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This week on Latter-day Lens, join Matt, Shawn, and Marc as they dive into a thought-provoking listener mailbag question: Is polygamy an eternal principle 💍 within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? The hosts wrestle with interpretations of Doctrine and Covenants 132, the sealing power, and the historical pattern of one man and one woman in scripture, challenging common assumptions about life in the celestial kingdom.

General Conference & Agency 🙏

The conversation shifts to highlights from the most recent General Conference. Find out which talks resonated most with the hosts, including powerful messages from Elder Brown on moral agency and a moving talk from President Oaks. The group shares their takeaways and discusses the Church's focus on doctrine-rich sermons and the staggering statistics on convert baptisms in recent years.

Politics, Prediction, and the Price of Progress 💰

Polymarket is a site where people can place bets on political events. For example, right now you can wager on the length of the government shutdown. Shawn does not like public opinion surveys, is this a better source of information about what the public thinks? Are the bets placed on who will win the NYC Mayoral race, for example, a better way to figure out public attitudes than a survey? 

AI vs. Actors: Dutch artist Eline Van der Velden created an AI “actor” named Tilly Norwood, and Hollywood is not amused. Tilly—who appears in AI-generated sketches and social clips—has reportedly been in talks with real talent agencies, sparking backlash from SAG-AFTRA and major stars. They see her as a threat to working actors and to the integrity of human storytelling. It’s the latest flashpoint in the debate over how far AI should go in replacing real creative work. Here is the question, at what point does it become morally wrong to use AI for human work? Will it ever go too far? 

Government as a Shareholder: The hosts dissect the controversial move by the US Energy Department to take an equity stake in a private company during a bailout. Is this new strategy an ingenious business move that benefits the American public, or is it a slippery slope toward socialism 🚩 and anti-capitalist meddling?

Tune in for a lively debate that takes you from the sacred to the secular, and everything in between!

#LDS #GeneralConference #Polygamy #Agency #Polymarket #AI #SAG-AFTRA #Socialism #Capitalism #LatterDayLens

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Lighthearted Banter
00:55 Exploring Polygamy in the Church
09:21 General Conference Highlights
15:56 Public Opinion and Betting Markets
23:22 Betting on Politics: The Uncertainty of Predictions
26:14 AI in Hollywood: The Rise of Digital Actors
27:25 The Morality of AI: When is it Wrong?
32:48 AI and Spiritual Guidance: A Controversial Intersection
36:36 Government Ownership: A Step Towards Socialism?

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This week, join the exceptionally fun trio of Shawn, Melanie, and Matt as they tackle some of the most compelling, and at times controversial, issues of our time! You won't want to miss their lively discussion on why some women choose a right-wing feminist strategy for survival, whether UDOT's use of eminent domain to build the FrontRunner 2X is morally justified, and if the critique that disliking Taylor Swift's music is sexist holds any water. Finally, they dive into the big question sparked by recent polling data: as polygamy becomes more morally accepted in America, will this trend eventually lead to pressure on the church to reconsider its position? Tune in for their engaging takes, witty banter, and thought-provoking analysis. 

➡️ Segment 1: The Right-Wing Feminist's Rational Tragedy

We explore Valerie Cassler's analysis of the Right-Wing Feminist choosing traditional marriage as a rational, if tragic, survival strategy against male domination. This accommodation strategy is preferred over Left-Wing Feminism, which is criticized for failing women and leaving them politically homeless.The Question: Is this accommodation strategy more compatible with gospel principles?

➡️ Segment 2: Eminent Domain for FrontRunner 2X

UDOT is using eminent domain to seize residential property in Provo for the high-priority FrontRunner 2X rail project, displacing dozens of residents. The Question: Is it morally right for the government to force people to sell their property for public transportation expansion?

➡️ Segment 3: Is Disliking Taylor Swift Sexist?

Literary critic Stephanie Burt argues that Taylor Swift's lyrical genius is overlooked due to sexist expectations that favor the "solitary male genius." The Question: Are people who dislike Taylor Swift or her music really being sexist?

➡️ The Big Question: Polygamy's Rise in Moral Acceptance

Gallup data shows a substantial increase in the moral acceptance of polygamy, tripling from 7% in 2001 to 21% in 2025. Following the precedent of pressure on the church regarding same-sex marriage, a trend of increasing public acceptance for polygamy is noted. The Big Question: As Americans become more accepting of polygamy, will pressure on the church to bring back polygamy also increase?

