WARD RADIO

In this inspiring full episode from Ward Radio at Angel Studios, Cardon Ellis sits down with Tanner Christensen, Brad Witbeck, and T.C. Christensen to discuss the powerful new documentary:Standout: The Ben Kjar Story.Born with Crouzon Syndrome—a rare craniofacial condition—doctors told Ben his life would be limited by surgeries, bullying, and differences. Instead, with incredible family support and faith, he defied the odds to become a 3-time high school state champion, Utah Valley University's first NCAA All-American wrestler, and a world champion in Greco-Roman wrestling.This conversation dives deep into the making of the film, the real-life triumphs and challenges, the power of community (especially in Latter-day Saint culture), and why this story transcends any one faith—it's about choosing to stand out rather than blend in. Funny, emotional, and motivating, this is a must-watch for anyone facing adversity.Watch the full movie Standout on Angel Studios or digital platforms.Use coupon code: FREEANGELSHIRT on the WardRadio.com Merch Store*(WHEN YOU BUY ANY SHIRT OR HAT)******YOU MUST STATE YOUR SIZE IN THE MESSAGE BOX OF YOUR ORDER*****FIRST TEN (10) CUSTOMERS#StandoutMovie #BenKjar #InspiringStory #OvercomingAdversity #Wrestling #Faith #LDS #AngelStudiosChapter Markers:00:00 Intro & Welcome to Angel Studios01:20 The Standout Story: Ben Kjar's Journey with Crouzon Syndrome03:45 Wrestling Against the Odds – State Champion & All-American06:30 How the Film Was Made – Documentary vs. Entertainment09:15 The Role of Family, Community & Faith12:40 Universal Lessons: Standing Out in Any Culture15:50 Working with Family & Behind-the-Scenes Stories18:30 Final Thoughts & Why You Need to Watch This MovieJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnmsAFGrFuGe0obW6tkEY6w/joinAmazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1AQLMTSMBM4DC?ref_=wl_shareVisit us for this and more at: WardRadio.comTo subscribe to "The Women of Ward Radio" Youtube Channel, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbu-wpRztV-8TYXClhUZhhwTo Subscribe to Cardon Ellis' Adventure Channel, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/@CardonEllisAdventuresThe following authors and/or sponsors are generously offering discounts on their gospel-related publication to Ward Radio listeners.⚡For free trial of Scripture Notes please visit the following link!: https://scripturenotes.com/?via=wardradio⚡For a discount on Tiny 3D Temples, Save 15% with code WARDRADIO at checkout or visit tiny3dtemples.com/wardradio⚡Family: A Rhyming Proclamation for Kids book visit the following linkhttps://plainandpreciouspublishing.com/products/family-a-rhyming-proclamation-for-kids . Use the code "Ward Radio" for 10% off. ⚡To Order Jonah’s Book, “Lost Gems of Genesis” visit the following link and use coupon Code: WARDRADIO https://plainandpreciouspublishing.com/products/coming-soon-the-lost-gems-of-genesis-how-apocryphal-texts-prove-joseph-smith-fixed-the-bibleFor 10% off Plain and Precious Publishing Books, visit plainandpreciouspublishing.com and use Coupon Code: WARDRADIOFor a 5% discount on Go and Do Travel, visit goanddotravel.com and use the promo code WARDRADIO5#christian #mormon #exmormon #latter-daysaints #latterdaysaints #latterdays #bible #bookofmormon #archaeology #BYU #midnightmormons #jesus #jesuschrist #scriptures #sundayschool #biblestudy #christiancomedy #cardonellis #kwakuel #bradwitbeckTo support the channel:Venmo @WardRadio or visit: https://account.venmo.com/u/MidnightMormonsPaypal: paypal.me/@midnightmedia CashApp: $WardRadioFollow us at:Instagram: @cardonellis @kwakuel @braderico @boho.birdyFacebook: @WardRadioWorldwideTwitter: WardRadioShowTikTok: WardRadioWorldwide

