The Dawn Stensland Show

The Dawn Stensland Show

Dawn Stensland breaks down the local and cultural issues of the day. Interviewing all the top Newsmakers and taking your calls! Tune in 10 AM - 12 PM EST weekdays on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT; or on the Audacy app!

  1. 8h ago

    RNC Co-Chair Casey Crosby Warns Turnout Will Decide High-Stakes Midterm Elections

    Dawn opens Thursday with the bombshell report uncovered by the New York Times detailing an alleged scheme by Alaska Democrats to place a second man named Dan Sullivan on the ballot to create voter confusion. Dawn breaks down President Trump's reaction calling for the removal and prosecution of those involved, along with the legal battles reaching federal court just days before the election. RNC Co-Chair Casey Crosby joins the show to discuss the frantic pace of the midterm election schedule, key battleground House races across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and why early and mail-in voting turnout is crucial for a victory. Dawn examines the latest economic numbers showing the U.S. GDP grew at an impressive 3.4 percent rate in the third quarter driven by resilient consumer spending and tech investments. The crew reacts to Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh’s decision to hold interest rates steady between 3.75 percent and 4 percent, and his strategy shift regarding future monetary policy meetings. Stockton University economic guru Dr. Michael Bussler weighs in on cost-push inflation, potential future labor shortages, and potential solutions for the national debt and Social Security solvency. Dawn highlights the administration's achievements on public safety, health initiatives, and border security, contrasting short-term economic worries with long-term prosperity. The crew reacts to Trump's relentless rally schedule leading into Election Tuesday, his interactions with hecklers in the crowd, and local predictions surrounding key Congressional districts.

  2. 2d ago

    Dawn Challenges Rep. Chrissy Houlahan On Trump, ICE, And Her Controversial Military Video

    Dawn opens the show Reacting to the strange world of purebred dog shows, the latest political drama surrounding Donald Trump and Barack Obama, and the viral online feud over White House renovations and Cheesecake Factory aesthetics. Dawn and the crew break down Scott Bessent's defense of casual dining, Trump's response to Obama’s jab, and the ongoing public rivalry between two former presidents. We also examine local developments in North Penn over school security transparency and the controversy surrounding Brandon Rohn’s alleged claims regarding his law enforcement background. In a special candidate spotlight, Dawn hosts Democratic Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan live in the studio for an in-depth, fair conversation representing Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District. Rep. Houlahan addresses her Air Force career as an engineer during the end of the Cold War, her recent visit aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, and her bipartisan legislative efforts targeting veteran suicide prevention. We delve into military accountability, her past viral video advising service members to refuse unlawful orders, and her perspectives on federal oversight and potential lame-duck proceedings. Dawn presses Rep. Houlahan on the national immigration crisis, local ICE operations in Chester and Berks counties, and the need to pass comprehensive bipartisan border reform like the Dignity Act. The discussion shifts to local law enforcement challenges in the wake of recent police officer line-of-duty deaths, funding for body cameras, and rebuilding police recruitment. Wrapping up the sit-down, Rep. Houlahan reflects on her daughters' cancer research fundraising through Hives for Lives, offering a personal look at how family loss transformed into a quarter-million-dollar charity drive.

  3. 3d ago

    Dawn Confronts Delco’s $120M Ballot Question As Surge Philly Fights For The Cities

