Show overview
Left of Lansing has been publishing since 2019, and across the 7 years since has built a catalogue of 397 episodes. That works out to roughly 150 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.
Episodes typically run under ten minutes — most land between 5 min and 45 min — with run-times ranging widely across the catalogue. It is catalogued as a EN-language News show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed earlier today, with 53 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2025, with 134 episodes published.
From the publisher
An insight into Michigan's progressive political and pop cultural scene. Pat Johnston highlights how the progressive movement is helping shape Michigan's political landscape with opinion and interviews. It's time to make Michigan's political machine work for the people!
Latest Episodes
View all 397 episodes397: The Energy Is With Michigan Progressives? Senate Race Polls. Data Center Rejection
396: Monday Musing: Republican Clueless On Democrats' Michigan State Senate Blowout Win
395: Friday Short: MAGA Always Uses Racism To Divide Working Class
394: MI State Senate Reaction; AIPAC Doubles-Down on Haley Stevens; Taxpayers Fund Trump Ballroom
393: Friday Short: "Moderate" Kristen McDonald-Rivet Capitulates To Trump Regime, MAGA
392: Senate Race, Gas Prices, Voting Rights, Ballrooms, and Progressive Ivan Diaz for Michigan State Senate
391: Monday Musing: Trump Uses Assassination Attempt For Ballroom Push, Silencing Dissent
390: Amplifying Michigan's Working Class Voice w/ Aisha Farooqi For Congress
389: Monday Musing: Major Progressive Victories At Michigan Democratic Party Convention
388: Friday Short: Democratic Primaries Are Crucial For Real Working Class Change
387: MI Progressive William Lawrence For Congress, Trump's Failing Economy, New MI Senate Poll
386: Monday Musing: Working Class Americans Can't Afford Kids!
385: Friday Short: In What World Are MAGA Republicans "Fiscally Responsible?"
384: Kasey Helton Report On The Abdul El-Sayed & Hasan Piker UofM Rally
383: Monday Musing: Trump's Easter "Message" Reveals MAGA True "Values"
Ep 382382: Friday Short: How Did Dems' Moderation On Immigration Work-Out?
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for April 3, 2026!While establishment-corporate Democrats capitulated to MAGA Republicans in election-after-election, they can't be surprised why the nation kept creeping further and further to the right.By refusing to take bold stances for the working class, and for marginalized citizens, Democrats ceded ground and allowed Republicans to control The Overton Window.And rather than argue to working class voters what they stood for, establishment Democrats only argued why Trump and MAGA Republicans sucked. How'd that strategy work-out for everyone?Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you [email protected] of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join
Ep 381381: Kyle Blomquist and his Progressive America First Campaign In Northern Michigan
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's Episode #172 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!00:00-19:15: John James, Elissa Slotkin, & No Kings RecapPat Johnston opens this week talking about Trump's and the right-wing Israeli government's War on Iran, and how it's costing working class Americans while thousands of Michiganders are losing their health care and paying higher gas and energy prices. He covers how MAGA Michigan Republican Congressman John James, who's running for governor, has missed many votes while in Congress. He briefly covers why Progressive Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is brilliantly bringing progressive Hasan Piker aboard for a college campaign tour. And Pat recaps a couple of mid-Michigan "No Kings" protests.19:15-49:00: Kyle Blomquist For Congress InterviewProgressive Democratic candidate for Michigan's 1st Congressional District Kyle Blomquist talks with Pat about his campaign for the northern Michigan seat held by MAGA Republican "Louisiana" Jack Bergman. Mr. Blomquist is running on a Medicare For All, affordable housing, abolishing ICE, and ending aid to Israel agenda. He explains how his progressive "America First" and working class agenda will help Democrats not only win in northern Michigan, but in other red areas in the state and country. Visit Kyle's campaign on InstagramVisit Kyle's campaign on FacebookVisit Kyle's campaign on X49:12-55:38: Last Call-MAGA Attacks Rx KidsIn the "Last Call," another MAGA Michigan state legislator makes-up stories about the successful Rx Kids program.55:39-57:55: EndingPlease, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you [email protected] of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES:Kyle Blomquist For Congress"Kyle Blomquist on Running in Northern Michigan." From For Sake of the Argument with Lori Goldman "IM council member running for Congress." By Betsy Bloom of The Iron Mountain Daily News "‘Abolish ICE’ vs. 'Deport illegals': UP candidates offer starkly different visions on immigration." By WJMN & WBUP in Marquette, MI "Fewer Americans calling themselves Republicans or Republican-leaning independents since 2015: Gallup data." By Emily Guskin & Elizabeth Schreier of ABC News "Michigan’s El-Sayed unfazed by backlash against upcoming campaign event with Hasan Piker." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "John James Has Missed More Roll Call Votes Than Any Other Michigan Congress Member." By Deadline Detroit "Michigan GOP lawmaker’s baseless Rx Kids abortion claim disputed by data, called ‘despicable.’" By Katherine Dailey of Michigan Advance #podcast #politics #progressive #Democrats #Michigan #MAGA #Republicans #WorkingClass #Economy #WealthInequality #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Trump #IranWar #Israel #HealthCare #MedicareForAll #Housing #KyleBlomquist #UpperPeninsula #JackBergman #AbolishICE #RxKids #ChildCare #AmericaFirst #FamilyValues #Fascism #Authoritarianism #JohnJames #ElissaSlotkin #AbdulElSayed #Election2026 #VotingRights #Democracy #LeftofLansing
