Exploring Complex Realities: This Month’s Featured Podcasts

In a world marked by ever-evolving societal norms and nuanced perspectives, these podcasts continue to navigate the intricate intersections of culture and faith. This month, the featured podcast episodes present thought-provoking discussions in a quartet of episodes, each tackling distinct aspects of some of our latest or upcoming articles. Family Bro Evening: “Ex-Brother Bundy and the Gift of Discernment” In this thought-provoking episode, the hosts of Family Bro Evening dive deep into one of the Church’s most notorious members, Ted Bundy, and the circumstances surrounding his time in Utah. The discussion extends to the role of the gift of discernment in our lives, both in the context of Bundy’s rampage and as a broader concept in faith and personal growth. It’s a gripping exploration of the intersection between faith, discernment, and the darkest aspects of human behavior. For consideration as a companion discussion to the article “Moving Toward Zion in an Age of Chaos” Sit Down With Sky & Amanda: “Please Don’t Be My Ally – Allies vs. Advocates for Christ” In this compelling episode, our hosts delve into the multifaceted challenges surrounding LGBTQ+ issues within religious communities. The spotlight is on the limitations of moral relativism and the tendency for church members to adopt this approach. They explore vital questions, such as how church members should ideally handle LGBTQ+ issues and whether there’s an alternative to the term “ally”. Moreover, the episode dissects why so many individuals lean toward a relativistic approach to morality in these contexts and suggests ways to combat it. Consider alongside the article “The Illusion of Neutrality” The Raising Family Podcast: “Resilience, Family, and Identity with Jenet Erickson” This enlightening episode welcomes guest Jenet Erickson, a Fellow at the Wheatley Institute and Associate Professor of Religious Education at BYU. Jenet’s research specializes in maternal and child wellbeing, and in this discussion, she illuminates the sacred roles of both mothers and fathers in child development. She explores how children’s emotional and physical growth is deeply influenced by bonding with both parents and delves into the development of identity within these familial bonds. Jenet also touches on the concept of resilience in children and how it can be both a strength and a challenge. The episode concludes with insights on finding joy and happiness in life by nurturing strong relationships within families and society. Accompanying the article “When Loving Ourself Meets Loving our Neighbor” Pop Culture on the Apricot Tree:  “Redemption Through Rituals: The Mandalorian’s Religious Parallels” Joining hosts Liz and Carl are special guests Jacob Hess and Jared Esselman to explore the significance of religious community and rituals in Season 3 of Disney’s The Mandalorian. This Star Wars spin-off show intriguingly employs a Jewish template for Mandalorian culture, emphasizing the importance of ordinances and community in Din Djarin’s quest for redemption from apostasy. Don’t miss Jared sharing profound parallels between The Mandalorian’s narrative and his personal journey of excommunication and rebaptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For consideration as a companion discussion to the article “A Deeper Look Into The Power of Latter-day Saint Temples”

August Public Square Media Features

Welcome to this month’s lineup of Public Square Media episodes. We hope this month’s curated episodes inform your thinking, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire civil discourse. Family Bro Evening In this month’s podcast trio from Family Bro Evening, hosts Scott and JC explore the little-understood Law of Consecration with Dr. Steven C. Harper, and tackle BYU’s dating culture in an insightful two-part discussion. Steven C. Harper on the Law of Consecration Two-part series on toxic dating culture:  Toxic Dating Culture Part-1 Toxic Dating Culture Part 2   Pop Culture on the Apricot Tree Dive into the eerie world of Black Mirror in this episode, as Liz and Carl team up with Radical Civility for a captivating crossover. Unpacking the chilling “Hated in the Nation” episode, they dissect how social media’s hashtags can take a lethal turn. Explore with them the grip of online cruelty while discovering strategies to resist negativity and promote civil discourse. Black Mirror: Hated in the Nation #deathtosocialmedia   Raising Family Step into a world of transformation as hosts David and Linda chat with guest Jeff Carney, who teaches “7 Habits” to inmates, helping them uncover their divinity. Inspired by The Family Proclamation, Jeff shares his inmate interactions, unwavering belief in individual worth, and insights on shedding self-limitation. His perspective reveals how viewing ourselves as God does ignites profound change. Jeff’s wisdom culminates in the notion that purpose is discovered, not created. Prepare to be inspired to embrace your own potential through a divine lens and riveting conversation. Inmates, Divine Potential, and Pepper   Sit Down with Sky and Amanda In this episode, Sky and Amanda confront the controversial question: “What is a woman?” Delving into the contrasting perspectives of societal norms and divine definitions, they explore the disparities that arise. Their exploration extends to the intricate balance between valuing motherhood and the modern pursuit of equity, uncovering how societal shifts have sometimes led to the devaluation of this essential role. Join them for an enlightening journey. The Redefinition of Woman: Reclaiming Womanhood

Podcasts for July from our Podcast Family!

