Small Talk With The Lys

While some claim the value of the Book of Mormon stems from its historicity, problems like multiple scholarship of Isaiah challenge these claims. We present the first ever (that we are aware of) LDS comprehensive outlook on the Deutero-Isaiah problem of the Book of Mormon and how LDS apologists deal with the anachronism that Lehi and Nephi could not possibly have had access to the later Isaiah chapters. Part 1 - Introduction to the Deutero-Isaiah Problem Part 2 - Arguments for/against Multiple Authorship of Isaiah YouTube live version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYTePAdIy5s&t=2s View the powerpoint and scripture verses referenced here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lZnbHgaoREdhPlxXccxk0QnFd1tcTiBY/view?usp=sharing Blog article explaining our motivation for doing this podcast: https://medium.com/@BrandonLy1/why-the-ces-letter-a05254bc3950 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

While some claim the value of the Book of Mormon stems from its historicity, problems like multiple scholarship of Isaiah challenge these claims.  We present the first ever (that we are aware of) LDS comprehensive outlook on the Deutero-Isaiah problem of the Book of Mormon and how LDS apologists deal with the anachronism that Lehi and Nephi could not possibly have had access to the later Isaiah chapters.  Part 1 - Introduction to the Deutero-Isaiah Problem Part 2 - Arguments for/against Multiple Authorship of Isaiah  YouTube live version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYTePAdIy5s&t=2s View the powerpoint and scripture verses referenced here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lZnbHgaoREdhPlxXccxk0QnFd1tcTiBY/view?usp=sharing  Blog article explaining our motivation for doing this podcast: https://medium.com/@BrandonLy1/why-the-ces-letter-a05254bc3950 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

Is there any evidence for the Book of Mormon as a historical record? In this episode we debate whether DNA studies and archaeology can sufficiently prove/disprove the Book of Mormon's historicity. While none of us are specialists on DNA or archaeology, we summarize the arguments of critics and apologists in layman's terms. ~~ Why the CES Letter? (Blog post explaining my motivation for doing this podcast): https://medium.com/@BrandonLy1/why-the-ces-letter-a05254bc3950 Music: "This Is Everything" by Josh Woodward. From the Free Music Archive. CC BY --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

Are the witnesses to the Book of Mormon credible? The CES letter tries to discredit the eleven witnesses to the Book of Mormon while apologists argue they are one of the strongest pieces of evidence in favor of the book's validity. We examine the witnesses and their statements on "spiritual eyes" vs physical descriptions of the plates and discuss James Strange and the Plates of Laban. ~~ Why the CES Letter? (Blog post explaining my motivation for doing this podcast): https://medium.com/@BrandonLy1/why-the-ces-letter-a05254bc3950 ~~ PowerPoint Presentation (PDF) https://drive.google.com/open?id=1lZnbHgaoREdhPlxXccxk0QnFd1tcTiBY Music: "This Is Everything" by Josh Woodward. From the Free Music Archive. CC BY --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

Can one find value in the Book of Mormon, while dismissing it as an ancient history? We set the stage to our discussion of the CES Letter arguments against the BoM by proposing a faithful, yet intellectually honest way of viewing the controversial book. Greg Prince interview on Mormon Stories: https://www.churchistrue.com/blog/greg-prince-on-new-mormonism/ Why the CES Letter? (Blog post explaining my motivation for doing this podcast): https://medium.com/@BrandonLy1/why-the-ces-letter-a05254bc3950 Music: "This Is Everything" by Josh Woodward. From the Free Music Archive. CC BY --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

There's a joke circulating around that "The only thing we can be sure Joseph Smith believed in was astrology, as he died wearing a Jupiter amulet." Although the rumor is likely false, it shines light on the deep mystery of the nature and psychology of Joseph Smith. The more we dig, the more mysterious Joseph becomes. https://www.fairmormon.org/answers/Joseph_Smith/Occultism_and_magic/Jupiter_talisman This paradox has been famously termed the "Prophet Puzzle" by non-Mormon LDS studies scholar, Jan Shipps, and continues to puzzle the field of Mormon Studies over 45 years later. https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/four-views-of-joseph-smith-historians-debate-the-prophet-puzzle/ In this episode, we discuss the competing, speculative theories on Joseph Smith's psyche in light of the problematic Book of Abraham translation and claim of historicity. While most "Prophet Puzzle" discussions lean on the Book of Mormon as its primary context, the Book of Abraham presents a more difficult problem in which we have more definitive historical knowledge about the translation process and artifacts. We try to tackle the unanswered questions that remain after one reads the LDS gospel topics essay on the Book of Abraham, in which the catalyst theory is proposed but no explanation given in reconciling Joseph Smith's claim that it was written by Abraham, "by his own hand upon papyrus". Do you think Don Bradley's prophetic explanation, Ann Tave's "inspired visionary" argument, Dan Vogel's "pious fraud" hypothesis, or Christopher Smith's conman claims hold any water? Let us know what you think of the Prophet Puzzle question in the comments.  *** Google Drive link to Alejandro's "catalyst theory" argument: https://bit.ly/3a4GJFU Why the CES Letter? (Blog post explaining my motivation for doing this podcast): https://medium.com/@BrandonLy1/why-the-ces-letter-a05254bc3950 Music: "This Is Everything" by Josh Woodward. From the Free Music Archive. CC BY --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

