Inside Sources

As we continue to celebrate Hanukkah and look forward to gathering with loved ones for Christmas, Boyd asks what you are doing to spark a fire of goodness in others.

What is the power of a small act of kindness? Author John Starley Allen has a new book profiling how being kind has made a difference in the lives of people famous and not so well known. He joins Boyd to talk about "A Splash of Kindness: The Ripple Effect of Compassion, Courage, and Character". 

So many are so invested in "Team Blue" or "Team Red" that political discourse is becoming really bad, whether it's in Washington, D.C. or around the family dinner table. Steven Greenhut from the R Street Institute talks with Boyd about where we're going awry, what we can be doing better, and the benefits of principles and curiosity.

Medicare for All is a cornerstone of the progressive agenda and has been a huge part of the national healthcare conversation recently. But did you know that after all this time the Medicare for All bill itself is not fully written? Brian Riedl from The Manhattan Institute joins Boyd to talk about why that is and why this is not unheard of in Washington, D.C.

Congressman Burgess Owens sat down with Boyd to talk about The Child Rescue Act, a bill he is co-sponsoring to fight child exploitation and trafficking.   

It's coming down to the wire to pass several measures in Congress and the government is on the brink of a shutdown.... again. Boyd looks at why this consistently happens and what the solution could be. 

President Biden has announced new measures to fight COVID-19 during the winter months, including one that both the left and the right believe would be good for the country. Boyd breaks down the different parts of the administration's strategy. 

President Biden would like to beef up the IRS to go after tax cheats. But Eric Boehm from Reason Magazine argues that the agency doesn't have the best track record when it comes to protecting people's rights. He talked with Boyd about the potential for abuse if the IRS is given more power. 

We've all heard of Black Friday and Giving Tuesday. But do you know about Forgiving Wednesday? Boyd's monologue looks at the power of forgiveness and how it can change your life now.

Actor Matthew McConaughey recently announced that he will NOT be running for Governor of Texas. But he posted a video on Twitter discussing the true meaning of service. Boyd looks at his comments and what we can all learn from them.

Continuing the conversation with Chris Stirewalt of The Dispatch, what are the downsides of the cult of personality surrounding some politicians? And how will COVID-19 be a factor in the upcoming elections? Chris and Boyd also discuss what Republicans and Democrats need to do in terms of messaging and fielding candidates to pull off a midterm win.

It's a foregone conclusion among many political analysts that Republicans will win the next election running on the economy. But Chris Stirewalt from The Dispatch is not so sure. He chatted with Boyd about how exactly the economy will play out as an issue in the upcoming midterm elections.

President Biden addressed the nation on the supply chain crisis today. Boyd breaks down what he said and why this was a missed opportunity for the president. 

As Utah grows, what issues are becoming more important to Utah voters? Christopher Collard from the Utah Foundation chatted with Boyd about the latest numbers and what state lawmakers need to focus on going forward. 

The clock is ticking for Congress to pass some important pieces of legislation. Senator Mitt Romney joined Boyd to get everyone up to date on everything from the debt limit to the Build Back Better plan. 

Boyd's closing monologue looks at why President Biden is continuing to sell the public on the recently passed infrastructure bill. Boyd also encourages everyone to take out their wallets on Giving Tuesday to donate to Primary Children's Hospital, as well as ends with some wise words from the late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Many Americans adopt children from overseas, but not every child gets citizenship in their new home. A new, bipartisan bill aims to change that. Sara Jones, co-founder of the Women Tech Council, who was adopted from South Korea as a little girl, joined Boyd to discuss the gaps in granting citizenship and what lawmakers are doing to fix the problem.

Washington, D.C. is in gridlock again, this time over a Russian gas line. Boyd talks about what's going on and revisits a conversation with Dr. Leon Aron of the American Enterprise Institute about why Russia is making trouble for Ukraine and Europe.

Utah Valley University came away with a big win in the 2021 Wasatch Mountain Ethics Bowl this month, beating teams from Harvard and the University of Colorado, among others. But what can this experience teach all of us about how to debate better? UVU Professor Jeff Nielsen and Kaitlynn Russell, who is a part of the team joined Boyd to talk about all this and more.

