48: Episode 48: Progress Michigan's Jade Gray on Connecting With Gen Z Voters
Here's Episode 48 of Michigan's premier progressive podcast! Happy Indictment Week III! I had so many words and thoughts to share as Donald Trump faces his third indictment this week. He's finally been charged for the role he played for the January 6th insurrection in an effort to steal the 2020 election. Despite getting indicted again, Michigan's GOP is all-in for Trump even though two more ...
47m Aug 03, 2023
47m
47: Episode 47: Anna Gustafson from Michigan Advance on Gotion Controversy
It's episode 47 of Michigan's premier progressive podcast! The Gotion electric vehicle battery component plant is causing a rift in the Big Rapids area, located in Mecosta County. Local Republican leaders jumped at the chance to have the California-based company build the new plant in their area--an area in which 18% of its residents live in poverty. But because Gotion's parent company is from...
42m Jul 27, 2023
42m
46: Episode 46: Sam Inglot of Progress Michigan on GOP's moral and ethical rot
Here's the 46th episode of Michigan's premier progressive podcast! I start-out this week talking about taking the battle to the right wing forces in our state. I illustrated why state Senator Mallory McMorrow's "We will not let hate win," speech went viral. It resonated with millions across the country because McMorrow did what so many of us want to see from Democrats: fighting back. In Michig...
49m Jul 20, 2023
49m
45: Episode 45: A New-New Deal Democrat with State Representative Betsy Coffia
Here’s the 45th installment of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Democratic State Rep. Betsy Coffia from the 103rd District (https://housedems.com/betsy-coffia/about/) joins me this week. Rep. Coffia’s district contains Leelanau, Grand Traverse, and Benzie Counties. She’s been a journalist, a social worker, and a Grand Traverse County commissioner. And now, she’s in Lansing trying to make...
50m Jul 13, 2023
50m
44: Episode 44: Charlotte Jameson of The Michigan Environmental Council On A Cleaner & Affordable State
Here's episode 44 of Michigan's premiere progressive podcast! Strong progressive policies continue to not only get introduced, but continue to pass in the state legislature as we witnessed with the expansion of the Hate Crimes Law. The Democratic majority passed a historic budget last week, and I highlight how they not only spent time and energy reinvesting in our teachers and students, but th...
38m Jul 06, 2023
38m
43: Episode 43: Derrell Slaughter of NRDC on Historic Clean Energy & Climate Change Bills
Progressive changes continue in our state thanks to the Democratic majority in the state legislature as both the general and education budgets passed this week. These budgets provide significant funding boosts for K-12 spending, including more per-pupil funding and universal free breakfast and lunch. And the general budget provides more funding for roads, infrastructure, health care workers, th...
39m Jun 29, 2023
39m
42: Episode 42: Interview with State Senator Stephanie Chang
We're officially in Summer, and I'm serving up the 42nd episode of the weekly podcast! My opening monologue deals with why I'm supporting the Michigan Multimedia Jobs (https://mifia.org/) proposal, which provides tax credits for companies wanting to make movies, shows, commercials, and other multimedia productions in the state. Michigan Democrats are busy helping people, including providing fr...
42m Jun 22, 2023
42m
41: Episode 41: MiFIA's Alexander Page On New Film Incentives Proposal in Michigan
Here's Episode 41 of the podcast devoted to highlighting the progressive fight to revive and restore Michigan's greatness! My opening monologue describes how old time Michigan Republicans have no power in their party anymore, and they have nobody to blame but themselves as the extremists lead the party. And I explain how these extremists are hurting our abilities to reverse the population and ...
41m Jun 15, 2023
41m
40: Episode 40: Dr. Joshua Cowen on The right wing's attack on public schools using vouchers
Here's the 40th episode!!! In this week's episode, I share some thoughts on WJR-AM's "next generation" of talk show hosts, which kinda sounds like the same as the last generation. I also talk about how former Republican "Nerd" Governor, Mr. Flint Water Crisis, himself, Rick Snyder is back in the news, announcing that he's helping Michigan Republicans take over the state legislature in 2024! T...
44m Jun 08, 2023
44m
39: Left of Lansing Podcast--Episode 39: Ottawa Co. Politics & More with Joe Spaulding
Wow, 39 episodes are in the can! This week, I speak with progressive activist Joe Spaulding on the right wing movement happening with the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners as they passed a resolution declaring the county a "constitutional county." It's quite similar to what the equally extreme right wing Livingston County Board of Commissioners recently did as well. Joe Spaulding talks abou...
46m Jun 01, 2023
46m
38: Episode 38: Rick Haglund, Business Writer for Michigan Advance
Here's the 38th episode of Left of Lansing! Coming back to the podcast is veteran business writer, Rick Haglund (https://twitter.com/rhaglund) . He writes the "Micheconomy" on Michigan Advance (https://michiganadvance.com/) , and has been covering the state's economy, and the auto industry, since the 1980's. We talk about Michigan's population problem in which not only are people leaving, but ...
