PoliticIt Podcast

From City Hall to Capitol Hill: Tami Tran’s Vision for Utah’s Future

On this episode of the PoliticIt Podcast, hosted by Utah State Senator John D. Johnson, we sit down with Kaysville Mayor and State Senate candidate Tami Tran for a conversation on leadership, growth, and the future of Utah.
Drawing from her experience as mayor, Tran shares how her background in public service, city planning, and community development has shaped her approach to solving real issues—from responsible growth and infrastructure to public safety and keeping communities connected. Now stepping into the state senate race, she outlines her priorities, what sets her campaign apart, and why she believes local leadership experience matters at the state level.
Don’t miss this insightful discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing Utah—and what it takes to lead at the next level.
#politicit #utahelections #utpol

Inside the White House: Sam Adolphen on Serving the President

On this episode of the PoliticIt Podcast, hosted by Utah State Senator John D. Johnson, we sit down with special guest Sam Adolphen to discuss his tenure inside the White House working for the President of the United States. Sam shares a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day realities of serving at the highest level of government, the challenges and pressures of the role, and the key moments that defined his time in the administration.
From policy discussions to personal insights, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the White House and what it takes to operate in one of the most demanding environments in the world.
#politicit #utahelections #utpol

Inside the Race for Davis County Sheriff: Aaron Perry’s Vision for Public Safety

On this episode of the PoliticIt Podcast, hosted by John D. Johnson, we sit down with Davis County Sheriff candidate Aaron Perry to discuss his campaign, leadership philosophy, and priorities for keeping communities safe.
A lifelong Davis County resident with more than two decades of law enforcement experience—including leadership roles in corrections, investigations, and tactical operations—Perry shares why he’s stepping forward to serve and how his background shapes his approach to modern policing.
From recruitment and retention challenges to transparency, community trust, and evolving public safety needs, this conversation dives into the issues that matter most to Davis County voters.
#politicit #utahelections #utpol

Weber County’s Future: Katrina Gibson’s Vision for Commission

Is Weber County growing… or drifting?
In this episode of the PoliticIt Podcast, Senator John D. Johnson sits down with Weber County Commission candidate Katrina Gibson for a grounded, no-spin conversation about what’s actually at stake in local government.
This isn’t theory. It’s roads, sewer systems, property taxes, and the real cost of growth.
Gibson brings a rare perspective shaped by rural life, raising six children, and years of watching how government decisions impact families on the ground.
Her message is simple but demanding: plan first, spend responsibly, and respect property rights. But here’s the real question: 👉 What happens when growth outpaces infrastructure? 👉 Who pays when planning comes too late? 👉 And can the government actually discipline itself before taxpayers are asked for more? This conversation goes beyond campaign talking points and into the tension every fast-growing county is facing right now. If Weber County gets this wrong, the costs won’t be theoretical. They’ll show up in your taxes, your commute, and your community.
⸻ 🎵 Featuring the campaign anthem: “Built Right Here” A story of leadership, responsibility, and drawing a line before it’s too late. ⸻
Subscribe for more real conversations on Utah policy, politics, and leadership. No spin. Just substance.
#politicit #utahelections #utpol #WeberCounty #UtahPolitics #LocalGovernment #PropertyTaxes #Growth #PoliticIt #KatrinaGibson #CountyCommission #Policy #Leadership #BuiltRightHereOn

Strengthening School Safety in Utah | Senator John D. Johnson with Rep. Ryan Wilcox

Utah State Senator John D. Johnson sits down with Utah House Representative Ryan Wilcox for an in-depth conversation on one of the most important issues facing Utah families — school safety.
Representative Wilcox discusses his legislative efforts during this year’s session to improve campus security, protect students and teachers, and provide schools with the resources needed to respond to modern safety challenges.
The discussion also covers how these proposals move through the legislative process and what they mean for communities across Utah.
Join us for a thoughtful policy conversation highlighting leadership, public safety, and the future of education in Utah.
#politicit #utahelections #utpol

Ogden Is Winning: Mayor Ben Nadolski on Crime, Growth, and the System That Actually Works

