Discussions and debates with top newsmakers about the most controversial and interesting issues impacting California, hosted by FOX 11’s Elex Michaelson and airing on several TV stations across the state.
…
continue reading
Hosted by blogger and author Kimberley A. Johnson.'Start Me Up' isn't just any other podcast. I'm willing to call BS when I see it and I don't care if it's coming from a rightwinger or a self-professed bleedingheart liberal. I'm not always politically correct and I'm a huge fan of loose talk and salty language. Sarcasm is guaranteed and political correctness will be at a minimum. This podcast is for anyone who wants to listen to compelling conversations with a variety of guests about current ...
…
continue reading
T
The Issue Is


1
296: Rep. Barbara Lee; Tomi Lahren vs. Ethan Bearman debate
33:39
33:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:39
This week, Elex is joined by Rep. Barbara Lee as she discusses voting against the proposed debt ceiling deal. Also this week, a debate between Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren and Progressive attorney Ethan Bearman.By The Issue Is
…
continue reading
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 Br…
…
continue reading
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/abuse…
…
continue reading
S
Start Me Up with Kimberley A. Johnson


1
Start Me Up: Communications Expert Paige Wolf
54:04
54:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:04
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…
…
continue reading
This week, Elex catches up with Larry Elder and Brian Tyler Cohen as they both look ahead to the 2024 Presidential Election.By The Issue Is
…
continue reading
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 talke…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
T
The Issue Is


1
294: Chasten Buttigieg, Bill Melugin, Rep. Adam Schiff
21:21
21:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:21
Chasten Buttigieg talks about his latest book, coming out, the fight over trans rights and more. Bill Melugin of FOX News talks about his time at the U.S.-Mexico border and the end of Title 42, and Rep. Adam Schiff discusses the ongoing writers strike. ————— The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson is California's only statewide political show. For showt…
…
continue reading
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 abou…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
This week on “The Issue Is,” an exclusive sitdown with The Red Rocker himself, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee and former Van Halen frontman, Sammy Hagar.By The Issue Is
…
continue reading
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, Th…
…
continue reading
T
The Issue Is


1
292: The Issue Is: Gavin Newsom on show's 5th anniversary
16:28
16:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:28
This week, “The Issue Is” celebrates our fifth anniversary. To mark the occasion, FOX 11’s Elex Michaelson is joined, once again, by the show’s very first guest: California Governor Gavin Newsom.By The Issue Is
…
continue reading
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/adchoic…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
This week on “The Issue Is,” an extensive interview with Arnold Schwarzenegger. California’s former Governor sat down with FOX 11’s Elex Michaelson at two recent events.By The Issue Is
…
continue reading
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, …
…
continue reading
S
Start Me Up with Kimberley A. Johnson


1
Start Me Up: Trike Theatre Director Paul Savas
1:04:28
1:04:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:28
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…
…
continue reading
T
The Issue Is


1
290: Mike Pence, Arnold Schwarzenegger, stars of 'Star Trek: Picard'
22:09
22:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:09
This week, one of the most star-studded episodes in “The Issue Is” history, an episode that takes us from the streets of Brentwood to the halls of power in Washington D.C. to the deepest corners of space, the final frontier.By The Issue Is
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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 20…
…
continue reading
This week, Rep. Katie Porter joins The Issue Is to discuss her push to move to the upper Congressional chamber in 2025, in addition to her new book.By The Issue Is
…
continue reading
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 l…
…
continue reading
S
Start Me Up with Kimberley A. Johnson


1
Start Me Up: Veteran/Activist Skyleigh Heinen
51:55
51:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:55
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 …
…
continue reading
T
The Issue Is


1
288: Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Congressman Adam Schiff
22:55
22:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:55
Elex Michaelson is joined on "The Issue Is" by Speaker McCarthy - the two talking at the Reagan Presidential Library shortly after the Taiwanese President’s visit. Also joining Michaelson this week is California Congressman Adam Schiff (D.).By The Issue Is
…
continue reading
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 cou…
…
continue reading
An unprecedented week in American politics as Former President Trump was indicted by a grand jury in New York.By The Issue Is
…
continue reading
S
Start Me Up with Kimberley A. Johnson


1
Start Me Up: Actor/Author Kiersten Warren
58:51
58:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:51
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…
…
continue reading
T
The Issue Is


