Blacksite Podcast - Goodbye!

Paying the Bill for Free Speech, featuring Dillon Clarke and Natalie Callahan

Dillon Clarke, leader of the University of Utah student group Young Americans for Freedom, joins us to discuss his decision to invite controversial Conservative pundit Ben Shapiro to campus, sparking a firestorm of protests. Our panel compares the Shapiro controversy to this week's NFL debate to uncover what they both tell us about what free speech means in 2017. Did you burn your Steelers' jersey this week? If so, you might want to skip this one!

Bret Hutchings for B-Town and (Very) Young Republicans!

Bret Hutchings is running for City Council in Bountiful! All politics are local and hear about Bret's story and vision for Bountiful.We feel our age when Nick Coleman of the University of Utah College Republicans joins the panel. We talk extreme Healthcare plans. Bernie's Medicare for all and the Graham-Cassidy bill. We get local by talking about Salt Lake City council's proposal about ADU's - Accessory Dwelling Units. 

The American Dreamers with Dan Black

Immigration lawyer Dan Black joins the pod to talk DACA and Dreamers. Mitt Romney is the anointed heir to Orrin Hatch's senate seat. The debate about wedding cakes and religious freedom. Also, a philosophical discussion about what divides 'Merica.

Deferred Action for Our Entire Political System

Blacksite Podcast is six months old. The original co-founders of the show come back together to take stock of where we've been and lay out a vision for where we're going. We then move into a panel discussion on DACA and whether Congress will save the dreamers. In local news, we review Democrat Kathie Allen's latest campaign commercial, which you've probably seen if you have a tv. 

The Young Guns Hold Their Fire, with guest Lorcan Murphy

We had this great idea to bring in the President of the Young Democrats of Utah, Lorcan Murphy, and then have him square off against our recent guest Nic Dunn, chair of the Utah Young Republicans. We were expecting a knife fight, but what we got was a respectful, reasoned, and occasionally funny discussion on how to build bridges with the other side while still pushing for things you believe in. That's not gonna sell any podcasts! We also discuss Provo's Love Loud festival and the horrify...

Richard Davis of United Utah party

What's this? A new party built around pragmatic, solution-oriented governing? In 2017?! BYU Political Science Professor and United Utah party founder Richard Davis picked a hell of a time to try to be a reasonable voice in American politics. In our interview, he tells us why he thinks it can work.  We also learn about Jim Bennett, son of longtime Utah Senator Bob Bennett and United Utah's candidate for the upcoming CD3 election. 

Enter the Nazis, with guest Nic Dunn (not a Nazi)

Well, it's come to this. There are Nazis in America and we have to talk about them. We're sorry. Luckily, we get some help from a decent guy on the other side of the aisle: Nic Dunn, chair of the Utah Young Republicans. The only way out of this thing is reasoned discussions from decent people in both parties. So here's our shot at that.  We also touch on Utah's primary in CD3 (congrats John Curtis) and the  LDS Church's response to white nationalists within its membership. Don't miss o...

Mormon Women for Ethical Government

Dan interviews Sharlee Glenn and Melissa Dalton-Bradford, founders of "Mormon Women for Ethical Government." 

A chaotic week in Trumpworld, with guest Tom Taylor

Robotics engineer and candidate for Utah CD4 Tom Taylor enters the Blacksite. We get his views on what it means to be Mormon and Democrat. He then joins our panel as we discuss the senate Healthcare Bill getting Maverick'ed, Trump tweeting a ban on transgender people from the military, and Scaramucci - we hardly knew ye. All that and more on this week's Blacksite Podcast! Remember to leave a review on iTunes and like our Facebook page!

Dr. Raymond Ward on Healthcare & Trump's fun yacht story!

Dr. Raymond Ward visits the show to talk opioids, healthcare, and jamborees! However, Ryan's state of health is not up for discussion - HIPPA! We discuss the new democratic slogan and why it makes us hungry for Papa Johns! Also, Trump has a great Yacht story he'd love to share with your boy scout. 

