WARD RADIO

This episode of WARD RADIO features an engaging and humorous conversation between Cardon and Austin Falter of Falter Media, centering around Coleman Thompsons, a returned missionary from Utah who has garnered an impressive cult following in East Africa, specifically among Swahili speakers on TikTok and other platforms.

The episode centers around the Salt Lake Second YSA Tongan Ward's vibrant musical culture and how it's inspiring change across the broader church community

This episode of Ward Radio, Cardon, Jonah and Ryland, dives deep into recent data on the political leanings of young Latter-day Saints (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often called Mormons). Using graphs and research—specifically from Ryan Burge and the extensive Nationscape survey—the conversation explores whether younger church members are truly becoming more liberal or Democratic.

Cardon and Austin, dive into quirky, nostalgia-laden Mormon media specifically musical productions and church-related content that's so “cringe” it paradoxically becomes enjoyable. They reflect on their reactions to these productions, share personal memories, and discuss how such media shaped their childhood and young adulthood.

In this episode, Cardon, Jonah and Ryland dive deep into what they describe as one of the most perplexing and humorous challenges to Trinitarian doctrine found in Acts chapter 7. The conversation opens with Ryland recounting how the verse describing Jesus "standing on the right hand of God" is often used by Latter-day Saints as evidence against traditional Trinitarian concepts. The central question is simple yet deep: How can Jesus stand next to God if, by Trinitarian understanding, they're the same person?

In this fun and engaging episode of WARD RADIO, Cardon sits down with LDS rapper Fidatrix for a lighthearted yet meaningful conversation about music, faith, and culture. From using rap to uplift others and challenge stereotypes to sharing stories about marriage, multilingual talent, and his Polynesian roots, Fidatrix offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be an LDS artist today.

In this episode of Ward Radio, Cardon Ellis is joined by comedians Sage Adams and Gwyneth White for a candid and often hilarious breakdown of the rise of anti-Mormon content on social media. From viral TikToks and Instagram reels to dramatic “exmo” trends, the group reacts, critiques, and unpacks what's really driving the surge in online negativity.

Cardon, Brittany and Tikla dive into the conversation around the controversial topic of childhood baptism in the LDS Church, specifically focusing on whether baptizing children at eight is developmentally appropriate or a form of indoctrination.Cardon Ellis opens the discussion by referencing recent criticisms from ex-Mormon therapists who claim that an eight-year-old is too young to make such a significant decision— equating certain baptismal teachings to "emotional abuse." These critiques are unpacked and often met with skepticism by the hosts, who challenge the way terms like “trauma” and “abuse” are applied in this context.

Cardon and Joseph, who kicks off a free LDS Truth Claims series, drawing inspiration from Brett McDonald's lectures. The conversation starts playfully, referencing "Breaking Bad" to set the scene for offering a "taste" of the upcoming series. Cardon Ellis takes the role of an everyman learner, while Joseph leads with explanation and analysis.

Cardon Ellis, Jonah Barnes, and Ryland dive into some startling social science data about American clergy specifically, how many pastors actually believe the most fundamental tenets of Christianity.Jonah Barnes sharing graphs from researcher Ryan Burge (graphsaboutreligion.com) about various religious leaders' beliefs. The hosts unpack the survey data, which explores questions like clergy's certainty of God's existence, belief in Adam and Eve, Jesus's bodily resurrection, hell, miraculous healing, and attitudes toward evangelism.

Emily susan Pack is LIVE in the Ward Radio Studio talking about all the fun in and outs of LDS musical comedy! We'll get some music too!

Cardon Ellis and Cade Alvey welcome their guest Emerson, an atheist philosopher who runs the Walden Pod, to discuss and respond to anti-Mormon rhetoric, specifically addressing viral content created by evangelical Christian Rob Corson.

Cardon Ellis and Michael Mairano explore why athletes from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are often overrepresented in high-level sports.Drawing from Michael's experience as a former D1 athlete at Brigham Young University and Utah State University, the discussion looks at how discipline, faith, and strong community culture may create an environment where athletes thrive. They also highlight standout competitors like Kenneth Rooks and Jane Hennegren, whose success reflects the powerful combination of purpose, resilience, and support found in Mormon culture.

