Voices of Reason

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason. Jasen Lee is joined by social justice activist Ken Akers, LaShawn Williams, professor of Social Work at Salt Lake Community College, along with entertainer and entrepreneur Mauli Bonner for a frank discussion about controversies surrounding perceived racist comments made by people in the public eye, including Brad Wilcox - a youth leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and uber-popular podcaster Joe Rogan.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson are joined by our friend and political consultant Ann Dent to discuss state funding for menstrual products in schools, an alleged ISIS operative born in the US heartland and the effort in state legislatures to reshape what educators can teach about racial history or risk legal retribution.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson are joined by Ann Dent, our friend and political consultant, to discuss the top issues to be addressed in the Utah State legislative session this year.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson are joined by Ian Hoag, whose inspiring life story is an example of how - through perseverance and drive - one can accomplish their goals and more even if they fall a little short sometimes along the way.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee,and Amy Donaldson are joined by Everett Kelepolo, district athletic director; Marc Hunter, executive director of the Utah Interscholastic Athletic Administrator Association; Richard Barton, past president of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrator Association to discuss issues in ensuring qualified stewardship of high school athletics in Utah.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson are joined by Deseret News reporter Kyle Dunphy and Afghan immigrant Mohammed Tamim Solhdost, who recounts his harrowing escape from Kabul, Afghanistan following withdrawal of U.S. military forces after 20 years in the region.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson are joined by Kim Coleman, executive director of the Children Education Fund - an organization working to provide scholarships for children with disabilities.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee is joined by criminal defense attorney Ed Brass and former journalist and adjunct educator Sheena McFarland to talk about the results and ramifications of two recent high-profile criminal court cases.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Amy and Jasen are joined by podcast colleague Dave Cawley, host of the award-winning investigative reporting podcast Cold. We dive into the political divide, redistricting, courtroom news coverage, and honor our veterans. 

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Jasen and Amy are joined by Justin Lee, Asst. Professor of Social Work at Weber State University, along with Darin Carver, Associate Clinic Director at Weber Human Services. They discuss how communities can approach mental illness and mental health in a more constructive, compassionate way to the benefit of society at-large.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-237-TALK (8255)

Coming in mid-2022: 988 - a national call-in resource dedicated to addressing mental health emergencies

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Amy and Jasen are joined by Sheena McFarland, who was a student in the Davis County School District, which recently entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to remedy severe racism and harassment of Black and Asian American students. She endured a pattern of systemic discrimination that impacted her throughout her public school career. Additionally, outside of school, she survived a violent attack that left her and a fellow student beaten into unconsciousness.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Amy and Jasen are joined by Rae Duckworth, the new operating chairperson of the Utah chapter of Black Lives Matter. They discuss her new role, what it means to be a BLM accomplice and what lies ahead for the social justice movement.

This week on the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson are joined by Kael Weston, a former U.S. State Dept. operative who worked extensively in Iraq and Afghanistan. He's also a former congressional candidate and author of The Mirror Test: America’s War in Iraq and Afghanistan.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Jasen is joined by James Campbell, director of Innovation and Sustainability for Rocky Mountain Power to talk about National Drive Electric Week and the next phase of what will be our driving experience in the very near future.

This week on the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee is joined by Christine Ishmael, founder of The EDI Experience – a nonprofit created on social media to bring Education, Diversity and Inclusion to people everywhere.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Amy and Jasen tackle the overwhelming volume of issues and news facing our society from the COVID pandemic, natural disasters, war, political upheaval and news fatigue.

Key points to remember:

1. Unclench your jaw.

2. Stop doom-scrolling.

3. Write down three actions you'll take tomorrow about any of the injustices happening right now. If one is to send $ to help someone in the storm, do that tonight.

