Left of Lansing
Left of Lansing

Left of Lansing

Left of Lansing

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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!

Recent Episodes

385: Friday Short: In What World Are MAGA Republicans "Fiscally Responsible?"
APR 10, 2026
385: Friday Short: In What World Are MAGA Republicans "Fiscally Responsible?"
<div> <p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong>Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!</strong></a><strong><br></strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join">https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join</a></strong></a></p><p>Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for April 10, 2026.</p><p>The Consumer Price Index rose by almost a full percentage point, making the annual inflation rise to 3.3%, the largest in a few years. </p><p>Most of it is due to surging gas prices, thanks to The Trump Regime's and the Israeli right wing government's illegal war on Iran. </p><p>Combine this with the harm and damage The Regime, and its MAGA Republican Congress, have perpetrated on the working class with the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill," and Trump's insane tariffs, it's no wonder working class voters are irate and demanding drastic changes to shift the scale away from The Epstein Class, and back towards the working class. </p><p>Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!</p><p>[email protected]</p><p>Left of Lansing is now on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQWjoUxWJCQwSDv-7jKpqQ">YouTube as well</a>!</p><p>Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard">https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard<br></a><br><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong>Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!</strong></a><strong><br></strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join">https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join</a></strong></a><strong><br></strong><br>NOTES:</p></div><h1>"Consumer prices rose 3.3% in March, as energy prices spiked due to Iran conflict<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/10/cpi-inflation-report-march-2026.html">https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/10/cpi-inflation-report-march-2026.html</a>." By Jeff Cox of <em>CNBC</em> </h1><h1>"<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-gas-federal-reserve-trump-bf00c3105d5da88a0b01d9107ed4ecee?taid=69d8f0c65fcb6f0001a6f4a7&amp;utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&amp;utm_medium=AP&amp;utm_source=Twitter">Soaring gas prices leads to biggest monthly inflation spike in four years in March</a>." By Christopher Rugaber of <em>The AP</em> </h1><h1>"<a href="https://itep.org/new-from-itep-trump-tax-policies-raise-costs-for-most-americans-while-delivering-trillion-dollar-benefits-to-the-wealthy/">New from ITEP: Trump Tax Policies Raise Costs for Most Americans While Delivering Trillion-Dollar Benefits to the Wealthy.</a>" By <em>The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy</em> </h1><h1>"<a href="https://www.abc12.com/news/state/whitmer-orders-study-of-tariff-effects-on-michigans-economy/article_7f6141b8-8cf2-48fa-8bef-456d06df3524.html">Whitmer orders study of tariff effects on Michigan's economy</a>." By Ryan Jeltema of <em>WJRT, ABC 12 News in Flint, MI</em> </h1><h1>"<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2026/04/08/repub/2-5-million-americans-lost-food-aid-in-months-after-passage-of-gop-megabill-study-finds/">2.5 million Americans lost food aid in months after passage of GOP megabill, study finds</a>." By Jacob Fischler of <em>Michigan Advance</em> </h1><div> <br>#podcast #politics #Michigan #progressive #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #WorkingClass #Economy #Inflation #Jobs #CleanEnergy #GasPrices #FossilFuels #BigOil #IranWar #EpsteinClass #ChildCare #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Trump #BigBeautifulBill #taxes #WealthInequality #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #LeftofLansing</div>
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5 MIN
384: Kasey Helton Report On The Abdul El-Sayed & Hasan Piker UofM Rally
APR 9, 2026
384: Kasey Helton Report On The Abdul El-Sayed & Hasan Piker UofM Rally
<div> <p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong>Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!</strong></a><strong><br></strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join">https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join</a></strong></a></p><p>Here's Episode #173 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast. </p><p>00:00-16:45: Trump-Israel Iran War Disaster/Where's John James?</p><p>LOL's Pat Johnston shares his theory as to why The Trump Regime created its dangerous Iran War "deadline" on Tuesday night instead of Monday Night. Pat shares how Israel's right-wing government has quite the influence inside The Trump Regime. He wonders where is MAGA Michigan Congressman John James, who's also running for Michigan's open Governor's seat? Seems like most MAGA Michigan Republicans, John James is avoiding the voters.</p><p>16:46-38:50: Kasey Helton on Dr. Abdul &amp; Hasan Piker Rally</p><p>Livingston County progressive fighter, and union fighter, Kasey Helton shares her viewpoints of Michigan Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's campaign rally with progressive podcaster Hasan Piker at the University of Michigan this week. Kasey describes the excitement at the rally, and why corporate-establishment Democrats, like Michigan Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow, are sounding more like MAGA Republicans in their attacks against Dr. Abdul and Hasan Piker.  <br>Visit <a href="https://x.com/KaseyHelton05">Kasey on X</a><br>Visit <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kaseyhelton05/">Kasey on Instagram</a></p><p>38:51-44:40: Last Call On Dr. Abdul-McMorrow Primary Fight</p><p>In this week's "Last Call," Pat says the harsh civil war between the Abdul El-Sayed and Mallory McMorrow campaigns and supporters was always inevitable. But, it's good to have this fight, and everyone should embrace it for various reasons. </p><p>44:41-47:52: Ending</p><p>Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!</p><p>[email protected]</p><p>Left of Lansing is now on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQWjoUxWJCQwSDv-7jKpqQ">YouTube as well</a>!</p><p>Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard">https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard<br></a><br><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong>Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!</strong></a><strong><br></strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join">https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join</a></strong></a><strong><br></strong><br>NOTES:</p><p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/lol-weekly-poll-155196511?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&amp;utm_source=copyLink&amp;utm_campaign=postshare_creator&amp;utm_content=join_link">Vote on this week's "LOL Weekly Poll.</a>" Would you ever support a Democratic candidate if they accept AIPAC donations?</p></div><h1>"<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2026/04/07/critics-condemn-students-show-up-for-abdul-el-sayed-and-hasan-piker/">Critics condemn, students show up for Abdul El-Sayed and Hasan Piker</a>." By Ben Solis of <em>Michigan Advance</em> </h1><h1> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/06/michigan-senate-race-democrats">"Arab Americans in Michigan warn centrist Democrats attacking Hasan Piker: ‘They haven’t learned from 2024</a>.’" By Tom Perkins of <em>The Guardian</em> </h1><h1>"<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2026/04/09/oakland-county-gop-chair-slams-john-james-for-refusal-to-commit-to-april-gubernatorial-debate/">Oakland County GOP chair slams John James for refusal to commit to April gubernatorial debate</a>." By Katherine Dailey of <em>Michigan Advance</em> </h1><h1>"<a href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/columnists/nolan-finley/2026/04/03/finley-does-john-james-really-want-to-be-governor/89406604007/">Finley: Does John James really want to be governor?</a>" By Nolan Finley of <em>The Detroit News</em> </h1><h1>"<a href="https://apnews.com/article/polymarket-iran-trump-ceasefire-prediction-markets-350d9fe5ffefa74080ff5dd973aef48b?taid=69d6de0b2dba0d00016acf20&amp;utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&amp;utm_medium=AP&amp;utm_source=Twitter">Newly created Polymarket accounts bet big on US-Iran ceasefire in hours before Trump’s announcement</a>." By Ken Sweet &amp; Christopher Keller of <em>The AP</em> </h1><div> <p><em>Photo of Kasey Helton with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed courtesy Kasey Helton<br>Photo of Dr. Abdul El-Sayed campaign sign courtesy Kasey Helton</em></p><p>#podcast #progressives #politics #Michigan #HasanPiker #AbdulElSayed #Election2026 #MalloryMcMorrow #HaleyStevens #Democrats #Primary #Republicans #MAGA #JohnJames #MikeDuggan #IranWar #Israel #Gaza #AIPAC #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #workingclass #EpsteinClass #PACMoney #MedicareForAll #Unions #GenZ #economy #Fascism #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing</p></div>
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47 MIN
383: Monday Musing: Trump's Easter "Message" Reveals MAGA True "Values"
APR 6, 2026
383: Monday Musing: Trump's Easter "Message" Reveals MAGA True "Values"
<div> <p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong>Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!</strong></a><strong><br></strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join">https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join</a></strong></a></p><p>Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for April 6, 2026.</p><p>Dear Leader Trump's heartwarming "Easter Message," in which he promised bloodshed if Iran didn't open the "F-n Strait," reveals MAGA's true values, and how that family values B.S. was always just for show. </p><p>But what are those true MAGA values?</p><p>Pat Johnston explains.</p><p>Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!</p><p>[email protected]</p><p>Left of Lansing is now on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQWjoUxWJCQwSDv-7jKpqQ">YouTube as well</a>!</p><p>Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard">https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard<br></a><br><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong>Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!</strong></a><strong><br></strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join">https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join</a></strong></a></p><p>#podcast #politics #Progressives #Michigan #Democrats #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #Easter #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #IranWar #EpsteinClass #WorkingClass #WealthInequality #ChristianNationalism #Authoritarianism #FamilyValues #AmericaFirst #Fascism #Israel #Democracy #LeftofLansing</p></div>
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5 MIN
382: Friday Short: How Did Dems' Moderation On Immigration Work-Out?
APR 3, 2026
382: Friday Short: How Did Dems' Moderation On Immigration Work-Out?
