John talks about Rep. Clay Higgins who was the only Republican to vote against the release of the Epstein files in the House. The Senate side-stepped having their names and votes on record by putting the bill through to the White House via Unanimous Consent. He also discusses Trump's blatant, misogynistic comments - telling one female reporter "Quiet Piggy!" aboard Air Force One when she asked about the Epstein files. Also, in another heated exchange in the Oval Office - ABC News Mary Bruce also asked about the files and he told her "You know, it's not the question that I mind. It's your attitude. I think you are a terrible reporter." Then, John welcomes back Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman to talk about all the latest happening in congress and how the GOP is turning against Trump. Next, he jokes with his old pal Greg Proops from the show Whose Line is it Anyway? They promote his upcoming stage show Whose Live Anyway? Then lastly, Comedy Daddy Keith Price returns to chat about Trump and the mystery "Bubba" in the mix. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John discusses Trump reversing course AGAIN and saying he doesn't care if they release the Epstein files. He also talks about Sen Ted Cruz announcing he will run for president again. Then, he speaks with Professor Corey Brettschneider about Trump flip flopping over the Epstein files and the special treatment of Ghislaine Maxwell in her sweetheart prison deal. Next, John jokes with comedian Rhonda Hansome and they take calls from listeners on all the latest news. And finally, he interviews the writers and creators of the new PBS NATURE documentary called "Pigeon Hustle". 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 Donald Trump facing major backlash from his his minions - unleashing his anger at Indiana Senate Republicans for not backing his GOP redistricting effort. Also promising FBI and DOJ investigations into prominent Democrats and business leaders tied to Jeffrey Epstein, including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and JP Morgan Chase. AG Pam Bondi assigned the task to US Attorney Jay Clayton in a matter of hours. Plus, The Wall Street Journal examined 2,400 email threads from the Epstein estate, finding Donald Trump mentions repeatedly, in more than 1,600 threads. Then, he welcomes back author and historian Kenneth C. Davis to talk about his new book "The World in Books – A Year of Reading Wisely". Then, John kids around with TV's Frank Conniff (of MST3K) and they talk pop culture and politics with the Evil Army of the Night. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Simon and Julie joined John to talk about Native American Heritage Month — a month that exists because Indigenous leaders spent more than a century fighting for recognition. From Dr. Arthur C. Parker (Seneca) in the early 1900s to Red Fox James (Blackfeet) riding state to state in 1915, the movement grew until Congress and President George H. W. Bush made November the first official Heritage Month in 1990. Every president upheld it… until Trump, who called it “radical and wasteful”. They talk about what this month means, what allies should and shouldn’t do, and why leaders like California Governor Gavin Newsom are urging the country to embrace Indigenous values as a way forward. They also take calls from listeners. Simon Moya-Smith is an Oglala Lakota and Chicano journalist. He’s a contributing writer at NBC News and TheNation.com. He’s the author of the forthcoming book, ‘Your Spirit Animal is a Jackass,’ and he is an Adjunct Professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Colorado Denver. Bluesky: @SimonMoyaSmith.bsky.social Julie Francella is a mental health professional with over 30 years of experience in handling complex trauma with Indigenous youth and families. She is an enrolled member of the Ojibway of Batchewana First Nation Reserve, and teaches Indigenous Studies at Durham College, focusing on the impacts of colonization on First Nations people. Bluesky: @JulieFrancella.bsky.social See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John discusses the many revelations buried in the 20,000 pages of email and text messages from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate. Among the most notable were Epstein’s apparent role as advisor and confidant to Trump officials and Russian state officials, simultaneously. Then, he interviews political analyst, pundit, and writer - Lincoln Mitchell. Dr. Mitchell works on democracy and governance-related issues in the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. He also works with businesses and NGOs globally, particularly in the former Soviet Union. In addition, he worked for years as a political consultant advising and managing domestic political campaigns. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Max Burn guest hosts for John while he is in D.C. for his book tour. Max talks about the House passing a bill to re-open the government and end the longest shutdown in the nation’s history. Prior to the vote, the people of Arizona finally saw their will be done as Speaker Johnson swore Rep. Adelita Grijalva into Congress. Plus - House Dems releasing another trove of emails from the Epstein Estate, many of them from the years just prior to Epstein’s death, revealing an ongoing link with the first Trump administration, Trump allies, foreign governments, and financial elites. Max then talks news and politics with André Carson who's serving as the U.S. representative for Indiana's 7th congressional district. Next, he speaks with Yuh-Line Niou who served as a member of the New York State Assembly for the 65th district. She gives insight into the shifting political sands in the nation’s largest city, following Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral election victory. And finally, Max jokes with award-winning investigative reporter Brian J. Karem and they talk about the Epstein files and his latest book "Free the Press: The Death of American Journalism and How to Revive It". See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John discusses the many ways Trump has disrespected veterans and the military while saluting and smiling at them. He also talks about fake Christian/ county clerk Kim Davis losing at the Supreme Court in her bid to overturn same-sex marriage. Then, he speaks with award-winning author Diana Butler Bass, Ph.D about her new book "A Beautiful Year: 52 Meditations on Faith, Wisdom, and Perseverance". Next, John interviews Emmy Award–winning music journalist Alan Light about his new book "Don’t Stop: Why We (Still) Love Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours". And then rounding it out, he welcomes back Comedy Daddy - Keith Price to joke with listeners on the latest news and politics. 