The John Fugelsang Podcast

Here's part 3 of John's Thanksgiving specials. He chats with theologian Dillon Naber Cruz and former pastor Desimber Rose (AKA The God Squad) about the right wing demolition of Christianity and the un-Christian like behavior of Trump.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In part 2 of our Thanksgiving line up, John speaks with legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson about the legal aspects of Donald Trump's latest hair brained decisions and other current legal news. He also interviews Professor Julia Minson on her upcoming book "How to Disagree Better".See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this Thanksgiving special, Julie and Simon sit down with John for a conversation that moves beyond the holiday myth and into the truth of what this week really means for Indigenous people. Together, they talk about how the familiar Thanksgiving story leaves out the harder history that followed: the theft of land, the slaughter of the buffalo, the broken treaties, and the federal and church-run boarding schools that took Native children to erase their languages, families, and cultures. They dig into the Land Back movement—what it actually means, why it matters, and how returning stewardship to Indigenous nations is already healing ecosystems and strengthening communities.And because it’s Thanksgiving, they reflect on gratitude from an Indigenous perspective: not as a single holiday but as a daily practice rooted in reciprocity, responsibility, and relationship with the land.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 many ways Trump is raking in big cash despite the Emoluments Clauses which are two provisions in the Constitution designed to prevent corruption by federal officials from foreign and domestic sources. Then, he welcomes back Rev. Barry Lynn to discuss the intersection of religion and current politics. And then, on the eve of Thanksgiving, John speaks with Jenique Jones who is WhyHunger’s Executive Director. She makes sure its policies, culture and practices best fulfill WhyHunger’s mission to end hunger and ensure everyone’s basic human right to nutritious food. With a diverse background working in government and nonprofits, spanning the New York State Senate, the NYC Department of Education, and City Harvest, Jenique has been steadfast in her mission to improve the lives of marginalized and underserved populations and make a difference in the world.About WhyHunger’s Hungerthon:2025 marks WhyHunger’s 40th Hungerthon. Each year, we bring together thousands of supporters across the U.S. with listeners at SiriusXM and artists like Bruce Springsteen, Yoko Ono Lennon and SAINt JHN who believe in our shared vision of a hunger-free future!Hunger in America is surging. 47 million people – including 14 million children – don't get enough to eat. That’s a staggering number in the world’s wealthiest nation, and this crisis isn’t slowing down.With devastating recent federal cuts threatening to strip food assistance from 22.3 million families, and 42 million SNAP recipients reeling from the Government shutdown, support for WhyHunger’s Hungerthon has never been more critical.A Hungerthon donation has a powerful dual impact—delivering immediate nourishment to those in need and powering community solutions that work, long-term. A hunger-free tomorrow starts with all of us, today.Listeners can take action at siriusxm.com/hungerthon:Make a donation to help end hunger and its root causes. Bid on our exclusive celebrity auction items from SiriusXM like meeting Carrie Underwood, being a guest DJ, watching the Jets vs. Patriots from a VIP suite, winning Phish concert tickets, and more.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 a federal judge dismissing cases against James Comey and Letitia James without prejudice. A troubling legal blow to all-star prosecutor Lindsey Halligan. Then, he speaks with Professor Corey Brettschneider about the Pentagon opening an investigation into Sen. Mark Kelly for his part in a video reminding soldiers of their sworn duties. Kelly could potentially be recalled into service for a court-martial. They also talk about Trump disbanding DOGE. Then winding it up, John welcomes back Rhonda Hansome to chat with listeners on pop culture and news of the day.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 praising N.Y. Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani following their Oval Office meeting, telling reporters he and the mayor-elect agree on more than they expected. Also, ahead of the Trump/Mamdani meeting the House voted to approve a resolution condemning “socialism,” passing with 86 Democrats in support, including Hakeem Jeffries. Plus, lines of division are forming after a Trump-Putin presented a peace plan for ending the Ukraine-Russia War, with European allies siding with a very defiant and angry Ukraine and Trump taking a very “final offer” stance. TV's Frank Conniff returns to joke with John and the Evil Army of the Night.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Simon Moya-Smith and Julie Francella this week chat with John about reparations for indigenous people. Also, Simon talks about traditional native foods and Julie relates her meeting with actress and Academy Award nominee for Killers of the Flower Moon - Lily Gladstone. Plus they take calls from listeners and answer questions about native lore.