Shows
Political DrainJessica Denson & Cliff Cash Stop By To Issue EMOTIONAL CALL for Veterans' March on DC!In a heartfelt appeal, Jessica Denson and comedian Cliff Cash are rallying veterans and supporters to join the Veterans' March on Washington, D.C., scheduled for March 14-16, 2025. This significant event aims to protest the certification of Donald Trump under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, emphasizing the critical role of veterans in defending democracy.🚨 Why are veterans marching against Trump's certification? 🚨 How can you participate in this pivotal movement? 🚨 What impact will this march have on the nation's political landscape?This video delves into the motivations behind the march, the emotional testimonies of organizers, and the logis...2025-05-1917 min
Connected NationThe simple step small ISPs should be taking to grow their businessIn this episode of Connected Nation, Jessica Denson revisits with Ben Elkins, CEO of Utah Broadband and AireBeam, to discuss the outsized impact that small and medium-sized internet service providers (ISPs) can have on closing the Digital Divide. From strategic builds in underserved communities to innovative fiber solutions in mobile home parks, Ben shares how these regional providers are solving last-mile connectivity challenges, preparing for BEAD funding, and competing with big-name ISPs — all while putting customer service and community first. Learn how being small actually offers a big advantage in today’s broadband landscape.R...2025-05-1434 minConnected NationAT&T’s commitment to digital learning at all agesOn this episode of Connected Nation, we wrap up our coverage of the Connected America conference with a powerful conversation about bridging the Digital Divide. Host Jessica Denson is joined by Viviana Cohuo, Lead Project Manager for AT&T’s Corporate Social Responsibility team. They dive into AT&T’s nationwide efforts to build digital skills through programs like Teens Teach Tech powered by AT&T, Ready Tech Go workshops with National PTA, and new device donation initiatives.Whether you’re a parent, educator, or tech advocate, this episode highlights why digital literacy is essential for eve...2025-04-2411 minConnected NationInvesting in our future: Sustaining K-12 digital accessOn this episode of Connected Nation, we tackle a topic impacting millions of students across the country — how to sustain digital access in K-12 education. As federal programs end, only 27% of states are ready to keep kids connected. Jessica Denson talks with Pam Lloyd, Ph.D., Strategic Advisor at Connected Nation, and Ji Soo Song, Director of Projects and Initiatives at SETDA, about a new report that outlines strategies to prevent students from falling behind. Together, they explore what must happen next to ensure every student has the online access they need to succeed — now and in...2025-04-1046 minConnected NationEmpowering and connecting: Closing the digital skills and connectivity gapIn this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from the Connected America conference in Irving, Texas. Our host, Jessica Denson sits down with the Editor-in-Chief at Working Nation, to discuss the importance of digital skills in today’s workforce and how digital navigators are bridging the connectivity gap. Later, Jessica speaks with an individual from Lead for America about their efforts to support digitally disconnected rural communities through the American Connection Corps. Tune in to learn how these organizations are working to ensure all Americans have the skills and access needed to th...2025-04-0313 minConnected NationThe company whose innovation is inviting competitors to work together in the same spaceWe’re live from Connected America, exploring how internet exchange points (IXPs) improve connectivity across the U.S.!  Host Jessica Denson chats with De-CIX's Kelly Sieben, who uses a fun marble demo to explain how IXPs reduce latency and speed up internet access. Then, Ed d'Agostino dives deeper into why IXPs are critical for broadband expansion, how they impact everyday users, and why the U.S. is working to expand them beyond major cities.Recommended Links: Kelly Sieben LinkedInEd d'Agostino LinkedIn DE-CIX Website2025-03-1119 min
The Jack Hopkins Show PodcastStand Up for Democracy: The Call to Action on 3-14 from Jessica DensonIn a critical conversation about the current challenges facing democracy, this episode focuses on the proactive measures needed to reclaim power from authoritarian influences. With the march on March 14th on the horizon, the discussion emphasizes the essential role of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment and how it serves as a bulwark against political threats. Our host and guest delve into personal narratives that not only recount past struggles but also highlight the momentum building behind this upcoming event. Listeners are encouraged to join the movement as they explore the core reasons why col...2025-03-0552 minConnected NationBeyond access: Learning the digital skills to thrive onlineImagine living in today’s digital world without knowing how to access the internet, use a computer, or even navigate a mobile phone. It may surprise you to learn that this is a reality for millions of Americans.On this episode, we explore the critical impact of digital literacy and how lacking essential skills affects everything from economic opportunities to health outcomes. Host Jessica Denson speaks with experts behind a new report that sheds light