Podcast
Left of Lansing
Hosted by Left of Lansing · EN
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!
63episodes
Episodes
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424: Monday Musing: Dem Leaders Endorse Crypto & AIPAC Congressman Shri Thanedar
1w ago00:05:17Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for July 20, 2026. Democratic Party leaders in the U.S. House endorsed cryptocurrency & AIPAC Congressman Shri Thanedar of Detroit over his working class progressive candidate, State Rep. Donovan McKinney. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries claims that Rep. Thanedar will fight for the affordability of all Michiganders, and take-on the Trump Regime. Yet, all evidence points to the contrary when it comes to Thanedar's record. Pat Johnston explains why this endorsement shows how Democratic Party leaders still are not getting the working class anger spreading across Michigan, and the country. Click here to help State Rep. Donovan McKinney's campaign!!!Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft 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:"Two-Thirds of Shri Thanedar’s Campaign Cash Came Through AIPAC as He Lost Over $600K." By Akela Lacy of The Intercept #podcast #politics #progressive #WorkingClass #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Michigan #ShriThanedar #DonovanMcKinney #Cypytocurrency #Trump #Israel #WarPowers #Detroit #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #HakeemJeffries #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #LeftofLansing #MondayMusing
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422: Friday Short: Trump Makes Diarrhea Great Again!
2w ago00:04:13Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for July 17, 2026!Michigan is the epicenter of the Cyclosporiasis outbreak, where over a thousand Michiganders are sick after ingesting a small parasite that causes explosive diarrhea. This outbreak has hit over 2,000 people in Michigan and 17 other states. State and federal health officials are investigating the source of this outbreak, but they're investigating with one hand tied behind their backs.That's thanks to The Trump Regime's CDC scaling back efforts to investigate and control foodborne outbreaks, like Cyclosporiasis. Pat Johnston explains how moves like this by The Regime is in line with what this Regime is all about: Protecting the corporate class, otherwise known as The Epstein Class. Click here to vote on LOL Weekly Poll: Will A Candidate's Stance on Israel Play A Key Role in How You'll Vote in the August Primary?Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft 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:"What experts say you should do during Michigan cyclosporiasis outbreak." By Kristen Jordan Shamus of The Detroit Free Press "Trump’s CDC Stopped Monitoring Explosive Diarrhea Parasite Before Outbreak." By Marni Rose McFall of Newsweek #podcast #politics #Michigan #Progressives #Cyclosporiasis #Health #Government #GovernmentCorruption #CDC #RKFJr #MAHA #MAGA #Democrats #Trump #Republicans #EpsteinClass #DonorClass #CorporateCorruption #Musk #PFAS #Fascist #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
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423: People Representing People--Ben Ambrose For Michigan Congress
2w ago00:54:53Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's Episode #187 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!00:00-16:18: Abdul & Prop Tax; Michigan AccentLOL's Pat Johnston is befuddled by Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed brought-up the idea of eliminating the property taxes for senior citizens. Pat's also befuddled by the accent of the other Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Haley Stevens. But then, people don't think Pat's got a real Michigan accent either, so... 16:19: 43:00: Ben Ambrose InterviewDemocratic candidate for Michigan's 2nd Congressional District, Ben Ambrose, talks with Pat about his campaign to defeat incumbent MAGA Republican Congressman John Moolenaar. They talk about his life story living in Oceana County, enlisting and serving in the Marine Corps, and then how he was personally affected by the Trump Regime's DOGE. They also cover Mr. Ambrose's economic and education ideas, as well as his thoughts on data centers, immigration, John Moolenaar's devotion to the donor class, and how he's running on a "people representing people" campaign. Visit Ben Ambrose's campaign: https://ambrose4congress.com/Donate to Ben Ambrose's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/benjamin-ambrose-243:01-52:32: Last Call-Stevens DisasterIn the "Last Call," Pat covers some baffling attacks by the Haley Stevens campaign against Abdul El-Sayed while AIPAC continues to pour millions into the race on behalf of Stevens. 52:33-54:53: EndingVote on this week's poll if you approve of Democratic congressional leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries!Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft 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:"Program aims to eliminate $700M in medical debt for Wayne County residents." By Jon King of Michigan Advance "Fact check: Abdul El-Sayed overstates claim he erased $700M in medical debt." By Lauren Gibbons of Bridge Michigan "Stevens or El-Sayed? Latest polls show who leads in US Senate primary." By Todd Spangler of The Detroit Free Press "Michigan House passes property tax cut bills, holds off on tax increases to fill budget hole." By Colin Jackson of Michigan Public Radio "US House votes to advance bill to sanction ICC over Israel arrest warrants." By Al Jezeerra "Did Rx Kids lose $20M in Michigan budget deal? Depends who you ask." By Jordyn Harmani & Robin Erb of Bridge Michigan #podcast #progressive #politics #Michigan #Democrats #WorkingClass #EpsteinClass #BenAmbrose #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #JohnMoolenaar #WealthInequality #Israel #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #datacenters #Education #Economy #MidMichigan #ICE #DetentionCamp #GeoGroup #Affordability #Unions #Farmers #Election #MedicareForAll #AIPAC #AbdulElSayed #HaleyStevens #BigTech #Fascism #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
Transcribe →421: Monday Musing: Big Gretch Whitmer Turned Into a Big Sell-Out
2w ago00:06:52Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for July 13, 2026.Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer vetoed nine bills that were passed when Democrats held the government trifecta back in 2024. But Michigan MAGA Republican House Speaker Matt Hall blocked those bills from reaching Whitmer's desk once Republicans took control of the state House.However, Democrats took Republicans to court, and won, and those bills finally reached Whitmer's desk this past Friday... only to have Whitmer veto these working class bills. Pat Johnston explains why Whitmer's veto shows not only how much she's sold-out her "Big Gretch" credentials, but how it shows exactly why Democratic base voters are hungry for new blood in the Democratic Party. Click here to vote on LOL Weekly Poll: Will A Candidate's Stance on Israel Play A Key Role in How You'll Vote in the August Primary?Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft 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:"Michigan Supreme Court sends bills to Whitmer, who stuns with surprise vetoes." By Rick Pluta and Rick Brewer of Michigan Public Radio #podcast #politics #Michigan #progressives #Democrats #Whitmer #MAGA #Republicans #MattHall #Trump #WorkingClass #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #BigTech #DataCenters #Corrections #Unions #UAW #Teachers #Fascism #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
Transcribe →420: Friday Short: ICE--Bad For Economy, For Farmers, For Families, And MUST Be Abolished!