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In this episode, Matt, Shawn, and David, begin with some casual banter before diving into the main topics. Matt shares listener feedback, including a critique of his political views and a listener's interest in Shawn's career. This leads to a debate about whether a public school teacher should be fired for their personal opinions on social media, especially if they are government employees.

Next, the conversation shifts to Artificial Intelligence (AI). They discuss a prediction from the Zoom CEO that AI will lead to a three or four-day workweek, creating an era of abundance. Matt argues that if AI is left unregulated, it could instead lead to a "white-collar Armageddon." Sean counters that individuals have the power to adapt and use AI for personal growth, citing his own experience with using AI to write code.

The hosts then discuss the assassination of Charlie Kirk. They examine how foreign entities like Russia and China use such events to spread disinformation and sow political division in the United States. The hosts consider how to combat this, bringing up the First Presidency's call for peace and the need for more respectful dialogue, even among those with opposing views.

The episode concludes with a "big question" about a verse in the Doctrine and Covenants that uses the phrase "wild and savage condition" to describe a group of people. The hosts debate whether the verse is racist and what it means for modern members of the church to confront seemingly problematic language in scripture. They conclude that individuals must read scripture in a broader context and that God works through imperfect people.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome Back and Listener Engagement
02:00 Political Opinions and Listener Feedback
05:44 RFK Jr. and Vaccine Controversies
09:29 Social Media and Employment Consequences
18:50 AI's Impact on Work and Society
25:53 AI and Work-Life Balance
28:33 Education in the Age of AI
31:57 The Role of Expertise in an AI World
32:44 Finding Solutions to Prevent White Collar Armageddon
34:02 Disinformation and Political Divisions
37:42 The Need for Peaceful Dialogue
42:16 Racism in Canonized Scripture
01:02:53 Concluding Thoughts on Race and Understanding

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Summary
In this episode, the Shawn, Porter, and Matt discuss various political and social issues, including Project 2025, the Alcohol Intake and Health Study, RFK Jr.'s political integrity, Kamala Harris's critique of Biden, public outrage over judicial decisions, and the rising rates of depression among young Americans. They emphasize the importance of understanding the underlying causes of these issues and the role of faith and personal responsibility in addressing them.

The Thought Provoker:

First this week. A government report on alcohol and health, which found a link between even low alcohol intake and increased cancer risk, was reportedly suppressed. Instead of publishing the Alcohol Intake and Health Study, the Trump administration used a separate report that was more favorable to the alcohol industry. I know Shawn likes some of the stuff RFK Jr. has been promoting. Does this show that RFK Jr. is a sellout, just like the rest of the people in Washington DC?

Next up. In her book, 107 Days, Kamala Harris criticizes former President Joe Biden's 2024 presidential run as "reckless," an assessment that has angered Biden's former aides. While she avoids directly questioning his mental sharpness, Harris claims his campaign decisions negatively impacted both the election and her time as Vice President. Is Kamala right to blame Biden for what happened in 2024? Was his decision to run for reelection reckless?

Last one.  Online anger over a binding plea deal in an Idaho court case led to death threats against District Judge Steven Boyce, who had limited sentencing options. When disturbing things happen in public that make us feel angry, what is the appropriate thing to do? I know we all oppose death threats, but what can people do instead of taking the rage online?

The Big Question: Depression diagnoses among U.S. adults are at a near-record high of 28.5%, according to a 2025 Gallup survey. The sharpest increases are seen in adults under 30, where the rate has doubled since 2017 (13% to 26.7%), and among low-income Americans, with a significant rise to 35.1% since 2017. What do you think? Why is depression on the rise among poorer Americans, why is it at record levels in the last two years? Are advances in medicine simply making it easier to diagnose? Does the gospel of Jesus Christ offer any solutions for people struggling with depression?

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:43 Exploring Project 2025
07:22 Alcohol Intake and Health Study
18:45 RFK Jr. and Public Health Concerns
21:43 Kamala Harris's Critique of Biden
23:02 Political Accountability and Leadership Dynamics
30:30 The Role of Emotions in Public Reactions
43:14 Understanding Depression in Modern Society
51:00 Faith and Mental Health Solutions

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In this episode, the Shawn, Matt & Levi discuss various themes including the importance of friendships, the concept of the American dream and exceptionalism, the response to loss of life in legislation, the influence of Trump's presidency on personal wealth, and the nature of government and leadership. They explore how societal values shape responses to tragedy and the moral implications of political actions.

First this week. A recent poll shows that Americans are losing faith in American Exceptionalism. Nearly 70% of people said they believe the American dream—that if you work hard, you will get ahead—no longer holds true or never did, the highest level in nearly 15 years of surveys. Sam is a huge proponent of the American Dream. Is the American Dream supported by scripture?

