The John Fugelsang Podcast

John talks about the lead up to the release of the Epstein files. He also discusses Trump talking about his Venezuela War plans. Then, he interviews Christina Faith Johnson who is a true multi-hyphenate: a director, writer, producer, and mentor on a mission to tell bold stories that spark change and inspire action. Christina founded the production company "The Grindhouse Inc" with an aim to make impactful films and mentor rising creatives. In the last two years, TV and film production in L.A. dropped by 22% as studios fled to other states and countries with more space, more tax incentives and no wildfire season. Legislators in Pennsylvania want to compete with states like Georgia and New Jersey – who have seen hundreds of millions in investment from major studios. State Rep. Andre Carroll — who represents the 201st Legislative District — has put forward the Pennsylvania Film Production Tax Credit and Video Game Production Tax Credit to entice more productions to set up shop in the Commonwealth. Christina Faith Johnson is one of the creators signing on to help make the tax credit a reality. And finally, John chats with Democratic Strategist Max Burns and they banter about Trump's impending war with Venezuela and the impending release of 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.

John discusses (and airs live) Trump's big rambling address to the nation where he lies about his accomplishments and points his short stubby fingers at everything under the sun in his AFFORDABILITY Blame Game. Then, he jokes with the ever charming Bob Cesca and they ponder Trump's delusional pointless speech and laugh about Dan Bongino quitting his job with the FBI. Next, Dillon Naber Cruz and Desimber Rose from The God Squad return to answer questions about White Christian Nationalism and the failure of Republican to keep their promise on extending the ACA Tax Credits. Then, winding it up, John gets to the nitty gritty with legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson and they talk listeners off a cliff with savvy advice on how to deal with the ICE gestapo kidnappings and the very scary truth about the possible oil greedy war with Venezuela.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A tribute to Rob and Michelle Reiner. (tears emoji)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joe Sudbay fills in for John who is under the weather. He discusses the Department of Defense escalating their vindictive review of Senator Mark Kelly for his part in the "Illegal Orders" video. He also talks about Senators in both parties who are now bracing for another government shutdown next year after Republicans blocked a proposal to extend expiring health insurance subsidies, the issue that triggered the 43-day closure that consumed much of the fall calendar. Next, he speaks with David Nir who is publisher of The Downballot, a substack devoted to competitive races across the country. Their data guides and weekly podcast are essential even in off-years. And finally, Joe talks with Zachary Mueller who is the former Senior Research Director at America’s Voice and now devotes his efforts to combatting the threat of an ascendant radical right, particularly focused on the pipeline from nativist-populist politics to an authoritarian regime. That includes guiding everyday Americans in helping their neighbors against ICE and CBP raids.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 House Dems releasing more photos from the Epstein Estate, personal photos from Epstein’s own collection – some prominently featuring Donald Trump. He also discusses Trump's statement that he is pardoning former Mesa County, Colorado, clerk Tina Peters, but it's legally ineffective because it targets her state convictions, which fall outside presidential authority. Colorado says LOL. Next, he interviews Chris Anders who is the Director of the Democracy and Technology Divison at the ACLU. The ACLU just filed a major lawsuit demanding the Trump administration release the secret legal memo authorizing U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-carrying boats. These strikes have killed at least 87 people since September, including a now-controversial “double-tap” strike on survivors. Despite conducting 22 lethal strikes, the administration has refused to disclose the legal justification—breaking with long-standing precedent of releasing such memos for major military actions. The lawsuit argues these killings occur outside any recognized armed conflict, making their legality highly suspect and the memo’s release urgently necessary. Then finally, John jokes with TV's Frank Conniff and they chat with listeners about pop culture and current Trump fuckery.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time - Simon Moya Smith and Julie Francella talk about Thomas King - an award-winning Canadian-American author whose career was tied to his apparent indigenous ancestry. He has recently learned that he has no Cherokee roots. The announcement follows a November meeting with King and members of the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds, a US-based group dedicated to exposing people who falsely claim American Indian heritage. And they discuss Elaine Miles, an Indigenous actor best known for her roles in “Northern Exposure,” “Smoke Signals,” “Wyvern” and “The Last of Us”. While she was walking, 4 men wearing masks and vests with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement labels stepped out of two black SUVs with no front plates and pressed her for her ID. She handed them her tribal ID from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon. The agents called it "FAKE". Federal government agencies recognize tribal ID as a valid form of identification, and Miles has used it to travel back and forth to Canada and Mexico without any issues - until now. Plenty of great callers and topics in this inspiring episode!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 epic failures by Trump lackies to accomplish many of his tasks including a federal judge ordering Kilmar Abrego Garcia released from federal detention and Trump's redistricting plan for Indiana being soundly rejected by a bipartisan majority in the state house. Then, he chats with Democratic Strategist Max Burns on the Senate rejected both the Democrat AND Republican healthcare bills, and Trump's newest war with Venezuela. Then finally, John jokes with comedian Tara Dublin on the chaotic mishaps in the news and they take calls from the Evil Army of the Night on how to navigate the mayhem of Trumpland.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 weird speech in Pennsylvania which was supposed to be on combating inflation but instead he boohooed about immigrants. He also talks about the Navy seizing an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela and Trump says he plans to keep the oil booty. Then, podcast wizard Bob Cesca is back to talk about some good news - Democrats scored more big wins in special elections last night: flipping a heavily gerrymandered district in Georgia and installing a democratic mayor of Miami, Florida for the first time in nearly 30 years. Next, John welcomes back The God Squad: Desimber Rose and Dillon Naber Cruz. They talk about the MAGA "War on Christmas" and they mention the fact that Jesus didn't celebrate Christmas and it's not mentioned in the bible. Then, rounding it out, John chats with legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson about the latest in the Supreme Court and Trump's newest fuckery.