The John Fugelsang Podcast

John runs down his top picks for the biggest dick of the past week. First, a US Appeals Court ruled the majority of Donald Trump’s tariffs are in fact illegal and have no standing, but it held off on enforcing any tariff repeals under the assumption the Supreme Court will soon be asked for a ruling. Second, Secretary of Defense Pete Kegsbreath ordered that all D.C. National Guard troops be armed. Third, D.C. Attorney Jeanine Pirro decided that people carrying weapons in D.C. won't face felony gun charges anymore. Fourth, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Steven Miller saying the crackdown in D.C. was to protect black residents. and fifth, Snoop Dogg saying he was uncomfortable with a cartoon lesbian couple in the new Disney movie "Lightyear". Then, John welcomes back democratic strategist Max Burns to talk about his new piece for The Hill - "Trump’s Agitprop Banners Reveal His Authoritarian Ambition". Then winding it up, he chats with TV's Frank Conniff about current topics and all things Trumpian related.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John interviews author Bridget Lyons, Matt Gertz from Media Matters, and the legendary icon - Willie Nelson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John interviews Dr. Anu Kumar, author Paul Slansky, journalist Asne Seierstad, and the President of the Laborers’ International Union of North America - Brent Booker.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John's monologue focuses on hundreds of employees at the CDC staging a walk-out in protest of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The protest comes the morning after Kennedy fired the director of the CDC, reportedly over Covid vaccine policy changes Kennedy demanded. The firing in turn sparked four other high profile resignations from the massively important public health monitor. Then, he talks with democratic strategist Ameshia Cross about current news and Trump's evil doings. Then lastly, John welcomes back Simon Moya-Smith and Julie Francella for their indigenous segment We're Still Here. They discuss the mass shooting at the Catholic school in Minneapolis and the Choctaw vampire hunters from the movie "Sinners".See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John talks about the latest mass shooting. Two children were killed, 8 and 10 years old, and 17 others were hurt when a gunman opened fire on a Minneapolis catholic school. Before the rampage began, the shooter posted a manifesto to YouTube espousing solidarity and admiration for previous massacres and far-right ideologues. Then, he speaks with podcast star Bob Cesca about Trump's socialistic move purchasing 10% of Intel and Trump's executive order making flag burning illegal. And finally, Desimber Rose and Dillon Naber Cruz return for another installment of The God Squad and they talk about the Minneapolis catholic school shooting.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John's monologue discusses the unity of the right and left over the hatred of the new Cracker Barrel logo. He also talks about Trump issuing an executive order making it a crime to burn the flag and J.D. Vance gaslighting for Putin on Meet the Press. Next, Professor Corey Brettschneider is back and they discuss the laws about flag burning. They also examine California’s redistricting plan, which—despite controversy—may be one of the few defenses of democracy left in today’s political landscape. Then, John speaks with author David Daley about his new book, Unrigged: How Americans Are Battling Back to Save Democracy, which chronicles the victories and defeats in state efforts to reform elections and uphold voting rights. Then rounding it out - Comedy Daddy Keith Price joins John and the crew to talk with listeners about trending topics and the latest malice from Trump and company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John has a few topics to cover - Trump saying he is firing FED Chair Lisa Cook; his new executive order proclaiming flag burning illegal; and the recapture of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. He also discusses the plethora of signs that Trump is sliding downward in his health. Then, he interviews Dr. Nolan Higdon. He is the author of The Anatomy of Fake News: A Critical News Literacy Education. His most recent publications include - Let’s Agree to Disagree: A Critical Thinking Guide to Communication, Conflict Management, and Critical Media Literacy with Mickey Huff and The Podcaster's Dilemma: Decolonizing Podcasters in the Era of Surveillance Capitalism. Higdon is a founding member of the Critical Media Literacy Conference of the Americas. Next, he jokes with comedian Rhonda Hansome and they talk to listeners about Trump's latest mishigas. And then closing it up - John welcomes back Kevin McDonald of Kids in the Hall. They promote his new hilarious, autobiographical rock opera titled Kevin McDonald Superstar. It recounts some of the most outrageous and shameful stories from his life, set to music. (Performing tonight and tomorrow in Philly at PhilaMOCA).