This time, Simon Moya-Smith and Julie Francella talk with John about Route 66, Native food as medicine on the TV show CHOPPED, & what’s really behind the headlines from Oklahoma to Berkeley.

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This time John delves into the big bets people are making on who Trump will fire next. He certainly lives up to his tag line. Next, he talks about Trump's indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization that has dedicated itself to fighting hate and extremism. He stresses the need to support such institutions, especially as they face increasing scrutiny and attacks from those in power. Then, he's joined by journalist Wajahat Ali. They discuss the current political landscape, the implications of Trump's recent actions, and the importance of holding those in power accountable.

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John's monologue in this episode: after voters in Virginia chose a Democrat-led voting district map, a Republican judge woke up and said “not on my watch.” Apparently, the fate of the midterms will be determined in the courts. Then, he discusses Amnesty International's annual report, "The State of the World's Human Rights". Spoiler Alert - USA gets a failing grade and there are calls for resistance in this pivotal moment for humanity. Then, John welcomes the return of Bob Cesca and they chat about redistricting, the midterms, and Trump's tariff refunds. Next, Dillion Naber Cruz of The God Squad joins the show to talk about the evils of White Christian Nationalists. And closing it up, legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson speaks with John and listeners about SCOTUS and Trump's courtroom issues.

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In this episode, John discusses Tucker Carlson's recent apology for helping Trump get elected, framing it as a strategic move rather than a genuine act of contrition. He argues that Carlson's shift in tone is more about rebranding than true repentance, a sentiment that resonates with many listeners who are skeptical of political motives. Then, he talks about the peace talks which have stalled between the US and Iran but Trump says he is extending his mythical deadline once again, hopeful Iran will come back with a proposal soon. John then delves into Pete Kegsbreath's decision to lift vaccine mandates in the military, a topic that has, of course, sparked heated debate. Next, he interviews Dan McClellan who's an award-winning public scholar of the Bible. They talk about his new book: "The Bible Says So". Then, John speaks with Richard Ojeda who's a former Army Major and former member of the WV Senate. He is the democratic nominee to represent North Carolina’s 9th District in the US House of Representatives, set to face off against Republican Richard Hudson this fall. And then rounding it out, "Comedy Daddy" Keith Price returns to joke with John and listeners about the latest political news and the hottest pop culture.

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John discusses ​the ​new story in the Atlantic which claims ​Kash ​Patel has had many ​documented ​incidents ​of ​intoxication ​- ​while ​little ​boy ​Cash ​was ​serving ​as ​FBI ​director, ​and while ​dreaming ​of ​one ​day ​being ​a ​real ​live ​bro, ​dude. He then talks about another well-known drunk - Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer who facing allegations of misconduct and being drunk on the job, resigned from her cabinet role. Then, he welcomes back comedian Rhonda Hansome to discuss New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's proposed a pied-à-terre tax, an annual surcharge on luxury residential properties in NYC valued at $5 million or more that are not the owner's primary residence. This proposal aims to target "empty mansions" and vacant luxury condos owned by wealthy absentee owners—often described as "safe deposit boxes in the sky"—to help close the city’s $5.4 billion budget gap. Then finally, Professor Corey Brettschneider joins the show to talk about the newly leaked Supreme Court shadow docket memos and a ​federal ​prosecutor ​who ​was ​working ​on ​the ​investigation ​into ​former ​CIA ​Director ​John ​Brennan ​just ​stepped ​away ​from ​the ​whole ​investigation, ​apparently ​over ​concerns ​about ​the ​legal ​viability ​of ​the ​case.

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John's monologue is two fold. First he talks about Iran announcing the Strait of Hormuz is fully open, albeit through a designated shipping lane determined by them. Trump told reporters Iran agreed to everything he asked for, including surrendering nuclear material. He also said the US side of the blockade will remain in effect after the strait is opened. Iranian officials spent most of their day refuting a great deal of Donald Trump’s claims, stating that in fact there will be no transfer of enriched uranium. Then, John discusses Trump flunky John Eastman being disbarred in California. Next, he speaks with attorney and political strategist Lanny Davis about his new book Finding the Third Way. This is a refreshingly candid insider journey through the highest levels of government, applying the lessons of the Clinton years to offer a fresh perspective on how liberals can reconnect with “Trump Democrats” and how both parties can regain their faith in the American political system. And winding it up, John jokes with TV's Frank Conniff of MST3K and they take calls and answer questions from the Evil Army of the Night.

