The John Fugelsang Podcast

On Election Day, John urges listeners to vote for the people who didn’t make it this far—and honors everyone who has kept their humanity, hope, and commitment to fighting for the least of us. He takes aim at Trump’s election-season distractions, from White House vanity projects and transphobic scare stories to billionaire-fueled anti-communist rhetoric, arguing that none of it pays the rent or lowers gas prices. Then, John Nichols, national affairs correspondent for The Nation, joins John live from Madison, Wisconsin, on his way to vote. They discuss the state’s governor and House races, the strength of Democratic candidates across the country, and the possibility of a wave built on economic populism and reaching voters often overlooked. Nichols also reflects on Abdul El-Sayed’s coalition-building in Michigan, his interview with Representative Ilhan Omar, and Bernie Sanders’ campaign to both defeat Trumpism and give the Democratic Party a stronger working-class agenda. Next, Democratic strategist Max Burns joins John to discuss the shifting midterm map, gerrymandered districts turning competitive, candidate quality, and what Democrats will need to deliver if they win Congress. L. Joy Williams weighs in on turnout, voter engagement, and why campaigns must give people something to vote for—not just something to vote against. Finally, comedians Rhonda Hansome and Keith Price join the show to turn election-day anxiety into laughter, talk representation and accountability, and hear from callers about voting, reparations, campaign finance, and the fight against political cynicism.

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John takes aim at Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens for endorsing Republican Mike Rogers after losing the Democratic Senate primary to Abdul El-Sayed, questioning whether her sudden reversal is about principle or resentment—and inviting listeners to suggest a nickname. Then, Sophia Lin Lakin, director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, joins John to explain how voters can respond to intimidation, registration challenges, and problems at the polls—and why anyone who encounters trouble should call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE. Next, Democratic strategist Amishia Cross and University of Maryland lecturer Dr. Jason Nichols weigh in on the midterm outlook, the candidates energizing voters, and the changing political landscape in the South. Finally, constitutional law professor Corey Brettschneider discusses the Alaska lawsuit, federal interference in elections, the limits of executive power, and what Congress and the courts can do to defend the rule of law.

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In this episode of We’re Still Here, Simon Moya-Smith and Julie Francella reflect on the life and legacy of labor organizer Dolores Huerta—and the Indigenous identity often erased from the story of farmworker rights. They discuss Huerta’s commitment to dignity and solidarity, the history of Indigenous activism, and the importance of recognizing the people whose labor and stewardship sustain communities.

The discussion also explores sacred-site rematriation, the harms of blood quantum policies, Indigenous representation in Alaska politics, and the influence of matriarchal leadership. Guest Shane Hawk, a Cheyenne and Arapaho horror writer, talks about his anthology Never Whistle at Night: Back for Blood and how Indigenous authors use horror to tell contemporary stories of survival, history, and cultural identity. Callers add powerful perspectives on local Indigenous landmarks, community organizing, and efforts to bring electricity to the Navajo Nation.

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John makes the case for electing more women: a record number of Democratic women are running for governor, and Democrats could reach 100 women in the House. He discusses the real-world stakes of representation—from reproductive care and childcare to workplace protections—and why women’s leadership is no threat to men. John also highlights candidates including Amy Acton, Jocelyn Benson, Gina Hinojosa, Deb Haaland, and Keisha Lance Bottoms, and argues that kindness is not weakness and equality is not a zero-sum game. Then, Bob Cesca, co-host of Trek Politics, joins John to remember Star Trek legends Patrick Stewart and Walter Koenig. They celebrate Stewart’s range, Picard’s compassionate model of leadership, and Star Trek’s enduring vision of a more equal future. Next, political strategist Joe Sudbay shares what he’s seeing in early voting, battleground races, and Democrats’ expanding map, from Maine’s “cord of wood” controversy to the fight for affordability and a more ambitious Democratic agenda. Then finally, Frank Conniff, TV’s Frank from Mystery Science Theater 3000, joins the fun and they take listener calls on the election, gerrymandering, constitutional amendments, religion, movies, and whatever else is on their minds.

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Today, John talks about Alaska, where Donald Trump is threatening to prosecute Democrat Mary Peltola over allegations involving candidates with similar names—before voters have even finished casting their ballots. He examines the history of “spoiler” candidates, the double standard in Republican claims of election fraud, and why Alaskans deserve to choose their own senator without political interference. He also raises questions about the state’s energy future, Russian interests, and the stakes for Alaska’s Indigenous communities and lands. Then, legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson joins John to discuss the Alaska case, the 2000 Florida ballot controversy, and whether prosecutors can express empathy for sexual assault survivors without compromising impartiality. They also talk about daylight saving time, Israel’s election and Netanyahu’s coalition troubles, Brazil’s election-denying Bolsonaro family, and DoorDash’s proposed acquisition of Instacart. Then, Tennessee State Senator Charlayne Oliver discusses her lawsuit challenging Republican retaliation after she protested the dismantling of Black political representation in Memphis. She explains why her vote went unrecorded, what she hopes the court will restore, and why young people should keep speaking truth to power.

