Podcasts about Deseret News

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Debates have circulated for an independent investigation of the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis... following conflicting information from the Department of Homeland Security. Greg and Holly speak the latest information on the investigation and are joined by Jay Evensen, Opinion Editor of the Deseret News to discuss why an independent investigation is important.

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Should Utah judges run for election instead of being appointed? Jay Evensen, Opinion Editor for the Deseret News, joins the show to talk about his new opinion piece and why that could be a bad idea.

Andy Farnsworth joins KSL-TV to help audiences decipher #WhatToWatch for the weekend of January 23, 2026. The big movie of the week shifts from tense thriller to just a standard action film. Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson star in the new crime movie "Mercy" with no jury, no lawyers, and just an AI judge.  For a family friendly pick, Angel Studio’s "Standout: The Ben Kjar Story" is an incredible, inspirational true story with Utah roots. It tells you about the three-time Utah high school state champion, UVU's first-ever all-American, and eventual world champion wrestler who did it all with Crouzon Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. And Andy says it's absolutely worth your time! Also  Streaming on Netflix and also featuring Utah roots, the new documentary "Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart" actually does manage to shed some new light on a story that you might think you've already heard everything about.  The brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing nerdy, with a goal to publish a weekly "What to Watch on the Weekend" minisode taken from KSL-TV's Friday segment, and two deep-dives a month on shows, creative works, artists, local events, and other fandom topics.  Based in the beautiful Beehive State, Fan Effect celebrates Utah's unique fan culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME, and is hosted by KSL Movie Show's Andy Farnsworth and Deseret News / KSL Podcasts' KellieAnn Halvorsen. Listen regularly on your favorite platform, at kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSLNewsRadio App. Join the conversation on Facebook @FanEffectShow, or Instagram @FanEffectShow. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company.

On the eve of the Oscar Nominations, as the entertainment award season just gets into full swing, producer KellieAnn Halvorsen (the fangirl) and guest host Rachel Wagner (the film critic) come together to pick the best and worst films of 2025. It is no secret that there is a big difference between what audiences and critics think of movies, but even among critics there are some great debates about what makes a movie award-winning. Rachel discusses this process as the Utah Film Critics Association already listed their 2025 favorites in a lively debate. She also shares her top films of 2025 and worst films of 2025. Together, they emphasize the importance of ignoring other people and enjoying what you enjoy! Like Rachel does on The Hallmarkies Podcast, and how KellieAnn has chosen her stupidly-fun pick of the year with Amazon’s “The Playdate.” The brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing nerdy, with a goal to publish a weekly "What to Watch on the Weekend" minisode taken from KSL-TV's Friday segment, and two deep-dives a month on shows, creative works, artists, local events, and other fandom topics.  Based in the beautiful Beehive State, Fan Effect celebrates Utah's unique fan culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME, and is hosted by KSL Movie Show's Andy Farnsworth and Deseret News / KSL Podcasts' KellieAnn Halvorsen. Listen regularly on your favorite platform, at kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSLNewsRadio App. Join the conversation on Facebook @FanEffectShow, or Instagram @FanEffectShow. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premier movie entertainment company.

Breast cancer is being diagnosed in younger women more than in the past. There is new research that explores how physical activity may lower future breast cancer risk for girls. Adult women who are highly engaged in recreational physical activity have a roughly 20% reduction in breast cancer risk compared to less active women, according to reporting in the Deseret News. Lois Collins, with the Deseret News joins the show to explain the details.

A New Poll featured in the Deseret News shows that housing affordability dominates as the top issue Utah's want lawmakers to take action on.  Brigham Tomco, Reporter with the Deseret News, joins the show with the latest. Holly and Greg discuss some bills being considered to address housing in Utah.

Jay tries to prove that he’s not a boomer by teaming up with Cole Bagley from KSL Sports, and Brogan Houston from the Deseret News. They run angry social media fan theories by Grok to see what the AI comes up with for Utah Mammoth trades.

  Sarah Jane Weaver, Editor of the Deseret News, joins Greg and Holly to discuss the unlikely alliance between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the NAACP.  

