WARD RADIO

Cardon Ellis is joined by Brittany Ellis, Drew and Joe from “No Unhallowed Hand,” and Austin Falter of Falter Media to take a deep dive into one of John Dehlin's viral TikTok claims about LDS temple weddings and Mormon culture.Dehlin asserts that Mormon parents are excluded from their children's temple weddings unless they pay tithing and strictly follow church rules—calling it spiritual extortion. The Ward Radio team fact-checks this statement and explains why it's a major distortion of actual LDS practice and doctrine.

Are Mormons the Most Christian Christians?” | WARD RADIO ft. No Unhallowed Hand PodcastIn this lively and thought-provoking episode of WARD RADIO, host Cardon Ellis sits down with Drew and Joe from the No Unhallowed Hand Podcast to tackle one of the boldest religious questions out there:

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of WARD RADIO, host Cardon Ellis joins Austin Falter and Jonah Barnes to unpack one of the most overlooked chapters in both American and Latter-day Saint history — Joseph Smith's 1844 presidential campaign.Far from being a vanity project, Joseph's run was born out of desperation — a direct response to mob violence, government corruption, and religious persecution that left the Saints without justice or protection. Drawing on Spencer McBride's research, the hosts explore how Smith's bold platform championed freedom, equality, and reform: from abolishing slavery through compensation, to shrinking Congress, slashing salaries, and enforcing religious liberty for all.With humor, insight, and modern parallels (including comparisons to Mitt Romney's campaign), the team explores how this little-known effort for justice became one of the most radical and courageous moves in early American politics — and asks the haunting question:

In this episode, hosts Cardon Ellis, Jonah Barnes, and Brittany Ellis dive into the sometimes controversial perception of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as Mormons) as a "high demand" religion. They unpack how this label is often used negatively by outsiders, but also highlight the admiration and even envy it inspires in other faith communities, especially when it comes to devotion and youth engagement.The discussion is kicked off by referencing an article from Christianity Today, written by Russell Moore, a self-described orthodox Christian. Moore expresses both skepticism and candid respect for the expectations placed on Latter-day Saint youths—specifically the tradition of missionary service. He notes that, despite initial misgivings, he came to appreciate how the mission experience transforms young people, teaching discipline, leadership, self-reliance, and a deepened faith, even when measurable "success" (like baptisms) doesn't happen.

Are smart people less religious? Ward Radio host Cardon Ellis sits down with Jonah Barnes and Austin Falter to challenge one of the biggest modern myths—that intelligence and faith don't mix. Using real data from Ryan Burge's graphsaboutreligion.com, the team uncovers surprising trends showing that higher education often increases church attendance and belief across nearly every demographic, including within the Latter-day Saint community.With humor, insight, and hard facts, Cardon and his guests dig into why “smart” and “spiritual” aren't opposites—and why educated believers might just be leading the charge in faith and family. If you've ever wondered whether data supports devotion, this episode has the answers.

Textbook arrogance, dismissiveness, and smooth-brain anti-Mormonism was on display recently as David Letting took a swing at newcomer Maddy Packer's channel, so we invited her on our channel to fight back.#mormon #christian #evangelical #bible #bookofmormon

Cardon Ellis joins Drew, Joe from the No Unhallowed Hand podcast for a real-time reaction to a Frank Turek video about what Latter-day Saints believe about Jesus. What starts as lighthearted banter quickly turns into a sharp yet thoughtful analysis of common evangelical misconceptions—like the infamous “Mormons get their own planet” myth.With humor and clarity, the hosts unpack doctrines of the Godhead, deification, and eternal progression, correcting misrepresentations while inviting open, respectful dialogue. It's a lively, good-faith defense of what Latter-day Saints actually believe—proving that interfaith conversations can be both passionate and fair-minded.

Cardon Ellis, joined by Austin Falter and podcaster Jonah Barnes, dive into a lively and sometimes tense discussion about the growing presence of gender and LGBTQ+ themed children's books in mainstream outlets, particularly within communities traditionally associated with conservative, religious values (like those of the LDS Church).

