The John Fugelsang Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Great Texas Showdown: Faith, Fraud, and Fascists May 28, 2026

Show notes

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 Dillon 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.

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The Grift is the Gift that the GOP Keeps Giving May 27, 2026

Show notes

John discusses the Texas Senate race and the ever increasing disapproval ratings for Trump. He also talks about the implications of new non-disclosure agreements for government employees, the recent gerrymandering battles in Texas, and he touches on the unexpected good news regarding voting rights and the recent judicial decisions that challenge the status quo. Then, he discusses the corrupt slush fund proposed by Trump for those involved in the January 6th insurrection, John lays bare the implications of using taxpayer money to reward those who participated in an attack on our democracy. Joining him are comedians John Poveromo and Ron Placone,

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The Battle for Justice: Democrats, ICE, and the Fight for Civil Liberties May 26, 2026

Show notes

Democratic Strategist Max Burns guest hosts for John. He focuses on key issues that are shaping our nation today. Max kicks things off with a lighthearted nod to the Indianapolis 500, but quickly dives into the serious issues at hand, including the alarming state of Trump's waning support among Republicans and the fallout from Stephen Colbert's final show. With guests like Brad Lander, a former New York City comptroller and candidate for Congress, and Insha Rahman, the president of the Vera Institute of Justice, this episode goes deep into the startling implications of recent legislation and the challenges facing Democrats.

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Memorial Weekend Special: The Oath and the Office (with Jodi Kantor) May 25, 2026

Show notes

What is the Supreme Court doing when it acts without full briefing, oral argument, or a real explanation?

This week on The Oath and The Office, Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor joins the podcast to explain the Court’s shadow docket: the emergency orders process that has become one of the most powerful and least understood parts of American government.

Kantor discusses the Supreme Court memos she obtained with Adam Liptak, what they reveal about Chief Justice John Roberts, and how they relate to the Court’s supposed image as a neutral “umpire".

Corey and John also discuss Trump’s proposed “anti-weaponization” compensation fund, the politics of abortion and the abortion pill at the Supreme Court, and the Court’s emergency order allowing Alabama to move forward with redrawn congressional maps.

In this episode:

What the shadow docket is and why it matters
Jodi Kantor on Supreme Court memos
The two sides of John Roberts
Why the “umpire” model of judging has collapsed
Abortion, Alabama, and emergency Supreme Court power
Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund and the politics of grievance
The immunity case and presidential power

Link to Jodi Kantor's book, How to Start: https://jodikantor.com/how-to-start

Link to Jodi Kantor and Adam Liptak's reporting on the secret memos of the Supreme Court: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/18/us/politics/supreme-court-shadow-docket.html

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Memorial Weekend Special: The Oath and the Office (with ACLU’s Cecillia Wang) May 23, 2026

Show notes

Corey Brettschneider and John Fugelsang begin with the new redistricting wars, as southern states move to dilute Black Americans’ voting power after a green light from the Supreme Court. They look at Tennessee, Alabama, and the Virginia Supreme Court’s decision striking down a voting plan approved by voters.

Then, they turn to citizenship itself: DOJ support for stripping citizenship from naturalized citizens and Trump’s attacks on his own Supreme Court justices.

Corey then speaks with Cecilia Wang, National Legal Director of the ACLU, who argued before the Supreme Court against Trump’s executive order attacking birthright citizenship, with Trump himself watching from the courtroom. Wang explains why the text and history of the Fourteenth Amendment are on her side, how Reconstruction transformed the Constitution, and why the fight over citizenship is part of the larger battle for voting rights, civil liberties, and democracy itself.

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The Battle for Free Speech and Fair Representation May 22, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, guest host Michael Shure dives into a variety of pressing topics, starting with a groundbreaking victory for the little guy as he speaks with Cary Davis, who discusses the case of Larry Bouchardt, a retired law enforcement officer wrongfully imprisoned for expressing political views on social media. Michael then welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Southerland to talk about the alarming missteps at the White House regarding Forever Chemicals and their implications for public health. Next, Representative Steve Cohen from Tennessee joins the conversation to share his insights on the recent redistricting efforts that threaten representation for Memphis and the broader implications for voting rights. Finally, journalist Ben Jacobs provides an analysis of the current political landscape, including a look at Nancy Mace's controversial statements and the impact of Trump's endorsements on the Republican Party.