    The Dawn Stensland Show kicks off with Dawn battling fall allergies and standing firm on the local issues hitting our wallets and neighborhoods. We examine the pushback across Delaware County against a massive $120 million green space ballot referendum. Michael Straub—GOP Michael—stops by to expose how Delco officials expanded local bureaucracy by 25 percent, slapped residents with a 55 percent tax hike over three years, and now seek millions more through what he labels an omnibus project tied up in litigation over the Don Guanella parcel. Dawn questions why public dollars must fund projects better served by private philanthropy, while also taking aim at biased polling that persistently underestimates conservative turnout across Pennsylvania. We welcome Frank Scales and Ian McGinnis of Surge Philly into the studio to address the collapse of American fertility numbers and the economic road blocks confronting young workers. Dawn, the crew, and the Surge guys break down why inflated home prices, stagnant wages, and competition from illegal immigration prevent twenty-somethings from buying houses and starting families. The conversation turns to real-world political organizing on the pavement, recapping Surge’s street interviews with New York congressional candidate Caroline Schinkel in Manhattan, their open-mic rallies on the north apron of Philadelphia City Hall, and public frustration with District Attorney Larry Krasner over delayed justice for victims like Sean Toomey. Dawn shares gratitude for our listeners who turned out for the American Cancer Society fundraiser at Piazza and highlights the generous community outpouring for station colleague Kirk Corliss following the tragic loss of his wife. The team takes a lighter look at local football excitement ahead of Jeffrey Lurie’s Eagles Hall of Fame induction, the bizarre debate surrounding safe-sex kits handed out during trick-or-treating, and the weekend wedding of Sean Hannity and Ainsley Earhart. From municipal tax fights to ground-level street activism, we bring you unfiltered local talk on WPHT.

  4. 6d ago

    ‘PHT Goes Pink! Kat Timpf Opens Up About Breast Cancer, and Dr. Dorothy Fink of the National Institutes of Health about new initiatives aimed at improving research and medical care

    The Dawn Stensland Show dedicates a powerful hour to Breast Cancer Awareness Month as Dawn welcomes Fox News personality, bestselling author, and comedian Kat Timpf for an emotional and deeply personal conversation about her breast cancer diagnosis, double mastectomy, motherhood, and grief. Kat reveals how she receives her stage-zero diagnosis just 15 hours before delivering her first child, undergoes a double mastectomy one month later, and now prepares to welcome her second baby. She opens up about losing her father unexpectedly, the heartbreak of no longer being able to breastfeed, and why comedy helps her confront life's most painful experiences. Kat also addresses critics who question her medical decisions and explains why she refuses to stop speaking publicly about cancer, even when sharing her experience becomes uncomfortable. Dawn then welcomes Dr. Dorothy Fink of the National Institutes of Health to discuss President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump's new initiative aimed at improving women's health research and medical care. With a new women's health division at the NIH, Dr. Fink explains how researchers hope to accelerate earlier diagnoses, improve breast cancer screening, and develop more personalized medical care for women and girls. We examine the importance of family medical history, dense breast tissue, and advanced imaging while discussing how new technology could shorten the years women sometimes spend searching for answers. Dr. Fink also addresses endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), insulin resistance, infertility, and the importance of examining women's health throughout every stage of life. We also hear from Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, a breast cancer survivor who shares her personal experience and urges women across the Commonwealth to prioritize mammograms and early detection. Dawn discusses Ward's bipartisan work to expand access to breast cancer diagnostic testing, Pennsylvania's annual breast cancer statistics, and the symbolic pink fountain at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. Drawing on her own family's history with breast cancer, Dawn connects the stories of Kat Timpf, Dr. Fink, and Senator Ward to one urgent message: honest conversations, greater awareness, and timely medical screenings can save lives. As Talk Radio 1210 WPHT continues its Go Pink campaign supporting the American Cancer Society, we celebrate survivors, honor those we've lost, and encourage every family to make women's health a priority.

  5. Oct 22

    Dr. Michael Bussler Breaks Down Inflation, High Interest Rates, And Trump’s 60-Day Russian Diesel Waiver

