1819 News: The Podcast

In this compelling episode of 1819 News: The Podcast, host Bryan Dawson, CEO of 1819 News, sits down with Cam Ward, Director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, to tackle the critical issue of prison reentry and public safety in Alabama. With a shared passion for balancing a tough-on-crime stance with practical solutions, Ward and Dawson dive into the innovative Parole Reentry Program (PREP) Center in Perry County. Ward shares how the program equips formerly incarcerated individuals with job training, mental health support, and substance abuse treatment to reduce recidivism and transform lives. From welding to treeline trimming, the PREP Center partners with private sector companies to provide real career opportunities, boasting a 0% recidivism rate among its 450+ graduates. Dawson draws from his own experience with incarceration and reentry, while Ward brings his experience as a former legislator with a deep understanding of Alabama’s prison challenges to the conversation. The two discuss the importance of addressing underlying issues like addiction and mental health to break the cycle of crime. They also explore the “three-legged stool” of reentry—mental health, substance abuse treatment, and job skills—while emphasizing the power of second chances, family reconnection, and community support.  Tune in for an inspiring conversation about forward-thinking solutions that enhance public safety, empower individuals, and address Alabama’s workforce needs. 1819 News: The Podcast is citizen-supported journalism. Become a member at 1819news.com to support the mission of a free and flourishing Alabama.

We have watched liberals run the same play for decades. They find a beautiful place, move there en masse, and begin taking over the local government only to turn it into a hell hole. Whether it's turning the streets of San Francisco into a public outhouse or flipping Colorado from a reliably red state into one with an openly homosexual governor where your children will be taken if you don't want them to be transitioned to the opposite gender, the progressives have been very "successful" in finding gorgeous destinations and destroying them. A friend and trusted source reached out to 1819 News to say that he believed that to be happening in the Lake Martin area, so this week Bryan Dawson brings on Alexander City Mayor Woody Baird to hear his story and vision for keeping Alexander City and the Lake Martin area conservative. Baird served in the special forces and owned a gun store before running for elected office and says he was motivated to do so by seeing the millions he was paying in taxes to the city be wasted. Baird has been outraised in the race and says that old money liberals are funding his challenger in an effort to bring their worldview and ways of doing things to Alexander City. Take a listen and see what you think. Are liberals really trying to take over Lake Martin?!?

In this episode of 1819 News: The Podcast, host Bryan Dawson, CEO of 1819 News, sits down with Emily Jones, Director of Moms for Liberty Alabama, to discuss pressing issues in education, parental rights, and conservative activism in the state. Jones, who is also running for the Alabama State School Board against incumbent Wayne Reynolds, shares her passion for empowering parents and combating bureaucratic overreach. The conversation kicks off with the recent medical age of consent legislation, which raised the threshold from 14 to 16 despite fierce opposition from medical associations and state health departments. Jones highlights hidden gems in the bill, effective Oct. 1, prohibiting schools from providing mental health counseling, suicide prevention, or bullying programs to children 16 and under without parental consent. This addresses loopholes allowing ideological indoctrination, such as LGBTQ-related discussions, and calls for urgent updates to state education standards by board members like Kelly Mooney and Alan Long. Dawson and Jones then delve into the FOCUS Act, a new law banning cell phones and wireless devices in classrooms to enhance student focus and academic performance. Jones defends it against parental rights critiques, citing studies linking device access to rising anxiety, depression, and distractions. Drawing from Jonathan Haidt's The Coddling of the American Mind, she argues that removing screens for school hours benefits mental health and learning, while respecting family choices outside class. Throughout, they emphasize building conservative coalitions to advance bold policies, celebrating wins like school choice despite imperfections, and urging parents to reclaim responsibility from government entities. Jones recounts Moms for Liberty events, including a successful fundraiser with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene amid protests, and stresses civic engagement amid Alabama's "red state" challenges.

