“The Craft of Writing Comedy” (with Diallo Riddle)

Just In News’ Corey Hill talks with co-Creator of South Side and Sherman’s Showcase, comedy writer Diallo Riddle. Diallo discusses the craft of comedy writing and being accountable to the audience. He also talks about what it’s like to write jokes in such a polarizing time and how every comedian has the right to make their joke. 

“Tweets From Deadbeats: Tomi Lahren Edition”

Justin plays Tweets From Deadbeats with Kristin Friis on the latest Just In News. Kristen quizzes Justin on the latest tweets from Fox News hosts and other terrible people and discusses her latest move to the Big Apple.

“Protesting CPAC” (+Screenwriter Jackie Penn)

Justin talks with Just In News Executive Producer Corey Hill about what it was like to protest outside CPAC in Orlando. Corey talks about the wildest thing he saw and why activists and reasonable people should put efforts into pushing for solutions instead of arguing with Trump supporters. Corey also talks with author and screenwriter Jackie Penn. Jackie talks about the need for diversity in Hollywood, the impact of Covid on movies, and more.

“Shin Splints and Guitar Riffs” (with Mike Stocksdale)

Musician Mike Stocksdale joins the Just In News Podcast. Mike riffs with Justin about getting into running, teaching students during a pandemic, and his new album, “If You Ask Me I’ll Tell You.” Mike, who is also the audio engineer on the Just In News Podcast, shoots the shit about the need to make music no matter the size of the audience, as well as his enormously large quads. You’ll have to listen to learn more on that one.

“Jamie Raskin vs. The Incoherent-Thoughts-Guy Representing Trump”

On this week’s Just In News Podcast, Justin talks about the sequel to Donald Trump’s first impeachment trial. He talks about Rep. Jamie Raskin’s moving opening argument in contrast to whatever the hell Trump’s guy, Bruce Castor Jr., was talking about. Justin also debuts the first ever “3 Luke Warm Takes,” where he talks about why Biden is bringing about real unity, Republican infighting, and the Administration’s sweeping list of executive actions.

“Chuck Tingle Spreads the Love”

Chuck Tingle, the world’s greatest author, talks with Corey Hill about why love will ultimately win. The two talk about Chuck’s erotic romance shorts, including his most recent entitled, “Pounded In The Butt By The Handsome Physical Manifestation Of Tromp’s [sic] Twitter Ban That Should’ve Come Years Sooner But Fine Now That It’s Here High Five.” This is the greatest interview you’ll ever here with the world’s greatest author.

“Laughing During a Crisis” (with TV Writer Nell Scovell)

Just In News’ Corey Hill talks with Writer Nell Scovell. Nell talks about the role of art and comedy during a societal crisis and what it’s like to behind the scenes at shows like The Simpsons, Murphy Brown, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, and others. She also discusses the lack of female writers in Hollywood, jokes she held back on in her book, “Just the Funny Parts: … And a Few Hard Truths About Sneaking into the Hollywood Boys’ Club”, separating the artist from the art, where’s the line in joke telling, cancel culture, and much more.

“Biden is President!” (with Director Matt Toronto)

On this week’s Just In News, Justin celebrates Joe Biden becoming the 46th U.S. President and offers up 5 observations from Inauguration Day. Also, Corey Hill talks with Writer and Director Matt Toronto about the state of the film industry, what goes into movie making, and Matt’s various projects including Face 2 Face. Oh, and one more time: Biden is president!

“A Skidmark on Democracy” (with Noel Casler)

Comedian and former Celebrity Apprentice staffer Noel Casler joins the Just In News Podcast to talk about Donald Trump’s second impeachment and gives his prediction on whether Trump will be convicted in the Senate. He also discusses what’s next for Trump and Trumpism, what will happen to the Republican Party, his optimism for the Biden Administration, and a very graphic memory of Trump in Depends on the set of Celebrity Apprentice.

