In this compelling conversation on 1819 News: The Podcast, host Bryan Dawson, CEO of 1819 News, investigates a growing movement to bring classical education—and timeless values—back to Alabama’s classrooms.

Dawson opens by challenging listeners to imagine a future where the destiny of Alabama’s children depends on returning to the classics—where education once again forms virtue, wisdom, and freedom of thought. Together, he and Ron Packard, founder and CEO of ACCEL Schools, discuss the philosophical and practical renewal of education through the Alabama Virtual Classical Academy, a new tuition-free online school launching in partnership with Sylacauga City Schools. Enabled by Alabama’s recent school choice reforms, this initiative gives families statewide access to a rigorous, virtue-centered education rooted in the timeless ideas of Aristotle, Socrates, and America’s founding fathers.

Packard draws on nearly three decades in education to explain why teaching children how to think, not what to think, is more crucial than ever in the age of technology and moral confusion. The pair trace the history of classical learning—from the trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric to the liberal arts tradition that formed leaders like the architects of the American Republic. They contrast this approach with today’s industrial-age schooling system, which too often prioritizes bureaucracy over character and test scores over truth.

The conversation also highlights the cultural and spiritual dimensions of education, exploring how beauty, virtue, and objective truth were once considered essential to forming free citizens. With insights from figures like Dr. William J. Bennett, former U.S. Secretary of Education and now provost of ACCEL Classical Academies, Dawson and Packard make a compelling case for reclaiming the lost art of education as the foundation of liberty itself.

This episode isn’t just about curriculum reform—it’s a call to arms in the generational battle for the hearts and minds of Alabama’s children, urging parents and educators alike to rebuild a free and flourishing Alabama grounded in truth, virtue, and classical wisdom.

In this thought-provoking episode, host Bryan Dawson welcomes Father Calvin Robinson—a British Anglican priest, commentator, and outspoken cultural critic—for a wide-ranging conversation about faith, politics, and the challenges facing Western civilization. The discussion opens with Dawson recounting how he met Father Calvin at a Turning Point USA event in Huntsville, Ala., where the two connected over shared convictions and a passion for defending truth in turbulent times.

Father Calvin shares his personal journey from the United Kingdom to the United States, explaining how his willingness to speak out on issues of national identity, faith, and culture has come at great personal and professional cost. Together, he and Brian explore the state of modern Britain, the rise of multiculturalism, and the tension between religious freedom, national values, and political correctness. Father Calvin describes what he views as the moral and spiritual decline of Western Europe, citing the erosion of Christian foundations and the emergence of parallel social and legal systems.

The conversation turns to broader cultural questions, including the role of men and women in society, the decline of family life and faith, and the moral consequences of abortion and secularism. Both Dawson and Father Calvin frame these trends as symptoms of a deeper spiritual crisis—one that transcends politics and calls for a renewal of moral courage and conviction.

Though controversial and at times unsettling, this episode offers a candid and unfiltered look at how two Christian thinkers interpret the West’s current crossroads. Listeners will hear strong opinions, passionate arguments, and sobering reflections on faith, culture, and the future of civilization.

Whether you agree or disagree with their views, this conversation invites reflection on what it means to preserve truth, tradition, and belief in an increasingly divided world.

Tune in for an unflinching dialogue on faith, culture, and the courage to stand firm in conviction—no matter the cost.

In this hard-hitting monologue episode of 1819 News: The Podcast, host Bryan Dawson, CEO of 1819 News, breaks down the "flea flicker" political plays being run on Alabama values. Using football as a metaphor, Dawson exposes how opponents manipulate public opinion to advance agendas that erode traditional values—warning listeners to spot the setup at the line of scrimmage before the snap.

Using previous major political failures as game film, he traces the path liberals have used to attain power. Talking points repeated ad nauseum, paying off people of influence, and employing the power of media is the flea flicker that our foes continue to use and we can't seem to stop them.