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 Minority leader Chuck Schumer and the eight Senate Democrats who signed onto a Republican offer to end the federal shutdown. The bill now must pass through the House, which is scrambling to return to D.C. The deal includes guarantees of back pay to federal workers, a promise of longer-term funding for certain programs and the promise of a vote to possibly extend ACA subsidies. Then, he welcomes back Professor Corey Brettschneider to discuss the details on the shutdown, SCOTUS hearing the Tariffs case, and the Supreme Court saying it WON'T hear an appeal to the Obergefell decision that legalized gay marriage. Then winding it up John jokes with comedian Rhonda Hansome and listeners about current politics and pop culture. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tara Dublin again guest hosts for John. She talks about Congress remaining locked in shutdown hell after Republicans in the Senate rejected Democrats’ offers. Also, the Trump administration followed a court order and fully funded SNAP benefits to dozens of states but has not given up its legal fight to deny those funds moving forward. Then, she chats with Malcolm W. Nance about the shutdown and other carnage from Trump and his MAGAts. And, she interviews Oregon Rep. Suzanne Bonamici about the situation in Portland. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John interviews author David Gelles about his new book "Dirtbag Billionaire: How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave It All Away". He speaks with Sharon Eubank about her new book "Doing Small Things with Great Love: How Everyday Humanitarians Are Changing the World". And he jokes with legendary musician Garry Tallent and his photographer fiancée Nicki Germaine. They discuss the early days of Springsteen and the E-Street Band. They also talked about Nicki's book "Springsteen: Liberty Hall". See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tara Dublin guest hosts for John. She talks about a federal judge ordering the Trump White House to pay the FULL amount of SNAP benefits owed to states, not the half-measure weakly agreed to after last week’s ruling. She also talks about a Washington D.C. jury returning a NOT GUILTY verdict for the man who hucked his Subway footlong at federal officers terrorizing his city. Then, she interviews Parker Butler and Lauren Kapp. Butler and Kapp now both run Luminary Strategies, a consulting firm providing full-service digital strategy and innovative content creation for their clients. Luminary manages the online presence of highly-influential digital newsrooms and runs social media accounts for some of the most viral and culturally relevant candidates in the political sphere today. Next, Tara jokes with award-winning investigative reporter Brian J. Karem on current news and politics. Then wrapping it up, she speaks with Oregon Democratic Senator Ron Wyden on the election, the shutdown, and the Epstein files. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joe Sudbay fills in for John again while he is on his cruise. He talks about the major election victories in New Jersey, Virginia, New York, Maine, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, California, Georgia and elsewhere as voters took to the polls for an off-year rejection of Trump Administration policies. He also discusses the tantrums coming in from Trump and company. Then, he speaks about the election with Maine Secretary of State Shenna Lee Bellows. Next, Joe interviews Dr. Louise Archer who is a Polar Bears International Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Her research combines ecological modelling and bioenergetics to understand how polar bear populations will respond to rapid Arctic warming and resulting declines in sea ice. And lastly, he chats with Alex Lawson who is the Executive Director of Social Security Works, the convening organization of the Strengthen Social Security Coalition -- a coalition made up of over 340 national and state organizations representing over 50 million Americans. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joe Sudbay guest hosts again. He runs down the election tallies as the results come rolling in. Democrats scored victories in the four major races of the night: the New York City mayoral race, the governor's races in New Jersey and Virginia, and Prop 50, California's redistricting ballot measure. Exit polling showed voters went to the polls with worries about the economy on their minds, coupled with broader discontent with the state of the country right now. He is joined by Dean Obeidallah, Michelangelo Signorile, and Comedy Daddy Keith Price to discuss the live election results as they happen with check-ins from across the electoral map from good friends and expert guests. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joe Sudbay guests hosts while John is on his California cruise trip. Joe discusses Trump's Halloween glitzy Great Gatsby party - flouting lavishness while millions panic over SNAP benefits being constrained. He also talks about the major elections happening in New Jersey, Virginia, California, and New York. Then, he speaks with Jessica Mackler who is the president of EMILYs list. EMILYs List is backing both Democratic governor candidates (Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia), as well as women candidates in every top red-to-blue flip opportunity in Virginia’s House of Delegates races. In the last Southern state without an abortion ban, this year, Virginia’s House will determine if voters can protect reproductive freedom through a constitutional amendment. And then finally, Joe interviews Alejandro Varela. His debut novel, The Town of Babylon was a finalist for the National Book Award. His latest novel, Middle Spoon, was published by Viking on September 9, 2025. His novels and stories take public health topics — from systemic racism to gentrification to sexuality — and make them accessible and memorable. Varela is an editor-at-large of Apogee Journal, and holds a masters degree in public health from the University of Washington. 