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 phil...
May 13
58 min
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...
May 6
48 min
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. F...
Apr 22
59 min
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 doc...
Apr 15
1 hr 6 min
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-...
Apr 8
53 min
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 person...
Apr 1
1 hr
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Latter-Day Lens, Matt and Shawn dive deep into the tension between calculated risk and eternal perspective. Starting with Matt's recent dive into the safety statistics of private aviation versus winter sports, the conversation quickly shifts from the physical risks of flying to the spiritual and social risks of how we live our lives. They explore the "theology of the afterlife" through the lens of the film Eternity, debating whether heaven is defined by...
Mar 25
1 hr 1 min
Episode 160: LDS Perspectives on Wealth Taxes, Media Trends, Conflict in Iran, and Faith-Based Usury
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Latter Day Lens, Matt, Shawn, and guest Levi Barnes dive into the complex intersections of modern headlines and eternal principles. The conversation starts light with Matt’s upcoming 50th birthday plans—including a discovery flight—and Levi’s bruised attempts at snowboarding. The team then tackles the serious stuff: the shift of major media platforms toward the right and whether a "middle ground" actually exists in politics. They debate Senator Bernie S...
Mar 18
57 min
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Matt, Shawn, and Porter tackle a series of high-stakes headlines and "The Big Question" regarding the future of traditional norms. Chapter Headings 0:00 – Introduction and Audio QualityMatt discusses the recent technical fixes to the podcast audio and the importance of listener feedback.10:04 – The Epstein Files and Iran Bombing TimingA discussion on the DOJ's missing files and Republican Representative Thomas Massie’s comments on military timing.The DO...
Mar 11
1 hr
Send us Fan Mail 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 l...
Mar 4
43 min
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