Next up. After a 27 girls died at Camp Mystic in the July 4 Guadalupe River flood near Kerrville, Texas, the state legislature quickly passed near-unanimous legislation to prevent something like that from ever happening again. Yet, children are being wounded or murdered on a regular basis in cities throughout the US in mass shootings that result in no meaningful legislation. In some ways, it feels like society treats some loss of life differently than other loss of life. Is it immoral for Texas to pass laws preventing loss of life from floods at camps, but to do nothing after mass shootings?

Finally. This week, Trump’s family launched a cryptocurrency which led to a $5 billion gain in wealth for the family. As president, Trump nominates the people who control the money supply. Through his office he has a lot of control over the value of the dollar, which influences demand for cryptocurrencies. He also owns a social media platform on which he released de-classified video of an attack on drug cartels from Venezuela. As the only source of this video, every news station that reported on the story had to credit his social media platform as the source. Is Trump’s use of presidential power to influence his own personal wealth immoral?

The Big Question: In Heleman 13:25-29 Nephi chastises his people. We love those who praise us and despise those who call us out. If it is human nature to reject people who tell us hard truths, is a representative form of government the absolute worst of all forms of government? If people are always going to vote for leaders who tell them what they want to hear, aren't elections the worst way of selecting leaders?

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Praise for Levi
03:03 The Importance of Friendships
05:50 The American Dream: Myth or Reality?
09:39 Legislation and Loss of Life
21:09 Socioeconomic Factors in Tragedies
28:40 The Right to Bear Arms and Federal Tyranny
29:05 Responses to Tragedy: A Discussion on Race and Economics
31:09 Trump's Wealth and Presidential Power: A Moral Dilemma
38:25 The Nature of Leadership: Elections vs. Dictatorship
47:10 The Role of the Press in Democracy
52:44  We Love Those Who Praise Us 

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This week on The Latter-day Lens, join your host Matt, with co-host Shawn and special guest Linda, as they tackle a series of thought-provoking questions. The discussion kicks off with President Trump's stance on flag burning and its legal and moral implications in the context of the First Amendment. The hosts then pivot to an analysis of Spain's recent economic boom under a socialist government, examining whether this challenges traditional views on capitalism and socialism. The conversation continues with a look at the use of the National Guard for domestic policing in Washington, D.C., and whether the observed drop in violent crime justifies such actions.

The show concludes with a "Big Question" segment, exploring the closure of a church by scholar Ryan Burge. The hosts and Linda debate whether the decline of mainline Protestantism is a reflection of a functioning economic model—where unsustainable entities fail—or a more unsettling sign of moral and spiritual decay in American society. They also explore whether, for some congregations, closure can be a "burden lifted" rather than a tragedy.

• Flag Burning & the First Amendment: We discuss President Trump's executive order targeting flag burning and a veteran's subsequent arrest. The segment examines the moral justification of this action and the legal precedent set by the Supreme Court, which has consistently ruled that flag burning is a form of protected speech.
• Spain's Economic Growth: We analyze a Goldman Sachs report highlighting Spain as "Europe's fastest-growing major economy." We explore whether its success under a socialist government, driven by factors like tourism, high-value services, and legal immigration, suggests that socialist systems can be economically effective.
• Domestic Policing & Crime Reduction: The show examines a CBS News analysis on the deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C., and its correlation with a significant drop in violent crime. We question the moral and political implications of using military forces for domestic law enforcement.
• The Decline of Protestantism: We explore the closure of a church led by scholar Ryan Burge. This segment delves into whether the decline of mainline Protestantism is a simple case of an unsustainable economic model, or a deeper indication of moral and spiritual decay in America. We also consider if, for some congregations, closure might be a positive and necessary conclusion.

Chapters
00:00 The Controversy of Flag Burning
07:14 Spain's Economic Growth and Socialism
17:01 Healthcare and Economic Responsibility
17:51 Political Identity and Independent Thinking
18:42 Crime Trends and National Guard Deployment
19:46 Morality of Military Policing
23:09 Short-Term Solutions vs. Long-Term Problems
24:51 Local Crime and Community Responses
30:00 Decline of Mainline Protestantism
39:10 Politics and Religion: A Dangerous Mix

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In this thought-provoking episode of The Latter Day Lens, hosts Matt, Shawn, and newly-called Elders Quorum President Marc tackle some of today's most pressing questions about masculinity, friendship, and faith.