Andy Farnsworth joins KSL-TV to help audiences decipher #WhatToWatch for the weekend of January 16, 2026. The big movie of the week is the latest in a franchise, "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple," is a zombie horror film with weird charm and a lot of violence that's not made for some movie-goers. Streaming on Netflix a tense new Ben Affleck/Matt Damon action flick called "The Rip" has plenty of action and intrigue, but plenty of adult language too. Also on Netflix, the e-episode mystery series “Agatha Christie's Seven Dials” is an enjoyable watch for those who like Britain and murder mysteries and shows set in the past.  The brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing nerdy with a goal to publish a weekly "What to Watch on the Weekend" minisode taken from KSL-TV's Friday segment, and two deep-dives a month on shows, creative works, artists, local events, and other fandom topics.  Based in the beautiful Beehive State, Fan Effect celebrates Utah's unique fan culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME, and is hosted by KSL Movie Show's Andy Farnsworth and Deseret News / KSL Podcasts' KellieAnn Halvorsen. Listen regularly on your favorite platform, at kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSLNewsRadio App. Join the conversation on Facebook @FanEffectShow, or Instagram @FanEffectShow. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company.

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

15 college basketball players have been accused of rigging games. This bribery scheme began on courts in China and allegedly has now reached college athletes in the US....Opinion Editor of the Deseret News, Jay Evensen, joins to discuss this new case and just how out of control the world of sports betting is getting.

Across the globe, attacks against different faith groups have been on the rise... Rusty and Holly are joined by Editor of the Deseret News, Sarah Weaver, about why religious freedom is essential.

The Rod and Greg Show Rundown – Wednesday, January 14, 20264:20 pm: Paul Schvaneveldt, Professor of Child and Family Studies at Weber State University, joins the show to discuss his op-ed in the Deseret News about the importance of family in improving child literacy.4:38 pm: Chris Talgo, Editorial Director at The Heartland Institute, joins Rod and Greg to discuss his piece for RedState about how two decades of socialism destroyed Venezuela.6:05 pm: Jessica Costescu, Staff Writer at the Washington Free Beacon, joins the show to discuss her story about how the premier foundations and dark money networks from the left are funding the group's that are harassing ICE agents in Minnesota.6:38 pm: Darel E. Paul, Professor of Political Science at Williams College, joins the show for a conversation about his piece for Compact Magazine on the death of “Minnesota nice.”

The entirety of DJ & PK for January 16, 2026: HOUR ONE Utah Jazz Game Recap Utah Mammoth Game Recap Jay Drew, The Deseret News HOUR TWO What is Trending: Utah Jazz, NBA, CBB, NFL, CFB, MLB, Utah Mammoth Hot Takes or Toast: What will you be watching this weekend? Did Utah AD Mark Harlan step in it or call it like it is? HOUR THREE Is the Indiana model replicable for BYU & Utah? David Locke, SEG Media CFP National Championship Game Monday HOUR FOUR Kevin Graham talking football Pablo Mastroeni, Real Salt Lake Feedback of the Day

Hour one of DJ & PK for January 16, 2026: Utah Jazz Game Recap Utah Mammoth Game Recap Jay Drew, The Deseret News

Utah is expected to have around $300 million fewer tax dollars to work with this year, because of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Utah lawmakers are looking for ways to cut local spending to make up for it. What might get cut? Brigham Tomco with the Deseret News joins with the details.

Hour four of DJ & PK for January 15, 2026: Jay Drew, Deseret News Slacker Radio Headlines Feedback of the Day

The entirety of DJ & PK for January 15, 2026: HOUR ONE BYU Basketball Postgame and Utah Jazz Game Recap Riley Jensen, College Football Expert Tim LaComb, SEG Media HOUR TWO What is Trending: Utah Jazz, NBA, CBB, NFL, CFB, MLB, Golf, Utah Mammoth Should the Utah Jazz play the young players like Brice Sensabaugh more? Should BYU Induct Kyle Whittingham into Their Hall of Fame? HOUR THREE Will the BYU basketball program overcome their slow starts Tom Holmoe, Former BYU Athletic Director John Harbaugh gets big money from the New York Giants HOUR FOUR Jay Drew, Deseret News Slacker Radio Headlines Feedback of the Day

