Deseret Voices

When Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson opened a letter from the Department of Justice, she discovered something alarming: Her office was under federal investigation for refusing to surrender unredacted voter rolls. In this exclusive sit-down on the “Deseret Voices” podcast with McKay Coppins, Henderson exposes the escalating standoff between state sovereignty and federal overreach.

Viewers will learn how Utah’s election officials are resisting demands for sensitive voter data — including Social Security numbers and driver’s license data — and why federalizing voter lists threatens the constitutional balance of powers. Henderson breaks down the reality of mail-in voting security, the withdrawal of federal intelligence support, and why decentralization remains America’s strongest defense against election manipulation.

If you value independent, unvarnished reporting on politics, law, and constitutionality, hit the subscribe button to stay informed on the stories shaping American democracy.

Deseret Voices is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the Deseret Voices podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

Deseret Voices is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of Deseret Voices drop every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).

Governor Wes Moore reveals what Republican governors are privately telling him about federal election interference—and why he says the Iran war is becoming another Afghanistan. In this episode of "Deseret Voices"  with McKay Coppins, the NGA chair and combat veteran opens up about his genuine friendship with Utah Governor Spencer Cox, what Democrats fundamentally misunderstand about Trump voters, and why 70% of Americans feel invisible to both parties.

Viewers will learn:

• What Moore would do if federal agents appear at Maryland polling places

• Why Republican and Democratic governors are uniting around states' rights before the 2026 midterms

• Moore's Afghanistan fury and why he says no one can explain the Iran mission

• The surprising Spencer Cox quote about Moore's political future

• How Moore went from handcuffs at age 11 to the governor's mansion

• His case for national redistricting reform—even if it costs Democrats seats

• What "Watende" means and why it shapes his approach to political repair

This interview covers the 2026 midterm elections, the Iran war, bipartisan governance, immigration reform, election integrity, and what's broken in American political culture—from someone who's both a combat veteran and a sitting governor.

AOC says "Woke 1 was crazy" — but is laughing off an era of defunding the police, prison abolition and ideological conformity actually enough? On this episode of "Deseret Voices," McKay Coppins sits down with The Atlantic's Idrees Kahloon to ask why Democrats can't simply wash their hands of Woke 1.0 and what the party's chaotic 2026 primaries reveal about its identity crisis heading into 2028.

In this conversation, you'll learn:

• Why Republicans will never let Democrats "slink away" from woke-era positions

• How DSA candidates in 2026 still endorse prison abolition and resist prosecuting violent crime

• What the horseshoe between far-left and far-right ideas on race actually looked like

• Why wokeness, despite its Marxist roots, had almost no class consciousness — and how that pushed working-class voters rightward

• How Zohran Mamdani pulled off a genuine political reinvention while others couldn't

• The "law of excluded middle" — why genuine liberalism is being crushed between wokeness and the MAGA backlash

• Whether Trump will hold the GOP together or become the Lyndon Johnson of 2028

• Why the moral gains that preceded wokeness are now at risk in the backlash era

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).

Mary Ng served as Canada's minister of international trade from 2018 to 2025. She spent years in the room where U.S.-Canada trade deals were made. In this episode of "Deseret Voices," she sits down with Jane Clayson Johnson to answer the questions Americans and Canadians are asking right now.

In this conversation:

• Why Canada says these tariffs violate the USMCA — the very agreement Trump signed

• Who really pays when a 50% tariff is imposed on a Canadian product (hint: it's not Canada)

• How U.S.-Canada supply chains are so integrated that punishing one side hurts the other

• The energy leverage most Americans don't know about — Canada supplies up to 90% of US natural gas, up to 70% of American oil, and up to 80% of US electricity

• What the "elbows up" buy-Canadian movement tells us about where Canadian public sentiment is heading

• The dairy trade dispute — and the fact that the U.S. has never used its full market allocation

• Whether this trade war could last months or even years, and who blinks first

• A Depression-era law, Section 338, being invoked for the first time in nearly 100 years

• The story of Gander, Newfoundland — the tiny Canadian town that welcomed thousands of stranded Americans on Sept. 11, 2001 — and what it says about the relationship these two countries are putting at risk

This is not a conversation about winners and losers. It is a conversation about what happens when neighbors stop trusting each other — and what it will take to find a path forward.

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).

