The John Fugelsang Podcast

John talks about the bizarre revelation that Donald Trump was whisked away in a catering truck to escape an assassination plot. He critiques the expendability of certain White House staff members left behind during this covert operation. He then shifts gears to discuss the recent midterm primaries, highlighting the ideological and generational divides within the Democratic Party. With a focus on the outcomes from South Carolina, Minnesota, and Connecticut, John examines how candidates like Darline Graham, Peggy Flanagan, and Luke Bronin are reshaping the political landscape.
Then joining John, is Emily Cherniak, founder and executive director of New Politics. They discuss the significance of servant leadership in politics, the importance of candidate preparation, and the lessons learned from recent primary elections. Emily shares insights on how to identify political talent and the challenges that come with uniting the left and center within the Democratic Party. The conversation touches on the crucial need for leaders who prioritize community service over personal ambition, and how this philosophy can lead to more effective governance.
Next, John welcomes back the esteemed Reverend Barry Lynn, a longtime civil liberties lawyer and activist, to the show. They delve into the ongoing civil war within the Democratic Party, examining the tensions between establishment Democrats and the rising influence of Democratic Socialists. They discuss the historical context of the Equal Access Act and how Reverend Lynn's activism transformed a potentially harmful statute into a vehicle for promoting inclusivity in schools. They also reflect on the irony of the religious right leveraging this legislation to establish clubs that ultimately support marginalized groups, such as gay-straight alliances.
Then, John engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Nikki Porcher, a U.S. Air Force veteran and the Democratic nominee for Georgia Labor Commissioner. Nikki shares her inspiring journey from a technical trade high school to military service, and ultimately to advocating for labor rights and economic opportunities for all Georgians. She discusses her nonprofit organization, Buy From Black Women, which has empowered underserved entrepreneurs and generated over $6 million in revenue.
And finally, John brings back the dynamic duo of Dillon Naber Cruz and Pastor December Rose AKA The God Squad, who bring their unique perspectives on progressive Christianity and the alarming rise of authoritarianism within the faith community. They engage in a thought-provoking conversation about the implications of recent political maneuvers, including the push for stricter abortion laws and the relationship between the Trump administration and its evangelical supporters. Dillon's latest Substack piece, "Let's Get Biblically Literal: Abortion Edition," sparks a lively debate about the biblical interpretations used to justify anti-abortion stances.
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John's monologue discusses the absurdity of a recent Washington Post scoop revealing that Trump was smuggled out of Turkey in a catering truck to evade an assassination threat. John breaks down the implications of this bizarre operation, where the President left his press corps and staff as decoys aboard Air Force One. Then, John dives into the controversial executive order signed by Trump regarding childhood vaccinations, which suggests separating the MMR vaccine into individual shots. He emphasizes the lack of scientific backing for this recommendation and the potential risks it poses to children's health. He interviews Dr. Mansi Kotwal, a dedicated pediatrician and board member of Healthcare for Action, who provides expert insights into the implications of this order. Together, they debunk myths surrounding vaccines and autism, clarifying that extensive research has shown no causal link between the two. Next, John welcomes the incomparable Margaret Cho, a Grammy and Emmy-nominated actor, comedian, musician, and activist, back to the show. They kick off the conversation with Margaret's new single, Grippy Sock Vacation, a personal reflection on her time in rehab that showcases her unique ability to blend humor with vulnerability. Margaret shares how her experiences in a mental health facility rejuvenated her creative spirit and solidified her love for comedy, challenging the misconception that recovery stifles artistic expression. The discussion then shifts to the pressures women face regarding body image and societal expectations, with Margaret candidly recounting her own struggles and the absurdity of being told she was "too heavy" to play herself on screen. They explore how the entertainment landscape has evolved, addressing the complexities of body shaming across genders and the political implications of conformity. And finally, John welcomes back comedians Rhonda Handsome and Keith Price. The trio tackles the sheer lunacy of political figures spreading falsehoods about public health, all while reminiscing about the miracle of modern medicine that has kept diseases like polio at bay. They also discusses the recent political landscape in Michigan, spotlighting Dr. Abdul El-Sayed as a promising candidate for the Senate and they analyze how the current climate might be shifting towards more progressive candidates who prioritize working-class issues, emphasizing the importance of addressing the needs of everyday Americans over corporate interests.