“Impeaching Trump (the sequel)”

The Just In News team kicks off 2021 by recapping a week that may very well surpasses the insanity of 2020. Justin, Corey, Kristen, Jake, and Mike talk about Trump supporters violently storming the U.S. Capitol, why impeaching Trump (again) is the right move, and optimism from the Georgia Senate runoffs. They also play a round of Tweets from Deadbeats, where Eric Trump’s birthday makes an appearance.

“Republicans Love Socialism” (with Brent Simons)

Justin wraps up the election results and looks ahead to the Georgia runoffs with Just In News’s own Corey Hill. Justin and Corey talk about what went right and wrong for the Democrats, why Democrats should brand themselves with popular policies like raising the minimum wage (because Republicans secretly love socialism), the possibility that an out-of-shape high school classmate is leaving death threat notes at the Jacksonville DNC headquarters, and more. Plus, Corey talks with Screenwriter of Megamind and Penguins of Madagascar, Brent Simons.

“Between the Buns” (with Erin Ryan)

Erin Ryan, host of the Crooked Media podcast Hysteria and writer for The Daily Beast and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, talks about everything from how Covid has impacted Hollywood and the comedy scene to walking down Sunset Boulevard when the election was called for Biden to her favorite drinking spots in her college town of South Bend, Indiana (including a bar called Between the Buns). Erin also plays a round of Tweets from Deadbeats and educates the audience on the art of stopping a karaoke night dead in its tracks.

Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat on Strongmen and Trump’s Wannabe 6-Pack Abs

Historian and Author Ruth Ben-Ghiat joins the Just In News Podcast to talk about her new book, Strongmen: From Mussolini to the Present. She discusses why Donald Trump has the same traits as other strongman leaders throughout history, how he convinced 74 million people to vote for him, her collection of Trump memes, and what we could expect for the future of Trump, the Republican party, and our country. Finally, Ruth talks about the difficulty of writing a book about truly terrible men and how cheap wine and electronic music helped her make it through.

Twitter Star Kylie Brakeman on “Stress Shitting” the Election

Writer, actor, and improvisor Kylie Brakeman joins the Just In News Podcast to talk about “stress shitting” during the final few days of the election. Kylie also talks about the weird feeling of having her Twitter following explode during the age of Covid, growing up in LA, what she’s most excited for as the Biden Administration is set to take office, and when she thinks she’ll perform a live show again.

Rudy Sweats Out the Lies

Justin recaps a week that included Rudy Giuliani holding another insane press conference, coronavirus gone wild, and a whole lot of Republican Senators who aren’t speaking out against Donald Trump’s refusal to concede. He also talks with transgender rights activist and fellow Nease High alum Andrew Adams, who sued (and won, twice!) his Florida school district over the right to use the boys bathroom.

Celebrating the Biden Win + Coverfly’s Tom Dever on Writing

Justin talks about Joe Biden’s big win, why he believes Donald Trump could get dragged out of the White House like a guest on “Maury,” and his own election night temper tantrum. Plus, Corey talks with Coverfly’s Tom Dever about how to move up in the writing world.

Election Day Final Thoughts

Justin and Corey share their Election Day final thoughts. Corey talks about why Democrats should acknowledge reality: that Joe Biden and Democratic U.S. Senate challengers have a very good shot of winning. Corey makes the case for why this should propel us in the final few days and how donating, phone banking, and volunteering on Election Day can help assuage any last minute nerves. Corey also acknowledges that if Biden wins Texas he will be shooting off fireworks.

Town Hall Duels and Aisha Fukushima on Social Justice and the Power of Music

Corey Hill joins Justin Cross to talk about the dueling Biden-Trump town halls and the nomination process of Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Corey also talks with social justice strategist, recording artist, and founder of Raptivism, Aisha Fukushima. They cover making music and finding connections during a pandemic, intersectionality in social justice movements, and the enduring power of Prince’s music.

