The John Fugelsang Podcast

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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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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