The Friendship Imperative

The conversation begins with a listener's observation about the importance of truly knowing individuals in church leadership rather than focusing solely on programs and numbers. This leads to a deeper discussion about whether men have a moral and religious obligation to cultivate friendships. Marc quotes Joseph Smith's teaching that "friendship is the grand principle of Mormonism," while Shawn references the biblical principle that "it is not good for man to be alone." The hosts explore why many married men rely too heavily on their wives for emotional support and the potential consequences this has for both marriages and society at large.

The Trust Crisis in America

The discussion shifts to examining why public confidence in institutions has plummeted to historic lows, with only small business, military, and science maintaining majority support. Shawn argues that capitalism and increased competition have led to partisan news sources that prioritize profit over objective reporting. Matt expresses concern about the dangers of losing faith in the institutions that keep society functioning, while the hosts debate whether this skepticism represents healthy accountability or dangerous cynicism toward necessary social structures.

Toxic Masculinity and the Gospel

Drawing from a disturbing Italian Facebook group case involving non-consensual sharing of intimate images, the hosts tackle the complex topic of toxic masculinity. They examine whether problematic masculine behaviors like the desire to dominate and control are biological or learned, and whether cultural interpretations of gospel principles might inadvertently contribute to unhealthy relationship dynamics. Matt shares personal struggles with his own parenting approaches, questioning whether different expectations for sons versus daughters reflect gospel teachings or cultural biases.

Consecration and Coercion

The episode concludes with a debate over Doctrine and Covenants 105 and whether the Lord intends for believers to implement the law of consecration through government policy or to work within existing legal frameworks. Shawn argues that true consecration requires voluntary covenant-making and cannot be achieved through compulsion, while Matt provocatively suggests that those with political power have an obligation to enforce God's will upon society. Marc takes a middle position, advocating for creating space where consecration can flourish while focusing individual discipleship on drawing closer to Christ rather than partisan politics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal News
01:44 Engaging Young Men in Leadership
04:37 The Importance of Knowing Individuals
06:29 Friendship and Social Connections
11:33 The Role of Men in Building Friendships
14:30 Trust in News and Media
22:19 The Challenge of Bias in Journalism
22:45 The Complexity of Journalism and Bias
24:05 Trust in Institutions: A Growing Concern
27:11 Conservatism and the Preservation of Institutions
28:34 Toxic Masculinity: Definitions and Implications
37:44 The Role of the Gospel in Gender Dynamics
40:32 The Law of Consecration: A Societal Challenge
48:08 Politics, Partisanship, and the Pursuit of Christ

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Welcome to The Latter-day Lens! In this week's episode, hosts Shawn, Matt, and Graham tackle some of the most pressing questions from the mailbag and beyond. 

Info on the Zipper Merge

The Thought Provoker:

First this week: A recent survey shows that only 40% of Americans would like their child to attend a four-year college right out of high school. More Americans would like their child to “take some time off” (13%) than would like them to join the military (5%) or join the workforce (6%) combined. President Nelson has said that education is a religious obligation. Do we need to rethink what we are telling our kids to do post-high school?

Next up: President Putin came to the US last week to discuss Ukraine with Trump. Thing is, the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Putin for war crimes he committed in Ukraine. As a member of the Rome Treaty, we agreed to arrest anyone indicted by the ICC. Should Trump have arrested Putin the moment he set foot on US soil? Is it morally correct to ignore treaties we have signed on to?  

Finally: The US is discussing taking a stake in Intel. This sounds to me like socialism. Many of our listeners believe that socialism is morally evil. Is Trump’s interference in the management of Intel socialism, and if it is, is he doing something that is morally wrong? 

The Big Question: Putnam and Reeves argue that one of the causes of delinquency in the US right now is the breakdown of civil society institutions (Like the Boy Scouts, and the YMCA) that specifically target young men. Too many men are afraid to mentor young people for fear that they might be accused of sexual assault, and these organizations are no longer allowed to be gender specific. They argue that young men need male role models and that these organizations provide something beneficial to society. President Monson was a big fan of Scouting. Does society need groups like Boy Scouts that specifically focus on helping young men become men?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Listener Engagement
02:52 Defending Misinformation and Community Learning
05:37 Traffic Merging: Morality and Rightness
08:37 Post-High School Paths: Rethinking Education
11:31 The Value of Gap Years and Alternative Education
14:05 The Three E's: Employment, Enlistment, and Enrollment
17:03 Lifelong Learning as a Religious Obligation
19:55 International Treaties and Moral Leadership
21:24 The Precedent of Arrests in International Politics
22:49 The Role of Treaties in Global Stability
28:21 Government Intervention in Private Enterprises
32:46 The Importance of Civil Society in Youth Development
44:56 Identity Crisis Among Young Men

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In this episode, hosts Shawn, Matt, & Melanie are back together and jump right into a thought-provoking mailbag question about the podcast's "most listened to" status. Matt backs up the claim with some surprising metrics, and the hosts share their differing views on promoting the show.

