The monologue today is two-fold. First, John talks about Trump continuing to loudly claim an Iran nuclear deal is still possible and then turns around to tease looming military action against the Islamic Republic. Then, he discusses the Supreme Court ruling in favor of Tennessee’s law banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth, in a 6-3 decision. After that, podcast star Bob Cesca is back to poke fun at the feud between Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson over U.S. involvement in the Israel/Iran skirmish. Next, John talks theology with The God squad AKA Desimber Rose and Dillon Naber Cruz. They discuss the plague of Christian Nationalist violence and the case of 2 parents in Michigan who were sentenced to 20 years in prison for letting their baby die of jaundice due to religious reasons. Then winding it up, legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson returns to talk people off a ledge in a world of WTF fatigue.

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John discusses Trump deciding whether to go to war with Iran or not. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has been moving large volumes of military hardware to the Middle East, including more than 30 fighter jets and at least a dozen “strato-fortress” logistics and refueling aircraft. Then, he welcomes back Professor Corey Brettschneider and they dive deep into the weekend's nationwide protests, Trump's escalating impeachable offenses—including his controversial actions involving due process violations and ongoing threats to democratic institutions—and the deployment of the National Guard. Then lastly, John chats with Comedy Daddy Keith Price on the latest news and pop culture.

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John talks about the desperate attempt by Republicans to convince people that the man who shot 2 democratic lawmakers and their spouses in Minnesota - Vance Boelter - is actually a Democrat. He also discusses the epic failure of Trump's birthday parade and the overwhelming historic turnout across the world for "No Kings" day. Then, he interviews Dawn Huckelbridge. She is the founder of the Paid Leave for All PAC. She's spent her career in gender policy, political organizing, communications, and building early-stage programs and campaigns. And then finally, John welcomes back comedian Rhonda Hansome and they joke with listeners about the latest news and current trending topics.

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John discusses California Senator Alex Padilla being cuffed and forcibly removed from a press conference being held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. He also talks about the big Trump birthday parade with troops and tanks honoring the draft dodger. Then, he interviews author Rob Edwards about his new book "Defiant: The Story of Robert Smalls" which is the first in a series of four comic books culminating in a groundbreaking graphic novel. It's the gripping tale of Smalls' daring escape from slavery and ventures beyond, exploring the extraordinary acts of heroism and resilience that defined his legacy. From his audacious theft of a Confederate steamship to his fearless confrontations on enemy territory, Smalls' story is a testament to courage, determination, and foresight. Then finally, John jokes with TV's Frank Conniff about music, TV shows, the massive "No Kings" protest, and Trump's birthday celebration.

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Julie and Simon join John to unpack the ICE raids in L.A.—why they’re not just an immigration issue but an Indigenous one. They dig into the disturbing forced removal of Senator Alex Padilla from a Kristi Noem event and what it says about power, race, and who gets silenced. They also break down the White House’s budget cuts to Tribal colleges, while the Yurok Tribe makes history reclaiming over 47,000 acres of stolen land. Plus, Julie shares the story behind her latest Substack essay and her online run-in with “Three Grumpy Bastards.” Spoiler: it’s a classic case of deflection when Indigenous folks speak hard truths. 

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John's monologue focuses on Sen. Alex Padilla who was forcibly removed and handcuffed at a press event held by DHS Secretary and unfortunate hat-wearer, Kristi Noem. He also discusses Trump's speech at Fort Bragg where he carefully selected good looking Republican officers to be in the audience cheering and jeering and obeying all his commands. Then, democratic strategist Ameshia Cross returns to speak about Israel striking Iran's nuclear sites and killing some top military officers. Also Trump's big, costly birthday parade. Next, democratic strategist Max Burns is back to chat about the latest protests against ICE which have spread to nearly 20 other US cities, leading to more arrests and escalating tension. And finally, listeners call in to talk about John's Substack and this weekend’s NO KINGS protests.

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John remembers legendary Beach Boys creator Brian Wilson who passed away at age 82. Brian was a pioneer in music, known for his creative control and use of the recording studio to create unique sounds. He also discusses Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth being grilled as he testified before the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on the armed forces. Then, he jokes with Bob Cesca about the lame excuses from Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt about their treatment of ICE protesters in L.A. and what proof Trump has that they are being paid to protest. Next, John welcomes back former pastor Desimber Rose and theologian Dillon Naber Cruz (AKA the God Squad) and they discuss what the bible says about being gay and the treatment of foreigners. Then lastly, he chats with legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson about the legality of the ICE protests and the difference between martial law and habeas corpus.

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John talks about the continued ICE Protests and overreach from Trump. As 700 Marines enter Los Angeles, a federal judge has blocked Gov. Gavin Newsom’s emergency motion to stop Trump's deployment of thousands of national guardsmen. He also discusses RFK Jr. who fired the entire CDC panel tasked with providing vaccine guidance, calling the move a necessary step to restore trust in American medicine. Then he interviews Phyllis A. Coven who served as the seventh Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) from 2021-2023. Previously, Ms. Coven served as District Director for the two largest U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) District Offices located in New York and Los Angeles. She also served as Director of the Office of International Affairs under the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), where she was responsible for the operations of the INS’s overseas offices and refugee and asylum divisions. Next, John speaks with the Executive Director of the Muslim Community Network - Husein Yatabarry on Donald Trump’s latest travel ban. Twelve nations now face full travel bans for their citizens: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. And finally, Comedy Daddy Keith Price jokes with John and listeners on Trump's latest mishigas.

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John remembers the life of musician Sly Stone who passed away at the age of 82. Then he discusses the clashes between Los Angeles protestors and law enforcement which is now into a 5th day - delighting Trump with TV shots to scare the rubes. At least 500 Marines have been deployed into Los Angeles, joining a large number of National Guard who are already on location with nothing to do. Then, he welcomes back legal analyst Dina Doll to give her perspective on the LA protests and the White House response. Next, comedian and primatologist Natalia Reagan checks in to give her first hand account of what happened to her at the L.A. protests. And then finally, comedian Rhonda Hansome chats with John and listeners on current news and trending stories.

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John talks about the ongoing breakup of Elon and Don. He also tells the story of Luka Strobel - a transgender man in South Carolina who reported experiencing harassment and being arrested after using a women's restroom at a bar. Despite having permission from the bar to use the women's restroom and having an ID that matched his gender marker, he reported being spied on, called anti-trans slurs, and forcibly removed from the bar. He was charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct, although he stated he was sober and did not resist the police. Then, he interviews Dr. Anahita Dua and they chat about RFK Jr's demolition of science and health in government programs. And winding it up, John jokes around with comedy panel Frank Conniff, Frank Vignola, and Agunda Okeyo on trending topics, pop culture, and the insanity of the government at large.

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