Cardon Ellis, Jonah Barnes, Kwaku L., Brad Whitbeck, and Jerry—dives into the intriguing prediction that many ex-Mormons may soon start returning to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The discussion is sparked by a post from the ex-Mormon subreddit, which suggests that “ex-Mormonism” might have peaked as a trend and could now be on the decline.The hosts talk candidly about the cyclical nature of religious commitment and cultural trends. Drawing parallels to historical trends in American religiosity, they propose that just as religious participation dipped and resurged in past decades, so too could LDS Church activity. The resurgence, they suggest, may be influenced by changes in Church leadership, cultural excitement, and generational waves—recalling times when being Mormon was culturally “cool” because of influential figures, music, and media.

Cardon chats with Ella Katzenback about her recent article on the powerful true story of Helmuth Hubener. Together, they reflect on their experience attending an influencer screening of "Truth and Treason," a new film by Angel Studios that highlights Helmuth's life—the youngest German boy executed for resisting Nazi propaganda in Hamburg during WWII.Ella shares how deeply the film impacted her and the group of Gen Z influencers she attended with. Both were struck by Helmuth's courage: a teenager risking his life to spread the truth, despite knowing the consequences could be fatal. Ella's favorite moment was Helmuth's bold testimony before the people's court, where he declares he's not being executed for doing wrong but for telling the truth, leaving viewers in awe of his moral clarity and conviction.

Cardon sits down with Elder TikTok to explore what's drawing young people toward—and pushing them away from—the Mormon church in today's digital age.

In this episode, the host of Ward Radio Cardon Ellis dive deep into a series of controversies surrounding Glenn Beck, prominent conservative radio personality and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS—commonly referred to as Mormon). The conversation unpacks how Beck is not only criticized from the political left, but more surprisingly, from the right—especially evangelical and Protestant circles who view his faith with suspicion or outright hostility.

Cardon is joined by Austin and Brittany with their guests, BYU students Carly, Joe and Drew. They tackle one of the most persistent questions and stereotypes surrounding Brigham Young University (BYU): Is BYU really "this way"?The conversation kicks off with a playful analysis of a viral campus interview video titled “Utah Mormons are Different,” where BYU students are asked tongue-in-cheek questions about dating, marriage, and BYU culture. They react to answers that seem to play into stereotypes, like needing to convert and get married in the temple to "pull" a Mormon, RMs (returned missionaries) pursuing recent high school graduates, and the much-memed BYU engagement timeline ("my neighbors dated for a week before getting engaged").

Elder TikTok tells all! This discussion dives into his unique origin story, his mission as a content creator, and the impact he hopes to have on both LDS and non-LDS audiences.

Cardon Ellis and Jonah Barnes are joined by guest Austin Falter to react to the trailer for “Young Washington,” Angel Studios' upcoming film about the early life of George Washington. The conversation quickly becomes an engaging blend of movie hype, historical commentary, and playful banter.The group is immediately excited by the quality of the trailer, with Andy Serkis (famously known for playing Gollum) appearing to be part of the cast, eliciting awe from the hosts. They draw visual and atmospheric comparisons to “Pirates of the Caribbean” and praise the film's top-tier sound design, costuming, and lighting, expressing genuine excitement for its July 3, 2026 release, which coincides with the 250th anniversary of American independence.

This episode dives into the controversies and complexities surrounding Elder TikTok, a well-known LDS TikTok personality who's faced repeated cancellation and criticism throughout his social media career. The hosts Cardon Ellis, Jonah Barnes, and guest Austin Falter discuss both the specific recent incidents and the broader cultural context in which Elder TikTok operates.

Cardon and Jonah Barnes dive deep into scripture, scholarship, and the culture of LDS academia.The discussion begins playfully as Jonah explores chiasmus—a poetic structure in ancient texts—within the Book of Moses. He highlights a striking pattern between Adam and Eve's statements after the Fall, jokingly calling it their “epic rap battle.” Adam's partial chiasmus is countered by Eve's bold, complete one, centering the doctrine of the “fortunate fall.” Jonah notes this insight hasn't appeared in scholarly literature, making the discovery all the more thrilling.

Cardon Ellis is joined by Ella Katzenbach, who put together both an article and a video on the topic, capturing authentic responses from fellow students on campus. This episode centers around the immediate student reactions at BYU to the passing of President Russell M. Nelson, the late prophet and leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The conversation opens with Cardon and Ella discussing the news of President Nelson's death, which sadly was overshadowed in broader media by a tragic shooting in Michigan that same day. Despite this, Ella was able to gauge campus sentiment and conduct interviews with several students.