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John discusses talk about the outrage after Congressional Democrats released a video urging members of the administration and the armed forces to refuse any illegal orders from the White House, and of course, Trump called their actions “seditious” and worthy of arrest and death. Then, he interviews Carl O. Sherman who represented the 109th district in the Texas Statehouse, serving Cedar Hill, De Soto, Lancaster and other communities in greater Dallas. A man of strong religious faith, Sherman presently serves in the role of Senior Pastor in the Church of Christ. He was elected in November 2018 to serve as a Member of the Texas House of Representatives. He joins John to talk about his year of recovery from heart surgery, his new book and the state of Texas politics. Then, John welcomes back Richard Chew who has been a part of the WCPT family since 2017, becoming WCPT’s morning host in early 2024. Born and raised in Chicago and southwest Michigan, Richard is a 25-plus-year wealth management and insurance veteran, Richard is well-versed in all areas of financial planning, wealth management and insurance plans designed to help clients with their financial future. Richard’s primary goal is to help consumers assess what their needs are and find the right plans and programs to protect their wealth.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, John discusses Trump meeting with Saudi crown prince MBS at the White House and defending him over journalist Jamal Khashoggi's horrific dismemberment. He also talks about federal prosecutors telling the judge in the Comey case that the grand jury was NOT shown the final indictment - which leaves the case hanging by a thread. Then, podcast star extraordinaire Bob Cesca returns to joke with John about the Epstein files and of course Trek Politics. Next, It's the God Squad - Dillon Naber Cruz and Desimber Rose discusses fake Christians and real dirtbags involved in the Trump Administration. Then closing it up, legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson gives witty and logical legal advice to listeners with MAGA brain drain and Trumpaphobia.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 Rep. Clay Higgins who was the only Republican to vote against the release of the Epstein files in the House. The Senate side-stepped having their names and votes on record by putting the bill through to the White House via Unanimous Consent. He also discusses Trump's blatant, misogynistic comments - telling one female reporter "Quiet Piggy!" aboard Air Force One when she asked about the Epstein files. Also, in another heated exchange in the Oval Office - ABC News Mary Bruce also asked about the files and he told her "You know, it's not the question that I mind. It's your attitude. I think you are a terrible reporter." Then, John welcomes back Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman to talk about all the latest happening in congress and how the GOP is turning against Trump. Next, he jokes with his old pal Greg Proops from the show Whose Line is it Anyway? They promote his upcoming stage show Whose Live Anyway? Then lastly, Comedy Daddy Keith Price returns to chat about Trump and the mystery "Bubba" in the mix.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 reversing course AGAIN and saying he doesn't care if they release the Epstein files. He also talks about Sen Ted Cruz announcing he will run for president again. Then, he speaks with Professor Corey Brettschneider about Trump flip flopping over the Epstein files and the special treatment of Ghislaine Maxwell in her sweetheart prison deal. Next, John jokes with comedian Rhonda Hansome and they take calls from listeners on all the latest news. And finally, he interviews the writers and creators of the new PBS NATURE documentary called "Pigeon Hustle".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 Donald Trump facing major backlash from his his minions - unleashing his anger at Indiana Senate Republicans for not backing his GOP redistricting effort. Also promising FBI and DOJ investigations into prominent Democrats and business leaders tied to Jeffrey Epstein, including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and JP Morgan Chase. AG Pam Bondi assigned the task to US Attorney Jay Clayton in a matter of hours. Plus, The Wall Street Journal examined 2,400 email threads from the Epstein estate, finding Donald Trump mentions repeatedly, in more than 1,600 threads. Then, he welcomes back author and historian Kenneth C. Davis to talk about his new book "The World in Books – A Year of Reading Wisely". Then, John kids around with TV's Frank Conniff (of MST3K) and they talk pop culture and politics with the Evil Army of the Night. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Simon and Julie joined John to talk about Native American Heritage Month — a month that exists because Indigenous leaders spent more than a century fighting for recognition. From Dr. Arthur C. Parker (Seneca) in the early 1900s to Red Fox James (Blackfeet) riding state to state in 1915, the movement grew until Congress and President George H. W. Bush made November the first official Heritage Month in 1990. Every president upheld it… until Trump, who called it “radical and wasteful”.They talk about what this month means, what allies should and shouldn’t do, and why leaders like California Governor Gavin Newsom are urging the country to embrace Indigenous values as a way forward. They also take calls from listeners.Simon Moya-Smith is 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 is an Adjunct Professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Colorado Denver.Bluesky: @SimonMoyaSmith.bsky.socialJulie Francella is a mental health professional with over 30 years of experience in handling complex trauma with Indigenous youth and families. She is an enrolled 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.Bluesky: @JulieFrancella.bsky.socialSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John discusses the many revelations buried in the 20,000 pages of email and text messages from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate. Among the most notable were Epstein’s apparent role as advisor and confidant to Trump officials and Russian state officials, simultaneously. Then, he interviews political analyst, pundit, and writer - Lincoln Mitchell. Dr. Mitchell works on democracy and governance-related issues in the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. He also works with businesses and NGOs globally, particularly in the former Soviet Union. In addition, he worked for years as a political consultant advising and managing domestic political campaigns.