LEMON DROP | Darren Walker Says Our Democracy Is Strong, But It Is Not Guaranteed

Something strange is happening in the media, and it’s not subtle. From silencing progressive voices to hiring outspoken MAGA cheerleaders, the mainstream press seems to be slowly bending the knee to Trump. Networks are playing it safe, executives are terrified of backlash, and reporters are being told what not to say. The result? A media landscape that looks a lot more like a MAGA echo chamber than a free press. Tonight, Don is joined by media reporter Max Tani and journalist LZ Granderson to break down how we got here, who’s responsible, and what it means when journalism starts taking marching orders from the man who once called it “the enemy of the people.” This episode is sponsored by Henson Shaving. Go to https://hensonshaving.com/LEMON and enter LEMON at checkout to get a free pack of 100 blades with your purchase. (Note: you must add both the blades and the razor for the discount to apply.) This episode is brought to you by MSI United States. Go to https://msiunitedstates.org or text “lemon” to five eleven five eleven. Text “lemon” to 511511 and see all the Wonderful services they provide. Text Fees May Apply. This episode is sponsored by Ollie. Take the guesswork out of your dog's well-being. Go to https://ollie.com/lemon and use code lemon to get 60% off your first box! This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. For free and unbiased Medicare help, dial 212-931-0855 to speak with my trusted partner, Chapter, or go to https://askchapter.org/don DISCLAIMER: Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan's contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don't directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. Average potential savings are based on realized premium, co-pay, and out of pocket savings estimates self-reported by consumers that worked with Chapter Advisory LLC to enroll in a Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and/or Part D Prescription Drug Plan. The average is limited to consumers that chose to self-report. Savings information is subject to periodic updates and corrections. There is no guarantee of savings and any savings may vary by policy type, state, or other factors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don sits down with Dr. Frita, a triple board-certified physician specializing in nephrology, hypertension, and diabetes, to talk about the growing questions surrounding Donald Trump’s health. After reports surfaced that Trump recently underwent an MRI, the White House insists it was “routine.” But Dr. Frita isn’t so sure, and she breaks down what that really means, what doctors look for in an MRI like this, and what the signs might tell us. It sounds like the former president might not be as healthy as he wants everyone to believe, and we’re here to separate medical facts from political spin. 🍋 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Across the country, ICE detentions are growing more horrific and inhumane by the day. Families are being torn apart, people are disappearing into detention centers, and the silence from those in power is deafening. This morning, Don asks the hard questions: How far will this go, and what can we do about it? He’s joined by Rick Wilson, political consultant and co-founder of The Lincoln Project, and Katie Phang, lawyer, commentator, and former MSNBC host. Together, they break down the politics, the legality, and the moral crisis unfolding in real time. This episode is sponsored by Henson Shaving. Go to https://hensonshaving.com/LEMON and enter LEMON at checkout to get a free pack of 100 blades with your purchase. (Note: you must add both the blades and the razor for the discount to apply.) This episode is brought to you by MSI United States. Go to https://msiunitedstates.org or text “lemon” to five eleven five eleven. Text “lemon” to 511511 and see all the Wonderful services they provide. Text Fees May Apply. This episode is sponsored by Ollie. Take the guesswork out of your dog's well-being. Go to https://ollie.com/lemon and use code lemon to get 60% off your first box! This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don sits down with Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, for an inspiring conversation about his life, his lifelong commitment to philanthropy, and his new book, The Idea of America: Reflections on Inequality, Democracy, and the Values We Share. They explore how Darren’s journey from humble beginnings to leading one of the world’s most influential philanthropic organizations has shaped his view of service, justice, and leadership. The two also dive into the deep polarization dividing America, and Darren shares what he believes it will take to rebuild trust, empathy, and common purpose in this moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don sits down with former Washington Governor Jay Inslee to talk about how Trump’s presidency has devastated clean energy progress and cost American jobs. Inslee explains how Trump’s administration used funding cuts as political retribution, punishing states that didn’t support him by gutting renewable energy projects and stalling innovation. But in the end, it’s ordinary Americans, not politicians, who pay the price. A must-watch conversation about the future of clean energy, political revenge, and what’s really at stake for our planet and our economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So apparently Steve Bannon announced in an interview that Donald Trump will run for a third term. Because, you know, why start following the Constitution now? We’ll break down this latest descent into delusion, and Trump’s childlike meltdown over Canada’s anti-tariff ad. (Yes, he’s mad at Canada again. Cue the tiny violins.) Joining Don tonight is comedian Jay Jurden, who’s bringing the laughs as we try to make sense of the nonsense. Because sometimes the only way to deal with this circus is to laugh at it. 