“Empathy for Assholes” with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, epidemiologist, prominent progressive voice, and author of “Healing Politics,” joins the Just In News Podcast. Dr. El-Sayed talks about how competent leadership under Joe Biden can get coronavirus under control and save lives, the role of public health professionals like himself in messaging science in the face of lies and mistruths, the opportunity for progressives under a Biden presidency, having empathy for assholes, favorite jams from his 90s mixtape, and his 2-year-old crawling into his bed. Kristen Friis also joins Justin to give her thoughts on how Trump getting Covid may or may not impact the election.

Got Hope? Reasons for Election Optimism

Justin and Corey talk about why Democrats should be feeling some good old fashion hope and election optimism heading into October. With just under 40 days left until the election, a new conservative Supreme Court Justice most likely pick being rammed through the Senate, civil unrest across the country over racial injustice, and Trump threatening a coup, Corey calls out Trump’s stupidity, Biden’s strength in polling across the country, and other reasons why optimism should pull us through the final stretch of the most important election in our lives.

“My Girl Laura!” – Tweets From Deadbeats: The Laura Ingraham Edition

The Just In News Podcast team plays the growingly popular game, “Tweets From Deadbeats” where Kristen and Jake explore, among other terrible people, Laura Ingraham’s Twitter feed. Justin also talks about recently attending an NFL football game where he supported his Jacksonville Jaguars by wearing a shirt that read, “Jaggin Off.” Meanwhile, Jake keeps exploring his emo side by growing hair that makes him look like he’s in the band, My Chemical Romance.

“Telling Jokes During a Pandemic” with Jeff Greenspan, former Chief Creative Officer for Buzzfeed

Corey Hill talks with Jeff Greenspan, the former Chief Creative Officer for Buzzfeed. They talk about Greenspan’s work as a freelance creative director and stand-up comic, telling jokes during a pandemic, revolution, and the best locations for installing unauthorized Edward Snowden statues.

“Controlling Coronavirus” with Andy Slavitt

Andy Slavitt joins the Just In News Podcast to talk about coronavirus and how we can get it under control. Spoiler alert: Don’t breathe on each other. Andy talks about how the NBA is a great model for how the rest of the country can get back to a semblance of normal quickly. He also talks how to talk with anti-maskers, what it’s like to be hosting his own podcast, “In the Bubble,” the art of interviewing, and his favorite karaoke song which he strongly urges me to play on the podcast. Don’t worry, we got it in there.

Independent Journalist Thor Benson on How to Connect with Trump Supporters and the Likelihood Trump Gets Re-elected

Just In News’ Corey Hill talks with Thor Benson, independent journalist about Black Lives Matter, COVID-19, the likelihood of Trump’s re-election, and how we can bring our racist uncles back to reality.

Organizer Sophie Ellman-Golan on Being Hopeful During a Time When We Have a Global Pandemic and a Racist President in Office

Corey Hill talks with Sophie Ellman-Golan, strategist for the Jewish left and movement organizer. Corey and Sophie discuss white supremacy, anti-semitism, COVID-19, Black Lives Matter, and how to stay hopeful in chaotic times.

Got Change? Activist Aric McBay on Effective Strategies for Social Justice Movements

Corey Hill talks with Aric McBay, author, farmer, and organizer about encroaching fascism, effective strategies for social justice movements, and why you should run out of smoky rooms even if the other people around you are staying calm.

Josh Burch from Neighbors United for DC Statehood on Why America’s Capital Should Be Our 51st State

Josh Burch from Neighbors United for DC Statehood talks about the why Washington D.C. should become the 51st state, the momentum of the movement, bad-faith arguments from the opposition, and historical analogues.

2020: Solomon Rajput, Congressional Candidate in Michigan’s 12th District, on Offering Up Big Solutions to Big Problems

Democrat Solomon Rajput talks with Corey Hill about his race to become the next Congressman from Michigan’s 12th District. Solomon talks to Corey about running against a Democratic political dynasty, ending police brutality, Medicare for All, and how Donald Trump is uniquely awful. Solomon talks specifically about how “radical ideas” aren’t really radical and have been the norm for decades in so many other countries, including universal healthcare in the country just up the road from him, Canada.

