Embracing Catharsis

John discusses Trump's meeting with Putin in Alaska. Then, he chats with democratic strategist Max Burns on Trump’s DC takeover and the Texas gerrymandering war which has exploded due to Gavin Newsome's clever handywork.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

18 Aug 1h 24min

John talks with Simon Moya-Smith & Julie Francella on Native Americans suing San Antonio to protect sacred birds in a river and other issues impacting the Indigenous community.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

16 Aug 36min

John's monologue this time is on California Governor Gavin Newsom fighting back against Texas' redistricting votes and former clerk for Rowan County, Kentucky - Kim Davis wanting the Supreme Court to join her crusade against same-sex marriage. Then, he interviews Dr. Mara Einstein on how realizing that cults and MLM‘s work in the same way - helps people understand how Trump works, and what’s going on in our country right now. And finally, John jokes with comedians Tara Devlin and Tara Dublin from “The Tara Show” podcast on Trump’s lies, Gavin Newsom taking a stand, and the big summit with Trump and Putin in Alaska.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

15 Aug 1h 15min

John Talks about Trump exerting control over the Kennedy Center Honors and vetoing prospective ‘wokester’ honorees. He also talks about Trump's big D.C. makeover and takeover with National guard troops guarding absolutely nothing, and the White House conducting a comprehensive internal review of exhibits and materials at the Smithsonian Institution in an effort to comply with Trump’s directive about what should and shouldn’t be displayed. Then, he jokes with podcast star Bob Cesca about the DC takeover, the nominee to take over BLS, and Donald targeting the Smithsonian. Next, the God Squad is back - this time featuring Keith Giles and Dillion Cruz. They discuss the Viral CNN Segment that highlights disturbing Christian movements. And finally, John chats with legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson and they answer listener questions about Trump and his legal woes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

14 Aug 1h 39min

John talks about the National Guard taking the streets in Washington D.C. after Trump's crime crackdown ramps up. He also discusses the White House playing up the pomp and spectacle of Trump meeting with Putin in Alaska while simultaneously playing down the chance for any real progress toward peace in the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will NOT be at the meeting but DID tell reporters in Kyiv in no uncertain terms his country will not cede land to Russia just so they have a staging area for their next invasion. Then, he speaks with Professor Corey Brettschneider about Trump’s recent authoritarian tactics which are shifting from a “soft coup” to a “hard coup,” with hallmarks of a violent takeover: using the military to control local police, deploying the FBI for political ends, and undermining judicial independence. Next, he once again interviews Siri Dahl who's an award-winning adult film performer as well as a writer, social media personality, and sex workers rights activist. They talk about this year’s CORN TELETHON which promises a cheeky stream hosted by adult film performer, content creator and activist Siri Dahl and a rotating gang of comedians, musicians, writers, and mischief-makers. Think Jerry Lewis telethon meets USA's Up All Night. And finally, Comedian Keith Price returns to laugh with John and listeners about the latest news.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

13 Aug 1h 42min

John's monologue focuses on Trump declaring a “Crime Emergency” in the District of Columbia and ordering the mobilization of National Guard soldiers to take over the policing of the nation’s capital. He also talks about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth who says he’s proud to be part of the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches, an archconservative network of Christian congregations. Hegseth recently made headlines when he shared a CNN video on social media about CREC, showing its pastors arguing women should not have the right to vote. He then interviews Deborah Mucarsel-Powell who is an American politician and former academic administrator who served as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 26th congressional district from 2019 to 2021. Mucarsel-Powell was the first Ecuadorian-American and first South American-born immigrant to serve as a member of congress. In 2024 she went up against Rick Scott to represent Florida in the Senate. They discuss the D.C. Takeovers, AI videos, and all the other myriad ways the Trump administration is trying to shift attention and concern away from the Epstein Files. And winding it up, John chats with comedian Rhonda Hansome and listeners about trending topics and current politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

12 Aug 1h 18min

John talks about Trump's horrific economic skills including his pathetic DOGE cost saving cuts, the gutting of migrant service and farm workers, and his knee jerk tariff maneuvers. Then, he interviews Councilwoman Phylicia Porter who is a public health advocate focused on building healthy communities in Baltimore City and South Baltimore. As a longtime and active resident of Baltimore City's 10th District, Phylicia approaches community advocacy with an independent voice of sincere leadership, honesty, and integrity. Phylicia prides herself on believing there is nothing more rewarding than empowering individuals and communities to use their political voices for change. Next, John welcomes back democratic political strategist Max Burns and they chat about his new opinion piece in The Hill called "It’s Pritzker’s Party: Hell Yes, He’s Messing with Texas, and He’s Not Sorry". And then finally, John jokes with TV's Frank Conniff and they take calls from listeners about 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.

11 Aug 1h 22min

This week on We’re Still Here, Simon and Julie join John to cover big wins and ongoing battles across Indian Country. A female federal judge (matriarchy for the win!) has temporarily halted construction of the controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center in the Florida Everglades. The Pennsylvania State Museum is returning thousands of stolen Native artifacts to Tribal Nations. And in California, the Presbytery of San Gabriel has made history by returning ancestral land to the Gabrieleno Tongva Tribal Council. They also highlight how Native Nations are pushing back against anti-trans legislation, affirming that sovereignty includes the right to protect LGBTQ2S+ and Two-Spirit citizens with dignity, safety, and culturally grounded care. Plus: Jonathan Nez, and they take listener calls!Simon Moya-Smith - instagram.com/simonsaidtakeapic threads.com/@simonsaidtakeapicSubstack - The Fire I Keep https://open.substack.com/pub/juliefrancellaBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/juliefrancella.comX: https://x.com/juliefrancella?s=21See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

9 Aug 40min