds, and Stewardship A personal story about saving reception centerpieces leads to a broader question: Can fish feel pain?47:17 — Stem Cell Salmon: The Morality of Lab-Grown Meat An exploration of new FDA-approved lab-grown fish and whether it is more moral than killing live animals.49:13 — LDS Scripture and the Stewardship of Animals Sean cites D&C 89 and Proverbs to outline the religious responsibility humans have toward "beasts of the field."52:25 — Creation from Chaos: Organizing Eternal Elements Sean applies Joseph Smith’s teachings on creation to the modern science of stem cell organization.55:53 — Free Range Ethics and the Chicken Egg Dilemma A closing discussion on the differences between fertilized and unfertilized eggs in our food supply.

    58 min

  4. May 6

    Episode 166 Secret Combinations, the Voting Rights Act, and a River of Regret

    Send us Fan Mail 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 Mormon, applying the lens of "Secret Combinations" to modern corporate and political power, and reflecting on whether classic stories of manhood—like A River Runs Through It—can still find a home in today’s digital world. Chapter Markers 00:00 — The "Big 5-0": Shawn’s birthday and the Pacific Coast lobster debate.03:36 — Mailbag: Does democracy require multiple religions?06:55 — The Voting Rights Act: Racism, representation, and the Supreme Court’s Louisiana ruling.22:50 — The $25 Billion Stalemate: Is it time to pull out of the Iranian conflict?30:18 — Secret Combinations: Corporate corruption and the Trump administration through a Gadianton lens.40:34 — Literature & Modernity: Could A River Runs Through It be published in 2026?46:40 — Disenfranchised Men? Jordan Peterson, Charlie Kirk, and the future of storytelling.Key Takeaways Democracy and Respect: A deep dive into how religious liberty and diverse viewpoints are a "no-brainer" for a functioning democratic society.The Ethics of Gerrymandering: A heated debate on whether "racial quotas" in voting districts are a necessary remedy for history or a form of modern segregation.Geopolitics vs. Domestic Needs: Comparing the cost of military intervention in Iran to domestic programs like healthcare and NASA.The "Secret" in Combinations: Analyzing if modern corruption is hidden (secret) or happening in broad daylight (public combinations).Cultural Shifts: Why the "human experience" in literature might be shifting away from traditional masculine narratives toward broader perspectives.Featured in this Episode Matt Miles: Professor of Political Science and "River Runs Through It" enthusiast.Shawn Record: The newly 50-year-old skeptic and music lover.Marc: The historian in a closet with a penchant for Bob Ross paintings and Bruce Springsteen.Follow the Lens: Website: latterdaylens.comYouTube: @LatterDayLensListen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts every Wednesday!

    49 min

  5. Apr 22

    Episode 165: Cancel Culture at UVU & the Legacy of Charlie Kirk

    Send us Fan Mail 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 "becoming." In this episode, we discuss: The UVU Controversy: Is it hypocritical for free-speech advocates to call for the cancellation of speakers they dislike?Public Health vs. Liberty: As measles cases rise in 31 states, where does the government's moral obligation begin and end?Gender Bias in Sports Journalism: The fallout of the Diana Rossini and Mike Vrabel story.Religious Becoming: Matt explains the "Fourth B" from his new book and why democracy might actually need a variety of religions to thrive.Resources Mentioned: Latter Day Lens Website: latterdaylens.comTake the "Religious Becoming" QuizChapter Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome back Levi & Wedding Announcements01:30 – Who is the GOAT? Sam’s Radio Legacy03:40 – YouTube Comments: The Military Draft Debate05:45 – Thought Provoker: The UVU Speaker Controversy10:15 – Nazis on Campus? Defining the Limits of Free Speech15:20 – Shifting the Overton Window22:30 – Measles Outbreak: The Morality of Vaccine Mandates28:10 – The "Cold Sore" Debate: How contagious is too contagious?32:45 – Double Standards: Diana Rossini and Mike Vrabel41:40 – The Big Question: Believing, Belonging, Behaving, & Becoming52:45 – In-Groups, Out-Groups, and the Global Neighbor01:00:10 – Closing RemarksKeywords: LDS Podcast, Latter-day Saints, Charlie Kirk, UVU, Free Speech, Vaccine Mandates, Measles 2026, Political Science, Religious Identity, Overton Window, Critical Race Theory, Sharon McMahon, Journalism Ethics, Christianity and Democracy, Matthew R. Miles

    1 hr

  6. Apr 15

    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" 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 Dilemma: Is a "hands-off" political approach actually "lukewarm" according to scripture?The Ethics of Compulsion: A deep dive into the morality of a military draft. Does the social contract justify forced service, or does it violate the fundamental principle of agency?AI as a Superweapon: With the rise of tools like Claude Mythos, we ask if AI has reached a level of danger that requires government restriction similar to nuclear proliferation.Line Upon Line: A look at how attitudes toward marriage have shifted—or grown—over the last century and what the next 100 years might hold for Church doctrine.Chapter Markers [00:00] Welcome back, Porter! Semester updates and AI in the classroom.[02:20] Is Libertarianism "Lukewarm"? Responding to a YouTube listener.[08:10] The Automated Draft: Is a military draft ever morally justified?[10:30] Moroni’s Draft vs. Vietnam: Compulsion in the Book of Mormon.[18:45] Standing Armies vs. Citizen Militias: What is the more moral path?[24:50] Claude Mythos & AI Security: Should the government regulate code like nukes?[33:00] The Free Market vs. Bad Actors: Can the invisible hand stop a hack?[41:15] Rhetoric and Negotiation: Trump, the Pope, and the morality of threats.[44:20] The Artemis Mission: Why the space program represents the best of humanity.[47:45] The Evolution of Marriage: Analyzing 19th-century temple sealings and future doctrine.[56:30] Line Upon Line: Is our understanding of marriage complete or still growing?Keywords Latter Day Lens, Social Contract, Military Draft, Selective Service, Libertarianism, AI Ethics, Claude Mythos, Anthropic, Captain Moroni, Agency vs Compulsion, Artemis 2, Marriage Doctrine, Polygamy History, D&C 132, Latter-day Saint Podcast.

