1819 News: The Podcast Video

Exclusive Update on Richard Scrushy Case

Richard Scrushy is back in the news and is asserting that exculpatory evidence was intentionally withheld which would have exonerated him from an unjust conviction back in 2006.
In the early 2000s, Scrushy, the CEO of HealthSouth Corporation, was hit with charges of fraud and bribery. Acquitted of the fraud charges, he was eventually found guilty of paying $500K into then Gov. Don Siegelman's education lottery fund in exchange for a seat on the state's Certificate of Need Board.
This week host Bryan Dawson brings on Scrushy for an exclusive interview to discuss his assertion regarding the exculpatory evidence being withheld, as well as hearing more about Scrushy's trip to prison and what he's been doing since his release.
You don't want to miss this exclusive interview!
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Shutting Down the Factory in DC w/ Leland Whaley

Talk radio has been the one bastion for truth conservatives have relied upon for decades. While it may be true that nationally syndicated radio shows are going the way of the dodo since Limbaugh's death, that is not true for local, news/talk radio.
This week Bryan sits down with Alabama's biggest news/talk radio host, Leland Whaley, of Leland Live on Talk 99.5 in Birmingham to hear his story as well as discuss some of the pressing issues and topics of our day.
Leland recently wrote an opinion article for 1819 News titled "We are closing the factory in D.C.", in which he compared the mass firings and closings in D.C. to the way textile factories and other blue-collar factories were shut down because of poor governance. There was no sympathy from the bureaucrats for the blue-collar folks losing their jobs because of the globalization of our economy, yet they are begging for sympathy now that the D.C. factory is being shut down.
This rolls into the conversation of how the forgotten working class was the catalyst for this new political revival we are seeing.
Leland also offers a unique perspective of the Russia/Ukraine conflict that you've likely never heard. He believes we are in a race with China for rare earth minerals that will make the moon race look like child's play.
You don't want to miss this incredibly informative and entertaining interview, tune in now.
OVERTIME: Trump's America and what Leland expects to see in President Trump's first term.

Sen. Chris Elliott: A Warrior for Common Sense in the AL Senate

1819 News has no problem calling out both bad actors and bad things in state government. That being said, we think it is just as important to highlight good people doing good things.
This week 1819 News CEO Bryan Dawson sits down with State Senator Chris Elliott who has consistently been a strong voice for good in the Alabama Senate. That includes being a “no” vote, despite tremendous pressure, on the terrible gambling legislation last session.
In this podcast you will hear about how Sen Elliott got into politics as well as some of the things he's working on this session.
From reeling in occupational licensing and out of control state agency boards to speaking up for veterans and sensible infrastructure spending, Elliott is consistently doing what's right no matter the push back.
Dawson and Elliott also discuss prison conditions as well as the mismanagement of building new prisons and how that can be fixed moving forward.
Overtime Segment: How do we bring Trump's energy into state government?
To join the fight and become an 1819 News Member and have access to all of our behind the  scenes content, click here:https://1819news.com/membership

John McInnis III: From Building Bridges in Baldwin County to Flora-Bama

Join us for an inspiring podcast featuring John McInnis III, the dynamic CEO of McInnis Industries and co-owner of the iconic Flora-Bama Lounge, as he shares his remarkable entrepreneurial journey and deeply personal faith walk.
This episode dives into the life of a third-generation business leader who transformed a family legacy in construction into a multifaceted empire spanning heavy infrastructure, disaster recovery, and entertainment, all while staying rooted in his Christian beliefs.
Born in Mobile, Alabama, John stepped into the family business—founded by his grandfather in 1970—after graduating from the University of Alabama in 2000. Under his leadership, McInnis Industries has completed over $1 billion in projects, including bridges, roads, and major disaster relief efforts like the Hurricane Katrina cleanup.
But John’s story goes beyond business success. In 2009, he took a bold step into the entertainment world, becoming the majority owner of the Flora-Bama, a legendary beach bar straddling the Alabama-Florida line. With his vision, the Flora-Bama has thrived, hosting massive events like Kenny Chesney’s 2014 concert for 40,000 fans, cementing its status as a cultural landmark.
What sets John apart is how his faith guides every decision. Raised with a strong moral compass by his father and grandfather, he sees his work as a calling to serve others. Whether rebuilding communities after natural disasters or fostering a sense of unity at the Flora-Bama, John believes in putting faith into action. His partnership with Kenny Chesney’s Love for Love City Foundation after Hurricanes Irma and Maria showcased this commitment, as he spearheaded relief efforts in the Virgin Islands, blending his expertise in disaster management with a heart for helping those in need.
In this podcast, John opens up about the challenges of balancing ambition with purpose, the lessons learned from high-stakes ventures, and how his belief in God has sustained him through it all.
Perfect for listeners seeking inspiration, this episode offers a raw, authentic look at a man who’s built a legacy not just of profit, but of impact—proving that business can be a powerful force for good when grounded in a higher purpose. Tune in to hear John McInnis III’s unforgettable story.