Game: “Tweets From Deadbeats” – Washed-Up Actor Edition

Justin is joined by Sound Engineer Mike Stocksdale and Producer Kristen Friis to play another rousing edition of “Tweets From Deadbeats.” Mike and Kristen go head-to-head while downing mixed drinks and taking educated guesses as to who are the absolute worst people in the world tweeting the absolute worst things in the world. In this edition, a certain washed-up celebrity plays a starring role and Mike explains what a Grey Russian is since that was the drink he pounded prior to even starting the podcast. Kristen also talks about her experience protesting while clarifying to a certain deadbeat that she was actually out protesting racism and not supporting Marxism.

Former White House Speechwriter David Litt on Writing President Obama’s Jokes and His New Book about Shattering Mitch McConnell’s Dreams

Justin talks with former speechwriter for President Obama, David Litt. David talks to Justin about his new book, “Democracy in One Book or Less,” and how we can repair our democracy in 6 months with some key fundamental changes to our political system. David also talks about the coolest part about working inside the White House, his favorite White House Correspondents Dinner (he was the head speechwriter for 4 of them), and the form of public speaking that scares him.

2020: U.S. Senate Candidate Merav Ben-David on Standing Against Racism, What Wyoming Democrats and Republicans Have in Common, and Howling with Her Dogs

Wyoming U.S. Senate Candidate Merav Ben-David joins the Just In News Podcast to talk about her experience as a college professor and the similarities between connecting with students in a classroom versus on the campaign trail. Merav also discusses recent events regarding the Black Lives Matter movement and participating in events in Wyoming and what she says to those who still don’t get BLM movement. Finally, Merav talks about her unique brand of outdoorsy campaign events.

2020: Delaware U.S. Senate Candidate Jess Scarane on Challenging Incumbent Democrat Chris Coons, Funding Communities Over Police, and Late 90’s Emo Music

Delaware Democrat Jess Scarane joins the Just In News Podcast to talk about challenging the Democratic establishment and incumbent Chris Coons for U.S. Senate. Jess talks about creating fundamental change when it comes to public safely and policing, how she doesn’t like being called a politician, drinking a growler of beer during her first-ever ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ experience, and her love of emo and shoegaze music.

2020: U.S. Senate Candidate Robin Kimbrough Hayes on Ending Systemic Racism, Giving People Hope, and Friending Her on Facebook

Robin Kimbrough Hayes, U.S. Senate Candidate from Tennessee, joins the Just In News Podcast. Robin talks about why Tennessee and the entire country needs a person like her in the Senate who would inspire hope, push for universal healthcare, and help put an end to systemic racism. Robin also offers to marry Justin and talks about how she personally answers questions that come through over her website chat and Facebook messages. Robin also talks about her background fighting for people of all backgrounds. Oh, and she talks about singing karaoke to Tina Turner.

2020: Mike Espy on His ‘Moneyball’ Approach to Flipping the Senate Blue in Mississippi, His Grandfather’s Legacy, and ‘Game of Thrones’

Mike Espy, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate from Mississippi, joined the Just In News Podcast and talked about the role data analytics is playing in his campaign to defeat Cindy Hyde-Smith. Mike also talks about the extraordinary role his grandfather played in setting an example for him as a public servant. He also talks about his passion for sports and if the football season will happen in the fall. As usual, Justin also gets some local recommendations for restaurants since he now lives in Gulfport, Mississippi and occasionally likes to go out for a nice meal when he’s not playing golf by the local sewage treatment plant. True story.

