Start Me Up With Kimberley A. Johnson

Writer and musician David Ferguson joined me for a slightly different kind of show today. He's is one half of the "Goth Ninjas" on the Bob Cesca show every Thursday. We had no set agenda and just chatted about whatever came up. There was some talk of COVID, mask-wearing, and a bit of political discussion, but mostly we had fun and went wherever the conversation took us. I enjoyed it and I'm hoping you do, too.

John Pavlovitz is a writer, pastor, and activist from Wake Forest, North Carolina. In the past four years, his blog Stuff That Needs To Be Said has reached a diverse worldwide audience. Topics: too many Americans are acting as if there's no global pandemic and pretending life is back to normal...as COVID cases continue to rise; what the impact of BLM protests might mean and what we all need to do as allies, great news for the LGBTQ community today and much more!

The comedy duo Frangela--Frances Callier, and Angela Shelton--returns to the show! We had an in-depth conversation about Black Lives Matter protests. We discussed the roles of white protesters as well as how white people must be open to fresh perspectives when it comes to race. The duo weighs in on who would be Biden's best choice and why and we had a lot of fun talking about who it might be. I love these women. They're intelligent, real, funny and open.

Former federal prosecutor, and all around great man, Glenn Kirschner returns and we had a really good conversation. Topics include but are not limited to the Black Lives Matter protests happening in the states and all over the globe, how we can improve police departments across the country, Bill Barr is a traitor to this country, why there's a reason to be hopeful about the future and Glenn makes the case for Biden to choose a woman of color as his VP pick.

Comedian Kathy Griffin joined me to talk about her latest (and very entertaining) docu-comedy, "Kathy Griffin: A Hell of A Story." In case you weren't aware, Kathy got into some trouble when she posed for a picture with a Trump mask with ketchup on it, so we talked a little about that and how she deals with it. She shared some personal stories and we discussed some of the events happening right now. We laughed at the illiterate Trump trolls and called out women who undermine other women. I also fangirled her just a little bit.

Cheri Jacobus is a nationally recognized political strategist who used to be a moderate Republican but switched to Independent when Trump got the Republican nomination. She's a pundit, a writer, and the executive producer of "America Reads The Mueller Report." Topics: Cheri describes what happened to her when she decided not to work for a Trump Super PAC in 2015, we talk about COVID-19 and how she's dealing with it; Trump's weird posture; Tara Reade and #pantyhosegate, and how Cheri thinks Biden could do well bringing in some conservative voters by campaigning on the Morning After pill. I always enjoy talking to Cheri. She's intelligent, engaging, and fun.

Aside from being my friend, Amanda Sowards is a writer and she, like me, has all kinds of political opinions. Topics we covered: COVID--how will it change us in the long run; liberals fat-shaming Trump on Twitter; "progressives" attacking Amy McGrath, the Democratic candidate running against Mitch McConnell, and much more..

Adam Parkhomento an American political strategist and organizer who served as National Field Director for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in 2016.He was the co-founder and executive director of Ready for Hillary, a super PAC established to persuade Hillary Clinton to run for the presidency of the United States in 2016. and in the same year. Topics discussed: Adam's work with Hillary Clinton--I asked him what he thought the biggest misconception about her is and it's good to get that answer from someone who has actually worked with her. We talked about what Democrats should prioritize *when* they take back power; Putin's hold on Trump, and we wondered how the VP pick might fare in 2024 if Biden chooses not to run for re-election. A good show for political junkies.

Danny Deraney is a publicist...which is not the usual kind of guest I interview, but he has an interesting story. Aside from posting fun and positive content on Twitter, he's done PR work for the ERA and helped guide some famous actresses in sharing their #MeToo stories. We begin the chat about his work, but then we get into why he chooses to be a positive force on Twitter, and then we get into the women's rights portion of the show. He's such a nice man and I really enjoyed chatting with him.