Why is Hanukkah important, and what can Jewish people and those not of the faith take away from the holiday? Rabbi Avremi Zippel from Chabad Lubavitch of Utah joined Boyd to talk about the true meanings behind the Festival of Lights.

How do you balance civil liberties with government action during an emergency? Shoshana Weissmann from the R Street Institute joins Boyd to discuss her new paper outlining how what questions we should be asking when crisis situations pop up, as well as the role state legislatures can play so "emergencies" don't go on indefinitely. 

Continuing the conversation, Boyd discusses a comment that many people make when reacting to a new law, "I've got nothing to hide!" Why might that thinking be flawed? And what can we learn from past experience when civil liberties concerns are brought up?

The new infrastructure bill will require all new cars to have breathalyzers by 2026. While many people support this measure, the move also raises questions about the limits of government and the unintended negative consequences of good ideas. Boyd dives into these questions and looks at what we can learn from history about what's going on now. 

Legendary sports broadcaster Vin Scully turns 94 today. Boyd looks at some of his great calls for the Los Angeles Dodgers and his remarkable 67 years behind the mic. 

Boyd also does a roundup on where we are in Washington, D.C. 

For this week's Give A Thon spotlight, Boyd chats with 11-year-old Payson, who was diagnosed with leukemia more than 4 years ago, and his mom Wendy. Payson recalls how he learned the news of his diagnosis and how he has received treatment at Primary Children's Hospital.

You can become a “Smile Maker” by donating $15/month. Just go to kslkids.com to sign up! Thank you to our sponsor J&J Garden Center.

The jury is being selected in the trial of Jussie Smollett, an actor accused of faking a hate crime to pin on Trump supporters. Boyd recalls the first reactions of many commentators and shows why instant certainty is the enemy of truth and trust.

The Build Back Better bill has made its way to the Senate. But ABC News' Faith Abubey talks with Boyd about the roadblocks it faces in the Upper Chamber, as well as what Democrats have to say about the messaging surrounding the bill. 

Are you getting a good deal on your taxes? Rusty Cannon, president of the Utah Taxpayers Association,  breaks down their latest Cost of County Government Report.   

Democrats rightly point out that many of the policy proposals the president is pushing are popular. So why is he down in the polls? Boyd drills down into the latest numbers to find out.

President Biden's travel ban on South Africa and 7 other countries went into effect  today as the administration tries to stop the spread of the Omicron variant. But what else does the President plan to do? Boyd takes a look at the president's speech this morning. 

The end of the world is coming this week...well, at least the legislative end of the world. Senior Fellow at the R Street Institute James Wallner joins Boyd to talk about all the agenda items on Congress' to-do list and the likelihood of getting them done before December 3rd or even Christmas.

Boyd compares the Thanksgiving Proclamations of former presidents Abraham Lincoln and George Washington and discusses why they're important. 

Boyd takes us back to President Lyndon B. Johnson's Thanksgiving address given shortly after the Kennedy assassination and chats about what lessons can be learned from his speech about coming together as a nation. 

Boyd chats about why we should be grateful for the Constitution and our obligation to build upon its founding principles. 

Political Science Professor and Author Mark Schrad talks with Boyd about why he thinks the prohibitionists in America and the world were the good guys, not the bad guys the history books portray them as.  

Utah Policy Editor, Deseret News Columnist, and former Utah legislator Holly Richardson gives her thoughts on the healing power of gratitude.  

Biden takes another look at President Biden's oil reserve announcement and addresses the question of whether this is a long-lasting solution or just a political distraction. 

To become a person of value, a generous, disruptive innovator, we have to move our focus beyond what can be counted to things of real value.

We're one week away from Giving Tuesday, a movement that started in 2012 to encourage people to think about others during a time when Black Friday and Cyber Monday may have encouraged people to think about themselves. Giving Tuesday CEO Asha Curran shares why it is such an important day and the impact it has in changing lives.

Mya Jaradat, a religion reporter for the Deseret News, shares insights on enhancing Thanksgiving through spiritual practices she learned for 6 different religious leaders.

