Kai Schwemmer: Faith, Free Speech & the Future of Conservatism | PoliticIt
Utah Senator John Johnson welcomes Kai Schwemmer to the PoliticIt Podcast for a conversation about faith, political expression, and the next generation of conservative leadership.
Schwemmer’s appointment as political director of College Republicans of America drew scrutiny over past remarks and political associations. Against that backdrop, this episode offers an opportunity to hear his perspective and consider the broader questions surrounding free speech, personal growth, public accountability, and young people’s role in shaping the Republican Party.
politicit #utahelections #utpol
24 Sept 2026
The Charlie Kirk Cake Controversy: Rylie Barnes & Riley Beesley Speak Out | PoliticIt
A controversial cake. A viral photo. A campus debate over free speech and accountability.
On this episode of the PoliticIt Podcast, Utah Sen. John Johnson welcomes Rylie Barnes, vice president of the University of Utah College Republicans, and Riley Beesley, chairman of the Utah College Republicans, to share their perspectives on the “Kirkiversary” cake controversy.
After a photo of a student holding a cake mocking the anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s death spread online, Barnes and Beesley became the subjects of university inquiries over allegations of doxxing. The university later dismissed both cases and apologized.
Hear their account of the controversy and its aftermath in a conversation about political expression, social media responsibility, campus safety, and the challenges of navigating political division.
#politicit #utahelections #utpol
7 Sept 2026
From Congress to the Utah Legislature: Rob Bishop Returns to Public Service
Sen. John Johnson sits down with former U.S. Congressman and current Utah State Representative Rob Bishop to discuss why he returned to the Legislature nearly 50 years after his public-service career began there.
Bishop explains why state government often has a more direct impact on Utahns than Washington and shares his priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Their conversation covers Utah’s water future, the Great Salt Lake, desalination, affordable housing, local control, education funding, Medicaid, MITA, and the infrastructure surrounding Hill Air Force Base.
They also discuss protecting agricultural water rights, maintaining the aging canals connected to Pineview Reservoir, and how responsible forest management could conserve water, reduce catastrophic wildfires, and create jobs.
It’s a wide-ranging conversation about federalism, effective government, and the challenges shaping Utah’s future.
#politicit #utahelections #utpol
Who has been a guest on PoliticIt Podcast
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YouTube views
54,977
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
2.9 / 5
7 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 69 / 100
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Quality
81
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
67
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