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today - John's monologue is a mixed bag: First he talks about Ghislaine Maxwell - flipping the script on Elon and saying Trump never did anything wrong. Second, he discusses the FBI raiding John Bolton's home, and third, he talks about Trump’s plan to take over policing other cities. Then, political strategist Max Burns chats with him on John Bolton, Trump’s attempt to distract everyone from the Epstein files, and Trump & Putin’s big meeting. And finally, John welcomes back comedian Frank Conniff AKA TV's Frank and they joke about the past of John Bolton, the death of James Dobson, and the sarcastic wit of Gavin Newsom.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John speaks with Julie Francella - a mental health professional with over 30 years experience in handling complex trauma with Indigenous youth and families. She's a member of the Ojibway of Batchewana First Nation Reserve, and teaches Indigenous Studies at Durham College, focusing on the impacts of colonization on First Nations people; and Simon Moya-Smith - an Oglala Lakota and Chicano journalist. He’s a contributing writer at NBC News and TheNation.com. He’s the author of the forthcoming book, ‘Your Spirit Animal is a Jackass,’ and he's an Adjunct Professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Colorado Denver. This week they discuss Trump expanding 'woke' criticism from the Smithsonian to other museums including the Museum of the American Indian and Tennessee Universities that are no longer allowed to host Native American themed events. They dive into the breaking news of Alligator Alcatraz being shut down by the Miccosukee Nation; unpack the history of where the idea of three meals a day really came from; and took some powerful calls from listeners who brought their own insights to the conversation.Simon Moya-Smith - instagram.com/simonsaidtakeapic threads.com/@simonsaidtakeapicJulie’s Substack “The Fire I Keep” https://substack.com/@juliefrancella?r=1u83jb&utm_medium=iosCheck out Julie's artwork on her website - juliefrancella.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time John discusses Gavin Newsome's plans for California's upcoming new big beautiful redistricting maps. He also talks about the death of James Dobson - who founded the conservative Christian ministry Focus on the Family and was a politically influential campaigner against abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. Then, he interviews VA Speaker Don Scott on Virginia MOMnibus: Landmark Maternal Health Legislation; the current status of Virginia’s elections; and the Virginia GOP being in disarray. And then finally, John jokes with comedians Seena Ghaznavi and Travis Irvine on the Trump/Putin summit and how the US, Israel, and other countries are engaging with Iran. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John discusses Texas Republicans finally passing their gerrymandered congressional map which was requested by Trump. He also talks about 750 HHS employees and former employees sending a letter to RFK Jr. asking him to stop spreading misinformation about the CDC and vaccines after the recent shooting at the CDC saying that he is putting people in danger. Then, he jokes with Journalist Brian Karem on the Epstein files, the meeting with Trump & Putin, and Trump’s cognitive decline. Next, John welcomes the God Squad with Desimber Rose and Dillon Cruz on Christian nationalism, the push for ten commandments in classrooms, and Trump saying he wants to go to heaven. And finally, he chats with legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson on Texas Democrats tearing ‘permission slips’ imposed by Republican house speaker, Obama supporting Gavin Newsom, and federal agents firing at a vehicle during immigration stops.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John's monologue dives into Trump attacking the Smithsonian saying there’s too much focus on ‘how bad slavery was’. He also discusses Trump's assault on schooling which has created an opening for the right-wing pseudo-academic organization PragerU to try and fill the void with its brand of conservative content. So far 10 states have approved PragerU propaganda education in elementary schools. Then, he speaks with Professor Corey Brettschneider on proposing an executive order to restrict mail in ballots and a lawsuit challenging a particular confederate monument. Next, John interviews Voting Rights Advocate Jasmine Burney-Clark on mail-in ballots, voting machines, and the push forward on gerrymandered TX maps. Then finally, he chats with comedian Keith Price AKA Comedy Daddy on the Supreme Court decision to rescind the protections for over 500K refugees.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John's monologue is about Trump's big peace meeting at the White House with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders. Then, he speaks with columnist Wajahat Ali on the Ukraine peace meeting and California Governor Gavin Newsom fighting back against Texas redistricting. And then finally, John welcomes back comedian Rhonda Hansome to joke with listeners about current news and trending topics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John discusses Trump's meeting with Putin in Alaska. Then, he chats with democratic strategist Max Burns on Trump’s DC takeover and the Texas gerrymandering war which has exploded due to Gavin Newsome's clever handywork.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John talks with Simon Moya-Smith & Julie Francella on Native Americans suing San Antonio to protect sacred birds in a river and other issues impacting the Indigenous community.