In this special 4th of July episode, we bring back two of our most popular guests, conservative Yossof Sharifi and liberal Kim Bowman, to help us make sense of whatever the hell is going on with Trump's twitter feed. We also debate the philosophical underpinnings of health policy (more fun than it sounds) and the dangers of the LDS Church dipping its toe into the seedy underworld of pigmented clothing.

Plus, find out how we ended up having to publicly apologize to Lt. Governor Spencer Cox! (It's Dan's fault.)

We're rebranding the POPcast this week, as we prepare to separate it from the Blacksite name.  Before we move, we celebrate the most American movie on the most American of holidays. But is Independence Day actually good, or were we just young and stupid in 1996?

The panel also dares to try Fireworks Oreos. They taste less like sulfur than we expected.

We chat about our favorite patriotic movies: Air Force One, The Right Stuff, Lincoln, and This Divided State.  

Special Guest ALAN SEAWRIGHT of Zion Politics on the show to add a little LDS doctrine to our political discussion. We break down the Senate Healthcare Bill. Our sponsor this week is Strawberry C! What is it? Who knows, but you'll definitely want it. Alan talks about his experience with medicaid, Jason Chaffetz, and the Republican Convention. We talk about candidates for Utah's 3rd Congressional District: John Curtis, mayor of Provo with high approval rating. Tanner Ainge, possible carpetbagger!? And Curtis Herod... the delegate choice and man with a questionable blogging history. 

By day, Danny Drew is seeking the Democratic nomination to run against Senator Orrin Hatch. But we're pretty sure he's really the secret identity of some superhero in the Refugee Justice League. 

Kim Bowman returns to the show, this time as a panelist. He takes us through news from the state party conventions over the weekend. We consider the upcoming Republican primary between extreme right winger Chris Herrod and Provo Mayor John Curtis (is he a secret Democrat -- should Democrats become secret Republicans to support him? It's all so confusing!)

Also, call your Senators! There's no way your phone call could be more embarrassing than Dan and Courtney's attempt at improv comedy.

Kim Bowman's love of Star Trek could not be contained to our political format, so he joined us on the POPcast to discuss prospects for the new series. We also consider the bizarre and horrifying nature of the Cars universe. Plus, Dave and Busters is coming to Salt Lake City. Are we wrong to be excited for this?

If you love Clarke, don't listen to this episode. 

Darlene McDonald is running to replace Mia Love in Utah's 4th Congressional District. She tells us how she came to Utah from Ohio and went from food stamps to a successful businesswoman. She's both the conservative ideal of the American Dream and proof of liberal arguments that social programs help people climb out of poverty. Plus, she's a fun guest!

We point out that Mormon doctrine says some pretty progressive things about the environment and ask why it doesn't come across in Utah's politics. Plus, Romney Republicans: who are they? Can Democrats win them over? Should they? 

Just a reminder to always ask for "extra olives" when ordering pizza at Papa Johns. Listen to the end to find out why...

2016 Democratic Nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Utah (and Dan's best friend from way back) Kim Bowman joins us to share his thoughts on his campaign and how Democrats can win in Utah. 

Our panel asks if John Curtis is a Republican we can support, and whether that dooms him to failure. Plus Mormon Democrats: do they exist? Our guest panelist Kevin Parke claims to be one, and he's a bishop so he can't lie! 

We also bring you some new terms to use as you try to comprehend the Trump administration (we just missed "covfefe"). And some promotional material from Greg "The Giant" Gianforte. Don't cross him!

Former Mayor Rocky Anderson (the liberal OG of Salt Lake City) visits the Blacksite. We talk about growing up in Logan, the LDS Church, and authenticity in politics, the real Mitt Romney, and impeachment... (just in case). 

It is impossible to recap all the news that has happened since May 8 in under a minute, but Dan tries. New information about Sally Yates, Michael Flynn, James Comey. Trump administration officials give statements, only to be immediately contradicted by Trump on Twitter. How republicans are responding to the news. (Some flip the bird to reporters!). How are Utah representatives responding? Also, what activists can do to stay in the game. KEEP CALLING! KEEP SHOWING UP! STAY ACTIVE! (202)225-3121 

POPCAST! The special musical theater edition! Dan reviews "Dear Evan Hansen." We talk TONYS! We revisit Sweeney Todd with Johnny Depp. The Flintstones comic continues to be awesome and timely. We also talk about bands who's music we'd love to turn into a musical theater production.