Finally, Dawson sounds the alarm on creeping Islamic influence, dubbing the Islamic activists in Hoover the emerging "Hoover Caliphate." Drawing parallels to Dearborn and Minneapolis, he cites grooming scandals in the UK, H-1B visa labor displacement, and a personal encounter with a young Muslim woman offering partnership and funds to 1819 News—rejecting it as a conquest play masked in shared "Republican values." This Islamic play is the play that is about to be run, and Dawson encourages everyone to see it for what it is so it can be stopped before putting any points on the board.

Dawson urges vigilance: don’t allow our kindness to be weaponized against us. Reject pay-for-play media, refuse tainted money, and call out infiltration before cultural subversion becomes demographic dominance.

You won't want to miss this powerful episode.

Overtime Segment: Crossing the Rubicon and Burning the Boats!

In this compelling and urgent conversation, Bryan Dawson of 1819 News sits down with Daily Wire culture reporter and bestselling author Megan Basham to discuss her explosive book, Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda. With sharp insight and meticulous research, Basham exposes how secular progressive forces have infiltrated seminaries, evangelical institutions, and churches across America—not merely to influence theology, but to reshape the political and cultural convictions of millions of Christians.

Basham lays out a troubling pattern: left-wing organizations, including those funded by George Soros and the Hewlett Foundation, are funneling money through “evangelical” front groups like the Evangelical Immigration Table—entities that appear grassroots but are in fact top-down influence campaigns. Their goal? To convince believers that leftist policies on immigration, climate, race, and even vaccine mandates are not just political stances, but biblical imperatives.

Dawson and Basham also explore the downfall of prominent evangelical leaders like Russell Moore, once a conservative icon, now seen as a mouthpiece for progressive causes. From promoting amnesty under the guise of “loving your neighbor” to urging COVID-19 vaccinations as a Christian duty, Moore’s trajectory serves as a case study in how influence, prestige, and foundation money have corrupted evangelical leadership.

Basham explains how even well-meaning pastors are unwittingly swept into these networks, signing onto statements and participating in campaigns that subtly (or overtly) push progressive policy—often without full awareness of who’s funding or driving the agenda.

The discussion is a wake-up call to American Christians. The church, as Basham and Dawson argue, is the final obstacle to full-scale cultural conquest by the radical left. If believers don’t recognize the war being waged within their own walls, they may lose not just theological clarity, but national influence and moral credibility. This episode calls for spiritual vigilance, cultural awareness, and a bold return to biblical truth in an age of compromise.

In a raw, heartfelt conversation, Alabama State Rep. Reed Ingram sits down to share a story that’s far more than politics—it’s a powerful testimony of redemption, resilience, and purpose. From living homeless on a beach in Pensacola as a child to becoming a successful entrepreneur and lawmaker, Ingram’s life is a vivid reminder that no past is too broken for God to redeem.

The episode kicks off with a lighthearted dive into the secret behind the famously delicious watermelons at Sweet Creek, Ingram’s popular farm market located right off the beach-bound highways of Alabama. But it quickly goes deeper as he opens up about a childhood scarred by addiction, instability, and years without schooling. Taken by his mother at age seven after his parents' divorce, he spent much of his early life sleeping in roadside parks and restrooms—avoiding crime by hiding in the safest places he could find.

At 17, after a brush with the law and a near-tragic incident involving a stolen car and the governor’s mansion, Reed found himself at a crossroads. What followed was a divine intervention—marrying the daughter of a preacher, starting a business with nothing but faith, and slowly rebuilding his life. By God’s guidance, he launched six successful businesses and became a steady presence in Alabama’s legislature.

Yet Reed has never forgotten where he came from—or the God who carried him. Sweet Creek is more than a fruit stand; it’s a ministry in motion. With 800 young applicants each year, he’s instilling work ethic, teaching life skills, and connecting families back to their roots in agriculture and community.

This interview is a wake-up call, reminding us of what’s possible when someone refuses to be defined by their past—and instead lets purpose, faith, and hard work define their future.

Listen in and be inspired.

In this powerful live episode of 1819 News: The Podcast, host Bryan Dawson sits down with Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth at the Point Clear Republican Women’s Group for a raw, unfiltered conversation about courage, faith, and the future of Alabama. Known for his principled leadership and willingness to take on entrenched powers, Ainsworth discusses how he has transformed the historically “defanged” role of lieutenant governor into one of the most active and impactful positions in the state.

