Left of Lansing

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!