John talks about the expiration of the ACA tax credits. The enhanced ACA Premium Tax Credits (PTCs), which significantly lower health insurance costs, expired on New Year's Eve with no broad federal extension enacted, causing potential large premium increases for millions. He also discusses Zohran Mamdani who was sworn in as New York’s first Muslim mayor and the first immigrant to lead the city in a century. In a speech, Mamdani promised to deliver the most progressive leadership the city has seen. Then, he welcomes back Allison Gill of Mueller She wrote and The Daily Beans Podcast. They talk about Trump's vindictive prosecutions and the newest revelations in the Epstein files. Then finally, John jokes with TV's Frank Conniff on what 2026 holds in store. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special New Year episode - John shares his latest episode of his podcast with Professor Corey Brettschneider - The Oath and the Office. They start with the Supreme Court checking Trump on using the National Guard—why it matters, and whether the Insurrection Act is the next risk. That ruling is their doorway into a 2025 Year in Review: where they revisit Trump’s most dangerous attacks on the Constitution, and the guardrails that barely held. Next, they break down Judge James Boasberg’s escalating confrontation with the administration over deportations tied to the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. Can the government claim people sent to Venezuela have no due process rights? And can courts be told it’s “too late” once they’re out of the country? They explain what the Constitution requires and what’s at stake for the rule of law. Finally, they turn to Florida, where Ron DeSantis’s remake of New College offers a blueprint for a broader war on education—replacing what they label “woke” with enforced ideology, down to symbolic culture-war moves like honoring Charlie Kirk. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Interviews the band Howl Owl Howl. Founded by Grammy winning Hootie & the Blowfish frontman/multi-Platinum country star Darius Rucker, REM co-founder/Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mike Mills, and The Black Crowes co-founder/ former drummer/ lauded media personality Steve Gorman, Howl Owl Howl rekindles the spirit of the authentic rock band. Infusing roots rock with an open-minded alternative flair – plus a fluid rhythm section and the barrel-chested vocal rasp of an iconic frontman – it was born from friendship and the pure joy of collaboration, and powered by the world-class instincts of true originals. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John welcomes back filmmaker Ken Burns to talk about his latest documentary "The American Revolution". See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tara Dublin hosts once again for John while he is on his holiday break. She talks about the BS from LARGE Marge and pipsqueak Patel. She also talks about the resistance to ICE in her hometown Portland. Next, she interviews former Tea-Party congressman Joe Walsh on the year that was and the future of the resistance in the new year. Then winding it up, she speaks with Ben Landsverk who is a composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist based in Portland. His work focuses on social change through music. 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 on his holiday break. She talks about the piecemeal, haphazard, slow-trickle, fuckery release of the Epstein files. She also discusses reports that the US carried out airstrikes against targets in Venezuela over the Christmas holiday. Trump has made several contradictory statements to the press on the strikes, but it seems the target was a shipyard. Then, she interviews Alicia J. Rose who is a photographer, filmmaker and musician based in Portland. They talk about her show Menopunks which is a bold, unapologetic documentary that exposes the truth behind the science and the silence. The show is backed by a fierce lineup of iconic Portland musicians. Then, Tara welcomes the one and only Hal Sparks to talk music, Trump mayhem and other politics. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time we flash back to the past with more memories of Rob Reiner. First, John interviews Rob for the Tell Me Everything Town Hall back in June 2018 and they promote his movie "Shock and Awe". Then, we jump to another interview from last year with Rob and Dan Partland and they promote their movie "God & Country". See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John interviews director Dan Farah about his new film "The Age of Disclosure". Then he speaks with Tazin Khan, CEO and founder of @cybercollectiveorg. They discuss how she helps individuals think critically about their relationship with technology and how she promotes responsible tech practices. 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 Peter Ormerod about his new book "David Bowie and the Search for Life, Death and God". Then he speaks with Shawn Harris who is running to unseat incumbent Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for Georgia's 14th Congressional District. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the holidays - John has a roundhouse discussion with Desimber Rose and Dillon Naber Cruz of The God Squad AND Julie Francella and Simon Moya-Smith of We're Still Here about the past year. 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 Supreme Court blocking Trump from deploying the National Guard to Chicago, but the National Guard in Louisiana have been called up for an upcoming deployment to New Orleans. He also discusses the DOJ releasing more files on Jeffrey Epstein, including an alleged letter to Larry Nassar. Then, he welcomes back Rev. Barry Lynn who is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and a former executive director for Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. And closing it up, John jokes with "Comedy Daddy" Keith Price and they take listener calls about pop culture, current politics, and the year in review. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The monologue today focuses on the weird and warped goings on at the Turning Point USA’s first AmericaFest without Charlie Kirk. Spoiler alert: it reveals ideological rifts within the conservative movement. He also talks about CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss who decided to shelf a planned “60 Minutes” story titled “Inside CECOT,” thereby creating an uproar inside CBS. But the story was leaked to Canada and the report has reached a worldwide audience anyway. Next, John speaks with Professor Corey Brettschneider about the horrific shooting at Brown University where Corey teaches. They discuss the latest confirmed developments in the shooting—and the parallel storm of disinformation on X that spread during the investigation: false accusations against a transgender student and a manufactured narrative about motive. They break down how these claims circulated, why they’re dangerous, and how to separate verified reporting from rumor—without naming private individuals or repeating unverified allegations. Then, he welcomes back Rhonda Hansome to discuss the latest stolen Venezuelan oil tanker and the latest kidnapped victims of ICE cruelty. 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 N.Y. Rep. Elise Stefanik announcing she's suspending her run for governor and she's not seeking another term in congress. PLUS, he discusses the Justice Dept. releasing the first avalanche of documents related to the life and crimes of Jeffrey Epstein. Next, comedian Greg Proops returns to joke with John about current news and promote his big New Years eve show. And then finally, TV's Frank Conniff is back to chat about the redacted Epstein files and bring his festive merriment 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.

