In this episode, The Latter-Day Knight breaks down the influence of media and video games on youth, culture, and ideology. They cover current trends, concerns for parents, and ways to navigate today's entertainment landscape.

- How media and video games shape beliefs and societal norms
- The rise of ideology in pop culture, including examples from Star Wars, Marvel, and more
- The impact of Gamergate and the resistance of gamers to political narratives
- The balance between video game content, addiction, and positive experiences for kids
- Tips for parents: vetting media, setting standards, and encouraging healthy engagement

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: [email protected]

#mormon #lds #latterdaysaints

Discover how faith-centered picture books are making a difference for Latter-day Saint families. Nicole from Popcorn Tree Books joins the podcast to share her journey, creative process, and tips for teaching kids the gospel.

- The inspiration behind Popcorn Tree Books and why Nicole started writing faith-based picture books
- Challenges and tips for translating gospel messages to young children
- Insights from reviewing various children’s storybook Bibles from a Latter-day Saint perspective
- The importance of making gospel learning engaging, authentic, and developmentally appropriate
- Sneak peek at upcoming books and resources for families looking to enrich their home libraries

Support our Guest at Popcorn Tree Books
https://www.popcorntreebooks.com

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

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: [email protected]

#mormon #lds #latterdaysaints

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Dave Butler, author of 20+ novels and editor-in-chief at Plain and Precious Publishing, to unpack what’s happening to modern fantasy, sci-fi, and storytelling as a whole.

We dive into why so many stories today feel different… and whether something deeper has been lost.

From the rise of “hard magic” systems popularized by Brandon Sanderson, to the growing influence of modern publishing trends, Dave makes the case that fantasy may be drifting away from its roots, away from mystery, meaning, and the kind of storytelling that shaped writers like Tolkien.

We also explore:
• Why modern fantasy often feels more mechanical than mythic
• How publishing has changed (and who decides what gets published)
• The challenge of finding trustworthy books for your kids
• Why Tolkien still resonates in a way many modern stories don’t
• And whether we’re starting to see a return to more meaningful storytelling

If you’ve ever wondered why stories don’t feel the same anymore—or how to navigate what to read and recommend, this conversation is for you.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments:
Do you prefer “hard magic”… or something more mysterious?

Find Dave Butler on X: https://x.com/DavidJohnButler

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

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: [email protected]

#mormon #lds #latterdaysaints