Episode Description
In this episode, Matt, Shawn, and Levi return to the lens to navigate the intersection of public safety, free speech, and the personal transformation that religion is supposed to provide. The guys dive into the recent controversy at Utah Valley University regarding the cancellation of Sharon McMahon's speech following the death of Charlie Kirk. They also tackle the resurgence of measles in the U.S. and whether governments have a moral obligation to mandate health protocols. Finally, the team discusses Matt’s new book, exploring the vital difference between religious "behaving" and religious "becoming."
In this episode, we discuss:
- The UVU Controversy: Is it hypocritical for free-speech advocates to call for the cancellation of speakers they dislike?
- Public Health vs. Liberty: As measles cases rise in 31 states, where does the government's moral obligation begin and end?
- Gender Bias in Sports Journalism: The fallout of the Diana Rossini and Mike Vrabel story.
- Religious Becoming: Matt explains the "Fourth B" from his new book and why democracy might actually need a variety of religions to thrive.
Resources Mentioned:
- Latter Day Lens Website: latterdaylens.com
- Take the "Religious Becoming" Quiz
Chapter Timestamps
- 00:00 – Welcome back Levi & Wedding Announcements
- 01:30 – Who is the GOAT? Sam’s Radio Legacy
- 03:40 – YouTube Comments: The Military Draft Debate
- 05:45 – Thought Provoker: The UVU Speaker Controversy
- 10:15 – Nazis on Campus? Defining the Limits of Free Speech
- 15:20 – Shifting the Overton Window
- 22:30 – Measles Outbreak: The Morality of Vaccine Mandates
- 28:10 – The "Cold Sore" Debate: How contagious is too contagious?
- 32:45 – Double Standards: Diana Rossini and Mike Vrabel
- 41:40 – The Big Question: Believing, Belonging, Behaving, & Becoming
- 52:45 – In-Groups, Out-Groups, and the Global Neighbor
- 01:00:10 – Closing Remarks
Keywords: LDS Podcast, Latter-day Saints, Charlie Kirk, UVU, Free Speech, Vaccine Mandates, Measles 2026, Political Science, Religious Identity, Overton Window, Critical Race Theory, Sharon McMahon, Journalism Ethics, Christianity and Democracy, Matthew R. Miles