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    <title>Special Session with Bryan Schott</title>
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    <description>Special Session with Bryan Schott rips the curtain back on Utah politics. No spin. No access journalism. No bootlicking. Just 25+ years of experience breaking down the stories that make elected officials squirm.

From backroom deals at the Capitol to the power plays you're not supposed to know about, Bryan delivers fearless political coverage and interviews with newsmakers who actually matter. This is Utah politics without the PR polish.

Independent. Unfiltered. Uncomfortable for all the right people.</description>
    <copyright>Copyright 2025, All Rights Reserved</copyright>
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    <podcast:trailer pubdate="Tue, 29 Oct 2024 15:53:54 -0600" url="https://media.transistor.fm/8a33ea6c/ad357227.mp3" length="835411" type="audio/mpeg">Trailer: Special Session with Bryan Schott</podcast:trailer>
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    <pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 16:57:06 -0600</pubDate>
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      <title>Special Session with Bryan Schott</title>
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    <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
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    <itunes:summary>Special Session with Bryan Schott rips the curtain back on Utah politics. No spin. No access journalism. No bootlicking. Just 25+ years of experience breaking down the stories that make elected officials squirm.

From backroom deals at the Capitol to the power plays you're not supposed to know about, Bryan delivers fearless political coverage and interviews with newsmakers who actually matter. This is Utah politics without the PR polish.

