The John Fugelsang Podcast

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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John celebrates the Democrats’ historic midterm gains, talks with commentator Bob Cesca about election surprises, and chats with the Reverend Barry Lynn on the growing influence of faith-driven candidates.
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John celebrates another stunning post-midterm shift, from Democrat Chuck Hubbard’s razor-thin win over Virginia Foxx in North Carolina to the possibility of a Democratic senator from Mississippi. He takes aim at J.D. Vance’s attempt to blame the Iran war for Republican losses after publicly defending it, arguing that the vice president wants credit for seeing the consequences without owning his role in them. Then, legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson joins John to explain what voters can realistically expect from a Democratic Congress: investigations, hearings, and a public record—not criminal prosecutions—and why accountability must come with clear expectations. They also discuss the economic issues behind the election results, the need to protect health care, and the reforms listeners hope Democrats will pursue. Finally, Kendall Scudder, chair of the Texas Democratic Party, explains how grassroots organizing, local candidates, and a coordinated statewide campaign helped Democrats make historic gains in Texas—and what the party should do next on corruption, property taxes, and public schools.
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John celebrates a historic election night, as voters hand Democrats control of both chambers of Congress and elect a slate of barrier-breaking leaders—including the first Latina governor of Texas, the first Indigenous woman governor, the first Black woman governor, and the first openly gay man to serve in the U.S. Senate. He marvels at Democratic wins in states long considered out of reach, from Kansas and Iowa to Texas and South Carolina, and argues that voters rejected Trump’s chaos, corruption, and culture-war distractions in favor of affordability, health care, and a government that works. Then, Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, joins John to discuss how anti-trans attacks failed to move voters, why candidates can defend LGBTQ+ rights without sacrificing their values, and what the new Congress should prioritize. Next, civil rights attorney Areva Martin talks about the threats facing people with disabilities, the stakes of protecting health care, and her work expanding employment opportunities for neurodivergent people. Then, surprise guest Governor Andy Beshear reflects on Democrats’ gains, the economic pressures that moved voters, and why the party must deliver tangible results for working families. And finally, former pastor Desimber Rose and tattoo theologian Dillon Nabor Cruz ( AKA The God Squad) join John to celebrate the election’s historic firsts, debate accountability and impeachment, and hear from listeners about forgiveness, faith, and the fight for a more inclusive country.
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On Election Day, John urges listeners to vote for the people who didn’t make it this far—and honors everyone who has kept their humanity, hope, and commitment to fighting for the least of us. He takes aim at Trump’s election-season distractions, from White House vanity projects and transphobic scare stories to billionaire-fueled anti-communist rhetoric, arguing that none of it pays the rent or lowers gas prices. Then, John Nichols, national affairs correspondent for The Nation, joins John live from Madison, Wisconsin, on his way to vote. They discuss the state’s governor and House races, the strength of Democratic candidates across the country, and the possibility of a wave built on economic populism and reaching voters often overlooked. Nichols also reflects on Abdul El-Sayed’s coalition-building in Michigan, his interview with Representative Ilhan Omar, and Bernie Sanders’ campaign to both defeat Trumpism and give the Democratic Party a stronger working-class agenda. Next, Democratic strategist Max Burns joins John to discuss the shifting midterm map, gerrymandered districts turning competitive, candidate quality, and what Democrats will need to deliver if they win Congress. L. Joy Williams weighs in on turnout, voter engagement, and why campaigns must give people something to vote for—not just something to vote against. Finally, comedians Rhonda Hansome and Keith Price join the show to turn election-day anxiety into laughter, talk representation and accountability, and hear from callers about voting, reparations, campaign finance, and the fight against political cynicism.
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