In this episode, we’re joined by Blythe Potter, Democratic candidate for Indiana Secretary of State, for a candid conversation about election integrity, voter suppression, and the urgent need to get more Hoosiers to the polls. Blythe breaks down the scandal surrounding current Secretary of State Diego Morales, explains why millions of unregistered or inactive voters could change Indiana’s future, and shares her vision for building a stronger, more inclusive democracy.

From grassroots organizing to exposing corruption, this episode is about the fight to protect both free speech and the right to vote in Indiana and beyond.

If you care about Indiana policy, healthcare, education, redistricting, and the future of democracy in the Hoosier State, this episode delivers insights you won’t want to miss.

We cover everything:

* Why utilities can lobby and donate to governors who appoint their regulators

* How ratepayers literally fund the lawyers hired to argue against them in rate cases

* What happened in the recent Duke Energy and AES rate hike fights

* Why Indiana law makes it nearly impossible to create cheaper alternatives like REMCs or municipal utilities

* How affordability and environmental sustainability get sidelined by politics and corporate profits

This episode dives into the billion-dollar power games happening behind your monthly bill — and what you can do about it.

🔌 Get involved: Citizens Action Coalition is leading the fight for affordable, fair utility rates in Indiana. Learn more at their website and find out how to make your voice heard at upcoming field hearings.

Whether you’re furious about gerrymandering, worried about democracy, or just want to hear a raw conversation with one of Indiana’s most outspoken voices in Congress, this episode delivers.

Topics Covered:

* The Republican gerrymander and Trump’s behind-the-scenes pressure

* Nazi Germany parallels in GOP propaganda

* The Democratic divide on LGBTQIA+ rights vs. the economy

* Why activism and protest still move the needle in politics

* Carson’s take on Gaza and Jewish-led protests across America

* What’s at stake for Hoosiers in 2024 and beyond

In this episode of "On Trial with Josh Lowry," we put the "attacks on the press" on trial, showing they are a deliberate strategy to allow politicians to operate without accountability. Lowry draws on recent events, including a political figure's lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and the Congressional Budget Office's report on a major healthcare bill, to illustrate how the "fake news" claim is being used to manipulate public trust.

Josh then sits down with acclaimed journalist Tom LoBianco to discuss the real-world effects of these attacks on reporters. LoBianco, who has covered figures like Mike Pence extensively, shares his unique insights from years on the front lines of political journalism. He reveals that while personal attacks and limited access are challenging, the most significant threat to the press is the chilling effect of lawsuits.

Links from the show:

* https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/30/indiana-colleges-cut-merge-400-degree-programs-ahead-of-new-state-law/84422023007

* https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/hundreds-of-iu-degree-programs-at-risk-of-disappearing

He's joined by Anuar Velazquez, a former police officer with a decade of experience, now dedicated to reforming toxic police cultures. Anuar offers raw, insightful perspectives on how departmental dynamics, the lack of trauma-informed care, and societal expectations can inadvertently lead to tragic outcomes. They discuss the psychological toll of the job, the "Robocop" persona officers feel compelled to embody, and why de-escalation training often isn't prioritized, even with the presence of body cameras. The conversation also critically examines how the politicization of policing, including discussions around "defund the police", hinders genuine reform and vital mental health support for officers. They further explore the correlation between societal issues like poverty, education, and crime rates, and touch upon the challenges of addressing corruption in policing. This episode argues that true change requires addressing the underlying conditions, not just the symptoms, of excessive force, and calls for a collective societal effort to heal and support those in uniform, as well as the communities they serve.

Feeling like you're stuck in quicksand when listening to the news? Josh explores why, and offers a powerful call to action for informed citizens to stand up, speak truth to power, and ensure voters have the facts they need to make real decisions.

I'm joined by Dr. Michael Hicks, the foremost economist on Indiana's economy and a professor at Ball State University. Dr. Hicks brings the research and facts to dissect the truth about tariffs, drawing crucial parallels to historical blunders like the Smoot-Hawley tariffs that worsened the Great Depression. Fast forward a century, and we're seeing similar rhetoric, but what are the real consequences for American families and businesses?

In this episode, we tackle:

* Tariffs 101: What exactly is a tariff, who pays it, and how does it directly affect your wallet? (Hint: It's a tax on Americans, and companies will pass the cost to you!)

* Worse Than Inflation?: Discover why tariffs can be more detrimental to your purchasing power than traditional inflation, as your wages won't keep pace with rising costs.

* The Lag Effect: Why haven't we seen the full impact of past tariffs yet, and what does Dr. Hicks predict (a mild recession, even at current levels)?

* Who Really Gets Hurt? The painful truth about who bears the brunt of economic downturns caused by protectionist policies.

* The Automation Reality: We cut through the nostalgia to reveal how automation, not just trade, has fundamentally reshaped manufacturing employment. Learn why chasing "jobs of the past" ignores economic evolution.

* The Union Connection: A powerful discussion on how the decline of union power, rather than tariffs, truly impacted American workers' wages and benefits.

* Beyond the Bumper Sticker: I rant (a little!) about the pervasive issue of politicians lying to voters and the critical need for empathy in our political discourse. Why are we willing to sacrifice others' well-being for a promised (and often unfulfilled) personal gain?

This isn't about political talking points; it's about understanding the complex economic forces shaping your future. Dr. Hicks provides invaluable insights that expose the reality behind political promises. Tune in to arm yourself with the facts and challenge conventional wisdom!