Jody Hamilton, co-host of The Politics Bar podcast, is back for the last Start Me Up of 2025!

We talked about the tragic deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner, and Jody offered up great advice on how to handle people going through grief. We also chatted about dealing with MAGA family members; the desire for sweeping progressive changes when democracy is back; the potential for a 2026 midterm blue tsunami and Mike Johnson is in TROUBLE...all that and more!

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We chatted about aging--the good, the bad and the ugly. We shared personal stories and then we talked about how democracy will be restored. It's a fun, hopeful show with lotsa laughs. We're besties and we never plan what we discuss. Come join us! 

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Brian Karem is a White House Columnist and his latest book is titled Free the Press: The Death of American Journalism and How to Revive It. He's a political analyst for CNN and hosts the "Just Ask The Question" podcast.

Topics: Brian's take on the recent Tennessee special election and what it could mean for democracy; where the Republican Party is headed; Sen. Mark Kelly is establishing himself as a leader inn the Democratic Party; Brian wants to see Democratic leadership listening to people's needs rather than simply pointing out that MAGA is bad; what may (or may not happen) to Hegseth over the Venezualan airstrikes, and we talked about/emphasized the importance of voting!

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Comedian Andy Kindler is back.

Topics: We talked some shit about Bill Maher's whining; both of us seeing a democracy light at the end of the fascist tunnel; donald is losing the narrative; we talked about so many different things: spirituality, hope, show business...come join us. A fun, light show!

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Elizabeth is the CEO/Founder at The Gaia Leadership Project; Author of Becoming Heroines: Unleashing Our Power for Revolution and Rebirth and the host of #ResistanceLive on Youtube.

We discussed the potential political impact of donald's presidency and the release of Epstein files, and how these events could influence Republicans and the broader political landscape. We discussed the contents of files reviewed by DOJ agents and the procedural mechanisms for their potential release. We also discussed the recent Democratic wins and the growing involvement of community members in organizing efforts. Our conversation concluded with discussions about the upcoming midterm elections, strategies for resisting authoritarianism, and resources for further engagement in activism and political organizing.

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Sarah Burris is a reporter at Raw Story, Alternet and Salon.

Topics: The beautiful big blue wave means DEMOCRACY IS NOT DEAD!!! The government shutdown may be stalled until after the Tennessee Special Election; donald's health and cognitive issues are getting worse by the hour and it looks like there's a manufactured fascist romance brewing with JD Vance and Erica Kirk. All that and more. 

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My guest is Lisa Parker AKA Mamaw's Porch Politics. She's a liberal woman who lives in rural Ohio and was raised in Appalachia, and her political commentary has caught the attention of thousands of voters. Her social pages are growing quickly because her message resonates so deeply.

Topics: The importance of voter turnout (even in heavily gerrymandered districts) in upcoming elections, emphasizing the need for reform in voting systems and the Electoral College. Lisa highlighted the critical issues voters are concerned about, including securing Social Security and healthcare, and bodily autonomy. We talked about how MAGA signs are no longer as prevalent in her very red area and how cutting food stamps for millions will wake more of the base up. We had a wonderful chat and covered much more. Take a listen and follow her! 

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David Pepper is a lawyer, writer, political activist, former elected official, and adjunct professor, and served as the Chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party between 2015 and 2021. He's the author of Laboratories of Autocracy and Saving Democracy.

Topics: Strategies for effective activism in a fascist-run country; gerrymandering's impact on public institutions; the importance of running candidates in all districts across the country; the Epstein files are not going away and voters of all stripes agree the list should be released, and David shares easy, effective ways we can fight back (and most voters are NOT doing all that they they can.)

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Cliff is back!

Topics: Cliff offers advice on the best kind of messaging for No Kings rally attendees; Vance does not have the charisma donald has, and Cliff weighs in on Vance taking over if donald is no longer POTUS; the races in NY & VA look good for Democrats, and we talk about the urgency of the 2026 midterms!

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Jared Yates Sexton: Political Analyst, author of The Midnight Kingdom: A History of Power, Paranoia, and the Coming Crisis, Co-Host Muckrake Podcast, newsletter Dispatches From A Collapsing State, Board: The Change Campaign.

Topics: Is the tide turning against fascism? Posting defeatist comments online helps the regime; fascism is abuse by the state, and Jared correlates it to abusive behavior in families and personal relationships; why we can't/shouldn't only rely on elections to save democracy and would JD be worse than donald?...all that and more.  

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