Left of Lansing

Here's Episode 48 of Michigan's premier progressive podcast!Happy Indictment Week III!I had so many words and thoughts to share as Donald Trump faces his third indictment this week. He's finally been charged for the role he played for the January 6th insurrection in an effort to steal the 2020 election. Despite getting indicted again, Michigan's GOP is all-in for Trump even though two more state Republicans face indictments for stealing voting machines. But while Republicans keep getting indicted, progressives keep doing the work to help everyone "Make It In Michigan."One big reason why progressives are scoring some major victories in the state is because of the impressive turnout by Generation Z voters in the 2022 election. They were key in getting abortion rights enshrined in our state constitution, in expanding voting rights and access to voting, and getting Democrats in control of state government. Jade Gray from Progress Michigan, and a Co-President of College Dems at the University of Michigan, joins me to talk about what issues are at the forefront for Gen Z. She also shares her thoughts on how Gen Z is not only pressing for progressive change, but refuses to sit on the sidelines. And as the Digital Organizer at Progress Michigan, Ms. Gray talks about their project to help progressives have a bigger digital presence throughout the state with Progressive Megaphone. If you want to learn more, [email protected] Last Call spotlights a groundbreaking program which provides pregnant Flint mothers a one-time $1,500 payment, and then a $500 per month for that child's first year with no strings attached! The program is called Rx Kids, and it has possibilities to improve the entire Flint community!Don't forget to visit [email protected]

It's episode 47 of Michigan's premier progressive podcast!The Gotion electric vehicle battery component plant is causing a rift in the Big Rapids area, located in Mecosta County. Local Republican leaders jumped at the chance to have the California-based company build the new plant in their area--an area in which 18% of its residents live in poverty. But because Gotion's parent company is from China, right wing Republican politicians and officials, along with those from the right wing echo chamber, are using scary xenophobic and anti-Asian rhetoric to prevent the plant from being built. Anna Gustafson from Michigan Advance wrote an extensive and informative piece on this entire saga, and she joins me to talk about how the right wing became galvanized to try to stop the plant, and how congressional and state senators and representatives have joined in the fight, despite originally backing the plant! Anna's also written many other interesting and important stories across the entire state of Michigan. Please, read her stories at Michigan Advance!Anna Gustafson of Michigan AdvanceMy opening monologue talks about how not only as right wing billionaire Elon Musk destroyed Twitter, or "X," but he's using the platform to spew right wing nonsense and conspiracy theories. I discuss how his anti-vaccine stances, and many other anti-vaxxers on the right, have led to more Republican voters dying from COVID after the vaccines were made available. And my "Last Call" puts a bookend on my talk with Ms. Gustafson as my Republican congressman, John Moolenaar of Midland, continues to fight against Gotion. It's strange he's fighting against this plant from being built in his district since he's never attacked Dow Chemical from working with Chinese businesses. Visit: leftoflansing.comEmail: [email protected]

Here's the 46th episode of Michigan's premier progressive podcast!I start-out this week talking about taking the battle to the right wing forces in our state. I illustrated why state Senator Mallory McMorrow's "We will not let hate win," speech went viral. It resonated with millions across the country because McMorrow did what so many of us want to see from Democrats: fighting back. In Michigan, progressive Democrats did fight back, take over the state government, and are now making the lives of millions of people better by reinvesting in them. And that's why the right wing is trying to recall five Democratic state house representatives. I then have a talk with Sam Inglot, executive director of Progress Michigan. We cover state Attorney General Dana Nessel's announcement of charging the 16 Michigan Republican officials who tried to act like fake electors in their attempts to steal the 2020 election for Donald Trump. We also highlight how we're expanding voting rights in the state, and some of the other work Progress Michigan is doing both across the state, and on the local level. To contact Progress Michigan, visit their website, or visit Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The "Last Call" further illustrates how the right wing Michigan GOP continues to double-down by trying to add more guns in their quest to... quell our gun violence in our state?You can contact me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and email [email protected]