Critics of the Book of Abraham have long pointed out the flaws of Joseph Smith's "translation" of Egyptian from the Facsimiles. "As early as 1913, intelligentsia and leadership alike of the LDS church acknowledged that Smith had failed to meet the standards of contemporary scholarship regarding his translation efforts." -Terryl Givens https://bit.ly/2HzIqis Over a hundred years ago, B.H. Roberts made an argument similar to the "catalyst" theory promoted by the LDS gospel topics essay today. https://bit.ly/2P2gHLo In the February 1913 edition of the Improvement Era, he wrote: "Joseph Smith's purpose, as higher critics say the purpose of the New Testament writers was, NOT TO WRITE HISTORY, BUT TO EDIFY," to teach some religious truth "which they regarded as all important;" not to give out correct translations of ancient documents, but to give the world some "spiritual allegory, or drama."  [emphasis added] https://bit.ly/2HxIyPF But the "catalyst theory" - an attempt to allow the Book of Abraham to be considered an inspired work without necessarily having historicity - is problematic to some critics. If Joseph Smith's work should be viewed as pseudipigraphic, believers are left with thorny questions such as "How could Joseph Smith think he was translating an ancient document when he really wasn't?" or "Why would Joseph Smith claim the Book of Abraham was 'by his own hand written upon papyrus'?" https://bit.ly/37GXbuN In this episode of our series on The CES Letter, 4 Mormons attempt to make what they think to be the strongest possible argument and evidence in favor of the catalyst theory. Referencing the $2,400 expenditure of the scrolls (~$76,000 today), the First Vision as a "higher consciousness" experience, and the "onto-normativity" and continual attempt by Joseph Smith to experience the divine, we attempt to argue for a more complicated approach to understanding Joseph Smith's worldview from a psychological standpoint. We will continue our discussion of the "prophet puzzle" and psychology of Joseph Smith in next week's episode: "The Prophet Puzzle in Light of the Book of Abraham." *** Why the CES Letter? (Blog post explaining my motivation for doing this podcast): https://medium.com/@BrandonLy1/why-the-ces-letter-a05254bc3950 Music: "This Is Everything" by Josh Woodward. From the Free Music Archive. CC BY --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

We discuss the multitude of problems in the Book of Abraham translation process and examine apologetic responses including the "missing scroll" and "long scroll" theories. Brian Hauglid changes his mind: https://proveallthingsholdfasttogood.wordpress.com/book-of-abraham-apologist-brian-hauglids-transformative-journey/ Dan Vogel's work documented on YouTube was extremely helpful for us in this disucssion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtJT_xjIgdM Why the CES Letter? (Blog post explaining my motivation for doing this podcast): https://medium.com/@BrandonLy1/why-the-ces-letter-a05254bc3950 Music: "This Is Everything" by Josh Woodward. From the Free Music Archive. CC BY --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

This episode features a deep dive into the Book of Abraham issues. We explore higher criticism (the scholarly study of scripture) and try to apply it to the Book of Abraham. Although the "CES Letter" and most apologists do not deal directly with this issue, we find it important enough to include in our discussion of the CES Letter issues. Issues discussed: background info to the Book of Abraham, Ur of Chaldees and location of Abraham, Genesis 11 and 12 discrepancy and how Abraham 2 reconciles this, and how Joseph Smith might have possibly known about the ancient traditions of Abraham and idolatry, human sacrifice, and astronomy. Very interesting interview with David Bokovoy on Mormon Stories: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VloMOGotKTw&feature=emb_logo LDS Gospel Topics essay: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/translation-and-historicity-of-the-book-of-abraham?lang=eng Why the CES Letter? (Blog post explaining my motivation for doing this podcast): https://medium.com/@BrandonLy1/why-the-ces-letter-a05254bc3950 Music: "This Is Everything" by Josh Woodward. From the Free Music Archive. CC BY --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

