The John Fugelsang Podcast

John discusses the chaos surrounding impending government shutdowns and the recent devastating flash floods at the Grand Canyon. He also critiques the toddler-in-chief's latest antics, including AI-generated memes celebrating military actions in Iran. He explores the irony of corporate profits soaring while workers struggle, and the shady dealings surrounding U.S. oil interests in Venezuela. Then, he speaks with Dr. Jason Nichols who's an is an award winning full-time senior lecturer in the African American Studies Department at the University of Maryland College Park. They explore the war in Iran, which has now entered its sixth month, and the administration's shifting rhetoric from economic warfare to military strikes. John and Jason discuss the fallout of Trump’s controversial decision to expand access to imported lean beef trimmings, a move that has left American cattle farmers furious and raised questions about the true meaning of "America First". Next, John welcomes back the National Affairs correspondent for the Nation - John Nichols. They talk about the remarkable legacy of Dolly Parton, exploring her role not just as a beloved entertainer but as a steadfast union advocate. The conversation highlights Dolly's long-standing commitment to the labor movement, including her nearly six-decade membership in the American Federation of Musicians and SAG-AFTRA. They discuss how her iconic song "9 to 5" resonates as a powerful anthem for workplace equality and the working class, and how Dolly's personal experiences shaped her understanding of union solidarity. They also tackle her nuanced relationship with feminism, her clever responses to political questions, and her impact on the LGBTQ community. And finally, Professor Corey Brettschneider is back to share his legal wisdom. They kick off with a discussion about the controversial remarks made by Texas politicians regarding the need for unity behind Ken Paxton, despite his unpopularity. John reflects on the recent march in D.C. led by Reverend Al, commemorating Dr. King's legacy and advocating for new voter protections, emphasizing the importance of persistent activism in the face of political fatigue. They also dissect a recent court ruling that deemed the Trump administration's targeting of international students for deportation based on their political opinions unconstitutional. Professor Brettschneider explains the implications of this ruling on First and Fifth Amendment rights, and they explore the concept of viewpoint discrimination in the context of free speech.
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Here's a special presentation of John's OTHER podcast - The Oath and the Office.
Trump already lost on birthright citizenship. Now he is testing the limits of constitutional law with two narrower executive orders. John and Professor Corey Brettschneider explain the high-stakes game of chicken underway: can a president just keep pushing after the courts and the Constitution say no?
Plus, they give a rapid-fire breakdown of recent legal chaos:
Vanity Plates: A bizarre but critical free speech fight.
DOJ Takeover: Todd Blanche officially steps in as Attorney General after a bruising confirmation fight over Trump, DOJ independence, and a $1.8 billion slush fund.
The $400 Million Ballroom: A court abruptly blocks Trump’s massive White House construction plan.
Targeting Fauci: Senate Republicans vote to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt.

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John is back and ready to dive into the madness of the current political landscape. He talks about the absurdity of Donald Trump renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America and the implications of such antics on international relations. John shares his recent experiences in Europe, including a poignant family funeral, and reflects on the ridiculousness of Trump's behavior as he continues to play to his base.
As they discuss the fallout from the recent catastrophic flooding in Nepal and the ongoing humanitarian crisis, John emphasizes the importance of supporting vetted organizations that can provide real help. The conversation also touches on the digital divide in education, with insights from Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, who highlights the negative impact of classroom technology on children's learning and attention spans.
Then, he is joined by comedian Myq Kaplan - who has performed on The Tonight Show, Conan, the Late Show with David Letterman and the Late Late Show with James Corden. Twenty years into his comedy career, and nearly a decade into his relationship with Rini Voskressensky, the two collaborated to craft a deeply personal project that is equal parts a comedy special and a thesis on love. In this heartwarming and hilarious project named after his partner, Myq offers advice to his past dumb self while discussing his evolving thoughts on traditional marriage, polyamory, quantum physics, psychedelics, music, God, and more.
Listeners are invited to call in and share their thoughts on everything from the latest political shenanigans to personal anecdotes about their own birthdays and experiences. The episode is a blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and critical discussions about the state of the nation and the world.
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John is back from vacation and he is once again joined by Simon Moya-Smith, an Oglala Lakota and Chicano journalist, and Julie Francella, a mental health professional with deep ties to Indigenous communities. Together, they reflect on the impactful legacy of Dolly Parton, particularly her Imagination Library, which has provided free books to Indigenous children across the United States. They discuss the significance of representation, the importance of education in Indigenous communities, and how Parton's philanthropy has fostered hope and joy among Native youth. Listen in as we explore the intersection of celebrity, culture, and community, and the powerful ways in which individuals can make a difference.
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In this episode of The John Fugelsang Podcast, guest host Joe Sudbay discusses the escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, sparked by Prime Minister Mark Carney's bold retaliatory tariffs against American products. Joe reflects on the implications of this trade war and discusses the fallout from J.D. Vance's recent remarks mocking Canada during a campaign stop in Maine, emphasizing the importance of maintaining friendly relations with our northern neighbor.
Next, Joe turns his attention to the troubling maneuvers of the Trump administration regarding mail-in voting, as the Supreme Court grants a request to freeze a district court injunction that could impact the upcoming elections. He analyzes the ongoing legal battles surrounding this issue, highlighting the potential consequences for voters and the integrity of the electoral process.
Later, Joe welcomes Michael Lemmon, a Vietnam veteran and the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against Donald Trump's proposed monument in Washington, D.C. Michael shares his personal experiences and the motivations behind the lawsuit, emphasizing the importance of honoring the sacrifices of veterans and the integrity of national memorials.
Then, Joe speaks with Gillian Brockell, a reporter covering ICE flights and third country removals. Gillian sheds light on the inhumane treatment of immigrants during deportation and the costly operations of ICE, revealing the systemic issues that perpetuate this cycle of suffering.
And finally, Joe interviews Kelley Robinson. She's a trailblazing advocate and leader in the fight for human rights. As the President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), she is the first Black, queer woman to hold this position. HRC is the largest civil rights organization in the United States, dedicated to achieving equality and liberation for LGBTQ+ individuals. With over 15 years of experience, Robinson has spearheaded numerous successful campaigns for LGBTQ+, racial, and gender equity.
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