1819 News: The Podcast

In this compelling conversation on 1819 News: The Podcast, host Bryan Dawson, CEO of 1819 News, investigates a growing movement to bring classical education—and timeless values—back to Alabama’s classrooms. Dawson opens by challenging listeners to imagine a future where the destiny of Alabama’s children depends on returning to the classics—where education once again forms virtue, wisdom, and freedom of thought. Together, he and Ron Packard, founder and CEO of ACCEL Schools, discuss the philosophical and practical renewal of education through the Alabama Virtual Classical Academy, a new tuition-free online school launching in partnership with Sylacauga City Schools. Enabled by Alabama’s recent school choice reforms, this initiative gives families statewide access to a rigorous, virtue-centered education rooted in the timeless ideas of Aristotle, Socrates, and America’s founding fathers. Packard draws on nearly three decades in education to explain why teaching children how to think, not what to think, is more crucial than ever in the age of technology and moral confusion. The pair trace the history of classical learning—from the trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric to the liberal arts tradition that formed leaders like the architects of the American Republic. They contrast this approach with today’s industrial-age schooling system, which too often prioritizes bureaucracy over character and test scores over truth. The conversation also highlights the cultural and spiritual dimensions of education, exploring how beauty, virtue, and objective truth were once considered essential to forming free citizens. With insights from figures like Dr. William J. Bennett, former U.S. Secretary of Education and now provost of ACCEL Classical Academies, Dawson and Packard make a compelling case for reclaiming the lost art of education as the foundation of liberty itself. This episode isn’t just about curriculum reform—it’s a call to arms in the generational battle for the hearts and minds of Alabama’s children, urging parents and educators alike to rebuild a free and flourishing Alabama grounded in truth, virtue, and classical wisdom.

In this thought-provoking episode, host Bryan Dawson welcomes Father Calvin Robinson—a British Anglican priest, commentator, and outspoken cultural critic—for a wide-ranging conversation about faith, politics, and the challenges facing Western civilization. The discussion opens with Dawson recounting how he met Father Calvin at a Turning Point USA event in Huntsville, Ala., where the two connected over shared convictions and a passion for defending truth in turbulent times. Father Calvin shares his personal journey from the United Kingdom to the United States, explaining how his willingness to speak out on issues of national identity, faith, and culture has come at great personal and professional cost. Together, he and Brian explore the state of modern Britain, the rise of multiculturalism, and the tension between religious freedom, national values, and political correctness. Father Calvin describes what he views as the moral and spiritual decline of Western Europe, citing the erosion of Christian foundations and the emergence of parallel social and legal systems. The conversation turns to broader cultural questions, including the role of men and women in society, the decline of family life and faith, and the moral consequences of abortion and secularism. Both Dawson and Father Calvin frame these trends as symptoms of a deeper spiritual crisis—one that transcends politics and calls for a renewal of moral courage and conviction. Though controversial and at times unsettling, this episode offers a candid and unfiltered look at how two Christian thinkers interpret the West’s current crossroads. Listeners will hear strong opinions, passionate arguments, and sobering reflections on faith, culture, and the future of civilization. Whether you agree or disagree with their views, this conversation invites reflection on what it means to preserve truth, tradition, and belief in an increasingly divided world. Tune in for an unflinching dialogue on faith, culture, and the courage to stand firm in conviction—no matter the cost.

In this hard-hitting monologue episode of 1819 News: The Podcast, host Bryan Dawson, CEO of 1819 News, breaks down the "flea flicker" political plays being run on Alabama values. Using football as a metaphor, Dawson exposes how opponents manipulate public opinion to advance agendas that erode traditional values—warning listeners to spot the setup at the line of scrimmage before the snap. Using previous major political failures as game film, he traces the path liberals have used to attain power. Talking points repeated ad nauseum, paying off people of influence, and employing the power of media is the flea flicker that our foes continue to use and we can't seem to stop them. Dawson explains how this same strategy normalized LGBTQ ideology, starting with "love is love" talking points, turning into media saturation via shows like Will & Grace, which led to the Obergefell decision, which forced same sex marriage onto all 50 states. The downward spiral has turned into gay pride parades, the trans agenda, and now homosexual men adopting young boys. What could go wrong? This downward spiral started with a few talking points being repeated ad nauseum and ended with gay couples renting women's wombs to create designer babies. In a democracy, the only thing you need to move your political objectives forward is to win the battle for public opinion and the left has mastered this play. Next, Dawson reveals the Alabama Education Association's (AEA) rebrand from a liberal powerhouse—once dictating votes from the gallery under Paul Hubbert—to a "conservative Christian" entity cozying up to Republican supermajority legislators with big checks and conservative rhetoric. Despite being an affiliate of the radical Marxist NEA, the AEA infiltrated the GOP, stalled school choice, and is now pushing homeschool regulation after losing public school enrollment. Their conservative mask slipped with their communicated intent to regulate homeschoolers, and when they recently made a $100,000 donation to Marxist Mobile mayoral candidate, Barbara Drummond. Finally, Dawson sounds the alarm on creeping Islamic influence, dubbing the Islamic activists in Hoover the emerging "Hoover Caliphate." Drawing parallels to Dearborn and Minneapolis, he cites grooming scandals in the UK, H-1B visa labor displacement, and a personal encounter with a young Muslim woman offering partnership and funds to 1819 News—rejecting it as a conquest play masked in shared "Republican values." This Islamic play is the play that is about to be run, and Dawson encourages everyone to see it for what it is so it can be stopped before putting any points on the board. Dawson urges vigilance: don’t allow our kindness to be weaponized against us. Reject pay-for-play media, refuse tainted money, and call out infiltration before cultural subversion becomes demographic dominance. You won't want to miss this powerful episode. Overtime Segment: Crossing the Rubicon and Burning the Boats!

