Episodios

  • 317: Monday Musing: Trump Gets Vaccines While Blocking Others From Doing Same

    317: Monday Musing: Trump Gets Vaccines While Blocking Others From Doing Same
    Oct 13 2025
    #podcast #politics #progressive #Michigan #Democrats #Republicans #HealthCare #Kennedy #Vaccines #Covid #Medicaid #Economy #WorkingClass #GovernmentCorruption #JeffreyEpstein #Authoritarianism #Democracy

    Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for October 13, 2025.

    Dear Leader Trump apparently received both the COVID and flu vaccines last week.

    While that's great, it's hypocritical and downright insane that his Heath and Human Secretary, Robert Kennedy, is making it more difficult for EVERY American to do the same.

    Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

    leftoflansing@gmail.com

    Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

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    NOTES:

    "Trump Humiliates RFK Jr. With Surprise COVID Booster Move." By Adam Downer of The Daily Beast "Whitmer instructs state departments to remove barriers to access COVID-19 vaccine." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance
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    5 m
  • 316: Fair Way To Fund Michigan Schools w/ Jess Newman of Invest in MI Kids Ballot Initiative

    316: Fair Way To Fund Michigan Schools w/ Jess Newman of Invest in MI Kids Ballot Initiative
    Oct 9 2025
    #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #MikeJohnson #Education #PublicSchools #InvestInMIKids #WorkingClass #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #GovernmentCorruption #Housing #Teachers #Oligarchy #Inequality #Authoritarianism #Democracy #BadBunny #WhiteChristianNationalists #FreeSpeech #LeftofLansing Here's Episode 151 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-19:20: Centrism Fails Democrats/McMorrow on Gaza Pat opens this week's episode by covering the myriad of ways centrism has shrunk what was once a big Democratic Party tent. He shares how centrism failed to keep the working class in the Democrats' hands, and thanks to the centrists strategies, the working class is getting squeezed by The Trump Regime. Pat also highlights how Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, State Senator Mallory McMorrow, finally declared Israel's actions in Gaza to be a genocide. And he covers the latest Michigan state budget agreement. 19:21-38:53: Jess Newman of Invest in MI Kids Jess Newman of the Invest in MI Kids coalition talks about how the ballot initiative would levy a 5% surcharge on Michigan's top earners to raise $1billion per year for Michigan's public schools. While per-pupil funding for schools has increased during the last few years, Michigan still lags in education spending thanks to major cuts during the recession of the 2000's. This initiative wouldn't only ensure PUBLIC schools would receive massive increases in spending, but that spending would be constitutionally guaranteed. Click here to learn more about InvestInMIKids.org. Also, click here to learn more about United For Respect. 38:54-44:47: MAGA Meltdown re Bad Bunny In this week's "Last Call," Pat covers the MAGA meltdown over the NFL's decision to have Spanish rapper Bad Bunny serve as this year's halftime entertainment at the Super Bowl. 44:48-47:13: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Wealth tax for school funding initiative starts signature collection with opposition pouncing." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Michigan schools budget: free meals, record funding, safety upgrades." By Lauren Gibbons and Isobel Lohman of Bridge Michigan "MSU study floats new taxes to fund schools as a solution to Michigan K-12 funding decline." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Nearly 70% of Americans think the economy is on the ‘wrong track’ and even more think it’s a bad time to buy a home, Fannie Mae survey shows." By Nick Lichtenberg, Sydney Lake of Fortune (Via AOL) "Renewal of health subsidies backed by big majorities in poll, including Trump voters." By Jennifer Schutt of Michigan Advance "McMorrow clarifies stance on Gaza, joins Michigan Democrats calling situation a genocide." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Kristi Noem slams Bad Bunny as Super Bowl halftime show embraces multicultural fans | Opinion." By Keith A. Owens of The Detroit Free Press "Centrists Shrank the Democratic Tent. Only the Left Can Expand It." By Joe Wrote in Joe Wrote
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    47 m
  • 315: Monday Musing: Trump Regime's Occupation Of American Cities

    315: Monday Musing: Trump Regime's Occupation Of American Cities
    Oct 6 2025
    #podcast #progressives #politics #Michigan #Democrats #MAGA #Republicans #ICE #Immigration #Occupation #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Trump #Democracy #WorkingClass #Race #StephenMiller #LeftOfLansing

    Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for October 6, 2025.

    The Trump Regime is using the $140 Billion granted via the MAGA Congress to occupy American Cities. It's being used in the name of deporting criminals, or rooting-out criminal activity when in reality all it's accomplishing is making life in these cities more chaotic.

