The Great Texas Showdown: Faith, Fraud, and Fascists

John's monologue this time is about Democrats pushing back against the passage of a $70 billion immigration enforcement bill that funds Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection through 2029. He also discusses a victory for immigrant communities and the rule of law when a federal court vacated and declared unlawful a series of Trump-Vance administration immigration policies that have halted asylum processing, frozen immigration benefits, and targeted immigrants based on nationality. Next, John speaks with the Executive Director of Social Security Works - Alex Lawson. He explains what the Trump Administration is actively doing to put social security out of reach to millions of aging Americans, as explored in major piece by Tammy Kim in the New Yorker last month. And then finally, TV's Frank Conniff returns to joke about Star Wars movies and Trump's obvious dementia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John once again talks about Indigenous culture and issues with Simon Moya-Smith and Julie Francella. This time they discuss the rising political influence of Indigenous Women in America, highlighted by Deb Haaland's candidacy for governor of New Mexico and Peggy Flanagan's Senate bid. They explore the significance of Native leadership, the ongoing land return efforts, and the connection between historical injustices and contemporary issues like immigration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John discusses Donald Trump lying about his new memorials and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant testifying badly in congress about the nations economy. He also talks about Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth again denying women and black men promotions in the military. And he is baffled by the sudden appearance of flesh eating maggots in Texas after they were totally eradicated 60 years ago. Next he interviews Dr. George Byron Koch who's the author of "Bullies, Parasites, and Slaves", a thought-provoking unveiling of how societies are structured to benefit a few at the expense of many. And then, John speaks with A. Russell Andrews who's the founding member and producing artistic director of the multi-award winning Los Angeles-based stage company, StageWalkers. John and Russell discuss the emotional complexities of navigating life with ALS, especially as a father and partner, and how the support from the ALS Network has been instrumental in this journey. Joining them is Sherry Strahl, president and CEO of the ALS Network, who emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive care and resources for families affected by this devastating disease. Together, they explore the challenges, triumphs, and the power of community in the face of adversity. 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's monologue focuses on the House passing a War Powers Resolution to rein in Trump’s attacks on Iran as a growing number of Republicans have lost their appetite for economy-crushing war. He also discusses journalist Scott Pelley releasing several statements on CBS News and 60 Minutes following his termination, calling out bias, poor journalistic ethics and stubborn incompetence among newly installed leadership. Then, podcast guru and political commentator Bob Cesca is back to joke about Trump's recent court losses and the critical questions being asked about journalistic integrity and the challenges faced by reporters in an era where sensationalism often redacts the truth. Next, John welcomes back The God Squad with Desimber Rose and Dillon Naber Cruz. They discuss the role of Christianity in contemporary politics, and they challenge the notion that the faith can be co-opted for political gain. And then lastly, legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson gives her perspective on Trump's courtroom battles and answers questions from listeners on current political issues.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 this time delves into Acting A.G. Todd Blanche telling congress that they will take Trump's slush fund "settlement" off the table in his lawsuit against the IRS but they are keeping Trump and his family's IRS immunity in and it stays intact. John also discusses Secretary of State AND National Security Advisor Marco Rubio saying to lawmakers that they are winning the non-war in Iran. Plus, they marvel at the forehead slapping stupidity of Trump appointing boot-licking nepo-baby Bill Pulte as Director of National Intelligence replacing Tulsi Gabbord. Next, John interviews Colonel Edmund J. Barrett (Ret.) who is running for the Maryland State Senate in legislative district 37, facing off in a June 23rd primary against Katie Clendaniel to see who will take on incumbent Republican Johnny Mautz in the general election this fall. And finally, comedian Greg Proops returns and they talk about his new album "KIDDING... BUT STILL" which is out now from A Special Thing records. It's fully improvised and recorded at The Punchline in San Francisco.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John this time talks about the GOP divorcing themselves from Trump's $1.8 billion Cop-Beater slush fund after a federal judge stopped it dead in it's tracks. And, he talks about the many artists running for the hills saying they want no part of Trump's Great American State Fair political rally. Then, he interviews Tennessee State Senator Charlane Oliver. On May 7th, she disrupted a special session of the Tennessee legislature held to redraw the congressional map in the wake of a recent Supreme Court decision. She stood on her desk, unfurled a banner with the text "Jim Crow 2.0" and "Stop the TN Steal", and sang the hymn "Lift Every Voice and Sing". The State senate speaker blocked Oliver from voting on the map. Next, John speaks with independent journalist Marisa Kabas. She has been one of the journalists thankfully glued to ICE and DHS as it sows chaos and violence at the Delaney Hall detention center in New Jersey. And last but not least, comedian Rhonda Hansome jokes with listeners about Trump's crumbling world.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 federal judge Christopher Cooper who ordered Trump’s name to be removed from the Kennedy Center. And then another federal judge has temporarily stopped the creation of a $1.8bn government fund to compensate individuals who claimed to be targets of political investigation by previous presidential administrations. Judge Leonie Brinkema barred the justice department from taking any steps to stand up or operate the fund - including processing or dispersing claims - until a preliminary hearing on June 12th. And then another federal judge - Kathleen Williams - ordered the IRS case into Trump re-opened and called his 1776 Terror Slush Fund into question. John then welcomes back journalist and political analyst for CNN, Brian Karem, to talk about the ceasing of the Iran ceasefire and his new podcast "Just Ask the Question". And then finally, TV's Frank Conniff from MST3K returns to joke with John and listeners about Trump's pathetic almost cancelled Freedom 250 concert and birthday UFC cage fight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, John welcomes back Oglala Lakota and Chicano journalist Simon Moya Smith, along with mental health professional Julie Francella, discuss the ongoing impacts of the Indian Removal Act, signed by Andrew Jackson 193 years ago. They delve into the historical context and modern consequences of Indigenous displacement, the trauma faced by Native communities, and the importance of food sovereignty.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 the Department of Justice opening a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, claiming she perjured herself in her two civil trial victories against Donald Trump, the adjudicated rapist. He also discusses the stupidity of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin proposing withdrawing Customs and Border Protection officers from sanctuary city airports, and greatly impacting air travel to punish woke cities. Then, John interviews Jason G. Green who is the author of "Too Precious to Lose", a memoir which blends family history, civic life, and historical research to explore how communities endure. And, he jokes with standup comedian, writer, and podcast host Ophira Eisenberg. She's been headlining theaters and comedy venues across the world, has toured regularly with the Moth Mainstage, and she hosts the weekly parenting-comedy podcast Parenting is a Joke. She also hosted NPR’s trivia comedy show Ask Me Another for 9 years. Her breakout memoir Screw Everyone: Sleeping My Way to Monogamy has been optioned for a television series. They talk about her new standup special “I USED TO BE NICER”.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 focuses on the recent Texas Senate race and the surprising nomination of Ken Paxton, a man embroiled in scandal yet embraced by Texas Republicans. John explores the absurdity of a political system that rewards corruption while contrasting Paxton's candidacy with that of his opponent, James Talarico, a compassionate and principled candidate who embodies the values the GOP claims to uphold. Next, he speaks with podcast star and political commentator Bob Cesca. They chat about issues of healthcare, capitalism, and the moral responsibilities of caring leaders in a democracy. And then finally, John welcomes back The God Squad: theologians Desimber Rose and Dylan Nabor Cruz, who discuss the implications of Paxton's nomination for both Texas and the national political scene. They tackle the intersection of faith and politics, dissecting how the Republican Party has co-opted religious rhetoric to justify their actions while losing sight of the core values of empathy and service. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.