Ben Frank, Death of a Healthcare Bill, and Trump's winning at unpopularity.

Special Guest Ben Frank talks about his campaign experience running for Utah CD3. We thank Mike Lee for help in killing the GOP Healthcare bill. Trump is so sick of winning that he he needed to be historically unpopular too. Dan rants about revolutionary rhetoric on the Left. What happened to just being Democrats?

John Curtis, Donald "Fredo" Trump Jr., and Baby, you're a firework!

We interview the frontrunner for Utah's 3rd Congressional District, John Curtis, and ask him why Provo was only named the 2nd best managed city in the U.S. Ryan is giddy with the news that Donald Trump Jr. openly colluded with Russia - and we got the receipts! But... does anything mean anything anymore at this point? Trump and the awkwardness that was the G20 summit. Finally, fireworks are super fun AND dangerous! Talk of banning fireworks in Utah because some yahoos almost burned down the s...

Gerda Saunders, Author of "Memory's Last Breath: Field Notes on My Dementia"

Gerda Saunders was a University of Utah professor when she realized she was experiencing symptoms of early-onset dementia. As her mind slowly deteriorated, she began documenting her condition. These "field notes" became the book "Memory's Last Breath," which has garnered rave reviews from The New York Times, NPR, and readers everywhere.  Gerda joins the Blacksite to tell us about her experience with dementia, as well as her struggle to live and plan for death within the regulations of the...

+ Light-Colored Shirts, a War with the Free Press, and Other Threats to Our Republic, with guests Yossof Sharifi and Kim Bowman!

In this special 4th of July episode, we bring back two of our most popular guests, conservative Yossof Sharifi and liberal Kim Bowman, to help us make sense of whatever the hell is going on with Trump's twitter feed. We also debate the philosophical underpinnings of health policy (more fun than it sounds) and the dangers of the LDS Church dipping its toe into the seedy underworld of pigmented clothing. Plus, find out how we ended up having to publicly apologize to Lt. Governor Spencer Cox!...

Today, we celebrate our INDEPENDENCE DAY (the Final POPcast)!

We're rebranding the POPcast this week, as we prepare to separate it from the Blacksite name.  Before we move, we celebrate the most American movie on the most American of holidays. But is Independence Day actually good, or were we just young and stupid in 1996?   The panel also dares to try Fireworks Oreos. They taste less like sulfur than we expected. We chat about our favorite patriotic movies: Air Force One, The Right Stuff, Lincoln, and This Divided State.  

Alan Seawright and the no good, very bad health care bill

Special Guest ALAN SEAWRIGHT of Zion Politics on the show to add a little LDS doctrine to our political discussion. We break down the Senate Healthcare Bill. Our sponsor this week is Strawberry C! What is it? Who knows, but you'll definitely want it. Alan talks about his experience with medicaid, Jason Chaffetz, and the Republican Convention. We talk about candidates for Utah's 3rd Congressional District: John Curtis, mayor of Provo with high approval rating. Tanner Ainge, possible carpetbag...

Convention Coverage and How to Become a Secret Republican, with guest Danny Drew

By day, Danny Drew is seeking the Democratic nomination to run against Senator Orrin Hatch. But we're pretty sure he's really the secret identity of some superhero in the Refugee Justice League.  Kim Bowman returns to the show, this time as a panelist. He takes us through news from the state party conventions over the weekend. We consider the upcoming Republican primary between extreme right winger Chris Herrod and Provo Mayor John Curtis (is he a secret Democrat -- should Democrats becom...

POPcast -- Star Trek, Cars, and Dave and Busters

Kim Bowman's love of Star Trek could not be contained to our political format, so he joined us on the POPcast to discuss prospects for the new series. We also consider the bizarre and horrifying nature of the Cars universe. Plus, Dave and Busters is coming to Salt Lake City. Are we wrong to be excited for this? If you love Clarke, don't listen to this episode. 

