PoliticIt Podcast

Could psychedelic medicines change the way we treat depression, anxiety, and PTSD? Sen. John Johnson welcomes psychiatrist Dr. Paul D. Thielking, MD, to the PoliticIt Podcast for a conversation about emerging research and the search for new mental health treatments. Drawing on his work at Huntsman Cancer Hospital and Cedar Clinical Research, Dr. Thielking discusses clinical studies involving psilo...

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...

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...

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 platfo...

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...

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 expl...

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 perspectiv...

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 hold...

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 Uta...

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 appe...

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 responder...

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...

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 s...

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 contex...

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 #po...

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, gr...

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 sti...

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...

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...

On this episode of the Politicit Podcast, host John D. Johnson sits down with Scott Fletcher, a candidate for Davis County Commission Seat A. Fletcher discusses his vision for a more transparent, accountable, and fiscally responsible county government, emphasizing data-driven decision-making, government efficiency, and protecting taxpayers. The conversation also explores economic development, coun...

Today on Politicit Dixie, we're joined by Nichole Isom, candidate for Utah State School Board District 14—the largest school board district in the state of Utah. Nichole brings a unique perspective to public education. While many candidates come from a traditional classroom background, her experience spans curriculum development, educational leadership, and years of advocacy on behalf of parents a...

On this episode of the Politicit Podcast, host Sen. John D. Johnson sits down with John Taylor, Republican candidate for Utah House District 14. Taylor shares why he entered the race, his commitment to constitutional principles, and his vision for protecting faith, family, and individual freedoms in Utah. The discussion covers the issues facing Davis County and the state, including responsible gov...

On this episode of Politicit, host John D. Johnson sits down with Susan Lee, a candidate for Davis County Commission. Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Davis County, including growth, infrastructure, public safety, fiscal responsibility, and preserving the quality of life that residents value. Susan shares her background, priorities, and vision for the future as she se...