In President Russell M. Nelson’s October 2023 talk, “Think Celestial!” he declared, “Mortality is a master class in learning to choose the things of greatest eternal import.” For aging members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this “learning” remains in force as they find themselves looking for the best ways to serve in the Church and with their families. On this episode of the Church News podcast, Norman Hill — BYU associate professor and author of the Deseret News series “Better With Age” — shares his insights into aging with faith with host Church News editor Ryan Jensen. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

Start the new year right by making a goal to be more creative in 2026! And the best way to feed that creativity is at the *FREE* JanuARTy event at Valley Fair Shopping Center in West Valley Utah on Saturday January 17, 2026. While we already previewed the event and talked with local artist Adrian Ropp in the episode linked here, today we talk about the event charity the Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation.  Producer KellieAnn is joined again by event founder Ryan Sagers, as well as DJ Bracken, Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation founder. They discuss the non-profits formation, more details about the artists, vendors, cosplayers, contests and panels at the event; and what creativity inspires them.  All three will be present ast the event, with KellieAnn running a free kids-craft booth using lunch bags as canvases and hosting a panel at 1pm called, “Keep Creating! Getting Started on Julia Cameron’s ‘Artist Way.’ Visit JanuARTY.com for more information about the event and UTLDR.org to donate today.  The brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing nerdy, with a goal to publish a weekly "What to Watch on the Weekend" minisode taken from KSL-TV's Friday segment, and two deep-dives a month on shows, creative works, artists, local events, and other fandom topics.  Based in the beautiful Beehive State, Fan Effect celebrates Utah's unique fan culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME, and is hosted by KSL Movie Show's Andy Farnsworth and Deseret News / KSL Podcasts' KellieAnn Halvorsen. Listen regularly on your favorite platform, at kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSLNewsRadio App. Join the conversation on Facebook @FanEffectShow, or Instagram @FanEffectShow. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premier movie entertainment company.

Across the country, more men and boys are feeling disconnected and hopeless in society right now. The stigma around mental health among men is a dangerous trend and can lead to some serious consequences. Last week, a Utah symposium brought together experts to tackle this growing crisis. We bring on Lois Collins, Deseret News, to discuss what she learned and how we can help men break this stigma. We also highlight the "I Love You Bro" project, a mental health and suicide prevention group for men, founded by Joe Tuia'ana. He joins the show to discuss the project and how he's opening up the conversation around men's mental health.

Sign up for the CougarTribe beta:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSca1rBG42TsudsXAT1Ev-_Od-b6pSHKgWOf5OkrQMHLgNH3BQ/viewform The January 12 edition of Y's Guys delivers one of the most information-packed shows of the season as BYU Athletics surges across multiple sports. Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler open with a massive BYU football portal and staff update, highlighted by the return of cornerstone players Isaiah Glasker, Bear Bachmeier, and LJ Martin. The Cougars also make key transfer additions on both sides of the ball, including USC tight end Walker Lyons, Oregon wide receiver Kyler Kasper, and Stanford offensive lineman Zac Yamauchi, while the defensive staff takes shape under new coordinator Kelly Poppinga.The show places BYU's momentum in a national context with bowl-season TV ratings that confirm the Cougars' growing footprint. BYU's Pop-Tarts Bowl win over Georgia Tech ranks as the second-most-watched non-CFP bowl game, helping make this ESPN's most-watched bowl season in a decade. Dave and Blaine also recap the College Football Playoff semifinals, preview the Miami–Indiana championship matchup, and examine where BYU stacks up among the most-watched teams in the West.On the hardwood, BYU basketball continues to roll, sitting 14–1 and tied atop the Big 12. The Cougars notch road wins over Utah and Arizona State behind monster performances from Richie Saunders, AJ Dybantsa, and Rob Wright, while women's basketball remains competitive in league play behind Delaney Gibb. Volleyball, gymnastics, track & field, soccer, and golf all receive updates as BYU's winter sports calendar heats up.The featured guest is Jay Drew, BYU beat writer for the Deseret News and four-time Utah Sportswriter of the Year. Jay breaks down the significance of Jay Hill's departure, the impact of BYU's defensive staff changes, how high the Bear–LJ Martin ceiling really is, and where the Cougars belong in preseason national and Big 12 rankings. The show closes with Campus Notes, NFL playoff updates, CougarTribe news, historical milestones, and an inspirational quote from Joe Namath, making this a comprehensive snapshot of BYU Athletics at full throttle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Utah leaders and the federal government are exploring ways to reverse falling birth rates. From tax breaks to childcare subsidies, will financial incentives really change family decisions, or does the problem sit deeper as to why people are choosing not to have kids? Jay Evensen with the Deseret News joins the show, and listeners chime in with calls and texts.  