Romney Republicans, Trump's Tweets, and We'll Always Have Paris, with guest Darlene McDonald

Darlene McDonald is running to replace Mia Love in Utah's 4th Congressional District. She tells us how she came to Utah from Ohio and went from food stamps to a successful businesswoman. She's both the conservative ideal of the American Dream and proof of liberal arguments that social programs help people climb out of poverty. Plus, she's a fun guest! We point out that Mormon doctrine says some pretty progressive things about the environment and ask why it doesn't come across in Utah's po...

Mormon Democrats and Other Signs of the Apocalypse, with guest Kim Bowman!

2016 Democratic Nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Utah (and Dan's best friend from way back) Kim Bowman joins us to share his thoughts on his campaign and how Democrats can win in Utah.  Our panel asks if John Curtis is a Republican we can support, and whether that dooms him to failure. Plus Mormon Democrats: do they exist? Our guest panelist Kevin Parke claims to be one, and he's a bishop so he can't lie!  We also bring you some new terms to use as you try to comprehend the Trump adm...

Former SLC mayor Rocky Anderson

Former Mayor Rocky Anderson (the liberal OG of Salt Lake City) visits the Blacksite. We talk about growing up in Logan, the LDS Church, and authenticity in politics, the real Mitt Romney, and impeachment... (just in case). 

Comey and Russia and Total Incompetence, OH MY!

It is impossible to recap all the news that has happened since May 8 in under a minute, but Dan tries. New information about Sally Yates, Michael Flynn, James Comey. Trump administration officials give statements, only to be immediately contradicted by Trump on Twitter. How republicans are responding to the news. (Some flip the bird to reporters!). How are Utah representatives responding? Also, what activists can do to stay in the game. KEEP CALLING! KEEP SHOWING UP! STAY ACTIVE! (202)225-31...

Episode 14 POPCAST - Musical Theater Edition!

POPCAST! The special musical theater edition! Dan reviews "Dear Evan Hansen." We talk TONYS! We revisit Sweeney Todd with Johnny Depp. The Flintstones comic continues to be awesome and timely. We also talk about bands who's music we'd love to turn into a musical theater production. 

Episode 14 - Who knew healthcare could be so complicated? With special guests Curtis Haring and Madalena McNeil

SPECIAL CROSSOVER EPISODE! Special Guest Curtis Haring of Utah Political Capitol podcast discusses what it's like to be blue in a red state and discusses his past campaign work. The Blacksite discusses the passage of the AHCA in the house and debunk liberal misconceptions about the bill (although it's still a terrible bill). The Patron Saint of Double Standards Jason Chaffetz scooted his way back to Washington just to take away healthcare from 24 million people right after his surgery on a p...

Episode 13 Popcast - ARE YOU READY FOR THE SUMMER!?

The Summer movie season kicks off and we discuss some of the most anticipated movies this year including Guardians of the Galaxy: Now with Kurt Russell, The Mummy: now with less Brenden Fraser!, Alien: Covenant  - give Ridley Scott another shot,  Baywatch: continuing your questionable feelings toward Zac Efron, Pirates : Johnny Depp's Bankruptcy Tour,  Wonder Woman: The last hope of a desperate DC Defenders and more!

EP 13 - Kate Kelly

Kate Kelly visits the Blacksite and gives us her story about growing up Mormon, Ordain Women, and excommunication. The government prevented a shutdown! HOORAY! Apparently the art of the deal is giving in almost immediately. Discussion about the VOX article about the Trump's Kleptocracy. The Activist Agenda covers Utah Women Unite, Women's Democratic Meeting, and the upcoming State Black Women's event! 

POPCAST - EP 12.5 HOW TO DISMANTLE A CRITICAL DARLING. ALSO, AVATAR.

Dan, Clarke and Ryan discuss Avatar & X-Men sequels. How did we get here, really?Dan and Clarke talk the recent PR troubles at Marvel Comics in Comix Corner. 1987 is our Time Capsule with the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles television series. Lastly, in the Roundtable, we discuss media that we like better than the critical darlings.  