In this compelling and urgent conversation, Bryan Dawson of 1819 News sits down with Daily Wire culture reporter and bestselling author Megan Basham to discuss her explosive book, Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda. With sharp insight and meticulous research, Basham exposes how secular progressive forces have infiltrated seminaries, evangelical institutions, and churches across America—not merely to influence theology, but to reshape the political and cultural convictions of millions of Christians. Basham lays out a troubling pattern: left-wing organizations, including those funded by George Soros and the Hewlett Foundation, are funneling money through “evangelical” front groups like the Evangelical Immigration Table—entities that appear grassroots but are in fact top-down influence campaigns. Their goal? To convince believers that leftist policies on immigration, climate, race, and even vaccine mandates are not just political stances, but biblical imperatives. Dawson and Basham also explore the downfall of prominent evangelical leaders like Russell Moore, once a conservative icon, now seen as a mouthpiece for progressive causes. From promoting amnesty under the guise of “loving your neighbor” to urging COVID-19 vaccinations as a Christian duty, Moore’s trajectory serves as a case study in how influence, prestige, and foundation money have corrupted evangelical leadership. Basham explains how even well-meaning pastors are unwittingly swept into these networks, signing onto statements and participating in campaigns that subtly (or overtly) push progressive policy—often without full awareness of who’s funding or driving the agenda. The discussion is a wake-up call to American Christians. The church, as Basham and Dawson argue, is the final obstacle to full-scale cultural conquest by the radical left. If believers don’t recognize the war being waged within their own walls, they may lose not just theological clarity, but national influence and moral credibility. This episode calls for spiritual vigilance, cultural awareness, and a bold return to biblical truth in an age of compromise.

In a raw, heartfelt conversation, Alabama State Rep. Reed Ingram sits down to share a story that’s far more than politics—it’s a powerful testimony of redemption, resilience, and purpose. From living homeless on a beach in Pensacola as a child to becoming a successful entrepreneur and lawmaker, Ingram’s life is a vivid reminder that no past is too broken for God to redeem. The episode kicks off with a lighthearted dive into the secret behind the famously delicious watermelons at Sweet Creek, Ingram’s popular farm market located right off the beach-bound highways of Alabama. But it quickly goes deeper as he opens up about a childhood scarred by addiction, instability, and years without schooling. Taken by his mother at age seven after his parents' divorce, he spent much of his early life sleeping in roadside parks and restrooms—avoiding crime by hiding in the safest places he could find. At 17, after a brush with the law and a near-tragic incident involving a stolen car and the governor’s mansion, Reed found himself at a crossroads. What followed was a divine intervention—marrying the daughter of a preacher, starting a business with nothing but faith, and slowly rebuilding his life. By God’s guidance, he launched six successful businesses and became a steady presence in Alabama’s legislature. Yet Reed has never forgotten where he came from—or the God who carried him. Sweet Creek is more than a fruit stand; it’s a ministry in motion. With 800 young applicants each year, he’s instilling work ethic, teaching life skills, and connecting families back to their roots in agriculture and community. This interview is a wake-up call, reminding us of what’s possible when someone refuses to be defined by their past—and instead lets purpose, faith, and hard work define their future. Listen in and be inspired.

