The John Fugelsang Podcast

John celebrates a historic Mississippi election: Scott Colom becomes the first Black U.S. senator elected by Mississippi voters since Reconstruction. John also reacts to Pete Hegseth’s entourage being reprimanded for laughing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and examines the national security questions surrounding Nvidia, its CEO’s alleged ties to a suspected Chinese intelligence asset, and Donald Trump’s role in approving chip sales to China.
Dr. Tracy Pearson, John’s official West Coast Pundit Correspondent, joins him to discuss the Nvidia controversy, presidential conflicts of interest, Republican resistance to Trump’s judicial nominees, and threats against congressional oversight. Then comedians Carol Montgomery and Kevin Bartini join John to weigh in on Hegseth’s visit to Arlington, the election results, Colom’s win, and the wave of historic firsts across the country.
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John marks Veterans Day by honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans—and arguing that the best way to honor them is to stop creating more. He also vents about 11 House Democrats missing a vote to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, considers what the missed vote means for Democratic leadership, and reacts to Republicans elevating Jim Jordan to lead the House. Then, Richard Chew, morning host at WCPT Chicago, joins John to discuss the election results, the work ahead for Democrats, and why party leaders need to hear from voters when they fall short. Next, historian and author Kenneth C. Davis traces Veterans Day back to the World War I armistice, explains the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day, and reflects on the Bonus Army, veterans’ health and homelessness, and the costs of war. Finally, Dillon Naber Cruz and former Pastor Desimber Rose (AKA The God Squad) join John to discuss Russell Brand’s conviction, performative celebrity conversions, Christian nationalism, and the progressive faith leaders finding a voice in politics.
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John celebrates the midterm shake-up—from Scott Colom’s razor-thin lead in Mississippi to Democrats’ unexpected wins in Iowa—and examines what the results say about voters’ rejection of Trumpism, political corruption, and economic hardship. He also takes aim at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s response to Republican Thomas Massie’s impeachment resolution, and discusses the questions of accountability, the Iran war, and what Democrats should do with their new power.
Chris Lehmann, D.C. bureau chief and columnist for The Nation, joins John to explain how Josh Turek and Rob Sand won over Iowans, why economic populism and opposition to corporate power resonated, and what the election reveals about Trump’s political weaknesses. Then Jenique Jones, executive director of WhyHunger, discusses the realities of food insecurity, the impact of SNAP cuts, and why access to nutritious food should be treated as a human right. Finally, John is joined by comedians Keith Price and Rhonda Hansome for a conversation about the election, representation, Democratic priorities, and the work still ahead.
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John reacts to the midterm results and Donald Trump’s decision to elevate Stephen Miller, arguing that the administration is doubling down on the policies voters just rejected. He also examines Trump’s family’s cryptocurrency ties, Elon Musk’s political spending in Texas, and the corruption and accountability questions facing a new Congress.
Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, CEO and co-founder of MomsRising, joins John to discuss how mothers helped drive the election results—and why affordability, health care, childcare, paid leave, food assistance, and support for working families matter to voters across party lines. Then constitutional scholar Professor Corey Brettschneider breaks down Congress’s power to challenge the Iran war, investigate the administration, and pursue accountability through hearings and impeachment. They also discuss presidential immunity, health care policy, and what Democrats should prioritize with control of Congress.
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November is Native American Heritage Month—and this year, it arrives amid a historic wave of Indigenous political representation and renewed debate over the federal government’s obligations to Native nations. Journalist Simon Moya-Smith and Indigenous studies educator and mental health professional Julie Francella join John to discuss Peggy Flanagan’s election to the U.S. Senate and Deb Haaland’s election as governor of New Mexico, and why these breakthroughs mean far more than representation alone.
They explore Indigenous women’s leadership and the return of balance, the cultural significance of wearing Indigenous-made jewelry, and why Native communities’ treaty rights and federal funding are obligations—not charity. The discussion also looks at the impact of reported funding cuts, the protection of sacred sites and petroglyphs, and how listeners can learn from Indigenous voices, support Native-led work, and challenge familiar misconceptions. Along the way, callers celebrate the election results and reflect on identity, language, and the importance of listening directly to Indigenous people.
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