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!
57episodes
Episodes
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418: Monday Musing: McMorrow Drops-Out of Michigan Senate Race
2d 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
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417: Friday Short: Progressives Winning By Fighting Corruption, Too
4d 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
6d 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
2w ago00:06:26Tap 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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414: Kyle Blomquist-Michigan Progressive For Congress & Reviving Northern Michigan's Working Class
2w ago00:52:21Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's Episode #184 of Michigan's Progressive Podcast!00-00-8:44: Mike Rogers & Big PharmaLOL's Pat Johnston begins the show talking about how Michigan MAGA Republican Senate candidate, "Florida" Mike Rogers, is threatening progressive Democratic candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed with a Cease & Desist suit for saying Rogers is a Big Pharma lobbyist. Records show that while in Congress, "Florida Mike was a stooge for Big Pharma as he also played a role in leading to this country's opioid crisis. And, Rogers also worked as a Defense Lobbyist after retiring from Congress!8:45-16:37: DSA Victories in NYC!Democratic Socialist mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, claimed victory as all three of his endorsements for Congress won this week in NYC. Two incumbent establishment Democrats lost their seats as the Democratic Socialist movement continues to gain steam.16:38-44:05: Kyle Blomquist InterviewKyle Blomquist, Democratic Socialist candidate for Michigan's First Congressional District, talks about his working class campaign and why he's the best choice to face-off against MAGA Republican incumbent Congressman Jack Bergman. Kyle and Pat talk about Democratic Socialism, how centrism has hurt both Democrats AND the working class, Line 5, a data center moratorium, and more. 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/BlomquistForMI44:06-49:15: MAGA Voters Dying FasterIn this week's "Last Call," Pat covers a new study showing how MAGA Republicans are dying at a faster rate than those on the left side of the political spectrum. 49:16-52:20: EndingClick here to vote on Weekly Poll on Socialism vs. Capitalism!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#podcast #progressives #Democrats #DemocraticSocialism #Socialism #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #Michigan #Election #AbdulElSayed #MikeRogers #Senate #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Israel #Gaza #AIPAC #BigPharma #OpioidCrisis #Lobbying #EpsteinClass #WorkingClass #Economy #UpperPeninsula #KyleBlomquis #JackBergman #Unions #DataCenters #BigTech #GretchenWhitmer #Health #Mamdani #Congress #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
Transcribe →413: Monday Musing: Freedom To Disconnect From Work
2w ago00:04:56Tap 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 June 22, 2026.Michigan Democratic State Senator Erica Geiss of Taylor introduced the "Workplace Employee Boundaries Act," which would block any employer from forcing workers to check work emails, phone calls, or text messages outside of their normal work hours. Pat Johnston explains how this one bill in Michigan could provide an extra step in putting power back into the hands of the working class, and out of the hands of the corporate authoritarian class. 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/@SpaceLeopardNOTES:"Lawmakers weigh ban on making workers check Slack, Teams after hours." By Craig Mauger of The Detroit News #podcast #progressive #Politics #Michigan #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #WorkingClass #Jobs #WorkersRights #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #EricaGeiss #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
Transcribe →412: Friday Short: Progressivism Is Essential For Michigan & Country