Lake Powell is 30 feet from the point where water may stop flowing past the dam entirely and the expert who's spent his whole life on this river says we're asking the wrong question. We're not running out of water. We're running out of cheap water.

On this episode of "Deseret Voices" with Jane Clayson Johnson, water law professor Rhett Larson of Arizona State University breaks down the Colorado River crisis with the nuance that headlines miss. He explains why the seven states that share this river have been deadlocked for years, why the rules governing their water expire at the end of 2026 with no replacement, and why the federal government is now stepping in with cuts that Arizona's governor has called "draconian."

You'll learn why Lake Powell hitting dead pool could mean no winter vegetables for the entire country, why the 1922 Colorado River Compact was built on bad math, why farmers shouldn't be the scapegoats in this crisis, and why Larson — a self-described optimist — is now telling people to get worried. He also explains what data centers, semiconductor plants, and the AI boom mean for your water bill.

Whether you live in Phoenix or Philadelphia, this conversation will change how you think about the water that flows through your food, your electricity, and your future.

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).

While ICE detentions hit record highs and deportation flights resume across the U.S., the woman running the U.N.'s global migration agency says almost everyone is having the wrong conversation. In this rare sit-down, IOM Director General Amy Pope explains why border enforcement alone can't stop migration — and reveals the surprising playbook already working in Brazil and Italy.

On this episode of "Deseret Voices," Pope, the first woman to lead the International Organization for Migration, sits down with Deseret News Executive Editor Doug Wilks to talk about the real drivers of global migration, from conflict and climate change to economic opportunity. 

Pope, a former human trafficking prosecutor who worked inside U.S. Homeland Security under two administrations, breaks down how Brazil and Italy are turning migrant labor into an economic win instead of a border crisis. She also opens up about the human cost of trafficking, her visit to a humanitarian center run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the story of a young man rescued crossing the Mediterranean who now works to save other migrants and how her own faith shapes her belief in human dignity — even amid what she calls the biggest displacement crisis in the world right now.

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Monday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).

Higher education is facing a season of disruption — from artificial intelligence and affordability concerns to political pressure, public skepticism and shifting demographics. But Baylor University President Dr. Linda Livingstone believes moments of uncertainty can also become moments of transformation.

In this episode of "Deseret Voices," host Jane Clayson Johnson talks with President Livingstone about the greatest challenges and opportunities facing universities today. They discuss how Baylor balances rigorous scholarship with its Christian identity, why academic freedom matters, how AI is reshaping the purpose of college, and what universities must do to rebuild public trust.

President Livingstone also reflects on Baylor’s own transformation during her presidency, including its rise to R1 research status, its efforts to reckon with its history, and its mission to “bring light to the world.” At the heart of the conversation is a question facing students, parents, educators and policymakers alike: What is the true value of higher education in an age of rapid change?

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of Deseret Voices drop every Monday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).

Why do good, well-intentioned people make catastrophic ethical missteps? In this episode of “Deseret Voices,” host Jane Clayson Johnson sits down with Princeton University ethics scholar Dr. David W. Miller, author of “The 5 Questions for Ethical Decisions: How to Succeed Without Selling Your Soul.”

Together, they explore why standard moral intentions often fail under pressure, the subtle danger of the "movable middle," and why small compromises lead to slippery slopes in corporate and personal lives. As artificial intelligence and autonomous systems increasingly reshape decision-making, Dr. Miller reveals why human ethical judgment, moral courage and "ethical fitness" are more crucial now than ever.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The "Movable Middle": Why most people aren't saints or villains — and how environmental pressure causes ethical drift.

• What is Ethical Fitness? Practical habits and visual reminders to train your moral muscle before crisis strikes.

• The "4 M’s" Decision Filter: A simple, four-step mental check to evaluate any ethical dilemma before you act.

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Monday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).

On this episode of "Deseret Voices," host Jane Clayson Johnson sits down with Dr. David Wingate — professor of computer science at Brigham Young University and academic lead for the Consortium for Evaluation of Faith and Ethics in AI (CEFE-AI). Together, they explore groundbreaking research conducted across an unprecedented interfaith collaboration, uniting scholars from Brigham Young University (Latter-day Saint), Baylor University (Baptist), the University of Notre Dame (Catholic), and Yeshiva University (Jewish). The consortium’s mission: to test how mainstream artificial intelligence systems navigate, represent, or potentially misrepresent human faith, morality, and spiritual traditions.