Cardon Ellis and Michael take a deep dive into the often misunderstood place of the early Christian creeds especially the Nicene Creed within Mormon thought and broader Christianity.The conversation begins with Michael making it clear that "the Creeds were not an abomination," immediately challenging a common LDS perspective. Cardon Ellis admits to expecting this take and brings up the notion that Greco-Roman philosophy heavily influenced Christian creeds, which altered original Christian beliefs about the nature of God. He expresses concern over religious councils "voting on" doctrine such as the Trinity, seeing this as a departure from what early Christians actually believed.

This episode of WARD RADIO dives deep into the remarkable growth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) across South Africa and the broader Africa South region. Cardon Ellis alongside guest Austin Falter, discuss staggering statistics that highlight both rapid expansion and genuine engagement among new members.

Cardon Ellis, Jonah Barnes, and Ryland dive deep into the tension between intellectualism and faith within the context of Latter-day Saint (LDS) culture. The conversation kicks off with the provocative premise that "intellectualism is the new false god," questioning why so many intellectuals are moving away from the Church.

Did you know some argue that Latter-day Saints essentially believe in the Immaculate Conception? In this episode of Ward Radio, Cardon and Michael dive into a lively theological discussion connecting Catholic doctrine, Mormon theology, and the legacy of Vatican II.

This episode dives into the pressing issue of “dead” Elders Quorums men's groups within the Latter-day Saint church that have lost their sense of purpose, connection, and vitality. Cardon Ellis opens by highlighting the widespread disengagement and struggles men face in these quorums, including isolation, higher risks for suicide and other life challenges, especially in Utah. The conversation aims to identify solutions beyond merely acknowledging problems.

In this lively and thoughtful episode of Ward Radio, host Cardon Ellis is joined by guest Austin Falter (of Falter Media) and podcaster/author Jonah Barnes for an in-depth discussion about the frequently quoted biblical verse, Galatians 1:8, especially in the context of debates surrounding Mormonism.

Cardon Ellis sits down with Michael—a former Anglican from a family of priests and a successful steeplechase athlete—alongside Baylor, to explore Michael's remarkable spiritual journey from sincere skeptic to dedicated convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.The episode opens with light banter, friendly jokes, and an introduction to Michael's background. We quickly learn that Michael grew up deeply immersed in the Anglican faith. Both his parents had theological training—his father an ordained priest, his mother a youth minister—which laid a thoughtful, spiritually robust foundation for his upbringing. Despite this, Michael was eventually drawn into discussions with his largely Latter-day Saint (LDS or Mormon) friend group during high school, convinced at the time that Mormonism was, at best, misguided, and at worst, a cult.

Cardon Ellis (the host) and Jonah Barnes (an associate professor and expert in apocryphal studies) dive into a fascinating literary discovery from the Book of Mormon—what Jonah Barnes describes as a "double chiasm" or concentric chiasms in Alma chapter 24, specifically in the speech of King Anti-Nephi-Lehi.The duo starts on a light note, joking about seeing chiasms everywhere (even in sandwiches), before digging into the structure and thematic relevance of chiasmus—a literary pattern often associated with Hebrew texts. Jonah Barnes explains that while chiasms are known in the Book of Mormon, he discovered two overlapping or concentric chiasms centering around key verses involving the words “stain” and “brethren.”

Cardon Ellis and Dalton Williams dive into a practical and lively tutorial on leveraging Scripture Notes a powerful scripture study tool especially for crafting talks, lessons, or deep personal study. The conversation is energetic and fun, with both speakers frequently riffing off each other's questions and observations.

Cardon Ellis is joined by Dalton Williams of Unashamed Truth, a former MMA fighter and firefighter for a deep, thoughtful conversation about the differences between peacemaking and peacekeeping, especially through the lens of faith, scripture, and real-world experience.

Cardon is joined by Adam and Madeline Packer for a candid conversation exploring how Adam used an Excel spreadsheet as part of his decision-making process when choosing his wife.The story launches with some classic Ward Radio banter and playful jokes, but quickly turns to Adam's unique approach to relationships. While taking an advanced Excel modeling class for his finance degree, Adam realized he could repurpose a weighted averages project—originally meant for evaluating job opportunities after college—to help him decide who to seriously pursue in his dating life. Factors he ranked included being strong in the gospel, desire for a temple marriage, family compatibility, and, openly, attractiveness (“hotness” getting a high weight on the spreadsheet!).

