Blacksite Podcast - Goodbye!

Impeachment Eve! w/Emily Hase

Go check it out, it's a nice podcast. 

Jason Stevenson and Sydni Makemo from Utah ACLU

Like us on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter! and listen to the Pod wherever podcasts are sold.  On this pod, we talk with Jason Stevenson and Sydni Makemo from Utah ACLU and we discuss Representative Chris Stewart's "Fairness for All" bill, Facebook and Free Speech, Red Flag Laws (answer may surprise you), and most importantly - that Clint Eastwood Richard Jewell movie that centers on a guy who was falsely accused by the media for the Atlanta bombing while simultaneously the movie fictio...

Blacksite's back! (ALL RIGHT!)

We're back, baby! And we are counting down to the 2020 election. Joining us is Ashley Jolin who is running for congress in Utah's second district! Also, we talk impeachment, ERA, and ACTING! 

The SOMETHING MIGHT HAPPEN special!!

Trump finally facing impeachment & Utah Delegation's dumb responses. 

Endless horror from a terrifying clown, plus IT: Chapter two!

Debate and Racist Apocalypse Special!

GOOD MORNING BALTIMORE! Blacksite Podcast loves you. Donald Trump says many more racist things. The Democrats Debate. And in local news - Salt Lake city mayoral race, Utah might get Medicaid expansion, and United Utah wants term limits. Sarah Bourne of Blue Mom Red State guests on this week's episode of... BLACKSITE PODCAST! 

FOURTH OF JULY EXTRAVAGANZA AND MILITARY PARADE!

Emily Hase and Nadia Mahallati join us for our special Fourth of July Podcast where we dust off our high school Spanish skills to recap the first democratic debate!

Dan and the case of the Miscreant Moms for Clean Air

Dan interviews some unrepentant Chalk Art Vandals! Dan interviews   Lehi Moms and Allies for Clean Air about protesting a new gravel pit with a chalk art protest in front of City Hall. The City, feeling threatened with the phrase "Keep our Air Clean" threatened the moms with criminal charges. At this time, it's important for me to remind our readers/listeners that we are talking about chalk. 

Dungeons, Dragons, and Alex Castagno!!

Dan, Ryan, and Courtney are joined by Alex Castagno to discuss Voterise! Later, the White House Mr. Magoo's it's way into more non-sensical policy choices to own the libs, Provo is the least diverse city (shocking!), BYU kids get kudos for protesting the Honor Code, and a discussion of how liberal/progressive are democrats, really?  

Down the Boulevard of Broken Legislative Dreams

Pour yourself a glass and join us on the Boulevard of Broken Legislative Dreams. Dan and Courtney are joined by  Chase and Katie of Alliance for a Better Utah. We talk about the highlights and (mostly) lowlights of Utah's 45-day Legislative session. Later, we talk Beto O'Rourke and the art of the Compromise. 

The Emergency That Wasn’t

Millennials ruin Mormonism, Mitt Romney acknowledges Climate Change and The Emergency that wasn't!

Legislative Update 2: Healthcare Boogaloo

The deed is done. SB96 has a veto proof majority. We debate whether this is a win for the people of Utah. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opposes legislation that would allow 4.8 beer. We discuss the Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) and whether it can be merged with Comic-Con er...FanX. Democratic 2020 contenders are piling up! Dan's not so sure about AOC, but Ryan gives her an enthusiastic endorsement. Plus... THERE'S A TWO-HEADED GOAT AT THE DAUGHTERS OF UTAH PIONEERS MU...

State of the Eww-nion

LEGISLATURE IS BACK IN SESSION! That means a lot of lawmakers blatantly disregarding the will of the people! Chase Thomas from Alliance for a Better Utah joins us to discuss the legislature's attempt to repeal and replace Medicaid expansion. We also talk bills to repeal straight party voting, new gun laws, and MORE! The Thrill of Bills! Also, Ryan is our designated survivor. He's playing Dungeons and Dragons. 

WAR ON CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!

Blacksite celebrates Christmas and does a year-in-review with Chase Thomas of Alliance for a Better Utah. Also, a sneak peek of 2019! 

The Election Night that Never Ended

With election night a week behind us, and more votes coming in - the panel weighs in on the Blue Wave. Kyrsten Sinema wins Jeff Flake's Senate seat in Arizona (Hazaah!) The Democrats control the House! LET THE LIST OF INVESTIGATIONS BEGIN! Trump is in a cocoon of  bitterness and resentment post election. I guess he's tired of winning. Democrats first bill with control of the house includes expanding voter rights, close loopholes in government ethic laws, and strengthen democratic ins...

