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The Latter Day Lens

Shawn & Matt
Artificial Intelligence
Latter-Day Saints
United States
Polygamy
The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints
Donald Trump
Trump Administration
LDS Church
MAGA
Immigration
Socialism
General Conference
United States Politics
Book Of Mormon
Intellectual Property
Property
Doomsday Clock
Israel
American Dream
Feminism

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, rang... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes192Founded4 years ago
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ChristianityNewsNews CommentaryReligion & Spirituality

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Latest Episodes

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What will the 2026 midterm elections actually change—and what does the Book of Mormon teach about political corruption?

Matt and Shawn welcome Levi back for a special midterm election edition of The Latter Day Lens.

The hosts begi... more

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Is it wrong to make money preaching the gospel? And when does religious content become priestcraft?

Matt and Shawn welcome Melanie back to The Latter Day Lens for a surprisingly personal debate about faith, money, Christian influen... more

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Why Do Smart People Believe Conspiracy Theories?

Why do intelligent, educated people sometimes believe things that aren't supported by evidence? And is believing a conspiracy theory necessarily a bad thing?

Matt and Shawn welcome ... more

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What happens when conservative principles collide with government power?

This week on The Latter Day Lens, Matt and Shawn are joined by Porter for a wide-ranging conversation about gambling, government regulation, college athletes,... more

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Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

This Week in Latter-days
This Week in Latter-daysThis Week in Mormons
Mormon Land
Mormon LandThe Salt Lake Tribune
Church News
Church NewsChurch News
All In
All InLDS Living

Recent Guests

Clayton Keller
Guest on The Latter Day Lens
Episode: Why Are Latter-day Saints Breaking With Evangelicals? (episode 184)
Graham Mitchell
Guest speaker, political science/municipal governance experience
Former public servant, BYU connection mentioned in discussion
Episode: Episode 154: Doomsday Clock 2026, Right to Repair, and Wolford v. Lopez Explained
Levi Barnes
Listener who contributed a question, introduced in the discussion
Episode: Episode 145: Why Republicans Are in Trouble: Plus, The Debt Bomb and America's Biased Immigration Policy
Burt Solomon
Former Republican representative and redistricting chair in Texas
Texas political history
Episode: Episode 129: 4-Day Work Week, & Texas Redistricting:, Communal Economic Equality

Hosts

Matthew Miles
Host and political science professor; provides academic framing and moderated discussion.
Shawn Record
Co-host known for engaging on political and religious questions; drives debate.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 28 ratings
  • The Best Political Debates Between Friends

    This podcast is the gold standard of how to have political conversations with people you love and for without ruining those relationships. I recommend this show to everyone who wants to hear about current events but from “both sides.” It’s amazing.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Eramisionero
    United States2 months ago
  • It Grew On Me - Now A Must Listen

    Unique focus on current political and social issues, discussed and debated through an LDS faith promoting lens. I’m now to the point that I find myself debating along with the hosts, sometimes agreeing and often taking exception. Regardless, it’s helped me hear different perspectives and learn more about the worlds around me.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    vyoud
    United States7 months ago
  • Great show

    The show is fantastic. The back and forth is great and Matt is fantastic.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jake3231
    United Statesa year ago
  • Insightful

    Really good and insightful podcast. Shawn has a very soothing and inspiring tang to him that i just can’t get enough of😁

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    braydenhendo
    United Statesa year ago
  • I Highly Recommend

    It is refreshing to listen to three guys who often disagree, but who can have a civil conversation because of their deep friendship.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    -Pack-
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Occasional calls for more balanced viewpoints have been noted by some listeners.
Diverse guest mix adds fresh viewpoints.
Civil, thoughtful debate with a faith perspective.

Top Christianity Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Is Making Money From Religion a Sin? (Episode 189)
Q: How should companies mix faith and product promotion? Is it wrong to use faith to promote life coaching or self-help programs?
The speakers discuss the risk that religious marketing can pressure people into expensive purchases and corrupt motives. They differ on whether earning money can support faith-promoting work, while emphasizing careful scrutiny of intentions, lifestyle, and how profits are used.
Is Making Money From Religion a Sin? (Episode 189)
Q: Are sports good for society? Do professional sports have the capacity to help heal political divisions in America?
The speakers agree that shared teams can create warmth and conversation across political differences, but debate whether those bonds are meaningful, divisive, or a possible stepping stone to broader empathy.
Why Do Smart People Believe Conspiracy Theories? (ep. 188)
Q: Is it ever okay to believe in a conspiracy theory or should we always fight the inclination to believe them?
The speakers discuss how conspiracy beliefs can offer explanations for disturbing or seemingly random events, especially when people feel powerless. Shawn Record argues for a reliable method of evaluating evidence, while Matthew Miles suggests a belief is not necessarily harmful unless it diminishes agency or causes harm to relationships or daily life.
Why Do Smart People Believe Conspiracy Theories? (ep. 188)
Q: Are these kinds of predictions harmful to democracy in America?
Matthew Miles argues that forecasts can make voters expect a particular result, potentially weakening confidence in elections when the outcome differs and discouraging people from voting or supporting candidates seen as unlikely to win. Shawn Record and David question whether forecasts cause those harms and argue that restricting them could threaten freedom of speech.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Latter Day Lens

What is The Latter Day Lens about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A faith-forward, policy-aware discussion that blends Mormon perspectives with current events and political theory. Episodes frequently center on how LDS teachings inform voting, governance, civil discourse, and social issues, while weaving in theology, philosophy, and real-world policy examples. Notable strengths include civil, public-spirited debates among hosts and guests, a willingness to engage with diverse viewpoints, and a consistent use of a gospel lens to examine hot-button topics. This mix makes it useful for listeners who want thoughtful faith-integrated analysis of politics, society, and ethics, with recurring guests adding personal and professional viewpoints from religion, academia, and public policy.

Where can I find podcast stats for The Latter Day Lens?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Latter Day Lens?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Latter Day Lens:

1. This Week in Latter-days
2. Leading Saints Podcast
3. Mormon Land
4. Church News
5. All In

How many episodes of The Latter Day Lens are there?

The Latter Day Lens launched 4 years ago and published 192 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Latter Day Lens?

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What guests have appeared on The Latter Day Lens?

Recent guests on The Latter Day Lens include:

1. Clayton Keller
2. Graham Mitchell
3. Levi Barnes
4. Burt Solomon

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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