From championing school choice and cutting Alabama’s grocery tax, to fighting for military families and calling out unaccountable agencies like ALDOT and the Alabama High School Athletic Association, Ainsworth shares how conservative policies can move from talking points to real results. He highlights the importance of building coalitions, creating relationships, and standing on biblical values even when the backlash is fierce.

This episode also dives into some of the most pressing issues facing conservatives nationwide. Dawson and Ainsworth address the tragic attempted assassination of President Trump, the death of Charlie Kirk, and the growing hostility toward public figures who speak hard truths. Ainsworth outlines why his decision to step aside from a potential gubernatorial run to support Coach Tuberville was rooted in faith, family, and a long-term vision for Alabama.

More than just politics, this conversation is about a movement. Ainsworth speaks to the next generation of conservatives and Christians rising up on campuses across the nation—leaders inspired by Kirk and others—who are refusing to be silent in the face of cultural decay. He calls on listeners to be bold, to step into leadership, and to defend their values with both courage and compassion.

If you’ve ever wondered what real conservative leadership looks like in action—or how faith and principle can drive policy and shape a state’s future—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Dive into a provocative and eye-opening episode of 1819 News: The Podcast, hosted by CEO Bryan Dawson, as he sits down with filmmaker Chad O. Jackson to discuss his groundbreaking docuseries, The MLK Project, premiering October 3rd. 

Jackson, a plumber who moonlights as an independent historian and filmmaker, shares his journey of uncovering unsettling truths about King’s legacy, inspired by figures like the late Voddie Baucham. From King’s documented personal scandals to his strategic alignment with communist influencers, this episode dismantles the myth of MLK as a moral paragon, revealing him as a calculated figure who advanced a social gospel antithetical to Christian values.

Dawson and Jackson explore how the Civil Rights Movement shifted black culture away from self-reliance, as championed by Booker T. Washington, and toward government dependency, with devastating consequences still visible in urban communities today.

The discussion also delves into the broader implications of King’s legacy, from the erosion of state sovereignty to the infiltration of Marxist ideas into modern churches. Jackson’s docuseries promises to deliver a hard-hitting exposé, backed by primary sources and contributions from scholars like Dr. Carol Swain. Tune in to hear why Jackson believes we must confront these uncomfortable truths to reclaim a free and flourishing America. 

Join 1819 News: The Podcast for a bold pursuit of truth that challenges everything you thought you knew about a national icon.

Join host Bryan Dawson on this week’s edition of 1819 News: The Podcast for an engaging conversation with Officer Brandon Tatum, a prominent conservative voice and close friend of the late Charlie Kirk. In this deeply moving episode, Dawson and Tatum reflect on their providential connection, the legacy of Charlie Kirk, and the spiritual awakening his martyrdom has sparked across the nation.

Kirk’s life and death as a Christian martyr have left an indelible mark on millions. Tatum recounts his friendship with Kirk, from their work together at Turning Point USA to Kirk’s relentless drive and infectious faith, which inspired Tatum to push harder in his own mission.

Dawson and Tatum explore the spiritual weight of Kirk’s legacy, discussing how his death has galvanized believers and non-believers alike, with figures like JD Vance and Marco Rubio boldly proclaiming Christ in public forums. They marvel at the global reach of Kirk’s message, amplified by social media, and challenge listeners to respond to this moment of revival.

Tatum doesn’t hold back, calling out churches that fail to acknowledge Kirk’s martyrdom while contrasting their silence with the outpouring of grief and action following his death. With raw honesty, he urges listeners to seek communities that fearlessly proclaim truth.   This episode is a stirring blend of personal stories, spiritual reflection, and a call to action, encouraging listeners to honor Kirk’s legacy by living boldly for faith and truth. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation that will inspire, challenge, and uplift.