Lorraine Devon Wilke is back for a great conversation! Topics: COVID--it's too early to open up, and it seems many in the White House have it or have been exposed to it. Lorraine and I have a productive conversation about Me Too--and how one person's experience/story/allegation doesn't define the entire movement

Sarah Wood is back gracing us with her wonderful presence. Shit is fucked up out there and Sarah and I dig in...from crazy MAGA terrorist protesters risking all of our lives because they want haircuts to Me Too taking a big hit with Biden allegations. We also discuss the best way to get to Medicare for All and a $15 minimum wage.

Everybody's favorite Feminist Next Door, Em, is back! I've been waiting to bring up the subject of toxic femininity and we discussed how it relates (or doesn't) to toxic masculinity. We also had an interesting conversation about the derogatory term "slut" that's meant to shame women. As always, Em offers up thoughtful dialogue and an intelligent point of view--she did not disappoint

Former Democratic candidate nominee for Wisconsin's 1st congressional district joins me to talk about what it means to be a progressive and what's the best way to unite the party. We had such a great and productive conversation. Topics: Randy weighs in on who would excite him as VP; Trump is unraveling; no more press rallies; what's at stake ifTrump is re-elected; should we end sheltering in place, and I asked Randy if he has plans to run for office again. I really enjoyed talking with Ironstache and I think you'll enjoy it, too.

Steph is back and we talk about all the good stuff--especially what Biden said about the eventual VP pick. Wowza! We cover ways to help people in need during the COVID pandemic, Michael Harriot's new article in The Root titled "Open The Economy" Is The New "White Lives Matter," AOC's recent appearance on Maddow, and I don't give a shit if you call me "Karen."

Sarah Wood returns and we rant about the MAGA dumbstupids who are protesting quarantine while wearing masks and carrying guns. We have a really good conversation about the eventual VP pick, and we discuss various political topics happening right now.

President of Banter Media Ben Cohen joins me to discuss what it's like to be quarantined with a two-year-old. But we also dig into Biden's recent endorsements, who might be the best VP pick, and Obama's role in the campaign. We talked about the nuances of the Me Too movement and we also both weighed in on what will and should change because of COVID-19.

Rob Sullivan is an international speaker, an author, and an executive coach. I met him in 2007 when he hosted a sales workshop for the company I was working for as a sales representative. I was blown away with how down to earth and positive he was (and is). Today we talk about techniques on staying sane, and even positive during this awful pandemic. Rob overcame cancer and he explains how focusing on the negative is unhealthy. He also explains how concentrating on the abundance we do have is a way to overcome feelings of scarcity and anxiety. I needed this conversation today because I've been indulging in the fear and I know that it's not only not helping me, it's not healthy. There is a way to be realistic and understand what's happening without allowing it to consume you.

Rob Anderson is a working-class, Jon of all Trades, Democrat and a candidate for the US House of Representatives for Louisiana District 3 in 2020! We talked about why he's running, and then we switch to national issues: How COVID might change how the US approaches healthcare, Bernie dropped out, Biden's possible VP and what will happen in November with how we vote. Lot's of good stuff packed in this show.

Author and lawyer Teri Kanefield returns to discuss one of her illumination and informative Twitter threads about oligarchy v. democracy. She explains why it's important to understand why we cannot asses Trump in the same way we'd assess Obama or even George W. Bush. Trump is not looking to run a healthy democracy, he's trying to create an oligarchy. Writing him off as an idiot is dangerous because he is accomplishing his goal. But there's good news! He hasn't succeeded, and as long as we're armed with facts and don't allow ourselves to give in to the doomsday scenario, Trump will lose in November. This conversation is so important because it comes from a measured and informed perspective.

I had such a wonderful time interviewing Diedrich! You know him from the TV shows VEEP, The Drew Carey Show and the films Napoleon Dynamite, Office Space, And Miss Congeniality 2.We talked about his career... his journey as a successful, working actor. He shared the difference between working on sets with female leads as opposed to male leads and he also opened up about initially resenting a key acting role he eventually grew to appreciate and then love. There's so much good stuff here. If you love actors, you'll love Diedrich.