3w ago00:05:35Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for July 10, 2026.The Trump Regime's ICE Gestapo is hurting Michigan's farming community, which is hurting our state's overall economy. And with another incident of ICE killing another person, this time in Texas, it proves ICE offers nothing of value to our democracy. It serves only to terrorize marginalized communities, and that's why it must be abolished!Click here to vote on LOL Weekly Poll: Will A Candidate's Stance on Israel Play A Key Role in How You'll Vote in the August Primary?Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft 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:"Immigration turmoil sparks workforce worries for many Michigan industries." By John Gallagher of Crains Business Detroit #podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Immigration #Farmers #Agriculture #workingclass #ICE #Fascism #Economy #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Democrats #GovernmentCorruption #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
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419: Diop Harris II--Progressive Democrat For Michigan's 4th Congressional District
3w ago00:54:31Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's Episode #186 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!00:00-19:44: Sen.Debate/Platner OutThe Dear Leader Trump Sports Curse continues, this time he helped lead to the demise of the U.S. Men's Soccer team in the World Cup. Pat covers a bit of the debate between Abdul El Sayed and Haley Stevens for Michigan's U.S. Senate seat, and how Stevens represents establishment Democrats who count on corporate bribes while refusing to fight for the working class. And, Pat gives his reaction to progressive Graham Platner dropping-out of Maine's Senate race, and how corporate-establishment Democrats are using Platner's demise to sink the entire progressive movement. 19:45-48:40: Diop Harris II InterviewDiop Harris II joins the show to talk about his progressive campaign for Michigan's 4th Congressional District where MAGA Republican incumbent Bill Huizenga is running again. Diop and Pat talk about his campaign, his progressive roots, his work in progressive politics in Michigan & Washington D.C., and why he's better suited to face Huizenga than the other Democrats in the race. They cover ICE and immigration, farmers, data centers, Medicare For All, corporate corruption, and more. Visit: https://www.diop4mi.com/Diop Harris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diop4mi/Diop Harris on Twitter: https://x.com/Diop4MIDiop Harris on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diop4miFollow The Money: democracyisourpower.com48:41-52:53: Last CallIn the Last Call, a new AP Poll shows that a significant number of Jewish Americans oppose Israel's actions in Gaza.50:01-54:31: EndingClick here to vote on LOL Weekly Poll: Will A Candidate's Stance on Israel Play A Key Role in How You'll Vote in the August Primary?Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft 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:"Obamacare premiums likely to surge again next year." By Nada Hassanein of Michigan Advance "Democrat Graham Platner says he plans to withdraw from Maine Senate race after sexual assault claim." By Kimberlee Kruesi and Meg Kinnard of AP "AP-NORC poll: About 3 in 10 US adults believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians." By Steve Peoples and Linley Sanders of AP "El-Sayed, Stevens trade pointed barbs in Democratic U.S. Senate debate." By Todd Spangler of The Detroit Free Press #podcast #progressives #Democrats #DemocraticSocialism #MAGA #Republicans #BillHuizenga #Michigan #Fascism #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorrution #CorporatePACS #GovernmentCorrutpion #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #Economy #Obamacare #DataCenters #AIPAC #EpsteinClass #WealthInequality #DiopHarris #Congress #GrahamPlatner #Donors #Israel #Trump #Authoritarianism #AI #Democracy #LeftofLansing
Transcribe →418: Monday Musing: McMorrow Drops-Out of Michigan Senate Race
3w ago00:04:51Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for July 6, 2026!Democratic State Senator Mallory McMorrow announces she's dropping-out of the Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate primary race.That means it's just a two-person race between the progressive frontrunner, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, and Congresswoman "Ms. AIPAC" Haley Stevens. Pat Johnston talks about the ramifications of McMorrow's announcement, and how he's not surprised how some Democratic officeholders, like Attorney General Dana Nessel, are suddenly rushing to support "centrist" Stevens.Click here to vote on LOL Weekly Poll: Is Democratic Socialism On the Rise?Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft 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:"McMorrow suspends U.S. Senate campaign." By Jon King of Michigan Advance "Michigan AG drops all charges against seven pro-Palestinian protesters." By Tom Perkins of The Guardian #podcast #politics #Michigan #Progressives #DemocraticSocialism #Democrats #MalloryMcMorrow #AbdulElSayed #HaleyStevens #Senate #Election #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #GovernmentCorruption #DanaNessel #Israel #AIPAC #Protesters #UofM #Palestinian #DTE #EpsteinClass #Trump #Republicans #MAGA #WorkingClass #WealthInequality #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
