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 […]
Author Archives: Justin Cross
“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 […]
“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 […]
“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 […]
“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 […]
“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 […]
“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 […]
“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 […]
“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 […]
“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 […]
“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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
“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 […]
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 […]
“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 […]
“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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
“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 […]
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, […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]