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In this episode, the Shawn, Matt, & Porter discuss various topics including the role of AI in communication, medical debt, and the loneliness crisis in Utah. First up: AI is changing the way that people speak. Researchers analyzed 280,000 YouTube videos from academic channels and found that in the 18 months since ChatGPT was released speakers are using words favored by the chatbot (like delve, realm, and adept) 51% more frequently and they are using other words less frequently. Elder Bednar recently warned that the use of AI can threaten moral agency by causing us to be “acted upon” rather than acting for ourselves. Is this evidence of people giving their agency over to AI? Do we need to be more cautious in our use of AI?

Next up: A federal judge in Texas reversed a Biden-era rule on Friday that permitted medical debt to be wiped from credit reports. Setting aside the legal question, what is the morally correct way to handle credit reports? Some things (a mortgage, student loans, auto loans, credit cards, bankruptcies) get reported, but others do not (civil judgments, tax liens, etc). Is medical debt something that should be on a credit report?

Finally: We are now at the six month mark of the Trump presidency. New state-by-state polling shows his popularity across the United States. If you took the electoral college votes of the states where his disapproval is higher than his approval rating and counted that as votes to remove from office, Trump would be out in a landslide. Should there be a mechanism that allows public opinion to remove someone from office? Congress can impeach for bad behavior, the cabinet can remove for incompetence. Should Americans be able to do so?

The Big Question: Utah ranks among the top five loneliest states in the nation, according to U.S. Census data. More than one in three Utah adults say they feel lonely “always” or “often.” Health officials say it’s more than just a side effect of the pandemic—it’s become a public health priority. Matt Draper, a therapist based in Springville, says that based on his work, the two groups most affected by loneliness in Utah are young adults and seniors. Meanwhile, Utah ranks #1 in the nation for the best economic outlook and #3 for economic performance. They say that money can’t buy happiness, is Utah proving that point? What is Utah doing wrong?

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
03:00 Debate on Socialism and Capitalism
06:02 Market Trust and Economic Principles
09:00 The Role of Government in the Economy
12:12 The Impact of AI on Language and Agency
17:56 AI's Influence on Decision Making
22:04 Medical Debt and Credit Reporting
31:39 Charity, Compassion, and Medical Debt
34:00 Trump's Approval Ratings and Political Mechanisms
39:00 Public Opinion and Political Accountability
44:02 Loneliness in Utah: A Public Health Concern
01:00:01

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Episode Description: This week, we dive into a listener's take on Trump's Brazil tariffs and the "BRICS threat." Then, we explore Iceland's successful 4-day work week and ponder the future of labor in a tech-driven world. We also tackle the contentious issue of mid-decade redistricting in Texas, examining its legality versus its morality. Finally, we discuss the New York Times' coverage of the Tabernacle Choir and President Nelson's guidance on the Church's name, before grappling with the "Big Question": Does scripture point to communal economic equality as the ideal system?

• The Thought Provoker:
  • Topic 1: Iceland's 4-Day Work Week: A Global Model?
    • By 2019, 90% of Iceland's workforce adopted 35-36 hour weeks without pay cuts, largely due to union agreements.
    • Key Statistics: Productivity remained stable or increased, worker well-being significantly improved (lower stress, better work-life balance), and greater gender equality was observed.
    • Robust digital infrastructure played a key role in this successful transition.
    • Discussion points: Is Iceland's model transferable globally? Do companies have a moral obligation to maintain salaries while reducing hours as technology advances? Is the "wage per hour" paradigm outdated for the 21st century?
  • Topic 2: Texas Redistricting Controversy: Legal vs. Moral
    • Former Republican Rep. Burt Solomons criticizes President Trump's pressure on Texas officials to redraw congressional districts mid-decade.
    • Solomons argues Trump's aim is to gain Republican seats and "rig" the 2026 midterms, calling it an "alarming power grab" that erodes public trust and disenfranchises minority voters.
    • Historically, redistricting, while partisan, has generally respected established rules. Mid-decade redistricting is rare and should not be driven by a president's "whim."
    • Discussion points: Is it wrong for Texas to redraw congressional districts now, even if it's technically legal in Texas (which has a history of doing so)? What is the distinction between what is legal and what is morally acceptable in political actions?
  • Topic 3: The Tabernacle Choir & The New York Times: Naming Conventions
    • The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square recently celebrated its 5,000th continuous episode of Music & the Spoken Word, prompting a New York Times article.
    • The NYT article used the official name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, acknowledged the common "Mormon" association, and used "Latter-day Saint" as an adjective for members and related concepts.
    • Discussion points: Does this usage align with what President Russell M. Nelson requested regarding the correct name of the Church? What has been the practical application among members since President Nelson's talk?
• The Big Question: Communal Economic Equality – The Ideal System?
  • D&C 82:17-19 outlines principles of communal economic equality:
    • Individuals have equal claims to resources based on "just wants and needs" to manage their "stewardships."
    • The system benefits the entire community, allowing individuals to develop and multiply "talents" (abilities/resources).
    • Gains are contributed to a common "Lord's storehouse" for collective benefit.
    • Encourages prioritizing neighbor's interests and acting with pure motives to glorify God.
  • While the context is the United Order, the question arises: Are these verses describing principles that extend beyond the United Order? Is the ideal economic system one of c