A common reaction to the CES Letter is "I've had too many spiritual experiences so [the CES Letter] doesn't matter". In this episode, Brandon, Justin, Alejandro, and Andre discuss their views on the validity of spiritual witnesses and the epistemology of testimony. Why the CES Letter? (Blog post explaining my motivation for doing this podcast): https://medium.com/@BrandonLy1/why-the-ces-letter-a05254bc3950 The Phenomenology of the Divine (Jordan Peterson): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoQdp2prfmM Music: "This Is Everything" by Josh Woodward. From the Free Music Archive. CC BY --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

In part 2 of this podcast series on the "CES Letter", 4 members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints discuss their "testimony" and share their story of why they hold some of the perspectives they have today. This episode will help you better understand where each person is coming from as you hear their reactions to the CES Letter material. Why the CES Letter? (Blog post explaining my motivation for doing this podcast): https://medium.com/@BrandonLy1/why-the-ces-letter-a05254bc3950 Music: "This Is Everything" by Josh Woodward. From the Free Music Archive. CC BY --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

The “CES Letter” challenges literal/infallible McConkie-like worldviews. Those who read it may find themselves compelled to shift to a new paradigm like those of Jim Bennett, Richard Bushman, the symbolic worldview, or faithlessness. The “CES Letter” is essential reading for those who want to make Mormonism survive throughout the internet age of the 21st century. In this podcast series we discuss the challenges to Mormonism brought up by the "CES Letter". In part 1, we introduce what the letter is about and discuss potential (faithful or non-faithful) working frameworks in which to process the information. You might find my article explaining "Why the CES Letter" helpful before listening to this podcast series: https://bit.ly/2uJgKol Music: "This Is Everything" by Josh Woodward. From the Free Music Archive. CC BY --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

Political ideas grip people's minds and shape the way we perceive the world. Brandon and Justin talk about their intellectual flirtation with libertarianism and how psychology and religion transcend the political paradigm. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

On a recent podcast, Ex-Mormon Ryan McKnight said (I'm paraphrasing): "Nobody's gonna leave [the Church] over this...Probably" Commenting on the recent Washington Post leak "Mormon Church has misled members on $100 billion", Ryan McKnight believes that the whistleblower allegations of fraud and tax evasion are incorrect and a distraction from members having a serious conversations about the Church's financial transparency. In this episode, we discuss the allegations against the Church, our frustration with members and non-members' responses, and our views on whether the Church should be more open about their finances to its members. This is a long episode, but it gets into some serious (and sometimes funny) rabbit holes. Totally worth listening to. Please leave a comment if you liked (or didn't like) our discussion! Short Medium Article explaining the allegations (4 minute read): https://bit.ly/35Ra2u7 Mormon Happy Hour Podcast with MormonLeaks Founder Ryan McKnight: https://bit.ly/35XoS2o WaPo article: https://wapo.st/35MsAM1 Public Square Magazine: https://publicsquaremag.org/editorials/the-100-billion-mormon-church-story-a-contextual-analysis/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

Is Bitcoin Dead? Nov. 22, 2019 - Forbes publishes "Bitcoin Isn’t Down Because of China, It’s Down Because You Don’t Need It" Sep. 23, 2019 - Bakkt launches 1st BTC settled futures Oct. 18, 2019 - 18 millionth BTC mined, leaving only 3 million left Oct. 22, 2019 - Hash rate (network security) reaches all-time-high of 114 exahashes per second October - Chinese President Xi Jinping endorses blockchain as ‘an important breakthrough for independent innovation of core technologies’ Nov. 17, 2019 - Bitcoin ATMs worldwide hit new milestone surpassing 6,000. Nov 29, 2019 - HSBC Moves $20 Billion From Paper To Blockchain Dec. 6, 2019 - Deutsche Bank publishes 2030 report stating 'Cryptocurrency will go mainstream by 2030' Dec. 6, 2019 - Total Bitcoin addresses with any balance reaches new all-time-high Dec. 9, 2019 - Bakkt launches 1st regulated BTC options Dec. 10, 2019 - BTC YTD price up 119.47% from $3,355.25 - Compare that to the Dow, up 19.6% YTD and S&P up 25.10% YTD Major Companies that Accept Bitcoin: Microsoft, Expedia, Overstock, select Subways, NewEgg, AT&T, Dish Network, Whole Foods, Nordstrom, Lowe's, Petco, Office Depot, Shopify, Wikipedia, 2020 - Starbucks to accept Bitcoin via new Bakkt app May 14 2020? - Next Bitcoin halvening Summer 2020 - Facebook's stable coin Libra to be released? Dec. 31, 2020 - McAfee predicts BTC price to reach $1 Million or he will eat his dick Is Bitcoin really dying? Will it go to zero? Is it all just a bubble? We don't think so. Find out why in this episode. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