41m May 25, 2023
41m
37: Episode 37: Livingston Co. Politics w/ Kasey Helton
A new episode of the Left Of Lansing Podcast is posted. This week, progressive activist Kasey Helton joins me to talk about life as a progressive in ruby red Republican Livingston County. We talk about Livingston County politics, why it's been difficult for progressives to make a dent there, but how progressives are beginning to find ways to post some victories there. She also shares some idea...
45m May 18, 2023
45m
36: Left Of Lansing Podcast--Episode 36: State Rep. Kelly Breen
 If we're not helping to protect our kids, honestly I don't know what the hell we're doing here in Lansing because that should be our number one priority.  -Kelly Breen- On this week's LOL Podcast, Democratic State Representative Kelly Breen from from the 21st House District. Rep. Breen and I discuss the gun safety reform bills Democrats passed, and were signed into law by Governor Whitmer. R...
38m May 04, 2023
38m
35: Episode 35: MI Democrats Fixing 40 Years Of GOP Rule
In this week's episode, Pat Johnston covers how Democrats are fixing what Republicans destroyed during their 40 years of power in Lansing. He covers how Republicans across the nation are working to erase American history, ban books, silence their opponents, and destroy the public school system. Pat also gives another shoutout to Democratic State Rep. Dylan Wegela for introducing a bill stopping...
23m Apr 27, 2023
23m
34: Episode 34: Interview with Democratic State Rep. Dylan Wegela
This week, I discuss how young people showed-up at the polls in a big way in Michigan, which helped Democrats pull-off the trifecta in state government. But despite the Generation Z breaking for Democrats in the last few elections, Democrats must continue showing that they are helping keep that critical voting bloc on their side. Then, State Representative Dylan Wegela joins me. He represents ...
40m Apr 20, 2023
40m
33: Episode 33: Bigotry Is Bad For Business
Michigan Democrats are banking on Gov. Whitmer's slogan that "Bigotry Is Bad For Business." Pat Johnston explains why being the anti-Indiana, the anti-Ohio, and the anti-Florida is the best strategic move for Michigan--both morally and economically. By becoming a more welcoming state for women who want to make their own medical decisions, and a more LGBTQ-friendly state, Michigan Democrats are ...
15m Apr 12, 2023
15m
32: MI Democrats Providing Blueprint For Success--4/5/23
LOL's Pat Johnston talks about how Michigan Democrats are giving state Democratic parties across the nation a blueprint for electoral success. If Democrats succeed in showing how they will improve the lives of their constituents, they will remain in power. But we must always take the battle to the right-wing forces.
14m Apr 05, 2023
14m
31: Mich Dems Moving To Dent Gun Violence--3/29/23
LOL's Pat Johnston highlights how Michigan Democrats are using their legislative majority to enact real change when it comes to curbing gun violence. It's a start.
8m Mar 29, 2023
8m
30: Episode 30: Pat's Back! Michigan GOP Tried To Steal Our Election!
Pat is back with a new episode! He goes after Michigan's GOP as it tried to steal the election from Joe Biden.
43m Jan 22, 2021
43m
29: Episode 29: Jody LaMacchia On Running For 46th State House Seat; Pat Calls-Out Right-Wing on COVID-19 & Race Issues
Pat's back and ready to call-out Michigan's right-wing forces that did nothing to help Gov. Whitmer's efforts to combat COVID-19, and how the right-wing remains tone-deaf on race issues. Then, Jody LaMacchia joins Pat to discuss her run for the state house in the 46th District. Finally, Pat shows how Michigan's Republican Party remains in the past while Michigan pushes ahead on LGBTQ issues. 
57m Jun 09, 2020
57m
28: Episode 28: Michigan Republicanism & The Cult--5/2/2020
Pat Johnston talks about how Michigan Republicans rely on The Trump Cult to stop Gov. Whitmer from protecting the state against this pandemic. 
40m May 02, 2020
40m
27: Episode 27: Dave Wagner--Indivisible Michigan--3/1/2020
Pat is geeked that Michigan will play a crucial role in the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary. Candidates should know about the Blue Wave of 2018 in Michigan, partially because we know the Devos family! Dave Wagner from Indivisible Michigan is the guest this week. And Pat reminds everyone how Democratic Presidents used to fight for Medicare 4 All. 
43m Mar 02, 2020
43m
26: No Michael Bloomberg, and Putting Michigan GOP On Defense 2/23/20
Pat Johnston says Michigan Democrats Must put Republicans on defense regarding health care and treatment of women. Pat wonders why some Michigan Democrats are backing Michael Bloomberg for president despite his obvious flaws. And Pat argues why Democrats taking-on Democrats in other primary races is democracy in action!
