In this episode of 1819 News: The Podcast, host Bryan Dawson, CEO of 1819 News, sits down with Emily Jones, Director of Moms for Liberty Alabama, to discuss pressing issues in education, parental rights, and conservative activism in the state. Jones, who is also running for the Alabama State School Board against incumbent Wayne Reynolds, shares her passion for empowering parents and combating bureaucratic overreach.

The conversation kicks off with the recent medical age of consent legislation, which raised the threshold from 14 to 16 despite fierce opposition from medical associations and state health departments. Jones highlights hidden gems in the bill, effective Oct. 1, prohibiting schools from providing mental health counseling, suicide prevention, or bullying programs to children 16 and under without parental consent. This addresses loopholes allowing ideological indoctrination, such as LGBTQ-related discussions, and calls for urgent updates to state education standards by board members like Kelly Mooney and Alan Long.

Dawson and Jones then delve into the FOCUS Act, a new law banning cell phones and wireless devices in classrooms to enhance student focus and academic performance. Jones defends it against parental rights critiques, citing studies linking device access to rising anxiety, depression, and distractions. Drawing from Jonathan Haidt's The Coddling of the American Mind, she argues that removing screens for school hours benefits mental health and learning, while respecting family choices outside class.

Throughout, they emphasize building conservative coalitions to advance bold policies, celebrating wins like school choice despite imperfections, and urging parents to reclaim responsibility from government entities. Jones recounts Moms for Liberty events, including a successful fundraiser with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene amid protests, and stresses civic engagement amid Alabama's "red state" challenges.

Join 1819 News CEO Bryan Dawson for a gripping episode of 1819 News: The Podcast as he sits down with retired Department of Homeland Security Special Agent Angelo Fermo. Hailing from Daphne, Ala., Fermo shares riveting tales from his extensive career combating drug cartels, sex trafficking, and immigration challenges.

This episode dives deep into law enforcement’s toughest battles, blending heart-pounding "war stories" with personal reflections that shaped Fermo’s journey from a tumultuous childhood to a decorated federal agent. Fermo recounts his early life, including his father’s life as a drug smuggler, offering a raw perspective on how those experiences fueled his drive to uphold justice. From undercover operations and wiretapping drug lords to confronting the darkest corners of human trafficking, Fermo’s stories are both chilling and inspiring.

The conversation takes a sobering turn as Dawson and Fermo discuss high-profile cases like the Bibb County sex-trafficking ring and the Epstein scandal, exploring the complexities of justice, systemic failures, and the urgent need for stronger laws against predators. With a mix of humor, camaraderie, and unflinching honesty, the two reflect on the emotional toll of facing humanity’s worst evils, the importance of protecting the vulnerable, and the challenges of navigating a changing law enforcement landscape.

From tales of a monkey smuggled with cocaine to the heartbreak of rescuing exploited children, this episode is a rollercoaster of emotions and insights. Tune in for an unforgettable narrative that underscores 1819 News’ mission to pursue a free and flourishing Alabama. Whether you’re drawn to true crime, justice reform, or personal redemption stories, this episode delivers.

Join host Bryan Dawson, CEO of 1819 News, and investigative journalist Apryl Marie Fogel for a compelling episode of 1819 News: The Podcast, where fearless reporting meets unapologetic truth-telling.

This episode dives into the heart of 1819 News’ mission to hold the powerful accountable, no matter who they are, and exposes the challenges of delivering hard truths in a polarized world.

The episode kicks off with a candid recounting of how Bryan and Apryl Marie first connected—spoiler: it wasn’t exactly a warm introduction. Three years ago, as 1819 News emerged as a bold new media outlet, rumors swirled about its funding and intentions. Apryl Marie, then an independent journalist, was rumored to be writing a “hit piece” on the organization. A single phone call from Bryan, offering transparency (minus donor names), turned suspicion into a mutual respect that later proved pivotal. Apryl Marie's relentless questioning put Bryan in the hot seat, but her suggestion that Jeff Poor lead 1819 News’ editorial team planted a seed that transformed the outlet’s trajectory.

Fast forward to the explosive Bubba Copeland story, where 1819 News faced national backlash for exposing a public figure’s misconduct. While the media vilified 1819, Apryl Marie emerged as an unexpected ally, passionately defending their work on radio stations across Alabama. Her stance wasn’t personal—it was about truth. This galvanizing moment solidified 1819’s resolve to pursue fearless journalism, no matter the cost.

Apryl Marie’s investigative work takes center stage as she discusses her exposés on institutions like Samford University, where she uncovered a troubling disconnect between its Christian branding and DEI-driven practices. From professors promoting radical ideologies to programs undermining the faith-based values parents expect, Apryl Marie’s reporting reveals how sacred institutions can betray trust. Bryan and Apryl Marie emphasize that their critiques stem from love for Samford’s potential, not hate, and a desire to protect the next generation from ideological overreach.

Tune in for an unfiltered look at the courage, conviction, and relentless pursuit of truth that define 1819 News. Whether it’s taking on entrenched powers or navigating friendly fire, Bryan and Apryl Marie prove that doing what’s right often means standing alone—until the truth prevails.