John talks about Colorado Gov. Jared Polis commuting the sentence of 2020 Election Denier Tina Peters, making her eligible to be freed next month. He also discusses the Trump Administration considering settling a $10 Billion lawsuit brought by Trump himself, creating instead a $1.7Billion slush fund for himself and other MAGA supplicants who feel triggered and attacked by laws and morals – (like J6 rioters for example). Plus, he talks about Trump claiming the Southern Poverty Law Center was the source funding the deadly 2017 Unite the Right gathering of neo-Nazis and other white supremacists in Virginia. Then, John interviews the president of the Florida Education Association - Andrew Spar. During his 15 years leading the Volusia union, Andrew negotiated 14 contracts, handled numerous grievances and arbitrations, and spent many long hours advocating for members and working families. At FEA, he spent eight years on the Executive Cabinet. Next, Public Relations Society of America award-winning Democratic Strategist and political columnist Max Burns returns to discuss his new piece in The Hill called "How Republicans are going to blow it and put Democrats back in charge". And then finally, John chats with the Vice President of Strategic Communications for Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Andrew L. Seidel. Andrew is a recognized expert on Christian Nationalism, which he’s spent the last decade fighting in and out of court.

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, Simon Moya Smith and Julie Francella discuss the powerful speech delivered by Harrison Ford at Arizona State University, where he called for cultural change, social justice, and respect for Indigenous peoples. Simon, an Oglala Lakota Chicano journalist, and Julie, an Ojibwe writer and therapist, share their insights on the significance of Ford's message, its impact on Indigenous communities, and the ongoing struggle for recognition and rights. The conversation delved into how historical policies have affected access to healthy foods, resulting in high rates of diabetes and other health issues. They stressed the need for Indigenous food systems to be recognized and revitalized, as they are essential for cultural identity and community health. Simon and Julie encourage listeners to engage with Indigenous issues and support initiatives that promote cultural understanding and respect. They reminded us that the fight for justice is not just an Indigenous issue, but a human issue that affects us all.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John discusses US Border Patrol chief Mike Banks suddenly resigning out of the blue, telling staff “it was just time” without making mention of an unfolding sex-tourism scandal drug up from his past exploits. He also talks about New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has made headlines for successfully eliminating a $12 billion deficit without cutting essential services or raising taxes on working-class residents. Next, John interviews the founder and CEO of the National Democratic Training Committee - Kelly Dietrich. They discuss how the NDTC is a cohesive training program with hundreds of courses, videos, and articles about running effective campaigns. Kelly’s expertise in fundraising and staff training have shaped NDTC into an industry leader in Democratic politics. And finally, John welcomes back The God Pod which is a satirical comedy podcast hosted by animated versions of God and Jesus. The Divine Duo review the news of the week and try to make sense of the world they created.

TikTok: thegodpodcast

YouTube: TheGodPod

Instagram: goodgodabove

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's monologue is 2 fold. First he talks about the Trump Mobile "T1" gold smartphone which is still unreleased and has faced non-stop delays, missing its initial August 2025 launch date. Trump is still promising to ship units soon and the website continues to accept $100 deposits on the $499 device. Second, he discusses Miami residents filing a federal lawsuit over land gifted to Trump by the state of Florida for use as his Presidential Library and skyscraper hotel; and the very wrinkly 22 ft golden statue of Trump erected at his National Doral golf course in Miami which local pastors immediately claimed is NOT idolatry. Then, John jokes with actor and podcast star Bob Cesca. They chat about Trump's pregnancy push, his reflecting pool renovation, and the wonders of NY Mayor Zoran Mamdani. Next, Desimber Rose and Dillon Naber Cruz (AKA The God Squad) are back to talk about Trump's gold statue and Trump's big prayer festival this Sunday; according to organizers, it's intended to honor America's Christian roots and rededicate the nation for its 250th anniversary. Then winding it up, legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson is back to chat about Kash Patel's goofy testimony lying his pants off before the Senate appropriations subcommittee and Trump's visit to China.