Andy Farnsworth joins KSL-TV to help audiences decipher #WhatToWatch for the weekend of January 9, 2026. Our Big Movie this week is Gerard Butler & Morena Baccarin returning in the disaster-movie sequel "Greenland 2: Migration", a decent-but-not-great follow up to 2020's "Greenland".  An excellent option in theaters is "Is This Thing On?," where Will Arnett copes with his marital estrangement by...doing stand-up comedy. But there's more to it than just that and Laura Dern is also excellent. The best option is (According to Andy) is Angel Studios’ "I Was A Stranger." It tells a powerful story of  Syrian refugees that brought him to tears in one of those tough-to-watch-but-worth-it of films. For streaming fodder, Netflix has an adaptation of the romance novel "People We Meet on Vacation" that, while I have a few minor quibbles, was still relatively entertaining.  The brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing nerdy with a goal to publish a weekly "What to Watch on the Weekend" minisode taken from KSL-TV's Friday segment, and two deep-dives a month on shows, creative works, artists, local events, and other fandom topics.  Based in the beautiful Beehive State, Fan Effect celebrates Utah's unique fan culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME, and is hosted by KSL Movie Show's Andy Farnsworth and Deseret News / KSL Podcasts' KellieAnn Halvorsen. Listen regularly on your favorite platform, at kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSLNewsRadio App. Join the conversation on Facebook @FanEffectShow, or Instagram @FanEffectShow. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company.

Jean Baptiste's crime of robbing graves shocked Salt Lake City in the 1860s. This history mystery offers insight into the way a community deals with the unthinkable. Research: Devitry-Smith, John. “The Saint and the grave Robber.” BYU Studies Quarterly. Volume 33, Issue 1. January 1, 1993. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2856&context=byusq “Exciting and terrifying Occurences.” The Deseret News. Jan. 22, 1862. https://www.newspapers.com/image/286318980/?match=1&terms=%22moroni%20clawson%22 “A Gruesome Tale.” Salt Lake herald. April 2, 1893. https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=11053821 Ison, Yvette D. “Unsolved Mysteries in Utah—The Bizarre Case of Grave Robber Jean Baptiste.” History Blazer. March 1995. Utah History to Go. https://historytogo.utah.gov/jean-baptiste/ Morgan, Dale L. “The Great Salt Lake.” New York. Bobbs-Merrill. 1947. “Robber of the Dead.” Deseret Evening News. May 27, 1893. https://www.newspapers.com/image/73717015/?match=1&terms=jean%20baptiste%20grave%20robber Van Leer, Twyla. “HISTORY OF GRAVE ROBBER IS BURIED IN MYSTERY.” Deseret News. May 30, 1995. https://www.deseret.com/1995/5/30/19215360/history-of-grave-robber-is-buried-in-mystery/ Watt, G.D. “Remarks by President Brigham Young, Tabernacle, Feb. 9th, 186.” The Deseret News. March 26, 1862. https://www.newspapers.com/image/286319797/?match=1&terms=%22baptiste%22 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we work to address technology in the classroom, Utah also has a literacy crisis on our hands specifically for third graders...  what can be done to address it? Jason Swenson with the Deseret News joins the show to explain the issue. Governor Cox and the First Lady just hosted a literacy summit in Ogden aimed at improving reading skills across the state. First Lady Abby Cox shares the ideas and plans to combat the issue of reading skills for kids in Utah.   

