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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but this is an issue we need to be talking about all year long. In this episode, I sit down with Kyn Hennessy, who is turning her own experience as a victim into a mission to help protect others. She’s working alongside Representative Joseph Elison on Morgan’s Law, legislation aimed at helping inform the public about repeat offenders so people can make more informed decisions and, hopefully, prevent future victims. I admire Kyn’s courage in sharing her story and her determination to turn something painful into something that could make a difference in other people’s lives. ❤️ These conversations aren’t always easy, but they matter. Because raising awareness, empowering people with information, and helping prevent abuse can make a real difference. Tune in to Politic Dixie to hear Kyn’s story and learn more about the effort behind Morgan’s Law. #politicit #utahelections #utpol

Can Republicans hold their House majority, and can Congress find common ground amid political division? Congressman Mike Kennedy joins Sen. John Johnson on the PoliticIt Podcast to discuss the upcoming elections, Utah’s congressional races, and his approach to getting things done in Washington. Kennedy shares his experience advancing bipartisan legislation, including efforts to streamline oil and gas permitting, improve access to care through Indian Health Services, and protect children from inappropriate relationships with AI chatbots. They also explore polling, media coverage, and the potential field for the 2028 presidential race. Hear Kennedy’s perspective on bringing Utah values to Congress, lowering energy costs, and keeping “Utah strong and Washington small.” #politicit #utahelections #utpol

Sen. John Johnson welcomes Riley Owen, Republican candidate for Utah’s 1st Congressional District, for a conversation about his background, his campaign, and his priorities for Washington. Owen shares how his experience in the White House, the Navy Reserve, and private industry has shaped his approach to public service. With affordability, accountability, and innovation at the center of his platform, Owen discusses homeownership, tax incentives for paid maternity leave, congressional term limits, restrictions on lawmakers’ stock trading, and the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence. They also explore his outreach to young and independent voters, his differences with opponent Ben McAdams, and his commitment to keeping constituents informed and connected. #politicit #utahelections #utpol

What can one more chance to play football mean for a young person’s future? Coach Dave Arslanian joins Sen. John Johnson on the PoliticIt Podcast to discuss how the Ogden Jets are opening doors to education, career training, and personal growth. The former Snow College, Weber State, and Utah State head coach shares his family’s football legacy and the mission behind USA Collegiate and The Coaches Team Foundation. They explore the shrinking opportunities in junior college football, the changing landscape of NIL, and the lessons in teamwork and accountability that last beyond the game. Coach Arslanian also highlights opportunities for aspiring broadcasters, photographers, and sports journalists—and why community support matters. #politicit #utahelections #utpol

What does America’s trade policy mean for your job, your family, and your community? U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer joins guest host Dave Owen on the PoliticIt Podcast to discuss the Trump administration’s approach to tariffs, fair trade, and bringing manufacturing back to America. Greer makes the case for protecting American industries from unfair foreign competition and explains how trade, tax, energy, and regulatory policies fit together in the administration’s economic agenda. He also shares insights from his Utah visit, highlighting the state’s manufacturing, agriculture, and technology sectors—and why he sees Utah as a model for economic opportunity. It’s a conversation about more than trade balances: it’s about jobs, wages, national security, and the communities that depend on American production. #politicit #utahelections #utpol

Utah Senator John Johnson welcomes Kai Schwemmer to the PoliticIt Podcast for a conversation about faith, political expression, and the next generation of conservative leadership. Schwemmer’s appointment as political director of College Republicans of America drew scrutiny over past remarks and political associations. Against that backdrop, this episode offers an opportunity to hear his perspective and consider the broader questions surrounding free speech, personal growth, public accountability, and young people’s role in shaping the Republican Party. politicit #utahelections #utpol

A controversial cake. A viral photo. A campus debate over free speech and accountability. On this episode of the PoliticIt Podcast, Utah Sen. John Johnson welcomes Rylie Barnes, vice president of the University of Utah College Republicans, and Riley Beesley, chairman of the Utah College Republicans, to share their perspectives on the “Kirkiversary” cake controversy. After a photo of a student holding a cake mocking the anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s death spread online, Barnes and Beesley became the subjects of university inquiries over allegations of doxxing. The university later dismissed both cases and apologized. Hear their account of the controversy and its aftermath in a conversation about political expression, social media responsibility, campus safety, and the challenges of navigating political division. #politicit #utahelections #utpol

