Why is Missouri Blowing Up?

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.

🔥 The Second Coming, America & Adam-ondi-Ahman | Ward Radio ft. Richard BrunsonIn this powerful and deeply insightful episode of Ward Radio, Cardon Ellis sits down with Richard Brunson, author of “Before the Second Coming,” to unpack one of the most fascinating topics in Latter-day Saint (LDS) belief—the events leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and the unique prophetic role of America, Jackson County, Missouri, and Adam-ondi-Ahman.

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.

💍 Has Disney Changed How We See Marriage? | Ward RadioCardon Ellis, Brittany Ellis, Callie Baker, and guest Austin Baker explore how Disney princess stories have evolved—and what that evolution reveals about modern marriage ideals, female role models, and faith-based family values.👉 From Cinderella to Elsa, Disney heroines have gone from being rescued by princes to rescuing themselves. But what does this shift mean for how young people view love, commitment, and happily-ever-after?