The John Fugelsang Podcast

John breaks down Democrats debating new Senate leadership after their election gains, while Donald Trump publicly sidelines J.D. Vance and the administration faces mounting questions over Nvidia chips, China, and ignored national security warnings. Comedian Adam Sank joins John to talk about Democratic infighting, billionaire influence, representation, and the latest election results. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John celebrates a historic Mississippi election: Scott Colom becomes the first Black U.S. senator elected by Mississippi voters since Reconstruction. John also reacts to Pete Hegseth’s entourage being reprimanded for laughing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and examines the national security questions surrounding Nvidia, its CEO’s alleged ties to a suspected Chinese intelligence asset, and Donald Trump’s role in approving chip sales to China.Dr. Tracy Pearson, John’s official West Coast Pundit Correspondent, joins him to discuss the Nvidia controversy, presidential conflicts of interest, Republican resistance to Trump’s judicial nominees, and threats against congressional oversight. Then comedians Carol Montgomery and Kevin Bartini join John to weigh in on Hegseth’s visit to Arlington, the election results, Colom’s win, and the wave of historic firsts across the country. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John marks Veterans Day by honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans—and arguing that the best way to honor them is to stop creating more. He also vents about 11 House Democrats missing a vote to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, considers what the missed vote means for Democratic leadership, and reacts to Republicans elevating Jim Jordan to lead the House. Then, Richard Chew, morning host at WCPT Chicago, joins John to discuss the election results, the work ahead for Democrats, and why party leaders need to hear from voters when they fall short. Next, historian and author Kenneth C. Davis traces Veterans Day back to the World War I armistice, explains the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day, and reflects on the Bonus Army, veterans’ health and homelessness, and the costs of war. Finally, Dillon Naber Cruz and former Pastor Desimber Rose (AKA The God Squad) join John to discuss Russell Brand’s conviction, performative celebrity conversions, Christian nationalism, and the progressive faith leaders finding a voice in politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John celebrates the midterm shake-up—from Scott Colom’s razor-thin lead in Mississippi to Democrats’ unexpected wins in Iowa—and examines what the results say about voters’ rejection of Trumpism, political corruption, and economic hardship. He also takes aim at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s response to Republican Thomas Massie’s impeachment resolution, and discusses the questions of accountability, the Iran war, and what Democrats should do with their new power.Chris Lehmann, D.C. bureau chief and columnist for The Nation, joins John to explain how Josh Turek and Rob Sand won over Iowans, why economic populism and opposition to corporate power resonated, and what the election reveals about Trump’s political weaknesses. Then Jenique Jones, executive director of WhyHunger, discusses the realities of food insecurity, the impact of SNAP cuts, and why access to nutritious food should be treated as a human right. Finally, John is joined by comedians Keith Price and Rhonda Hansome for a conversation about the election, representation, Democratic priorities, and the work still ahead.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John reacts to the midterm results and Donald Trump’s decision to elevate Stephen Miller, arguing that the administration is doubling down on the policies voters just rejected. He also examines Trump’s family’s cryptocurrency ties, Elon Musk’s political spending in Texas, and the corruption and accountability questions facing a new Congress.Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, CEO and co-founder of MomsRising, joins John to discuss how mothers helped drive the election results—and why affordability, health care, childcare, paid leave, food assistance, and support for working families matter to voters across party lines. Then constitutional scholar Professor Corey Brettschneider breaks down Congress’s power to challenge the Iran war, investigate the administration, and pursue accountability through hearings and impeachment. They also discuss presidential immunity, health care policy, and what Democrats should prioritize with control of Congress. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