X - @theofficertatum

Don't miss this heartfelt op ed by Brandon Tatum here: theofficertatum.substack.com/p/charlie-kirk-a-life-that-ignited

In this powerful episode of 1819 News: The Podcast, host Bryan Dawson, CEO of 1819 News, sits down with Pastor Rich Lusk of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Ala., to honor the life and martyrdom of Charlie Kirk, the bold Christian leader and Turning Point USA founder tragically assassinated for his unapologetic defense of the gospel, Christian civilization, marriage, life, and biblical masculinity/femininity.

The conversation kicks off with heartfelt tributes to Kirk's integrated faith—seamlessly weaving evangelism with cultural and political engagement on hostile university campuses, the epicenter of leftist indoctrination. Kirk's mantra, "Prove me wrong," invited debate as a peaceful alternative to violence, but ultimately, his faithfulness made him a target. As Lusk reflects, Kirk exemplified the full Great Commission: not just baptizing souls, but teaching nations to obey all of Christ's commands, building a God-glorifying civilization under Jesus' lordship over every sphere of life—from marriage to politics.

Dawson and Lusk unpack the crisis of cowardice plaguing our culture, drawing from Scripture and history. They contrast biblical courage—rooted in fearing God above man—with modern failings: the emasculation of men, turning them into "beta males" ashamed of God-given aggression needed to guard the garden (Genesis 3); an idolatrous "safetyism" exposed during COVID that sacrifices liberty for security; and a therapeutic church culture that glorifies brokenness over repentance and strength.

They critique how this infiltrates pulpits, counseling, and criminal justice—excusing sin as "trauma" and releasing criminals without retribution. The litmus test? If your pastor hasn't declared war on progressivism, feminism, transgenderism, and Marxism, it's time for a new church. Amid a "vibe shift," they celebrate rising Christian influence: leftists now face consequences for mocking Kirk's death, signaling power wielded for good, not neutrality.

Tune in for an exhortation to strength, repentance, and bold faithfulness.

In this episode of 1819 News: The Podcast, host and CEO Bryan Dawson sits down with Alabama State Sen. Arthur Orr, Chairman of the Education Trust Fund, for an in-depth conversation on the state's educational landscape, political evolution, and pathways to prosperity. Hailing from North Alabama's rapidly growing District 3, encompassing Morgan County and parts of Limestone and Madison Counties, Orr shares his personal journey—from his roots in a family with deep Alabama ties, to his time in the Peace Corps in Nepal, Habitat for Humanity in South Asia, and his legal career before entering politics in 2006.

Orr recounts his challenging entry into the Senate during a Democrat-dominated era, the pivotal 2010 Republican takeover, and the ethics reforms that followed high-profile scandals. As chair of the education budget, he addresses Alabama's persistent education challenges, noting a near-doubling of funding since 2017 under Gov. Kay Ivey. Despite criticisms that increased spending hasn't always yielded results, Orr highlights legislative-driven reforms like the Literacy Act (preventing social promotion for non-readers), the Numeracy Act (boosting math scores from 52nd nationally to the 30s), and the Choose Act, which introduces school choice and competition. He praises these initiatives for originating in the legislature rather than the State School Board, emphasizing accountability and measurable progress.

The discussion delves into the Alabama Education Association's diminished influence compared to its heyday under Paul Hubbert, and also Orr's views on higher education, including prioritizing in-state students, scrutinizing out-of-state tuition benefits, and enforcing compliance with laws banning divisive concepts (DEI). He warns of funding cuts for non-compliant institutions and critiques leftist biases in university curricula, advocating for meritocracy and race-neutral policies.

Orr also touches on controversial topics like the Magic City Acceptance Academy, suggesting oversight by the state charter commission and potential use of the "power of the purse." Finally, he spotlights his "success sequence" bill—now law—teaching middle schoolers three research-backed steps to escape poverty: graduate high school, get a job, and avoid out-of-wedlock children, boasting a 96% success rate.

Tune in for an honest, forward-looking dialogue on reforming Alabama's education system, fostering conservative values, and building a brighter future. Whether you're a parent, educator, or policy enthusiast, this episode offers invaluable insights into the decisions shaping the Yellowhammer State.