In part 1 we discuss: Why you should care about the internet 3.0 (blockchain) How Bitcoin and blockchain are related Our reaction to Peter Schiff, gold-bug, facing an onslaught of verbal abuse by Bitcoin enthusiast, Max Kaiser --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

Our good friend Jake Hawkes (who goes by Aija Aini on Spotify) reveals his latest album with us called Take Your Time. Listen to Jake's album "Take Your Time" on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0nOHqGEdvUieY6oILnb8yM Listen to the full interview with Small Talk with the Lys on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MOIW6IQVrEk --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

In continuation of last week's episode on the Jordan Peterson Lobster Conference held in Springville, Utah, we discuss: Faith Crisis and Latter-day Saints The CES Letter Sam Young and 'Protect the Children' John Dehlin's YouTube channel 'Mormon Stories' Jordan Peterson and Breaking/Rebuilding Frame --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

In part 1 Alejandro Rodriguez shares his story on how his bishop refused to post a Jordan Peterson event on the ward page because it was deemed "too political". I attended that event and rather than finding a group discussing gender pronouns and Bill C-16, I was pleasantly surprised to listen to three different lectures on psychology, Pharisees, and Gnosticism. We discuss things like felix culpa ('fortunate fall') and personal revelation (anti-creedism) with Alejandro who helps provide answers to our questions about an unusual connection between an ancient heretic Christian movement called Gnosticism with Jordan Peterson's religious philosophy and Mormonism. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

Love him or hate him, Kanye West is back with a new album and new religion. In this episode on Small Talk with the Lys, we first reveal his rough past of pornography, sex addiction, and marrying porn star Kim Kardashian. His previous albums were filled with sex and blasphemy and he even portrayed himself as Jesus on a cross in one album cover. After discussing all the reasons why we should be hesitant to trust Kanye, we parse through his new album, "Jesus is King", song by song, examining the deep meaning of his gospel lyrics. When we begin to figure out that Kanye's album is a description of his own spiritual journey, split into a 5-1-5 part album where the middle song, "Everything we Need", is the core of his transition, our minds GET BLOWN. Find out whether we should take Kanye West seriously or not in this episode on Small Talk with the Lys. Link to Chris Lambert's article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrislambert/2019/10/31/jesus-is-king-explained-a-guide-to-the-story-and-themes-of-kanye-wests-2019-album/#8cf7db579617 Link to Kanye's new album, "Jesus is King": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T58tRXzjC7c&list=PL5Z-QTr_hR1gTIk7T-bPCmRaaXNmiP3aK&index=1   --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

Happy Halloween! In this episode, we talk about the symbolism/origins of Halloween based on Jonathan Pageau's YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Kb_1mtytQ Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Halloween? We talk about some of the religious traditions that led up to the celebration of Halloween and how we may be missing a vital component of it.  Following this we discuss the following serial killers: 1) Charles Manson 2) Joseph Fritzl  3) Dorothea Puente  Charles Manson is definitely the most well known of the 3, but possibly not as evil as the other 2! It's up for debate though.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

Will Jordan Peterson lead people to God? Or seduce them with a substitute? We debate the pros and cons of Jordan Peterson on faith, religion, and Christianity. A meme posted on facebook titled 'Jordan Peterson is the Antichrist' was immediately met with a lot of reaction. People were confused and even angry at such comments. Although this wasn't our post, Brandon put up a similar post and was met with the same reactions - confusion and bewilderment. We don't think Jordan Peterson's a bad guy, but let's have a serious talk about his philosophy on scriptures and Jesus - how an intellectual approach to religion affects faith. Justin debates the For side, Brandon defends the Against position w/Sangji as moderator, --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

