The Latter Day Lens
Welcome to The Latter Day Lens, a weekly faith-based podcast where we explore the intersection of Mormonism, global news, and political science. Hosted by Shawn Record and Matthew Miles, a professor of political science, this is your home for an authentic and nuanced LDS perspective on the world’s toughest topics.
Each episode provides thoughtful Latter-day Saint commentary on current events, ranging from Christianity and politics to social identity and economic policy. Whether you are an active LDS member seeking a deeper religious podcast experience or a listener interested in Mormon studies, we apply a "gospel lens" to move beyond the headlines.
Join us every Wednesday for LDS perspectives that are faith-promoting, intellectually honest, and designed to help you navigate your faith in the modern world. From Come Follow Me 2026 insights to deep dives into LDS history and doctrine, we tackle the conversations most people avoid.
Episodes
162 episodes
Episode 160: LDS Perspectives on Wealth Taxes, Media Trends, Conflict in Iran, and Faith-Based Usury
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 discov...
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57:49
Episode 159: Scandal, Fiction, and Faith: The Epstein Files Distraction and Evolving Gender Roles
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 Headings0:00 – Introduction and Audio Quality<...
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1:00:24
Episode 158: LDS Perspectives on LGBTQ Identity Trends and Christian Nationalism
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 lega...
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43:31
Episode 157: Stewardship or Ownership? Examining Copyrights, Inheritance Taxes, and Latter-day Prophecies about Gaza
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 newes...
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1:01:54
Episode 156: From the Epstein Files to Elder Gilbert’s Calling to the Twelve: Finding Truth in the Noise
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 eng...
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57:42
Episode 155: Does Healthcare Belong in the Constitution, Can AI Guide Judicial Wisdom, and is Satan the Great Separator in Politics?
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, ex...
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55:00
Episode 154: Doomsday Clock 2026, Right to Repair, and Wolford v. Lopez Explained
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 t...
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43:25
Episode 153: The Latter-day Lens on Trump’s Second Term, Tariffs, and the Spirit World and Near Death Experiences
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 seco...
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50:48
Episode 152: Is America a Failed Empire? The Two Unpopular Parties, Labor Unions, and Finding a Latter-day Lens on Political Philosophy
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...
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1:07:52
Episode 151: Worlds Without Number: From Bosco to Boundaries, Romney to Roswell
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 th...
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57:15
Episode 150: The Future of Public Service, Venezuela’s Regime Change, and Remembering President Holland
Episode OverviewIn 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 ...
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58:53
Episode 149: Church Influencers, State Rights, and the Labels That Divide Us
AnnouncementsNo new episodes through December 2025—Episode 150 drops January 2026. Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music feeds are experiencing technical issues. Follow Matt on ...
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48:53
Episode 148: Abolish the FDA? The Radical Free Market Healthcare Fix & The "False Gods" of the US Military
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 imp...
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54:35
Episode 147: US Religious Decline: Is America Becoming Like Europe? Political Power, Women's Distrust in American Democracy, and Wicked's Good vs. Evil
Faith and Exceptionalism (03:21)
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50:09
Episode 146: Should Governments Sell Land, MTG Retires from Congress, CDC Website Changes, The CIA's Secret Studies on Persuasion
The Thought Provoker:First this week. Idaho's government voted to sell 160 acres of state land near ...
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53:38
Episode 145: Why Republicans Are in Trouble: Plus, The Debt Bomb and America's Biased Immigration Policy
In this packed episode, Matt and Shawn dive into the latest political and moral challenges facing the nation:The Republican Crisis: The conversation starts by analyzing the troubling election results for the Republican...
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54:16
Episode 144: Freedom, Power, and the Price of Morality: Is Hinckley's Debt Advice Outdated?
Join hosts Matt, Shawn, and Melanie as they dive into complex, interconnected themes of freedom, power dynamics, and the difficult relationship between morality and economics.The conversation starts by challen...
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59:30
Episode 143: AI's Spiritual Skeptics, Epstein & the Royal Crown, Charlie Kirk's Shooter vs Ben Lomond High School Shooter
Welcome back to the Latter Day Lens! This week, hosts Matt and Shawn are joined by Marc to tackle pressing questions at the intersection of faith, economics, and emerging technology.We dive into the listener mail...
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40:04
Episode 142: Islamophobia in New York, Zohran Mamdani's Socialism, A Record-Setting Grand Teton climb, and Trump's Pardons
In this conversation, Matt and Shawn explore various themes including sibling dynamics, communication styles, the ethics of gambling, cultural perspectives on Islamophobia, and the moral implications of socialism versus capitalism. They also di...
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1:03:48
Episode 141: The Latter Day Almanac: President Oaks' Politics, Homan's Bribery Scandal, and the Science of the Soul
In this episode, the Shawn, Levi & Matt discuss a range of topics including peaceful protests, the role of church leaders in political matters, the influence of the church on political views, and the
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55:16
Episode 140: The Antichrist, Argentina's Bailout, and the Inevitable War
Hosts Matt and Shawn go one-on-one this week for a deep dive into global hot topics, a passionate debate on economic policy, and a philosophical search for truth. They start by reading a listener letter that perfectly sums up thei...
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57:02
Episode 139: Polygamy in Eternity, General Conference Insights, Betting Markets, Is Trump a Socialist?
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 wre...
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43:47
Episode 138: Conference Predictions, Right-Wing Feminism, UDOT's Land Grab, Taylor Swift's Genius, and the Polygamy Question
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 ...
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53:20
Episode 137: AI's White Collar Armageddon, Is It Okay To Get Fired For Your Opinions, and Is the D&C Racist?
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 d...
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1:03:06
Episode 136: RFK Jr.: Integrity or Sellout?, Kamala Harris's Critique of Biden, Appropriate Response to Political Anger, Rise of Depression Diagnoses in the US
SummaryIn 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 o...
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57:08