The John Fugelsang Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Weekend Special: The Oath and the Office Aug 29, 2026

Show notes

Here's a special presentation of John's OTHER podcast - The Oath and the Office.

Trump already lost on birthright citizenship. Now he is testing the limits of constitutional law with two narrower executive orders. John and Professor Corey Brettschneider explain the high-stakes game of chicken underway: can a president just keep pushing after the courts and the Constitution say no?

Plus, they give a rapid-fire breakdown of recent legal chaos:

Vanity Plates: A bizarre but critical free speech fight.
DOJ Takeover: Todd Blanche officially steps in as Attorney General after a bruising confirmation fight over Trump, DOJ independence, and a $1.8 billion slush fund.
The $400 Million Ballroom: A court abruptly blocks Trump’s massive White House construction plan.
Targeting Fauci: Senate Republicans vote to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt.

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Centuries Ago - Native Americans Named it Lake Ontario Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

John is back and ready to dive into the madness of the current political landscape. He talks about the absurdity of Donald Trump renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America and the implications of such antics on international relations. John shares his recent experiences in Europe, including a poignant family funeral, and reflects on the ridiculousness of Trump's behavior as he continues to play to his base.

As they discuss the fallout from the recent catastrophic flooding in Nepal and the ongoing humanitarian crisis, John emphasizes the importance of supporting vetted organizations that can provide real help. The conversation also touches on the digital divide in education, with insights from Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, who highlights the negative impact of classroom technology on children's learning and attention spans.

Then, he is joined by comedian Myq Kaplan - who has performed on The Tonight Show, Conan, the Late Show with David Letterman and the Late Late Show with James Corden. Twenty years into his comedy career, and nearly a decade into his relationship with Rini Voskressensky, the two collaborated to craft a deeply personal project that is equal parts a comedy special and a thesis on love. In this heartwarming and hilarious project named after his partner, Myq offers advice to his past dumb self while discussing his evolving thoughts on traditional marriage, polyamory, quantum physics, psychedelics, music, God, and more.

Listeners are invited to call in and share their thoughts on everything from the latest political shenanigans to personal anecdotes about their own birthdays and experiences. The episode is a blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and critical discussions about the state of the nation and the world.

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We're Still Here with Simon and Julie Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

John is back from vacation and he is once again joined by Simon Moya-Smith, an Oglala Lakota and Chicano journalist, and Julie Francella, a mental health professional with deep ties to Indigenous communities. Together, they reflect on the impactful legacy of Dolly Parton, particularly her Imagination Library, which has provided free books to Indigenous children across the United States. They discuss the significance of representation, the importance of education in Indigenous communities, and how Parton's philanthropy has fostered hope and joy among Native youth. Listen in as we explore the intersection of celebrity, culture, and community, and the powerful ways in which individuals can make a difference.

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Can Canada Cancel the Cantankerous Cantaloupe-Colored Cancer with Cankles? Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The John Fugelsang Podcast, guest host Joe Sudbay discusses the escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, sparked by Prime Minister Mark Carney's bold retaliatory tariffs against American products. Joe reflects on the implications of this trade war and discusses the fallout from J.D. Vance's recent remarks mocking Canada during a campaign stop in Maine, emphasizing the importance of maintaining friendly relations with our northern neighbor.

Next, Joe turns his attention to the troubling maneuvers of the Trump administration regarding mail-in voting, as the Supreme Court grants a request to freeze a district court injunction that could impact the upcoming elections. He analyzes the ongoing legal battles surrounding this issue, highlighting the potential consequences for voters and the integrity of the electoral process.

Later, Joe welcomes Michael Lemmon, a Vietnam veteran and the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against Donald Trump's proposed monument in Washington, D.C. Michael shares his personal experiences and the motivations behind the lawsuit, emphasizing the importance of honoring the sacrifices of veterans and the integrity of national memorials.