When Deseret News journalist Brigham Tomko sat down to profile Charlie Kirk, he didn't know it would become the last interview before Kirk's shocking assassination.In this episode of Ward Radio, host Cardon Ellis dives deep with Brigham into that story — from the tense 36 hours that followed the breaking news, to what Kirk revealed about his faith, prayer life, and the “bloodsport” of politics just days before his death.They also tackle big questions about journalism, bias, and belief. Is Deseret News a faith-driven voice for truth—or “Mormon propaganda,” as some critics claim? Brigham answers with insight and humor, unpacking how the paper balances transparency, editorial independence, and a Latter-day Saint worldview.Beyond the headline story, this conversation explores what it means to tell stories that matter—to seek light and truth even in tragedy.

Shad Brooks, also known as "Shadiversity" comes in studio to talk about the sword of Laban and "peacemaking" of all things.

Most Latter-day Saints think they know what the Pearl of Great Price is—but what if we've all been misunderstanding it? Cardon sits down with Jonah Barnes, author of Lost Gems of Genesis, to uncover the overlooked origins, revelations, and hidden depth of one of the Church's most fascinating volumes of scripture. Jonah reveals that the Pearl of Great Price isn't one continuous text, but a compilation of distinct revelations—given to Joseph Smith, Moses, and Adam at different times. He clears up major misconceptions about the so-called Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis, explaining why it's not really a “translation” at all. The conversation dives into: The real story behind the Pearl of Great Price's compilation, how the “lost 116 pages” might connect to Genesis material, why Joseph Smith's revelations show unmatched originality, and yes—why Jonah calls the Pearl of Great Price the “Oops, All Berries” of scripture. Whether you're a lifelong member or just curious about the foundations of Latter-day Saint belief, this episode will change how you read the scriptures forever.

When The God Makers hit the scene in the 1980s, it became one of the most infamous and damaging anti-Mormon films ever produced. In this episode of Ward Radio, we sit down with Robert Starling—author of A Case for Latter-day Christianity—to hear the inside story of how he confronted it head-on.Robert opens up about his time as a stake mission president and media specialist in Los Angeles, where he carefully tracked anti-LDS campaigns and uncovered the deceptive tactics behind The God Makers. He details his painstaking rebuttal of the film, identifying dozens of falsehoods, distortions, and outright fabrications used to misrepresent Latter-day Saint belief. His defense didn't come without cost—Starling was dragged into a $27 million lawsuit simply for standing up for his faith and telling the truth.This conversation is more than a history lesson. It's a gripping reminder of the spiritual battles fought not with weapons, but with words, research, and conviction. Robert's story shows how ordinary Saints, armed with courage and testimony, can push back against misrepresentation and protect their faith community from attack.

We react to conference and a recent video a data scientist did about the Book of Mormon.

The relationship between evolution and Latter-day Saint belief is more than a passing curiosity—it's a source of tension that continues to spark debate in classrooms, chapels, and even at BYU's own Bean Museum. In this episode of Ward Radio, the panel dives straight into the heart of the issue, asking why exhibits depicting apes evolving into humans—and references to “Lucy”—cause so much frustration for members who believe in a literal Adam and Eve.But this discussion goes deeper than museum displays. The panel explores prophetic statements, common misunderstandings, and the spiritual implications of treating evolution as settled science. Along the way, they call out historical hoaxes, poke fun at academic double-speak, and wrestle with the bigger question: does embracing evolution undermine our divine identity as literal children of God, or can faith and science truly coexist?This isn't just about fossils and theories—it's about what it means to trust in modern prophets, to see past cultural assumptions, and to defend the doctrine that makes us who we are.