<div> <p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong>Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!</strong></a><strong><br></strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join">https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join</a></strong></a></p><p>Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for April 3, 2026!</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>And rather than argue to working class voters what they stood for, establishment Democrats only argued why Trump and MAGA Republicans sucked. </p><p>How'd that strategy work-out for everyone?</p><p>Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!</p><p>[email protected]</p><p>Left of Lansing is now on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQWjoUxWJCQwSDv-7jKpqQ">YouTube as well</a>!</p><p>Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard">https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard<br></a><br><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong>Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!</strong></a><strong><br></strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join">https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join</a><br></strong></a><br></p></div>
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5 MIN
381: Kyle Blomquist and his Progressive America First Campaign In Northern Michigan
APR 2, 2026
381: Kyle Blomquist and his Progressive America First Campaign In Northern Michigan
<div> <p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong>Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!</strong></a><strong><br></strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join">https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join</a></strong></a></p><p>Here's Episode #172 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!</p><p>00:00-19:15: John James, Elissa Slotkin, &amp; No Kings Recap</p><p>Pat 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.</p><p>19:15-49:00: Kyle Blomquist For Congress Interview</p><p><a href="https://www.blomquistforcongress.com/"><strong>Progressive Democratic candidate for Michigan's 1st Congressional District Kyle Blomquist</strong></a> 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. <br>Visit Kyle's campaign <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blomquistforcongress/">on Instagram</a><br>Visit Kyle's campaign <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlomquistForCongress">on Facebook</a><br>Visit Kyle's campaign <a href="https://x.com/BlomquistForMI">on X</a></p><p>49:12-55:38: Last Call-MAGA Attacks Rx Kids</p><p>In the "Last Call," another MAGA Michigan state legislator makes-up stories about the successful Rx Kids program.</p><p>55:39-57:55: Ending</p><p>Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!</p><p>[email protected]</p><p>Left of Lansing is now on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQWjoUxWJCQwSDv-7jKpqQ">YouTube as well</a>!</p><p>Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard">https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard<br></a><br><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong>Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!</strong></a><strong><br></strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join"><strong><a href="https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join">https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join</a></strong></a><strong><br></strong><br>NOTES:<br><a href="https://www.blomquistforcongress.com/">Kyle Blomquist For Congress</a></p></div><h1>"<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDc3GDtUMt0&amp;list=PL19jqJsSHFyMXm7Ngz2tNe8BraB6PSVmH&amp;index=5">Kyle Blomquist on Running in Northern Michigan</a>." From <em>For Sake of the Argument with Lori Goldman</em> </h1><h1>"<a href="https://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/news/local-news/2025/08/im-council-member-running-for-congress/">IM council member running for Congress</a>." By Betsy Bloom of <em>The Iron Mountain Daily News</em> </h1><h1>"<a href="https://www.myupnow.com/news/abolish-ice-vs-deport-illegals-up-candidates-offer-starkly-different-visions-on-immigration/article_fdb36a59-ca2b-4c4a-9223-038519d7f187.html">‘Abolish ICE’ vs. 'Deport illegals': UP candidates offer starkly different visions on immigration</a>." By <em>WJMN &amp; WBUP in Marquette, MI</em> </h1><h1>"<a href="https://abcnews.com/Politics/fewer-americans-calling-republicans-republican-leaning-independents-2015/story?id=131591280&amp;cid=social_twitter_abcn">Fewer Americans calling themselves Republicans or Republican-leaning independents since 2015: Gallup data</a>." By Emily Guskin &amp; Elizabeth Schreier of <em>ABC News</em> </h1><h1>"<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2026/03/25/michigans-el-sayed-unfazed-by-backlash-against-upcoming-campaign-event-with-hasan-piker/">Michigan’s El-Sayed unfazed by backlash against upcoming campaign event with Hasan Piker</a>." By Ben Solis of <em>Michigan Advance</em> </h1><h1>"<a href="https://www.deadlinedetroit.com/articles/34394/john_james_has_missed_more_roll_call_votes_than_any_other_michigan_congress_member">John James Has Missed More Roll Call Votes Than Any Other Michigan Congress Member</a>." By <em>Deadline Detroit</em> </h1><h1>"<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2026/03/30/michigan-gop-lawmakers-baseless-rx-kids-abortion-claim-disputed-by-data-called-despicable/">Michigan GOP lawmaker’s baseless Rx Kids abortion claim disputed by data, called ‘despicable</a>.’" By Katherine Dailey of <em>Michigan Advance</em> </h1><h1> </h1><div>#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</div>
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57 MIN