Then, Joe speaks with Gillian Brockell, a reporter covering ICE flights and third country removals. Gillian sheds light on the inhumane treatment of immigrants during deportation and the costly operations of ICE, revealing the systemic issues that perpetuate this cycle of suffering.

And finally, Joe interviews Kelley Robinson. She's a trailblazing advocate and leader in the fight for human rights. As the President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), she is the first Black, queer woman to hold this position. HRC is the largest civil rights organization in the United States, dedicated to achieving equality and liberation for LGBTQ+ individuals. With over 15 years of experience, Robinson has spearheaded numerous successful campaigns for LGBTQ+, racial, and gender equity.

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The Trade War Chronicles: Canada Strikes Back Against Trump's Tariffs Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The John Fugelsang Podcast, guest host Joe Sudbay dives into the latest political turmoil, starting with Canada's bold retaliation against U.S. trade policies. As tensions rise, Joe discusses how Prime Minister Mark Carney is standing firm against the Trump's administration, highlighting the implications of retaliatory tariffs on American products.

Then, Joe reflects on J.D. Vance's recent remarks mocking Canada during a campaign event in Maine, sparking a conversation about the long-standing relationship between the two nations and the potential fallout from such rhetoric. He emphasizes the importance of friendly diplomacy, especially given Maine's close ties to Canada.

As the episode unfolds, Joe tackles the latest developments surrounding Trump's influence on the Supreme Court, particularly regarding mail-in voting. He breaks down the recent rulings and the potential consequences for the upcoming elections, pointing out the troubling trend of the Court aligning with the president's agenda.

Later, Joe welcomes Chris Jones, the Democratic candidate for Iowa's Secretary of Agriculture, who discusses the critical issues of water quality and agricultural reform in the state. Chris shares his vision for a more sustainable farming system and the urgent need for change as Iowa grapples with rising cancer rates linked to agricultural practices.

Next, Joe speaks with Megan Garcia, an advocate for AI safety, who shares her heartbreaking story about the loss of her son to suicide linked to an AI chatbot. Megan discusses her fight for legislation to regulate AI technology and protect children from its potential harms, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and action.

Finally, he interviews school shooting survivor Abbey Clements who also shares her heartbreaking story about what happened to her at Sandy Hook Elementary. She talks about on her work with Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence.

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The Cost of Cruelty: Inside ICE's Detention Centers Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The John Fugelsang Podcast, guest host Joe Sudbay takes the reins while John is away. Joe begins with a conversation with retired General Shawn Harris, who has been making waves in Georgia politics with his impressive overperformance in a recent special election. They discuss Harris's call for the resignation of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, highlighting the troubling decisions being made regarding military strategy and the implications for American safety.

Next, Joe is joined by Matt Dunlap, the Democratic nominee for Maine's 2nd Congressional District, who shares insights on the political climate in his state, especially with the recent visit from J.D. Vance. They explore the impact of Trump's trade policies and how they resonate with constituents in Maine, as well as the importance of healthcare and economic issues in the upcoming election.

Later in the episode, Joe speaks with John Ray, a polling expert from YouGov, who provides a snapshot of the current political environment as the midterms approach. They discuss the shifting dynamics in key Senate races and the implications of Trump's declining popularity on Republican candidates across the country.

Finally, Joe addresses the heart-wrenching story of Ariel Whaley, who shares her personal experience with ICE detaining her husband, a Venezuelan asylum seeker, just days after their wedding. Ariel sheds light on the harsh realities of the immigration system and the emotional toll it takes on families, emphasizing the need for reform and compassion in policy.

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Weekend Special: The Oath and the Office Aug 22, 2026

Show notes

While John is on vacation somewhere in Europe - Here's a special presentation of John's OTHER podcast - The Oath and the Office.

Donald Trump is being sued over a service offering paying customers early access to his Truth Social posts, including market-moving announcements, for as much as $100,000 a month. Is official presidential information becoming a private commodity?

