Cardon and BYU student Ella Kotzenbach reflect on the profound impact of Charlie Kirk’s assassination on the BYU and UVU communities.With on-the-ground student interviews from Haley, Maya McGavic, Ethan Clark, and Reese Schmidt, this episode captures the raw emotions, grief, and spiritual searching that swept across both campuses. From candlelight vigils to spontaneous gatherings at temple grounds, students share how this tragedy reshaped conversations, friendships, and faith journeys. Many describe the campus atmosphere shifting from its usual energy to one of reverence, silence, and unity. Beyond the politics, Cardon and Ella highlight how Kirk’s message of integrating faith into daily life left a lasting mark on Gen Z students, sparking reflection and even bringing some back to church. This episode is a portrait of a generation facing grief, grappling with belief, and choosing love and faith as a response to tragedy.

What’s it really like to date at BYU? Ella Katzenbach joins Ward Radio to share her first-hand perspective on the unique—and sometimes hilarious—world of Latter-day Saint dating culture in Provo.From unwritten rules and blind dates to the tension between faith, friendship, and finding “the one,” Ella doesn’t hold back. She unpacks stereotypes, shares personal stories, and talks through the challenges young Latter-day Saints face while navigating relationships in such a high-pressure environment.Whether you’ve been through the BYU dating scene yourself, are raising kids who might, or just want a window into how faith and culture collide on campus, this candid conversation is full of laughs, insights, and real talk.

We are joined by filmmaker Matt Whitaker, director of Truth and Treason, to explore the remarkable life of Helmut Hübener, a teenage Latter-day Saint who dared to defy Nazi Germany. At only 17 years old, Helmut became the youngest resistance fighter executed by the Third Reich, standing against tyranny with nothing but courage, conviction, and the written word.Whitaker shares how Helmut secretly listened to forbidden BBC broadcasts on a smuggled shortwave radio, uncovering truths hidden by Nazi propaganda. Inspired by what he heard, Helmut began typing and distributing anti-Nazi leaflets with the help of friends in his LDS branch, risking everything to tell the truth. The conversation also highlights the moral struggles faced by ordinary Germans, including local church leaders, and the chilling reality that the Gestapo closely monitored the Mormon community.Blending historical detail with deeply human reflection, this episode shows how one young man’s bravery continues to inspire generations. From Helmut’s quiet defiance to the modern retelling of his story in Truth and Treason with Angel Studios, listeners are invited to reflect on the cost of truth, the dangers of silence, and the enduring power of faith in the face of tyranny.

Matt Whitaker, a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and a prolific filmmaker is making a movie, "Truth & Treason" with Angel Studios and he swung by the Ward Radio studio to talk to us all about it!

What do baptisms for the dead really mean—and why do so many outsiders get it wrong? 🤔Cardon sits down with the crew for a lively, funny, and honest discussion about one of Mormonism’s unique rituals.The panel breaks down misconceptions about proxy baptisms (no, it’s not necromancy 😅), compares LDS rituals to cultural traditions like Texas football, and debates whether “baptism for the dead” should be rebranded as “ancestral baptism” to make it more relatable.They also dive into how the Church communicates with the world today, from handling critics to connecting with New Age spiritual seekers. Along the way, expect humor, self-reflection, and some bold suggestions—like free seer stones as outreach gimmicks.Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or just curious, this episode explores how to embrace “weirdness,” find common ground across cultures, and talk openly about faith without fear.

Is the LDS Church fueling “toxic perfectionism”… or protecting against it? 🤔 Cardon and Jonah Barnes take on one of the most common stereotypes about Latter-day Saints—that their faith drives unhealthy perfectionism, scrupulosity, and OCD-like tendencies. Referencing a major study by BYU professor Justin Dyer, they reveal surprising results: active Latter-day Saints actually report the lowest levels of toxic perfectionism and scrupulosity compared to other groups. The highest? Former members of religious communities, especially ex-Latter-day Saints. The hosts explore how faith, family ties, and community involvement act as protective factors against mental health struggles—and why leaving faith may leave some more vulnerable to societal pressures and isolation. They also highlight how authentic connection (hugging grandkids, going to church, showing up for people) builds resilience against consumer-driven perfectionism. This isn’t about minimizing real OCD or mental health challenges—it’s about looking at the data, rejecting stereotypes, and recognizing the power of strong faith communities in promoting well-being. 📌 Takeaway: Religion doesn’t make people more “toxic.” It might just make them healthier, happier, and more grounded.

Cardon and co-host Austin sit down with Drew Scarborough, Joseph Gambot, and Kwaku L. to unpack a timely question: Why do young people in the Church need apologetics now more than ever? Joe shares how he nearly lost his faith after a flood of anti-LDS content online—but found his way back through honest, bold apologetics. Drew opens up about drifting into megachurch culture in Texas before rediscovering a personal walk with God. Together with Cardon, Austin, and Kwaku, they explore why intellectual answers AND emotional connection matter for faith today.From hidden faith crises at BYU to the cultural pull of megachurches, this is a candid, powerful look at why apologetics isn’t about “winning debates”—it’s about building resilient testimonies and keeping the next generation anchored.

We are just trying to "follow the science" here, people... all the way to church. And, fortunately for us, stylometric A.I. has just figured out that Deuteronomy was basically forged, and the Book of Mormon wasn't... we don't make the rules.

The Book of Abraham is one of the most controversial parts of Latter-day Saint scripture. Critics claim Joseph Smith couldn’t have translated it, the facsimiles don’t match, and there’s no evidence supporting his account. Egyptologist Kerry Muhlestein joins Cardon to break it all down.Together, they tackle the top 3 “killer arguments” against the Book of Abraham and explain why they don’t hold up. From missing papyri to facsimiles and evidence that actually supports Joseph Smith, Kerry shows that the situation is far more nuanced than the sound bites suggest.This episode dives deep but stays practical and real — blending humor, faith, and scholarship to help you see the Book of Abraham with fresh perspective.👉 What do you think? Are the critics right, or is there more to the story? Let us know in the comments.

Ambushing young LDS missionaries for YouTube clicks isn’t bold—it’s exploitation.Cardon Ellis, his son Ryder, and associate professor Jonah Barnes call out the rise of content creators like “Christian Muhammad” who build platforms by cornering missionaries with loaded questions, then editing the footage to make them look unprepared.But are the missionaries really stumped? Far from it. The panel reviews clips, giving “W’s” to solid answers about pre-Christian faith in Christ, biblical prophecy, and the legitimacy of ongoing revelation. Along the way, Jonah brands the tactic for what it is: profit-driven grifting disguised as apologetics.The team also breaks down why these debates rarely show the full picture—and why sincere seekers should welcome more scripture and honest dialogue, not ambush theatrics.