
1819 News: The Podcast
Most news focuses on national stories. But we can’t directly affect what happens in Washington. We started 1819 News The Podcast to focus on news, politics, and public policy in the state of Alabama. 1819 News provides independent and unbiased journalism the way it should be. Tune in to hear important news stories that focus on Alabama.
Latest episodes

Nov 20, 2024 • 36min
Letter to the American Church w/ Eric Metaxas
Eric Metaxas, New York Times bestselling author known for his works on faith and culture, tackles the pressing question of why churches aren't more vocal against progressive ideologies. He emphasizes the importance of active church engagement in the culture war, drawing parallels to Dietrich Bonhoeffer's teachings. Metaxas argues for deeper discipleship and critiques misconceptions of secularism, while urging Christian leaders to rise and influence politics and culture. The discussion also touches on Trump's appointments and their implications for his second term.

Nov 13, 2024 • 1h 1min
A Businessman’s Approach to Politics w/ Gerrick Wilkins
In business, quality results are the only thing that matter. Were the customers satisfied? Did you do what you said you were going to do?
On this week’s 1819 News: The Podcast, CEO Bryan Dawson sits down with Alabama businessman Gerrick Wilkins to discuss the absolutely insane, 2024 election cycle through the lens of a businessman who has also jumped into the political arena.
Gerrick Wilkins ran for Congress in Alabama's 6th Congressional District because he felt Congressman Gary Palmer should have honored his term-limit pledge. He shares a little of his story and then he and Bryan jump into the 2024 election cycle from the primary to the assassination attempt and then the coronation of Kamala Harris, all the way through to Trump sweeping every swing state and winning the popular vote. Wilkins believes a successful businessman attaining the highest office in the land is a huge threat to those who profit off the status quo of bureaucratic waste, inefficiencies, and subsidies.
Clearly, Donald Trump has been that threat to the existing bureaucracy. The tactics they've employed to eliminate him are beyond anything Americans have ever seen. Yet, Trump’s also a man who cut his teeth in business developing real estate in New York City – known for being one of the most ruthless business environments in the world. He clearly knew how to fight his way through all the attacks.
What will this mean for our country? What will it mean for the Republican Party? What will Trump do to capitalize on this opportunity? Those questions and more are answered in this episode of 1819 News: The Podcast!
Overtime: The stealing of Alabama’s Congressional District 2 and what the future holds for gerrymandered districts in the future.
To join the fight and become an 1819 News Member, click here: https://1819news.com/membership. You’ll have access to all our exclusive, behind-the-scenes content!

Nov 6, 2024 • 56min
The American School Counselor Association and Your Children w/ Emily Jones
This week Bryan sits down with Emily Jones of Moms for Liberty to discuss the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) agenda and the fact that ASCA is in every school in the state of Alabama.
As the Moms for Liberty website states, “school counselors are the most radical department in K-12 today.” ASCA works tirelessly to enact a Leftist agenda of CRT, gender equity, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and more in schools across the country and our state by setting guidelines and training school counselors.
It seems there are no limits to the length progressives are willing to go to influence and corrupt the minds and hearts of children – all behind the backs of trusting American parents. If you have a child or grandchild in a public school, you need to listen to this one.
Overtime Segment: Previewing the 2025 Legislative Session
To join the fight and become an 1819 News Member, click here: https://1819news.com/membership. You’ll have access to all our exclusive, behind-the-scenes content!

Oct 30, 2024 • 42min
Can Kay Ivey Fire Admiral Kent Davis? w/ Joey Clark
1819 News: The Podcast has a unique episode for you this week!
A few things have been getting under CEO Bryan Dawson’s skin lately. Naturally, he sat down with Joey Clark on his radio show News and Views, which airs on Montgomery's News/Talk 93.1, to air some of those concerns.
We thought the “radio rant” was too good not to share! Bryan and Joey's conversation begins with the discussion of Alabama State Health Officer Scott Harris' new appointment as the president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. The public health organization has ties to George Soros and focuses on important topics like “health equity” and “dismantling white supremacy.” This brings out Harris' true colors – we all knew they were there – to the surface and reminds us that he should have been fired years ago.
If you recall, Alabama was told Harris couldn't be fired because he was appointed by a board of health professionals and therefore did not serve at the pleasure of the governor. This situation was such a problem that bills were filed in the last three legislative sessions to give the governor the authority to fire the state health officer. Last session one of those bills finally passed.
That stands in stark contrast to a recent move made by Governor Ivey to use her “supreme executive power of this state” to unilaterally fire a different state agency head who was also appointed by a board, Rear Admiral Kent Davis, the director of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs.
Either Ivey had the authority to fire Scott Harris and refused, or she doesn't have the authority to fire state agency heads like Rear Admiral Kent Davis who are appointed by a board, but she did it anyway.
Bryan and Joey's discussion turns from Ivey’s actions to the lack of leadership in the Alabama House, Senate, and Governor’s Office, which creates an environment where special interests reign supreme.
The conversation brought into clear focus the reality that since the Alabama Speaker of the House has been under the heavy influence of political consultant Steve Raby, the House priorities have been an increased gas tax, medical marijuana, and several major pushes for full blown gambling. The last push for gambling included Medicaid expansion.
It’s unbelievable that these are the priorities of the Republican supermajority of a state House in the most conservative state in the nation!
Finally, the “radio rant” ends with harsh criticism of local elected leaders such as mayors, county commissioners, and city councilmen who desperately seek reasons for why they can't do what is right and necessary, and that will allow them to pass the buck. Whether its Haitian immigrants being dumped into their cities or pornographic grooming literature in the children's section of their library, local leaders’ mantra is too often the same: "Ain't nuthin' I can do!" Obviously, you’ll want to give this episode a listen!
Special thanks to Bluewater Broadcasting, News/Talk 93.1, and Joey Clark for allowing us to use the interview.
Special Note: Video was pulled from Joey Clark's YouTube page. Additionally, make sure to tune into News/Talk 93.1 when you are in Montgomery or listen online at newstalk931.com/listen-live/!