Then Trump goes back to the Supreme Court after two lower court losses, asking the justices to revive his plan to impose new conditions on mail ballots ahead of the midterms. Professor Corey Brettschneider and John Fugelsang break down what the fight means for presidential power over elections.

They also look at ICE’s reported plan to spend millions on electric shock gloves and the Treasury Department’s decision to dismantle major beneficial ownership disclosure rules designed to expose anonymous shell companies, rules originally championed by Marco Rubio as a weapon against money laundering, trafficking, and terrorism.

From presidential self-enrichment to elections, immigration enforcement, and financial secrecy, the question is the same: who is left to constrain executive power?

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The Road Ahead: Lessons from the Primaries and the Future of the Democratic Party Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The John Fugelsang Podcast, guest host and Democratic strategist Max Burns bringing you insight from some of the most compelling voices in the field. Kicking off the show, Max welcomes Evan Roth Smith, co-founder of Slingshot Strategies, who discusses the remarkable rise of New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani and the lessons Democrats can learn from his success in appealing to voters through effective governance.

Next, Max is joined by ACLU senior staff attorney Heather Weaver, who provides an update on the contentious legal battle over Texas's law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools. Heather elaborates on the implications of this case for religious freedom and the potential impact it could have on similar laws across the country.

Closing out the episode, Congressman Brad Sherman shares his insights on the current state of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the economic ramifications of the Trump administration's decisions. He also touches on the urgent need for Democrats to unify their messaging around affordability and effective governance as they prepare for the upcoming election cycle.

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The Hidden Dangers of Surveillance Technology Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The John Fugelsang Podcast, Democratic Strategist Max Burns is guest hosting once again while John is on vacation. He discusses the confusing yet important intersection of technology, surveillance, and the Constitution.

Max welcomes Congressman Don Beyer from Virginia's 8th district, who shares his expertise on artificial intelligence and the urgent need for regulation in the tech space. Beyer discusses his unique background, having returned to school to study AI, and emphasizes the importance of lawmakers understanding the technologies they seek to regulate.

Next, investigative journalist Christopher Ingraham joins the show to unpack the troubling rise of surveillance companies like Flock, which uses automated license plate readers to collect data on innocent citizens. Chris reveals the potential abuses of this technology by law enforcement and the chilling implications for civil liberties, sparking a conversation about the need for accountability in the age of surveillance.

Finally, Max is joined by journalist Brian Karem, who provides a colorful commentary on the chaotic state of the GOP under Trump's influence. Brian talks about the challenges faced by Republican leaders as they grapple with Trump's shadow and the implications for the party's future. Together, they explore the broader themes of accountability, media responsibility, and the urgent need for a more informed electorate.

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The Fight for Change and the Big Primary Upset Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The John Fugelsang Podcast, guest host and Democratic strategist Max Burns leads a dynamic discussion on the latest political developments as America gears up for the midterm elections. Max is joined by journalist and commentator Wajahat Ali, who talks about the current state of American politics, sharing insights from his extensive experience in the media landscape. Together, they analyze the surprising primary results from Florida, where Democratic Socialist candidate Angie Nixon triumphed over establishment favorite Alexander Vindman, despite being heavily outspent. This victory signals a shift in the Democratic base's desire for more progressive representation.

Max then chat about politics with Joel Payne who's a democratic strategist and Chief Communications Officer at MoveOn.org, the progressive policy advocacy group and political action committee. Joel is a contributor to CBS News and cut his teeth working the halls of congress for Debbie Stabenow, Frank Lautenberg, Barbara Lee and the Senate Dems Policy Committee.

Later in the episode, Max welcomes independent journalist Natalie Bencivenga, who shares her experiences navigating the world of independent media. Natalie discusses the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity in a landscape dominated by corporate interests and the importance of connecting with audiences through authentic storytelling. Together, they explore the rise of surveillance technology, the impact of ICE actions on communities, and the need for a more informed public to engage in meaningful conversations about democracy and civil rights.

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