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If Slush Fund Money is Reparations for Government Weaponization - Shouldn't Leticia, Comey, and Ruby Freeman Get a Cut? May 21, 2026

Show notes

Joe Sudbay is guest hosting for John. He talks about the pressing issues surrounding the recent revelations of Trump's proposed $1.8 billion slush fund aimed at compensating the January 6th insurrectionists. Joe explores the implications of this unprecedented move, questioning the integrity of a democracy that would consider funding those who attacked the Capitol. Then, Joe is joined by Jacqueline Coren, the executive director of March for Our Lives, who shares her powerful story as a survivor of the Parkland shooting and discusses their new campaign, Ripple Effect, aimed at raising awareness about the long-term consequences of gun violence. Following that, community activist Danny Cook joins the conversation to talk about her initiative, Project for the People, which empowers citizens to engage in grassroots organizing around critical issues affecting their communities, including healthcare and social services. Finally, Joe welcomes back journalist Jonathan Larson to dissect the chaotic landscape of American politics, including the media's role in shaping narratives and the ongoing challenges posed by the current administration. Together, they examine the urgent need for accountability and the importance of civic engagement in these tumultuous times.

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Trump's Corruption Carnival: A $1.8 Billion Insult to Democracy May 20, 2026

Show notes

Joe Sudbay guest hosts for John. He talks about the news surrounding the $1.776 billion settlement Trump wants to give to those involved in the January 6th insurrection. This settlement raises significant questions about the integrity of our democracy and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their interests. He explores the motivations behind this decision and the potential ramifications for future elections. Additionally, he touches on the broader context of political corruption, particularly within the Republican Party. With figures like Ken Paxton receiving endorsements from Trump, the GOP's loyalty to Trump raises concerns about the party's direction and its impact on American politics. Then, Joe speaks with Susan Rinkunas who's an independent journalist and co-founder of Autonomy News, a worker-owned publication covering abortion, reproductive health, and politics. Next, he interviews award-winning historian and author Kathleen J. Frydl about ICE violating civil rights, Trump's impact in China, and the big beautiful ballroom. And then winding it up, Joe welcomes back Keith Price and they chat about pop culture and politics.

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A Slimy Slush Fund for the Swamp May 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Tell Me Everything, guest host Michael Shure dives opens with a somber discussion about a tragic mass shooting at an Islamic center near San Diego, which left three dead and has raised serious concerns about hate crimes in America. Michael is joined by Amar Campa Najjar, a congressional candidate who shares his personal connection to the community and the impact of such violence on local residents. The conversation then shifts to the political landscape, as Michael explores the implications of a recent settlement involving the Trump administration and the IRS, which has raised eyebrows and sparked outrage among many. David Cay Johnston provides expert analysis on the potential consequences of this slush fund for Trump allies. Next, Patrick McEnroe joins the discussion to shed light on the state of college tennis and the challenges it faces, emphasizing the need for a balance between international talent and opportunities for American athletes. And finally, the focus turns to the California gubernatorial race, with Joe Garofoli from the San Francisco Chronicle discussing the unexpected dynamics at play, including the rise of billionaire Tom Steyer and the challenges faced by other candidates like Katie Porter and Antonio Villaraigosa. The complex interplay of endorsements and voter sentiment is examined, shedding light on the unique political climate of California.

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The Blame Shift, the Democrats Stiffed, the Presidents Grift, and the Voters Miffed May 18, 2026

Show notes

John talks about Colorado Gov. Jared Polis commuting the sentence of 2020 Election Denier Tina Peters, making her eligible to be freed next month. He also discusses the Trump Administration considering settling a $10 Billion lawsuit brought by Trump himself, creating instead a $1.7Billion slush fund for himself and other MAGA supplicants who feel triggered and attacked by laws and morals – (like J6 rioters for example). Plus, he talks about Trump claiming the Southern Poverty Law Center was the source funding the deadly 2017 Unite the Right gathering of neo-Nazis and other white supremacists in Virginia. Then, John interviews the president of the Florida Education Association - Andrew Spar. During his 15 years leading the Volusia union, Andrew negotiated 14 contracts, handled numerous grievances and arbitrations, and spent many long hours advocating for members and working families. At FEA, he spent eight years on the Executive Cabinet. Next, Public Relations Society of America award-winning Democratic Strategist and political columnist Max Burns returns to discuss his new piece in The Hill called "How Republicans are going to blow it and put Democrats back in charge". And then finally, John chats with the Vice President of Strategic Communications for Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Andrew L. Seidel. Andrew is a recognized expert on Christian Nationalism, which he’s spent the last decade fighting in and out of court.

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