Deseret News launches ‘Deseret Voices’ podcast with award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson

In a media world that is increasingly partisan and cluttered with outrage, ‘Deseret Voices’ is our way of slowing down to have thoughtful conversations about what really matters.”

Deseret News Publisher Burke Olsen

Award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson will host a new podcast from the Deseret News, called "Deseret Voices."

This weekly video and audio podcast is dedicated to bringing depth, nuance and respect to conversations about today’s most complex topics and current events. Each episode features an interview led by one of the hosts with high-profile newsmakers, politicians, advocates and experts with extensive backgrounds in the issues that are dominating our societal, political and cultural conversations.

“In a media world that is increasingly partisan and cluttered with outrage, ‘Deseret Voices’ is our way of slowing down to have thoughtful conversations about what really matters,” said Deseret News Publisher Burke Olsen. “Jane and McKay each bring a wealth of experience that will foster meaningful discussions and become a cornerstone for the Deseret brand.”

Jane Clayson Johnson is an award winning journalist reporting at the highest levels of American journalism — as an anchor and correspondent at CBS News, ABC News and WBUR in Boston. She is the bestselling author of two books and a sought-after public speaker.

McKay Coppins is a staff writer at The Atlantic, where he focuses on national politics, religion and American life. He is also the author of the book “Romney: A Reckoning” and “The Wilderness,” and has received multiple awards for his journalism.

“McKay and Jane bring experience, rigor and depth to the conversations on ‘Deseret Voices,’” said Deseret News Editor Sarah Jane Weaver. “Both Jane and McKay are committed to strong journalistic principles, bridging gaps in understanding and promoting good faith dialogue with individuals from diverse ideologies. Together they will create a much needed and unique platform for thoughtful discourse in the nation’s polarized media landscape.”

The first few episodes of “Deseret Voices” will feature these interviews:

• AI-driven cheating on college campuses has reached a tipping point — professors describe it as a “cheating utopia,” with widespread use that’s nearly impossible to curb. New York Magazine writer James Walsh talks about his first-hand reporting to find out how students and educators draw their own ethical lines when it comes to using AI — and the deeper looming fear of intellectual decay.
• As the nation continues to grapple with the effect of technology on teens and young adults, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox calls the social media algorithm “evil” and offers suggestions to turn the tide for the good of the nation’s future.
• Nearly one year into President Trump’s second term, political polarization seems to be as strong as ever. Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark, shares what she’s learned about the American electorate from listening to voter focus groups for years, what she thinks a center-right party should look like in the post-Trump era and whether she even still considers herself conservative after years of battling Trump.
• It’s one thing to be the leader of an organization when tragedy strikes; it’s another to already be deep in your own personal tragedy when called on to lead. Utah Valley University President Astrid Tuminez talks about the hardest year of her life and how she’s found some healing in the wake of the Charlie Kirk shooting on her campus and the unexpected death of her husband.
• Most every university athletics program is navigating the NCAA’s name, image and likeness policy, but some schools are weighing additional complexities alongside it. Brigham Young University President C. Shane Reece and Advancement Vice President Keith Vorkink shed light on how the faith-based institution is balancing its mission and core values while remaining competitive in this new landscape of athletes as influencers.

Starting Nov. 13, new episodes of “Deseret Voices” will be released on Thursdays on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, the Deseret News YouTube channel and at Deseret.com/podcasts. Video clips of interviews will be posted on the Deseret News social media channels including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X.

About the Deseret News:

The Deseret News operates at the forefront of journalism, technology and content creation, reaching millions worldwide with news, analysis and insights rooted in faith, family and the fundamental values that strengthen society.