Deseret Voices

Welcome to Deseret Voices, a weekly podcast from the Deseret News (https://deseret.com) that brings depth, nuance and respect to conversations about today’s complex topics and current events. Join our hosts, award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, every Thursday as they go beyond news headlines by talking with newsmakers and thought leaders to find common ground and uncover unique perspectives on today’s critical issues in politics, faith, sports, and more. 

  1. America’s Global Reputation

    51M AGO

    America’s Global Reputation

    On this episode of "Deseret Voices," McKay Coppins sits down to interview Jeff Flake, a former U.S. ambassador to Turkey and ex-senator, for an insightful discussion on America’s role in global politics. Flake shares firsthand experiences as an American diplomat, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the thoughts and concerns of international leaders regarding U.S. politics. They discuss the implications of shifting global leadership dynamics and how America's policies under different administrations have evolved, influencing the international stage. Dive deep into critical topics such as NATO’s challenges in 2026 and the transformation within the GOP, particularly the rise of populism and its impact on foreign policy. Flake provides a unique perspective on the necessity of American soft power and diplomacy in navigating global challenges. Whether you're interested in international relations, political strategy, or just want to understand how other countries view America, this episode promises engaging insights and thoughtful discussion. Tune in to uncover why maintaining robust global relationships is paramount for America's 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).

    51 min
  2. Affording a Family: The two-income shift

    JAN 22

    Affording a Family: The two-income shift

    On this episode of "Deseret Voices," professor Brad Wilcox, director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia and senior fellow of the Institute for Family Studies, addresses the growing affordability crisis threatening the American dream and the American Family. In a recent article written for the Deseret News, he dissects research on the crisis and discusses how public policy should be both reducing the cost of raising children and lending greater material support to families.  Where once a single-earner family could afford a home, transportation, education, healthcare, and a certain quality of life, as the cost of living soars, dual-income households are struggling to even make ends meet. In a world where income inequality and generational priorities have widened into an insurmountable chasm, what can and should be done on a governmental policy level to ease the economic burden on the family unit before it becomes obsolete?  Wilcox joins journalist Jane Clayson Johnson to discuss the real research, consequences, and potential solutions to the growing and costly crisis.  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).

    33 min
  3. Harry Reid’s Legacy: Fighter or Ruthless Politician?

    JAN 15

    Harry Reid’s Legacy: Fighter or Ruthless Politician?

    On this episode of "Deseret Voices," host McKay Coppins delves into the extraordinary life and legacy of Sen. Harry Reid, lawyer and former Majority Leader of the US Senate. In a conversation with Jon Ralston, author of “The Game Changer,” a new political biography about Reid, we discover how Reid rose from his humble beginnings in Searchlight, Nevada, to become one of the most influential political figures in America. Ralston gives an unmatched look at Reid's indomitable spirit, strategic prowess, and how he reshaped the Democratic party, leaving a lasting impact on American politics. He shares insights into Reid's controversial decisions, including invoking the nuclear option and his memorable entanglements with fellow Latter-day Saint Mitt Romney.  “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).

    47 min
  4. The Fall of Maduro: What will America do next?

    JAN 8

    The Fall of Maduro: What will America do next?

    The ousting of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro is one of those moments that invites a lot of strong opinions, and that becomes even more complicated once you start asking questions. Who is running Venezuela now? Will America try to overthrow regimes in Cuba or Colombia next? What does this tell us about President Donald Trump’s foreign policy positions? And what does it mean for the future of Venezuela and its people who have been living under a brutal dictatorship for more than a decade?  On this episode of “Deseret Voices,” McKay Coppins explores those questions with foreign policy expert Richard Fontaine, who has advised President George W. Bush and Sen. John McCain, and who now runs the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), a think tank in Washington, D.C.  “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).

    36 min
  5. Small Acts, Big Impact: Sharon Eubank on the Art of Humanitarian Service

    12/25/2025

    Small Acts, Big Impact: Sharon Eubank on the Art of Humanitarian Service

    On this episode of "Deseret Voices," join host Jane Clayson Johnson as she welcomes Sharon Eubank, the global humanitarian director for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sharon shares invaluable insights from her 28 years in global humanitarian work and her new book, "Doing Small Things with Great Love: How Everyday Humanitarians Are Changing the World." In this conversation, Sharon emphasizes the importance of local solutions, leveraging personal interests for community service, and the essentiality of listening over imposing solutions. You’ll gain practical tips on how to initiate meaningful change in your own community, cultivate a service-oriented mindset, and understand the profound impact of doing small things with great love. Whether you're looking to get involved in your community or seeking inspiration to serve, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and motivation. “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).

    35 min
5
out of 5
85 Ratings

About

Welcome to Deseret Voices, a weekly podcast from the Deseret News (https://deseret.com) that brings depth, nuance and respect to conversations about today’s complex topics and current events. Join our hosts, award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, every Thursday as they go beyond news headlines by talking with newsmakers and thought leaders to find common ground and uncover unique perspectives on today’s critical issues in politics, faith, sports, and more. 

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