Ideology of Convenience: Florida Representative Anna Eskamani talks about the failed COVID-19 response in Florida and around the United States

Florida Representative (FL-47) Anna Eskamani joins the Just In News Podcast to talk about the lack of leadership in Florida and the United States in response to COVID-19. Representative Eskamani talks with Corey Hill about why President Donald Trump doesn’t care about public health and why local leadership must step up in order to help citizens and fill the leadership void nationally and under Ron DeSantis in Florida.

2020: South Carolina U.S. Senate Candidate Jaime Harrison on How to Beat Lindsey Graham, Toni Braxton, and Barbecue Sauce Nuance

Jaime Harrison joins the Just In News Podcast to talk about his candidacy for U.S. Senate in South Carolina. Jaime talks about his incredible story of growing up poor and being raised by his grandparents, the nuances of mustard spice in barbecue sauce, and how the hell he’s going to beat Lindsey Graham. Jaime also talks about his incredible story growing up poor and being raised by his grandparents. Finally, Justin and Jaime bond over some 1990’s Toni Braxton.

2020: Iowa U.S. Senate Candidate Admiral Mike Franken on Defeating Joni Ernst and One of His Favorite Ted Kennedy Stories

Admiral Mike Franken joins the Just In News Podcast to talk about his U.S. Senate campaign in Iowa. Admiral Franken talks about why he’s the best person to defeat Joni Ernst, his favorite corporation that donates to her campaign, and what it was like to be the lonely voice in the room opposing the Iraq War. Admiral Franken also talks about how his military, science, and political experience make him an ideal candidate to serve in Congress. He also shares what his go-to karaoke song is.

Game: “Tweets From Deadbeats” – Sandal Bottle Openers and Vice Presidential Picks

The Just In News podcast team plays “Tweets from Deadbeats,” where they try to figure out which conservative GOP Senator decided to stand up for gay rights and the arts. The team also predicts who will be Joe Biden’s vice presidential pick and where coronavirus actually originated from, the sole of some Floridian’s sandal.

2020: Nebraska U.S. Senate Candidate Dennis Frank Macek on Climate Change, How He Became the “Prairie Fox,” and Beer

Nebraska U.S. Senate Candidate Dennis Frank Macek talks to Justin about his advocacy for climate change reform and why he’s run as a Republican, Independent, and now, as a Democrat. He also delves into his background as an artist and how a seeing a prairie fox at 2:30 a.m. led him into politics. Finally, Dennis gives Justin one of the best Yelp reviews he’s ever received when describing his love for the capital and college town of Lincoln.

Comedian and Former ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ Staffer Noel Casler on Donald Trump’s Drug Use and the Real Jared Kushner

Comedian and former Celebrity Apprentice staffer Noel Casler joins the Just In News Podcast for the second time to talk about his time working with Donald Trump. Noel talks about seeing Trump crush Adderall between scenes, his casual use of the ‘N’ word, Jared Kushner’s dark intentions, and seeing Larry Kudlow smoke crack in his SUV. Noel also gives his thoughts on whether we’ll ever see the infamous ‘The Apprentice’ tapes, how the Trump presidency will end, and how much politicians should be talking about the president’s erratic behavior.

2020: Nebraska U.S. Senate Candidates Alisha Shelton and Andy Stock Talk About Their Respective Plans to Defeat Ben Sasse

Nebraska U.S. Senate Candidates Alisha Shelton and Andy Stock talk with Justin just days before the 2020 Democratic Primary. Alisha and Andy discuss their respective agendas to replace Ben Sasse, how they’re using social media to spread their messages, and even offer up tips on where to hang out in Omaha and Lincoln.

Former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman Talks About How Karl Rove and the DOJ Put Him in Prison for 5 Years (Part 1)

Justin Cross talks with former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman. In this three part weekly series, the last Democratic Governor of Alabama joins the Just In News Podcast to discuss how the Republican establishment identified him as a rising star and a potential presidential nominee, and as a result, used the Department of Justice as a tool to put him behind bars. In the words of Siegelman in the interview and in his new book, Stealing Our Democracy: How the Political Assassination of a Governor Threatens Our Nation, his story has “more twists and turns than a John Grisham novel, except it’s real.”

