Joe Sudbay guests hosts while John is on his California cruise trip. Joe discusses Trump's Halloween glitzy Great Gatsby party - flouting lavishness while millions panic over SNAP benefits being constrained. He also talks about the major elections happening in New Jersey, Virginia, California, and New York. Then, he speaks with Jessica Mackler who is the president of EMILYs list. EMILYs List is backing both Democratic governor candidates (Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia), as well as women candidates in every top red-to-blue flip opportunity in Virginia’s House of Delegates races. In the last Southern state without an abortion ban, this year, Virginia’s House will determine if voters can protect reproductive freedom through a constitutional amendment. And then finally, Joe interviews Alejandro Varela. His debut novel, The Town of Babylon was a finalist for the National Book Award. His latest novel, Middle Spoon, was published by Viking on September 9, 2025. His novels and stories take public health topics — from systemic racism to gentrification to sexuality — and make them accessible and memorable. Varela is an editor-at-large of Apogee Journal, and holds a masters degree in public health from the University of Washington.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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1:23:42
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1:23:42
Golden Ballroom, Golden Toilet, Golden Jet, Golden Calf, Golden Showers (BTW...Putin still has those PP tapes)
John talks about Trump's gaudy, pretentious ballroom - where he hopes to someday hold campaign rallies for his 3rd term. He also discusses the massive apathy from Republicans over the masses of people who are going hungry due to Trump withholding SNAP benefits. Then, political strategist Max Burns is back to talk about the upcoming elections, the destruction of the White House, and the non-functioning congress that refuses to even do their jobs. And winding it up, John welcomes back retail analyst Burt Flickinger to discuss how Trump's interruption of SNAP benefits will harm not just individuals - but also our economy in a spiderweb effect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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56:48
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56:48
We're Still Here with Simon and Julie
This week, Simon Moya-Smith and Julie Francella joined John for a spooky-season conversation that blended truth, history, and humor. They talked about Halloween, Día de los Muertos, and how Indigenous traditions honor those who came before us.They also tackled headlines that can’t be ignored:Vice President J.D. Vance’s harmful claim that Indigenous peoples practiced “widespread child sacrifice”, and why that myth has deep colonial roots.The Blackfeet Nation’s buffalo and elk harvests to feed families during the government shutdown: a powerful act of food sovereignty and self-reliance.And the real “scary story” is how rhetoric from leaders continues to erase Indigenous truths while tribal nations keep showing what leadership looks like.Listeners called in with great questions, including Kendall, who got into a heated debate about mascots! Spoiler alert: Viking mascots were mentioned and Simon dropped a few "cabron" and "pendejo" bombs! It was an episode about myth-busting, survival, and remembering that even in spooky season, truth has power.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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39:43
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39:43
When a Bully Meets a Bigger Bully
John discusses the strange meeting with Trump and Chinese Pres. Xi. They announced a compromise on foreign trade that will see lower tariff rates for China, a promise to fight fentanyl and a delay on rules barring Chinese companies from receiving US technology. Then, he speaks with Rev. Barry Lynn about the government shutdown. And finally, John interviews Jessica Denson and Cliff Cash about the big Remove the Regime March in Washington D.C. November 20th - 22nd. https://www.removetheregime.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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1:18:33
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1:18:33
The New Normal of Stochastic Terrorism
John's monologue this time talks about the DOJ placing two federal prosecutors on leave after they wrote in a court filing that on Jan. 6, 2021, “thousands of people comprising a mob of rioters attacked the U.S. Capitol”. The 2 D.C. federal prosecutors, Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White, were locked out of their devices and placed on leave just hours after filing a sentencing memo in the case against Taylor Taranto, a former Jan. 6 defendant who went to President Obama's house after Trump revealed Obama's home address on social media. Then, podcast star is back once again to speak with John about the excuses for the never ending government shutdown and Trump's completely routine MRI. Next, It's the God Squad with theologian Dillon Naber Cruz and Pastor Desimber Rose. John talks with them about the fake cease-fire in Gaza and the fake Christians in the MAGA movement. Then wrapping it up, legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson joins the crew to chat with listeners about the many court rulings hampering Trump's malice.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
USA