Sen. John Johnson sits down with former U.S. Congressman and current Utah State Representative Rob Bishop to discuss why he returned to the Legislature nearly 50 years after his public-service career began there. Bishop explains why state government often has a more direct impact on Utahns than Washington and shares his priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Their conversation covers Utah’s water future, the Great Salt Lake, desalination, affordable housing, local control, education funding, Medicaid, MITA, and the infrastructure surrounding Hill Air Force Base. They also discuss protecting agricultural water rights, maintaining the aging canals connected to Pineview Reservoir, and how responsible forest management could conserve water, reduce catastrophic wildfires, and create jobs. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about federalism, effective government, and the challenges shaping Utah’s future. #politicit #utahelections #utpol

I enjoyed the opportunity to sit down with Representative Walt Brooks on PoliticIt Dixie today. Much of our conversation focused on something that seems increasingly rare in government: reducing the burdens government places on the people. We discussed his efforts to do just that, including eliminating the state tax on Social Security benefits, as well as the burden of an additional sales tax appearing on many Southern Utah ballots. But we also talked about something much bigger—the direction Utah is heading. The consequences of Prop 4 and Judge Gibson’s unconstitutional ruling could have a significant impact on rural Utah. With a new congressional district drawn around a compact urban area, we risk having representation focused primarily on urban interests while overlooking the rural communities that provide the water, energy, land, and other resources those communities depend on. Congressional representatives should represent all of Utah—and understand that the prosperity of our urban areas is deeply connected to the strength of rural Utah. That conversation, why it matters, and much, much more coming up on the podcast!   #politicit #utahelections #utpol

What does it take to keep our community safe during a challenging year for firefighting? On this episode of the PoliticIt Podcast, Sen. John Johnson welcomes Ogden City Fire Chief Mike Slater for a conversation about public safety, the demands facing firefighters, and the people who answer the call when emergencies strike. Join us for a discussion about protecting lives, supporting first responders, and facing a difficult fire season together. #politicit #utahelections #utpol

I sat down with Representative Neil Walter, Chair of the Utah House Education Committee, for a conversation that went well beyond education. We talked about education, economic development, the proper role of government, and whether local governments should be looking to increase sales tax revenue without first reducing other tax burdens. Where should government step in and where should it get out of the way? This was a conversation you won’t want to miss. #politicit #utahelections #utpol

Ogden City Police Chief Jake Sube and Detective Breianna Bakker join Sen. John Johnson on the PoliticIt Podcast to discuss the Utah Police Chiefs’ Awards and the outstanding service being recognized within Utah law enforcement. They share the stories behind the honors, the importance of dedicated police work, and what these awards mean to the officers, their departments, and the communities they serve. #politicit #utahelections #utpol

Senator John Johnson welcomes Melanie Mortensen and Alison Smart to the PoliticIt Podcast for a conversation about America’s 250th Family Night at the Utah State Capitol. They discuss the upcoming celebration, the activities planned for families, and the importance of coming together to honor America’s history, founding principles, and promising future. #politicit #utahelections #utpol

The Salt Lake Tribune recently published a critical article featuring allegations from former participants of The Other Side Academy. Joseph Grenny, CEO of The Other Side Academy, joins Sen. John Johnson on the PoliticIt Podcast to respond. Together, they examine what the article reported, discuss what they believe it left out, and consider how the story might have been written with greater context—including the Academy’s methods, outcomes, and the experiences of those who credit the program with changing their lives. This is The Other Side Academy’s opportunity to tell the other side of the story. #politicit #utahelections #utpol

On this episode of the PoliticIt Podcast, Senator John Johnson sits down with Brooks Benson, a candidate for Utah State Senate District 11. They discuss Benson’s background, his decision to run for office, the issues affecting District 11, and his vision for representing the community at the Utah State Capitol. #politicit #utahelections #utpol