Wingate shares key findings from the team's newly developed AllFaith Benchmark, which evaluated 14 major large language models — including ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, and Gemini. The conversation examines the phenomenon of "omissive bias" (or symbolic annihilation), where AI systems default to secular, therapeutic, or corporate reasoning while ignoring spiritual perspectives when users ask adjacent questions about grief, loss, suffering, or life's purpose. Wingate also explains what the study found on conversion bias across faith traditions, discusses the emerging trend of hyper-focused religious chatbots (like LDSBot, Magisterium, and RavChat), and highlights the risks of emotional attachment and sycophancy as people increasingly turn to algorithms for moral guidance. 

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Monday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).

At just 7 years old, Olivia Moultrie wrote a note to her parents stating she wanted to be the best soccer player in the world. By 13, she had signed a historic Nike endorsement deal. At 15, she sued the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) to lift its age restriction — and won — forever changing the landscape of American professional sports.

Now 20, and an established superstar for the Portland Thorns and the U.S. women's national team, Moultrie joins Deseret News reporter Krysyan Edler on a special edition of "Deseret Voices." She pulls back the curtain on her meteoric rise, her recent return from a calf injury, and what it felt like to have soccer legend Abby Wambach tell her she has the potential to score in every single international match.

But behind the highlight reels, the history-making lawsuits, and the intense drive that fuels her, lies a deeply grounded individual. Moultrie opens up about her faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, how she navigates the pressures of professional sports by remembering her identity as a daughter of God, and why she believes she is still only scratching the surface of what is possible.

This week on "Deseret Voices," host Jane Clayson Johnson sits down with Josh McDaniel, assistant professor at Harvard Law School and director of the Harvard Religious Freedom Clinic, to unpack the rapidly shifting landscape of the First Amendment.

McDaniel explores the fascinating political evolution of religious accommodations — explaining why a right once championed by political liberals has largely pivoted to the conservative mantle, fueled by modern culture wars. From defending the lifestyle of the Old Order Amish against criminal citations in Ohio, to building broad ideological coalitions to protecting Native American sacred sites in Arizona, McDaniel argues that religious minorities are the ultimate "canaries in the coal mine" for government overreach.

They tackle the thorny realities of modern jurisprudence, the fine line between private religious expression and public coercion in schools, and why robust religious liberty ultimately requires a dose of humility from believers.

As the United States hits its historic 250th anniversary, the nation finds itself caught in the throes of a profound "faith crisis" — not just in its institutions, but in the very endurance of the American experiment. In this episode of "Deseret Voices," host McKay Coppins sits down with former senator and presidential candidate Mitt Romney for a deeply candid, reflective and surprisingly humorous conversation about legacy, leadership and life after the political spotlight.

Romney shares his thoughts on the fragile history of democracies, the massive risks posed by artificial intelligence and hyper-concentrated billionaire wealth, and why he firmly believes leaders over 80 should step aside. He also opens up about his personal life in "quasi-retirement," from mastering the legendary U.S. Senate bean soup to cooking 100 meatballs for his grandkids, and the foundational role his wife, Ann — the "Mitt Stabilizer" — plays in keeping him grounded. It is a rare, unvarnished look at one of the most prominent statesmen of the modern era finding optimism in an increasingly tumultuous world.

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).

The Great Salt Lake is disappearing. With two-thirds of its water gone and more than half of its area desiccated, experts warn that Utah is sitting on an environmental time bomb. In this episode of "Deseret Voices," host Jane Clayson Johnson sits down with two leading figures at the forefront of the restoration movement to discuss the stark reality of the lake's decline, the catastrophic health and economic risks of inaction, and why there is still profound hope for a solution.

Our Guests:

• Dr. Ben Abbott: Professor of ecology at Brigham Young University and executive director of Grow the Flow Utah. Dr. Abbott brings global expertise in water security and a deep ecological understanding of the lake’s current crisis.

• Josh Romney: Co-founder and chairman of Great Salt Lake Rising and a dedicated Utahn fighting to ensure the state remains a safe, thriving home for future generations. Romney bridges the gap between environmental necessity, economic reality, and political action.

What We Discuss in This Episode:

• The Shocking Reality: Why the shrinking lake is a "local problem with a global warning," and how its disappearance impacts local weather patterns and winter snowpack.

