The John Fugelsang Podcast

In this thought-provoking episode, John welcomes back Simon Moya Smith, an Oglala Lakota and Chicano journalist, and Julie Francella, an enrolled member of the Ojibway of Batchewana First Nation Reserve and a seasoned mental health educator. Together, they tackle the complexities of Indigenous Peoples Day versus Columbus Day, discussing the historical inaccuracies surrounding Columbus and the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities. Listen in as they explore the narratives that shape our understanding of history and the importance of teaching an authentic account of Indigenous experiences.
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In this episode, John celebrates the 86th birthday of John Lennon and the Academy Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro, who joins the show for an insightful conversation. As they discuss the re-release of del Toro's iconic film, "Pan's Labyrinth," in a stunning 4K and 3D format, John reflects on the film's enduring relevance, especially in today's political climate. Del Toro shares his creative process and the challenges he faced while making the film, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in confronting the darkness of authoritarianism.
John also dives into the pressing issues of the day, including the troubling trend of public executions and the implications of turning justice into entertainment. He critiques the idea of live-streaming executions as a spectacle, questioning the morality behind such actions and the potential consequences for society.
John also welcomes back political commentator Bob Cesca to discuss the upcoming midterms, the state of the Republican Party, and the impact of recent events on American democracy. They take calls from listeners, exploring the complex relationship between politics and morality in today's world.
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John discusses the alarming statistics on rising water costs and the bravery of Democratic candidate Bernadette Greene Placentia, who continues her campaign despite facing violence. He also discusses the fallout from the Trump administration, touching on the latest scandals and the Republican Party's struggles as the midterms approach.
Next, he welcomes back legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson and they take calls from listeners on Trump's latest scandals and legal troubles.
Then, John sits down with bestselling author Brad Meltzer to discuss his new book, "Ordinary People Change The World: We Are The Wright Brothers," which serves as a powerful reminder that failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone to success.
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John talks about the 3rd anniversary of the Hamas-led attacks on Israel. He addresses the evolving dynamics within the Democratic Party regarding Israel and Palestine. He explores how younger voters are reshaping the conversation, moving away from traditional narratives and demanding a more nuanced understanding of the conflict. As tensions rise, John emphasizes the moral imperative for Democrats to reconcile their support for both Israel's right to exist peacefully and the Palestinian quest for sovereignty.
Then, John welcomes Kelly Dietrich, founder of the National Democratic Training Committee, to discuss the upcoming midterms and the shifting political landscape. They explore the growing enthusiasm among Democratic voters, the importance of grassroots organizing, and the potential for a blue wave as candidates across the country mobilize to challenge the MAGA agenda.
Next, he is joined by the Adam Mockler and they explore the shifting priorities of the Democratic Party and how younger generations are reshaping political discourse. Adam shares his unique perspective as a voice for the millennial and Gen Z demographics, highlighting the importance of authenticity and progressive values in political campaigns.
John also speaks with Pastor Desimber Rose and Dillon Naber Cruz from the God Squad about the implications of recent events surrounding immigration policy, the death penalty, and the moral responsibilities of Christians in today's political climate. They tackle the hypocrisy of so-called Christian values in the face of systemic injustice and the importance of compassion and humanity.
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In this episode, John discusses the controversial legacy of televangelist Jim Baker following his recent passing. He reflects on Baker's journey from a prominent figure in the Christian right to a purveyor of apocalyptic survival food, exposing the contradictions and moral failings that have plagued the religious right for decades. John discusses how Baker's brand of Christianity contributed to the rise of a toxic political culture that continues to influence American politics today.
Then, joining John is Sam Brodey from the Boston Globe, who shares insights on the unprecedented role of artificial intelligence in the upcoming elections. They discuss how AI is reshaping political campaigns, voter outreach, and the potential dangers of misinformation as deepfakes become more prevalent. Brody emphasizes the importance of media literacy in a world where distinguishing fact from fiction is increasingly challenging.
Later, John welcomes back Atima Omara, who discusses her book "The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (And What We Can Learn from Them)," highlighting the crucial roles that Black women have played in shaping American democracy. Omara reflects on the systemic challenges they face and how their activism continues to inspire hope and change in today's political landscape.
Finally, John jokes with comedians Keith Price and Carole Montgomery about current events, the absurdity of political rhetoric, and the importance of laughter in the face of adversity.
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