Independent. Unfiltered. Uncomfortable for all the right people.</itunes:summary>
    <itunes:subtitle>Special Session with Bryan Schott rips the curtain back on Utah politics.</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Utah Political Watch</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>schott@utahpolitics.news</itunes:email>
    </itunes:owner>
    <itunes:complete>No</itunes:complete>
    <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    <item>
      <title>We know a trial balloon when we see one!</title>
      <itunes:episode>61</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>61</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>We know a trial balloon when we see one!</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode:</p><p><strong>John Curtis for governor?</strong> Host Bryan Schott digs into the Politico report that U.S. Sen. John Curtis is exploring a run for governor in 2028. Curtis has name ID, money, and nothing to lose (he doesn't have to give up his Senate seat to run). Bryan sizes up the emerging field, including Jason Chaffetz, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, and Speaker Mike Schultz—and explains why Curtis's entry reshapes the whole race.</p><p><strong>The Box Elder data center fallout.</strong> Kevin O'Leary is losing it. Bryan updates listeners on the MIDA-backed data center project in Box Elder County, the viral misinformation spreading about Gov. Spencer Cox, and why the people pushing this project don't seem to have a tenant lined up yet.</p><p><strong>Gerrymandering, Prop 4, and the Blake Moore primary.</strong> Bryan explains why the real stakes of the Prop. 4 fight are in the <em>legislative</em> maps, not the congressional ones, and why the Moore vs. Lisonbee primary could be a bellwether for how angry GOP voters actually are about redistricting.</p><p>Plus, a candidate drops out of a state school board race over a fight about...a Facebook page, and Salt Lake City Council member Eva Lopez Chavez is out after buying a house outside her district.</p><p>📰 <strong>Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media</strong> at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode:</p><p><strong>John Curtis for governor?</strong> Host Bryan Schott digs into the Politico report that U.S. Sen. John Curtis is exploring a run for governor in 2028. Curtis has name ID, money, and nothing to lose (he doesn't have to give up his Senate seat to run). Bryan sizes up the emerging field, including Jason Chaffetz, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, and Speaker Mike Schultz—and explains why Curtis's entry reshapes the whole race.</p><p><strong>The Box Elder data center fallout.</strong> Kevin O'Leary is losing it. Bryan updates listeners on the MIDA-backed data center project in Box Elder County, the viral misinformation spreading about Gov. Spencer Cox, and why the people pushing this project don't seem to have a tenant lined up yet.</p><p><strong>Gerrymandering, Prop 4, and the Blake Moore primary.</strong> Bryan explains why the real stakes of the Prop. 4 fight are in the <em>legislative</em> maps, not the congressional ones, and why the Moore vs. Lisonbee primary could be a bellwether for how angry GOP voters actually are about redistricting.</p><p>Plus, a candidate drops out of a state school board race over a fight about...a Facebook page, and Salt Lake City Council member Eva Lopez Chavez is out after buying a house outside her district.</p><p>📰 <strong>Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media</strong> at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 12:55:59 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/eb7b3856/6974e067.mp3" length="178269898" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4456</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode:</p><p><strong>John Curtis for governor?</strong> Host Bryan Schott digs into the Politico report that U.S. Sen. John Curtis is exploring a run for governor in 2028. Curtis has name ID, money, and nothing to lose (he doesn't have to give up his Senate seat to run). Bryan sizes up the emerging field, including Jason Chaffetz, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, and Speaker Mike Schultz—and explains why Curtis's entry reshapes the whole race.</p><p><strong>The Box Elder data center fallout.</strong> Kevin O'Leary is losing it. Bryan updates listeners on the MIDA-backed data center project in Box Elder County, the viral misinformation spreading about Gov. Spencer Cox, and why the people pushing this project don't seem to have a tenant lined up yet.</p><p><strong>Gerrymandering, Prop 4, and the Blake Moore primary.</strong> Bryan explains why the real stakes of the Prop. 4 fight are in the <em>legislative</em> maps, not the congressional ones, and why the Moore vs. Lisonbee primary could be a bellwether for how angry GOP voters actually are about redistricting.</p><p>Plus, a candidate drops out of a state school board race over a fight about...a Facebook page, and Salt Lake City Council member Eva Lopez Chavez is out after buying a house outside her district.</p><p>📰 <strong>Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media</strong> at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>John Curtis, Spencer Cox, Jason Chaffetz, Deidre Henderson, Mike Schultz, Kevin O'Leary, Stuart Adams, Blake Moore, Karianne Lisonbee, Eva Lopez Chavez, Michael Clara, Brad Wilson, Mitt Romney, tah governor's race 2028, Utah Senate seat, Utah redistricting, Prop 4, Amendment D, gerrymandering, legislative maps, congressional maps, Box Elder County data center. MIDA, Military Installation Development Authority, Stuart Adams PAC, campaign finance, Kevin O'Leary Utah, data center controversy, AI data center Utah, Utah Legislature, Utah Supreme Court, 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, Salt Lake County Republican Party, Better Boundaries, Elevate Utah, Northbound Strategies, Utah, Box Elder County, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Deer Valley, Great Salt Lake, Utah politics, Utah political news, Utah podcast, Utah Political Watch, Special Session podcast, Bryan Schott, independent journalism Utah, Utah 2026 elections, Utah 2028 elections</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The five largest donations in the history of Stuart Adams' PAC</title>
      <itunes:episode>60</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>60</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The five largest donations in the history of Stuart Adams' PAC</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah Senate President Stuart Adams is under fire for some questionable donations to his political action committee, and he's not answering a single question about it.</p><p>This week Utah Political Watch reported five individuals and companies with deep financial ties to MIDA (the Military Installation Development Authority)—the powerful unelected state agency that Adams has chaired since 2008—collectively wrote $135,000 in checks to his leadership PAC on a single day, just one week after MIDA voted to approve the massive "Wonder Valley" / Project Stratos data center in Box Elder County.</p><p>Those checks were the five largest donations in the history of Adams' PAC. And Adams has already transferred the largest sum ever from that PAC to his own campaign account, as he faces his toughest reelection primary yet.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah Senate President Stuart Adams is under fire for some questionable donations to his political action committee, and he's not answering a single question about it.</p><p>This week Utah Political Watch reported five individuals and companies with deep financial ties to MIDA (the Military Installation Development Authority)—the powerful unelected state agency that Adams has chaired since 2008—collectively wrote $135,000 in checks to his leadership PAC on a single day, just one week after MIDA voted to approve the massive "Wonder Valley" / Project Stratos data center in Box Elder County.</p><p>Those checks were the five largest donations in the history of Adams' PAC. And Adams has already transferred the largest sum ever from that PAC to his own campaign account, as he faces his toughest reelection primary yet.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 12:38:28 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/5d40cb4c/9b2f97d1.mp3" length="160529131" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4013</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah Senate President Stuart Adams is under fire for some questionable donations to his political action committee, and he's not answering a single question about it.</p><p>This week Utah Political Watch reported five individuals and companies with deep financial ties to MIDA (the Military Installation Development Authority)—the powerful unelected state agency that Adams has chaired since 2008—collectively wrote $135,000 in checks to his leadership PAC on a single day, just one week after MIDA voted to approve the massive "Wonder Valley" / Project Stratos data center in Box Elder County.</p><p>Those checks were the five largest donations in the history of Adams' PAC. And Adams has already transferred the largest sum ever from that PAC to his own campaign account, as he faces his toughest reelection primary yet.</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Stuart Adams, MIDA, Military Installation Development Authority, Adams Leadership PAC, Utah Senate President, MIDA board, Stuart Adams campaign finance, Utah Senate President Stuart Adams, Adams PAC donations, Project Stratos, Wonder Valley data center, Kevin O'Leary data center, Box Elder County data center, Utah data center, MIDA data center, Utah AI data center, northern Utah data center, Wonder Valley Utah, Utah Legislature, Utah politics, Utah political corruption, Utah ethics violations, Utah accountability journalism, Utah government, 2026 Utah elections, Utah Political Watch, utahpolitics.news, Utah politics podcast, Utah politics livestream, independent journalism Utah, reader funded journalism</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Trevor Lee and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week</title>
      <itunes:episode>59</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>59</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Trevor Lee and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/59</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Rep. Trevor Lee had a very, very bad week. He lost the Davis County GOP convention vote to Bob Stevenson. That came a few days after a website dropped with serious fraud allegations from two former employers. One features a signed confession of check fraud. The other involves explosive claims that Lee tried to use his legislative office to help steer a federal contract at Hill Air Force Base in exchange for retiring a $93,000 personal debt he owed to his employer.</p><p>The CD1 Democratic primary is getting more complicated by the day. What started as a two-person race is now a likely four- or five-way contest heading into convention weekend. Why Ben McAdams is the clear frontrunner—cash, name ID, and a district that's not as progressive as some assume—and why old online posts from Nate Blouin attacking the LDS church could be a serious liability in November, regardless of what happens in the primary.</p><p>Plus: Celeste Maloy qualifies for the CD3 primary via signatures while Phil Lyman races the clock; the legislature's investigation of Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen and what it's really about; Ken Ivory's close call in HD39; a preview of the state Republican and Democratic conventions; and Bryan's evening at the Bruce Springsteen show in Phoenix.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Rep. Trevor Lee had a very, very bad week. He lost the Davis County GOP convention vote to Bob Stevenson. That came a few days after a website dropped with serious fraud allegations from two former employers. One features a signed confession of check fraud. The other involves explosive claims that Lee tried to use his legislative office to help steer a federal contract at Hill Air Force Base in exchange for retiring a $93,000 personal debt he owed to his employer.</p><p>The CD1 Democratic primary is getting more complicated by the day. What started as a two-person race is now a likely four- or five-way contest heading into convention weekend. Why Ben McAdams is the clear frontrunner—cash, name ID, and a district that's not as progressive as some assume—and why old online posts from Nate Blouin attacking the LDS church could be a serious liability in November, regardless of what happens in the primary.</p><p>Plus: Celeste Maloy qualifies for the CD3 primary via signatures while Phil Lyman races the clock; the legislature's investigation of Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen and what it's really about; Ken Ivory's close call in HD39; a preview of the state Republican and Democratic conventions; and Bryan's evening at the Bruce Springsteen show in Phoenix.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:09:49 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/4fe175a3/b4518d35.mp3" length="185606250" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4639</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Rep. Trevor Lee had a very, very bad week. He lost the Davis County GOP convention vote to Bob Stevenson. That came a few days after a website dropped with serious fraud allegations from two former employers. One features a signed confession of check fraud. The other involves explosive claims that Lee tried to use his legislative office to help steer a federal contract at Hill Air Force Base in exchange for retiring a $93,000 personal debt he owed to his employer.</p><p>The CD1 Democratic primary is getting more complicated by the day. What started as a two-person race is now a likely four- or five-way contest heading into convention weekend. Why Ben McAdams is the clear frontrunner—cash, name ID, and a district that's not as progressive as some assume—and why old online posts from Nate Blouin attacking the LDS church could be a serious liability in November, regardless of what happens in the primary.</p><p>Plus: Celeste Maloy qualifies for the CD3 primary via signatures while Phil Lyman races the clock; the legislature's investigation of Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen and what it's really about; Ken Ivory's close call in HD39; a preview of the state Republican and Democratic conventions; and Bryan's evening at the Bruce Springsteen show in Phoenix.</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah politics, Trevor Lee, fraud allegations, quid pro quo, Davis County Convention, Bob Stevenson, Nate Blouin, CD1 Democratic primary, Ben McAdams, Leban Muhammad, Celeste Malloy, Phil Lyman, congressional race Utah, LDS church, Utah Legislature, Diana Hagen, Supreme Court Utah, redistricting, Utah Political Watch, Bryan Schott, Special Session podcast, Utah elections 2026, Republican state convention, Davis County GOP, Ken Ivory, HD39, Senate District 18, Dan McKay, Utah accountability journalism, independent journalism Utah</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/4fe175a3/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Doxxing voters for the low price of $1,050</title>
      <itunes:episode>58</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>58</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Doxxing voters for the low price of $1,050</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/58</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode: </p><ul><li>a last-minute U.S.-Iran ceasefire</li><li>the beginning of convention season</li><li>Utah's looming voter privacy rollback</li><li>Sen. Mike Lee's rumored AG buzz</li><li>and the subscriber-exclusive debut of the Utah Political Watch Race Ratings system.</li></ul><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode: </p><ul><li>a last-minute U.S.-Iran ceasefire</li><li>the beginning of convention season</li><li>Utah's looming voter privacy rollback</li><li>Sen. Mike Lee's rumored AG buzz</li><li>and the subscriber-exclusive debut of the Utah Political Watch Race Ratings system.</li></ul><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:02:06 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/c7a20d36/cecc62fe.mp3" length="144693927" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3617</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode: </p><ul><li>a last-minute U.S.-Iran ceasefire</li><li>the beginning of convention season</li><li>Utah's looming voter privacy rollback</li><li>Sen. Mike Lee's rumored AG buzz</li><li>and the subscriber-exclusive debut of the Utah Political Watch Race Ratings system.</li></ul><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The most uninspiring dorks on the planet</title>
      <itunes:episode>57</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>57</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The most uninspiring dorks on the planet</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">382512d9-7441-4085-a8d4-e184a93e0b46</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/57</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Another busy week in Utah politics: </p><ul><li>Breaking down a new poll in CD1</li><li>Candidates are facing signature-gathering deadlines</li><li>Prop. 4 failed to qualify for the ballot—what happens next?</li><li>The map that could end Celeste Maloy's career</li><li>SCOTUS rules against Colorado's ban on conversion therapy, but experts say it shouldn't impact Utah's ban.</li></ul><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Another busy week in Utah politics: </p><ul><li>Breaking down a new poll in CD1</li><li>Candidates are facing signature-gathering deadlines</li><li>Prop. 4 failed to qualify for the ballot—what happens next?</li><li>The map that could end Celeste Maloy's career</li><li>SCOTUS rules against Colorado's ban on conversion therapy, but experts say it shouldn't impact Utah's ban.</li></ul><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:25:58 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/3c59edcf/277d1c68.mp3" length="94059460" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4516</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Another busy week in Utah politics: </p><ul><li>Breaking down a new poll in CD1</li><li>Candidates are facing signature-gathering deadlines</li><li>Prop. 4 failed to qualify for the ballot—what happens next?</li><li>The map that could end Celeste Maloy's career</li><li>SCOTUS rules against Colorado's ban on conversion therapy, but experts say it shouldn't impact Utah's ban.</li></ul><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Livestream replay: Avoiding an aggressive ass paddling at the polls</title>
      <itunes:episode>56</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>56</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Livestream replay: Avoiding an aggressive ass paddling at the polls</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">a458b043-6c40-4136-a1ca-b99a9bcfc6f5</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/56</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this replay of a livestream recorded on March 24, 2026, we cover a lot of political news: Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall's creative legal gambit to potentially block a proposed ICE detention facility using water conservation rules; the razor-thin status of the Prop 4 repeal signature campaign with one Senate district teetering on the edge; the congressional races in Utah's new House districts; the unintended consequences of the Utah Republican Party's new one-year registration rule; Sen. Mike Lee's SAVE Act and the Lieutenant Governor's pushback; and more listener Q&amp;A.</p><p><strong>Topics &amp; Timestamps</strong><br><strong><br></strong>[00:00] — Introduction<br>[00:05:58] — SLC’s Water Ordinance Gambit to Block ICE Facility[00:14:50] — Prop 4 Repeal Update: Life Support in SD-15<br>[00:22:01] — Congressional Races: CD2 (Moore vs. Lisonbee) &amp; CD3 (Lyman vs. Maloy)<br>[00:35:24] — The GOP’s One-Year Registration Rule: Unintended Consequences<br>[00:45:55] — Lt. Governor Henderson Pushes Back on Mike Lee’s SAVE Act<br>[01:05:30] — Closing &amp; The Press Credential Lawsuit Update<strong></strong></p><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this replay of a livestream recorded on March 24, 2026, we cover a lot of political news: Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall's creative legal gambit to potentially block a proposed ICE detention facility using water conservation rules; the razor-thin status of the Prop 4 repeal signature campaign with one Senate district teetering on the edge; the congressional races in Utah's new House districts; the unintended consequences of the Utah Republican Party's new one-year registration rule; Sen. Mike Lee's SAVE Act and the Lieutenant Governor's pushback; and more listener Q&amp;A.</p><p><strong>Topics &amp; Timestamps</strong><br><strong><br></strong>[00:00] — Introduction<br>[00:05:58] — SLC’s Water Ordinance Gambit to Block ICE Facility[00:14:50] — Prop 4 Repeal Update: Life Support in SD-15<br>[00:22:01] — Congressional Races: CD2 (Moore vs. Lisonbee) &amp; CD3 (Lyman vs. Maloy)<br>[00:35:24] — The GOP’s One-Year Registration Rule: Unintended Consequences<br>[00:45:55] — Lt. Governor Henderson Pushes Back on Mike Lee’s SAVE Act<br>[01:05:30] — Closing &amp; The Press Credential Lawsuit Update<strong></strong></p><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:50:59 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/fe8e9bff/12fbed64.mp3" length="81246326" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4101</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this replay of a livestream recorded on March 24, 2026, we cover a lot of political news: Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall's creative legal gambit to potentially block a proposed ICE detention facility using water conservation rules; the razor-thin status of the Prop 4 repeal signature campaign with one Senate district teetering on the edge; the congressional races in Utah's new House districts; the unintended consequences of the Utah Republican Party's new one-year registration rule; Sen. Mike Lee's SAVE Act and the Lieutenant Governor's pushback; and more listener Q&amp;A.</p><p><strong>Topics &amp; Timestamps</strong><br><strong><br></strong>[00:00] — Introduction<br>[00:05:58] — SLC’s Water Ordinance Gambit to Block ICE Facility[00:14:50] — Prop 4 Repeal Update: Life Support in SD-15<br>[00:22:01] — Congressional Races: CD2 (Moore vs. Lisonbee) &amp; CD3 (Lyman vs. Maloy)<br>[00:35:24] — The GOP’s One-Year Registration Rule: Unintended Consequences<br>[00:45:55] — Lt. Governor Henderson Pushes Back on Mike Lee’s SAVE Act<br>[01:05:30] — Closing &amp; The Press Credential Lawsuit Update<strong></strong></p><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah politics, Utah Political Watch, Bryan Schott, ICE detention facility Salt Lake City, Prop 4 Utah repeal, Utah Proposition 4, Utah legislature, Erin Mendenhall, Mike Lee SAVE Act, Utah signature gathering, Utah Republican Party, Blake Moore, Karianne Lisonbee, Celeste Malloy, Phil Lyman, Utah congressional race 2026, Lieutenant Governor Henderson, Utah water rights, SB 54 Utah, Utah election 2026, independent journalism Utah</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Navigating the Final Week of the 2026 Utah Legislature</title>
      <itunes:episode>55</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>55</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Navigating the Final Week of the 2026 Utah Legislature</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">658b18ae-3894-484c-9516-51c9ba6ff4c5</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/55</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This episode is from the March 2, 2026 livestream:</p><ul><li>The Utah legislature is in its final week, with significant discussions on the state budget and tax cuts.</li><li>Proposition 4 has qualified for the ballot, but signature removal efforts are ongoing and contentious.</li><li>Legislative shenanigans are evident in the handling of various bills, including those related to transgender youth and immigration.</li><li>Tax cuts are being prioritized despite budget constraints, benefiting primarily high-income earners.</li><li>The upcoming election season is shaping up to be competitive, with potential shifts in party representation.</li></ul><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This episode is from the March 2, 2026 livestream:</p><ul><li>The Utah legislature is in its final week, with significant discussions on the state budget and tax cuts.</li><li>Proposition 4 has qualified for the ballot, but signature removal efforts are ongoing and contentious.</li><li>Legislative shenanigans are evident in the handling of various bills, including those related to transgender youth and immigration.</li><li>Tax cuts are being prioritized despite budget constraints, benefiting primarily high-income earners.</li><li>The upcoming election season is shaping up to be competitive, with potential shifts in party representation.</li></ul><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:40:38 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/63e7f67c/5ff1f820.mp3" length="69719134" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4355</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>This episode is from the March 2, 2026 livestream:</p><ul><li>The Utah legislature is in its final week, with significant discussions on the state budget and tax cuts.</li><li>Proposition 4 has qualified for the ballot, but signature removal efforts are ongoing and contentious.</li><li>Legislative shenanigans are evident in the handling of various bills, including those related to transgender youth and immigration.</li><li>Tax cuts are being prioritized despite budget constraints, benefiting primarily high-income earners.</li><li>The upcoming election season is shaping up to be competitive, with potential shifts in party representation.</li></ul><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah legislature, Proposition 4, tax cuts, judicial censure, legislative updates, political landscape, budget implications, election season</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>They need to get the math turned around real fast</title>
      <itunes:episode>54</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>54</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>They need to get the math turned around real fast</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">ee7ad611-1ab7-4749-80c8-73114e7e428c</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/54</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this recording of our livestream from Jan. 26, 2026, we break down the numbers on Utah's Prop 4 repeal effort—and they're not looking good for signature gatherers. With just 20 days left and barely 40% of their statewide goal met, even Trump's endorsement might not be enough to save the anti-gerrymandering law repeal campaign. </p><p>Plus: Why is the Supreme Court expansion bill going to the Business and Labor Committee instead of Judiciary? We explain the legislative chess moves and timing issues around SB 134. Also covered: Senator John Curtis calls for an independent ICE investigation, new bills targeting Pride flags and voter registration, and the legislature's plan to cut taxes while slashing higher ed funding by $94 million.</p><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this recording of our livestream from Jan. 26, 2026, we break down the numbers on Utah's Prop 4 repeal effort—and they're not looking good for signature gatherers. With just 20 days left and barely 40% of their statewide goal met, even Trump's endorsement might not be enough to save the anti-gerrymandering law repeal campaign. </p><p>Plus: Why is the Supreme Court expansion bill going to the Business and Labor Committee instead of Judiciary? We explain the legislative chess moves and timing issues around SB 134. Also covered: Senator John Curtis calls for an independent ICE investigation, new bills targeting Pride flags and voter registration, and the legislature's plan to cut taxes while slashing higher ed funding by $94 million.</p><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:20:07 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/f63dcb68/7e5f9b7f.mp3" length="93641118" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2340</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this recording of our livestream from Jan. 26, 2026, we break down the numbers on Utah's Prop 4 repeal effort—and they're not looking good for signature gatherers. With just 20 days left and barely 40% of their statewide goal met, even Trump's endorsement might not be enough to save the anti-gerrymandering law repeal campaign. </p><p>Plus: Why is the Supreme Court expansion bill going to the Business and Labor Committee instead of Judiciary? We explain the legislative chess moves and timing issues around SB 134. Also covered: Senator John Curtis calls for an independent ICE investigation, new bills targeting Pride flags and voter registration, and the legislature's plan to cut taxes while slashing higher ed funding by $94 million.</p><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The "blanket fort situation room"</title>
      <itunes:episode>53</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>53</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The "blanket fort situation room"</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">ecb48e98-9464-49fa-b881-f74640db4b19</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/53</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>On this episode of Special Session:</p><ul><li>The most competitive legislative races in the 2026 midterms.</li><li>Senate President Stuart Adams is in the political fight of his life.</li><li>Redistricting court battle update.</li><li>Will Utah's members of Congress push back on Trump's military action in Venezuela?</li></ul><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>On this episode of Special Session:</p><ul><li>The most competitive legislative races in the 2026 midterms.</li><li>Senate President Stuart Adams is in the political fight of his life.</li><li>Redistricting court battle update.</li><li>Will Utah's members of Congress push back on Trump's military action in Venezuela?</li></ul><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 14:30:56 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/069cc025/f6ec2e45.mp3" length="144931022" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3623</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>On this episode of Special Session:</p><ul><li>The most competitive legislative races in the 2026 midterms.</li><li>Senate President Stuart Adams is in the political fight of his life.</li><li>Redistricting court battle update.</li><li>Will Utah's members of Congress push back on Trump's military action in Venezuela?</li></ul><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Politico's Jonathan Martin on why Spencer Cox should run for president (and why it's not about winning)</title>
      <itunes:episode>52</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>52</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Politico's Jonathan Martin on why Spencer Cox should run for president (and why it's not about winning)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">6735024d-82a7-41e4-bd59-679fc3ac4e27</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/52</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Politico's Jonathan Martin joins the show to discuss his provocative argument that Utah Governor Spencer Cox should mount a 2028 presidential campaign focused on tech regulation and AI. But this isn't about winning the White House—it's about forcing a critical issue into the national conversation.</p><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Politico's Jonathan Martin joins the show to discuss his provocative argument that Utah Governor Spencer Cox should mount a 2028 presidential campaign focused on tech regulation and AI. But this isn't about winning the White House—it's about forcing a critical issue into the national conversation.</p><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:09:10 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/775aa4c4/d28ced00.mp3" length="55359252" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1383</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Politico's Jonathan Martin joins the show to discuss his provocative argument that Utah Governor Spencer Cox should mount a 2028 presidential campaign focused on tech regulation and AI. But this isn't about winning the White House—it's about forcing a critical issue into the national conversation.</p><p>📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up: <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news"><strong>podcast@utahpolitics.news</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens"><strong>TikTok</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics"><strong>Threads</strong></a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics"><strong>X/Twitter</strong></a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Spencer Cox, presidential run, technology regulation, political landscape, AI, voter sentiment, big tech, bipartisan politics, Utah politics, Jonathan Martin</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Derek Kitchen on his congressional run and fighting for Salt Lake City's voice in Washington</title>
      <itunes:episode>51</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>51</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Derek Kitchen on his congressional run and fighting for Salt Lake City's voice in Washington</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">1641b68d-6170-46b0-a9da-21c82d014d26</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/51</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Former Utah State Senator Derek Kitchen joins the podcast to discuss his campaign for Utah's Congressional District 1 and why he believes Salt Lake City deserves stronger representation in Washington.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Former Utah State Senator Derek Kitchen joins the podcast to discuss his campaign for Utah's Congressional District 1 and why he believes Salt Lake City deserves stronger representation in Washington.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:56:21 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/0a7ab41a/ce8ae537.mp3" length="52182601" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1304</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Former Utah State Senator Derek Kitchen joins the podcast to discuss his campaign for Utah's Congressional District 1 and why he believes Salt Lake City deserves stronger representation in Washington.</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Playing Calvinball with redistricting</title>
      <itunes:episode>50</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>50</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Playing Calvinball with redistricting</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">9dddac5c-4f39-4e32-8788-92b734333fb9</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/50</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p><strong>Special Session Recap:</strong> Legislature moves congressional filing deadline to buy time for redistricting appeal; changes court rules so election lawsuits go directly to Utah Supreme Court.</p><p><strong>Union Busting Bill Repeal:</strong> Strategic retreat—lawmakers feared giving voters an incentive to show up at the polls in 2026 when they have two ballot measures they want passed.</p><p><strong>The Phil Lyman Provision:</strong> New rule allowing weekly signature packet submissions—designed to undercut conspiracy theories about Governor Cox's 2024 primary win.</p><p><strong>Taxpayer-Funded Retreat:</strong> House Republicans spent $26,584 at Zermatt Resort; $10,000+ on catering alone for 51 lawmakers and staff.</p><p><strong>U of U Athletics Deal:</strong> Private equity move to stay competitive in evolving college sports landscape.</p><p><strong>Subscribe &amp; Support:</strong> </p><p>🎧 Find the podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen </p><p>📰 Subscribe at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a> — 20% off your first year right now.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news">podcast@utahpolitics.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p><strong>Special Session Recap:</strong> Legislature moves congressional filing deadline to buy time for redistricting appeal; changes court rules so election lawsuits go directly to Utah Supreme Court.</p><p><strong>Union Busting Bill Repeal:</strong> Strategic retreat—lawmakers feared giving voters an incentive to show up at the polls in 2026 when they have two ballot measures they want passed.</p><p><strong>The Phil Lyman Provision:</strong> New rule allowing weekly signature packet submissions—designed to undercut conspiracy theories about Governor Cox's 2024 primary win.</p><p><strong>Taxpayer-Funded Retreat:</strong> House Republicans spent $26,584 at Zermatt Resort; $10,000+ on catering alone for 51 lawmakers and staff.</p><p><strong>U of U Athletics Deal:</strong> Private equity move to stay competitive in evolving college sports landscape.</p><p><strong>Subscribe &amp; Support:</strong> </p><p>🎧 Find the podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen </p><p>📰 Subscribe at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a> — 20% off your first year right now.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news">podcast@utahpolitics.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 10:55:24 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/270ff559/72f5b023.mp3" length="108554706" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2713</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p><strong>Special Session Recap:</strong> Legislature moves congressional filing deadline to buy time for redistricting appeal; changes court rules so election lawsuits go directly to Utah Supreme Court.</p><p><strong>Union Busting Bill Repeal:</strong> Strategic retreat—lawmakers feared giving voters an incentive to show up at the polls in 2026 when they have two ballot measures they want passed.</p><p><strong>The Phil Lyman Provision:</strong> New rule allowing weekly signature packet submissions—designed to undercut conspiracy theories about Governor Cox's 2024 primary win.</p><p><strong>Taxpayer-Funded Retreat:</strong> House Republicans spent $26,584 at Zermatt Resort; $10,000+ on catering alone for 51 lawmakers and staff.</p><p><strong>U of U Athletics Deal:</strong> Private equity move to stay competitive in evolving college sports landscape.</p><p><strong>Subscribe &amp; Support:</strong> </p><p>🎧 Find the podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen </p><p>📰 Subscribe at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news"><strong>UtahPolitics.news</strong></a> — 20% off your first year right now.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news">podcast@utahpolitics.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ben McAdams on his congressional comeback</title>
      <itunes:episode>49</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>49</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Ben McAdams on his congressional comeback</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">65306ff9-60ed-4f11-b2c9-167f274369a4</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/49</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Former Democratic Congressman Ben McAdams joins Special Session to discuss his return to politics with a run for Congress in Utah's newly drawn 1st Congressional District. The former congressman opens up about what motivated him to get back in the arena, how he plans to build a winning coalition in a district that's Democratic-leaning but not majority-Democratic, and his response to critics still upset about his role in the 2022 McMullin-Lee Senate race.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Former Democratic Congressman Ben McAdams joins Special Session to discuss his return to politics with a run for Congress in Utah's newly drawn 1st Congressional District. The former congressman opens up about what motivated him to get back in the arena, how he plans to build a winning coalition in a district that's Democratic-leaning but not majority-Democratic, and his response to critics still upset about his role in the 2022 McMullin-Lee Senate race.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:11:55 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/6e1055ff/232e4b0d.mp3" length="72571030" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1814</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Former Democratic Congressman Ben McAdams joins Special Session to discuss his return to politics with a run for Congress in Utah's newly drawn 1st Congressional District. The former congressman opens up about what motivated him to get back in the arena, how he plans to build a winning coalition in a district that's Democratic-leaning but not majority-Democratic, and his response to critics still upset about his role in the 2022 McMullin-Lee Senate race.</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Ben McAdams, Ben McAdams 2026, Ben McAdams running for Congress, Utah Congressional race 2026, Utah redistricting, Utah congressional maps, Utah gerrymandering, Utah Democrats 2026, Utah midterm elections, Ben McAdams interview</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>"People want fighters right now." Sen. Nate Blouin on his congressional campaign</title>
      <itunes:episode>48</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>48</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>"People want fighters right now." Sen. Nate Blouin on his congressional campaign</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">bba1c67b-dae0-4c23-b7f0-7790606858bb</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/48</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>State Sen. Nate Blouin (D-Salt Lake City) joins the show to discuss his bid for Congress in Utah's new 1st Congressional District created by Judge Diana Gibson's ruling last month. </p><p><br><strong>WHY HE'S RUNNING</strong> <br>Blouin positions himself as a fighter with a track record of pushing back against the supermajority. He says the new D+14 district aligns with his progressive values and sees an opportunity to be part of a potential Democratic House majority in 2026. "People want fighters right now. People are frustrated with what they're seeing out of DC."</p><p><strong>WHAT A DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY COULD DO</strong> <br>Even with a Republican Senate and Trump in the White House, Blouin says Democrats could hold the line through oversight — including personally investigating the ICE facility in West Valley City. He points to Trump's approval rating (around 35%) and says the priority would be slowing authoritarian overreach while pushing popular policies like Medicare for All and a higher minimum wage.</p><p><strong>THE YOUTH MOVEMENT</strong> <br>Blouin sees energy in Utah's young Democratic bench and invokes Zohran Mamdani's campaign style as a model — high-energy, ground-focused, authentic. He won his state Senate primary by 50 points in 2022 through door-knocking and plans to bring that same approach to a compact congressional district.</p><p><strong>PATHWAY TO THE NOMINATION</strong> <br>"We're gonna win convention and we're gonna gather signatures. That's the plan."</p><p>Blouin's website: <a href="https://www.nateforutah.com/">nateforutah.com</a></p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/">UtahPolitics.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news">podcast@utahpolitics.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>State Sen. Nate Blouin (D-Salt Lake City) joins the show to discuss his bid for Congress in Utah's new 1st Congressional District created by Judge Diana Gibson's ruling last month. </p><p><br><strong>WHY HE'S RUNNING</strong> <br>Blouin positions himself as a fighter with a track record of pushing back against the supermajority. He says the new D+14 district aligns with his progressive values and sees an opportunity to be part of a potential Democratic House majority in 2026. "People want fighters right now. People are frustrated with what they're seeing out of DC."</p><p><strong>WHAT A DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY COULD DO</strong> <br>Even with a Republican Senate and Trump in the White House, Blouin says Democrats could hold the line through oversight — including personally investigating the ICE facility in West Valley City. He points to Trump's approval rating (around 35%) and says the priority would be slowing authoritarian overreach while pushing popular policies like Medicare for All and a higher minimum wage.</p><p><strong>THE YOUTH MOVEMENT</strong> <br>Blouin sees energy in Utah's young Democratic bench and invokes Zohran Mamdani's campaign style as a model — high-energy, ground-focused, authentic. He won his state Senate primary by 50 points in 2022 through door-knocking and plans to bring that same approach to a compact congressional district.</p><p><strong>PATHWAY TO THE NOMINATION</strong> <br>"We're gonna win convention and we're gonna gather signatures. That's the plan."</p><p>Blouin's website: <a href="https://www.nateforutah.com/">nateforutah.com</a></p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/">UtahPolitics.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news">podcast@utahpolitics.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:54:31 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/dc719c4e/76a61e1f.mp3" length="55238269" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1380</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>State Sen. Nate Blouin (D-Salt Lake City) joins the show to discuss his bid for Congress in Utah's new 1st Congressional District created by Judge Diana Gibson's ruling last month. </p><p><br><strong>WHY HE'S RUNNING</strong> <br>Blouin positions himself as a fighter with a track record of pushing back against the supermajority. He says the new D+14 district aligns with his progressive values and sees an opportunity to be part of a potential Democratic House majority in 2026. "People want fighters right now. People are frustrated with what they're seeing out of DC."</p><p><strong>WHAT A DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY COULD DO</strong> <br>Even with a Republican Senate and Trump in the White House, Blouin says Democrats could hold the line through oversight — including personally investigating the ICE facility in West Valley City. He points to Trump's approval rating (around 35%) and says the priority would be slowing authoritarian overreach while pushing popular policies like Medicare for All and a higher minimum wage.</p><p><strong>THE YOUTH MOVEMENT</strong> <br>Blouin sees energy in Utah's young Democratic bench and invokes Zohran Mamdani's campaign style as a model — high-energy, ground-focused, authentic. He won his state Senate primary by 50 points in 2022 through door-knocking and plans to bring that same approach to a compact congressional district.</p><p><strong>PATHWAY TO THE NOMINATION</strong> <br>"We're gonna win convention and we're gonna gather signatures. That's the plan."</p><p>Blouin's website: <a href="https://www.nateforutah.com/">nateforutah.com</a></p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/">UtahPolitics.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news">podcast@utahpolitics.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Nate Blouin, Bernie Sanders, Ben McAdams, Utah politics, Salt Lake City, Utah Congress, Utah 1st Congressional District, 2026 election, congressional race, redistricting, gerrymandering, Utah Democrats, progressive, Democratic primary, House of Representatives</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Will the maps stand?</title>
      <itunes:episode>47</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>47</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Will the maps stand?</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">80efb9b3-12ab-41cc-8076-4ad0ea6e5ddc</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/47</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, Bryan Schott breaks down the latest developments in Utah's congressional redistricting battle, the GOP's million-dollar signature gathering effort, and what's shaping up to be a crowded Democratic primary in the new CD1. Plus, an update on the federal lawsuit over press credentials at the Utah State Legislature.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/">UtahPolitics.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news">podcast@utahpolitics.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, Bryan Schott breaks down the latest developments in Utah's congressional redistricting battle, the GOP's million-dollar signature gathering effort, and what's shaping up to be a crowded Democratic primary in the new CD1. Plus, an update on the federal lawsuit over press credentials at the Utah State Legislature.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/">UtahPolitics.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news">podcast@utahpolitics.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:05:22 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/ddd9a690/9f2c1506.mp3" length="153792769" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/uxDyNtXp1UozbcvtUIgOWa5k4dTPpZ7uUuhSbBrQTW4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9jZDA5/MjRlMjQzNDMzNTIx/OWM1YmY5NGVhMWZk/OGI0ZS5wbmc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>3844</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, Bryan Schott breaks down the latest developments in Utah's congressional redistricting battle, the GOP's million-dollar signature gathering effort, and what's shaping up to be a crowded Democratic primary in the new CD1. Plus, an update on the federal lawsuit over press credentials at the Utah State Legislature.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/">UtahPolitics.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news">podcast@utahpolitics.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>I feel like Dora the Explorer</title>
      <itunes:episode>46</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>46</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>I feel like Dora the Explorer</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">2c624582-4281-4635-b35b-dcfcbe72a7bc</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/46</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah's political landscape was transformed overnight when Judge Dianna Gibson implemented a new congressional map that could dramatically change the state's representation in Washington. Host Bryan Schott breaks down the ruling, analyzes the political fallout, and explores what comes next.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/">UtahPolitics.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news">podcast@utahpolitics.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah's political landscape was transformed overnight when Judge Dianna Gibson implemented a new congressional map that could dramatically change the state's representation in Washington. Host Bryan Schott breaks down the ruling, analyzes the political fallout, and explores what comes next.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/">UtahPolitics.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news">podcast@utahpolitics.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 16:19:09 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/e2a92664/f886ec44.mp3" length="175671215" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4391</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah's political landscape was transformed overnight when Judge Dianna Gibson implemented a new congressional map that could dramatically change the state's representation in Washington. Host Bryan Schott breaks down the ruling, analyzes the political fallout, and explores what comes next.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://utahpolitics.news/">UtahPolitics.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpolitics.news">podcast@utahpolitics.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah congressional map 2025, Utah redistricting ruling, Judge Diana Gibson Utah, Utah gerrymandering case, Salt Lake County congressional district, Utah politics news, Utah congressional districts, Utah political map, Ben McAdams, Burgess Owens Utah, Blake Moore congressman, Mike Kennedy Utah Congress, Celeste Maloy congress, Deidre Henderson lieutenant governor, Matt MacPherson Utah representative, Prop 4 Utah, Better Boundaries initiative, Utah judge impeachment, Utah redistricting lawsuit, Utah redistricting news, Utah congressional map update, Utah politics breaking news</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Schrodinger's voter fraud</title>
