Podcast

Both Sides of the Aisle

Government, News, News Commentary

Both Sides of the Aisle is a weekly debate over politics, policy and current issues facing the state of Utah, featuring voices representing the Right, the Center, and the Left.Representing Right is State Auditor John Dougall (R), on the Left is former Salt Lake County Councilwoman Shireen Ghorbani (D), and speaking for the “common sense middle” is Natalie Gochnour, an associate dean in the David Eccles School of Business and director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah. The show is produced by Anthony Scoma.Both Sides of the Aisle attempts to help you understand the important questions facing residents of this state, while proving that Republicans and Democrats can sit in a small room and have a meaningful conversation.

Government chart
#159
Episodes
156
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
26 min
On air since
2023
Latest episode
5 days ago

Episodes

156 episodes, newest first

  1. Israel, Obama, Trump, and the 2026 midterm election

    Show notes

    Our hosts discuss the Israeli election, Obama and Trump on the campaign trail, and the completion of the $5 billion rebuild of the Salt Lake City International Airport.

    26 min
  2. Ukraine, Iran, midterm voting, and the cost of war

    Show notes

    Our hosts discuss President Trump comments on Ukraine, the role the Iran War is playing in partisan politics, and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson's appearance on "60 Minutes."

    26 min
  3. Blue wave likelihood, public executions, and Utah's congressional races

    Show notes

    Our hosts discuss the likelihood of Democrats sweeping the 2026 elections, the economic concerns motivating voters, and how the death penalty is carried out across the U.S.

    26 min
  4. Katie Matheson and Alliance for a Better Utah

    Show notes

    Shireen Ghorbani sits down with Katie Matheson, the new executive director of Alliance for a Better Utah, to discuss her background and goals for the political non-profit.

    26 min
  5. United Nations, congressional races, and Sen. Curtis' corruption probe

    Show notes

    Our hosts discuss China, Iran, Israel, critical midterm races to watch, and growing dissatisfaction with incumbent political leadership.

    26 min
  6. Education in Utah with Andrea Brandley

    Show notes

    Our hosts sit down with Andrea Brandley, senior education analyst at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, to discuss how Utah's education system compares and how to improve it.

    26 min
  7. Trump's $5000 midterm enticement and the fight over mail-in ballots

    Show notes

    Our hosts discuss record high diesel prices, Trump's promise of $5000 checks if Republicans win the midterms, and the federal investigation into Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson.

    26 min
  8. Climate change, gender partisanship, and Utah's MLB bid

    Show notes

    Our hosts discuss the pragmatic approach to climate change politics, whether or not the U.S. is "at war" with Iran, and takeaways from Gov. Cox's new book.

    26 min
  9. Nepal flooding, beef imports, Venezuelan oil, and Meta settlement

    Show notes

    Natalie and Shireen discuss Trump's international trade policies, Meta's $17 billion child safety settlement, and the defining crises of Governor Cox's term in office.

    26 min
  10. New Iran sanctions, US-Canada trade war, and Flock cameras in Utah

    Show notes

    Our hosts discuss the U.S. threatening Iran with an "economic D-Day," the record-breaking $40 trillion national debt, and out-of-state police accessing Utah's Flock cameras.

    26 min
  11. USS Lincoln, Cox's low approval, and polling on voter ID requirements

    Show notes

    Our hosts discuss the morale of U.S. forces deployed in the Middle East, why incumbent approval is dropping in Utah, and the partisan split over voter ID requirements.

    26 min
  12. Iran War impacts, AG Todd Blanche, and Utah Supreme Court candidates

    Show notes

    Our hosts discuss how the Iran War has impacted military stockpiles and gas prices, the confirmation of a new U.S. attorney general, and who will fill the two vacancies on the Utah Supreme Court.

    26 min
  13. War powers, Sens. McConnell and Graham, and Utah's energy future

    Show notes

    Our hosts discuss an Iran war powers resolution's narrow failure, Sen. Mitch McConnell's disappearance, Sen. Lindsey Graham's death, and Utah's bid for a nuclear facility.

    26 min
  14. Equality Utah

    Show notes

    Shireen Ghorbani sits down with the leadership of Equality Utah to discuss the group's political advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and protections in Utah.

    26 min
  15. Emma Addams and Mormon Women for Ethical Government

    Show notes

    Our hosts sit down with the co-executive director for Mormon Women for Ethical Government and discuss the group's inception, national and statewide organizing, and its ethical approach to politics.

    26 min
  16. Professor Jacob Rugh

    Show notes

    Shireen Ghorbani sits down with Jake Rugh, a BYU sociology professor, to discuss the unique politics of Utah and what they mean for the state's future.

    26 min
  17. Tim Hawkes, chair of the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council

    Show notes

    Our hosts discuss the importance of the Great Salt Lake, the danger posed by its disappearance, and how water conservation can protect Utahns' health, environment, and economy.

    26 min
  18. America 250

    Show notes

    Our hosts discuss Independence Day traditions, U.S. leaders and icons, patriotism, and the meaning of the American dream.

    25 min
  19. Iran, Cuba, the Reflecting Pool, and AI pushback

    Show notes

    Our hosts discuss U.S. relations with Iran and Cuba, algae blooming in the Reflecting Pool, and how resistance to AI and data centers is reshaping Utah politics.

    26 min
  20. World Cup 2026, US-Iran memorandum, and Utah's new justices

    Show notes

    Our hosts discuss the World Cup matches taking place across North America, the world's first trillionaire, and the cost of expanding the Utah Supreme Court.

    25 min

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