3w ago00:04:43Tap 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 19, 2026!This week, Michigan Democratic State Senate candidate for most of the Upper Peninsula, Kelli Van Ginhoven, talked with me about her her campaign on Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast.I asked KVG if she thought of herself as a progressive Democrat, and KVG said in today's time, being progressive is "essential."In this week's "Friday Short," I piggyback off of KVG's statement, and explain why progressivism is essential in Michigan and around the country as the working class gets further behind the untouchable Epstein Class. There's a reason why many progressive candidates, and progressive-populist messages, are winning. Because, progressivism is essential to saving the working class. To hear the entire interview with Kell Van Ginhoven, and the entire episode: https://audioboom.com/posts/8918186-kelli-van-ginhoven-s-people-powered-campaign-for-the-upper-peninsulaClick here to vote on this week's Web Poll on "Data" pronunciation.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/@SpaceLeopardNOTES:Kelli Van Ginhoven State Senate District 38 campaign sitehttps://www.kvgforsenate2026.com/KVG's Facebook Campaign Page: https://www.instagram.com/kellifordistrict38/KVG's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellifordistrict38/#podcast #politics #progressive #Democrats #Michigan #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #WorkingClass #Economy #Immigrants #ICE #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #DataCenters #EpsteinClass #Affordability #MedicareForAll #HealthCare #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
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411: Kelli Van Ginhoven's People-Powered Campaign For the Upper Peninsula
3w ago00:56:53Tap to summarizeClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's Episode #183 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!00:00-1:00: Jessica's Show Open1:01-4:04: New MI Dem Senate Poll4:05-4:50: McMorrow Upset w/Poll4:51-6:05: Polls Show Trends Toward Dr. Abdul6:06-7:20: Stevens Fights For Status Quo7:21-7:45: KVG Interview Preview7:46-9:09: MOU Iran War Deal?9:10-10:25: Trump Has No Choice10:26-11:00: $300Bil For Iran11:01-11:41: No Point To Iran War11:41-13:23: Can't say "war" in MI MAGA House13:25-14:27: MAGA Hates Free Speech14:28-15:00: MI House can't criticize DTE15:01-16:00: DTE No Fed Taxes Again16:01-16:25: Can't Say DTE or WAR16:26-16:56: KVG coming up.16:57-17:41: Jessica & MI Cities Liner17:42-18:12: Contact Pat18:13:-19:05: Kelli Van Ginhoven (a.k.a KVG) Interview Intro.Click here to learn more about KVG's campaign for Michigan's State Senate District 38https://www.kvgforsenate2026.com/19:06-20:00: Enjoying Campaigning20:01-20:24: Daily Campaign Travel In UP20:25-22:45: Balancing Campaign While Still on Delta Co. Board22:46-25:20: KVG's victories over MAGA Delta County Board 25:21-25:40: Decision to for State Senate25:41-26:06: KVG only Dem To Win Board Seat26:07-28:13: KVG on Progressive Label28:14-29:29: KVG Being Working Class Candidate29:30-29:49: Pat on MAGA Being Extreme Party29:50-31:54: Dems Writing-Off U.P.31:55-33:20: KVG on Bridging U.P. & Downstate MI33:21-34:30: U.P. Used To Be BLUE34:31-35:00: KVG on Making U.P. Blue Again35:01-36:17: KVG on Unions36:18-36:49: KVG's On Corrections Contract Victory 36:50-37:05: Union Endorsements37:06-37:33: High % Union Members in U.P. Back Republicans37:34-38:05: KVG Opposes RTW38:06-41:01: KVG On Housing Affordability41:02-44:32: KVG on Data Centers44:33-45:20: Working Class Feel Left Out on Data Centers45:21-46:45: KVG on Ending Status Quo46:46-47:56: Contact KVG47:57-48:38: Jessica Liner to Email Pat48:39-49:32: Thank You KVG!49:33-51:50: How the "UniParty" backs Data Centers51:51-52:18: Data pronunciation web poll52:19-54:42: Last Call-MI is safe for LGBTQ+54:43:-55:08: Jessica Liner on Wanderbeats55:09-56:02: Ending56:03-56:53: Jessica OutroClick here to vote on this week's Web Poll on "Data" pronunciation.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/@SpaceLeopardNOTES:Kelli Van Ginhoven State Senate District 38 campaign sitehttps://www.kvgforsenate2026.com/KVG's Facebook Campaign Page: https://www.instagram.com/kellifordistrict38/KVG's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellifordistrict38/"Matt Hall’s House Office Is Now Policing the Word 'War.'" By Distill Social "Michigan pollster accuses McMorrow campaign of killing unfavorable Senate poll." By Adam Wren of Politico "DTE paid no federal income taxes for 12th straight year despite more than $1.5B profit." By Minnah Arshad of Michigan Advance "After House leaders again decline to hear Pride Month