In this episode of the PoliticIt Podcast, Senator John D. Johnson sits down with Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski to break down what it actually takes to run a city that delivers results.
This is not a conversation about political messaging. It is about execution. Mayor Nadolski explains how Ogden is reducing use-of-force incidents, attracting experienced police officers, and holding taxes steady through operational discipline.
He walks through the failures he inherited, including stalled projects and siloed departments, and how aligning city systems has restored momentum.
The conversation also explores Ogden’s approach to homelessness, including embedding medical and housing advocates directly into police and fire response systems to reduce emergency room strain and lower long-term costs.
At the center of it all is a simple framework: finish the work, align the system, and measure outcomes. This is what local government looks like when it works.
Topics Covered • Why most city projects fail after approval • How Ogden reduced use-of-force incidents by ~20% • The 2400% increase in experienced police hires • Holding taxes steady through efficiency • Homeless response reform and reduced ER transport • Union Station and the future of downtown Ogden •
 
The “Ogden Way” leadership model. Subscribe for more Politic-It conversations. Real conversations. Real policy. Real outcomes.
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PoliticIt Dixie Launch: Senator John D. Johnson & Alexis Ence Announce the New Southern Utah Podcast

The PoliticIt Podcast is expanding to Southern Utah! In this special announcement episode, host Utah State Senator John D. Johnson introduces PoliticIt Dixie, the newest addition to the PoliticIt network.
Joining the show is Alexis Ence, a former professor at Utah Tech University and President of the St. George Republican Women, who will host the new program focused on the issues, leaders, and conversations shaping Southern Utah.
PoliticIt Dixie will bring in-depth discussions with elected officials, community leaders, and policy experts from across Washington County and the greater St. George region. Senator Johnson and Ence talk about why this expansion matters, what listeners can expect, and how the new show will highlight the voices and priorities of Southern Utah.
Subscribe now and be part of the conversation as PoliticIt Dixie launches its mission to cover the stories, policies, and people shaping the future of Southern Utah.
#politicit #utahelections #utpol
 
 

Karianne Lisonbee Announces Run for Congress | PoliticIt Podcast with Sen. John D. Johnson

On this episode of the PoliticIt Podcast, host Utah State Senator John D. Johnson sits down with Utah House Representative Karianne Lisonbee as she officially announces her candidacy for Utah’s 2nd Congressional District.
Rep. Lisonbee discusses why she is entering the race, the issues that motivated her decision, and the vision she has for representing Utah in Washington, D.C. Known for her leadership in the Utah Legislature and her work on key policy issues, Lisonbee shares what she believes voters in the district are looking for in their next member of Congress.
Sen. Johnson and Rep. Lisonbee also talk about the political landscape in Utah, the priorities facing families and businesses, and what the campaign ahead may look like.
Join us for this important conversation as a major congressional campaign begins.
PoliticIt Podcast – bringing you the people, policy, and politics shaping Utah.
#politicit #utahelections #utpol

The Fight Over Prop 4: Utah’s Signature Drive and the Future of the Ballot

On this episode of the PoliticIt Podcast, host Utah State Senator John D. Johnson is joined by Melanie Monestere, Vice Chair of the Utah Republican Party, for a timely conversation about the growing effort to gather signatures to place Proposition 4 on the ballot.
Monestere discusses the grassroots movement behind the signature drive, the political stakes surrounding Prop 4, and why activists across Utah are mobilizing to give voters a direct voice on the issue. Senator Johnson and Monestere also explore how the initiative process works in Utah, the challenges of qualifying a measure for the ballot, and what this effort could mean for the state’s political landscape.
If successful, the campaign could put a major policy question directly before Utah voters—making this one of the most closely watched political efforts in the state.
#politicit #utahelections #utpol

Alexis EncePoliticIt Dixie — Karianne Lisonbee Launches her Congressional Campaign for CD2

In the inaugural PoliticIt Dixie conversation hosted by Alexis Ence, Representative Karianne Lisonbee announced her campaign for Congress in Utah’s Second District and reflected on more than sixteen years of public service.
A longtime Davis County resident, Lisonbee highlighted a legislative record focused on protecting life, defending the Second Amendment, strengthening criminal justice, and advancing education reform.
She framed her candidacy as a continuation of local leadership rooted in conservative principles and community accountability.
#politicit #utahelections #utpol