      <itunes:episode>45</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>45</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Schrodinger's voter fraud</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">264549a2-ec1a-4f3a-ae67-b1818353fc64</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/45</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>On this episode, we unpack Ben McAdams' likely run for Congress, the GOP’s referendum retreat on redistricting, and why two new “competitive” districts might actually be R+2 and R+6 by design. Plus: a wild lawsuit to overturn SB54 and oust elected officials from office, a trio of eyebrow-raising Utah County GOP resolutions, and could Sen. Mike Lee be eyeing the top spot at the Heritage Foundation?</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up at <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpoliticalwatch.news">podcast@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>On this episode, we unpack Ben McAdams' likely run for Congress, the GOP’s referendum retreat on redistricting, and why two new “competitive” districts might actually be R+2 and R+6 by design. Plus: a wild lawsuit to overturn SB54 and oust elected officials from office, a trio of eyebrow-raising Utah County GOP resolutions, and could Sen. Mike Lee be eyeing the top spot at the Heritage Foundation?</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up at <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpoliticalwatch.news">podcast@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:55:21 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/03d21ed5/215e8348.mp3" length="128044651" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3200</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>On this episode, we unpack Ben McAdams' likely run for Congress, the GOP’s referendum retreat on redistricting, and why two new “competitive” districts might actually be R+2 and R+6 by design. Plus: a wild lawsuit to overturn SB54 and oust elected officials from office, a trio of eyebrow-raising Utah County GOP resolutions, and could Sen. Mike Lee be eyeing the top spot at the Heritage Foundation?</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up at <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpoliticalwatch.news">podcast@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Ben McAdams, Utah redistricting, Utah congressional maps, Burgess Owens, Utah GOP referendum, SB54, signature gathering Utah, Phil Lyman lawsuit, Utah County GOP resolutions, Dignity Index Utah, climate change resolution Utah, voter file Utah, Karianne Lisonbee, Utah delegates, Prop 4 repeal, Spencer Cox, Deidre Henderson, John Curtis, Heritage Foundation, Kevin Roberts, Mike Lee</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>"The Press Room" replay (subscriber-exclusive livestream sample)</title>
      <itunes:episode>44</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>44</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>"The Press Room" replay (subscriber-exclusive livestream sample)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">8a6539dd-eb7b-498a-b052-0847f2ae3489</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/44</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this replay of our subscriber-only livestream from 11/03/2025, we walk through the Lyman-aligned federal lawsuit to overturn Utah election results by attacking SB 54’s signature-gathering path, Mike Lee’s latest outrage cycle over a non-story, fraud and domestic-incident allegations surrounding former Iron County GOP chair Blake Cozzens, the latest from Utah's redistricting lawsuit and the 2026 chessboard with Democrat Ben McAdams edging toward another run for Congress.</p><p>Subscribe for just $5 a month to listen and participate in our subscriber-exclusive livestream at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a>.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this replay of our subscriber-only livestream from 11/03/2025, we walk through the Lyman-aligned federal lawsuit to overturn Utah election results by attacking SB 54’s signature-gathering path, Mike Lee’s latest outrage cycle over a non-story, fraud and domestic-incident allegations surrounding former Iron County GOP chair Blake Cozzens, the latest from Utah's redistricting lawsuit and the 2026 chessboard with Democrat Ben McAdams edging toward another run for Congress.</p><p>Subscribe for just $5 a month to listen and participate in our subscriber-exclusive livestream at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a>.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:18:43 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/deb3f12e/003e231e.mp3" length="16526348" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/aqG0J7ysCoc7lURfmfwqV-r-gveyGomm4010FIU3Efo/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS84NTk5/ZmFkZjhlZTlkNzlk/OTM1YjliOTNjZWVk/YjBjNy5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>412</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this replay of our subscriber-only livestream from 11/03/2025, we walk through the Lyman-aligned federal lawsuit to overturn Utah election results by attacking SB 54’s signature-gathering path, Mike Lee’s latest outrage cycle over a non-story, fraud and domestic-incident allegations surrounding former Iron County GOP chair Blake Cozzens, the latest from Utah's redistricting lawsuit and the 2026 chessboard with Democrat Ben McAdams edging toward another run for Congress.</p><p>Subscribe for just $5 a month to listen and participate in our subscriber-exclusive livestream at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a>.</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A pretzel of financial shenanigans</title>
      <itunes:episode>43</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>43</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>A pretzel of financial shenanigans</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">9a2ecd82-c10f-485a-a28b-7fff8f5b37b4</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/43</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week in Utah politics: dark money, taxpayer funded PR campaign and a massive homeless campus.</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/us/politics/utah-trump-homeless-campus.html">Mega “service campus” for the homeless near SLC airport</a>: 16 acres, up to 1,300 beds, involuntary commitments, forced treatment. Civil liberties alarms vs. “we have to do something.” Cox does damage control via a friendly outlet, swatting Nazi comparisons.<p></p></li><li><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/is-utahs-house-speaker-using-taxpayer-money-to-target-judge-in-gerrymandering-case/">House PR machine on your dime</a>: Speaker Schultz’s glossy videos produced by a paid outside firm (Northbound Strategy ~$6k/month, &gt;$215k since ’23). Posted first to his personal accounts, then amplified by official channels. ROI? Shrug. Also: his video flirting with threats against the judge.<p></p></li><li><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/pac-linked-to-sen-mike-lees-political-network-jumps-into-utah-school-board-race/">Dark money creeps local</a>: National Liberty Champions PAC drops into an Alpine school board race. The Mike Lee orbit—Thomas Datwyler (treasurer), Dan Hauser (L4 Consulting, lives in-district)—connects the dots. Same network fueled attacks in UT-2 primary via Constitutional Conservatives PAC.<p></p></li><li><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/pac-routed-14-200-from-christian-nationalist-pastor-to-ogden-city-council-candidate-in-scheme-to-get-around-donation-limits/">Ogden City Council shenanigans</a>: Candidate takes ~$15k from “Taxpayers PAC,” blowing past $1,500 limits. Money trace: AZ Christian nationalist pastor/funder → PAC → candidate → consultant. The consultant? He set up the PAC routing the cash back to himself. Illegal overage likely returned.<p></p></li><li>Conspiracy-to-policy pipeline: Gold-as-currency schemes pushed by fringe “experts,” and yes—another chemtrails bill incoming.</li></ul><p>Heads up: Election Day is Tuesday. If your ballot’s still on the counter, fix that.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up at <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpoliticalwatch.news">podcast@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week in Utah politics: dark money, taxpayer funded PR campaign and a massive homeless campus.</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/us/politics/utah-trump-homeless-campus.html">Mega “service campus” for the homeless near SLC airport</a>: 16 acres, up to 1,300 beds, involuntary commitments, forced treatment. Civil liberties alarms vs. “we have to do something.” Cox does damage control via a friendly outlet, swatting Nazi comparisons.<p></p></li><li><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/is-utahs-house-speaker-using-taxpayer-money-to-target-judge-in-gerrymandering-case/">House PR machine on your dime</a>: Speaker Schultz’s glossy videos produced by a paid outside firm (Northbound Strategy ~$6k/month, &gt;$215k since ’23). Posted first to his personal accounts, then amplified by official channels. ROI? Shrug. Also: his video flirting with threats against the judge.<p></p></li><li><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/pac-linked-to-sen-mike-lees-political-network-jumps-into-utah-school-board-race/">Dark money creeps local</a>: National Liberty Champions PAC drops into an Alpine school board race. The Mike Lee orbit—Thomas Datwyler (treasurer), Dan Hauser (L4 Consulting, lives in-district)—connects the dots. Same network fueled attacks in UT-2 primary via Constitutional Conservatives PAC.<p></p></li><li><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/pac-routed-14-200-from-christian-nationalist-pastor-to-ogden-city-council-candidate-in-scheme-to-get-around-donation-limits/">Ogden City Council shenanigans</a>: Candidate takes ~$15k from “Taxpayers PAC,” blowing past $1,500 limits. Money trace: AZ Christian nationalist pastor/funder → PAC → candidate → consultant. The consultant? He set up the PAC routing the cash back to himself. Illegal overage likely returned.<p></p></li><li>Conspiracy-to-policy pipeline: Gold-as-currency schemes pushed by fringe “experts,” and yes—another chemtrails bill incoming.</li></ul><p>Heads up: Election Day is Tuesday. If your ballot’s still on the counter, fix that.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up at <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpoliticalwatch.news">podcast@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:46:42 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/ad556518/b006e1ad.mp3" length="117406900" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2934</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week in Utah politics: dark money, taxpayer funded PR campaign and a massive homeless campus.</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/us/politics/utah-trump-homeless-campus.html">Mega “service campus” for the homeless near SLC airport</a>: 16 acres, up to 1,300 beds, involuntary commitments, forced treatment. Civil liberties alarms vs. “we have to do something.” Cox does damage control via a friendly outlet, swatting Nazi comparisons.<p></p></li><li><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/is-utahs-house-speaker-using-taxpayer-money-to-target-judge-in-gerrymandering-case/">House PR machine on your dime</a>: Speaker Schultz’s glossy videos produced by a paid outside firm (Northbound Strategy ~$6k/month, &gt;$215k since ’23). Posted first to his personal accounts, then amplified by official channels. ROI? Shrug. Also: his video flirting with threats against the judge.<p></p></li><li><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/pac-linked-to-sen-mike-lees-political-network-jumps-into-utah-school-board-race/">Dark money creeps local</a>: National Liberty Champions PAC drops into an Alpine school board race. The Mike Lee orbit—Thomas Datwyler (treasurer), Dan Hauser (L4 Consulting, lives in-district)—connects the dots. Same network fueled attacks in UT-2 primary via Constitutional Conservatives PAC.<p></p></li><li><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/pac-routed-14-200-from-christian-nationalist-pastor-to-ogden-city-council-candidate-in-scheme-to-get-around-donation-limits/">Ogden City Council shenanigans</a>: Candidate takes ~$15k from “Taxpayers PAC,” blowing past $1,500 limits. Money trace: AZ Christian nationalist pastor/funder → PAC → candidate → consultant. The consultant? He set up the PAC routing the cash back to himself. Illegal overage likely returned.<p></p></li><li>Conspiracy-to-policy pipeline: Gold-as-currency schemes pushed by fringe “experts,” and yes—another chemtrails bill incoming.</li></ul><p>Heads up: Election Day is Tuesday. If your ballot’s still on the counter, fix that.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up at <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpoliticalwatch.news">podcast@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah politics, Utah redistricting, Utah gerrymandering, Salt Lake City homelessness, Homeless service campus SLC, Spencer Cox, Mike Schultz, Dark money Utah, Utah school board race, Ogden City Council, Utah Legislature, Utah Medicaid cuts, Salt Lake County property tax, SNAP benefits Utah, Northbound Strategy Utah House, Liberty Champions PAC, Dan Hauser L4 Consulting, Mike Lee network Utah, Chemtrails bill Utah, Utah congressional map decision November 10, SLC airport homeless campus civil liberties, Involuntary commitment Utah homelessness plan, Taxpayer-funded PR Utah House Speaker, Dark money in Alpine school board election, Ogden campaign finance violations taxpayers PAC, Utah budget earmarks healthcare limitations, Citizens United impact on Utah elections</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Expand or extinct: Democrats' 2030 redistricting crisis</title>
      <itunes:episode>42</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>42</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Expand or extinct: Democrats' 2030 redistricting crisis</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">245ee7d5-d4f8-49b9-b89f-0dbdb6fd5302</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/42</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Run for Something's Amanda Litman explains why Democrats must invest in red states now—or face permanent minority status after 2030 redistricting<strong>.</strong></p><p>She argues that redistricting in 2030 is going to gut the already-narrow path to power for Democrats. California and New York will lose seats in Congress, while red states are gaining representation. Utah's fast-growing population means the state is in line to gain a fifth seat in the U.S. House of Representatives following the 2031 redistricting cycle.</p><p>Her organization <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/20/run-for-something-dems-invest-blue-wall-00614870">is launching a five-year plan </a>to build Democratic infrastructure in Republican strongholds like Utah, where the party's net favorability sits at a dismal negative 38 percent.</p><p>Litman says Democrats need to stop obsessing over swing states and start investing in places the party has written off for years.</p><p><strong>Run for Something:</strong> <a href="https://runforsomething.net/">RunForSomething.net</a></p><p><strong>Find Amanda on social media:</strong> @AmandaLitman or @Amandalitm</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up at <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpoliticalwatch.news">podcast@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Run for Something's Amanda Litman explains why Democrats must invest in red states now—or face permanent minority status after 2030 redistricting<strong>.</strong></p><p>She argues that redistricting in 2030 is going to gut the already-narrow path to power for Democrats. California and New York will lose seats in Congress, while red states are gaining representation. Utah's fast-growing population means the state is in line to gain a fifth seat in the U.S. House of Representatives following the 2031 redistricting cycle.</p><p>Her organization <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/20/run-for-something-dems-invest-blue-wall-00614870">is launching a five-year plan </a>to build Democratic infrastructure in Republican strongholds like Utah, where the party's net favorability sits at a dismal negative 38 percent.</p><p>Litman says Democrats need to stop obsessing over swing states and start investing in places the party has written off for years.</p><p><strong>Run for Something:</strong> <a href="https://runforsomething.net/">RunForSomething.net</a></p><p><strong>Find Amanda on social media:</strong> @AmandaLitman or @Amandalitm</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up at <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpoliticalwatch.news">podcast@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:39:16 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/2299f3ac/a86fca7b.mp3" length="53909641" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1347</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Run for Something's Amanda Litman explains why Democrats must invest in red states now—or face permanent minority status after 2030 redistricting<strong>.</strong></p><p>She argues that redistricting in 2030 is going to gut the already-narrow path to power for Democrats. California and New York will lose seats in Congress, while red states are gaining representation. Utah's fast-growing population means the state is in line to gain a fifth seat in the U.S. House of Representatives following the 2031 redistricting cycle.</p><p>Her organization <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/20/run-for-something-dems-invest-blue-wall-00614870">is launching a five-year plan </a>to build Democratic infrastructure in Republican strongholds like Utah, where the party's net favorability sits at a dismal negative 38 percent.</p><p>Litman says Democrats need to stop obsessing over swing states and start investing in places the party has written off for years.</p><p><strong>Run for Something:</strong> <a href="https://runforsomething.net/">RunForSomething.net</a></p><p><strong>Find Amanda on social media:</strong> @AmandaLitman or @Amandalitm</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><strong>Sponsor the show:</strong> Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up at <a href="mailto:podcast@utahpoliticalwatch.news">podcast@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>2030 redistricting, 2030 census redistricting, Democratic Party strategy, Run for Something, Amanda Litman, Utah Democratic Party, Republican strongholds, election strategy, Democratic Brand problems, political bench building, Evan McMullin Utah Senate, why Democrats losing House seats 2030, how to win in Republican states, Democratic Party Utah strategy</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/2299f3ac/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Utah GOP finds the redistricting UNO reverse card</title>
      <itunes:episode>41</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>41</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The Utah GOP finds the redistricting UNO reverse card</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">0788c6e6-b894-4987-aa09-17cc6528c2c3</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/41</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah Republican Party announced a dual strategy to combat court-ordered redistricting and repeal Prop 4.</p><p><strong>Referendum on Option C Map</strong> (00:04:33)</p><ul><li>GOP launching statewide referendum to overturn legislature's newly passed congressional map</li><li>Needs 134,000 signatures by November 15th</li><li>Must hit signature targets in 15 of 29 Senate districts</li></ul><p><strong>Initiative to Repeal Prop 4</strong> (00:09:05)</p><ul><li>Only needs 70,000 signatures to submit directly to legislature</li><li>Would repeal 2018 voter-approved independent redistricting commission</li><li>Gives lawmakers political cover since it comes from "the people"</li><li>Legislature likely to pass with veto-proof majority</li></ul><p><strong>Timeline Crunch</strong> (00:30:47)</p><ul><li>Court must pick new map by November 10th</li><li>Hearings scheduled October 23-24</li><li>Additional hearing November 3rd on legislature's new redistricting law (SB 101)</li><li>Multiple opportunities for delays through appeals</li></ul><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><br><strong>Buy your way in</strong>: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up at <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah Republican Party announced a dual strategy to combat court-ordered redistricting and repeal Prop 4.</p><p><strong>Referendum on Option C Map</strong> (00:04:33)</p><ul><li>GOP launching statewide referendum to overturn legislature's newly passed congressional map</li><li>Needs 134,000 signatures by November 15th</li><li>Must hit signature targets in 15 of 29 Senate districts</li></ul><p><strong>Initiative to Repeal Prop 4</strong> (00:09:05)</p><ul><li>Only needs 70,000 signatures to submit directly to legislature</li><li>Would repeal 2018 voter-approved independent redistricting commission</li><li>Gives lawmakers political cover since it comes from "the people"</li><li>Legislature likely to pass with veto-proof majority</li></ul><p><strong>Timeline Crunch</strong> (00:30:47)</p><ul><li>Court must pick new map by November 10th</li><li>Hearings scheduled October 23-24</li><li>Additional hearing November 3rd on legislature's new redistricting law (SB 101)</li><li>Multiple opportunities for delays through appeals</li></ul><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><br><strong>Buy your way in</strong>: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up at <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:24:28 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/eb3b6be8/79b93b27.mp3" length="128773319" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3219</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah Republican Party announced a dual strategy to combat court-ordered redistricting and repeal Prop 4.</p><p><strong>Referendum on Option C Map</strong> (00:04:33)</p><ul><li>GOP launching statewide referendum to overturn legislature's newly passed congressional map</li><li>Needs 134,000 signatures by November 15th</li><li>Must hit signature targets in 15 of 29 Senate districts</li></ul><p><strong>Initiative to Repeal Prop 4</strong> (00:09:05)</p><ul><li>Only needs 70,000 signatures to submit directly to legislature</li><li>Would repeal 2018 voter-approved independent redistricting commission</li><li>Gives lawmakers political cover since it comes from "the people"</li><li>Legislature likely to pass with veto-proof majority</li></ul><p><strong>Timeline Crunch</strong> (00:30:47)</p><ul><li>Court must pick new map by November 10th</li><li>Hearings scheduled October 23-24</li><li>Additional hearing November 3rd on legislature's new redistricting law (SB 101)</li><li>Multiple opportunities for delays through appeals</li></ul><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">Throw some cash in the tip jar</a> and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Get our free newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a> and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.</p><p><br><strong>Buy your way in</strong>: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up at <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Stalk us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah redistricting, Utah GOP referendum, Proposition 4 Utah, Utah Republican Party, Utah gerrymandering, Utah independent redistricting commission, Utah congressional maps 2025, how to repeal ballot initiative Utah, Utah redistricting lawsuit update, Bryan Schott Utah Political Watch, Option C Utah congressional map, Utah legislature supermajority, Utah ballot initiative process, Utah referendum requirements, Utah political news, Utah politics explained</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/eb3b6be8/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Incumbent pile-up</title>
      <itunes:episode>40</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>40</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Incumbent pile-up</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">73002b8b-50c8-4226-8f42-c97c8f21df45</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/40</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>On this episode:</p><ul><li>The judge in Utah's gerrymandering case stares down the clock.</li><li>Incumbent pile-up: All the proposed congressional maps put at least two GOP incumbents in the same district.</li><li>Registration math shows where Democrats might actually have a shot.</li></ul><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>On this episode:</p><ul><li>The judge in Utah's gerrymandering case stares down the clock.</li><li>Incumbent pile-up: All the proposed congressional maps put at least two GOP incumbents in the same district.</li><li>Registration math shows where Democrats might actually have a shot.</li></ul><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:16:31 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/5a747a39/578d2a80.mp3" length="108305123" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2707</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>On this episode:</p><ul><li>The judge in Utah's gerrymandering case stares down the clock.</li><li>Incumbent pile-up: All the proposed congressional maps put at least two GOP incumbents in the same district.</li><li>Registration math shows where Democrats might actually have a shot.</li></ul><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>utah, politics, redistricting, gerrymandering, congress, news, Burgess Owens, Blake Moore, Celeste Maloy, Mike Kennedy</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New congressional maps and legislative shenanigans</title>
      <itunes:episode>39</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>39</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>New congressional maps and legislative shenanigans</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">d8b5a81a-64a5-49be-bc74-4f4082d331b6</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/39</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Breaking down the three proposed replacement congressional maps in Utah that have been submitted to the court.</p><p>Plus, the legislative maneuvers Republicans used to fast-track a brand-new law that sets standards for evaluating those maps. Critics allege that those standards actually require the state to pass gerrymandered maps.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p><p><strong><em>Note</em></strong><em>: this is a recording of a livestream broadcast from 10/06/2025.</em></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Breaking down the three proposed replacement congressional maps in Utah that have been submitted to the court.</p><p>Plus, the legislative maneuvers Republicans used to fast-track a brand-new law that sets standards for evaluating those maps. Critics allege that those standards actually require the state to pass gerrymandered maps.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p><p><strong><em>Note</em></strong><em>: this is a recording of a livestream broadcast from 10/06/2025.</em></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:35:30 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/74639ad4/20bb6b8f.mp3" length="124919839" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3122</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Breaking down the three proposed replacement congressional maps in Utah that have been submitted to the court.</p><p>Plus, the legislative maneuvers Republicans used to fast-track a brand-new law that sets standards for evaluating those maps. Critics allege that those standards actually require the state to pass gerrymandered maps.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p><p><strong><em>Note</em></strong><em>: this is a recording of a livestream broadcast from 10/06/2025.</em></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah, redistricting, legislature, gerrymander, Republicans, politics</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Utah redistricting: Legislature set to pick map proposal "C"</title>
      <itunes:episode>38</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>38</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Utah redistricting: Legislature set to pick map proposal "C"</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">3596bf52-8c1d-4099-97be-0b7d28ce2a17</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/38</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah Republicans are pushing for the Utah Legislature to adopt map "Option C" when they meet to vote on new congressional boundaries on Monday. The map is the most pro-Republican of the five proposals put forward by lawmakers. </p><p><strong>Note</strong>: this is a recording of a livestream broadcast from 10/02/2025.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah Republicans are pushing for the Utah Legislature to adopt map "Option C" when they meet to vote on new congressional boundaries on Monday. The map is the most pro-Republican of the five proposals put forward by lawmakers. </p><p><strong>Note</strong>: this is a recording of a livestream broadcast from 10/02/2025.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:12:05 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/400709a9/b9ba0c7d.mp3" length="99009449" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2475</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah Republicans are pushing for the Utah Legislature to adopt map "Option C" when they meet to vote on new congressional boundaries on Monday. The map is the most pro-Republican of the five proposals put forward by lawmakers. </p><p><strong>Note</strong>: this is a recording of a livestream broadcast from 10/02/2025.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>utah, redistricting, legislature, maps, politics</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Utah's Map-tastrophe</title>
      <itunes:episode>37</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>37</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Utah's Map-tastrophe</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">cf86fac7-1044-4e09-b299-62fe7b527f99</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/37</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>The Utah Supreme Court denied the Utah Legislature's request for an emergency stay to keep the state's 2021 congressional maps, deemed illegal, in place. </p><p>If you needed any more proof why lawmakers want to keep control of drawing Utah's political maps, our analysis proves that all three of the maps produced by the independent commission in 2021 would have produced at least one strong Democratic district.</p><p>Republicans thought they had found a way to keep the current maps in place, but it turns out they forgot to do the reading.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The Utah Supreme Court denied the Utah Legislature's request for an emergency stay to keep the state's 2021 congressional maps, deemed illegal, in place. </p><p>If you needed any more proof why lawmakers want to keep control of drawing Utah's political maps, our analysis proves that all three of the maps produced by the independent commission in 2021 would have produced at least one strong Democratic district.</p><p>Republicans thought they had found a way to keep the current maps in place, but it turns out they forgot to do the reading.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:59:02 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/600b680c/5d5b79fd.mp3" length="59344129" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1483</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>The Utah Supreme Court denied the Utah Legislature's request for an emergency stay to keep the state's 2021 congressional maps, deemed illegal, in place. </p><p>If you needed any more proof why lawmakers want to keep control of drawing Utah's political maps, our analysis proves that all three of the maps produced by the independent commission in 2021 would have produced at least one strong Democratic district.</p><p>Republicans thought they had found a way to keep the current maps in place, but it turns out they forgot to do the reading.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Aftermath of Charlie Kirk's Assassination: A Conversation with Christopher Goldsmith</title>
      <itunes:episode>36</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>36</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The Aftermath of Charlie Kirk's Assassination: A Conversation with Christopher Goldsmith</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">321274bd-17a9-49ce-849a-522911a38408</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/36</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>We sit down with Christopher Goldsmith, an expert on disinformation and extremist tactics and the founder of Veterans Fighting Fascism. </p><p>Goldsmith, who publishes the "On Offense" Substack and co-hosts the "Find Out" podcast, discusses the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. He talks about the potential implications for democracy, the dangers posed by radicalized extremist movements, and disinformation. </p><p>Goldsmith also shares advice on how individuals can combat fascism at the local level. </p><p>00:52 Understanding Extremist Movements <br>10:20 The Role of Disinformation <br>17:01 Local Actions Against Fascism</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>We sit down with Christopher Goldsmith, an expert on disinformation and extremist tactics and the founder of Veterans Fighting Fascism. </p><p>Goldsmith, who publishes the "On Offense" Substack and co-hosts the "Find Out" podcast, discusses the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. He talks about the potential implications for democracy, the dangers posed by radicalized extremist movements, and disinformation. </p><p>Goldsmith also shares advice on how individuals can combat fascism at the local level. </p><p>00:52 Understanding Extremist Movements <br>10:20 The Role of Disinformation <br>17:01 Local Actions Against Fascism</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:02:21 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/56e7edf8/07dd4d36.mp3" length="49828677" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1245</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>We sit down with Christopher Goldsmith, an expert on disinformation and extremist tactics and the founder of Veterans Fighting Fascism. </p><p>Goldsmith, who publishes the "On Offense" Substack and co-hosts the "Find Out" podcast, discusses the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. He talks about the potential implications for democracy, the dangers posed by radicalized extremist movements, and disinformation. </p><p>Goldsmith also shares advice on how individuals can combat fascism at the local level. </p><p>00:52 Understanding Extremist Movements <br>10:20 The Role of Disinformation <br>17:01 Local Actions Against Fascism</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Charlie Kirk, Kristofer Goldsmith, fascism, politics, utah, extremism, </itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Cracking the code on Utah's gerrymandered maps</title>
      <itunes:episode>35</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>35</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Cracking the code on Utah's gerrymandered maps</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">5851a78d-ea49-45d2-b106-1dbd98010214</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/35</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week, we go over the latest in the court case over Utah's gerrymandered congressional maps and how the GOP-controlled legislature will try to open up a new path of attack so the new map is still likely to elect Republicans or even keep the old map in place for the 2026 election.</p><p>It's no secret that Utah's congressional map is gerrymandered, but we finally have an idea what methodology they used to create it. It appears that Republicans targeted Utahns who voted for Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. We'll explain <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/the-math-behind-utahs-gerrymander-how-utah-republicans-split-democratic-voters-with-surgical-precision/">how they did it, and why splitting Biden voters was the key</a>.</p><p>Plus, a conversation with Chris Diaz from the <a href="https://votingrightslab.org/">Voting Rights Lab</a> about President Donald Trump's attack on mail-in voting and the current panic about the (nonexistent) threat of non-citizens on voter rolls.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week, we go over the latest in the court case over Utah's gerrymandered congressional maps and how the GOP-controlled legislature will try to open up a new path of attack so the new map is still likely to elect Republicans or even keep the old map in place for the 2026 election.</p><p>It's no secret that Utah's congressional map is gerrymandered, but we finally have an idea what methodology they used to create it. It appears that Republicans targeted Utahns who voted for Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. We'll explain <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/the-math-behind-utahs-gerrymander-how-utah-republicans-split-democratic-voters-with-surgical-precision/">how they did it, and why splitting Biden voters was the key</a>.</p><p>Plus, a conversation with Chris Diaz from the <a href="https://votingrightslab.org/">Voting Rights Lab</a> about President Donald Trump's attack on mail-in voting and the current panic about the (nonexistent) threat of non-citizens on voter rolls.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Sep 2025 16:25:22 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/8830f546/95299e47.mp3" length="102801435" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2569</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week, we go over the latest in the court case over Utah's gerrymandered congressional maps and how the GOP-controlled legislature will try to open up a new path of attack so the new map is still likely to elect Republicans or even keep the old map in place for the 2026 election.</p><p>It's no secret that Utah's congressional map is gerrymandered, but we finally have an idea what methodology they used to create it. It appears that Republicans targeted Utahns who voted for Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. We'll explain <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/the-math-behind-utahs-gerrymander-how-utah-republicans-split-democratic-voters-with-surgical-precision/">how they did it, and why splitting Biden voters was the key</a>.</p><p>Plus, a conversation with Chris Diaz from the <a href="https://votingrightslab.org/">Voting Rights Lab</a> about President Donald Trump's attack on mail-in voting and the current panic about the (nonexistent) threat of non-citizens on voter rolls.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah, politics, gerrymandering, joe biden, donald trump, redistricting, utah politics, voting rights lab, mail in voting, SAVE Act, voter registration</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>All about gerrymandering</title>
      <itunes:episode>34</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>34</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>All about gerrymandering</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">76a5918f-cd6d-4928-9881-141b7305ac28</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/34</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>A Utah judge threw out Utah's congressional maps on Monday, ruling that the Republican-controlled legislature violated the state constitution when it repealed Prop. 4. in 2020. Now, lawmakers have less than a month to draw new maps, or the court will do it for them.</p><p>We discuss the ruling, what it means, how we got here, and what's next.</p><p>Plus, a conversation with Dave Daley, a senior fellow at FairVote and the author of <em>Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn't Count</em>.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A Utah judge threw out Utah's congressional maps on Monday, ruling that the Republican-controlled legislature violated the state constitution when it repealed Prop. 4. in 2020. Now, lawmakers have less than a month to draw new maps, or the court will do it for them.</p><p>We discuss the ruling, what it means, how we got here, and what's next.</p><p>Plus, a conversation with Dave Daley, a senior fellow at FairVote and the author of <em>Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn't Count</em>.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 17:39:35 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/277527f5/4032d2af.mp3" length="77624453" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1940</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>A Utah judge threw out Utah's congressional maps on Monday, ruling that the Republican-controlled legislature violated the state constitution when it repealed Prop. 4. in 2020. Now, lawmakers have less than a month to draw new maps, or the court will do it for them.</p><p>We discuss the ruling, what it means, how we got here, and what's next.</p><p>Plus, a conversation with Dave Daley, a senior fellow at FairVote and the author of <em>Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn't Count</em>.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah, gerrymandering, politics, congress, news, maps, Dave Daley, Fairvote</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/277527f5/transcription.vtt" type="text/vtt" rel="captions"/>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/277527f5/transcription.srt" type="application/x-subrip" rel="captions"/>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/277527f5/transcription.json" type="application/json" rel="captions"/>
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      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/277527f5/transcription" type="text/html"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Stuart Adams has a problem</title>
      <itunes:episode>33</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>33</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Stuart Adams has a problem</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">2a1b0835-a230-414a-8f3d-0fa364c5399f</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/33</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah Senate President Stuart Adams is under scrutiny after a change to state law he championed benefited his step‑granddaughter as she faced serious felony charges.</p><p><br>Host Bryan Schott goes through the timeline, explains what changed in the law, and tests Adams’ defense against the public record.</p><p><br>We also examine the media’s role and patterns from past episodes where Adams’ actions raised ethical questions.</p><p><br>In this episode: </p><ul><li>What the law change did—and who it helped</li><li>A timeline of how the change moved through the process</li><li>Adams’ explanations versus the available facts</li><li>How local media covered the story</li><li>Why these patterns matter for public trust in the legislature—and whether voters will care</li></ul><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah Senate President Stuart Adams is under scrutiny after a change to state law he championed benefited his step‑granddaughter as she faced serious felony charges.</p><p><br>Host Bryan Schott goes through the timeline, explains what changed in the law, and tests Adams’ defense against the public record.</p><p><br>We also examine the media’s role and patterns from past episodes where Adams’ actions raised ethical questions.</p><p><br>In this episode: </p><ul><li>What the law change did—and who it helped</li><li>A timeline of how the change moved through the process</li><li>Adams’ explanations versus the available facts</li><li>How local media covered the story</li><li>Why these patterns matter for public trust in the legislature—and whether voters will care</li></ul><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Aug 2025 15:58:45 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/27bfa199/80cfa3eb.mp3" length="65999818" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1649</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah Senate President Stuart Adams is under scrutiny after a change to state law he championed benefited his step‑granddaughter as she faced serious felony charges.</p><p><br>Host Bryan Schott goes through the timeline, explains what changed in the law, and tests Adams’ defense against the public record.</p><p><br>We also examine the media’s role and patterns from past episodes where Adams’ actions raised ethical questions.</p><p><br>In this episode: </p><ul><li>What the law change did—and who it helped</li><li>A timeline of how the change moved through the process</li><li>Adams’ explanations versus the available facts</li><li>How local media covered the story</li><li>Why these patterns matter for public trust in the legislature—and whether voters will care</li></ul><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for our newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:news@utahpolitical">news@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/utahpoliticalwatch.news">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utah.politics/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.com/@utah.politics">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah politics, stuart adams, utah, politics, kirk cullimore, scandal, public trust</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/27bfa199/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" rel="captions"/>
      <podcast:chapters url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/27bfa199/chapters.json" type="application/json+chapters"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The feds want Utah's voting records</title>
      <itunes:episode>32</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>32</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The feds want Utah's voting records</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">41aeebff-16c0-4252-b65f-e15f5e6d1e0a</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/32</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>The chatter surrounding Utah Sen. Mike Lee as a possible pick for the Supreme Court has started again. Don't dismiss it as just idle speculation. Lee probably came closer to landing a seat on the Supreme Court in 2018 than most realize.</p><p>The Justice Department wants information about Utah's elections. This could have a very big impact on the 2026 elections and beyond.</p><p>A liberal group is spending money in Utah to recruit candidates to challenge Republicans in 10 legislative seats. We'll explain why that money might be better spent on trying to register more Democratic voters.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The chatter surrounding Utah Sen. Mike Lee as a possible pick for the Supreme Court has started again. Don't dismiss it as just idle speculation. Lee probably came closer to landing a seat on the Supreme Court in 2018 than most realize.</p><p>The Justice Department wants information about Utah's elections. This could have a very big impact on the 2026 elections and beyond.</p><p>A liberal group is spending money in Utah to recruit candidates to challenge Republicans in 10 legislative seats. We'll explain why that money might be better spent on trying to register more Democratic voters.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Sat, 02 Aug 2025 14:45:49 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/eb97547d/0e579ee6.mp3" length="59635984" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1490</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>The chatter surrounding Utah Sen. Mike Lee as a possible pick for the Supreme Court has started again. Don't dismiss it as just idle speculation. Lee probably came closer to landing a seat on the Supreme Court in 2018 than most realize.</p><p>The Justice Department wants information about Utah's elections. This could have a very big impact on the 2026 elections and beyond.</p><p>A liberal group is spending money in Utah to recruit candidates to challenge Republicans in 10 legislative seats. We'll explain why that money might be better spent on trying to register more Democratic voters.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Take away Mike Lee's phone!</title>
      <itunes:episode>31</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>31</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Take away Mike Lee's phone!</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">9e18cc4f-5342-4331-b40d-86a0251696c2</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/31</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>It was a bad week on social media for a couple of Utah's congressional Republicans. </p><ul><li>Rep. Burgess Owens <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/utah-rep-burgess-owens-shares-anti-muslim-video-from-white-supremacist-account/">reposted an anti-Muslim video on social media</a> that came from an account that frequently posts White supremacist content.</li><li>Sen. Mike Lee was <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/utah-rep-burgess-owens-shares-anti-muslim-video-from-white-supremacist-account/">fooled AGAIN by a fake letter on social media</a> that was clearly generated by AI. Lee likes to criticize the media for inaccuracies, but he should really work on his media literacy skills before condemning others.</li></ul><p>Sen. Lee joined with Senate Republicans on Thursday to <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/sen-lee-votes-to-block-release-of-epstein-files-day-after-trumps-name-surfaces/">block a Democratic-led effort</a> to pressure the Trump administration to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.</p><p>Rep. Celeste Maloy <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/celeste-maloy-backs-bid-to-put-melania-trumps-name-on-kennedy-center/">backed a GOP-led push</a> to put First Lady Melania Trump's name on the Kennedy Center opera house, using federal funds as leverage.</p><p>Utah's population growth is on track to <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/utah-poised-to-gain-a-seat-in-congress/">give the Beehive State another seat in Congress</a> after the 2030 Census.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>It was a bad week on social media for a couple of Utah's congressional Republicans. </p><ul><li>Rep. Burgess Owens <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/utah-rep-burgess-owens-shares-anti-muslim-video-from-white-supremacist-account/">reposted an anti-Muslim video on social media</a> that came from an account that frequently posts White supremacist content.</li><li>Sen. Mike Lee was <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/utah-rep-burgess-owens-shares-anti-muslim-video-from-white-supremacist-account/">fooled AGAIN by a fake letter on social media</a> that was clearly generated by AI. Lee likes to criticize the media for inaccuracies, but he should really work on his media literacy skills before condemning others.</li></ul><p>Sen. Lee joined with Senate Republicans on Thursday to <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/sen-lee-votes-to-block-release-of-epstein-files-day-after-trumps-name-surfaces/">block a Democratic-led effort</a> to pressure the Trump administration to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.</p><p>Rep. Celeste Maloy <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/celeste-maloy-backs-bid-to-put-melania-trumps-name-on-kennedy-center/">backed a GOP-led push</a> to put First Lady Melania Trump's name on the Kennedy Center opera house, using federal funds as leverage.</p><p>Utah's population growth is on track to <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/utah-poised-to-gain-a-seat-in-congress/">give the Beehive State another seat in Congress</a> after the 2030 Census.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2025 17:32:38 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/55c8d8cf/802480d3.mp3" length="68302856" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1707</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>It was a bad week on social media for a couple of Utah's congressional Republicans. </p><ul><li>Rep. Burgess Owens <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/utah-rep-burgess-owens-shares-anti-muslim-video-from-white-supremacist-account/">reposted an anti-Muslim video on social media</a> that came from an account that frequently posts White supremacist content.</li><li>Sen. Mike Lee was <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/utah-rep-burgess-owens-shares-anti-muslim-video-from-white-supremacist-account/">fooled AGAIN by a fake letter on social media</a> that was clearly generated by AI. Lee likes to criticize the media for inaccuracies, but he should really work on his media literacy skills before condemning others.</li></ul><p>Sen. Lee joined with Senate Republicans on Thursday to <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/sen-lee-votes-to-block-release-of-epstein-files-day-after-trumps-name-surfaces/">block a Democratic-led effort</a> to pressure the Trump administration to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.</p><p>Rep. Celeste Maloy <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/celeste-maloy-backs-bid-to-put-melania-trumps-name-on-kennedy-center/">backed a GOP-led push</a> to put First Lady Melania Trump's name on the Kennedy Center opera house, using federal funds as leverage.</p><p>Utah's population growth is on track to <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/utah-poised-to-gain-a-seat-in-congress/">give the Beehive State another seat in Congress</a> after the 2030 Census.</p><p><strong>Tip Jar</strong>: Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong>: Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br><strong>Sponsor</strong>: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a><br><a href="https://x.com/utahpolitics">X/Twitter</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah Politics, Burgess Owens, Mike Lee, Donald Trump, Social Media Mistakes, Anti-Muslim Content, Qanon Conspiracy, Jeffrey Epstein, Congressional Delegation, Gerrymandering, Political Accountability, Senate Judiciary Committee, Misinformation, Political Engagement, Trump Administration, Federal Reserve, Melania Trump, Political Transparency, Public Lands, Election Integrity, Political Analysis, Celeste Maloy</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/55c8d8cf/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Who's funding who?</title>
