The John Fugelsang Podcast

John's monologue focuses on Trump's revenge tour part 3 - this time former National Security Advisor John Bolton has been indicted by the DOJ on charges he allegedly mishandled classified information. He also talks about Republicans amping up the rhetoric on Saturday’s NO KINGS protests scheduled to take place at hundreds of locations nationwide, trying to label the purest, simplest exercise of our democracy as something that is UNAMERICAN. Next, he welcomes back award-winning investigative journalist Bob Hennelly to discuss the impact on federal workers during this government shutdown. Then finally, John interviews  Sen. Graciela Guzman from Illinois on Trump's attempt to deploy the military to Chicago. She discusses how state leaders are responding to the deployment, what oversight is needed, and how communities can prioritize safety over surveillance.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John this time discusses Politico releasing to the public a Young Republican group chat that included racist language, jokes about rape and flippant commentary on gas chambers - which then prompted bipartisan calls for those involved to be removed from or resign their positions. He also talks about Trump, who is once again back at it with extrajudicial killings of brown people he claims are "narcoterrorists". There is no credible factual or legal argument that we're engaged in an armed conflict with any drug cartel under international law... so Trump and Hegseth's excuses don't hold water. Next, he speaks with writer, theologian, and permaculture enthusiast Dillon Naber Cruz on the evils of Christian Nationalism which is at the heart of the rude and racist Young Republican group chat. And lastly, John welcomes back legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson to answer questions from listeners.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's podcast - John discusses Trump's minion, Mike Johnson, refusing to address the issue of declining health care and admitting they are using the government shutdown to gut agencies and blackmail Dems into capitulation. He also talks about Dept. of War Head, Pete Kegsbreath, creating a new Pentagon policy requiring full editorial oversight of coverage regarding the military and national defense. Then, he welcomes back Wajahat Ali - who is a columnist, public speaker, former attorney, and Sr. Fellow at the Western States Center. They discuss the GAZA ceasefire and the government shutdown. Next, John speaks with author and broadcaster Ray Suarez on immigration and his book "We Are Home: Becoming American in the 21st Century". And winding it up, John jokes with Comedy Daddy aka Keith Price and they both talk listeners off the edge with wonderous wit and whimsical wisdom.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 ongoing racist fight to continue honoring Columbus Day instead of Indigenous Day. He also discusses Trump flying to the Middle East for a victory lap tour through Egypt and Israel and to preside over the signing of the Israel-Hamas peace deal. Plus, he jokes about JD Vance's stupidity on the Sunday talk shows and laments the death of legendary actress Diane Keaton. Then, he chats with Professor Corey Brettschneider about Trump weaponizing the DOJ with his vindictive prosecutions and the Supreme Court hearing a case on conversion therapy. And then finally, comedian Rhona Hansome returns to joke with John and listeners about the government shutdown mishigas and the ridiculous excuses to keep Columbus Day a holiday.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 giving Argentina $20 Billion dollars (during the Government shutdown) and giving Qatar a new Air Force base in Idaho. He also talks about Trump posting that Biden put 274 FBI agents into the crowd on January 6th 2021- even though he was president at the time. Next, he welcomes back historian Kenneth C. Davis to talk about the right to free speech and the horror of GOP book burning that is happening now in our country. And last but not least - John jokes with MST3K star TV's Frank Conniff and they take calls from listeners on current events, crappy movies, and the fubar world of Trump.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Julie and Simon talk about the ongoing debate around Columbus Day. They also discuss what's going on in Alaska, paving over Native rights and they talk about the rise in aggressive ICE raids targeting vulnerable communities. They close with the dismantling of the Doctrine of Discovery and they take many interesting calls from listeners.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.