In the wake of the latest intervention on Venezuela... threats around the US working to acquire Greenland continue to grow... Jay Evensen, Opinion Editor of the Deseret News joins the show to analyze why doing this by force is a bad idea.

Greg and Holly unpack one of the most dramatic international operations in recent U.S. history: the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The hosts walk through how the mission unfolded, why it was years in the making, and the legal and constitutional firestorm now erupting in Washington and at the United Nations. Greg breaks down the indictment, the questions surrounding the legality of the U.S. strike, and the high‑stakes courtroom battle beginning in Manhattan as Maduro and his wife face a federal judge.     Utah voices bring the story home: local leaders who fled Venezuela, community members reacting to the capture, and what this means for Venezuelans living in the U.S. Hear from SLCO Councilmember Carlos Moreno, who is from Venezuela and understands the complications there firsthand. Mayra Molina, Executive Director for the Venezuelan Alliance of Utah, also joins the show to describe how the Venezuelan community in Utah may be feeling after this capture.     Jay Evensen, Opinion Editor of the Deseret News, breaks down the international implications, from sovereignty disputes to whether this capture of Maduro may be a warning to other countries. What precedent does this set? Jay also discusses what a peaceful transition of power might look like for Venezuela.     Utah Immigration attorney, from Venezuela, Carlos Trujillo, shares his perspective on Maduro's capture and what Venezuelans need to know about temporary protected status.     Greg and Holly also zoom out to understand how Venezuela reached this moment—oil, corruption, cartels, and the long arc of U.S.– Venezuela tensions. Becky Bruce, Host and Producer of Hope in Darkness: The Josh Holt Story,  speaks to the history in Venezuela and what led up to this moment. Becky also reflects on the story of American Josh Holt, who was held in a Venezuelan Prison for crimes he did not commit.   Kirk Hawkins, Professor of Political Science at Brigham Young University who focuses on Latin American Politics, dives deeper into the politics at play and who's stepping in now that the President of Venezuela has been captured.  