Episode 12 - U.S. Senate candidate James Singer

We bid farewell to Jason Chaffetz as he announces that he will not seek another term in congress. (Olivia Pope possibly handled it.) U.S. Senate and PhD candidate James Singer visits the Blacksite to discuss his bid for Orrin Hatch's seat.  

POPcast: EARTH DAY! And the benefits of recycling old IP

We take a special interest in recycling this week in honor of Earth Day. Star Wars episode 8 - are we excited for it? Possibly luke warm for it. Mystery Science Theater 3000 Reboot is here and we approve! In Comics Corner, we look at the end of the world... in CROSSED! Dan opens up a movie buried in the Time Capsule from 1987. SUPERMAN IV: QUEST FOR PEACE! With Ducky from Pretty in Pink! It's terrible. Does Dan recommend it? TUNE IN TO FIND OUT! Also, the roundtable discusses there favorite ...

Episode 11 - Interview with Dr. Kathie Allen, challenger to Chaffetz

Former rock DJ, Dr. Kathie Allen is at the Blacksite! We talk politics, strategy against Jason Chaffetz and we give her the $8 gift of her own campaign domain! Trump's startling realization that Taxes, Healthcare, and North Korea more complicated than originally thought. Finally, resistance plans for how you can become more civically engaged - yes, YOU! 

Episode 10.5 POPCAST

Guardians of the Galaxy 3 debuts! Er... we mean Thor 3. We discuss the fun, 80's tinged trailer that features friend of the pod Jeff Goldblum (You're welcome to come on anytime, Jeff!). A Dirty Dancing remake for you folks who are into that. Finally, Courtney Catches Up with popular movies she's missed while parenting. This week, "It follows!" Courtney gives her take on the STD - Sexually Transmitted Demon. Dan talks the horror show Blackcoat's Daughter (directed by the son of Anthony Perkin...

Ep 10 - Damian Kidd challenges Chaffetz and edits Schindler's List 4-12-17

Damian Kidd is running for Jason Chaffetz congressional seat and owns the "Top Gun" soundtrack on tape. He discusses strategy to unseat the incumbent who never met a camera he didn't like. The panel discusses the attack on Syria, the 8 ideologies of the Trump Administration, and the Salt Lake County Democratic Organizing Convention. Special Guest Damian Kidd.

POPCAST - April 6 2017

Feelings on the new "IT" trailer, Spiderman Homecoming and more!

April 3, 2017 POPCAST

We talk about the new Justice League trailer, remastered Star Craft, Spider-Man: Homecoming and more! 

Episode 8 - Todd Weiler helps us out of a DUI - March 28, 2017

Utah State Senator Todd Weiler visits the show and gives us his origin story (Georgia, Illinois, BYU), his thoughts on porn (bad), air quality (bad, but improving), and the new .05 BAC DUI law (It's the European way!). Todd highlights issues that didn't get as much attention this legislative session, such as Juvenile Justice reform. We discuss the healthcare law that didn't pass. Is there a path to moderation in politics? The Russian story keeps adding more players. Evan McMullin/McMuffin wat...

Episode 7.5 POPCAST - Beauty & The Beast, Top 5 Bad Actor Bands - March 23, 2017

This episode we discuse The Flash / Supergirl Musical, Beauty and the Beast and Clarke digs up the Moody Blues from 1967 for our time capsule segment. 

Episode 7 - Conservative Outreach Month with a hint of Libertarian - March 22, 2017

Guest panelist Yossof Sharifi shares his refugee story and his libertarian viewpoints! Trump's budget proposal gives a big boost for military, but steep cuts everywhere else. Comey confirms that there is an open, ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election as Trump tweets...the things he tweets. Friend of the Pod Chris Stewart (Come on our show!) is more concerned with leakers than the information learned from the leak (probably because he believes snitches should ge...