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Max Burn guest hosts for John while he is in D.C. for his book tour. Max talks about the House passing a bill to re-open the government and end the longest shutdown in the nation’s history. Prior to the vote, the people of Arizona finally saw their will be done as Speaker Johnson swore Rep. Adelita Grijalva into Congress. Plus - House Dems releasing another trove of emails from the Epstein Estate, many of them from the years just prior to Epstein’s death, revealing an ongoing link with the first Trump administration, Trump allies, foreign governments, and financial elites. Max then talks news and politics with André Carson who's serving as the U.S. representative for Indiana's 7th congressional district. Next, he speaks with Yuh-Line Niou who served as a member of the New York State Assembly for the 65th district. She gives insight into the shifting political sands in the nation’s largest city, following Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral election victory. And finally, Max jokes with award-winning investigative reporter Brian J. Karem and they talk about the Epstein files and his latest book "Free the Press: The Death of American Journalism and How to Revive It".See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John discusses the many ways Trump has disrespected veterans and the military while saluting and smiling at them. He also talks about fake Christian/ county clerk Kim Davis losing at the Supreme Court in her bid to overturn same-sex marriage. Then, he speaks with award-winning author Diana Butler Bass, Ph.D about her new book "A Beautiful Year: 52 Meditations on Faith, Wisdom, and Perseverance". Next, John interviews Emmy Award–winning music journalist Alan Light about his new book "Don’t Stop: Why We (Still) Love Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours". And then rounding it out, he welcomes back Comedy Daddy - Keith Price to joke with listeners on the latest news and 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 Minority leader Chuck Schumer and the eight Senate Democrats who signed onto a Republican offer to end the federal shutdown. The bill now must pass through the House, which is scrambling to return to D.C. The deal includes guarantees of back pay to federal workers, a promise of longer-term funding for certain programs and the promise of a vote to possibly extend ACA subsidies. Then, he welcomes back Professor Corey Brettschneider to discuss the details on the shutdown, SCOTUS hearing the Tariffs case, and the Supreme Court saying it WON'T hear an appeal to the Obergefell decision that legalized gay marriage. Then winding it up John jokes with comedian Rhonda Hansome and listeners about current politics 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.

Tara Dublin again guest hosts for John. She talks about Congress remaining locked in shutdown hell after Republicans in the Senate rejected Democrats’ offers. Also, the Trump administration followed a court order and fully funded SNAP benefits to dozens of states but has not given up its legal fight to deny those funds moving forward. Then, she chats with Malcolm W. Nance about the shutdown and other carnage from Trump and his MAGAts. And, she interviews Oregon Rep. Suzanne Bonamici about the situation in Portland.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 David Gelles about his new book "Dirtbag Billionaire: How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave It All Away". He speaks with Sharon Eubank about her new book "Doing Small Things with Great Love: How Everyday Humanitarians Are Changing the World". And he jokes with legendary musician Garry Tallent and his photographer fiancée Nicki Germaine. They discuss the early days of Springsteen and the E-Street Band. They also talked about Nicki's book "Springsteen: Liberty Hall".See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tara Dublin guest hosts for John. She talks about a federal judge ordering the Trump White House to pay the FULL amount of SNAP benefits owed to states, not the half-measure weakly agreed to after last week’s ruling. She also talks about a Washington D.C. jury returning a NOT GUILTY verdict for the man who hucked his Subway footlong at federal officers terrorizing his city. Then, she interviews Parker Butler and Lauren Kapp. Butler and Kapp now both run Luminary Strategies, a consulting firm providing full-service digital strategy and innovative content creation for their clients. Luminary manages the online presence of highly-influential digital newsrooms and runs social media accounts for some of the most viral and culturally relevant candidates in the political sphere today. Next, Tara jokes with award-winning investigative reporter Brian J. Karem on current news and politics. Then wrapping it up, she speaks with Oregon Democratic Senator Ron Wyden on the election, the shutdown, and the Epstein files.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.