      <itunes:episode>30</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>30</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Who's funding who?</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">daf6fda3-fd12-4b5e-84da-fd99cce8cc63</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/30</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Federal prosecutors drop the charges against a Utah doctor accused of running a fake vaccine card scheme. How much did politics play in the dismissal? (Hint: a lot).</p><p>Who is funding your congressional delegation? We break down the latest financial disclosures and come up with some interesting nuggets.</p><p>Republicans are flailing trying to contain the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein files controversy. Sen. Mike Lee suggests having Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell testify before Congress. </p><p>Poll numbers highlight a very sharp divide between two factions of the Utah GOP.</p><p>Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Federal prosecutors drop the charges against a Utah doctor accused of running a fake vaccine card scheme. How much did politics play in the dismissal? (Hint: a lot).</p><p>Who is funding your congressional delegation? We break down the latest financial disclosures and come up with some interesting nuggets.</p><p>Republicans are flailing trying to contain the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein files controversy. Sen. Mike Lee suggests having Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell testify before Congress. </p><p>Poll numbers highlight a very sharp divide between two factions of the Utah GOP.</p><p>Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Sat, 19 Jul 2025 12:32:36 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/79e546e7/df736a55.mp3" length="76961087" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1923</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Federal prosecutors drop the charges against a Utah doctor accused of running a fake vaccine card scheme. How much did politics play in the dismissal? (Hint: a lot).</p><p>Who is funding your congressional delegation? We break down the latest financial disclosures and come up with some interesting nuggets.</p><p>Republicans are flailing trying to contain the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein files controversy. Sen. Mike Lee suggests having Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell testify before Congress. </p><p>Poll numbers highlight a very sharp divide between two factions of the Utah GOP.</p><p>Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Covid-19 Vaccination Cards, Dr. Michael Kirk Moore, Pam Bondi, Vaccines, Utah Politics, Fec Financial Reports, Burgess Owens, Newsmax, Campaign Funding, Mike Lee, Epstein Files, Ghislaine Maxwell, Political Donations, Mike Schultz, Political Action Committees, Spencer Cox Approval Ratings, Republican Party</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/79e546e7/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Mike Lee can't stop...won't stop</title>
      <itunes:episode>29</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>29</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Mike Lee can't stop...won't stop</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">fc15cec0-e61c-494b-b588-8fa3edc8aeef</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/29</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Sen. Mike Lee's social media is causing some <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/07/11/mike-lee-utah-mormon-church-profile-00437296">heartburn for top leaders of the LDS Church</a>, but don't expect that will make him tone things down.</p><p><a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/utah-mike-lee-public-lands-sell-off">Lack of housing in the West is a serious problem</a>, but policymakers will have to come up with a solution that does more than lean on ideology.</p><p>Utah House Speaker <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/p/utah-house-speaker-rallies-behind-doctor-accused-in-fraudulent-covid-vaccine-card-scheme">Mike Schultz rallies support for a Utah doctor</a> who federal prosecutors allege provided hundreds of fake vaccine cards during the COVID pandemic. It's just the latest example of top leaders allying themselves with extreme views.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/p/planned-parenthood-of-utah-joins-lawsuit-challenging-congressional-effort-to-defund-the-organization">Planned Parenthood Association of Utah joined a lawsuit</a> challenging a provision in the massive tax cuts and spending bill passed by Congress that would effectively defund the organization. Shireen Ghorbani, interim president of Planned Parenthood of Utah, joins the show to talk about the lawsuit.</p><p>Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Sen. Mike Lee's social media is causing some <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/07/11/mike-lee-utah-mormon-church-profile-00437296">heartburn for top leaders of the LDS Church</a>, but don't expect that will make him tone things down.</p><p><a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/utah-mike-lee-public-lands-sell-off">Lack of housing in the West is a serious problem</a>, but policymakers will have to come up with a solution that does more than lean on ideology.</p><p>Utah House Speaker <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/p/utah-house-speaker-rallies-behind-doctor-accused-in-fraudulent-covid-vaccine-card-scheme">Mike Schultz rallies support for a Utah doctor</a> who federal prosecutors allege provided hundreds of fake vaccine cards during the COVID pandemic. It's just the latest example of top leaders allying themselves with extreme views.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/p/planned-parenthood-of-utah-joins-lawsuit-challenging-congressional-effort-to-defund-the-organization">Planned Parenthood Association of Utah joined a lawsuit</a> challenging a provision in the massive tax cuts and spending bill passed by Congress that would effectively defund the organization. Shireen Ghorbani, interim president of Planned Parenthood of Utah, joins the show to talk about the lawsuit.</p><p>Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Jul 2025 16:02:26 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/e7d5ed23/c02fe6f0.mp3" length="94507981" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2362</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Sen. Mike Lee's social media is causing some <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/07/11/mike-lee-utah-mormon-church-profile-00437296">heartburn for top leaders of the LDS Church</a>, but don't expect that will make him tone things down.</p><p><a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/utah-mike-lee-public-lands-sell-off">Lack of housing in the West is a serious problem</a>, but policymakers will have to come up with a solution that does more than lean on ideology.</p><p>Utah House Speaker <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/p/utah-house-speaker-rallies-behind-doctor-accused-in-fraudulent-covid-vaccine-card-scheme">Mike Schultz rallies support for a Utah doctor</a> who federal prosecutors allege provided hundreds of fake vaccine cards during the COVID pandemic. It's just the latest example of top leaders allying themselves with extreme views.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/p/planned-parenthood-of-utah-joins-lawsuit-challenging-congressional-effort-to-defund-the-organization">Planned Parenthood Association of Utah joined a lawsuit</a> challenging a provision in the massive tax cuts and spending bill passed by Congress that would effectively defund the organization. Shireen Ghorbani, interim president of Planned Parenthood of Utah, joins the show to talk about the lawsuit.</p><p>Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/e7d5ed23/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Mike Lee hits some roadblocks</title>
      <itunes:episode>28</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>28</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Mike Lee hits some roadblocks</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">5241944d-904a-4e67-933f-7029086aea0d</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/28</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p><br>Sen. Mike Lee's controversial plan to sell off millions of acres of public lands hits two significant roadblocks. The Senate parliamentarian ruled against the proposal, and he's facing mounting opposition from conservation groups and his fellow Republicans in Congress.</p><p>There are more questions than answers about the "No Kings" rally in Salt Lake City that left one protester dead. The anonymous organizers are hiding behind a shell company. They also didn't tell police there would be armed safety volunteers in the crowd.</p><p>Gov. Spencer Cox declares a statewide day of prayer for rain amid worsening drought conditions. The last time Cox did this, he got roasted by John Oliver. Maybe we should be looking for solutions to our water crisis alongside appeals to the supernatural.</p><p>Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p><br>Sen. Mike Lee's controversial plan to sell off millions of acres of public lands hits two significant roadblocks. The Senate parliamentarian ruled against the proposal, and he's facing mounting opposition from conservation groups and his fellow Republicans in Congress.</p><p>There are more questions than answers about the "No Kings" rally in Salt Lake City that left one protester dead. The anonymous organizers are hiding behind a shell company. They also didn't tell police there would be armed safety volunteers in the crowd.</p><p>Gov. Spencer Cox declares a statewide day of prayer for rain amid worsening drought conditions. The last time Cox did this, he got roasted by John Oliver. Maybe we should be looking for solutions to our water crisis alongside appeals to the supernatural.</p><p>Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2025 17:03:47 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/a45f69cc/d3ff2f14.mp3" length="55881397" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1396</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p><br>Sen. Mike Lee's controversial plan to sell off millions of acres of public lands hits two significant roadblocks. The Senate parliamentarian ruled against the proposal, and he's facing mounting opposition from conservation groups and his fellow Republicans in Congress.</p><p>There are more questions than answers about the "No Kings" rally in Salt Lake City that left one protester dead. The anonymous organizers are hiding behind a shell company. They also didn't tell police there would be armed safety volunteers in the crowd.</p><p>Gov. Spencer Cox declares a statewide day of prayer for rain amid worsening drought conditions. The last time Cox did this, he got roasted by John Oliver. Maybe we should be looking for solutions to our water crisis alongside appeals to the supernatural.</p><p>Support independent journalism by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/tip-jar/">making a one-time donation here</a>.</p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Senator Mike Lee, Governor Spencer Cox, John Oliver, Last Week Tonight, HBO, Brian Cox, reconciliation bill, Congress, public lands, Byrd rule, housing crisis, Utah politics, Senate parliamentarian, No Kings shooting, Arthur Gamboa</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/a45f69cc/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Physician, heal thyself!</title>
      <itunes:episode>27</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>27</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Physician, heal thyself!</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">40322bb3-4191-4817-bb46-dbba43028a70</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/27</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah's members of Congress either supported President Donald Trump's airstrikes against Iran or remained silent, despite the lack of credible intelligence backing the President's justification for the attack. Sen. Mike Lee's contradictory stance on war powers does raise some eyebrows, though.</p><p>Sen. Lee faced some backlash for his cruel and insensitive social media posts in the aftermath of a tragic shooting in Minnesota. Will he face any consequences for those posts? Probably not.</p><p>Utah Republican leaders call for more civility and less overheated political rhetoric. They should probably start by looking in the mirror and leading by example.</p><p>Finally, a look at Sen. Lee's controversial plan to sell off millions of acres of public land to build housing and pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. </p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah's members of Congress either supported President Donald Trump's airstrikes against Iran or remained silent, despite the lack of credible intelligence backing the President's justification for the attack. Sen. Mike Lee's contradictory stance on war powers does raise some eyebrows, though.</p><p>Sen. Lee faced some backlash for his cruel and insensitive social media posts in the aftermath of a tragic shooting in Minnesota. Will he face any consequences for those posts? Probably not.</p><p>Utah Republican leaders call for more civility and less overheated political rhetoric. They should probably start by looking in the mirror and leading by example.</p><p>Finally, a look at Sen. Lee's controversial plan to sell off millions of acres of public land to build housing and pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. </p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Jun 2025 16:48:20 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/0651ee72/3a604c36.mp3" length="74664773" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1866</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah's members of Congress either supported President Donald Trump's airstrikes against Iran or remained silent, despite the lack of credible intelligence backing the President's justification for the attack. Sen. Mike Lee's contradictory stance on war powers does raise some eyebrows, though.</p><p>Sen. Lee faced some backlash for his cruel and insensitive social media posts in the aftermath of a tragic shooting in Minnesota. Will he face any consequences for those posts? Probably not.</p><p>Utah Republican leaders call for more civility and less overheated political rhetoric. They should probably start by looking in the mirror and leading by example.</p><p>Finally, a look at Sen. Lee's controversial plan to sell off millions of acres of public land to build housing and pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. </p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah Politics, Mike Lee, Iran, Israel, military action, congress war powers, constitution, social media outrage, public lands sale, housing crisis, military intervention, Spencer Cox, Blake Moore, Celeste Maloy, John Curtis, Thomas Massie, Donald Trump, Burgess Owens, Derek Brown, Mike Schultz, Candice Pierucci, Casey Snider, gun violence, Minnesota shooting, political commentary, independent journalism</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/0651ee72/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>"The whole thing is dumb"</title>
      <itunes:episode>26</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>26</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>"The whole thing is dumb"</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">04840ab9-ff3f-4e72-a799-bc71ecb67c44</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/26</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah elected officials are talking tough about possible violence ahead of protests scheduled all over Utah this weekend. A group of Republicans in Riverton issued a completely over the top statement warning protesters against committing any violence or vandalism. They're worried a similar situation to what transpired in Los Angeles could happen here, but their rhetoric doeesn't match the reality of what is happening in California.</p><p>There are legitimate questions about the cozy relationship Utah lawmakers have with Jen Brown, a right-wing activist and founder of Utah Citizens for the Constitution, after her connections to a Nazi sympathizer came to light. Brown has been tapped to help guide a taxpayer funded national initiative on federalism, despite her having no academic credentials or expertise on the Constitution.</p><p>Gov. Spencer Cox says the fight between the Utah Legislature and Salt Lake City over Pride flags is "dumb." but, when he had a chance to veto the law, which he also thinks is "dumb," he punted.</p><p>Sen. Mike Lee wants to sell public lands to help pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. Sen. John Curtis casts doubt that the Senate will pass the "big, beautiful bill" by July 4. Rep. Blake Moore says everybody should have known Elon Musk was "exaggerating" when he said he would cut $2 billion from the federal budget.</p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a><br><strong><br>SOURCE LINKS:</strong></p><p><b><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/an-activist-playing-a-key-role-in-the-utah-legislatures-federalism-push-appointed-a-nazi-sympathizer-to-a-position-in-her-own-organization/">An activist helping to shape the Utah Legislature's federalism push placed a Nazi-sympathizer in a leadership role in her own organization </a></b></p><p><a href="https://www.christiandrain.com/">ChristianDrain.com</a></p><p><b><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/the-whole-things-dumb-utah-gov-cox-blasts-pride-flag-battle-with-salt-lake-city/">'The whole thing's dumb.' Utah Gov. Cox blasts Pride flag battle with Salt Lake City </a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/doge-caucus-leader-blake-moore-elon-musk-exaggeration-2025-6">DOGE caucus leader says Elon Musk made a 'massive exaggeration' about spending cuts</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/06/12/public-land-sales-proposal-senate-republicans-western-us/">Senate GOP plan would sell millions of acres of Western public land</a></b></p><p><a href="https://www.ksl.com/article/51328023/sen-john-curtis-says-july-4-deadline-to-pass-trumps-tax-bill-is-false">Sen. John Curtis says July 4 deadline to pass Trump's tax bill is 'false'</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah elected officials are talking tough about possible violence ahead of protests scheduled all over Utah this weekend. A group of Republicans in Riverton issued a completely over the top statement warning protesters against committing any violence or vandalism. They're worried a similar situation to what transpired in Los Angeles could happen here, but their rhetoric doeesn't match the reality of what is happening in California.</p><p>There are legitimate questions about the cozy relationship Utah lawmakers have with Jen Brown, a right-wing activist and founder of Utah Citizens for the Constitution, after her connections to a Nazi sympathizer came to light. Brown has been tapped to help guide a taxpayer funded national initiative on federalism, despite her having no academic credentials or expertise on the Constitution.</p><p>Gov. Spencer Cox says the fight between the Utah Legislature and Salt Lake City over Pride flags is "dumb." but, when he had a chance to veto the law, which he also thinks is "dumb," he punted.</p><p>Sen. Mike Lee wants to sell public lands to help pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. Sen. John Curtis casts doubt that the Senate will pass the "big, beautiful bill" by July 4. Rep. Blake Moore says everybody should have known Elon Musk was "exaggerating" when he said he would cut $2 billion from the federal budget.</p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a><br><strong><br>SOURCE LINKS:</strong></p><p><b><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/an-activist-playing-a-key-role-in-the-utah-legislatures-federalism-push-appointed-a-nazi-sympathizer-to-a-position-in-her-own-organization/">An activist helping to shape the Utah Legislature's federalism push placed a Nazi-sympathizer in a leadership role in her own organization </a></b></p><p><a href="https://www.christiandrain.com/">ChristianDrain.com</a></p><p><b><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/the-whole-things-dumb-utah-gov-cox-blasts-pride-flag-battle-with-salt-lake-city/">'The whole thing's dumb.' Utah Gov. Cox blasts Pride flag battle with Salt Lake City </a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/doge-caucus-leader-blake-moore-elon-musk-exaggeration-2025-6">DOGE caucus leader says Elon Musk made a 'massive exaggeration' about spending cuts</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/06/12/public-land-sales-proposal-senate-republicans-western-us/">Senate GOP plan would sell millions of acres of Western public land</a></b></p><p><a href="https://www.ksl.com/article/51328023/sen-john-curtis-says-july-4-deadline-to-pass-trumps-tax-bill-is-false">Sen. John Curtis says July 4 deadline to pass Trump's tax bill is 'false'</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jun 2025 19:42:02 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/1918db37/fbdcf098.mp3" length="93337734" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2333</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah elected officials are talking tough about possible violence ahead of protests scheduled all over Utah this weekend. A group of Republicans in Riverton issued a completely over the top statement warning protesters against committing any violence or vandalism. They're worried a similar situation to what transpired in Los Angeles could happen here, but their rhetoric doeesn't match the reality of what is happening in California.</p><p>There are legitimate questions about the cozy relationship Utah lawmakers have with Jen Brown, a right-wing activist and founder of Utah Citizens for the Constitution, after her connections to a Nazi sympathizer came to light. Brown has been tapped to help guide a taxpayer funded national initiative on federalism, despite her having no academic credentials or expertise on the Constitution.</p><p>Gov. Spencer Cox says the fight between the Utah Legislature and Salt Lake City over Pride flags is "dumb." but, when he had a chance to veto the law, which he also thinks is "dumb," he punted.</p><p>Sen. Mike Lee wants to sell public lands to help pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. Sen. John Curtis casts doubt that the Senate will pass the "big, beautiful bill" by July 4. Rep. Blake Moore says everybody should have known Elon Musk was "exaggerating" when he said he would cut $2 billion from the federal budget.</p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a><br><strong><br>SOURCE LINKS:</strong></p><p><b><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/an-activist-playing-a-key-role-in-the-utah-legislatures-federalism-push-appointed-a-nazi-sympathizer-to-a-position-in-her-own-organization/">An activist helping to shape the Utah Legislature's federalism push placed a Nazi-sympathizer in a leadership role in her own organization </a></b></p><p><a href="https://www.christiandrain.com/">ChristianDrain.com</a></p><p><b><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/the-whole-things-dumb-utah-gov-cox-blasts-pride-flag-battle-with-salt-lake-city/">'The whole thing's dumb.' Utah Gov. Cox blasts Pride flag battle with Salt Lake City </a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/doge-caucus-leader-blake-moore-elon-musk-exaggeration-2025-6">DOGE caucus leader says Elon Musk made a 'massive exaggeration' about spending cuts</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/06/12/public-land-sales-proposal-senate-republicans-western-us/">Senate GOP plan would sell millions of acres of Western public land</a></b></p><p><a href="https://www.ksl.com/article/51328023/sen-john-curtis-says-july-4-deadline-to-pass-trumps-tax-bill-is-false">Sen. John Curtis says July 4 deadline to pass Trump's tax bill is 'false'</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah Politics, Governor Spencer Cox, Pride Flag Fight, Salt Lake City, Protests In Utah, Right Wing Media, Nazi Sympathizer, Senator Mike Lee, Public Lands Sale, Federalism Initiative, Jen Brown, Utah Citizens For The Constitution, Christian Drain, Neo Nazi, Legislative Influence, Tax Cuts, Housing Crisis, Medicaid Cuts, Public Safety, Civil Rights, Rep. Blake Moore, Utah Legislature, Sen. John Curtis, Trent Staggs, Andy Pierucci</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/1918db37/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The royal hierarchy of Twitter dweebs</title>
      <itunes:episode>25</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>25</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The royal hierarchy of Twitter dweebs</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">e294d4e2-852d-42f7-870e-0944ba395fe4</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/25</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah's Republican members of Congress sure like to talk about how they're worried about government debt and deficits, but they're twisting themselves into knots to justify their support for the massive reconciliation bill, which will blow a $2.4 trillion hole in the budget.</p><p>Rep. Trevor Lee had an outburst on social media after the Utah Mammoth posted a Pride-themed version of its logo, threatening legislation to force political neutrality on organizations receiving taxpayer funds. Experts say that would be unconstitutional.</p><p>Sen. Mike Lee is in a tough spot amid the messy feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Lee also proposed a constitutional amendment to kick every member of Congress out of office if inflation rises above 3% - which is a recipe for political instability.</p><p>Utah House Republicans reshuffled their leadership team, electing Rep. Casey Snider as Majority Leader. This comes amid growing tensions between the legislature and judiciary, highlighted by calls for Judge John Torgerson to resign or be impeached.</p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah's Republican members of Congress sure like to talk about how they're worried about government debt and deficits, but they're twisting themselves into knots to justify their support for the massive reconciliation bill, which will blow a $2.4 trillion hole in the budget.</p><p>Rep. Trevor Lee had an outburst on social media after the Utah Mammoth posted a Pride-themed version of its logo, threatening legislation to force political neutrality on organizations receiving taxpayer funds. Experts say that would be unconstitutional.</p><p>Sen. Mike Lee is in a tough spot amid the messy feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Lee also proposed a constitutional amendment to kick every member of Congress out of office if inflation rises above 3% - which is a recipe for political instability.</p><p>Utah House Republicans reshuffled their leadership team, electing Rep. Casey Snider as Majority Leader. This comes amid growing tensions between the legislature and judiciary, highlighted by calls for Judge John Torgerson to resign or be impeached.</p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 07:57:53 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/c7e19c09/09bafbb7.mp3" length="123962706" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3098</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah's Republican members of Congress sure like to talk about how they're worried about government debt and deficits, but they're twisting themselves into knots to justify their support for the massive reconciliation bill, which will blow a $2.4 trillion hole in the budget.</p><p>Rep. Trevor Lee had an outburst on social media after the Utah Mammoth posted a Pride-themed version of its logo, threatening legislation to force political neutrality on organizations receiving taxpayer funds. Experts say that would be unconstitutional.</p><p>Sen. Mike Lee is in a tough spot amid the messy feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Lee also proposed a constitutional amendment to kick every member of Congress out of office if inflation rises above 3% - which is a recipe for political instability.</p><p>Utah House Republicans reshuffled their leadership team, electing Rep. Casey Snider as Majority Leader. This comes amid growing tensions between the legislature and judiciary, highlighted by calls for Judge John Torgerson to resign or be impeached.</p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah Politics, Political News, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Mike Lee, Trevor Lee, Mike Kennedy, Blake Moore, Mike Schultz, Karianne Lisonbee, Casey Snider, Candice Pierucci, Bridger Bolinder, Tax Cuts, Budget Deficit, Medicaid, Congressional Budget Office, Health Care Coverage, First Amendment, Public Funding, Pride Month, Utah Mammoth, Spencer Cox, Government Transparency, Political Neutrality, Economic Growth, Gerrymandering, Public Lands, Government Records, Political Accountability</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/c7e19c09/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Trust the science...unless it conflicts with your politics</title>
      <itunes:episode>24</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>24</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Trust the science...unless it conflicts with your politics</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">d1a62be5-611e-40f5-809e-a33ca628489a</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/24</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>How do Utah Republicans decide whether a study is credible? If it aligns with their politics, they embrace it - even if it relies on fabricated research. If it contradicts their agenda, they ignore it.</p><p>Utah Democrats pick Brian King as their new party chairman. What will it take for the state's superminority party to start making an impact politically?</p><p>Rep. Blake Moore was all in on Elon Musk and DOGE. Now, he's trying to distance himself from Musk as quickly as possible.</p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>How do Utah Republicans decide whether a study is credible? If it aligns with their politics, they embrace it - even if it relies on fabricated research. If it contradicts their agenda, they ignore it.</p><p>Utah Democrats pick Brian King as their new party chairman. What will it take for the state's superminority party to start making an impact politically?</p><p>Rep. Blake Moore was all in on Elon Musk and DOGE. Now, he's trying to distance himself from Musk as quickly as possible.</p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:50:02 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/e24ab3f4/62d6c3c0.mp3" length="78881127" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1971</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>How do Utah Republicans decide whether a study is credible? If it aligns with their politics, they embrace it - even if it relies on fabricated research. If it contradicts their agenda, they ignore it.</p><p>Utah Democrats pick Brian King as their new party chairman. What will it take for the state's superminority party to start making an impact politically?</p><p>Rep. Blake Moore was all in on Elon Musk and DOGE. Now, he's trying to distance himself from Musk as quickly as possible.</p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah Politics, Sb 54, Governor Spencer Cox, Sen. Mike Lee, MAHA, Make America Healthy Again, RFK Jr, Childhood Health, Gender Affirming Care, Democratic Party, Republican Party, GOP, Utah Legislature, Mike Schultz, Fluoride Ban, Medicaid Coverage, Political Analysis, Campaign Strategies, Election Updates, Healthcare Policies, Party Leadership, Voter Engagement, Political Ideology, Elon Musk, Blake Moore, Congress, Governor JB Pritzker</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/e24ab3f4/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Has the Utah GOP figured out how to finally kill SB54?</title>
      <itunes:episode>23</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>23</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Has the Utah GOP figured out how to finally kill SB54?</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/46b2353c-5367-3371-a7f6-a13328d340aa</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/23</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Is the Utah Republican Party scheming to overturn SB54 and ditch signature gathering, restoring convention delegates as party gatekeepers?<br> <br> Utah's members of Congress say they're fiscal conservatives, but they won't explain why they voted for the "big, beautiful bill" that blows a big, ugly $3.8 trillion hole in the budget.<br> <br> A scary incident involving Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall underlines the danger of our current political moment.<br> </p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p>Follow us on social media:</p><p><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a><br><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Is the Utah Republican Party scheming to overturn SB54 and ditch signature gathering, restoring convention delegates as party gatekeepers?<br> <br> Utah's members of Congress say they're fiscal conservatives, but they won't explain why they voted for the "big, beautiful bill" that blows a big, ugly $3.8 trillion hole in the budget.<br> <br> A scary incident involving Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall underlines the danger of our current political moment.<br> </p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p>Follow us on social media:</p><p><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a><br><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 May 2025 16:36:15 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/1aa488a2/104e49d8.mp3" length="100087247" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2503</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Is the Utah Republican Party scheming to overturn SB54 and ditch signature gathering, restoring convention delegates as party gatekeepers?<br> <br> Utah's members of Congress say they're fiscal conservatives, but they won't explain why they voted for the "big, beautiful bill" that blows a big, ugly $3.8 trillion hole in the budget.<br> <br> A scary incident involving Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall underlines the danger of our current political moment.<br> </p><p>Sign up for my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p>Follow us on social media:</p><p><br><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a><br><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Republican Party, Caucus Convention, Mike Lee, Rob Axson, Political News, Legislative Session, Election Process, Voter Registration, Budget Deficit, Congressional Budget Office, Medicaid Cuts, Political Violence, Phil Lyman, Election Integrity, Political Rhetoric</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/1aa488a2/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>GOP Convention Wrap-up</title>
      <itunes:episode>22</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>22</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>GOP Convention Wrap-up</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/1196871e-05c0-3f56-8cd3-7361417cf2bb</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/22</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week, we're wrapping up the 2025 Utah Republican Party Convention:<br> </p><ul><li>Rob Axson wins another term as party chair.</li><li>Where does Phil Lyman go from here?</li><li>It sure sounds like Utah Republicans are hatching a plan to repeal SB54 before the 2026 election.</li></ul><p>Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br>Follow us on social media:</p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week, we're wrapping up the 2025 Utah Republican Party Convention:<br> </p><ul><li>Rob Axson wins another term as party chair.</li><li>Where does Phil Lyman go from here?</li><li>It sure sounds like Utah Republicans are hatching a plan to repeal SB54 before the 2026 election.</li></ul><p>Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br>Follow us on social media:</p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 May 2025 16:28:41 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/9fd91f1c/d69da8d1.mp3" length="36489381" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1521</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week, we're wrapping up the 2025 Utah Republican Party Convention:<br> </p><ul><li>Rob Axson wins another term as party chair.</li><li>Where does Phil Lyman go from here?</li><li>It sure sounds like Utah Republicans are hatching a plan to repeal SB54 before the 2026 election.</li></ul><p>Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br>Follow us on social media:</p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah Gop, Rob Axson, Phil Lyman, Utah Republican Party, Political Convention, Media Credential, Signature Gathering, SB54, Election Strategy, Party Chair Election, Political Dynamics, Delegate Voting, Hardliners Vs Pragmatists, Political Endorsements, Youth Engagement, Governor Spencer Cox, Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson, Utah Politics</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/9fd91f1c/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Could 74 Republicans beat one Salt Lake City Mayor in a fight over Pride flags?</title>
      <itunes:episode>21</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>21</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Could 74 Republicans beat one Salt Lake City Mayor in a fight over Pride flags?</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/8599774c-e328-3265-b871-9bb9a5096d93</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/21</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah lawmakers face off against Salt Lake City in a battle over Pride flags.</p><p><br>The state’s most successful signature gathering effort in history puts a union-busting bill on the ballot.</p><p><br>Could Donald Trump influence the future leadership of the Utah Republican party?</p><p><br>Plus, a deep dive into the upcoming GOP convention, where the party's direction hangs in the balance.</p><p><br>Also, some corrections from last week's episode.</p><p><br>Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support <br>my Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br>Follow us on social media:</p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah lawmakers face off against Salt Lake City in a battle over Pride flags.</p><p><br>The state’s most successful signature gathering effort in history puts a union-busting bill on the ballot.</p><p><br>Could Donald Trump influence the future leadership of the Utah Republican party?</p><p><br>Plus, a deep dive into the upcoming GOP convention, where the party's direction hangs in the balance.</p><p><br>Also, some corrections from last week's episode.</p><p><br>Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support <br>my Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br>Follow us on social media:</p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2025 20:07:41 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/8f07bd30/18df9456.mp3" length="49533876" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2721</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Utah lawmakers face off against Salt Lake City in a battle over Pride flags.</p><p><br>The state’s most successful signature gathering effort in history puts a union-busting bill on the ballot.</p><p><br>Could Donald Trump influence the future leadership of the Utah Republican party?</p><p><br>Plus, a deep dive into the upcoming GOP convention, where the party's direction hangs in the balance.</p><p><br>Also, some corrections from last week's episode.</p><p><br>Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support <br>my Utah politics coverage.</p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br>Follow us on social media:</p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah Politics, Salt Lake City, Pride Flags, Signature Gathering, Republican Party, Donald Trump, Hb 77, Labor Unions, Public Lands, Economic Opportunity, Political Activism, Special Session, Ballot Initiative, Education Funding, Judicial Activism, Gop Leadership, Party Constitution, Public Sector Unions, Political Theatrics, Community Representation</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/8f07bd30/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>More L's than the Planet Krypton</title>
      <itunes:episode>20</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>20</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>More L's than the Planet Krypton</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/af3f92a8-fc17-3a14-b165-234a231748cc</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/20</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>The Utah Legislature faces a tough reality as the referendum to overturn the anti-union bill surpasses its signature goal, signaling a significant pushback against Republican lawmakers. A judge's ruling that the state's private school voucher program is unconstitutional leaves legislative leaders scrambling to respond. With no veto override session on the horizon, Governor Spencer Cox's vetoes remain intact</p><p><br>Plus a conversation with former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman, co-founder of the Forward Party, as we discuss the recent merger with the United Utah Party and the unique structure of this new political entity. </p><p>How will they navigate the challenges of a two-party system? What strategies will they employ to resonate with voters?</p><p><br>Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br>Follow us on social media:</p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The Utah Legislature faces a tough reality as the referendum to overturn the anti-union bill surpasses its signature goal, signaling a significant pushback against Republican lawmakers. A judge's ruling that the state's private school voucher program is unconstitutional leaves legislative leaders scrambling to respond. With no veto override session on the horizon, Governor Spencer Cox's vetoes remain intact</p><p><br>Plus a conversation with former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman, co-founder of the Forward Party, as we discuss the recent merger with the United Utah Party and the unique structure of this new political entity. </p><p>How will they navigate the challenges of a two-party system? What strategies will they employ to resonate with voters?</p><p><br>Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br>Follow us on social media:</p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 May 2025 17:55:51 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/55daf728/50aa0585.mp3" length="66636265" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3932</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>The Utah Legislature faces a tough reality as the referendum to overturn the anti-union bill surpasses its signature goal, signaling a significant pushback against Republican lawmakers. A judge's ruling that the state's private school voucher program is unconstitutional leaves legislative leaders scrambling to respond. With no veto override session on the horizon, Governor Spencer Cox's vetoes remain intact</p><p><br>Plus a conversation with former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman, co-founder of the Forward Party, as we discuss the recent merger with the United Utah Party and the unique structure of this new political entity. </p><p>How will they navigate the challenges of a two-party system? What strategies will they employ to resonate with voters?</p><p><br>Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p><p><br>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a>.</p><p><br>Follow us on social media:</p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah Legislature, Anti-Union Bill, Public Employees, Referendum, Governor Spencer Cox, Utah Forward Party, Christine Todd Whitman, Political Parties, Collective Bargaining Rights, Private School Vouchers, Hb267, Protect Utah Workers, Americans For Prosperity, Utah Education Association, Medicaid Work Requirements, Judicial Activism, Election Reform, Campaign Finance Reform, Utah Political News, Legislative Updates</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/55daf728/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>320,000 is a LOT of signatures</title>
      <itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>19</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>320,000 is a LOT of signatures</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/00483a0e-d6e6-3caf-8047-27839ca25361</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/19</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode:</p><ul><li>Unions collect 320,000 signatures for the referendum to overturn the union busting bill.</li><li>Utah's economy earns praise from a conservative group, but dark clouds may be on the horizon.</li><li>A Utah congressman visits a notorious prison in El Salvador.</li><li>What is Jason Chaffetz up to?</li><li>Mike Lee's bestie Elon Musk has a LOT of kids.</li></ul><p>Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p><p>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email me at <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a></p><p>Follow us on social media:</p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode:</p><ul><li>Unions collect 320,000 signatures for the referendum to overturn the union busting bill.</li><li>Utah's economy earns praise from a conservative group, but dark clouds may be on the horizon.</li><li>A Utah congressman visits a notorious prison in El Salvador.</li><li>What is Jason Chaffetz up to?</li><li>Mike Lee's bestie Elon Musk has a LOT of kids.</li></ul><p>Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p><p>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email me at <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a></p><p>Follow us on social media:</p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Apr 2025 20:04:23 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/59f1d2bd/6dce62c3.mp3" length="42360687" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1765</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode:</p><ul><li>Unions collect 320,000 signatures for the referendum to overturn the union busting bill.</li><li>Utah's economy earns praise from a conservative group, but dark clouds may be on the horizon.</li><li>A Utah congressman visits a notorious prison in El Salvador.</li><li>What is Jason Chaffetz up to?</li><li>Mike Lee's bestie Elon Musk has a LOT of kids.</li></ul><p>Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p><p>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email me at <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a></p><p>Follow us on social media:</p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah Politics, Labor Unions, Protect Utah Workers, Hb267, Union Busting Bill, Referendum, Economic Outlook, Alec, Spencer Cox, Mike Kennedy, Jason Chaffetz, Elon Musk, Pro-Natalism, Signature Gathering, Public Education Funding, Tax Cuts, Recession Planning, Political Commentary, Independent Journalism, Utah Political Watch</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/59f1d2bd/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sen. Mike Lee - the Jar Jar Binks of Congress</title>
      <itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>18</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Sen. Mike Lee - the Jar Jar Binks of Congress</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/00a0f758-c94d-356f-89c2-589f19e44406</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/18</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode:</p><ul><li>The Utah Legislature is poised to override a veto of a bill pushed by conspiracy theorists.</li><li>What did the Utah Board of Education waste time on this week?</li><li>A merger to create the 6th largest political party in Utah.</li><li>The parallels between Sen. Mike Lee and Jar Jar Binks.</li></ul><p>Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p><p>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email me at <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a></p><p>Follow us on social media:</p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode:</p><ul><li>The Utah Legislature is poised to override a veto of a bill pushed by conspiracy theorists.</li><li>What did the Utah Board of Education waste time on this week?</li><li>A merger to create the 6th largest political party in Utah.</li><li>The parallels between Sen. Mike Lee and Jar Jar Binks.</li></ul><p>Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p><p>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email me at <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a></p><p>Follow us on social media:</p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 16:39:21 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/f52ed125/e3f5e1c1.mp3" length="39705186" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1655</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode:</p><ul><li>The Utah Legislature is poised to override a veto of a bill pushed by conspiracy theorists.</li><li>What did the Utah Board of Education waste time on this week?</li><li>A merger to create the 6th largest political party in Utah.</li><li>The parallels between Sen. Mike Lee and Jar Jar Binks.</li></ul><p>Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p><p>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email me at <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a></p><p>Follow us on social media:</p><p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Utah Politics, Economic Meltdown, Phantom Menace, Mike Lee, Jar Jar Binks, Donald Trump, Emergency Powers, Hb306, Gold Standard, Ken Ivory, Kevin Freeman, Great Reset, Conspiracy Theories, Dei In Schools, Celeste Malloy, Public Lands, United Utah Party, Forward Party, Anti-Vaccine Activism, Snap Benefits</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/f52ed125/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>So long Sundance, hello Pride flag ban.</title>
      <itunes:episode>17</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>17</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>So long Sundance, hello Pride flag ban.</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/ee9cc101-b37a-37b7-8951-ee0f15f15b7b</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/17</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode:</p>
<p>👋 Sundance says farewell</p>
<p>🚫🏳️‍🌈 Utah is the first state to ban Pride flags and fluoride in drinking water</p>
<p>🗳️Gov. Spencer Cox nixes vote-by-mail</p>
<p>😳 The effort to overturn Utah's union busting bill gets off to an impressive start</p>
<p>👉 An update on my lawsuit against the Utah Legislature</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email me at <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a><br>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Follow us on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>
<p> </p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode:</p>
<p>👋 Sundance says farewell</p>
<p>🚫🏳️‍🌈 Utah is the first state to ban Pride flags and fluoride in drinking water</p>
<p>🗳️Gov. Spencer Cox nixes vote-by-mail</p>
<p>😳 The effort to overturn Utah's union busting bill gets off to an impressive start</p>
<p>👉 An update on my lawsuit against the Utah Legislature</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email me at <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a><br>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Follow us on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>
<p> </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Mar 2025 15:07:53 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/fa37bd34/345f8179.mp3" length="49230514" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2051</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this week's episode:
👋 Sundance says farewell
🚫🏳️‍🌈 Utah is the first state to ban Pride flags and fluoride in drinking water
🗳️Gov. Spencer Cox nixes vote-by-mail
😳 The effort to overturn Utah's union busting bill gets off to an impressive start
👉 An update on my lawsuit against the Utah Legislature
 
Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. 
 
If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email me at schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news
 
Follow us on social media:
Bluesky
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
Threads
 </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this week's episode:
👋 Sundance says farewell
🚫🏳️‍🌈 Utah is the first state to ban Pride flags and fluoride in drinking water
🗳️Gov. Spencer Cox nixes vote-by-mail
😳 The effort to overturn Utah's union busting bill gets off to an impressive start
👉 An </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Utah vs. the Cavity Creeps</title>
      <itunes:episode>16</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>16</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Utah vs. the Cavity Creeps</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/1fa3b1bd-dd9f-3f56-835a-e3b4be742ff2</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/16</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode:</p>
<ul>
<li>Could the Pride flag ban prompt the Sundance Film Festival to flee the state?</li>
<li>Lawmakers quietly gut Utah's open records law.</li>
<li>Freebies for lawmakers during the session.</li>
<li>Utah is on the verge of letting the Cavity Creeps win.</li>
</ul>
<p>My guest this week is <a href="https://www.austin-archer.com/">Austin Archer</a>. He's a Utah born actor, writer and online social media content creator. His social media posts lampooning conservatives and Trump voters have gained a large following. <br>
<br>
He joins the show to talk about political satire, how he portrays Trump supporters and why conservatives aren't good at producing art.<br>
<br>
Follow Austin on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@yourpal_austin">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/AustinArcherismypal">YouTube</a>. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p>
<p>If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a></p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode:</p>
<ul>
<li>Could the Pride flag ban prompt the Sundance Film Festival to flee the state?</li>
<li>Lawmakers quietly gut Utah's open records law.</li>
<li>Freebies for lawmakers during the session.</li>
<li>Utah is on the verge of letting the Cavity Creeps win.</li>
</ul>
<p>My guest this week is <a href="https://www.austin-archer.com/">Austin Archer</a>. He's a Utah born actor, writer and online social media content creator. His social media posts lampooning conservatives and Trump voters have gained a large following. <br>
<br>
He joins the show to talk about political satire, how he portrays Trump supporters and why conservatives aren't good at producing art.<br>
<br>
Follow Austin on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@yourpal_austin">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/AustinArcherismypal">YouTube</a>. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p>
<p>If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a></p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 18:04:50 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/baad4226/0950203c.mp3" length="103964898" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4332</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this week's episode:

