1819 News: The Podcast

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.

In this discussion, Jeff Poor, Editor-in-Chief of 1819 News, dives into Alabama's 2025 Legislative Session. He highlights the tension between proposed tax cuts and increasing taxes from Republican leaders. The conversation also covers Governor Ivey's lackluster state of the state speech and its implications for essential issues like gambling legislation and immigration reform. Poor emphasizes the importance of public engagement and transparency in governance while scrutinizing current economic struggles and the legislative response to local challenges.

What we have witnessed since the swearing in of President Donald Trump has been nothing short of incredible. Conservatives have never seen what it looks like for one of our people to ascend to power and then wield that power for the objective good. This is new for us, and it’s riveting to watch. This week, Dawson breaks down what he believes led to the steely resolve we are seeing in President Trump. From the fake Russian collusion accusations to China Flu and eventual lawfare and assassination attempts, today’s Trump is a different man than we saw in 2016. Dawson also shares about his trip to D.C. for the inauguration, what that experience was like, and then breaks down some of the most impactful executive orders signed on day 1 and what they will mean for the country. Finally, Dawson brings it home by asking where this type of leadership is in our Republican supermajority state.

Rick Burgess, host of the newly launched Rick Burgess Show, shares his journey from the beloved Rick & Bubba Show. He addresses the rumors surrounding the change while emphasizing his vision for the new show, balancing humor with serious topics. Together with Bryan Dawson, they delve into the significance of the 'Man Church' initiative for empowering spiritual leadership among men. The conversation also touches on college football's challenges and the pressing need for political change, making for a captivating and insightful discussion.