Here’s the 45th installment of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast!Democratic State Rep. Betsy Coffia from the 103rd District joins me this week. Rep. Coffia’s district contains Leelanau, Grand Traverse, and Benzie Counties. She’s been a journalist, a social worker, and a Grand Traverse County commissioner. And now, she’s in Lansing trying to make a difference on a variety of fronts. We discuss the Traverse City hair salon owner who’s refusing to serve transgender people, why bigotry is bad for business, the budgets Democrats passed, her work on the school aid budget to help kids and families in northern Michigan, allowing 16-year olds to pre-register to vote, and more.You can follow Rep. Coffia on Twitter.My opening segment concentrates on how the right wing has always used “fear and anger” to get-out its voting base. Nothing has changed in the last 40 years when it comes to the Republican Party’s values. Donald Trump wasn’t some anomaly. The party was always a Trump party, and he emboldened Republican voters to finally say the quiet things out-loud. Party insiders are trying to silence those voices, but it’s too late, now!The “Last Call” continues my opening segment argument that Michigan Republicans stand for nothing, and have zero constructive policy ideas designed to help people.You can always email me at [email protected], visit leftoflansing.comThank you, and please subscribe to the podcast as well!

Here's episode 44 of Michigan's premiere progressive podcast! Strong progressive policies continue to not only get introduced, but continue to pass in the state legislature as we witnessed with the expansion of the Hate Crimes Law. The Democratic majority passed a historic budget last week, and I highlight how they not only spent time and energy reinvesting in our teachers and students, but they're also reinvesting in the environmental well-being of our schools. I also explain how progressives have swung the pendulum in the other direction after 40 years of Republican rule. And progressives are fighting back more on the local level, too, particularly in Ottawa County! The focus then switches back to the clean and affordable energy and climate package of bills state Democrats recently introduced. Charlotte Jameson--Chief Policy Officer of the Michigan Environmental Council--joins me to talk about why the MEC is supportive of these measures. Plus, she goes into further detail on how making schools more energy efficient, and the controversial aggregate mining bill that seems to have divided some legislative Democrats. Click here to learn more about the Michigan Environmental Council. This week's "Last Call" deals with my confusion as to why Governor Whitmer's "Growing Michigan Council" only has one member under 40 so far, but also why she is asking people like Bill Parfet to join the council. Enjoy! [email protected]

Progressive changes continue in our state thanks to the Democratic majority in the state legislature as both the general and education budgets passed this week. These budgets provide significant funding boosts for K-12 spending, including more per-pupil funding and universal free breakfast and lunch. And the general budget provides more funding for roads, infrastructure, health care workers, the environment and more. Plus, Democrats repealed the awful "No Stricter Than Federal" law Republicans passed during the 2018 lame duck.Then, I speak with Durrell Slaughter, who is Michigan's clean energy advocate with the Natural Resources Defense Council, on a package of historic and bold clean energy and climate change bills Democrats have introduced in the state legislature, which have a goal of making the state carbon-free by 2035.. Mr. Durrell spoke in favor of these bills during a committee session. And he also talks about the importance of getting involved in local politics. My "Last Call" talks about how the President Biden's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is providing high speed Internet access to 200,000 residents in Michigan, helping low income families.There's so much going on inside our state government, and much-needed changes making Michigan a better and more welcoming place to live. And it's all thanks to strong progressive, and popular, policies! Please, have a safe and great Fourth of July holiday [email protected]

We're officially in Summer, and I'm serving up the 42nd episode of the weekly podcast!My opening monologue deals with why I'm supporting the Michigan Multimedia Jobs proposal, which provides tax credits for companies wanting to make movies, shows, commercials, and other multimedia productions in the state. Michigan Democrats are busy helping people, including providing free meals for all public school students, but why in the world are Republicans against it? Then, Democratic state Senator Stephanie Chang joins me to discuss how the Democratic majority in the state legislature is getting stuff done on environmental justice, education, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, hate crimes, and the state budget. Senator Chang also shares her thoughts on keeping Generation Z voters engaged. The "Last Call" highlights a speech by Democratic State Representative Laurie Pohutsky, who introduced a house resolution declaring June as Pride Month. Enjoy!