Could the Pride flag ban prompt the Sundance Film Festival to flee the state?
Lawmakers quietly gut Utah's open records law.
Freebies for lawmakers during the session.
Utah is on the verge of letting the Cavity Creeps win.

My guest this week is Austin Archer. He's a Utah born actor, writer and online social media content creator. His social media posts lampooning conservatives and Trump voters have gained a large following. He joins the show to talk about political satire, how he portrays Trump supporters and why conservatives aren't good at producing art.Follow Austin on TikTok, and YouTube. 
 
Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. 
If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news
Catch me on social media:
Bluesky
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
Threads</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this week's episode:

Could the Pride flag ban prompt the Sundance Film Festival to flee the state?
Lawmakers quietly gut Utah's open records law.
Freebies for lawmakers during the session.
Utah is on the verge of letting the Cavity Creeps win.

My gue</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>George Orwell warned us</title>
      <itunes:episode>15</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>15</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>George Orwell warned us</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/241b11cd-d52d-354b-85c5-8ec92631d671</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/15</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode of Special Session:</p>
<ul>
<li>The 2025 Utah Legislature is over.</li>
<li>Legislative leaders aren't going to let a minor thing like a bill dying in committee stop them.</li>
<li>Legislators pick a fight with the state auditor over office space...and lose.</li>
<li>Phil Lyman wants to run the Utah Republican Party.</li>
</ul>
<p>My guest this week is Sen. Daniel Thatcher. He announced Friday that he was leaving the Republican Party to join the Utah Forward Party. Thatcher says the Republican majority is becoming increasingly disconnected from the public. We’ll discuss his decision and how he will approach his job as a caucus of one.<br>
<br>
</p>
<p>Want more? Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p>
<p>If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a></p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode of Special Session:</p>
<ul>
<li>The 2025 Utah Legislature is over.</li>
<li>Legislative leaders aren't going to let a minor thing like a bill dying in committee stop them.</li>
<li>Legislators pick a fight with the state auditor over office space...and lose.</li>
<li>Phil Lyman wants to run the Utah Republican Party.</li>
</ul>
<p>My guest this week is Sen. Daniel Thatcher. He announced Friday that he was leaving the Republican Party to join the Utah Forward Party. Thatcher says the Republican majority is becoming increasingly disconnected from the public. We’ll discuss his decision and how he will approach his job as a caucus of one.<br>
<br>
</p>
<p>Want more? Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p>
<p>If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a></p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Sat, 08 Mar 2025 00:05:00 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/e7ca4bd3/2583afa9.mp3" length="51068514" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2128</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this week's episode of Special Session:

The 2025 Utah Legislature is over.
Legislative leaders aren't going to let a minor thing like a bill dying in committee stop them.
Legislators pick a fight with the state auditor over office space...and lose.
Phil Lyman wants to run the Utah Republican Party.