In the summer of 1960, seven-year-old Roger Woodward was just a kid looking forward to a boat ride on the Niagara River to celebrate his sister's birthday—he had no idea he was about to experience something that should have been impossible. When a simple mechanical failure turned their peaceful afternoon into a nightmare, Roger found himself being swept toward the edge of Niagara Falls, powerless against 750,000 gallons of water rushing past him every second. What followed was a series of moments so improbable, so perfectly timed, that witnesses called it a miracle—from his sister's desperate fight for survival just feet from the brink, to Roger's own journey over a 188-foot waterfall. This is the story of the boy who fell into Niagara Falls and lived, and the ordinary people who became heroes in the most extraordinary circumstances. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to The Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:31 Listener's Suggestion: Roger Woodward's Story 01:23 Niagara Falls: A Natural Wonder 02:34 The Fateful Boat Ride 05:49 The Upper Niagara River: A Deceptive Calm 06:47 The Point of No Return 12:06 The Rapids: A Fight for Survival 16:52 Deanne's Rescue 21:23 Roger's Ordeal in the Rapids 22:34 The Calm Before the Plunge 22:53 Facing the Abyss 24:34 Over the Edge 25:07 Rescue by the Maid of the Mist 27:41 Miraculous Survival 29:58 The Aftermath and Media Frenzy 36:17 A Life Beyond the Falls 40:02 Reflecting on Survival and Legacy 42:25 Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ REFERENCES & SOURCES "Bonus Episode: The Boy Who Went Over the Falls," Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe podcast, August 16, 2024 30th anniversary speech at Glengate Alliance Church, 1990 "50 years later, survivor recalls accidental plunge over Niagara Falls," Deseret News, July 17, 2010 "Sean Kirst: Survivor of plunge over Niagara at age 7 recalls terror at the brink," Buffalo News, July 13, 2019 "'Miracle at Niagara' — 50 years later," Lockport Journal, July 2, 2010 "Alabama man recalls fall over Niagara Falls 50 years ago," Rapid City Journal, 2010 "Miracle At Niagara Falls: The Roger Woodward Story," B&B Niagara, July 30, 2017 "Miracle At Niagara -- 7-Year-Old Survived A Plunge Over The Falls," The Seattle Times, November 26, 1998 "Roger Woodward - Niagara Falls Miracle, Incidents, Survivor, Story," InfoNiagara.com "History of Niagara Falls Daredevils - Roger Woodward," NiagaraFallsInfo.com, February 8, 2017 "The 7-year-old who survived going over Niagara Falls," INniagararegion, March 31, 2023 "7-Year-Old Boy Survives Plunge Over Niagara Falls," Go Niagara Tours, July 31, 2025 "Amazing Story of a Seven-Year-Old who Survived Niagara Falls," The Vintage News, August 11, 2018 "Roger Woodward and Psalm 139," Words of Hope, April 19, 2021 "Niagara," The History Channel documentary, 1999 "Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic," IMAX film Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andy Farnsworth joins KSL-TV to help audiences decipher #WhatToWatch for the weekend of January 2, 2026. In the first new release of the year, Daisy Ridley stars in "We Bury The Dead," a zombie/survival thriller that isn't your typical zombie movie.  For streaming, Netflix has a new documentary movie, "Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story," that looks deeper into how a person who at one time was a licensed therapist could eventually be arrested for horrific child abuse. Peacock has a new intriguing spy thriller series streaming, "The Copenhagen Test" that stars Simu Liu & Melissa Barrera. There are elements of traditional spy genre movies and shows, as well as a fascinating "Truman Show"-esque angle that is intriguing and has audiences hooked!  The brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing nerdy with a goal to publish a weekly "What to Watch on the Weekend" minisode taken from KSL-TV's Friday segment, and two deep-dives a month on shows, creative works, artists, local events, and other fandom topics.  Based in the beautiful Beehive State, Fan Effect celebrates Utah's unique fan culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME, and is hosted by KSL Movie Show's Andy Farnsworth and Deseret News / KSL Podcasts' KellieAnn Halvorsen. Listen regularly on your favorite platform, at kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSLNewsRadio App. Join the conversation on Facebook @FanEffectShow, or Instagram @FanEffectShow. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company.

Executive Editor of the Deseret News, Doug Wilks, joins the show to discuss the top stories covered by the Deseret News this year. Doug, Holly and Greg discuss Charlie Kirk, President Nelson, and more.

New Year's Resolutions Top Service Stories of the Year Top Stories from the Deseret News Remembering President Jeffrey R. Holland

2025 was a year of milestones, mourning and inspiration for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Celebratory stories included President Dallin H. Oaks becoming the 18th President of the Church, the announcement of 55 new missions opening around the world, and the 175th anniversary of the Deseret News (from which the Church News began as a section in 1931). These stories were offset by stories of loss, including the death of President Russell M. Nelson at the age of 101, a deadly attack on a Church meetinghouse in Michigan, and the death of members of the Church in an auto accident in southern Africa.  For Deseret News executive editor Doug Wilks and former Church News editor and current Deseret News editor Sarah Jane Weaver, the gospel of Jesus Christ has helped them find personal comfort as they covered the news for their readers. They join Church News editor Jon Ryan Jensen to discuss the events of 2025. The Church News podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

