Start Me Up with Kimberley A. Johnson

Jody Hamilton, Executive Producer of the Stephanie Miller Show, is back for the last interview show of 2023! Topics: A little fun/personal chat and then we get into politics--specifically the threat of Trump and fascism. Jody worries that Liz Cheney may run for POTUS in 2024--which could help Trump. Xwitter is dying and Jody predicts when it will actually die; her mom's awesome new TV show, holiday plans, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer/Director Jay Arnold is back! Check out his latest film: Shoulder Dance. Jay and I talked about his latest film, Shoulder Dance, and the importance of relationships friendships, and closure; Jay shared a most fascinating story about his recent trip to Tuscany and then we did a deep-dive into the social media sites we have to choose from. Will Threads be a success? Time will tell. I love Jay, i hope you have as much listening as I did hosting! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Wood is back! Topics: New YouGov poll says the war in the Middle East is not hurting Biden (at this time); news media is accurately noting the parallels between Trump and Hitler; 3rd party candidates are the biggest threat to a Biden win in 2024, however, Democrats have been winning since the first election of 2017; the holidays are upon us and Sarah and I discussed holiday plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frederic is a former political organizer who now works in the entertainment industry Topics: The Trump effect on the GOP; GOP is out of money in many states--it's shrinking as The Democratic Party is growing; Election Day 2023 saw a giant blue wave with abortion rights; there's a lot to be optimistic about heading into 2024~ with abortion rights and legal cannabis winning the day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christopher Bouzy is a serial entrepreneur, software engineer, and political maven and he's the founder and CEO of both Bot Sentinel and Spoutible.com. Topics: We had a very NUANCED conversation about the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. Christopher wanted to discuss and clarify his stance and how the reaction to it affects US elections; why House Speaker Mike Johnson is an urgent threat to democracy; and as we were wrapping up, we got sidetracked talking about all the social media options out there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jillian Hurley is the Executive Producer of the 2023 film "Americonned." Topics: Her film Americonned--how Corporate America helped to cause the inequality we see today with greed and lies; poor Americans are not lazy--they want to work and support their families and unions are a big part of they way out of poverty; far-right extremist Mike Johnson is the new House Speaker and what that might mean in the long and short run; I talked about why I can't support Joe Walsh anymore...and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I love talking with Simon Rosenberg! He's always got the best advice and perspective! Topics: The importance of voting as early as possible; if 6 swing candidates win in win the Virginia Nov 7, election,. Democrats will hold the Senate and flip the House! Sexy! Simon explains why polls aren't what they used to be--there are many other factors and we, as a country, need to embrace the new; why Dems shouldn't give RFK Jr. and Cornel West our fear--they should earn it and so far, they have not! All that and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

D. Knight is the host of the Pardon the Insurrection Podcast. Topics: Republicans in disarray! Who will be the next House Speaker? Trump?Jordan?Scalise? D has an idea of who it may be; Republicans and the mainstream news media blame Democrats for GOP dysfunction...again; Xwitter's worth has dramatically decreased since Elon and there are rumors the bankers may take the platform away from him; D offers some real hope for 2024. All that and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cheri is back for another rousing conversation! Topics: Cheri is now a registered Democrat and she shares a possible theory about the mission of the "No Labels" players; What Cassidy Hutchinson is doing is important and Cheri explains why she (and those like her) should not be lionized; how the GOP can (and should) rid itself of toxic trumpism...and maybe it will be with characters like Glenn Younkin. All that and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actress/Activist Heather joined me for a fun chat about her career, politics and what we have to be hopeful about. Topics: How Heather got started in the entertainment industry; what led her into political activism; sexism in Hollywood; recent special elections bring all kinds of optimism for 2024, where Heather gets her news and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel is back! You can pre-order her book on Amazon, Hit 'Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game. It will be available February 2024 and a MUST read for democracy lovers. We talked about her book; what voters can do today to ensure Democrats win next year: abortion/bodily autonomy is on the ballot; the role GenZ will play in the next election, where Dems can improve on messaging; and why Rachel is optimistic about 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Windsor