Both Sides of the Aisle

Both Sides of the Aisle is a weekly debate over politics, policy and current issues facing the state of Utah, featuring voices representing the Right, the Center, and the Left.Representing Right is State Auditor John Dougall (R), on the Left is former Salt Lake County Councilwoman Shireen Ghorbani (D), and speaking for the “common sense middle” is Natalie Gochnour, an associate dean in the David Eccles School of Business and director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah. The show is produced by Anthony Scoma.Both Sides of the Aisle attempts to help you understand the important questions facing residents of this state, while proving that Republicans and Democrats can sit in a small room and have a meaningful conversation.

Trump administration controversies, future U.S. representation, and the 2034 Olympics

Our hosts discuss recent controversial actions taken by the Trump administration, how current members of Congress will adapt to the new Utah maps, and the new Utah branding of the 2034 Olympic Games.

12-04
25:50

Shutdown post-mortem, Epstein's emails, and the future population of Utah

Our hosts discuss the longest U.S. government shutdown in history, the political fallout from Jeffrey Epstein's emails, and the controversy brewing over cloud seeding.

11-20
25:35

New congressional districts and the Utah Legislature's appeal prospect

Our hosts discuss the potential constitutional crisis and political opportunities stemming from Judge Gibson's Nov. 10th ruling that tossed the Legislature's preferred map out on grounds of 'extreme' gerrymander.

11-13
25:53

2025 election results, tariffs, and detention facilities coming to Utah

Our hosts discuss the politics of the election day victors, SCOTUS hearing a case concerning the Trump tariff regime, and predict when the federal government shutdown will come to an end.

11-06
25:52

Canadian trade talks, federal food benefits, and defining fairness

Our hosts discuss why Trump halted trade negotiations with Canada, how the federal government shutdown will affect national food insecurity, and which party will pick Utah Rep. Daniel Thatcher's replacement.

10-30
25:53

Argentina bailout, No Kings protests, and expanding the Utah Supreme Court

Our hosts discuss the $40 billion U.S. bailout of Argentina, record-breaking attendance at No Kings protests, and Gov. Cox's thoughts on packing the Utah Supreme Court.

10-23
25:50

International affairs, President Trump, and 'partisan symmetry'

Our hosts discuss the escalating trade war with China, U.S. bombing ships in the Caribbean, the Gaza ceasefire deal, and how Judge Gibson will evaluate Utah congressional maps.

10-16
25:51

Shutdown politics, judicial pushback, and new Utah congressional maps

Our hosts discuss how the federal government could avoid future shutdowns, the national and state fight over university funding, and how new Utah electoral maps could reshape state politics.

10-09
25:53

Federal shutdown, new military policies, and a tragic week for the LDS faith

Our hosts discuss the economic and local impacts of the federal government shutdown, what President Trump told top military leaders, and the passing of LDS President Russell M. Nelson.

10-02
26:10

Censorship, food insecurity, and vaccination eligibility

John Dougall and Shireen Ghorbani discuss the FCC chair's threat to late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, the chilling effect on speech, and the cancellation of the federal report on national food insecurity.

09-25
25:53

Charlie Kirk, political violence, and the Utah Supreme Court

Our hosts discuss the murder of Charlie Kirk in Utah, how we improve our political divisions, and the Utah Supreme Court's rejection of retaining existing congressional maps.

09-18
25:50

Vaccines, the Second Amendment, and the Utah Supreme Court

Our hosts discuss HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s combative Congressional hearing, vaccine mandates, and a proposed ban on gun ownership for transgender people.

09-11
25:23

Domestic violence, crime, isolationism, and Utah congressional maps

Our hosts discuss domestic violence and its link to Utah homicides, the international coalition forming against U.S. tariffs, and how and when Utah will redraw its congressional seats.

09-04
25:21

The national fight over redistricting and the Utah judiciary

Our hosts discuss medical research funding, Gov. Newsom's internet trolling, the ongoing fight over Utah congressional maps, and the future of mail-in voting.

08-28
25:50

Alaska summit, the Smithsonian Institution, and energy permitting

Our hosts discuss Russia, NATO, United States history, and who controls the balance of power in Washington, D.C.

08-21
25:46

Trump, municipal primaries, toxic dust, and Ty Burrell

Our hosts discuss Trump's meeting with Putin in Alaska, how ranked-choice voting works, and what is necessary to save the Great Salt Lake.

08-14
25:45

Tariffs, unemployment, public broadcasting, and gerrymandering

Our hosts discuss the firing of the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the redistricting showdown in Texas, and how tariffs impact Utah's bid for global commerce.

08-07
25:53

Sophia DiCaro and the Utah state budget

Natalie Gochnour and Shireen Ghorbani interview Sophia DiCaro, the executive director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget.

07-31
22:23

Utah trivia, triumphs, and challenges

Our hosts celebrate Pioneer Day with a discussion of Utah facts, novel achievements, and its biggest struggles as a state.

07-24
25:42

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall

Natalie Gochnour and Shireen Ghorbani interview Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City.

07-17
26:05

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