Welcome to July’s lineup of Public Square Media episodes.  The engaging perspectives of Scott and JC of Family Bro Evening, shed light on American politics and church history, meticulously examining the involvement of the LDS church in political affairs, they expound upon scriptural teachings on politics and violence, and bring illuminating conversation to the profound lessons to be gleaned from tragic events in early church history.  Over at Pop Culture on the Apricot Tree, join esteemed hosts Liz and Carl as they embark on an intellectual journey, delving into the realms of pop culture and its profound impact on our understanding of American history and church history. In an analysis of the filmed version of the musical Hamilton they traverse the nuanced representation of American historical figures through the lens of a diverse cast, provoking contemplation on the complex topic of revering flawed heroes. Additionally, their exploration of church history dismantles inaccuracies propagated in the true crime miniseries Under the Banner of Heaven, advocating for a more sophisticated and balanced approach to historical narratives. Next, prepare yourself for an enlightening conversation with esteemed academic, and Editor in Chief of Public Square Magazine, Danny Frost, who visits The Raising Family Podcast with a critically thoughtful analysis of Paragraph 8 of The Family: A Proclamation to the World, where he navigates intricate questions surrounding the decline of chastity in contemporary society, discusses fostering compassion without normalizing conflicting behaviors, and how we can advocate for political policies that align with our moral convictions. And finally, expanding the discourse, our hosts at Sit Down with Sky and Amanda, engage in a captivating examination of masculinity and fatherhood, contrasting societal definitions with divine perspectives, all while graciously addressing sincere questions. We hope this month’s curated episodes inform your thinking, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire civil discourse. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking content from Public Square Media in the months to come. Family Bro Evening:  Do You Have to Be Conservative to Be LDS? and The Battle of Fort Utah Pop Culture on the Apricot Tree: Filmed version of the musical Hamilton and Recent true crime miniseries Under the Banner of Heaven Raising Family: The Decline of Chastity, Moral Vocabulary and Aristotle Sit Down with Sky and Amanda: Divine Masculinity

Exceptional Podcasts for June from our Podcast Family!

The provided podcasts cover a range of topics, including LGBTQ+ issues and the church, revisiting Elder Holland’s talk, pop culture discussions, radical civility, family dynamics, and a Gospel-centered approach to gender dysphoria.

Deep Dive on Topics from Dallin Oaks Devotional

President Dallin H. Oaks, of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke last night, Sunday, May 21, 2023, to a group of young single adults. The intimate conversation about marriage, family, identity, and love was broadcast to a worldwide audience.  Oaks spoke on many topics frequently discussed in Public Square. So we wanted to share some articles if you’re interested in thinking more about the themes he presented. Truth & Love Holding the Tension of Truth and Love (and Where We All Get It a Little Wrong) Agape Love for Christmas Why Is It “Big News” That Believers Are Motivated by Love? Comparing Allyship and Discipleship Marriage Tying a Stronger Knot: Overcoming Contemporary Marital Myths Sexuality and Truth in Harmony The Philosophical Basis of Biblical Marriage Latter-day Saint Families: Eternal Perspectives Children Zero Population Growth Isn’t the Answer, My Friend The Lesson We Need From America’s Most Fertile Religion   Sexuality Have Progressives Really Won this Contest of Ideas? Treasuring All That God Has Revealed Is Sexuality Who We Are or What We Do? Can Religious Freedom Heal the LGBT+ and Faith Divide?   Transgender Questions Separating Fact from Fiction with Gender Identity Every Body Matters Identity Our Deepening Divide Over Identity On Symbols and Identities

The Church Releases Its 2022 Report on Humanitarian Aid

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released its 2022 annual report on caring for those in need.  It reports more than $1 billion in expenditures, 6.3 million hours of donated service and 3,692 projects in 190 countries and territories. The First Presidency said regarding the report: “As His followers, we seek to love God and our neighbors throughout the world,” the First Presidency said. “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is eager to bless others and to help those in need. We are blessed to have the ability, resources, and trusted global connections to carry out this sacred responsibility, which we consider a joyful privilege.”

Russell M. Nelson Being Honored for Work With Civil Rights

Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been chosen to receive the Ghandi-King-Mandela Peace Prize. According to Morehouse College who is presenting the award, “The honor is awarded “to a person who promotes peace and positive social transformation through nonviolent means.”  The board selected him “for his global efforts in ‘abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice against any group of God’s children’ through nonviolent ways. The individuals use their global leadership to affirm peace, justice, diversity and pluralism.”    

Celebrities Supporting Refugees

If you watched the Oscars last night you might have noticed that many of the nominees and attendees were wearing blue ribbons. They were supporting the UN Refugee Agency With Refugees campaign.  This is a coalition of individuals, universities, faith-based organizations, youth groups and businesses that provide help to refugees and asylum seekers. The visual message of the ribbons is to say that everyone has a right to safety, wherever they are.

Will Latter-day Saints inherit the earth?

Editor’s note: The article has been removed. The research shared in it was conducted by individuals with no known connection to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While the study mentioned in this article is not white supremacist in nature, it was discovered that their research is deeply informed by white supremacist beliefs.

Most Religious Groups Support Abortion

Nearly 2/3 of Americans support legal abortion,  This even includes religious Americans.  The outliers are white evangelicals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Latter-day Saints and Hispanic Protestants.

Remembering Lincoln’s Inaugural Address on this President’s Day

As we celebrate President’s Day today, let us be reminded of Abraham Lincoln’s inaguaral address he gave on March 4, 1865. Those words spoken then are just as relevant toay as they were in 1865. “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”

Are People Just Confused About Who We Are?

Stephen Cranney recently wrote an article for the Deseret News regarding what he feels is a confusion people have regarding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In a past Joe Rogan podcast, he and another discussed the abuse women faced at the hands of Warren Jeffs, leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, UT was brought up.  It’s obvious that both of these individuals had the 2 different churches confused with each other.