According to Robert A. Emmons, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis, gratitude heals, energizes and transforms lives. Boyd looks at some of his findings after years of studying gratitude.

Salt Lake City has engaged a firm to help address potential issues as efforts towards gentrification of areas within the city are growing. Dr. David Simpson, a visiting Professor of Urban Planning at Brigham Young University and former Chair of the School of Urban and Public Affairs at the University of Louisville, compares these efforts to other cities who have gone through similar experiences.

Representative Blake Moore joins Boyd Matheson to respond to today's press conference by the president as well as to take a deeper dive into what is driving some of the president's recent decisions and to look at what's coming next.

President Biden announced today that he, along with other global leaders, would be releasing oil from the strategic petroleum reserve to combat sky-high fuel prices. Boyd breaks down key points from the announcement and looks at what works and what could use a little more work.

Beyond the religious call for gratitude, research shows gratitude can be important to health and, in some cases, even maintaining wealth. Conversely, in the words of William George Jordan, an American essayist, “Ingratitude, the most popular sin of humanity, is forgetfulness of the heart. … The individual who possesses it finds it the shortest cut to all the other vices.”

Pope Francis recently honored two journalists who gave voice to victims of Catholic sex abuse cases. During the ceremony, he also spoke to the vital role journalism plays in uncovering what is wrong and providing hope for the frightened.

President Biden's recent letter to the FTC requesting an investigation into oil and gas companies amidst sky-high prices seems to be shifting at least some of the blame for inflation. In the letter, the president says there is "mounting evidence of anti-consumer behavior by oil and gas companies.” Will the president be able to successfully lay at least some of the climbing prices on these companies?

President Biden's Build Back Better plan passed the house late last week but it still needs to get the full backing of the Democrats in the Senate in order to make it through. Any changes in the plan would send it back to the House where it languished before during significant in-fighting. Boyd breaks down the future the bill faces.

Sarah Jane Weaver and Mary Richards of the Church News join Boyd Matheson for a look back at the #GiveThanks campaign announced by President Russell M. Nelson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints one year ago. They dive into the impact it is still having and why we still need to remember the importance of gratitude today.

Zack Cooper is a Senior Fellow with the American Enterprise Institute. He says economically decoupling from China may make sense on the surface, but being too quick or decoupling on too much could cost the U.S. leverage over China in the future.

Senator Mike Lee joins Boyd to share information on his Stop the Grinch act which aims to get food and gifts on store shelves by helping the supply chain move again through various steps such as temporarily removing some restrictions on transportation.

On the 158th anniversary of The Gettysburg Address, Boyd looks at another speech given by another legendary politician in difficult circumstances. What can we learn from them about how to confront the challenges of today and have the conversations that matter?

Lots of people get stressed, dreading family conversations over the holidays. But what if there is a better way to engage? Utah State University Professor Scott Hammond joins Boyd to talk about the value of dialogue and why that can be better than debate.

Yesterday, Boyd sat down with Democratic Socialist Ben Burgis. Lots of listeners loved the discussion, but some wondered what he was thinking talking with someone so different politically. Boyd chats about the value of listening to, and not challenging, those with whom you may have significant disagreements.

The Utah Utes and Oregon Ducks will face off on the gridiron this weekend, with even two US Senators betting on the game (the winner will be local foodbanks). Unrivaled co-host Scott Mitchell stops by to break down the storylines we need to look for.  

What's in President Biden's social spending bill? Boyd dives into the details and looks at some comments from Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA), which shows the bill will have a rough time getting through the Upper Chamber.

The House passed President Biden's social spending bill this morning, following an 8-hour speech by Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. How did Speaker Pelosi try to frame the bill? And what happened on the House Floor? 

The term Democratic Socialism has been bandied about for years in the United States. But do you know what socialists actually believe? Boyd sat down with YouTube star and writer Ben Burgis about his vision for the country. They also discussed how to get back to debating ideas that matter and instead of canceling people over mistakes they made when they were 12. 

Boyd's monologue looks at how what you choose to engage with can determine many things.