November is Native American Heritage Month—and this year, it arrives amid a historic wave of Indigenous political representation and renewed debate over the federal government’s obligations to Native nations. Journalist Simon Moya-Smith and Indigenous studies educator and mental health professional Julie Francella join John to discuss Peggy Flanagan’s election to the U.S. Senate and Deb Haaland’s election as governor of New Mexico, and why these breakthroughs mean far more than representation alone.They explore Indigenous women’s leadership and the return of balance, the cultural significance of wearing Indigenous-made jewelry, and why Native communities’ treaty rights and federal funding are obligations—not charity. The discussion also looks at the impact of reported funding cuts, the protection of sacred sites and petroglyphs, and how listeners can learn from Indigenous voices, support Native-led work, and challenge familiar misconceptions. Along the way, callers celebrate the election results and reflect on identity, language, and the importance of listening directly to Indigenous people.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John celebrates the Democrats’ historic midterm gains, talks with commentator Bob Cesca about election surprises, and chats with the Reverend Barry Lynn on the growing influence of faith-driven candidates.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John celebrates another stunning post-midterm shift, from Democrat Chuck Hubbard’s razor-thin win over Virginia Foxx in North Carolina to the possibility of a Democratic senator from Mississippi. He takes aim at J.D. Vance’s attempt to blame the Iran war for Republican losses after publicly defending it, arguing that the vice president wants credit for seeing the consequences without owning his role in them. Then, legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson joins John to explain what voters can realistically expect from a Democratic Congress: investigations, hearings, and a public record—not criminal prosecutions—and why accountability must come with clear expectations. They also discuss the economic issues behind the election results, the need to protect health care, and the reforms listeners hope Democrats will pursue. Finally, Kendall Scudder, chair of the Texas Democratic Party, explains how grassroots organizing, local candidates, and a coordinated statewide campaign helped Democrats make historic gains in Texas—and what the party should do next on corruption, property taxes, and public schools.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John celebrates a historic election night, as voters hand Democrats control of both chambers of Congress and elect a slate of barrier-breaking leaders—including the first Latina governor of Texas, the first Indigenous woman governor, the first Black woman governor, and the first openly gay man to serve in the U.S. Senate. He marvels at Democratic wins in states long considered out of reach, from Kansas and Iowa to Texas and South Carolina, and argues that voters rejected Trump’s chaos, corruption, and culture-war distractions in favor of affordability, health care, and a government that works. Then, Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, joins John to discuss how anti-trans attacks failed to move voters, why candidates can defend LGBTQ+ rights without sacrificing their values, and what the new Congress should prioritize. Next, civil rights attorney Areva Martin talks about the threats facing people with disabilities, the stakes of protecting health care, and her work expanding employment opportunities for neurodivergent people. Then, surprise guest Governor Andy Beshear reflects on Democrats’ gains, the economic pressures that moved voters, and why the party must deliver tangible results for working families. And finally, former pastor Desimber Rose and tattoo theologian Dillon Nabor Cruz ( AKA The God Squad) join John to celebrate the election’s historic firsts, debate accountability and impeachment, and hear from listeners about forgiveness, faith, and the fight for a more inclusive country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Election Day, John urges listeners to vote for the people who didn’t make it this far—and honors everyone who has kept their humanity, hope, and commitment to fighting for the least of us. He takes aim at Trump’s election-season distractions, from White House vanity projects and transphobic scare stories to billionaire-fueled anti-communist rhetoric, arguing that none of it pays the rent or lowers gas prices. Then, John Nichols, national affairs correspondent for The Nation, joins John live from Madison, Wisconsin, on his way to vote. They discuss the state’s governor and House races, the strength of Democratic candidates across the country, and the possibility of a wave built on economic populism and reaching voters often overlooked. Nichols also reflects on Abdul El-Sayed’s coalition-building in Michigan, his interview with Representative Ilhan Omar, and Bernie Sanders’ campaign to both defeat Trumpism and give the Democratic Party a stronger working-class agenda. Next, Democratic strategist Max Burns joins John to discuss the shifting midterm map, gerrymandered districts turning competitive, candidate quality, and what Democrats will need to deliver if they win Congress. L. Joy Williams weighs in on turnout, voter engagement, and why campaigns must give people something to vote for—not just something to vote against. Finally, comedians Rhonda Hansome and Keith Price join the show to turn election-day anxiety into laughter, talk representation and accountability, and hear from callers about voting, reparations, campaign finance, and the fight against political cynicism.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.