Sane(ish) with Jo Carducci

Journalist, author, and “Just Ask the Question” podcast host Brian Karem joins Jo for a raw, unfiltered conversation about journalism in the age of chaos. 

Brian shares what it’s like to be marginalized in the White House briefing room, the evolution of propaganda from the podium, and why the current administration’s contempt for truth is unlike anything he’s seen in four decades of reporting. Together, they dig into the real human cost of policy—families grieving lost children, communities left without leadership, and the looming threat of due process being stripped away for everyone, not just immigrants.

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David Pakman - host of The David Pakman Show- joins Jo for a raw, honest, and unexpectedly hopeful conversation about life in America after "The Billionaire Boner Bill." David and Jo revisit their first meeting at The White House- before "the shit show came in for season two" - and reflect on just how quickly things have unraveled. Together, they break down what the new bill really means for working class families, the dangers of finger-pointing on the Left, and the urgent need for more voices - big and small - telling the human storiesbehind the headlines. The conversation includes:

📢 This isn’t just commentary—it’s a call to action.

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Jo welcomes comedian, SiriusXM host, and author John Fugelsang for a brutally honest—and frequently hilarious—conversation about America’s relentless cruelty, the billionaire boner bill, and why the GOP’s Bible-thumping is pure performance. With his new book coming out August 19th (preorder it now), Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, Fugelsang digs into the white supremacy at the core of U.S. immigration policy, the hypocrisy of politicians who wrap themselves in Christianity while gutting healthcare and nutrition for millions, and why “the cruelty is the point.”

Jo and John don’t hold back: they call out the media’s cowardice, the cult of personality around Trump, and the Democrats’ chronic inability to fight fire with fire. Fugelsang shares how his own upbringing—by ex-clergy parents—shaped his view of faith, and why nobody who actually reads the Bible could square it with today’s right-wing politics. There are dick jokes, there’s righteous anger, and there’s a guide for anyone who’s tired of watching religion used as a weapon against the most vulnerable.

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This rapid-response episode of Sane(ish) couldn’t be more urgent. Jo is joined by Senator Tina Smith just as the Senate moves to vote on the “billionaire boner bill” which would gut health care, slash benefits for working families, and hand out tax breaks to billionaires. Senator Smith lays out what’s really at stake, why this fight matters for moms, kids, and everyday Americans, and exactly how you can help stop the bill before it’s too late.

If you care about protecting Medicaid, SNAP, and basic decency, now’s the moment to act. Listen, share, and get loud—because it’s go time.

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In this urgent episode of Sane(ish), Jo is joined by sits Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut following a powerful Capitol Hill hearing on the Republican “Big Beautiful Betrayal” bill—or as Jo calls it, the “Billionaire Boner Bill.” Together, they break down the real-world consequences of this catastrophic legislation, which threatens to kick millions off Medicaid and slash SNAP benefits, all to fund massive tax cuts for billionaires and corporations.

Senator Murphy and Jojo share heartbreaking stories from the hearing, including a mother of an autistic child whose family’s survival depends on Medicaid, and a former public school educator who knows firsthand what it means to rely on food assistance. They discuss how the bill would devastate working families, children with disabilities, and the most vulnerable Americans—while padding the pockets of the ultra-wealthy.

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Jojo from Jerz brings together legal heavyweight George Conway and historian Heather Cox Richardson for a candid, unscripted conversation about the chaos of June 2025. With Trump launching strikes on Iran, Congress sidelined, and the world on edge, Jo, George, and Heather cut through the noise to ask: How did we get here—and what happens next?

George & Heather swap stories from their Harvard days and dig into the psychology of Trump’s power: Why do smart people keep caving to him? Why does the GOP keep bending the knee? And what does history tell us about strongmen, performative politics, and the collapse—or survival—of democracy?

From the performative presidency to the dangers of unchecked executive power, the trio breaks down the legal, historical, and human stakes of this moment. They talk about the Supreme Court, the role of institutions, and why—when the rule of law is on the ropes—the only thing left is for people to get out in the streets and fight for what matters

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With the world on edge over the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, Jo sits down with national security expert and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Joel Rubin for a deeply human conversation about what’s really happening behind the headlines. As Trump’s stance on U.S. involvement in the region shifts by the hour, swinging from “no new wars” to openly hinting at strikes alongside Israel, Joel explains the risks, the ripple effects, and the consequences for American families.

Together, they unpack why Trump’s impulsive foreign policy is leaving allies, adversaries, and even his own party guessing; how the collapse of the Iran nuclear deal set the stage for today’s crisis; and what a potential U.S. strike could mean for global security, oil prices, and the safety of American service members. They also tackle the chaos in Washington, the influence of pro-Putin voices, and the anxiety so many Americans are feeling as talk of war and nuclear threats dominates the news.

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Rachel and Jo discuss the disconnect between political theater and the lived realities of veterans, including the impact of recent VA policy changes on healthcare access. They explore the professionalism of service members, the importance of lawful orders—even when they’re “awful”—and why storytelling is essential for advocacy and driving change.

They also tackle the pitfalls of measuring political success by social media impressions, the need for authenticity in political communication, and why grassroots movements must adapt and allocate resources strategically to make real progress. From family milestones to the urgency of voter registration, Rachel and Jo remind listeners that political change is a collective effort—and that genuine connection, not spectacle, is what moves the needle.

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Majid Padellan, better known as Brooklyn Dad Defiant joins for a spirited conversation about the state of America in 2025. They take aim at Stephen Miller’s legacy of cruelty, the ongoing ICE raids and National Guard deployments, and the propaganda fueling chaos in Los Angeles. Majid shares how he uses humor and activism to push back against despair, and why calling out villains by name is more important than ever.

Subscribe, rate, and share Sane(ish)—and follow Jojo from Jerz and Brooklyn Dad Defiant on Substack, YouTube, and X for more fearless commentary and community.

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We welcome independent journalist and The Jim Acosta Show host, Jim Acosta, to break down the crisis in Los Angeles—one fueled directly by Donald Trump’s political gamesmanship. As ICE raids spark mass protests and Trump deploys the National Guard over the objections of Governor Newsom, LA has become the latest stage for Trump’s manufactured chaos.

Jojo and Jim dig into how Trump is deliberately escalating tensions in LA to distract from his own scandals—including his public fallout with Elon Musk—and to stoke fear for political gain. They discuss the real-life consequences for immigrants, activists, and everyday Angelenos caught in the crossfire, the dangerous abuse of federal power, and what this moment means for democracy and dissent in America.

Jim Acosta shares his on-the-ground insights, the importance of independent journalism in holding power to account, and why the media must call out this orchestrated crisis for what it is.

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