    We dive into the hectic rush leading up to the midterms, breaking down President Donald Trump’s relentless travel schedule and his high-powered campaign swing across red states like Iowa. Dawn looks at the strategic calculations behind the campaign itinerary, including why Trump might be steering clear of purple swing areas in Pennsylvania like Bucks County to avoid accidentally energizing far-left turnout. Plus, we react to Vice President JD Vance stepping up to the microphone, taking aim at European allies for treating American military and tech resources like a free streaming subscription while simultaneously waging regulatory wars against companies like SpaceX. Dawn breaks down the expanding "Glitchgate" scandal out of New Jersey, where House Republicans are officially demanding answers after thousands of ineligible non-citizens were discovered on the state's voter rolls. We examine Governor Mikie Sherrill's response, the political optics of calling the investigation "theater," and how media coverage would look drastically different if the situation were reversed. We also look at critical local public safety updates, including federal authorities stepping in to take over the West Philadelphia police officer shooting case, and what that signals about local prosecution under Larry Krasner. Dr. Michael Bussler joins the show to provide a comprehensive economic breakdown of high inflation, mortgage rates topping seven percent, and the ongoing financial ripple effects of Middle East tensions. We discuss Trump’s decision to execute a 60-day waiver on the Lindsey Graham Act sanctions to allow Russian diesel fuel into the global market, exploring whether the tactical economic move is successfully forcing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Finally, the crew lightens things up with Kat Timph’s emotional upcoming interview, a hilarious debate over reality TV antics, and our excitement for Tyrese Maxey leading the Sixers in their big home opener.

  6. Oct 21

    Trump’s Workout Advice for Candidates, Lawrence O’Donnell’s Meltdown, And The West Philly Police Shooting

    We open Wednesday with President Donald Trump working like a dog on the campaign trail, stumping across North Carolina and Ohio for key candidates while shedding weight on his relentless schedule. Dawn and the crew react to Trump’s viral stump speech praising candidate Bernie Moreno’s physique, and the hilarious, bizarre meltdown from MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell reading the quotes like an erotic novel. The studio team dives into why Trump’s unique campaign style creates unforgettable viral moments that boost candidate recognition and energize conservative voters nationwide. Dawn gets local with major legal breaking news across the region, bringing in election integrity attorney Linda Kearns to discuss the federal investigation into Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. We break down the Eastern District judge referring Krasner to the Department of Justice over an alleged pressure campaign and conflicts of interest inside his office. Plus, we react to the terrifying story out of Lancaster County where an Amish woman fended off an illegal immigrant kidnapper with a weed whacker, prompting ICE to step in for extradition. We cover major national policy updates as the Trump-Vance administration launches a federal crackdown on safety net schemes, uncovering tens of millions in SNAP benefits fraud. Dawn and Linda analyze Vice President Vance’s anti-fraud initiative, the role of whistleblowers in curbing government waste, and how state-level fraud impacts everyday taxpayers. Finally, we break down local political races, voter turnout strategies, and the controversial campaign tactics unfolding in key Senate and gubernatorial matchups.

  7. Oct 20

    Trump’s Kansas Gift, High-Stakes Peace Talks, And Honoring Fallen Officer Shane Sieber

    Dawn opens today’s episode reflecting on the heavy atmosphere in Philadelphia as the city honors fallen 10-year veteran Philadelphia Police Officer Shane Sieber with a funeral procession and service at the Basilica. We bring you direct audio and coverage from Governor Josh Shapiro and Mayor Cherelle Parker as local and national law enforcement gather to honor Officer Sieber's life, military service, and sacrifice. Meanwhile, in local crime news, Dawn breaks down the latest developments surrounding the search of the Olney home linked to the late Raymond "R.C." Horses, where investigators unearthed a hidden safe behind the walls and recovered bones in the yard as detectives explore potential connections to seven long-missing women. We turn to major national and international headlines, starting with breaking news out of Oslo, Norway, where Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived for high-stakes peace meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Dawn discusses the political dynamics at play, Trump's high-energy campaign stumping in Kansas—where he announced an $8 billion agricultural fuel relief program—and reacts to listener calls debating the administration's foreign policy approach, gas prices, and political messaging ahead of the midterms. Dawn wraps up with a look at first lady Melania Trump's recent White House announcement launching a new executive order to advance women's health research through a dedicated NIH division and private-sector superintelligence initiatives. Plus, Bob Salerno joins the show to share details on upcoming local charity events, including the Abington Police Athletic League's holiday fundraiser honoring Peggy Meyers and Lieutenant Drew Kent, and the second annual Building Bridges with Hope event at Sandy Run Country Club supporting local community outreach.

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Dawn Stensland breaks down the local and cultural issues of the day. Interviewing all the top Newsmakers and taking your calls! Tune in 10 AM - 12 PM EST weekdays on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT; or on the Audacy app!

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