As the United States hits its historic 250th anniversary, the nation finds itself caught in the throes of a profound "faith crisis" — not just in its institutions, but in the very endurance of the American experiment. In this episode of "Deseret Voices," host McKay Coppins sits down with former senator and presidential candidate Mitt Romney for a deeply candid, reflective and surprisingly humorous conversation about legacy, leadership and life after the political spotlight.

Romney shares his thoughts on the fragile history of democracies, the massive risks posed by artificial intelligence and hyper-concentrated billionaire wealth, and why he firmly believes leaders over 80 should step aside. He also opens up about his personal life in "quasi-retirement," from mastering the legendary U.S. Senate bean soup to cooking 100 meatballs for his grandkids, and the foundational role his wife, Ann — the "Mitt Stabilizer" — plays in keeping him grounded. It is a rare, unvarnished look at one of the most prominent statesmen of the modern era finding optimism in an increasingly tumultuous world.