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 talks about the Senate GOP prepping a vote on a healthcare bill that 100% does NOT extend ACA subsidies, literally the ONLY thing democrats and citizens want from a healthcare bill. Also, he discusses Trump telling reporters that Ukraine is running out of time and President Zelenskyy only has a few more days to accept Putin's surrender plan. Then, he chats with Leigh McGowan who is a freelance writer and social media influencer who is known by the name "Politics Girl". The Politics Girl Podcast gives people a reason to care and a reason to fight. She says: Our goal is to inspire. To instill in people a true understanding of what this country COULD be. And then finally, John interviews  J-L Cauvin who is a community advocate, attorney, and comedian who is running as a Democrat to succeed Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill and represent New Jersey’s 11th District in Congress.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 White House announcing a $12 Billion bailout to farmers who were decimated by the Trump Tariff Plan. Also, Paramount has proposed Warner Bros/Discovery shareholders with a plan for hostile takeover, throwing a large MAGA-sized wrench into a deal announced last week for Netflix to take over the film and TV giant. Next, Professor Corey Brettschneider is back to chat with John about the Supreme Court hearing arguments in Trump V Slaughter a major separation of powers case, where a majority of justices seemed ready to grant Trump more power to fire heads of independent agencies like the FTC. And then comedian Rhonda Hansome join the fun to joke with listeners about Barbie Bondi, Kegsbreath, and Comb-Over Caligula. 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 about the competition groups for the FIFA world cup having a ceremony that involved bestowing a brand-new Peace Prize to Donald Trump. Then, he welcomes back Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis who is the Senior Minister for Public Theology and Transformation at Middle Church in New York City’s East Village. She is a womanist whose preaching, teaching, speaking, writing, and activism are aimed at racial equality, gun control, economic justice, and equal rights for all sexual orientations and genders. And then, TV's Frank Conniff jokes with John and listeners about the latest news and Trump's twisted trickery.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 interviews author and political commentator - Jared Sexton Yates.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. He talks about current news: the Supreme Court voted 6-3 to allow the Texas to move ahead with a highly gerrymandered district map for the upcoming midterm elections. The DOJ tried once again to indict NY AG Letitia James for mortgage fraud but the sitting Grand Jury said NOPE. Top DoD officials presented footage of a September attack on fishing vessels off the coast of Venezuela to members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, including the now-infamous second strike “double-tap” kill of what the white house says are narco-terrorists. And, the FBI arrested Brian Cole Jr of Virginia for allegedly planting the pipe bombs. Max then talks politics with Rick Smith who has been a voice for the working class and the labor movement for over 20 years, and his eponymous radio show has become a space where working folks can get their news, share their thoughts and build community and solidarity. And finally, he interviews Andrew Lownie who is a British historian and author. He has written books about the royal family, on the Duke of Windsor and his links with the Nazis, and on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, including his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John discusses Democrats bringing articles of impeachment against Secretary of Defense Pete Kegsbreath for multiple nefarious reasons. Also he talks about Trump announcing he pardoned Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and his wife for their role in a foreign influence and bribery scheme. Then, podcast star Bob Cesca returns to joke with John about the governmental mayhem and turmoil. Next, the God Squad - Desimber Rose and Dillon Naber Cruz join the crew to expose the latest wickedness and trickery of the White Christian Nationalists. And finally, legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson joins John to talk listeners off a ledge and unravel the truth about Trump's mounting problems in the courts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joe Sudbay guest hosts for John. He talks about how amazingly close the Dems got in deep red Tennessee's special election. He also discusses Trump who was visibly drowsy during today’s cabinet meeting where the focus was once again on trying to justify extrajudicial military strikes against boats in the Caribbean. Then, he speaks with Richard von Glahn who is the executive director of the People Not Politicians campaign. The group has just 9 days left in a signature drive to bring real opposition to Missouri’s latest redistricting scam. Then, Joe talks with Dr. Anahita Dua who is a board certified vascular surgeon and associate professor of surgery based in the Boston area. She’s also the Founder and Chair of Healthcare for Action, the nation's largest democratic healthcare PAC! They discuss the latest on the CDC, ACA subsidies and the healthcare landscape as we hit what is predicted to be a monster flu season.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 twisted version of the Afghan man who allegedly gunned down two National Guard members in Washington, DC, last week - Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, while they were on patrol. He also talks about lawmakers and reporters finally waking up to the nature of deadly strikes against fishing vessels in the Caribbean, with news this weekend that during at least one raid, a second strike was ordered to kill off survivors of the initial attack. Plus, Trump discussing military and diplomatic options for handling Venezuela, who we have now decided is our new enemy because they have so much oil. Then, he welcomes back Professor Corey Brettschneider to discuss the legality of Pete Hegseth's Order to "kill them all" and the appeals court that disqualified Trump's former lawyer Alina Habba as US attorney for New Jersey. Then lastly, comedian Rhonda Hansome is back once again to chat with John and listeners about Trump's latest mishigas like calling people childish names "stupid" and "retard".See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Here's a diverse, collage of callers talking with John about current 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.

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.