The John Fugelsang Podcast

John opens the episode with a funny yet poignant commentary on the current state of the nation, juxtaposing the joyous celebrations of the Fourth of July with the realities of political polarization and social injustice. He emphasizes the importance of separating the ideals of America from its leaders, urging listeners to appreciate the foundational principles of democracy while acknowledging the ongoing struggles for justice and equality. John then talks with democratic strategist Max Burns and they explore the evolution of presidential power over the decades, noting that the trend towards executive authority has been a gradual shift rather than a sudden change. They discuss how Trump has contributed to this phenomenon, raising questions about the balance of power and the role of Congress in holding the executive accountable. Next, he interviews historian Professor Peter Onuf to discuss the enduring legacy of Thomas Jefferson. Together, they explore the complexities of Jefferson's character, from his role as a champion of liberty to the contradictions of his slaveholding past. And lastly, he speaks with historian Jamar Tisby, who passionately argues that Christians have a moral obligation to tell the truth about America’s past. Tisby highlights the dangers of historical myths and the need for a truthful reckoning with our history, particularly regarding slavery and civil rights.
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In this thought-provoking episode, we engage with Simon Moya-Smith, an Oglala Lakota and Chicano journalist, and Julie Francella, a mental health professional with deep ties to Indigenous communities. Together, they explore the complexities of America's 250th anniversary, emphasizing the need for an honest reckoning with history rather than mere celebration. They discuss the importance of recognizing Indigenous perspectives and the often overlooked contributions of Native nations to the founding of America. Tune in for a powerful conversation that challenges traditional narratives and advocates for a more inclusive understanding of patriotism.
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John's monologue is a mixed bag of topics today. He discusses the recent lawsuit filed by former CIA Director John Brennan, emphasizing the political implications behind the investigation into his actions. Then, he delves into Trump's corruption, particularly his financial dealings in the cryptocurrency space. Next, he critiques the way these issues are used as political tools to distract from more pressing economic concerns. He argues that the focus on transgender rights and immigration serves to rally voters around fear rather than addressing the real challenges facing the American public. He speaks about the recent Supreme Court decisions, dissecting the implications for various communities and the broader impact of these rulings on American society. And, he jokes about the Great American State Fair, a metaphor for the current state of the nation. He is joined by his usual Wednesday night line-up: political commentator Bob Cesca, The God Squad with Dylan Nabor Cruz and Desimber Rose, and legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson.
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This time, John talks about the Supreme Court officially concluding its October 2025 term with a wave of major rulings on birthright citizenship, executive power, transgender athletes, and campaign finance. They spiked the rights of transgender youth and they barely preserved birthright citizenship. Then, he interviews Josh Fox who's best known as the Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning writer/director of GasLand. He is also internationally recognized as a spokesperson and leader on the issue of and climate change. They discuss his latest documentary THE WELCOME TABLE which is out now on HBO. Next, John speaks with Ida Susser. She has conducted ethnographic research in the U.S., Southern Africa and Puerto Rico, France and Spain with respect to urban social movements and the urban commons, gender, the global AIDS epidemic and environmental movements. They talk about her upcoming book, THE YELLOW VESTS AND THE BATTLE FOR DEMOCRACY, in which Susser offers the first in-depth examination of a movement that defies easy classification and challenges us to reimagine politics. Then lastly, comedian Keith Price returns to joke with John and listeners on pop culture and the ever imploding world of Trump.
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John discusses the Supreme Court ruling the White House has extraordinary leeway in the hiring and firing of agency staff across the executive branch, thoroughly weakening independent oversight. Interestingly, the one HR case the Supreme Court ruled against Trump was the dismissal of Lisa Cook at the Federal Reserve. SCOTUS also rejected Trump’s appeal of the E. Jean Carroll verdict and payout, and ruled that Mississippi’s law demanding a grace period for mail-in ballots is good and upheld. Next, Professor Corey Brettschneider returns to explain the legal factoids of the SCOTUS rulings. And last but not least - comedian Rhonda Hansome joins the fun and speaks with listeners about the SCOTUS rulings, the unfair State fair, and the petulance of The Donald.
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