    It's not about fighting crime or deporting criminals.

    It's about inflicting harm and trauma and brown and black America. It's unconstitutional, and fellow white working class Americans must stand against it.

    And so should the Democratic Party.

    Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

    leftoflansing@gmail.com

    Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

    leftoflansing.com

    NOTES:

    "The 13th Largest Army in World Is Unleashing Violence in Chicago." By Sarah Lazare and Lindsay Koshgarin from In These Times "Massive immigration raid on Chicago apartment building leaves residents reeling: 'I feel defeated.'" By Cindy Hernandez of The Chicago Sun Times
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    6 m
  • 314: Friday Short: Another Mass Shooting In Michigan

    314: Friday Short: Another Mass Shooting In Michigan
    Oct 3 2025
    #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #MAGA #Republicans #GunViolence #Guns #MassShooting #GrandBlanc #CharlieKirk #Democracy #GunControl #LeftOfLansing

    Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for October 3, 2025.

    Michigan experienced another horrific mass shooting last weekend when a man rammed his pick-up truck into the Church of Jesus Christ-Latter Day Saints, shooting and killing two people and injuring others while starting a fire inside the church, killing two others.

    The man, who was a military veteran, apparently supported Trump & MAGA, but also harbored disdain against the LDS church.

    Regardless of motive, this is another example of how mass shootings have become too prevalent in the United States, and yet MAGA Republicans refuse to do anything to lessen the number of gun violence tragedies.

    Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

    leftoflansing@gmail.com

    Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

    leftoflansing.com

    NOTES:

    "Michigan church shooting suspect went on anti-LDS tirade, political candidate said." By Andrea May Sahouri and Clara Hendrickson of The Detroit Free Press
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    5 m
  • 313: Budget Showdowns, Haley Stevens' Napa Getaway, and Ranked Choice Voting w/ Joe Spaulding

    313: Budget Showdowns, Haley Stevens' Napa Getaway, and Ranked Choice Voting w/ Joe Spaulding
    Oct 2 2025
    #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #Vance #RankedChoiceVoting #RCV #VotingRights #Mamdani #BudgetShowdowns #WorkingClass #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #HealthCare #Medicaid #Immigration #Gaza #GarlinGilchrist #Authoritarianism #Oligarchy #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    Here's the 150th episode of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!

    00:00-19:00: Gilchrist on Gaza/ Government Shutdown/Haley Stevens

    Pat Johnston applauds Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist's announcement where he called Israel's actions in Gaza to be a genocide against the Palestinian people. The federal government is closed as MAGA Republicans, like Congresswoman Lisa McClain, are blocking Democrats from lowering health care costs. But Pat argues that shutting down the government is what MAGA Republicans want. And Pat concludes by sharing details of an upcoming Napa Valley Getaway for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Haley Stevens.

    19:01-45:52: Rank MI Vote's Joe Spaulding

    There's an effort underway to make Michigan a Ranked Choice Voting State. Signatures are being gathered to put the issue on ballot in 2026, as Michiganders would get to decide if Michigan should become the third Ranked Choice Voting state in the nation. Rank MI Vote's Campaign Director, Joe Spaudling, talks with Pat about what Ranked Choice voting is all about, and how it will benefit Michigan in the long run. Visit Rank MI Vote to learn more.

    45:53-51:32: Last Call-Pot For Potholes

    In this week's "Last Call," Pat criticizes a state budget plan to tax legal marijuana shops to help pay for road repairs.

    51:33-54:04: Ending/Tigers

    Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

    leftoflansing@gmail.com

    Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

    leftoflansing.com

    NOTES:

    "Gilchrist calls Gaza, Palestine crisis a genocide at Arab convention, fundraising communications." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance Distill Social Video Featuring Michigan Lt. Governor, and Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate, Garlin Gilchrist. "Ranked choice voting signature collection phase begins in Michigan, campaign says." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Ban on ranked choice voting passed Michigan House." By Aurora Sousanis of The Detroit Free Press "The Government Has Been Shut Down for Months." By David Dayen & Whitney Curry Wimbish of The American Prospect "Cannabis group plots lawsuit over new Michigan weed tax plan." By Jordyn Hermani of Bridge Michigan "Whitmer biz incentives may face chopping block as part of Michigan budget deal." By Jordyn Hermani & Paula Gardner of Bridge Michigan
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    54 m
  • 312: Monday Musing: Ezra Klein Is Right About Expanding Map; Wrong On How To Do It

    312: Monday Musing: Ezra Klein Is Right About Expanding Map; Wrong On How To Do It
    Sep 29 2025
    #podcast #politics #Progressives #Democrats #Michigan #EzraKlein #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #AbortionRights #LGBTQ #WorkingClass #RedStates #Economics #ProgressivePoliciesWin #Democracy #MAGA #Trump #Republicans #LeftofLansing

    Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for September 29, 2025.

