The John Fugelsang Podcast

In this episode of We’re Still Here, Simon Moya-Smith and Julie Francella reflect on the life and legacy of labor organizer Dolores Huerta—and the Indigenous identity often erased from the story of farmworker rights. They discuss Huerta’s commitment to dignity and solidarity, the history of Indigenous activism, and the importance of recognizing the people whose labor and stewardship sustain communities.
The discussion also explores sacred-site rematriation, the harms of blood quantum policies, Indigenous representation in Alaska politics, and the influence of matriarchal leadership. Guest Shane Hawk, a Cheyenne and Arapaho horror writer, talks about his anthology Never Whistle at Night: Back for Blood and how Indigenous authors use horror to tell contemporary stories of survival, history, and cultural identity. Callers add powerful perspectives on local Indigenous landmarks, community organizing, and efforts to bring electricity to the Navajo Nation.
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John makes the case for electing more women: a record number of Democratic women are running for governor, and Democrats could reach 100 women in the House. He discusses the real-world stakes of representation—from reproductive care and childcare to workplace protections—and why women’s leadership is no threat to men. John also highlights candidates including Amy Acton, Jocelyn Benson, Gina Hinojosa, Deb Haaland, and Keisha Lance Bottoms, and argues that kindness is not weakness and equality is not a zero-sum game. Then, Bob Cesca, co-host of Trek Politics, joins John to remember Star Trek legends Patrick Stewart and Walter Koenig. They celebrate Stewart’s range, Picard’s compassionate model of leadership, and Star Trek’s enduring vision of a more equal future. Next, political strategist Joe Sudbay shares what he’s seeing in early voting, battleground races, and Democrats’ expanding map, from Maine’s “cord of wood” controversy to the fight for affordability and a more ambitious Democratic agenda. Then finally, Frank Conniff, TV’s Frank from Mystery Science Theater 3000, joins the fun and they take listener calls on the election, gerrymandering, constitutional amendments, religion, movies, and whatever else is on their minds.
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Today, John talks about Alaska, where Donald Trump is threatening to prosecute Democrat Mary Peltola over allegations involving candidates with similar names—before voters have even finished casting their ballots. He examines the history of “spoiler” candidates, the double standard in Republican claims of election fraud, and why Alaskans deserve to choose their own senator without political interference. He also raises questions about the state’s energy future, Russian interests, and the stakes for Alaska’s Indigenous communities and lands. Then, legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson joins John to discuss the Alaska case, the 2000 Florida ballot controversy, and whether prosecutors can express empathy for sexual assault survivors without compromising impartiality. They also talk about daylight saving time, Israel’s election and Netanyahu’s coalition troubles, Brazil’s election-denying Bolsonaro family, and DoorDash’s proposed acquisition of Instacart. Then, Tennessee State Senator Charlayne Oliver discusses her lawsuit challenging Republican retaliation after she protested the dismantling of Black political representation in Memphis. She explains why her vote went unrecorded, what she hopes the court will restore, and why young people should keep speaking truth to power.
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John takes aim at the AI boom and Anthropic’s IPO disclosures, which warn that the technology could pose catastrophic or existential risks even as investors are promised world-changing breakthroughs. He questions the race to commercialize potentially dangerous systems, and argues that the costs are already landing on ordinary people: higher electricity bills, dwindling water supplies, and communities asked to subsidize data centers while billionaires reap the rewards. Then, podcaster and broadcaster Tara Dublin joins John to discuss the Oregon governor’s race, down-ballot contests, and the stakes of the midterms. Founder of the National Democratic Training Committee Kelly Dietrich shares what to watch on election night, from early returns in Virginia and Florida to close races in Texas, Iowa, Kansas, and Ohio. Comedian Alonzo Bodden stops by to talk about finding fresh angles in political comedy, the Supreme Court, and the state of American media. And then, the God Squad, Desimber Rose and Dillon Naber Cruz explore Christian nationalism, the politics of “toxic empathy,” and how scripture is used to justify racism and cruelty. Listeners call in with their questions about faith, history, and the Bible.
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John examines a House Judiciary Committee report detailing allegations of sexual abuse and assault against Donald Trump, including claims involving Jeffrey Epstein. He questions the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files, the treatment of Ghislaine Maxwell, and the withholding of records. He calls for an independent investigation that protects survivors and follows the evidence wherever it leads. Then, he welcomes Richard Chew, morning host at Chicago’s WCPT, to talk about the mood in the Midwest with Election Day approaching and the races that could reshape the Senate. They discuss Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton’s Senate campaign and progressive priorities like Medicare for All, a $25 minimum wage, and banning congressional stock trading, along with the candidates and battleground states that could help Democrats reach 52 seats. Next, John welcomes Reverend Brandan Robertson, author, activist, and public theologian, for a conversation about reclaiming Christianity’s message of inclusion and liberation. Robertson discusses the progressive faith communities organizing across the country, the history of religious leadership in social justice movements, and why LGBTQ people should never have to choose between their identity and their faith. And finally, he welcomes comedians Keith Price and Rhonda Hansome for Handsomely Priced Tuesday. They take aim at Republicans’ midterm strategy of branding Democratic candidates as “weird,” and discuss Donald Trump’s racist attacks on Muslim candidates, Nicki Minaj’s political turn, and the billionaires pouring money into politics.
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