WARD RADIO

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”).

Cardon Ellis hosts a lively discussion with Joe, Drew, and Austin Falter centered around the provocative title, “Do Not Let Instagram Commenters Gaslight You.” The conversation springs from the frequent intensity—and sometimes misinformation—in the Instagram comment sections on LDS (Latter-day Saint) topics, especially when controversial issues are involved.Joe highlights how negative or “rage-bait” comments often overshadow positive ones, sometimes left uncontested, creating a challenging environment for believers and truth-seekers alike. The group examines a specific video about the witnesses of the Mormon golden plates, diving into both the supportive and critical comments it received.

Cardon Ellis and Brittany Ellis, joined by the charismatic guest Elder TikTok, dive deep into the richness of Polynesian culture, especially its close-knit connection to the LDS (Latter-day Saint) community. The conversation buzzes with stories, laughter, and genuine admiration for Polynesian heritage, celebrity, and community spirit.The episode kicks off with Cardon Ellis chatting about his interactions with Polynesian friends, leading into Elder TikTok explaining the meaning of terms like "Usos" (Samoan for brother) and "Toko" (Tongan for brother) and highlighting the sense of fellowship in Polynesian culture. The hosts and guest celebrate the importance of having "poly friends," describing them as some of the coolest and most loyal people around.

In this engaging episode of Ward Radio, host Cardon Ellis gathers an energetic and insightful panel including Shad Brooks (Shadiversity), Ben, Jonah Barnes, Brad Whitbeck, and Austin Falter. The focus is on the deep philosophical and spiritual question: “What is the nature of truth?”The conversation opens with some lighthearted banter about the logistics of recording and the panel's camaraderie, but quickly pivots into more serious territory. Shad Brooks (Shadiversity) sets up the discussion by challenging the notion that truth is simply a matter of factual accuracy. Instead, he proposes that truth is deeply connected to the impact it has on people's behavior—specifically, does it help us become more like God?

In this light-hearted but thoughtful episode, the panel kicks off with banter around the unusual title “Fight Them With Strudels.” Cardon Ellis asks Jonah Barnes to illuminate the meaning behind the phrase. Jonah Barnes narrates a real-life story involving his father, drawing from both Mormon history and personal experience, to demonstrate the idea: when faced with hostility, particularly anti-Mormon sentiment, responding with unexpected kindness like delivering a strudel instead of engaging in debate or confrontation can disarm animosity and build bridges.The episode digs into a specific example involving a tragic event in Michigan and a heated rant against Mormons by Larry Lawrence o', Donnell,, an outspoken commentator. Through these episodes, Jonah Barnes highlights how members of the faith have chosen compassion, such as fundraising for the family of a perpetrator, and the humorous strudel tradition that emerged: delivering baked goods to the homes of those who were critical or adversarial.

In this thought-provoking WARD RADIO livestream, host Cardon Ellis sits down with Brigham Tomko from Deseret News to discuss seismic shifts happening within Gen Z conservatives. The conversation unpacks how younger conservatives are increasingly diverging from the values and approaches of their boomer counterparts, marking a pivotal generational break within the American right.The discussion is rooted in real stories and recent polling data. Brigham Tomko illuminates the complexities facing Gen Z conservatives, spotlighting key issues such as home affordability, economic anxieties, disillusionment with traditional pathways, and especially, a sharp skepticism towards America's relationship with Israel. In fact, Gen Z's more critical outlook on U.S. foreign aid and alliances—particularly with Israel—stands in stark contrast to the near-unquestioning support commonly seen among older conservatives.

Cardon Ellis, co-host Jonah Barnes, and special guest Dr. Lincoln Blumel from BYU dive into one of the most intriguing and recently solved mysteries from the New Testament.The episode centers around Dr. Blumel's groundbreaking discovery: the real identity of the "elect lady" mentioned in Second John in the Bible. For nearly 2,000 years, scholars and translators have debated whether the recipient of the letter was a metaphor, a church, or an unnamed woman. Dr. Blumel's scholarship and expertise in ancient Greek papyri led him to the revelation that the "elect lady" wasn't a metaphor at all—but a real woman named Eclecta, whose name was obscured due to a minor but significant transcription error in ancient Greek manuscripts.

Feminism, Faith & the Power of Womanhood in the LDS Church | WARD RADIOIn this candid and deeply insightful conversation, Cardon Ellis sits down with Laura E. Welch for a refreshing, grounded exploration of feminism, motherhood, and what it truly means to be a woman in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.What begins with playful banter over episode titles quickly turns into a meaningful dive into why so many LDS women find more fulfillment in motherhood, service, and faith-driven community than in the narratives secular feminism offers. Laura shares her own journey—how, despite criticisms that the Church is “male-dominated,” her lived experience has been one of support, unity, and empowerment rooted in gospel principles.