In this powerful live episode of 1819 News: The Podcast, host Bryan Dawson sits down with Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth at the Point Clear Republican Women’s Group for a raw, unfiltered conversation about courage, faith, and the future of Alabama. Known for his principled leadership and willingness to take on entrenched powers, Ainsworth discusses how he has transformed the historically “defanged” role of lieutenant governor into one of the most active and impactful positions in the state. From championing school choice and cutting Alabama’s grocery tax, to fighting for military families and calling out unaccountable agencies like ALDOT and the Alabama High School Athletic Association, Ainsworth shares how conservative policies can move from talking points to real results. He highlights the importance of building coalitions, creating relationships, and standing on biblical values even when the backlash is fierce. This episode also dives into some of the most pressing issues facing conservatives nationwide. Dawson and Ainsworth address the tragic attempted assassination of President Trump, the death of Charlie Kirk, and the growing hostility toward public figures who speak hard truths. Ainsworth outlines why his decision to step aside from a potential gubernatorial run to support Coach Tuberville was rooted in faith, family, and a long-term vision for Alabama. More than just politics, this conversation is about a movement. Ainsworth speaks to the next generation of conservatives and Christians rising up on campuses across the nation—leaders inspired by Kirk and others—who are refusing to be silent in the face of cultural decay. He calls on listeners to be bold, to step into leadership, and to defend their values with both courage and compassion. If you’ve ever wondered what real conservative leadership looks like in action—or how faith and principle can drive policy and shape a state’s future—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Chad O. Jackson, an independent filmmaker and researcher, challenges the traditional narrative of Martin Luther King Jr. in this insightful discussion. He reveals King's ties to Marxist ideologies and his role in increasing federal power. Jackson also uncovers evidence of King's personal scandals and critiques the Civil Rights Movement’s impact on black culture, arguing it shifted communities from self-reliance to government dependency. The conversation warns against the subtle infiltration of Marxist ideas into modern churches, prompting reflection on King's legacy.

Brandon Tatum, a former police officer and conservative commentator, discusses his deep friendship with the late Charlie Kirk and the profound spiritual impact of Kirk's martyrdom. He reflects on how Kirk's drive and faith inspired him and many others. Tatum emphasizes the urgent call to action following Kirk's death, urging churches to boldly proclaim truth and embrace new converts. He also highlights how public figures are now openly expressing their faith, contributing to a nationwide spiritual awakening.

Pastor Rich Lusk, a Reformed pastor and theologian, joins to discuss the legacy of Charlie Kirk, a bold Christian martyr. They tackle the crisis of cowardice in today's culture, contrasting biblical courage with modern vulnerabilities. Lusk emphasizes the need for Christians to engage courageously in cultural and political spaces, particularly on university campuses. The conversation delves into the consequences of 'safetyism,' the importance of fulfilling the Great Commission beyond evangelism, and how fearing God can lead to true fearlessness.

In this episode of 1819 News: The Podcast, host and CEO Bryan Dawson sits down with Alabama State Sen. Arthur Orr, Chairman of the Education Trust Fund, for an in-depth conversation on the state's educational landscape, political evolution, and pathways to prosperity. Hailing from North Alabama's rapidly growing District 3, encompassing Morgan County and parts of Limestone and Madison Counties, Orr shares his personal journey—from his roots in a family with deep Alabama ties, to his time in the Peace Corps in Nepal, Habitat for Humanity in South Asia, and his legal career before entering politics in 2006. Orr recounts his challenging entry into the Senate during a Democrat-dominated era, the pivotal 2010 Republican takeover, and the ethics reforms that followed high-profile scandals. As chair of the education budget, he addresses Alabama's persistent education challenges, noting a near-doubling of funding since 2017 under Gov. Kay Ivey. Despite criticisms that increased spending hasn't always yielded results, Orr highlights legislative-driven reforms like the Literacy Act (preventing social promotion for non-readers), the Numeracy Act (boosting math scores from 52nd nationally to the 30s), and the Choose Act, which introduces school choice and competition. He praises these initiatives for originating in the legislature rather than the State School Board, emphasizing accountability and measurable progress. The discussion delves into the Alabama Education Association's diminished influence compared to its heyday under Paul Hubbert, and also Orr's views on higher education, including prioritizing in-state students, scrutinizing out-of-state tuition benefits, and enforcing compliance with laws banning divisive concepts (DEI). He warns of funding cuts for non-compliant institutions and critiques leftist biases in university curricula, advocating for meritocracy and race-neutral policies. Orr also touches on controversial topics like the Magic City Acceptance Academy, suggesting oversight by the state charter commission and potential use of the "power of the purse." Finally, he spotlights his "success sequence" bill—now law—teaching middle schoolers three research-backed steps to escape poverty: graduate high school, get a job, and avoid out-of-wedlock children, boasting a 96% success rate. Tune in for an honest, forward-looking dialogue on reforming Alabama's education system, fostering conservative values, and building a brighter future. Whether you're a parent, educator, or policy enthusiast, this episode offers invaluable insights into the decisions shaping the Yellowhammer State.