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In this powerful episode, we welcome back Simon Moya Smith, an Oglala Lakota and Chicano journalist, and Julie Francella, a mental health professional with extensive experience in Indigenous communities. Together, they delve into the recent Senate vote that threatens the Boundary Waters Wilderness and the sacred lands of Indigenous peoples. With urgent discussions around sovereignty, environmental protection, and the ongoing fight against colonialism, this episode highlights the importance of community action and the need to protect our natural resources.

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John's opening monologue first discusses the House somehow passing a bill extending Temporary Protected Status for Haitian refugees in the immigration program. Then, he talks about JD Vance addressing a Turning Point USA event in Georgia, where he defended Trump’s aggressive policies in Iran and addressed supporters amid low, sparse turnout and interruptions. The speech was marked by clashes with hecklers, including a tense exchange over Middle East policy, while focusing on conservative themes for a mostly empty arena. Next, John speaks with Tyneadrian Fleming. She's an inventor and entrepreneur, and the founder of Blackbird Smart Innovations. With a background in corrections and home care, she was inspired to create life-saving wearable technology designed to protect seniors, children, and vulnerable communities. Her patented Blackbird smart devices focus on accessibility, safety, and real-world impact. Then lastly, he interviews Dr. Mansi Kotwal who's a pediatrician and board member of Healthcare for Action. Having a background in public health, she's committed to serving and advocating for her patients not only through individual care but also through community outreach programs, research, and lobbying for Congress.

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John's monologue dives into a mixed bag of stories. After dozens of states sued Ticketmaster and Live Nation - a jury has found that they had an anticompetitive monopoly over big concert venues. Also, Republicans in the Senate have again blocked an effort to advance a bill reigning in Donald Trump’s power to make war in Iran. AND - Trump posted another AI image, this time WITH Jesus canoodling in reverent prayer. Plus, JD Vance went on to mansplain the "Just War" theory to the Pope. Then, John speaks with Democracy Forward President and CEO Skye Perryman. Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to compel the release of records related to the agency’s communications and activities concerning election administration, including potential efforts to restrict voting access and reported coordination with individuals and groups associated with election denial. This lawsuit comes as the Trump-Vance administration has continued efforts to threaten states, intimidate election officials, and call into question the integrity of voting systems ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Next, The God Squad returns. Desimber Rose and Dillon Naber Cruz talk about religious wars and why isn't not cool to fight with the Pope. And lastly, legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson joins the crew to debate the legalities of the war in Iran and other current events.

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John this time talks about congressman Eric Swalwell exiting Congress, the California gubernatorial campaign, and politics in general. Another accuser has come forward, telling reporters Swalwell drugged and raped her while she worked on his staff. He also discusses Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger stopping tax breaks for Confederate groups and new Prime Minister Peter Magyar telling Hungarians he has ended his predecessor’s habit of using state money to fund a number of right-wing organizations and events, including CPAC. Then, John has a discussion on Middle Eastern politics with Deborah Shushan. She sheds light on the ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the broader implications for the region. As tensions rise, John and Deborah explore the complexities of U.S. involvement and the moral questions that arise from Trump's current policies. Next, John interviews Rebecca Novack, author of the provocative new novel "Murder Bimbo." This satirical thriller centers around a queer sex worker embroiled in political violence, raising questions about identity, power, and societal norms. Rebecca shares her writing journey and the challenges of releasing a book that unexpectedly mirrors real-world events. And finally, Comedy Daddy - Keith Price returns once again to chat with listeners about the Republican evils in the world and the Democratic blessings we should cherish and remember.

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John's monologue focuses on Iran rejecting US demands in a short-lived peace talk, then Trump announcing our forces would conduct a closure of Hormuz of our own, seizing ships that pay the transit fare demanded by Iran. THEN, he discusses Trump going after the Pope, calling the pontiff “weak on crime” and a failure who was only elevated to the office to have an American to square off against. THEN, he talks about Trump posting an AI photo of himself as Jesus, healing a sick and dying man amid a collection of very white patriotic and Christian iconography. Next, Professor Corey Brettschneider joins the crew to talk about the Pope, the War, and the 25th Amendment. And lastly, comedian Rhonda Hansome is back to joke with John and listeners on the latest news.

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