It’s time to break up the doldrums of January with the third annual JanuARTy event at Valley Fair Shopping Center in West Valley, Utah, on Saturday, January 17, 2026. This free day features artist booths, vendors, panels, cosplayers, contests, and kid-friendly activities. KellieAnn will even be coming out of her shell to run a kids' crafting booth and host a panel at the event! Titled “Keep Creating! Getting Started on Julia Cameron’s ‘Artist Way.’”   On this episode of Fan Effect, KellieAnn is joined by event founder Ryan Sagers to discuss how the event celebrates creativity, local artists, and more, all for a good cause. This year's event benefits The Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating school lunch debt in Utah, once and for all. So come and feed your creativity while helping feed Utah’s kids!   Also joining this episode is a local professional veteran artist with over 30 years in the entertainment industry, Adrian Ropp, to discuss his career and creativity. You might have seen his work at Disney, Pixar, Marvel Comics, Star Wars, Archie, Underdog, Pink Panther, Rocky & Bullwinkle - as well as an industry-leading game writer/artist with "Disney Infinity" and "Hogwarts Legacy." He provides inspiration for budding artists and gives tips on supporting artists while identifying and defeating art thieves. The brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing nerdy, with a goal to publish a weekly "What to Watch on the Weekend" minisode taken from KSL-TV's Friday segment, and two deep-dives a month on shows, creative works, artists, local events, and other fandom topics.  Based in the beautiful Beehive State, Fan Effect celebrates Utah's unique fan culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME, and is hosted by KSL Movie Show's Andy Farnsworth and Deseret News / KSL Podcasts' KellieAnn Halvorsen. Listen regularly on your favorite platform, at kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSLNewsRadio App. Join the conversation on Facebook @FanEffectShow, or Instagram @FanEffectShow. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premier movie entertainment company.

  Deseret News political reporter Brigham Tomco joins the show to discuss the top political stories from 2025 and how they shaped the current state of Utah politics.

  We have covered local political and health stories with our previous guests; it's only natural that we would reach out to Cami Mondeaux from the Deseret News to discuss the biggest stories nationwide. She joined Greg and Holly to discuss the news. 

  Continuing the theme of our year in review, Jason Swensen from the Deseret News joins us now to discuss the most important education stories of this year. Holly and Greg discuss the biggest education stories and how they affected the education system as a whole.  

Throughout December 2025 Andy Farnsworth joined KSL-TV to help audiences decipher #WhatToWatch each weekend. In this Mega Movie Review Mashup, we combine all of the month's segments into one massive episode featuring everything from family-friendly and religious-focused “David,” to the grown-ups only psychological thriller, “The Housemaid.”  Shows included in this roundup: "Five Nights at Freddy's 2"  "Hamnet"  "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw"  "Ella McCay" “Dust Bunny"  “Merv" "Avatar: Fire & Ash"  “David" “The Housemaid" "Song Sung Blue" "Marty Supreme" The brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing nerdy with a goal to publish a weekly "What to Watch on the Weekend" minisode taken from KSL-TV's Friday segment, and two deep-dives a month on shows, creative works, artists, local events, and other fandom topics.  Based in the beautiful Beehive State, Fan Effect celebrates Utah's unique fan culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME, and is hosted by KSL Movie Show's Andy Farnsworth and Deseret News / KSL Podcasts' KellieAnn Halvorsen. Listen regularly on your favorite platform, at kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSLNewsRadio App. Join the conversation on Facebook @FanEffectShow, or Instagram @FanEffectShow. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company.

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

We’re slowing down this week to reflect on the stories and traditions that make Christmas meaningful.  Lois Collins from the Deseret News shares a candid story about how she “ruined her own Christmas” and why the Sub for Santa program holds a special place in her heart. It’s a conversation about giving, gratitude, and finding joy… even when things don’t go as planned.

A federal judge is blocking an order from the president...that provided money to states like Utah to provide some homeless services.  There are now questions circulating if this could jeopardize funding for Utah's new centralized homeless campus in Salt Lake City. Brigham Tomco with the Deseret News breaks down the latest. Rep. Tyler Clancy, the newly appointed state homeless coordinator for Utah, shares his response.

2025 has been nothing short of breaking news. Sarah Weaver, editor of the Deseret News, joins to reflect on this year's major stories and their impact.

Christmas traditions all around, even from Sweden! Jay Evensen, Opinion Editor of the Deseret News, joins the show to share some of his favorite Christmas Traditions and tells a story of his role as the Swedish Tomten who comes on Christmas Eve and a tradition that involves breaking cookies… as a great way to keep kids occupied. 

The holidays can be tough for divorced families. Lois Collins with the Deseret News shares practical tips for making the season joyful for kids—and less stressful for parents navigating divorce.

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676