Oct 23, 2024 • 47min
What is the Public Service Commission w/ PSC President, Twinkle Cavanaugh
You've probably heard the political ads for people running for PSC in which they tout their conservative bona fides and then attack their opponents as tree-hugging hippies.
Those ads don't really help us understand what goes on at the PSC, but they certainly get stuck in your head...""Always totin' Jeremy Oden"" comes to mind.
Unfortunately, Alabamians often know very little about positions in our state government that impact them the most directly. The Public Service Commission (PSC) is certainly at the top of the list of those extremely important elected positions Alabamians need to know and understand.
This week Bryan is joined by PSC President Twinkle Cavanaugh to hear her story and how she got into politics. Twinkle also gives us a rundown of what exactly it is that the Public Service Commission does.
Naturally, the first question is always whether Twinkle is her real name. You'll be surprised by the answer and enjoy hearing how she got it. You’ll also hear about all the other ways she has served in state politics and the roots of her passion.
More to the point of this podcast, Bryan asks the tough questions surrounding the PSC's responsibility in regulating Alabama Power rates and what their role is in the coal ash cleanup.
- Are our rates in Alabama really among the highest in the nation?
- Why are our power bills so much higher than other states?
- When was the last rate audit on Alabama Power?
This informative podcast will give you a window into the role and powers of a very important office in our state government that affects your wallet daily.

Oct 16, 2024 • 58min
What does the Bible actually say about immigration? with Pastor Rich Lusk
Pastor Rich Lusk, a theological leader from Trinity Presbyterian Church, offers intriguing insights on immigration through a biblical lens. He tackles whether Christians should support open-ended immigration, challenging popular narratives that use scripture to advocate for it. The discussion spans vital questions about national identity, the roles of culture and religion, and the risks of unassimilated immigration. Lusk provocatively argues about the fine line between charity and potential civilizational challenges, leaving listeners to ponder the future of Christian society.

Oct 9, 2024 • 1h
50 Years of Big Oak Ranch w/ Brodie Croyle
One of the most incredible ministries in the world is located right here in Alabama.
The Big Oak Ranch has been providing a home to children who need a chance for 50 years now.
The circumstances that lead each child to Big Oak Ranch are unique. But one aspect of their stories is the same: they have known abuse, neglect, and abandonment by the very people who should have loved them above all. Prior to coming to Big Oak Ranch, the children there have suffered in ways that are impossible to imagine. At the ranch, they find hope. They find a loving, Christian home -- often for the first time. They find a chance to live out God's plan for their lives.
This week, Big Oak Ranch CEO, Brodie Croyle, joins Bryan to tell the 50 year story of the ranch.
You'll hear incredible stories of children rescued and the gospel preached.
The obvious questions that arise upon hearing the story are; How can you multiply the success of the ranch, and what happens to the children after they graduate.
Brodie has a great answer and talks about the work they are doing with Planting Oaks to multiply what God has done at the ranch to over 30 states. Each time the ranch added a home, they added beds. Adding is good, but multiplying is better and the goal for Planting Oaks is to multiply the ministry and so far they have helped launch 109 new ranches serving over 6,500 children.
They also talk about Kelly Croyle's passion, Ascend, which is a ministry dedicated to spiritual, professional, and personal life preparation for the young adults of Big Oak Ranch. This is the answer to what happens when the children graduate, and after hearing about the ministry you'll wonder if you can send your young adults there.
This is a powerful episode sharing one of the most incredible stories in Alabama.
See how you can get involved here: https://www.bigoak.org/
Also, Brodie needs your help. The episode we did with his dad, John Croyle, is the most downloaded episode in 1819 News' history. Brodie thinks he can beat him. Don't let Brodie get sacked, please like, share, and comment to get this competition going!!
In this week's overtime segment, Brodie Croyle talks NIL and what it is going to do to the culture of collegiate sports, but more than that, the culture of young men across the country.
To join the fight and become an 1819 News Member, click here: https://1819news.com/membership. You’ll have access to all our exclusive, behind-the-scenes content!

Sep 27, 2024 • 17min
Dinesh D'Souza's Newest Film: Vindicating Trump
Everyone loves a good story, and there has never been a more riveting one playing out right before our very eyes than the story of Donald Trump's attempt to save America.
From him coming down the escalator in June of 2016 to being shot in the head on July 13th, 2024, at the rally in Butler, PA, it has been an incredible ride. Throughout Trump’s time in politics, Americans have watched the D.C. Regime – both Republicans and Democrats – attempt to destroy him at every turn through media, bureaucracy, lawfare, and more.
Dinesh D'Souza is no stranger to political turmoil himself as he, too, has been at war with the Regime as a political commentator and policy guru turned filmmaker and storyteller.
On this podcast, Dinesh shares with Bryan the making of his latest docudrama capturing the story of Trump's fight against the Regime for the last eight years.
Here's how the film’s producers describe it: “This film is a journey to discover the real Donald Trump, and to make the case
for him as a man and as a leader. It begins with a puzzle. How can a man be so intensely loved and hated? Not since Lincoln have we had such a divisive figure on the national scene. The film also considers a danger that Lincoln warned about—the rise in America of a tyrant like Caesar who would promote lawlessness and subvert the foundations of our constitutional republic. Is Trump such a man?”
The movie even includes a one-on-one interview with Trump shortly after he was shot in Pennsylvania.
Bryan and Dinesh dig into all the high-stakes drama we’ve seen over the last eight years, the making of the movie, and more. If you’re following politics closely this election season, you’ll want to listen to this podcast!
And if you want to watch Vindicating Trump, it hits theaters on Friday, September 27, 2024. Follow this link for more information: https://vindicatingtrump.com/"

Sep 25, 2024 • 1h
Immigration, Crime & Gender Affirming Care w/ AG Steve Marshall
Buckle up, because this podcast is going to take you for a ride.
The influx of Haitian migrants in Alabama has been the lead story on 1819 News for over a month now. Haitian immigrants started popping up in Albertville and Athens, then in Enterprise and Sylacauga. Springfield, Missouri is getting all the national headlines but it's happening right here in Alabama. Many of the city and county leaders, as well as the media outlets, have resorted to calling the citizens racist rather than trying to deal with the situation head on, and have shut down their opportunity to speak at city council meetings.
This week, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall sits down with Bryan for their quarterly update and they tackle the immigration conversation. How are these people getting here? What can be done? Are they actually legal?
The crime in Montgomery reached a fever pitch over the summer, but things seem to be getting better and AG Marshall talks about what his team has done to reduce the murder and violent crime rate in the capital city.
They also discuss the anti-constitutional rhetoric that pours out of Kamala every time she makes unscripted comments like her recent one where she stated citizens have a right to bear arms but the government has a right to come into your house and make sure the weapons are being used responsibly. Yikes.
University of Alabama Birmingham was recently in the news. They are not only bragging about being one of the most LGBTQ friendly universities in the nation and promoting the fact that they use DEI to pick doctors and med students instead of making those decisions based on merit. They were recently exposed for taking a six figure tax payer funded grant to study vaginal health in transgender men.
I'm sure the UAB donors and alumni are really excited about the direction of the University.
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OVERTIME: LOCAL Alabama, Mom's for Liberty, and ADF have been putting on several Town Halls all over the state featuring AG Marshal and Rep Susan DuBose. The purpose of these Town Halls is to inform the public of how bad the Title IX changes really are and that has caused floods of protestors to show up to the meetings. Marshall fills us in on how those have gone and some of the feedback they've received is that the meetings are actually life changing.
To join the fight and become an 1819 News Member, click here: https://1819news.com/membership. You’ll have access to all our exclusive, behind-the-scenes content!

Sep 23, 2024 • 1h 52min
Bryan Guest Hosts Leland Live ft Pastor Rich Lusk
Extra audio only episode. Bryan guest hosted the biggest news/talk radio show in Alabama, Leland Live on Cumulus Birmingham's Talk 99.5, on Wednesday, September 11th.
Pastor Rich Lusk of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Birmingham joins Bryan to discuss Megan Basham’s new bestselling book Shepherds for Sale. Megan joins the conversation to discuss what caused her to write the book.
Progressive Marxists know the American church is the last bastion between them and complete takeover of the West. Their efforts to defeat the church head on have failed, so they’ve sought to subvert the church by infiltrating the ranks. Basham exposes these efforts as well as the popular church leaders involved with irrefutable evidence and its damning.
Tune in to this riveting conversation about an important topic.
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