In this hilarious and insightful Ward Radio episode, Cardon Ellis sits down with filmmaker Barrett Bergen (director of the new Mormon comedy short Java Jive) and James Hall to unpack the future of Latter-day Saint comedy.Why is so much "Mormon humor" either too insider for outsiders or overly sanitized? How can we create comedy that's authentically LDS yet universally funny — like Jewish comedians have mastered for generations? They discuss ditching the "cringe" and shame around everyday faith quirks (like coffee on a date), embracing confidence in our identity, and why self-deprecating humor earns respect.Plus: Clips and breakdown of Java Jive — a future missionary on a date with a non-member, forbidden fruit (coffee) on the menu, and the hilarious fallout. A must-watch for anyone who loves clean comedy, LDS culture, or wants better Mormon media.If you've ever felt awkward explaining the Word of Wisdom or wondered why ex-Mormon voices stay obsessed, this episode nails it.#MormonComedy #LatterDaySaints #JavaJive #LDSHumor #ChristianComedy #WordOfWisdom #BookOfMormon
00:00 Intro: The Cringe of Trying Too Hard to Be "Normal"00:45 Why Mormon Comedy Matters & Cultural Confidence01:40 Guest Introduction: Barrett Bergen & Java Jive Overview02:45 The Legacy of LDS Comedy — What's Missing?04:10 Learning from Jewish Comedy: Authentic Yet Universal Humor05:50 Breaking Down Java Jive Scenes — Coffee Date Awkwardness07:30 The Real Absurdity: Self-Loathing vs. Owning Your Faith09:20 Missionary Moments, Ex-Mormon Identity & Social Fabric12:00 Advice for Creators: Be Bold, Be You15:30 Hollywood Experiences & Everyone Has Their "Crazy"18:45 Film Breakdown Continued: Lies, Escalation & Comedy Timing22:10 Shame in LDS Culture vs. Embracing Identity26:00 Pluralism, Nuance & Lasting Testimonies30:15 More Java Jive Clips & Audience Reactions35:40 The Power of Self-Deprecating Humor & Respect39:20 Future of Mormon Media & Bold Storytelling43:50 Final Thoughts: Own It Because You Can't Escape It46:30 Closing Reflections & Call to ActionJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnmsAFGrFuGe0obW6tkEY6w/joinAmazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1AQLMTSMBM4DC?ref_=wl_shareVisit us for this and more at: WardRadio.comThe following authors and/or sponsors are generously offering discounts on their gospel-related publication to Ward Radio listeners.⚡For free trial of Scripture Notes please visit the following link!: https://scripturenotes.com/?via=wardradio⚡For a discount on Tiny 3D Temples, Save 15% with code WARDRADIO at checkout or visit tiny3dtemples.com/wardradio⚡Family: A Rhyming Proclamation for Kids book visit the following linkhttps://plainandpreciouspublishing.com/products/family-a-rhyming-proclamation-for-kids . Use the code "Ward Radio" for 10% off. ⚡To Order Jonah’s Book, “Lost Gems of Genesis” visit the following link and use coupon Code: WARDRADIO https://plainandpreciouspublishing.com/products/coming-soon-the-lost-gems-of-genesis-how-apocryphal-texts-prove-joseph-smith-fixed-the-bibleFor 10% off Plain and Precious Publishing Books, visit plainandpreciouspublishing.com and use Coupon Code: WARDRADIOFor a 5% discount on Go and Do Travel, visit goanddotravel.com and use the promo code WARDRADIO5#christian #mormon #exmormon #latter-daysaints #latterdaysaints #latterdays #bible #bookofmormon #archaeology #BYU #midnightmormons #jesus #jesuschrist #scriptures #sundayschool #biblestudy #christiancomedy #cardonellis #kwakuel #bradwitbeckTo support the channel:Venmo @WardRadio or visit: https://account.venmo.com/u/MidnightMormonsPaypal: paypal.me/@midnightmedia CashApp: $WardRadioFollow us at:Instagram: @cardonellis @kwakuel @braderico @boho.birdyFacebook: @WardRadioWorldwideTwitter: WardRadioShowTikTok: WardRadioWorldwide

In this episode of Ward Radio, host Cardon Ellis sits down with guest Dalton Williams from Unashamed Truth 116 to dig deep into the lesser-known meanings behind the iconic Psalm 23. The conversation kicks off with Dalton Williams sharing how, despite the Psalm’s popularity across Christian traditions and its frequent use even in military history, most people overlook its rich, practical symbolism rooted in real-world shepherding.

