The Battle for Free Speech and Fair Representation

We're Still Here with Simon and Julie

Simon Moya Smith and Julie Francella are back to discuss the pressing issues surrounding Indigenous affairs in the current political climate. This time, they focus on recent federal law enforcement actions and their implications for tribal sovereignty. They talk about the historical context of Indigenous nations and the ongoing struggles against racial profiling and resource extraction. Simon and Julie share their insights on the complexities of identity, immigration, and the importance of protecting sacred lands. Join them for a thought-provoking dialogue that highlights the resilience of Indigenous communities and the need for awareness and action. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

A Provocative, Perturbing, Perplexing, Petulant and Petty Primetime Address

John discusses Trump delivering a paranoid and slurry primetime address on what he deems is an emergency of integrity in American elections. In the speech, Trump claimed he’d expose foreign plots to sway recent elections and blamed Democrats and Media Companies for allowing it to happen. He also talks about air quality being dangerously unhealthy across a swath of America from the Pacific to the Atlantic, including record-poor levels of pollution at the site of Sunday’s World Cup final. Then, John welcomes back democratic strategist Ameshia Cross and they talk about Trump's mega lies and propaganda in last night's speech. The ever entertaining Bob Cesca jumps in and joins John to discuss Trump's longtime teleprompter operator, Gabriel Perez, who is under federal investigation for allegedly making $100,000 by betting on the content of the president's speeches. They also talk about Pete Kegsbreath's new directive for testosterone replacement therapy for male service members. Next, he interviews New York Times bestselling author James M. Scott about his new book "Empire of Ashes: Truman, Hirohito, and the Descent into Total War". And then fianlly, Frank Conniff of MST3K returns to joke with John and listeners on the latest news and his new show.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

How to Extinguish the Wildfire of Election Lies

John discusses the upcoming primetime address by Donald Trump on election integrity. He humorously compares Trump's speech to tax tips from Willie Nelson, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. He talks about the implications of Trump's insistence on relitigating the 2020 election, raising concerns among Republicans about the potential fallout for their upcoming campaigns. He also covers the alarming rise of cyclospora cases across the U.S. and the government's failure to adequately communicate health risks to the public. Joining him are esteemed guests, like Dr. Tracy Pearson, who provides a legal and scientific lens on the recent developments in testosterone therapy for military personnel. John's humorous yet critical take on the subject raises questions about the motivations behind such policies and the implications for service members' health. Also joining him - Congressman Glenn Ivey, who shares insights on gun reform and the importance of community violence intervention programs. Additionally, attorney Andrea Flores discusses the reckless actions of ICE and the urgent need for accountability in light of recent tragic shootings. The episode wraps up with a critical examination of Todd Blanche's confirmation hearings, featuring powerful testimonies from Epstein survivors demanding justice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Todd Blanche and Jay Clayton Get Grilled by the Senate

John discusses Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's contentious, five-hour Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing today to permanently lead the Department of Justice. Following the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham, Republicans hold a razor-thin 11-10 committee majority. Because Democrats are united in opposition, even a single Republican "no" vote will block his nomination. Then, he interviews Victoria Kirby York from the National Black Justice Collective, who discusses the importance of advocacy for marginalized communities and the ongoing struggle for voting rights. Her passionate defense of social justice serves as a rallying cry for listeners to take action and engage in the political process. Then, John speaks with Professor of Sociology at Boston College - Charles Derber and they talk about his new book "Wired for Authoritarianism: American Oligarchies and How to Re-Wire America for the People". Next, he welcomes back Bonnie Watson Coleman, the first African American woman elected to Congress from New Jersey, who shares her experiences and insights on the current political climate. Coleman expresses her concerns about the effectiveness of checks and balances in Congress, highlighting the heartbreaking reality of political dysfunction. Her candid remarks resonate with listeners who may feel disillusioned by the current state of governance. And finally, John brings in The God Squad featuring former Pastor Desimber Rose and the "Tattooed Theologian" Dillon Naber Cruz to chat with listeners about tackling the intersection of faith and politics, and how Christian nationalism is reshaping the political landscape. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

ICE Cold Killings in Cold Blood by Cold Hearted Agents

John discusses the Trump administration ordering ICE to immediately suspend most vehicle stops nationwide following a pair of high-profile fatal shootings of motorists within less than a week. In Maine, an ICE officer shot and killed Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a 26-year-old Colombian national, during an enforcement operation on Pool Street. Also, in Texas, agents in unmarked vehicles initiated a traffic stop and fatally shot 52-year-old Lorenzo Salgado Araujo while he was driving his construction crew to a job site. Then, John interviews the founder of the Turquoise & Lavender Institute for Transformation and Healing and a nationally recognized leader in racial healing and spiritual transformation - Catherine Meeks, PhD. They talk about her new book "Bridging the Rivers of Difference: A Proclamation of Unity in Resistance". Next, John welcomes back former MSNBC host, award winning Journalist, host of the Joy Reid show on YouTube, and author of the Substack Joy’s House - the one and only Joy Reid. They talk about the survival of media and religion in this Trumpian world of division and hate. Then winding it up, comedians Rhonda Hansome and Keith Price team up to joke with John and listeners about the erasure of history, the ICE shootings, and Broadway. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].