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John discusses the controversial confirmation of Todd Blanche as Attorney General, a decision made under the cover of darkness that raises serious questions about the integrity of the Justice Department. He critiques the Republican Senate's choice to support a figure so closely tied to protecting child abusers, including the infamous Jeffrey Epstein. John highlights the absurdity of Senator Bill Cassidy's justifications for his vote, all while the public remains in the dark about critical Epstein files that could reveal the extent of corruption and complicity in the financial sector.
John also discusses the alarming findings from Senator Ron Wyden regarding Epstein's banking relationships, exposing how major banks like JP Morgan and Deutsche Bank facilitated suspicious transactions while ignoring their legal obligations.
Joining John is Kelly Dietrich, founder and CEO of the National Democratic Training Committee, who shares insights on the midterm elections and the importance of Democratic unity. They discuss key primary contests in states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Connecticut, examining the ideological battles within the party and the need for a collective focus on defeating MAGA and promoting progressive values. Kelly stresses the importance of inspiring candidates who resonate with the electorate and the necessity of rejecting divisive narratives within the party.
John then welcomes back the insightful Dr. Jason Nichols, a senior lecturer in African American Studies at the University of Maryland. They talk about the recent confirmation of Todd Blanche as Attorney General, discussing the implications of appointing someone so seemingly unfit for the role and the troubling dynamics within the current administration. Dr. Nichols shares his thoughts on the lack of accountability among political leaders and the consequences of prioritizing loyalty over competence.
The conversation takes a poignant turn as they address the treatment of Haitian immigrants in the U.S., highlighting the stark contrast between political rhetoric and the reality faced by these communities. John and Dr. Nichols explore the moral responsibilities of leadership and the hypocrisy of those who claim to uphold Christian values while turning a blind eye to the plight of vulnerable populations.
Then last but not least, Professor Corey Brettschneider returns to the show. They kick things off by discussing the Supreme Court's recent ruling on birthright citizenship and the implications of President Trump's attempts to redefine it through executive orders. John and Corey explore the historical context of the 14th Amendment and the ongoing challenges posed by the current administration's disregard for constitutional precedents. They also tackle the contentious issue of separation of church and state, particularly in the context of abortion laws and how certain political factions manipulate religious narratives to justify their policies. John emphasizes the importance of understanding the legal foundations behind these arguments, while Corey highlights the inconsistencies within the so-called Christian right's stances.
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In this episode of We're Still Here, John talks with Simon Moya-Smith, an Oglala Lakota and Chicano journalist, and Julie Francella, a mental health professional specializing in Indigenous youth. Together, they explore pressing issues surrounding Indigenous identity, surveillance, and the implications of technology within tribal nations. They also discuss the recent partnership between the Navajo Nation and a private surveillance company, raising questions about privacy, safety, and the historical context of surveillance in Indigenous communities.
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John talks about the latest ruling that halts Trump's plans for a lavish White House ballroom, reminding us that even the most entitled figures must abide by the law. He then shifts gears to analyze the troubling jobs report, revealing that the administration's rosy projections were built on shaky ground, with significant job losses and revisions that raise serious concerns about the truthfulness of the economic narrative being spun by Trump. He challenges the MAGA crowd, asking if their allegiance to a president who openly disregards economic realities is still bringing them joy. The conversation takes a turn as John critiques Trump's rhetoric around communism, pointing out the hypocrisy of a leader who labels others as socialists while simultaneously advocating for government ownership of businesses.
John is then joined by the provocative journalist Brian Karem, renowned for his bestselling book, Free the Press: The Death of American Journalism and How to Revive It. They talk about the troubling dynamics within the Department of Justice, discussing the pervasive fear among federal prosecutors and FBI agents who feel pressured to conform to political whims. Brian sheds light on the alarming implications of Todd Blanche’s actions and the consequences for those who dare to uphold justice in a politically charged environment.
Next is the insightful Allyson Kapin, co-founder of the RAD Campaign and founder of Women Who Tech. Alison shares her expertise on the implications of the poll results, emphasizing that the public's concern transcends party lines. They discuss the challenges posed by big tech companies, whose financial interests often hinder meaningful action against AI abuses. Alison points out the need for accountability and the role of Congress in addressing these pressing issues.
Then lastly, the iconic comedian and writer TV's Frank Conniff is back once again. They discuss the alarming nomination of Todd Blanche as Attorney General, emphasizing the implications of his past and the troubling support he receives from Senate Republicans. Frank shares his insights on the broader political climate, including the incompetence of various officials and the dangerous precedent being set by current legislation. They also touch on the upcoming midterms, the need for accountability, and the importance of a unified Democratic front in the face of rising fascism.
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