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This week on the Latter Day Lens, Matt, Shawn, and Marc dive into a whirlwind of topics, from economic theory and political landscapes to the legal system. Get ready for lively debate and unexpected agreements!

00:01 - 01:00: Kicking Off with Reenactments and Ribbing

The episode opens with Matt introducing Marc as "a guy that voted for Trump," leading into a light-hearted discussion about Marc's Revolutionary War reenactment experience. Matt and Shawn playfully contrast Marc's discipline with Matt's own rebellious nature.

01:00 - 08:48: The Mailbag - Adam Smith's Invisible Hand & Bidets

The hosts address a listener's email challenging Shawn's interpretation of Adam Smith's "invisible hand." While Shawn humbly accepts the historical nuance, he maintains the concept's modern relevance, arguing it motivates producers to provide value. This segues into a humorous tangent about Matt's impulse purchases, including a bidet, prompting a quick topic change.

08:48 - 21:50: The Thought Provoker - Defining "Make America Great Again"

Matt introduces a New York Times opinion piece by Peter Baker, suggesting Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" points to the 1870-1913 era.

• Shawn argues "MAGA" is an intentionally undefined "gimmick."
• Matt posits the era's minimal regulation and high tariffs would appeal to Trump as a capitalist.
• Marc believes "MAGA" signifies a return to a "moral past."
• The discussion expands to whether Trump is a true conservative, with Shawn distinguishing between "reactionism" and "conservatism." Marc agrees with this distinction.
• Matt challenges the idea of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a conservative organization, citing its history of radical change.

21:50 - 32:58: China Shock 2.0 and Tariffs

The hosts discuss economists David Autor and Gordon Hanson's warning about "China Shock 2.0," where China could surpass the US in innovative sectors.

• Matt questions if US tariffs, often politically motivated, inadvertently help China gain a future advantage.
• Shawn suggests tariffs aim for better trade deals.
• Marc expresses little concern for "China Shock 2.0," relying on the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, leading to a humorous debate on the scriptural definition of "soon."

32:58 - 44:54: The Jeffrey Epstein Files

The conversation turns to the controversial Jeffrey Epstein files.

• Matt surprisingly argues against releasing all files (e.g., child pornography) to protect victims, believing law enforcement would have already prosecuted any implicated individuals. He trusts the FBI.
• Shawn and Marc strongly disagree, advocating for full transparency to expose "secret combinations" and ensure justice, expressing skepticism about Epstein's death and alleged cover-ups.
• The debate highlights contrasting views on transparency and the legal system.

44:54 - 54:10: The Big Question - Lawyers, Conflict, and Latter-day Lens Principles

The episode concludes with a "big question" inspired by Alma 10 and 11 on lawyers profiting from societal conflict.

• Matt asks if the current legal system, which incentivizes conflict, is flawed. He proposes alternatives:
  • Lawyers not charging fees.
  • Community councils resolving disputes.
  • A system like the Church's disciplinary councils, where randomly assigned individuals defend both sides.
• Marc agrees the current system encourages litigation.
• Shawn, initially skeptical, is eventually convinced by Matt's arguments, particularly the alternati