Did Brigham Young really teach that Adam was God? In this powerful and clarifying episode of WARD RADIO, hosts Jonah Barnes, Austin Falter, and Cardon Ellis dive deep into one of the most misunderstood topics in Latter-day Saint history — the so-called Adam-God Theory.From historical documents to punctuation changes that flipped entire meanings, this conversation exposes how copy errors, misquotes, and 19th-century shorthand turned a handful of ambiguous statements into one of Mormonism's biggest controversies.Jonah Barnes breaks down original sources, including the Journal of Discourses and the Joseph Smith Papers, to show how a misplaced comma or title misunderstanding (“Adam” as a title, not a name) created theological confusion that critics have weaponized for decades.Together, the hosts show how Brigham Young's real teachings fit within LDS doctrine — not against it — and offer comfort to those whose faith has been shaken by online debates or anti-Mormon claims.

Cardon is joined by Ella Katzenback and guest Leah Tomlinson to dive deep into how Gen Z students at Brigham Young University (BYU) are rethinking marriage, children, and family size in today's world.While large families have long been a celebrated part of Latter-day Saint (LDS) culture, shifting priorities and economic pressures are shaping new perspectives. Many students now prioritize financial stability and career readiness before considering marriage or kids, reflecting a growing sense of caution and pragmatism. Some women describe prioritizing finding a spouse over academic or professional ambitions, while men share the heavy economic pressures they feel to be providers before marrying.Our conversation highlights the tension between faith-driven ideals and real-world financial challenges, including the rising costs of raising children and the expectation of dual incomes in modern households. At the same time, BYU students share a genuine fondness for family and siblings, with many still aspiring to raise four to six children—though often fewer than the generations before them.Blending personal interviews, cultural reflection, and religious insight, this episode explores the unique crossroads where faith, finances, and modern values meet. While the traditional LDS vision of large families is evolving, the desire for family life remains strong, hopeful, and deeply tied to faith.

For a really, really long time, most members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reasonably assumed that their shared love of Christ and his teachings meant they were "Christians" like the rest of the North American Church... well... if the Michigan Chapel Shooting and the reaction by many 'Christians' in North America is any indicator... we may need to quickly realize we are not welcomed with open arms but hated as many have suspected for a long time before the quiet part was said out loud.

Cardon and BYU student Ella Kotzenbach reflect on the profound impact of Charlie Kirk's assassination on the BYU and UVU communities.With on-the-ground student interviews from Haley, Maya McGavic, Ethan Clark, and Reese Schmidt, this episode captures the raw emotions, grief, and spiritual searching that swept across both campuses. From candlelight vigils to spontaneous gatherings at temple grounds, students share how this tragedy reshaped conversations, friendships, and faith journeys. Many describe the campus atmosphere shifting from its usual energy to one of reverence, silence, and unity. Beyond the politics, Cardon and Ella highlight how Kirk's message of integrating faith into daily life left a lasting mark on Gen Z students, sparking reflection and even bringing some back to church. This episode is a portrait of a generation facing grief, grappling with belief, and choosing love and faith as a response to tragedy.

What's it really like to date at BYU? Ella Katzenbach joins Ward Radio to share her first-hand perspective on the unique—and sometimes hilarious—world of Latter-day Saint dating culture in Provo.From unwritten rules and blind dates to the tension between faith, friendship, and finding “the one,” Ella doesn't hold back. She unpacks stereotypes, shares personal stories, and talks through the challenges young Latter-day Saints face while navigating relationships in such a high-pressure environment.Whether you've been through the BYU dating scene yourself, are raising kids who might, or just want a window into how faith and culture collide on campus, this candid conversation is full of laughs, insights, and real talk.

We are joined by filmmaker Matt Whitaker, director of Truth and Treason, to explore the remarkable life of Helmut Hübener, a teenage Latter-day Saint who dared to defy Nazi Germany. At only 17 years old, Helmut became the youngest resistance fighter executed by the Third Reich, standing against tyranny with nothing but courage, conviction, and the written word.Whitaker shares how Helmut secretly listened to forbidden BBC broadcasts on a smuggled shortwave radio, uncovering truths hidden by Nazi propaganda. Inspired by what he heard, Helmut began typing and distributing anti-Nazi leaflets with the help of friends in his LDS branch, risking everything to tell the truth. The conversation also highlights the moral struggles faced by ordinary Germans, including local church leaders, and the chilling reality that the Gestapo closely monitored the Mormon community.Blending historical detail with deeply human reflection, this episode shows how one young man's bravery continues to inspire generations. From Helmut's quiet defiance to the modern retelling of his story in Truth and Treason with Angel Studios, listeners are invited to reflect on the cost of truth, the dangers of silence, and the enduring power of faith in the face of tyranny.