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.With the help of scholars like Richard Brunson and Elden Watson, 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 Ellis sits down with Richard Brunson, author of “Before the Second Coming,” to explore the lesser-known and more symbolic indicators of Christ's Second Coming. Rather than focusing solely on popular concepts like the Mark of the Beast or the Rapture, the conversation delves into the deep scriptural “types and shadows” that foreshadow Christ's return.Richard Brunson explains what a “type” is—a symbolic instance or event that represents something greater or prophetic. The discussion highlights how many scriptural types typically point to Christ's first coming (such as Jonah as a sign, or the Passover lamb as symbolic of Jesus Christ's sacrifice), before pivoting toward symbols relating to his Second Coming that are often overlooked.

Cardon Ellis welcomes Rick McGee from Springfield, Missouri, to dive deep into why Missouri (especially its Mormon community) is experiencing rapid growth and renewed attention.Cardon opens with some humorous behind-the-scenes banter as the two get settled, setting the tone for a relaxed, candid conversation. The main catalyst for the discussion is the noticeable surge of Latter-day Saint (Mormon) families and professionals moving into Missouri, particularly triggered by the recent announcement of a third temple being built in Springfield. Rick explains that historically, waves of Mormons have moved to Missouri for spiritual reasons—inspired by the area's doctrinal significance in LDS history and prophecies related to Zion and Adam-ondi-Ahman—but lately, practical reasons like economics, job opportunities, and affordability are also major factors.

Ward Radio dives into the mystery and significance of the Cologne Mani Codex, an ancient manuscript connected to the Manichean faith and its founder Mani, a Parthian prophet from third-century Iran. Cardinal Ellis leads the conversation, joined by Jonah Barnes, a scholar of apocryphal texts, and Austin Falter, who contributes his perspective and plugs his book, “Family A Rhyming Proclamation for Kids.”

This Ward Radio episode features a lively and candid roundtable with hosts Cardon Ellis, Jonah Barnes, special guest Brad Whitbeck, and Professor Christopher Blyth from BYU. The conversation is spurred by recent online dustups involving Jonah Barnes, who faced criticism after questioning mainstream narratives about the Adam-God theory a controversial theological topic in Latter-day Saint history.The group opens with lighthearted banter, poking fun at themselves and their critics (notably RFM and Bill Reel), as well as discussing the personal attacks and misrepresentations prevalent in online discourse about church history and doctrine. Cardon Ellis highlights how quickly nuanced doctrinal debates can devolve into personal accusations and appeals to authority, particularly in online ex-Mormon and apologetics circles.

Cardon Ellis hosts, Laura E. Welch and Brittany for a heartfelt discussion about feminism, motherhood, and the highly publicized scrutiny faced by the social media personality behind Ballerina Farm, Hannah, who is known for her large family and entrepreneurial success.The conversation starts with reflections on leadership, quoting Joseph Smith on how women in the church should lead by example rather than being led by worldly standards. Laura E. Welch stresses that “true” feminism should be about choice and empowerment supporting women whether they choose to focus on careers, motherhood, or both. She describes how the attacks on Ballerina Farm expose a narrow, sometimes intolerant strain within modern feminism that dismisses women who find fulfillment in more traditional roles.

The episode kicks off with some candid banter about the anxieties of filming and the excitement of being back on air. Mia, Drew, and the team discuss their summer breaks: Mia describes going on four vacations—including an extended family trip to Turks and Caicos, which she paints as a nearly paradise-like place, albeit with the relatable challenge of not wanting to brag about affluence. Luke shares about his epic early-morning surfing sessions with his dad to escape California's summer heat, while Drew balances the summer narrative with a story of freezing in Alaska and enjoying family time in North Carolina.The conversation turns toward spiritual experiences, notably youth activities like girls camp and youth conference. Luke discusses starting seminary and how it's become a meaningful and manageable way to discover the gospel, sparking laughter over differences between class personalities.

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.

Why Young Men Are Leaving the LDS Church — And How to Bring Them Back | Faith Crises, Youth Programs, & Real SolutionsCardon Ellis sits down with Drew and Joe from the No Unhallowed Hand podcast, and Austin Falter of Falter Media for one of the most honest conversations yet about why so many young men struggle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—and what actually works in helping them stay, return, and thrive.Both Joe and Drew share their deeply personal journeys through doubt, disaffection, and eventual reconversion. Their stories shed light on the spiritual, cultural, and doctrinal challenges young men face, and what Church members, parents, and leaders can do differently.

Why Are Mormons the “Face” of American Religion? | Pew 2024, Pop Culture, & LDS Identity — WARD RADIOCardon Ellis and Jonah Barnes break down why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called Mormons) has become the cultural symbol of religious commitment in America. Using insights from the Pew Research Center's 2024 Religious Landscape Survey, they explore why Latter-day Saints top nearly every chart on church attendance, prayer, scripture study, family involvement, and community life.From pop-culture parodies to demographic trends, this conversation digs into the data and the stereotypes to understand how Mormonism became the go-to target for religious satire—and why that might actually be a compliment.

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.