resolution; LGBTQ Caucus reads it outside." By Katherine Dailey of Michigan Advance "Read the transcript of the US draft of the memorandum of understanding over Iran war." By The Associated Press #podcast #politics #progressive #Progressives #Democrats #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #Michigan #UpperPeninsula #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #CorporateAuthoritarianism #GovernmentCorruption #IranWar #Israel #Gaza #War #Genocide #MiddleEast #Election #AbdulElSayed #HaleyStevens #MalloryMcMorrow #MichiganSenateRace #Senate #MikeRogers #EpsteinClass #WorkingClass #Unions #LGBTQ #Economy #Inflation #MedicareForAll #Affordability #WhiteChristianNationalism #FreeSpeech #Freedom #KelliVanGinhoven #Housing #DataCenters #Fascism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
Transcribe →410: Monday Musing: MAGA & Establishment Dems Work To Stop Michigan Progressives
3w ago00:06:50Tap 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 June 15, 2026.Over the weekend, many Establishment Democrats criticized Michigan's progressive and working class Senate candidate, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, for suggesting the Trump Regime practices is two-tiered justice system. Dr. Abdul as speaking in response to The Regime's charging of 8 pro-Palestinian protesters on the University of Michigan campus. After denouncing the threatening and vandalism against university officials, businesses, and law enforcement by the protesters, Dr. Abdul mentioned how it's interesting that The Regime goes after one group (that's critical of Israel), yet allowed January 6th insurrectionists to go free. That is a statement of fact. However, and sadly, many establishment Democrats not only cheered on The Trump Regime's corrupt Department of Justice and FBI, but they criticized Dr. Abdul for making a sane and salient point. Which proves yet again how MAGA and Establishment Democrats will join forces to stop progressives, like Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, from winning. 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"Feds wrapped U-M protest case in baseless terrorism rhetoric, attorneys say." By Steve Neavling of The Detroit Metro Times "On UM charges, Abdul El-Sayed says justice isn't applied equally." By Craig Mauger of The Detroit News "Judge grants bond for four pro-Palestinian U-M students charged with vandalism, transmitting threats." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance #podcast #politics #progressives #Democrats #DemocraticSocialism #Michigan #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #Protesting #Gaza #UofM #PoliticalViolence #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Israel #workingclass #Law #EpsteinClass #FreeSpeech #AbdulElSayed #HaleyStevens #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing
Transcribe →409: Friday Short: Trump Regime's Gutting of Michigan's Solar & Wind Energy
4w ago00:05:24Tap 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 12, 2026.Michigan continues to be one of the top states for solar installations even as The Trump Regime's been busy gutting solar and wind energy projects.At a time when the country needs as much energy as possible, and for cheaper prices, The Trump Regime is doing everything in its power to keep forcing fossil fuels on the working class. It's just more evidence showing how The Regime works more on behalf of The Epstein Class (which includes oil and gas industries), than it does for working Americans. 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:"Solar energy remains in demand, particularly in Michigan, industry group reports." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance "Michigan lost billions in climate-related investments in Trump’s first year." By Kelly House of Bridge Michigan "The Trump admin paid a French company $1 billion to not build offshore wind farms. Blue states are suing." By Ella Nilsen of CNN "Michigan House votes to undo Michigan clean energy standards." By Colin Jackson of Michigan Public Radio News #podcast #politics #Progressive #Democrats #CleanEnergy #WindEnergy #Solar #FossilFuels #Trump #Michigan #Republicans #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Oil #IranWar #WorkingClass #Economy #Jobs #Inflation #Prices #Energy #Authoritarianism #Democracy #WorkingClass
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