    Center-Left commentator and writer Ezra Klein believes Democrats can only win elections by churning-out more center-right candidates in red states. Yet, voters tend to support more progressive policies even in those red states.

    Yes, expanding the electoral map is crucial for Democrats, but progressives must not surrender their political, cultural, and economic values to expand that map.

    And if Ezra Klein hasn't noticed, his way isn't working for Democrats.

    Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

    leftoflansing@gmail.com

    Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

    leftoflansing.com

    NOTES:

    Ezra Klein on "The Bulwark" podcast: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/H8Eh2LnY3Zc

    "Ezra Klein Is Worried — but Not About a Radicalized Left." By Ross Douthat of The New York Times
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    6 m
  • 311: Friday Short: Americans Bailout MAGA Argentina While American Farmers Suffer

    311: Friday Short: Americans Bailout MAGA Argentina While American Farmers Suffer
    Sep 26 2025
    #podcast #progressive #politics #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #Michigan #Farmers #WorkingClass #Tariffs #GovernmentCorruption #CorporateCorruption #Economy #Agriculture #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for September 26, 2025!

    Michigan farmers are feeling the brunt of the failed Trump Economy as The Regime's tariffs continue to hammer the working class. Meanwhile, The Trump Regime is bailing-out a failed MAGA leader in Argentina!

    How's that America First?

    Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

    leftoflansing@gmail.com

    Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

    leftoflansing.com

    NOTES:

    "Trade war, drought squeeze Michigan farmers heading to fall harvest." By Lauren Gibbons and Laura Herberg of Michigan Advance "The Argentina bailout is all about propping up a Trump ally." By Allison Morrow of CNN
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    4 m
  • 310: People-Centered Politics w/ Lansing Mayoral Candidate Kelsea Hector

    310: People-Centered Politics w/ Lansing Mayoral Candidate Kelsea Hector
    Sep 25 2025
    #podcast #politics #progressive #Lansing #Michigan #KelseaHector #Democrats #WorkingClass #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #KamalaHarris #Economics #GovernmentCorruption #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #Oligarchy #GunViolence #Inequality #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #LeftofLanisng

    Here's Episode #149 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!

    00:00-20:55: Personal health/MAGA Cut Healthy Food

    After Pat starts-off lamenting about the Detroit Tigers' late-season collapse, he shares some personal stories of close friends feeling despair during The Trump Regime. Pat gives advice on caring for yourself, and maybe finding ways to help make your corner of the world a better place. But we can't give-up and allow authoritarianism to win.

    20:56-42:50: Kelsea Hector Interview

    Progressive candidate for Lansing Mayor, Kelsea Hector, talks with Pat about her people-centered campaign. Kelsea stunned the Lansing political world by finishing in the top two spots in the primary race. That means Hector will face-off against incumbent Democratic Mayor Andy Schor in November. Kelsea Hector's spent years working in the non-profit world in Lansing, and has built relationships and gained the trust of many in the community. It's no wonder why Kelsea's progressive campaign is winning the hearts and minds in Lansing. To learn more about Kelsea Hector's campaign, please click here. And visit Kelsea's FB campaign page as well!

    42:51-48:20: Last Call-Guns Are The Problem

    In the "Last Call," Pat highlights the hypocrisy, and the eerie silence from MAGA Republicans after the ambush by a suspected domestic abuser who shot and killed three Pennsylvania police officers with an AR-15 style rifle.

    48:21-51:31: Ending/John James

    Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

    leftoflansing@gmail.com

    Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

    leftoflansing.com

    NOTES: "Schor, Hector will face off in Lansing's mayoral race." By Brett Dahlberg of Michigan Public Radio "Judge orders Lansing homeless camp shut down after touring site." By Sophia Saliby of WKAR News "Congress ends nutrition program, Michigan rep called results disappointing." By Maxwell Howard of Bridge Michigan "Suspect in killing of Pennsylvania officers was a 24-year-old being sought on stalking charges." By Mark Scolforo, Marc Levy, and Alanna Durkin-Richer of The AP (via PBS) "GOP at Mackinac: John James loses straw poll, signaling messy gubernatorial race to come." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance
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    52 m