The John Fugelsang Podcast

In this episode of We're Still Here, John Fugelsang welcomes Indigenous advocates Simon Moya Smith and Julie Franciello to a dive deep into the troubling issue of identity appropriation, spotlighting the controversial case of former Border Patrol chief Greg Pavino, who falsely claimed Native American identity in a legal context. The conversation explores the broader implications of such appropriations, particularly in professional and legal settings, and the harm they cause to genuine Indigenous representation. The hosts discuss the absurdity of cultural capital and how individuals often exploit Indigenous identity for personal gain, while also addressing the historical context of such actions. They also highlight a recent inspiring victory for Indigenous rights at Brigham Young University, where student Jaron First Charger fought for his right to keep his cultural braids, emphasizing the significance of hair in Indigenous spiritual and cultural practices. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the complexities of identity, representation, and the ongoing struggle for recognition and respect in today's society.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jamie Jackson, attorney and former senior congressional aide with Pentagon experience, breaks down the collapse of bipartisan oversight and national security transparency. She discusses partisan gridlock, the need for clearer military briefings, concerns about ICE normalization at airports, and strategies for Democrats to regain leverage. Sharp, timely, and politically frank conversation.

John talks about Trump's lies and distractions coming into the midterms. He also welcomes the insightful Bob Sesca, host of The Bob Sesca Show, who shares his thoughts on the ongoing political turmoil and the implications of insider trading within the Trump administration. Plus, a discussion of the religious right with Dillon Naber Cruz.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John discusses Florida Democrats' stunning victory in a special election in Mar-a-Lago's district and Trump's declaration of victory in his dealings with Iran, juxtaposed with the announcement of an impending deployment of American paratroopers to the Middle East. John also pays tribute to the late Robert Mueller, reflecting on his legacy and the importance of upholding the rule of law in the face of corruption. Then, John welcomes Kelly Dietrich, founder of the National Democratic Training Committee, who discusses the urgency of mobilizing Democrats ahead of the upcoming elections. Bob Henley joins John to discuss the ongoing challenges in media and labor, the impact of immigration on local economies, and the importance of grassroots journalism in countering corporate narratives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John's monologue begins with how President Trump announced a halt to upcoming air raids on Iranian targets, how Iran spent most of the day today denying that such talks have taken place, and how an individual made a billion dollar plus series of trades on market futures and oil prices – a clear as day signal of insider trading within the administration. Next Corey Brettschneider, a professor with a PhD in Politics from Princeton and a Law degree from Stanford joins John. For years, Corey's analysis of the Trump Administration for Politico, the New York Times, CNN, MSNBC and TIME have been indispensable. John then interviews Anu Joshi the National Campaign Director for Immigration in the National Political Advocacy Department. Anu previously served as the Vice President of Policy at the New York Immigration Coalition, and worked on successful campaigns to ensure access to drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants in New York and pass municipal voting rights for noncitizens in New York City.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John's monologue starts with how President Trump told reporters that military operations in Iran are winding down, while leaks from the Pentagon continue to tease a large military buildup of ground forces. He also talks about plans that include sending three more warships and thousands more troops to take the strategic fuel depot on Kharg Island. Plus, he touches on how scientists conducting clinical trials on psilocybin mushrooms for depression treatment now believe psychedelics may have no greater effect than existing antidepressants and worry about the percentage of positive reactions that can be attributed to placebo effect. John then interviews Frank Conniff a comedy writer and performer who began his TV career writing for the Peabody Award winning Comedy Central series Mystery Science Theater 3000, where he also played TV’s Frank. He then went on to be a writer, producer and actor on the ABC TV series Sabrina the Teenage Witch and he was a writer and producer on The Drew Carey Show on ABC. He’s a prolific author and comedian and his books and Mads Are Back shows are available at Dumb-Industries.