WARD RADIO

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? 🤔Cardon sits down with the crew for a lively, funny, and honest discussion about one of Mormonism’s unique rituals.The panel breaks down misconceptions about proxy baptisms (no, it’s not necromancy 😅), compares LDS rituals to cultural traditions like Texas football, and debates whether “baptism for the dead” should be rebranded as “ancestral baptism” to make it more relatable.They also dive into how the Church communicates with the world today, from handling critics to connecting with New Age spiritual seekers. Along the way, expect humor, self-reflection, and some bold suggestions—like free seer stones as outreach gimmicks.Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or just curious, this episode explores how to embrace “weirdness,” find common ground across cultures, and talk openly about faith without fear.

Is the LDS Church fueling “toxic perfectionism”… or protecting against it? 🤔 Cardon and Jonah Barnes take on one of the most common stereotypes about Latter-day Saints—that their faith drives unhealthy perfectionism, scrupulosity, and OCD-like tendencies. Referencing a major study by BYU professor Justin Dyer, they reveal surprising results: active Latter-day Saints actually report the lowest levels of toxic perfectionism and scrupulosity compared to other groups. The highest? Former members of religious communities, especially ex-Latter-day Saints. The hosts explore how faith, family ties, and community involvement act as protective factors against mental health struggles—and why leaving faith may leave some more vulnerable to societal pressures and isolation. They also highlight how authentic connection (hugging grandkids, going to church, showing up for people) builds resilience against consumer-driven perfectionism. This isn’t about minimizing real OCD or mental health challenges—it’s about looking at the data, rejecting stereotypes, and recognizing the power of strong faith communities in promoting well-being. 📌 Takeaway: Religion doesn’t make people more “toxic.” It might just make them healthier, happier, and more grounded.

Joseph Gambot, a Young Latter-day Saint podcaster, shares his journey through a faith crisis sparked by anti-LDS content, ultimately finding strength in apologetics. Drew Scarborough, co-founder of the No Unhallowed Hand podcast, recounts his experience drifting into megachurch culture before rekindling his relationship with God through personal devotion. The discussion emphasizes the importance of combining intellectual defenses and emotional connections in faith, highlighting the need for honest conversations to support young believers facing modern challenges.

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.