Deseret Voices

Deseret News
  • 4.9 (113)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Why Invoking Jesus in War Turns Christianity Into a Dangerous Weapon

    4D AGO

    Why Invoking Jesus in War Turns Christianity Into a Dangerous Weapon

    On this episode of "Deseret Voices," following recent public rebukes issued by Pope Leo XIV against the Trump administration's foreign and domestic policies, Jane Clayson Johnson and Father James Martin engage in a deep exploration of the moral obligations facing both nations and individuals today. Father Martin provides a rigorous scriptural defense for the mandate to "welcome the stranger," directly challenging political arguments that relegate such admonitions to individuals rather than civil authorities by noting that according to the gospels, nations themselves will be judged by their treatment of the vulnerable.  The conversation also addresses the "dangerous instinct" of nationalistic prayer, with Father Martin warning that invoking the name of Jesus to justify war or the destruction of civilizations is a fundamental misunderstanding of Christian theology and the call to be a peacemaker. Finally, they discuss how the American Catholic Church serves as a mirror to the country's political divisions while simultaneously providing essential on-the-ground pastoral care and advocacy for migrants along the border.

    31 min
  2. ‘All the Empty Rooms’: A Conversation with Oscar-Winner Steve Hartman

    5D AGO

    ‘All the Empty Rooms’: A Conversation with Oscar-Winner Steve Hartman

    In this deeply moving episode of "Deseret Voices," veteran CBS News correspondent and now Oscar winner Steve Hartman joins Jane Clayson Johnson to discuss his landmark documentary, “All the Empty Rooms.” For seven years, Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp chronicled the untouched bedrooms of children lost to school shootings — spaces Hartman describes as "sacred." Hartman reveals why he kept the project a secret for years, the profound impact of sitting with grieving parents, and his hope that by standing in these rooms, America can find a way to replace numbness with empathy. “All the Empty Rooms” is now streaming on Netflix.

    30 min
  3. Viral Hatred: The Rise of Antisemitism

    APR 2

    Viral Hatred: The Rise of Antisemitism

    On this episode of "Deseret Voices," host McKay Coppins sits down with The Atlantic’s Yair Rosenberg to confront the alarming resurgence of antisemitism in the United States. Far from being a relic of the past or a purely partisan issue, modern data suggests that anti-Jewish prejudice is increasingly becoming a youth-driven phenomenon, fueled by changing media landscapes and the loss of firsthand historical memory. Together, they explore the "why" behind the persistence of these ancient hatreds, the role of social media in spreading viral misinformation, and the surprising parallels between the Jewish and Latter-day Saint experiences in America. This deep-dive conversation explores: Antisemitism as a Conspiracy Theory: Understanding why Jews remain a "convenient scapegoat" and how ancient tropes are rebranded for the digital age. The Impact of Social Media: How the incentives of TikTok and Instagram prioritize virality over accuracy, allowing conspiracy theories—like the "AI Netanyahu" delusion—to reach mainstream audiences. Historical Memory Loss: The fading influence of firsthand Holocaust education as the "Greatest Generation" passes on, leaving a vacuum for social media radicalization. Interfaith Parallels: A unique look at the shared minority experiences of the Jewish and Latter-day Saint communities, including the fascinating history of the BYU Jerusalem Center. “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).

    41 min
  4. Men’s Identity Crisis: Education, Mental Health, and the Path Forward

    MAR 26

    Men’s Identity Crisis: Education, Mental Health, and the Path Forward

    On this episode of "Deseret Voices," Deseret News editor Sarah Jane Weaver sits down with Richard Reeves, President of the American Institute for Boys and Men, to tackle the growing "gender gap" affecting education, mental health, and the workforce. As women and girls continue their much-celebrated rise, data shows that boys and men are falling behind at alarming rates—from a 60/40 female-to-male college enrollment ratio to a tragic 30% increase in male suicide rates since 2010. Reeves argues that helping men isn't a "zero-sum game" against women’s progress. Instead, he advocates for a new "economic script" for marriage and the vital need for male role models in our civic institutions. We dive into the "technology shock" of the digital age, discussing how smartphones and social media impact young men differently than young women through addictive behaviors like sports betting and pornography. Join us for a candid, non-judgmental look at why society needs flourishing men to build healthy families and thriving communities. “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).

