We're Still Here with Simon and Julie
This week on We’re Still Here, Julie Francella and Simon Moya-Smith join John to reflect on Juneteenth and the deep, often overlooked history of Black-Indigenous solidarity—from Afro-Indigenous freedom fighters to interwoven kinship systems that resisted colonial violence together. They discuss Julie’s latest Substack post exploring the Seven Grandfather Teachings and Senator Mike Lee’s latest political maneuverings, while also taking thoughtful and inspirational calls from listeners. The conversation also touches on the horrific legacy—and ongoing reality—of forced birth control and the continuing sterilization of Indigenous women in Greenland, Canada, and the United States. Plus, they unpack Trump’s recent withdrawal from a key salmon protection agreement with native tribes. Then, they celebrate Simon’s beautiful contribution to the brand new book "A Steady Brightness of Being: Truths, Wisdom, and Love from Celebrated Indigenous Voices" which is available now from Penguin Random House.Simon Moya-Smith - instagram.com/simonsaidtakeapic threads.com/@simonsaidtakeapicJulie’s Substack “The Fire I Keep” https://substack.com/@juliefrancella?r=1u83jb&utm_medium=iosCheck out Julie's artwork on her website - juliefrancella.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
21 Kesä 41min
Trump Blasts Juneteenth: "Too Many Non-Working Federal Holidays"
John talks about Trump (who pledged to make Juneteenth a federal holiday during his 2020 presidential campaign) ignoring the holiday and complaining on social media that there are "too many non-working holidays". He also discusses NYC Comptroller and Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander who was roughed up and arrested by ICE agents at immigration court in Manhattan. Next, John interviews Jasmine E. Sessoms. She is the President of The 1968 Collective, the parent company of Center 1968 and Firm 1968. She has built a visionary career at the intersection of civic engagement, philanthropy, and politics. As leader of The 1968 Collective, Jasmine works to foster strategic leadership, advocacy, and community empowerment to her home city of Philadelphia and beyond. And finally, he speaks with Hope Giselle who is an author, artist, trans activist and representative of the National Black Justice Collective's Good Trouble Network. She’s also a member of D.C.’s advisory council for LGBTQ rights. She was the first openly Black trans woman to speak at the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington in 2024. They discuss the Supreme Court decision that poses a direct threat to the rights and lives of transgender youth in Tennessee.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
20 Kesä 1h 20min
The Great MAGA Chasm: Bomb Iran or Kick the Can
The monologue today is two-fold. First, John talks about Trump continuing to loudly claim an Iran nuclear deal is still possible and then turns around to tease looming military action against the Islamic Republic. Then, he discusses the Supreme Court ruling in favor of Tennessee’s law banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth, in a 6-3 decision. After that, podcast star Bob Cesca is back to poke fun at the feud between Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson over U.S. involvement in the Israel/Iran skirmish. Next, John talks theology with The God squad AKA Desimber Rose and Dillon Naber Cruz. They discuss the plague of Christian Nationalist violence and the case of 2 parents in Michigan who were sentenced to 20 years in prison for letting their baby die of jaundice due to religious reasons. Then winding it up, legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson returns to talk people off a ledge in a world of WTF fatigue.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
19 Kesä 1h 53min
Why Weenies n Wimps Wage World Wars
John discusses Trump deciding whether to go to war with Iran or not. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has been moving large volumes of military hardware to the Middle East, including more than 30 fighter jets and at least a dozen “strato-fortress” logistics and refueling aircraft. Then, he welcomes back Professor Corey Brettschneider and they dive deep into the weekend's nationwide protests, Trump's escalating impeachable offenses—including his controversial actions involving due process violations and ongoing threats to democratic institutions—and the deployment of the National Guard. Then lastly, John chats with Comedy Daddy Keith Price on the latest news 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.
18 Kesä 1h 26min
No Kings Brings Pings to Heartstrings and Stings Trump's Wing Dings
John talks about the desperate attempt by Republicans to convince people that the man who shot 2 democratic lawmakers and their spouses in Minnesota - Vance Boelter - is actually a Democrat. He also discusses the epic failure of Trump's birthday parade and the overwhelming historic turnout across the world for "No Kings" day. Then, he interviews Dawn Huckelbridge. She is the founder of the Paid Leave for All PAC. She's spent her career in gender policy, political organizing, communications, and building early-stage programs and campaigns. And then finally, John welcomes back comedian Rhonda Hansome and they joke with listeners about the latest news and current trending topics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
17 Kesä 1h 5min
Inviting "Losers and Suckers" to Your Birthday Party
John discusses California Senator Alex Padilla being cuffed and forcibly removed from a press conference being held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. He also talks about the big Trump birthday parade with troops and tanks honoring the draft dodger. Then, he interviews author Rob Edwards about his new book "Defiant: The Story of Robert Smalls" which is the first in a series of four comic books culminating in a groundbreaking graphic novel. It's the gripping tale of Smalls' daring escape from slavery and ventures beyond, exploring the extraordinary acts of heroism and resilience that defined his legacy. From his audacious theft of a Confederate steamship to his fearless confrontations on enemy territory, Smalls' story is a testament to courage, determination, and foresight. Then finally, John jokes with TV's Frank Conniff about music, TV shows, the massive "No Kings" protest, and Trump's birthday celebration.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
16 Kesä 1h 24min
We're Still Here with Simon and Julie
Julie and Simon join John to unpack the ICE raids in L.A.—why they’re not just an immigration issue but an Indigenous one. They dig into the disturbing forced removal of Senator Alex Padilla from a Kristi Noem event and what it says about power, race, and who gets silenced. They also break down the White House’s budget cuts to Tribal colleges, while the Yurok Tribe makes history reclaiming over 47,000 acres of stolen land. Plus, Julie shares the story behind her latest Substack essay and her online run-in with “Three Grumpy Bastards.” Spoiler: it’s a classic case of deflection when Indigenous folks speak hard truths. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
14 Kesä 41min
The Police State We Knew was Coming Has Arrived
John's monologue focuses on Sen. Alex Padilla who was forcibly removed and handcuffed at a press event held by DHS Secretary and unfortunate hat-wearer, Kristi Noem. He also discusses Trump's speech at Fort Bragg where he carefully selected good looking Republican officers to be in the audience cheering and jeering and obeying all his commands. Then, democratic strategist Ameshia Cross returns to speak about Israel striking Iran's nuclear sites and killing some top military officers. Also Trump's big, costly birthday parade. Next, democratic strategist Max Burns is back to chat about the latest protests against ICE which have spread to nearly 20 other US cities, leading to more arrests and escalating tension. And finally, listeners call in to talk about John's Substack and this weekend’s NO KINGS protests.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
13 Kesä 1h 24min