4. Go to sleep,

Oppression exhausts on purpose. We need rested warriors.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Amy and Jasen talk with designer and businesswoman Natalie Miles with Utah Professional Women in Building - an organization supporting and advocating for women in the construction industry. The group was responsible for construction of the first house built almost entirely by women.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Amy Donaldson and Jasen Lee are joined by U.S. Army veterans Arlo Doyle and Frank DeVito to talk about the ramifications of the U.S. military's withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years of the War on Terror.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason podcast, Jasen Lee talks with Weber State University political science professor Leah Murray about the prevalence of conspiracy theories in the current political landscape, plus a whole lot more.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason. Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson discuss the ongoing battle with COVID with Annie George, epidemiologist with the Salt Lake County Health Department.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Amy Donaldson discusses the sexualization of women's sports with Sarah Herrmann, assistant professor of psychology at Weber State University; Justine Jones, mental performance coach at R.J. Performance Group; and Shay Gouldling-Muir, women’s volleyball coach at Salt Lake Community College.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Amy and Jasen Lee are joined by Lex Scott, head of the Utah Black Lives Matter chapter and Keimon Dixson, political activist and former U.S. military member - talking about the U.S. flag and what it means to individuals, good and bad.

Here's a bonus episode: It's official Bill Cosby was released from prison after a judge determined prosecutorial misconduct following his conviction of sexually assaulting multiple women over many years. Dr. LaShawn Williams, professor of Social Work at Utah Valley and Dr. Tamara Stevenson, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Westminster College just us to break it down.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Amy and Jasen learn about critical race theory from Dr. LaShawn Williams, professor of Social Work at Utah Valley University who specializes in relational change strategy, and Dr. Tamara Stevenson, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at Westminster College.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee is joined by author and social activist Darlene McDonald and University of Utah social psychology professor Dr. Paul White to talk about the significance of the nation's newest federal holiday - June 19th - commemorating a landmark day in American history.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Amy Donaldson is joined by University of Utah Athletics Director Mark Harlan, Deseret News NBA Reporter Sarah Todd and veteran sports reporter Michelle Bodkin to discuss sexism in the world of sports journalism.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Weber State University economics professor Jennifer Gnagey delves into the impact of redlining in housing and how it has shaped communities nationwide.

The website mentioned at the very end of the discussion: https://www.neighborsfurtherfairhousing.org/

The Facebook group is linked at the bottom of that web page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/936516223855691

On this episode, Amy and Jasen are joined by Mauli Bonner, a Grammy Award-winning vocal director and now filmmaker, whose first feature film His name is Green Flake chronicles the life a Black Mormon pioneer who literally paved the way for 70,000 members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints to journey west where they settled in what is today the state of Utah.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Amy and Jasen are joined by Forest Good, CEO and founder of Pastimes — an app that connects people who are interested in doing outdoors activities. It’s a social platform of all things outdoors.

Dr. Roderic Land, Ph.D joins Amy and Jasen on this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason. An ordained minister, he holds a Ph.D from the University of Illinois in educational policy with an emphasis in critical race theory and sociology. He's done extensive research on social justice, racial attitudes and race relations in America. He is also a previous chair of the Utah MLK Human Rights Commission.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Amy and Jasen are joined by comedian Arvin Mitchell to discuss how making people laugh has helped him find meaning in life.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Amy and Jasen are joined by author and attorney Mitch Vilos to discuss Second Amendment issues, including legislation proposed by the Joseph Biden administration in the wake of a spate of deadly shootings across the country.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Amy and Jasen discuss the best way to handle adopting a new pet during a pandemic with Jackie Hansen, owner of Central Park Pet Retreat in Salt Lake City and Ashley & Ryan Wolf-Heidt, founder of Bark & Biscuit — a dog training business also in Salt Lake.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox joins Amy and Jasen to talk about a variety of topics he’s been tackling since taking over as the state’s top elected public servant, including the success of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson are joined by Ben McAdams, former Congressman and founder of the Common Ground Institute, an organization focused on promoting building consensus on important public policy issues. He now work with the Sorenson Impact Center at the University of Utah’s Eccles School of Business, which promotes investing in causes for the public good.

Find Ben on Twitter @benmcadamsut and on Facebook; contact him via email: ben@cgileader.org

On this episode, Amy Donaldson and Jasen Lee are joined by Dr. Paul White, professor of social psychology at the University of Utah. They discuss the potential impact of the recently passed federal stimulus package, how privilege affects public perception of the package and the case for reparations to African Americans.