    17 min
  5. Epstein and the $236 billion dollar crime

    MAR 19

    Epstein and the $236 billion dollar crime

    On this episode of "Deseret Voices," guest host Doug Wilks, executive editor of the  Deseret News is joined by Kevin Hyland, the United Kingdom's first independent anti-slavery commissioner, to uncover the complex and often hidden world of modern-day slavery. With over 50 million victims worldwide and an estimated 1 million in the United States alone, the conversation explores why current global efforts are failing to meet the scale of this $236 billion criminal industry. Key Discussion Topics: The Rise of Cyber Fraud Trafficking: How organized gangs in Southeast Asia and Africa kidnap individuals and force them to run online "scam factories" targeting  U.S. and U.K.citizens.  The Funding Gap: A critical look at why the G20 allocates only $1.6 billion to fight trafficking — compared to the trillions spent on terrorism — and Hyland’s call for a $30 billion investment by 2030. Sporting Events & Exploitation: Why major sporting events like the World Cup and the 2034 Winter Olympics require years of proactive planning to prevent an influx of human trafficking and forced labor. Supply Chain Ethics: The hidden reality of child labor and slavery in the production of everyday items like smartphones, laptops, and car batteries. The Role of Faith Communities: How interfaith forums and religious organizations are uniquely positioned to give a voice to the voiceless and provide support for trafficking survivors. “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).

    29 min
  6. Sports Betting: The New American Addiction

    MAR 12

    Sports Betting: The New American Addiction

    This episode of "Deseret Voices" explores the pervasive and often hidden epidemic of gambling addiction in modern America. Host McKay Coppins and guest Craig Carton, a well-known radio personality and recovering gambling addict, discuss the rapid mainstreaming of the industry, where sports betting has transitioned from a niche activity to an omnipresent force in sports culture.   A primary concern highlighted is underage gambling, specifically how minors are gaining access to online wagering platforms through family members or by utilizing offshore accounts and unregulated predictive markets. The conversation also sheds light on the rise of high school bookies and high school loan sharks, as well as the phenomenon of parental indoctrination, where parents unknowingly introduce their children to betting under the guise of family bonding. Carton shares his harrowing personal story — from the highs of winning to the rock-bottom moments that led to his incarceration. Together, they examine the societal shift towards the mainstreaming of gambling and the critical need for better support systems and education. “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).

    45 min
  7. Regime Change in Iran: Is American Dominance Our Only Hope?

    MAR 9

    Regime Change in Iran: Is American Dominance Our Only Hope?

    On this episode of "Deseret Voices," host McKay Coppins sits down with Washington Post columnist Shadi Hamid to dissect the escalating conflict with Iran and the controversial pursuit of regime change. Following the seismic military strikes that claimed the life of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hamid — author of the provocative new book “The Case for American Power” — explores the moral and strategic contradictions of U.S. intervention in foreign countries. Drawing on his unique perspective as an American Muslim, Hamid traces his personal journey toward reluctantly embracing American dominance as the world's "best hope" against rising authoritarianism in China and Russia. Key topics discussed in this episode: The Death of Khamenei: Why the Trump administration targeted the Iranian leader and the unpredictable consequences for regional stability. Democracy vs. Autocracy: The core argument for why American hegemony, despite its deep flaws, remains a moral necessity. The "Day After" Problem: Critiquing the lack of a stabilization plan for a post-regime Iran. The Israel Factor: Assessing the influence of regional allies on U.S. military decision-making. “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).

    39 min
  8. AJ Dybantsa Exclusive: Why the No. 1 NBA Prospect Might Delay Going to the NBA

    MAR 3

    AJ Dybantsa Exclusive: Why the No. 1 NBA Prospect Might Delay Going to the NBA

    On this episode of "Deseret Voices," host McKay Coppins sits down with AJ Dybantsa, the 6-foot-9 phenom who has taken college basketball by storm. While the rest of the sports world has already labeled him the consensus projected No. 1 overall pick, AJ reveals a bombshell in this conversation: He might not be ready to leave BYU. Driven by a promise to his mother to prioritize his education and earn a degree, the most coveted amateur player in the world explains why he is weighing a return to Provo for another season. In this episode, we discuss: The Exclusive Revelation: For the first time, AJ discusses the possibility of bypassing the 2026 NBA draft to stay at BYU. The "Maniac" Mindset: Why AJ admits he "hates losing more than he loves winning" and how that ferocity translates to his 25.1 ppg national scoring lead. Pro-Level Mentorship: AJ opens up about his competitive relationship with Russell Westbrook and the advice he’s received from stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Championship or Bust: Why individual accolades mean nothing to him without a deep March Madness run for the Cougars. “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).

    20 min
See All (27)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
113 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. 

Information

  • Channel
    Deseret News
  • Creator
    Deseret News
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2025 Deseret News Publishing Company. All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Deseret Voices

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