Here's Episode 41 of the podcast devoted to highlighting the progressive fight to revive and restore Michigan's greatness! My opening monologue describes how old time Michigan Republicans have no power in their party anymore, and they have nobody to blame but themselves as the extremists lead the party. And I explain how these extremists are hurting our abilities to reverse the population and brain drain Michigan has been experiencing after 40 years of Republican rule. One way to reverse the population is perhaps through a new multimedia incentives program that's quite different from the state's film incentives a decade ago. Alexander Page from the Michigan Film Industry Association joins me to explain this new incentives proposal, which will soon be introduced in the state legislature. To learn more about MiFIA and the new multimedia incentives proposal, click here. The "Last Call" celebrates how Michigan Democrats are easing the workload for county clerks across the state by allowing them more time to process and tabulate absentee ballots. [email protected] Enjoy!

Here's the 40th episode!!! In this week's episode, I share some thoughts on WJR-AM's "next generation" of talk show hosts, which kinda sounds like the same as the last generation. I also talk about how former Republican "Nerd" Governor, Mr. Flint Water Crisis, himself, Rick Snyder is back in the news, announcing that he's helping Michigan Republicans take over the state legislature in 2024! Then, Dr. Joshua Cowen, Professor of Education Policy at Michigan State University, joins me to talk about the right wing movement--or war--to eradicate public schools across the country. Dr. Cowen has spent nearly two decades researching school choice and voucher programs, and how vouchers don't live up to the hype. I've included some of Dr. Cowen's articles in the show notes at the bottom of the page. And please, follow Dr. Cowen on Twitter! This week's "Last Call" delves into how former Michigan Republican Congressman Fred Upton will back a candidate from the so-called "No Labels" party. But I show how "No Labels" is primarily concerned with aiding and abetting its corporate donors, but how it hurts average Americans on a daily basis. Thank you for listening, and please subscribe to the blog and podcast. Plus, if you're feeling generous, feel free to provide a small donation! Enjoy!

Wow, 39 episodes are in the can!This week, I speak with progressive activist Joe Spaulding on the right wing movement happening with the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners as they passed a resolution declaring the county a "constitutional county." It's quite similar to what the equally extreme right wing Livingston County Board of Commissioners recently did as well. Joe Spaulding talks about how he and others are trying to fight back in that western Michigan county. And Joe gives shares some of his experiences while working on the "Voters Not Politicians" ballot proposal, which ended our state's gerrymandering in 2018. Plus, he gives his thoughts on the Republican effort to ban TikTok in the United States, which is really an attack on younger voters.Please, follow Joe Spaulding on Twitter!I talk about how refreshing it is to be a progressive broadcaster after spending years in the corporate right wing radio world. I share my ambivalence with the Mackinac Policy Conference, particularly since one of the most consequential and disastrous bills signed into law happened during that same conference a few years ago. That's when Gov. Whitmer signed the awful auto insurance "reform" bill. What makes it worse is who surrounded her as she signed the bill. The "Last Call" focuses on how "Greedflation" is the true mechanism which caused inflation.Enjoy!

Here's the 38th episode of Left of Lansing! Coming back to the podcast is veteran business writer, Rick Haglund. He writes the "Micheconomy" on Michigan Advance, and has been covering the state's economy, and the auto industry, since the 1980's. We talk about Michigan's population problem in which not only are people leaving, but we're becoming an older state. We discuss ways Michigan could reverse that trend, and if the Democratic Trifecta in state government is going in the right direction by advertising Michigan as the anti-Florida. Please, follow Rick on twitter: https://twitter.com/rhaglund And follow Michigan Advance!