A new poll shows Americans are worried if President Biden is "mentally fit" to lead the country. While those numbers are grabbing all the headlines, Boyd looks at why fewer Americans are giving him good marks on the intangible qualities, things like character and compassion, that helped propel him to The White House.

Vice President Kamala Harris has been the subject of some pretty vicious rumors in recent weeks. But it looks like she is trying to counter all the negativity. Boyd looks some of the smart moves she has made over the past few days, including her speech at the infrastructure bill signing ceremony and sitting down for an interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos.

Boyd talks with pollster extraordinaire Scott Rasmussen about some new numbers on President Biden's job performance, as well as the actions some cities are taking to slow the pandemic.

There are a lot of smokescreens nowadays. Boyd's monologue looks at what we can do to see beyond them to get at the truth.

Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) was censured on the House floor today. Boyd discusses what happened, how it compares to the last time this happened, and what it all says about Congress today. And on a lighter note, two US Senators made a friendly wager before the Utah-Oregon game...and some foodbanks could be the winner.

Utah's budget surplus for fiscal year 2021 is $614 million. State Rep. Brad Last chatted with Boyd about where the money will go and what lawmakers have to consider before funding a project.

Utah is spending a lot to fight homelessness, but it seems the problem keeps growing. What can we be doing better? Former Utah Senate Minority Leader Scott Howell joined Boyd to talk about what we are doing right and what needs to be addressed to help get people into stable housing.

With Democrats on the defensive, what should the Republicans' messaging strategy be to win in 2022? Dana Perino, co-anchor of America’s Newsroom and co-host of The Five on FOX News Channel, gives her take. She also talks with Boyd about the challenges current White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki faces as the facts on the ground look less than favorable for the Biden Administration.

Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, who served in both the Clinton and Obama Administrations, has some harsh words for his fellow Democrats about inflation...and some of his solutions sound almost conservative. 

It's 16 days until the latest end of the world: December 3rd is Congress' deadline to raise the debt ceiling and fund the government. But the R Street Institute's Jonathan Bydlak joined Boyd to argue that these constant crises obscure tough, needed conversations on spending.

For his monologue, Boyd looks at the quality of enthusiasm and what we can learn from little kids to have a better outlook on life.

The Utah Jazz are celebrating five years of 5 for the Fight during the next two games. Jazz broadcaster and basketball legend Thurl Bailey joined Boyd to talk about why the race to cure cancer is so important to him.

President Trump's former advisor Steve Bannon is being charged with two misdemeanors for ignoring subpoenas and failing to turn over documents to the January 6th commission. Boyd looks at why, despite the bad press, this may turn into a positive for Bannon and why Contempt of Congress has not had meaning for awhile.

Inflation. COVID-19. Supply Chain Issues. President Biden is sticking to his script despite the mounting challenges around him. But Washington Post reporter Tyler Pager says Democrats across the country are concerned that the messaging coming out of The White House is damaging the Democratic brand with voters.

What went wrong in Afghanistan...and can things be made right? Former Ambassador Marc Grossman gave his thoughts during a World Trade Center Utah webinar (hosted by Boyd), which also touched on the future of women's rights in the country, and what needs to be done to secure a better tomorrow for the people who live there.

The infrastructure bill aims to give broadband to rural America. While conservatives don't like the idea of government getting into the internet business, Jeffrey Westling has a new piece at the R Street Institute about why there is a role for the feds to play...as long as you also get rid of useless regulations, too.

A new report says there is extreme tension between Vice President Harris and President Biden's offices. What is the truth? And how does that compare to other presidential duos? Boyd also looks at the VP's great speech during the infrastructure bill signing ceremony and how that has helped her. 

With former Congressman Beto O'Rourke (D-TX) making a run for Governor of the Lone Star State, it got Boyd to thinking: Do we vote for policies or the ideals we foist on politicians? What is the downside to ignoring a candidate's real platform in favor of sparkly platitudes? 

Russia is upping its military presence along the Ukrainian border. What's really going on? Dr. Leon Aron, a Russian immigrant and foreign policy expert from the American Enterprise Institute, talked with Boyd about Russian President Vladimir Putin's true goals. 