Utah Voter Guide!

Did you get your ballot in the mail? GOOD! Blacksite is here to talk you through some of the choices you are voting on.  Didn't get your ballot? You can still register to vote in-person at https://secure.utah.gov/voterreg/index.html VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!  

We're back with Lorcan Murphy!

We are back to talk with our good friend Lorcan Murphy about her experience transitioning. Also, Shireen Ghorbani > Chris Stewart. Trump's poll numbers finally take a dip. And in the third act: the horrid reason Toad from Super Mario is trending on Twitter today. 

Cohen and Manafort are guilty AF.

Michael Cohen and Paul Manafort are guilty. We don't have much good news nowadays... please feel free to celebrate with this obviously copyright infringement rendition of "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang. Good thing we're not on Spotify. Courtney and Ryan record a secret pod without Dan (Shhh!).  

United Utah Party: Not an Oxymoron! With guest Alexander Castagno

Alexander Castagno is running for State Senate under the banner of the United Utah Party. He tells us what it’s like to be seeking out the middle ground in an era of such intense polarization. In our panel discussion, we talk about collusion (not a crime, duh!), why the family separation crisis doesn’t get the attention it deserves, and BYU Idaho’s recent expulsion of a sexual assault victim. It’s a real sunny episode! 

Meet the Dreamers - Cinthya

DACA dreamer Cinthya visits the Blacksite to discuss life growing up undocumented. Side note - she and her husband are the most adorable people ever! Later, we would discuss Russia (or was it wouldn't?) with Utah Young Democrat Kason Kendall. Courtney and Dan talk about Salt Lake City's inland port... and conservatives and liberals alike agree that Mitt Romney is a flip flopper.    Ryan wasn't here for the big Russia moment. :( 

Holly Tree Richardson & The Supremes (Court)!

Compassionate conservative, former House Representative, Salt Lake Tribune columnist, and overall good human being Holly Tree Richardson joins us at the Blacksite to discuss the loss of norms, Supreme Court Madness, and the U.S. bullying other countries to suggest breast-is-not-best. 

Literally anyone can run for office! With guests Ryan and Courtney Jones

It’s the Fourth of July, so we thought we’d focus on one of the few inspiring trends in America today: the wave of new candidates running for office. Blacksite co-creators Courtney and Ryan Jones made the decision to run for office in their districts a few months ago. We check in with them on how they made that decision, the effect it has had on their lives, and whether they have any chance at winning in conservative Utah. Courtney and Ryan are proof that literally anyone can run! 

POPCAST: Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom

Chris Jones, star of the Tex Murphy video games, joins us to discuss the long history of dinosaur movies and their new low point. Militarized raptors were not enough to save the latest Jurassic movie. 

Tell your story! With guest Sarah Bourne of Blue Mom, Red State

Sarah Bourne has adapted the “mommy blog” medium to politics, but she’s really just telling her family’s story. Our panel learns that telling personal stories may be the only way to move America forward after these weeks of devastating setbacks. Join us for some commiserating. Blacksite Podcast is back!

NPR's Joshua Johnson

Host of NPR's 1A Joshua Johnson joins us at the Blacksite (...er, we join him at KUER) to discuss having beneficial conversations in an increasingly polarized world. And West Side Story. We also talk about West Side Story and then we make deep cut musical references. 

Dan's having a BABY.. For real, congrats Dan!!

Sheldon Kirkham for Utah CD4 and Utah GOP convention contention!

Sheldon Kirkham visits the Blacksite to discuss his run for Utah CD4! We are also joined by Chris Voros of U work 4 Utah who spent his a beautiful Saturday trapped inside the Maverick Center at the Utah GOP convention as a delegate! Listen to the convention craziness - there's Confetti Cannons involved and not so subtle symbolism of a falling American flag. Join us, won't you?   http://kirkhamforcongress.com/

Interview with Shireen Ghorbani!

Interview with Shireen Ghorbani! 

Blacksite Podcast @ Avant Groove This WED

Blacksite Podcast is hosting a live show this Wednesday, March 28 at Avant Groove in Salt Lake City... and you're invited!   Avant Groove is located at 122 West Pierpont Avenue in Salt Lake City. Show starts at 7:00pm, and it's FREE! 