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 dives deep into the troubling implications of the Supreme Court's actions under the Republican majority, and how these decisions threaten the very fabric of our democratic system. Then, he speaks with Madiba K. Dennie who's an attorney, columnist, and professor whose work focuses on fostering an equitable multiracial democracy. Her debut book, "The Originalism Trap: How Extremists Stole the Constitution and How We the People Can Take It Back" is now available. Joe highlights the stark contrast between the priorities of the Republican Party and the pressing needs of everyday Americans, particularly in light of rising inflation and economic hardship. Then lastly, Joe welcomes back "Comedy Daddy" Keith Price to talk pop culture 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's monologue delves into the contentious issue of redistricting and its implications for voter representation. He shares insights from Jim Clyburn, who bravely addresses the challenges posed by attempts to redraw his district. John argues that Democrats must stop treating their political power as something to be wielded cautiously and instead recognize that the stakes are higher than ever. With the future of democracy hanging in the balance, he calls for a new generation of fighters within the party who are willing to challenge the status quo and advocate for the needs of everyday Americans. Next, John speaks with Professor Corey Brettschneider about the rush for redistricting, birthright citizenship, and age limits for the Supreme Court. And last but not least, MS. Rhonda Hansome returns to joke with the gang about the latest mishigas and the hell we are enduring in Trumpland.

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 the Virginia Supreme Court striking down the redrawn voting district maps passed by voters last month, another major blow to voting rights and the midterm elections. Then, he welcomes back author and podcast star Allison Gill and they talk about gerrymandering and expanding the Supreme Court. And finally, John jokes with MST3K star TV's Frank Conniff and they talk to listeners about pop culture and current news.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John once again speaks with Simon Moya Smith and Julie Francella. This time they discuss the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. They delve into the systemic issues faced by Indigenous communities, including jurisdictional challenges and the historical context of violence rooted in colonization. As they share personal insights and experiences, they also highlight the importance of advocacy and awareness during the national Week of Action for missing and murdered Indigenous women.

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 focuses on the US saying it targeted military facilities in Iran after coming under IRGC missile fire, but the ceasefire is still intact. Iran says it fired missiles at American ships after the US attacked its military bases and the ceasefire is a pile of flaming poop. Put them together and it sounds like gas prices are going up some more. Despite the violent volley, Trump still ended the day promising the war would “end within a week”. Next, John talks with the CEO of Moms Rising - Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner and she sheds light on the childcare crisis that many families are facing. With childcare costs exceeding rent in 17 states, it’s clear that the current system is untenable for many parents. Finkbeiner emphasizes the need for a robust care infrastructure, explaining that the lack of affordable childcare is not just a personal struggle for families but a national emergency that affects the economy as a whole. And then finally, John welcomes back the Rev. Barry Lynn. The conversation touches on a wide array of topics, including the skyrocketing gas prices that have left many Americans feeling financially strained. A recent NPR/PBS Maris poll revealing that 81% of Americans are feeling the pinch in their wallets. This financial strain is not just a statistic; it’s a reality that affects families across the nation.

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 recent actions taken by Republican legislatures across the country after the Supreme Court's decision to weaken the Voting Rights Act. He explains how these changes are not just political maneuvers, but direct attacks on the democratic process itself. He also talks about the FDA blocking studies which found Covid and shingles vaccines safe. HHS officials say serious side-effects from vaccines were rare. Then, John talks to podcast star Bob Cesca about Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, who has released a long-term immigration and border patrol funding bill that includes $1 billion earmarked for "security improvements" for Trump's ballroom. Next, The God Squad returns to share their insights on the moral responsibilities of faith communities in the face of political injustice. They emphasize the importance of standing against racial gerrymandering and the need for churches to take an active role in advocating for voting rights. And finally, John speaks with legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson and they chat with listeners about the need for accountability in the wake of alarming behaviors exhibited by Trump, including a statement from a group of mental health professionals calling for his removal from office due to his deteriorating mental state.

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 Spirit Airlines throwing in the towel and shutting down permanently saying the price of airline fuel did them in. He also talks about Trump saying in the Oval Office last November: “These are all private individuals that put up a lot of money to build the ballroom,” he added. "Not one penny is being used from the federal government." But now, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has released a long-term immigration and border patrol funding bill that includes $1 billion earmarked for security improvements accompanying the overall ballroom project. Then, John talks with award-winning political strategist, speaker, and author Atima Omara about her new book "The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (and What We Can Learn from Them)". And finally, comedian Keith Price is back to joke with listeners 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.