A new episode of the Left Of Lansing Podcast is posted.This week, progressive activist Kasey Helton joins me to talk about life as a progressive in ruby red Republican Livingston County. We talk about Livingston County politics, why it's been difficult for progressives to make a dent there, but how progressives are beginning to find ways to post some victories there. She also shares some ideas and strategies that progressives can take to make change in Michigan's red counties. Please, follow her on Twitter! twitter.com/KaseyHelton05My opening monologue deals with my two week battle with COVID, which is why I missed a podcast last week! Sitting around in bed as I deal with COVID for the first time since the pandemic broke, I recalled how the right wing did everything in its po to ensure the virus killed and sickened as many Americans as possible because "cruelty is the point."My "Last Call" deals with how a simple school millage became an ideological battle in Livingston County's Heartland Township. The county Republican Party fought against the millage because they objected over "woke" books. But this should serve as an illustration for all progressives on the importance of local politics because the right wing is so far out-maneuvering the left on city, county, and school boards. Enjoy!

If we're not helping to protect our kids, honestly I don't know what the hell we're doing here in Lansing because that should be our number one priority. -Kelly Breen- On this week's LOL Podcast, Democratic State Representative Kelly Breen from from the 21st House District.Rep. Breen and I discuss the gun safety reform bills Democrats passed, and were signed into law by Governor Whitmer. Rep. Breen played a key role in passing the Extreme Risk Protection Order law, which is headed to the Governor's desk. We also discuss mental health, education, dealing with today's Michigan Republican Party, and the importance of getting involved in local politics. My opening monologue highlights how state Democrats are offering serious solutions during serious times, and Rep. Breen is a shining example.My "Last Call" deals with the misguided "old and tired trope" that state Democrats are going too far. Nothing could be further from the truth, and some in our Lansing media should begin to realize that fact. Show notes are at the end of this [email protected]

In this week's episode, Pat Johnston covers how Democrats are fixing what Republicans destroyed during their 40 years of power in Lansing. He covers how Republicans across the nation are working to erase American history, ban books, silence their opponents, and destroy the public school system. Pat also gives another shoutout to Democratic State Rep. Dylan Wegela for introducing a bill stopping police from lying to minors to obtain a false confession. [email protected]

This week, I discuss how young people showed-up at the polls in a big way in Michigan, which helped Democrats pull-off the trifecta in state government. But despite the Generation Z breaking for Democrats in the last few elections, Democrats must continue showing that they are helping keep that critical voting bloc on their side.Then, State Representative Dylan Wegela joins me. He represents District 26, which comprises of Garden City, Inkster, Romulus and Westland. In the "Last Call," I explain how Michigan Democrats continue helping Michiganders while Republicans continue to act... weird.Hope you enjoy this week's podcast. Show notes are located on leftoflansing.com

Michigan Democrats are banking on Gov. Whitmer's slogan that "Bigotry Is Bad For Business." Pat Johnston explains why being the anti-Indiana, the anti-Ohio, and the anti-Florida is the best strategic move for Michigan--both morally and economically. By becoming a more welcoming state for women who want to make their own medical decisions, and a more LGBTQ-friendly state, Michigan Democrats are illustrating that our state is best for businesses and workers because Michigan believes in freedom. And Pat highlights how there are now 13 Starbucks stores in Michigan that voted to unionize!

LOL's Pat Johnston talks about how Michigan Democrats are giving state Democratic parties across the nation a blueprint for electoral success. If Democrats succeed in showing how they will improve the lives of their constituents, they will remain in power. But we must always take the battle to the right-wing forces.

LOL's Pat Johnston highlights how Michigan Democrats are using their legislative majority to enact real change when it comes to curbing gun violence. It's a start.

Pat is back with a new episode! He goes after Michigan's GOP as it tried to steal the election from Joe Biden. He offers a counterpoint on why the "AOC WING" of the Democratic Party is indeed changing things for the better. And more!

Pat's back and ready to call-out Michigan's right-wing forces that did nothing to help Gov. Whitmer's efforts to combat COVID-19, and how the right-wing remains tone-deaf on race issues. Then, Jody LaMacchia joins Pat to discuss her run for the state house in the 46th District. Finally, Pat shows how Michigan's Republican Party remains in the past while Michigan pushes ahead on LGBTQ issues.

Pat Johnston talks about how Michigan Republicans rely on The Trump Cult to stop Gov. Whitmer from protecting the state against this pandemic.

