From Controversy to Comedy: Kathy Griffin's Journey Through the Fire

This time, John talks about the Ohio governor’s race which has become a huge single issue campaign after Vivek Ramaswamy underhandedly released an attack ad centering Amy Acton’s estranged mother (Donna Arthur) who defended and stayed married to Dr. Acton’s rapist and abuser for years after the fact. Amy Acton's brother is defending her and stars in an ad for her as well. Then, he welcomes political strategist Kelly Dietrich, founder of the National Democratic Training Committee, to discuss the upcoming midterms and the significance of grassroots movements. They explore the shifting political landscape and the importance of addressing local issues that resonate with voters. Kelly emphasizes the urgency of Democratic candidates focusing on affordability and accessibility as they gear up for the elections. Next, joining John is The God Squad—Pastor Desimber Rose, a former pastor and author, and Dillon Naber Cruz, a theologian and veteran. They engage in a thought-provoking conversation about the dangers of using religion as a political weapon, particularly how certain factions within Christianity have distorted the faith to justify exclusion and intolerance. Together, they explore the alarming statistics from the latest PRRI American Values survey, revealing a disturbing trend among white evangelical Protestants who view empathy as a weakness. Finally, John welcomes back the incomparable Kathy Griffin, who shares her journey through the tumultuous aftermath of her infamous Trump photo and how she transformed that pain into powerful comedy. They discuss the challenges of navigating the political landscape as a comedian and the importance of empathy in today’s discourse. Kathy reflects on her upcoming tour, 'New Face, New Tour,' and the healing power of laughter in these divisive times. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.