37m Feb 23, 2020
37m
25: Guest: Julia Pulver, Democratic state house candidate for Michigan Legislature--1/20/2020
Julia Pulver talks with Pat Johnston about her quest for the state house seat in Michigan's 39th district. Ms. Pulver also covers health care, charter schools, and more. Pat describes why the 2020 state races are just as important as the Presidential election. And Pat talks about that green ooze on I-696 last month, and how it's the perfect metaphor for Republican environmental policies. 
38m Jan 20, 2020
38m
24: Guest: Christine Barry from Michigan Policast--11/2/19
The 24th episode of The LOL Podcast features Pat Johnston with an epic rant about how progressives can no longer afford to be "civil" anymore. They must Fight Back against 40-years of radical right-wing activism. Christine Barry from Michigan Policast (http://michiganpolicast.com/) joins Pat to discuss that topic, and other issues affecting Michigan. And then, Pat highlights how young people ar...
55m Nov 02, 2019
55m
23: Anna Clark--Author of "The Poisoned City: Flint Water & the American Urban Tragedy
Hello fellow LOLers! Pat's back with a new podcast. This week, Pat hails Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib for being one of the first voices to call for Trump's impeachment! Anna Clark is Pat's guest this week. She wrote: "The Poisoned City: Flint Water and the Urban Tragedy." And a district judge places a temporary injunction on Michigan AG Dana Nessel's rule that adoption agenci...
51m Sep 27, 2019
51m
22: Episode 22: Pat Explains How Koch-DeVos Policies FAILED for Everyone--Except the Rich
Pat goes solo this week to share his thoughts on how the Koch-DeVos Libertarian Utopia has been an unmitigated disaster for everyone., He then explains Michigan's fights to fix our roads, schools, and environment is all about ending years of Republicans Running Michigan On The Cheap. And Pat highlights how the right wing is fighting to stop Michigan's new redistricting committee from ever formi...
33m Aug 25, 2019
33m
21: Episode 21: Democratic State Rep. Jon Hoadley; And Pat says "cruelty" is the GOP Platform
On the 21st episode of the Left of Lansing Podcast, Pat highlights how "cruelty" is the top priority for the right wing. Democratic State Rep. Jon Hoadley talks with Pat about why he's running for U.S. Congress in 2020! And Pat praises Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib!
40m Aug 17, 2019
40m
20: Emily Durbin: Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America--Michigan
Pat Interviews Emily Durbin from the Michigan chapter for Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America. Pat also explains why the right wing points to "mental illness" whenever a right wing terrorist attacks America. Plus, Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow provides a rallying call to fight for real gun reform in Michigan. 
47m Aug 10, 2019
47m
19: Former Michigan DNC Chair Mark Brewer Interview; And Pat Talks Migrant Detention Centers
Pat Johnston speaks with former Michigan DNC Chair Mark Brewer on Rick Snyder turning down Harvard appointment; voting rights; Whitmer & GOP budget fight; and the direction of Michigan's Democratic Party. Plus, Pat attacks anti-democratic Republicans. And, Pat criticizes national Democratic leaders for voting for Mitch McConnell's border bill. 
44m Jul 05, 2019
44m
18: Interview With Sharon Dolente from ACLU of Michigan On Voting Rights
Pat Johnston talks with Sharon Dolente, who is the Voting Rights Strategist with the ACLU of Michigan (https://www.aclumich.org/en/biographies/sharon-dolente) . Sharon played a pivotal role in helping get the Promote The Vote initiative on the 2018 ballot, which won by overwhelming numbers. Pat talks about why Michigan Republicans are trying to stifle the vote rather than WIN votes. And Pat ran...
42m Jun 22, 2019
42m
17: Pat Rants About Flint Water Crisis Charges Dropped; GOP Voter Disenfranchisement Efforts; And More!
Pat brings more progressive insight with an edge this week as he rails against Michigan GOP efforts to disenfranchise young voters, and Democratic voters, general. He delves into the reasons why charges have been dropped in the Flint Water Crisis. And he praises a couple of Michigan Congressional Democrats for finally joining the fight to impeach Trump!
36m Jun 15, 2019
36m
16: Julia Pulver on Auto Insurance Reform & Running as a Progressive in a Red District
Julia Pulver is this week's guest. Julia is an RN, political activist, and former Michigan State Senate candidate, barely losing in the 15th district. She shares her experience running a progressive campaign in a red district. And she doesn't hold back on her opposition to the recently signed auto insurance reform bill. I remind everyone about how Rick Snyder took part in the biggest political ...
41m Jun 08, 2019
41m
15: Interview with Democratic state Senator Mallory McMorrow; And Pat criticizes Michigan's new auto insurance "reform bill
Pat interviews Michigan Democratic state Senator Mallory McMorrow from the 13th district in Oakland County. They talk about the generational divide between Millennials and older generations; Michigan GOP's fight to enact anti-women's health and anti-choice laws; her bill to ban gay conversion therapy; and why she voted against the auto insurance "reform" bill. Pat has a meltdown over that "refo...
