Tag Archives: justin cross

“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 […]

“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 […]

“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 […]

“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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

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 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’.

“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 […]

Super Tuesday Wrap-Up: Concerns about Joementum

Justin wraps up Super Tuesday by talking about Joe Biden’s big wins, concerns about Biden being the nominee and what the fuck Tulsi Gabbard is doing. Justin also talks with Just In News Executive Producer Corey Hill about Mike Bloomberg and Elizabeth Warren dropping out and what their endorsements may mean for both Biden and […]

Comedian Kate Willett on Being a Bernie Bro and Doing Stand-Up at a Sex Convention

Comedian Kate Willett joins the Just In News podcast to talk about her support for Bernie Sanders, why Mike Bloomberg sucks and doing comedy at a BDSM convention. Kate also talks about what democratic socialism actually means and her admiration for fellow comedian Maria Bamford.

2020: Interview with U.S. Senate Candidate Trish Zornio

Justin talks with U.S. Senate candidate from Colorado, Trish Zornio. If she wins, Trish would be the first scientist and first female ever elected to the U.S. Senate from Colorado. Trish is running to unseat Republican and part-time Trump masseur, Cory Gardner. She talks about the 5-year plan that got her to this point, visiting […]

2020: Interview with Mayor Andrew Gillum on the Democratic Primary, Registering Voters, and Advice for 1998 Andrew Gillum

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum returns to the the Just In News Podcast for the first time since his historic run for Florida governor in 2018. Mayor Gillum talks with Justin about what it will take to flip Florida blue in November and his efforts with Forward Florida Action to register and engage 1 million voters […]

2020: Interview with Former Iowa Congressional Candidate Austin Frerick on what will go down at the Iowa Caucus

Justin talks with former Iowa congressional candidate Austin Frerick. Austin gives his prediction as to what will happen at the Iowa Caucus, how the whole thing works, whether food fights happen in the gym where these events are held, and his current work as Deputy Director of the Thurmond Arnold Project at Yale University. We […]

Musician Ben Folds on politics, his new book, and George Carlin

Justin talks with musician Ben Folds about the intersection of politics and art. Ben talks about his new podcast and interviewing presidential candidates, what it was like to write “A Dream about Lightning Bugs: A Life of Music and Cheap Lessons”, and the brilliance of George Carlin.

HeadCount Executive Director Andy Bernstein on Registering Voters in 2020 and Phish Concerts

Justin talks with HeadCount Executive Director Andy Bernstein about the intersection of music and politics. He asks Andy what it’s like getting people to vote at concerts and festivals as opposed to Target parking lots. Andy also talks about Headcount’s efforts to get popular Republican musicians involved and what was his favorite Phish concert to […]

State of the Stat: 185 Republicans Vote to Censure Congressman Adam Schiff for Doing His Job

State of the Stat Correspondent Corey Hill talks with Justin about why 185 Republicans decided to censure Democrat Adam Schiff for doing his job. Corey also talks about his recent article in The Independent where he lays out why Donald Trump could very well lose the 2020 election but refuse to step down.

2020: Interview with Congressional Candidate Donna Imam

Justin talks with congressional candidate Donna Imam from Texas’ 31st district. Donna talks to Justin about her ambitious plans to provide healthcare and education for all, how she’ll combat gun violence, the best barbecue spots in Austin, being a college DJ and her beloved Toyota Tercel. Justin also makes his case for why an impeachment […]

2020: Democratic Debate Wrap-Up … Winners, Losers, and Phone Calls to New Zealand

Justin wraps up the first Democratic debates. Like any good podcast pundit, he picks winners, losers, a candidate he’d most like to smoke pot with, and a profound reverence for Cory Booker’s chiseled jawline. He also plugs his previous interview while taking more than partial credit for John Delaney’s notable performance in the first debate. […]

State of the Stat: Elizabeth Warren’s Two Cents

Justin talks with writer and activist, Corey Hill, in a new segment called “State of the Stat”. In the 20-ish minute podcast, Corey talks about Elizabeth Warren’s wealth tax which would tax the top 75,000 families two cents on every dollar to help cover healthcare, student loans, and some other really important things. Singer/songwriter Meredith […]

2020: Presidential Candidate John Delaney on Bipartisanship and Kicking Trump’s Ass

Justin talks with 2020 Presidential Candidate and former Maryland Congressman, John Delaney. John talks about why he’s running as a moderate, healthcare, and his signature initiative, the Heartland Fair Deal (and whether he took any cues from the Green New Deal and/or Donald Trump’s book “The Art of the Deal”). Justin also tries to leverage […]

2019 Political Predictions with Democratic Strategist Bob Shrum

Justin talks 2019 political predictions with Democratic Strategist, Bob Shrum. Shrum has served for Joe Biden, John Kerry, Ted Kennedy, and many other really important people. Bob predicts what will happen with the Trump-Russia investigation, which Democrats will run for president in 2020, what will happen with the economy, and of course, who will win […]

Jesse Colvin Interview – Democratic Nominee in Maryland’s 1st Congressional District

Justin talks with Jesse Colvin, the Democratic nominee in Maryland’s 1st congressional district. Jesse is a former Army Ranger in Afghanistan who graduated from both Duke University and Columbia University. Jesse talks about the leaderships skills he developed in the military, the economic impact of oysters, and the Republican support he’s gained from Bush Administration […]

Tabitha Isner Interview – Democratic Nominee for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District

Justin talks with Tabitha Isner. She’s a Democrat running for office in Alabama’s 2nd congressional district. Tabitha talks about her background as an ordained minister. She also discusses why young people from Alabama leave the state after college and her chances of winning a district which went for Roy Moore. Oh, and why the Yellowhammer […]

Mike Levin Interview – Democratic Nominee in California’s 49th Congressional District

Mike Levin joins Justin to talk about his run for California’s hotly contested 49th district in which Darrell Issa is deciding to retire from (perhaps to go make more car alarm money). Mike talks about gun control, potential impeachment of Donald Trump and, most importantly, his favorite U2 song.