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John takes aim at the AI boom and Anthropic’s IPO disclosures, which warn that the technology could pose catastrophic or existential risks even as investors are promised world-changing breakthroughs. He questions the race to commercialize potentially dangerous systems, and argues that the costs are already landing on ordinary people: higher electricity bills, dwindling water supplies, and communities asked to subsidize data centers while billionaires reap the rewards. Then, podcaster and broadcaster Tara Dublin joins John to discuss the Oregon governor’s race, down-ballot contests, and the stakes of the midterms. Founder of the National Democratic Training Committee Kelly Dietrich shares what to watch on election night, from early returns in Virginia and Florida to close races in Texas, Iowa, Kansas, and Ohio. Comedian Alonzo Bodden stops by to talk about finding fresh angles in political comedy, the Supreme Court, and the state of American media. And then, the God Squad, Desimber Rose and Dillon Naber Cruz explore Christian nationalism, the politics of “toxic empathy,” and how scripture is used to justify racism and cruelty. Listeners call in with their questions about faith, history, and the Bible.

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John examines a House Judiciary Committee report detailing allegations of sexual abuse and assault against Donald Trump, including claims involving Jeffrey Epstein. He questions the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files, the treatment of Ghislaine Maxwell, and the withholding of records. He calls for an independent investigation that protects survivors and follows the evidence wherever it leads. Then, he welcomes Richard Chew, morning host at Chicago’s WCPT, to talk about the mood in the Midwest with Election Day approaching and the races that could reshape the Senate. They discuss Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton’s Senate campaign and progressive priorities like Medicare for All, a $25 minimum wage, and banning congressional stock trading, along with the candidates and battleground states that could help Democrats reach 52 seats. Next, John welcomes Reverend Brandan Robertson, author, activist, and public theologian, for a conversation about reclaiming Christianity’s message of inclusion and liberation. Robertson discusses the progressive faith communities organizing across the country, the history of religious leadership in social justice movements, and why LGBTQ people should never have to choose between their identity and their faith. And finally, he welcomes comedians Keith Price and Rhonda Hansome for Handsomely Priced Tuesday. They take aim at Republicans’ midterm strategy of branding Democratic candidates as “weird,” and discuss Donald Trump’s racist attacks on Muslim candidates, Nicki Minaj’s political turn, and the billionaires pouring money into politics.

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John talks with Debra Shushan to unpack Israel’s election, the role of Benjamin Netanyahu, the country’s political divisions, and the uncertain future for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. And historian Kenneth C. Davis offers a civics and history lesson on why the United States holds midterm elections, how the House and Senate work, and how past elections—from Reconstruction to Watergate—have reshaped the country.

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In this episode, we celebrate the unprecedented surge of Indigenous candidates running for office in the current election cycle, with a record 355 individuals stepping up across the nation. Join us as we welcome back Simon Moya-Smith and Julie Francella to discuss the importance of representation, the barriers Indigenous voters face, and the need for genuine political power shifts. We also discuss the impact of cultural narratives in media, the significance of Indigenous identity, and the ongoing fight for rights within the electoral process. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that highlights hope, resilience, and the call to action for Indigenous communities.

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This time, John reflects on the last day in the LA studios. He promotes the upcoming Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour featuring guests like Senator Adam Schiff and Mark Hamill. He discusses the alarming voter ID laws in New Hampshire and how they disproportionately affect college students. Joining him is the insightful Jody Hamilton, co-host of The Politics Bar podcast. They discuss the troubling political ad by Vivek Ramaswamy targeting Amy Acton, exploring the implications of Trump's defense of the ad and the toxic masculinity permeating the GOP. The conversation shifts to the midterms, the ongoing struggles of veterans from Camp Lejeune, and the hypocrisy of politicians who exploit their suffering for political gain.

Then, John welcomes the amazing Bob Cesca, to discuss the latest in political corruption, including the frivolous lawsuits filed by Trump and the ongoing influence of Russian disinformation campaigns. Together, they dissect the absurdity of deepfake videos targeting political candidates and the overarching theme of accountability in politics.

Next, John welcomes political strategist Joe Sudbay, a veteran in advocacy with over 30 years of experience, to discuss the midterms. Joe shares insights into the excitement surrounding early voting and the significant financial investments being made by both parties, particularly in battleground states like Texas and Ohio. Together, they analyze the desperate tactics employed by Republicans, including outrageous attack ads and attempts to suppress votes, while emphasizing the importance of local and state legislative races in shaping the future of democracy. Joe highlights the energy and engagement among state legislative candidates, noting that grassroots movements are gaining momentum despite the overwhelming influence of billionaires in politics.

And finally, he welcomes the multi-talented Hal Sparks, who shares insights from his own comedic journey and the evolution of his show, "Hal Sparks Mega Worldwide." Together, they tackle the latest revelations from the book "Princes and Thieves," which exposes the shady dealings of Jared Kushner and the Trump administration's connections to foreign powers like MBS and Netanyahu. They discuss how these figures have influenced U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Iran, and the implications of Trump's decisions on global stability.

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