1
286: Karen Bass reflects on 100 days in office
21:09
21:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:09
With 100 days now behind her, LA Mayor Karen Bass discusses her progress, and lessons learned, in the fight against homelessness, as well as against rising crime.By The Issue Is
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
S
Start Me Up with Kimberley A. Johnson


1
Start Me Up: Andrew Lawrence - Media Matters
51:44
51:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:44
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 …
…
continue reading
Elex Michaelson visits TMZ for an extensive conversation on TMZ's new 9/11 documentary, the history of TMZ, the stories behind breaking the deaths of Michael Jackson and Kobe Bryant, 2024, and more.By The Issue Is
…
continue reading
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 st…
…
continue reading
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 af…
…
continue reading
T
The Issue Is


1
284: California storms and the 95th Academy Awards
21:33
21:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:33
This week on The Issue Is we talk about the recent California storms and potential flood dangers with Karla Nemeth, then the 95th Academy Awards takes the spotlight as Variety’s Elizabeth Wagmeister and Steve Mason, host of the “Culture Pop” podcast, join us to talk all things Oscars.By The Issue Is
…
continue reading
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 me…
…
continue reading
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; wh…
…
continue reading
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby talks about the war in Ukraine, tensions with China, his storied career, and more. L.A. Times writer Seema Mehta discusses the 2024 California primary polling and the battle between Governor Newsom and Governor Ron DeSantis.By The Issue Is
…
continue reading
Elex Michaelson sits down with San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria during USC’s Herb Klein Lecture Series in La Jolla.By The Issue Is
…
continue reading
S
Start Me Up with Kimberley A. Johnson


1
Start Me Up: Trans Activist Plastic Martyr
56:12
56:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:12
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 choic…
…
continue reading
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 a…
…
continue reading
T
The Issue Is


1
282: Barbara Lee, Andrew Yang, Christine Todd Whitman
20:52
20:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:52
California is now just over a year from the all-important 2024 primary.By The Issue Is
…
continue reading
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 muc…
…
continue reading
David Pepper returns! He's the author Laboratories of Autocracy: A Wake-Up Call from Behind the Lines and he's the former chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party. Topics: David described what Democrats got right in 2022 and what still needs attention (hint, hint: state legislatures); the danger MAGA extremists pose and how to combat them; Why Trump c…
…
continue reading
This week, an exclusive conversation with George Clooney. In 2022, the Oscar-winning filmmaker helped establish the Roybal Film and Television Production Magnet School at the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center in Los Angeles. The program, a public-private partnership aims to provide a pipeline to the film industry for students from underserved commun…
…
continue reading
S
Start Me Up with Kimberley A. Johnson


1
Start Me Up: Steve Pierson - CA State Assembly Candidate
53:01
53:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:01
Steve Pierson, Host of the How We Win podcast is a California Democrat running for State Assembly. As someone who's worked in the entertainment industry for decades, Steve uses the talents he acquired to be an effective, compassionate communicator. He also brings with him experience as a grassroots organizer and activist. Steve shares what made him…
…
continue reading
Writer/Director Jay Arnold is back on Valentine's Day! Topics: GOP has been wanting to phase out Social Security for decades; Democrats are following Biden's lead on the SS debate; Dems are finding their stride; there are a number of young Democrats who will stand the test of time; Spoutible is getting easier and easier to use and Jay and I describ…
…
continue reading
This week on "The Issue Is," politics takes a backseat, and sports reigns supreme, as Elex Michaelson is joined in-studio by legendary broadcaster Bob Costas.By The Issue Is
…
continue reading
Ben Cohen of The Banter Substack is back! Topics: The impact of MAGA behavior over the next two years; Biden is incredibly impressive; GenZ will save democracy; new social media sites are popping up and we discuss the possible impact of moral, fair social media CEOs and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
…
continue reading
S
Start Me Up with Kimberley A. Johnson


1
Start Me Up: Democratic Strategist Simon Rosenberg
50:21
50:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:21
Simon Rosenberg was the lead strategist for the DCCC when Democrats flipped the House in 2018. He is the founder of New Democrat Network (NDN.org) and the New Policy Institute, a liberal think tank, and advocacy group based in Washington DC. Topics: Simon encourages all of us to be information warriors--that we shouldn't wait for anyone else to cou…
…
continue reading