• The Hidden Health Hazards: The dangerous composition of the exposed lakebed dust — including toxic levels of arsenic, mercury, and selenium — and what happens when it blows into major metropolitan areas.

• Agriculture vs. Residential Water Use: Breaking down the math of water consumption. Why changing how we water our lawns and partnering financially with the agricultural community are both critical keys to the lake's survival.

• Politics and Funding: A look at the growing political will to save the lake, including the direct involvement of President Donald Trump, whose 2027 fiscal budget proposal includes a historic $1 billion funding request for restoration efforts.

• The 2034 Olympic Goal: Can the lake be set on a path to full recovery before the world arrives in Utah for the Winter Games?

"If we can't fix it here, it can't be fixed anywhere. What we are about to do is create a model for the world on how to rescue saline lakes." — Josh Romney

Why This Matters:

This isn't just a Utah issue; it's an American issue. From vital mineral supplies to global seafood chains, the collapse of the Great Salt Lake would trigger an economic and ecological disaster felt nationwide. Tune in to find out how a unique public-private partnership is turning a monumental threat into a historic opportunity for innovation and environmental stewardship.

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).

How does a crowd-funded project about Jesus Christ become a global phenomenon? In this episode of "Deseret Voices," guest host Sheri Dew sits down with Dallas Jenkins, the creator, director, and co-writer of “The Chosen,” for an intimate, behind-the-scenes conversation as the groundbreaking series films its final season.

Dew and Jenkins take a trip down memory lane to early 2020, revealing the untold miracle that allowed “The Chosen” to film its second season on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ historic Jerusalem movie set in Goshen, Utah, during the height of strict COVID-19 lockdowns.

Dallas opens up about:

• The Global Impact: Breaking a Guinness World Record as the most translated TV show in history (surpassing 125 languages).

• Navigating Faith & Criticism: Addressing the evangelical backlash and canceled speaking engagements resulting from his interfaith collaborations.

• Filming the Resurrection: The immense creative pressure of adapting the crucifixion and resurrection for Season 6 and Season 7, and how his team captures "Capital-T Truth" over simple logistics.

• Family Legacy: How his father, “Left Behind” author Jerry B. Jenkins, maintains humility while writing the official “The Chosen” novelizations.

Whether you are a longtime viewer of the series or passionate about how media can change hearts, this episode offers a profound look at what happens when human effort brings the "five loaves and two fish," and God handles the miracle.

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).

Are we trading authentic faith for political tribalism and cultural war? In this episode of "Deseret Voices," host McKay Coppins  sits down with renowned theologian and Christianity Today editor at large Dr. Russell Moore to explore a shift in American religion: The Casinofication of Church.

The conversation sparks from a recent Atlantic investigation where Coppins was given $10,000 to experiment with the addictive, transaction-based loops of online sports betting. But as Dr. Moore points out, these same dopamine-driven algorithms aren't just changing how we watch sports — they are hollowing out our congregations.

When the gospel and Christian fellowship are weaponized for institutional survival, brand-building, and partisan politics, church communities stop shaping our souls and start serving our anxieties. McKay and Dr. Moore discuss:

• The Casinofication Phenomenon: How the modern church is being turned into a vehicle for political outrage and self-image.

• The Trap of Political Homelessness: Why authentic Christianity should inherently place us outside the traditional left-right political spectrum.

• Algorithmic Faith: How modern technology isolates us from deep spiritual formation and real community.

• The Path to Renewal: Why external crises throughout history have forced the church to reckon with its true purpose.

Whether you are feeling politically fatigued, spiritually disconnected, or curious about the intersection of faith and modern culture, this episode offers a vital, grounding perspective on how to reclaim what matters most.

Follow and Subscribe: Don't miss an episode of “Deseret Voices.” Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).

Why don’t Americans trust the media anymore? On this episode of "Deseret Voices," host McKay Coppins sits down with Evan Smith, co-founder of The Texas Tribune and managing director for events at The Atlantic, to dissect the ongoing crisis of trust in American journalism.

As local newspapers vanish and national media outlets face unprecedented strain, a dangerous information vacuum has emerged. Together, Coppins and Smith explore how the hollowing out of community newsrooms has fueled political polarization, giving rise to misinformation and social media echo chambers. But it’s not all bad news. From nonprofit journalism to hyper-local transparency, discover the emerging media models that are fighting to save American democracy and rebuild the bond between journalists and the communities they serve.