This viral skit from Austin (Small and Simple Screens) exploded with nearly 5,000 shares because apparently… we've ALL had this dream.In this episode, Cardon Ellis and Austin react to:• The collective “mission recall” nightmare• The BYU transcript anxiety dream• COVID missionaries still dreaming they have to go back• The psycholog y of finishing something… and being forced to restart• The funniest (and savage) comment section responses• Exmos joking they “just need the numbers”• Whether this is mission PTSD… or just shared cultural memoryPlus: Bella's dad from Twilight makes an unexpected appearance

Cardon Ellis is joined by Dalton Williams (of Unashamed Truth) and Brittany the Shadow to tackle a common but often misapplied critique against members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS): the use of Galatians 1:8 by Christian apologists as a supposed “kill shot” argument. The conversation centers around clarifying the context of this scripture and dispelling myths about LDS theology.

In this lively and engaging episode of Ward Radio, Cardon Ellis is joined by a diverse cast: David Boyce from “52 Churches in 52 Weeks,” Bart Markois from A Minute With Bart and his lovely daughter Emma Markois

This episode explores the unique world of Latter-day Saint (LDS) matchmaking with special guest Nicole Miller, founder of UTMatch (not Utah Match, as clarified!). Cardon Ellis hosts the conversation alongside David Boyce, and together they dive deep into the experiences, challenges, and contemporary landscape of LDS dating and matchmaker services.Nicole introduces UTMatch as a service specializing in curated introductions for LDS singles who are looking for something more meaningful than what they're finding on dating apps or through traditional channels. She emphasizes a personalized process tailored to understand not just what clients want, but also who they are and what they bring to the table. Nicole shares her journey into matchmaking, starting with the colorful story of setting up her high school teacher on a date (which ended with a surprise visit from the fire department), hinting at her longstanding passion for helping others find connection.

This episode is an in-depth, lively, and, at times, humorous debrief of the recent debate between Joe Heschmeyer (representing Catholicism) and Jacob Hansen (representing LDS/Mormon perspectives), with moderation and additional discussion by Cardon Ellis, Jonah Barnes, and contributions from others. The debate centered on the concept of the "Great Apostasy"—whether or not there was a loss of a continuous institutional church following the New Testament period.

Is a new age coming at BYU?! Enjoy!

This lively episode of WARD RADIO brings together hosts Cardon Ellis with guests Cade and Dalton Williams (who introduces MMA fighter Kwai Thompson—aka "the Throwin' Samoan"). They dive into an unexpected yet insightful discussion about how serving as missionaries in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints equips young men and women with the resilience, humility, and toughness needed to thrive in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA).

Cardon Ellis, Hayden Holm, and Tanner dive deep into the kind of comedy and cultural expectations that surround men in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), and why so many young men (and elders) feel alienated, bored, or misunderstood.The episode kicks off with Hayden Holm sharing a “cringe” church-adjacent comedy video (“Laughing All the Way”), which they all agree is emblematic of a deeper problem (and not an official church production): church humor is safe, predictable, and above all, risk-averse. The group discusses how this lack of authenticity and edge in humor makes it almost impossible to engage young men who are looking for something genuine, risky, and relatable.

In this episode, Cardon Ellis hosts Hayden Holm in a lively and insightful discussion about the 1991 movie “Hook,” starring Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman. The central theme of the conversation is how “Hook” contains powerful, “hidden lessons” for fathers—especially within the context of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but also relevant to any father or leader of young men.Hayden Holm lays out a creative framework for fatherhood, inspired by three main duties Peter Pan must relearn in the film: how to fly, fight, and crow.

This episode dives deep into what Bart Marcos describes as a “crisis of missing Moroni” within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints—a metaphor for the declining willingness among members to stand up and actively defend personal liberty, faith, and foundational values. Drawing inspiration from Captain Moroni, a Book of Mormon figure renowned for his courageous leadership and resolve, Bart Marcos laments that too many church members now shrink from any perceived conflict, opting for comfort, consensus, and “niceness” rather than righteous confrontation or advocacy.

