The John Fugelsang Podcast

In this special New Year episode - John shares his latest episode of his podcast with Professor Corey Brettschneider - The Oath and the Office. They start with the Supreme Court checking Trump on using the National Guard—why it matters, and whether the Insurrection Act is the next risk. That ruling is their doorway into a 2025 Year in Review: where they revisit Trump’s most dangerous attacks on the Constitution, and the guardrails that barely held. Next, they break down Judge James Boasberg’s escalating confrontation with the administration over deportations tied to the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. Can the government claim people sent to Venezuela have no due process rights? And can courts be told it’s “too late” once they’re out of the country? They explain what the Constitution requires and what’s at stake for the rule of law. Finally, they turn to Florida, where Ron DeSantis’s remake of New College offers a blueprint for a broader war on education—replacing what they label “woke” with enforced ideology, down to symbolic culture-war moves like honoring Charlie Kirk.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Interviews the band Howl Owl Howl. Founded by Grammy winning Hootie & the Blowfish frontman/multi-Platinum country star Darius Rucker, REM co-founder/Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mike Mills, and The Black Crowes co-founder/ former drummer/ lauded media personality Steve Gorman, Howl Owl Howl rekindles the spirit of the authentic rock band. Infusing roots rock with an open-minded alternative flair – plus a fluid rhythm section and the barrel-chested vocal rasp of an iconic frontman – it was born from friendship and the pure joy of collaboration, and powered by the world-class instincts of true originals.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this engaging conversation, award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns shares insights about his latest documentary, The American Revolution. He explains why now is the perfect time to explore this topic and the challenges of recounting a war without photographs. Ken emphasizes the significance of portraying Native nations and the complexities of figures like George Washington and Benedict Arnold. He discusses the importance of civic responsibility and offers a hopeful perspective on America's ability to address current divisions. Exciting projects on the horizon include stories about Reconstruction and LBJ.

Joe Walsh, a former Tea Party congressman turned Trump critic, discusses the Republican Party's transformation into a MAGA outfit and predicts significant shifts in 2026. He highlights the disillusionment within Trump's base due to scandals and warns Democrats to prepare for extreme tactics. Ben Landsberg, a musician focused on community through singing, shares the origins of the Low Bar Chorale and the health benefits of group singing. Both guests reflect on how connection through music and politics can inspire change.

Tara Dublin guest hosts for John on his holiday break. She talks about the piecemeal, haphazard, slow-trickle, fuckery release of the Epstein files. She also discusses reports that the US carried out airstrikes against targets in Venezuela over the Christmas holiday. Trump has made several contradictory statements to the press on the strikes, but it seems the target was a shipyard. Then, she interviews Alicia J. Rose who is a photographer, filmmaker and musician based in Portland. They talk about her show Menopunks which is a bold, unapologetic documentary that exposes the truth behind the science and the silence. The show is backed by a fierce lineup of iconic Portland musicians. Then, Tara welcomes the one and only Hal Sparks to talk music, Trump mayhem and other politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time we flash back to the past with more memories of Rob Reiner. First, John interviews Rob for the Tell Me Everything Town Hall back in June 2018 and they promote his movie "Shock and Awe". Then, we jump to another interview from last year with Rob and Dan Partland and they promote their movie "God & Country".See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John interviews director Dan Farah about his new film "The Age of Disclosure". Then he speaks with Tazin Khan, CEO and founder of @cybercollectiveorg. They discuss how she helps individuals think critically about their relationship with technology and how she promotes responsible tech practices.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John interviews author Peter Ormerod about his new book "David Bowie and the Search for Life, Death and God". Then he speaks with Shawn Harris who is running to unseat incumbent Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for Georgia's 14th Congressional District.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join December Rose, a former pastor and author, and Dylan Naber Cruz, a tattooed theologian, alongside Julie Francella, an Anishinaabe mental health professional, and Simon Moya-Smith, an Oglala Lakota journalist, as they dissect the tumultuous events of 2025. They explore colonialism's lingering effects, critique Christian nationalism, and celebrate grassroots resistance. From the implications of an MLK Day inauguration to the role of art in activism, this discussion reveals profound insights on justice, hope, and community resilience.

John talks about the Supreme Court blocking Trump from deploying the National Guard to Chicago, but the National Guard in Louisiana have been called up for an upcoming deployment to New Orleans. He also discusses the DOJ releasing more files on Jeffrey Epstein, including an alleged letter to Larry Nassar. Then, he welcomes back Rev. Barry Lynn who is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and a former executive director for Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. And closing it up, John jokes with "Comedy Daddy" Keith Price and they take listener calls about pop culture, current politics, and the year in review.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.