John talks about Trump's Gaza Peace deal. The details are still being worked out, but the Awards Season campaign to get Trump a Nobel Peace Prize has kicked into high gear across right-wing news media and the MAGAsphere. Also, John says revenge is a full time job in Pam Bondi's DOJ. A Grand Jury took the bait and has indicted NY Attorney General Letitia James on one count of mortgage fraud, the latest political indictment from "The Enemies List". Then, he speaks with Monte Mader. She's a culture critic, musician, podcaster, and fitness professional whose transformation from conservative fundamentalism to fearless truth-teller has made her a powerful voice for cultural change. Monte’s early life was steeped in Christian fundamentalism and conservative politics. She pursued theological studies in Israel and was immersed in environments that emphasized obedience and traditional gender roles. However, personal experiences and critical reflection led her to question and eventually deconstruct these belief systems. Check out her podcast "Flipping the Table" and support her on Patreon at MonteMader. And then, John chats with listeners on Pope Leo condemning economies that marginalize the poor while the wealthy live in a bubble of luxury. Plus, they talk about the latest update on the Epstein files and John's appearance in Chicago for his "Separation of Church and Hate" tour.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Democratic Strategist Max Burns guest hosts for John while he is on stage in Chicago for the Separation of Church and Hate tour. Max discusses the absurd Republican excuses for continuing the government shutdown and for not swearing in Adelita Grijalva, who won a special election to the House of Representatives in Arizona's 7th Congressional District on Sept. 23rd. Then, he interviews writer, director, actor, and producer - Tim Blake Nelson. They talk about his new play "And Then There Were No More". Next, he jokes with investigative reporter Brian Karem about his new book: "Free the Press: The Death of American Journalism and How to Revive It" and his latest podcast "Hard Pass" where Brian is joined by two university journalism professors, and they analyze whether news medias are holding the White House accountable in their coverage. And finally, he speaks with Democratic Columnist Jared Yates Sexton about his latest piece on Substak "A Crisis of Meaning and Purpose: Our Identities Have No Bodies".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 ongoing engineered hostage crisis of our government shutdown and Attorney General Pam Bondi who went before the Senate Judiciary and tried to snipe and bully her way through a heated hearing over her DOJ's unlawful actions. Then, he welcomes back Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. Her sermons have been published in several books and journals and she is the author of Gathering Up the Fragments: Preaching as Spiritual Practice (2007), Receiving Jesus: The Way of Love (2019) and How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith (2023), which has been adapted into a young adult book, We Can Be Brave: How We Learn to Be Brave in Life’s Decisive Moments (2025), and a picture book for young children, I Can Learn to Be Brave (to be released in July 2026). Next, John talks about the impacts of the shutdown with Imelda Avila-Thomas. She is the AFGE Local 2139 President, representing workers at Department of Labor Wage And Hour Division in Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas. And finally, comedian Keith Price jokes with the gang about Trump's latest mishigas.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 violent rhetoric coming from Trump's megaphone minions and the victimization of the many judges who have ruled against the Trump Administration. He also discusses Trump telling reporters that, yes, of course he is willing to invoke the insurrection act in order to deploy federal troops to American cities. Then, he speaks with Canadian writer and musician Paul Myers about his new book "John Candy: A Life in Comedy". Next, John welcomes back Professor Corey Brettschneider to give solid legal advice about what's happening in the Trump legal world. And then winding it up, John jokes with his comedy panel - John Poveromo and Rhonda Hansome - and they take calls from listeners about how to handle life in this MAGA infested world.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 Trump's lust to keep the government shutdown going so he can fire as many non-loyalists as possible. He also talks about the MAGA fury at the Pope for blessing a glacier and telling people to help immigrants. Plus, he goes on a rant about Trump's former spiritual adviser Robert Morris who admitted he sexually abused a teenage girl but was given a pass to continue his ministry. Then, John welcomes back democratic strategist Max Burns to talk listeners off a ledge and give advice to frustrated Dems with no hope for the future.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 chat with John about Pete Hegseth’s decision—as Trump’s new Secretary of War—to let U.S. soldiers keep their Medals of Honor from the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre, calling it “final". The move has outraged many people and Native communities.They also honored Orange Shirt Day (Sept 30)—a National Day of Remembrance for children lost to residential schools and the survivors who carry their stories. To find out more check out Julie’s Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/juliefrancella/p/orange-shirt-day?r=1u83jb&utm_medium=iosNext, they reflect on Dr. Jane Goodall’s partnerships with Indigenous communities and her call to make decisions with “seven generations ahead” in mind. They also take listener calls and share updates on new Native-led bills in California.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 day 2 of the government shutdown which saw zero talks of negotiation or compromise on a budget, but instead a unified rattling of swords as Republicans continued to threaten major and permanent federal layoffs. Then, he speaks with the National Affairs correspondent for The Nation - John Nichols, about his new article "Robert Redford Sounded the Alarm About Our Corrupted Politics Over 50 Years Ago". And finishing it up John welcomes back the 2 Taras - Tara Devlin is a comedian and the host of the Tarabuster, where she looks at the news, politics and history through an unapologetically liberal lens. Tara Dublin is a comedian and author of “The Sound of Settling: A Rock & Roll Love Story.” Together Tara Devlin and Tara Dublin are the co-hosts of THE Tara Show podcast. They chat with listeners and give advice on how to navigate life in Trumpland.