Episode 6 - Republican Outreach Month & GOOP is a scam - March 15 2017

We kickoff our Republican outreach month with conservative Ben Lowell! (A dual citizen of Ecuador and U.S.) We discuss Trumpcare (Yes, we're calling it that); the Department of Justice asking for more time to find evidence of Trump's wiretapping claims (Spoiler: None exists); Travel Ban 2.0; Democrat Kathie Allen M.D. received a huge boost in fundraising in her campaign against Jason Chaffetz; Republican Damian Kidd is also running against Chaffetz; Former West Valley City Mayor Mike Winder (...

Episode 6.5 - POPCAST, 2007 Time Capsule & More - March 17 2017

:Happy St. Patricks everyone!: In this episode we discuss a spin-off of the Big Bang Theory, Iron fist reviews, new Dr. Who. 2007 is our Time Capsule segment - Courtney suggests a dig up of "The Lookout."

Episode 5.5 POPCAST - A Man's Man's Musical - March 9, 2017

Live action Beauty and the Beast has a gay character and (spoiler) it’s not the candlestick. Kong: Skull Island is the Vietnam allegory you didn’t know you needed - and it has JOHN C. REILLY!!! Jason Isaacs is your new starship captain in Star Trek Discovery series, coming soon to the CBS network before it quickly leaves to online only. Clarke recommends “Lasagna Cat” which is more disturbing than it sounds. Our time capsule visits years ending in ‘7’. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” debuted twent...

Episode 5 - Nobody rebuts better than Bernie the rebutter - March 8, 2017

Trump's claim that Obama wiretapped Trump Tower. What comes first, the investigation or the evidence. Friend of the show Jason Chaffetz is the human embodiment of the double standard (Please come on our show!). Blacksite Podcast launches a campaign to send McMuffin's to McMullin! Be sure to share a picture on our Facebook page or you (yes, you!) sending a McMuffin to McMullin. Republican Healthcare reform bill. How can Democrats win back momentum? Problems with Democratic Messaging. Conversat...

Episode 4 - Deportation, Donald & Dems

Episode 4.5 POPCAST! Alien Covenant, Logan, Get Out!

Alien Covenant four minute preview - does it excite you? Or have you been hurt one too many times from an Alien sequal. Logan has awesome reviews - it's probably awesome. GET OUT! A horror movie from...Jordan Peele? MST3K gets a Kickstarter Reboot and features many of our favorite talents including Joel McHale, Patton Oswalt, and Felicia Day. Some guy thought LEGO Batman was gay propoganda. Finally, we end with an OSCAR SWAP! What movie should have won the Oscar? (You can't say Brokeback Mou...

Episode 3 - POPCAST Companion - Feb 24, 2017

Is Ben Affleck trying to get out of the Batman franchise? He's had one Zac Snyder film too many. Controversial casting choice of Scarlett Johansson in "Ghost in Shell." Clarke and Dan discuss DC and Marvel comics. Everyone discusses their favorite pop culture president. (Nixon is involved). 

Episode 3 - Milo, McCain, McMullin - Feb 22 2017

Madalena McNeil, Emily Hase, and Clarke Jensen join Dan and Courtney on the podcast to discuss if Liberals are actually helping Trump, Milo's Big Week of Layoffs, and John McCain regaining his Maverick status as he is the Critic in Chief to the Trump Administration. Blacksite Podcast also discusses local Trump critic Evan McMullin. The group ends the discussion with local Wasatch County GOP rep James Green's letter of why women shouldn't have equal pay. He resigned shortly thereafter.

Episode 2, Liar Liar Chaffetz On Fire - Feb 13, 2017

Hosts Dan, Ryan, Courtney interview Mike Place, a participant in the raucous Jason Chaffetz town hall with alleged out-of-state radical paid participants! (There weren't any). Read Mike's original article at: https://medium.com/@mikeplace/dear-jason-9801b66f845#.v5fxzijyf Later, both Trump and Courtney are vexed by the challenges and scale of government per Politico article. Also, Mike recommends watching "Sherlock," Dan and Ryan love "Legion" and Courtney enjoyed "Lego Batman"...

Episode 1 - Pilot - February 8, 2017