Transcribe →417: Friday Short: Progressives Winning By Fighting Corruption, Too
4w ago00:04:34Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for July 3, 2026. Michigan progressive Democratic state Representative Betsy Coffia from the Traverse City region keeps winning elections in a once-safe Republican district because she demonstrates every day how she's backing the working class while fighting back against the rampant corporate and government corruption in Lansing. Progressives, like Betsy Coffia, are winning elections because they stand-up to corruption while sticking-up for strong, progressive working class values. Progressives, like Betsy Coffia, are in the mainstream as they fight to end the revolving door between government and corporate corruption. Those fighting to keep that revolving door spinning are the true extremists. Follow Rep. Coffia on Instagram: www.instagram.com/betsycoffia/Follow Rep. Coffia on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BetsyCoffiaClick here to vote on LOL Weekly Poll: Is Democratic Socialism On the Rise?Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft 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
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416: Progressive Democratic State Rep. Betsy Coffia
4w ago00:50:45Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's Episode #185 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!00:00-17:55: More DSA Victories/MI Senate RaceLOL's Pat Johnston opens the show highlighting how another young Democratic Socialist defeated another Democratic incumbent in Congress, and this time it was in Denver, CO. Pat explains why progressives and Democratic Socialists are winning in Democratic primaries. 17:56-41:21: Betsy Coffia InterviewMichigan progressive Democratic state Representative Betsy Coffia joins the show to talk about northwest Michigan politics, affordable housing, Medicare For All, representing the working class over corporations, and the lack of government transparency in Michigan. She also shares her progressive history, why she's never sold-out her working class values. Follow Rep. Coffia on Instagram: www.instagram.com/betsycoffia/Follow Rep. Coffia on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BetsyCoffia41:22-48:27: Last Call on Progressive Long Game:In this week's "Last Call," as progressives and Democratic Socialists continue notching wins across Michigan and the country, we must remember this working class movement began a decade ago.48:28-51:43: AOC Backs AES/EndingClick here to vote on LOL Weekly Poll: Is Democratic Socialism On the Rise?Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft 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:State Rep. Betsy Coffia reelection statement."More Americans are hungry in the face of federal cuts, rising grocery prices." By Kevin Hardy of Michigan Advance "How Hasan Piker helped boost Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and what it tells us about the state of the Democratic Party." By Tom Perkins of Mondoweiss "Coffia, Rheingans Call for Health Care for All." By Michigan House DemocratsBetsy Coffia w/ Bernie Sanders in 2016.#podcast #politics #Progressives #Socialism #DemocraticSocialism #WorkingClass #Michigan #MAGA #Trump #Republicans #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #GovernmentCorruption #GovernmentTransparency #Capitalism #EpsteinClass #DataCenters #Housing #BetsyCoffia #GretchenWhitmer #AbdulElSayed #BernieSanders #DTE #CampaignFinance #Democrats #HaleyStevens #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
Transcribe →415: Friday Short: Democratic "Centrists" Declare War On Democratic Socialists
Jun 2600:06:26Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for June 26, 2026.After three Democratic Socialists from New York City defeated three Democratic corporate-establishment candidates, the so-called "centrist" Democrats are declaring war on MAGA! Oh, wait. Centrists aren't declaring war on MAGA or the Trump Regime.They're declaring war on the Democratic Socialist movement that's gaining more and more influence and momentum within the Democratic Party. Pat Johnston explains why these "centrists" are fearing a Democratic Socialist takeover of their party.Click here to vote on Weekly Poll on Socialism vs. Capitalism!Also:Visit Kyle Blomquist's Campaign: www.blomquistforcongress.com/Visit Kyle Blomquist Instagram: www.instagram.com/blomquistforcongress/Visit Kyle Blomquist Facebook: www.facebook.com/BlomquistForCongressVisit Kyle Blomquist Twitter: https://x.com/BlomquistForMIPlease, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft 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#podcast #progressives #Democrats #DemocraticSocialism #Socialism #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #Michigan #Election #WorkingClass #Economy #Israel #GovernmentCorruption #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #GovernmentSpending #EpsteinClass #WealthInequality #Centrism #Moderates #Fascism #Authoritarianism #datacenters #Democracy #LeftofLansing
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