1819 News: The Podcast

"He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God." - 2 Samuel 23:3 This Scripture describes this week’s podcast guest extremely well. Very few people in state government, or in government anywhere, have such a fine-tuned, biblically-rooted understanding of how the Word of God comes to bear on civilization. State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough joins Bryan Dawson this week to tell his story about how he came into politics, and then to share about some important legislation that he's introduced this session. A son of Alabama, Yarbrough grew up as a homeschooler and witnessed the unthinkable when his father was imprisoned for refusing to pay taxes because those tax dollars were assisting in the murder of innocent children in the womb. He also saw friends put in prison for homeschooling back in the ’80s. These things shaped Yarbrough, leaving an indelible mark in his mind and heart that drove him into the political arena. Yarbrough has dropped several good bills this legislative session, with the Laken Riley Act the most likely to pass. This legislation will work and partner with U.S. Sen. Katie Britt's similarly named legislation at the federal level to give local law enforcement the jurisdiction and authority necessary to remove illegal aliens from our community. Yarbrough has also introduced legislation—the Prenatal Equal Protection Act—seeking to give unborn children the same right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that children out of the womb receive. He answers all the tough questions about this legislation, as it is a hot topic around the nation, while discussing other legislation he has introduced as well. This is an extremely informative and entertaining episode of 1819 News: The Podcast that you won't want to miss!

Victor Marx, a humanitarian, speaker, and martial arts expert, shares his incredible journey from a traumatic childhood to leading All Things Possible Ministries. He discusses the critical role of mentorship among men, advocating for responsible masculinity to guide younger generations. Victor also reveals the emotional challenges of high-stakes missions to protect women and children in conflict zones. With powerful stories of resilience and healing, he emphasizes the importance of compassion, faith, and community involvement in combating trafficking and trauma.

Rep. Jamie Kiel, a committed conservative from the Alabama House, discusses pressing issues like election integrity, immigration, and inflation in Alabama. He shares his journey from businessman to legislator, highlighting the challenges in implementing reforms like term limits. Kiel emphasizes the impact of immigration on small towns, particularly on schools and healthcare, while advocating for tax cuts to ease financial burdens on Alabamians. His dedication to fighting against bad legislation shines through as he navigates the political landscape.

This week's podcast is another Alabama business spotlight, this time on Nathan Cox, the dynamic founder of 68 Ventures. Cox, a seasoned entrepreneur and storyteller, dives deep into his remarkable journey, tracing his path from humble beginnings to building a powerhouse development and investment company along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The podcast blends inspiration, practical insights, and old-fashioned grit, offering listeners an unfiltered look at what it takes to turn ambition into action. The episode kicks off with Cox recounting his early days, fresh from serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, where discipline and resilience became the bedrock of his character. Returning home amidst the 2008 Great Recession, he saw opportunity where others saw chaos. Launching Bellator Real Estate & Development that year, Cox capitalized on distressed assets, assembling investment groups to fuel his vision. Podcast host Bryan Dawson probes into this bold move, and Cox reveals how his father—a pioneering developer in Baldwin County—inspired him to bet on the Gulf Coast’s future. His storytelling shines as he describes the adrenaline of those early risks, setting the stage for his entrepreneurial ascent. As the conversation unfolds, Cox details the founding of Truland Homes in 2011, which grew into South Alabama’s largest private homebuilder before its 2023 acquisition by D.R. Horton. He shares candid lessons on scaling a business, from navigating supply chain hurdles to fostering a purpose-driven team culture. The host draws out Cox’s philosophy of “betting on yourself,” a recurring theme as he discusses 68 Ventures’ evolution into a billion-dollar enterprise, with over 10,000 single-family lots developed and a thriving multifamily division. Listeners gain actionable takeaways on leadership, vertical integration, and seizing market gaps. The episode crescendos with Cox reflecting on his transition from CEO to Chairman in 2023, passing the torch to new leadership while staying true to his core values—faith, effort, and courage. Interspersed with lighthearted anecdotes about family life and his love for competition, Cox’s warmth and authenticity resonate. Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, this podcast delivers a masterclass in resilience, vision, and the power of betting big, leaving listeners motivated to carve their own paths.

Richard Scrushy is back in the news and is asserting that exculpatory evidence was intentionally withheld which would have exonerated him from an unjust conviction back in 2006. In the early 2000s, Scrushy, the CEO of HealthSouth Corporation, was hit with charges of fraud and bribery. Acquitted of the fraud charges, he was eventually found guilty of paying $500K into then Gov. Don Siegelman's education lottery fund in exchange for a seat on the state's Certificate of Need Board. This week host Bryan Dawson brings on Scrushy for an exclusive interview to discuss his assertion regarding the exculpatory evidence being withheld, as well as hearing more about Scrushy's trip to prison and what he's been doing since his release. You don't want to miss this exclusive interview! To join the fight and become an 1819 News Member and have access to all of our behind the scenes content, click here: https://1819news.com/membership

Join Alabama talk radio host Leland Whaley, known for his sharp insights on politics and economy, as he shares his views on the alarming state of job losses in Washington, D.C. He compares it to the decline of blue-collar industries, pointing out the hypocrisy of bureaucrats seeking sympathy for their struggles. Whaley also dives into the intensifying race for rare earth minerals with China, suggesting it could redefine global dynamics. He further comments on the resurgence of the working class in politics and what Trump's America might look like.

State Senator Chris Elliott from Baldwin County, a common sense advocate, dives into the challenges of governance in Alabama. He shares his journey into politics and his firm stance against controversial gambling legislation. Elliott discusses the need for occupational licensing reform and transparency in government, as well as advocating for veterans and sensible infrastructure spending. The conversation also sheds light on pressing issues like prison overcrowding and mismanagement, with a vision for accountability in public spending.

Join John McInnis III, CEO of McInnis Industries and co-owner of the Flora-Bama Lounge, as he shares insights from his diverse entrepreneurial journey. John transformed his family's construction legacy into a billion-dollar empire while embracing his Christian faith. He discusses the Flora-Bama's evolution from a beach bar to a cultural hub, thriving on community connection. Additionally, he reflects on balancing business accountability with flexibility and shares his personal journey from material success to a fulfilled life rooted in faith.

Stephanie Smith, President and CEO of the Alabama Policy Institute, dives into the new Alabama Department of Government Efficiency, echoing national trends in waste reduction. She highlights the alarming increase in state budgets under Gov. Kay Ivey and discusses the intriguing dynamics of tax cuts for wealthy athletes versus working-class families. Smith also critiques the push for gambling expansion and emphasizes accountability in public services, urging citizens to engage in governmental oversight.

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville from Alabama, known for his outspoken conservative views, shares his experience battling Department of Defense policies that funded employee abortions. He discusses the fallout from placing holds on military promotions and how President Trump later vindicated his stance. Tuberville also talks about relocating Space Command, restoring Title IX fairness in sports, and his experience attending the Super Bowl with Trump, offering candid thoughts on the game and halftime show.