They then dive into three major topics:

• Russia: The hosts discuss a Russian journalist's argument that Putin may be overconfident, and pose a question: Is a Third World War or an internal Russian uprising more likely? Melanie and Shawn believe neither is probable, while Matt leans toward an uprising, referencing historical Russian revolutions. Shawn shares a poignant story about a Pet Shop Boys song dedicated to Alexei Navalny.
• LDS Political Beliefs: A new study on political concerns among Latter-day Saints and Evangelicals reveals some interesting differences. The hosts discuss whether these differences are due to LDS doctrine (like self-reliance and identity as a child of God) or LDS culture (pioneer heritage and refugee stories).
• The Labor Market: With a sluggish job market and rising long-term unemployment, the hosts grapple with the classic debate: can a political party fix the economy? Melanie and Shawn urge patience and emphasize that political parties aren't the answer, while Matt points out the rapid economic shift following a recent change in administration.
• The Big Question: The conversation concludes with a discussion about Israel and the "signs of the times." With global tensions rising, Matt asks if the current state of affairs in Israel looks like the beginning of the end. He references prophecies from Revelation and Zechariah. Shawn and Melanie respond with a unified message: while the signs are there, our focus should be on personal conversion and sharing the gospel, not on predicting timelines.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Podcast Metrics
02:50 The Power of Propaganda and Political Change
05:42 Cultural Perspectives on Political Issues
08:28 The Role of Doctrine in Political Identity
11:15 Historical Context of Russian Uprisings
14:04 LDS vs. Evangelical Political Concerns
17:10 Cultural Identity and Political Extremism
19:51 Job Market Challenges for Graduates
20:38 The Current Job Market Landscape
23:26 Political Implications on Economic Expectations
26:59 The Role of Political Parties in Economic Recovery
30:22 The Second Coming: Signs and Interpretations
37:25 Faith and Preparedness in the Latter Days

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In this episode, the Shawn, Matt, & Porter discuss various topics including the role of AI in communication, medical debt, and the loneliness crisis in Utah. First up: AI is changing the way that people speak. Researchers analyzed 280,000 YouTube videos from academic channels and found that in the 18 months since ChatGPT was released speakers are using words favored by the chatbot (like delve, realm, and adept) 51% more frequently and they are using other words less frequently. Elder Bednar recently warned that the use of AI can threaten moral agency by causing us to be “acted upon” rather than acting for ourselves. Is this evidence of people giving their agency over to AI? Do we need to be more cautious in our use of AI?

Next up:  A federal judge in Texas reversed a Biden-era rule on Friday that permitted medical debt to be wiped from credit reports. Setting aside the legal question, what is the morally correct way to handle credit reports? Some things (a mortgage, student loans, auto loans, credit cards, bankruptcies) get reported, but others do not (civil judgments, tax liens, etc). Is medical debt something that should be on a credit report?

Finally:  We are now at the six month mark of the Trump presidency. New state-by-state polling shows his popularity across the United States. If you took the electoral college votes of the states where his disapproval is higher than his approval rating and counted that as votes to remove from office, Trump would be out in a landslide. Should there be a mechanism that allows public opinion to remove someone from office? Congress can impeach for bad behavior, the cabinet can remove for incompetence. Should Americans be able to do so? 

The Big Question: Utah ranks among the top five loneliest states in the nation, according to U.S. Census data. More than one in three Utah adults say they feel lonely “always” or “often.” Health officials say it’s more than just a side effect of the pandemic—it’s become a public health priority. Matt Draper, a therapist based in Springville, says that based on his work, the two groups most affected by loneliness in Utah are young adults and seniors. Meanwhile, Utah ranks #1 in the nation for the best economic outlook and #3 for economic performance. They say that money can’t buy happiness, is Utah proving that point? What is Utah doing wrong?

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
03:00 Debate on Socialism and Capitalism
06:02 Market Trust and Economic Principles
09:00 The Role of Government in the Economy
12:12 The Impact of AI on Language and Agency
17:56 AI's Influence on Decision Making
22:04 Medical Debt and Credit Reporting
31:39 Charity, Compassion, and Medical Debt
34:00 Trump's Approval Ratings and Political Mechanisms
39:00 Public Opinion and Political Accountability
44:02 Loneliness in Utah: A Public Health Concern
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