Start Me Up with Kimberley A. Johnson

Rachel is back and her new book is titled Hit 'Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game [https://www.amazon.com/Hit-Where-Hurts-Democracy-Republicans-ebook/dp/B0C4J8ZQPD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3RX5NFKUPBRFE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hrpXqDOHnVm2RbXaeP7nVZhajYGLecqLwxeQk8iJw-bGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.BL4xuktiSpKW0ooPpty9FCxD1NVYvrSx0y-eiFap4U4&dib_tag=se&keywords=hit+em+where+it+hurts+rachel+bitecofer&qid=1712849435&s=digital-text&sprefix=rachel+bit%2Cdigital-text%2C118&sr=1-1], and she's the co-host of This is America on The Cycle on Substack [https://thecycle.substack.com/]. Topics: The 2026 midterms--where the focus needs to be, and will there even be elections? Musk’s possible third-party threat would hurt GOP if he actually goes through with it; Democrats are progressing in their fight against fascism, but the party as a whole is still not getting it; MAGA is currently unraveling over the Trump regime claim there is no list or that it’s a “Democrat hoax,” but will it last or does it eventually go away? If we want to win, it’s up to us to make sure the people in our lives who aren't paying attention understand what’s happening. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

Jess Craven is a political content creator—she’s @jesscraven101 on all platforms-- the author of "Chop Wood, Carry Water Daily Actions [https://jesscravenvideos.substack.com/]” on Substack, and the co-host of the Practivist Pod [https://www.practivistpod.com/]. She aims to help average Americans become more engaged in the political process and to help elect more progressive lawmakers everywhere. Topics: Jess weighs in on the "Will there be midterms?" debate. SPOILER, she does think they'll happen and she's very optimistic. We briefly discuss the trump/Musk feud and what it could mean if Musk follows through with a third party; how MAGA is reacting to the news there are no Epstein files; Democrats need a more unified messge and they need to delay, obstruct and fight MAGA every step of the way. Last, we talk about how grassroots organizing has always been the way of change and how we all need to recognize our individual power in the face of fascist autocracy. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

Steph is back! We had an in-depth chat about how the current fascist regime is affecting us-- us meaning all of us--and why it's so important to engage. Steph shared a story from grade school when she witnessed racism from a teacher, she told her father, and he confronted the principal--the outcome was positive. We discuss where Democrats need to step up their game, and it's up to voters to pressure those who need a push. We covered a lot, and we hope you'll come along for the ride.   Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

Sarah Burris is a reporter at Raw Story, Alternet and Salon. Topics: Supreme Court sides with South Carolina in ruling allowing states to cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood and what that will mean; Trump's mental/physical health and corporate media's double-standard; the difference in what Raw Story reporters can cover compared to what's being reported on by the cable news shows; how the resistence is showing up and the Democratic Party is failing to meet this urgent, dangerous moment. All that and more. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

Cheri is back for another rousing conversation. We start the show with our critiques of "And Just Like That," and then we dive into politics. Topics: what constitutes an effective political ad; Tucker Carlson went after Ted Cruz and Cheri emphasizes that no matter what things may look like, there's always something nefarious going on behind the scenes; podcasters and influencers who are vocal resisters don't always feel safe--Cheri talked about her experiences as a vocal critic of donald, including being hacked, targeted, and banned from media appearances. We covered all that and much more. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]