Pat is geeked that Michigan will play a crucial role in the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary. Candidates should know about the Blue Wave of 2018 in Michigan, partially because we know the Devos family! Dave Wagner from Indivisible Michigan is the guest this week. And Pat reminds everyone how Democratic Presidents used to fight for Medicare 4 All.

Pat Johnston says Michigan Democrats Must put Republicans on defense regarding health care and treatment of women. Pat wonders why some Michigan Democrats are backing Michael Bloomberg for president despite his obvious flaws. And Pat argues why Democrats taking-on Democrats in other primary races is democracy in action!

Julia Pulver talks with Pat Johnston about her quest for the state house seat in Michigan's 39th district. Ms. Pulver also covers health care, charter schools, and more. Pat describes why the 2020 state races are just as important as the Presidential election. And Pat talks about that green ooze on I-696 last month, and how it's the perfect metaphor for Republican environmental policies.

The 24th episode of The LOL Podcast features Pat Johnston with an epic rant about how progressives can no longer afford to be "civil" anymore. They must Fight Back against 40-years of radical right-wing activism. Christine Barry from Michigan Policast joins Pat to discuss that topic, and other issues affecting Michigan. And then, Pat highlights how young people are shying away from the teaching profession in Michigan. [email protected]

Hello fellow LOLers! Pat's back with a new podcast. This week, Pat hails Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib for being one of the first voices to call for Trump's impeachment! Anna Clark is Pat's guest this week. She wrote: "The Poisoned City: Flint Water and the Urban Tragedy." And a district judge places a temporary injunction on Michigan AG Dana Nessel's rule that adoption agencies receiving state contracts can't discriminate against LGBTQ couples hoping to adopt.

Pat goes solo this week to share his thoughts on how the Koch-DeVos Libertarian Utopia has been an unmitigated disaster for everyone., He then explains Michigan's fights to fix our roads, schools, and environment is all about ending years of Republicans Running Michigan On The Cheap. And Pat highlights how the right wing is fighting to stop Michigan's new redistricting committee from ever forming.

On the 21st episode of the Left of Lansing Podcast, Pat highlights how "cruelty" is the top priority for the right wing. Democratic State Rep. Jon Hoadley talks with Pat about why he's running for U.S. Congress in 2020! And Pat praises Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib!

Pat Interviews Emily Durbin from the Michigan chapter for Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America. Pat also explains why the right wing points to "mental illness" whenever a right wing terrorist attacks America. Plus, Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow provides a rallying call to fight for real gun reform in Michigan.

Pat Johnston speaks with former Michigan DNC Chair Mark Brewer on Rick Snyder turning down Harvard appointment; voting rights; Whitmer & GOP budget fight; and the direction of Michigan's Democratic Party. Plus, Pat attacks anti-democratic Republicans. And, Pat criticizes national Democratic leaders for voting for Mitch McConnell's border bill.

Pat Johnston talks with Sharon Dolente, who is the Voting Rights Strategist with the ACLU of Michigan. Sharon played a pivotal role in helping get the Promote The Vote initiative on the 2018 ballot, which won by overwhelming numbers. Pat talks about why Michigan Republicans are trying to stifle the vote rather than WIN votes. And Pat rants about how Medicaid Work Requirements are doing exactly what conservatives wanted by hurting working families.

Pat brings more progressive insight with an edge this week as he rails against Michigan GOP efforts to disenfranchise young voters, and Democratic voters, general. He delves into the reasons why charges have been dropped in the Flint Water Crisis. And he praises a couple of Michigan Congressional Democrats for finally joining the fight to impeach Trump!

Julia Pulver is this week's guest. Julia is an RN, political activist, and former Michigan State Senate candidate, barely losing in the 15th district. She shares her experience running a progressive campaign in a red district. And she doesn't hold back on her opposition to the recently signed auto insurance reform bill. I remind everyone about how Rick Snyder took part in the biggest political scandal--The Flint Water Crisis. And I praise Governor Whitmer for (so far) sticking to her promise to close Line 5!

