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? 

Send a text

Episode Overview

In this milestone 150th episode, Matt and Shawn reunite after a holiday break in San Diego to ring in the New Year. The discussion traverses personal mission memories of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, the controversial geopolitical shift in Venezuela, the value of national monuments versus social programs, and a deep dive into what truly motivates civic leadership in rural America.

1. Memories of a Modern Apostle

Matt and Shawn reflect on the life and impact of President Jeffrey R. Holland.

2. The Thought Provoker

• Venezuela & Executive Power: The hosts debate President Trump’s recent actions in Venezuela. Matt argues that bypassing Congress violates Article I of the Constitution, while Shawn explores the "spin" of the administration regarding criminal warrants and oil interests.

3. Monuments vs. Mandates: Is $54 million better spent fixing D.C. fountains or funding local clinics?

Link to information about Stone Mountain

4. The Big Question: What Drives Civic Leadership?

Inspired by a recent Gallup study on rural communities, the hosts discuss why people step into public service.

• The Role of Religion: Matt argues that religion provides both the motivation (to be our brother’s keeper) and the skills (organizing, public speaking, leadership) necessary for service.
• Self-Interest vs. Altruism: Shawn challenges the idea of "pure" public service, citing Ayn Rand’s theory of self-interest.
• The Solution: A paradigm shift back to the "Founders' Model"—building a successful career first, then dedicating later years to serving the community without a need for financial gain.

Chapters

00:00 | Welcome Back & New Year in San Diego Matt and Shawn celebrate the 150th episode and the start of January 2026. They share stories from their holiday hiatus, including an "arm wrestling" match, a visit to the USS Midway, and a debate over Russian beet salad.

04:41 | The Mailbag: Revelation & The Constitution A listener asks if the U.S. Constitution can be both divinely inspired and in need of updates. Matt discusses the Constitution as an "aspirational" document, drawing parallels to the ongoing Restoration of the Gospel.

09:04 | Remembering President Jeffrey R. Holland Shawn and Matt reflect on their personal encounters with Elder Holland during their missions in Ukraine. Shawn recounts a story of a miraculous healing and the powerful "stretcher" talk given in the MTC.

14:26 | Venezuela & Foreign Policy Lies The hosts dive into the recent regime change in Venezuela. They debate the constitutionality of the move and discuss the tension between "America First" rhetoric and international intervention.

21:30 | The Midterm Prediction Matt offers a bold political forecast: why he believes Congress will target Trump’s inner circle with impeachments rather than the President himself.

27:14 | Monuments vs. Social Programs A discussion on the $54 million National Park Service project to repair D.C. fountains. Shawn argues against government spending on aesthetics, while Matt defends monuments as a "Title of Liberty" for the nation.

39:53 | The Big Question: What Drives Civic Leadership? Drawing from a Gallup study, the hosts explore what motivates people in rural communities to run for office.

51:11 | Professional Politicians vs. Public Servants Matt makes a case for the "Founders' Model" of public service—individuals who serve after established careers—while Shawn re

Send a text

Announcements

No new episodes through December 2025—Episode 150 drops January 2026. Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music feeds are experiencing technical issues. Follow Matt on Instagram during the break.

Topics

Young Men's Advisory Board: The newly announced Young Men's Advisory Board is notable because five of its fourteen volunteer advisors are public influencers, signaling a potential shift toward valuing digital communication expertise in Church leadership.

Federalism in Church Governance: A Catholic parish in Dedham, Massachusetts, is defying the Archdiocese of Boston by maintaining an anti-ICE nativity scene. If a ward defied an Area Presidency this way, would Shawn's love of local government control apply to church governance?

Kratom Deaths in Idaho: Bonneville County has investigated six kratom-related deaths in 18 months. The FDA prohibits kratom, but Idaho law allows its sale. Is this federalism gone bad?

The Big Question: The Economist ranked the top economies in 2025—and the results defy simple "socialist vs. capitalist" explanations. Since ideology doesn't explain outcomes, is it morally appropriate to use labels like capitalist, socialist, or Marxist at all?

Chapters

00:00 Podcast Updates and Technical Glitches
02:51 The Role of Social Media in Content Creation
05:38 The Influence of Digital Content Creators in the Church
09:36 Local Control vs. Central Authority in the Church
17:57 Political Messages and Church Doctrine
24:57 Building the Kingdom of God
26:58 Federalism and Public Health
30:54 The Role of Federalism in Drug Regulation
37:33 Economic Ideologies and Their Impact
44:26 The Manipulation of Labels in Politics

Send a text

Matt’s got a Christmas tree, a Lenin bust, and a bunch of books and maps in his office. Shawn has buckwheat, stockings, and very strong opinions. In this episode, the Latter Day Lens mailbag explodes and drags us into some uncomfortable but important questions about what Latter-day Saints really worship and trust.

We wrestle with:

• Why so many women say they’d rather raise kids in Europe than in the U.S. (paid maternity leave, food, breastfeeding norms) — and whether “if you don’t like it, move” is a fair response.
• How laws that aren’t explicitly racist (like gerrymandering) can still leave people of color disadvantaged — and why Matt’s stopped calling policies “racist” even when they obviously hurt minorities.
• The heartbreaking rise in global child deaths as foreign aid shrinks: are American Saints more fired up about defending the unborn than feeding already-born, already-suffering children abroad?
• Whether the U.S. healthcare system needs more government… or way less. Matt and Shawn both shock themselves by landing on a radical free-market answer.
• The christening of the USS Utah nuclear sub and Spencer W. Kimball’s warning against worshipping the “false gods” of military might — is it spiritually sketchy for Saints to cheer for ever-bigger weapons?
• And finally, “limitarianism”: should government cap personal wealth at €10M in the name of justice… or is that just sanctified envy dressed up as philosophy?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Holiday Cheer
02:39 Listener Mailbag and Community Engagement
05:48 Cultural Perspectives on Maternity Leave
08:38 Food Quality and Health in America
11:24 Racial Disparities and Voter Suppression
14:11 Foreign Aid and Global Health Concerns
17:18 The Role of Government vs. Individual Responsibility in Charity
20:03 Healthcare System Breakdown
22:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
26:22 Healthcare Economics: A Clash of Ideologies
28:36 The Role of Insurance in Healthcare
31:05 Free Market vs. Regulation in Healthcare
33:25 The Case for Unregulated Healthcare
37:23 The Impact of Regulations on Healthcare Costs
41:04 Military Spending and Moral Implications
47:56 Limitarianism: A Controversial Proposal
53:48 Final Thoughts on Wealth and Value