The Appeal’s Jay Willis on Mass Incarceration, COVID-19 and Prisons, and yes, Peter from ‘The Bachelor’

The Appeal’s Jay Willis joins the Just In News Podcast to discuss the vulnerability of prisoners during the COVID-19 pandemic, the general fucked-upness of our prison system, and how average people can do their part to fix it. Jay also dishes on Peter from ‘The Bachelor’.

Game: “Tweets from Deadbeats” – In Steak-umm We Trust

In this week’s “Tweets from Deadbeats,” Mike gets a question right, we examine the Trump family (Twitter) photo album, and Steak-umm brings everyone down to Earth. Also, Kristen recounts the madness that ensued on the University of Oregon campus the night Trump won and Justin talks about his protest march in Oakland. Mike then says to Justin, “Well, that really did something.” Finally, Snake puts himself on mute half the time because of his dog’s snoring.

“You’re only as sick as your secrets.” Author Brent Walker Talks About the Honest and Dark Stories in His Book, “The Hidden South”

Author Brent Walker joins the Just In News podcast to talk about his book, “The Hidden South.” Brent talks about how he was able to get complete strangers to open up about their traumatic past, why the Southern experience is so unique, the need for more human connections, a woman who prayed for him, and fanboying over New Orleans’ musician Big Freedia.

Game: “Tweets from Deadbeats” – High School Reunion Edition

The Just In News podcast team plays another rousing game of “Tweets from Deadbeats” where we exam the Twitter feed of Donald Trump and his fellow goons. We also talk about the demise of Justin’s TV-watching career, why everyone should attend their high school reunion, and Minna and Biscuit (Justin’s dogs) make cameo appearances. Finally, will Mike Stocksdale get off the schneid and get a question right? Listen to find out, and in the process, take your mind off life for a few minutes.

Puppets and Hope in the Time of Pandemic: Actor, Director, and Puppeteer Dan Garza on the Role Art Plays in Getting Through COVID-19

Just In News’ Corey Hill chats with Dan Garza, puppeteer from Showtime’s hit TV show, “Kidding.” Dan shares his thoughts on just how critical a talking dinosaur can be to people struggling with isolation and fear. Corey also talks with Dan about the Great Man theory of history, family members getting tired of your jokes, and the importance of keeping enough puppetry supplies on hand.

Game: “Tweets from Deadbeats” – Haters and Losers Edition

The Just In News Podcast team gets together (over the phone, of course) to play the first-ever edition of “Tweets from Deadbeats.” The JIN team brings their favorite Trump tweets including a few about “haters and losers,” and Justin quizzes them on recent tweets from Donald Trump and the terrible people around him, including Don Jr., shadow chief-of-staff Sean Hannity, ex-bow tie model Tucker Carlson, and a few other TV hacks and garbage humans. We had a lot of fun making this one and encourage you to play along at home!

Getting Written Up for Wearing More Than One Mask: An ER Nurse Talks About Preparing to Treat Patients for Coronavirus

ER Nurse Janna Yates talks about preparing to treat patients with the coronavirus. The Fairbanks, Alaska nurse talks to Justin about lack of resources, stories she’s heard from fellow nurses, how the coronavirus is highlighting glaring holes in our health system, and how she’s finding hope and optimism as she prepares to go on the frontline of a global pandemic.

2020: U.S. House Candidate Julie Oliver on Virtual Campaigning During COVID-19 and How Federal Assistance Changed Her Life

Julie Oliver, the Democratic nominee from Texas’ 25th congressional district in Austin, joins the Just In News Podcast. Julie talks about how federal assistance helped her get to where she is today, how she’s campaigning virtually during COVID-19, her love for twinkies and disdain for Tom Brady, and what a fun night out in Austin looks like for folks adults of many ages.