GOP is AGAIN Screwing Vets to Spite Dems

For his Juneteenth Special - John interviews author and journalist Mark Whitaker. They talk about his new book "The Afterlife of Malcolm X: An Outcast Turned Icon's Enduring Impact on America". Next, he speaks with Nourbese Flint who is President of All* Above All and All* Above All Action Fund. They talk about All* Above All’s work to achieve abortion justice and build the political power of voters of color.  And finally, John interviews City of Charlotte Council Member Malcom Graham about his new book "The Way Forward: Keeping the Faith and Doing the Work Amid Hatred and Violence". Graham shares a personal journey of loss, grief, and resilience, deeply rooted in the heart-breaking tragedy at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

23 Juni 1h 9min

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 Juni 41min

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 Juni 1h 20min

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 Juni 1h 53min

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 Juni 1h 26min

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 Juni 1h 5min

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 Juni 1h 24min

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 Juni 41min