ALDOGE w/ Alabama Policy Institute's Stephanie Smith

The Department of Government Efficiency has been the primary topic in the national news cycle since Jan. 20th.
You may have thought to yourself, Alabama needs a DOGE. Well, you're in luck because the Alabama Policy Institute (API) is working on that exact thing with ALDOGE.
API has been around for over 35 years working towards limited government, free markets, and strong families in Alabama. Now they have a unique opportunity to replicate the national trend of identifying and eliminating waste and abuse in government.
This week Bryan Dawson is joined by API President and CEO Stephanie Smith to discuss ALDOGE and other things going on in our state government.
You might be surprised to find that under Gov. Kay Ivey, the combined state budgets have doubled with surpluses nearly every year since she has been in office. A budget surplus means they took more money from you than you needed.
You might also be surprised to find that a lone Democrat, State Rep. Anthony Daniels, is working to cut taxes for working class families, while those in leadership positions in our Republican supermajority are working to end tax cuts on overtime but issuing tax cuts to athletes in their NIL deals.
Take a listen to this week's podcast to find out what is really going on in your government.
https://alabamapolicy.org/
https://alabamapolicy.org/research/aldoge-report-on-general-fund-spending-in-alabama/

Senator Tuberville: Vindicated on Military Holds and More

In February 2023, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville discovered that the Department of Defense, under the Biden administration, was paying travel and PTO for female employees who desired to kill their unborn children but were prevented from doing so by state law. 
There were not many options for the Senate minority to stop this, but Tuberville placed holds on the mass promotion of military officers, drawing the ire of radical leftists, mainstream media, the Biden regime, and worst of all, many fellow Republicans.
Sen. Tuberville essentially waged war on the culture of death for 10 months, going through hell as the media sought to destroy him while his colleagues left him to fight by himself.
Recently, President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vindicated Tuberville, saying the Biden administration’s policy violated the Hyde Amendment, exactly what Tuberville said for the 10 months he was pummeled in the media.
Tuberville joins Bryan Dawson this week to talk about his fight and numerous other happenings in D.C. since Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States, including Space Command returning to Alabama, restoring Title IX by banning men from women's sports, eliminating the unjust double-tax on social security benefits, and more.
Tuberville also joined Trump on Air Force One to attend the Super Bowl and shares some interesting thoughts on the game and the half time show as well.
To join the fight and become an 1819 News Member and have access to all of our behind the scenes content, click here:https://1819news.com/membership