This lively episode of Ward Radio dives into the playful and sometimes serious comparisons between Mormonism and Star Wars, exploring the so-called "Mormon Jedi Conspiracy Theories." Hosted by Cardon Ellis with guests Brittany the Shadow and Austin Falter of Small and Simple Screens, the discussion ranges from speculative connections to Mormon doctrine and culture, as well as personal anecdotes and community reactions.

Speed Running Scientology... Are LDS Temples Next?! (Mormon Temple Raids Discussion)Speedrunners Targeting Mormon Temples?Scientology Raids Come to LDS Temples.Will Speedrunners Raid LDS Temples?Inside the Viral Trend & Security Concerns.Join the Ward Radio crew as we dive into the wild world of "speedrunning" religious buildings. After groups repeatedly infiltrated and mapped Church of Scientology locations through viral stunts, attention is now turning to LDS temples. A new "Raid the Mormon Temples" channel and TikTok trend has ex-Mormons and critics hyped to expose rituals, prayer circles, and more.In this episode:Dalton Williams (Unashamed Truth), Jared Dunn (Mount of Olives), and Wynton Nama break down the trend.How public temple replicas and online info already "defeat" the secrecy angle.Serious discussion on temple/chapel security, religious freedom, and real-world risks.Why this goes beyond jokes into bigger questions about faith and safety.Is this harmless internet fun or a sign of growing vulnerabilities for religious sites?Watch until the end for unfiltered takes!Video Chapters:0:00 Intro: Scientology Speedrunners Explained1:45 The New "Raid the Mormon Temples" Trend & TikTok Buzz3:30 Ex-Mormon Motivations on Reddit & Prayer Circles5:10 Why the Public Temple Replica Defeats the Secrecy Angle7:20 Real Security Risks & Lessons from Past Incidents9:45 Church Security Preparedness & Inside Perspectives12:10 Chapel & Temple Vulnerabilities Discussion15:00 Military & Rules of Engagement Stories17:40 How Viral the "Raid the Mormon Temples" Channel Is19:30 What Would You Do If Speedrunners Entered During a Session?22:00 Pre- vs Post-Internet Security Mindset in the Church24:15 Predictions: Which Temple Will Be Hit First? (Utah, California, etc.)27:20 LA Temple Layout & Humorous Defenses29:40 Final Thoughts on Religious Freedom & Preparedness31:30 Guest Plugs & OutroJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnmsAFGrFuGe0obW6tkEY6w/joinAmazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1AQLMTSMBM4DC?ref_=wl_shareVisit us for this and more at: WardRadio.comTo subscribe to "The Women of Ward Radio" Youtube Channel, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbu-wpRztV-8TYXClhUZhhwTo Subscribe to Cardon Ellis' Adventure Channel, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/@CardonEllisAdventuresThe following authors and/or sponsors are generously offering discounts on their gospel-related publication to Ward Radio listeners.⚡For free trial of Scripture Notes please visit the following link!: https://scripturenotes.com/?via=wardradio⚡For a discount on Tiny 3D Temples, Save 15% with code WARDRADIO at checkout or visit tiny3dtemples.com/wardradio⚡Family: A Rhyming Proclamation for Kids book visit the following linkhttps://plainandpreciouspublishing.com/products/family-a-rhyming-proclamation-for-kids . Use the code "Ward Radio" for 10% off. ⚡To Order Jonah’s Book, “Lost Gems of Genesis” visit the following link and use coupon Code: WARDRADIO https://plainandpreciouspublishing.com/products/coming-soon-the-lost-gems-of-genesis-how-apocryphal-texts-prove-joseph-smith-fixed-the-bibleFor 10% off Plain and Precious Publishing Books, visit plainandpreciouspublishing.com and use Coupon Code: WARDRADIOFor a 5% discount on Go and Do Travel, visit goanddotravel.com and use the promo code WARDRADIO5#christian #mormon #exmormon #latter-daysaints #latterdaysaints #latterdays #bible #bookofmormon #archaeology #BYU #midnightmormons #jesus #jesuschrist #scriptures #sundayschool #biblestudy #christiancomedy #cardonellis #kwakuel #bradwitbeckTo support the channel:Venmo @WardRadio or visit: https://account.venmo.com/u/MidnightMormonsPaypal: paypal.me/@midnightmedia CashApp: $WardRadioFollow us at:Instagram: @cardonellis @kwakuel @braderico @boho.birdyFacebook: @WardRadioWorldwideTwitter: WardRadioShowTikTok: WardRadioWorldwide