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John's monologue this time is on California Governor Gavin Newsom fighting back against Texas' redistricting votes and former clerk for Rowan County, Kentucky - Kim Davis wanting the Supreme Court to join her crusade against same-sex marriage. Then, he interviews Dr. Mara Einstein on how realizing that cults and MLM‘s work in the same way - helps people understand how Trump works, and what’s going on in our country right now. And finally, John jokes with comedians Tara Devlin and Tara Dublin from “The Tara Show” podcast on Trump’s lies, Gavin Newsom taking a stand, and the big summit with Trump and Putin in Alaska.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Talks about Trump exerting control over the Kennedy Center Honors and vetoing prospective ‘wokester’ honorees. He also talks about Trump's big D.C. makeover and takeover with National guard troops guarding absolutely nothing, and the White House conducting a comprehensive internal review of exhibits and materials at the Smithsonian Institution in an effort to comply with Trump’s directive about what should and shouldn’t be displayed. Then, he jokes with podcast star Bob Cesca about the DC takeover, the nominee to take over BLS, and Donald targeting the Smithsonian. Next, the God Squad is back - this time featuring Keith Giles and Dillion Cruz. They discuss the Viral CNN Segment that highlights disturbing Christian movements. And finally, John chats with legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson and they answer listener questions about Trump and his legal woes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John talks about the National Guard taking the streets in Washington D.C. after Trump's crime crackdown ramps up. He also discusses the White House playing up the pomp and spectacle of Trump meeting with Putin in Alaska while simultaneously playing down the chance for any real progress toward peace in the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will NOT be at the meeting but DID tell reporters in Kyiv in no uncertain terms his country will not cede land to Russia just so they have a staging area for their next invasion. Then, he speaks with Professor Corey Brettschneider about Trump’s recent authoritarian tactics which are shifting from a “soft coup” to a “hard coup,” with hallmarks of a violent takeover: using the military to control local police, deploying the FBI for political ends, and undermining judicial independence. Next, he once again interviews Siri Dahl  who's an award-winning adult film performer as well as a writer, social media personality, and sex workers rights activist. They talk about this year’s CORN TELETHON which promises a cheeky stream hosted by adult film performer, content creator and activist Siri Dahl and a rotating gang of comedians, musicians, writers, and mischief-makers. Think Jerry Lewis telethon meets USA's Up All Night. And finally, Comedian Keith Price returns to laugh with John and listeners about the latest news.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John's monologue focuses on Trump declaring a “Crime Emergency” in the District of Columbia and ordering the mobilization of National Guard soldiers to take over the policing of the nation’s capital. He also talks about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth who says he’s proud to be part of the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches, an archconservative network of Christian congregations. Hegseth recently made headlines when he shared a CNN video on social media about CREC, showing its pastors arguing women should not have the right to vote. He then interviews Deborah Mucarsel-Powell who is an American politician and former academic administrator who served as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 26th congressional district from 2019 to 2021. Mucarsel-Powell was the first Ecuadorian-American and first South American-born immigrant to serve as a member of congress. In 2024 she went up against Rick Scott to represent Florida in the Senate. They discuss the D.C. Takeovers, AI videos, and all the other myriad ways the Trump administration is trying to shift attention and concern away from the Epstein Files. And winding it up, John chats with comedian Rhonda Hansome and listeners about trending topics and current politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John talks about Trump's horrific economic skills including his pathetic DOGE cost saving cuts, the gutting of migrant service and farm workers, and his knee jerk tariff maneuvers. Then, he interviews Councilwoman Phylicia Porter who is a public health advocate focused on building healthy communities in Baltimore City and South Baltimore. As a longtime and active resident of Baltimore City's 10th District, Phylicia approaches community advocacy with an independent voice of sincere leadership, honesty, and integrity. Phylicia prides herself on believing there is nothing more rewarding than empowering individuals and communities to use their political voices for change. Next, John welcomes back democratic political strategist Max Burns and they chat about his new opinion piece in The Hill called "It’s Pritzker’s Party: Hell Yes, He’s Messing with Texas, and He’s Not Sorry". And then finally, John jokes with TV's Frank Conniff and they take calls from listeners about the latest news and pop culture.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.