The John Fugelsang Podcast

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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John takes aim at Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens for endorsing Republican Mike Rogers after losing the Democratic Senate primary to Abdul El-Sayed, questioning whether her sudden reversal is about principle or resentment—and inviting listeners to suggest a nickname. Then, Sophia Lin Lakin, director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, joins John to explain how voters can respond to intimidation, registration challenges, and problems at the polls—and why anyone who encounters trouble should call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE. Next, Democratic strategist Amishia Cross and University of Maryland lecturer Dr. Jason Nichols weigh in on the midterm outlook, the candidates energizing voters, and the changing political landscape in the South. Finally, constitutional law professor Corey Brettschneider discusses the Alaska lawsuit, federal interference in elections, the limits of executive power, and what Congress and the courts can do to defend the rule of law.
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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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