This episode, Amy Donaldson and Jasen Lee are joined by freelance photographer and storyteller Danielle Rowe, whose passion is to detail the stories of individuals and their life experiences. She recently embarked on a new project called "Black Utah" that profiles African Americans who have lived in the Beehive State for 15-20 years or more to find out what that experience has been like for them and why they now call it home.

Check out those stories on Instagram @daniellerowephotography 

This week, Boyd Matheson, Deseret News Opinion Editor and host of Inside Sources on KSL NewsRadio joins Amy Donaldson and Jasen Lee to talk about the current state of political discourse in your neighborhood and across the nation.

This week, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson are joined by Sui Lang L. Panoke, Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Utah-based Zions Bank to discuss creating diverse, welcoming spaces on the job.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, we’re joined by Kim Bojorquez, Latino communities reporter for the Sacramento Bee’s Capitol Bureau and journalist for Report for America — talking about about the use of certain language in describing people of Hispanic heritage.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Amy and Jasen discuss the beginning of a new presidential era and what to expect in the coming weeks and months from the freshly minted Joe Biden presidency.

Amy Donaldson and Jasen Lee are joined by Neelam Chand, founder and CEO of Shift SLC — a diversity and inclusion consulting firm — to discuss the loss of momentum following the protests this summer to raise awareness about diversity and inclusion in the business world.

Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson are joined by University of Utah political science professor James Curry to discuss the historic storming of the U.S. Capitol and chaos in the final days of the Trump presidency. 

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy. Donaldson are joined by Loudmouth partner Jason Comstock to discuss what to look for in the New Year and what we won't miss about the year that was 2020.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, We’re joined by Dr. Angela Dunn, Utah state epidemiologist — who’s job is to study and investigate patterns and causes of infectious diseases for the good of public health.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Amy Donaldson and Jasen Lee are joined by Tara Rollins, executive director of the Utah Housing Coalition, who advocates for increased access to decent affordable housing.

Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson are joined by colleague Jason Comstock, host of We Happy Few — a podcast about military veterans — to talk about what they're thankful for this year and what President-elect Joe Biden should put on his priority list when he takes office in January. 

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason. Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson are joined by political consultant Ann Dent and Jim Curry, political science professor at the University of Utah to discuss the results of Election Day 2020.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson are joined by Jim Curry, political science professor at the University of Utah to discuss the race for the White House, voter turnout and the potential implications of either candidate winning.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason. we’re joined by Warren Van Schalkwyk, co-founder of the Utah Boys Volleyball Association, who is working to help kids compete safely despite the challenges presented by the coronavirus outbreak.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason. Amy and Jasen are joined by friend of the show and political consultant Ann Dent to talk about the impact of the president and first lady testing positive for COVID-19, the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court and whether character still matters in national politics.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason we’re joined by Edward K. Brass, SLC Defense attorney to discuss criminal justice as it relates to officer involved shootings/violence against people with mental health issues and people of color.

We also speak with Juliet Carlisle, associate professor of political science at the University of Utah about the political implications of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s passing and what to expect in the coming weeks as the Trump administration looks to nominate her replacement.

Ann Dent, political consultant and HomeSafe Coordinator for the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition joins Amy Donaldson and Jasen Lee on this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason. We discuss presidential politics, Jasen rants about police brutality and we chime in on white supremacy infiltrating the ranks of law enforcement nationwide.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason we’re joined by Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox, who is now running as the Republican candidate for Utah governor.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, we’re having a candidate conversation with Chris Peterson, a University of Utah law professor and democratic candidate for Utah governor.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason we’re joined by Brittany Johnson, news anchor and reporter with ABC 4 News in Salt Lake City to talk about back to school in the era of COVID-19, the power of protest erupting in surburbia, a major change at one of Utah's largest news organizations and offer our thoughts about the legacy of civil rights icon John Lewis.

Utah Rep. Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake joins Amy Donaldson and guest cohost Ann Dent, political consultant and HomeSafe Coordinator for the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition to discuss the recent controversy involving U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York and Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Florida and the ongoing fight against misogyny in national politics.

Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson are joined by Anthony Bates, the director of the Student Connection and Leadership Center at Brigham Young University and creator of the BYU Family Home and Social Sciences Civil Rights Seminar which explores America's history regarding race and civil rights of people of color.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee joins KSL Newsradio's Jeff Kaplan on Utah's Noon News for a discussion on Race Relations in Utah. The are joined by Chris Burbank, vice president of Law Enforcement Strategy for Center for Policing Equity; Monica Willams, assistant professor of criminal justice at Weber State University; Sara Jones, co-founder of Inclusion Pro and James Jackson III, founder of the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce.

With Utah and the nation in the midst of a potential racial revolution, I’m joined by Brittany Johnson, news anchor and reporter with ABC4 Utah. On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, we’ll be speaking with James Jackson III, founder the Utah Black Chamber about the growth of African American and minority businesses in the Beehive State and other issues facing communities on the issue of race.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason we’re talking with Dr. Paul White, professor of social psychology at the University of Utah about issues of race, policing ways to address social injustice. 

Black Lives Matter Utah Chapter leader and SLCPD Chief Mike Brown and Sgt. Brandon Shearer join Amy Donaldson and guest host Dr. Paul White to talk about recent local protests and what can be done to bridge the divide between law enforcement and people of color.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason we’re talking with Josh Chamberlain of Holladay, Utah, about the hazards and hardships of being African American when encountering law enforcement.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason we’re talking with Erin Castro, associate professor of Higher Education at the University of Utah and co-director of the Utah Prison Education Project that supports social transformation and education equity through on-site high ed, empirical research and advocacy.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason Amy Donaldson and Jasen Lee are talking with Tyson Monney and Brittney Crump with CrossFit Underground Railroad about their mission to help raise awareness about child sex trafficking through physical fitness.

On this episode of The Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson talk with registered nurses Candy Kinser & Abbey Bell, along with caregiver Erin Nolte with Yarrow Hospice about caring for patients in the time of COVID-19.

Joining us on this episode is former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and his running mate Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi.

This week, we’re continuing our Candidate Conversation series for Utah’s Republican gubernatorial convention coming up on April 25th. Joining us on this episode is Republican former Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives Greg Hughes.

We’re continuing our Candidate Conversation series for Utah’s Republican gubernatorial convention coming up on April 25th. Joining us on this episode are former Utah Republican Party chairman Thomas Wright and his running mate U.S. Congressman Rob Bishop (R-UT).

We’re continuing our Candidate Conversation series for Utah’s Republican gubernatorial convention coming up on April 25th. We’re extending invitations to all the candidates for governor and their running mates for lieutenant governor to be on the podcast to discuss their policy positions and why they are the best choice to lead the state’s government.

Joining us on this episode is Republican Utah state Senator Deidre Henderson who is the running mate of gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox.

Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson are speaking with John Saltas, founder of Salt Lake City Weekly and restauranteur Heather Santi about the impact COVID-19 is have on small business.

This week, we’re continuing our Candidate Conversation series for Utah’s Republican gubernatorial convention coming up on April 25th. We’re extending invitations to all the candidates for governor and their running mates for lieutenant governor to be on the podcast to discuss their policy positions and why they are the best choice to lead the state’s government.

Joining us this week are Republicans Jason Christensen and his running mate Drew Chamberlain.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project’s Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson continue our Candidate Conversation series for Utah’s Republican gubernatorial convention coming up on April 25th. We’re extending invitations to all the candidates for governor and their running mates for lieutenant governor to be on the podcast to discuss their policy positions and why they are the best choice to lead the state’s government.

Joining us this week are Republicans Jan Garbett, a Utah businesswoman and her running mate Dr. Joseph Jarvis, founder of the Utah Health Policy Project.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Amy Donaldson speak with Salt Lake City Councilman Dan Dugan who recently tested positive for COVID-19 following trip to Washington D.C. He talks about his experience and what steps he thinks could help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

This week, we’re continuing our Candidate Conversation series for Utah’s Republican gubernatorial convention coming up on April 25th. We’re extending invitations to all the candidates for governor and their running mates for lieutenant governor to be on the podcast to discuss their policy positions and why they are the best choice to lead the state’s government.

Joining us this week are Republicans Jeff Burningham, a Utah businessman and his running mate, state Senator Dan McCay.