Ep 380380: Monday Musing: What I Saw At Two Mid-Michigan "No Kings" Protests
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for March 30, 2026.LOL's Pat Johnston reviews his stops at a couple of mid-Michigan "No Kings" rallies on March 28, 2026. Not only was attendance impressive, not to mention the numerous car-honking from supporters who drove-by the protests, but Pat noticed how protesters voiced their specific demands for change. Those demands ranged from abolishing ICE and investigating The Epstein Class, to ending Trump's and the right-wing Israeli government's War on Iran while fighting against the Trump Regime's corruption. Protesters argued for a new direction where the working class is finally represented and seen. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you [email protected] of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join
Ep 379379: Friday Short: The MAGA Republican Grifting Game--Michigan Style
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for March 27, 2026.It appears MAGA Michigan Congressman Tom Barrett is using the MAGA Grifting Game to help make both he and his wife some extra cash. Politico and Michigan Advance report how Barrett's campaign arm paid for services to a local law firm, and an international political software company in 2023-2024, just AFTER his wife started working at both places! I'm sure that was just by sheer coinicidence and dumb luck, right?Tom Barrett's scheme is part of the overall Michigan MAGA Grifting Game playbook that Pat describes in the "Friday Short."And please, donate and help progressive Democrat William Lawrence's campaign to unseat Tom Barrett this fall!Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you [email protected] of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES:"Murphy on ‘$1.5 BILLION’ stock trade before Trump Iran announcement: ‘Mind blowing corruption.’" By Ashleigh Fields of The Hill "GOP Rep. Barrett scrutinized over payments to firms employing spouse." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance Politico story on Tom Barrett's payments to firms where spouse works.
Ep 378378: "No Kings 3" on March 28th w/ Traverse Indivisible's Leif Colt
Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's Episode #171 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!00:00-19:52The current state of the Democratic Primary for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat will show the country where Democratic voters want to go in 2026. Pat Johnston talks about how progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed not only refused to accept corporate PAC money, but they also never took money from ICE contractors. The same can't be said for Ms. AIPAC, a.k.a. Congresswoman Haley Stevens. Also, the Trump Regime sends ICE into the nation's airports to perpetuate more chaos and fear on the working class. And working class Americans remain opposed to Trump's & Israel's War on Iran. 19:53-41:00: Leif Colt of Traverse IndivisibleInterview with Leif Colt, Communications Leader for Traverse Indivisible. Leif shares information about the "No Kings 3" march taking place in Traverse City at 1pm on March 28th. Leif explains what to expect at the march, and why it's important to show up either at the Traverse City march, but also to show-up at a "No Kings" rally or march near you. He also explains what Traverse Indivisible is about, and how it's part of the Indivisible movement's overall goal to give a voice for the working class in Michigan and the nation. Click here for info on a "No Kings 3" rally in your area in Michigan.Click here for Indivisible chapters in Michigan.Visit Traverse Indivisible on Facebook41:01-48:28: Last Call: Hall & Joe Tate Lansing CorruptionIn the "Last Call," current MAGA Michigan Republican state House Speaker Matt Hall said some kind words for outgoing former House Speaker, Democrat Joe Tate. Pat explains why that makes sense since both worked to perpetuate constant corporate and government corruption in Lansing. 48:29: 51:20: Tigers/EndingPat gives his win total prediction for the 2026 Detroit Tigers!Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you [email protected] of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES:"Joe Tate’s tenure in focus as the Detroit representative makes moves to leave public life." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Two Michigan Senate hopefuls have shunned corporate PAC money. One is raking it in." By Melissa Nann-Burkey of The Detroit News "Former Michigan House Speaker gives Bridget Brink his seal of approval in 7th District race." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "'An Insult to Us': TSA Agents Slam ICE Arrival at U.S. Airports." By Philip Wang of Time Michigan MAGA Republican state House Speaker Matt Hall statement on Democratic State Rep. Joe Tate's retirement"Exclusive: Trump's approval hits new 36% low as fuel prices surge amid Iran war, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds." By Jason Lange & Bo Erickson of Reuters "Tate backs Haley Stevens in Michigan U.S. Senate race." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Michigan lame-duck Legislature: House Democrats revolt against Speaker Tate." By Jordyn Hermani of Bridge Detroit #podcast #politics #Progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Republicans #Trump #MAGA #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #IranWar #GasPrices #Economy #workingclass #SenateRace #AbdulElSayed #MattHall #EpstenFiles #EpsteinClass #NoKings #ProtestMovements #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #LeftofLansing