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, John once again welcomes Indigenous advocates Simon Moya Smith and Julie Franciello to discuss the complex legacies of historical figures like Cesar Chavez and the challenges faced by Indigenous communities today. The conversation delves into the painful truths about admired leaders, the intricacies of trauma responses, and the importance of recognizing the contributions of women in movements. Simon and Julie also explore the historical kinship between Irish and Indigenous peoples, highlighting acts of solidarity and the ongoing struggles against colonialism.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John's monologue is about Trump taking fees from immigrants and US sponsors for services that it has no plans to provide. The government took their money, and now it won’t even adjudicate their applications—in many cases, it refuses even to issue denials. The State Department is actually telling consular officers not to notify future applicants that the government has banned them. He also talks about Trump telling reporters he “isn’t sending troops anywhere” in Iran, adding that even if he was, he wouldn’t tell the press – whom he hates. Even as Trump denies it, national defense insiders in DC report DoD is close to deploying thousands and thousands of troops to the region to take and hold Iranian territory near the Strait of Hormuz. The Pentagon has also asked Congress for $200Billion in supplemental war funds so it can keep escalating conflict with Iran. John then interviews Hans Charles & Menelek Lumumba who are the hosts & co-creators of podcast The A Building, which was launched by Imagine Entertainment and iHeartPodcasts back in February. It is a tale of protest that will hopefully spark the fight in all of us for the next No Kings protests on March 28th. The A Building tells the story of the 1969 student protest at Morehouse College in Atlanta where students (including Samuel L. Jackson) took board of trustee members (including Martin Luther King Sr.) hostage. The event was a pivotal moment in the modern era of student protests, and the podcast explores how the climate of the 60’s and 70’s reverberates today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John talks about a New York Times investigation which revealed years of sexual abuse and grooming of female associates by the late, celebrated labor rights activist Cesar Chavez. Among those corroborating the report are activist Dolores Huerta, who detailed rape at the hands of Chavez in an open letter. Then, he discusses Markwayne Mullin’s Senate confirmation hearing where colleagues really let him have it, challenging Mullin on his record, his temperament and the actions of the agency he hopes to manage. Also, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard took sharp jabs from lawmakers about the War In Iran as she testified during a House Select Intelligence Committee hearing. John then welcomes back Bob Cesca to talk about the War in the Middle East, the Epstein files, and of course Star Wars and Star Trek. Next, Dillon Naber Cruz and Desimber Rose show up for another installment of The God Squad. They talk sense about what the bible really says and what Christian Nationalists want us to believe. And wrapping it up, John interviews Annabelle Gurwitch. She's an actress, activist, and New York Times bestselling author of six books and a two-time Thurber Prize finalist. Her essays and satire have appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post amongst other publications and she co-hosted the fan favorite Dinner & a Movie on TBS and was a regular commentator on NPR. After receiving an out-of-the blue diagnosis of Stage 4 lung cancer, an existential dread set in. Precision medicine offered a temporary reprieve—but instead of turning into a cancer warrior, Annabelle declared herself a cancer slacker. Her motto: no runs, no ribbons, and no religion.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time, John discusses Joe Kent who resigned as the head of the National Counterterrorism Center, which is part of Tulsi Gabbard’s office. Kent cited the war with Iran as his reason for leaving. John also talks about the ongoing conflict in Iran, emphasizing the internal divisions within the Republican party and the implications for American foreign policy. He raises important questions about accountability and the potential consequences of military action, encouraging listeners to think critically about the narratives presented in the media. Then, he interviews Elizabeth Vartkessian who's been investigating the life histories of those facing the most severe penalties possible in the U.S. They talk about her new book "The Deserving: What the Lives of the Condemned Reveal About American Justice". Next, John speaks with Tony Box who served as a Judge Advocate General officer while being deployed to Iraq. His career experience includes working as an investigator with the Congressional Commission on Wartime Contracting, for the Department of Defense, as a special agent and member of the SWAT team with the FBI, as an assistant U.S. Attorney, and in private practice. Having operated in both military and federal law enforcement leadership roles for decades, Tony brings a unique perspective on whether we're heading down a familiar and risky path. And finally, John jokes with comedian Keith Price and they talk listeners off the edge and calm their fears about voting, gas prices, and the War in Iran.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.