In this wide-ranging and candid conversation recorded live on “The Atlantic Across America” tour, Coppins and Smith unpack the structural failures and future possibilities of the American press.

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).

On this episode of "Deseret Voices," Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joins host McKay Coppins for a candid, wide-ranging conversation that touches on everything from national political polarization to the sudden intersection of rural Utah and artificial intelligence.

Despite writing a new book, leading to some speculation, Cox insists he isn't eyeing the White House — but he is looking to export Utah’s unique cultural framework to the rest of a fractured nation.

In this episode, Coppins and Cox discuss:

• The Danger of Contempt: Why Cox chose this specific word for his new book, “Off Ramp,” and why looking down on our political rivals is far more dangerous than simply disagreeing with them.

• The Future of the GOP: How the pendulum of political overreach keeps swinging and why the Republican party needs to pivot back toward commonsense middle America to achieve lasting success.

• The AI and Social Media Battle: Cox defends his dual approach of aggressively restricting social media algorithms to protect kids while simultaneously backing major AI infrastructure and data centers in Utah.

• The Gerrymandering Debate: A deep dive into Utah’s controversial redistricting process, the limits of gubernatorial power and whether the chess match of redrawing maps is actually what broke American democracy.

• The "Utah Way": What the rest of the United States can learn from Utah’s nation-leading statistics in volunteering, charitable giving and institutional social capital.

Enjoyed this conversation? Hit follow or subscribe, leave us a review and share this episode with a friend!

Why are the owners of a multibillion-dollar tech empire doubling down on live sports in an age of AI and digital isolation? In this episode of “Deseret Voices,” host McKay Coppins sits down with Ryan and Ashley Smith, owners of the Utah Jazz and the new Utah Mammoth, to explore why they believe the stadium is one of the last remaining places where a community can truly breathe, cheer, and connect as one. Ashley describes the "electric," high-stakes atmosphere of a live hockey game where strangers connect through shared moments to bypass the "lonely life" of the digital age. Meanwhile, Ryan reflects on their 20-year transition from the tech world to sports ownership, emphasizing their unique role as stewards keeping these franchises grounded on behalf of the state of Utah.

The Smiths also pull back the curtain on the business, grit and strategic complexities of running professional sports franchises. Ryan provides a candid look at the "means to an end" philosophy required to survive the emotional volatility of wins and losses. Together, they discuss the distinct, team-first culture of the NHL compared to the NBA, the evolving nature of athlete health, and changing league rules. Hear the fascinating story of the "way to get in front of the puck" mentality that defines hockey culture, and how that very spirit of sacrifice is influencing their approach to the Utah Jazz.

Finally, the conversation tackles the tough questions regarding the NBA regular season and the strategic necessity of "laying up" during a team rebuild. The episode concludes with a look ahead at the 2026 NBA draft, with Ryan expressing full confidence in his front office to ignore the outside noise, draft for greatness, and make the bold, sometimes unpopular moves necessary to pursue a championship. Turn off your screens, step inside the arena, and find out why the Smiths are betting big on the vital power of the shared civic experience.

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience during “The Atlantic Across America” series in Salt Lake City on May 11, a joint event from the Deseret News and The Atlantic magazine. 

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).

For the first time in over 130 years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is preparing to open the doors of the Salt Lake Temple to the public following a massive, multi-year renovation. 

On this episode of "Deseret Voices," McKay Coppins sits down with project director Andy Kirby and church historian Matt Grow to discuss the dual mission of this monumental undertaking: preserving 19th-century pioneer craftsmanship while implementing 21st-century engineering. 

The Salt Lake Temple has defined the Salt Lake City skyline since 1893. For years now, the temple has been a hive of construction, surrounded by cranes and scaffolding as it undergoes its most significant renovation in history. But the project is about more than just replacing old plumbing and reinforcing granite walls against an earthquake. Kirby and Grow explain how church leadership used this opportunity to enhance and expand the use and message of Temple Square. 

They discuss how church historians navigated the delicate balance between honoring the pioneer past while welcoming a global future, how the now re-opened visitors’ center is making sacred spaces more transparent to visitors and the engineering required to ensure this iconic building stands for another hundred years.

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).

On this episode of "Deseret Voices," host Jane Clayson Johnson sits down with No. 1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci to discuss his latest thrillers, “Nash Falls” and “Hope Rises.”