    1h 6m

  7. Apr 8

    Episode 163: The LDS Political Shift: MAGA, Birthright Citizenship, and General Conference

    Send us Fan Mail 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 discuss: The FDR Debate: Is Japanese internment a "straw man" argument or a defining moral failure?Faith on the Court: Comparing the public reception of BYU’s Delaney Gibb and the NBA’s Jaden Ivey.Birthright Citizenship: Analyzing the 14th Amendment and the legal consistency of excluding certain immigrant groups.The "Trump Effect": Why LDS voters are moving toward the Democratic Party faster than any other group.Peace and Revelation: Personal reflections on the messages from President Nelson and President Oaks.Chapter Markers 00:00 – Introduction and General Conference Recap01:50 – Listener Feedback: Defending FDR and Historical Context04:00 – Religion in Sports: Delaney Gibb vs. Jaden Ivey10:30 – Style vs. Substance: Is Expression Conduct Detrimental?14:15 – The 14th Amendment: Birthright Citizenship and Legal Consistency21:20 – Native American Sovereignty and the Jurisdiction Clause26:45 – The Shift: Why LDS Voters are Leaving the GOP31:10 – Is MAGA Inconsistent with Church Morality?35:45 – The Generation Gap: Diversity and Political Sophistication45:40 – General Conference Takeaways: Charity, Peace, and Personal Revelation52:10 – Closing Thoughts: Changing Society through Individual ChangeKeywords Latter-day Saints, LDS Politics, General Conference 2026, Birthright Citizenship, 14th Amendment, MAGA and Religion, BYU Basketball, Political Polarization, President Nelson, President Oaks, Civil Discourse.

    53 min

  8. Apr 1

    Episode 162: Gerrymandering, The SAVE Act, and the Non-Citizen Audit: Who Actually Controls the Vote?

    Send us Fan Mail 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 attachment to the mortality of this life. The Thought ProvokerThe Billion-Dollar Consonant: David contextualizes the Ensign Peak filings. Is it a "hoard" or a masterclass in modern stewardship? We look at what $56 billion actually looks like per member. The Voting "Smoke Screen": We merge the data from audits in Idaho, Utah, and Michigan with the 214-year history of Gerrymandering. Are we solving a non-existent fraud problem while ignoring how politicians pick their own voters? Labor and the Hireling: Is it ever moral to force essential workers, like TSA agents, to work without pay during a government shutdown? We debate the "hazard of the job" vs. the biblical condemnation of oppressing the hireling. The Happiness Trap: Why did a French study rank San Francisco as the happiest US city while Salt Lake City vanished? We discuss why "government-led happiness" might be a fundamental misunderstanding of the Latter-day lens. Addendum from David:I may have named dropped Albert Brooks as a happiness researcher, and while he may loosely qualify, I intended to direct the audience to Arthur Brooks. If this feels like a meaningful extension of the April Fools theme, then I’ll take full credit.   Side note — Albert Brooks (the actor, and voice of Nemo’s dad in Finding Nemo) was actually named Albert Einstein at birth. Nobody is going to believe that though, if the SAVE act passes, and he shows up with that paperwork  [Keywords for Search] LDS Church Finances, Ensign Peak, Gerrymandering History, SAVE Act 2026, Voter Fraud Audit, TSA Shutdown, San Francisco Happiness Index, BYU History, Faith and Resurrection, Political Science. Chapter Timestamps [00:00] Intro: Flying an Airplane & The Physics of Weightlessness.[02:15] Reframing Death: A Temple Experience and Eternal Perspective.[04:20] Mailbag: Addressing Accusations About Church Spending.[06:20] Ensign Peak Breakdown: What $56 Billion Looks Like Per Member.[08:15] BYU History: The Financial Tensions of Ernest Wilkinson & Dallin H. Oaks.[10:30] TOPIC 1: Gerrymandering & The "Salamander" Map of 1812.[28:01] TOPIC 2: The SAVE Act & The Audit Data (15 out of 6 Million).[46:15] TOPIC 3: Labor Ethics—Forcing TSA Agents to Work Without Pay.[50:15] TOPIC 4: 2026 Happiness Index—Why San Francisco Beat Salt Lake.[56:45] Closing: Why Government Can’t Remove Every Obstacle.

    1h 1m
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4.9
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

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 the headlines. Join us every Wednesday for LDS perspectives that are faith-promoting, intellectually honest, and designed to help you navigate your faith in the modern world. From Come Follow Me 2026 insights to deep dives into LDS history and doctrine, we tackle the conversations most people avoid.

Information

  • Creator
    Shawn & Matt
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    171
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Latter Day Lens Podcast 422139
  • Show Website
    The Latter Day Lens

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