40m Jun 01, 2019
40m
14: Justin Amash & Impeachment; Shady FCA-Detroit Deal; PFAS Fight; Measles; And Harriet Tubman
It's Pat Johnston going solo this week. Pat talks about how Michigan Republican Congressman Justin Amash joined Michigan Democratic Congresswoman in calling for impeachment hearing on President Trump. Pat also share some Gen X cynicism over the new Fiat Chrysler jobs deal with Detroit. Democratic state Rep. Brian Elder proposes legislation to protect kids from measles outbreak. And Trump Treasu...
34m May 24, 2019
34m
13: Eclectablog's Chris Savage; And Michigan GOP's War On Women
The Michigan GOP's decision to join in the national War On Women. Chris Savage from Eclectablog is this week's guest.
49m May 17, 2019
49m
12: Susan Demas from Michigan Advance; Michigan GOP Proposing Insane Gun Bills
Susan Demas from Michigan Advance joins me to discuss state politics, and the progressive fight against Trump Republicans. Pat rails against the Lansing establishment press for failing to give progressives a voice. And Michigan GOP proposing insane gun bill! Visit leftoflansing.com
41m May 10, 2019
41m
11: Dr. April Zeoli on Guns & Domestic Violence; State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky's "Bold" Progressive Speech; GOP Gerrymandering Ruled Illegal!
MSU researcher Dr. April Zeoli talks about her study on the relationship between guns and domestic violence. Pat celebrates how the Michigan GOP's gerrymandering game is deemed illegal by the courts. And he highlights the bold progressive leadership of State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky. 
42m May 03, 2019
42m
10: Episode 10: Lou Glazer from Michigan Future Inc. on Reinvesting in Michigan Economy.
Left of Lansing Podcast--Episode 10: Lou Glazer from Michigan Future Inc. on preparing Michigan for the future economy. Plus, progressive policies are winning in Michigan!
38m Apr 26, 2019
38m
9: In Defense of AG Dana Nessel; Interview with Erin Roberts from MCEDSV on Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Pat gives a strong defense for Michigan AG Dana Nessel, who's under attack by the Michigan right wing; Erin Roberts from the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence talks about how to reduce sexual assault in our society.
36m Apr 18, 2019
36m
8: Chris Hackbarth from Michigan Municipal League on GOP Bill To Ban "Sanctuary Cities."
Chris Hackbarth from the Michigan Municipal League talks GOP bills to ban so-called "sanctuary cities" in Michigan.
37m Apr 12, 2019
37m
7: Sean McBrearty from Clean Water Action; Corporate Greed; Michigan GOP's Sexist Remarks
Sean McBrearty from Clean Water Action joins the podcast. We talk about the controversial Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac, and Gov. Whitmer's and AG Nessel's decision to shut down a tunnel project for the 65 year old pipeline.
38m Apr 05, 2019
38m
6: Ingrid Jacques from The Detroit News; Campus Free Speech; Electoral College; GOP Lacking Ideas
Pat Johnston talks with conservative columnist, Ingrid Jacques, from The Detroit News about college free-speech issues, changes to the electoral college system, and why Michigan women are voting more progressive.
37m Mar 29, 2019
37m
5: Rick Haglund from Michigan Advance; GOP Fear & Anger Playbook; Tigers Prediction
Rick Haglund from Michigan Advance talks about Gov. Whitmer's proposals for Michigan's economic future, and the future of the auto industry.
36m Mar 22, 2019
36m
4: David Hecker--American Federation For Teachers Michigan; Medical Pot Shops Are Booming; Don't Despair, Keep Fighting
Pat Johnston talks Michigan education with David Hecker from the American Federation For Teachers Michigan.
34m Mar 15, 2019
34m
3: Democratic State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky; Gov. Whitmer's Budget; Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's "controversy"
Democratic state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky ran a progressive campaign and won. We talk about her journey, what she hopes to accomplish, and Governor Whitmer's budget proposal. Pat takes the Michigan GOP to task for its hypocritical stance against Whitmer's proposals to fix Michigan's roads, schools, and environment.
37m Mar 08, 2019
37m
2: Jarrett Skorup from Mackinac Center; Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib Fights For Michigan
Interview with Jarrett Skorup from conservative Mackinac Center For Public Policy. Progressive Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is taking the battle to the special interests.
39m Feb 28, 2019
39m
1: Left Of Lansing--Pilot Podcast! Progressive Voice For Michigan Politics
Pat talks with Lonnie Scott from Progress Michigan in the pilot episode of the Left of Lansing podcast! 
35m Feb 21, 2019
35m