Cardon Ellis, Hayden Holm, and Tanner dive into the complex topic of how church culture's “nice guy” approach is inadvertently driving men—especially young men—away from feeling connected and invigorated in their faith communities. The conversation is sparked by a church-adjacent comedy clip, which the hosts quickly describe as “cringe,” “safe,” and lacking any risk or genuine unpredictability—the ingredients that make humor truly meaningful and magnetic.

Christian and Travis, from the "Holy Rebellion" Instagram page confront Cardon Ellis, host of Ward Radio, on "internet peacemaking" and how it relates to 2026 apologetics. This was a great conversation.... we hope you enjoy it!

Cardon Ellis sits down with Judge Vaughn R. Walker, widely known within certain circles as one of the architects behind the grassroots strategy for California's Proposition 8. The episode isn't just a recounting of tactical moves—it's a deeply human journey through the behind-the-scenes choices, personal sacrifices, and enormous social repercussions tied to one of the most significant and controversial political campaigns of recent American history.Right from the start, the conversation addresses the loaded term “mastermind.” Judge Vaughn R. Walker humbly rejects it, clarifying that while he played a critical role in developing and executing the grassroots strategy, he was far from alone and quick to emphasize the collective effort involved.

Comedians Gwyneth White (Gwowls) and Sage Adams (Return With Sage) stop by the Ward Radio Studio to talk about their recent uploads using satire to share and defend the gospel... and guess what?... It actually WORKS.

This episode is a nostalgic, lighthearted, and engaging dive into the world of vintage Mormon culture through the lens of an unexpected eBay find—15 issues from the 1979-1980 “California Intermountain News,” a little-known Mormon newspaper from California. Cardon Ellis, joined by Hayden Holm, unboxes the newspapers and reacts in real time, giving listeners a candid look at the quirky, homespun aspects of Latter-day Saint history and community life in California.

Journalist Sam Westrop recently wrote a piece for the Middle East Forum, claiming "LDS Charities' were funneling money to organizations that fund Hamas. This is a bold accusation and he joins Cardon Ellis of Ward Radio and Bradley Spencer, the Director of Globus Relief, to respond.The original Article by Sam Westrop: https://www.meforum.org/fwi/mormon-fundingStatement from Globus Relief:Official Statement from Globus ReliefGlobus Relief is issuing this statement to correct material factual errors and mischaracterizations contained in the January 21, 2026 Middle East Forum article titled “Mormon Charities Among Top Contributors to Terror-Aligned Islamist Charities.”Globus Relief does not donate cash. All support provided by Globus Relief consists exclusively of in-kind donations of medical supplies and equipment to qualified nonprofit medical providers for direct patient care. Any implication that Globus Relief transfers or “hands over” cash funding is incorrect.Globus Relief is not affiliated with the LDS Church. We are an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and are not owned, operated by, governed by, or formally affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. No senior church leaders have ever led or governed Globus Relief.Globus Relief partners with U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) organizations that provide medical care to refugees, disaster victims, underserved populations, and poverty-stricken communities in more than 150 countries and throughout the United States. All partners are screened consistent with U.S. law, and donated medical supplies are designated solely for humanitarian healthcare purposes.The article also misinterprets IRS Form 990 data by conflating non-cash medical supply valuations with cash grants, materially distorting the nature of our work.Globus Relief is a humanitarian, apolitical organization. We do not support violence, extremism, or terrorism in any form. We work to mitigate the tragic consequences of such activities. We respectfully request that the Middle East Forum correct the factual inaccuracies noted above.About Globus ReliefGlobus Relief is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to improving global health by distributing donated medical supplies to qualified nonprofit healthcare providers in the United States and around the world.

Cardon Ellis, Austin Falter, Emma ., and David Boyce engaging in a lively and insightful conversation about the animated film "David," its Latter-day Saint symbolism, and the unique way it resonates with their faith experiences and perspectives.The episode kicks off with a humorous and informal vibe, as Cardon Ellis welcomes everyone, checks on permissions, and sets up both the technology and the group for the discussion. The main focus quickly turns to their reactions after watching "David." Austin Falter shares his excitement about having a positive and well-executed, faith-based animated film for his kids, highlighting how rare it is for children's media to portray religious rituals and Old Testament stories positively and meaningfully.

This episode of WARD RADIO, hosted by Cardon Ellis, features an engaging roundtable discussion with guests Baylor, Christian, and Michael about the lived experience and preparation for the Latter-day Saint (Mormon) temple endowment. The conversation blends personal stories, humor, historical context, and tangible resources to create what they've dubbed “the best temple prep class you never had.”

Cardon Ellis is joined by Austin Falter and Jonah Barnes for a lively and insightful conversation focused on the "Johannine Comma"—a controversial passage in the New Testament (1 John 5:7) often cited as the strongest biblical support for the doctrine of the Trinity.The discussion kicks off with some light-hearted banter about social media, before Jonah Barnes dives into a recent online debate where he used knowledge about biblical manuscripts to challenge a critic of Mormonism. He explains that many critics use 1 John 5:7 to argue that non-Trinitarian Christians like Latter-day Saints are "heretics," but few realize the complicated history behind this verse.

Cardon Ellis hosts a roundtable with Kwaku L., Riley, and Joseph Gambot, diving into a recent and controversial Jubilee video titled "One Progressive vs 20 Far Right Conservatives." The discussion centers around alarming far-right views openly expressed in the video, particularly those involving fascism, autocracy, and ethnic nationalism.The hosts, all associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, immediately react with concern, especially when one participant in the Jubilee video openly declares himself a fascist and advocates for a form of autocracy aligned with Catholic teachings. Kwaku L. and Cardon Ellis are visibly disturbed by the normalization of these extremist ideologies, especially as the conversation touches on support for “benevolent” dictators like Franco and a disturbing indifference toward past atrocities committed by regimes such as the Nazis.

Defending LDS Women Against Evangelical Ambush

This heartfelt conversation centers around Brooke's journey to membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The discussion kicks off with Brooke describing how people frequently ask why she chose the LDS faith. She explains that much of her decision was shaped by a direct, personal experience: as a teenager suffering from painful hip bursitis, she prayed with genuine vulnerability before a cross country race, offering what she calls a wager to God—if she miraculously placed in the top three, she'd join the Church.

Cardon Ellis, Hayden Holm, and Tanner take a tongue-in-cheek deep dive into the wild, memorable, and sometimes traumatic world of LDS (Latter-day Saint) parenting in the late '90s and early 2000s. The tone is both nostalgic and humorous as all three recount experiences that, while possibly traumatic at the time, are now looked back upon fondly (or at least with a sense of camaraderie).

Cardon Ellis welcomes Alejandro Rodriguez to discuss a recent New York Times article about "Mormon women taking over our screens," which sparks a lively—and often humorous—conversation about media portrayals of Mormon culture, women, and family life, particularly in the social media age.

Cardon Ellis chats with Hayden Holm about childhood memories, body image, and life lessons learned the hard way. The conversation opens with Hayden recounting a formative experience from growing up as an "indoor enthusiast" with a penchant for video games and home-baked treats, courtesy of his mother—a dedicated baker and firm believer in the 1990s' "clean plate rule."

In this lively, thoughtful, and often humorous episode, Cardon Ellis and Brad welcome Christopher Blyth, a folklore professor at BYU and expert on Mormon history, to explore the splintering of early Mormonism following Joseph Smith's death—often called the “succession crisis.”The episode dives deep into the aftermath of Joseph Smith's assassination, when multiple leaders and groups claimed to be the rightful continuation of his church. Christopher Blyth describes how the church “atomized,” resulting in a variety of sects, many of which still exist in some form today.

Cardon Ellis kicks off by highlighting how gender dynamics within the church have become highly skewed, pointing out how feminist influences from past decades have seeped into religious culture, sometimes causing men to feel corrected while women go unchecked. He voices frustration about how philosophical discussions on gender are often less nuanced than those on other community concerns like criminal justice or gun control.Hayden Holm shares personal experiences and critiques the “happy wife, happy life” mantra, explaining that it turns a marriage into an unhealthy dynamic: men end up repressing their own feelings for years, leading to resentment and passive-aggressive behaviors, while wives are left unchecked, sometimes developing entitled attitudes (“rise of the Karens”).