Matt Whitaker, a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and a prolific filmmaker is making a movie, "Truth & Treason" with Angel Studios and he swung by the Ward Radio studio to talk to us all about it!

What do baptisms for the dead really mean—and why do so many outsiders get it wrong?

Is the LDS Church fueling “toxic perfectionism”… or protecting against it?

Cardon and co-host Austin sit down with Drew Scarborough, Joseph Gambot, and Kwaku L. to unpack a timely question: Why do young people in the Church need apologetics now more than ever? Joe shares how he nearly lost his faith after a flood of anti-LDS content online—but found his way back through honest, bold apologetics. Drew opens up about drifting into megachurch culture in Texas before rediscovering a personal walk with God. Together with Cardon, Austin, and Kwaku, they explore why intellectual answers AND emotional connection matter for faith today.From hidden faith crises at BYU to the cultural pull of megachurches, this is a candid, powerful look at why apologetics isn't about “winning debates”—it's about building resilient testimonies and keeping the next generation anchored.

We are just trying to "follow the science" here, people... all the way to church. And, fortunately for us, stylometric A.I. has just figured out that Deuteronomy was basically forged, and the Book of Mormon wasn't... we don't make the rules.

The Book of Abraham is one of the most controversial parts of Latter-day Saint scripture. Critics claim Joseph Smith couldn't have translated it, the facsimiles don't match, and there's no evidence supporting his account. Egyptologist Kerry Muhlestein joins Cardon to break it all down.Together, they tackle the top 3 “killer arguments” against the Book of Abraham and explain why they don't hold up. From missing papyri to facsimiles and evidence that actually supports Joseph Smith, Kerry shows that the situation is far more nuanced than the sound bites suggest.This episode dives deep but stays practical and real — blending humor, faith, and scholarship to help you see the Book of Abraham with fresh perspective.

Cardon together with Jonah and Austin dive into the unforgettable moments and key messages from the recent "Make Babies and Grow a Garden" General Conference talks. They explore why the phrase “have babies and grow a garden” is trending as the new “touch grass” in conservative LDS circles, and unpack Rasband's deep dive on the origins and spiritual significance of the Family Proclamation. The discussion also highlights Dallin H. Oaks and President Nelson's strong stance on family, marriage, and birth rates—along with their powerful calls to action.The hosts share how these talks encouraged listeners to live more deliberately through simple, meaningful choices like camping, gardening, turning off screens, and prioritizing family productivity. You'll also hear personal reactions to the talks, including stories, memorable quotes, and tips for grandparents and families to stay engaged.

Ambushing young LDS missionaries for YouTube clicks isn't bold—it's exploitation.Cardon Ellis, his son Ryder, and associate professor Jonah Barnes call out the rise of content creators like “Christian Muhammad” who build platforms by cornering missionaries with loaded questions, then editing the footage to make them look unprepared.But are the missionaries really stumped? Far from it. The panel reviews clips, giving “W's” to solid answers about pre-Christian faith in Christ, biblical prophecy, and the legitimacy of ongoing revelation. Along the way, Jonah brands the tactic for what it is: profit-driven grifting disguised as apologetics.The team also breaks down why these debates rarely show the full picture—and why sincere seekers should welcome more scripture and honest dialogue, not ambush theatrics.

As members of the church, we are constantly admonished to "be peacemakers", but that lofty ideal is difficult to distill into practical, every-day action. In this video we discuss with Loren Dean, the leader of the California Libertarian Party, who happens to be members, how to actually do this in real life.

Cardon sits down with Egyptologist Kerry Muhlestein to unpack the myths, assumptions, and lazy learning that dominate conversations about the Book of Abraham. Together, they challenge the sound-bite culture that treats skepticism as “objective” and faith as “biased,” showing how both sides often rely on unproven assumptions.Kerry explains why secondary sources and quick takes fall short, how Joseph Smith's idea of “translation” was broader than critics assume, and why ancient texts resist simple, one-size-fits-all answers. The discussion tackles papyrus theories, scholarly blind spots, and the need for honest engagement with scripture itself—not just internet arguments.At its heart, this episode is about moving past surface-level debates to a deeper, more nuanced search for truth. Kerry's scholarship and Cardon's lively questioning create a compelling, accessible conversation that will challenge believers and critics alike to rethink what they thought they knew about the Book of Abraham.

