Deseret Voices

Deseret News
  • 4.9 (121)
  • 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. Can "The Utah Way" Fix a Broken America?

    3d ago

    Can "The Utah Way" Fix a Broken America?

    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!

    33 min
  2. Why the Smiths are Betting Big on Utah Sports

    May 21

    Why the Smiths are Betting Big on Utah Sports

    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).

    25 min
  3. The Salt Lake Temple: Opening its Doors to the World

    May 14

    The Salt Lake Temple: Opening its Doors to the World

    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).

    31 min
  4. Literacy, Democracy, and the Art of the Thriller

    May 7

    Literacy, Democracy, and the Art of the Thriller

    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.

    30 min
  5. From Party Chair to Party Critic: Why he’s still a Republican

    Apr 30

    From Party Chair to Party Critic: Why he’s still a Republican

    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).

    46 min
  6. Utah’s “Mother Teresa”: Her Final Wish for Christian Collaboration

    Apr 23

    Utah’s “Mother Teresa”: Her Final Wish for Christian Collaboration

    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).

    52 min
  7. Everything you know about the U.S. Supreme Court is wrong

    Apr 16

    Everything you know about the U.S. Supreme Court is wrong

    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).

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

    Apr 10

    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. “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).

    30 min
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
121 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
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2025 Deseret News Publishing Company. All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Deseret Voices

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