Start Me Up With Kimberley A. Johnson

Actor/comedian/musician and political commentator Hal Sparks joined me on the show and we had a lot to talk about. First, we focus on his early life in Kentucky and how he found his way into the entertainment industry (so many great stories). Then we move on to politics. Topics: The effort to slow down the mail and how DeJoy profits from it; stupid Trump telling (his) voters to vote twice, and we talked about Stephanie Winston's book, Melania and Me, which I'm currently reading. I loved talking with Hal. He's smart, funny, and endlessly entertaining.

Jody Hamilton the host of the From The Bunker podcast is back again. Yay! I had to vent about a few things and then after some fun talk, Jody and I got political. Topics: To protest or not to protest; does Biden have a real chance--some good news about progressive voters, and so much more. We chatted for almost 2 hours. I hope you have as much fun as we did and I love comments.

Comedian Jen Kirkman returns to the show and even though I had prepared a list of topics for us to cover, we only touched on a few because we had too much fun having an organic conversation about all kinds of things. We did spend some time talking about how hopeful the Biden/Harris ticket makes us feel. Other topics: I shared how I handled an abusive DM from a strange man; Jen is offering relaxation classes to help combat anxiety; having faith but not being religious; and all kinds of other fun subjects.

Khary Penebaker is back! He's a DNC member, a gun violence survivor, a board member at Everytown, an advocate for suicide prevention and for gun safety. Last night, a black man, Jacob Blake, was shot seven times in the back by police in front of his children. Khary and I discussed the need to reform the police. Khary is confident that with a blue Congress, a Biden administration will pass the common-sense gun reform laws the majority of Americans want. Other topics: what to expect from the RNC convention this week, and Kellyanne Conway is leaving the White House.

Hank Gilbert is a Texas Democrat running to unseat "idiot" Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert and you will LOVE his no-nonsense straight talk. Hank is a delightful guest and he MUST beat Gohmert because he will be an amazing representative. We talked about the importance of his district and how it can be the key to turning Texas blue. We also discussed how important it is to "stomp out stupid" on November 3. This was such a fun show, I'm positive you'll enjoy it and you will love Hank. He's funny, warm, sincere and we need more people like him in leadership positions.

David Pepper is the chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party and he's the author of the political thriller The People's House about a Russian scheme to help elect Republican candidates. A prescient story that was released in July 2016. After talking about his book and his experience working in Russia with Vladimir Putin, we covered the illegal Republican effort to throttle the 2020 vote during a global pandemic by attacking the USPS, and what each voter can do to make their vote count. We also discussed how Nancy Pelosi and the House must handle the emergency hearing scheduled later this month. We packed a lot in this episode. It's full of useful information as well as a reminder to stay focused and not feel panicked.

Steph Walton is running for City Council in Oakland Ca and she's back on the free show! We have so much fun talking about Kamala Harris as Biden's VP pick! Harris stood up to Biden during the debates and he choose her! Wow! We call out the press for their sexist double-standard and vow to always speak up and out when we see. We covered so much in this show. Some great news in harrowing times.

Nick Knudsen returns! He's the Executive Director of DemcastUSA--a grassroots organization created to help Democratic down-ballot candidates win. It's a great way to get involved and you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Trump is slowing down the mail and we have to be prepared.Nick and I discuss ways everyone can vote early and be prepared for the chaos we'll encounter as we approach Election Day. Vote early! Have a plan! We also talk about how we can all participate and volunteer during COVID.

Jared is a political analyst and author. His new book "American Rule: How a nation Conquered the World but Failed its People" is out on September 15, 2020.Jared and I talked about Trump's authoritarianism and how media has played a huge role in giving him unearned respect. We also discussed how Trump might behave in these next few months and how we all must be prepared to fight for the soul of the country, and Jared said he's hopeful after witnessing the Black Lives Matter protests. He talked a little about his upcoming book and how we've all been sold a myth about America's greatness. Jared is one of my favorite guests. He's intelligent and thoughtful and he cares deeply about this country.

Cheri Jacobus is back and we talked about the need for more women leaders--more women running political parties and running networks because right now they are dominated by white men. We also shared thoughts on what might become of the Republican Party, and we had a great conversation about Biden's VP pick.He's set to announce later this week.