🍋 This episode is brought to you by ZBiotics. Go to https://zbiotics.com/LEMON use LEMON at checkout for 15% off first time orders This episode is sponsored by Henson Shaving. Go to https://hensonshaving.com/LEMON and enter LEMON at checkout to get a free pack of 100 blades with your purchase. (Note: you must add both the blades and the razor for the discount to apply.) This episode is brought to you by Lean. If you want to lose meaningful weight at a healthy pace and keep it off... Add LEAN to your diet and exercise lifestyle. Get 20% OFF WHEN YOU ENTER LEMON at https://TAKELEAN.com This episode is sponsored by Ollie. Take the guesswork out of your dog's well-being. Go to https://ollie.com/lemon and use code lemon to get 60% off your first box! This episode is brought to you by Beam. Beam is offering UP TO 40% off their best-selling Dream Powder for my listeners. Go to https://shopbeam.com and use code LEMON at checkout. Limited time offer. For free and unbiased Medicare help, dial 212-931-0855 to speak with my trusted partner, Chapter, or go to https://askchapter.org/don DISCLAIMER: Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan's contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don't directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. Average potential savings are based on realized premium, co-pay, and out of pocket savings estimates self-reported by consumers that worked with Chapter Advisory LLC to enroll in a Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and/or Part D Prescription Drug Plan. The average is limited to consumers that chose to self-report. Savings information is subject to periodic updates and corrections. There is no guarantee of savings and any savings may vary by policy type, state, or other factors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don takes a hard look at Vivek Ramaswamy’s rise and reckoning inside the Republican Party. He was supposed to be the GOP’s perfect pitch: a biotech millionaire, an “anti-woke” crusader, and a proud MAGA loyalist. But now, Ramaswamy faces the brutal truth about the party he’s been trying to impress, the same one that keeps reminding him he’ll never truly belong. From racist attacks at Turning Point USA events to outright bigotry from conservative icons, Don breaks down how Ramaswamy’s story exposes the hypocrisy and the deep contradictions at the heart of today’s Republican movement. Smart, sharp, and unapologetically honest, this is one you don’t want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don sits down for an exclusive, no-holds-barred conversation with former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, and she’s not holding back. She opens up about her time behind the podium, her controversial decision to leave the Democratic Party, and what she really saw inside the Biden White House. Did she notice signs of Biden’s mental decline? How did she feel about Kamala Harris’s campaign? And what does she think the path forward looks like for an increasingly divided America? Karine Jean-Pierre tells all, the pressure, the politics, and the truth behind the headlines. This episode is brought to you by ZBiotics. Go to https://zbiotics.com/LEMON use LEMON at checkout for 15% off first time orders This episode is sponsored by Henson Shaving. Go to https://hensonshaving.com/LEMON and enter LEMON at checkout to get a free pack of 100 blades with your purchase. (Note: you must add both the blades and the razor for the discount to apply.) This episode is brought to you by Lean. If you want to lose meaningful weight at a healthy pace and keep it off... Add LEAN to your diet and exercise lifestyle. Get 20% OFF WHEN YOU ENTER LEMON at https://TAKELEAN.com This episode is sponsored by Ollie. Take the guesswork out of your dog's well-being. Go to https://ollie.com/lemon and use code lemon to get 60% off your first box! This episode is brought to you by Beam. Beam is offering UP TO 40% off their best-selling Dream Powder for my listeners. Go to https://shopbeam.com and use code LEMON at checkout. Limited time offer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don sits down with political commentator Ahmed Baba to unpack the current state of the nation and Trump’s latest grift... his new ballroom. Because when the country’s on fire, why not add another chandelier? Politics, spectacle, and a whole lot of spin, Don and Ahmed cut through it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve got a packed one for you tonight. The Epstein scandals just keep getting messier, and now journalist Michael Wolff is suing Melania Trump after she threatened to sue him over his Epstein-related claims. (Yes, really.) Michael joins us live to break down the legal drama and what it reveals about the Trump orbit’s panic level. Then, Stephanie Ruhle stops by to unpack Trump’s latest ballroom scandal, because while the U.S. economy crumbles, he’s apparently more focused on chandeliers and photo ops. Chaos, lawsuits, and a collapsing economy... just another night in America. 🍋 This episode is brought to you by ZBiotics. Go to https://zbiotics.com/LEMON use LEMON at checkout for 15% off first time orders This episode is sponsored by Henson Shaving. Go to https://hensonshaving.com/LEMON and enter LEMON at checkout to get a free pack of 100 blades with your purchase. (Note: you must add both the blades and the razor for the discount to apply.) This episode is brought to you by Lean. If you want to lose meaningful weight at a healthy pace and keep it off... Add LEAN to your diet and exercise lifestyle. Get 20% OFF WHEN YOU ENTER LEMON at https://TAKELEAN.com This episode is sponsored by Ollie. Take the guesswork out of your dog's well-being. Go to https://ollie.com/lemon and use code lemon to get 60% off your first box! This episode is brought to you by Beam. Beam is offering UP TO 40% off their best-selling Dream Powder for my listeners. Go to https://shopbeam.com and use code LEMON at checkout. Limited time offer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices