

1819 News: The Podcast
1819 Media
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 8, 2025 • 48min
RSA's Bronner Attacks Conservatives and Is Kay Ivey on Her Way Out? w/ Jeff Poor
Two Alabama Political Firestorms to Start the New Year
Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) head David Bronner recently published an article in the RSA's monthly publication The Advisor in which he bashed conservatives and conservative organizations, lamenting that we never offer any positive solutions and then pitching gambling as the panacea for all that ails the state. He named 1819 News specifically as one of those “smart” but troublesome organizations.
Bronner added to his attack with a letter to the editor of Lagniappe Daily in Mobile, criticizing 1819 News' Editor-in-Chief Jeff Poor.
Turning to the other firestorm, there was an obviously coordinated communications strategy in which numerous state agencies showered Governor Kay Ivey with praises almost in eulogistic fashion. In the wake of those adulations, rumors have abounded that she is going to step down. When 1819 News reached out to her office to see if. these rumors were true, we were told "No Comment."
All of that has set the conspiracy wheels ablaze as her stepping down would hand not only the throne to Lt. Gov Will Ainsworth but also incumbency going into what could be a hotly contested gubernatorial primary in 2026.
This week's podcast with 1819 News CEO Bryan Dawson and Editor-in-Chief Jeff Poor is as entertaining and engaging as it is informative and educational.
If you want to be in the know, this podcast is for you!
Relevant articles below:
Debbie Downer: RSA's Bronner Blasts Conservatives
Speculation Ramps Up Over Ivey's Future

Jan 1, 2025 • 1h 16min
The History of Populism in Alabama and the Rise of Populism on the National Political Stage
Discover the fascinating history of populism in Alabama and its significant rise on the national stage. Explore how the working class has found a home within the Republican Party. Find out what drove the populist wave during the 2016 election and how it shaped the future political landscape. Delve into the vital role of the Senate pro tem and its implications for state politics, especially amid ongoing debates about gambling legislature. Engage with the podcast's insights on grassroots movements aimed at truly representing the voices of everyday Americans.

Dec 18, 2024 • 1h 31min
January 6th, Federal Prison, and a Love Story
Kaleb Dillard, a young military veteran from Birmingham, faced federal indictment for his involvement in the January 6th Capitol events. He shares his harrowing experience of federal raids, being caught in a chaotic moment of distrust. Dillard's journey reflects resilience amidst adversity, detailing the emotional toll of a flawed justice system. He also reveals an inspiring love story forged through written correspondence during his time in federal prison, showcasing unwavering faith and commitment as he navigated incredibly challenging circumstances.

Dec 12, 2024 • 1h 2min
Trump's Health Appointments and What They Need to Do on Day One w/ Dr. Jordan Vaughn
Dr. Jordan Vaughn, CEO of MedHelp and recipient of The Albert Patterson Courage Award, joins Bryan Dawson to discuss critical healthcare reforms needed under President-elect Trump. They delve into the problematic COVID response and urgent appointments aimed at restoring transparency within health agencies. Vaughn shares his groundbreaking work on long COVID and microclotting, revealing inspiring success stories of patients recovering from severe conditions. Their candid conversation challenges the status quo, advocating for ethics and patient-centric care in the medical field.

Dec 4, 2024 • 1h 1min
Do You Have the Stomach to Take the Nation Back?
Winning an election is just the beginning of reclaiming the nation. The podcast challenges listeners to reflect on their role in preserving America's values during a critical time. A shocking realization links the addictive nature of processed foods to past tobacco practices, shedding light on a health crisis fueled by Big Food and Big Pharma. Emphasis is placed on making intentional choices in health and nutrition to combat obesity. The discussion also highlights the interconnectedness of local politics and broader national issues, showcasing the urgent need for active citizenship.

Nov 27, 2024 • 42min
Happy Thanksgiving! Take a moment to enjoy one of our favorite interviews. Crimson Tide Football Legend Jeremiah Castille Shares His Story
From the locker room speech in Coach Bryant's last game to "The Fumble" in the 1987 AFC Championship games, Jeremiah Castille had an incredible career filled with some memorable moments. He comes on the podcast this week to share his incredible life story of growing up in Phenix City to coming to know Jesus, playing for Bear Bryant, and even playing in a Super Bowl.
This week's overtime segment is probably the best overtime segment we've done to date, As the University of Alabama's football chaplain, Jeremiah has some incredible stories to tell. We dive into the story of what it was like to be the chaplain during the Tua/Jalen Hurts era, watching those two incredible young men compete to be the quarterback of the top team in the nation, beginning with Tua coming in the second half of the National Championship.
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

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/!