I Believe the Children are our Future!

Dan interviews Dani, a 5th grader who participated in the 17 minute walkout in memory of the Parkland Students. Later, we interview High Schooler Han Johnson about the upcoming Salt Lake City March for our Lives walk on Saturday, March 24. Tune in! 

Rex Tillerson's Rexit and Elise Scott!

The Associate Director at the U Young Democrats of Utah Elise Scott  returns to the Blacksite to discuss her experience as a campaign manager!  House intelligence committee announced it was shutting down its probe into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, a Republican who sits on it said he believes the committee has lost its credibility. So... some mixed messages there. Either way, Blacksite Congressman Chris Stewart continues to chase Jason Chaffetz's coveted title o...

Andrew Graft with Utah CD4 Coalition

Andrew Graft tells us about the formation of the Utah CD4 Coalition and it’s town halls with Mia Love which have been nonexistent for the past two years. We are joined by Katie Matheson for the panel discussion about DACA expiring with no resolution in sight. Later, we discuss ICE’s strategy of separating children from parents. Trump has gone and started a Trade War much to the chagrin of both Democrats and Republicans. Trump’s economic adviser Gary Coen is the latest in a long line of d...

Feb 26 NATHAN EVERSHED FOR DA, UTAH GOP DRAMA, AND SAVE DACA

Nathan Evershed visits the Blacksite to discuss his run for Salt Lake DA. Later, we are joined by Tyrell Aagard and BreAnna Cox Larsen to discuss the newest Utah GOP Bylaw which may kick Mitt Romney out of the Republican Party if he gathers signatures for his senate run rather than the convention route. DACA expires in a week and we discuss actions Mormon Women for Ethical Government are taking to stand for the Dreamers.

POPcast - Is it the Greatest Show, Man?

Another POPcast bonus episode for the real fans. Dan, Courtney, Clark, and Ryan discuss whether Greatest Showman deserves to be the sensation it has become. Warning: some listeners may find Dan's opinion on this issue deeply offensive. We also liked Black Panther, because we're humans.

The Return of Romney (and this podcast!) with guests Rylee Curtis and Stephanie Pitcher

We're back! And so is Mitt Romney, this time with a plan to "bring Utah values to Washington." What are Utah values? Rylee Curtis with UtahDecides is betting Medicaid expansion is one of them. She's pushing a ballot initiative that would let voters decide the issue.  For our panel discussion, Stephanie Pitcher joins us. She's seeking the Democrat nomination for House District 40 in the Salt Lake and Millcreek area.  We also talk again about the cycle of gun violence and whether anythin...

(Rebroadcast) Kate Kelly: Many Are Called, But None are Women

Kate Kelly visits the Blacksite and gives us her story about growing up Mormon, starting Ordain Women, and being excommunicated. The government prevented a shutdown! HOORAY! Apparently the “art of the deal” is giving in almost immediately. Discussion about the VOX article regarding Trump’s Kleptocracy. The Activist Agenda covers Utah Women Unite, Women’s Democratic Meeting, and the upcoming State Black Women’s event! Listen on Stitcher or iTunes or Libsyn. Just use the colored widget on...

Let's get local with Todd Weiler and Joel Briscoe!

Our beloved host Dan is out this week due to a bad ass ski injury. His Olympic dreams are officially over - but that doesn't mean you have to suffer without Blacksite Podcast! Ryan interviews State senator Todd Weiler and Representative Joel Briscoe about Utah Politics. 

Bill of Love, Gerrymandering, and the case of the missing Dan

Dan is gone! Temporarily. It's up to Courtney to helm the podcast. We discuss  Trump's 'Bill of Love' to DACA recipients, North Carolina ruling gerrymandering unconstitutional, and Ben McAdams raising a half million dollars despite not appearing on Blacksite Podcast. Just imagine how much more money he would have raised if he had just appeared on Blacksite! Ryan and Bob also panel. Follow-up: Courtney never got to watch IT on Blu Ray that night. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Ken Whittaker with Pro Truth Pledge is here!

It took us two days into the New Year, but it finally happened - TRUMP ESCALATED NUCLEAR TENSIONS AGAIN! Oh, and famed senator and sometimes songwriter Orrin Hatch announced his retirement after forty years in the senate and zero years on the billboard top 100. We talk with Ken Whitaker about how to be better media consumers. We take a look at how we can lower our expectations about things getting better - yet maintain that wonderful, optimistic glow about us! Ryan and Courtney also panel. 