Join 1819 News CEO Bryan Dawson for a gripping episode of 1819 News: The Podcast as he sits down with retired Department of Homeland Security Special Agent Angelo Fermo. Hailing from Daphne, Ala., Fermo shares riveting tales from his extensive career combating drug cartels, sex trafficking, and immigration challenges. This episode dives deep into law enforcement’s toughest battles, blending heart-pounding "war stories" with personal reflections that shaped Fermo’s journey from a tumultuous childhood to a decorated federal agent. Fermo recounts his early life, including his father’s life as a drug smuggler, offering a raw perspective on how those experiences fueled his drive to uphold justice. From undercover operations and wiretapping drug lords to confronting the darkest corners of human trafficking, Fermo’s stories are both chilling and inspiring. The conversation takes a sobering turn as Dawson and Fermo discuss high-profile cases like the Bibb County sex-trafficking ring and the Epstein scandal, exploring the complexities of justice, systemic failures, and the urgent need for stronger laws against predators. With a mix of humor, camaraderie, and unflinching honesty, the two reflect on the emotional toll of facing humanity’s worst evils, the importance of protecting the vulnerable, and the challenges of navigating a changing law enforcement landscape. From tales of a monkey smuggled with cocaine to the heartbreak of rescuing exploited children, this episode is a rollercoaster of emotions and insights. Tune in for an unforgettable narrative that underscores 1819 News’ mission to pursue a free and flourishing Alabama. Whether you’re drawn to true crime, justice reform, or personal redemption stories, this episode delivers.

Join investigative journalist Apryl Marie Fogel as she dives deep into the challenges of local journalism and its crucial role in holding powerful entities accountable. Apryl shares her compelling journey from skepticism to collaboration with Bryan Dawson, highlighting the fearless reporting that often goes against the grain. The conversation touches on the complex dynamics of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives at Samford University and emphasizes the need for transparency and traditional values in academia. Her dedication to truth shines through in the face of adversity.

Pastor Rich Lusk, a Reformed Catholic leader, dives into the pressing question of whether it's time to find a new church after the challenges brought on by COVID-19. He emphasizes key factors like aligning personal beliefs with church teachings and the crucial role of leadership in spiritual growth. Discussing accountability in faith communities, Lusk highlights the need for churches to adhere to biblical principles. He also explores the importance of masculine leadership and the value of Christian education in nurturing the next generation's faith.

Rick Burgess, author of 'Men Don't Run in the Rain' and host of the Rick Burgess Show, shares heartfelt stories from his father, a humble football coach. He reflects on lessons of accountability and perseverance, urging young men to embrace traditional masculinity amidst modern challenges. The discussion highlights the importance of personal narratives in spiritual growth while humorously critiquing soccer as a 'communist plot.' Burgess concludes with a powerful call to faith and a reflection on father-son legacies.

Uncle Tom is largely used as a derogatory slander nowadays, but why? Behind the Bible, Uncle Tom's Cabin was the most purchased and read book of the 19th century, and Uncle Tom was depicted as a sacrificial servant who gave his life to save the lives of others. This week Bryan Dawson sits down with Dallas Terrell, a Personal Trainer in Huntsville who recently authored a book, "Who Kidnapped Uncle Tom and Why It Matters?" Uncle Tom's Cabin played a pivotal role in Terrell's early life in liberal St. Louis where he watched Democrats destroy everything they touched. Terrell was always one to ask "Why?" His family's response was to hand him a book. The constant questioning and reading of countless books led him into his current vocation, as well as his conservative and theological stances. Terrell’s father died in an accident when he was three, so he was raised by a strong conservative mother who refused government assistance. He was blessed to have many men in the community that treated him like a son and shaped him into the man he is today. This is a great conversation that offers a unique perspective on black history from a conservative perspective.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall joins 1819 News President and CEO Bryan Dawson for a townhall event with the Point Clear Republican Women in Fairhope, Alabama. The two gentlemen discuss everything from Alabama’s strict abortion laws and their relation to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the importance of parental rights—particularly when it comes to medical consent and the books children can check out of our libraries—and the pressing issue of transgender rights and their influence on the youngest members of our society. Regarding the latter issue, Marshall highlights the key role Alabama has played in fighting back against the onslaught of gender ideology nationwide. He specifically credits 1819 News for shining the light on the legal wrangling involved in the issue, bringing knowledge and attention to the subject in order to help common sense prevail. The podcast also features Q&A from a packed house on issues that local Alabamians care about.

It’s no secret that Alabama has an extreme issue with inner city violence. The solution to these issues goes beyond anything legislation can do, and this week's guest, Sen. Will Barfoot, discusses the fact that this issue, as well as many others we are trying to fix with legislation, are really heart issues. While issues of evil indeed stem from a lack of heart change, the problems that they cause society are very real, so laws need to be put in place to restrain evil and promote good. Sen. Barfoot joins Bryan Dawson this week to discuss legislation he has worked on the last few years to do exactly that, and to share his story of how he got into politics. They also discuss what it might look like if U.S. Sen. Tuberville were to become governor.