The Dawn Show For May 18 2026

Guest Host Kathy Barnett Warns Against The Radical Socialist Playbook And Teen Takeovers

We break down the foundational pillars necessary to preserve American freedom, focusing on free-market economics and private property rights. Guest host Kathy Barnett sits in for Dawn Stensland to deliver a powerful message on civic formation and the urgent need to pass American values down to the next generation. We react to the dangerous trend of urban "teen takeovers," detailing how these chaotic events destroy businesses, disrupt communities, and threaten the absolute legitimacy of private property if citizens normalize the lawlessness. The crew welcomes decorated Vietnam veteran and global pastor Bill Devlin, who shares his incredible life journey from being orphaned in New Jersey to surviving a bomb attack in the U.S. Navy. Pastor Devlin discusses his extensive missionary work providing humanitarian aid to persecuted communities in over 16 countries, including Iraq, Nigeria, and Cuba. He notes that despite America's internal political struggles, people living in international refugee camps still see this nation as the ultimate land of the free and home of the brave. We dive deep into how radical socialist agendas seek to expand government control over production, pricing, and distribution to dismantle our shared inheritance. Kathy draws a stark comparison between the current political trajectory of the United States and the social climate in the United Kingdom, warning listeners not to act like a frog in slowly boiling water while radical elements entrench themselves in high places. We wrap up with inspiring calls from listeners reflecting on their profound gratitude for American history and the collective responsibility to defend the nation's true character.

From The Deep South To South Korea: Real Perspectives On Freedom And Misogyny

We open this special episode of The Dawn Stensland Show with guest host Kathy Barnett diving deep into childhood nostalgia, patriotic classics, and the contrast between the "free-range" upbringing of Gen X and the hyper-vigilant, helicopter parenting required in today’s modern culture. We break down the psychological shifts taking place across the nation, drawing from neuroscience insights to analyze how the left’s constant political grievances have fostered a broader cultural derangement. The discussion focuses heavily on the upcoming 250th anniversary of America and why a growing segment of the population seems to actively reject the foundational principles of their own country. We share powerful personal stories from the host's background, including growing up as a poor Black child in the deep South of Alabama and serving abroad in the military in South Korea. These experiences offer a stark contrast to the modern complaints of woke suburban liberals, reminding listeners of the global realities of true misogyny and systemic oppression. We celebrate the unique greatness of America, noting how the country has continually evolved and progressive values have moved it past the darkest aspects of its history, while warning against the encroaching control of socialist ideologies that threaten self-governance. The crew connects directly with the audience as listeners line up to share their own deep-seated patriotism and generational perspectives. We talk with an Italian immigrant whose family survived real fascism and Nazism, a South Philadelphia veteran maintaining a local memorial, and a former fourth-grade teacher who spent 35 years instilling civic pride and geographic knowledge in her students. Through these moving conversations, we emphasize the timeless truth of Ronald Reagan’s warning that freedom must be actively protected and taught to the next generation, rather than assumed to be passed down through the bloodstream.

A Failed MOU? Kathy Barnette, Ida Tehran, And Batya Ungar Sargon Break Down The Truth About Iran

Kathy Barnette sits in for Dawn Stensland on The Dawn Stensland Show to dissect the breaking foreign policy crisis surrounding America's Memorandum of Understanding with Iran. We tackle the reality that the agreement is falling apart, asking what exactly the United States gained from the deal. Iranian-born analyst Ida Tehran joins the program to share her lived experience, arguing that while conservative MAGA voters are rightfully exhausted by endless nation-building, the current regime remains an active threat to American security. She urges voters to look past the global propaganda and keep trust in the strategy to manage the ultimate collapse from within. The conversation intensifies as Batya Ungar Sargon, host of Batya at News Nation, joins us for an authentic look at the deep flaws within the agreement. We note that the current situation looks like total capitulation, explaining how Iran successfully shifted the conflict from a military fight they couldn't win to an economic war designed to inflict high gas prices on American workers. We analyze the fascinating strategy at play within the administration, as leaders balance the promise of a roaring domestic economy with the absolute imperative to prevent a nuclear Iran. We wrap up the hour by pivoting to the critical fights taking place right here at home. The crew reacts to the choice facing regular citizens, noting that radical politicians in major cities like New York and Los Angeles pose a more immediate threat to the future of our children than adversaries overseas. Finally, we share some massive local news as the F3 Forum prepares to return this October, posing a foundational question for our community: can our local schools replicate the literacy turnaround achieved in the Deep South and deliver a true miracle for our students?

Behind The Buddy Bench: The Sanctuary City Policies That Stole An 18-Year-Old College Freshman

We open this segment of The Dawn Stensland Show with guest host Kathy Barnett reacting to the emotional testimony of Jessica Gorman before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on sanctuary city policies. We listen to a mother detail the tragic loss of her 18-year-old daughter, Sheridan Grace Gorman, who was murdered in Chicago by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela who remained on the streets despite an outstanding warrant. The crew breaks down how failed border policies, a refusal to cooperate with ICE, and misplaced priorities among elected politicians continue to fail American citizens. Kathy Barnett welcomes commentator Mary Walter to the program to dissect how the left pursues power at any cost, detailing a system where local law enforcement is blocked from reporting criminals to immigration authorities. We call out the Senate for taking extended summer vacations while major legislative items like the SAVE Act sit stalled, highlighting how entrenched politicians protect their positions instead of securing elections. We argue that the ruling elite across the country operates under a dangerous illusion of immunity from the long-term consequences of failing to uphold basic laws. We close out the hour by diving directly into the stated platform on the Democratic Socialists of America website to expose their explicit plans for the future of the nation. Dawn's guest host walks listeners through the radical pledges of socialist candidates winning seats in Pennsylvania and beyond, including calls for open borders, complete immigrant amnesty, non-citizen voting rights, and the total demilitarization of the United States border. We issue a fierce warning to parents to stop taking American liberties for granted, challenging families to read the Declaration of Independence to their children and actively combat the internal dismantling of our country.

Fighting Socialism And Flipping Philly Red With Guest William Small

Kathy Barnett sits in for Dawn Stensland on The Dawn Stensland Show to dissect a recent Supreme Court ruling on transgender sports and the broader issues of institutional leadership. We react to the political shift occurring as progressive judges and lawmakers prioritize emotion over constitutional interpretation. We question the decisions coming from the bench, pointing directly to Justice John Roberts and calling for a return to a strategic, principled interpretation of our laws rather than managing collective feelings. We welcome entrepreneur and former write-in congressional candidate William Small to the studio to share his perspective from West Philadelphia. Small details how his construction business flourished under the first Trump administration, only to face devastating choices when the pandemic forced sudden shutdowns. He walks us through his personal experiences trying to seek assistance for his team from progressive legislators, exposing a massive gap between public progressive rhetoric and actual community support. The crew deep-dives into the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America platform, noting how their messaging wins over younger voters by bypassing traditional party lines. We look closely at progressive primary wins in Philadelphia and beyond, tracking how these campaigns successfully leverage local frustration to unseat established Democrats. We close the conversation by analyzing the future of Philadelphia, discussing the steep statistical hurdles facing local conservatives and emphasizing the urgent need for robust, practical solutions to address the city's school performance and safety.