Baldacci reflects on his childhood in segregated Richmond, Virginia, explaining how early access to the public library became his "body armor" against bigotry. Beyond the craft of writing 60 novels, he delves into his passionate advocacy for literacy and the launch of the Institute for Civil Discourse, a nonpartisan effort to rebuild the "muscles" of citizenship in a fractured democracy. Baldacci argues that literacy is not just about enjoying a good book — it is a fundamental requirement for thinking, empathy, and the survival of a self-governing society.

On this episode of "Deseret Voices," host McKay Coppins explores the political evolution of MS NOW's Michael Steele, former chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC). Steele traces his journey from a "Lincoln Republican" raised by Roosevelt Democrats to becoming one of the most prominent critics of the modern GOP. 

Michael Steele offers a candid look at his upbringing in segregated Washington, D.C., and explains how Ronald Reagan’s 1976 convention speech — a message of grace and self-reliance — originally anchored his faith in the party.

The conversation delves into the "fictional" iconography of 1950s America often used in modern political messaging and provides an insider's view of how the Tea Party movement transformed from a fiscal uprising into a populist precursor to the current era. 

Steele argues that while many of his peers have abandoned long-held principles for political convenience, he remains in the party to fight for its original moorings of civil liberty and constitutional self-governance. It is a compelling discussion on character, the "monetization of anger," and what it means to be a Republican when you no longer recognize the party’s leadership. 

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).

On this episode of "Deseret Voices," Jane Clayson Johnson gathers an extraordinary panel of faith and policy leaders at the request of Pamela Atkinson — a woman often called "Utah’s Mother Teresa." Though Pamela was hospitalized just before the recording, her "final God-given assignment" brought together a diverse group of Christian leaders — Latter-day Saint, Catholic, Presbyterian and Baptist — to discuss a 130-year-old question: What would Jesus do?

The conversation moves beyond theology into the grit of community service, exploring how faith groups can set aside competition to collaborate on homelessness, child welfare, and poverty. From "living out loud" in Kearns to "matchmaking" volunteers with nonprofits, the panel discusses the intentionality required to build trust across religious and political divides.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Power of the Question: How a century-old book by Charles Sheldon still compels modern leaders to move from "hearing the word" to "doing the word," even when it creates personal sacrifice or political discomfort.

• The "Pamela Factor": Reflections on how Pamela Atkinson’s "forced friendships" and lack of regard for titles have literally changed the state of Utah’s approach to the vulnerable.

• Systems vs. Motivation: A look at the unique partnership between government (which provides systems) and faith communities (which provide meaning and personal motivation).

• Combating Burnout: Practical tips for congregants who feel overwhelmed by the world's heaviness by focusing on "small acts done consistently" — like keeping water and socks in your car.

• Interfaith Unity: Why standing up for another person’s faith, especially during times of global conflict, is the ultimate "trick" to creating lasting community bonds.

Featured Guests:

• Jane Clayson Johnson (JCJ) – Host and Journalist

• Abby Cox (AC) – First Lady of Utah

• Sharon Eubank (SE) – Humanitarian Director, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

• Bishop W. Christopher Waddell (B.CW) – Presiding Bishop, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

• Pastor Jamie White (R. JW) – First Presbyterian Church

• Pastor Corey Hodges (P.CH) – The Point Church

• Michael Edwards (ME) – Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City

• Sophia DiCaro (SD) – Executive Director, Utah Governor's Office of Planning and Budget

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts.

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).

On this episode of "Deseret Voices," host McKay Coppins joins guest Sarah Isgur to explore her new book, “Last Branch Standing,” which serves as an intelligent person’s guide to the Supreme Court. Isgur argues that much of the common wisdom and media narrative surrounding the court is incorrect, often because reporters treat the institution like "Congress-lite" or a reality TV show rather than a legal body.

The conversation delves into why the court has recently suffered a crisis of authority and how congressional paralysis has forced the judiciary into the role of an unlikely "culture war referee." Isgur also provides a fascinating look at the internal "high school lunch table" dynamics of the nine justices, categorizing them into three distinct camps: "The Deciders," the "Conservative Honey Badgers" and the "Lonely Liberals." From internal bargaining over opinion language to the growing reclusiveness of justices due to security threats, this episode dispels popular myths and reveals how the court actually functions.

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).