The John Fugelsang Podcast

Ever feel like neither political party actually speaks for you anymore? You’re far from alone. Millions of voters are walking away from the bipartisan machine—and the political establishment is scrambling to adapt.
In this episode of The John Fugelsang Podcast, John cuts through Washington's internal chaos to reveal what these massive political shifts mean for your everyday life and your vote.
He’s joined by guest Adam Brandon—political bridge builder, Senior Advisor at the Independent Center, and former leader of FreedomWorks for over a decade. A proud Cleveland native with three master’s degrees and deep expertise in foreign and domestic policy, Adam is passionate about uniting the "politically homeless" to put country over party.
Whether you're fed up with partisan gridlock or trying to make sense of the latest defense shockwaves, this conversation delivers a clear roadmap to where American politics is actually heading next.
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In this episode, John discusses Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll's resignation and the implications of the recent government shutdowns, alongside the devastating flash floods in the Grand Canyon. John also critiques the Trump administration's controversial moves, including the closure of truck driving schools and the mishandling of mail voting, which raises eyebrows about election integrity. Then, he speaks with Susan Rinkunas and Garnet Henderson from Autonomy News. They shed light on the impending threats to abortion rights in the wake of the midterms. They also discuss the legal maneuvers surrounding mifepristone and the potential ramifications of the Comstock Act, emphasizing the urgent need for vigilance in protecting reproductive freedoms. Their insights highlight how the fight for abortion access is intricately tied to larger issues of healthcare and systemic racism. And finally, John welcomes back Leigh McGowan, known as Politics Girl, who shares her thoughts on the current political climate and the importance of grassroots activism. Together, they tackle the challenges of voter suppression and the need for accountability among elected officials, urging listeners to remain engaged and prepared as the midterms approach.
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John discusses the chaos surrounding impending government shutdowns and the recent devastating flash floods at the Grand Canyon. He also critiques the toddler-in-chief's latest antics, including AI-generated memes celebrating military actions in Iran. He explores the irony of corporate profits soaring while workers struggle, and the shady dealings surrounding U.S. oil interests in Venezuela. Then, he speaks with Dr. Jason Nichols who's an is an award winning full-time senior lecturer in the African American Studies Department at the University of Maryland College Park. They explore the war in Iran, which has now entered its sixth month, and the administration's shifting rhetoric from economic warfare to military strikes. John and Jason discuss the fallout of Trump’s controversial decision to expand access to imported lean beef trimmings, a move that has left American cattle farmers furious and raised questions about the true meaning of "America First". Next, John welcomes back the National Affairs correspondent for the Nation - John Nichols. They talk about the remarkable legacy of Dolly Parton, exploring her role not just as a beloved entertainer but as a steadfast union advocate. The conversation highlights Dolly's long-standing commitment to the labor movement, including her nearly six-decade membership in the American Federation of Musicians and SAG-AFTRA. They discuss how her iconic song "9 to 5" resonates as a powerful anthem for workplace equality and the working class, and how Dolly's personal experiences shaped her understanding of union solidarity. They also tackle her nuanced relationship with feminism, her clever responses to political questions, and her impact on the LGBTQ community. And finally, Professor Corey Brettschneider is back to share his legal wisdom. They kick off with a discussion about the controversial remarks made by Texas politicians regarding the need for unity behind Ken Paxton, despite his unpopularity. John reflects on the recent march in D.C. led by Reverend Al, commemorating Dr. King's legacy and advocating for new voter protections, emphasizing the importance of persistent activism in the face of political fatigue. They also dissect a recent court ruling that deemed the Trump administration's targeting of international students for deportation based on their political opinions unconstitutional. Professor Brettschneider explains the implications of this ruling on First and Fifth Amendment rights, and they explore the concept of viewpoint discrimination in the context of free speech.
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Here's a special presentation of John's OTHER podcast - The Oath and the Office.
Trump already lost on birthright citizenship. Now he is testing the limits of constitutional law with two narrower executive orders. John and Professor Corey Brettschneider explain the high-stakes game of chicken underway: can a president just keep pushing after the courts and the Constitution say no?
Plus, they give a rapid-fire breakdown of recent legal chaos:
Vanity Plates: A bizarre but critical free speech fight.
DOJ Takeover: Todd Blanche officially steps in as Attorney General after a bruising confirmation fight over Trump, DOJ independence, and a $1.8 billion slush fund.
The $400 Million Ballroom: A court abruptly blocks Trump’s massive White House construction plan.
Targeting Fauci: Senate Republicans vote to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt.

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John is back and ready to dive into the madness of the current political landscape. He talks about the absurdity of Donald Trump renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America and the implications of such antics on international relations. John shares his recent experiences in Europe, including a poignant family funeral, and reflects on the ridiculousness of Trump's behavior as he continues to play to his base.
As they discuss the fallout from the recent catastrophic flooding in Nepal and the ongoing humanitarian crisis, John emphasizes the importance of supporting vetted organizations that can provide real help. The conversation also touches on the digital divide in education, with insights from Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, who highlights the negative impact of classroom technology on children's learning and attention spans.
Then, he is joined by comedian Myq Kaplan - who has performed on The Tonight Show, Conan, the Late Show with David Letterman and the Late Late Show with James Corden. Twenty years into his comedy career, and nearly a decade into his relationship with Rini Voskressensky, the two collaborated to craft a deeply personal project that is equal parts a comedy special and a thesis on love. In this heartwarming and hilarious project named after his partner, Myq offers advice to his past dumb self while discussing his evolving thoughts on traditional marriage, polyamory, quantum physics, psychedelics, music, God, and more.
Listeners are invited to call in and share their thoughts on everything from the latest political shenanigans to personal anecdotes about their own birthdays and experiences. The episode is a blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and critical discussions about the state of the nation and the world.
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