In this episode, we discuss Elder Uchtdorf's recent talk in General Conference that related to the ideas put forth in Justin's quora post last year. We also briefly discussed this in our first episode: Back From 'Nam https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/episodes/Ep--1-Back-From-Nam-e56h36 We also covered major changes in the LDS church including women witnessing priesthood ordinances, emphasis on Heavenly Mother, and the changes to youth programs. Show notes: Justin's original quora post (now moved to Medium) on the Hero's Call to Adventure (as discussed by Elder Uchtdorf) https://medium.com/@justinctly99/the-heros-call-to-adventure-5a873a0c3cf1 The Dialectics of Exaltation and an exploration of Jungian Psychology in Mormon Therapy https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00332920591001618 Jana Reiss's article on conference changes that we discuss in the podcast: https://religionnews.com/2019/10/07/a-progressive-mormons-top-10-highlights-of-this-weekends-lds-general-conference/?fbclid=IwAR1C59dcHTyTp0rxILv3kBAmxSmge4ex0CrfOSPJdG7X-10wjxHVTXcksmk --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

Some topics discussed: -Transitioning from a math major to a software job -Claims of sexism against Hyun -Claims of transphobia against Hyun -Climate Change Jump ahead to 16:50 for the story about Hyun's experience with SJW culture at work. We talk to a friend of ours, Hyun Woo Sung. From all my years that I’ve known Hyun, I know him to be very respectful and most of, a peacemaker. We had him over for dinner one night a couple of months ago and as we were conversing, I was surprised to hear some of his stories he encountered at work where his co-workers were quick to label his behaviors as discriminating when he had no intent to. It was saddening to hear that political agendas overrule rational discourse in work places, creating an environment of walking on egg shells. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

Is the modern convenience of streaming services such as Spotify and Netflix inducing a lazy consumption of the arts? Aaron Nybo talks with the Ly brothers about how the commercialization of media has seemingly ruined artistic creation and how artists are more concerned with pleasing the algorithmic gods.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

Swipe DOWN, DOWN, DOWN, UP!!! Oh man, what if I matched someone across the world!? Can anything still come of it? Should I even try? Well, those are the questions Atticus asked when he wasn't even trying to get into anything, really. But then he found the love of his life - Jisu! NOT CLICKBAIT, this is a totally true story. You heard it first on Small Talk With the Lys :) #longdistance #relationship #datingapps #mutual #tinder --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

In this episode we talk to Karinna Ly about her artistic endeavors, namely polymer clay and UV resin charms. We also talk about customers trying to take advantage of artists, big corporations sending cease and desist letters and the creative process she goes through to generate her ideas!  Check out her website to purchase some of her artwork:  www.infiniteconfetti.storenvy.com/ And follow her on instagram:  @peachfetti  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

2:01 Down the rabbit hole 3:58 Metal core vs death core 6:36 Why should anyone try heavy metal? 11:45 Metal vs opera 14:01 What does you experience when listening to heavy metal? 18:41 Down the rabbit hole: Justin's path to perdition 23:08 Justin's favs

1:05 Introducing Alan 3:48 Early Days - Going to a Catholic School in Britain 14:33 Religious Confusion - Too Many Religions, Too Many Denominations! 15:10 Pope infallibility and Church History 18:03 Hierarchical Structure of the Catholic Church 21:51 Alan's Search for Truth 22:50 Finding Christianity by Process of Elimination 30:20 Choosing to be Catholic 36:35 A Rational Decision to Join the Church 40:00 Growing up Around Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 42:35 Were LDS missionary efforts on you ever annoying? 43:25 Interacting with LDS Members as a Catholic in Utah 46:40 What LDS members get wrong about Catholic Doctrine 46:50 Ad 47:46 Worshiping Saints/Mary 54:54 An Unbroken Chain of Apostolic Succession 1:08:54 Leaving the Church: Faith in Man or Faith in God --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

Ready for another round of comedy!? Well unfortunately that's what the presidential debates can seem like at times... In this episode we discuss: -The leading democrats who will likely stick around for the 3rd debates in the primaries including Joe Biden, Andrew Yang, Pete Buttigieg, Kamala Harris, Tulsi Gabbard, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Beto O'Rourke, and Cory Booker -Who is most likely to beat Trump -Some heretical views on healthcare --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

In this episode we cover Sangji's experience with discovering her dairy intolerance and approaching healthy living by taking responsibility and being skeptical of health claims (i.e. those made by doctors, essential oil moms, etc.) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support

Brandon recently returned from his mission in Vietnam and Justin formerly served a mission in Hong Kong. The following is discussed: -Why they want to do a podcast -Hero's call to adventure -Pros and cons of their mission experience -Rules vs. no rules -Vietnamese receptiveness -Spiritual lessons --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smalltalkwiththelys/support