The withdrawal from Afghanistan turned the tide of public opinion against President Biden, but the problems in that country are far from resolved. World Trade Center Utah President and CEO Miles Hansen joins Boyd to talk about a webinar WTC Utah is holding about the way forward in Afghanistan and the Middle East. 

Utah Congressman Burgess Owens had a lovely tribute to his father over Veterans Day. He joined Boyd to talk about the accomplishments of the man behind the viral tweet, as well as the progress we have made in America over the past few decades. 

President Dallin H. Oaks, the first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, gave a landmark address a few days ago at the University of Virginia, arguing that religious freedom and nondiscrimination can work together for the common good. Boyd looks at his words and also shares those of some great religious thinkers from other faith traditions who have advocated for rejecting the false choices of divisive rhetoric.

Mike Leavitt, the President of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, joins Boyd to talk about an exciting announcement about their Christmas concert this year and beyond!

Boyd chats again with Jenna and Rob, the parents of 3-year-old Talmadge, who is receiving care at Primary Children's for his heart issue.

Tim Shriver returns to Inside Sources to give us an update on UNITE and how we can move away from the pessimism and vicious politics to create a better culture. 

Both President Biden's vaccine mandate and Texas' abortion law have something in common: they ask regular people to snitch on their neighbors to enforce the law. Boyd argues that whatever you think of the laws, this way of enforcing them should concern everyone.  

Speaker of the Utah House Brad Wilson sat down with Boyd to talk about the hot issues law makers tackled during the Special Session, including redistricting, the Dixie State University name change, and bail reform.  

She is one of the famous women in the world, but not many people know the real Vice President Kamala Harris. Her childhood best friend Stacey Johnson-Batiste chatted with Boyd about her new book detailing her friendship with the Vice President and the principles that have guided both their lives.

Boyd offers some final thoughts on Veterans Day and talks about the importance of recognizing our interconnectedness as we try to heal the nation's wounds. 

Former Utah Congressman Ben McAdams joins Boyd to talk about why Washington is broken, what voters are looking for, and what we could be doing differently to actually solve some of the nation's problems. 

A series of tweets has Boyd asking: Why would anyone want to run for the US Senate in today's political environment?

The Forge Forward Project is using virtual reality to help veterans suffering from PTSD. Reboot Centers co-founder Brendan Borrowman calls in to talk about this amazing technology and how it's saving lives. 

Utah Congressman Blake Moore chats with Boyd about what Hill Air Force Base needs as well as how we can better use our defense dollars. He also gives his thoughts on what Veterans day means for him. 

Broadcaster Vin Scully shared an amazing story on Twitter about the true meaning of Veterans Day. Boyd looks at his comments as well as President Biden's remarks at Arlington National Cemetery today to mark the holiday. 

What does Utah get out of the infrastructure bill on President Biden's desk? Senator Mitt Romney, a lead negotiator on the bipartisan bill, chats with Boyd about why he thinks Utahans should support it.  

Congressman Chris Stewart, an Air Force Veteran, joins Boyd to talk about the importance of Veterans Day.  

The population of veterans is changing and declining. Boyd chats with Gary Harter, executive director of Utah’s Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, about how to stay connected to those who have given so much for our country and how we can honor them this coming Veterans Day. 

Will Congress finally address its deficit problem? Kevin Kosar from the American Enterprise Institute says a bipartisan proposal may finally get Congress to look in the mirror. 

A new university is being launched with the goal of giving students a high quality education while protecting free expression. Boyd looks at the University of Austin, who is behind it, and if it can live up to its ideal. 

Why did the legislature choose their own maps and feel justified in doing so? LaVarr Webb from Utah Policy argues that lawmakers were simply listening to their constituents. He joins Boyd to discuss Republicans' rejection of the Independent Redistricting Commission's maps and where voters stand on the issue. 

Moderate Republicans are taking some heat for supporting President Biden's infrastructure bill. But do they need to worry about disapproval from voters? Boyd talks about it all with Jason Perry from the Hinckley Institute of Politics.