The Chuck ToddCast

Lauren Gustus, executive editor and CEO of The Salt Lake Tribune, led its shift to a nonprofit and expanded statewide collaborations. She discusses removing the paywall, membership-based funding, turning subscribers into members, and balancing statewide and hyper-local coverage. Conversations touch on covering faith and Utah politics with nuance, reporter engagement strategies, and creative revenue mixes to sustain local journalism.

A tense look at a presidential threat that rattled even loyal supporters. A deep dive into reporting that only two leaders pushed for regime change in Iran and how advisers tried to stop it. Scrutiny of a politician campaigning for an illiberal ally and the long-term damage to U.S. credibility. A rundown of states poised to break long one-party streaks and listener Q&A on elections and war powers.

Lauren Gustus, executive editor and CEO of The Salt Lake Tribune, led the paper’s shift to a nonprofit and membership model. She discusses removing the paywall to broaden access. Short takes cover rebuilding newsroom priorities, statewide local-reporting projects, revenue mix, advertiser relationships, reporter retention, and plans for expansion and platform-first storytelling.

A chilling monologue about a presidential post that openly threatens the annihilation of an entire civilization. Discussion of recent military firings and whether the chain of command has been cleared for extreme orders. Consideration of tactical nuclear options and how bombastic rhetoric hands propaganda wins to Iran. A stark choice between catastrophic action or humiliating retreat.

Jaime Jarrin, Hall of Fame Spanish-language Dodgers broadcaster who shaped Latino baseball fandom. He recalls Fernando Valenzuela’s rise and his role as interpreter. He shares memories of Vin Scully’s mentorship, calling epic games like a 19-inning thriller, perfect games, and navigating Chavez Ravine controversy.

A dramatic rescue of missing F-15 pilots is recounted while deeper questions about battlefield credibility and why the mission was needed go unanswered. Provocative and profanity-laced public messages toward Iran and religion are called out. The strategic chokehold of the Strait of Hormuz and its huge economic risks are explored. Congressional war powers, legal dangers of targeting infrastructure, and a hollow college-sports order are scrutinized.

Mike Pesca, veteran journalist and host of The Gist, brings sharp reporting and media insight. He tackles how primaries fuel polarization and why open or top-two systems could change politics. They debate bipartisan fixes like consumer-focused bills and surveillance pricing. The conversation also jumps to NBA flaws, from tanking to too many games, with quick structural reform ideas.

Mike Pesca, veteran journalist and podcaster who hosts The Gist, weighs in on media, democracy reforms, and sports. They discuss a daring Special Forces rescue and why it may mask broader wartime failures. Conversations cover Trump’s volatile social posts and legal risks to infrastructure. Debate centers on redistricting, jungle primaries, ranked-choice alternatives, and fixes for NBA tanking.

Ike Freiman, Hoover Fellow and author focused on Taiwan strategy. He discusses why Taiwan matters to China, Xi’s domestic drivers, and why coercion may beat full invasion. He explains PLA dynamics, intelligence limits, blockade vs quarantine, and deterrence options. Short, urgent takes on how crises escalate and what the world could do to prevent war.

Breaking news on a major White House firing sparks a look at loyalty versus the rule of law. A decades-long political backstory and past donations get revisited. Worries about the Justice Department turning more political are front and center. A looming Iran conflict threatens a historic energy shock and forces a painful troop dilemma. Geopolitical fallout could hand advantages to Russia and China.