Pat interviews Michigan Democratic state Senator Mallory McMorrow from the 13th district in Oakland County. They talk about the generational divide between Millennials and older generations; Michigan GOP's fight to enact anti-women's health and anti-choice laws; her bill to ban gay conversion therapy; and why she voted against the auto insurance "reform" bill. Pat has a meltdown over that "reform" bill in his monologue. And Pat highlights good progressive stances by state AG Dana Nessel on Line 5, and the Grand Rapids city council's proposal to punish people for calling 911 on people of color for "living their lives."

It's Pat Johnston going solo this week. Pat talks about how Michigan Republican Congressman Justin Amash joined Michigan Democratic Congresswoman in calling for impeachment hearing on President Trump. Pat also share some Gen X cynicism over the new Fiat Chrysler jobs deal with Detroit. Democratic state Rep. Brian Elder proposes legislation to protect kids from measles outbreak. And Trump Treasury Sec. Steve Mnuchin delays the $20 Harriet Tubman bill until 2028. I wonder why...

Pat goes on an epic rant against the Michigan GOP's decision to join in the national GOP effort to end the reproductive rights of women. Chris Savage from the progressive Michigan website, Eclectablog, joins Pat to further discuss the Michigan GOP's War On Women, and also why Michigan progressives must keep engaged in state politics, Of all weeks, this week illustrates that point. And Pat praises AG Dana Nessel for going after corporations that put PFAS in our water systems. [email protected]

Susan Demas from Michigan Advance joins me to discuss state politics, and the progressive fight against Trump Republicans. Pat rails against the Lansing establishment press for failing to give progressives a voice. And Michigan GOP proposing insane gun bill! Visit leftoflansing.com

MSU researcher Dr. April Zeoli talks about her study on the relationship between guns and domestic violence. Pat celebrates how the Michigan GOP's gerrymandering game is deemed illegal by the courts. And he highlights the bold progressive leadership of State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky.

Left of Lansing Podcast--Episode 10: Lou Glazer from Michigan Future Inc. on preparing Michigan for the future economy. Plus, progressive policies are winning in Michigan!

Pat gives a strong defense for Michigan AG Dana Nessel, who's under attack by the Michigan right wing; Erin Roberts from the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence talks about how to reduce sexual assault in our society.

Chris Hackbarth from the Michigan Municipal League talks GOP bills to ban so-called "sanctuary cities" in Michigan. Pat talks further about how attacking immigrants is the only priority in the GOP playbook. Plus, Pat covers how we must REINVEST in not only our infrastructure, but also schools, including teachers!

Sean McBrearty from Clean Water Action joins the podcast. We talk about the controversial Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac, and Gov. Whitmer's and AG Nessel's decision to shut down a tunnel project for the 65 year old pipeline. House Speaker Lee Chatfield's sexist remarks directed at both Whitmer and Nessel over their Line 5 decision. And how corporations gobble-up media companies and why.

Pat Johnston talks with conservative columnist, Ingrid Jacques, from The Detroit News about college free-speech issues, changes to the electoral college system, and why Michigan women are voting more progressive. Pat highlights progressive changes happening in Michigan just this past week! And he highlights how both Michigan and national Republicans are lacking fresh ideas.

Rick Haglund from Michigan Advance talks about Gov. Whitmer's proposals for Michigan's economic future, and the future of the auto industry. Pat talks about how conservatism relies on fear and anger. A pair of Michigan Democratic lawmakers introduce bills to help people. And, Pat gives his prediction for the 2019 Detroit Tigers!

Pat Johnston talks Michigan education with David Hecker from the American Federation For Teachers Michigan; Medical pot shops are booming; Don't Despair & Keep Fighting!

Pat Johnston talks with Democratic state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky. She ran a progressive campaign and won. We talk about her journey, what she hopes to accomplish, and Governor Whitmer's budget proposal. Pat takes the Michigan GOP to task for its hypocritical stance against Whitmer's proposals to fix Michigan's roads, schools, and environment. Pat also shares a thought on the recent "controversy" surrounding Minnesota Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.

Interview with Jarrett Skorup from conservative Mackinac Center For Public Policy. And Pat highlights how progressive Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is taking the battle to the special interests.

Pat talks with Lonnie Scott from Progress Michigan in the pilot episode of the Left of Lansing podcast!