This week, we’re launching the first of our Candidate Conversation series for Utah’s gubernatorial GOP convention coming up on April 25th. We’re extending invitations to all the candidates and their running mates for lieutenant governor to be on the podcast and discuss their policy positions and why they are the best choice to lead the state’s government.

Joining us this week are Republicans Salt Lake County councilwoman Aimee Winder Newton and her running mate, Utah State Auditor John Dougall.

On this episode of The Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson are talking coronavirus, earthquakes and a little bit of politics.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Amy Donaldson and Jasen Lee welcome Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber and member of the Utah Coronavirus Task Force to talk about the potential economic impact of the current global pandemic. 

If you live in Utah and you're worried about whether you may have COVID-19, please call the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707. Outside of Utah, visit the Centers for Disease Control website or call 1-800-232-4636.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Amy Donaldson and Jasen Lee debate (civilly, of course) the impending fate of the Democratic race to the nomination for President of the United States, and whether the coronavirus is the eminent threat to human existence as it's being made out to be.

On this episode of The Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee is speaking with Anthony Nocella, sociologist and Asst. Professor in the Dept. of Criminal Justice at Salt Lake Community College and director of Save the Kids - national nonprofit dedicated to ending incarnation of youth and the school to prison pipeline.

On this episode of The Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson sit down with Utah Rep. Sandra Hollins, (D-Salt Lake) — the state's first-ever black woman legislator.

On this episode of The Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson are talking about historical contributions of African Americans with Utah historian Rev. France Davis and Adrienne Andrews, Asst. Vice President for Diversity and Chief Diversity Officer at Weber State University.

On this episode of The Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee speaks with Jennifer Oxborrow, executive director of the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition and Carrie Butler, policy director with Action Utah — who are working on proposed legislation to prevent domestic violence and suicide in Utah.

***If you need you are in crisis and need resources, call 800-799-7233 [National Domestic Violence Hotline]; 800-273-8255 [National Suicide Prevention Lifeline]***

On this episode of The Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson we are talking impeachment with University of Utah political science professor James Curry.

On this episode of The Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson we are talking about morality and the sanctity of the confessional with Utah state Rep. Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City, who is proposing a bill to force clergy to report child abuse.

On this bonus episode of The Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson we are talking about a Utah Tax Bill that causing some controversy in the Beehive State. Joining us are Paul Murphy, spokesperson for a grass-roots tax referendum effort, Marci Campbell, organizer and concerned citizen for the referendum; and joining us on the phone is state Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross who supports the tax bill is under scrutiny.

On this episode of The Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson we are talking about a Utah Tax Bill that causing some controversy in the Beehive State. Joining us are Paul Murphy, spokesperson for a grass-roots tax referendum effort, Marci Campbell, organizer and concerned citizen for the referendum; and joining us on the phone is state Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross who supports the tax bill is under scrutiny.

On this episode of The Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson are talking to former military intelligence specialists Frank DeVito and Levi Lee about the potential ramifications of the increasing tensions between the United States and Iran.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Amy Donaldson and Jasen Lee discuss their hopes and dreams for the New Year in politics and life.

Just a few days after the Utah Legislature passed what some called the largest tax break in Utah history (an estimated $249 million, including $88 million in one-time breaks), a former legislator launched a referendum effort hoping to repeal the tax overhaul.

The effort, launched by former legislator Fred Cox, brought an eclectic group of collaborators together in hopes of securing the necessary 116,000 signatures by Jan. 21, 2020. If successful, the referendum would go on the general ballot in November, and it would be taxpayers who decide whether or not the cuts would go into effect. 

In this episode of Voices of Reason, Amy Donaldson and guest co-host Jason Comstock talk with former Libertarian Senate candidate Craig Bowden, who is one of the coordinators of the effort, about how the effort will work and why he wanted to be a part of it.

For more information on the referendum go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/581838375980007/

For more information on the tax bill passed on Dec. 12 go to:

https://senate.utah.gov/majority-newsroom/2019/12/12/ss

On this episode of The Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson are talking to Josh Christensen, doctor of chiropractic about the issue of accessing healthcare through health insurance.

On this episode of the Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Amy Donaldson and Jasen Lee discuss the NFL's latest on-field controversy, the Democratic debate, impeachment proceedings and the evolution of civil discourse. 