Star Wars: The Last Jedi - A thoughtful review

Clarke, Ryan and Courtney conduct a thorough, thoughtful review of The Last Jedi and how it's narrative... NEVERMIND. We hated it. This podcast lists all the reasons we hated it. HATED IT! Dan hasn't seen it yet, so he's not allowed to listen to this podcast until he watches it. 

HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR!!!!

We get the gang back together and reminisce about 2017! There were lots of low points... but the highs were high! Also, we discuss our hope for 2018! Also, pop quizzes are involved.  We also tease our very NSFW Christmas album! Merry Christmas, ya'll!

Roy Moore, Orrin Hatch, and the Myth of Trump's Populism, with guest Teena Porter Horlacher

Teena Porter Horlacher is the Davis County GOP Chair. She shares her thoughts on the state of the Republican party and why she believes the caucus/convention system is indispensable to Utah politics. On our panel, Teena, Ryan, and June Hiatt with the Salt Lake County Democrats Women's Caucus react live to Doug Jones' surprise victory in the Alabama Senate race. Maybe things aren't as horrible as we feared? We also discuss the myth of Donald Trump's populist message in the wake of the G...

Trump's Visit to Utah with guest Carol Surveyor

Carol Surveyor is a Native American and a member of the Navajo Nation. She walks us through her reaction to life in the Trump era, including his move today to drastically scale back National Monuments protecting her homeland. She also tells us why she decided to run for Chris Stewart's Congressional seat.   

Alliance for a Better Utah Policy Counsel Chase Thomas

Chase Thomas, Policy and Advocacy Counsel for the Progressive watchdog group Alliance for a Better Utah tells us about his organization's success in pushing to balance Utah politics and hold our elected officials accountable to the people, and about what it's like to come out as gay while a law student at BYU (not as bad as you'd probably think!). In our panel discussion, we consider whether Orrin Hatch can really care about "the poor people" and still support the GOP tax plan, as he claim...

Choosing the "Right" with LDS author Larry Alan Brown

"Choosing the Right" is a new book exploring the seemingly unbreakable bond between the Mormon church and Republican politics. How did we get here? Are conservative politics really so compatible with Mormon doctrine? How has the political polarization of the church affected both politics and religion in Utah? Where do we go from here? Larry Alan Brown takes us through all of these questions, with an expert's grasp of both history and church doctrine. Plus, Ryan wonders if we've finally...

Election Special! Featuring Zach Robinson, Curtis Haring, Lorcan Murphy, and Nick Coleman

For Democrats, it's the first good day in over a year. For Republicans, it's a warning that they may not have it so easy in 2018. What does this election mean for the nation? What does it mean for Utah? An all-star panel of local political activists and experts walk us through the results. But first, newly elected Sandy City Councilman Zach Robinson tells us how it feels to actually win an election. Spoiler: it doesn't suck.

Lt. Governor Spencer J Cox

Spencer J Cox - our conservative bae, bipartisan crush (who just happens to be our lieutenant governor) - ventures into the Blacksite! We talk about television, growing up rural, and the state of the Republican party. 

Chris Wharton for SLC Council, and the Blacksite gets local!

Chris Wharton is running for SLC City Council, Ben McAdams enters the race for Utah CD4, A Farewell to SLC's Twilight Concert Series, and Sandy City Councilman Steve Smith is straight racist, y’all! Also, does John McCain stop by? Tune in to find out!   http://www.votechriswharton.com/

U Work 4 Utah activists Chris and Jeremy Voros

Chris and Jeremy Voros tell us about U Work 4 Utah's creative methods to influence Utah's representatives to moderate their views.  We discuss political gerrymandering.  Steve Bannon wants to unseat Orrin Hatch and a bunch of other “establishment” Republicans. Ben McAdams seriously considers running for UTCD4. Also featuring Nic Dunn of Utah Young Republicans!  http://www.uwork4utah.com/    

Where do we go from Las Vegas? With guest Tinesha Zandamela

Tinesha Zandamela is a biracial BYU student running for Provo City Council. She tells us about what motivated her to run at such a young age.  In our panel discussion, we consider why nothing ever seems to change after these mass shootings and what we can possibly do to break this cycle. Also: Utah has the highest upward mobility rate in the nation. What are we doing right? Please donate blood to help Las Vegas victims by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.