My guest this week is Sen. Daniel Thatcher. He announced Friday that he was leaving the Republican Party to join the Utah Forward Party. Thatcher says the Republican majority is becoming increasingly disconnected from the public. We’ll discuss his decision and how he will approach his job as a caucus of one.
Want more? Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. 
If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news
Catch me on social media:
Bluesky
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
Threads</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this week's episode of Special Session:

The 2025 Utah Legislature is over.
Legislative leaders aren't going to let a minor thing like a bill dying in committee stop them.
Legislators pick a fight with the state auditor over office space...and lose.
Ph</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The reality doesn't match the rhetoric</title>
      <itunes:episode>14</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>14</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The reality doesn't match the rhetoric</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/a8dae909-c950-39e8-bb6a-1af5a84ab608</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/14</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode of Special Session:</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>Governor Cox and legislative leaders are throwing a party over education funding that might not be all it's cracked up to be.</li>
<li>Next year's budget is going to be tight, but don't worry...there's always room for tax cuts.</li>
<li>The legislature hatches a plan to take control of political debates in Utah. We explain why this is a scary idea that should upset you.</li>
<li>Plus, Phil Lyman wants to run the Utah GOP.</li>
</ul>
<p>Don't forget to hit subscribe and drop us a rating! </p>
<p>Want more? Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p>
<p>If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode of Special Session:</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>Governor Cox and legislative leaders are throwing a party over education funding that might not be all it's cracked up to be.</li>
<li>Next year's budget is going to be tight, but don't worry...there's always room for tax cuts.</li>
<li>The legislature hatches a plan to take control of political debates in Utah. We explain why this is a scary idea that should upset you.</li>
<li>Plus, Phil Lyman wants to run the Utah GOP.</li>
</ul>
<p>Don't forget to hit subscribe and drop us a rating! </p>
<p>Want more? Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p>
<p>If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Sat, 01 Mar 2025 19:38:33 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/21f89d94/62cc242f.mp3" length="45971766" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1916</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this week's episode of Special Session:
 

Governor Cox and legislative leaders are throwing a party over education funding that might not be all it's cracked up to be.
Next year's budget is going to be tight, but don't worry...there's always room for tax cuts.
The legislature hatches a plan to take control of political debates in Utah. We explain why this is a scary idea that should upset you.
Plus, Phil Lyman wants to run the Utah GOP.

Don't forget to hit subscribe and drop us a rating! 
Want more? Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. 
If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news
 
Catch me on social media:
Bluesky
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
Threads</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this week's episode of Special Session:
 

Governor Cox and legislative leaders are throwing a party over education funding that might not be all it's cracked up to be.
Next year's budget is going to be tight, but don't worry...there's always room for </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/21f89d94/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Budgets and public records and punishing judges! Oh my!</title>
      <itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>13</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Budgets and public records and punishing judges! Oh my!</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/b2eda9c5-8fe2-34da-995d-c4be476caa71</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/13</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode of Special Session:</p>
<ul>
<li>Budget blues hit as lawmakers grapple with disappointing revenue news.</li>
<li>Utah AFL/CIO president Jeff Worthington joins the show to discuss HB267, the union-busting bill that takes away collective bargaining rights for public employees.</li>
<li>Utah lawmakers want to make it harder and more expensive for the public to access government records - because who doesn't love a little secrecy?</li>
<li>We're supposed to have 3 co-equal branches of government, right? Not so fast...</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Don't forget to hit subscribe and drop us a rating! </p>
<p>Want more? Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p>
<p>If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode of Special Session:</p>
<ul>
<li>Budget blues hit as lawmakers grapple with disappointing revenue news.</li>
<li>Utah AFL/CIO president Jeff Worthington joins the show to discuss HB267, the union-busting bill that takes away collective bargaining rights for public employees.</li>
<li>Utah lawmakers want to make it harder and more expensive for the public to access government records - because who doesn't love a little secrecy?</li>
<li>We're supposed to have 3 co-equal branches of government, right? Not so fast...</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Don't forget to hit subscribe and drop us a rating! </p>
<p>Want more? Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. </p>
<p>If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Feb 2025 16:22:20 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/db1de613/db8f0692.mp3" length="65177636" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2716</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this week's episode of Special Session:

Budget blues hit as lawmakers grapple with disappointing revenue news.
Utah AFL/CIO president Jeff Worthington joins the show to discuss HB267, the union-busting bill that takes away collective bargaining rights for public employees.
Utah lawmakers want to make it harder and more expensive for the public to access government records - because who doesn't love a little secrecy?
We're supposed to have 3 co-equal branches of government, right? Not so fast...

 
Don't forget to hit subscribe and drop us a rating! 
Want more? Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. 
If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news
 
Catch me on social media:
Bluesky
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
Threads</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this week's episode of Special Session:

Budget blues hit as lawmakers grapple with disappointing revenue news.
Utah AFL/CIO president Jeff Worthington joins the show to discuss HB267, the union-busting bill that takes away collective bargaining rights</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/db1de613/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Pride flags? No. Nazi flags? You betcha!</title>
      <itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>12</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Pride flags? No. Nazi flags? You betcha!</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/74ef75c3-2e2c-3684-932e-49a9f1dd2ca9</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/12</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode of Special Session:</p>
<ul>
<li>Unions busted</li>
<li>More money and more limits for Utah's school voucher program</li>
<li>Pride flags? No way. Nazi flags? A-okay!</li>
<li>Burgess Owens - country music expert.</li>
</ul>
<p>Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review to help others discover the show. Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my work in covering Utah politics.</p>
<p>If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a></p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's episode of Special Session:</p>
<ul>
<li>Unions busted</li>
<li>More money and more limits for Utah's school voucher program</li>
<li>Pride flags? No way. Nazi flags? A-okay!</li>
<li>Burgess Owens - country music expert.</li>
</ul>
<p>Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review to help others discover the show. Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my work in covering Utah politics.</p>
<p>If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at <a href="mailto:schott@utahpolitical">schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news</a></p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:55:25 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/1a20419a/ce0178cf.mp3" length="50482292" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2104</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this week's episode of Special Session:

Unions busted
More money and more limits for Utah's school voucher program
Pride flags? No way. Nazi flags? A-okay!
Burgess Owens - country music expert.

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review to help others discover the show. Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my work in covering Utah politics.
If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at schott@utahpoliticalwatch.news
Catch me on social media:
Bluesky
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
Threads
 
 </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this week's episode of Special Session:

Unions busted
More money and more limits for Utah's school voucher program
Pride flags? No way. Nazi flags? A-okay!
Burgess Owens - country music expert.

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rat</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/1a20419a/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Union showdown and more vouchers</title>
      <itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>11</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Union showdown and more vouchers</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/8a0a4ed3-1f58-396d-9fbe-1a649b32fe13</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/11</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">In this episode of Special Session:</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk"> </p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">Senate Republicans reverse course on the controversial union busting bill.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">Legislature pushes to double funding for Utah's private school voucher program.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">A Democratic senator proposes higher taxes for the wealthy.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">Two bills aim to tilt the judicial system in favor of lawmakers.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">Kathy Biele from the Utah League of Women Voters joins to discuss concerning election-related legislation.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review to help others discover the show. Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my work in covering Utah politics.</p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>
<p> </p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">In this episode of Special Session:</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk"> </p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">Senate Republicans reverse course on the controversial union busting bill.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">Legislature pushes to double funding for Utah's private school voucher program.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">A Democratic senator proposes higher taxes for the wealthy.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">Two bills aim to tilt the judicial system in favor of lawmakers.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">Kathy Biele from the Utah League of Women Voters joins to discuss concerning election-related legislation.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review to help others discover the show. Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my work in covering Utah politics.</p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>
<p> </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Feb 2025 14:27:26 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/58757588/99481372.mp3" length="56580258" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2358</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode of Special Session:
 
Senate Republicans reverse course on the controversial union busting bill.
Legislature pushes to double funding for Utah's private school voucher program.
A Democratic senator proposes higher taxes for the wealthy.
Two bills aim to tilt the judicial system in favor of lawmakers.
Kathy Biele from the Utah League of Women Voters joins to discuss concerning election-related legislation.
Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review to help others discover the show. Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my work in covering Utah politics.
Catch me on social media:
Bluesky
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
Threads
 </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Special Session:
 
Senate Republicans reverse course on the controversial union busting bill.
Legislature pushes to double funding for Utah's private school voucher program.
A Democratic senator proposes higher taxes for the wealthy.
Tw</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/58757588/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Where in the world is Sean Reyes?</title>
      <itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>10</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Where in the world is Sean Reyes?</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/a3457469-5730-3109-add6-26e15c45532f</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/10</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">In this episode of Special Session:</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk"> </p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">The fallout from the audit of former Attorney General Sean Reyes.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">Lawmakers back down in their battle with public sector labor unions.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">A trio of conspiracy-driven bills make their way through the legislature.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">Gerrymandering lawsuit inches closer to resolution but still leaves many questions.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk"> </p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">This week, I dive deep into the shocking findings of the audit on Sean Reyes, revealing his questionable conduct during his tenure. We'll discuss the implications of lawmakers' recent decisions regarding union rights and the bizarre conspiracy theories fueling new legislation. Plus, I’ll update you on the latest developments in the ongoing gerrymandering lawsuit.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk"> </p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review to help others discover the show. Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my work in covering Utah politics.</p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>
<p> </p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">In this episode of Special Session:</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk"> </p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">The fallout from the audit of former Attorney General Sean Reyes.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">Lawmakers back down in their battle with public sector labor unions.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">A trio of conspiracy-driven bills make their way through the legislature.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">Gerrymandering lawsuit inches closer to resolution but still leaves many questions.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk"> </p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">This week, I dive deep into the shocking findings of the audit on Sean Reyes, revealing his questionable conduct during his tenure. We'll discuss the implications of lawmakers' recent decisions regarding union rights and the bizarre conspiracy theories fueling new legislation. Plus, I’ll update you on the latest developments in the ongoing gerrymandering lawsuit.</p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk"> </p>
<p class="sc-bSkxYT kLtkyk">Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review to help others discover the show. Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a> for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my work in covering Utah politics.</p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>
<p> </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Sun, 02 Feb 2025 17:19:37 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/9a7854b8/b74bd96d.mp3" length="45701035" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1904</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode of Special Session:
 
The fallout from the audit of former Attorney General Sean Reyes.
Lawmakers back down in their battle with public sector labor unions.
A trio of conspiracy-driven bills make their way through the legislature.
Gerrymandering lawsuit inches closer to resolution but still leaves many questions.
 
This week, I dive deep into the shocking findings of the audit on Sean Reyes, revealing his questionable conduct during his tenure. We'll discuss the implications of lawmakers' recent decisions regarding union rights and the bizarre conspiracy theories fueling new legislation. Plus, I’ll update you on the latest developments in the ongoing gerrymandering lawsuit.
 
Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review to help others discover the show. Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my work in covering Utah politics.
Catch me on social media:
Bluesky
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
Threads
 </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Special Session:
 
The fallout from the audit of former Attorney General Sean Reyes.
Lawmakers back down in their battle with public sector labor unions.
A trio of conspiracy-driven bills make their way through the legislature.
Gerryman</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/9a7854b8/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Week one comin' in hot!</title>
      <itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>9</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Week one comin' in hot!</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/89d06fb1-3c0d-3c4e-a349-e7b64c03b47d</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/9</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Special Session:</p>
<ul>
<li>The 2025 Utah Legislature gets underway.</li>
<li>Spencer Cox needs to pay attention to the lyrics.</li>
<li>It's union bustin' time!</li>
<li>Who really has the ear of Utah lawmakers.</li>
<li>Why I'm taking the Legislature to court.</li>
</ul>
<p>My guest this week is former Republican strategist Reed Galen. We talk about what to expect from the second Trump administration, the need for pro-democracy movements and how to resist authoritarianism. Subscribe to Reed's Substack, <em><a href="https://reedgalen.substack.com/">The Home Front</a></em>.</p>
<p>Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and drop a rating and review so others can join the fun. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch</a>, and maybe even become a paying subscriber to keep the good stuff coming.</p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Special Session:</p>
<ul>
<li>The 2025 Utah Legislature gets underway.</li>
<li>Spencer Cox needs to pay attention to the lyrics.</li>
<li>It's union bustin' time!</li>
<li>Who really has the ear of Utah lawmakers.</li>
<li>Why I'm taking the Legislature to court.</li>
</ul>
<p>My guest this week is former Republican strategist Reed Galen. We talk about what to expect from the second Trump administration, the need for pro-democracy movements and how to resist authoritarianism. Subscribe to Reed's Substack, <em><a href="https://reedgalen.substack.com/">The Home Front</a></em>.</p>
<p>Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and drop a rating and review so others can join the fun. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch</a>, and maybe even become a paying subscriber to keep the good stuff coming.</p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jan 2025 17:36:25 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/48359088/d759b19a.mp3" length="87356086" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3640</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode of Special Session:

The 2025 Utah Legislature gets underway.
Spencer Cox needs to pay attention to the lyrics.
It's union bustin' time!
Who really has the ear of Utah lawmakers.
Why I'm taking the Legislature to court.

My guest this week is former Republican strategist Reed Galen. We talk about what to expect from the second Trump administration, the need for pro-democracy movements and how to resist authoritarianism. Subscribe to Reed's Substack, The Home Front.
Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and drop a rating and review so others can join the fun. Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch, and maybe even become a paying subscriber to keep the good stuff coming.
Catch me on social media:
Bluesky
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
Threads</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Special Session:

The 2025 Utah Legislature gets underway.
Spencer Cox needs to pay attention to the lyrics.
It's union bustin' time!
Who really has the ear of Utah lawmakers.
Why I'm taking the Legislature to court.

My guest this week</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Conspiracy Theory Bingo</title>
      <itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>8</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Conspiracy Theory Bingo</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/328cbbb2-b4b8-3623-bd89-277670186a78</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/8</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Special Session:</p>
<ul>
<li>SCOTUS says no to Utah's land grab lawsuit.</li>
<li>What's behind a proposal to break up Salt Lake County?</li>
<li>Rep. Burgess Owens wants to let Donald Trump grab them by the canal.</li>
<li>It's chemtrail time on Utah's Capitol Hill.</li>
</ul>
<p>My guest this week is former Rep. Brian King, who announced this week he's running to become the Utah Democratic Party chair. We'll discuss his plan for revitalizing Utah's minority party.</p>
<p>Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and drop a rating and review so others can join the fun. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch</a>, and maybe even become a paying subscriber to keep the good stuff coming.</p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Special Session:</p>
<ul>
<li>SCOTUS says no to Utah's land grab lawsuit.</li>
<li>What's behind a proposal to break up Salt Lake County?</li>
<li>Rep. Burgess Owens wants to let Donald Trump grab them by the canal.</li>
<li>It's chemtrail time on Utah's Capitol Hill.</li>
</ul>
<p>My guest this week is former Rep. Brian King, who announced this week he's running to become the Utah Democratic Party chair. We'll discuss his plan for revitalizing Utah's minority party.</p>
<p>Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and drop a rating and review so others can join the fun. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch</a>, and maybe even become a paying subscriber to keep the good stuff coming.</p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:49:38 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/c306a1f5/9af1e3b5.mp3" length="63568164" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2649</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode of Special Session:

SCOTUS says no to Utah's land grab lawsuit.
What's behind a proposal to break up Salt Lake County?
Rep. Burgess Owens wants to let Donald Trump grab them by the canal.
It's chemtrail time on Utah's Capitol Hill.

My guest this week is former Rep. Brian King, who announced this week he's running to become the Utah Democratic Party chair. We'll discuss his plan for revitalizing Utah's minority party.
Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and drop a rating and review so others can join the fun. Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch, and maybe even become a paying subscriber to keep the good stuff coming.
Catch me on social media:
Bluesky
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
Threads</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Special Session:

SCOTUS says no to Utah's land grab lawsuit.
What's behind a proposal to break up Salt Lake County?
Rep. Burgess Owens wants to let Donald Trump grab them by the canal.
It's chemtrail time on Utah's Capitol Hill.

My gu</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/c306a1f5/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Tensions working overtime</title>
      <itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>7</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Tensions working overtime</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/7099c5d6-d2b8-31e4-852c-4da71c52e845</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/7</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Special Session:</p>
<ul>
<li>Tensions between legislative Republicans and the Utah Education Association start to boil over.</li>
<li>How lawmakers plan to make it harder for you to put initiatives on the ballot.</li>
<li>More tax cuts are on the way, but there are some warning lights flashing.</li>
<li>A top Republican in the Utah Legislature broke the law and is getting off scot-free.</li>
</ul>
<p>A Utah man spent years undercover after infiltrating the highest levels of far- right militias. Our guest this week is ProPublica reporter Josh Kaplan about his blockbuster story, "<a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/ap3-oath-keepers-militia-mole">The Militia and the Mole</a>."</p>
<p>Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and drop a rating and review so others can join the fun. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch</a>, and maybe even become a paying subscriber to keep the good stuff coming.</p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Special Session:</p>
<ul>
<li>Tensions between legislative Republicans and the Utah Education Association start to boil over.</li>
<li>How lawmakers plan to make it harder for you to put initiatives on the ballot.</li>
<li>More tax cuts are on the way, but there are some warning lights flashing.</li>
<li>A top Republican in the Utah Legislature broke the law and is getting off scot-free.</li>
</ul>
<p>A Utah man spent years undercover after infiltrating the highest levels of far- right militias. Our guest this week is ProPublica reporter Josh Kaplan about his blockbuster story, "<a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/ap3-oath-keepers-militia-mole">The Militia and the Mole</a>."</p>
<p>Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and drop a rating and review so others can join the fun. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch</a>, and maybe even become a paying subscriber to keep the good stuff coming.</p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Jan 2025 13:28:22 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/c9b732bf/dc8c9875.mp3" length="77568202" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3232</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode of Special Session:

Tensions between legislative Republicans and the Utah Education Association start to boil over.
How lawmakers plan to make it harder for you to put initiatives on the ballot.
More tax cuts are on the way, but there are some warning lights flashing.
A top Republican in the Utah Legislature broke the law and is getting off scot-free.