Travis Akers has written for BuzzFeed and Newsweek and he works on behalf of veterans' rights. Today we discussed what it's like for divorced parents when one parent doesn't take COVID seriously. Travis is in that position. His ex is a "Red Hat" and they share custody of a teenager. I saw him tweet about it and figured there must be a lot of people dealing with this same issue. We had an informative conversation and he offers up some great advice to other divorced folks who are co-parenting during the pandemic.

Jody Hamilton is back! She's the host of the From The Bunker podcast. She's on the Bob Cesca podcast every Thursday and she's part of the Stephanie Miller Sexy Liberal Podcast Network. Topics: Trump's National Security Advisor tested positive for COVID; white supremacists are instigating riots under the guise of Black Lives Matter, Biden's VP pick will be awesome. We also talked a little about Los Angeles, and the presidents we've met

Actor Jim Piddock joined me to talk about his lengthy and successful acting career. He has quite an impressive and extensive resume. You've seen him in the films Independence Day, Best In Show and A Mighty Wind, and the television shows Friends, The Drew Carey Show, Mad About You and many more. We first focus on his career and what it's like to work with Christopher Guest and the late great Fred Willard. Then we move over to politics. From COVID to troops in Oregon, we discuss Trump's utter lack of leadership. We covered a lot and I do hope you enjoy our chat.

Teri Kanefield is back with her unique, outstanding commentary on what's happening in the Trumpian nightmare. First, we begin with Teri's Twitter thread on Mary Trump's book, and then we tie it in with Trump's current behavior,specifically focusing on the decision to deploy federal troops in Oregon and now possibly Chicago. Teri breaks it all down and warns against panic. She says our panic can actually helpTrump.As usual, Teri's thoughtful take on the craziness and mayhem makes it a little easier to endure.

Greg Olear is back for another spirited and entertaining political conversation. Topics: takeaways from Mary Trump's book (although neither one of us has read the whole thing yet.); Greg predicts Ghislaine Maxwell will "sing like a canary"; what will ultimately happen to Roger Stone?... and so much more. Also, Greg called Trump a "goddamn walking treason bomb!" I love this show!

Ann Werner is an author, political writer, and she's my mother! Her latest book, "The Melt" is about life after a devastating global pandemic caused by the climate crisis, and it kills off the majority of the population. Survivors form new communities and the story focuses on one diverse community in particular. We talk about her writing process, how she came up with the idea, and how much coronavirus affected the direction of the story. We also take some time to talk a little bit about politics. This is a special show because listeners get a tiny glimpse into our unique relationship.

Julian Zelizer is a historian at Princeton University and a CNN Political Analyst. Contributor, NPR's Here and Now. Co-host of Politics and Polls. 20 books on American politics. His latest book Burning Down the House: Newt Gingrich, the Fall of a Speaker, and the Rise of the New Republican Party was released yesterday and we talked about Gingrich's influence in American politics, especially how he influenced how the Republican Party currently operates. We also discussed where the GOP is possibly headed and what that might mean for Democrats. An informative show.

USA Today opinion columnist and former Justice Department prosecutor Michael J. Stern joined me for a fascinating interview. We talked about how Trump might react if he loses by a slim margin to Biden. I asked about the possibility of Trump taking it to the Supreme Court and his answer was slightly worrisome. Michael also indulged me with questions I had regarding the recent arrest of Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell. This was a really interesting conversation and I'm so grateful Michael allowed me to pick his legal brain.

I'm so excited to talk with Majid M. Padelan A.K.A. Brooklyn Dad Defiant. He's the author of The Liddle'est President and he has a massive Twitter following. He's funny, authentic, and a great conversationalist. We talk a little about his life before social media and then we get into politics. Topics: feminism; how white people can be good allies; the "defund the police" slogan; Trump cheating; and BDD's choice for VP.Such a fun show.

Sarah Wood is back for another political discussion. Before we get into the politics, though I do gave my last update on Miranda kitty. She crossed over the Rainbow Bridge last Friday night and I briefly share what happened. Topics: Trump's humiliating Tusla rally; when he's angry and humiliated, he's even more dangerous; Trump's parents really fucked him up; Kentucky is using COVID-19 to suppress the vote; and what's with all the fireworks?