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 talks about the lead up to the release of the Epstein files. He also discusses Trump talking about his Venezuela War plans. Then, he interviews Christina Faith Johnson who is a true multi-hyphenate: a director, writer, producer, and mentor on a mission to tell bold stories that spark change and inspire action. Christina founded the production company "The Grindhouse Inc" with an aim to make impactful films and mentor rising creatives. In the last two years, TV and film production in L.A. dropped by 22% as studios fled to other states and countries with more space, more tax incentives and no wildfire season. Legislators in Pennsylvania want to compete with states like Georgia and New Jersey – who have seen hundreds of millions in investment from major studios. State Rep. Andre Carroll — who represents the 201st Legislative District — has put forward the Pennsylvania Film Production Tax Credit and Video Game Production Tax Credit to entice more productions to set up shop in the Commonwealth. Christina Faith Johnson is one of the creators signing on to help make the tax credit a reality. And finally, John chats with Democratic Strategist Max Burns and they banter about Trump's impending war with Venezuela and the impending release of 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.

John discusses (and airs live) Trump's big rambling address to the nation where he lies about his accomplishments and points his short stubby fingers at everything under the sun in his AFFORDABILITY Blame Game. Then, he jokes with the ever charming Bob Cesca and they ponder Trump's delusional pointless speech and laugh about Dan Bongino quitting his job with the FBI. Next, Dillon Naber Cruz and Desimber Rose from The God Squad return to answer questions about White Christian Nationalism and the failure of Republican to keep their promise on extending the ACA Tax Credits. Then, winding it up, John gets to the nitty gritty with legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson and they talk listeners off a cliff with savvy advice on how to deal with the ICE gestapo kidnappings and the very scary truth about the possible oil greedy war with Venezuela. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A tribute to Rob and Michelle Reiner. (tears emoji) 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 who is under the weather. He discusses the Department of Defense escalating their vindictive review of Senator Mark Kelly for his part in the "Illegal Orders" video. He also talks about Senators in both parties who are now bracing for another government shutdown next year after Republicans blocked a proposal to extend expiring health insurance subsidies, the issue that triggered the 43-day closure that consumed much of the fall calendar. Next, he speaks with David Nir who is publisher of The Downballot, a substack devoted to competitive races across the country. Their data guides and weekly podcast are essential even in off-years. And finally, Joe talks with Zachary Mueller who is the former Senior Research Director at America’s Voice and now devotes his efforts to combatting the threat of an ascendant radical right, particularly focused on the pipeline from nativist-populist politics to an authoritarian regime. That includes guiding everyday Americans in helping their neighbors against ICE and CBP raids. 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 House Dems releasing more photos from the Epstein Estate, personal photos from Epstein’s own collection – some prominently featuring Donald Trump. He also discusses Trump's statement that he is pardoning former Mesa County, Colorado, clerk Tina Peters, but it's legally ineffective because it targets her state convictions, which fall outside presidential authority. Colorado says LOL. Next, he interviews Chris Anders who is the Director of the Democracy and Technology Divison at the ACLU. The ACLU just filed a major lawsuit demanding the Trump administration release the secret legal memo authorizing U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-carrying boats. These strikes have killed at least 87 people since September, including a now-controversial “double-tap” strike on survivors. Despite conducting 22 lethal strikes, the administration has refused to disclose the legal justification—breaking with long-standing precedent of releasing such memos for major military actions. The lawsuit argues these killings occur outside any recognized armed conflict, making their legality highly suspect and the memo’s release urgently necessary. Then finally, John jokes with TV's Frank Conniff and they chat with listeners about pop culture and current Trump fuckery. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time - Simon Moya Smith and Julie Francella talk about Thomas King - an award-winning Canadian-American author whose career was tied to his apparent indigenous ancestry. He has recently learned that he has no Cherokee roots. The announcement follows a November meeting with King and members of the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds, a US-based group dedicated to exposing people who falsely claim American Indian heritage. And they discuss Elaine Miles, an Indigenous actor best known for her roles in “Northern Exposure,” “Smoke Signals,” “Wyvern” and “The Last of Us”. While she was walking, 4 men wearing masks and vests with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement labels stepped out of two black SUVs with no front plates and pressed her for her ID. She handed them her tribal ID from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon. The agents called it "FAKE". Federal government agencies recognize tribal ID as a valid form of identification, and Miles has used it to travel back and forth to Canada and Mexico without any issues - until now. Plenty of great callers and topics in this inspiring episode! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.