Let the Games Begin!! 2025 Legislative Session

The 2025 Legislative Session has begun and we here at 1819 News have it covered for you!
We have more reporters than anyone else covering every aspect of what is happening in Montgomery with a dedicated House reporter and Senate reporter, as well as an Editor who is filling in the gaps and doing a radio show from the statehouse.
As citizens of Alabama, each of us has a responsibility to keep an eye on our state government and to make our voices heard. The flip side of that is the fact that many in state government prefer the citizens turn a blind eye to what they’re up to at the Capitol. They want you to believe the press releases and stump speeches talking about how great everything is in the state. Indeed, they prefer you to be the dog in the burning house meme where the dog is at the table and the house is engulfed in flames and he says, "This is fine."
At 1819 News, we shine the light, pursue the truth of what is going on in Alabama’s government, and keep you informed with easily digestible content. Today is no different as CEO Bryan Dawson and 1819 News Editor-in-Chief Jeff Poor discuss Governor Ivey's invigorating state of the state speech and dive into a preview of what they expect in this legislative session.
Here's a quick preview: We have Democratic reps pushing for tax cuts and Republican municipal leaders looking to increase taxes, ALFA is looking to compete in the healthcare insurance front, and there are some immigration bills likely to come our way. Will the energy President Trump is creating in DC translate to major changes in Alabama? Don't hold your breath, tune in to find out why we don't think so.
OVERTIME: Trump's first 14 Days.
To join the fight and become an 1819 News Member and have access to all of our behind the  scenes content, click here:https://1819news.com/membership

To the Inauguration and Beyond!

What we have witnessed since the swearing in of President Donald Trump has been nothing short of incredible. Conservatives have never seen what it looks like for one of our people to ascend to power and then wield that power for the objectivegood. This is new for us, and it’s riveting to watch.
This week, Dawson breaks down what he believes led to the steely resolve we are seeing in President Trump. From the fake Russian collusion accusations to China Flu and eventual lawfare and assassination attempts, today’s Trump is a different man than we saw in 2016.
Dawson also shares about his trip to D.C. for the inauguration, what that experience was like, and then breaks down some of the most impactful executive orders signed on day 1 and what they will mean for the country.
Finally, Dawson brings it home by asking where this type of leadership is in our Republican supermajority state.

Launching The Rick Burgess Show

After 31 years, The Rick & Bubba Show has ended. It was a great run, and in those three decades the show became a staple in the Alabama cultural and media landscape, as well as across the Southeast.
At the beginning of the year, host Rick Burgess launched his own show—The Rick Burgess Show—retaining much of the former program’s staff and affiliate stations.
Rumors abound about how and why The Rick & Bubba Show ended and why Bubba isn’t continuing.
Burgess joins Bryan Dawson this week to give the facts and his perspective on the rumors, but more importantly, to cast a vision for The Rick Burgess Show. He explains what’s going to stay the same, as well as what will be different.
Burgess and Dawson go on to talk about Man Church and what Trump’s choices for cabinet positions mean for the trajectory and energy of his second term.
You’ll want to tune in to hear this exclusive interview!
In the week's overtime segment: NIL and the transfer portal are destroying college football. Dawson and Burgess discuss the problem and talk solutions.
To join the fight and become an 1819 News Member and have access to all of our behind the  scenes content, click here:https://1819news.com/membership

Former ADVA Commissioner Shares...The Rest of the Story, w/ Admiral Kent Davis

In October 2024, Gov. Kay Ivey used her ""supreme executive power of this state"" to unilaterally fire then-Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis.
Quite a saga led up to this unceremonious removal of the beloved ADVA commissioner, and many questions remain on whether Ivey has the authority to terminate a state agency head that serves at the pleasure of an appointed board of directors, in this case the State Board of Veterans Affairs.
A similar situation arose in the COVID pandemic years when the state health officer, who acts as the head of the Alabama Department of Public Health, Scott Harris, came under fire for his tyrannical measures in response to the virus. The governor's office claimed there was nothing Ivey could do, as an appointed board of directors chooses the state health officer, not the governor. Ivey claimed her hands were tied, so much so that legislation was passed to give the governor some authority over who the state health officer is in case another pandemic or health crisis arises.
The only conclusion that can be drawn from this is that Ivey had the authority to fire Scott Harris all along and chose not to, or she didn't have the authority to fire Kent Davis, but did it anyway.
This week Bryan Dawson sits down with former ADVA Commissioner Rear Admiral Kent Davis to hear the entire story from his perspective.
Overtime: War stories with Admiral Davis ... and they involve Hunter Biden!
To join the fight and become an 1819 News Member and have access to all of our behind the scenes content, click here: https://1819news.com/membership