If there is a silver lining in the assassination of Charlie Kirk, it is the entire new generation of movements of positivity and Christianity that have been inspired. Thomas Lundberg is one of those inspired men and his 501(c)3, "Gathering Israel", is doubling its efforts to introduce people to Christ worldwide.

All kinds of members are succeeding in the Science Fiction and Fantasy author space and Dave Butler is one of them, but he is not the only one. Today we welcome Larry Correia to the Ward Radio Wigwam to teach us his whimsical wizardry of wordsmithing... that was a horrible attempt at an erudite alliteration.

The last journalist to profile Charlie Kirk was also the first to announce his assassination. Meet Brigham Tomco, a dedicated young journalist at the Deseret News. He's intelligent, witty, and a mixture of Buster Keaton and All The President's Men. I don't think he realizes how his name has already been etched into the book of journalism history, but he is here to tell us everything. We hope you enjoy this touching, thought-provoking, and sometimes humorous interview.

Cardon sits down with Egyptologist Kerry Muhlestein to explore the “Top 10 Reasons to Believe in the Book of Abraham.” Their conversation moves beyond defensive apologetics into a thoughtful, candid, and sometimes lighthearted discussion of why the Book of Abraham deserves to be read as both an authentic ancient text and a source of profound spiritual truth.Kerry shares insights from years of scholarship, showing how historical details, linguistic patterns, and archaeological discoveries align with Joseph Smith's translation. Just as importantly, he explains how the Book of Abraham continues to inspire personal revelation, deepen understanding of God's covenant with His children, and connect ancient faith with modern discipleship.Rather than treating the text as a controversy, this episode highlights the richness of the Book of Abraham, the doctrinal depth it offers, and the lived spiritual experiences that testify of its divine origin. It's an invitation not just to study the evidence, but to encounter God through the words of Abraham himself.

Is selling LDS-themed products really “priestcraft,” or just another double standard in our culture? Cardon and co-host Austin, together with David Love, and the guys from No Unhallowed Hand dive into the controversy with humor and honesty—tackling everything from tiny 3D temples to LDS socks, and why creative labor in the church often gets undervalued. This episode asks the real question: are faith-based entrepreneurs building culture, or crossing a line?

What would drive someone to sell their home and risk everything for a film?In this heartfelt episode of WARD RADIO, host Cardon Ellis and co-host Austin sit down with filmmaker Dalen Pollard, who sold his house to create Woman in Christ—a documentary spotlighting the real, faithful lives of Latter-day Saint women.Dalen shares the highs and lows of grassroots filmmaking, the powerful role of his wife's support, and how stories of faith and service became the heartbeat of a movie Hollywood wouldn't make. From maxed-out credit cards to a distribution deal, this is a story about sacrifice, grit, and belief in the power of authentic storytelling.

Was the Tower of Babel really about God magically inventing new languages? Or could it have been something far more physical, natural, and scientific?In this fascinating episode, guest Jerry Grover joins host Cardon Ellis to propose a groundbreaking reinterpretation of the biblical Babel account. Drawing from the Book of Ether, floodplain studies, and modern science, Grover suggests that mosquito-borne encephalitis—not an instant linguistic miracle—may have caused the “confounding of languages.”

What does it really mean when Latter-day Saints say, “I know the Church is true”?In this episode, we respond to a recent video by Nemo the Mormon that critiques the epistemological basis of LDS testimonies. Do Mormons overstate certainty when they bear testimony, or is “knowing” in religion deeper than empirical evidence?

The LDS Church in Tanzania just went from decades of stagnation to explosive growth.

Tikla Fife offers a frank and faithful perspective on modern feminism in Latter-day Saint culture. She examines the influence of secular ideas, how women's roles and callings function within Church structure, and the risks of turning pain into polarization.What does it really mean to "listen to women"? Are equality and sameness the same thing? And how can we preserve both truth and compassion in an age of ideological extremes?This isn't just another culture war take—it's a call to deeper understanding, greater cooperation, and higher purpose.