Politicit Podcast (Audio)

Mike Carey and his family moved to Utah over 14 years ago, drawn by its strong sense of community, shared values, and natural beauty. Having worked across the United States, Mike has witnessed how communities can transform within a generation and understands both the opportunities and the challenges that accompany such change.
As Chair of the Salt Lake County Republican Party, Mike is dedicated to strengthening the organization through enhanced strategy, effective communication, and targeted outreach. He recognizes that Salt Lake County is the political battleground for the future of Utah.
In this role, Mike will:
Improve the quality of the party’s membership roll and actively grow its base.
Expand fundraising efforts to support greater outreach and increased activities during election years.
Deepen engagement with county and state officials to ensure those in office reflect Republican values and priorities.
Recruit strong, dependable conservative candidates positioned to win key races in 2026.
Coordinate with state party leadership to focus efforts and resources on Salt Lake County races following the primary and heading into the general election.
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Laura Warburton is the founder and Executive Director of Live Hannah’s Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and reducing suicide through education, research, advocacy, and awareness. After the heartbreaking loss of her 16-year-old daughter Hannah to suicide on June 19, 2014, Laura committed her life to preventing similar tragedies.
Choosing not to dwell on “what ifs,” she embraced the mantra Because of Hannah—a guiding force in her mission to support struggling youth, comfort survivors, reduce the stigma around mental illness, and raise awareness about the long-term effects of concussions.
A certified QPR Master Trainer, Laura is also trained in SafeTalk, Crisis Response Planning (CRP), Peer-to-Peer Grief Facilitation, Learning to Breathe, and The Work of Byron Katie. Her unique problem-solving ability and collaboration with lawmakers have contributed to several of Utah’s suicide prevention policies.
Laura speaks to youth and adult audiences in both secular and faith-based settings. Though a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she connects with all faiths, offering hope, healing, and education—essential tools in suicide prevention.
Her favorite invitation: “Let’s talk about it.”
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Leah Murray is a Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor of Political Science and the Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service director at Weber State University.
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Kevin Greene is the State Director of Americans for Prosperity-Utah (AFP-UT). He joined AFP-UT in 2018 and previously served as Policy Director and Deputy State Director. AFP-UT's and AFP-UT's websites. Recently, Greene has been vocal about supporting school choice and criticizing government subsidies for professional sports teams, according to Americans for Prosperity.
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Join our host Senator John Johnson as he welcomes Rob Axson, Chairman of the Utah Republican Party
He cares deeply about the future of Utah and believes the Republican Party must play a significant role in advancing truth and shared prosperity. Through connection and relationship-building, he sees a path to addressing common challenges. He firmly believes that honesty and engagement can be fostered without compromising principles or abandoning the truth. Together, he believes, Utahns can ensure the state party remains strong and capable of keeping Utah red.
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Steve Waldrip earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Brigham Young University, a law degree from the University of Utah, and a Master’s in Taxation from the University of Washington. After a brief period practicing law, he joined the Boyer Company in Utah at the outset of the Business Depot Ogden (BDO) project. As project manager, he played a key role in securing $500 million in private investment for BDO and the Ogden area, negotiated $250 million in lease agreements, and contributed to creating over 4,000 jobs.
He later served two terms in the Utah House of Representatives and co-founded the Rocky Mountain Homes Fund, a social impact real estate fund, where he worked for several years. In December 2023, he was appointed as the Governor’s Senior Advisor for Housing Strategy and Innovation. He also serves on the Board of United Way of Northern Utah, the Utah Commission on Housing Affordability, and the Board of the Utah Housing Corporation.
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Senator Kirk A. Cullimore Jr. has served as the representative for Utah’s 9th Senate District since his election in 2018. He began his education at Utah Valley University, earning an Associate’s Degree in music. He then spent two years in the Philippines as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Upon returning, he continued his studies at Brigham Young University, where he completed a Bachelor’s Degree in music. Afterward, he spent six years teaching music and managing a music instruction studio. Seeking a new direction, he pursued a Juris Doctor at the University of Oklahoma. Senator Cullimore began his legal career in Oklahoma, focusing primarily on Federal Indian Law. His work included tribal business transactions, gaming law, development of tribal policies and procedures, and administrative law. He also practiced in areas such as general business and contract law, property management, fair housing, homeowners' associations, and collections.
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Join our host Senator John Johnson as he welcomes Kera Birkeland and Doug Durbano.
 
Doug was born and raised in Northern Utah. He holds a degree in Business from Weber State University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Utah. Doug is a businessman and an expert in constitutional law, with a 40-year history of winning cases, many against big government. He is a skilled problem solver and a tough but fair negotiator. Doug also fiercely advocates for states', counties', and cities' rights.
 
Born at Hill Air Force Base, Doug was raised by his father, Ernie, a Korean War veteran who instilled a deep love of God and country. As a self-made businessman and entrepreneur, Ernie also taught Doug the values of hard work, sacrifice, perseverance, and generosity. From his mother, Bonnie, Doug learned compassion, kindness, and dependability. These traits became the foundation of Doug’s character and have served him well throughout his life and career.
 
Over fifty years ago, Doug married his high school sweetheart. Together, they have raised five wonderful children and are now proud grandparents to eleven grandchildren. Doug is an avid pilot, boater, and rancher. A man of deep faith, he has served as a missionary in North Carolina and as a bishop. Doug and his wife have also devoted time to serving individuals with special needs in Morgan County.
 
Kera Birkeland is an American politician, educator, and coach from Utah. She served as the representative for Utah House District 4. In the chamber, she was on the Executive Offices and Criminal Justice Appropriations Subcommittee, the House Education Committee, and the House Judiciary Committee.
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