A Utah man spent years undercover after infiltrating the highest levels of far- right militias. Our guest this week is ProPublica reporter Josh Kaplan about his blockbuster story, "The Militia and the Mole."
Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and drop a rating and review so others can join the fun. Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch, and maybe even become a paying subscriber to keep the good stuff coming.
Catch me on social media:
Bluesky
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
Threads</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Special Session:

Tensions between legislative Republicans and the Utah Education Association start to boil over.
How lawmakers plan to make it harder for you to put initiatives on the ballot.
More tax cuts are on the way, but there are</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/c9b732bf/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The most feared journalist in Utah!</title>
      <itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>6</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The most feared journalist in Utah!</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/c0b2259d-5d31-3b62-91ff-3991c6297406</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/6</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week in Utah Politics:</p>
<ul>
<li>Senator Mike Lee throws out some wild suggestions for Speaker of the House: Elon Musk or Vivek Ramaswamy. Seriously.<br>
<br>
</li>
<li>Senator Mike Lee throws out some wild suggestions for Speaker of the House: Elon Musk or Vivek Ramaswamy. Seriously.<br>
<br>
</li>
<li>Phil Lyman has more L's than the planet Krypton. Spoiler: He lost again.</li>
<li>State leaders threaten Salt Lake City over its homeless problem.<br>
<br>
</li>
<li>Vote-by-mail is under the microscope in Utah, but Governor Cox is sticking to his guns.<br>
<br>
</li>
<li>The Utah Education Association takes Utah's private school voucher program to court.</li>
<li>In Utah, looking like Jesus could be your next side hustle. Who knew?</li>
</ul>
<p>An interview with Jackson Lewis, who was just elected to a seat on the Canyons School Board. At 19 years old, he's believed to be the youngest elected official in Utah history. He talks about the importance of getting involved in the political process.</p>
<p>Plus, I spill the tea on why the Utah Legislature is scared of my journalism and why they gave me the boot from the 2025 session.</p>
<p>Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and drop a rating and review so others can join the fun. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch</a>, and maybe even become a paying subscriber to keep the good stuff coming.</p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week in Utah Politics:</p>
<ul>
<li>Senator Mike Lee throws out some wild suggestions for Speaker of the House: Elon Musk or Vivek Ramaswamy. Seriously.<br>
<br>
</li>
<li>Senator Mike Lee throws out some wild suggestions for Speaker of the House: Elon Musk or Vivek Ramaswamy. Seriously.<br>
<br>
</li>
<li>Phil Lyman has more L's than the planet Krypton. Spoiler: He lost again.</li>
<li>State leaders threaten Salt Lake City over its homeless problem.<br>
<br>
</li>
<li>Vote-by-mail is under the microscope in Utah, but Governor Cox is sticking to his guns.<br>
<br>
</li>
<li>The Utah Education Association takes Utah's private school voucher program to court.</li>
<li>In Utah, looking like Jesus could be your next side hustle. Who knew?</li>
</ul>
<p>An interview with Jackson Lewis, who was just elected to a seat on the Canyons School Board. At 19 years old, he's believed to be the youngest elected official in Utah history. He talks about the importance of getting involved in the political process.</p>
<p>Plus, I spill the tea on why the Utah Legislature is scared of my journalism and why they gave me the boot from the 2025 session.</p>
<p>Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and drop a rating and review so others can join the fun. <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch</a>, and maybe even become a paying subscriber to keep the good stuff coming.</p>
<p>Catch me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Dec 2024 18:11:33 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/2b691df4/4c384565.mp3" length="88145412" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3673</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>This week in Utah Politics:

Senator Mike Lee throws out some wild suggestions for Speaker of the House: Elon Musk or Vivek Ramaswamy. Seriously.
Senator Mike Lee throws out some wild suggestions for Speaker of the House: Elon Musk or Vivek Ramaswamy. Seriously.
Phil Lyman has more L's than the planet Krypton. Spoiler: He lost again.
State leaders threaten Salt Lake City over its homeless problem.
Vote-by-mail is under the microscope in Utah, but Governor Cox is sticking to his guns.
The Utah Education Association takes Utah's private school voucher program to court.
In Utah, looking like Jesus could be your next side hustle. Who knew?

An interview with Jackson Lewis, who was just elected to a seat on the Canyons School Board. At 19 years old, he's believed to be the youngest elected official in Utah history. He talks about the importance of getting involved in the political process.
Plus, I spill the tea on why the Utah Legislature is scared of my journalism and why they gave me the boot from the 2025 session.
Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and drop a rating and review so others can join the fun. Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch, and maybe even become a paying subscriber to keep the good stuff coming.
Catch me on social media:
Bluesky
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
Threads</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>This week in Utah Politics:

Senator Mike Lee throws out some wild suggestions for Speaker of the House: Elon Musk or Vivek Ramaswamy. Seriously.
Senator Mike Lee throws out some wild suggestions for Speaker of the House: Elon Musk or Vivek Ramaswamy. Ser</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/2b691df4/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Voters from beyond the grave!</title>
      <itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>5</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Voters from beyond the grave!</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/e7d26af7-2796-3c7d-8b52-056330f6bec8</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/5</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's Utah political news:</p>
<ul>
<li>Voters from beyond the grave threaten Utah's universal vote by mail.</li>
<li>Utah Senate President Stuart Adams is big mad because of a story about his campaign finance disclosures.</li>
<li>The Utah Legislature tees up another round of tax cuts, but they're being coy about their plans.</li>
<li>Some Utah congressmen have invited a Jan. 6 rioter to Donald Trump's inauguration.</li>
<li>Congressman Burgess Owens misses out on a big committee assignment.</li>
</ul>
<p>Plus, Sen. Mitt Romney has a farewell press conference with Utah media.<br>
<br>
And who the hell is Paul Harvey?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a>.</p>
<p>Social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's Utah political news:</p>
<ul>
<li>Voters from beyond the grave threaten Utah's universal vote by mail.</li>
<li>Utah Senate President Stuart Adams is big mad because of a story about his campaign finance disclosures.</li>
<li>The Utah Legislature tees up another round of tax cuts, but they're being coy about their plans.</li>
<li>Some Utah congressmen have invited a Jan. 6 rioter to Donald Trump's inauguration.</li>
<li>Congressman Burgess Owens misses out on a big committee assignment.</li>
</ul>
<p>Plus, Sen. Mitt Romney has a farewell press conference with Utah media.<br>
<br>
And who the hell is Paul Harvey?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a>.</p>
<p>Social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Dec 2024 17:39:22 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/7c4956b9/3aaa02e5.mp3" length="98730687" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4114</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this week's Utah political news:

Voters from beyond the grave threaten Utah's universal vote by mail.
Utah Senate President Stuart Adams is big mad because of a story about his campaign finance disclosures.
The Utah Legislature tees up another round of tax cuts, but they're being coy about their plans.
Some Utah congressmen have invited a Jan. 6 rioter to Donald Trump's inauguration.
Congressman Burgess Owens misses out on a big committee assignment.

Plus, Sen. Mitt Romney has a farewell press conference with Utah media.And who the hell is Paul Harvey?
 
Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch.
Social media:
Bluesky
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
Threads</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this week's Utah political news:

Voters from beyond the grave threaten Utah's universal vote by mail.
Utah Senate President Stuart Adams is big mad because of a story about his campaign finance disclosures.
The Utah Legislature tees up another round o</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/7c4956b9/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" rel="captions"/>
      <podcast:chapters url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/7c4956b9/chapters.json" type="application/json+chapters"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>So long, and thanks for all the pancakes!</title>
      <itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>4</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>So long, and thanks for all the pancakes!</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/964ac94a-aa5a-3bec-9f63-08529738ec47</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/4</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's Utah political news:</p>
<ul>
<li>Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz makes a big donation to an anti-transgender political action committee that attacked Democrats with nasty ads during the 2024 election.</li>
<li>Gov. Spencer Cox and Utah lawmakers put Utah's colleges and universities in their sights.</li>
<li>Lawmakers could have a big budget problem on their hands.</li>
<li>Sen. Mike Lee is ready to dismantle Social Security.</li>
<li>A right-wing parents rights group wants lawmakers to punish Utah teachers and get fluoride out of the state's drinking water.</li>
</ul>
<p>Very smart person Mike Madrid, author of <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Latino-Century/Mike-Madrid/9781668015261">"The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority is Transforming Democracy,"</a> joins us to discuss why 43% of Latino voters went for Donald Trump in the 2024 election.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://greattransformation.substack.com/">Mike's substack: The Great Transformation</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p>As Sen. Mitt Romney rides off into the political sunset, I share a story about the time he talked to me about pancakes, and we fought over the cost of a $2 cup of coffee.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a>.</p>
<p>Social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Episode reading list:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/utah-house-speaker-funding-anti-trans-2/">Utah House Speaker funds PAC behind anti-trans campaign blitz</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2024/12/04/complaints-about-anti-trans-pacs/">Lt. Gov.'s office refers "handful of complaints" about shadowy anti-trans PAC to Utah A.G.</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.deseret.com/politics/2024/12/05/utah-governor-spencer-cox-supports-higher-education-reform/">"Higher ed has lost their way," Gov. Cox says during budget reveal</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2024/12/04/university-utah-leaders-brace/">University of Utah president warns of "extensive" lawmaker scrutiny next year - beyond expected cuts</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/revenue-projections-miss-the-mark-lawmakers-grapple-with-deficit/">Revenue projections miss the mark: Utah lawmakers facing possible $225M - $700M revenue shortfall next year</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/sen-mike-lee-tees-up-attack-on-social-security/">Sen. Mike Lee tees up assault on Social Security</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/lawmakers-will-try-2/">Utah Parents United wants lawmakers to ban fluoride in the state's drinking water</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's Utah political news:</p>
<ul>
<li>Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz makes a big donation to an anti-transgender political action committee that attacked Democrats with nasty ads during the 2024 election.</li>
<li>Gov. Spencer Cox and Utah lawmakers put Utah's colleges and universities in their sights.</li>
<li>Lawmakers could have a big budget problem on their hands.</li>
<li>Sen. Mike Lee is ready to dismantle Social Security.</li>
<li>A right-wing parents rights group wants lawmakers to punish Utah teachers and get fluoride out of the state's drinking water.</li>
</ul>
<p>Very smart person Mike Madrid, author of <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Latino-Century/Mike-Madrid/9781668015261">"The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority is Transforming Democracy,"</a> joins us to discuss why 43% of Latino voters went for Donald Trump in the 2024 election.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://greattransformation.substack.com/">Mike's substack: The Great Transformation</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p>As Sen. Mitt Romney rides off into the political sunset, I share a story about the time he talked to me about pancakes, and we fought over the cost of a $2 cup of coffee.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sign up for my newsletter at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Utah Political Watch</a>.</p>
<p>Social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@schotthappens">TikTok</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/schotthappens/">Instagram</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Episode reading list:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/utah-house-speaker-funding-anti-trans-2/">Utah House Speaker funds PAC behind anti-trans campaign blitz</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2024/12/04/complaints-about-anti-trans-pacs/">Lt. Gov.'s office refers "handful of complaints" about shadowy anti-trans PAC to Utah A.G.</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.deseret.com/politics/2024/12/05/utah-governor-spencer-cox-supports-higher-education-reform/">"Higher ed has lost their way," Gov. Cox says during budget reveal</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2024/12/04/university-utah-leaders-brace/">University of Utah president warns of "extensive" lawmaker scrutiny next year - beyond expected cuts</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/revenue-projections-miss-the-mark-lawmakers-grapple-with-deficit/">Revenue projections miss the mark: Utah lawmakers facing possible $225M - $700M revenue shortfall next year</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/sen-mike-lee-tees-up-attack-on-social-security/">Sen. Mike Lee tees up assault on Social Security</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/lawmakers-will-try-2/">Utah Parents United wants lawmakers to ban fluoride in the state's drinking water</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Dec 2024 17:28:15 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/99ab4ac8/d14b0b3b.mp3" length="74173569" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3091</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this week's Utah political news:

Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz makes a big donation to an anti-transgender political action committee that attacked Democrats with nasty ads during the 2024 election.
Gov. Spencer Cox and Utah lawmakers put Utah's colleges and universities in their sights.
Lawmakers could have a big budget problem on their hands.
Sen. Mike Lee is ready to dismantle Social Security.
A right-wing parents rights group wants lawmakers to punish Utah teachers and get fluoride out of the state's drinking water.

Very smart person Mike Madrid, author of "The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority is Transforming Democracy," joins us to discuss why 43% of Latino voters went for Donald Trump in the 2024 election.

Mike's substack: The Great Transformation.

As Sen. Mitt Romney rides off into the political sunset, I share a story about the time he talked to me about pancakes, and we fought over the cost of a $2 cup of coffee.
 
Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch.
Social media:
Bluesky
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
Threads
 
Episode reading list:

Utah House Speaker funds PAC behind anti-trans campaign blitz.
Lt. Gov.'s office refers "handful of complaints" about shadowy anti-trans PAC to Utah A.G.
"Higher ed has lost their way," Gov. Cox says during budget reveal.
University of Utah president warns of "extensive" lawmaker scrutiny next year - beyond expected cuts.
Revenue projections miss the mark: Utah lawmakers facing possible $225M - $700M revenue shortfall next year.
Sen. Mike Lee tees up assault on Social Security.
Utah Parents United wants lawmakers to ban fluoride in the state's drinking water.

 </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this week's Utah political news:

Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz makes a big donation to an anti-transgender political action committee that attacked Democrats with nasty ads during the 2024 election.
Gov. Spencer Cox and Utah lawmakers put Utah's col</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/99ab4ac8/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" rel="captions"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gaetz is gone leaving Lee to linger</title>
      <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>3</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Gaetz is gone leaving Lee to linger</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/66c591c6-b79c-3c05-9c52-9ce360983b8d</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/3</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>On this week's show, we discuss the week's top Utah political news stories.</p>
<ul>
<li>Matt Gaetz withdraws from consideration from Attorney General, but Sen. Mike Lee doesn't get the job. And how does Senator-elect John Curtis fit into the story?</li>
<li>The Great Salt Lake starts to dry up again.</li>
<li>Legislative candidates spent $5.8 million during the 2024 election.</li>
<li>Lawmakers target election law changes.</li>
</ul>
<p>Will a third-party candidate ever win an election in Utah? Michelle Quist, the United Utah Party nominee for Attorney General, joins the program.</p>
<p>Plus, we dip into the mailbag and answer questions from listeners.</p>
<p>Sign up for my <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">free Utah Political Watch newsletter</a>.</p>
<p>Make more podcasts like this possible by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/membership/">becoming a paying subscriber</a>. You can also <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/buy-me-a-coffee/">buy me a coffee</a> with a one-time donation.</p>
<p>Follow me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p> </p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>On this week's show, we discuss the week's top Utah political news stories.</p>
<ul>
<li>Matt Gaetz withdraws from consideration from Attorney General, but Sen. Mike Lee doesn't get the job. And how does Senator-elect John Curtis fit into the story?</li>
<li>The Great Salt Lake starts to dry up again.</li>
<li>Legislative candidates spent $5.8 million during the 2024 election.</li>
<li>Lawmakers target election law changes.</li>
</ul>
<p>Will a third-party candidate ever win an election in Utah? Michelle Quist, the United Utah Party nominee for Attorney General, joins the program.</p>
<p>Plus, we dip into the mailbag and answer questions from listeners.</p>
<p>Sign up for my <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">free Utah Political Watch newsletter</a>.</p>
<p>Make more podcasts like this possible by <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/membership/">becoming a paying subscriber</a>. You can also <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/buy-me-a-coffee/">buy me a coffee</a> with a one-time donation.</p>
<p>Follow me on social media:</p>
<p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/schotthappens.com">Bluesky</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@schotthappens">Threads</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahpoliticalwatch">Facebook</a></p>
<p> </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 19:24:15 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/c725feac/a5f8b01e.mp3" length="57687867" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2404</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>On this week's show, we discuss the week's top Utah political news stories.

Matt Gaetz withdraws from consideration from Attorney General, but Sen. Mike Lee doesn't get the job. And how does Senator-elect John Curtis fit into the story?
The Great Salt Lake starts to dry up again.
Legislative candidates spent $5.8 million during the 2024 election.
Lawmakers target election law changes.

Will a third-party candidate ever win an election in Utah? Michelle Quist, the United Utah Party nominee for Attorney General, joins the program.
Plus, we dip into the mailbag and answer questions from listeners.
Sign up for my free Utah Political Watch newsletter.
Make more podcasts like this possible by becoming a paying subscriber. You can also buy me a coffee with a one-time donation.
Follow me on social media:
Bluesky
Threads
Facebook
 </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>On this week's show, we discuss the week's top Utah political news stories.

Matt Gaetz withdraws from consideration from Attorney General, but Sen. Mike Lee doesn't get the job. And how does Senator-elect John Curtis fit into the story?
The Great Salt La</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Behind closed doors</title>
      <itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>2</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Behind closed doors</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/c688cffa-b625-314e-b947-0d3ddf745fce</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/2</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>On this week's episode:</p>
<p>🚪 Republicans on the Utah State School Board go behind closed doors.</p>
<p>👎 Sen. Mike Lee and former Rep. Chris Stewart get passed over for jobs in the Trump administration.</p>
<p>🏛️ The Utah House and Senate pick leaders for the upcoming session.</p>
<p>📊 A discussion about political polls with Mike Noble from Noble Predictive Insights. His firm had the most accurate polling in Utah ahead of the 2024 election.</p>
<p>📬 Plus, we dip into the mailbag.</p>
<p>✉️ Subscribe to my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>On this week's episode:</p>
<p>🚪 Republicans on the Utah State School Board go behind closed doors.</p>
<p>👎 Sen. Mike Lee and former Rep. Chris Stewart get passed over for jobs in the Trump administration.</p>
<p>🏛️ The Utah House and Senate pick leaders for the upcoming session.</p>
<p>📊 A discussion about political polls with Mike Noble from Noble Predictive Insights. His firm had the most accurate polling in Utah ahead of the 2024 election.</p>
<p>📬 Plus, we dip into the mailbag.</p>
<p>✉️ Subscribe to my newsletter for free at <a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">UtahPoliticalWatch.news</a>.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Nov 2024 19:17:03 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/93777baa/1ceb30a4.mp3" length="71958251" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2999</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>On this week's episode:
🚪 Republicans on the Utah State School Board go behind closed doors.
👎 Sen. Mike Lee and former Rep. Chris Stewart get passed over for jobs in the Trump administration.
🏛️ The Utah House and Senate pick leaders for the upcoming session.
📊 A discussion about political polls with Mike Noble from Noble Predictive Insights. His firm had the most accurate polling in Utah ahead of the 2024 election.
📬 Plus, we dip into the mailbag.
✉️ Subscribe to my newsletter for free at UtahPoliticalWatch.news.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>On this week's episode:
🚪 Republicans on the Utah State School Board go behind closed doors.
👎 Sen. Mike Lee and former Rep. Chris Stewart get passed over for jobs in the Trump administration.
🏛️ The Utah House and Senate pick leaders for the upcoming ses</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>2024 Election postmortem</title>
      <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>1</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>2024 Election postmortem</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/d08a4e1e-dbb2-3a42-945d-6e43b0d8848d</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/1</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>The 2024 election is over. Donald Trump is headed back to the White House for a second term and Republicans will control both houses of Congress.</p><p><br>In Utah, Spencer Cox gets another term, Republicans continue their statewide winning streak and the Legislature (mostly) stays the same. </p><p><br>How will all of that shape the next few years in Utah? We'll discuss.</p><p><br>Republican John Curtis won the race to replace Mitt Romney in the U.S. Senate. He joins the show to discuss his plans as he moves from the House to the Senate.</p><p><br>It's not just election news. Gov. Spencer Cox makes a curious nomination to represent the public on the committee that decides what government records can be released to the public.</p><p><br><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Subscribe to my free newsletter at Utah Political Watch</a>.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The 2024 election is over. Donald Trump is headed back to the White House for a second term and Republicans will control both houses of Congress.</p><p><br>In Utah, Spencer Cox gets another term, Republicans continue their statewide winning streak and the Legislature (mostly) stays the same. </p><p><br>How will all of that shape the next few years in Utah? We'll discuss.</p><p><br>Republican John Curtis won the race to replace Mitt Romney in the U.S. Senate. He joins the show to discuss his plans as he moves from the House to the Senate.</p><p><br>It's not just election news. Gov. Spencer Cox makes a curious nomination to represent the public on the committee that decides what government records can be released to the public.</p><p><br><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Subscribe to my free newsletter at Utah Political Watch</a>.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Nov 2024 19:50:41 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/26c7f3d9/ba70eeb9.mp3" length="72665763" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3028</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>The 2024 election is over. Donald Trump is headed back to the White House for a second term and Republicans will control both houses of Congress.</p><p><br>In Utah, Spencer Cox gets another term, Republicans continue their statewide winning streak and the Legislature (mostly) stays the same. </p><p><br>How will all of that shape the next few years in Utah? We'll discuss.</p><p><br>Republican John Curtis won the race to replace Mitt Romney in the U.S. Senate. He joins the show to discuss his plans as he moves from the House to the Senate.</p><p><br>It's not just election news. Gov. Spencer Cox makes a curious nomination to represent the public on the committee that decides what government records can be released to the public.</p><p><br><a href="https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/">Subscribe to my free newsletter at Utah Political Watch</a>.</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Trailer: Special Session with Bryan Schott</title>
      <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>1</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Trailer: Special Session with Bryan Schott</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>trailer</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">specialsession.podbean.com/7f181f63-dd4e-3028-bdbe-9e99c235e6a7</guid>
      <link>https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/trailer1</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Ever wonder what’s really going on behind the scenes in Utah politics?</p>
<p>From the Capitol to your headphones, Special Session with Bryan Schott breaks down the most important news stories from the world of Utah politics.  </p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Ever wonder what’s really going on behind the scenes in Utah politics?</p>
<p>From the Capitol to your headphones, Special Session with Bryan Schott breaks down the most important news stories from the world of Utah politics.  </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 29 Oct 2024 15:53:54 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Utah Political Watch</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/8a33ea6c/ad357227.mp3" length="835411" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Utah Political Watch</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>35</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>Ever wonder what’s really going on behind the scenes in Utah politics?
From the Capitol to your headphones, Special Session with Bryan Schott breaks down the most important news stories from the world of Utah politics.  </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>Ever wonder what’s really going on behind the scenes in Utah politics?
From the Capitol to your headphones, Special Session with Bryan Schott breaks down the most important news stories from the world of Utah politics.  </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
  </channel>
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