on the growing need for digital skills and what can be done to bridge the gap.Tune in to...2025-03-0533 minConnected NationGet a little help navigating the broadband landscape in 2025Navigating the broadband landscape in 2025 is no easy task—especially as new policies, technologies, and funding opportunities emerge. In this episode of Connected Nation, host Jessica Denson sits down with an Editor at TotalTelecom, to discuss the key broadband issues and opportunities state and local leaders should be watching.They’ll explore the themes shaping the upcoming Connected America Conference in Dallas, Texas, on March 11-12, as well as the challenges and strategies for broadband expansion under a new administration.Recommended Links: Brad Randall LinkedInConnected America 2025 Registration2025-02-2718 minConnected NationBeyond wires and towers – the human infrastructure of broadbandBroadband isn’t just about fiber and wireless networks—it’s about people. In this episode of Connected Nation, we explore a groundbreaking research project that examines the individuals and programs working to close the Digital Divide. Jessica Denson is joined by Dr. Revati Prasad from the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society and Dr. Caroline Stratton from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) to discuss their findings, the challenges of digital inclusion, and what’s needed to ensure everyone has access to the internet. Tune in to learn why broadband is more than just technology...2025-02-2054 min
The Jack Hopkins Show PodcastBreaking Silence: Jessica Denson on Defying Trump's NDA and Fighting for DemocracyJessica Denson, a former Trump campaign staffer, shares her riveting journey on the Jack Hopkins Show, revealing how she transformed from a campaign insider to a fierce advocate for democracy. Hear how she bravely challenged the NDA imposed by Donald Trump, exposing the underbelly of political silencing. Jessica's story is one of courage and personal transformation, offering listeners a unique perspective on the broader fight against the misuse of NDAs. Her tale not only illuminates her own path of resistance but also speaks to the larger implications for our democratic processes.In a time where the peaceful...2024-12-3121 min
The Daily BeansElection Eve (feat. Jessica Denson)Monday, November 4th, 2024Today, with one day to go, Trump suggests people should shoot members of the press and says he shouldn’t have left the Whitehouse in 2021; the Arizona attorney general has opened a criminal investigation into Trump’s remarks about Liz Cheney; the Selzer Iowa poll puts Harris ahead of Trump by 3 points; Jeffrey Epstein tapes indicate Donald was his best friend for ten years; a federal judge immediately denies Elon Musk’s bid to move his voter lottery case out of state court; the ODNI, FBI and CISA put out a joint statement on Russia...2024-11-0457 minConnected NationOn the road: 2024 Govtech Digital Government Summit (Part 3)The Connected Nation Podcast wrapping up from Lexington, Kentucky at the 2024 Govtech Digital Government Summit. In the final installment of our coverage, Jessica Denson speaks with the SLED East Director from Socure, a Kentucky State Senator, and the CIO of the Kentucky Department of Education.Visit the links below to listen to parts 1 and 2 of the Digital Government Summit podcast coverage!Part 1 - click herePart 2 - click hereRecommended Links:Frank Snyder's LinkedInSocureSen. Gex Williams III ProfileDavid Couch's LinkedIn2024-06-1238 minConnected NationOn the road: 2024 Govtech Digital Government Summit (Part 2)The Connected Nation Podcast checking back in from Lexington, Kentucky at the 2024 Govtech Digital Government Summit. In today's second episode, Jessica Denson welcomes on a Editorial Director for Content Spaces for Govtech, a GIS Analyst with TechSystems, and the IT Director for the Louisville Metro Government.Check out our socials this week to listen to parts 1 and 3 of the Digital Government Summit podcast coverage!Part 1 - click herePart 3 - click here Recommended Links:Zach Patton's LinkedInGovernmentTechnology (GovTech) - https://www.govtech.com/Emily Bartee's LinkedInChris...2024-06-1119 minConnected NationOn the road: 2024 Govtech Digital Government Summit (Part 1)The Connected Nation Podcast is back on the road today in Lexington, Kentucky at the 2024 Govtech Digital Government Summit. In this episode, our host, Jessica Denson, speaks with the Executive Director of State Programs at Connected Nation, the CIO of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, and an account executive at Dynatrace.Stay tuned to our socials this week to listen to parts 2 and 3 of the Digital Government Summit podcast coverage!Part 2 - click herePart 3 - click here Recommended Links:Tim LeDonne's LinkedInConnected Nation Liz Rodgers' LinkedIn2024-06-1120 minConnected NationInside the 2024 Broadband Communities Summit (Part Four) The Connected Nation podcast is back covering the 2024 Broadband Communities Summit in The Woodlands, Texas. The event serves as a hub of collaboration and innovation for some of the biggest names in broadband, all working towards a shared mission of closing the Digital Divide.In our final installment of the summit, Jessica is joined by leadership from Comcast Texas, leadership from DigitalC, and a tribal broadband manager from the Choctaw Nation. Recommended Links:Broadband Communities Summit WestToni Beck LinkedInComcast TexasValerie Jerome LinkedInDigitalCR...2024-05-0936 min