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 big government shutdown. The White House is preparing for hundreds of thousands of layoffs and the fate of affordable health insurance for millions of Americans hangs in the balance. Then, he jokes with Bob Cesca on Trump and Hegseth's military speech and the GOP's failing attempt to color the recent mass shooters as left. Next, he speaks religion and politics with The God Squad and this week Dillon Naber Cruz is joined by Matthew Distefano who is filling in for Desimber Rose. Then closing it up, John welcomes back legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson to talk truth to power and answer listeners questions on Trump's mishigas.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 government shutdown as Republicans refuse to negotiate a continuing resolution that doesn’t completely screw Americans, preferring instead to simply screw them with a shutdown and then of course make up lies about Democrats causing it. He also talks about Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump completely boring the nation's top military brass while pitching a fighting force that is thinner, meaner, more male and less accountable than ever before. Then, he interviews author Joel Edward Goza and they discuss points in his books "America’s Unholy Ghosts: The Racist Roots of Our Faith and Politics", and "Rebirth of a Nation: Reparations and Remaking America". Next, he talks policy and politics with fellow Sirius XM host and Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist - Karen Hunter. And lastly, John jokes with Comedy Daddy - Keith Price on pop culture and Donald Trump. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode John discusses the Trump sycophants that are ripping their hair out trying to find a way to blame democrats for the recent mass shootings when if fact it was one of their own. He also talks about Congressional democratic leaders who met with their Republican counterparts, begging for bipartisanship and compromise as the clock ticks toward a government shut down. Then, he welcomes back Professor Corey Brettschneider to talk about the James Comey indictment and the potential government shutdown. Next, John speaks with Annie Laurie Gaylor, who is Co-President and Co-Founder of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Annie Laurie is the author of Woe to Women: The Bible Tells Me So, Betrayal of Trust: Clergy Abuse of Children, and Women Without Superstition: “No Gods – No Masters”. They discuss the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s 49th National Convention which will take place Oct 16-19 in South Carolina. Then finally, comedian Rhonda Hansome rounds it out with wit and wisdom for all who need 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 greedy sellout of some American comedians who are taking BIG paychecks to appear at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia and only do approved routines that aren't censored. He also talks about Trump's big plot to get his perceived enemies arrested for made up charges then drain their bank accounts trying to prove their innocence. Then, he chats with the Evil Army of the Night about current news and the latest strangeness from Trump. And lastly, he welcomes back TV's Frank Conniff to joke about Pete Kegsbreath, Jimmy Kimmel, and Superman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John interviews Dropkick Murphys' frontman Ken Casey about his recent viral video confronting right-wing MAGA extremists during their gigs. Then, he speaks with journalist Haley Cohen Gilliland about her new book "A Flower Traveled in My Blood: The Incredible True Story of the Grandmothers Who Fought to Find a Stolen Generation of Children". Next, John interviews British Academic and author Kehinde Andrews about his new book "Nobody Can Give You Freedom: The Political Life of Malcolm X". Then finally, he talks with polar geopolitics expert Elizabeth Buchanan PhD about her new book "So You Want to Own Greenland? Lessons from the Vikings to Trump".See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Max Burns guest hosts while John is performing on stage promoting his new book "Separation of Church and Hate". He talks about former FBI Director James Comey who was indicted by the DOJ for allegedly lying to congress in a 2020 hearing. The indictment was rushed through the Justice Department a few days before the statute of limitations expired. Then, Max speaks with Jaime Harrison who is a distinguished leader with over two decades of experience in politics, government, strategic communications, and organizational management. As Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), he played a key role in reshaping public discourse, rebuilding the Democratic Party’s infrastructure. Next, he interviews Peter Rothpletz who is currently the morning newsletter chief for Mehdi Hasan’s incisive and fast-growing Zeteo media group. They discuss how the media is shaping the future. And finally, Max takes calls from 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's monologue talks about the big disappointment as the internet Rapture prediction didn't happen.... again. He also discusses the shooting at an ICE detention facility which left two detainees dead and another injured. Then, he jokes with the amazing Bob Cesca on the return of Jimmy Kimmel. Next, John speaks once again with the wonderful  Imara Jones.  She's the creator of TransLash Media, a cross-platform, non-profit journalism and narrative organization, which produces content to shift the current culture of hostility towards transgender people in the US. She hosts the WEBBY-nominated, TransLash Podcast as well as the investigative, limited series, The Anti-Trans Hate Machine: A Plot Against Equality. And last but not least - Dr. Tracy Pearson is back to give listeners all the legal advice they need to cope in the lawless world of Trumpmania. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.