On this episode of Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson discuss the experience of having a heart attack with guest Rich Koenig. Jasen and Rich share their personal stories and Amy relates the experiences of her father, Dan, who suffered three in about a week and is still kicking!

On this episode of Voices of Reason, Amy Donaldson and Jasen Lee discuss politics and race with conservative African American commentator and congressional candidate Burgess Owens and University of Utah social psychology professor Paul White.

This is a special two-part Candidate Conversation focusing on the Salt Lake Mayoral race. Utah State Senator Luz Escamilla and Salt Lake City Councilwoman Erin Mendenhall join Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson to discuss their backgrounds, their families, and what issues they feel are most pressing for Utah's capital city.

In part one, we get to know Sen. Escamilla and Councilwoman Mendenhall and some of their top priorities for the city they love. In part two, the conversation continues with a deep dive on the issues that most concern them and more on who they are as people and how they deal with the pressures of public service and raising families.

Luz Escamilla's website: https://www.luzformayor.com

Erin Mendenhall's website: https://erinmendenhall.com

This is a special two-part Candidate Conversation focusing on the Salt Lake Mayoral race. Utah State Senator Luz Escamilla and Salt Lake City Councilwoman Erin Mendenhall join Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson to discuss their backgrounds, their families, and what issues they feel are most pressing for Utah's capital city.

In part one, we get to know Sen. Escamilla and Councilwoman Mendenhall and some of their top priorities for the city they love. In part two, the conversation continues with a deep dive on the issues that most concern them and more on who they are as people and how they deal with the pressures of public service and raising families.

Luz Escamilla's website: https://www.luzformayor.com

Erin Mendenhall's website: https://erinmendenhall.com

On this episode of The Loudmouth Project's Voices of Reason, Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson we are talking Deseret News award-winning national religion reporter Kelsey Dallas about the controversy surrounding Ellen DeGeneres watching a football game with her friend George W. Bush and the conflict it caused within the LGBTQ community and public at-large. Also, we discuss religious freedom and the recent nationally televised forum on focusing on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues.

Congressman Ben McAdams and Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) collaborated on a bill that seeks to better protect victims of investment fraud by giving the SEC more time to recover stolen money. In this episode, Rep. McAdams discusses why he and Huizenga decided to join together to change the law and how a 2017 Supreme Court decision meant victims lost out on billions of dollars that the SEC wasn't allowed to recover. He discusses why it has bipartisan support and how the looming impeachment inquiry might impact this and other bills that Congress hopes to pass in the next few months.

“U.S. capital markets are the envy of the world," McAdams said in a press release. "They promote job growth and economic opportunity.  But they only work to the extent that investors have faith that bad actors cannot profit off wrongdoing.  This legislation extends the time for the Securities and Exchange Commission to get back money from white collar criminals who prey on innocent investors and steal millions to enrich themselves. Those who commit fraud should not profit from their crimes and this bill helps ensure that victims recover what was stolen from them." 

Huizenga added, "The latest report from the SEC found that more than $900 million in money swindled from investors through fraudulent activity is unable to be recovered because of a 2017 Supreme Court decision. White collar criminals must be held accountable for their behavior and the SEC must have the necessary tools to recover the losses suffered by Main Street investors. H.R. 4344 helps solve this problem by striking a delicate balance that allows the SEC more time to recover the money that was scammed from hardworking Americans. I am glad to see this bipartisan bill pass committee with strong support."

In this episode of Voices of Reason, host Amy Donaldson leads a discussion about a newly signed California law that allows college athletes to be paid for endorsement or sponsorship deals and how it could change the landscape of college sports. Former Utah football punter Tom Hackett, former Utah and NFL linebacker Stevenson "Sly" Sylvester, NFL agent Evan Brennan, who is based in California, and Deseret News in-depth journalist Ethan Bauer discuss the reasons for the change, why it's a positive thing for some athletes, how it could adversely affect college athletics and individual athletes, and how it will continue to change the college sports landscape, especially college football. 

Here is the story Ethan Bauer wrote for the Deseret News about a week before the law was signed by California's governor. https://www.deseret.com/indepth/2019/9/19/20871318/college-athletes-paid-for-their-names-and-images-college-sports-terrelle-pryor-tattoogate