is the executive producer of The Undercurrent and Project Veritas Exposed, the executive director of American Family Voices, and a partner in Democracy Partners and Mike Lux Media. In the 2020 cycle, she was the deputy communications director for the Tom Steyer presidential campaign. She goes undercover at MAGA events and gets leaders to reveal all kinds of juice to her ON CAMERA We talked about what inspired her to do the work she does; what it's like going undercover in MAGA world; her latest documentary about Rudy Giuliani--including her interview with Keith Olbermann. We discussed why there's reason to be hopeful about 2024 and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Skyleigh is a disabled U.S. Army Veteran- Working in Activism in every corner needed, continuing the fight for democracy. Topics: Proud Boys leader, Joe Biggs, got 17 years and some argue that isn't enough; MAGA threatens Civil war but they don't deliver; McConnell's 2nd freeze on camera brings up the question of terms limits, ageism, and how we should handle elected officials who are no longer capable of fulfilling their duties; GA Governor Kemp will not approve a commission to remove DA Fani Willis! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

D. Earl Stephens is the author of "Toxic Tales: A Caustic Collection of Donald J. Trump's Very Important Letters."  He's the former managing editor of Stars & Stripes, a Navy vet, and a prolific writer. Topics: Happy Donald Trump mugshot day; The GOP circus debates; Donlad *has* to go to prison if found guilty; democracy has a decent shot at prevailing as long as we unite and show up; the new COVID variant and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lizz Winstead is the co-creator of The Daily Show and now she's the co-host of the FeministBuzzkills podcast focusing on reproductive rights news. Topics: Why we need to be more aggressive with abortion messaging--if you believe abortion is healthcare, then you are pro-abortion (listen before you squawk); how to spot a fake abortion clinic; ways voters can get involved no matter your comfort level. All that and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Wood is back! Topics: DoJ doesn't play; 2024 is looking goodfor democracy; young people are highly motivated to vote and they're engaged in the political process; COVID/variants and the next booster; all that and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

D. Knight is the host of the Pardon the Insurrection Podcast. Topics: Happy Trump Arraignament Day! There may be a scenario where Donald actually goes to prison; how the multiple Trump trials may affect the 2024 election; Mike Pence did the bare minimum but he's no hero; because the GOP has gone full fascist, voters are the ones who will determine if the US stays a democracy. All that and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christopher Bouzy is a serial entrepreneur, software engineer, and political maven and he's the founder and CEO of both Bot Sentinel and Spoutible.com. Topics: Spoutible (new features weekly, why it's different and why people should set up an account); no Trump indictment while we chatted but it is imminent; why Dem leaders need to nip the RFK Jr. threat in the bud and why Democrats have a lot of momentum heading into 2024. All that and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vivicca A. Whitsett is an actor, comedian, talk radio host, writer, cancer survivor and brazen hussy! We had all kinds of fun and I knew we would! Topics: Trump, karma, and the Jack Smith investigations; why Vivicca doesn't feel Cornell West (I couldn't remember his name when we recorded the show) is a threat to Democrats; the writer/actor strike and what's at stake; the GOP is cruel and heartless...be we repeat ourselves. All that and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John is an actor who's appeared on television and in movies. Some of his projects include Euphoria, Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, Sneaky Pete and Star Trek: Picard. He's my friend on Twitter and today, we had a chat! Topics: John's life growing up in the San Fernando Valley in SoCal, playing the father of a trans teen in Euphoria; the writer's/actor's strike and why it's so important; being mindful about the things we say to ourselves,--and how that shapes our lives, and so much more. John is indeed a very cool dude. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark is best known for the role of "Jesse Vasquez" on Beverly Hills 90210 but his list of credits goes on for days. We talked about his early life growing up in Texas; what made him pursue acting; what it was like working on 90210--as a newbie on an established, wildly popular series; how the industry has changed since Reality TV became so popular, and how COVID has changed the business. Mark is a delightful, engaging man with lots of fun, interesting stories. We had a great chat! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter Paige is an American actor, director, and screenwriter. He is best known for his portrayal of Emmet Honeycutt in the gay drama Queer as Folk. His debut as a director and writer was on the film Say Uncle. Topics: Peter's path to acting which led to his path as a writer/director; his experience acting on Queer As Folk--how that hurt and helped what came after; being a queer actor in Hollywood (in the 90s). The first part of the show was about creativity, the entertainment industry, and what's involved when pursuing a career in the arts. The second half we talked politics, and activism. A positive and fun conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bruno Amato is back! We talked about the writer's strike and why it's so important; his latest acting roles; we chatted a bit about Donald and the fascists but we quickly went back to fun stuff. From dating stories to psychic predictions that came true, we covered a lot of (fun) ground. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Simon is an optimistic guy and we talked about why it's so important to be optimistic with the understanding we don't always get our way. Topics: Dems in array while the GOP is rapidly unraveling; what we can do individually to help save democracy, and how we keep from being sucked into the negative messaging so that we don't unknowingly do the GOP's dirty work for them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Karem is a White House Columnist and his latest book is titled Free the Press: The Death of American Journalism and How to Revive It. He's a political analyst for CNN and hosts the "Just Ask The Question" podcast. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll. We touched on all. Today's show is more about Brian but we did get to some politics. Not only is Brian a reporter, but he also sings in a rock band. We talked music, hallucinogens, weed, and other party favors. He talked about his path to journalism, growing up in Kentucky, and shared stories that had me howling. We discussed Trump and the impending indictments, what Dems should fear the most, and where Dems need to improve with messaging. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Pepper is back. He's the former chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party and his latest book Saving Democracy is out now. Topics: David shared some effective and easy ways to help save democracy--and they don't require much of your time; why it's so important to win in local and state elections; David shared some of the more egregious laws/abuses happening on the state level and he ended with what we have to be optimistic about heading into 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paige Wolf is a communications expert dedicated to creating meaningful progressive change locally and globally. For more than 20 years, she has run Paige Wolf Media and Public Relations, offering communications services to a wide variety of clients including nonprofit organizations, political campaigns, and mission-driven businesses. She has worked on Democratic political campaigns throughout Pennsylvania but now focuses on helping candidates in her newer home in South Jersey – and anywhere else people will listen to her! Topics: How Democrats can improve their messaging; what voters can do to help Democrats win; Dems in local and state races need to step up their game; Paige shares what happened when a political tweet went viral (it was scary) and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Craig Bierko has been acting for decades. Some of his most notable films include Cinderella Man & Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. TV: Sex and the City, Murphy Brown;  Law & Order; Mad About You. Stage: The Music Man; Guys and Dolls and Company. I had Craig back on so soon because I had more questions for him (and he makes me laugh...a lot). We talked about why he chose to become an actor, and why journalism was not for him, and he shared stories about growing up around actors. (And much more.) This fun show is exactly why I love podcasting...I got to have an entertaining conversation with a funny, kind, creative person I admire! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor/comedian/musician and political commentator Hal Sparks is back! I needed Hal's optimism today and he delivered! Topics: The debt ceiling and why Hal believes it'll all work out; why he feels the "No Labels" Independent ticket will go nowhere; Trump's legal woes are growing by the second and Hal shares what he thinks will happen re: jail time (if DJT is found guilty in the documents case). If you're feeling overwhelmed, this is the show for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Corn of Mother Jones joined me to discuss the "nothingburger" Durham Report and how the right is using it to deflect attention from the Russian attack on democracy in 2016; a new website, The Messenger, that supposedly exists to be fair and non-partisan but gave Trump the softest of softball interviews (sound familiar?); and David talked about his latest book, American Psychosis: A Historical Investigation of How the Republican Party Went Crazy, that chronicles the decades-long relationship with far-right extremism and the GOP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer/Director Jay Arnold is back! Topics: White supremacy is an urgent threat to US democracy, even Biden is talking about it and everyone should be sounding the alarm; Rudy is being sued for rape and he allegedly admitted to selling pardons for $2 million; extremism is motiving the electorate; Elon Musk has been subpoenaed by the Virgin Islands in a lawsuit against JP Morgan and the connection to Jefferey Epstein and sex trafficking. Jay also share a little bit about his latest movie project, "Shoulder Dance." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis Bone, Executive Producer of the Stephanie Miller Show joined me. After we had fun chatting, the E. Jean Carroll verdict came down as we recorded, so we got to celebrate E Jean's victory together! Other topics: "polite" social etiquette should not keep us from telling the truth about our corrupt political figures(re: SCOTUS/Tea Party/MAGA, The Republicans are getting increasingly dangerous and how that will affect 2024; the messaging that motivates liberals and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy is back and as per usual, I laughed a lot! We had so much fun! The show is a mix of politics, personal stories, my not-so-great plan to get a 2nd bivalent shot (I don't qualify--Andy offers up a sensible warning against my dumbass idea), we bagged heavily on Bill Maher and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah is back! Topics: GOP voted to cut veterans' benefits; the current Republican ideology is on the same trajectory as pre-Nazi Germany; how we cope when it's all too overwhelming and Sarah shared how she shot down some MAGA dude in a bar using only facts! All that and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adeline Koh is the Founder and CEO, and she started Sabbatical Beauty while on academic sabbatical because she was frustrated with the beauty products on the market. Many generic products loudly proclaim their "active" ingredients on their packaging, but these actives only make up a tiny percentage of ingredients. Inspired by the DIY beauty scene, she decided to start making her own skincare. We talked about what inspired Adeline to create a political skincare line and how her years in academia influenced her decision to start anew. Adeline talked about how beauty is rooted in social and political inequities and why self-care is so important to have the strength to defend and fight for a thriving democracy. There is so much good stuff in this interview and keep in mind, men use skincare! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Savas joined me to talk about his work at the Trike Theatre in Arkansas. We talked about how theatre training helps children develop skill sets that can benefit them no matter what they choose to do in life. We also discussed the need for inclusivity as well as the importance of the arts. I've known Paul for more than two decades. Listen in as we have fun chatting about the arts; we both lived abroad as kids and I even share the story of when I put my foot right in my mouth at dinner with Paul! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leta McCollough Seletzky is the author of The Kneeling Man: My Father's Life as a Black Spy Who Witnessed the Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. National Endowment for the Arts 2022 Creative Writing Fellow whose work has been featured in The Atlantic; The New York Times; O, The Oprah Magazine; The Washington Post; and elsewhere. Her essay "The Man in the Picture," published in O, The Oprah Magazine, was selected as a Notable Essay in BEST AMERICAN ESSAYS 2019. Topics: Leta talked about her book and then we discussed what's happening in Tennessee; the unique "misogynoir" black women face; Leta convinced me to be okay with the Fox/Dominion settlement and Elon thinks the downfall of civilization is birth control... but hey, that isn't stopping liberals from PAYING him. (Boo). Great show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topics: Dominion v. Fox - Ethan explains why part of a settlement could result in Fox being forced to apologize on air, and he breaks down what it all might mean for the network in the long term; what's happening in Tennessee is a window into all of the other autocratic red states; we touch on the Trump indictment(s) and what happens if he's the 2024 GOP pick and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

D. Knight is the host of the Pardon the Insurrection Podcast. Topics: The Tennessee Three and what may happen as a result; Fox "news" is going through some things; D weighs in on Frank Luntz's advice to Republicans who want to primary Trump (you will laugh); why we both prefer Spoutible over the current Twitter alternatives and we both had a good laugh at Matt Taibbi's expense. All that and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Skyleigh is a disabled U.S. Army Veteran- Working in Activism in every corner needed, continuing the fight for democracy. Skyleigh talked about her service and then we had a good 'ol conversation about our current political landscape: why we shouldn't depend on one group of voters to "save us"--all of us need to fight for democracy; batshit GOP is digging its own grave; MAGA family members; Dem leaders are focusing more on abortion and that's s great strategy...all that and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allison Gill is the CEO of MSW Media, She's the host of Mueller, She Wrote, Jack, Clean Up on Aisle 45 and The Daily Beans podcasts. She's a veteran, Ph.D., and a former federal government executive, she's a comedian, author, and staunch advocate for the resistance. Topics: The importance of last night's Wisconsin election; Pence won't appeal a court ruling compelling him to testify (Allison believes