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 Trump's gaudy, pretentious ballroom - where he hopes to someday hold campaign rallies for his 3rd term. He also discusses the massive apathy from Republicans over the masses of people who are going hungry due to Trump withholding SNAP benefits. Then, political strategist Max Burns is back to talk about the upcoming elections, the destruction of the White House, and the non-functioning congress that refuses to even do their jobs. And winding it up, John welcomes back retail analyst Burt Flickinger to discuss how Trump's interruption of SNAP benefits will harm not just individuals - but also our economy in a spiderweb effect. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Simon Moya-Smith and Julie Francella joined John for a spooky-season conversation that blended truth, history, and humor. They talked about Halloween, Día de los Muertos, and how Indigenous traditions honor those who came before us. They also tackled headlines that can’t be ignored: Vice President J.D. Vance’s harmful claim that Indigenous peoples practiced “widespread child sacrifice”, and why that myth has deep colonial roots. The Blackfeet Nation’s buffalo and elk harvests to feed families during the government shutdown: a powerful act of food sovereignty and self-reliance. And the real “scary story” is how rhetoric from leaders continues to erase Indigenous truths while tribal nations keep showing what leadership looks like. Listeners called in with great questions, including Kendall, who got into a heated debate about mascots! Spoiler alert: Viking mascots were mentioned and Simon dropped a few "cabron" and "pendejo" bombs!  It was an episode about myth-busting, survival, and remembering that even in spooky season, truth has power. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John discusses the strange meeting with Trump and Chinese Pres. Xi. They announced a compromise on foreign trade that will see lower tariff rates for China, a promise to fight fentanyl and a delay on rules barring Chinese companies from receiving US technology. Then, he speaks with Rev. Barry Lynn about the government shutdown. And finally, John interviews Jessica Denson and Cliff Cash about the big Remove the Regime March in Washington D.C. November 20th - 22nd. https://www.removetheregime.com 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 talks about the DOJ placing two federal prosecutors on leave after they wrote in a court filing that on Jan. 6, 2021, “thousands of people comprising a mob of rioters attacked the U.S. Capitol”. The 2 D.C. federal prosecutors, Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White, were locked out of their devices and placed on leave just hours after filing a sentencing memo in the case against Taylor Taranto, a former Jan. 6 defendant who went to President Obama's house after Trump revealed Obama's home address on social media. Then, podcast star is back once again to speak with John about the excuses for the never ending government shutdown and Trump's completely routine MRI. Next, It's the God Squad with theologian Dillon Naber Cruz and Pastor Desimber Rose. John talks with them about the fake cease-fire in Gaza and the fake Christians in the MAGA movement. Then wrapping it up, legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson joins the crew to chat with listeners about the many court rulings hampering Trump's malice. 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 U.S District Judge Sarah Ellis ordering CBP honcho Greg Bovino to meet at her courthouse every day to report on immigration actions in greater Chicago. The ruling comes just a day after the Trump Administration quietly handed full control of immigration enforcement to CBP after ICE leadership fell short of deportation quotas. He also talks about the government shutdown. Dozens have states have sued the Trump Administration over the suspension of SNAP benefits which start on November 1st. Then, John speaks with Emmy winning journalist Dexter Thomas about his show - "Kill Switch" which is a tech podcast about living in the future today; a survival guide to modern culture; and a show that exposes the true systems listeners rely on daily - from AI and privacy, to the strange and absurd corners of the internet. Next, John interviews Renee Hopkins. She is CEO of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives, developing a safer Washington state and supporting the legislation to make that happen. In her six years at the Alliance she has led the organization to become the leading state-based gun violence prevention organization in the country; passing three ballot initiatives, electing a gun violence prevention majority in the state legislature, working with systems partners to develop best practice models for implementing gun laws, and passing state laws that put Washington state at the forefront of suicide prevention and domestic violence laws as they relate to firearms. Renee has experienced the scourge of gun violence first-hand including the tragic loss of her brother Arnie in a school shooting in 1996. The rounding it out, Comedy Daddy - Keith Price is back once again joking with John and talking common sense to the Evil Army of the Night. 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 a mixed bag of Trump absurdities: congressional republicans are following his orders and ignoring the government shutdown, Trump boasting about his recent MRI and mental fitness, and Trump telegraphing his proposed military actions against Venezuela. Are narcoterrorists the new WMD's? Then, Professor Corey Brettschneider returns to discuss the legality of a president's emergency powers and the government's slow, steady dissection of America's basic civil liberties. Then winding it up, comedian Rhonda Hansome joins John to talk about current news and answer questions from listeners on how to cope in MAGAland. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.