Send a text

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 metaphor for Intellectual Property protection.
• 08:43 | Same-Sex Marriage and the Social Construction of Identity
  • A discussion on the doubling of LGBTQ identification since the legalization of same-sex marriage and the role of government in promoting social identities.
• 12:08 | Executive Immunity: Can a President Sue His Own Government?
  • An analysis of Nixon v. Fitzgerald (1982) and the implications of a sitting president suing his own administration.
• 16:16 | The Tariff Debate: Trade Strategy or Working-Class Sales Tax?
  • Matt and Shawn clash over whether new 10% global tariffs are a negotiation tool or a regressive tax on the working class.
  • Evidence for Matt's Claim: According to a 2026 U.S. Joint Economic Committee (JEC) report, recent tariff policies have added an estimated $1,745 annual burden to the average American household.
• 21:44 | The Big Question: Is Christian Nationalism Consistent with the Gospel?
  • Defining Christian Nationalism and weighing its rise in LDS-heavy states against the 11th Article of Faith.

Keywords

• Identity & Religion: LDS LGBTQ perspectives, Child of God identity, religious liberty, Christian Nationalism vs. LDS doctrine, 11th Article of Faith.
• Politics & Law: Presidential absolute immunity, Nixon v. Fitzgerald case, sitting President suing the government, executive power and the IRS.
• Economics: Trump global tariff impact, regressive sales tax debate, middle-class tax burden 2026, trade policy negotiation, US Joint Economic Committee tariff report.
• General: The Latter-day Lens podcast, faith-promoting scripted discussion, current events from a Mormon lens.

Send a text

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 prediction markets might be more accurate than traditional polling, though he remains skeptical of the timeline. Matt and Shawn weigh in on whether they’d be willing to put money on such a prophecy.

The Thought Provoker

• Martin Shkreli and the Wu-Tang Album: Using the legal battle over the world's rarest album, the team explores the distinction between physical ownership and copyright. Are intellectual property rights the kind of property God expects governments to protect?
• AI and the Ownership of Knowledge: Following Matthew Call’s insights, we discuss the "knowledge harvest"—the process where enterprise AI systems record how employees think and solve problems. Does the restored gospel offer a perspective on who truly owns the knowledge we create?
• Inheritance in Numbers: Turning to Numbers 27:7–11, we examine the ancient laws of inheritance given to Moses. Do these verses suggest a divine favor for passing down wealth, and does that make certain taxes or government seizures immoral?

The Big Question: Gaza and Article of Faith 10

The conversation takes a deep and difficult turn into the book of Numbers (chapters 31 and 33) and the 10th Article of Faith. As we look at the destruction and displacement in ancient Canaan alongside the modern conflict in Gaza, we ask: Was God supportive of such destruction? The hosts grapple with the violence in Gaza through the lens of the Old Testament and Latter-day prophecy. They explore whether the current conflict is a literal fulfillment of the 10th Article of Faith and the gathering of Israel, or if the spiritual gathering into "Stakes of Zion" is the true focus

Episode Chapters

00:00 | Intro: The Metrics of Faith and Trump’s Alien "Confirmation"

02:15 | Mailbag: The $20 Million Bet on the Second Coming

07:40 | The Thought Provoker: Shkreli, Wu-Tang, and the Nature of Property

25:30 | The Thought Provoker: AI and the "Harvesting" of Human Knowledge

40:15 | The Thought Provoker: Numbers 27 and the "Gross" Ethics of Inheritance

48:00 | The Big Question: Is the Gaza Conflict a Fulfillment of Prophecy?

01:01:00 | Closing: Safety, Welcome, and the Last Word

Send a text

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 deeply personal look at the man behind the mantle and the spiritual process of sustaining leaders.

Chapters

00:01 - The "Brah" Engagement & Generation Labels

03:40 - Mailbag: Is Healthcare a Natural Right?

10:47 - The Epstein Files: Mistake or Justice?

The "Thought Provoker" begins with the fallout from the release of the Epstein files. Matt expresses deep concern over the accidental release of 43 victims' names and the lack of new criminal implications. Shawn and Melanie push back, debating the necessity of pursuing justice against "secret combinations" and the reality of corruption within government systems.

19:22 - The Marijuana Problem & Word of Wisdom Revelation

Following a New York Times pivot on marijuana legalization and new studies on the benefits of coffee and tea, the team discusses how to apply the Word of Wisdom in 2026, while the group explores the difference between enduring doctrine and temporary commandments.

36:02 - The New Apostle: Sustaining Elder Clark G. Gilbert

The conversation turns to the viral and "controversial" calling of Elder Clark G. Gilbert to the Quorum of the Twelve. Matt shares personal stories from their time working together at BYU-Idaho. The team discusses the spiritual necessity of seeking a personal witness for leaders, regardless of political leanings or demographics.

52:07 - The Big Question: Perfection vs. Civic Duty

The episode concludes with a deep dive into Elder Quentin L. Cook’s 2025 conference address. They balance the Savior’s focus on the "perfection of the Saints" with President Oaks' call to be "knowledgeable citizens." Melanie leaves the group with a final thought on the intersection of infrastructure, social justice, and missionary work.

Send a text

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 the latest projects from our hosts. Check them out and show your support!

• Graham Mitchell: Follow the life of a city manager on TikTok at citymanagerguy.
• Shawn: Listen to incredible accounts of faith on the Mission Stories Podcast.
• Matt: Catch Matt and his sister discussing church-related news on This Week in Latter Days.

The Thought Provoker

Healthcare as a Right: The US Constitution doesn't explicitly list healthcare, yet many Americans believe the government is obligated to provide it. Does the "right to life" imply an inherent right to medical care? The group debates "positive" vs. "negative" rights and what the scriptures say about caring for the sick and afflicted.

AI in the Courtroom: Judges are increasingly using AI to clear case backlogs and draft opinions. While efficient, does this skip the "study it out in your mind" phase of revelation? We discuss whether relying on algorithms hinders a judge's ability to seek wisdom from the Lord.

The Future of CBS News: With Bari Weiss leading a "digital-first" strategy, CBS is hiring influencers to reach younger audiences. Right now, CBS News is stuck in third place in viewership, and it skews older, so I can see why they want to make changes. Is this a savvy market move or the death of investigative journalism? We debate if the "marketplace of ideas" rewards truth or just clickbait.

The Big Question

"If the Savior is the great connector, then the adversary is the separator." Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi recently taught that Satan seeks to separate us from sacred places and each other. We explore: Does this principle apply to politics? Is "contending" for truth always divisive, or can it be done in a way that unifies? How to model Christ-like behavior when engaging with those who hold vastly different political views.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome Back and Political Landscape
01:50 Host Highlights
05:31 Rights and Healthcare Debate
16:52 AI in the Judicial System
23:25 AI in the Courtroom: Efficiency vs. Judicial Wisdom
33:20 Media Shakeup: Can Bari Weiss Save CBS News?
46:05 The Big Question: Is Christ the Great Connecto

Send 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

Send 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 movement

Send 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.

Send 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?