Advertise on podcast: PoliticIt Podcast

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

Utah State Senator John Johnson welcomes Jim Alvey, Republican candidate for Utah House District 10, to the PoliticIt Podcast. A lifelong Ogden resident, small-business owner, and community advocate, Alvey discusses his decision to run, the issues facing District 10, and his vision for representing the community in the Utah Legislature. Learn more about Jim Alvey’s campaign at VoteJimAlvey.com #politicit #utahelections #utpol

I sat down with Senator Evan Vickers for a wide-ranging conversation about some of the biggest issues facing Utah right now. We talked about the fires and floods that have ravaged and devastated communities across our state, and the incredible response happening at every level of government. We also discussed his recent visit to Beaver, where federal, state, and county leaders met with loggers, grazers, and others who experienced the devastation firsthand, listening to what they need as they rebuild. We also got into an issue that hasn’t hit the news cycle yet—but it will. We talked about a Medicaid budget shortfall, what needs to happen, and how prepared Utah is to deal with challenges like this. And yes…we talked about the Senate leadership race between Senator Vickers and Senator Kirk Cullimore. You knew I was going to ask! 😉 We wrapped up by talking about the recognition and rewards Utah has received in recent years and the ways our state continues to lead the nation. I’m so grateful for leaders who care deeply about Utah, show up when their communities need them, and are willing to have the hard conversations. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!   #politicit #utahelections #utpol #politicitdixie

Water. Roads. Growth. Public trust. The decisions made by your county commission shape nearly every aspect of life in Washington County. Yet, many of the most important conversations happen outside the public spotlight.   In this episode of Politicit Dixie, I sit down with Washington County Commissioner Gil Almquist, who is seeking reelection to a third term. We discuss the work he believes is still unfinished: from protecting our long-term water future to advancing the Northern Corridor and addressing the challenges that come with one of the fastest-growing counties in Utah.   We also take a closer look at the controversy surrounding the Box Elder County Commission and talk about what went wrong, how that situation could have been handled differently, and why transparency and public trust matter in local government.   Whether you're still deciding how you'll vote or simply want to better understand the issues shaping Washington County, I hope this conversation gives you valuable insight into the decisions that will impact our community for years to come.   #politicit #utahelections #utpol

What were the biggest surprises from Utah's Republican primary election? Which races lived up to expectations, and what do the results mean for the future of the Republican Party in Utah? On this episode of the Politicit Podcast, host John D. Johnson is joined by former Utah House Speaker Jeremy Peterson for an in-depth analysis of last week's Republican primary election. Together, they break down the key races, discuss the winners and losers, examine voter turnout, and explore what these results could mean heading into the general election and future Republican politics across the state. Whether you closely followed the campaigns or are just catching up on the results, this conversation provides thoughtful insight from two experienced voices in Utah politics. Topics include: The biggest surprises from the Republican primary Key victories and close races What the election results say about Utah voters Political trends shaping the future of the GOP What to watch as the election season continues Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the Politicit Podcast for in-depth interviews and analysis of Utah's most important political stories. #politicit #utahelections #utpol

On this episode of the Politicit Podcast, host John D. Johnson sits down with retired Special Forces Colonel and former Ogden Police Chief Randy Watt for an in-depth discussion on the newly announced U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding and its potential impact on global stability. Drawing on decades of military and law enforcement leadership experience, Colonel Watt breaks down the significance of the agreement, the prospects for ending hostilities with Iran, and why the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could have far-reaching consequences for international trade, energy markets, and national security. The conversation also explores the strategic challenges that remain, the future of Iran's nuclear program, and what Americans should be watching as negotiations continue. Join Senator Johnson and Colonel Watt for a timely and insightful look at one of the most consequential international developments of the year and what it could mean for peace, security, and the future of the Middle East. #politicit #utahelections #utpol