he *wants* to testify); why 34 felonies is not a "weak" case (but more indictments are likely pending). Allison also talks about the Mar-a-Lago/classified documents/obstruction case and what may happen if Trump is found guilty. All that and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actress and author Kiersten Warren returns! Her new book I wish I were an Ocelot: Adventures of an Essential Kitten was released last month and she joins me to talk about it! We also chatted about her acting career, Kirk's (her husband's) latest role on Star Trek: Picard, family life, and lots more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The marvelous Sarah Wood is back. We talk politics first: Trump incitement watch; fascist GOP antics, what it feels like to be a liberal woman in today's America, and what the country's future holds. After we talked shop, we had some fun discussing what we do when we're not working. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Lawrence is the Deputy Director of Rapid Response at Media Matters for America. He watches Fox News so you don't have to. Topics: It's Indictment Watch week and Andrew weighed in on how he thinks it will all go down. We talked about how indictments will affect the MAGA base and leaders in the GOP. Andrew also explained how the Dominion suit against Fox is doing real damage to the brand and it's only the beginning--more suits are in the works. The GOP has no real governing agenda and their new culture war du jour is "wokeness" even though they can't define it. All that and lots more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Craig Bierko has been acting for decades. Some of his most notable films include Cinderella Man & Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. TV: Sex and the City, Murphy Brown;  Law & Order; Mad About You. stage: The Music Man; Guys and Dolls and Company. Craig entertained us with stories from his fascinating career. He shared his experience of being in the stage productions of Matilda the Musical and The Music Man; he talked about his fun role as "Jazz Man" on Sex and the City; he spoke openly and from the heart about having A.D.D., his friendship with Carrie Fischer and literally so much more. Craig was a blast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Hahn is a progressive pundit and the host of the Aggressive Progressive.  He also hosts a syndicated radio show and works as a  political consultant and attorney based in New York. He has made numerous national television appearances on a variety of political, pop culture and public policy topics. Topics: How the Fox defamation lawsuits will affect journalism long term; Trump indictments are imminent; Trump could be the 2024 GOP nominee and he could win but we do have a say and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Karem is a White House Columnist and his latest book is titled Free the Press: The Death of American Journalism and How to Revive It. He's a political analyst for CNN and hosts the "Just Ask The Question" podcast. Topics: The First Amendment/Fox and how the Dominion lawsuit affects all journalists--what should be done and what it could all mean; Trump's 2024 run and why Brian doesn't believe he will be on the 2024 ticket (He also thinks DeSantis is eyes 2028); what there is to be optimistic about and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

D. Earl Stephens is the author of "Toxic Tales: A Caustic Collection of Donald J. Trump's Very Important Letters."  He's the former managing editor of Stars & Stripes, a Navy vet, and a prolific writer. Topics: Why Georgia should be the place to hold the Democratic National Convention; GOP is so extreme, they risk turning off most of the country; why the Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 4th is so important nationally; and why optimism is so important--especially when times are difficult. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plastic Martyr is a transgender activist, singer, actress and model. We discussed her career as an entertainer; what it's like to be a trans woman in the US; details of her transition; some fun and not-so-fun stories from her life; the benefits (and side effects) of HRT and so much more! Such a wonderful conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christopher Bouzy is a serial entrepreneur, software engineer, political maven and he's the founder and CEO of both Bot Sentinel and Spoutible.com. We talked about Spoutible.com: the haters, the awesome user experience, and the misconceptions based on the BS attacks. Chris answered some of the recurring questions about the site including when the app will be available and what other features to look for in the next few weeks. It was an in-depth conversation that was filled with info and lotsa laughs! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vivicca A. Whitsett is an actor, comedian, talk radio host, writer, cancer survivor and brazen hussy! Vivivva shared her cancer story and how she must isolate because of COVID. We also chatted about what it's like being a tall woman in the entertainment industry; the casting couch; white privilege; white supremacists; the CA Senate race; and so much more. Vivicca has a wonderful and humorous perspective. I had so much fun talking with her! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices